Revolution Rhapsody Reviews

Here is what the critics have said about our new CD, "Revolution Rhapsody  aka: Uprising Music" (below).  To view user reviews click here.

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Thanks to Starr Tucker for her review of "Revolution Rhapsody" in this month's issue of "New York Waste Magazine" :-)

http://www.newyorkwaste.com/nyw_main/NYWaste-Spring-2012/2012-Spring-Waste-P20.html     

REVOLUTION RHAPSODY (aka Uprising Music) by BUSHMASTER

(aka/featuring Gary D. Brown):  The definition of cool.  Bushmaster gives us swampy Southern Blues on the latest release featuring Gary Brown on vocals and guitar.  He has a unique style that made me wish the guitars were louder on the first 2 tracks.  It picked up after that. The lyrics get deeper as you go along too.  These tunes rock you while getting you in the groove.  Favorite tracks are "Arizona Shame On Ya" and "Phony People".  I double dare you to not get these songs stuck in your head.

www.bushmasterblues.com

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A Review from Croatia :-) (translated using GoogleChrome's page translation service):

Bushmaster - "Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music"
Author / Moderator: Owen Andric, on 03/30/2012 15:11
Rating:

After only one listening to the album Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music I thought this is a strange creation. I left this afternoon, the whole thing went by and I walk to my head clears a bit. In this walk through some things have come together. Ma, who listened to the band Bushmaster and who has heard of guitarist Gary D. Brown? Personally I did not even know who he was until a few weeks. Thanks very Living Blues Magazine, Unoyaga Records and Todd Glazer from Todd Glazer Promotions I came to the first information on this story. I am glad, that she can share with you, dear visitors Blues Corner . Album Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music band Bushmaster definitely classified as musical accomplishments, which I like to remember every now and again to return to their devices. The reasons are multiple, and this is important: - along the lines of what is actually presented the greatest guitarists of modern music in general, that is not the only blues - his genuine instrumental virtuosity Gary D.Brown fascinated by everything around him. Extremely interesting and unpredictable guitar manuscript Gary Brown will continue to give many reasons for thinking large and repeatedly surprise. - the band Bushmaster certainly will, with his new, fourth album of blues Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music cement his apparent openness to the inevitable and new valorizations musical expression, especially when it comes to this, the new 21st Century To capture this new, fourth album in a row did the band Bushmaster: Gary D. Brown - guitar on all 16 original songs and vocals in the songs: 1,4,5,6,8,9,11 & 12, backing vocals song (3) Jay A. Turner - bass John Thomakos - drums in the songs: (3,5,7,9,10,13), percussion (1, 4) Spencer Brown - drums (1,2,3,4, 6,8,11,12) Kirk Myers - keyboards (3,5,6,7,12) Rodger EDSALL-harp (4 & 8) Glen Shirley - Acoustic Guitar (13) Steve Wright-acoustic guitar (2) Kelly Bell - vocals (13,3,4), percussion 3 & 10) Rob Thorworth - vocals (2 & 12) Sarah Wiskeman - vocals (3), backing vocals (4 & 12) Amal Mahrauki - backing vocals (12) Trudi Brown - backing vocals (4.8), (2 & 10)
There are also: 
Jaime Acuna (owner of Mexican restaurant Chaparritas, Carlisle, PA) - narration - Spanish (4) 
Randy P. - intro narration - German 
Mr.X - narrative (1) 
Alycia Danai Rosario - outro narration 
Brood Ten 17yr cicadas - Percussion (13) 
Green Frogs - vocals (9) 
Atlantic Ocean - percussion (9) 
It was shot in 14 straight songs for the album and all the royalties, which only further emphasizes the authoring side of Gary Brown, whom the daring and impressive security needs without any hesitation pay his respects. Of course, not all songs exactly the same intensity, but it might not be good, there are some oscillations exist when the amplitude is concerned I feel in some songs, but this does not disturb the complete album experience. So I would definitely like to point out the following compositions: Cumberland Blues, Victim Of Nostalgia, People, phony, Ball 'n' Jack, War On The Poor, 40 Acres and a Mule, nothing up your sleeve and We All Fall Down, and there are two excellent instrumental theme: Sidewalk Strut and Trudi . Specifically, such surprises are in fact very much needed, they actually give 'something' album, which is symbolically called the Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music and it's just that the growing revolutionary or Rhapsody music. That is why we find here: War On The Poor - a great blues. Arizona Shame On Ya - protest song, I Will Shine in that the distinctive 'southern rock' style, like the legendary Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, etc., it might be there still a lot to write but we go further. album was recorded in studios WrightWay in Baltimore, MD to the executive producer Gary Brown and co-producer Steve Wright, who brought together a truly remarkable, but also a great album, on which we can find a really colorful painted and variety of music. All this led to an unusually interesting album, you will not just sit by the first, but listen again and you will see what happens. Of course, now I write everything, and leave yourself to discover the magic of this album. But try to imagine what you get if you connect Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower, Frank Marino, Freddy King, Randy California, Randy Hansen, Eric Galesa Funkadelic ... and it will be a range of distinctive musical surprises. RECOMMENDATION: Because somehow I must finish this my review, I'm always looking to be in some way compelling and effective, however, that in the end give some abridgement of the story, I know I'm not always as successful, but so it is always difficult to be excellent. After all, what is missing oscillations? If you are experiencing a kind of 'break' then they are even needed. All of this fact is that some of my recommendations, if you choose for the album R Evolution aka Rhapsody: Uprising Music band Bushmaster , I assure you that you will not go wrong. Quite the contrary. So look for this album and prepare for unusual and exciting musical journey. And here's what they write, others: Bushmaster provides something here for everyone and plenty to Contemplate . - Wetnight Rainey, Blues Blast Magazine More of everything is available at: BushmasterBlues.com Unoyaga. Webs.com LivingBlues.com

