Blues CD Reviews 106
The Road To Memphis
Melon Jelly
Self Released
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Feb 2025
I don't generally do this, but when I saw this post on FB by Mark Nesmith a few days ago, I immediately knew it would be a great way to start off this review.....
"Holy guacamole Batman! Our little band from Beaumont, TX is on THE Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #15! No record label, no managers, and we haven't spent thousands of dollars on promotion. This has been a complete DIY grassroots effort. We owe this to lots of hard work and the incredible support of our friends and family. Thank you!".....
That is very cool indeed, and I hope that my input helps keep it there for a while longer.
BTW, should you be wondering how the name Melon Jelly came about - as I was - it involves Mark's favorite episode from one of his favorite TV shows. Here is a hint..... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694140/ .....
The Road To Memphis is a very appropriate title for Melon Jelly's debut release. With the band having performed as representatives of the Houston Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge just last month, and front man - Mark "Nessie" Nesmith - having won the right to perform the year before as the society's representative in the solo/duo category, these guys most certainly know how to musically navigate that road. Of course it's way to early to tell about next year, but with that kind of experience, they have to be the early line favorites.
Melon Jelly are: Stephen Droddy on drums and backing vocals; Jason McCollum on bass; Mark Nesmith on vocals, guitars and keyboards; with Haley Deaver Droddy on additional vocals. In their own words, the band claims they "dish out a foot stompin' musical gumbo of funky grooves, blues and retro rock served piping hot from Southeast Texas" and I'd be inclined to 100% agree with that. All of the disc's eleven tracks are Mark Nesmith originals.
Unlike one particular band who claimed that time is on their side, Mellon Jelly believes that "Time Is A Thief", and they have the proof. You see.....
"One day you're just a little kid, the next day you're dying.
It'll take everything you have, no matter how hard you fight.
Time is a thief, it will steal you blind".
Being closer to eighty than I am to seventy, I know exactly what the heck they mean. Vocally, the track's very well written and truthful lyrics become even more somber by the convincing presentation from Mark and Haley; and musically, when Mark's scorching guitar and organ leads are combined to the thunderous rhythm Stephen and Jason are pounding out, just the right amount of unnervingness is created as the song's perfect accompaniment.
This song that I'm sure is a tribute to Mrs. Nesmith is titled "Angel" - as in "I thank God every day, he had mercy on me and sent me an angel." Good for you Mark, not everyone is as lucky as us. Musically it's an up tempo, foot tappin', finger snappin', dance floor fillin' track.
Right from the opening sounds of a car engine being turned on and revved, this instrumental titled "Memphis Bound" is travelling music at its best. And at the pace it's moving along at, Melon Jelly will be arriving sooner than later. Simply said, although there's nothing simple about it, this one features the guy's on top of their game doing what they do best - making really good music.
When a relationship reaches the point where the question "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" needs to be asked, I'm pretty sure the answer is it's time to go. At less than three minutes, it's a short shuffle that I could have taken a few more minutes of - especially during the minute long mid-song instrumental where the guys were locked into one of those signature funky grooves of theirs.
Although the opening line gives it away, as Mark describes the loneliness he's feeling while his lady is away, you might get the impression she's been gone for weeks - or even months. Actually, it's just been "Three Days". I guess calling it a love song pretty much hits the nail on the head. It's a heartfelt slow and bluesy number that features a relaxing rhythm being laid down by Stephen and Jason, while showcasing Mark's excellent guitar and vocal skills.
The disc closes with a track called "Old Habits". The melancholy lyrics refer to many of the things you did when you were a couple, that you just can't stop doing alone. Things like setting the table for two; turning the TV on to her favorite show; pulling into the driveway and seeing nothing but your own headlights; and other situations that indeed make coping a challenge. Vocally, Mark - with fabulous backup from Haley - seems to make his pain transferable; and musically, with Stephen and Jason at disc's best on the drums and bass; and the constant changes Mark's making on the guitar; this track personifies the band's musical mission statement.
Other tracks on this excellent debut release include: "So Many Years"; "Hold On To Me"; "Where Y'At?"; "This Life"; and "Prodigal Blues".
If you've not yet received a copy of The Road To Memphis for airplay, please email Mark at - melonjellyband@gmail.com, and should you like to find out more about Melon Jelly, check them out at - www.melonjellyband.com. While you're doing that, take a minute to read about Mark, who fills the bill as an artist in many different ways. As usual, when you contact him and the band, please tell them their new friend the Blewzzman sent you.
