Blind Pig records artist: Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots - Boom Town - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Boom Town from Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots and he just keeps getting better! Opening with title track, Boom Town, a cocky strut, Wainright leads the way on piano and vocals. He not only has a great voice and acclaimed piano skills but a focused ability to take you places with his lyrics. Excellent! Rock and Roller, Saturday Night Sunday Morning really kicks up the dust and Billy Dean on drums, Stephen Dees on bass and Ray Guiser, Patricia Ann Dees and Charlie DeChant on sax hold tight as Wainwright hammers the white right off of the keys. What a rocker! Boss rocker, Stop Bossin' Me Baby stays in the rockin' beat and really kicks. Wainwright is known as one of the best boogie piano players of today's generation and with his solid vocals he's likely to stay on top for a long time. Stephen Dees and Nick Black lay down some hot guitar riffs on this track pushing Wainwright to keep it hot...not a problem! Funky, New Orleans flavored, If It Ain't Got Soul - Pt. 1, has a smokey flavor with Stephen Kampa on harp and Wainwright and Black on vocal. Laying out some hot Hammond on this track, Wainwright adds to the funk for one of the best tracks on the release. When The Days Is Done has a field revival sound with really nicely blended vocals of Wainwright, Dees, Black and Beth McKee. Really strong! Genuine Southern Hospitality gets that "Little Feat" funk going with some really nice slide work from Ernie Lancaster. Wainwright may be known mostly for his excellent piano work, but his vocals are so superb that he could front most any blues band. Two Lane Blacktop Revisited is a great rockin' piano boogie. Stilladog, this track has your name written all over it! Taking the tempo way down, Wildroot Farm has the feel of a Dr. John track with Patricia Ann Dees trading lead vocals with Wainwright. A cool 40's style slide with Kampa taking a nice lead line on harp, another solid track. Piana's Savannah Boogie is a real rolling piano boogie and a wide open opportunity for Wainwright to establish again why he's on of the absolute top boogie players today. Excellent! JP Soars takes the lead guitar on The Devil's Bite which has an almost Django like acoustic chord part. A great story track, excellent guitar riffs and just a great groove! Reaper's On The Prowl is a cool mix of early western/surf soundtrack, a great driving rhythm guitar and over the top vocals. Very cool! Shuffle track Back On Top, features Robert "Top" Thomas on guitar blended nicely with Kampa on harp. Cool Texas style guitar riffs and rolling boogie piano this track is really nice! Wrapping the release is WildRoot Rumble which is a freewheeling rocker with a hot drum ride from Dean joined by soloing harp by Kampa, cooking piano solo by Wainwright, slashing guitar soloing from Black and Dees, eventually breaking into a full on Mamba and then back to a circle of soloing and back again to a driving boogie. The release is a smokin' hot rife. Turn it up and jump on!

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Blind Pig's featured artists at the Chicago Blues Festival!

BLIND PIG ARTISTS FEATURED AT THE CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL Blind Pig Records will be well represented this month at the 32nd Annual Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park, with performances by the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band, The Cash Box Kings, Shawn Holt and the Teardrops, and Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues. ANDY T-NICK NIXON BAND Andy T’s jazz-tinged guitar style is influenced by T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Magic Sam, and Albert Collins among others, yet it remains his own. Andy has toured internationally with blues greats Guitar Shorty and Smokey Wilson, and has performed with a long list of major blues artists around the country.   The velvet-voiced Nixon, whose singing recalls Jimmy Witherspoon and Billy Eckstine, was part of Nashville’s thriving blues scene in the 60’s, was a longtime member of The New Imperials, recorded for Chess Records in the 70’s and has performed with many of the top blues and R&B artists in the world. Blind Pig Records will release the new album by the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band, entitled Numbers Game, on August 28th.   THE CASH BOX KINGS Award-winning fan favorites, The Cash Box Kings continue their mission of carrying on the spirit of the 1940's and 50's post-war Chicago blues sound as well as the Delta blues music of the 20's and 30's.  Living Blues said they are simply "one of the best blues bands in the land." Fronted by vocalist Oscar Wilson and harp player Joe Nosek, these illustrious torchbear­ers also add a bravado, energy and freshness to the mix that results in a distinctive musical expe­rience. They showcase the music of Chess Records and Sun Records while add­ing a healthy dose of original music that captures the essence of early Memphis and Chicago blues sounds. As No Depression put it, "The ghosts of Muddy Waters, Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins and Little Walter must be smiling." The Cash Box Kings' new Blind Pig release, Holding Court, is currently the most played record in the country at blues radio, topping the Roots Music Report's blues radio chart for the last four weeks.  To watch their new video, please click HERE. SHAWN HOLT AND THE TEARDROPS Shawn Holt is the son of the late legendary blues master, Magic Slim. The high energy, hard-driving sound of the Teardrops is still alive and well with Shawn, a chip off the old block, fronting his old man's band. Shawn's booming vocal presence is more than a little reminiscent of his father's, and his guitar playing, while similar to Slim's, exhibits a broader mix of classic and contemporary influences.   The band's Blind Pig release, Daddy Told Me, won the "Best New Artist Debut" Blues Music Award, as well as the Blues Blast Music Award in the same category. BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES   Over a career spanning close to forty years now, three-time Grammy nominee Billy Branch has become one of the blues’ most eloquent spokespersons and an ardent evangelist and teacher of the blues, not to mention an award-winning veteran artist on the Chicago, national and international music scenes. Branch will perform with his band, the Sons of Blues, at 5:00 pm on Sunday. They'll perform songs from their Blind Pig release entitled Blues Shock, a fascinating mix of daring, and full-bodied new compositions and fresh-sounding standards that followers have long savored at their live shows.  Living Blues said the CD "provides ample proof that Branch's unique blend of rootsy integrity and exploratory zeal remains potent."  To watch a video of the title track, please click HERE. After that set, Branch will join members of Willie Dixon's family for a musical tribute to that Chicago blues icon.  Billy toured with Dixon’s All-Stars for about six years.  “I can’t over-stress how influential he was,” says Branch. “He ate, slept, talked blues all the time. He was deeply, very, very proud that he was a blues man and that his people were the inventors of blues.” The schedule of performances by Blind Pig artists: Fri., June 12 Andy T-Nick Nixon Band Front Porch Stage 3:00 - 4:00 Sat., June 13 Shawn Holt & the Teardrops Crossroads Stage 4:15 - 5:30 Sat., June 13 The Cash Box Kings Front Porch Stage 4:30 - 5:30 Sun., June 14 Billy Branch & Sons of Blues Petrillo Music Shell 5:00 - 6:05 Sun., June 14 Billy Branch (Dixon tribute) Petrillo Music Shell 6:20 - 7:45

