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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!


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Showing posts with label Billy Boy Arnold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Billy Boy Arnold. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Nola Blues Records artist: Matt Guitar Murphy - True Blues Brother - The Legacy of Matt "Guitar Murphy" - New Release Review


 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, True Blues Brother- The Legacy of Matt "Guitar Murphy" by Matt Guitar Murphy and it's a great assemblage of music that Matt was working on at the time of his death in 2018 featuring music by artists he either played with or influenced along with some special guests. Opening with Matt's Boogie, Murphy leads the way on this instrumental with  a super guitar rhythm /solo lead and joined by Bruce Bears on organ, Ricky "King" Russell on guitar, Bob Worthington on bass and Fran Christina on drums. Solid opener. Deadric Malone's I Feel Alright Again is a super shuffle featuring Brian Templeton on vocal, Nick Adams on guitar, Collin Tilton on tenor sax, Johnny Juxo on keys, Dean Cassell on bass and Christina on drums. Christine Ohlman really belts out the lead on Something's Got a Hold On Me, and Etta James favorite, with Cliff Goodwin and Russell on guitar, Worthington on bass and Christina on drums. Phil Diiorio is upfront on vocal on Willie Dixon's I Can't Quit You Baby and James Montgomery on harmonica adds really nice balance. Troy Mercy takes a different approach on his bluesy guitar solo that adds nicely to the track. Disc 2 opens with Matt's Shuffle and Murphy strolling on guitar. A cool organ solo by Bruce Bears leads to a real nice laid back solo by Murphy. Willie Dixon's, Evil, is a real nice contribution with Craig Rawding on lead vocal and some stellar guitar work by Bob Margolin, Jerry Portnoy on harmonica, Chuck Leavell on piano and Christina on drums. Memphis Slim's Lonesome, has a great feel with Christina on vocal and drums, Duke Robillard laying down some hot riffs, Greg Piccolo on sax, Al Copley on piano and Marty Ballou on bass. Joe Beard is upfront on vocal and guitar on Muddy's Let Me Hang Around with Chris Beard on guitar, Billy Boy Arnold on harmonica,  bass and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on drums. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Beard on guitar and vocal and Arnold on harmonica on You Wasn't Doin' Too Bad, a really stripped down, delta style blues. This is an excellent closer for a solid release. 


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Friday, October 23, 2020

Delmark Records artist: Johnny Iquana's : Chicago Spectacular! - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the newest release from Johnny Iguana, Chicago Spectacular! and it's a cool mix of styles and packed with blues notables. Opening with Roosevelt Sykes' 44 Blues, featuring John Primer, Bob Margolin and Michael Caskey, Iguana does a great job on keys and Primer's lead vocals are super. On Willie Dixon's Down In The Bottom ,Primer has the mic again and with cool guitar lead and with Michael Caskey on drums another cool entry. Gil Scott- Heron's Lady Day and John Coltrane has a cool, laid back jazzy feel and features Phillip-Michael Scales on lead vocal and guitar. Iguana really rocks the piano on this one with simple rhythms by Caskey. Lil' Ed guests on Burning Fire with flaming lead guitar and vocal. Rolling piano work by Iguana and solid drum work by Kenny Smith makes this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Lil' Ed is back on Elmore James' Shake Your Moneymaker and Ed knows how to make that slide talk. Very cool. Sonny Boy Williamson's Stop Breakin' Down slides in nicely with Matthew Skoller on harmonica and lead vocal and Billy Flynn on lead guitar. Closing the release is Big Bill Broonzy's Hot Dog Mama with lead vocals by Billy Boy Arnold and lead guitar by Billy Flynn. Iguana did a really nice job putting htis set together and his piano work throughout is strong. 


