THE MANNISH BOYS "LOWDOWN FEELIN" Source: Radio Feedback Writer: various

I know this is a little delayed, but I just played another track from Low Down Feeling, and I was struck with the sound:  these guys sound like they're having fun!  This is what blues is supposed to sound like!

- Katie Wright (Blues Music Director / WMUA 91.1fm & WMUA.ORG)

"The Mannish Boys is a great banda blues in which there are very good musicians," Lowdown Feelin ' "we presented some interesting original compositions and some very good versions of songs classic is an album of excellent quality, congratulations."

- Josep Palmada (Red Hot Blues - Radio Vilafant / Spain)

Easily on my top 10 blues Cd's of the year! This true group of all-stars strikes gold again. Your not gonna hear better vocalists than the Jones-Tasby-Dyer trio. I think Finis' middle name should be "Finest". He's the most expressive blues singer currently working. Case in point are his vocal gymnastics on " Low Down Feeling" and "If The Washing Don't Get You. The kick-ass combination of Kirk Fletcher and Kid Ramos can't be beat. They know how to respectfully pay tribute to the master blues guitarists without resorting to slavish imitation. Although the guests on this CD make mighty contributions, the core band sounds great by themselves.

- Putnay (The Bluesshow / KUNM-FM / 89.9 Albuquerque, Santa Fe)

Thanks a lot again for the excellent brand new MANNISH BOYS cd !“LOWDOWN FEELIN’” – what a “quintessential” title for a blues album…- is not just one of the best , but absolutely THE BEST BLUES CD of these last weeks, no doubt about it… This mighty super-group is an authentic “join-venture” in blues, that surprises us every time more with an incredible list of extraordinary singers – official members or special guests – and skilled musicians.

- ROBERTO ROSSI (DJ FROM ITALY)

Based in California, this group has quickly become one of the most popular groups in the country.  Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer, and Bobby Jones are referred to as the “supergroup” of blues.  This 4 year old band has a traditional blues feeling with a modern style. I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to own all 4 of their CD’s
"I'm really just discovering the full charm of the Mannish Boys with this new release, the variety of styles and vocal talents, is very impressive and makes the album a sort of a "super session" of Blues and Soul people. I guess I didn't listen to the previous album closely enough to pick up on those qualities...

- Frank Black (WGLT)

Sometimes, when a bunch of heavy-duty cats get together in a studio or on stage, it can result in a well-intended but unfocused product. The Mannish Boys take that notion and show it the door. "Lowdown Feelin'" is a down and dirty, utterly authentic blues workout that comes from the gut. Will somebody please get them to play my town!

Suzanne Cheavens / KOTO Music Director / Telluride, Colorado

"The Mannish Boys CD "Lowdown Feelin' " has enlivened our radio show each time we have spun a track. Heartfelt blues and funky grooves. Particularly love "Chocolate Drop" and "These Kind Of Blues". "

"Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault radio" / WVOF 88.5 FM in Fairfield, Connecticut

KVMR Reviews

Who would have thought that when Delta Groove label owner and blues aficionado Randy Chortkoff assembled the all-star Mannish Boys for a studio album in 2004, that they would go on to become huge stars on the blues festival circuit and produce three excellent follow-up recordings? Lowdown Feelin’ is their fourth, and undoubtedly one of the finest. An incredible cast of veteran blues talent is assembled here, from Mississippi-born harmonica player and vocalist Johnny Dyer, who delivers what is one of the best cuts on the disc with his performance of “The Same Thing” (7), to Chicago vocalist Bobby Jones, who delivers the goods on Big Walter Horton’s “Need My Baby” (6) (where he’s backed by Los Angeles-based harmonica player Lynwood Slim). Texas native Finis Tasby churns out some nice vocals on the funky “Something’s Wrong” (15). This time around, though, the Mannish Boys saved the best for last with “Dead Letter Blues” (17). Jones nails his vocal on this popular slow blues, and Junior Watson’s inspiring lead guitar is killer.

