Monday, April 24, 2017

Blues Rock Release Scores Three Finalist Nods at NMMA

Blues Rock Release
Scores Three Finalist Nods
At Annual Music Awards Event

Winners to be announced May 21st

Ruidoso NM (April 24th) - The New Mexico Music Awards recently announced that the 2016 fall release by Montrose Records "DOS" featuring Richard Cagle and the Voodoo Choir has garnered three finalist positions in three separate categories: "DOS" Best Rock CD of the Year, "Slow Blues" Best Blues Song of the Year, and "Richard Cagle" for Producer of the Year Award. Excitement continues to mount as the final decisions will be announced on May 21st at the annual music event which is going to be held at the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque. Rich Cagle commented, "We are very grateful to have reached such a plateau already, and even if it doesn't go any further, we are honored to have been nominated."

The Beautiful Sandia Resort & Casino will host the 2017 New Mexico Music Awards

About the Event - Every year, music industry professionals come from throughout the state to this, the largest and most prestigious music awards show in New Mexico. It is an opportunity for the New Mexico music industry to network and to applaud their peers for the work they do in New Mexico. This year the 30th Annual New Mexico Music Awards and show will feature a welcome reception, prime rib dinner followed by performances from some of New Mexico’s best artists. During the course of the evening they will recognize those artists, engineers, producers, and music industry personnel who’s recordings have excelled in production, performance, and composition.

For More Information About The Event Follow This Link

Montrose Recording Studio West - Ruidoso New Mexico

Click & check out the NMMA nominated song "Slow Blues"

"With a heavy John Lennon meets Billy Gibbons, meets Robin Trower, Slow Blues oozes out a heavy blues rock feel. Cagle's vocals approach those of Axl on this one but the overall feel of this track is very solid and given the super bottom and nicely appointed guitar work by Martin, this track is one of my favorites.”

— Bman, Bman's Blues Report

January 16th, 2017

For "DOS" Radio Play or Publication Review Copies click here

To contact Richard at Montrose Records click here

Chris Antonik - Monarch - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Monarch, from Chris Antonik and it's really good. Opening with I'd Burn It All Down For You, Antonik is joined by Chuck Keeping with a great drum riff reinforced by Guenther Kapelle on bass and Jesse O'Brien on keys. Antonik's vocals are solid and his guitar playing inspired. This lightly funky track is a great opener. On Mike Bloomfield's You're Killing My Love, again a touch of funk and super posturing this track moves. Antonik has great attack and the backing of Richard Underhill on sax, William Sperandel on trumpet and William Carn separates this track from the pack. Slow Moving Train has more of a rock edge, again giving Antonik breathing rook to lay down some real nice guitar riffs. With a rumbling bottom, Gold Star, follows in the Dickey Betts "Southbound" format with it's lightly funky country jam. Antonik peppers the track with hot riffs and his vocals are tops. The Monarch and the Wrecking Ball features really nice backing vocals by Samantha Martin, Sherie Marshall and Stacie Tabb. Antonik's own smooth vocals, super groove/hook and slide guitar work make this one of the best tracks on the release. Strong ballad, Love, Bettike, is smooth as silk and Antonik's guitar sings. Country flavored ballad, All Our Days, has a strong melody featuring Burke Carroll on pedal steel blended nicely with Antonik's own acoustic and electric guitars. vocals and string work by Drek Jurecka and Rebekah Wolkstein on violin, Shannon Knights on viola and Lydia Munchinsky on cello giving the track a quietly Roger Walters feel. Wrapping the release is Everywhere I Go, a simple pop track with a strong melody and quiet and appealing execution. With a nice trumpet solo by O'Brien and smooth backing vocals by Ben Fisher and Paul Olsen, this is a perfect closer to a real nice release.