New release from rising roots music star!

NEW RELEASE FROM VICTOR WAINWRIGHT & THE WILDROOTS! Blind Pig Records has released Boom Town, the latest CD from Victor Wainwright & the WildRoots. Wainwright has been making a name for himself in a big way as one of the most exciting keyboard performers on the roots music scene. Known for his potent boogie piano, big soul sounds, powerhouse blues, roots rock 'n' roll, and a voice that recalls Dr. John and Leon Russell, he's also a two-time winner of the coveted Blues Music Award for "Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year." Wainwright is a raucous, high-octane dynamic performer and a crowd pleaser with soul to spare. As American Blues News put it, "he is always entertaining and madly talented.  You will never see Victor play a room and not go over with the crowd in a big way."  He's backed by the firepower of WildRoots, one of the tightest smokin' bands around. Boom Town is highlighted by excellent songwriting, musicianship and production, and a unique and edgy sound that captures the energy of the band's live shows.  With the release of this tour de force of American blues and roots music, Victor's star will surely continue to rise.   Upcoming Tour Dates for Victor Wainwright & the WildRoots: May 30 Daytona Beach, FL The Davidson Theater June 12 Marietta, GA Darwin's June 14 St. Simons Island, GA Lighthouse Grounds June 19 Clarksdale, MS Groubnd Zero Blues Club June 20 Henderson, KY WC Handy Blues & BBQ Festival June 23 Kankakee, IL Moose Lodge June 24 Chicago, IL Buddy Guy's Legends June 25 Mishawaka, IN Midway Tavern June 26 Columbus, OH Woodlands Tavern June 27 Cadiz, OH Blues For A Cure July 16 Panama City Beach, FL Summer Music Series July 17 Birmingham, AL Ranelli's July 18 Merigold, MS Crawdad's July 19 Memphis, TN Levitt Shell at Overton Park July 24 Durham, NC Blue Note July 25 Washington, DC Madam's Organ July 26 Lake Harmony, PA Pennsylvania Blues Festival July 27 Ellicottville, NY Ballons July 29 Tuscarawas, OH Canal House July 31 Woonsocket, RI Chan's August 1 Damariscotta, ME Dam Blues Fest August 3 Rockland, ME Time Out Pub August 6 Magnolia, DE Jonathan's Landing August 7 Ellicottville, NY Balloons August 8 Ellicottville, NY Balloon August 9 Wheeling, WV Heritage Music Bluesfest For more information, and a taste of the album in a short video from Victor, please click HERE.  To order dowloads from iTunes  please click HERE.   To order from Amazon, please click HERE.

New Cash Box Kings release out this Tuesday, April 28th!

NEW RELEASE FROM FAN FAVORITES THE CASH BOX KINGS! Blind Pig Records will release Holding Court, the latest album from award-winning fan favorites The Cash Box Kings, on April 28th! On this release the band continues their mission of carrying on the spirit of the 1940's and 50's post-war Chicago blues sound as well as the Delta blues music of the 20's and 30's. But these illustrious torchbear­ers also add a bravado, energy and freshness to the mix that results in a distinctive musical expe­rience. The Cash Box Kings are fronted by Joe Nosek, who writes and arranges songs, sings, and channels the spirits of Little Walter and Slim Harpo on harmonica, and singer and songwriter Oscar Wilson, a 6’3”, 300 hundred pound Muddy Waters-type throwback to the heyday of the Chicago blues scene.  No less a blues authority than Charlie Musselwhite said, "The Cash Box Kings play with taste and feel and it was faith restoring to know there are guys out there that still know and appreciate real blues."  And Living Blues said they are simply "one of the best blues bands in the land." On Holding Court The Cash Box Kings pay homage to some of the founding fathers and lesser-known artists of the Chicago blues scene, and they also throw some New Orleans, jump blues, ragtime, and swamp pop sounds into the mix. While the subject matter of many of the songs is familiar, they also touch on current issues such as the challenges of selling records and staying financially afloat in the era of digital piracy and streaming services, and the real struggle faced by many who are forced out of their neighborhoods due to the gentrification taking place in inner-city areas of Chicago and other urban centers in the U.S. The Cash Box Kings will be featured performers at this year's Chicago Blues Festival on June 13th.