http://www.soundguardian.com/content/view/22283/53/

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in an email dated 3/22/2012:

Bushmaster – Revolution Rhapsody  AKA Uprising Music– unoyaga   

yes..surprisingly fresh…great album

WFOS Richie Babb Chesapeake VA

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Thanks to Carlita from Music Emissions for her passionate, insightful review of "Revolution Rhapsody  aka: Uprising Music":
(http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=14715#userReviews)  

on 2012-03-13 Carlita Said:

A mix of Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton combined, "Revolution Rhapsody" provides a few battle anthems for the next political uprising. Bushmaster, led by blues guitarist extraordinaire Gary Brown, starts the record off on a bold note, attacking racism head-on with "Cumberland Blues" and that was only the beginning. Playfully denouncing Arizona's racial profiling statute with his song "Arizona Shame on You", no doubt is left in the listener's mind which side of the political and moral spectrum Bushmaster falls. Taking on classism in addition on songs like "River Flow-Splash!" and "War on the Poor", Bushmaster shines a critical lens on the socioeconomic structure of the "haves" and "have-nots" in the world. Will venture to guess he might not clink beer bottles with Santorum, Gingrich or Romney any time soon. 

Riffing in between providing outspoken social commentary, it's clear Gary is a master of his instrument, bringing Jimi's "Voodoo Child" style back to life on "Victims of Nostalgia" and Stevie Ray's "Tightrope" style on "We All Fall Down". Not every song is political, as he also discusses his wife on a few tracks like the Booker T and the MCG's "Green Onions" sounding "BallNJack". On "Phony People", Gary provides a universal kiss-off for all as I'm sure we've all known phony people in our lives. Overall, you get the sense the album is a respectable sociological case study from a real Blues brotha who isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in and go against the grain. Bushmaster might be the one to "knock the bully right off his feet". 

Rating: 8/10

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http://www.pamusician.net  

As seen today in March 2012 issue of PA Musician - The Professor's Live Reviews, by Jim Price:
"Old Man Winter also smiled favorably on last month's 16th Annual Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg.  After arriving, with no Thursday night showcases happening this year, I instead ventured southward to the Market Cross Pub in downtown Carlisle to take in part of the weekly Thursday night blues jam session hosted by Bushmaster singer and guitarist Gary Brown.  Gary led a group of mostly younger and aspiring musicians on several blues jams.  He directed the jams, calling out breaks, breakdowns, solos and more.  Gary and the musicians showed their chops on versions of Elmore James' "The Sky Is Crying," the Dave Edmunds-popularized "I Hear You Knocking" and more.  Gary was in excellent form on vocals and guitar, and it was reassuring to see him nurturing a future generation of blues players this night...

Thanks Jim, always fun to see you!  :-)

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http://criticstudio.com/interviews/gary-brown/  

Exclusive Interview: Blues master, Gary Brown, discusses his latest album "Revolution Rhapshody aka: Uprising Music."

by NICOLE on Mar 2, 2012 • 8:35 am

Imagine foot tapping sounds, strong vocals with cutting-edge and high power guitar effects. Gary Brown’s performances are just that and he wishes to share his love for guitar with all the music lovers of the world. Always looking for a way to perfect his already seemingly perfected craft, Gary Brown, from the Washington, DC area, has over 30 years experience as a musician. We were given the great pleasure of interviewing Gary, the funky blues master himself.

Critic Studio: How did “Bushmaster” form and how did you acquire the name?

Gary Brown: I have always played guitar. I had a brief experience trying to play with and for other people which didn’t work out very well. I just discovered that people didn’t tend to be as serious as I would have like them to be. I wanted to be the guy running things so that’s when I formed ‘the band.’ As far the name of the band, I have always been into snakes and ‘Bushmaster’ is just the name of a snake that I think is a particularly interesting creature. I thought the name was a good description of the type of band I wanted to have and the type of music I wanted to make.