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Friday, April 21, 2017

Nola Blue/Vizztone artist: Billy Price - Alive and Strange - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Alive and Strange, from Billy Price and it's quite entertaining. I was first introduced to Price as the lead vocalist in the Roy Buchanan band and it's good to see Price still out there mixing it up. Opening with R&B track, It's Ain't A Juke Joint Without The Blues, Price takes command on lead vocals backed by Steve Delach on guitar, David Ray Dodd on drums Tom Valentine on bass and Jim Britton on keys. Delach lays down some really hot riffs and the horns of Eric DeFade (tenor sax), Joe Herndon (trumpet) and Matt Ferrero (sax) really liven up the party. Steeling down with radio track, Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown, Price hits a smooth groove with warm backing vocals by David Avery, DeWayne Chandler, Valentine and Britton. Really nice soul track, This Time I'm Gone For Good really gives Price a chance to show just how much soul he's got and he's got it good. With a super sax solo from De Fede and a solitary bass line by Valentine, this is one of my favorites on the release. Percy Mayfield track, Nothing Stays The Same Forever, has super strong bones and the band really delivers, and a particular pat to DeFede for his hot sax work. James Brown track, Never Get Enough, has a great groove with a funky bass line, cool key work and that ever so funky rhythm guitar. Magic Sam's What Have I Done Wrong is a real high stepper giving Delach plenty of space to stretch on guitar and again Defede on sax. Very nice. With a big swing, Roy Milton's R.M. Blues is next and Dodd and Jason Hollar on bass set the stage. Joe Herndon really wails on trumpet followed by Dee Fede and Britton. Great track. Wrapping the release is Makin Plans with glistening electric piano work by Britton and George Benson like guitar tones from Delach. Herndon and Defede are joined by Bob Matchett on trombone for a strong radio ready close.

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Thursday, April 20, 2017

Root Nine Records artist: Revelator Hill - Atlantic Detour - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Atlantic Detour, from Revelator Hill and it's a solid dose of rock! Opening with Bad Luck Goodbye, Bobby Thompson has the lead on vocal and guitar, backed by Seth Morrissey on bass, Wes Lanich on keys, Gary Crockett on drums and Jeff Mills on percussion. Classic styling, clever time changes and a solid beat make this a great opener. With a drone note on guitar, Gets Me Over has a dirty blues sound, overdriven amps, heavy tom tom and cool vocal blending. Look At You Now is a straight forward rocker with a driving beat and riding slide guitar. With a rock hard bass line and snappy drums, this track is rolling. Thompson's lead vocals on Let It Roll are particularly. With super percussion and full organ work, this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Classic rock lines propel Lay It On Me, with a great bass line and some of Thompson's best vocals on the release. Reinforcing the strength of the track are super vocals and nicely styled guitar lead with nicely blended backing vocals. Howlin' Wolf's How Many More Years is a terrific track and Thompson's Jack Bruce like vocals and fluid guitar soloing really make this track soar. A lumbering blues feel with heavy bass and guitar bottom really kicks ass on this one. Sit back and enjoy! With a funky rhythm and slide guitar melody, Enough To Go Around, is composed somewhat like a Govt mule track. Again, Jack Bruce like phrasing is welcoming and the driving rhythm makes it hard not to rock out. Very cool. Wrapping the release is another driving rocker with a stiff in your face drum slap and single note bass line. Thompson lays down a loose guitar solo that really works nicely with the general feel of the track. Super closer for a strong release.

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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Steve Kozak Band - It's Time - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It's Time, from Steve Kozak Band, and it's quite good. Opening with shuffle track, Cane Sugar Sweet, Kozak on lead guitar and vocal is backed by Dave Webb on keys, Roger Brant on bass and Chris Nordquist on drums. On Jody Williams track, You May, Kozak brings the tempo down to a cool swing and lays down incredibly fine guitar riffs. On Magic Sam's, Every Day and Every Night, Shawn Hall joins on harp pushing Kozak to dig in with smoking blues guitar riffs. If you haven't heard this guy... you're missing the boat. R&B with a twist on That's Cool With Me, features warm sax work and clean jazz guitar runs. One of my favorites on the release, Stranger In My Hometown, has warm Hammond tones and solid vocals by Kozak topped off with crisp piano and guitar solos. One of the coolest tracks on the release is Love, Life and Money with just the right pace, soulful guitar solo and bright, expressive piano work. Very nice. Original track, Trouble adds Matthew Rogers on guitar (who also produces the release) and is part of the duo, the Axe Murder and the Harpoonist with Hall. Wrapping the release is Goin' Fishin' a laid back blueser with harp support from Shawn Hall and cool slide work. A cool closer for a real solid release.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

The Cell - Memories - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Memories, from The Cell and it covers a lot of ground. Opening with Still In Love With Her, a solid rocker, The Cell exhibits strong roots with a great bass line, tight drums, snorting guitar riffs, cool piano and horns. Blues Communion stirs a taste of metal into the rock flavored blues. Deep male vocals and female backing blends nicely with slide guitar and an ominous bass line and harp. Very cool. With a definite country flavor, Rusty Girl features female lead vocals and nicely blended horn and slide work. A definite radio track. Moody Blue has a nice, bluesy, ZZ Top kind of feel. A cool key interlude and hot blues guitar riffs make this one of my favorites on the release. With a bit of honky tonk, Rollin Man has a cool feel and solid piano work. A nice walking bass line and well placed vocals give this track real meat. Leslie West's The Cell, stays tight to the original, a heavy rocker. Wrapping the release is Greg Allman's Midnight Rider, a quiet almost acoustic soft rocker with nice rhythm, vocals and slide guitar work. I cool conclusion to a solid release.