Nola Blue Records is proud to announce the release of Peace, an eleven-track compilation of the late Frank Bey's music. Marking five years since his passing, the album spotlights many of Frank's lesser-known works from earlier in his career.
Because of there being forty-plus performers it isn't feasible to list them all, but as I touch on certain songs, I'll do my best to give credit where it is due.
Having been a big fan of Frank's recordings with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, it pleased me to see them featured together on the opening track. It's a cover of Milton Campbell's "That's What Love Will Make You Do", and it features" Frank on vocals; Loralee Christensen on background vocals; Anthony Paule on guitar; Tony Lufrano on organ and keyboards; Nancy Wright on tenor sax; Tom Poole on trumpet; Mike Rinta on trombone; Endre Tarczy on bass; and Paul Revelli on drums. Recorded ten years ago, during the Bey/Paule Band era, this is actually the first time it's being released. The track is a smokin' mix of soul, funk and blues that features that fabulous rhythm that the Soul Orchestra was famous for; killer guitar leads by that orchestra's leader, Mr. Anthony Paule; and those patented powerfully soulful vocals of Frank's. Hearing this outstanding performance for the first time, I now wonder how the heck this one ended up on the cutting room floor back then?
"Blues Comes Knockin'" (J. J. Monjack) is one of eight tracks that represent Frank's recorded work with his bandleader and friend of more than twenty-five years, Jeff Monjack, and the late Kevin Frieson. It features Frank on the vocals; Jeff on guitar; Kevin on bass; Jay Davidson on keyboards; Sark "On The Harp" Damirjian on harmonica; and Thomas Jefferson on drums. This one is a straight up smokin' shuffle with Frank offering his advice on what to do when the blues come calling. Most importantly, is to check the caller ID, put the phone on speaker, and - since he's better at this than we are - let him take it from there. Musically, with Kevin, Jay and Thomas in a powerful rhythm groove behind them, this one is highlighted by killer blues guitar and harp runs from Jeff and Sark.
Another of Jeffrey's originals is "Bed For My Soul". It's a duet that features him flawlessly pickin' at an acoustic guitar and Frank on the very spiritual and thought-provoking vocals like "I got a bed for my body, but I got no bed for my soul". Think about that for awhile.....then do something about it.
It's songs like this that make me doing a review take much longer than it should - I just can't get enough of them. This one is titled "If You Want Me" (F. Bey, K. Frieson & J. Monjack), and listening to this six-and-a-half-minute long song was by far the best thirty-plus minutes of my day. This is slow, soulful blues at its very, very best. Checking all the boxes are Frank, putting on a commanding soulful and emotional vocal performance; Jeff, playing some of the best damn slow and scorching blues guitar runs you ears could possibly have ever heard; Andrew Samuels, giving the slow blues groove that Kevin Frieson (bass) and Brian Wolfe (drums) are locked into, it's heartbeat on the organ; and the horn section of Bob Maxom on the sax and Reginald Watkins & David (Bubba) Scott on trombone, adding a solemn vibe.
"Blues In The Pocket" (K. Frieson) starts off with Frank taking us to church as he preaches about the blues. However, don't get too comfortable in those pews because once the band fires up the funk, you won't be able to get to the dance floor quick enough. Those responsible for you wanting to shake your money maker are: Jeff on guitar; Doug Travis on keyboards; Kenny Taylor on trumpet; Allen Weber, John Thompson and Jay Davidson on saxophones; Kevin on bass; Omar Hill on percussion; and Kevin Sullivan on drums.
When you try to think of those responsible for promoting peace in this world, it's hard to 'imagine' where to start. However, if you narrow that field down to songwriters, it just got a whole lot smaller, with one particular name shooting right out at you - John Lennon. With that being said, there could not have been a better song to close out Peace with than his "Imagine". This rendition, which I'll unapologetically say is the best I've ever heard is being done by: Frank on vocals; Kid Andersen on guitar; Jim Pugh on organ and piano; Lorenzo Farrell on piano; Nancy Wright (solo) and Jack Sanford on sax; John Halbleib on trumpet; Ric Feliciano on trombone; Jerry Jermott on bass; Derrick "D'mar" Martin on drums; and Mike Rinta on the horn arrangements. If you've not heard this version of this anthem, listening to Frank singing his heart out, and the superstars accompanying him all putting on a masterful nearly seven-minute performance, it alone will be - as the saying goes - worth the price of admission.
