Proper Records artist: Bill Kirchen and Austin de Lone - Transatlanticana - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Transatlanticana, from Bill Kirchen and Austin de Lone and it's a country party. Opening with country rocker, Hounds of the Bakersfield, Kirchen on lead guitar and vocal and Austin de Lone on piano deliver a cool country two stepper showcasing some of Kirchen's super riffs as well as solid backing vocals. Joining are Paul "Bassman" Riley on bass, Malcolm Mills on drums and Louise Kirchen on harmony vocal. On straight country track, Wine Wine Wine, Kirchen really pulls out the country stops on my favorite track of the release. With the addition of Bobby Black on pedal steel this track is classic. Shifting to a bit more of a JJ Cale style blues rocker, De Lone takes the lead on vocal for a cool radio track, Let's Rock. Oxblood is a rock n roller featuring Kirchen and Butch Hancock on lead vocals. With Kirchen on baritone guitar and driving it, de Lone on super piano and Gurf Morlix on guitar, David Carroll on bass and Rick Richards on drums this is a real cool track. Slow blues number, Losing Hand features deLone on lead vocal and piano. This is another of my favorites on the release with Kirchen throwing out some really tasty blues riffs of his own. Boogie track, All Tore Up, again features de Lone up front on piano and vocal. He really gets a chance to roll them and Kirchen isn't far behind with country flavored blues rock riffs. With a stirring country rock rendition of Bob Dylan's The Time They Are a Changin' Kirchen leads off on vocals and de Lone's piano carries the track. Snappy drumming by Richards and a melodic solo by Kirchen brings it home. Rocker, No Need For Rockin' slides into a cool groove with de Lone on lead vocal. His piano lead work is clean and cool and kirchen's whistling conjurs up Taj Mahal tones. Wrapping the release is country swinger, Smoke! Smoke! Smoke that Cigarette with Kirchen on lead vocal and Black on steel. A cool Travis track covered by Wills and Asleep at the Wheel a fun closer for a 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band releases new video for "One More Thing"

REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR “ONE MORE THING” New CD Front Porch Sessions debuts at #1 on the iTunes Blues charts and at #2 on the Billboard Blues charts, just behind the Rolling Stones. BROWN COUNTY, Ind. — “One More Thing” is the latest video from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s new Thirty Tigers release Front Porch Sessions. The Reverend speaks for the working class in this haunting, politically aware song about living paycheck to paycheck. He shows a new depth in his songwriting and a social consciousness in the tradition of Guthrie, Springsteen and Mellencamp. The Reverend recently explained, “The song isn't a response to any one thing. It’s just words I’ve had to live from time to time in my life. Words a lot of my neighbors are living right now. A lot of Americans are suffering." The video was shot on the front porch at Reverend Peyton’s home in Brown County, Indiana and the videography production and editing was done by Tyler Zoller.   Front Porch Sessions was released March 10 and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Blues chart displacing the Rolling Stones from top spot. The following week it debuted at #2 on the Billboard Blues charts (the Rolling Stones charted #1.) The band is currently on a world tour that lasts this whole year. Below are the dates through this spring. Tour dates Thu., March 23  BLOOMINGTON, IL Castle Theatre Fri., March 24  CHICAGO, IL Reggie’s Rock Club Sat., March 25  MUNCIE, IN Downtown Muncie Street Fest  Thu., March 30  ST. LOUIS, MO Off Broadway Fri., March 31  COLUMBIA, MO Rose Music Hall Sat., April 1  KANSAS CITY, MO Knuckleheads Thu., April 6  GREER, SC Albino Skunk Music Festival Fri., April 7  NEWPORT, KY Southgate House Sat., April 8  COLUMBUS, OH Woodlands Tavern Wed., April 19  NASHVILLE, TN Music City Roots Sat., April 22  CLARKSDALE, MS Juke Joint Festival Sun., April 23  CLARKSDALE, MS Cathead Mini Fest Thu., April 27  RICHMOND, VA Capital Ale House Fri., April 28  VIENNA, VA Jammin Java Sat., April 29  NYC, NY Mercury Lounge Sun., April 30  BOSTON, MA Thunder Road Mon., May 1  SYRACUSE, NY Wescott Theatre Tue., May 2  BUFFALO, NY Tralf Music Hall Wed., May 3  CLEVELAND, OH Beachland Ballroom Thu., May 4 GRAND RAPIDS, MI Founders Brewing Company Fri., May 5  PEKIN, IL Twisted Spoke Sat., May 6  DUBUQUE, IA Vintage Torque Fest Thu., May 11 SANTANDER, SPAIN Sala Summum         Sat., May 13 VITORIA, SPAIN Helldorado         Sun., May 14 BILBAO, SPAIN Kafe Antzokia         Mon., May 15 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain Sala Capitole         Tue., May 16 MADRID, Spain La Boite         Wed., May 17 VALENCIA, Spain 16 Toneladas Rock Club         Thu., May 18 ZARAGOZA, Spain Rock & Blues Cafe         Sat., May 20 CRISSIER, Switzerland Blues Rules Thu., May 25 ANNAPOLIS, MD Rams Head On Stage Fri., May 26 HUNTINGTON, WV Jewel City Jamboree Wed., June 7 FORT WORTH, TX Shipping and Receiving Thur., June 8 AUSTIN, TX ROT Biker Rally Fri., June 9 HOUSTON, TX The Mucky Duck Sat., June 17 LOGAN, OH Duck Creek Log Jam Wed., June 28 ST. PAUL, MN Turf Club Sat., July 1 MADISON, IN Bicentennial Park

