Blues CD Reviews 109
Pat Pepin
What More Can I Do
Self Released
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © November 2025
Pat Pepin and I go way back, and as with so many other of my blues friends we met in Memphis during the Blues Music Awards. It was around 2000 or shortly after that. At the time I was the Florida beat writer for Big City Blues Magazine and after seeing a stack of the magazines on the counter at Tater Reds on Beale Street, Red and I got into a long conversation. That's when Pat, who was standing nearby, introduced herself and joined the conversation, and that's all it took. As it turned out, Pat's mom lived in Okeechobee, Fl, which was about an hour from where I lived in Port St. Lucie. Over the years, during her many winter trips from Maine to visit her mom, Pat - and once in a while Mamma Pepin as well - were guests at the House of Blewzz. Although we don't see each other as much as we'd like to anymore, occasionally running into her at a blues event somewhere is always a pleasure. With all that said, it is now my pleasure to tell you about her fourth release.
What More Can I Do features fourteen tracks of which twelve are Pat Pepin originals. Having all of her other releases, I can honestly tell you that this disc contains some of her very best writing. Joining Pat - on lead vocals, sax, kazoo and spoons - are Steve Jones on guitar and backing vocals; Richard Hollis on drums and backing vocals; Scott Elliot on bass and backing vocals; and Bob Colwell on piano and backing vocals. Collectively, the band is affectionately known as The Boneheads.
On "Mother Nature Blues" it's Pat's belief that the "Fires and earthquakes; the oceans on the rise; the earth being dry and barren; the lightening that fills the skies; the heat waves and hurricanes; and cold to the extreme"; are just Mother Nature's way of scolding us for the way we've abused her with "The trash we put trash on the highways; the smoke we created that blocks the sun; the way we poisoned the water; did all that drilling and blasting"; and a whole lot more. Yep, Mother Nature indeed has a case of the blues. Musically, with the Boneheads in a cool shuffle groove behind her, Pat's sincere and heartfelt vocals do a good job of creating an awareness of the problems. Now, if we can only solve them!
The title track, "What More Can I Do" is a somber ballad on which Pat wears her heart on her sleeve. As the title indicates, Pat can't help but wonder if she's to blame for a heartbreaking breakup. With the band in a melancholic rhythm groove behind her, showcasing great range and lots of emotion, Pat shines on the vocals; and her sullen sax leads seem to magnify her pain. Very well done track.
Lyrically, vocally, and musically, "Don't Tie Me Down" is a swinger that's loaded with sass, humor and band banter. The up-tempo dance floor filler has Richard and Scott in a hot rhythm groove on the drums and bass respectively with Pat belting the hell out of some swinging sax leads.
"Little Things" and "Call Me Up" are two songs right out of a late forties - early fifties jazz lounge singer's songbook. Little Things features the band in that so cool jazz lounge rhythm groove being led by deep bass lines from Richard; and Call Me Up features more of the same with some smooth, jazzy guitar runs from Steve. Additionally, they both feature Pat sounding sassy and sultry on the vocals, and sax leads; and very cool backing vocals - reminiscent to songs of the era - from The Boneheads. Great two song segue. Now Pat's got me wanting to hear her do a whole album of stuff like this.
While making love, and everything leading up to it, Pat has two very important words of advice for her lover - "Slow Down". Her take is:
"When you look me in the eyes, while you kiss me on the lips;
You give me a thrill from my toes to fingertips;
Then you start acting like your goal is to get me on my back;
Honey we're making love not war, I'm not under attack.
Slow down, babbbby sloooow down".
Further on into the process it becomes necessary for this warning:
"Now you're loving me so tender, and I'm getting in the groove;
Don't be picking up the tempo or you'll be coming home too soon;
We started at first base, now you're trying to steal home;
Better keep your mind on baseball, before this innings blown.
Slow down, babbbby sloooow down".
Musically, with its enchanting rhythm; seductive guitar and sax leads; and sultry vocals; the sensual vibe that's going on is the perfect accompaniment for what's taking place in the song.
Vocally and musically, Pat and The Boneheads nail their rendition of Damn Your Eyes, a song by Steve Bogard and Barbara Wyrick that Etta James had a huge hit with back in 1988. The song - which I'm guessing is being sung to Pat's husband Louie - showcases Pat's fabulous vocal skills and Steve's masterful guitar work.
With the feel of a jug band - with the jug being replaced by a kazoo - Pat and the guys seem to be having a ball on "Sugar Mama". It's a dance floor filler with lots of fun filled sing-a-long lyrics.
Other tracks on this excellent effort include: "Mean Woman"; "I Don't Want To Go Home"; "Drifting" (Glenn Torrico); "Mae West"; "Ride With You"; and "Try Me".