Roger Gatchet / KVRX, Austin / 512-323-5686

I have many cd's with the question to write a review of it. But seldom or never have I received a CD with such a good music played by such great mucisians on it as on Lowdown Feelin'. A great variety of music styles that makes me happy when I listen to it. For me it is the best release I've heard this year.

Wil Wijnhoven / www.bluesbreeker.nl

While I enjoyed their previous efforts, this one has brought them to a new level, the word synergy comes to mind. As I preview to select tracks for my show I am finding it challenging as there are so many I would love to showcase!

Ben Sanders / Program Director / Blues and Beyond / www.blues-and-beyond.com

This album is too good to be true, from the very refreshing start of the first song (I’ve never heard a better intro I guess), to the last note. It’s in my cd player since four days…………. I just can’t get it out, I am hooked to this album already. I.M.H.O. the best album of the Mannish Boys (yet).

Ton Wanten
Triple R Blues Radio
The Netherlands

Received the new Mannish Boys. It's a winner (again). Thanks very much!

WMHB Blues/Americana Radio

The Mannish Boys have outdone themselves again! "Low Down Feeling" is their best CD release... "It doesn't get any better than this".

Les Tarr / KMFB 92.7 FM / 96.7 FM

The Mannish Boys, Lowdown Feelin’ (Delta Groove). Another great effort from the premier assemblage of West-Coast Bluesmen. The wide variety of Blues and R&B stylings, matched with six different vocalists, makes this sound a bit like a compilation album, but the quality of the musicianship is a consistent thread throughout. The opening track, These Kind of Blues (1) has a throwback Spanish horns intro, followed by Bobby Jones singing like hard R&B still had a shot at the top 40. On Dead Letter Blues (17) he takes a classic song and breaths some very intense lowdown life into it. Finis Tasby’s vocals (3, 5, 15) are among the best in the business, especially on the T-Bone style Lowdown Feelin’ (3). Johnny Dyer (7, 14) also sounds great, especially on Good Times (14) The Hudson Valley’s own Little Sammy Davis appears on two cuts (East meets West?). Fine Looking Woman (9) is classic Little Sammy: straight ahead electrified Southern Blues built on Harmonica and Guitar. But When I Leave (13) is something else entirely, a wonderful Soul groove celebrating his love of music and musicians. This track alone would make this a worthwhile album, but the combination of all of them makes it great.

Nicholas de Leeuw / AKA "Nick Delay" / WVKR-fm Poughkeepsie NY

Absolutely... well-deserved, too! Love them!

The Mannish Boys continue to amaze, amuse and dazzle on "Low Down Feeling," which gives the listener anything but a lowdown feeling.

Considering the Blues genre runs a spectrum of nearly 100 years of recorded music, The Mannish Boys are relative newcomers. But these refreshingly original, dynamic "newcomers" are invited to play again and again on "The Blues Moon with Clair DeLune" radio show.

Clair / WUSU / Columbia, SC

"Smokin" release is the best descriptor with the latest from the Mannish Boys that I can come up with. There is not one track I do not like from this album and believe me I try to find these things out in previewing new material. From the flamingo tinged opening on the first track, "These Kind of Blues"; to Little Sammy Davis' classic vocals and veteran harp work on "Fine Lookin' Woman". Also, on Little Sammy's "When I Leave", man, does that take me back to classic soul or what? I had a big smile on my face listening to those "feel good" vocals. And, the background vocals make this most reminiscent of those early days. To the AWESOME instrumental with great horns (we don't hear enough horns these days) on "You Don't Love Me"; to "Rude Groove", which sounds down right more like a "nasty" groove. Chortkoff's harp is mesmerizing along with the smoldering rhythm section. And that organ,,,,well, what more can I say. Bobby Jones vocals throughout not to mention on "Dead Letter Blues" are strong and compassion-filled. Kirk "Eli", Kid Ramos, Frank "Paris Slim", Tasby, Dyer, Weber, Leavey and Richard "Big Foot" as well as ALL the other great guests make this a "must have" in any blues collection.

You can be sure this album is going to see heavy play here at little 'ole WBOR, the biggest, little blues station in the North.