Ruf Records artist: Vanessa Collier - Meeting My Shadow - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Meeting My Shadow by Vanessa Collier and it's quite good! Opening with dark, slinky, Poisoned The Well, Vanessa Collier has a great sound as a lead vocalist and her clavinet work on this track and especially her haunting flute work on track one is intoxicating. I really like the bass line by Lenny Bradford and Nicholas Stevens' drum work. Excellent opener. On R&B track, Dig A Little Deeper, Laura Chavez created a cool traditional guitar rhythm and Collier adds her solo sax work to the horn work of Marc Franklin on trumpet giving the track a bit more punch. When It Don't Come Easy has a smooth southern blues rock featuring Chavez on electric guitar and resonator guitar and getting some of the best vocal warmth from Collier. Rock n roller, Two Parts Sugar, One Part Lime features a bit more of Collier's solo sax work with her vocals and some nice piano work by Charles Hodges.  Soul track, You're Gonna Make Me Cry has some particularly expressive vocals by Collier and a bluesy guitar solo by Chavez making it one of my favorites on the release. With just a dash of New Orleans, Meet Me Where I'm At, has a cool funky feel, nicely blended vocals and super sax and trumpet work pined against a snappy percussion/ piano bottom. Very cool. With it's Tower of Power like roots, Cry Out has a great feel with Franklin and Collier funking it up over nice Chavez's guitar rhythm and super vocals. Very nice. Revival/gospel styling on Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air is a real rebel rouser with great keys, a slick, Boots Randolph sax vibe and a swinging soul conclusion. Wrapping the release is a really nice ballad, Devil's On The Downslide, again reinforcing the strength of Collier as a straight up vocalist. With perfect organ work by Hodges, cleanly detailed guitar work by Chavez and Daniel McKee  on bass this track is a perfect closer for a really nice 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Big H Records artist: Billy T Band - Reckoning - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Reckoning, from Billy T Band and it's smooth. Opening with soul title track, Reckoning, lead vocalist and bass player William R. Troiani (Billy T) is up front and taking the spotlight backed by Haakon Hoeye on keys and guitar backed by Ian F. Johannessen laying down some real nice lead guitar work, Robert Alexander Pettersen on drums and with Isa Caroline Holmesland, Tara Terese Waaler Waervagen and  Lise Voldsdal on violins, Marius Roe Navik on viola and Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen on cello. Very smooth radio track...think Boz Scaggs. On Shame Shame, Billy T is more in an R&B groove with a super bass line and Steve Cropper like guitar riffs. On Your Own features Johannessen on slide and Billy T balancing nicely on vocal and bass with Pettersen on drums.  With a real 60's style R&B intro, Sad Man is a perfect radio track with a solid melody and smooth vocals. Acoustic based ballad, One Of These Days, is a cool mix of R&B and country rock with incredibly tasty slide work from Johannessen. Martin Winstad opens Gone on percussion joined by Johannessen on wah wah and T on bass. Continued string work gives this track roots in the 60's R&B scene and a taste of smooth funk. It Ain't Right has a great New Orleans style drum line supported by Johannessen on rhythm guitar and a perfect bass line by T. With just a touch of War and Bob Marley...very cool. Wilson Pickett styling gives Trouble a solid rock/R&B feel reinforced by stiff guitar accents and cool vocals. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is I've Been A Fool with gospel like organ work and warm backing vocals supporting Billy T's solid lead vocals. A strong soul tune, this is a super closer for a really nice 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Chuck Berry has died. Our prayers are with his family