Blind Pig Records artists: The Cash Box Kings - Holding Court - New Release review

I just received the newest release (April 28, 2015), Holding Court, by The Cash Box Kings and it's hot! Opening with Jump Jackson and Sonny Thompson's I Ain't Gonna Be No Monkey Man, Oscar Wilson leads the way on vocal and master harp man, Joe Nosek, really puts the Chicago into the track. Billy Flynn takes the guitar solo on this track and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith holds the bottom on drums. On Download Blues, Wilson and Nosek lay down a cool shuffle track and Joel Paterson adds nice guitar and backing vocals. On Gotta Move Out To The Suburbs, CBK gets a great Chicago blues groove going with Mark Haines on drums and Beau Sample on bass. Patterson steps out again with a really stylistically sweet guitar solo for a little extra spice. On Cash Box Boogie Nosek takes front and center on both lead vocal and harp. Barrelhouse Chuck weaves in some cool piano riffs and Paterson again smokes the fretboard. Nosek closes the track with a nice long harp solo with tight support from Smith. Very cool! One of my favorite tracks on this release is a modern cover of the classic JL Hooker, Hobo Blues. Wilson does an excellent job on lead vocals on the track with Paterson on religiously traditional blues guitar riffs. Excellent! On swing track, Baby Without You, Nosek has the mic for lead vocal and harp, joined by upright bass by Sample and Haines on drums. Paterson and Flinn handle the guitar work nicely and Chuck rolls the keys keeping it tight. Very nice! On Latin influenced, Juju, Alex Hall adds a nice claves part giving the track a real spice and Nosek leading on vocal and harp is joined by Chuck, and Paterson making for a really sweet mix. Willie Love's Everybody's Fishin' is hot hot hot. Wilson does some of his best vocal work, Nosek blows the life out of the harp and Paterson really lights up the fretboard. Excellent! Jimmy Rogers' track, Out On The Road, takes the pace down low and Nosek really takes his harp for a traditional ride. Wilson's vocals are spot on and rich and Brad Ber really does a nice job on bass. Sugar Pea is light and springy with Nosek handling the lead vocals. Mark Haines with brushes on drums and Sample on upright bass, Paterson's tasty blues riffs really spring to life. I Miss You Miss Anne is a subtle shuffle with nice guitar chorded riffs. Nosek keeps the vocals simple and Paterson busts loose on guitar with a crisp solo over Barrelhouse chuck on organ and Flynn on rhythm. On I'm A real Lover, Wilson grabs the groove just right and accompanied primarily by Nosek on harp, Flynn on guitar, Sample on upright and Haines on drums, the CBK's keep is simple and effective. Wrapping the release is Quarter To Blue, a super tight slower blues instrumental with Nosek really laying it out there. Paterson and Flynn both contribute some really nice guitar riffs complimented by Sample and Haines. Excellent closer!

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"Fat Man's Shine Parlor" #1 at radio!

"FAT MAN'S SHINE PARLOR" #1! Latest Kubek & King Release From Blind Pig Tops Living Blues Radio Chart Fat Man's Shine Parlor, the latest release from Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, jumped to the top of the Living Blues Radio chart for the month of February.  The album is also #2 on the Contemporary Blues radio chart from Roots Music Report. Joe and Bnois are one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre, known for their red-hot Texas rockin' blues.  The dynamic musical tour de force features Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Here's a list of their upcoming shows in support of the album: March 6 Phoenix, AZ The Rhythm Room March 7 Tucson, AZ Boondocks Lounge March 8 Long Beach, CA Malarkey's Grill March 9 Tarzana, CA Maui Sugar Mill Saloon March 11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits & Blues March 13 Birkenfeld, OR The Birk March 14 Milwaukie, OR Winter Blues Festival March 15 Seattle, WA Highway 99 Blues Club April 1 Kansas City, MO BB's Lawnside BBQ April 2 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 4 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon April 8 Memphis, TN Lafayette's Music Room April 9 Monroe, LA Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson Rally April 18 Erie, PA Get The Winter Blues Out 2015 April 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall April 21 Del Ray Beach, FL Bostons On The Beach April 24 Goodland, FL Little Bar Restaurant April 25 Sarasota, FL Sun Coast Blues Festival April 26 Sebastian, FL Earl's Hideaway April 27 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter May 16 El Paso, TX El Paso Blues & Jazz Festival May 30 Mobile, AL Blues Tavern May 31 Montgomery, AL Capitol Oyster Bar

New Cash Box Kings album out April 28th!