Other tracks on what I'll take the liberty of calling a tribute to Frank Bey, include: "One Thing Every Day" (M. H. Schermer); "Midnight And Day; (K. Frieson); "City Boy" (K. R. Moore, aka Keb Mo); "Walk With Me" (J. J. Monjack & A. Samuels); and "Change Is Gonna Come" (S. Cooke).
For more information about Peace, and the inspiration for the project, visit www.nola-blue.com/frankbey, and If you've not yet received a copy for airplay, please contact Nola Blue Records at www.music@nola-blue.com. Also, If you'd like to purchase a Peace CD, a limited edition will be available exclusively via Bandcamp while supplies last, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Frank's widow, Toni Bey. As usual, please let whoever you come in contact with know that the Blewzzman sent you.
On my last trip to Nashville, I was fortunate enough to catch Crooked Eye Tommy's last show before he left for Croatia, the very next day. On that trip he played a few shows with Tomislav Goluban, which ultimately led to Nashville Road being recorded back in Nashville. As Tomislav states "When I first heard 'Hot Coffee And Pain', a beautiful song from Crooked Eye Tommy, I knew that I wanted to create something with this man." Here is that creation.
Nashville Road features: Tomislav "Little Pigeon" Goluban on vocals and harmonica; (Crooked Eye) Tommy Marsh on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and lap steel; Eric Robert on keys; Jasco Duende on guitar; Doug Seibert on bass; Alfonso Wesby on drums; Bill Gilliam on upright bass; and Grady Clark on slide guitar. The album contains nine original tracks from Tomislav, with lyrical assistance by Jay Sieleman, Eric Noden, Mojo Parker, Kelly Zirbes and Tommy Marsh.
The opening track is an instrumental that is fittingly titled "Hard Run". It's an all-out smoker that features Tomislav leading the way with some highly exuberant harmonica runs; Tommy keeping up with the frantic pace while tearing it up on the electric guitar; Doug and Alfonso hammering out a thunderous rhythm on the bass and drums respectively; with Eric adding high powered piano highlights to the mix.
"Up Is Down" is the first of two tracks where Tomislav showcases his gritty, raspy and growly vocal textures. It's another of what will be many hard driving, rhythm fueled, dance floor filling, smokers.
Although the title of this song - "Bad Choices Make Good Stories" - didn't make the list, it definitely belongs there with those other most famous proverbs. Musically, being one of the more toned-down tracks, it gets to feature dynamite harp, guitar and piano highlights by Tomi, Tommy and Eric, respectively.
"Hip Hop Shake" has nothing to do with what we've come to know as hip-hop music, but sure as all get out, it will make you shake. It's a hard rockin' instrumental similar to the opening track. The only difference is that what the guys were doing on that one, they're now doing it harder and faster on this one.
There is bread on his table and his glass is full of wine; he's got someone whose smile makes him feel real fine; there is music in his ears and the rhythm makes him move; his soul fills with pleasure when he sees his baby groove. These, and much more, are exactly why "Life Is Good" for Tommy. This uplifting and inspirational track features some of Eric's best piano playing, Tomi and Tommy working their usual magic on the harmonica and guitar, respectively; and lively rhythm from Doug (bass) and Alfonso (drums). As long as there continues to be music like this, life will always be good.
The disc closes with a track titled "There Is A Train". For well over six minutes, Crooked Eye Tommy will mesmerize you with a masterful vocal performance as he tells the heartfelt story of that figurative train and its two destinations, heaven or damnation. And, as we all should have learned long before boarding, ain't no amount of money gonna change your destination. Led by Bill's deep upright bass lines, the rhythm on this ballad is precise; the contrasting acoustic guitar of Crooked Eye Tommy and the slide guitar of Grady are dazzling; and the laid-back, drawn-out harp leads from Tomislav create that perfect slow-moving train ride.
Other tracks on this excellent release are: "Rock Dog"; "Hard Candy"; and "Keep On Moving On".
If you've not yet received a copy of Nashville Road for airplay, please contact Betsie Brown at - www.blindraccoon.com - and should like to find out more about: Tomislav Goluban, just go to - www.goluban.com; and Crooked Eye, Tommy just go to www.crookedeyetommy.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.