Rock 'n' roll icon and musical master Chuck Berry died Saturday at his home west of St. Louis, Missouri, authorities confirmed. He was 90.
The guitarist and musican defined the art form's joy and rebellion in such classics as "Johnny B. Goode," ''Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven" in a career that spanned 7 decades and earned him countless accolades.
Emergency personnel summoned to Berry's residence by his caretaker about 12:40 p.m. found him unresponsive, police in Missouri's St. Charles County said in a statement. Attempts to revive Berry failed, and he was pronounced shortly before 1:30 p.m., police said.
A police spokeswoman, Val Joyner, said she had no additional details about the death of Berry, calling him  "really a legend."
Berry's core repertoire was some three dozen songs, his influence incalculable, from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to virtually any group from garage band to arena act that called itself rock 'n roll. While Elvis Presley gave rock its libidinous, hip-shaking image, Berry was the auteur, setting the template for a new sound and way of life. Well before the rise of Bob Dylan, Berry wedded social commentary to the beat and rush of popular music.
"He was singing good lyrics, and intelligent lyrics, in the '50s when people were singing, "Oh, baby, I love you so,'" John Lennon once observed.
Berry, in his late 20s before his first major hit, crafted lyrics that spoke to the teenagers of the day and remained fresh decades later. "Sweet Little Sixteen" captured rock 'n' roll fandom, an early and innocent ode to the young girls later known as "groupies." ''School Day" told of the sing-song trials of the classroom ("American history and practical math; you're studying hard, hoping to pass...") and the liberation of rock 'n' roll once the day's final bell rang.

"Roll Over Beethoven" was an anthem to rock's history-making power, while "Rock and Roll Music" was a guidebook for all bands that followed ("It's got a back beat, you can't lose it"). "Back in the U.S.A." was a black man's straight-faced tribute to his country at a time there was no guarantee Berry would be served at the drive-ins and corner cafes he was celebrating.
"Everything I wrote about wasn't about me, but about the people listening," he once said.

"Johnny B. Goode," the tale of a guitar-playing country boy whose mother tells him he'll be a star, was Berry's signature song, the archetypal narrative for would-be rockers and among the most ecstatic recordings in the music's history. Berry can hardly contain himself as the words hurry out ("Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans/Way back up in the woods among the evergreens") and the downpour of guitar, drums and keyboards amplifies every call of "Go, Johnny Go!"

The song was inspired in part by Johnnie Johnson, the boogie-woogie piano master who collaborated on many Berry hits, but the story could have easily been Berry's, Presley's or countless others'. Commercial calculation made the song universal: Berry had meant to call Johnny a "colored boy," but changed "colored" to "country," enabling not only radio play, but musicians of any color to imagine themselves as stars.

"Chances are you have talent," Berry later wrote of the song. "But will the name and the light come to you? No! You have to go!"
Johnny B. Goode could have only been a guitarist. The guitar was rock 'n' roll's signature instrument and Berry's clarion sound, a melting pot of country flash and rhythm 'n blues drive, turned on at least a generation of musicians, among them the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, who once acknowledged he had "lifted every lick" from his hero; the Beatles' George Harrison; Bruce Springsteen; and the Who's Pete Townshend.
When NASA launched the unmanned Voyager I in 1977, an album was stored on the craft that would explain music on Earth to extraterrestrials. The one rock song included was "Johnny B. Goode."
Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born in St. Louis on Oct. 18, 1926. As a child he practiced a bent-leg stride that enabled him to slip under tables, a prelude to the duck walk of his adult years. His mother, like Johnny B. Goode's, told him he would make it, and make it big.

A fan of blues, swing and boogie woogie, Berry studied the very mechanics of music and how it was transmitted. As a teenager, he loved to take radios apart and put them back together. Using a Nick Manoloff guitar chord book, he learned how to play the hits of the time. He was fascinated by chord progressions and rhythms, discovering that many songs borrowed heavily from the Gershwins' "I Got Rhythm."


