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 The Bluesbunny Music Reviews http://www.bluesbunny.com/ CD Review Posted: Dec. 2007 Artist: Justine Blazer Album: Red, White and Blue Label: La Blaze Records Year: 2008
Start as you mean to continue is a good maxim and Justine Blazer sets the tone for this album with what will no doubt be a truck stop favourite in "Wheels". Following on with "Real Kinda Girl", she tells us that she is just a simple, downhome, beer drinking girl at heart. Of course she is, but Bluesbunny has never heard anyone in the supermarket checkout queue sing like her. She really throws herself into the song. If you need something radio friendly, then "Sometimes Goodbye" is a stormer of a power ballad with the added bonus of a quality contribution from Andy Lee's fiddle. Ms Blazer then comes over all feisty with "Materialistic". For whatever reason (as if reason had a place in the Bluesbunny mind …), she comes across like a sugar coated version of blues diva Cathy Jean. Just a bit scary, if you ask me. Talking of the blues, BJ Mason's dirty old guitar takes us through some 12 bar fun in "Girl Singin' the Blues". There are some obvious stabs at widespread commercial success ("Beautiful" and "Good Days") that seem rather pedestrian compared to the rest of the songs here but, hell, everybody has to pay the bills. Ms Blazer's voice is well up to the task throughout and she has recruited some excellent musical support for this album. Whilst this is fairly conventional modern day country music, there is plenty of spark and energy on display and that really lifts this album out of the ordinary. Anyway, Ms Blazer seems like the kind of gal that you could take home to meet your mother. Well, not my mother (because that just would not be smart) but your mother. You've been told so go do the decent thing. That means buy the CD, by the way. Available from CD Baby. Review by: Bluesbunny RATING: 4 STARS **** http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=16003 Event News Posted: Nov. 21, 2007
All nine of the preliminary rounds are now complete for the 2007 Detroit Blues Challenge and the nine finalists are prepared to do battle this coming Sunday, November 25, 2007. The nine preliminary rounds make the Detroit Blues Challenge the largest regional competition of it type in the world. The Detroit Blues Society is proud to sponsor and host these prestigious competitions each and every year. What: Magic Bag Finals When: Sunday, November 25, 2007 Starting Time: 4:00PM Where: Magic Bag Theater 22920 Woodward Avenue Ferndale, Michigan Tickets: $10 at the door Telephone: (248)-544-1991 Website: www.themagicbag.com The finalists that will be competing in the 2 categories of the “Big Dance" are as follows: SOLO/DUO CATEGORY Mike Espy and Yakety Yak from Flint, Michigan LL Blues from Romeo, Michigan Al Lukas from Windsor, Ontario Dusty from Windsor, Ontario BAND CATEGORY Sweet Claudette and Friends Reverend Robert Sexton's All Star Band Justine Blazer Band Michael May and the Messarounds Front Street Blues Band These bands will be competing for the opportunity to represent Detroit at The Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge inMemphis, Tennessee on January 31-February 2, 2008, and travel expenses from the Detroit Blues Society as well as prizes donated by XM Satellite Radio/Bluesville, Porchboard Bass, No Cover Productions, Alibi's, Magic Bag, Bluesfest International, Canada South Blues Society, Mannino Photography, and others. About The International Blues Challenge The IBC has evolved into the world's biggest and most respected showcase for Blues musicians ready to move beyond their regional base. Acts play a short set for a panel of judges who score them on an established set of criteria. Blues acts may not enter the challenge directly but rather each of The Blues Foundation's 165 affiliates has the right to sponsor one band and one solo/duo act. Accordingly, those who make it to Memphis are already the best of the best. For the 24th year, Blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation presents the International Blues Challenge (IBC) beginning January 31 and continuing February 1-2, 2008 in Memphis, TN. The world's largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations for the Blues band and Blues solo/duo most deserving of taking their act to the international stage. In 2007, over 90 bands and 60 solo/duo acts from 34 states and 8 countries competed. Even greater participation is expected in 2008, as musicians and fans fill the clubs up and down Beale Street beginning at 5:00 pm for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday and at the Band finals (1:00 pm) and the Solo/Duo finals (7:30 pm) at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday. Justine Blazer @ Silver Spur Music House 8/4/07 http://detroitrockreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=9 Review Posted: Aug. 2007