Critic Studio: Could you give me a rundown of the band members and their roles?

Gary Brown: For my most recent album, on drums, I have John Thomakos and Spencer Brown. Jay Turner is on bass.

Critic Studio: When did you begin playing guitar?

Gary Brown: I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old. I am now 50, so it has been awhile. (Laughs)

Critic Studio: Thinking back, did your family carry on the same musical/artistic interests as you?

Gary Brown: We had a house full of good music. One of my main influences was the fact that my dad had a lot of good music on 45. Artists like early Ray Charles and James Brown…the good stuff…the roots stuff. Also when I was coming up, the radio actually played good music. We had a healthy variety of music. My father dabbled with the guitar a little; he played a few cords here and there. My mother had cousins who were musicians but as far as my immediate family I was pretty much the main one who had a huge interest in playing music. My entire family enjoyed listening to music and became huge music fans. But as far as performing, I was pretty much the main one out of my immediate family.

Critic Studio: If I were at a show and I heard you perform for the first time, what sound would I hear to be able categorize your music?

Gary Brown: See that’s the thing, I believe there is too much music out there that is easy to pigeonhole. Primarily though, you would say it was funky and bluesy. However, I like to work outside of the box. Yeah, I am blues-based but a lot of blues fans would tell you that my music isn’t pure blues. Overall, I think if you came to hear me, you would say it was funky and fun. (Laughs) I like to create a mix, just to keep it danceable and keep it exciting and just keep it fresh. After all, you know, when Robert Johnson was doing music it was new music at the time. He wasn’t keeping alive a tradition; he was furthering a tradition and playing contemporary music for his day. So I like to do the same thing. I think that idea has been forgotten in today’s blues. Blues has become sort of this backward looking thing, as opposed to something that people will continue to try to further.

Critic Studio: I had a chance to listen to your latest album, “Revolution Rhapshody aka: Uprising Music.” I couldn’t put my IPod down. What inspired this album?

Gary Brown: As you might gather from listening to the lyrics, I am a pretty political person. There is a lot of madness going on and there has been a particular resurfacing of some things that I thought were behind us. In a lot of ways, this album is a response to the current political issues. It is me documenting and commenting on things and trying to speak up about political issues I feel need to be addressed. I feel that you can be an activist and you can do it in a way that is not offensive and one of the ways to do that is to couch it in music where people can enjoy it and before they realize it, they are listening to a message. If you were to just to get up somewhere on a soapbox and started venting about what’s going on, even if you had valid points people aren’t going to be receptive of that, they are going to tune you out. But if you put some good music with it and deliver the message that way then you can get more “flies.” So that is definitely what inspired the album, these times we are living in – the documentation and the reaction to these times.

Critic Studio: What decides when the time is right to go into the studio to record an album? Or is it an ongoing process?

Gary Brown: Well, it is an ongoing process usually. It comes down to several factors…economical being primary. (Laughs) Of course it happens when you are moved and get a feeling to write new material. It is a combination of different factors. I’m almost compelled to keep coming up with new material and go into the studio to make new music. When I feel I have enough songs for an album, I get in the studio and put an album down. (Smiles)

Critic Studio: What comes first the lyrics or the music?

Gary Brown: Usually, the lyrics tend to come first but when I write/see lyrics I’m usually hearing some kind of melody accompanying them. I almost never just hear music without lyrics. That just never happens. So, I’ll get a lyrical picture and then once the lyrics come in my mind I try to hear a musical backdrop – a certain melody or a certain beat. Simultaneously, I just try to put all of that together.

Critic Studio: Do you write all of the band’s songs or is it a collaborative effort?

Gary Brown: Yes, I write all of the band’s songs. Not that I am not open to collaboration but it has just kind of worked out that way. I just have a lot to say. (Laughs) By the time that I am finished writing, I usually have enough tunes for an album. I am open to collaboration and I would like to do more of that in the future.

Critic Studio: What are your songs about?

Gary Brown: On previous albums I have mostly written about neighborhood issues and things of that nature. But political issues seem to be the theme throughout a lot of my music. I feel that politics are life, they are kind of intertwined. Primarily, I see myself as a social commentator. I just do it to music.

Critic Studio: Who are some of your musical influences?

Gary Brown: Omg, there are so many and they are so varied. (Laughs) I could literally be talking to you for hours on just that subject. To round it off to a few important ones – Jimi Hendrix, George Clinton, James Brown, Freddy King, B.B. King, Albert King, Little Jimmy King, Earl Hooker, Bettye LaVette. There are so many people…just lots and lots of people.

Critic Studio: What has been the biggest challenge for you as a band?

