Jazzhaus Records artist: Bernard Allison - In The Mix - New Release review

I just received the newest release (March 17, 2015), In The Mix, from Bernard Allison and it's tight. Opening with Colin James track Five Long Years, Allison kicks out a top notch rocker featuring George Moye on bass, Mario Dawson on drums, Bruce McCabe on keys and a real nice sax solo from Jose Ned James. Allison gnashes his blues guitar teeth on a reprise setting the track on afterburners. Easy blues rocker Call Me Momma has a bit of the New Orleans funky groove and Allison's vocals are smooth. Luther Allison's Move From The Hood has a great blues groove set by Moye and Allison's vocals are perfect. Allison lays into the guitar for some swinging blues solos making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Tell Me Who, a sweet soul ballad, again shows the strength of Allison's vocals and sets up nicely for smokin solo riffs from James and Allison. Very nice! Something's Wrong has a real hot 12 bar Elmore James feel with hot slide work complimented by McCabe on piano. Excellent! Lust For You has a swampy feel with Mark "Muggie" Leach laying down a really nice B3 solo over Moye's solid bass lead. Allison fuses jazz and blues riffs for a real hot bluesy feel. Very nice! Tyrone Davis' I Had It All The Same has a bluesier feel than the original with a high stepping rhythm and great blues guitar riffs. Freddie King's I'd Rather Be Blind, has a really nice feel with soaring bends and slightly funky phrasing. Leach's B3 work and SRV like riffs contrasted against the groove set by Moye and Dawson makes for a real nice arrangement of this classic. Set Me Free has a real cocky saunter fostered mostly by Allison's vocal delivery. Leach rolls out another classic B3 solo on this track and Allison grinds out another hot solo of his own. Hot! Closing the release is Luther Allison's Moving On Up, a real R&B style blues classic. Moye, Dawson and Leach set a smooth stage for Allison on vocal and guitar to conclude this super new release.

  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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

New Cash Box Kings album out April 28th!

NEW CASH BOX KINGS ALBUM OUT APRIL 28th! Blind Pig Records has announced an April 28th release date for Holding Court, the latest album from award-winning fan favorites, The Cash Box Kings.  On Holding Court the band continues their mission of carrying on the spirit of the 1940's and 50's post-war Chicago blues sound as well as the Delta blues music of the 20's and 30's. But these illustrious torchbear­ers also add a bravado, energy and freshness to the mix that results in a distinctive musical expe­rience. With a focus on the raw, stripped-down, ensemble playing that was the hallmark of the post-war sound, the band showcases the music of Chess Records and Sun Records while add­ing a healthy dose of original music that captures the essence of the Memphis and Chicago blues sounds of the 40's and 50's. No less a blues authority than Charlie Musselwhite said, "The Cash Box Kings play with taste and feel and it was faith restoring to know there are guys out there that still know and appreciate real blues."  And Living Blues said they are simply "one of the best blues bands in the land." The Cash Box Kings are fronted by Joe Nosek, who writes and arranges songs, sings, and channels the spirits of Little Walter and Slim Harpo on harmonica, and singer and songwriter Oscar Wilson, a 6’3”, 300 hundred pound Muddy Waters-type throwback to the heyday of the Chicago blues scene.  Said Joe, "We're very excited about putting out our third release with Blind Pig.  We feel that this is some of the strongest and most topical music that we've ever recorded and we're really excited to share it with the rest of the blues world. Like all our other albums, this is a 'live' in the studio recording that is primarily focused on the traditional style of Chicago blues music that we feel so passionate about.  But we also tried to touch on some of the other great American musical styles that we love like ragtime, jump blues and swamp pop.   We really feel 'at home' with Blind Pig and appreciate all the support that the label has given us.  We're grateful for them having faith in us and our musical vision."

