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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!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Firenze Records artist: Markus James - Head For The Hills - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 28, 2014), Head For The Hills, from Markus James and it's alive! Opening with Just Say Yes, a stripped down driver with straightforward drumming and rhythm guitar. James vocals, presented like through a distorted mic is nicely complimented by whirling slide guitar work. Very cool! RL Burnside's Going Down South really has the feel of today's modern blues as delivered by the Keys for example but with heartier slide and also featuring Kenney Kimbrough on drums. I like this track for isn't simplicity juxtaposed against it's modern slide techniques. Head For The Hills has a lot of the roots of Mali without losing it's North American sound (or vice versa). Shake is a real shak shaker with Calvin Jackson on drums. James does a real nice job on vocal and guitar on this track plus adding a cool harp part as well. This track is certain to appeal to contemporary audiences. Suit Of Golden Clothes is one of my favorites from purely a blues point of view. It captures much of the delta feel and sounds. For Blind Willie is a a somber guitar chant not unlike some of Ry Cooders work. It is very pure and very nice! Marlon Green leads the way on drums on Gone Like Tomorrow. With high register slide work playing against the solid rhythms of the tom toms, this is a cool track just for listening. Fallin From The Sky shows a lot of tension with heavy vocal work from James and his steamy slide work backed only by basic (hambone) percussion. Very cool! Nomo is the closest to a contemporary commercial track on the release. A catchy melody and lyrics make this an easy anthem. Title track, Head For The Hills has a driving beat from Kimbrough and metallic sounding slide work under authentic vocals. With country blues picking coupled with slide work and lightly distorted vocals this is another cool track. On A Mississippi Porch has a very clean and simple acoustic touch. Easy acoustic slide work and hambone percussion give this track realism. Sleepyhead has what I'd describe as a quiet melody that is almost distinctly Mississippi but with a definite Mali sense about it. Very nice. Candyland Refugee is a track with two distinct facets. A simple contemporary song but with an African rhythm and instrumentation. Interesting sound. Diddley Bow And Buckets is a primitive track of exactly as it is titled. A simple DB and soft buckets by Calvin Jackson. Woke Me has a strong feel of Robert Johnson (Crossroads) with a certain modern feel. Kimbrough is back on drums and James' vocals are confident and his slide work is hot! Wrapping the track is Green, a simple acoustic slide guitar melody. A cool track with acoustic nature sounds added on string instrument is a nice conclusion to an unusually cool blues release.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Monday, October 27, 2014

3011 Records artist: Howard and the White Boys - Rosa's Lounge - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Rosa's Lounge, from Howard and the White Boys and it's quite good. Opening with Heat Seeking Missile, a cool R&B style blues, Howard (bass and vocals) and the boys, Rocco Calipari (guitar), Pete Galanis (guitar) and Jim "Bucka" Christopolous launch off into a great track. Nice lead guitar work and great vocals highlight the track. Strung Out On The Blues is up next and it rips! A down and dirty track really showcases Howard's vocals and especially tasty guitar riffs throughout. This is my favorite track on the release and shows how strong Howard and gang can be live! Trouble Follows You is a cool Billy Boy Arnold or Bo Diddley influenced track with a great rhythm and strong drum beat by Christopulos. Cool slide work on this track over the guitar rhythm nicely emphasizes the contrast. Judge has a bit of funk and slick guitar rhythms. Freewheeling guitar work pushed along by Christopulos and McCullum makes this track sing. A slow R&B style blues, What Would I Do, sets up nicely. This track should play nicely into radio play with a sweet melody and fluent bursts of guitar wizardry. Guess Who's Coming To Dinner is a cool blues track with a track of Taj Mahal in feel. With a solid bass line and nice slide work, this track will appeal to both dancers and guitar enthusiasts. Super boogie, Black Cat features Steve Asma on slide guitar and this track moves! Asma adds a real nice texture and a free wheeling approach as the band literally romps (Think Tush). Excellent! R&B style track, The Last Time, employs wah wah and a funky back beat for a straight up radio track. Of course there are slick solos with pinched harmonics and double stops but this track is one that will stick in your head. The Blues Are Killin' Me is an easy blues rocker with a solid bass line and featuring Neal O'hara on organ some fluid guitar riffs in an extended jam format. Wrapping the release is That's Alright which was recorded in JoyRide Studios in Chicago. With a tighter more radio oriented flavor, this track again seems to be perfectly suited for a diverse audience of listeners. I like this release. A live review of this band shows it's musical talent and diversity. Very cool.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Jack Bruce, Bassist for Supergroup Cream, Dead at 71

