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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


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Showing posts with label Greece. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greece. Show all posts

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Your Mind Keeps Ramblin' - SMALL BLUES TRAP

Small Blues Trap is a Greek blues band formed in August 2004. The band members are: Paul Karapiperis /vocals, harmonica, steel guitar Panagiotis Daras /guitar Lefteris Besios /bass Stathis Evageliou /drums INFLUENCES S.B.T. is a band with multiple influences: classic rock, jazz and of course the blues. Artists such as Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Albert King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson (1&2), Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, Tampa Red, Son House, Robert Johnson, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Campbell, Paul Butterfield, Peter Green, Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Led Zeppelin, The Doors...and many more! PARTICIPATION AND CD RELEASES -In October 2004 S.B.T. recorded a CD containing known songs that were arranged to express their very personal style and common influences. In addition, the CD includes three original SBT compositions. ("Small Blues Trap") -From December 2004 until April 2005 S.B.T. recorded 12 new songs in a new CD with the general title ''Our Trap''. This album was presented by the cultural radio of ERT3 (95,8FM) in Thessaloniki.(Elias Zaikos/ “Stories From Vinyl”) -The S.B.T.'s participated with 2 songs in the music competition sponsored by the Virtual Studio Magazine and received the first prize. -The Summer of 2006 found S.B.T. in a studio recording the album ''Crossroad Ritual'' which is distributed by ANAZITISI RECORDS . -In May 2007, “Diapason”, a noted Greek music magazine released a CD containing two of S.B.T. 's compositions. -In September of 2008 S.B.T. participated with 3 songs in a blues collection CD called "Magic Bus Sessions'' distributed by Universal Music. -In April of 2010 the S.B.T. presented their new album titled: “Red Snakes and Cave Bats”. The new release contains 12 new songs and an arrangement of the song “Buy a Dog” that was firstly written and sang by the front man of the BLUES WIRE the oldest and most popular Greek Band, Mr. Elias Zaikos. Nowadays , S.B.T. continue to work on new material.... The band has played in some of the biggest clubs in Greece such as ATHINA LIVE, PLANET MUSIC, STON AERA, SYRMOS, BLUES, PARAFONO, VINILION, TSAI STI SAHARA, SMALL MUSIC THEATRE, LAZY, IN VIVO, LIFE JAZZY BAR, CAMELOT, NOSOTROS, BARAKI TOU VASILI, DOUBLE TROUBLE, BOOZE COOPERATIVA, CAFÉ AMERICAIN, CAFODEIO, MAD, CYBER’S, CAFETHEATRO, COKATLAN, ROADHOUSE BLUES, 140 LIVE, DAVOS, LA BOHEME, ATLADIS… Furthermore, they have taken part in the every blues-rock festival in Greece.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!


Monday, October 7, 2013

Now We Are Strangers - Small Blues Trap

Paul Karapiperis /vocals, harmonica, steel guitar Panagiotis Daras /guitar Lefteris Besios /bass Stathis Evageliou /drums S.B.T. is a band with multiple influences: classic rock, jazz and of course the blues. Artists such as Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Albert King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson (1&2), Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, Tampa Red, Son House, Robert Johnson, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Campbell, Paul Butterfield, Peter Green, Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Led Zeppelin, The Doors...and many more! -In October 2004 S.B.T. recorded a CD containing known songs that were arranged to express their very personal style and common influences. In addition, the CD includes three original SBT compositions. ("Small Blues Trap") -From December 2004 until April 2005 S.B.T. recorded 12 new songs in a new CD with the general title ''Our Trap''. This album was presented by the cultural radio of ERT3 (95,8FM) in Thessaloniki.(Elias Zaikos/ “Stories From Vinyl”) -The S.B.T.'s participated with 2 songs in the music competition sponsored by the Virtual Studio Magazine and received the first prize. -The Summer of 2006 found S.B.T. in a studio recording the album ''Crossroad Ritual'' which is distributed by ANAZITISI RECORDS . -In May 2007, “Diapason”, a noted Greek music magazine released a CD containing two of S.B.T. 's compositions. -In September of 2008 S.B.T. participated with 3 songs in a blues collection CD called "Magic Bus Sessions'' distributed by Universal Music. -In April of 2010 the S.B.T. presented their new album titled: “Red Snakes and Cave Bats”. The new release contains 12 new songs and an arrangement of the song “Buy a Dog” that was firstly written and sang by the front man of the BLUES WIRE the oldest and most popular Greek Band, Mr. Elias Zaikos. Nowadays , S.B.T. continue to work on new material.... The band has played in some of the biggest clubs in Greece such as ATHINA LIVE, PLANET MUSIC, STON AERA, SYRMOS, BLUES, PARAFONO, VINILION, TSAI STI SAHARA, SMALL MUSIC THEATRE, LAZY, IN VIVO, LIFE JAZZY BAR, CAMELOT, NOSOTROS, BARAKI TOU VASILI, DOUBLE TROUBLE, BOOZE COOPERATIVA, CAFÉ AMERICAIN, CAFODEIO, MAD, CYBER’S, CAFETHEATRO, COKATLAN, ROADHOUSE BLUES, 140 LIVE, DAVOS, LA BOHEME, ATLADIS… Furthermore, they have taken part in the every blues-rock festival in Greece.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Six O'clock Shuffle - Gregg Giarelis

