Blues News Switzerland

 Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman - Wrath Of Blues

A new, bold generation is rediscovering the Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Albert King, Moses Allison, Earl King, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and their contemporaries, appropriating their style unequivocally and effortlessly. Among these young, self-proclaimed "angry" musicians is Ryan "Bluwrath" Newman from Connecticut. The nimble-fingered guitarist approaches his idols with a refreshingly lighthearted and enjoyable attitude. His interpretations of blues, rock, and even reggae evergreens sound invigorating, although he usually stays close to the original.  

A brisk version of the Robert Johnson/Elmore James classic "Dust My Broom" kicks things off. The guitarist also brings something special to songs like "Texas Flood," "The Thrill Is Gone," "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Get Up Stand Up," "Miss You," and "Highway 61 Revisited." Arrangement tricks such as horns, strings, guest vocalists, and choirs keep the energy high, while Newman's strength undoubtedly lies in his stupendous playing technique, which he knows how to showcase to great effect. His debut album, "Wrath Of Blues," is a statement with the character of a veritable jukebox. What Ryan Newman still lacks is his own musical identity, which he must find through personal songwriting. The prerequisites are certainly there, as his self-penned slow blues "Leaving This World Tonight" shows exactly where he's headed!

Ryan Newman (g, voc), Vic Washington (keys, voc), Mario E. Sprouse (keys), Scott Spray (b), Bobby Torello (dr), Tim Leffingwell (b), Tony Lewis (dr), Mitchell Igneri (dr), John Isley (sax), Charlie Lagond (sax), Artie Bressler (sax), Don Harris (tp, flh), Dave Cafro (tp), Rob Funk (tb), Patrick Casey (tp), Keith Lafond (sax), John Smayda (sax), John Grossbard (perc), Ken Florendo (perc), Russell Landis (b, g), Dave Robbins (harm), Arlene Wow (voc), Joan DuQuette (voc), Tenishia Toussaint (voc), Anita Antoinette (voc)

(CD, DL, www.ryanbluwrathnewman.com )

Thanxalot & Bluesy regards,

Marco