Jack Bruce, the bassist for legendary rock supergroup Cream, has died. He was 71.
Bruce's family announced his death via Facebook and the musician's official website.
"It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad and all-round legend," the statement said. "The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts."
The Scottish-born singer died Saturday "at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family," publicist Claire Singers confirmed.
No further details were provided, but the Press Association reported that Bruce died of liver disease.
Bruce is best known as a member of the 1960s British band, Cream, performing alongside members Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker. Formed in 1966, Cream went on to sell 35 million albums in just two years, according to Bruce's website. The band's third album, Wheels of Fire became the first-ever platinum-selling double album. Cream split shortly after its debut in 1968, and Bruce went on to front his own bands.
"Jack felt that he had strayed too far from his ideals, and wanted to re-discover his musical and social roots," according to Bruce's website.
He returned to the studio to record his 2001 solo album Shadows in the Air, which hit no. 5 on the British jazz and blues chart.
Bruce was born to musical parents in Glasgow, Scotland, on May 14, 1943. His parents traveled extensively in Canada and the U.S., and a young Bruce attended 14 different schools. He finished his formal education at Bellahouston Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, to which he won a scholarship for cello and composition.
Bruce left Scotland at 16, and in 1962, joined his first important band, the influential Alexis Korner's Blues Inc., in London. It featured drummer Charlie Watts, who later joined The Rolling Stones.



Thursday, October 23, 2014

"Virtue & Vice" By Hornbuckle Wins Mile High Blues Society's 'Best Self-Produced Blues CD'





                                       
                                             HOORAY FOR HORNBUCKLE:
  "VIRTUE & VICE" WINS 'BEST SELF-PRODUCED CD'
AS VOTED BY DENVER'S MILE HIGH BLUES SOCIETY



  (DENVER, CO) - "Virtue & Vice," the critically-acclaimed album by Denver-based group Hornbuckle, has won "Best Self-Produced CD" as voted on by the Mile High Blues Society in Denver, CO. "Virtue & Vice" will now qualify for the International competition judged by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN. The winner will be announced during the IBC Finals on the night of January 24, 2015 at the Orpheum Theatre in the Historic Beale Street District.

  "Virtue & Vice is beautifully recorded and produced," says Mile High Blues Society President, Rick Davis. "The songs are brilliant, sad, and uplifting. Blues ballads telling a story of failure, struggle, and redemption. The performances are first-rate," Davis concludes.

   Hornbuckle, known as "Denver's First Family of the Blues," is fronted by guitarist-vocalist Michael Hornbuckle and brother, Brian Hornbuckle (bass-vocals).


  WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING ABOUT HORNBUCKLE'S  "VIRTUE & VICE"


"Hornbuckle's sound is fresh and interesting...these guys have managed to find a way to give the blues a mainstream, pop-driven sound, while at the same time staying true to their bluesy roots. The songs themselves are nothing short of excellent."       
                                     ROCK OVER AMERICA

"Not since ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughan has there been a band that could wind a mean bar room boogie and bring the blues home like the Hornbuckle Brothers. One of the best new independently produced albums of the year."
                                                  XOMBIEWOOF MAGAZINE

"Spearheaded by Michael's smooth, soulful voice (a la Paul Rodgers in Tonality), the quartet presents a thoroughly sophisticated product right down to the subtle instrumentation that makes "Beautiful Rain," "Angels, Addicts, Poets & Thieves," and "Beautiful Rain"sound so rich."
                                   MUSIC CONNECTION

"Michael Hornbuckle's voice is a soulful powerhouse that closely matches the pipes of Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) as the band soars over the blues on Virtue & Vice, their most recent release."
                                   THE ALTERNATE ROOT








       

   

                                www.hornbucklemusic.com
               https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hornbuckle

