CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Hot blues done old school is the best description of the style of music The Bravuras play on their new release Jerry's Blues. Old school blues would refer to the likes of Willie Dixon, Howling Wolf and Jimmy Reed to name a few. The band (John "J. Bones" Puccio-lead vocals, Mike Donaghue-drums, George Mort-bass, Felix Mayer-guitar and John P. Hufford Sr. aka Huff-guitar, are all longtime performers of the local scene having played in various outfits including Big Tobacco, Diane Kalley, Willie May and Taxi. Local legend John Valby lends some fine piano to the tracks "Little Wheel" and "Dogs on Me" while Bob Volkman adds organ to the cut "I've Got a Mind". The Bravuras turn "Key to the Highway" into a slowed down country blues shuffle with Valby lending help with piano on this track as well. The title cut "Jerry's Blues" is another outstanding cut on the disc. The Jerry in the title is Jerry Reen who was a charter member of The Rods and Customs Car Club of Buffalo. His untimely death fifteen years ago was behind the wheel of the 1934 Ford featured on the cover. The car has been restored and now honors Jerry's memory and old school philosophy. For more on Jerry's Blues and The Bravuras go to www.wnyblues.org/links/localbands.php?Id=914