Gary Brown: Primarily just breaking through to getting wider air play and wider acceptance. I think it’s the same things that a lot of independent musicians go through when they don’t have a big label pushing them. The biggest challenge is playing roots-based music in a society that is increasingly turning to things like American Idol and The Voice. Neither of which I am knocking because they obviously have an audience so someone wants to hear them. It has just gotten to be that live music in this country has become less and less appreciated. Also, just getting people to come out to hear live music is a challenge. It is hard trying to stay relevant when you are in a world were less and less people are interested in live music…ok I’ve climbed down off of my soap box now. (Laughs)

Critic Studio: Tell me about your favorite places to perform.

Gary Brown: That is one thing that I can honestly and quickly answer…All of them! I enjoy any type of setting. As long as I have people that are receptive of my music and those that are just sitting there waiting for me to play…that’s all I really need. It doesn’t matter whether it is 5 or 5,000 in the audience, everyone will each get the same kind of show with the same intensity, passion, soul and sweat.

Critic Studio: Where do you think your largest fan based is located and why?

Gary Brown: I would have to say in the Maryland, DC area. Just because I have played there longer than I have anywhere else and I also grew up in Maryland. I think it’s just by virtue of the fact that I am from there. I have found there are a lot of people who appreciate the blues in the Maryland area. Who knows, a year or two from now that might change. I would love to do more playing in the south and out west. I hope this new album will help me take my music to different audiences and different parts of the globe.

Critic Studio: If someone wanted to see you perform live where could they find you? Do you have
any upcoming shows?

Gary Brown: Oh yes, definitely. I sure do.

Past Performances

Gary has several live shows scheduled in the Maryland and Pennsylvania area. Check out this outline of his upcoming live show venues:

  • 3/23/12 Momo’s BBQ, Harrisburg, PA 8pm – 11pm
  • 4/13/12 Bare Bones, Ellicott City, MD – 9pm – 1am
  • 4/27/12 Market Cross Pub, Carlisle, PA – 9:30pm – 12:30am
  • 4/28/12 Benny’s Pub, Hagerstown, MD – 9pm – 12am
  • 5/11/12 Momo’s BBQ, Harrisburg, PA – 8pm – 11pm
  • 5/12/12 Windsor Hall, Cumberland, MD – 7pm – 10pm
  • 5/19/12 Hempen Hill BBQ, Hagerstown, MD – 9pm – 12:30am

Purchase Gary’s music on his website (www.bushmasterblues.com), CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon and Napster.


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http://bluesandfriends.come2me.nl/  

The Bushmaster has done it again. Guitar axe Gary Brown and his band have just finished another great cd. He’s real honest and doing his thing. Brown is not abandoning his musical roots and he has got an important message to say.

You can hear the spirits of Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Stevie Ray Vaughan, James Brown, Hubert Sumlin, among many others, shining their light and if you don´t talk after the last track of the cd you can hear the big ones in the sky give it up for the Bushmaster. 

Every time I play this cd it gets better. Although the first time I listened to it was good already. This music is like a big painting; I always hear new things, yet I also feel at home with familiair guitar licks. I also like the rhythm changes, like ‘River flow –Splash!’ and 'Trudi', it reminds me a bit of ZZ Top.

This cd won’t get out of my cd player for a longtime. I’ll play the tracks in my radio show, and maybe one day the Bushmaster will be in my studio to show the Dutch people his music in person. Gary Brown is a great artist and has got great members of his band.

Bertwin Bijleveld

radio show ‘Blues and Friends’

The Netherlands

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  Living Blues Magazine, Feb 2012, pg 50., http://www.livingblues.com/  

BUSHMASTER, FEATURING GARY BROWN
Revolution Rhapsody— aka: Uprising Music
No Label, (No#)
Talk about capturing the Zeitgeist—as the Occupy movement spreads across the country, and class inequality finds a place in mainstream political discussion for the first time in decades, guitarist Gary Brown and his cohorts have come out with a blast of populist fervor laced with unapologetically revolutionary overtones.  Most of what’s here is less blues, as such, than hard-driving rock and pop with a bluesy tinge, although occasionally, as on 40 Acres and a Mule (similar to, but not exactly like, the Bobby Rush song) Brown sets his lyrics to a pounding blues shuffle. Victim of Nostalgia is likewise derivative (of the Meters’ Cissy Strut), but it’s for a reason: Brown satirizes a retro-hipster, draped in a “big brown hat and that weird poncho,” who’s more interested in living in the past than working for a better future.  Brown’s high-energy anthems of outrage and liberation are effective on their own terms, but he hits hardest when he hits most gently.  The meditative, Brit-rock tinged Nothing up Your Sleeve (“How many of God’s creatures did you show mercy to?”) both conveys a strong message and lets us take it in on our own terms. Arizona Shame on Ya, imbued with an appropriately Latinesque beat, boasts lyrics that even some sympathizers of the immigration cause might find overly literal and rhetorical, but Brown and his compatriots half-speak, half-sing it with an ominous intensity.  This disc’s greatest strength is also probably its greatest potential weakness: although it’s musically solid for the most part, and in places considerably more than that, whether or not you like it will ultimately depend on whether or not you agree with its political sentiments.  —David Whiteis