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Monday, April 17, 2017

Stony Plain Records and Duke Robillard Remember Jay Geils

Stony Plain Records and Duke Robillard Remember Jay Geils

Late Guitarist Recorded Several Albums of Jazz and Swing Music

EDMONTON, AB – When guitarist Jay Geils passed away last week at age 71, he left behind a legacy of wonderful music, not only for the blues-rock sounds he created within his namesake

J. Geils Band, but also on several albums he recorded for Stony Plain Records that explored the music of his formative years – jazz and swing – instilled in him by his father.

“Stony Plain was honored to release several swing jazz recordings by Jay Geils including two projects by New Guitar Summit (Jay Geils, Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin),” said Stony Plain Records founder Holger Petersen. “It was a joy to be in the studio with them and to witness Jay's ability to arrange big band songs for three great swing guitar players. Jazz and blues were his first love and he had a deep understanding of their roots. I admired him for turning his back on rock stardom to play the music he loved.”

“I am truly saddened by the loss of Jay Geils,” said Duke Robillard. “He was a wonderful human being; intelligent, talented, charming and a good friend. His in-depth knowledge of blues, jazz, guitars and Italian cars was remarkable and he was always enthusiastic and fun to be around. Jay was a down to earth guy in spite of his rock legend status. He will be missed by his legions of friends and fans.”

The New Guitar Summit albums included the trio’s self-titled first CD, as well as a DVD video release, Live from Stoneham Theatre, both out on the Stony Plain label in 2004. In the New Guitar Summit CD liner notes, writer Ted Drozdowski called it “A swinging hybrid of jazz and blues music using delightful three-part harmony playing that's the signature of this epic guitar trio.”

The three New England-based guitarists first began performing together in 1997, with one of their highlights coming that year when they joined the Woody Herman Orchestra as special guests in front of 5,000 fans at City Hall Plaza in Boston.

In 2008, New Guitar Summit released Shivers, a studio album which was produced by Jay Geils. Joining as special guest on Shivers was legendary Canadian rocker Randy Bachman (Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive), who added his sparkling guitar work and laid-back vocals on two Mose Allison classic songs, “Your Mind Is On Vacation” and “Everybody’s Crying Mercy.” In addition to the Mose Allison tunes, the band covered such classics as “Flying Home,” “Honey Suckle Rose,” “Broadway” and the title track, written by Charlie Christian and Lionel Hampton. The band also added a jumping arrangement on the early rock ‘n’ roll/R&B chestnut, “Little Bitty Pretty One,” plus four original songs.

In addition to the New Guitar Summit recordings, Geils also released the solo album, Jay Geils Plays Jazz, in 2005 for Stony Plain.

www.stonyplainrecords.com

Sonic Unyon Records artist: Steve Strongman - No Time Like Now - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, No Time Like Now, by Steve Strongman and he shows a lot of contemporary approaches. Opening with title track, No Time Like Now, Strongman, joined by Rob Szabo on bass and Adam Warner on drums presents a happy, dance style track with heavy tom tom work and a bubbly vocal line. Bring The Hammer Down has a solid lumbering feel with a solid blues format and traces of Billy Gibbons. I particularly like Strongman's guitar work on this track accented by Szabo on keys. Very cool. Another high energy, Money In The Bank, features Dave King on drums with a snappy feel and full vocal backing leading to a tight guitar solo. On BTO's You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, Strongman changes things up a bit with a less driven cover and featuring Randy Bachman on guitar. Gospel inspired, Love, Love, Love has a great guitar riff, solid lead vocals and nice backing vocals with Alec Fraser on bass, Jesse O'Brien on keys and a cool harp feature (think refined Leon). Funky, I'm A Man has a lot of the audible signals of a Prince track with loose jangly guitar riffs, falsetto vocals, and a slick guitar solo. Good Times is a modern blues with long suspended guitar tone, simple guitar rhythms and stripped vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is The Day They Carry Me Away, a simple but strong, ballad. This is the definite radio track from the release and well written. With it's somber mood, clean vocals and bluesy, gripping guitar solo this is my favorite on the release and a great closer for a solid release.