The Delta Saints - Spring Tour Dates

We hope this note finds you doing well and staying warm out there! We've had some time off at home this month getting our plans together for the release of our next LP, Bones. More on that soon, so keep an eye out! In the meantime, we'll be back on the road in just a few weeks testing out some of these new songs on stage for you guys. We're excited to announce our next Nashville show will be on March 21, celebrating Tin Roof's 13th Anniversary with our friends Phin, Sam Lewis & Logan Brill. Tickets are $10 and they are only available at the door. There are a limited number available so make sure and get there early! Also, we're teaming up with our new friends, Lionize for an extensive tour in April. If you haven't seen these guys before, get excited because they put on a hell of a show. Tickets for all these shows are available now. Full list of dates below, see you on the road!   SPRING 2015 TOUR DATES 3/14 - St Patrick’s Day Festival - Myrtle Beach, SC 3/17 - Local 662 - St Petersburg, FL 3/18 - Jack Rabbits - Jacksonville, FL 3/19 - Backbooth - Orlando, FL 3/20 - Music Farm w/ Atlas Road Crew - Charleston, SC 3/21 - Tin Roof - Nashville, TN 4/1 - Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC 4/2 - Clementine's - Harrisonburg, VA 4/3 - Empire - Springfield, VA 4/4 - The Camel - Richmond, VA    4/8 - Frankie's - Toledo, OH * 4/9 - Emerson Theater - Indianapolis, IN * 4/10 - The Stache - Grand Rapids, MI * 4/11 - Musica - Akron, OH * 4/12 - Zanzabar - Louisville, KY * 4/14 - Firebird - St Louis, MO * 4/15 - Riot Room - Kansas City, MO * 4/17 - Lizard Lounge - Wichita, KS * 4/18 - Vangaurd - Tulsa, OK * 4/19 - Red 7 - Austin, TX * 4/20 - Gas Monkey - Dallas, TX * 4/21 - Hi Tone Cafe - Memphis, TN * 4/22 - Madison Live - Cincinnati, OH * 4/23 - Metro Gallery - Baltimore, MD * 4/24 - Simon's 677 - Providence, RI * 4/25 - Heirloom Arts Theatre - Danbury, CT * 4/26 - Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA * 5/1 - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL 5/2 - Alex River Fette - Alexandria, LA *  co-headline w/ LIONIZE Photo: Leffinge Leuren Festival (9/21/14) by Christophe Brysse

New Release and Reviews for TG and the Swampbusters 'Swamp Tooth Comb'

In just a few weeks since the release of Swamp Tooth Comb by TG and the Swampbusters, critics and DJs across North America and beyond have been quick to add positive reviews, extensive airplay and continued placements on the !earshot campus/community charts for this Hamilton, Ontario guitarist and local legend.    Here's what some of the reviewers had to say:    “This disc sounds exactly as I hoped it would- nasty, evocative, bluesy... right up my alley … these songs have a Stones-like swagger to them, but I’d hardly call them sloppy- full of attitude is more like it, and slinky grooves abound."  – John “The Rock Doctor” Kereiff, Gonzo Online   “Gibbons fronts a guitar/bass/drums trio with a virile sound that draws on blues, country and rock 'n roll with real finesse... Gibbons has a gritty Dylanesque vocal style and is a fine songwriter.” – Kerry Doole, New Canadian Music   “… a tasty cocktail of blues, country and rock … "Swamp Tooth Comb" is a particularly fascinating record of an extremely talented trio!” – Luc Meert, Rootstime     About TG and the Swampbusters   Hamilton, Ontario’s Tim Gibbons has returned to his rock and blues roots with his latest CD, Swamp Tooth Comb. Primarily known as a banjo playing acoustic blues artist, TG’s newest release highlights his skills on the electric guitar, as well as his well worn vocals that are reminiscent of a cross between Slim Harpo and Bob Dylan. Swamp Tooth Comb features nine original gritty blues-based rock songs, described by The Hamilton Spectator as “the kind of stuff a less-than sober Keith Richards would appreciate.”   TG scored his first professional job playing guitar in a blues combo backing exotic dancers at Starvin' Marvin’s, a notorious burlesque theatre. His later career found him performing with some of the city’s most infamous Rock n’ Roll bands; including The Shakers and The Trouble Boys. In the late 1990’s TG was recruited to play bass, drums and organ on Daniel Lanois’ soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film Sling Blade, with his song “Lonely One” featured in the film and on the soundtrack. Following the success of Sling Blade, TG released a CD called Shylingo with Grammy Award winning producer Mark Howard. In 2006, he won Roots Recording of the Year, Instrumental Recording of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards. In 2011 he released an Americana album called Trail of Smoke under the name “Cootes Leland” that was produced by Michael Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies.   With a storied past and lengthy musical career, TG brings a wealth of experience in his approach to songwriting, with songs that become more intricate and detailed with each listen. “As a kid I was always making up songs, hearing things in my head and singing them out. It's never really changed”, says Gibbons. “I let most of them go but every now and then I'd grab hold of my guitar and write it down.”     www.swampbusters.ca   Swamp Tooth Comb on iTunes Swamp Tooth Comb on Radio Submit