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http://www.thebluesblast.com/Archive/BluesBlasts/2012/BluesBlast2_9_12.htm  

Blues Blast Magazine - 09Feb12 - Featured Blues Review 3 of 6

Bushmaster - Revolution Rhapsody aka: Uprising Music

Gary D. Brown/BMI

http://www.bushmasterblues.com

16 songs; 58:05 minutes

Styles: Blues Rock, Funk, Rock and Roll, Slow Blues, Hip-Hop

This is an election year in the U.S., the Year of the Dragon in China, and according to some who believe in the Mayan calendar, the year of the apocalypse. Regardless, 2012 holds the unexpected--even in the blues world! Surprises are everywhere, especially on “Revolution Rhapsody,” the fourth CD from Maryland Blues Rock and Funk band Bushmaster. Band leader Gary D. Brown (songwriter, singer, guitarist) and his fellow artists present sixteen all original anthems in a mixed bag of musical styles with contemporary themes. Here are three that will spark blues’ fans interest (and perhaps their outrage):

Track 4: “Arizona Shame On Ya”--This is not a denunciation of the Grand Canyon State per se, but rather its immigration policy and treatment of Latino laborers: “They like your yard work, your housework too, your food and music--hombre, they’ll just use you. Skin of brown, heart of blue. Keep your head down; you might make it through….” Harmonica player Rodger Edsall perks ears while Brown demonstrates this is not his first time on a fretboard. Guest star Jaime Acuna, owner of the Chaparritas Mexican Restaurant, expertly translates Brown’s lyrics into Spanish in one passage. No matter which side of this particular debate one supports, “Arizona’s” mid-tempo shuffle refrain is so catchy that one will find oneself singing along.

Track 11: “40 Acres and a Mule”--Winning this reviewer’s nomination for best traditional blues sound, this snappy shuffle tells the story of a man for whom the American Dream hasn’t come true: “They told me a tale and I believed it. My check in the mail? I never received it. Is it ever coming, my 40 acres and my mule?” Every instrument and musician is in top form: not only Brown’s vocals and guitar solos hot as Tabasco sauce, but also Jay A. Turner’s bass and Spencer Brown’s drums. This track will make listeners “plow” their CD player’s replay button into the ground!

Track 13: “We All Fall Down”--A lament about the Iraq war, this “unlucky” rock ballad is as eerie as it is addicting. It morphs from a haunting acoustic dream played by Glen Shirley into a thrashing blues-rock night terror, reminiscent of “Shiver” by Too Slim and the Taildraggers. Kelly Bell commandeers on vocals, and his cold assessment rings true for many: “They said love must be the answer. Hate will eat us up like cancer. Stumble, dancer, then fall, and we all fall down!”

Check the liner notes of Revolution Rhapsody to find the names of all who contributed to this project: harmonica player Rodger Edsall, guitarist Steve Wright, keyboardist Kirk Myers, and vocalist Trudi Brown, among many others. Everyone has worked together to promote a common cause: “Don’t talk down to us. Stand up for us…I wonder what shape the world would be in if Dr. King and Bro. Malcolm X had stopped ‘complaining…’” Bushmaster provides something here for everyone and plenty to contemplate.

Reviewer Rainey Wetnight is a 32 year old female Blues fan. She brings the perspective of a younger blues fan to reviews. A child of 1980s music, she was strongly influenced by her father’s blues music collection.

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http://www.pamusician.net/PDFFeb12.html (click on pg 33),  http://www.pamusician.net  

PA Musician Magazine - Vol. 30 #339 February 2012 - pg. 33

Bushmaster "Revolution Rhapsody" (no label)