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

Kubek-King ablum debuts on Billboard chart

KUBEK & KING RELEASE DEBUTS ON BILLBOARD CHART! "Fat Man's Shine Parlor" at #11 in First Week! The new Blind Pig release from celebrated guitar tandem Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King - Fat Man's Shine Parlor - debuted at #11 on this week's Billboard blues sales chart. Besides fans at retail, the album is being well received by critics and radio programmers.  Living Blues magazine said, "For a heavy dose of heavy-hitting Texas blues-rock, a visit to Fat Man's Shine Parlor is definitely in order." Blues Blast magazine added, "The new album finds Kubek and King doing what they do best, rocking out in Texas roadhouse style on a series of tough blues, boogies and rockers...another solid album with much to enjoy." At radio, the release was #7 on the Roots Music Report's Blues Radio chart, and jumped into the Top 20 on Living Blues' radio chart for January, despite being released on February 3rd. Here are some of the comments from radio programmers: “This is a very cool release.  These guys continue to set the bar with solid guitar based groovy blues.  – Brian Bourgoin (WCNI-FM ) “They never seem to stray from the great standard they have set of gritty vocals and power guitars. ” – Ray Hansen (BOB FM ) “They consistently provide a wonderful sound of the blues, that triggers strong feelings, with wonderful and solid lyrics.”   - Emm Thurston ( WVBR-FM ) “LOVE IT.  Will be playing it for several months. Great stuff!  – Richard Skelly (WRSU- FM) “I began playing it last week and I will continue playing it until the day I die.”                                                                       - John Gorny (WPNA- AM ) Kubek and King are a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Upcoming shows: March 6 Phoenix, AZ The Rhythm Room March 7 Tucson, AZ Boondocks Lounge March 8 Long Beach, CA Malarkey's Grill March 9 Tarzana,CA Maui Sugar Mill Saloon March 11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits and Blues March 14 Milwaukie, OR Winter Blues Festival March 15 Seattle, WA Highway 99 Blues Club April 1 Kansas City, MO BB's Lawnside BBQ April 2 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 9 Monroe, LA Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson Bike Rally April 18 Erie, PA Get The Winter Blues Out April 21 Del Ray Beach, FL Boston's On The Beach April 24 Goodland, FL Little Bar Restaurant April 25 Sarasota, FL Suncoast Blues Society April 27 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter

Albert Cummings Completes New Recording!

NOTED GUITARIST ALBERT CUMMINGS COMPLETES NEW ALBUM "He attacks his axe with unbridled ferocity and deep soulfulness; his depth and expression are matched only by his terrifying technique and tone." - Guitar One Guitarist Albert Cummings has wrapped recording in Los Angeles on his latest album for Blind Pig Records.  The as-yet-untitled CD by the popular guitar slinger from Massachusetts is scheduled to be released early this summer. The album was produced by Grammy-winner David Z (Buddy Guy, Prince, Jonny Lang, Gov't Mule) at Clear Lake Audio.  Said Z, “Albert Cummings writes, plays and sings the blues like nobody else.  What a blast to watch him jell in the studio with some of the best musicians in Los Angeles.” Standing, l. to r.: Jimmy Vivino, David Z, Mike Finnegan (keyboards), Reggie McBride (bass)  Seated, l. to r.: Tony Braunagel (drums), Albert Cummings One of those musicians was Blind Pig labelmate and leader of The Basic Cable Band on the Conan TV show, Jimmy Vivino.  Jimmy recalled first seeing Albert: “One Wednesday night I saw a flyer that said this guy Albert Cummings was coming on Saturday night to play with Tommy Shannon and George Raines .... If this Texas tornado of a rhythm section was playing, this guy must be the real deal ... So I went to see them.   Of course it was the real deal and undiluted and dripping with Soul and Blues.... Real Blues." "Albert and I became fast friends and have stayed in touch since. That was 5 years ago.   When I found out they were cutting a couple of blocks from my home I called David Z and said "Tell Albert I am there whenever he says!"   And he 'said' and I 'went' and it was great!!” This album marks Albert’s return to the Blind Pig label, which released three highly acclaimed albums by him beginning in 2004.   Billboard called Albert “a blues star who has arrived. Cummings' guitar work is sizzling."   His recordings are consistent Blind Pig best sellers in the digital realm, especially his 2008 live album, Feel So Good, which Music Connection called "one of the best live albums recorded in a long time."   One particular fan favorite has been his medley entitled “Hoochie Coochie Man/Dixie Chicken.” Guitar Edge said of the album, "The blues is best served up live, with an enthusiastic audience and a killin' band, and that's exactly what guitarist Albert Cummings does, driving his audience to frenzy in all the right places," while Blurt called it "the perfect showcase for the fiery guitarist's axe-handling skills and enormous onstage charisma." Cummings sounded very enthused about the new project and the L.A. recording process when he said, "I'm tremendously excited about this CD and the team of people that worked on this project. It was such a pleasure to also work with David Z and Jimmy Vivino and so exciting to share their excitement about the potential this record has."

New release from Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King!

