The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 Week ending 8/28/2015

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 

Week ending 8/28/2015

40. Hercules by Federal Charm
39. Let The Music Do The Talking by Joe Perry Project
38. Remember The Heroes by Sammy Hagar/Mike Reno
37.  4 In The Morning by Tony Mills
36.  Shanghaied by  Age Sten Nilsen's Ammunition
35.  It's Just A Tease by Thundermother
34. Nobody's Fool by Cinderella
33. Hammer Of The Gods by Saxon
32. Rock Bottom by UFO
31.  Cirice by Ghost B.C.
30. Way To The Sun by Revolution Child
29. Shoot To Thrill by AC/DC
28. On The Line by Tangier
27.  Broken by Robot Lords Of Tokyo
26.  Knocking At Your Backdoor by Deep Purple
25.  Hey Angel by Dio
24. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days by Judas Priest
23. Stone Cold by Twenty Two Hundred
22.  Good Morning by Blackfoot
21.  No Man's Land by Winger
20.  An Ordinary Son by Black Country Communion
19.  Outlaw by Riot
18. Through The Fields by Thalamus
17.  Whiskey Man by Molly Hatchet
16.  Red Barchetta by Rush
15.  In This Light by Queensryche
14. Cloak Of Feathers by The Sword
13. The Madness by Buckcherry
12.  Th1rt3en & Nothing by Backyard Babies
11.  High Road by Night Ranger
10. Stiff Competition by Cheap Trick
9.  Top Of The World by Gotthard
8.  Mr. Heartache by Cats In Space
7.   New Day Rising by The Von Hertzen Brothers
6.  22 Acacia Avenue by Iron Maiden
5.  Tokyo Rising by Burning Rain
4.  Gangland by Tribe Of Gypsies
3.  Soul Divine by Jeff Scott Soto
2.  Seventeen by Foreigner
1.  Are You Ready? by Jorn

CD REVIEW: MELIORA by Ghost B.C.

MELIORA by Ghost B.C.
(Spinefarm)

Swedish based rockers Ghost return with their third release, ' Meliora', a album that is heavy, progressive, melodic as hell and filled with great riffs from both guitars and keyboards. There's a hypnotic darkness hidden in the music, bearing it on singed and blackened wings. Ghost B.C. 's image complements their music, and it would be great to hear their music on mainstream radio instead of confined to specialist stations as it deserves recognition from a wider audience. If people are willing to accept Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult as mainstream acts then their ears and eyes should be opened to what Ghost B.C. have to bring to the table. The album opens with the eerie vibe of, "Spirit". Followed by the distorted bass intro of "From The Pinnacle To The Pit". The lead off a single, "Cirice" (which means "Church"), is up next. I really dig it's vibe that brings to my mind early Blue Oyster Cult.  Other highlights include, "He Is", the guitar driven "Mummy Dust", a track that should go over well in a live setting and "Absolution". ' Meliora' is a combination that sounds new to this world however and stands apart from most other bands.  It's nice to hear plain simple good songs for a change with a dark atmosphere rather than another attempt to 'out-heavy' other bands. Fans of the band's previous recordings will be happy to know that the production is absolutely top quality. The sound is smooth and just sounds fantastic. Highly recommended, the only downside is getting these songs out of your head once you have heard them. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 Week ending 8/21/2015

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 
WHAT WE ARE JAMMING TO @ THE DRS