Multiple Blues Music Award Nominee Tad Robinson Brings His Soul/Blues Sound from "Day Into Night" on New CD, Coming April 21 from Severn Records

Multiple Blues Music Award Nominee Tad Robinson Brings His Soul/Blues Sound from Day Into Night on New CD, Coming April 21 from Severn Records

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Severn Records announces an April 21 release date for Day Into Night, the new CD from seven-time Blues Music Award nominee Tad Robinson. This new CD is the long-anticipated follow-up to his last release, Back in Style (2010), and features the soul/blues singer backed by the Severn Records house band of Johnny Moeller – guitar, Kevin Anker – keyboards, Steve Gomes – bass and Robb Stupka – drums. Joining in the fun are special guest appearances from blues guitar heavyweights Alex Schultz and Anson Funderburgh.  

This veteran team of musicians, recorded at Severn Sound Studios in Annapolis, Maryland, shows its experience by focusing on how best to serve each song. “It’s not about excess,” notes Robinson; “rather, paring down the accompaniment to the essence of each song.”

That restraint is obvious throughout Day Into Night, enabling Tad Robinson’s soulful vocals to take front and center, resulting in the strongest soul/blues collection in his growing catalog to date.

Included in the new album’s dozen tracks are mostly-original songs crafted by Robinson, Gomes and Anker, including “Nightwatch,” which showcases the always tasteful fretwork of Robinson’s longtime collaborator, Alex Schultz. “Severn’s creative studio environment produced a spontaneous combustion, resulting in Alex’s gorgeous rhythm guitar part on ‘Nightwatch,’ which anchors the tune,” recounts Tad.

The legendary Anson Funderburgh lends his signature stabbing, punctuated guitar lines on “Lonely Talking,” the deepest soul/blues cut on the album. “Anson provided a real gut-check with a call and response to my vocal, which gives it deep passion and intensity,” says Robinson

Additional highlights include the stunning opening track, “Soul Lover,” with its elegant horn chart courtesy of arranger Kenny Rittenhouse; the infectious soul of “Mellow in Love” and “Love Is a Winner;” and the band’s re-working of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s up-tempo number, “Lead Me On.” “This goes to the heart of the record with its message of trust and humility,” declares Robinson. “In the end, that is the essence of the entire disc.”

The songs contained on the new CD are reflections of the way we connect, love and remember. They flow from soul celebrations of sturdy, tested love to the blues of relationships tangled up in doubt, old flames and new attractions, with the inevitability of Day Into Night.

Tad Robinson will celebrate Day Into Night with a series of CD release shows in and around his Indianapolis hometown, including April 10 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana; April 11 at Player’s Pub in Bloomington; May 21 at the Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis; and May 22 at the Jazz Kitchen, also in Indianapolis.

Tad Robinson Discography

2015 – Day Into Night – Severn Records

2010 – Back in Style – Severn Records

2008 – A New Point of View - Severn Records

2005 – Did You Ever Wonder? - Severn Records

1998 – Last Go Round – Delmark Records

1995 – One to Infinity Delmark Records

For more information, visit www.severnrecords.com.

    

Real Gone Records: Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks Volume 12 - 6/26 & 28/74 - New Release Review

I just received the newest Grateful Dead release from Real Gone Records, Disk's Picks Volume 12. Starting Disc 1 with a jam that leads into what many have labeled "the most extraordinary live version of China Cat Sunflower ever recorded". Transitioning with Mind Left Body /Jam into I Know You Rider this is an exceptional recording. Having a little fun with the Beer Barrel Polka and then Truckin' these guys are really on a roll! Spanish Jam has a lot of fire and a certain spirit that is different from much of what I have heard throughout the other recordings. Very cool! Up next is Wharf Rat and then super closer Sugar Magnolia. The band is tight and on fire.