NEW RELEASE FROM SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING NOW AVAILABLE!   Blind Pig Records has released Fat Man's Shine Parlor,  the latest studio album from Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre. Joe and Bnois have been thrilling music fans all around the world with their red-hot Texas rockin' blues for twenty-five years, and have developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Regarding the CD title - as a young musician, Smokin’ Joe Kubek would venture in the wee hours after a gig to a declining, somewhat unsavory Dallas neighborhood in search of fried chicken. A commercial district for African-Americans, the area had been a hotbed for jazz and blues musicians from the 1920’s through the 50’s where you could also find gun and locksmith shops, tattoo studios, pawnshops, and pool halls. Joe was fascinated by one remaining establishment across the street called “Fat Man’s Shine Parlor.”   Ostensibly a place to get your shoes shined, to those in the know, it was also a place for other activities such as gambling, drinking, and womanizing. Joe sees this CD in a similar light – crack open the door, and inside you’ll find lots more than advertised.  Only in this case, the pleasures will be musical. For more info, or to order this great CD for $15, please click HERE.  To buy this CD for only $10 as part of our 5 CDs for $50 offer, please click HERE. To order the CD or downloads from Amazon, please click HERE.  You can pre-order the album now from iTunes, with individual tracks available on the release date, next Tuesday, February 3rd.  For the iTunes store, please click HERE.

Blind Pig Records artist:Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Fat Man's Shine Parlor - New release Review

I just received the newest release (February 3, 2015), Fat Man's Shine Parlor by Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King. This reunion release with Blind Pig is long overdue and really grooves. Opening with boogie track, Got My Heart Broken, King and Kubek keep it simple (like Hooker intended) with only Shiela Klinefelter on bass, Eric Smith on drums and Kim La Fleur on guitar taking it above a basic two man boogie. Very cool. On Cornbread, a quick paced boogie, King leads the way on vocal and Kubek rips some really tasty riffs trading with King and LaFleur. Diamond Eyes slows things down a bit to a basic blues rock ballad with a nice guitar bridge. Crash and Burn has a cool early rock beat and structure. Clean simple guitar solos and drum riffs carry this track. River Of Whiskey is built over a "Crossroads" like riff and each man steps up with his own guitar riff. Don't Want To Be Alone has an R&B sway and King always shows his best vocal work on tracks like this. Kubek lays out a real nice bluesy guitar solo making this one of the best tracks on the release. On Brown Bomba Mojo, Klinefelter and Smith lay down the basic riff giving King and Kubeck free space to cut it loose. With a bit of twin guitar lead this track hits solid. How Much also has a number of the characteristics of early rock music with hints of R&B. I particularly like the drum breaks which give the track some extra flair. Hot flashy guitar riffs spice up the track just right. One Girl By My Side is a blues rocker with just a taste of country. Cool guitar effects give it extra texture and soaring guitar solos mixed with King's solid vocals make this a track to hear. A standout track, Lone Star Lap Dance is a real cool shuffle with guitar riffs all around. Excellent! Done Got Caught gets down and dirty with a solid, slow blues. King shines on vocal and extended guitar solos make this a definite must hear. Returning to the basic rock beat for the closer, Headed For Ruin, King sets the stage and Kubek closes with tasty guitar riffs. Cool 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”

 

Victor Wainwright Signs With Blind Pig!

BLIND PIG SIGNS VICTOR WAINWRIGHT!New WildRoots Release Due Out In May

Blind Pig Records has announced the signing of Victor Wainwright, recognized as one of the most dynamic and exciting keyboard performers on the roots music scene. Following the signing, Victor said, "After putting a tremendous amount of time, effort and passion into this project, we’re extremely proud of the final recording. I’m excited that we are teaming up with renowned Roots and Blues label Blind Pig Records, to deliver what we feel is our best album yet!” 

Victor Wainwright & Stephen Dees at the big signing

The first release under the pact from Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots, entitled Boom Town, is scheduled to be released in late May. The CD was recorded in Edgewater, Florida and produced by Stephen Dees, who wrote much of the material on the album and is also the WildRoots bassist.  Dees is a highly respected session player whose credits include playing with Hall and Oates, Pat Travers, and Todd Rundgren.
Said Victor, "We've always prided ourselves on excellent songwriting, musicianship and production, but on "Boom Town" we've also captured the energy and edge of our live shows. Although the concept of sin and salvation has been done before, this is our own personal statement, a story of Southern life, faith, redemption, and the challenges that we all face. The unique and edgy sound fits the purpose and storytelling to a T and lifts the whole record up to another level."

Victor’s star is definitely on the rise, having won the coveted Blues Music Award as “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year” in both 2013 and 2014, as well as anchoring the critically acclaimed Dixie supergroup, Southern Hospitality, whose “Easy Livin’” release made the Top 10 on the Billboard blues chart.

He is known for his high-octane boogie piano, big soul sounds, powerhouse blues, roots rock 'n' roll, and a voice that recalls Dr. John and Leon Russell. He's a raucous high-octane dynamic performer and a crowd pleaser with soul to spare.

WildRoots celebrate signing - l to r: Victor Wainwright, Nick Black (guitar), Patricia Ann Dees (sax, vocals), Stephen Dees, and Billy Dean (drums)

Deanna Bogart to perform at SIRIUSXM's First Bluesville Festival!