Through the first two albums of his blues-driven project Bushmaster, Carlisle's Gary Brown has demonstrated clear-cut guitar chops, musicianship, and a respect for the roots of blues, rock and soul.  Channeling influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robin Trower; Brown introduces a knack for sharp, socially and politically conscious lyrical messages on Bushmaster's third album, "Revolution Rhapsody".  A lot has been weighing on Brown's mind these days; he addresses recent news headlines such as immigration issues on the Latino-flavored "Arizona Shame On Ya," and the Wisconsin labor controversy on the punchy blues of "War on the Poor."  He also targets racial prejudice on the hard-edged "Phony People," unfulfilled promises on the disc-opener "Cumberland Blues" and the 12-bar blues romp "40 Acres and a Mule," and partisan bickering on the driving "We All Fall Down," featuring one of two cameo lead singing appearances by Baltimore blues/soul crooner Kelly Bell.  But Brown offers hope as well; he conveys messages of picking up and moving forward on the stalwart R&B-toned "I Will Shine," living an honest life on the slow blues of "Nothing Up Your Sleeve," and railing against corporate greed during the psychedelic Hendrixy homestretch of "River Flow - Splash!"  And on the happy side, "Trudi" is an upbeat, funky instrumental ode to Brown's wife, and Kelly Bell's vocals help elevate two mixes of "Victim of Nostalgia" into invigorating, funk-infused groove fests.  The performances are strong and gutsy; Brown again displays impeccable skill on the fretboard with sizzling solos and chunky riffage; executed in smooth conjunction with bassist Jay A. Turner, drummers John Thomakos and Spencer Brown, keyboardist Kirk Meyers and several guest musicians.  The arrangements are strong and muscular in the best late '60s/early '70s tradition, the melodies and words connect, and Bushmaster's variations of attack keep the disc sounding fresh from start to end.  With its pertinent present day-inspired lyrics, "Revolution Rhapsody's" scathing blues, rock and funk ups the ante and edge, resulting in Bushmaster's strongest album so far.   (www.bushmasterblues.com) - Reviewed by Jim Price

Here's Jim's version of the review that he did on his radio show, "Homegrown Rocker" on WRKY 104.9fm on January 15, 2012:


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http://www.billtownblues.org/cdreviews2012.html#cd12bush  
Bush Master
Revolution Rhapsody
Self-Produced 

When I closed my eyes I had visions of Jimi Hendrix dancing through my head.  His is very much like what I believe Hendrix would be playing, were he to have lived this long.  From blues/rock very reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix to slow and sultry ballads, down home, back in the alley traditional blues to an almost folk style, this cat has his bases covered.  On rare occasion the band would get a bit in the heavy side for my liking but I am willing to overlook these small ”transgressions” in light of the overall album.  All tunes were penned by Gary Brown who also plays all guitars and a good deal of the vocals.  This piece addresses a number of current political and social issues and does a nice job at getting his point across.  Is this piece a good choice for all of our readers, probably not, but if you are feeling adventurous, you might just like what you hear.  Call it blues-rock/Americana, Revolution Rhapsody stirred some feelings deep inside that had been lying dormant for quite some time.  My view on Jimi Hendrix has always been that he had the heart and soul of a bluesman and that, given time he would have followed that path.  As for Bushmaster, Gary Brown, his influences are many and varied and he essentially wears them on his shirt sleeve.  My overall impression of this disc was that I liked it immensely.  Given, there were moments that were a bit on the heavy side for my liking but for the most part I found this one very much to my liking.  While not for the most part blues, there was enough blues influence to keep my interest.  The musicianship was exceptional, the songwriting delightful and to be honest, for just a little while I felt young again. – Bill Wilson
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http://www.bluesbunny.com/tabid/122/xmmid/474/xmid/3611/xmview/2/default.aspx   
Bushmaster
Revolution Rhapsody
No catalogue number
Released: 2011

You can’t really go far wrong with an album by Bushmaster especially if you have an affinity for the work of a master guitar player, and axeman Gary Brown is nothing if not that.

“Revolution Rhapsody” therefore demonstrates the stylistic eloquence that we have come to expect and does so over a variety of musical styles. You can hear our Mr Brown’s Hendrix influences breaking through most strongly in “Cumberland Blues” but, for those of you familiar with his previous releases, there is more variety to enjoy this time around. “War On The Poor”, as an example, is about as conventional a blues track as Lonnie Brooks might have made back in the days but, in something of a contrast, the lyrics suggest something akin to a political awakening has taken place in the background.
 
Overall though, “Revolution Rhapsody” sounds more like a child of the seventies album than anything else.  “Arizona Shame On Ya” makes for a decent protest song and “I Will Shine” set sails for southern rock just like Johnny “Guitar” Watson would have done back. That relaxed, unprocessed feel so often found in albums of that time pervades the music but this time those words of conscience clearly illustrate the growing maturity of Gary Brown as a songwriter.

So, there you go. Four albums in and the Bushmaster still has the blues. You can’t argue with that.

Available from CD Baby and the Bushmaster website.


  Bluesbunny


Rating 4carrots
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http://jesterjaymusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/cd-review-bushmaster-revolution.html   

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012

CD review - Bushmaster, Revolution Rhapsody (2011)

Classic rock and blues with tasteful guitar work

Some bands embrace a retro sound as homage or to prove a certain kind of affiliation. Others are trying to capture a time or feeling that resonates with their psyche. Gary Brown's Bushmaster seems so steeped in 1969-1975, it's like they're time travelers. They perfectly evoke a blend of Jimi Hendrix and Paul Rodgers-era Bad Company filtered through a solid electric blues band.