 Disc 2 opens with Eyes Of the World, the encore from the Boston show. Needless to say it is superb. The legendary second set of the Boston show opens with the rare performance of Seastones (Phil Lesh and Ned Lagin's electronic piece). The balance of the concert as recorded includes Sugar Magnolia, a rockin' Scarlet Begonias, Johnny Cash's country jam Big River, the somber To Lay Me Down; on of my favorites in the set, western style Me And My Uncle, and and the more bluesy Row Jimmy.

 Disc 2 continues with one of the most renown live jams of the band's career, a flawless 14 plus minute Weather Report Suite. A creative endeavor led by the vocals of Weir and flowing into a full blown 27 minute fusion jam. An always favorite US Blues, Chuck Berry's Promised Land, a really nice version of Going Down The Road Feeling Bad and then for the final 1-2 punch, Sunshine Daydream / Ship Of Fools which I really loved.

 Real Gone is also reissuing on a very limited basis (300 units) Dick's Picks Volume 35.

  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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Provogue Records artist: Robben Ford - Into The Sun - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (March 31, 2015), Into The Sun, by Robben Ford and I really like it! Opening with Rose Of Sharon a smooth bluesy track with a very clean melody, Ford strokes a well articulated solo making very use of single and double time for emphasis. Day Of the Planets actually has an garage rock feel but but delivered on a polished silver platter. Howlin' At The Moon hits the road with a funky staggered rhythm. Brian Allen on bass lays down a nice funky groove with Wes Little on drums and Ford plays off the funk delivering a solo that rides the rumble. Very cool! Rainbow Cover is a straight up rocker with organ highlights and clean guitar riff adornment. Juttified features guests Keb Mo' on vocal and Robert Randolph on pedal slide. An easy blues swing with rolling piano and stylized fiddle set a super floor for Ford to highlight his nicely stylized solo. Breath Of Me featured ZZ Hill on lead vocals for possibly my favorite track on the release. Hill's soulful vocals are nicely complimented by Ford on beautifully clean solo runs. Excellent! High Heels And Throwing Things has an interesting light funky jazz feel with an almost Steely Dan polish. Warren Haynes lends his hand at guitar on the track giving it a feel of it's own. Cause Of War has a low slung, lumbering feel, a solid melody and with a hot guitar riff following each line of vocals. A heavy "bass solid" romp with tight drums makes this track tick. So Long 4 U features Sonny Landreth has an almost Little Feat swampy feel. I particularly like Ford's vocal delivery on this track and Landreth's slide tone really sets this track off. Excellent! Same Train feeds up more of the jazzy funk and it really has a contageous groove. Ford on guitar and lead vocal is chased by a tight harp line which I really like. This track is infectious with Ford really digging in on guitar and Allen and Little holding a tight bottom. Very very nice! Wrapping the release is Stone Cold Heaven and Ford trades hot guitar riffs with Tyler Bryant. This track with it's swampy rhythm gets really steamy with Ford and Bryant trading riffs and rich backing vocals. An excellent completion to a very cool release.

  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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

ROBERT "WOLFMAN" BELFOUR September 11, 1940 - February 26, 2015

                                  

Story By Roger Stolle

 

    Sad news in the blues world today. Mr. Robert "Wolfman" Belfour — RIP. Arguably the deepest of the surviving, old-school, Mississippi bluesmen was found deceased at his home in Memphis this morning by relatives. He had been suffering from various health issues (mainly diabetes and mobility related) for over a year but had recently been doing better. He had not performed since last June but was slated to play at Juke Joint Festival in April.

 

    Mr. Belfour's family is in desperate need of money for funeral services. The Memphis Blues Society is trying to raise money to help the family with funeral costs. Those wishing to donate can do so through The Memphis Blues Society Benefit link: Click here. For now… if you knew the blues legend, tell your friends a story about him today… if you didn't know him, then stop what you're doing and spend a little time on the web exploring his life and music.