He began his musical career at age 15 when he went on stage at a high school review to do his own version of Jay McShann's "Confessin' the Blues." Berry would never forget the ovation he received.
"Long did the encouragement of that performance assist me in programming my songs and even their delivery while performing," he wrote in his autobiography. "I added and deleted according to the audiences' response to different gestures, and chose songs to build an act that would constantly stimulate my audience."
Meanwhile, his troubles with the law began, in 1944, when a joy riding trip to Kansas City turned into a crime spree involving armed robberies and car theft. Berry served three years of a 10-year sentence at a reformatory.

A year after his October 1947 release, Berry met and married Themetta Suggs, who stayed by his side despite some of his well-publicized indiscretions. Berry then started sitting in with local bands. By 1950, he had graduated to a six-string electric guitar and was making his own crude recordings on a reel to reel machine.
On New Year's Eve 1952 at The Cosmopolitan club in East St. Louis, Illinois, Johnson called Berry to fill in for an ailing saxophonist in his Sir John Trio.
"He gave me a break" and his first commercial gig, for $4, Berry later recalled. "I was excited. My best turned into a mess. I stole the group from Johnnie."

Influenced by bandleader Louis Jourdan, blues guitarist T-Bone Walker and jazz man Charlie Christian, but also hip to country music, novelty songs and the emerging teen audiences of the post-World War II era, Berry signed with Chicago's Chess Records in 1955. "Maybellene" reworked the country song "Ida Red" and rose into the top 10 of the national pop charts, a rare achievement for a black artist at that time. According to Berry, label owner Leonard Chess was taken by the novelty of a "hillbilly song sung by a black man," an inversion of Presley's covers of blues songs.
Several hits followed, including "Roll Over Beethoven," ''School Day" and "Sweet Little Sixteen." Among his other songs: "Too Much Monkey Business," ''Nadine," ''No Particular Place To Go," ''Almost Grown" and the racy novelty number "My Ding-A-Ling," which topped the charts in 1972.
Berry also appeared in a dozen movies, doing his distinctive bent-legged "duck-walk" in several teen exploitation flicks of the '50s. Richards organized the well-received 1987 documentary "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll," a concert at St. Louis' Fox Theatre to celebrate Berry's 60th birthday. It featured Eric Clapton, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, who recalled being told by his own mother that Berry, not he, was the true king of rock 'n' roll.

Country, pop and rock artists have recorded Berry songs, including the Beatles ("Roll Over Beethoven"), Emmylou Harris ("You Never Can Tell"), Buck Owens ("Johnny B. Goode") and AC/DC ("School Days"). The Rolling Stones' first single was a cover of Berry's "Come On" and they went on to perform and record "Around and Around," ''Let it Rock" and others. Berry riffs pop up in countless songs, from the Stones' ravenous "Brown Sugar" to the Eagles' mellow country-rock ballad "Peaceful Easy Feeling."
Some stars covered him too well. The Beach Boys borrowed the melody of "Sweet Little Sixteen" for their surf anthem "Surfin' U.S.A." without initially crediting Berry. The Beatles' "Come Together," written by John Lennon, was close enough to Berry's "You Can't Catch Me" to inspire a lawsuit by music publisher Morris Levy. In an out of court settlement, Lennon agreed to record "You Can't Catch Me" for his 1975 "Rock n' Roll" album.

Berry himself was accused of theft. In 2000, Johnson sued Berry over royalties and credit he believed he was due for the songs they composed together over more than 20 years of collaboration. The lawsuit was dismissed two years later, but Richards was among those who believed Johnson had been cheated, writing in his memoir "Life" that Johnson set up the arrangements for Berry and was so essential to the music that many of Berry's songs were recorded in keys more suited for the piano.

Openly money-minded, Berry was an entrepreneur with a St. Louis nightclub and, in a small town west of there, property he dubbed Berry Park, which included a home, guitar-shaped swimming pool, restaurant, cottages and concert venue. He declined to have a regular band and instead used local musicians, willing to work cheap. Springsteen was among those who had an early gig backing Berry.
Burned by an industry that demanded a share of his songwriting credits, Berry was deeply suspicious of even his admirers, as anybody could tell from watching him give Richards the business in "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll." For the movie's concerts, he confounded Richards by playing songs in different keys and tempos than they had been in rehearsal. Richards would recall turning to his fellow musicians and shrugging, "Wing it, boys."