Blind Pig Records artist: Jimmy Thackery - Extra Jimmies - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Extra Jimmies, from Jimmy Thackery and it great! Made up of tracks from previous releases, Empty Arms Motel, Wild Night Out! and Switching Gears, this release is super. Opening with Write If You Find Love, a bluesy rock number, Thackery leads on vocal and guitar joined by Michael Patrick on bass and Al Gamble on B3. BB King's cool shuffle track, You Upset Me Baby, is up next and Thackery is immediately in the groove. Drummer Mark Stutso takes the lead on vocal and Thackery gives this track a good spanking on guitar and Wayne Burdette joins on bass. Recorded live, a whole different dynamic occurs with a bit more time to jam. Very cool! Fast instrumental shuffle, Rude Mood is a terrific opportunity for Thackery to spread his wings and smoke show what he's got and he's not holding back. Excellent! On New Orleans influenced, I Got To Be Strong, Patrick, Gamble and Stutso carry the rhythm and Thackery spices it up with red hot riffs. I particularly like Thackery's loose vocal style on this track giving it a party feel. Wildchild Butler's Lickin' Gravy is flat out smokin' with Thackery taking it down and dirty. His vocal grit juxtaposed against his rip snorting guitar solo's make this my favorite track on the release! Take Me With You When You Go is sopping with gumbo joined by Chubby Carrier on accordion. Love To Ride has a simple two step rhythm and clever bluesy riffs and soft backing vocals. Trouble Man is a straightforward blues rocker featuring some scorching fretwork and a catchy melody. I Wouldn't Change A Thing is a bluesy ballad featuring nice vocal harmonies with Reba Russell, solid B3 work from Gamble and saturated guitar work from Thackery. Very nice! Lowell Fulsom's Honey Hush is up next set up with a simple rock and roll rhythm. Thackery's fat guitar attack really sets this track apart not only stylistically but sonically. Cool! Flyin' Low is a good name for this track with it's low key style but it is flying. Grinding guitar riffs at the bottom of the fretboard make this track different. Empty Arms Motel has a rockin' R&B feel. Nicely articulated double stopped picking and wild bends give this track that something special. Wrapping the release is Monkey, a serious rock n roller. Gamble holds down the bottom with Patrick as Thackery lays down some of the hottest RnR riffs on record since Alvin Lee. Excellent conclusion to a super release.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Blind Pig Records artist: JW-Jones - Belmont Boulevard - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Belmont Boulevard, from JW-Jones and I think it's his best yet. Opening with Love Ten Times, a contemporary blues/rock number with a pinch of country, Jones and drummer Tom Hambridge handle the vocal part. On Bobby Parker number, Watch Your Step, Jones throws a bit of sixties rhythm to a classic R&B track with hot guitar riffs. Very Nice! Blue Jean Jacket has a fresh, southern blues rock feel with Reese Wynans on keys and Jones rips hot riffs on guitar. On Coming After Me the band lays down a really nice slinky groove with a strong bass line from Dave Roe and some of the best vocals on this release from Jones. Particularly nice guitar work by Jones on this track makes it one of my release favorites. Don't Be Ashamed has a bit of a British blues feel with Laura Greenberg on drums and Jamie Holmes on drums. Thank You has a pop rock feel with a R&B basis. Flaming guitar riffs highlight this track with it's driving beat. Really cool Magic Slim like riffs open Magic West Side Boogie. This is a slick instrumental with a cool boogie beat. I really like Jones' fretwork on this track highlighting it as a clear front runner on the release. What Would Jimmie Do? is a slower boogie with a Latin twist and a cool swing. A true rocker this track gives Jones another opening to show what he can do. Very nice! If It Feels This Good Tomorrow is definitely the radio track for the release. A catchy hook and sweet melody drives the song. Buddy Guy's What's Inside Of You is a hot number with a lot of the flash of Mr Guy himself and the right funky push that Jones needs to break loose. This is the guitar man's track and a definite cooker! Never Worth It is structured around the basic early Rock and Roll pattern and keeps it solid like TYA. A bit more polished that Mr Lee, Jones does a real nice job of articulating his riffs and adding some cool reverb and chords. Wrapping the release is Cocaine Boy is a raw blues number with echo guitar effects and staggered drumming with quite pleasant results. A real nice track to complete Jones' first release on Blind Pig Records.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Icehouse Records artists: Low Society - You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down, from Low Society and it has edge. Opening with Blues Rocker Crammed & Jammed, vocalist Mandy Lemons is riding high on the slide work of Sturgis Nikides, supported by Mike Munn on drums and Nick Dodson on bass. Voodoo Woman again features the master slide work of Nikides with a style not a lot dissimilar to Rod Price. Lemons has the ferociousness of Pearl but her own style. Rick Steff adds a cool organ line and Dr. Herman Green some cool sax. Need Yer Love has an unusual euro sounding construction making it really stand out. With it's calliope feel and Nikides on slide, Lemons lays down some of her bluesiest vocals. Son House Says has a smooth jazzy feel but almost like a twist on "Sumertime". Keywork from Steff helps the shape the track but this is really all about Lemons. A funky twist midway led by Dodson and Muss adds texture and Nikides slides in with a cool solo as well. Title track, You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down, has a very cool boogie rhythm led by a solid bass line from Dodson. Nikides takes a slick ride on the slide on this track making it one that is most likely to end up on the radio. Very cool! Possibly my favorite track on the release, This Heart Of Mine is a slow ballad with heavy blues overtones. Building intensity throughout the track, Nikides and Lemons really hit it on the head. Excellent! Up In Your Grave has a country gospel feel with a bit of pickin and a two step rhythm. Let Me Ride has a deep south spiritual feel with Lemons coming on strong. Slide work from Nikides and light piano work from John Shaw gives it a bluesy feel. No Money Down is a ballad with a western feel. Perfect rhythm from Munn on drums makes this effect particularly clear along with steel work from Nikides. You Got A Right is a rolling blues track with an easy R&B feel (Think I'm Tore Down). Nice guitar work from Nikides adds to the rolling momentum overall. El Diablo is a fairly contemporary ballad featuring the lead vocal of Lemons but with a cool acoustic guitar riff from Nikides. Wrapping the release is Should've Known Better, a solid Texas style blues track. A solid sax solo from Dr. Green and a few cool riffs from Nikides top it off.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Monday, October 20, 2014