Gregg Giarelis is a singer / songwriter and guitarplayer born in Athens, Greece. Early recordings of Chicago bluesmen heard around the house and a deep fascination towards the guitars hanging in the living room was what triggered Gregg's interest in guitar playing and led to a further involvement with blues. Over the years he intensified his relationship with the guitar and singing. His playing was influenced by great blues artists such as Otis Rush, Albert king, Albert Collins, Ronnie Earl, Colin James and Buddy Wittington. Gregg's been performing frequently since 2004 as a solo artist or in the context of blues bands and has shared the stage with great blues artists like Lucky Peterson and Michael Dotson. "The boy can play the blues..." Such were Benny Turner's words to the audience after the 10 minute long jam that took place at the "Saloon" blues club in New Orleans, during Gregg's recent trip to the United States. Gregg has just finished recording his first solo album entitled "Five years of trouble". It consists of 5 original compositions, four songs and one instrumental track. These songs were written during the fall of 2011 and were recorded by the end of that year. A lot of attention to detail has been paid in the album process, being recorded at top notch studios and mastered in Memphis Tenessee.  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Monday, June 3, 2013

So Many Roads - GREGG GIARELIS


Gregg Giarelis is a singer / songwriter and guitarplayer born in Athens, Greece. Early recordings of Chicago bluesmen heard around the house and a deep fascination towards the guitars hanging in the living room was what triggered Gregg's interest in guitar playing and led to a further involvement with blues. Over the years he intensified his relationship with the guitar and singing. His playing was influenced by great blues artists such as Otis Rush, Albert king, Albert Collins, Ronnie Earl, Colin James and Buddy Wittington. Gregg's been performing frequently since 2004 as a solo artist or in the context of blues bands and has shared the stage with great blues artists like Lucky Peterson, Michael Dotson and Eddie Taylor Jr. "The boy can play the blues..." Such were Benny Turner's words to the audience after the 10 minute long jam that took place at the "Saloon" blues club in New Orleans, during Greg's recent trip to the United States. Gregg has just finished recording his first solo album entitled "Five years of trouble". It consists of 6 original compositions, five songs and one instrumental track. These songs were written during the fall of 2011 and were recorded by the end of that year. A lot of attention to detail has been paid in the album process, being recorded at top notch studios and mastered in Memphis Tennessee.  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

