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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You Can't Do That, by Mick Kolassa & Mark Telesca and it's quite entertaining. The concept, to take classic Beatles compositions and remake them in a new style as a group is cool... I mean possibly the greatest pop band of all time. Opening with I'll Cry Instead, the arrangement has a casual New Orleans strut and features a muted trumpet by Marc Franklin. With a creative blues bottom, early Beatles track, I Feel Fine takes on new air with suspenseful bass lines and bluesy harmonica work by Eric Hughes. One of my favorite tracks on the release is the sorrowful rework of Fixing A Hole. Telesca's vocals and stylistic acoustic guitar lead really hits. Very nice. Just the flatting of key notes in Lady Madonna transforms it from a springy pop tune into a New Orleans flavored track with soulful fiddle work by Tommy Borroughs and snappy drumming by James Cunningham. Very cool. Wrapping the release is a vibrant bluegrass rendition of She Came In Through The Bathroom Window with really cool mandolin lead by Tommy Boroughs. Excellent 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”
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Delta Wires Sets
June 30 Release Date for New CD, Born In Oakland, on Mudslide Records
San Francisco
Bay Area Blues Band Delivers the Goods on 7th Album of High Energy
Harmonica/Horn-Infused Music
OAKLAND,
CA - Seminal San Francisco Bay Area blues band, Delta Wires, announces a June
30 release date for their new CD, Born in Oakland, on Mudslide
Records. The album, recorded and mixed at Brickwall Sound in Concord,
California, showcases 10 originals and unique covers of a wide assortment of
blues styles.
Delta
Wires will celebrate the release of Born in Oakland with two special
“Album Debut” performances on Friday, June 30, at San Francisco’s Biscuits
& Blues (voted America’s #1 blues club by the Blues Foundation), with shows
at 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm. For more info, visit http://www.biscuitsandblues.com/. On June 23,
Delta Wires will also play the kick-off to the Fountain Blues Festival at San
Pedro Square Market Place in downtown San Jose at 7:00 pm.
Delta
Wires is a powerful harmonica and horns seven-piece band dedicated to
modern blues, while paying tribute to the blues origins of the Mississippi
Delta. Their name was derived from
the image of a band with modern, electric instrumentation, playing a style of
music born in the Mississippi Delta. What began as a college project and
anthology of blues music from the Mississippi Delta to the South Side of
Chicago, inevitably evolved into a band which has become known for its
originality, versatility and crisp, tight, exciting, sound. Delta Wires
is comprised of Ernie Pinata (harmonica, lead vocals), Tom Gerrits (bass,
background vocals), Richard Healy (guitar), Tony Huszar (drums, congas,
tambourine), Gerry Jonutz (tenor, alto, baritone saxes), David Bowman
(trombone) and John Christensen (trumpet).
A
living history of the San Francisco West Coast blues, Delta Wires was truly
born in Oakland over 30 years ago. The band started as band leader Ernie
Pinata's college project demonstrating the evolution of the blues from the
cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta, to Chicago and ultimately, to the West
Coast. The small band Ernie put together to play examples of this evolution
grew into the high-powered seven-piece band that now calls itself Delta Wires. The band started by playing clubs in Oakland such as
Esther's Orbit Room and The Continental Club. Around this same time, legendary
bluesman Lowell Fulson sat-in with Delta Wires at the New Orleans House in
Berkeley and Ernie Pinata sat-in with the Freddie King Band at Mandrake’s in
Berkeley. These were followed by a performance with Buddy Guy and Junior Wells
at Keystone Berkeley. The Delta Wires then began to open shows for these blues
greats, and continued to grow as musicians and as a band.
Born
in Oakland,
their seventh album, demonstrates a further maturation of the group’s West
Coast blues style, influenced by the ups and downs of city life - and of life,
itself. It’s a sound that is truly original and un-typical of what fans might
expect from a “blues band.” Both high-energy and moody, with intricate horn arrangements
and harmonies, Delta Wires is justifiably proud of what it has accomplished,
which includes being voted best band by the East Bay Express and Oakland
Magazine, and being inducted into the California Blues Hall of Fame.