 

Read Roger Stolle's interview with Robert Belfour and watch enjoy some great video: Click Here

 

Heavenly Recordings artist: Duke Garwood - Heavy Love - New release review

I just received the newest release, Heavy Love, from Duke Garwood and it's quite different. Opening with Some Times, a dark, atmospheric track Garwood paints in dark colors in the moonlight. With only vocals, percussion and guitar this track has you listening. Very cool! On Heavy Love, joined by Jehnny Beth and Johnny Hostile on backing vocals, Johnny on keys and Paul May on drums, Garwood has a more conventional yes still aloof blues feel on this track. Burning Seas has a real moody sound but with traditional country blues guitar riffs under solo vocals. Disco Lights has an interesting approach with electric instrumentation with bass by Fred Lyenn Jacques and specifically electric guitar creating tension. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Sweet Wine is a slow folksy ballad. All acoustic guitar and vocal. Snake Man has a feel of a Lou Reed composition with a mostly poetic/chant lyric bass and percussion with light guitar riffs floating. Suppertime in Hell has a light and much more airy feel. It's jazzy groove and melodic guitar lines make it a natural radio track. Very nice. Honey In My Ear is another darker sounding track with a cordial melody. It's textural melody and quiet backing makes it somewhat seductive. Roses is a very serene ballad of only keys, guitar and vocal. A very nicely constructed track it is among my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Hawaiian Death Ballad which ties all of the earlier feelings together into a pretty interesting sonically cohesive package.

 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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Dr. Izzy Band In "Night of Blues" at Toad Tavern

Denver area-based Dr. Izzy Band perform at a three-group "Night of Blues" at The Toad Tavern in Littleton on Friday, March 6.

DR. IZZY BAND PERFORM AT THREE-GROUP "NIGHT OF BLUES" AT THE TOAD TAVERN IN LITTLETON - FRIDAY, MARCH 6   (LITTLETON, CO) - Denver area-based  Dr. Izzy Band perform at a three-group "Night Of Blues" at The Toad Tavern, 5302 S. Federal Circle, in Littleton, Friday, March 6. Showtime: 8:30 p.m. Tickets $8.00. Info: (303)  795-6877 or http://toadtavern.ticketfly.com/. Also appearing: Eef and the Blues Express and Soulshine.                     THE STORY BEHIND THE ALBUM "BLIND AND BLUES BOUND"    Dr. Izzy Band's 2013 album Blind & Blues Bound is aptly named for their female lead singer/band frontperson Dr. Izzy, who is legally blind. "I always tell people ‘there are so many ways too see’, says Dr. Izzy, who was born with full vision but began to go blind at the age of nine. “You can feel peoples’ energy, discern their mood, through their voices and through the touch of their hand”. Dr. Izzy adds, “I love to go up into the mountains here in Colorado. I can’t see them, but I can smell them! I think I remember what things actually look like, but there’s no way for me to really know at this point. I think I remember what colors look like, but who knows if I’m correct. I know what my minds eye tells me, so that’s what I have to go by”.    Blind and Blues Bound features the vocals of legendary bluesman, James Cotton, on the opening track, "Matches Don't Burn Memories." The well-received disc was produced by noted Colorado Kenny Passarelli, who co-wrote the hit "Rocky Mountain Way" and has played with Joe Walsh, Elton John and Stephen Stills, among others. Passarelli also plays bass, Hammond organ, and piano on the album, which also features band co-leader Robert Morrison (guitar/vocals); Larry Thompson (drums); and guest musician, Otis Taylor, on banjo.    Jon Solomon of Denver's WESTWORD Magazine, in a review of Blind & Blues Bound, writes, "On the fiery opener 'Matches Don't Burn Memories' Dr. Izzy digs in, recalling some of Lucinda Williams' grittier efforts...she's equally compelling on the slower, more soulful cuts, such as 'One Last Walk.' Read the entire review here - http://www.westword.com/music/dr-izzy-band-5122710. "Dr. Izzy and her fellow musician's greatest gift is their lyrical and instrumental talent," writes BLUES BLAST. "One cannot deny the power of either. When you're 'Blind and Blues Bound,' troubles can bring triumph!"              DR. IZZY BAND - UPCOMING SHOWS & SPECIAL EVENTS ITINERARY March 6 (Fri.)                  THE TOAD TAVERN                 Littleton, CO March 26 ((Thur.)            NISSI'S                                    Lafayette, CO                                                                                           http://www.drizzyband.com/                         https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Izzy-Band/