His career nearly ended decades earlier, when he was indicted for violating the Mann Act, which barred transportation of a minor across state lines for "immoral purposes." An all-white jury found him guilty in 1960, but the charges were vacated after the judge made racist comments. A trial in 1961 led to his serving 1 1/2 years of a three-year term. Berry continued to record after getting out, and his legacy was duly honored by the Beatles and the Stones, but his hit-making days were essentially over.
"Down from stardom/then I fell/to this lowly prison cell," Berry wrote as his jail time began.
Tax charges came in 1979, and another three-year prison sentence, all but 120 days of which was suspended. Some former female employees later sued him for allegedly videotaping them in the bathroom of his restaurant. The cases were settled in 1994, after Berry paid $1.3 million.
"Every 15 years, in fact, it seems I make a big mistake," Berry acknowledged in his memoir.

Still, echoing the lyrics of "Back in the U.S.A.," he said: "There's no other place I would rather live, including Africa, than America. I believe in the system."
Berry announced on his 90th birthday in late 2016 that he would soon be releasing his first new album in 38 years. The album “Chuck” is set to contain new songs performed by Berry’s longtime backing group, including his kids Charles Berry, Jr. and Ingrid Berry. Its release date had not yet been announced at the time of his death.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Lazyeye - Pocket The Black - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Pocket the Black, by Lazyeye and it's cool. Opening with Keepin' From Lovin', a Latin influenced blues rocker, Evan Whetter on vocal and organ lead the way with smart guitar riffs by Erica Graf and snappy drumming by Mario Marino. Title track, Pocket The Black, has a smooth shuffle pace with a cool blues riffs by Graf. It's cool to hear beefy organ work by Whetter which gives the band it's own signature. On Texas style shuffle, Back The Way They Came, Graf really digs in on the strings blowing your hair back and Whetter's vocals are smooth and well balanced with his organ work. Sassy, Mucho Jalaoeno, has a cool 60's retro Latina beat. With Whetter and Graf playing together on the melody,and Marino creating the back beat this track is hot. Whetter takes the first run with a flowing derivative of the melody on keys. Graf gets the second shot and parlays it into a really nice showcase for her style. Shack O' Mine has a distinctive rhythm pattern, say Bo Diddley beat with each player getting their shot at fronting the band. Very cool piece to get the crowd revved up.  Winding out a smooth slow blues, Graf and Whetter grind out the blues in technicolor. With rich guitar riffs and warm organ soloing, this track really hits the spot. One clean blues rocker, Treat Your Lover Right is straight up with a simple basic blues vamp on guitar, brushes on drum and Whetter blowing a nice harp. Wrapping the release is Swing For Marz, a cool, jazz based boogie. With Whetter leading the way with adventurous organ work and tight bottom by Marino this track sings. Graf gets her shot to plug in her own jazzy riffs and does so like a pro, stamped nicely by strong drum work by Marino. Strong closer to a 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gospel Blues Phenom LEO BUD WELCH Leads An Old Fashioned Blues Revival On His New Concert CD/DVD LIVE AT THE IRIDIUM!

Gospel Blues Phenom LEO BUD WELCH Leads An Old Fashioned Blues Revival 

On His New Concert CD/DVD LIVE AT THE IRIDIUM!

Los Angeles, CA - He’s 85 years young and just getting started! Mississippi bluesman Leo Bud Welch has been playing and preaching real deal gospel blues music since he first picked up a guitar in 1945, but he remained on the outskirts of the profession music industry known only to friends, family, and a handful of elder blues statesmen. That is, until Welch signed his very first recording contract at the ripe old age of 81! It’s a remarkable story that is now the subject of a full-length documentary film called Late Blossom Blues currently screening at film festivals around the world.

Since the release of his debut album Saboulga Voices in 2014 and the follow-up I Don’t Prefer No Blues in 2015, Welch has completely taken the blues world by storm, and now he offers his very first live concert album recorded at NY’s prestigious club The Iridium! Live At The Iridium takes audiences on a journey through 6+ decades of blues music as Welch performs a mix of traditional songs, standards, and Welch’s own compositions highlighted by “Praise His Name,” “Got My Mojo Working,” “Don’t Let The Devil Ride,” “Good Morning, Little School Girl” and more! The DVD portion was directed by veteran documentary filmmaker Wes Orshoski, creator of feature length films on UK punk legends The Damned and the late great Lemmy of Motörhead, and includes bonus interviews and a video biography of Welch.