Be On The Lookout: Mike Zito DVD/CD Out On November 11th


Mike Zito and The Wheel Makes
An Illegal Turn In The Right Direction
Live CD/DVD Songs From The Road Out November 11th



Atlanta, GA – Ruf Records artist, Mike Zito is set to release his Songs From The Road Live CD/DVD on November 11th .  Zito, an award winning artist and producer, wows the Texas home crowd with his blues boogie-woogie one winter night in January 2014, at Houston’s Dosey Doe only a few miles away from where he lives in Beaumont.

Straight from the start, Mike takes command of the stage with songs from his vast catalog over the years, with songs like Greyhound, “Gone To Texas” and “Pearl River”, co-written by the great Cyril Neville, won a Blues Music Award in 2011. Even a clever cover of the Prince classic ”Little Red Corvette”, would impress the Purple Rain man himself. Mike’s guitar work soars, sings and cheers against his velvet voice perhaps only after years of perfecting the two. Mike has cultivated this sound, one that stands on its own head with songs that talk about taking that leap, to somewhere else, has become his life story.

"Zito is a solid singer and songwriter with the technical prowess as a guitarist and producer to confidently execute his vision.” -BLINDED BY SOUND

A blasting concert with the full band starts the DVD, but there is a bonus after the lights have been turned off– a tender acoustic storyteller set where Mike stops to tell his side of his life. Three songs are performed “Dead Of Night”, “Death Row” and “Gone To Texas” with only Mike and his acoustic guitar. He tells the behind the songs, which is worth the price of the show.

"Zito’s actual backstory, coupled with the kind of soul you can’t help but pick u if hailing from that close to Memphis, probably explains why his particular brand of blues-rock seems not only more honest, but more flexible, than many of his contemporaries." – OFFBEAT

His band, The Wheel backs him up and adds color to the show. The Wheel consists of Jimmy Carpenter on saxophone, Scot Sutherland on bass, Rob Lee on drums and on Hammond B-3 and piano, the legendary Lewis Stephens (Delbert McClinton, Freddie King). Mike is able to pick, slide and strum on his guitars in and out as they create the musical back drop.

"Mike Zito and his collection of top notch musicians in The Wheel delivers songs with incredible artistry and a frankness that should never ignored"- LIVERPOOL SOUND & VISION

“The audience was on fire from the first note. The band played with such energy and passion. I was overwhelmed many times throughout this performance by the sheer energy of love that poured out of every soul in that building. It was a truly magical night, one I’ll never forget.” Mike beams with excitement about the show.