"John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - Live in 1967" CD Coming April 21 from Forty Below Records; Previously Unreleased Live Recordings Feature John Mayall, Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood

John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – Live in 1967 CD Coming April 21 from Forty Below Records

Previously Unreleased Live Recordings Feature John Mayall, Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood

LOS ANGELES, CA – Forty Below Records announces an April 21 release date for John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – Live in 1967 (Never Before Heard Live Performances), a very special archival recording of one the best of the Bluesbreakers band lineups, featuring legendary musicians John Mayall (vocals, keyboards, harmonica), Peter Green (lead guitar), John McVie (bass) and Mick Fleetwood (drums). Distributed by Sony/RED, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – Live in 1967 showcases a band that was together for only a scant three months, yet created a lasting legacy, made an immense impact on music and led to the formation of one of the most acclaimed groups of all-time when Green, McVie and Fleetwood left to form Fleetwood Mac.

The genesis of Live in 1967 came about because a staunch fan from Holland, Tom Huissen, was able to sneak a one channel reel-to-reel tape recorder into five London clubs (including the famed Marquee) in early 1967 and capture this exciting glimpse into music history. For nearly 50 years these tapes remained unheard until John Mayall acquired them recently and began restoring them with the technical assistance of Eric Corne of Forty Below Records. “While the source recording was very rough and the final result is certainly not hi-fidelity, it does succeed in allowing us to hear how spectacular these performances are,” says Corne.

“I'd known for a decade or two of the existence of these tapes and in fact Tom Huissen had sent me a CD with 50 second teasers for some of the tracks that he'd secretly recorded at our London shows,” recalls Mayall. “Last year, Tom decided he wanted the world to hear these performances and work soon began on restoring the already fine quality on the old reel-to-reel tapes.”

John Mayall has some fond memories about how this band came about. “Through most of 1966, Peter and John were both regular members of the Bluesbreakers and Aynsley Dunbar was the drummer,” states Mayall. “However, even though Aynsley was a great drummer, it was starting to become apparent that his jazz influenced style of playing was veering away from the blues. As I recall, Peter had been close friends with Mick Fleetwood for some time and he suggested I give him a shot. And so for a short period of only about three months Mick became a Bluesbreaker.”

The band’s repertoire on the tracks of Live in 1967 includes some songs that were originally recorded on The Bluesbreakers first two albums, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton and A Hard Road (which featured Peter Green), plus the soon-to-be recorded Crusade album, which featured young guitarist Mick Taylor after Peter Green left the band. Other songs on the new CD make their live debuts after having been recorded originally as singles in the UK and would later appear on Mayall’s Looking Back album. In addition, several of the songs on Live in 1967 make their first appearance in any form on a Bluesbreakers album.

Two long-time mainstay influences on John Mayall’s storied career – Freddy King and Otis Rush - are well represented here with live versions of songs long-associated with the two blues giants. “All Your Love,” “Double Trouble,” “So Many Roads” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby” come from the Otis Rush canon of blues classics; and Freddy King’s “The Stumble,” “San-Ho-Zay” and “Someday After Awhile,” are given resounding treatments here by the quartet playing with a sense of energy and urgency.

“Ever since Eric Clapton joined the band, we both had a great interest in the recorded work of Otis Rush and Freddy King and many of their classic songs became part of our live performing catalogue,” Mayall says about the two blues icons. “Their guitar work was always an inspiration for Eric, Peter Green and Mick Taylor in those early years.”

The music on John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – Live in 1967 showcases a band that although only together for a short time, was incredibly tight and in-the-pocket while still allowing room for improvisation, none more so than Peter Green, whose guitar work on this CD will stand as some of his best-ever on record. All of Green’s guitar trademarks - the stop time signatures, his incredible sustain and a hair-raising powerful tone – are presented here in all their glory, highlighting a musician who was more than able to assume the mantle as the guitar player following in Eric Clapton’s well-trod footsteps as a member of one of blues music’s all-time aggregations, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.