Look for Live At The Iridium in a special CD/DVD jewel case package starting March 31!

Track List:

CD/DVD

1. Praise His Name

2. Still A Fool

3. Got My Mojo Working

4. Five Long Years

5. No More Doggin’

6. Woke Up This Morning

7. My Babe

8. Sweet Little Angel

9. Cadillac Baby

10. Po’ Boy

11. You Don’t Have To Go

12. Pepticon

13. Don’t Let The Devil Ride

14. Rollin’ & Tumblin’

15. Good Morning, Little School Girl

16. Walkin’ The Floor Over You

17. Me And My Lord

Buy the CD/DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/leo-bud-welch-live-at-the-iridium-cd-dvd/

Buy the digital version: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-at-the-iridium/id1211024992?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

Blues Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Sets April 21 Release Date for New CD, "Should've Seen It Coming," on Connor Ray Music

Blues Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Sets April 21 Release Date for New CD, Should’ve Seen It Coming, on Connor Ray Music

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Blues harmonica ace Steve Krase announces an April 21 release date for his latest album on Connor Ray Music, Should’ve Seen It Coming, which includes special guest appearances from label mates Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza. Krase will celebrate with several Houston CD release shows, including Friday, March 24 at The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club (www.thebigeasyblues.com) and Saturday, March 25 at Martini’s Blu Café (www.martiniblu1.com). Steve will also perform at the “Houston Has Hart” show on Sunday, March 26 (4-8 PM), at Rockefeller’s, a benefit for the Blues Foundation’s Hart Fund that provides health services and more for blues musicians nationwide. Several other Houston area blues artists will perform as well, along with special guests and a silent auction.

Steve Krase is well-known as the harmonica player behind Trudy Lynn’s three incredible blues albums on Connor Ray Music. To those in the know, Krase is a powerhouse in his own right as a performer, whose high energy shows are legendary around the Houston scene. Krase has been recognized in multiple categories over the years by the esteemed Houston Press Music Awards in several categories, and most recently -and perhaps most suitably - in 2016 as “Best Player.” Steve was also a semi-finalist at the recent 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Should’ve Seen It Coming is Krase’s 4^th for Connor Ray Music and follows his acclaimed 2014 release, Buckle Up. It includes five original tunes by Steve and his cohorts, including his brother David, bassist and co-producer Rock Romano and the late Jerry Lightfoot, who was an early mentor to Steve. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Krase spent 10 years with Lightfoot’s “Essential Band” providing harmonica on three of Lightfoot’s releases.

“As always I try to make a fun record that people want to turn up loud at a party or crank it on the car radio on a long road trip,” Krase says. “I was honored to be able to include great Connor Ray Music artists Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza on this CD.”

Among the unique covers on Should’ve Seen It Coming are Steve’s takes on music from Willie Dixon “(Crazy for My Baby”), Fats Domino (“Let the Four Winds Blow”), and Clarence “Frogman” Henry (“Troubles, Troubles”).

“The majority of this CD was recorded live over two nights at the Red Shack in Houston,” states Krase. “I was lucky enough to be able to include a couple of my Connor Ray Music label mates on this release, Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza.” \

Steve Krase expands on the song list for Should’ve Seen It Coming: “ ‘Brand New Thang’ is a groovy song written by ‘Dr. Rockit’ Rock Romano that Mark May just owns on guitar! On ‘Crazy for my Baby,’ we loved Charlie Musselwhite’s interpretation and decided to add elements of the Little Walter and Willie Dixon versions to it. For ‘Let the Four Winds Blow’ - I’ve always loved Fats Domino, it was a just matter of deciding which song. ‘The World’s Still in a Tangle’ is a takeoff of the Jimmie Rogers original – the message being turn off the news!!  ‘Shot of Rhythm and Blues’ is a Rock Romano favorite that I was lucky enough to catch Bob Lanza while he was in town to add the killer guitar leads. Wee Willie Waynes’ ‘Travelin’ Mood’ is an oldie but goodie. ‘Troubles Troubles’ is a great tune by Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry that Randy and I just rock out on. ‘Make You Love Me Baby’ was a staple of Jerry Lightfoot’s live performances, ‘Foots’ taught me everything I know about this music and I try to pay tribute when I can, including here, which is also a nod to another inspiration, the late James Cotton.  The Junior Parker version of ‘Way Back Home’ was introduced to me by my dear fiend Trudy Lynn, who sings background vocals on three of the album’s tracks. She wanted me to play something mellow... sorry, Trudy! ’Should’ve Seen It Coming’ and ‘Repo Man’ are another couple of songs from my brother David representing fictional crazy characters. I like to think of ‘Repo Man’ as a blues song for 2017, as ‘Back Door Man’ is no longer the biggest badass on the block! The two bonus tracks included on the disc are explicit versions of the title track and ‘Repo Man’.”