Week ending 8/21/2015

40. Achilles Last Stand by Led Zeppelin
39. California 405 by Europe
38. Still Of The Night by Whitesnake
37. Paint The Picture by Enchant
36. Don't Believe A Word by Thin Lizzy
35. Bad Thing by Cry Of Love
34. Love Has Taken It's Toll by Saraya
33. Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith
32. Rooster by Alice Chains
31. What It Is by Pride Tiger
30. Ready by Lo Mejor
29. Bad Boys Running Wild by Scorpions
28. Aces High by Iron Maiden
27. Libertanah by Bohemian Lifestyle
26. Emergency by The Treatment
25. Fallout by Queensryche
24. To Fool A Nation by Pretty Maids
23. Believers Of The Day by Lynch Mob
22. Touch Too Much by AC/DC
21. Now It's Dark by George Lynch's Shadow Train
20. Surviving Against The Odds by Saxon
19. Cirice by Ghost B.C.
18. Sheltered In The Sand by Imperial State Electric
17. Battlegrounds by Eclipse
16. Wild Animals by Rival Sons
15. Mirror Mirror by Don Dokken
14. Great White Buffalo by Goldsboro
13. The Killing Kind by UFO
12. Pretend by King's X
11. Waiting For The World To Cave In by Wilson
10. Land Of My Father by The Quireboys
9.   Shakedown The Preacher by Spiralarms
8.  Life's A Bitch by Hardline
7.   Superstar Train by Burning Rain
6.  Somebody Up There Likes Me by Street Legal
5.  Summer Days (Feat. Jeff Scott Soto) by Gus G.
4.  Kill The King by Rainbow
3.  You Don't Amaze Me Anymore by Velocity
2.  Free by Virgil And The Accelerators
1.  Freedom Slaves by Tesla

CD REVIEW: PARTNERS IN TIME by Cooper And Shea

PARTNERS IN TIME by Cooper And Shea

(Blue Tiger)

'Partners In Time', the debut release by the rock and roll outfit made of, Gary Shea on bass (New England/Alcatrazz), D.h. Cooper on guitar, Peter French (Leaf Hound) on vocals and Herman Rarebell (Scorpions) on drums. is a premium blend of rock music from start to finish. D.H. Cooper is a first rate guitarist and together with  Gary Shea and the rest of the band serve up a stimulating listen rock and roll experience. After the first listen I could tell this album is something special. I'm a child of the old-school rock and roll from the  70's and early 80's, but can generally appreciate the newer generation rock bands. I freely acknowledge there are a lot of pretenders out there. Not Cooper Shea. 'Partners In Time' magically transported me back to my rocking days of the early 80's, but with a modern twist. D.H. Cooper's guitar playing is extraordinary and Peter French 's vocals are impressive, to say the least.  Most of the songs are instrumental guitar shredding with two vocal tracks. "High Danger" and ""Nickels And Dimes". The instrumental, " Thank You Good Night" kicks thing off. A guitar driven mover that will get your rock and roll juices flowing. From their it's a adrenaline rush of musical variations with, "Move It", "Orange", the melodic gem, "Don't Make Angles Cry", "Eastern Light" and "The Crossing". They're all good. If you like awesome guitars, a big sound, high energy music with a touch of high octane boost, this band delivers the goods. Great musicians playing great songs. What's not to like. Rarely do you find a recording you listen all the way through...well this is one of them. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: LO MEJOR by Lo Mejor

LO MEJOR by Lo Mejor

(Freak Flag Records)

The self titled six song Ep by Northern Ireland based Lo Mejor is an extremely solid debut.  It's gritty, it's bluesy and it grabs your attention and holds it until the very last song. The band formed in April 2014 from members of Swanee River, Hungers Mother and Sub 60, Lo Mejor are a super group with big plans. Stevie Blues on vocals, Neill McIlfatrick on guitar, Andy McKeown  on bass and Andy Logan on drums. What Lo Mejor have served up here are six  perfectly crafted blues based rockers gems with tons of attitude, not a single one of which would sound out of place on nearly any classic 70's rock n roll album you could care to mention. Serving up gritty, stomping blues based rock n roll with a swagger and natural approach that other bands would die for, and spend much time trying to emulate with little success. The Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Faces, Lo Mejor wear their influences on their sleeve with pride. "Ready" and "Watch Me Bleed" are two back to back blues rock openers, suffused with the southern drawl of Stevie Blues's vocals crooning out the catchy, singalong choruses with gusto. While tracks like, "Gracie Blues", "Worry" and "Grey" are guaranteed to rock and roll your soul. The band close the album with a smoking live recording of the T-Bone Walker blues classic, "Call It Stormy Monday". Proof positive that good music is still being created, performed, and performed well. A very strong debut outing for Lo Mejor, I for one can't wait to hear what they come up with next! - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: 1919 by Outlaws & Moonshine

1919 by Outlaws & Moonshine
(HighVolMusic)

