DJ for The Blend
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Steve Miller hails originally from Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Massachusetts in 2013. He spent his career working in the world of insurance and now works as a semi-retired consultant when not spinning discs at WICN. Steve first heard jazz in his parents’ home and his passion for the music truly ignited in high school and college. He lives in Central Massachusetts with his wife Leslie and their highly ridiculous dog, Coltrane.
Latest Album Reviews
Review of Rise
Album Info: Rise
Bonnie J Jensen Album: Rise Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Contemporary Jazz Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Jul 11, 2025
Review
Among all the musical genres in the world, the sound of jazz is still the top international language spoken by musicians. A good example of the current state of global jazz can be appreciated on the 2025 album by Australian singer-songwriter Bonnie J Jensen. Produced by Ms. Jensen, Rise is actually her fifth solo album and it’s the perfect introduction to her voice and musical production.
Backed up by some top musicians and recorded in Sydney, Australia, RISE centers on a range of jazz classics, dusted off and reintroduced by Ms. Jensen and company. “People Make The World Go Round” (written by Thom Bell) and a 2025 version of Little River Band’s “Reminiscing” starts off the album. Both songs, long revered by music fans, are effectively delivered by Ms. Jensen with style and grace.
Also on RISE are covers of Herbie Hancock’s
Brody Buster Album: Redemption Label: Sel-Release Genre(s): Contemporary Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Jun 29, 2025
Review
One-time blues harp wunderkind Brody Buster provides ear-pleasing resolution of that initial promise, displaying the “hat trick” essentials that place one among the top tier artists in the present-day blues world. Convincing, mature vocals, dazzling harmonica play and song-crafting of a very high order are found throughout this set. Not a slouch present on this mostly original offering highlighted by tracks including “Can You Hear Me”, “Protection From Your Affection” and “The Color Blue”. A “Best Of Year” candidate.
Long Tall Deb & Colin John Album: Light It Up Label: Vizztone Genre(s): Contemporary Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Jun 22, 2025
Review
Two covers jump out of this set for notice, and likely airplay consideration. Encased in a sultry shuffle-beat backup, vocalist “Long Tall” Deb Landolt’s sassy reading of Eurythmics’ 80’s hit “Sweet Dreams” grabs the ear as does her handling of Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful”. This well-traveled gem is further revitalized by fiery blues harp work from Steve Marriner. A cherry on top is provided courtesy of guitarist/partner Colin John’s multi-voiced fretboard dazzler “Out For A Rip”.
Dick Plant Album: Slipstream Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Surf Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Jun 19, 2025
Review
Some musicians are underrated. Taking a back seat to their works with more well-known recording artists, these players are no less than gifted recording artists in their own rights. Case in point is U.K.-based guitarist-composer Dick Plant.
Also known as Richard Plant, Dick is a behind the scenes engineer and sometimes producer that has worked with iconic recording artists The Shadows along with Hank Marvin as a solo artist, ELO mastermind Roy Wood and many others.
Dick co-founded The Vibratos with Warren Bennett, the son of Shadows drummer Brian Bennett and together they released several great albums of instrumental rock in the spirit of Hank Marvin and The Shadows.
Following the sad breakup of The Vibratos, Dick returned in 2025 with his very own self-titled 12-track solo album entitled Slipstream.
For guitar fans interested in surf-rock, The Shadows and other great bands
Jee & Bee Album: Fifth Element Label: Castle Genre(s): World Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Jun 19, 2025
Review
Introduced to music fans by France’s jazz-fusion guitar master Jean-Pierre Llabador, Bernard Margarit released an intriguing new album of mostly rare instrumental sounds in 2025 entitled Fifth Element. Recorded with Bernard’s wife and partner in their band Jee & Bee, Joyeeta Sanyal, the 5-track, 20-minute mini-album is rich in World Music elements, no doubt partly due to Joyeeta’s Indian heritage.
Bernard’s electric guitar work is quite impressive and paired with Joyeeta’s sitar sounds, the album takes on a mystical edge. Every track expertly combines a pop-like melodic essence with a near disco beat escorting the music, while the World Beat groove is also very much in abundance. Start to finish, the Fifth Element album is a must for World Beat enthusiasts.
Case in point is track 2, “Ganesha Mantra”, a tribute to the Hindu
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