           A trailer of the show is ready to view on You Tube:

Mike will be out on the road this fall and winter, supporting his release, around the states as well as Europe at clubs, theaters and festivals. He is booked by Blue Mountain out of North Carolina and managed by Rueben Williams at Thunderbird Management.
Mike Zito is found on the internet: www.mikezito.com as well as all social media outlets.
To arrange an interview with Mike, please contact: Jill Kettles at Miss Jill PR by email: jill@missjillpr.com or tel: 404-213-8542.
To download a hi-res photo for editorial needs, click here: http://www.missjillpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Zito-2014-Press-Photo-2.jpg
MIKE ZITO INTINERARY
US Dates:
10/14/14           Memphis, Missouri       VFW/Lil Memphis Blues Society         
10/15/14           Galesburg, IL                Fat Fish Pub    
10/16/14           St. Louis, MO               Broadway Oyster Bar   
10/17/14           Kansas City, MO          Knuckleheads Saloon   
                                                            W/ Samantha Fish
10/18/14           Columbia, MO              Mojo’s 

European Dates:
11/01/14           De Korenbloem            Zingem                        Belgium
11/02/14           Nix en Meer                 Enschede                      Netherlands
11/04/14           Beaverwood                  Chislehurst                   UK
11/05/14           Wolverhampton                        Robin 2                                    UK
11/06/14           Edinburgh                    Jam House                    UK
11/07/14           Carlisle                         Bluesfest                      UK
11/08/14           Haringe                                    Bluesfestival                 Belgium
11/09/14           Ottersum                      Roepaen                       Netherlands
11/11/14           Bristol                          The Tunnels                 UK
11/12/14           Swansea                       The Scene                    UK
11/13/14           Derby                           Flower Pot                    UK
11/14/14           Sutton                          Boom Boom Club         UK
11/15/14           Berlin                           Quasimodo                   Germany
11/16/14           Sumperk                       Blues Alive                   Czech Republic
11/18/14           Bonn                            Harmonie Bonn                        Germany
11/19/14           Lindewerra                   Gemeindesaal               Germany
11/20/14           Bensheim                     Rex                              Germany
11/21/14           Basel                            Volkshaus                    Switzerland

Award-Winning Roots Music Artist Eric Bibb Sings About "Blues People" on New Stony Plain Records CD, Coming November 4



Award-Winning Roots Music Artist Eric Bibb Sings About Blues People on New Stony Plain Records CD, Coming November 4

Special Guests Include Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, The Blind Boys of Alabama & Ruthie Foster

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records, one of the world’s foremost roots music labels, announces a November 4 release date for Blues People, the new CD from award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Eric Bibb. Produced by Glen Scott, who also plays several instruments throughout, Blues People includes special guest performances by Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ruthie Foster (who Eric has been touring with), Popa Chubby and a number of other musicians from around the world.

The 15 tracks on Blues People include a number of Eric Bibb originals, as well as collaborations with other songwriters, plus songs written by Guy Davis (“Chocolate Man”), Rev. Gary Davis (“I Heard the Angels Singin’”) and the traditional, “Needed Time,” arranged by Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb and Glen Scott.

The concept of Blues People came to Eric Bibb, who’s won the Blues Music Award as “Acoustic Artist of the Year” and been nominated for a Grammy, when he was surrounded by his musical friends at the Blues Foundation Awards in Memphis a few years back. It inspired him to create a collection of songs about change and hope, in collaboration with many of his friends in the blues and roots music realm.

“In the introduction to his classic book, Blues People, Amiri Baraka (who published it as LeRoi Jones) wrote: ‘The path the slave took to ‘citizenship’ is what I want to look at,’” writes Eric Bibb in the album’s liner notes. “That same path, along with its continuation, provided much inspiration for this album called Blues People. This record is also a tribute to the tribe of blues troubadours that I’m grateful to be a member of and it features the talents of several friends and heroes of mine. We, who traverse the highways and skyways of the planet playing the music known as blues, have become a rainbow tribe. We hail from many lands and cultures, bonded by our love of this music and the challenge of making it our own. What began in the fields of the southern United States, became a universal treasure, cherished by music lovers the world over.
My intention with these songs is to focus on some of the history of African Americans, the original blues people, as a reminder of what we’ve been through and where the music is coming from. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of my greatest heroes. The Civil Rights movement that he is synonymous with is referred to in several songs on this album. I hope these songs will remind us that Dr. King’s dream is still a work in progress – we are still not home. May the New Year bring us closer to living that dream.”

