Jose Ramirez - Major League Blues

Jose Ramirez - Major League Blues - Delmark

Originally from Costa Rica, singer-guitarist-songwriter Jose Ramirez has been making a name for himself in the Blues World. While residing in the Washington, DC area, he won the 2019 DC Blues Society's Battle of the Bands. He then competed in the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge, where he finished second overall. Ramirez was poised to start touring in support of his debut album "Here I Come" when the Covid-19 pandemic put a wrench in his plans. He now lives in Florida and makes his Delmark debut with "Major League Blues," which he will be touring in support of. 

Of "Here I Come," I wrote that it was "not merely an impressive debut of a promising artist. Anson Funderburgh's top-flight production and a fabulous studio band provide the foundation for Jose Ramirez to showcase his gifted songwriting along with his terrific vocals and guitar playing. It is a superb recording." Much can be said about the present recording, full of solid idiomatic originals and a couple of choice covers. Six songs were recorded in September 2020 with Antonio Reyes on drums, Kenny Watson Jr. on bass, and Andre Reyes Jr on keyboards. Evan Hoffman is on Latin percussion on one track, and Shelly Bonet provides backing vocals on one track. The other four selections were recorded in Chicago in August 2021 with The Delmark All-Star Band of Bob Stroger on bass, Willie 'The Touch' Hayes on drums, Roosevelt Purifoy on Hammond B3, and Billy Flynn on guitar. Jimmy Johnson appears on one track for what was his final studio recording.

The present album is of a similar quality to "Here I Come," opening with the title track on which Ramirez trades licks with Jimmy Johnson. The title song alludes to him reaching the major league of blues by signing with Delmark. The lyric also notes some of his influences, including Johnson and Lurrie Bell. It is followed by the blue lament "I Saw It Coming" with Purifoy taking a chicken fried steak organ solo along with Ramirez's heartfelt singing. The other two tracks with the Delmark All-Star Band are fresh renditions of Eddie Taylor's "Bad Boy" and Magic Sam's "My Love Is Your Love." There is plenty of solid fretwork to go with the tight, complementary backing.

The others songs are similarly entertaining. Ramirez is a skilled songwriter who handles traditional themes of relationships quite well. There is a neat melodic hook to "Whatever She Wants," where his heart, soul, and pride belong to her. In addition to a pleading vocal, Ramirez's solo is striking with his phrasing and development. Also outstanding is the Latin-flavored "Are We Really Different" that might evoke early Santana with a bilingual vocal from his Ramirez. The other selections similarly display why Jose Ramirez has become a Major League Blues artist.

I received a review copy from Delmark Records. It has been a while since I posted new reviews, so happy to get this one up. Jose is currently touring in support of this album which you can check out on his Facebook page. Here is Jose Ramirez in performance.

Jose Ramirez Here I Come

Jose Ramirez
Here I Come
Self-Produced

Originally from Costa Rica, singer-guitarist-songwriter Jose Ramirez has been making a name for himself in the Blues World. Residing in the Washington, DC area recently, he won the 2019 DC Blues Society's Battle of the Bands. Representing the DC Blues Society, he competed in the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge, where he finished second overall, an impressive achievement. Ramirez was poised to start touring in support of his debut album "Here I Come," when the Covid-19 pandemic put a wrench in his plans. He has relocated to Florida to ride the pandemic out, and eventually resume his performing career.

The pandemic may have suspended his live performances, but thankfully not prevented the release of this new recording. Ramirez teamed up with Anson Funderburgh, who produced this disc that was recorded in Austin, Texas. Funderburgh guests on two of the 11 songs. Others playing on this recording are Jim Pugh on piano and organ, drummer Wes Starr, bassist Nate Rowe, and the legendary Texas Horns.

Ramirez wrote nine of the eleven songs, and he impresses immediately with the opening title track, a relaxed walking tempo shuffle as he sings about some of his influences and inspirations as he pushes on to reach his musical goals and keep the blues alive. It is refreshing to hear such a gifted singer and guitarist rooted in straight-ahead blues. Listening to his vocals, one would not guess that English is not his first language, but even more impressive is his phrasing and vocal dynamics. One might suggest a cross between Floyd Dixon and Fenton Robinson as a rough analogy. His guitar playing is also old-school, with touches of T-Bone Walker as well as B.B. King.

Ramirez can croon in his interpretation of a lesser-known T-Bone Walker recording, "I Miss You Baby," or get down and funky on "Gasoline and Matches," where he shares guitar duties with Funderburgh. There is a burly baritone sax solo on the last number that I presume is from Kaz Kazanoff. This latter number also displays his songwriting craftsmanship. "One Woman Man," where Ramirez sings that he is not looking for love and is not a one-woman man. It features a searing guitar solo and an inspired piano solo by Pugh to close this performance. From straight blue shuffles, Ramirez also delivers a bit of solid soul with "The Way You Make Me Feel," a track that evokes Tyrone Davis. Again Pugh stands out with his comping behind an excellent vocal. Often Robert Johnson covers are forgettable, but Ramirez places his stamp on this number by transforming "Traveling Riverside Blues" with a reggae groove. Pugh's organ and the crack rhythm section lay the foundation for his piercing guitar.

"Here I Come" is not merely an impressive debut of a promising artist. Anson Funderburgh's top-flight production and a fabulous studio band provide the foundation for Jose Ramirez to showcase his gifted songwriting along with his terrific vocals and guitar playing. It is a superb recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Jose Ramirez performing "Here I Come."