All Your Love - BLUES WIRE - GREGG GIARELIS

Gregg Giarelis is a singer / songwriter and guitarplayer born in Athens, Greece. Early recordings of Chicago bluesmen heard around the house and a deep fascination towards the guitars hanging in the living room was what triggered Gregg's interest in guitar playing and led to a further involvement with blues. Over the years he intensified his relationship with the guitar and singing. His playing was influenced by great blues artists such as Otis Rush, Albert king, Albert Collins, Ronnie Earl, Colin James and Buddy Wittington. Gregg's been performing frequently since 2004 as a solo artist or in the context of blues bands and has shared the stage with great blues artists like Lucky Peterson, Michael Dotson and Eddie Taylor Jr. "The boy can play the blues..." Such were Benny Turner's words to the audience after the 10 minute long jam that took place at the "Saloon" blues club in New Orleans, during Greg's recent trip to the United States. Gregg has just finished recording his first solo album entitled "Five years of trouble". It consists of 6 original compositions, five songs and one instrumental track. These songs were written during the fall of 2011 and were recorded by the end of that year. A lot of attention to detail has been paid in the album process, being recorded at top notch studios and mastered in Memphis Tennessee. Last track of the album , was recorded in Nashville Tennessee with producer Steve Haggard of Wild Oats records and is also included in the 2012 Wild Oats sampler cd.

 If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Chicken Fried Snake - THE BLUESBONE BAND

The BLUESBONE BAND is one of the main groups representing the TEXAS BLUES scene in Greece. From their very first appearances, the public turned passionate and enthusiastic. Currently in addition to upcoming shows in Kozani, Arta and Iwannina they are preparing their first full album to be released soon. Also, the Band gave some successful concerts in FYROM and right now they organizing their 1st Balkan tour…. The founder of Bones, Sakis Dovolis is the guitarist and singer of the group. The blues have attracted his interest from the early years of his preoccupation with the guitar. Combining Stevie Ray Vaughan’s explosive energy and BB King’s clear sound with his own musical personality, he has formed a unique technique that featured him as one of the greatest guitarists in Greecei. Sakis has been collaborated with two of the greatest Blues guitar players in Greece, Elias Zaikos and Nick Dounousis, with the Blues legend Louisiana Red, and with the symphonic orchestra of Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki. He teaches electric guitar at the Demetrios Demopoulos conservatory in Kozani and he’s studying music technology at Arta’s University. Eri Kourmpali plays rhythm guitar for the group. As a true blues lover Eri combines elements of the major schools of Texas and Chicago. She studied music in the music sience and art department at University of Macedonia. She also teaches guitar at the Demetrios Demopoulos conservatory in Kozani. The bassist Panagiotis Paraskevas was an integral part of Kozani’s legendary group "Blues Trouble". He has ten-year teaching experience on guitar and bass and he collaborated with some of the greatest musicians of the city. That makes him a very important part of Kozani’s music life. Panagiotis also deals with the professional sound engineering. The drummer, George Vasiliadis, was member of many groups throughout the course of his ten-year career with most important stop "The Blue Rose Band". Since the beginning of his career, George was devoted to the blues which has always been his inspiration. The collaboration of these four musicians led to the creation of their first cd single entitled «Blues Feelings». This six-track cd is a representative sample of the band’s distinct sound since it combines the fire of the modern blues music scene with the authenticity and simplicity of the old school of Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. Three of six tracks are Sakis Dovolis compositions while the rest are covers of legendary blues tunes such us BB King’s "The Thrill is Gone".  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Monday, December 24, 2012

So Many Roads - BLUES WIRE, GREGG GIARELIS, VINILION

Gregg Giarelis is a singer / songwriter and guitarplayer born in Athens, Greece. Early recordings of Chicago bluesmen heard around the house and a deep fascination towards the guitars hanging in the living room was what triggered Gregg's interest in guitar playing and led to a further involvement with blues. Over the years he intensified his relationship with the guitar and singing. His playing was influenced by great blues artists such as Otis Rush, Albert king, Albert Collins, Ronnie Earl, Colin James and Buddy Wittington. Gregg's been performing frequently since 2004 as a solo artist or in the context of blues bands and has shared the stage with great blues artists like Lucky Peterson, Michael Dotson and Eddie Taylor Jr. "The boy can play the blues..." Such were Benny Turner's words to the audience after the 10 minute long jam that took place at the "Saloon" blues club in New Orleans, during Greg's recent trip to the United States. Gregg has just finished recording his first solo album entitled "Five years of trouble". It consists of 6 original compositions, five songs and one instrumental track. These songs were written during the fall of 2011 and were recorded by the end of that year. A lot of attention to detail has been paid in the album process, being recorded at top notch studios and mastered in Memphis Tennessee. Last track of the album , was recorded in Nashville Tennessee with producer Steve Haggard of Wild Oats records and is also included in the 2012 Wild Oats sampler cd. If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Monday, September 3, 2012

How Blue Can You Get - Blues Trackers


1996-Blues Trackers begin their musical journey with their first gigs in Larissa. Soon they start making some hot gigs in all the central Greece.



