Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1
Review Written by - John Muller
Ryan "Bluwrath" Newman - "WRATH of BLUES" - FeverBarn Records / Feverbarn.com
Produced and Arranged by Jon Grossbard / Executive Producer-Scott Struzinski
Recorded and Mixed by Associate Producer-Russell Landis at Feverbarn Recordings-Killingsworth,Connecticut
Horns and Strings - Arranged by Mario E. Sprouse
Publicist - Betsie Brown - Blind Raccoon
Album producer Jon Grossbard states, “I was astonished by the style and technique of this young blues devotee. The performance was explosive and authentic. I immediately knew I would have to record him with the best players I knew to help raise him up to where he needs to be — a new young dynamic force in the blues scene.”
Ryan "Bluwrath" Newman—his powerful guitar stylings have earned him the nickname "Bluwrath." His emotive guitar sound has excited audiences and hardened critics alike, incorporating an amazing, eclectic mix of unique music on his debut album—from Hoagy Carmichael to Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck, the Rolling Stones and the Kings—Earl, Albert, and B.B. His formidable guitar skills are a far cry from mimicry.Ryan's unique interpretations are strictly his own, he absorbs the influences that shaped his musical journey and filters them through his own unique fretwork.
Ryan "Bluwrath" Newman -
"At very last, my debut solo record under my own name will be released on streaming platforms and CD on July 10, 2026!I worked on this record between 2018 and 2023,recorded entirely at Fever Barn Studios of Killingworth,CT,and while there were several things holding up the release,glad we were able to overcome those obstacles and get this thing out!
During the initial sessions for the basic tracks,there was no agenda,nothing was discussed previously,basically just a bunch of very good musicians placed in a room together and the big red light signaling "roll tape".With that in mind,I decided to turn it into a collection of tunes that significantly shaped my foundation as a musician of over 20 years,with a few special requests,and while it was a very large production, I am glad my guitar and voice are well represented!There are a few killer guest lead vocals in the mix too!
It was both a pleasure and honor to work with such fine musicians and production team, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the record!Bombastic modern blues-rock from me to you.See you 'round the clubs!"
Kicking things off with a spine-tingling version of the Elmore James classic,"Dust My Broom",this amazing and unforgettable sonic roadtrip follows up with a stop at Ryans own composition, "Leaving This World Tonight," a scorching slow blues lament about lost love. Mose Allison gets a ride; his whimsical "Your Mind Is On Vacation" is given a tougher, guitar-driven edge. You may toss off another version of the Stevie Ray Vaughan classic, "Texas Flood," in disgust, but give this interpretation a chance. You'll be wonderfully surprised as Ryan stretches out on this one, proving once again that it isn't always the notes that are played, but the soul between the spaces.
Thrilling version of B.B.King's "The Thrill Is Gone" features Vic Washington's compelling vocals taking center stage here. The choral background is remarkable on the Albert King song, "Oh, Pretty Woman," while Ryan is simply combustible with his power-blues licks on another B.B.King delight, "Be Careful With A Fool." Another exciting revelation is the mesmerizing vocals from Arlene Wow,soaring into the heavens, on the rocking Jeff Beck classic, "Let Me Love You"…
Festive and irresistible island rhythms are served up bold,layered,and vibrant on the Peter Tosh and Bob Marley classic, "Get Up Stand Up," with the richly expressive and soulfully animated vocals of Anita Antoinettes leading the way,while the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" is given a throbbing Stones vibe alongside the Latin-flavored vocals from the truly gifted Arlene Wow.
Something distinctively creative and unforgettable that left me thunderstruck was the joyful update of Hoagy Carmichael's 1942 love ballad, "Baltimore Oriole," filled with fiery blues licks and birdcalls - and some unforgettable vocals from Tenisha Toussaint, commanding your attention and leaving a lasting impression.
The road trip continues with many more unexpected stops - scenic viewpoints,quirky roadside attractions,unexpected detours,and hidden gems - The hard-driving R&B of Earl Kings "Come On" let's the good times roll,while Bob Dylan hitches a ride with his "Highway 61 Revisited",a furious and rollicking version that is great fun,designed to move your hips and shake your booty. One last stop is the return of Arlene Wow, capturing the essence of Aretha Franklin on the powerful and simply gorgeous rendering of "Good To Me As I Am To You"; Ryan's guitar gently weeps with tender sensitivity.
Ryan "Bluwrath"Newman - "Wrath Of Blues" - turns this remarkable journey into an adventure we'll never forget.Alongside dazzling and dynamic performances from an incredible team of seasoned musicians and vocalists, these songs—with a powerful synergy felt through every track—are a unique and high-powered musical statement.Listening to this album over and over again makes me realize that Ryan understands that dynamic,expressive playing communicates emotion,not just raw power that pummels you. His journey is an exciting one, filled with discovery and endless creative possibilities. Ryan doesn't play notes - he creates experiences. "Wrath Of Blues" is a celebration filled with the unexpected!! He has the power to take you to places you never thought possible. "Wrath of Blues" leaves an indelible mark on your soul!!
Guitars and Lead Vocals-Ryan "Bluewrath" Newman / Vic Washington-Hammond Organ,acoustic piano,synthesizer-Mario E. Sprouse / Scott Spray-Bass / Additional bass - Tim Leffingwell / Drums - Bobby Torello,Tony Lewis / Additional Drums - Mitchell Igneri / Tenor and Baritone Saxophone- John Isley / Tenor saxophone - Charlie Lagond / Baritone Saxophone - Artie Bressler / Trumpet and Flugelhorn - Don Harris / Trumpet - Dave Cafro / Trombone - Rob Funk / K T Horns - Patrick Casey,trumpet , Keith Lafond,tenor saxophone, and John Smayda-baritone saxophone
Percussion - Jon Grossbard and Ken Florendo /Incidental bass and guitar - Russell Landis / Harmonica - Dave "The Kosher Kid" Robbins / Background Vocals - Vic Washington, Arlene Wow, Joan DuQuette, Tenisha Toussaint
Review Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1