Eric Bibb, one of the highest profile international roots music artists, was raised in New York City by a musical family; his father is noted folk singer Leon Bibb and his uncle was world-famous jazz pianist John Lewis, founding member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Legendary actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson was Eric’s godfather, and other music icons such as Peter Seeger, Odetta and Bob Dylan were known to regularly visit the Bibb household.

Eric was given his first guitar at age seven, and by the time he’d reached 16 was asked by his father to play guitar in the house band for the elder Bibb’s local New York City TV talent show.
In 1970, Eric Bibb left New York City for Paris, meeting legendary guitarist Mickey Baker, and began to concentrate on playing blues guitar. He later moved to Europe and is now based in Finland, from which he tours extensively both in the U.S. and overseas.

To watch a special video Eric Bibb created to explain the backstory about Blues People, click on this link: http://bit.ly/BluesPeopleVideo.

Eric Bibb will be touring in support of Blues People and is booked by Folklore International Artists (www.FLiArtists.com). For more information, visit www.stonyplainrecords.com and www.ericbibb.com.

Blues People Track Listing

1 SILVER SPOON - Featuring POPA CHUBBY
2 DRIFTIN’ DOOR TO DOOR
3 GOD’S MOJO
4 TURNER STATION
5 PINK DREAM CADILLAC
6 CHOCOLATE MAN - Featuring GUY DAVIS
7 ROSEWOOD
8 I HEARD THE ANGELS SINGIN’ - Featuring J. J.  MILTEAU & THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
9 DREAM CATCHERS - Featuring HARRISON KENNEDY & RUTHIE FOSTER
10 CHAIN REACTION - Featuring GLEN SCOTT
11 NEEDED TIME - Featuring TAJ MAHAL, THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
& RUTHIE FOSTER
12 OUT WALKIN’
13 REMEMBER THE ONES - Featuring LINDA TILLERY
14 HOME - Featuring ANDRE DE LANGE
15 WHERE DO WE GO - Featuring LEYLA McCALLA

Electro-fi artists Fathead - Fatter Than Ever - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Fatter Than Ever, from Fathead and it is a full spectrum of blues influenced tracks. Opening with I Don't Want To Leave The Party, a rolling boogie, featuring John Mays on lead vocal and Al Lerman on harp. Johnny Says has a rootsy '50's kind of sound with Bucky Berger pushing things along on drums and cool guitar from Papa John King and Lerman on harp. Take A Little Time For Yourself has a little twist of country swing with a cool resonator solo from Lerman. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Evil Eye has a jagged rhythm pattern accentuated by Berger. With laid back vocals and harp and guitar adornment, I just like this track. Twenty Second Chances has a R&B ballad feel with some of the best vocals on the release. Lerman adds a warm to the track with some smooth sax work. When Did You Ever has a country two step feel. Vocal harmonizing between May and the band gives this track a feel of it's own. Lerman plays a cool harp solo on this track as well adding just that right touch. Slippery Slope has a contemporary blues feel and vocal harmonies. Lerman takes a nice harp solo on the track making it one of my favorites. Life Goes On is the most melodic track on the release making it the most likely for radio play with it's catchy hook and subtle instrumentation. My Brother actually reminds me quite a bit of the Doobie Brothers. Vocal harmonies on the chorus and both and guitar and harp leads make it a prime radio track as well. Better Off Taking Chances has a laid back Randy Newman style. Lance Anderson adds some nice piano work on this track and Lerman also adds a cool sax solo. Shoot That Rooster is a cool jump track that makes my top 3 on the release. With a great rhythm and nicely blended vocals, over the cool piano work of Anderson and hot solos from King and Lerman, this track cooks. Pinching Pennies has a little twist of Latin and a little pinch of funk and a dose of New Orleans. Denis Keldie opens Preacher Man with a cool B3 part and the pace is set by Berger on drums, cool bass lines from Omar Tunnoch and the guitar work of King. A Little Feat like track with contemporary rock/blues/funk feel ...sure to be well received. Throw Me A Bone is a cool track with a feeling of Rufus Thomas. Cost To Boogie has a sound of Funky Chicken with Tower Of Power. King breaks loose with his hottest solo on the release. It's a great conclusion of an interesting release.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Stony Plain Records artist: Rory Block - Hard Luck Child - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 21, 2014), Hard Luck Child, from Rory Block and I think that it's the best yet of her "Mentor Series" releases. This album, a tribute to the incredible Skip James, opens with the only original Block track, Nehemiah James, which is a interpretive story of James life with slick slide work. Special Rider Blues is up next and Block not only shows her mastery of side, but also hits the vocals quite nicely. Cypress Grove Blues is so much James at his best, Block translates it nicely and her finger picking and slide work is fine. If You Haven't Had Any Hay, Get On Down The Road is a country blues style track with Block giving it a bit of a contemporary feel vocally over traditional picking styling. Little Cow and Calf Is Gonna Die Blues is another song in a somewhat Piedmont style but with a more contemporary feel. Block overdubbing herself with picking and slide in quite nice. My absolute favorite track on the release, and also one of my favorite all time blues tracks by anyone, Devil Got My Woman, is up next and Block really captures the heart of James on this track with tight guitar and vocal work. Excellent! Jesus Is A Mighty Good Leader is of course done in spiritual style with Block singing chorus behind her own lead vocals. Not only is this very effective but the slide work on this track is particularly cool. Hard Time Killing Floor Blues is a solemn track done in all seriousness. Block does a nice job of delivering the pain in the original track and as always is spot on with her guitar work. On the track, I'm So Glad, as made popular by Cream in the 60's, Block backs her vocals again keeps the guitar light and fluid with rich gospel like backing vocals. Very nice! Wrapping the release is Hard Time Child, another track that exemplifies James at his best. Block adorns this track with guitar very sparingly keeping in the spirit of James. Job well done.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce Release 'Live'
Available October 14th, 2014 on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon  
 
