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“Blue” Bland. As well as singing on the front porch with her family, Ms Lynne sang in high
school, and first performed on stage at the invitation of Albert Collins—singing ‘A Change Is

Gonna Come’ and ‘Money’, —while also a member of choirs and jazz groups. At one point she
joined Archie Bell as one of the Drells but, that was prior to their later fame. In 1973, Sinett
Records released her debut recording, a 45, pairing ‘Long Live the Blues’ and soul ballad ‘What
A Waste’. In later years, she has recorded for the Ichiban, Ruf, Isabel and Jus Blues labels.

The eleven numbers here were recorded in Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California. Trudy
provides lead vocals with Anson Funderburgh and Yates McKendree, on guitars; Brannen

Temple and Mario Calire drums; Terry Wilson supplies bass, keyboards and also sits in the
producer’s chair; Kevin McKendree, keyboards; Steve Krase, harmonica; horns are supplied
by Darrel Leonard. ‘Tell Me’, is your starter, a grooving, guitar rich, little funker that introduces
Trudy’s enticingly mellow vocals. The very pleasant shuffling ‘Golden Girl Blues’, allows Trudy
the pleasure of self mocking lyrics. The tramping guitar and percussion are punctuated by

amusingly sardonic horns.

‘Live With Yourself’, has a definite cool, Hi Records feel. The mellow wafting horns and ice cool
bubbling keyboards together with a ringing guitar, underpin Trudy’s restrained raw vocals.
‘Trouble With Love’, is a seriously infectious gospel / blues romp, the tramping percussion and
train-like harmonica, carry you along while a rolling piano and stinging guitar, bubble under
Trudy’s splendidly urging vocals. ‘Take Me Back’, is pure swinging big band fifties blues, with

swaying horns and gently pumping piano and percussion, all held together by sweetly alluring
vocals.

Trudy’s delicate emotion filled vocal backed with muted horns, guitar and keyboards, ensures
that the late night soul ballad ‘Is It Cold In Here’, delivers a pain filled tale of parting. Also, the
slow burning ballad ‘Life Goes On’, features, muted lamenting horns underpinned by a
lonesome, wailing guitar and understated singeing organ, over which Trudy’s softly mournful

vocals tells the tale.

Very, very nice!

Brian Harman

Mike Guldin—Tumblin’—Blue Heart Records BHR 002

Sellersville, Pennsylvania based Mike has been playing the
guitar since the age of 15 which is over 45 years now. He and

his band the Tumblers have plied their trade any and
everywhere, from bars, clubs and roadhouses to festivals, they
also have twice been finalists in The International Blues
Challenge. Surprisingly, this album is only their fourth release.
The players joining Mike, who takes lead guitar and vocals, are

Bill Sharrow; bass, electric, and acoustic guitars, Tim Hooper;
keyboards, C.J. Clark; bass and Billy Wear; drums. The 15
numbers here have been co-produced between Mike and Bill
Sharrow.

First out of the speakers is the warming, foot tapping, organ-led instrumental shuffler
‘Tumblin’’. An enticing feature of ‘Sad And Lonely’, another shuffler, is the sparkling

combination of a harmonica lead and jaunty rolling piano solos from Kevin McKendree. The