DEANNA BOGART INVITED TO PERFORM AT SIRIUSXM's' FIRST BLUESVILLE FESTIVAL Blind Pig recording artist Deanna Bogart has been invited to perform at the first ever Bluesville Festival, which will take place on Tuesday, November 11th at the SiriusXM Radio studios in Washington, D.C.  Also on the bill are Buddy Guy, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, Eden Brent, Victor Wainwright, and Quinn Sullivan. The unique event will be taped in front of a live audience on Tuesday, November 11th and broadcast on the satellite radio's "B.B. King's Bluesville" channel once per day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (November 14,15, & 16). Bogart's most recent release, Just A Wish Away..., has earned high praise: "Deanna Bogart has become one of the greatest musicians and songwriters working in America today. It is not just her playing, but her songwriting that has matured to the point of greatness.  All of this adds up to Just A Wish Away.....being one of the best albums of 2014." - Blurt.com "Fine songs, an excellent, well-pedigreed band of players, and the sort of authentic enthusiasm for music that is absolutely contagious."                                                                                         - RollingStone.com "With her spellbinding piano chops, thoughtful songwriting and rich, sultry voice, Deanna Bogart brims with talent and creativity." - Elmore  "A flavorful musical gumbo that's a taste of the artist at the height of her powers. Just a Wish Away... is a truly lovely record, full of the fine playing, singing, and songwriting that she is known for."- Living Blues To watch a video of "Fine By Me Good Bayou" click HERE.

JW-Jones CD hits Billboard chart!

JW-JONES RELEASE MAKES BILLBOARD CHART! Belmont Boulevard debuts at #9 on sales chart   Belmont Boulevard, the new Blind Pig release from Canadian guitarist and songwriter JW-Jones, debuted at #9 on the Billboard blues sales chart this week. JW & Jamie & Laura's Excellent Adventure... JW and his band, Jamie Holmes on drums and Laura Greenberg on bass, are currently touring the U.S. in support of the album.   So far it's been an eventful tour: In Sacramento, California, local favorite Little Charlie Baty came down to the Torch Club and sat in with JW's band. Said Charlie, "Catch them if you can - they are an impressive band of young Canadian blues performers."   In Southern California, labelmate Jimmy Vivino, bandleader of The Basic Cable Band on the Conan TV show, jammed with JW's band at the Maui Sugar Mill in Tarzana. To watch video, click HERE. The next day, JW and his bandmates attended a taping of the Conan show in Burbank, where they got to meet Conan O'Brien and rub shoulders backstage with Miley Cyrus.   And to top it all off, the band ran into Paris Hilton on the street and posed together for a photo.   Only in Beverly Hills!   Here are the remaining dates on JW's U.S. tour: Nov. 4 Austin, TX Continental Club Nov. 7 Houston, TX Shakespeare Club Nov. 8 Houston, TX Big Easy Nov. 9 Dallas, TX RBC Nov. 12 Lincoln, NE Zoo Bar Nov. 13 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon Nov. 14 St. Louis, MO BB's Jazz Blues & Soups Nov. 15 St. Louis, MO Blues City Deli Nov. 24-30 Key West, FL Hog's Breath Saloon

Blind Pig Records artist: Jimmy Thackery - Extra Jimmies - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Extra Jimmies, from Jimmy Thackery and it great! Made up of tracks from previous releases, Empty Arms Motel, Wild Night Out! and Switching Gears, this release is super. Opening with Write If You Find Love, a bluesy rock number, Thackery leads on vocal and guitar joined by Michael Patrick on bass and Al Gamble on B3. BB King's cool shuffle track, You Upset Me Baby, is up next and Thackery is immediately in the groove. Drummer Mark Stutso takes the lead on vocal and Thackery gives this track a good spanking on guitar and Wayne Burdette joins on bass. Recorded live, a whole different dynamic occurs with a bit more time to jam. Very cool! Fast instrumental shuffle, Rude Mood is a terrific opportunity for Thackery to spread his wings and smoke show what he's got and he's not holding back. Excellent! On New Orleans influenced, I Got To Be Strong, Patrick, Gamble and Stutso carry the rhythm and Thackery spices it up with red hot riffs. I particularly like Thackery's loose vocal style on this track giving it a party feel. Wildchild Butler's Lickin' Gravy is flat out smokin' with Thackery taking it down and dirty. His vocal grit juxtaposed against his rip snorting guitar solo's make this my favorite track on the release! Take Me With You When You Go is sopping with gumbo joined by Chubby Carrier on accordion. Love To Ride has a simple two step rhythm and clever bluesy riffs and soft backing vocals. Trouble Man is a straightforward blues rocker featuring some scorching fretwork and a catchy melody. I Wouldn't Change A Thing is a bluesy ballad featuring nice vocal harmonies with Reba Russell, solid B3 work from Gamble and saturated guitar work from Thackery. Very nice! Lowell Fulsom's Honey Hush is up next set up with a simple rock and roll rhythm. Thackery's fat guitar attack really sets this track apart not only stylistically but sonically. Cool! Flyin' Low is a good name for this track with it's low key style but it is flying. Grinding guitar riffs at the bottom of the fretboard make this track different. Empty Arms Motel has a rockin' R&B feel. Nicely articulated double stopped picking and wild bends give this track that something special. Wrapping the release is Monkey, a serious rock n roller. Gamble holds down the bottom with Patrick as Thackery lays down some of the hottest RnR riffs on record since Alvin Lee. Excellent conclusion to a super release.