Indianapolis based southern rockers, Outlaws & Moonshine are putting it all out there and leaving nothing left to chance. If you are a southern hard rock fan, this is a terrific band for you to try out. Mixing southern rock with metal and a bit of gasoline, Outlaws & Moonshine' s five song EP, '1919' is worthy of most anyone's music collection. This recording is a crunchy slab of rock and roll with a mouthful of Georgia Dirt! "Cootie Brown" ,"Whiskey", "Hey Y'All", "Redneck Me", and "Different Kind of Man".There is a strong AC/DC-tinged blues influence here. The Outlaws & Moonshine sound is also heavily influenced by its southern location. This is mixed with a heavy guitar tone to create a truly unique, instantly recognizable sound. Formed by brothers Beau and Chris (Van) VanVolkenburgh, Outlaws & Moonshine has been a long time coming and a dream come true.  The Outlaws & Moonshine are a  utterly unapologetic band, and more power to them. Their music may be devoid of manners, but you won't find more of an attitude anywhere. Their brand of whiskey soaked barroom rock centers exclusively on an all-Hell-is-about-to-break-loose ethos. Who could blame them for helping jumpstart the ruckus? '1919' is 110%. Attitude, energy, and raw talent. A touch of punk, and a dash of southern rock is how I would describe this band. The Outlaws & Moonshine should be in everyones cd spinner. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: REBEL by Lynch Mob

REBEL by Lynch Mob

(Frontier Records)

George Lynch is back with his  Lynch Mob and their  eight studio release, 'Rebel'. Backing Mr. Scary up are Oni Logan (vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass) and Brian Tichy (drums). This latest entry into his extensive career with the Lynch Mob did not disappoint. First off, this latest release is not 'Wicked Sensation', but that's really no big deal. That recording was a one of kind recording. 'Rebel' from front to back is a balls out rocker. It opens with the adrenaline rush that is, "Automatic Fix". Right away it grabs you and doesn't let go. From there George and the band go full throttle with, "Between The Truth And A Lie", "Testify", "Sanctuary" and "Pine Tree Avenue". The album switches gears with the down and dirty bluesy swagger of groove laden "Jelly Roll", "Dirty Money" and the melodic rocker, "The Ledge".  Closing the album is "War". The band have great chemistry, and sound raw and a little bit loose while sounding clear and polished at the same time which few bands manage to achieve successfully.  Oni Logan's  vocals are on point. Jeff Pilson rocking on bass. Brian Tichy on the thundering drums. George Lynch does what George Lynch has always done best on this release - he plugs in his guitar and then taps into the universal energy that only the elite guitar gods have access to and delivers the goods. Overall, 'Rebel' is packed with a great collection of well written and performed songs but its the overall sound that really does it for me.  If you like your rock music dripping with bluesy licks and soulful singing, then this is the album for you. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 Playlist: Week ending 8/14/2015 (PLAYLIST UPDATED WEELKY)

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 

Week ending 8/14/2015

40.  Rockin' Is Ma Business by The Four Horsemen
39.  Little Queen by Heart
38.  Edge Of The Blade by Journey
37.  Monster by Skintrade
36.  Wishing Well by Gary Moore
35.  (We Are) The Roadcrew by Motorhead
34.  Turning A New Leaf by Nazareth
33.  Natural Science by Rush
32.  The Hard Way by Shadowman
31.   The Trooper by Iron Maiden
30.  Pay Your Debt by Godsized
29.  5 Minutes Alone by Pantera
28.  Amnesia by Red Sun Rising
27.  Here Comes Trouble by Trouble Tribe
26.  Find My Way Home by The Jokers
25.  Hunger by King Kobra
24.  Deliverance by Dare
23.  Muscle And Blood by Hughes And Thrall
22.  The Crazy Ones by Stellar Revival
21.  Heart To Heart by Stage Dolls
20.  Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya by New England
19.   The Big Machine by The Wyldz
18.   Genocide by Judas Priest
17.   Balls To The Wall by Accept
16.   Crying Days by Uli Jon Roth
15.   Dirty Boy by Mississippi Sludge
14.   Southbound by Thin Lizzy
13.   Break by Three Day Grace
12.   Spaceage Sacrifice by Montrose
11.   Southern Outlaw by Stone Machine
10.   Sink The Pink by AC/DC
9.    Someday by We Are Harlot
8.    Tales From The Crypt by Audrey Horne
7.    Shotgun To The Heart by Beauvoir/Free
6.    Devil's Daughter by Silvertide
5.    Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
4.    Game Of Fools by Koritni
3.    When I'm Older by Soto
2.    Peace Pipe by Cry Of Love
1.    Divine Imperfection by Silver Ginger 5