They
have performed at the San Francisco Blues Festival, Russian River Blues
Festival and Monterey Bay Blues Festival, among others, and were 2008
International Blues Challenge finalists in Memphis, Tennessee. Delta Wires has
toured or played with many noted artists, including Van Morrison, John Lee
Hooker and Buddy Guy. In 2017, they were invited to perform at the prestigious
Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy.
Additional Delta Wires Shows
Saturday,
July 1, 2017
Armando’s - 8:00pm - 10:00pm, 707 Marina Vista - Martinez, CA
July 7 - 16, 2017
Umbria Jazz Festival - Perugia, Italy
Friday, August 4, 2017
Oakland Museum of California - Friday Nights @ OMCA - 7:00pm - 9:00pm –
Oakland, CA
Friday, August 12,
2017
Point Richmond Music Series - 5:30pm - 6:30pm - Richmond, CA
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Chouinard Vineyards Music Series - 4:30pm - 8:30pm - Under the trees -
Castro Valley, CA
Wednesday, Aug 23, 2017 Capitola Twilight Concerts - 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Esplanade Park,
Capitola, CA
Saturday, Sept 9
“Album Release Party” – The Uptown
Nightclub - 8:30pm - Oakland, CA 94612
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sanctified, from Low Society and it's solid. Opening with John Prine's Angel From Montgomery, vocalist Mandy Lemons takes front and center, filling the room with her powerful voice. Backed by Sturgis Nikides on guitars, Jacky Verstraeten on bass, Bart De Bruecker on drums and Rick Steff on keys this is a great opener. On Raccoon Song, an interesting mix of blues and punk (think Pixies) Lemons works the crowd and Nikides lays in some real cool slide work. Bluesy, The Freeze, has the atmospheric qualities of Pink Floyd and the blues feel of Savoy Brown with tasty guitar riffs. Very nice. Nina is a real interesting rock ballad with tastes of CSN, Grace Slick and Joe Walsh with Will Danger on drums. Interesting composition using acoustic guitar, slide and nicely blended vocals. All out rocker, Drowning Blues, has a great driving bass line, nice slide guitar work and cool swagger giving it a great chance for cross radio play. New Orleans style, Here Comes The Flood has a great drum line by De Bruecker and sassy vocals by Lemons. Nikides slide work adds real spice to an already spicy track and nice keyboard and accordion work by Steff give the track the icing. Wrapping the release is classic soul track, I'd Rather Go Blind. Lemons digs deep for her emotional delivery and the warm organ work by Steff grounds the track even more. A very nice closer for a solid 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"
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feelin' Freaky, by John Nemeth and it quite cool. Opening with pop tune, Under the Gun, John Nemeth is joined by Danny Banks on drums, Matthew Wilson on bass and Johnny Rhodes on guitar. S.T.O.N.E.D. is a really cool track with a earthy, thick bass line and Nemeth on vocal and harp. Very cool. Title track, Feelin' Freaky, is a high steppin' R&B track showcasing Nemeth's vocal and harmonica work over a snappy beat. Rainy Day is a strong, soul track and a really nice vocal track. Nemeth's vocals on this track push him high in the line of modern soul singers, nicely backed by Marc Franklin on trumpet, Art Edmaiston on sax, J Kirkscey, B Luscombe, J Munson and P Tsai on strings and Charles Hodges on organ. Very nice. Funky, You Really Do Want That Woman, had a cool R&B feel and the bass lines couples with the horn punctuation really hits the groove. Gave Up On You is a cool bluesy track with super horns, with some of the best characteristics of Robert Cray and Al Green. This is one of my favorite tracks on the release with super vocals, melody and feel with a super groove and a nice guitar solo. Excellent. Wrapping the release is Long Black Cadillac, a solid soulful ballad with strong vocals. Nemeth has put together a really nice release with strong, soulful vocals.
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"
ANNOUNCING THE 15TH ANNUAL BLUES FROM THE TOP FESTIVAL:
TWO BIG
DAYS OF BLUES ROYALTY IN BEAUTIFUL WINTER PARK, CO
Enjoy Fabulous Thunderbirds, Anders Osborne, C.J. Chenier
& the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Carolyn Wonderland, Alvin Youngblood
Hart, And More, All In A Beautiful Mountain Setting!