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Friday, October 10, 2014

Stony Plain Records artist: Billy Boy Arnold - The Blues Soul Of Billy Boy Arnold - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 21, 2014), The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold, from Billy Boy Arnold and it's solid. Opening with R&B track Coal Man, Arnold leads the way on vocal with heavy support from Rich Lataille on sax, Mark Earley on sax and Doug Woolverton on trumpet. Hopping right on the harp on the intro of the classic I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water, Arnold plays this boogie out with slick guitar work from Duke Robillard and Bruce Bears who always shines on piano. Taking the last solo spot on the track Arnold rips out a nice one chased by Mark Teixeira on drums. You Give Me Nothing To Go On has a solid R&B feel with Robillard stepping up with a nice solo. Arnold hops on a cool solo of his own and Bears rolls high under the melody. 99 lbs., another R&B laden track is straight up rolling straight to the radio with it's hook. Joe Tex's A Mother's Prayer is a high stepper with warm backing vocals from Anita Suhanin and Jack Gauthier. On classic St. James Infirmary Arnold opens with a solitude harp solo, breaking into a smooth swing number. Arnold really has a relaxed vocal style on this track, complimented as Bears plays a really nice piano solo and Robillard some tight guitar riffs. Don't Set Me Free has a Latin rhythm and a tight fast paced night club sound with round backing vocals and full horn backing. Lataille lays down a really nice sax solo and the deep bottom is nicely complimented by Earley as Woolverton wraps the track with a hot trumpet riff. 12 bar blues number, What's On The Menu Mama, has a great blues feel and Arnold gets a nice groove going. Bears adds substantially throughout the track with great piano riffs and Robillard lays in a real nice guitar solo as well. My favorite track on the release, BB King's Worried Dream, is a perfect blend of Arnold on vocal and Robillard's guitar. Brad Hallen lays down just enough bass to cook this track and Robillard really digs deep creating that eye closing moment when you just sit back and groove. Very nice! Next up is Chuck Berry's Nadine. Holding much of Berry's original feel but with just a little bit more boogie, this is a cool track. Robillard also lays in a stylized Berry like riff closing the track. The classic, Work Song, seems a natural for this band with it's lineup. Arnold sings somewhat "naked" for a bit of the track but building backing as the track rolls. Bears takes a really nice jazzy solo first and as always his style is stellar. Robillard is up next and there's no questioning his unmistakable talent and taste. Very nice! Dance For Me has a basic Hooker form at it's core with raw vocals, uneven timing, stripped down harp and guitar. Very nice! Boogie track Ain't That Just Like A Woman really is the best track to feature bears on piano and he doesn't miss a second. Arnold does a real nice job on vocals and plays a loose harp solo on this track. Robillard spins a hot solo of his own bringing Arnold back to wrap it up on harp. Closing the release is well known, Keep On Rubbing, and Arnold delivers his vocals in a sly style with Robillard adding just the perfect riff to polish up the track. “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Stony Plain Records Signs Blues Hall of Famer Billy Boy Arnold & Will Release His New CD on October 21; "The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold" Was Produced by Duke Robillard & Features an All-Star Backing Band


Stony Plain Records Signs Blues Hall of Famer Billy Boy Arnold & Will Release His New CD on October 21

Legendary Chicago Blues Harmonica Player’s New Album, The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold, Was Produced by Duke Robillard & Features an All-Star Backing Band

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records announces the signing of legendary Chicago blues harmonica master Billy Boy Arnold, and will release his new CD, The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold, on October 21. Produced by Duke Robillard, Arnold’s new CD showcases his talents as a songwriter, singer and harmonica player, backed by an all-star cast of musicians, including the Roomful of Blues horns. This is Arnold’s second album for Stony Plain, joining his highly-acclaimed 2001 release for the label, Boogie 'n' Shuffle, also produced by Robillard.

Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2013, Arnold ably demonstrates his credentials on this scintillating set that showcases a number of original songs, as well as compositions from Joe Tex (“A Mother’s Prayer”), Ted Taylor (“You Give Me Nothing to Go On”), B.B. King (“Worried Dream”), Chuck Berry (“Nadine”) and Oscar Brown Junior/Nat Adderley (“Work Song”). As its title indicates, The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold emphasizes the soulful side of the Chicago blues master that’s always been a part of his repertoire. His own songs have been covered over the years by a diverse group of artists that includes everyone from Bo Diddley and David Bowie to The Yardbirds and The Blasters.

“Billy Boy Arnold’s talent as a songwriter, singer, harp master and blues historian is still in full swing here,” says Duke Robillard. “On this album, he demonstrates his flair and love for many different facets of the blues. This recording is surely a remarkable achievement.” About the recording sessions, Billy Boy Arnold adds, “I would like to thank Duke for his outstanding guitar performances and all the great musicians that made this project a success.”

William “Billy Boy” Arnold was born in Chicago in 1935 and became enamored with the blues he heard on jukeboxes, especially the sound of blues harmonica players such as John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson. One afternoon accompanied by his childhood friends, he knocked on Sonny Boy’s door and they were invited in the house. Williamson played for the boys, and that moment started a spark in Billy Boy’s heart. Before long, he was playing harp in Bo Diddley’s band and played on Bo’s “I’m a Man,” one of the classic recordings of Chicago blues.

During some spare time with Bo in the studio for the “I’m a Man” sessions, Billy Boy got a chance to record his own song, “You Got to Love Me,” which kick-started his solo career. A number of his own classic Chicago blues songs followed, including “I Wish You Would,” which has since been recorded by a long list of artists such as The Yardbirds, John Hammond and David Bowie. His singles for Chicago’s Vee Jay label from the 1950s have become highly-prized collectables.

“The chance to work with Billy Boy on this project was something I jumped on without a moment’s thought,’ writes Duke Robillard in the album’s liner notes. “Billy wanted to record an album full of songs that he had always loved, in a few different genres. These 14 songs include some Billy Boy originals, early R&B songs, blues/jazz standards and some ‘60s and ‘70s rare soul gems.”

All bear the unmistakable stamp of The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

New Sugar Ray Norcia "Remembering Little Walter" video

blindpigrecords.com
NEW SUGAR RAY NORCIA VIDEO FROM LITTLE WALTER TRIBUTE - "UP THE LINE"
http://mailman.305spin.com/users/blindpigrecords/images/SRNorciaThumb.jpg

Last December, five of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia, and James Harman - gathered to pay tribute to harp virtuoso and innovator Little Walter Jacobs.  All are featured on the tribute recording entitled Remembering Little Walter.
Blind Pig Records has released another in a series of videos from that memorable evening - Sugar Ray Norcia's performance of Little Walter's "Up The Line," which also features a sterling guitar solo by Little Charlie Baty.   To watch the video, please click HERE.
In addition to Little Charlie, Sugar Ray is accompanied by Nathan James on guitar, June Core on drums and RW Grigsby on upright bass.
To hear more from the album, or to learn more about it, please click HERE.

Monday, September 16, 2013

New "Remembering Little Walter" video!

blindpigrecords.com
NEW JAMES HARMAN VIDEO FROM LIVE LITTLE WALTER TRIBUTE
http://mailman.305spin.com/users/blindpigrecords/images/HarmanWeb.jpg
Last December five of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia, and James Harman - gathered to pay tribute to harp virtuoso and innovator Little Walter Jacobs.
All are featured on the tribute recording entitled Remembering Little Walter performing songs written by or associated with the late blues icon.
Blind Pig Records has just released another in a series of videos from that memorable evening - James Harman's performance of  "It's Too Late Brother."  To watch the video, please click HERE.
Harman is accompanied in performance by Little Charlie Baty on guitar, Nathan James on guitar, June Core on drums and RW Grigsby on upright bass.
For more info and sound samples from Remembering Little Walter, please click HERE.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

New Billy Boy Arnold video!