To find out more about Pat Pepin, just go to - www.patpepin.com - and should you have not yet received your copy of What More Can I Do for airplay, please email her at - patpepin@msn.com. Additionally, you can check her out on FB - www.facebook.com/patpepin and find her on all of the streaming services. Wherever and however you contact Pat, please tell her that her good friend The Blewzzman sent you.
From the one sheet: "Slow Burn is from two separate sessions, one in 2014 and the other in 2020. None of its twelve songs have ever been released before. This may be Kim's deepest blues record ever as he covers legends like B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Nighthawk, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, with four songs being Kim Wilson originals".
From Kim: "As many of you know, I have been accumulating my blues performances for many years. The tracks on this album are very special because several of the songs include some of the last performances by three great blues giants, Richard Innes, Larry Taylor, and Barrelhouse Chuck".
On Slow Burn, Kim Wilson - on vocals and harmonica - is joined by Nathan James on guitar and bass; Billy Flynn, Bob Welsh, and Jon Atkinson on guitar; Barrelhouse Chuck on piano; Richard Innes, Marty Dodson, and Malachi Johnson on drums; Larry Taylor and Troy Sandow on bass; and Johnny Viau on horns.
The disc opens with "I'm Trying", a cover of a Little Milton song that goes back some sixty-five years. Right out of the gate, Johnny's horns and Chuck's piano intro will have you tappin' your foot and bobbin' your head within seconds. Then once Nathan joins in on guitar, the rest of the rhythm kicks in and Kim start's belting out his patented smooth, soulful and very recognizable vocals, things really start swinging.
Billy Flynn's stinging guitar notes that open "Sweet Little Angel" leave absolutely no doubt that you're listening to a B.B. King song; and the slow and low-down rhythm that Richard (drums) and Larry (bass) are laying down behind some crazy good high end, right hand ticklin' of the ivories by Chuck, leave no doubt that you are about to hear some slow blues at its very, very best. Vocally, with this being the kind of stuff Kim's voice was made to sing, it's needless to say his vocal performance is masterful. Being someone who everyone's tried to emulate on guitar, none can do B.B. like Billy. Hands down the disc's best track for me.
On one of his originals titled "Boogie In E", with Richard (drums), Larry (Bass) and Chuck (piano) in a tight, aggressive rhythm groove behind him, Kim just takes this instrumental and runs with it. If you've ever seen one of his shows where he gets into a killer harmonica solo, that actually gets you out of breath while he tirelessly keeps blowing like hell, this is one of those performances.
Paying homage to the Wolf, Kim does some howlin' of his own - both vocally and with his harp - on "Howlin' For My Darlin'" (Chester Burnett). Once again, it's the terrific trio of Richard, Larry and Chuck laying down terrific rhythm and Billy working his magic on guitar.
"The Time Has Come" (Robert Nighthawk) is another slow blues masterpiece. As with the last one, Billy opens it up with more of his piercing blues guitar notes and his fabulous guitar work is prominent throughout; the same rhythm maestros are locked into that same slow rhythm groove; and Kim is doing what Kim does best - belting the hell out of the blues with his voice and his harp.
Another track that goes back close to seventy years is one titled "Easy Baby". The song was written by Samuel Maghett but you may know him as Magic Sam. The track is one of the first that features a completely new musical ensemble. This time it's Malachi (drums) and Troy (bass) putting out the laid-back rhythm groove; Bob adding in the soft, silky piano leads; and Jon on the smooth blues guitar leads. Of course, right from the way the words "eeeeeeasy baaaaby" slowly roll out of Kim's mouth, he's once again nailing the vocals.
Another instrumental, an original of Kim's, is titled "Gotta Have A Horse". The tracks aggressive pace is fueled by the galloping rhythm vibe coming from the hands of Marty on the drums and Troy on the bass; and as usual, when there are no vocals involved, Kim's just killing it on the harmonica.
Other tracks on this must have release include: two more of Kim's originals titled "Leaving You On My Mind" and "Lowdown Woman"; "Keep Our Business To Yourself"; "Kansas City"; and a nine-minute rendition of "So Many Roads" (Paul Marshall).
On the album's liner notes, Kim says that "Some of these recordings are too old to be considered for the Grammys, but I had to pay tribute to my friends who aren't with us anymore by releasing them." That said, Slow Burn is indeed eligible for the various blues awards ceremonies that take place each year, and it's my thought that you should expect to see it on some - especially the one's that have a "Historical Recording" category.
To find out more about Slow Burn, just go to - www.mc-records.com - and should you have not yet received your copy for airplay, please email Mark Carpentieri at - info@mc-records.com - or download a copy at -
https://airplaydirect.com/music/Kimwilsonslowburn/. Of course, you can also follow Kim at - https://www.fabulousthunderbirds.com. As usual, please remember to say The Blewzzman sent you.