~ Presented With Pride By The Grand County Blues Society,
In Memory of Blues From The Top Founder, John Catt ~
Saturday, June 24 (11am to 6pm); Sunday, June 25 (10:30am to
6pm)
(Winter Park, CO) - Announcing the 15th Annual Blues From The Top Festival, two big days
of blues royalty in a beautiful mountain setting, located at Hideaway
Park, 78820 US Highway 40, taking place Saturday,
June 24 and Sunday, June 25. Gates open
10am, with music from 11am to 6pm (Saturday) and 10:30am to 6pm (Sunday).
Currently, General Admission tickets are $30. (one day), $50. (2 days);
prices will increase. V.I.P. Experience: $100.00 per day per person,
$185. for two days. V.I.P. Seating features Stage Right starting at the
Front Row; Daily Buffet; Private Bar with two Complimentary Drinks each
day; free water and soft drinks; Shade Tents with tables and chairs; and
Private Restrooms. Kids 12 and under, free (when accompanied by an
adult). Tickets on sale now at www.bluesfromthetop.org.
For additional BFFT Festival information visit www.bluesfromthetop.org.
Blues From The Top is presented with pride by the Grand County Blues Society, in memory of Blues from
The Top Founder, John Catt.
The two-day lineup is packed! Appearing on Saturday,
June 24: The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson; Little Hurricane;
C.J. Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band; Jimmy Vivino and The Kate
Moss 3; Austin Young Band. Sunday, June 25 features performances by
Anders Osborne, Carolyn Wonderland, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Analog Son,
Danny Franchi, and Mountain Gospel featuring Ali Grayson.
~About
Some of the Headliners at 15th Annual Blues From The Top ~
For over thirty years, The
Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the
quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound,
influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a
unique musical hybrid via such barn-burners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It
Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads
the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation. “We started as a
straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now
incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American
music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.” In addition
to Wilson, the current Thunderbirds line-up features Jay Moeller on
drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on
bass.
A musical force equipped with the soulful vocals of
Janis and the guitar slinging skills of Stevie Ray, Carolyn Wonderland reaches into
the depths of the Texas blues tradition with the wit of a poet. She hits
the stage with unmatched presence, a true legend in her time.
"Carolyn Wonderland's live shows are just outright phenomenal. Top
notch, five-stars, off the meter - whatever the clinch., Carolyn and her
band meet it...Her voice can be as beautiful as an angel and as powerful
as a Class 5 hurricane all within the drop of a hat...One thing's for
certain, some forces - even those barely five feet tall - cannot be
contained" (ROCKZILLAWORLD).
Between the potency of his richly-detailed
songwriting, his intensely emotional, soulful vocals and his piercing,
expert guitar work, New Orleans' Anders Osborne is a true musical treasure. He is among the most original
and visionary musicians writing and performing today. Guitar Player calls
him "the poet laureate of Louisiana's fertile roots music
scene." New Orlean's Gambit Weekly has honored Osborne as
Entertainer of the Year. Osborne's songs have been covered by artists as
diverse as Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, Jonny Lang, Trombone Shorty and
Aaron Neville, to name a few. His songs have appeared in multiple feature
films. A powerful live performer, Osborne has won over fans through
non-stop touring as well as a heralded collaboration with the North Mississippi
All-Stars and Southern Soul Assembly.
Clayton Joseph Chenier, who fronts C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, was born September 28, 1957 - the son of the great
King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. C.J.'s father was the first Creole
musician to win a Grammy Award. C.J. spent his childhood in the tough
tenement housing projects of Port Arthur, Texas. His earliest musical
influences were an eclectic mix of funk, soul, jazz and Motown, and his
first musical instruments were piano, tenor saxophone and flute. It
wasn't until his 21st birthday, after winning a scholarship and studying
music at Texas Southern University, that C.J. first performed with his
famous father and the legendary Red Hot Louisiana band.
LONG BEACH BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS: "BLUES IN THE
SCHOOLS"
AT RENAISSANCE HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS, THURS., MAY 25
(Long Beach, CA) - The newly-formed Long Beach Blues Society presents Blues in the Schools,
an exciting new program bringing together musically-inclined high school
students and professional blues artists, coming to Renaissance High School
for the Arts, 235 E. 8th St., Thursday, May, 25, from 1pm-2:40pm.