2000-After a lot of member changes, the group takes a form that holds for almost ten years. Tasos Litridis on guitar and vocals, Panos Badikouthis on guitar,vocals,harp and piano, Sakis Smarnakis on bass (replaced from Marios Spiliotopoulos in 2011) and Teo Triadafillou on drums and vocals.



2001-This year the group makes appearances in all Greece with a big succes and takes part to international festivals like the Balkan Youth Festival, the Harley Davidson European Super Rally and the parapente world championship.



2002-In May of that year they do their first studio recording. One afternoon was enough for the band to play six well known covers of blues and rock songs and give to them a different color and a new style.



2003-They accompany the legendary Louisiana Red for first time at his Greek "birthday" tour and they begin a friendship that will bring them on stage together again the next years. In the same time they play weekly gigs in Volos and Larissa and they make a big number of funs that support the group in every gig.



2004-The blues trio of Blue Roux coming from New Orleans was that years big event for the Trackers. Three musicfull orlean ladies together with the Trackers on stage was something unique.



2005-The Jolly Horns, an amazing horn duet from Volos with Fanis Panagiotopoulos on tenor sax and Fotis Azizis on trumpet come to join the band that year. Hot gigs with funky blues and soul tunes. Blues Wire great guitarist Elias Zaikos appears with the band for two unique concerts. Fanis Panagiotopoulos since then becomes the fifth member of the band.



2006-The thessalian quartet this year is playing together with the fabulus singer Nellie ’Tiger’ Travis from Chicago making for once again an impressing performance. In August of the same year the front man of the group Panos Badikouthis releases his first personal album titled «BLUES PEOPLE». Many great musicians appear in this album like George Bandoek, Elias Zaikos, Alex Apostolakis, Sotiris Zissis and the upcoming band of LMC

.

2007-Louisiana Red, Elias Zaikos and Panos Badikouthis are met in the scene of Art Deco for one unique night.Three generations of blues musicians together on the same scene. A few weeks earlier the Blues Trackers open one of the biggest bands in the rock history Dr. Feelgood and in November of the same year the bass player Glenn Hughes of the legendary Deep Purple.



2010-The band gets in the studio and it's the first that they record their own songs. The upcoming album entitled "Smells Like Trouble" comes out the next year including ten Blues Trackers originals written from the band members.



2011-Together with the new album is coming a new bass player for the band. The line up is changing after almost ten years. Marios Spiliotopoulos, a good friend from the past and a wonderful musician gives a new rhythm groove to the band.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Far Too Many Nights - Blues Gang


In the words of blues prodigy Katie Webster, "Blues Wire are the best blues band in Europe and deserve to be heard by a wider audience".

According to everybody who has ever witnessed a Blues Wire gig this band is one of Europe 's best kept blues secrets and they should finally get the chance to be known to blues lovers around the world.

The Blues Wire story began in 1983 when Sotiris Zisis (bass) and Elias Zaikos formed Blues Gang (who renamed themselves as Blues Wire in 1985), the very first blues band in Greece that tried to capture the original sounds of blues legends like Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and T-Bone Walker. They recorded the first blues album ever to be made by Greek musicians, at a time when it was really difficult to play music without obvious roots in Greek culture, let alone get a record deal for it. Back then, playing the blues not only could make someone almost an outcast, but it also meant dealing with shady characters and going through hard times. The only ways for a blues band to go through these times was to be tough, determined and stay true to the spirit that moved them in the first place.

It was these qualities that saw Blues Wire rise from a struggling blues band to full-grown, seasoned artists with their own distinctive sound.