blindpigrecords.com
NEW BILLY BOY ARNOLD VIDEO FROM LIVE LITTLE WALTER TRIBUTE
http://mailman.305spin.com/users/blindpigrecords/images/BillyBoyWeb.jpg
On December 6th, five of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia, and James Harman - gathered to pay tribute to harp virtuoso and innovator Little Walter Jacobs.  All are featured on the tribute recording entitled Remembering Little Walter.
Blind Pig Records has just released another in a series of videos from that memorable evening - Billy Boy Arnold's performance of Little Walter's "You're So Fine."  To watch the video, please click HERE.
Arnold, who knew and was friends with Little Walter in Chicago, said, "He was miles ahead of all the other harp players on the scene. No one could touch him. He was creative, innovative, and spontaneous. Little Walter is still the top and most influential harp player that ever played."

Billy Boy is accompanied in performance by Little Charlie Baty on guitar, Nathan James on guitar, June Core on drums and RW Grigsby on upright bass.
For more info and sound samples from Remembering Little Walter, please click HERE.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

First video of Remembering Little Walter tribute



blindpigrecords.com
http://mailman.305spin.com/users/blindpigrecords/images/HummelWeb.jpg

On December 6th, five of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia, and James Harman - gathered to pay tribute to harp virtuoso and innovator Little Walter Jacobs.  All are featured on the tribute recording entitled Remembering Little Walter.
Blind Pig Records has released the first video from that memorable evening - Mark Hummel's performance of Walter's "I Got To Go."  To watch the video, please click HERE.
Mark is accompanied by Little Charlie Baty on guitar, Nathan James on guitar, June Core on drums and RW Grigsby on upright bass.
To hear more from the album, or to learn more about it, please click HERE

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Blind Pig Records artists: Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia and James Harman - Remembering Little Walter

I just received a new Blind Pig release, Remembering Little Walter and it's great! Featuring 5 of today's greatest harp players, Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia and James Harman this live recording gives each of the featured artists a chance to perform 2 of their choice little Walter tracks and then of course a collaboration. Opening with Mark Hummel on I Got To Go, the band featuring Nathan James on guitar, June Core on drums and RW Grigsby on bass really gets it going. Charlie Musselwhite steps up next with Just A Feeling. James plays some great guitar riffs under the lead and Musselwhite really does a nice job delivering the goods. Billy Boy Arnold has a great sound coming right out of the chute on You're So Fine. James Harman is next in line with It's Too Late Brother. Keeping it tight on his solos and presenting his fine vocals Harmon has the crowd hopping. Sugar Ray Norcia does a terrific version of Mean Old World getting just the right amount of distortion on harp to push the track into the ozone. Norcia also has a great voice and James again shows nice guitar chops on this track. Musselwhite is back with One Of These Mornings, a great Chicago groove. Charlie really does a super job on this track playing creative runs and unique phrasing. Mark Hummel returns on instrumental, Blue Light, a real deep track. His feel and sensitivity really shine through on this track. Again James is delivering really nice guitar runs that nicely compliment the lead player. On Crazy Mixed Up World, Harman keeps his vocals subdued but grabs a hold on the track and literally blows the top off with his harp. Norcia steps back to the mic for Up The Line. This time with less blow and more voice, Norcia trades riffs with James for a clean track. Arnold is the final soloist up and does a dynamite job on Can't Hold Out Much Longer. His vocals are rich and he blows some real mean riffs on this track. On the finale, My Babe, each of the players takes his turn at the mic and also added is Little Charlie Baty on vocal and guitar. This really is a great track featuring the players exchanging rather than competing and it is nicely done. This is a great tribute to Little Walter and the people in the crowd of this recording at Anthology in San Diego saw a super show.