CD REVIEW: LOVE, LUST & BAD COMPANY by Stellar Revival

LOVE, LUST & BAD COMPANY 
by Stellar Revival
(Lions Pride Music)

Stellar Revival's debut release, 'Love, Lust & Bad Company' is all about, attitude, hooks, and a healthy dose of super-charged guitar riffs add up to make this recording a, "must have". Compact, roaring and tender all at once, this album has the band showcasing its enormous potential. Although the songs are a bit simple, they work because they're direct. Offering an assortment of straight ahead, in your face rock sounds such as "Crazy Ones", "Watch You Walk Away",  "The Bottom Line" and "Edge Of A Dream". As well as stunning power ballads, "Shattered" and "Cross Your Heart (And Hope To Die)". Every song is worth listening to all the way through. Picking one or another song and call it a favorite is just unfair to all of the others. Stellar Revival are consistent to their roots. They are competent musicians. They are one of the few remains of the true rock music spirit with an advantage: these aren't nasty or poser guys. Honestly,  'Love, Lust & Bad Company' is an all out rocker!  The bottom line is, 'Love, Lust & Bad Company',  is an impressive rock album full of powerful, heavy but very catchy rock songs. Melody and power are not always something that are captured together on rock albums but Stellar Revival have managed it on this album to great effect. You are launched into this wonderful world with the in your face rocker from the moment your press play! The album just does not let up, delivering one storming song after another. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ONE TO ONE by Geoff Carne

ONE TO ONE by Geoff Carne
(ADVISION UK)

I have to say that 'One To One' the debut release by Geoff Carne on vocals and guitar along with Paul Mex on bass/drums and Mick Armstrong on drums & percussion from the UK is SUPERB!! It is one of those  albums that at first listen - you like a lot, but gets better and better with each spin. Many of the melodies are like an old friend - sound somewhat familiar, but are not repeats from the past - and are they ever "hooky". Described as 'New Retro Blues', front to back the album is musically and lyrically rock solid. This album is different than the bluesy/rock material I've heard before, but no less impressive. This album kicks because it really shows Geoff Carne's amazing range of talent and versatility as a musician/singer/songwriter. Some parts of it remind me of Bob Welch, and Joe Bonamassa. But it's all Geoff Carne. Surprisingly the title track is my least favorite song on the album. My favorite tracks are; "Back On the Road Again", "Crazy Blues (I Wait for You)", "When Communication Breaks Down" and "Deep & Dirty ", but there is not a single weak track to be found.  Deep bluesy guitar, soulful singing, superb songs. Geoff Carne is a triple threat as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His greatest attribute is his ability to conjure intimate feelings from his soul and share them through song via guitar and vocals showcasing the depth of the album. Well done, Geoff! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SCARRED FOR LIFE by Skintrade

SCARRED FOR LIFE by Skintrade
(AOR Heaven)

Swedish based rockers Skintrade return with their latest release, 'Scarred For Life'. A non-stop, in your face rocker resulting in an amazing new record where the four band members: Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge UK/ Red White And Blue) on lead vocals, Stefan Bergström on guitar/backing vocals,  Håkan Calmroth on bass and  Håkan Persson on drums/backing vocals, , shine with an incredible instrumental and vocal prowess at the service of superb hard rock songs but with an uncanny sense of melody. The song writing and production is so well crafted that it is one of those albums you can listen to repeatedly and find something new every time. With songs like "Scarred for Life," "Goodbye", a rocking cover of "Wide Awake", (the Katy Perry song written by Max Martin), "Lay With Me ," and "Storm Will Come ," you'll be blasting up the volume to maximum for sure! Matti Alfonzetti's voice is off the charts and he sings the s#@# out of these songs! I feel his voice has actually gotten better over the years...which is saying a lot...because that is highly unusual for a rock singer at least in my opinion. Stefan Bergström's guitar playing is on point. 'Scarred For Life' by Skintrade is a great collection of well written and performed songs here but it's the overall sound that really does it for me. The band sound like they really gel, and it sounds raw and a little bit loose while sounding clear and polished at the same time which few bands manage to achieve successfully. Packed full of groove, riffs, solos and swagger, it's right up my alley and a real smokin' album. It's a shame music like this is ignored by mainstream radio, because the modern rock stations could use some reminding that not everything has to sound like Coldplay and Nickelback. Fortunately there are bands like Skintrade  that keep the classic rock vibe alive and keep rock n' roll fun. If you like your rock hard but melodic with lots of energy and supercharged guitars, give Skintrade a listen. You won't be disappointed.- Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: POLYESTER ZEAL by Red Sun Rising