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Friday, April 14, 2017

Hurricane Ruth Records: Hurricane Ruth - Ain't Ready For The Grave - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Ain't Ready For The Grave, from Hurricane Ruth, and it's powerful. Opening with Barrelhouse Joe's, a solid boogie, Hurricane Ruth on lead vocal is joined by Reese Wynans on piano, Tom Hambridge on drums, Michael Rhodes on bass, Pat Buchanan and Rob Mc Nelley or guitars. Taking it down, Far From The Cradle, has great blues bones with expressive vocals, excellent piano work by Wynans and super guitar work under the lead. Southern style blues rocker, Estilene, has a great beat and smoking guitar riffs. A really hot drum riff by Hambridge and Rhodes bass lines really set the pace on Beekeeper. It's cool rhythmic flow makes this one of my favorites on the release. A funky bass/drum line set a super beat for Cheating Blues, a cool track with expressive vocal phrasing and a real nice guitar solo. Very cool. Shuffle track, Let Me Be The One has a cool pace, cool vocals and flashy guitar riffs giving it real spunk. Wrapping the release is Yes I Know, with really nice gospel tones. Who better than the mighty McCrary Sisters and Wendy Moten to give this track that gospel vocal anchor. An excellent closer for a real solid release.

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

American Showplace Music artist: Sean Chambers - Trouble & Whiskey - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Trouble & Whiskey, by Sean Chambers and it's a real rocker. Opening with foot stomper, I Need Your Lovin', blends the drive of Robert Johnson's Crossroads with the swagger of ZZ Top. Joined by Kris Schnebelen on drums, Todd Cook on bass and Michael Hensley on Hammond B3 and piano, this band is tight. On Bottle Keeps Staring at Me, Chambers vocals are bold and his slide guitar work fiery. On title track, Trouble & Whiskey, Chambers slows things down demonstrating just how soulful his playing can be. With excellent phrasing and hot technique, this track is smoking! With a nod to Joe Walsh, Travelin' North has a cool rock flare and contemporary blues guitar riffs. Hensley really lays into the B3 on this one giving the track even more girth and carrying the track forward to Chambers final hot riff. Very nice! Sweeter Than A Honey Bee has a cool country rock 2 step feel. Think Call Me the Breeze or Give Me A T for Texas. Rich guitar tones open Handyman, a hot rocker with sting. On Johnny Winter's, Be Careful With A Fool, Chambers stays away from Winter's extremely explosive riff but throws flames of his own and with some of my favorite vocals on the release, makes this one of my favorites on the release. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Gonna Groove, a funk rocker with slick jazzy guitar riffs and warm slide details. This is a really nice track to close a really good release.

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Big Blues Bender Announces Fabulous Lineup for Sept!

The Bender is Sept 7.8.9.10, 2017

Big Blues Bender Announces Fabulous Lineup for Sept!

LAS VEGAS, NV. – The Big Blues Bender, one of the most talked about Blues events in the country, has announced an impressive 2017 lineup. The Big Blues Bender offers what could be their best artist lineup to date, offering a wide variety of first-class music and entertainment including, Mavis Staples, Dr. John, Tab Benoit, Walter Trout, and many more. This four-night all-inclusive music experience delivers eighteen hours of live music, daily, on three indoor stages and a fabulous pool stage all under one roof, featuring the most talented and sought after Blues artists touring today.

The 4th annual Big Blues Bender will take place Sept. 7.8.9.10, 2017 at the legendary Plaza Hotel & Casino at the top of the world famous “Fremont Street Experience” in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. The Big Blues Bender has quickly become a festival favorite among Blues fans and artists alike – a bucket-list event for all, selling out far in advance last year. “The Big Blues Bender is more than just a Blues festival, it’s an experience,” said AJ Gross, the event’s founder, and President. “Four days and nights of music and accommodations, with Everything, An Elevator Ride Away!”

Wanna see the full lineup? Here ya go –> Bender Lineup Ready to Attend? Big Blues Bender is sold as "Packages" that include your accommodations as well as your event pass or as a four-day event pass that's good for all events and activities but does not include your hotel accommodations. Pick the option that's best for you! Have you booked yet? ☆ Book Now:
BigBluesBender.com September 7.8.9.10, check out is Monday, Sept 11th at 11 am.

The 2017 Big Blues Bender Lineup!

It's all about the music... It's ALWAYS about the music! We're proud to have this fine roster of amazing artists joining us for the 4th Big Blues Bender! Click on their names below for more details.