  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”
 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Billy Boy´s Jump - John Lee Henley with Billy Boy Arnold

John Lee Henley (Canton, MS, February 13, 1919 - March 12, 1995, Chicago, Ill) was an American harmonica player. The grandson of a preacher and the son of a farmer, he learned how to play harmonica in his youth. He worked around the Canton area in the 1930’s and early 40’s playing with local musicians such as Buddy Cobbs. In 1943 he moved to Chicago to find work outside of music. Muddy Waters let him sit in with his band a few times and he later joined the group Big Boy Spires’ Rocket Four. Henley recorded with Spires as a sideman on his 1953 recordings for Chance. He continued working throughout the 1950’s playing with whomever he could. Henley recorded two sides in 1958 for J.O.B. He made more recordings for the Testament label in the mid-1960’s backed by David “Honeyboy” Edwards on guitar, but they were never issued. His last documented club performance was him playing with Big Joe Williams at the Fickle Pickle in 1964. 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”

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BLIND PIG RECORDS ANNOUNCES LITTLE WALTER TRIBUTE RECORDING

"Little Walter Jacobs was one of the best singers of the blues and a blues harp player par excellence" - Keith Richards "Little Walter was a very, very powerful influence on me" - Eric Clapton Blind Pig Records has announced a live recording date for a special tribute to Little Walter Jacobs featuring some of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Mark Hummel, James Harman, and Sugar Ray Norcia. The show will take place on Thursday, December 6th at Anthology in San Diego, California. The virtuosic Little Walter is without doubt one of the most influential blues harmonica players of all time. AllMusicGuide said, "The fiery harmonica wizard took the humble mouth organ in dazzling amplified directions that were unimaginable prior to his ascendancy. His daring instrumental innovations were so fresh, startling, and ahead of their time. His influence remains inescapable to this day -- it's unlikely that a blues harpist exists on the face of this earth who doesn't worship Little Walter." The idea for the Little Walter tribute recording grew out of a number of highly successful West Coast concerts in early 2012 that were part of an ongoing series of "Blues Harmonica Blowout" concerts organized by Hummel, who will serve as producer of the recording project, to be entitled Remembering Little Walter. Said Hummel, "Walter changed all the rules and raised the bar so high that nobody has yet surpassed him either in innovation or technical prowess. Walter's original sides have become the holy grail all other harpers are still trying to aspire to." Those sentiments were echoed by Charlie Musselwhite and Billy Boy Arnold, who both knew and were friends with Little Walter. In fact, both used Walter's backing musicians (Louis and Dave Myers, Fred Below, and Luther Tucker) in their own bands in the 60's and early 70's. Musselwhite said, "If you listen to Walter's earliest recordings you can see that he came from a down-home country style much like John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson. And then, probably with the urban influence of Chicago horn players, started phrasing like a saxophone. This phrasing combined with his creativity and amplification really took harmonica playing to a whole new level that hadn't been heard before. For me personally, besides Walter's being an influence, he was even more of an inspiration; an inspiration and invitation to experiment, take chances, see where it'll take you and to always follow your heart." He went on to recall, "Walter was always real nice to me. He'd give me a ride home after the gig or sometimes he'd walk with me to the bus stop and wait until the bus came. He was always acting like he was looking out for me; like he was going to be there if somebody started some nonsense with me." Billy Boy Arnold added, "When I heard Little Walter's harmonica playing on the recordings with Muddy Waters and others, I knew that Little Walter was the new Harmonica King. I bought every record that Muddy Waters made with Little Walter's harp playing on it. He was miles ahead of all the other harp players on the scene. No one could touch him. He was creative, innovative, and spontaneous. Little Walter is still the top and most influential harp player that ever played." CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE is one of the most recognized names in blues harmonica. Born in 1944, Musselwhite has traveled the long road from backwoods Mississippi to a teenaged upbringing in Memphis, where he first heard and learned the blues from its originators. On the South Side of Chicago, Charlie served his apprenticeship with Robert Nighthawk, JB Hutto, Johnny Young and Big Walter Horton and developed close friendships with blues icons Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. In the late 60's and mid '70s he and Paul Butterfield were very influential in introducing traditional blues to white audiences and the burgeoning