John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – Live in 1967 Track Listing

1)      All Your Love

2)      Brand New Start

3)      Double Trouble

4)      Streamline

5)      Have You Ever Loved a Woman

6)      Looking Back

7)      So Many Roads

8)      Hi Heel Sneakers

9)      I Can’t Quit You Baby

10)  The Stumble

11)  Someday After Awhile

12)  San-Ho-Zay

13)  Stormy Monday

For more information, visit www.johnmayall.com and www.fortybelowrecords.com

Blind & Blues Bound - Dr. Izzy Band - New release review

I just received the newest release, Blind & Blues Bound, from Dr. Izzy Band and it's got spunk. Opening with Matches Don't Burn Memories, featuring Dr. Izzy on vocals and James Cotton ripping some great harp riffs over a solid 60's style guitar rocker. Sounding at times like Nugent or Marino, Robert Morrison cranks on the guitar. Soul Dance has a sultry feel of an 18th century ballad as articulated by the Brits in the 60's. A cool retro style track with violin and a crisp guitar solo. Been Long Time Comin' is built around a standard blues riff but with arpeggios. The Dr. has a clean vocal attack and Morrison over tracks his guitar solo's nicely creating an interesting weave. Earth Bound has a bit more sting with searing electric guitar work. A heavy bottom on this track gives it a Mountain like feel but Morrison's guitar work is succinct and different from Wests. Old Black Crow features Otis Taylor with a more modern but country R&B feel. Interesting twist. One Last Walk is a slow bluesy ballad with soulful vocals and a solid guitar line. Very nice. Mama Said has a down home country folk found with basic acoustic guitar, fiddle and vocals. Passion's Not A Crime is a solid country style vocal ballad with R&B basis. Nice backing and Muscle Shoals like guitar riffs compliment this track. Dirt Bed is my favorite track on the release with a bottom heavy (When the Levee Breaks) feel. Cool! Hang Tough has an interesting blend of rock, country, funk and pop. Likely the most radio track on the release with just the right kind of guitar riff to set it off. It's Been Real has a blended rock/reggae feel with 80's anthem overtones. Your Redeemer, a quiet but strong vocal blended ballad wraps the release trimmed only by light acoustic guitar.

  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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Are you a fan of Dwight Twilley and House of Cards? Good - Watch the season operner

House of Cards Says Yes To

“Looking For The Magic”

The Dwight Twilley Classic Will Appear In The Season 3 Opener on Feb 27^th

Atlanta, GA – Legendary musician Dwight Twilley found out his classic song, “Looking For The Magic” will appear in the very popular Netflix Original Series HOUSE OF CARDS, starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. This dramatic series has a cult like following and leaves the audiences losing sleep til they see the next episode. The Season 3 premieres February 27, 2015 exclusively on Netflix.

Dwight is no stranger to having movies and TV use his power-pop music. One of his firsts was in Wayne’s World, starring Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey with “Why You Wanna Break My Heart” and then a string of others followed over the years. His catchy hooks are great for a scene on the screen for it draws the viewer in – as if they were actually there. Most recently, the indie film Dairy of A Teenage Girl picked up “Looking For the Magic” to be the first song in the film’s opening scene. This wildly successful film was directed by Marielle Heller who adapted Phoebe Gloeckner's 2003 frank, semi-autobiographical tome flawlessly. Her no-nonsense approach to the story turned out for the best for it was a big winner at this year’s Sundance and won the Grand Prix at the Berlin Film Festival. It was touted as being one of the best independent films of the year, by critics everywhere. Rolling Stone, Variety and even blog site Rotten Tomatoes gave it so many stars they ran out. “The Diary of a Teenage Girl is the kind of film Sundance prays for every year: one that indelibly puts on the map a talented director the festival can then forever claim as one of its own, “gushed The Hollywood Reporter. As the film does well, so does Dwight.

Twilley is celebrating the release of his latest, Always that came out in November with again accolades galore. The songs, the production and the cover art work all speak Twilley.