Students will experience a hands-on opportunity to work
with established blues musicians who'll encourage and push them to achieve
confidence in their musical development. Through direction and
collaborations, students will gain understanding about the importance of
performing an engaging live show.
Life-long blues evangelist, legendary guitarist, radio
host, and educator, Bernie Pearl, will share his history and development of
the Blues as one of the original American musical art forms. Pearl has
been central to bringing the blues to Long Beach as the creator and host of
“Nothin’ But the Blues” on KPPC, and then KLON, radio stations. Bernie is
also a co-founder of the Big Time Blues Festival, one of the first successful
blues events in the Southland.
Shy But Flyy is a young poet and singer helping the arts
flourish in Long Beach who also hosts open-mic events throughout the
city. Her band, Shy But Flyy and the Allstarz, have been performing
throughout Southern California for several years. Shy’s youthful
enthusiasm combined with Pearl’s experience will create a dynamic and
engaging experience for the students to enjoy.
Students and their parents attending Blues in the School
will be given complimentary tickets to the New Blues Festival 4, taking place on Labor Day Weekend,
Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, at El Dorado Regional Park in
Long Beach.
“This is more than a school event,” explains Bill
Grisolia, founder of the Long Beach Blues Society and creator of the New
Blues Festival. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the music and education
communities of Long Beach to come together.”
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Grit, from Vintage #18 and it's cool. Opening with Latin influenced number, Diamonds Are Optional, lead vocalist Robbin Kapsalis shows super composure and style leading a super band of Bill Holter on guitar, Alex Kuldell on drums and Mark Chandler on bass. Chandler's relentless bass work on this track, sealed up by snappy work by Kuldell and searing lead riffs by Holter makes this a great opener. On Dylan's Million Miles, along the lines of the great Sonny Boy Williamson's Help Me, the band nicely isolates Kapsalis' vocals and with a notorious bass line driving the beat, Holter screams on guitar. Very nice. On a remake of the great ZZ Top track, Just Got Back From Baby's, Kapsalis' vocals are soulful and Holter lets it off the leash for a nice run. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is old style R&B track, Poor Me. Kapsalis just hits a spot that rarely gets hit with contemporary music and Holter is right there with his slick guitar phrasing sealing the deal. Very nice! Digging back into early rock beats, Good Eve almost sees a surf beat with snappy drumming and cool guitar riffs. Wrapping the release is Circles Down Home an easy paced blues number with rich vocals. Holter pulls out the slide giving the track a warm feel for a cool closer to a cool 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live At The Iridium, from Leo Bud Welch and it's a solid, real deal blues rocker. Opening with original track, Praise His Name, Welch lays out a real nice hill country style blues track accompanied by his own guitar, drums and vocals. Excellent opener. On Muddy Water's Still A Fool, Welch conjures up the feel of the primitive blues with minimal effort. This is a great track and Welch compliments it nicely. Another of my favorites on the release is Rosco Gordon's shuffle, No More Doggin'. Welch sets a cool pace and delivers from the gut. Very nice. Always a favorite, Willie Dixon's My Babe is loose and bouncy. On Sweet Little Angel, Welch's vocal phrasing is all his own giving it an interesting texture and his cool guitar playing makes it a definite top track. I've always liked Don't Let The Devil Ride and Welch's cool rock style handling of this classic is classic in itself. On Sonny Boy Williamson's good Morning Little School Girl, Welch grabs the wave and rides. A cool interpretation of another of my favorites. Wrapping the release is Me And My Lord a traditional tune given the Mississippi country blues rockin' twist. This is a cool closer for a cool release. Looking forward to getting the DVD home and checking it out.