 
  
 
 
The third release from Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce, aptly titled Live, was recorded at a sold out performance at The Blackwell Hall in Kamloops, B.C. on October 11th, 2013. The recording highlights the powerful dynamics between bandleader Sabrina Weeks and her partner in life and music, guitarist Mike Hilliard. The core band consists of Bill White on rhythm guitar, Terry Strudwick on bass and Ed Hilliard on drums. The result is an astonishing capture of a memorable evening of music. Singing with enormous passion and expression, Weeks is sultry, smart and her humour is perfectly timed with the double-entendre one would expect in this set list of seven obscure and classic blues songs and five modern originals.

“We decided to record a live album because we wanted to capture both the vitality and excitement of the band performing at the top of it’s game and also to encapsulate the loving, supporting energy of our fans”, says Weeks. 

Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce’s first two recordings garnered plenty of attention for the band of seasoned performers. 2010’s Tales From Lenny’s Diner debuted at #1 in Canada, #12 globally on the Roots Music Report Blues charts, was featured on SiriusXM B.B. King’s Bluesville and earned the band the Maple Blues Award for New Artist of the Year. As with Tales From Lenny’s Diner, their sophomore recording, 2012’s Got My Eye On You was released to critical acclaim and extensive airplay throughout North America and was named one of the top ten best blues albums released in 2012 by the Blues Underground Network and was named runner up for a Blewzy Award.

Opening with a previously recorded original, the infectious “Bad Boys” (from Tales from Lenny's Diner) and moving right in to gritty swamp-blues of “Jimmy Dee”, “Slide Over Here” a ZZ Top style blues-rocker, “Roll It” another funky blues number, “Happy Home” is a straight ahead blues shuffle. The haunting first single from Live is “Tarantino” - quite possibly the only blues-based song written as a tribute to the influential producer and director Quentin Tarantino.

The five cover tracks on Live are eclectic and done in the way that only Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce can, including Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” which  is a cross between the Joe Cocker and the Etta James versions. “Can’t Hear a Word You Say” a Leiber & Stoller song made popular by blues-belter Ruth Brown, the rarely heard “Strange” by Ike & Tina Turner, “Hound Dog”, a fitting tribute to Big Mama Thornton, and “Big Boss Man” which is a powerful funky version of the classic, but when Weeks sings “You ain’t so big, you just tall... that’s all”, it takes on a whole new meaning.

Rooted in authenticity and conviction Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce have taken an approach to the blues with modern originals and delivery, while still paying homage to classic blues artists from the past.