scene of young rock and rollers. Renowned for his mastery of the traditional blues idiom, in recent years he's introduced elements of jazz, gospel, Tex-Mex, Cuban and other world music into his recordings. In 2010 he was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall Of Fame. In addition, Charlie, who is one of the most beloved blues musicians in the world, has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and has won 24 Blues Music Awards. BILLY BOY ARNOLD, a contemporary of James Cotton and Junior Wells, started with Ellis McDaniels (later to be known as Bo Diddley) in Chicago in 1955, where they created the "Bo Diddley" sound at Chess Records. Billy Boy learned harp at the feet of the legendary John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson when Billy was just 12 years old. Billy went on to record singles for VeeJay like "Wish You Would", "Ain't Got You" and "You Got Me Wrong." In the mid-60's young British groups The Yardbirds and The Animals discovered Billy Boy's 45s and had hits with their own cover versions. In the early 90's Arnold firmly reestablished himself as one of the foremost practitioners of classic Chicago blues with a pair of critically acclaimed releases on Alligator. His most recent CD, Billy Boy Arnold Sings Bill Broonzy, has been receiving extensive airplay. MARK HUMMEL has been touring nationally since 1984 and has most recently written a memoir, "Big Road Blues: 12 Bars on I-80," put out by Mountain Top Publishing. Mark started his band The Blues Survivors in 1977 with Mississippi Johnny Waters and has since toured/recorded with Lowell Fulson, Eddie Taylor, Charles Brown, Brownie McGhee, Jimmy Rogers and many other blues legends. In 1991 Mark started the Blues Harmonica Blowouts which have grown to be a much heralded blues event on the national scene. These multi harp packages have included John Mayall, Huey Lewis, Snooky Pryor, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, Carey Bell, Lazy Lester plus almost every other player of note on the blues harp. Mark has been nominated four times for the best harmonica player Blues Music Award. Hummel's eighteenth and most recent CD is entitled Retroactive. JAMES HARMAN was born and raised in Anniston, Alabama, where he quickly picked up on the black blues and soul music being played on juke boxes and the radio in the Deep South. In his teens, he started playing juke joints and dance clubs throughout the South and recorded a number of 45s. In 1968 Harman moved to Southern California, where he became friends with Canned Heat, The Blasters, and led bands with top-notch talent such as Hollywood Fats and Kid Ramos. He's released numerous albums over the years, picking up 10 W.C.Handy/BMA nominations along the way. He has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and is the harmonica player of choice on recordings and live performances by ZZ Top, appearing with them on both David Letterman and Jools Holland's TV shows. SUGAR RAY NORCIA started the popular East Coast blues band The Bluetones 30 years ago with guitarist Ronnie Earl. They backed Big Walter Horton, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush, JB Hutto and countless others in the early '80s all over the Northeast. In 1991 Norcia hooked up with the legendary Roomful of Blues band and toured the world with the 11 piece band, appearing on their Grammy-nominated release Turn It On, Turn It Up. Norcia also recorded the Grammy nominated release Superharps during his Roomful tenure with harmonica heavyweights Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton and Billy Branch. In 2001, he reunited the Bluetones with guitarist Kid Bangham and later Monster Mike Welsh. The latest Sugar Ray and the Bluetones album, Evening, received four BMA nominations in 2012 including "Album of the Year" and "Traditional Blues Album" of the year. Following Little Walter's approach of having the very best musicians in his bands, Hummel has handpicked a sterling lineup of musicians for the show and recording in San Diego - Little Charlie Baty, the world renowned guitar slinger and former bandleader of Little Charlie and the Nightcats; second guitar will be Harman bandmate, Nathan James; June Core (Musselwhite, Little Charlie and Nightcats, Robert Jr. Lockwood and Hummel) will be on drums and RW Grigsby (Mike Morgan, Gary Primich and Hummel) will play upright bass. To see a video of the finale of the Little Walter tribute in Eugene, Oregon last February “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson 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”

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I Wish You Would - Billy Boy Arnold w/ Phil Alvin


Billy Boy Arnold (born William Arnold, September 16, 1935, Chicago, Illinois) is an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter.
Born in Chicago, he began playing harmonica as a child, and in 1948 received informal lessons from his near neighbour John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, shortly before the latter's death. Arnold made his recording debut in 1952 with "Hello Stranger" on the small Cool label, the record company giving him the nickname "Billy Boy".