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Blind Pig Records artist: JW-Jones - Belmont Boulevard - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Belmont Boulevard, from JW-Jones and I think it's his best yet. Opening with Love Ten Times, a contemporary blues/rock number with a pinch of country, Jones and drummer Tom Hambridge handle the vocal part. On Bobby Parker number, Watch Your Step, Jones throws a bit of sixties rhythm to a classic R&B track with hot guitar riffs. Very Nice! Blue Jean Jacket has a fresh, southern blues rock feel with Reese Wynans on keys and Jones rips hot riffs on guitar. On Coming After Me the band lays down a really nice slinky groove with a strong bass line from Dave Roe and some of the best vocals on this release from Jones. Particularly nice guitar work by Jones on this track makes it one of my release favorites. Don't Be Ashamed has a bit of a British blues feel with Laura Greenberg on drums and Jamie Holmes on drums. Thank You has a pop rock feel with a R&B basis. Flaming guitar riffs highlight this track with it's driving beat. Really cool Magic Slim like riffs open Magic West Side Boogie. This is a slick instrumental with a cool boogie beat. I really like Jones' fretwork on this track highlighting it as a clear front runner on the release. What Would Jimmie Do? is a slower boogie with a Latin twist and a cool swing. A true rocker this track gives Jones another opening to show what he can do. Very nice! If It Feels This Good Tomorrow is definitely the radio track for the release. A catchy hook and sweet melody drives the song. Buddy Guy's What's Inside Of You is a hot number with a lot of the flash of Mr Guy himself and the right funky push that Jones needs to break loose. This is the guitar man's track and a definite cooker! Never Worth It is structured around the basic early Rock and Roll pattern and keeps it solid like TYA. A bit more polished that Mr Lee, Jones does a real nice job of articulating his riffs and adding some cool reverb and chords. Wrapping the release is Cocaine Boy is a raw blues number with echo guitar effects and staggered drumming with quite pleasant results. A real nice track to complete Jones' first release on Blind Pig Records.

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High Energy Act coming to Phoenix, AZ!

HIGH ENERGY PERFORMER BRINGING HIS SHOW TO PHOENIX, AZ!  JW-Jones, a red hot young Canadian guitar slinger/singer known as a high-energy crowd-pleaser, will bring his dynamic show to Phoenix as follows:  SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST RHYTHM ROOM 1019 E INDIAN SCHOOL RD.  9:15 PM $10   Jones, a popular and highly acclaimed artist in Canada, widely regarded as one of that country’s premier touring blues acts, is set to break out in the U.S. and worldwide markets with his first release on acclaimed American roots music label Blind Pig Records, entitled Belmont Boulevard. The album was produced in Nashville by Grammy-winning producer Tom Hambridge, who’s helmed projects for Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, and Susan Tedeschi.   Jones said, "Signing with Blind Pig is truly an honour and major milestone in my career.  I am ecstatic to be on a label that is a fixture in roots music." Jones has played in nineteen countries in his brief career, and recently opened tours for the late Johnny Winter and Jimmie Vaughan, one of his strongest influences. Canada’s national newspaper, the Globe and Mail, based in Toronto, referred to Jones as "one of this country's top blues guitar stars."  Billboard called JW part of "a new wave of young talent moving onto Canada’s blues stage."

Blind Pig Records artist: Sena Ehrhardt - Live My Life - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (September 2, 2014), Live My Life, from Sena Ehrhardt. Opening with pop country rocker, The Stakes Have Gone Up, Sena, who is a serious vocalist is joined by lead guitarist Cole Allen for what would be an opening radio hit. Things You Shouldn't Need To Know opens with twin guitar lead of Allen and Smokin' Joe Kubek. Rick Roussell lays down a nice bass line and Paul Peterson adds a nice drum rhythm. Kubek steps up on this track with a cool slide solo as well. Classic R&B track, Slow Down, gets a nice rework for one of the most enjoyable tracks on the release. Joined by St. Paul Peterson on bass and Michael Bland on drums this track has spunk. On Leon Russell's Help Me Through The Day, Ehrhardt puts her soul into this solid ballad. Bruce McCabe add some real nice key work on this track and is joined by Jimi "Primetime" Smith on rhythm guitar allowing a nice space for Allen to lay down a smokey guitar solo. Title track, Live My Life, has a funky feel with a definite pop edge. Allen throws down a short but blistering guitar solo to ice this track. Chilled To The Bone is an easy rocker with a catchy melody and smooth rhythms. Allen sits back on the track but does lay in some nice guitar riffs complimenting Ehrhardt's strong vocals. Too Late To Ask has a bluesy feel with Ehrhardt and Allen sharing lead vocals. This is probably the hot track for radio play with all of the right components for broad appeal. Funky rocker, Everybody Is You, has a real nice groove and Ehrhardt gets right into it. I particularly like Allen's attack on guitar on this track. Albert Collin's If Trouble Was Money drags Ehrhardt into the grit and she is right on it. The bluesiest track on the release, Allen takes his guitar for a nice ride... very cool! Did You Ever Love Me At All is another pop rocker with a bit of sting. Allen on second lead vocal is a nice contrast to Ehrhardt and again with rugged guitar work gives the track a bit more edge. Wrapping the release is Come Closer, an easy country ballad. Overall this is a fairly pliable release with a little something for everyone. A number of the tracks should appeal to broad audience and the release is fairly consistent in style.