RIYL: Etta James, Koko Taylor, Ella Fitzgerald, Powder Blues, Big Maybelle, Bonnie Raitt, Ruth Brown
 
Track List:
 
1.     Bad Boys (4:46)
2.     Jimmy Dee  (3:38)
3.     Slide Over Here (4:47)
4.     Roll It (5:02)
5.     Happy Home (4:50)
6.     You Can Leave Your Hat On (5:11)
7.     Strange (5:07)
8.     Tarantino  (4:07)
9.     I Can’t Hear A Word You Say (3:54)
10.  Hound Dog (3:30)
11.  Big Boss Man (4:43)
12.  Got My Eye On You (5:58)
 

“Sabrina's everywhere vocally...soft, sexy, sultry, powerful and commanding. This gal can sing!” - Peter “Blewzman” Lauro, Mary 4 Music 

“Sabrina Weeks and Mike Hilliard deliver the blues goods…”
Robert Bartosh, Roots Music Report

“Vocalist/front person, Weeks is a formidable vocal presence whose style is rooted in a past era that was dominated by jazzy big band sounds. She brings a certain verve associated with the days of ballrooms and sequins...” - Dean Gorden-Smith, Vernon Morning Star 


 

   
 

Legendary Roots Singer Maria Muldaur on the Road with her New "Way Past Midnight" National Tour

Legendary Roots Singer Maria Muldaur on the Road with her New “Way Past Midnight” National Tour

Multi-Grammy nominee and Stony Plain Records artist Maria Muldaur is touring North America with her “Bluesiana Band,” performing a very special tribute to her 50-year career as a recording artist, dubbed the “Way Past Midnight Tour.” And Maria, herself, is bringing a special message to her fans.

“Greetings from the road!,” says Maria. “We've just finished the second week of our Way Past Midnight Tour. We're happy to report that every single gig has been sold out, and we've received a very positive response to this new show that way exceeded our expectations. People are just loving it, and telling us how special they think it is. We're really enjoying revisiting these old song gems; folks are telling us that hearing their old favorites brings back many happy memories and that they are really enjoying the multimedia aspect of the show as well! We want to be sure you know about these tour updates, and we're very excited to announce that we'll be ending the tour with a show in our beloved New Orleans. Hope to see you at one of our shows soon!

“2014 marks 40 years since my big hit, “Midnight at the Oasis,” was riding at the top of the charts and I’ve released 40 albums in that time!!! To celebrate this milestone, I've created a multi-media retrospective - WAY PAST MIDNIGHT - chronicling my 50 year journey “to the Oasis and Beyond.” This special presentation features all my hits, many of your most-requested-over-the-years fan favorites, as well as the best of my most recent work. I will share stories of my personal encounters, friendships, and collaborations with many of the greatest names in music, along with photos and videos from my early days in the ‘60s folk revival with The Jim Kweskin Jug Band, through my years of ‘pop stardom’ and on to my continuing exploration of American Roots Music, Blues, Bluesiana, Jazz & Gospel. This is a chance for you to hear all of your old, rarely performed favorites, so I do hope you'll come out for this special show!”



Maria Muldaur Way Past Midnight U.S. Tour Dates

10/14                     SPACE                                                                                  Evanston, IL
10/15                     Music Box Supper Club                                                 Cleveland, OH
10/18                     Moondog’s                                                                         Pittsburgh, PA
10/19                     The Sportsmen Tavern                                                  Buffalo, NY
10/21                     The Iridium                                                                        New York, NY
10/22                     The Stanhope House                                                     Stanhope, NJ
10/23                     Building 24                                                                         Wyomissing, PA
10/24                     Boulton Center for the Performing Arts                Bay Shore, NY
10/25                     Tupelo Music Hall                                                           Londonderry, NH
10/26                     Iron Horse Music Hall                                                    Northampton, MA
10/28                     Sellersville Theater 1894                                              Sellersville, PA
10/29                     Blues Alley Jazz                                                                Washington, DC
10/30                     Bridge Street Live                                                            Collinsville, CT
10/31                     Chan’s                                                                                  Woonsocket, RI
11/1                       Wellfleet Preservation Hall                                       Wellfleet, MA
11/4                       The Grey Eagle Tavern                                                  Asheville, NC
11/5                       Smith’s Olde Bar                                                              Atlanta, GA
11/6                       Bradfordville Blues Club                                              Tallahassee, FL
11/7                       Skipper’s Smokehouse                                                 Tampa, FL
11/8                       Funky Biscuit                                                                     Boca Raton, FL
11/14                     Snug Harbor                                                                       New Orleans, LA

www.stonyplainrecords.com                                                      www.mariamuldaur.com