Mike Halmo / Blues Director / WBOR

Yet another winner from "allstar" band Mannish Boys. Low Down Feeling is the latest from the band that most others are measured by in todays blues world. I always get excited when I find a package in the mailbox from Delta Groove because I know its gonna be something good!! A new record from the Mannish Boys is just the iceing on the cake!!

Mike Dew
WNCW 88.7
Springdale NC

The Mannish Boys entered the studio to record Low Down Feelin' and emerged with a timeless blues classic. This is the best blues ensemble on the planet -- period.

Black Jack Ketchum / WRFG/Atlanta

While listening to the Mannish Boy's latest release I was impressed by the variety of sounds and musical styles. You could easily think you were listening to a complation CD of several good bands when you are actually listening to one great band.

Chris Puyear - KOPN

"Musical projects such as The Mannish Boys that are nearly top-heavy with great talent don't always fulfill their promise, but this new release definitely delivers the goods - track after track. These are veterans playing with passion and respect for music they obviously love and know inside out.

Chas Lewis, The South Side / KHUM - Humboldt Co, CA

"Yet, another KILLER recording from the Mannish Boys, Lowdown Feelin'. You know it's good when the phones light up like a Christmas tree....Delta Groove Rocks!"

Mike Flowers, Producer / KZUM 89.3 FM

From the moment this CD started to play, I heard incredibly talented musicians laying down the most rich, full sound I've heard in months. For a follow-up to their nicely-tuned debut "Big Plans," this new recording takes The Mannish Boys to new heights. As the album progresses, you'll hear a variety of blues styles all done in genuine, perfectly-timed and executed fashion. Delta Groove Records owner Randy Chortkoff not only promotes the hottest acts in West Coast Blues, he jams like a Pro on this fabulous recording.

Phil Whipple / Maine Blues Society

"Lowdown Feelin' is seventeen tasty Chicago blues morsels that left me hungry for more and far from feelin' blue" - Peter "Cornbread" Cohen

STLBlues, A Music Promotion Co.

The Mannish Boys smoke! I added the tune "Low Down Feeling" as soon as it arrived in the mail. Great vocals from Finis Tasby and amazing lead guitar from Kid Ramos. I know the cd doesn't hit the streets until June 17th, but I'm glad it's already in my hands. The perfect blues release for summer. Peace.

Cornel Bogdan / TANGLED UP IN BLUES / WNCD

Usually when I get a new CD to check out I listen to a bit of the first track before determining how much time to invest in the rest. I gotta say, "Sorry". Haven't listened to the rest because I can't stop enjoying the first song, These Kind of Blues. Awesome. I let you know when I hear the rest...if I ever get tired of the first track!

Steve Palec / Rock & Roll Roots / WKLH Milwaukee

"...their last release fully established them as our foremost Blues band. This newest release continues their legacy."

Richard Ludmerer is a contributing writer/editor at Blueswax and Folkwax

"Within a genre where "blues" is somewhat debatable the new album by The Manish Boys, "Low Down Feeling" is as solid a contemporary blues album as you're gonna find. This album sits in the pocket and grooves from start to finish."

Rick Galusha
KIWR fm

"THOSE REVOLVING, EVOLVING GUYS HAVE COME UP WITH ANOTHER GEM OF A RECORD!"

Bill Bowker / BLUES WITH BOWKER / KRSH 95NINE

"I thought the first CD from the Mannish Boys was long on talent, but short on entertainment. I'm guessing they must have realized it too, because with this CD they absolutely nail it. I say touche' all the way!"

Thanks for asking, and keep up the great work!

Nancy Edwards / Marketing Director & E-guide Editor / The Blues Festival Guide

Once again the great Mannish Boys deliver a big helping of good rockin' blues. The formula of killer vocalists backed by an all-star west coast ensemble really works! Great songs, great performances, great production, great CD!

- Bob Corritore

There are thousands of prototypical, great blues joints in the US: dark and smoky, with posters and pictures adorning the walls, serving cold beer and hot barbecue. The Mannish Boys could be the house band in every one of those joints - and they damn well should be.

