"The Late Show", by Barry Levenson, is the last of this three disc review of Rip Cat Records' recording artists. Have I saved the best for last? Well, that's up to you to decide. Since all three releases have been worthy of very high praise, I wouldn't argue against anyone's choice as to which was best.

On "The Late Show", Barry Levenson - on guitars, is joined by: Blake Watson and Hank Van Sickle on bass; Dave Kida on drums; Mike Thompson on keyboards; Phil Krawzak and Chris Jennings on horns; Mike Sandberg on percussion; Johnny Dyer and Larry "Big House" David on harp; and Mary Williams, Finis Tasby and Johnny Dyer on vocals. Featuring well over an hour of musical pleasure the disc contains fifteen original tracks, of which ten are masterful instrumentals.

"Riley's Shuffle/Blue Tears" is a perfect opening track. It's a smoking instrumental on which just about everyone gets in some licks. The rhythm is pronounced, the keys are flailing, the horns are blaring, and the guitar is leading them all.

"One For Muddy" is the first of just five tracks that feature vocals, and this one happens to feature one of my personal favorite vocalists - the great Johnny Dyer. Barry and Johnny - knock this one right out of the park. I just wish they took a little longer rounding the bases. After a short three minutes, I was wanting lots more of this.

The title track, "The Late Show", should have an asterisk by it's title with a reference stating that "no heavy machinery or motor vehicles should be operated while listening". Take my advice, turn up the volume, lower your head, close your eyes and allow this instrumental to lead you into a trance. The soothing rhythm, the calming horns, the softness of the piano and the sensuality of guitar are collectively spellbinding.

Once again, it's another Mannish Boy who's belting out the blues and this time it's the great Finis Tasby. His powerful vocals combined with a three minute guitar solo from Barry - on which he may very well have been at disc's best - easily makes "Slippin' Down Blues" one of the disc's best tracks.

Hold on, you're going for a ride.....a fast ride. Yeah, Barry's tearin' it up on "Charlie's Ride"......he does that on every track. However, it's the rhythm guys runnin' this one. Blake and Dave are delirious on bass and drums, Mike's absolutely wild on piano, and Phil and Chris have me not believing they're the only two horn players. Very good stuff.

"West Side Rain" is another absolutely phenomenal track. As with all the others, everyone on it sounds great. However, Dave's on top of his game right here. This is by far some of the best tone I've heard from his drums. A tip of the hat goes out to Larry, as well. He sure makes you wish this wasn't his only appearance on the harp. As for Barry, I'll just say a copy of this track should be given out with the purchase of every guitar.

Contrasting the fury with which "The Late Show" opened, the closing track is a production in finesse. The only place you'll hear anything remotely blue is in the title - "Green Is Blue". This is more like something you'd hear being performed by a world class jazz combo in a high class jazz club. Backed up by eloquent rhythm from Hank, Dave and Mike on the bass, drums and organ, each and every note out of Barry's guitar is meticulous. Hearing this at a live performance, I'd have to slap anyone that talked.

Right here, right now, I'm going on record as saying that if "The Late Show" doesn't garner at least a Blues Music Award Nomination for Barry in the "Instrumentalist Guitar" category, then the nominators just weren't listening as close as I was.

Although Barry's personal website does exist, it's been a while since it's been updated. Check him out on Facebook or just go to www.ripcatrecords.com for a copy of "The Late Show". Wherever you track him down, do tell him the Blewzzman sent ya.