Thousands of gigs in every kind of venue imaginable, scores of TV and radio show appearances in Greece as well as abroad and an enviable recording expertise have helped define their tight and recognizable sound, a mix of passion and maturity that only comes with experience. Playing festivals and clubs in countries like France , Italy , Austria and Hungary (among others) not only consolidated their reputation but also proved that they are long past the novelty aspect of being a blues band coming from Greece . Their infectious live act has captured the minds and the hearts of audiences everywhere and has earned them many an enthusiastic press reviews all around Europe .

Through the years Blues Wire have often backed up top blues artists such as Louisiana Red, Katie Webster, John Hammond, Larry Garner, Big Time Sarah, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Angela Brown, Big Jay McNeely, Al Copley and Jeanne Carroll, to mention a few, proving they can keep up with the best of them. They have also opened for legendary musicians like Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Albert King, Otis Rush, the Yardbirds and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Their skill and musicianship led to memorable jam sessions with blues pioneers like Champion Jack Dupree, rising stars like Sherman Robertson and well-known British blues players like Dave Kelly. The band's versatility and open hearted attitude brought up spontaneous performances together with many musicians of different styles, ranging from Brit-jazzer Dick Heckstall-Smith to Australian songwriter Louis Tillett and from Canvey Island R&B masters Doctor Feelgood to members of Osibisa.

Blues Wire has provided the foundation of the Greek blues scene and the main inspiration for many younger musicians. For five years they were the house band at Pararlama, the first and most famous blues club in Greece .

After a career spanning more than twenty years, Blues Wire are now busier than ever. Spanning yet another mark in their long career, their last studio album showcases a more varied, elaborate and eclectic sound.

Blues Wire may have moved on to another level but their essence remains intact.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Bulldog Boogie - Blues Wire


In the words of blues prodigy Katie Webster, "Blues Wire are the best blues band in Europe and deserve to be heard by a wider audience".
According to many who has ever witnessed a Blues Wire gig this band is one of Europe's best kept blues secrets and they should finally get the chance to be known to blues lovers around the world.
The Blues Wire formed in 1983. A year later they recorded the first blues album ever to be made by Greek musicians.
Thousands of gigs in every kind of venue imaginable, scores of TV and radio show appearances in Greece as well as abroad and an enviable recording expertise have helped define their tight and recognizable sound, a mix of passion and maturity that only comes with experience. Playing festivals and clubs in countries like France, Italy, Austria and Hungary (among others) consolidated their reputation and earned them many an enthusiastic press reviews all around Europe.

Through the years Blues Wire have often backed up top blues artists such as Katie Webster, John Hammond, Larry Garner, Big Time Sarah, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Angela Brown, Louisiana Red & Al Copley, to mention a few, proving they can keep up with the best of them. They have also opened for legendary musicians like Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Albert King, Otis Rush and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Their skill and musicianship led to memorable jam sessions with blues pioneers like Champion Jack Dupree, rising stars like Sherman Robertson and well-known British blues players like Dave Kelly & Doctor Feelgood .
Blues Wire have provided the foundation of the Greek blues scene and the main inspiration for many younger musicians, while leader Elias Zaikos (guitar, vocals) is considered the most important blues artist in the country.
2006 marks the release of their first – ever DVD entitled “Two Shows” capturing the band at its best, including many new original songs.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

If Troubles Was Money - Blues Cargo


Blues Cargo love Blues Music and mostly like to play Chicago Blues style.Started playing in 1987 at Athens Greece as a four member band. Two guitars Bass and Drums.
After some changes to the members the Band at this time has a five member configuration which is drums,bass,guitar,keybords and sax.They like to listen to all kind of Blues Music But their influences came from people like Freddie King, Jimmy Rogers, Willy Dixon, Albert Collins, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, James Cotton , B B King ...........Also the younger ones like SRV, Lurie Bell, Chris Cain , Larry McCray, Robert Cray.Through these years (almost 25) they had a great deal of live appearances in Athens and all over Greece. Also they had the good luck to back up a number of American blues people such as lurrie Bell, Maxine Howard, Byther Smith, Jean Carol, Eddie C Campell, Louisiana Red, Big Time Sarah, Nellie Tiger Travis, Lovy Lee, Lefty Dizz, and others.....and some oppenings like John Mayall, John Hammond, Nick Gravenites.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”