Veteran Bluesman Mike Bourne and his band, a large one at that, are back with another killer release titled Kansas City O'clock. The disc is filled with fourteen Kansas City style tracks, of which twelve are Mike's originals. Joining Mike - on guitars and vocals - are: Bryan Herrman, Stephen Dougherty, Kerry Denton and Pete Maier on drums; Johnny Burgin on guitar; Jim Beisman on piano and organ; Dougan Smith and Dan Star on tenor sax; Patrick Recob, Greg Clinkingbeard and Paul Diffin on double bass; Mister B.T., Nick Hmeljak and Austin Barry on trumpet; Bob Paige on piano; Ryan Styles on sax; with Maria Bounds, Stephanie Howle, Stephanie Robertson and Hayley Raxafsky on backup vocals.
On the opening track, in the song's title Mike has the perfect and very honest answer to a woman who has intentions of making him change his ways....."I Can't Be Anybody But Myself". It's a fast-paced smoker that features fiery piano (Jim) and tenor sax (Dougan) leads; hard driving rhythm from Patrick (Bass) and Bryan (drums); and brilliant guitar and vocals by Mike. Lyrically, to stress his point, Mike uses clever lines like "I can't put on different faces to go to different places. When I roll into town, I'll be that same old clown".
Unlike others who may like Raisin Bran, Wheaties or Sugar Pops for breakfast, Mike prefers barley and hops. Just give him a "Beer In The Morning" because it sure beats a cold pop tart. Nope, it's none of that triple latte nonsense for him, just give him his breakfast suds in the form of a Coors, Miller or a Bud, and he'll be good to go. It's another rhythm fueled smoker this time with Paul on the bass and Pete on the drums; crazy good barrelhouse piano highlights from Jim; ferocious sax runs, this time from Ryan; and more fabulous guitar leads and vocals from the boss.
With what seems to be a common denominator, "Too Old To Be Young" once again contains more of Mike's clever and humorous lyrics...and some quite fancy guitar work as well. This dance floor filler features an all-out rhythm battle between the piano (Bob), drums (Kerry), bass (Paul) and then once the trumpet (Mister B.T.) and sax (Dan) come in, all hell breaks loose. So far, Kansas City O'clock has been nothing but one monster track after another.
Apparently that breakfast of barley and hops took its toll on Mike. Now, like more normal people, his choice of morning poison is coffee, and that's exactly why he now has a case of the "Caffeine Blues". Much to the dismay of his doctor, not only does Mike have a "Starbucks to the left and a Starbucks to the right", but he's got caffeine laced products in every corner of his house. Musically, it sounds like he may just be using bayou water in that double expresso machine. Yet another track with fabulous rhythm - this time of the swampy variety, and humorous lyrics.
The title track, "Kansas City O'clock" is all things Kansas City, and if what I'm hearing about it is Gospel, I gotta get there while I'm still too young to be old. With the band in hell breaking loose mode, this one is for the more serious movers and shakers. Interestingly, the last 25 seconds of the song takes a detour and without even thinking, you just might want to go to that place where they have those crazy kinda women and get yourself one...if you get my drift. Nicely done guys!
Although he spent much of his career in Chicago and Atlanta before returning to Kansas City this instrumental called "Kick'n A Deuce", which features Mike showcasing his extraordinary guitar skills, could make you believe he spent some time with the surfers in the so cool SoCal area. Shout out to the very talented and well synced hand clappers.
So, here I am six tracks into this disc, and everyone has impressed me enough to want to mention them. That line right there is enough for me to be able to give my closing statements and be done, right? Well yes, but no. The disc is too good and I'm having too much fun to stop.....
Song after song, Mike's lyrics crack me up more and more. Here's his take on his girl..."She's got a Barbie Doll looks, a vocabulary to match. A deep conversation is way too much to ask. She is what she is and maybe that's okay, she's got a special talent to always get her way." With that, and much more said, he still thinks she's a "Really Nice Girl".....in a fake kinda way, that is. As it has been throughout, the rhythm is once again fantastic and the killer guitar work from Johnny gives the track a bit of a Chicago blues feel.
I find it quite interesting that on "Fore Day Rider", a track by the legendary Kansas City pianist and band leader Jay McShann, I was transcended to a honkytonk somewhere in the French Quarter of N'awlins. I'm sure it was because of the Dixieland vibe being blown by Austin on the trumpet and Dougan on the sax; and the barrelhouse piano runs by Jim.