POLYESTER ZEAL by Red Sun Rising
(Razor & Tie)

Any album where at least half of the tracks, after the initial listen, make you want to back-up and hear them again, qualifies as something special. The sophomore release, 'Polyester Zeal' by Ohio based rockers, Red Sun Rising is most definitely is that. Mike Protich - Vocals, Guitar, Ryan Williams - Guitar, Tyler Valendza - Guitar, Ricky Miller - Bass, Vocals and Pat Gerasia - Drums. The diversity in the cuts keep the mind hungry to hear that next track. From the opener "Push ," is as subtle as a fist to the face. The production is crystal clear, the levels perfectly mixed (that means an audible bass!), the guitars an even balance of melodic and heavy, and the vocals emotional and strong. Other highlights include: "Amnesia", the lead off single, "The Otherside", "My Muse", "Emotionless" and  "Blister". That's over half the entire album. "Awake" and "Imitation"are both good too. Mixing is superb on this album yes indeed, but mixing alone cannot overshadow for the lack of talent which Red Sun Rising obviously is NOT lacking. These cuts are diverse, powerful, melodic, amazingly balanced, and all together superbly packaged for one fantastic album. The lyrical writing is equally memorable which leaves only their performance in question which, once you listen to this album, you'll understand that Red Sun Rising's talent is definitely superb. Red Sun Rising have found their sound with 'Polyester Zeal' and the purity of that sound carries through the entire album. Balancing rockers with ballads fairly evenly, the album is sure to appeal to just about any modern rock fan. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 Week ending 8/7/2015

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 

Week ending 8/7/2015

40.  Dream On by Aerosmith
39.  Standing In The Light by Gotthard
38.  Good Morning by Blackfoot
37.  World In Trouble by Black Label Society
36.  Currency Of Lies by George Lynch
35.  Showdown by Riot
34.  Unbreakable by Eclipse
33.  Fire In The Rain by Total Eclipse
32.  Stone Cold 'N' Crazy by Burning Rain
31.  Cool From The Wire by Dirty Looks
30.  Do Ya by Electric Light Orchestra
29.  I Don't Know by Ozzy Osbourne
28.  American Girls by Triumph
27.  Golden Age Of Leather by Blue Oyster Cult
26.  New Broken Toy by Nazareth
25.  Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
24.  Barbarian by The Darkness
23.  Presence by Sideburn
22.  Give It Up by Virgil And The Accelerators
21.   Hot' N' Nasty by Humble Pie
20.  No Chance In Hell by Palace Of The King
19.   Stormtroopin' by Ted Nugent
18.   The Killer In You by Voodoo Circle
17.   Broken (Featuring Amy Lee) by Seether
16.   Stranger In A Strange Land by Iron Maiden
15.   Could It Be Love By Ragdoll
14.   Four In The Morning by Night Ranger
13.   Bring Me To Life by Evanescence
12.   Diamonds And Rust by Judas Priest
11.   Outshined by Soundgarden
10.  Spanish Blue by Tribe Of Gypsies
9.    Ride Like The Wind by Jorn
8.    Hitman by Twenty Two Hundred
7.    Day Of The Eagle by Robin Trower
6.    Big City Nights by Scorpions
5.    Island In The Sun by Alcatrazz
4.    Mexico by The Dead Daisies
3.    Time Won't Wait by Tony Mills
2.    Back To The Double by House Of Spirits
1.    Made In Hell by Halford

CD REVIEW: DELTA ROAD by Bryce Janey

DELTA ROAD by Bryce Janey
(Grooveyard Records)