“…his voice stills sounds as seductive as it did 35 years ago.” - Sound + Vision (2013)

From the opening of the first song, with “Always” to the growling on “When The Jukebox Dies” to the waltzing love song, “Fools Like Me”; Dwight takes you on a journey and the listener is hooked. Using words that are plain; sound fancy and elaborate when set to Twilley music. The haunting beat of “A Million Miles Wide”, recalls either a love or the world that isn’t paying attention.  His music has staying power and is timeless after all these years.

So tune in to Netflix to watch the opening episode of this series and hear the magical sounds of Dwight Twilley.

For more information on Dwight Twilley please go to his website: www.dwighttwilley.com

For more information on Netflix and it’s series, House of Cards: www.netflix.com

Australian Blues Music Award Winner

Meet John McNamara The Bluesman Down Under And the blues came a calling...... Every once in a while something intriguing addresses your senses and you are mesmerized by its presence.  This happened at the IBC Memphis 2015.  Allow me to back up a bit: My friend Barry Maxwell who is a blues radio show host extraordinaire down under has always been kind to me whenever I have submitted music for air time consideration.  Barry has an immensely popular radio show and so I don’t take his kindness to review CDs from my clients lightly. After all everybody wants their music to be on the BAZ man’s show.  So just before I left for IBC Memphis Barry drops me a note. It was a suggestion.  He invited me to take in John McNamara’s performance and then perhaps meet with him afterward.  Barry, as I say, has always been fair with me and by extension good to my clients.  So without any reservation I listened to John’s music before arriving in Memphis and then did in fact meet with John while we were both at the IBCs.  John and I were only about ten minutes into a one hour interview when I realized that this young man was not wanting to be a bluesman, this man was already very mature in that regard.  I instantly realized what Barry had turned me on to from afar. John's demeanor was one of a relaxed artist confident in his own skin and yet steeped in honest to goodness real humility.  No airs about him, no salesman’s swagger, no pretentious under pinnings, he was who he is John McNamara, bluesman.  As every blues person, man or woman will tell you - you either is or you ain’t.  This cat is…and it's visibly obvious to his audiences because of the inherent qualities that illuminate his stage presence and his delivery.  When you listen to John perform you may think of such artists as Bobby Blue Bland, Sam Cook, Otis Redding, and of the contemporary set perhaps Johnny Lang.  But you will also note that he is not a clone of any of them as his style is unique in and of itself. These men however have indeed deeply influenced John McNamara.  His appreciation of their body of work is what fuels the depth of his thirst for the real blues roots sound.  This just in - John McNamara's song Burn, Burn, Burn just won Song of the Year at the prestigious Australian Blues Music Awards 2015.  Barry is correct, this man is on fire. As a matter of fact this winning track is on John’s debut CD is entitled Alone with the Blues, One Voice One Guitar. In our one hour meeting John shared that he hopes people come away noticing a clean, pristine sound as yours truly noted on the CDs very first track.  He went on to say that his studio goal was to record and release a stripped back format, a presentation that highlighted the presence of the negative spaces between the notes.  Overall, John's goal was to share his originals on his debut CD but he also felt an inner passion to add four cover tracks.  I asked him if he was happy with the end result and he replied yes, indeed. Black Market Music is the chosen distribution company and they are offering a special opportunity for anyone from even the far reaches of the globe.  Purchase John’s CD from them and the shipping is free no matter where you are located on this planet.  Pretty cool when you think about it - a nice way to get to know John’s music without going into hock.   Of course you can also pick up the tunes in MP3 format online as well if you prefer. John touring includes various European countries, among them Scotland where he performs annually and Germany as well.  The man down under has also completed a gig in Singapore, Malaysia where he and his music were received extremely well.  Historically, John has graced the stages at such noted music festivals as Narooma Blues Fest, Echuca Moama Winter Blues Fest, Edinburgh Fringe  Fest, and Melbourne’s Docklands Blues Fest, an impressive array of large music festivals.    Official website - http://johnmcnamarablues.com Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/johnmcnamarabluespage  High Quality CDs without shipping charges -  www.blackmarketmusic.com.au

John's new CD recently tracked at number 3 on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Chart John McNamara - 2015 semi-finalist International Blues Challenge