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musicians: Dionte McMusick and Darryl Wright on drums and bass, and the vastly experienced
pianist Sumito ‘Ariyo” Ariyoshi (he’s played with Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush and Valerie Wellington
for starters). Stefan’s got a good voice, as he shows particularly on the late 70s Eric Clapton-
esque ‘Favorite Hiding Place’ and the rolling ‘One Cloudy Day’.

‘Seduced By The Blues’ is nicely autobiographical, and ‘Put Some Respect On My Name’ is a funky
Chicago club blues, but the set goes on to finish rather oddly with the not quite slow blues of
‘Dealing With The Pain’ and the acoustic singer/ songwriter style of ‘Will You Remember Me’.
At the end though, Stefan pulls it back with an acoustic, Robert Johnson-tinged reprise of the
catchy ‘Harlem Avenue Lounge’. a fine way to close this interesting release.

Norman Darwen

(www.shblues.com)

Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans—Peace in My Time—
man-hat-tone S-002 (single)

It’s been a while since I last heard anything new from this
always interesting New York based outfit, under the
leadership of vastly experienced guitarist Brad. It is a tribute
to the band’s saxman, Jim Davis, who contributes some very

fine playing on this track, but who sadly died at the end of
November 2022. He was a peace advocate - hence this choice
of song - and the band recorded this Margey Peters-penned
almost six minutes long slow blues (with its subtle Peter
Green-inflected sound) in one take at the end of a three day
recording session, with everyone apart from Jim himself
swapping instruments. It’s good to hear a single like this - they don’t come along very often at
all these days.

Norman Darwen

(www.bradvickers.com)

Marcus Trummer—From the Start—Gipsy Soul

The debut album from this Canadian singer and guitarist out
of Calgary. There are ten tracks, and all are well worth your
attention, believe me!

For a start, Marcus can sure sing.. Organ and horns introduce
the opening track, ‘Holdin’ Out For You’, which has a strong
southern soul feel and a vocal to match, plus some fine blues
guitar work. Next up, ‘Let You Down’, is another soul-styled
number (ace horns!) with something of a jazzy tinge to both
the vocal and the neat, concise guitar break. ‘Hard Time’ has

a southern soul tinge too, and by now, I am beginning to
realise that here is something rather special…

‘Waiting For Change’ is a classic sounding lilting southern soul ballad - great backing vocalists
too. Yes,if I had to characterise this album overall, it would be a soul album with strong blues
touches - though let’s just wait for the moment…