The disc closes with "People Not Politics", a song that every politician, as well as everyone on social media needs to listen to, then listen again about another fifty or so times.......and then act like the lyrics suggest. Nothing humorous about these truthful words. Once again, Johnny joins Mike and the results are killer tandem guitar licks, and since I have never before heard of him, I have become a huge fan of Jim Beisman on the piano. On this one he's all over my personal favorite piano notes - those high-end, right-hand runs.
Other tracks on the outstanding album include: "Yolo"; "Three Blind Mice"; "Dive Bar Romance" (John Hahn); "Truth Dressed Up"; and "Rather Be Happy Than Normal"; which if you ask me, Mike has succeeded.
If you've not yet received a copy of Kansas City O'clock for airplay, please contact Betsie Brown at - www.blindraccoon.com - and should like to find out more about the Mike Bourne Band, check out their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/mikebourneband/. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend The Blewzzman sent you.
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce the blues community to Brad Dubay. At the age of twenty-four, a mere baby by blues standards, Brad is another of the new breed of blues musician's destined to keep the music alive. His debut release is titled Planet 9, and in Brad's own words, "Planet 9 is an album of powerful originals bridging electric blues, soaring instrumentals and old school rock....Planet 9 is about bringing the blues of the sixties and early seventies back to life in its most authentic form. It takes us on a journey of the sounds that made that era so special.....". As I listen, I wholeheartedly agree with all that - especially the "powerful" part.
On the project, Brad - on vocals and guitars - is joined by Max Chase on keys; Caleb Dyer on bass; and Mike Walsh on drums. Planet 9 contains a dozen originals that offer a solid hour of rock-solid music.
The disc opens with an instrumental titled "River Festival". It's a six-minute track in which the whole band gets ample time to highlight their quite impressive musical skills. With Caleb and Mike in a constantly roaring rhythm groove, Brad and Max take turns, while sometimes going toe to toe as well, tearing it up on the guitar and what sounds to me to be a Hammond organ. Wow! Mission statement accomplished.
Brad's straight up stinging guitar licks on the opening of "You Did It To Yourself" pretty much tells you where this one is going. Then he starts belting out some heartfelt, low down, melancholic lyrics and the ballad is now in killer slow blues mode. Throw in masterful organ work that gives songs like these their pulse, and a slow and moody rhythm that keep it all in place, and you now have slow blues at its best. Another nearly six-minute track that had me in my slow blues heaven.
I can't help but wonder that while recording this instrumental if Brad just told the guys "Let's all just totally rock out for two solid minutes, then back off to let Mike and Caleb get into some crazy good drum and bass highlights for a minute-and-half, then we all get back to rockin' out again for the last two minutes". That could be far-fetched, but after you give this rocker called "Cannonball" a listen, like me, you may not think so.
Once again nailing the bands' mission statement, "In Love With You" creates the perfect blend of old school blues and old school rock. As a matter of fact, this one took me back even a bit further. Not being old enough to realize this, Brad actually took me back to the days of American Bandstand where teens slow danced to songs like this. Great Track!
"Don't Want No Doctor", a sure dance floor filler, starts out as a straight up blues rhumba but by tracks end it sneakily becomes an all-out rocker. Musically, Max gives the already strong rhythm some pop with a cool high-end organ run; and Brad, sounding great with his raspy vocal leads, also may very well be at disc's best with his smokin' guitar riffs.
Whatever you consider your "Heavenly Paradise", this one could be its soundtrack. It's a relaxing, transcendental instrumental with the band in a totally masterful and mystical mode.
The philosophical message Brad tries to get across on this one is that you can never go wrong when you "Choose Love". Musically, it's the Brad Dubay Band doing what they do best - Caleb and Mike banging out a powerful rhythm on the bass and drums; with Brad and Max taking turns with mesmerizing performances on the guitar and organ leads.
Much of the music on Planet 9; along with a lot of what I read in the twelve-page booklet that accompanied the album; and the bands look as well; all add up to this being a rock blues band - which they indeed are. Having said that, when it comes to low down, straight up, in your face slow blues, Brad, Max, Caleb and Mike can lay it down as good as anyone and "I've Been Your Fool" will testify to that. It's stuff like this that made the word scorching a necessity in its description. Wow!
Other tracks on this extremely good debut release from Brad Dubay include: "The Traveler"; "On The Road"; "If You Wanna Be Mine"; and "Nebula".
If you are reading this and you happen to be on any of the various nominating committees for blues awards, I urge you to please get your hands on a copy of Planet 9 - it's worthy in many ways.
To find out more about Brad Dubay, just go to - >www.braddubay.com - and should you have not yet received your copy of Planet 9 for airplay, please email Brad at - bookings@braddubay.com. As usual, please remember to say The Blewzzman sent you.