In the early 1950s, he joined forces with street musician Bo Diddley and played harmonica on the March 2, 1955 recording of the Bo Diddley song "I'm a Man" released by Checker Records.[1] The same day as the Bo Diddley sessions, Billy Boy recorded the self-penned "You Got to Love Me" which was not released until the box set, Chess Blues 1947-1967, in 1992.

Arnold signed a solo recording contract with Vee-Jay Records, recording the originals of "I Wish You Would" and "I Ain’t Got You". Both were later covered by The Yardbirds.
"I Wish You Would" was also recorded by David Bowie on his 1973 album, Pin Ups and by Sweet on their 1982 album, Identity Crisis.

In the late 1950s Arnold continued to play in Chicago clubs, and in 1963 he recorded a LP, More Blues From The South Side, for the Prestige label, but as playing opportunities dried up he pursued a parallel career as a bus driver and, later, parole officer.

By the 1970s Arnold had begun playing festivals, touring Europe, and recording again. He recorded a session for BBC Radio 1 disc jockey John Peel on 5 October 1977.

In 1993 he released the album Back Where I Belong on Alligator Records, followed by Eldorado Cadillac (1995) and Boogie ’n’ Shuffle (2001). As of 2010, Arnold continues to write and record new material, and occasionally tours the U.S. and Europe.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Chicage Blues: A Living History (The Revolution Continues) New Release Review


This is a very enjoyable double cd release of classic blues tunes played by the likes of Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Carlos Johnson and Lurrie Bell with special guests Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Magic Slim and featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks, Zora Young and Mike Avery. They cover all of the bases from Chuck Berry to Lonnie Johnson. This is a cd that should be in everyones collection.
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Check it out you'll like it!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Man With Considerable Taste - Billy Boy Arnold


Billy Boy Arnold (born William Arnold, September 16, 1935, Chicago, Illinois) is a leading American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter.Born in Chicago, he began playing harmonica as a child, and in 1948 received informal lessons from his near neighbour John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, shortly before the latter's death. Arnold made his recording debut in 1952 with "Hello Stranger" on the small Cool label, the record company giving him the nickname "Billy Boy".

In the early 1950s, he joined forces with street musician Bo Diddley and played harmonica on the March 2, 1955 recording of the Bo Diddley song "I'm a Man" released by Checker Records. The same day as the Bo Diddley sessions, Billy Boy recorded the self-penned "You Got to Love Me" which was not released until the box set, Chess Blues 1947-1967, in 1992.

Arnold signed a solo recording contract with Vee-Jay Records, recording the originals of "I Wish You Would" and "I Ain’t Got You". Both were later covered by The Yardbirds,. "I Wish You Would" was also recorded by David Bowie on his 1973 album, Pin Ups and by Sweet on their 1982 album, Identity Crisis.

In the late 1950s Arnold continued to play in Chicago clubs, and in 1963 he recorded a LP, More Blues From The South Side, for the Prestige label, but as playing opportunities dried up he pursued a parallel career as a bus driver and, later, parole officer.

By the 1970s Arnold had begun playing festivals, touring Europe, and recording again. He recorded a session for BBC Radio 1 disc jockey John Peel on 5 October 1977.

In 1993 he released the album Back Where I Belong on Alligator Records, followed by Eldorado Cadillac (1995) and Boogie ’n’ Shuffle (2001). As of 2010, Arnold continues to write and record new material, and occasionally tours the U.S and Europe


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