Brown shows off as a dedicated student of Jimi Hendrix. His fluid lead lines, the chord melody embellishments, and tone capture Hendrix's sound, with more focus on the Jimi's blues and ballads than rocked out bombast. Take the opener,Cumberland Blues: the song uses touches of Voodoo Child (Slight Return) to liven up a straightforward blues jam. The bass and drums are tight in the pocket, but Brown's personality steps forward to drive the tune. In a nice shift, the bridge opens up the song beyond the blues with a classic rock jam interlude. 

I Will Shine maintains the bluesy feel, but this is where the Bad Company influence steps forward. The tune is reminiscent of Shooting Star without being derivative. Beyond the progression, Bushmaster has sonically captured that early '70s production. Brown's vocals, which are soulful throughout Revolution Rhapsody, aren't quite as husky as Paul Rodgers, but he's in the ballpark. The arrangement's backbeat, bassline, and guitar lines all nail down the signature Bad Company sound.

Bushmaster doesn't limit themselves to those influences. They draw from the same well as Lenny Kravitz and others, melding soul and funky rock. This casserole of rock and blues is fairly tasty. The only off notes are the political tunes, Arizona Shame on You and War on the Poor, whose heavy handed lyrics are shoehorned into middling blues jams. On the other hand, We All Fall Down makes its political point within a much stronger song. This one reminded me a lot of Eric McFadden (The Rise of King George II meets Diamonds to Coal).

Despite the couple of weak tracks, Revolution Rhapsody is a strong offering. It's enough to make me wish I could join in Bushmaster's hosted open mike in Carlisle, PA.

(Check out song samples at Amazon)
Posted by at 5:00 PM 

1 comments:

  1. Personally, I think Gary should move to Virginia so I can catch him live more often. Revolution Rhapsody is a terrific new release which displays Gary Brown and Bushmaster's prodigious talent. From the opening track, “Cumberland Blues”, Gary Brown and Bushmaster blaze through a collection of original tunes that sparkle with Gary’s fiercely articulate guitar attack and solid performances from Jay Turner on bass. Gary brings a cast of seasoned, talented players on drums, keyboards, and harmonica who ably support the amazing playing springing from his Fender Statocaster from track to track. Ever-present in Mr. Brown’s beautiful guitar passages is the undeniable influence of Jimi Hendrix, though Gary’s diverse playing style on this album strays far from familiar Bushmaster material and picks through rap, rock, and funk influences that are sure to delight. From The Meters to Robin Trower, Gary Brown digs deep into his riff bag to pull out a remarkable breadth of guitar stylings, all delivered with both precision and raw energy. 

    Roger Riggins
    RDRiggins@gmail.com



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January 11, 2012

Revolution Rhapsody by Gary Brown and Bushmaster

Traditional Blues purists suffer from a safety syndrome that can occasionally stunt their ability to grow past the security of “tradition” and accept evolution as a naturally occurring artistic process. On Revolution Rhapsody , the newest release by  phenomenal guitarist/songwriter Gary Brown these concepts of S.O.B.S.(Same Old Blues Sh**) are thankfully  evolved and transmuted into a CD that flows with  blues-tinged rock, heartfelt soul, and funky beats;  showing  that Revolution and Evolution are the twin babies of CHANGE. This album showcases Gary Brown’s   depth, humor and concept of social justice. Politics and Music don’t mix? Really? That depends on your historical knowledge (read: perception) of just how powerful  a  social force music has been in the U.S. (and the world). As a result of musicians who have been bold enough ( many of whom have paid the price of this sort of artistic courage),to speak their minds openly and reflect  injustice through song, we all see the wisdom and embrace change.

This is what separates technicians and entertainers from ARTISTS.

This entire Cd flows like a river of soul and D.C. funk, both reflecting the blue sky on the surface, and the murky depths of self-evaluation under the surface of anything that is precious or worthwhile.

Stand-out tracks (Subjective evaluation) are : Victim Of Nostalgia, War On The Poor, 40 Acres and A Mule, Trudi, ( a joyful musical expression of love for Mr. Brown’s life partner-and the hardest working woman in show business-Trudi Brown).

..and this reviewer’s personal favorite -the deeply moving and soulful-Nothing Up Your Sleeve:

hands down one of the best reflections of hope for humanity ever written by this fine artist.

You want FUUUNNNNK? Listen to River Flow-Splash!

Lock-Jaw Rock? : We All Fall Down. (“where you tryin ta take us? We been there once before, and now we're here ta tell ya ,ain’t goin back no more..”) Uh-huh.

A special acknowledgement of ‘ in- the-TOTAL-FUNKY- pocket ‘great percussionists, bassist and vocalists on this album. Simply put It KICKS. Gary Brown’s vocals and guitar mastery have never been better. The production on this Cd is exemplary.

 In music-(as in life)-“It ain’t where you come from, it’s where you go..”

(Rock on with yer Bad self Gary Brown.) Go buy it and TURN IT UP.