“Steve Krase’s music is no holds barred and his songs are meant to be listened to loud.” – Blues Blast Magazine

“Turn it Up!” – Steve Krase

James Cotton has passed - My thoughts are with his family

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — James Cotton, a Grammy Award-winning blues harmonica master whose full-throated sound backed such blues legends as Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II and Howlin' Wolf, has died at age 81.

A statement from Alligator Records, Cotton's label, says he died Thursday of pneumonia at St. David's Medical Center in Austin.

The Mississippi Delta native performed professionally since age 9. Cotton backed Muddy Waters in his landmark album "At Newport" on Chess Records.

After going solo in the 1960s, Cotton released almost 30 albums, including his 1996 Grammy Award-winning Verve album, "Deep In The Blues." His most recent album, "Cotton Mouth Man" for Alligator Records in 2013, was nominated for a Grammy.

James Henry Cotton (July 1, 1935 – March 16, 2017) was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, who performed and recorded with many of the great blues artists of his time and with his own band. He played drums early in his career but is famous for his harmonica playing.
Cotton began his professional career playing the blues harp in Howlin' Wolf's band in the early 1950s. He made his first recordings in Memphis for Sun Records, under the direction of Sam Phillips. In 1955, he was recruited by Muddy Waters to come to Chicago and join his band. Cotton became Waters's bandleader and stayed with the group until 1965. In 1965 he formed the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet, with Otis Spann on piano, to record between gigs with Waters's band. He eventually left Waters to form his own full-time touring group. His first full album, on Verve Records, was produced by guitarist Mike Bloomfield and vocalist and songwriter Nick Gravenites, who later were members of the band Electric Flag.
In the 1970s, Cotton played harmonica on Waters's Grammy Award–winning 1977 album Hard Again, produced by Johnny Winter.

Real Gone Music artist: Larry Coryell - Coryell - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Coryell, from Larry Coryell. This of course is a new release of a 1969 Vanguard release of the same name. The name Larry Coryell has always been synonymous with jazz rock and this release shows exactly why. Being released just before Coryell's unexpected and untimely passing in late February while on tour, this release shows just how long Coryell has been making crate sized impacts on the music scene. With Coryell, an absolute maestro on guitar and with first class associates Bernard Purdie on drums, Albert Stinson, Chuck Rainey and Ron Carter on bass, Mike Mandel on keys and Jim Pepper on flute, this release is heavily weighted by heavy weights!  Opening with Sex, Coryell shows raw adventurous fusion rock and takes the lead on vocal as well as guitar. With his phaser flaring, Coryell blasts off. Sensitive vocals and a quite melody on Beautiful Woman opens wide for Ron carter to lay out some really nice bass lead and Coryell's own raw guitar work, framed by Purdie on drums. One of my favorite tracks on the release, The Jam With Albert, is a very cool and structured guitar melody over Stinson's solid bass riff and Purdie's incredible drum line. Elementary Guitar Solo #5 is a particularly interesting track with Coryell starting the track with highly sensitive chord playing and them progressively adding instrumentation and grit. Bouncing off of Chuck Rainey's bass lines, Coryell continues to dig deeper with some of the rockiest jazz rock fusion riffs to hit the stratosphere. I never picked up on this before but there is a musical theme in this track that follows or crosses a Steve Marriott melody that really adds a certain additional interest. On No One Really Knows, Purdie really kicks up the beat and Stinson's thumping bass line gives Coryell the freedom to fly on guitar. Very nice. On funky, Morning Sickness, Rainey digs in, fattening up the bottom and Coryell shows his wild fusion side almost broaching John McLaughlin territory. Wrapping the release is Ah Wuv Ooh, a fluid, euro style jazz rock track with lead guitar melody. Purdie's strong command of the skins and Coryell are in perfect balance and Jim Jim Pepper's flute work adds just the right melodic touch. Very nice conclusion to an important 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Neoprene Fedora New CD release and tour!