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"
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brody Buster's One Man Band from Brody Buster and it's quite entertaining. Opening with Get Out Of My Life, Brody Buster shows his dexterity at acoustic guitar as well as his finesse as a vocalist and harp player. On the Dead's New Speedway Boogie, Buster lays down a super guitar groove. With the bold attack of George Thorogood, Buster shows super agility as a one man band and super tone on his harp. Into The Wind is a solid ballad with a strong melody, solid guitar and drum reinforcement. Beatles tune, Get Back, maintains much of the original arrangement but with a more rural feel. Jonathan Edwards like harmonica riffs and throaty guitar work makes this track a strong contender for the best track on the release. Acoustic rocker, Working For The Devil is my personal favorite with it's drive, overdriven tube sound and overall simplicity. Wrapping the release is Prince's Nothing Compares To You, made popular by Sinead O"Connor. She added such stark emotion that every remake from that point forward would draw comparison. This is a cool open acoustic somewhat blues rocker which is a nice closer for a solid 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"
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bad Movie, from Bobby Messano and it's a rocker. Opening with title track, Bad Movie, Messano on lead vocal and guitar lays down a driving groove with a serious lope. Backed by Ed Canova on bass and Nioshi Jackson on drums, this is a super opener. Creeping up blues alley with Come to Your Senses, Messano sends out BB King vibes with strong vocal phrasing and grinding blues guitar riffs. Jimi like Why Water A Dead Rose is a real nice ballad with beautiful bones. One of my favorite tracks on the release, this track has nice dynamics, soulful vocals and articulate guitar lead. With roots in delta blues, Road To Oblivion couples acoustic slide guitar with a more modern feel to create a fresh sound. Funky rocker, Too Good To Be True has great character and a cocky attitude. I like it! Jazz rocker, The Girl That Got Away, has great pace, and feel. Messano balances a solid rhythm with cool chords and tight guitar riffs to create a really nice radio track. Some of the most aggressive guitar work appears on I Thought We Had This with synthesized rhythm guitar and nicely blended vocals. With really nice vocal blending, We Need A Blessing is another strong radio track with stinging blues guitar riffs and a solid bottom. Wrapping the release is country flavored rocker, American Spring, with rowdy guitar riffs and a stiff drum beat. Super closer for a strong 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"
BOBBY RUSH’S CHICKEN HEADS
BOX SET ON OMNIVORE TAKES HOME “BEST HISTORICAL ALBUM” HONOR IN BLUES MUSIC AWARDS
Grammy Award-winning blues
legend’s career compilation spans 50 years and more than 20 labels
MEMPHIS, Tenn.
— Chicken Heads: A 50-Year History of Bobby Rush box set,
on Omnivore Recordings, won Best Historical Album at the Blues Foundation’s
Blues Music Awards (BMAs), held at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis on
May 11. The BMAs are recognized as the highest honor given to blues
musicians, and are awarded by the vote of Blues Foundation members.
Nominated in
multiple BMA categories for his new music throughout the night, Bobby Rush
earlier this year also took home the Best Traditional Blues
Grammy® for his latest release, Porcupine Meat. His
lengthy career was the subject of the BMA-winning Chicken Heads,
Omnivore’s four-CD, decades-spanning overview project.
The set contains
over five hours of music culled from more than 20 labels including
Rush’s Checker, Galaxy, and Jewel sides, through Philadelphia
International, Malaco/Waldoxy, LaJam, and Urgent cuts, as well as material
from his own Deep Rush label. Chicken Heads tells the
story of Bobby Rush: unfiltered, unedited and unbelievable.
Bobby Rush, 1951
The 32-page,
full-color booklet is filled with photos, ephemera, liner notes from Bill
Dahl and testimonials from friends and fans including Mavis Staples, Keb’
Mo’, Elvin Bishop, Denise LaSalle, Leon Huff, Al Bell, and many more.
Produced by Rush
himself along with Omnivore’s co-founder and Grammy®-winning producer
Cheryl Pawelski; Jeff DeLia, Rush’s manager; and long-time publicist Cary
Baker, Chicken Heads traces the bluesman’s career, from
1964’s “Someday” to the title track, from 1979 collaborations with Gamble
& Huff to tracks from 2004’s FolkFunk. With mastering and
restoration handled by Grammy® winner Michael Graves, Bobby’s vintage
recordings have never sounded better.
According to
Omnivore’s Pawelski, “When you’ve played with Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf,
Muddy Waters, and Jimmy Reed, you must be on to something. When you’ve had
a multi-generational career in music, spanning blues, soul and funk, that’s
something else.”