Bryce Janey's recordings have always been rooted firmly in the blues with a rock and roll edge which further established Janey as one of the rare musical talents of his generation. On his latest release, 'Delta Road', Bryce Janey continues the tradition of smokin' blues with doses of southern spice throughout. If you know Bryce Janey, then you know what to expect here. Guitar-driven blues rock. Not a big departure from his recent releases, but not just a rehash either. These tunes have a nice variety of melody and style, not just all full-speed weedly-weedly. Plenty of guitar shredding too, but I didn't find it to be overdone. Not one bad song in this package, from cutting blues numbers like ,"Keep Marchin' On" and "This Old Guitar to the rocking "Shake The Walls (With Foot Stompin' Music) ", " Feel Like A Stranger ", "Better Off With The Blues" , and a solid cover of the Rory Gallagher penned, "Lonesome Highway", makes this collection worth every penny spent for this album. The production is not overly compressed and has an in your face feel to the music which adds to the "Live in the Studio" feel. Overall, 'Delta Road' is yet another release that is guaranteed to generate mixed opinions. One thing is without question though, no matter what the public's reaction, Bryce Janey continues to strive for breaking new ground with his music. Uninterested in retreading the same ground or fitting into the current music scene,unlike some of his more 'popular' contemporaries, Bryce Janey' s  influences do not begin and end with Hendrix and Vaughan. He is a true artist that isn't afraid to follow his muse wherever it leads him. Time will only tell where Bryce Janey 's music will take him next...after all, with the talent he has on guitar, it really doesn't matter what direction his material heads in, its just a pleasure and a privilege to listen and go along for the ride. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SKY TRAIN GALAXY by Craig Erickson

SKY TRAIN GALAXY by Craig Erickson
(Grooveyard Records)

Craig Erickson has been making waves for years, but is hopefully now going to get the attention/credit he deserves. Erickson is back with his latest release, 'Sky Train Galaxy', a album that is loaded with  quality songs matching the quality of the playing. He has all the technique you could wish for, or need, but at the root of his playing there is great melody, phrasing, feel and soul. One of the best characteristics of  'Sky Train Galaxy' is the way the blistering riffs are executed, in that you can get almost as much pleasure from listening to Erickson's little improvisations as you do from the solo. There's a decent mix of styles, slower burning blues and rockers as well, so it's not a one-dimensional collection of songs. There are too many choice cuts here to really pick out highlights, although, if pushed, my personal favourites are, "The Comeback", "Time (Never Enough)" and "Morning Glory". Absolutely outstanding. Craig Erickson is a singular talent, the strength of his writing, playing and sheer power of delivery combine to create a very special listening experience.  All in all, 'Sky Galaxy Train' is highly recommended for fans of nostalgic blues rock from a musician who richly deserves the attention he is attracting among the classic rock music press and audiences these days. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SET THE BLUES ON FIRE by Jay Jesse Johnson

SET THE BLUES ON FIRE 
by Jay Jesse Johnson
(Grooveyard Records)

Bluesman Jay Jesse Johnson returns with his latest scorching release, 'Set The Blues On Fire'. Backing Johnson up are the rock solid rhythm section of, Reed Bogart on bass, Jeff "Smokey" Donaldson on drums and Lee Evans on keyboards. 'Set The Blues On Fire' is full of barrell house blues and has that Traver meets Trower vibe to it with a harder edge.  For the traditional blues lover, this wouldn't suffice, but for those of us that appreciate the blues, but love the creativity that Pat Travers and Robin Trower brought to the blues and rock, this recording is great! Some artists call their music Blues/Rock and either deliver a Blues album with a couple of '50's sounding rock songs or they put out straight ahead shredding and throw in a couple slow songs with Blues licks but this is the real deal. Jay Jesse Johnson can play like the devil and 'Set The Blues On Fire' is reminiscent of the latter glory days of blues rock. Incredible energy makes this recording a lot of fun. "Hell Or High Water", the down dirty swagger of "Ghosts of Texas", the seductive "Since My Baby's Gone" and the closing scorcher, "Rio De Los Suenos (River Of Dreams) are standouts. The whole album just smokes.  I really think it is a rarity for musicians to stay true to themselves especially nowadays but listening to this recording  you can feel the "polished grit" throughout. All in all a great find! Would definitely recommend to the mainstream music listener and go all the way up the blues rock aficionado. A musical high for sure. -Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society