IF you like your music ALIVE and HOT-don’t miss this cat LIVE at a venue near you. WORD.

~ MYSTR Treefrog

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January 9, 2012

Hi Gary,

I just downloaded the album, and took a listen. The production sounds great, and there's definitely some tasty riffs in there! Just FYI though, The Squid doesn't do album reviews. I appreciate you sending this along though!

Thanks, 

Seth Hansen

Editor - GuitarSquid.com

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October 23, 2011

Ted Horowitz  aka: Popa Chubby wrote and said this:

Hey Gary, loved the CD nice playing nice writng. I wish you the very best!!! Advice? Be everywhere!

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    http://jpsmusicblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/cd-review-bushmaster-and-gary-brown.html

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012

CD Review: Bushmaster And Gary Brown Make A "Revolution Rhapsody"

With a sound that flows from the Deep South, it’s surprising to find out that the blues band Bushmaster, featuring Gary Brown on guitar and vocals is from the Washington, DC area. Their new album entitled “Revolution Rhapsody” has a great guitar, blues-rock sound that is the perfect setting for Brown’s vocals.

The album begins with “Cumberland Blues” and while you instantly notice how good Brown’s songwriting is, it doesn’t compare to his guitar playing. Bushmaster gets their funk on for “Victim of Nostalgia,” before heading into the swamp-style blues of “Arizona Shame On Me.” Brown uses a classic blues guitar riff for “Ball ‘N’ Jack” then lets his guitar do the all the talking in “Sidewalk Strut.” The song “War On The Poor” can easily be a radio hit with its perfection combination of words and music. Bushmaster rock out on “River Flow – Splash!” and also show their softer side with the six-minute “Nothing Up Your Sleeve.” The album closes with a funky remix of “Victim of Nostalgia” that adds more electronics to the overall sound of the song.

Gary Brown and Bushmaster have a few lives shows scheduled for the beginning of January. Please visit their facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bushmaster-Blues-featuring-Gary-Brown/178772253414?sk=app_2405167945) for song samples and tour dates.
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 http://www.pamusician.net/PDFDec11.html

As seen in PA Musician Magazine (vol. 30 #337 December 2011): 

Across The Desk - by Robin & Whitey Noll ... 

"A few other highlights of the month include the great schedule at Market Cross Pub in Carlisle. Market Cross offers that cozy local pub feeling with great brews, English cuisine and a variety of entertainment from a multitude of genres. A highlight this month will be on Friday, December 16th when Bushmaster takes the stage. Following are a few quotes so you can get an idea of what you'll be treating your ears and senses to: "... I returned to the Festival Shell Stage to see blues trio Bushmaster. Front and center in this group was singer and guitarist Gary Brown who displayed some incredible scorching solo work throughout the set on original blues rock, plus numbers like Don Nix's 'I'm Going Down', and Jimi Hendrix's 'Voodoo Chile'." - Jim Price - Pennsylvania Musician Magazine. "...Gary Brown strives to keep Hendrix's spirit alive, not just in his music, but in his everyday life..." - Brandi Mellinger - Ocean City Today. "...'Thousand Miles From Nowhere' will cause your face to scrunch up with deep emotion upon listening..." - Michelle Oxley - Beachcomber. Enjoy the show and check out Market Cross Pub's December schedule...

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http://www.pamusicscene.com/bulletin-buzzboard/bushmaster-tackels-current-political-climate-with-song/

BUSHMASTER TACKELS CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE WITH SONG

OCTOBER 13, 2011 (CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA) — Gary D. Brown, and his band Bushmaster, are due to release a new CD entitled, “Revolution Rhapsody aka:  Uprising Music” within the next two months.  Drawing on several current political and social topics in the news recently, Brown’s songwriting on this new disc evokes both hope and angst.    

Brown’s previous discs have generated a wide range of reviews both locally and abroad.  Michael Molenda, Editor Guitar Player Magazine, said “…Brown is massively funky, and uncorks truckloads of energy…”.  Sterling Koch, PA Musician Magazine, reports that “…They’ve actually come the closest I’ve heard to imagining where Hendrix would have gone with his sound had he lived…”  More reviews and press can be found on the band’s website -www.BushmasterBlues.com - including quotes from Blues Bunny Magazine, based in the UK, and Roots Time Magazine out of Belgium, among others.  

Bushmaster performs live at Bullfrog Brewery, 229 W. 4th St, Williamsport, PA, on Friday, October 28, 2011, from 10pm till 1am.  

More information about Bushmaster can be found on their websitewww.BushmasterBlues.com and several other sites including:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bushmaster-Blues-featuring-Gary-Brown 

http://www.myspace.com/bushmasterblues 

http://www.reverbnation.com/garybrownbushmaster 

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Bushmaster

Search for BushmasterBlues.



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