At 23, Justine is quite musically diverse, as she mixes country with a little bit of soul, R&B, Pop, and even rock. Just take a look at her Debut Album, Passion In Me, available everywhere (click pic for link), to hear what we mean! As we entered the Music House, things where already in full swing, with a bevy of folks two steppin’ and line dancing to the DJ. Very interesting, as Dr2 is not totally accustomed to the Country scene! As Justine hit the stage, the dancers took their seats, and everyone sat up and noticed that girl with the big voice! And what a voice! From the moment Justine steps on the stage, all eyes are focused on her, and she does not let you go. With a proven stage presence, she played the club crowd as if it were an arena, big vocals, big movements, big future! Showing us why she was nominated for three 2007 Detroit Music Awards for Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Vocalist and Outstanding Songwriter in the country category, Justine drew from her debut album with Diamond Tears and When Love Comes To. Mixing covers from The Stones to Carrie Underwood with her own originals, Justine also gave us a look into her future with the title track from her upcoming album called Red, White, And Blue. Judging by that song, Justine Blazer just may have another hit disc on her hands! Red, White, And Blue is due out this fall, so keeps your eyes on Dr2 as we are sure to be reviewing this album from one of Detroit’s best Female/Country/Rock vocalists. Check her out @ justineblazer.com, you won’t be disappointed. As we left the House that night after the show, Dr2 came to the conclusion that we had just seen one of the best shows this year at one very nice venue. Justine Blazer Rocks Her Country! RATING: 5 STARS ***** Hoedown celebrates 25 years The Detroit News Article Posted: Mar. 25, 2007 By: Melody Baetens
"To be able to put on an event of this magnitude for 25 years has exposed a tremendous amount of artists to the Detroit market, starting the first year with Hank Williams Jr. and Tanya Tucker, to this year where we have a huge amount of No. 1 hit-makers as well as the top new acts," says Tim Roberts, program director for WYCD-FM (99.5), a festival co-sponsor. This year's event will feature a lineup of national country artists, such as Little Big Town, Emerson Drive, Tracy Lawrence and Aaron Tippin. The bill will include performances by "American Idol" alumni and Westland native Josh Gracin and "Idol's" Bucky Covington. Local artists also performing include the Forbes Brothers, Justine Blazer, Jill Jack and WDIV-TV anchor Devin Scillian. Other sponsors of the free festival include Chrysler Jeep Superstores, WDIV (Channel 4) and Comcast. Proceeds will benefit the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department. Downtown Hoedown schedule : Fri., May 18 Tracy Lawrence Darryl Worley Bomshel Danielle Pack Dusty Drake Derringer Sarah Lenore Hunter Brucks Justine Blazer Willie Nash Sat., May 19 Josh Gracin The Wreckers Aaron Tippin Carolina Rain Kelly Sheppard Chris Young Forbes Brothers Luke Bryan Bucky Covington Memarie Devin Scillian Red Hill Arte Dean Harris Trigger Darlow Sun., May 20 Little Big Town Joe Nichols Emerson Drive Ty Herndon Jason Michael Carrol Heartland Cole Deggs Donovan Chapman Jill Jack Dannie Marine J3 Traci Kennedy Hart Plaza May 18-20, 2007 Jefferson at Woodward avenue Detroit (248) 799-0600 www.wycdhoedown.com http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-28857377_ITM Article Posted: Dec. 8, 2006 By: Rachel May
http://www.christmasreviews.com/wjustineblazer.shtml CD Review Posted: Dec. 2005 CD Review: Just A Justine Christmas Summary: Uniquely stylish voice Gorgeous pop singer + uniquely stylish voice + 12 holiday favorites = Just a Justine Christmas! This album is bright 'n cheery, emphasizing modern numbers like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Santa Baby," but does have its more reflective moments ("O Holy Night," "Let There Be Peace on Earth"). Justine Blazer has a fine, clear vocal instrument, and she pumps considerable personality into each offering. She is simultaneously sultry and vulnerable, a combination that is difficult to pull off. Her voice is sweet, but not too sweet; and she is flexible, but not over-the-top. Justine's version of "Santa Baby" demonstrates her sly, whimsical side, and on the classic "White Christmas," this pop star is surprisingly old-fashioned. On occasion, the instrumental accompaniment crowds Justine's fine voice a bit too much. Unfortunately, the liner notes do not reveal the identity or nature of other musicians and back-up vocalists. For me, Justine's best moments come when she's in a soulful mood; her "Please Come Home for Christmas" is dynamite. Everything about that number works gangbusters for her--the range, the tempo, and the mood all fall naturally into place. Bravo, Justine, for Just a Justine Christmas! Very nice! --Carol Swanson (Reviewed in 2005) |
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"Justine is part of the new generation of talent out of motor city..." --Chris Trevett (Two-Time Grammy Award Winning Producer) "She captivates her audience with her clear vocal abilities singing the lyrics with meaning and enthusiasm. She is a hot act on stage moving and dancing with great emotion with a real feel to the music she performs." --Tom Tesnow, (Publisher of The Magazine of Country Music) "Justine Blazer is an unassuming musical dynamo. She charms you with her sweet personality and then kicks you in the head with her music. She is a definate must see act" --Steven J. Allen (Detroit Blues Society President) |
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