Michael Byars / "Morning Edition" / KCUR - 89.3 FM

Old School meets the Left Coast, no one does it better than The Mannish Boys & Delta Groove

CB Roy / Host, Mostly Blues / Power 90.5 WWCU-FM

"The Mannish Boys not only hold their ground with the great blues masters of yesteryear, they somehow manage to break new ground with each and every recording they deliver. Lowdown Feelin' ranks as a top-shelf blues effort
sure to garner nominations in a handful of categories."

CRAIG RUSKEY (Blueswriter@Verizon.net) Blindman Blues

...a savory blend of 'Old School' style and elegance with razor sharp modern chops that will slide 'Lowdown Feelin'' into your top ten favorite CD's of the year

- John 'blueshammer' Hammer Hammered By The Blues KOWZ 1170 am

Yeah, I love it! But maybe I'm partial because I produced it!!!

- Jeff Scott Fleenor

This blues supergroup keeps the old-school spirit alive and sounding as vital as ever.

Jim allen program manager MTV

"If your heart, soul and blues heart encompasses "old school" blues with an authenticity that harkens back to classic blues, then "Mannish Boys' newest CD, "Low Down Feeling" is for you.

Jim Santella / WBFO-FM, 88.7 / Buffalo's Home of the Blues

This is another historic album from the Mannish Boys! Bound to be a true classic.

Keith Castleberry / The "LA" Blues Cruise / WNSI 105.9 FM

"LOWDOWN FEELIN' is a vibrant and dynamic musical romp with legendary players sharing the blues limelight next to some of the finest contemporary artists in the business. Top-notch production values and flawless performances make this release a necessary addition to every serious blues recording library. This CD will get repeated spins at our end for years to come!"

Lan Nichols / Prod. & Host / Front Street Blues - WHQR 91.3 FM

A low down, throw down jam of a record. Old school Blues at it's best!

Leroy Alvarez Blues programer at WNMC 90.7

The Mannish Boys -- they do the blues like it should be done ... they do it all, with class ... this CD is mighty fine from first to last ... & every song sounds great in our eclectic mix ...

Mark Tarner / KAXE-FM / Grand Rapids, MN

The whole CD smokes top to bottom! Strong playing, deep grooves, killer vocals...makes me want to close down a bar at 4am with The Mannish Boys on stage. Keep it up, y'all got one of the coolest record labels out there!!

Thayrone X / The Bone Conduction Music Show

Low down, soulful, effective, west coast shufflin' blues....need I say more!

Chris Maley/Program Manager-KMBH Radio Harlingen, Tx

There has never been a disappointing Mannish Boys CD. Better yet, they get better yet!

"Lowdown Feeling" is strong, deep, and super-satisfying for the Southeastern Fast Dancers. At the top of our list on the web, radio, and dance floors is "Rude Groove," whew! followed by "Reet, Petite and Gone," "Chocolate Drop,"
"If the Washing Don't Get You, The Rinsing Will," "Fine Lookin' Woman," "The WoodChuck," "Need My Baby," "When I Leave," and "You Don't Love Me."

Had a fellow step up the other night and ask for Muddy's "Chocolate Drop," played the Mannish Boys, and his eyes brightened twice over, "Wow, whose that?"

Mannish Boys demonstrate clearly why Delta Groove's community of artists are at the leading edge of Jumpin' Blues.

Fessa' John Hook / The Endless Summer Network & Roadhouse Blues & Boogie Show

Well, here they go again...these guys are consistent as the Moon!! And what an assortment of talent, each has their own projects, but they are willing to stop what they are doing and bring the "Family" back together one more time!!! This West Coast Blues at it's BEST!! I want to see these guys live, and you should too!!

Doc Sigmier Sonic Gumbo-KHEN 106.9fm

"Once again Randy & Delta Groove have assembled an awesome cast of players for the "Feelin' Lowdown" project. Not only will the album compare, but will certainly surpass their last outing Big Plans."

