Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman – Wrath of Blues
Blind Racoon – 2026
14 tracks; 57 minutes
Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman’s debut album is a really good start. Newman and producer Jon Grossbard have created an eclectic record that has risen steadily up the blues charts, including into the top 10 of Roots Music Report and top 20 of Living Blues. The album kicks off strongly with the Elmore James’ classic “Dust My Broom”. Newman basically plays the hits, several of which were associated with B.B. King. It’s like the primer for any good blues bar cover band.
The Connecticut resident is a fabulous guitarist, and he airs it out on “Texas Flood”, “Be Careful With A Fool”, and other tracks here. Gary Moore’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” is a choice selection that allows Newman and organist Vic Washington to show off their chops. Washington also adds authentic vocals on “The Thrill Is Gone.” Newman uses a horn section on many of the songs and five different singers, so there’s a bit of a variety show feel to the album.
Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up” is one example of the “anything goes” nature of the record and is not a by-the-numbers cover. “Leaving This World Tonight”, the only original included, has a classic blues feel and is awash in horns. Newman shows off his love of Stevie Ray, Jimi, and Albert Collins in that solo. In general, he picks his spots to go off on guitar and doesn’t show off needlessly with three-minute excursions. Jeff Beck’s “Let Me Love You” with Arlene Wow on lead vocals exudes a 70s blues hard rock feel. It’s simultaneously nostalgic and fresh, one of the strongest tunes on the record.
The Rolling Stones cover “Miss You” is cheeky and lends a disco feel. The oldest tune performed is Hoagy Carmichael’s 1942 song “Baltimore Oriole”. Earl King’s “Come On” picks up the pace with the background singers and horns joining the party. The Bob Dylan classic “Highway 61 Revisited” is whimsical and fits Newman’s vocal range. Wow returns for a soulful turn on Aretha Franklin’s “Good To Me As I Am To You” to close things out. Most of these songs are well-known, which should help Newman find airplay.
He’ll bring his fun spin on the blues to the bars of New England this fall and winter.