# # #
Chicken Heads co-produders Jeff DeLia, Cheryl
Pawelski, Bobby Rush
2017 World Tour In Support Of
Signs Goes On Sale This Week
First Track “Make It Move”
Available As A Free download at: www.jonnylang.com
Los
Angeles, CA --- Jonny Lang is pleased to announce a brand new
studio album, Signs, which will be released in North America on
September 8th via Concord Records. The album (his sixth major label
release) is his first in four years. A pre-order for physical goes live
today, with digital to follow on June 9. The European release for Signs
will be on August 25 via Provogue Records / Mascot Label Group.
Starting
off the record with a juke joint stomp, “Make It Move” is Lang’s story about
going to the mountain rather than waiting for it to come to you. “There have
been times in my life where I thought something would take care of itself, when
I should have put some effort forth to help it happen,” says Lang. “Being
proactive has been a weak spot for me, and the song is about doing your part to
get things moving.”
All
fans can immediately download “Make It Move” for free via Jonny’s website at: www.jonnnylang.com.
Anyone
who originally discovered Jonny Lang through his searing instrumental work will
revel in the huge guitar tones and go for broke solos on Signs, while
those who have appreciated his growth as an honest and passionate songwriter
will find that honesty and passion unabated. Though he long ago left blues
purism behind, Lang has never abandoned its spirit of universal catharsis
through the relating of personal trials. Signs reaffirms his
commitment to the blues and the guitar without sacrificing the modern approach
that has made him such a singular artist.
It
is hard to believe that at only 36 years old Jonny Lang has already had a
successful career for two decades. Easier to believe when you learn he released
his first platinum record at 15—an age when many young people are just
beginning to play music. Lie to Me revealed a talent that transcended
the crop of blues prodigies floating around in the late Nineties. No flashy
re-hasher of classic blues licks, even at that early age Lang was a full-blown
artist with a style of his own. Also, setting Lang apart from the wunderkind
crowd was a 15-year-old voice that sounded like a weathered soul shouter.
Actual life experience was yet to come, and has been subsequently chronicled in
a series of five uniformly excellent recordings.
What
began as a bluesy sound, influenced by electric pioneers like Albert Collins,
B. B. King, and Buddy Guy, evolved over those recordings into a modern R&B
style closer to Stevie Wonder and contemporary gospel music. Lang’s
distinctive, blues-inflected licks appeared on every album, but became one
element in a sea of passionately sung and tightly arranged songs.
Signs is not merely a return the
artist’s guitar-based beginnings, but an embodiment of an even more elemental
sound. Beyond focusing attention on his soloing prowess, it is about
recapturing the spirit of the early blues, where the guitar was front and
center, fairly leaping out of the speakers. “A lot of my earlier influences
have been coming to the surface, like Robert Johnson, and Howlin’ Wolf,” he
reports. “I have been appreciating how raw and unrefined that stuff is. I had
an itch to emulate some of that and I think it shows in the songs. Still, I let
the writing be what it was and that was sometimes not necessarily the blues.”
The
record, which features funk, rock, and blues elements, is held together by Lang’s
distinctive playing and singing, and the lyrics, which center on themes of
embattlement and self-empowerment. “Some of the songs are autobiographical, but
not usually in a literal way,” Lang explains. “The main goal is for folks to be
able to relate to what I went through. If I can’t make it work using just my
personal experience, I use my imagination to fill in blanks.”
Signs
was
produced by Lang, Drew Ramsey, and Shannon Sanders. Josh Kelly helmed “Bring Me
Back Home.” Lang offers, “Josh and I cut six or seven songs together and had a
blast doing it. I am saving the other ones for who knows what, but I
definitely wanted that one to be on this record.”
Since
the release of his debut album, Grammy Award winning Jonny Lang has built a
reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his
generation. The path Lang has been on has brought him the opportunity to
support or perform with some of the most respected legends in music. He
has shared the stage with everyone from The Rolling Stones and B.B. King to
Aerosmith and Buddy Guy, who he continues to tour with today.
NORTH
AMERICAN APPEARANCES ANNOUNCED TODAY
ALL
DATES OTHER THAN 9/30 – GENERAL ON-SALE FRIDAY, MAY 19