Dick Fairchild - City / Sounds Radio

The Mannish Boys new CD is a record that all blues fans need to hear. Dripping with funky, greasy, gutbucket grooves, the CD is throwback to the classic Southside Chicago sound of the 1970's.

Willy Wilson / Magic Bag Publicity / Ferndale, MI

"Once again, The Mannish Boys deliver a collection of recordings on Low Down Feeling worthy of the lofty standards of the individual legends who comprise the review. This is not blues stuck in a vacuum, rehashing tired-but-true formulae. Rather, this is blues for the 2000s, with exceptional ensemble contributions, vocally and instrumentally, that will satisfy from the first few bars of the first song, until the final strains of the concluding tune are still resonating with the listener. Simply said, this is blues art of the highest order, and belongs in the collection of any serious blues fan. Bravo!"

Curt Brown / WSND FM 88.9

The Mannish Boy's CD is simply great. They have gathered a fantastic group of musicians that take charge of every song...they swing, they rock, they groove, they blend. I must confess I have had this CD in my car listening since I got it and nobody else has had a chance to listen to it.

Patty Keyes / President, Walla Walla Blues Society

I enjoyed the new release by the Mannish Boys. I think it is their best work to date! A great effort! I will have "Low Down Feeling" in my rotation for many weeks to come.

Mike "Snapshot" Vandewalle / Host Sunday Night Blues WMEQ-FM

Mannish Boys' Lowdown Feelin'...the music just gets better and better. Every track a keeper...the addition of Bobby Jones fits right in! Outstanding effort!

BoogieKing Steve / KRVM / Eugene, Oregon

"Opened up the new Mannish Boys "Lowdown Feelin'" & threw it right on the platter. Gotta love the hard playin' by the hottest players on the West Coast! Every song stands on it's own. It debuted #8 on the Blues Summit, Living Blues playlist in it's first month. Destine for the top of the chart!"

Roy Prescott / WMWV's Blues Summit. Conway, NH.

With the amount of talented players and great material on this album, there is so much that could be said... This contains everything that blues fans want to hear! If you are a fan of blues music--make that, good music--you need to check out Lowdown Feelin'!

-Nathan King host of "The Kingsnake's Blues Den" on KTUN - The Eagle

Just want to let you know"Lowdown Feeling" is just another wonderful piece of recorded work by the talents of the Mannish Boys,who are doing justice to keeping the blues alive here in the 21st Century.Tracks:1-2-3-4-6-7-8-9-14-15-16&17 are bringing in the calls from our blues fans who can't get enough of their blues on "Antique Blues."

Bill Nolan,WPKN/WPKM.

It’s easy to play good records!

Willy Wilson / Magic Bag Publicity

Great album, & it will surely see some spins in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and central PA.

Jonny Meister
WXPN-FM Philadelphia

The Mannish Boysust got it and played on my show last night. All I can say is : W, jOW!!! Easily the best CD I’ve heard this year.

Putnay / "The Bluesshow”
KUNM-FM / 89.9 Albuquerque, Santa Fe

Just received the new Mannish Boys CD...Sounds Great... June 17 release
date!! wow...I am feeling totally honored!!!

John Connors
WWPV 88.7 FM

I now have the new Manish Boys and the awesome Legendary Rhythm and Blues Review CDs Got to play a bit of the LRBR CD during the fund drive last night on the local Public Radio station and I am look forward to playing cuts from both of them this Sunday on my show on The World of Blues.

Thanks for helping me get some of the best blues to be had!!

Mike Durant
WBOI

I just received "The Manish Boys". They are the best blues band in the world. They blow my socks off. They are rich, full on integerity and what great chemestery. Thanks for your continuing support. You and Delta Groove ROCK!

Pat Graham / KLBC / Long Beach City College

Received the new Mannish Boys, which is sounding good and tight on first listen.

Jeff Koepke, KRFC

I just got Mannish Boys Friday! Can't take it out of the player! They absolutley Rock! Lookin forward to seein them in Clarksdale!

RobbMorrison / KTHR Wichita / WXMX Memphis