"Neoprene Fedora" Rockin' Johnny Burgin CD release and tour!    Rockin' Johnny's new CD is OUT and available at all shows and at CD Baby.  "Neoprene Fedora" documents Johnny's move to California after a long and illustrious career in Chicago.  Like his previous effort, "Greetings from Greaseland", this CD shows a true Chi-Cali blues summit going on!  This time around, he's written 11 originals ranging from surf to zydeco to gut-bucket blues.  There's a great mix of talent on this disc: BMA nominees and winners like Kid Andersen on guitar, piano and the recording console, drummers Stephen Dougherty and June Core (Charlie Musselwhite, Little Charley and the Nightcats), guest vocalist Alabama Mike, and saxophonist Nancy Wright, and bassist Vance Ehlers all contribute great performances.  Rising Bay Area harmonica star Aki Kumar contributes two guest vocals and great performances throughout.  Aki and Johnny's remarkable synergy is in great abundance-- you can see why recent tours of their West Coast Meets Chicago package are meeting with rave reviews and capacity crowds.  Steve Willis, long-time accordion player for Elvin Bishop, shines on Johnny's zydeco numbers.  Noted Bay area veteran Bob Welsh, who also plays with Elvin Bishop, plays excellent guitar and piano as well. Rockin Johnny's seventh CD since 1998 shows an artist at the height of his powers as a songwriter, singer and guitarist. Get your copy today. ON TOUR:   It's been a great tour since 1.31-- 28 dates so far swinging through AZ, NM, TX, MS, IL, IN, WI and MN.  Thank you to all the fans who have been coming out! Wed, March 15: The Wheelhouse, Waupaca, WI Thurs, March 16: Lagunitas Tap Room, Chicago, 4.20-7.30   solo show Thurs: March 16: BLUES on Halsted, Chicago, 9.30-1.30  CD Release Party! ft Bennie Rickum, harp Fri, March 17: The Smoke Daddy, Chicago, 9-12  CD Release Party! ft Bennie Rickum, harp Sat, March 18: WLUW 88.7 radio interview w author James Porter, 11 am Chicago Sat, March 18: KJ McKeown's, Morris, IL 7-11 Sun, March 19: The Blue Goose, Toronto, CANADA, w Gary Kendall and Sugar Brown Mon-Wed, March 20-22: Recording session w Sugar Brown Thurs, March 23: Mississippi Queen Foods, Hamilton, ON, CANADA, w Sugar Brown Sat, March 25: Castro's, Toronto, CANADA, w Sugar Brown Mon, March 27: Martyr's, Chicago, solo show.  Triple bill with Hugh Trimble and Justin Howl Thurs, March 30: Sonograph, Le Thor, FRANCE, w Aki Kumar and Demetria Taylor Fri, March 31: Salais Blues Festival, Salaise Sur Sonne, FRANCE w Aki Kumar and Demetria Taylor Sat, April 1: Jazz En Nord Festival, FRANCE, w Aki Kumar and Demetria Taylor Sun, April 2: Pub 23, Kouvola, FINLAND, w Aki Kumar Sun, April 9: Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch, London, UK, w Big Joe Louis and Aki Kumar Mon, Tues, April 10-11: dates with Giles Robson and Aki Kumar, details TBA Thurs, April 13: JAM Club, Moscow. RUSSIA w Aki Kumar  WEST COAST MEETS CHICAGO tour Fri, April 14: Roadhouse Blues Club, Moscow, RUSSIA, w Aki Kumar Sat, April 15: Port Arthur, Saint Petersburg, RUSSIA, w Aki Kumar Wed, April 19: Buddy Guy's Legends, Chicago Thurs, April 20: Leadbelly's, Champaign, IL w Joe Asselin Fri, April 21: Joe's Bar, Marysville, KS Sat, April 22: ZOO Bar, Lincoln, NE double bill w the Iguanas Sun, April 23: The Corner Bar, Fremont, NE Mon, April 24: The Garage on Beck, Salt Lake City Utah Thurs, April 27: made it back to CA!  Little Lou's, Campbell, CA w Aki Kumar and Trickbag from Sweden. Fri, April 28: Murphy's Law, Sunnyvale, CA, w Aki Kumar and Trickbag Sat, April 29: The Torch, Sacramento, CA, w Aki Kumar and Trickbag For complete tour dates, check out my NEW site, www.rockinjohnnyburgin.com. See you at the shows and thank you very much!