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New release, video from singing sensation Sena Ehrhardt

NEW ALBUM, VIDEO FROM SINGING SENSATION SENA EHRHARDT “Sena Ehrhardt's voice cannot get any more powerful, range-defying, and throwback cool. Truly one of the most dynamic young voices any genre has seen in a long time. "  - Living Blues  Blind Pig Records has released the latest album from singing sensation Sena Ehrhardt, entitled Live My Life (streets Sept. 2).  Produced by Grammy-winner David Z. (Buddy Guy, Prince, Jonny Lang, Gov't Mule) it features Sena's all-new band lineup of hard-driving, top-flight musicians. Sena has emerged as one of the freshest and most engaging young voices on the blues scene today, recently opening concerts for the likes of B.B. King, ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Dickey Betts, Gregg Allman, and the late Johnny Winter.  Live My Life further confirms Sena’s ascendance to blues elite status. After serving as her band’s lead guitarist and songwriting collaborator through her first two releases, Sena’s father stepped aside earlier this year.  Now, with a new release, and a powerful new band behind her, Sena is looking forward to exciting opportunities on the horizon to wow audiences nationally and internationally as she continues to come into her own as a vocalist, songwriter and entertainer. “Working in the studio with producer David Z. at the helm was a dream come true. His catalog of work has been, in some ways, a soundtrack of my life – ranging from Prince to Jonny Lang. In the studio he brought inspired and emotional performances out of myself, my band and the guest musicians on my album. It was truly an honor to work with a creative and contemporary living legend in music. The carefully selected covers are songs that I have held dear to my heart for years, with my own spin on their classic stories and appeal. The process of writing the original compositions for this album, along with my guitarist, Cole Allen, was incredibly rewarding.” New Video Blind Pig has also released a new Sena Ehrhardt promotional video.  To watch the video of "Things You Shouldn't Need To Know," a track from the new release, please click HERE.

Vote for the Blues Blast Music Awards!

BLUES FANS: VOTE FOR THE BLUES BLAST MUSIC AWARDS! Voting for the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards is now open to anyone who is a Blues Blast magazine subscriber. Subscriptions are FREE and an automatic part of the voting process on the website. Blind Pig artists and recordings are well represented on the ballot: "REMEMBERING LITTLE WALTER" Traditional Blues Album Unequaled live tribute to the harmonica icon from five of the finest harp players on the current blues scene - Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia, and James Harman.  The album was named winner of two major 2014 Blues Music Awards - "Best Traditional Album" "Album of the Year." It also received a 2014 Grammy nomination for "Best Blues Album." BILLY BRANCH   Song of the Year - "Going To See Miss Gerri One More Time" “Going To See Miss Gerri One More Time” is a moving song about a lost chapter in the cultural history of Chicago’s black population, the story of Gerri Oliver, long-time proprietor of the Palm Tavern in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, an area rich with African-American history that’s been called the ‘Harlem of the Midwest’  Much of that history unfolded in the legendary nightspot that Gerri presided over from 1956 until the city shut it down in 2001. In its heyday, the Palm Tavern was the hot spot for celebrities such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Quincy Jones, and Dinah Washington.  It was, in short, as the Chicago Tribune put it, “a landmark in Chicago history and American musical culture.” The song, written by Billy Branch, is the centerpiece of Blues Shock, the first studio CD from the three-time Grammy nominee with his band in fifteen years.  Living Blues said the composition is “nothing less than the story of the Great Migration itself, exemplified in the life trajectory of one remarkable woman…by any objective standard, both an eloquent piece of storytelling and an appropriate tribute.” Branch calls it simply “the best song I’ve ever written.” To watch a concept video of the song, please click HERE. DAMON FOWLER Sean Costello Rising Star Award Song of the Year - "Old Fools, Bar Stools, and Me" Damon Fowler has emerged as on the foremost practitioners of American roots music.  No Depression said, "A blend of sacred steel, backwater blues and howling, greasy swamp rock, Fowler's music is a primal, atavistic sound that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.  Hittin' the Note magazine called him "one soul-oozin', rock 'n' rollin', swamp stalkin' blue monster of a talent." "Old Fools, Bar Stools, and Me" is a track from his latest release, Sounds of Home, which was produced by swamp blues master Tab Benoit. To watch a live performance of this song, please click HERE. SHAWN HOLT AND THE TEARDROPS New Artist Debut Album - "Daddy Told Me" Shawn Holt is the son of the late legendary blues master, Magic Slim.  Fronting his old man's band, Shawn carries on Slim's unique sound and legacy with his debut recording, Daddy Told Me.  The album quickly rose to the #1 slot on the Living Blues radio chart and has been critically acclaimed.  Vintage Guitar said it is "hard to beat this strong debut."    The album won the prestigious 2014 Blues Music Award for "Best New Artist Debut."  The high energy, hard-driving sound of the Teardrops is still alive and well with Shawn.  The Chicago Blues Guide said that Shawn has "proved conclusively he has what it takes to maintain the family legacy." To vote for the Blues Blast Music Awards, please click HERE.