Blind Raccoon & Earwig Music Showcase & A Bunch Of Other Happenings In Memphis This Week!

Blind Raccoon & Earwig Music Showcase Friday, May 10, 2 - 8:15 p.m. Purple Haze Night Club, Downtown Memphis, One Block South of B.B. King's on Second Featuring Andy Cohen, Leo Hull, Tommy McCoy, Guitar Mikey RB Stone, Johnny Drummer & Chris James and Patrick Rynn Blues Hall of Fame Tribute Jam Wednesday, May 8, 10 p.m. onwards B.B. King's on Beale, Memphis Yellow Dog Records All Star Showcase Thursday, May 9, 12:45 - 3:45 p.m. B.B. King's on Beale, Memphis VizzTone Label Group's Blues Party On Beale Friday, May 10, 10 p.m. onwards Rum Boogie on Beale, Memphis

VizzTone Label Group artist: Gina Sicilia - It Wasn't Real - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, It Wasn't Real, from Gina Sicilia. Sicilia has a rich voice and a smooth delivery. Opening with the title track, It Wasn't Real, Sicilia delivers a sultry pop jazz track with nice sax work backing by Jay Davidson. Next up is a track that I became familiar with through my love for James Brown. This has a totally different feel with a more laid back swing type groove. Davidson again steps up with a sweet solo. Walkin Along The Avenue has a distinct 40's sound and possibly the coolest track on the release. Dennis Gruenling plays some really complimentary harp on this track and Joel Bryant adds a nice B3 line. City By The Water is a strong radio play track with a real bluesy feel. Davidson again gets the chance to shine with a real solid sax solo. The release is wrapped with country influenced Walkin' Shoes. Overall this release will appeal to a more adult audience with strong pop melodic tendencies. It is very well done.

 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”

 

Dennis Gruenling - one of the BADDEST harp players!

 

VIZZTONE NEWS — IMPORTANT STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW! 

NEW DENNIS GRUENLING CD Rockin' All Day!

click the CD to listen or buy at VizzTone.com   ;-)

VizzTone Proudly Welcomes Dennis Gruenling!     DENNIS GRUENLING is without a doubt one of the baddest, swingingest, most innovative harmonica blowers on the planet.  His dynamic style draws inspiration not only from Blues icons like Little Walter, but also from great jazz horn players like Lester Young and Illinois Jacquet. Equally adept at chromatic and diatonic harmonica, Dennis rocks and swings with a vengeance — snapping his fingers,  blowing cool and soulful lines with a natural ease as the band drives with a steady, swinging beat.       “ROCKIN’ ALL DAY” is a solid house party record.  It features Gruenling’s touring partner, singer/guitarist DOUG DEMING, who is also a recently-signed VizzTone artist.  Serious road dogs, in August 2012 Dennis, Doug and the band embarked on an East Coast tour of 28 shows in 26 days!  Doug shares Dennis’s passion for the jump blues that once dominated the airwaves.  He can turn heads with his tasty guitar licks, as his scintillating vocals are punctuated by Gruenling’s potent harp fills. Half the tracks feature Doug’s regular band, The Jewel Tones –the rest of the cuts feature players Dennis has worked with over the years in his road band.  The record was recorded in Sarasota, FL, by Ed Kinder, and in Glen Ridge, NJ, by frequent collaborator and VizzTone labelmate DAVE GROSS.     In his spare time, Dennis can be found teaching other harp players, and every Thursday afternoon you can hear his “Blues & the Beat” radio program on WFDU-FM in New Jersey, with Dennis playing a host of rare records from his vast  collection.

Awarded “Best Modern Blues Harmonica Player” 3 years in a row from REAL BLUES MAGAZINE “Dennis Gruenling has become the new harp player’s harp player…one of the most critically acclaimed of his generation” – JUKE JOINT SOUL “Gruenling is a spectacular harmonica player, easily one of the best recording today…” – BLUES BYTES “Dennis Gruenling is a leading light among a new generation of blues harp players...a true innovator... Gruenling stands poised to claim a spot in the pantheon of blues harp greats” - BLUES REVUE

A Harp Player's Take on Dennis Gruenling's Technique             —by Richard Rosenblatt   (Non harp-playing readers beware:  Turn back now, read no further, lest you catch a glimpse into the dark recesses of a harmonica player's brain.  It's not pretty, and you may turn to salt.)      ROCKIN' ALL DAY by DENNIS GRUENLING is, among other things, a very advanced Blues Harmonica Master Class.  Dennis is above all things MUSICAL, never letting his technical prowess overshadow the feel of the song — nonetheless, his technique is nothing short of monstrous.  He favors third position, chromatics and low-tuned harmonicas (some VERY low), not using anything above a standard Bb diatonic harp on the entire album.  He kicks it off playing "Rockin' All Day" in the key of Bb - 3rd position on a G chromatic (button mostly IN.) He uses that same harp and position on "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and "The Rev", which starts in A (button mostly out) and modulates up to Bb. For the Wynonie Harris classic "Bloodshot Eyes", Dennis blows 3rd position on a Bb chromatic. While Dennis totally nails the big, tongue-blocked chromatic tone pioneered by Little Walter and George Smith, he moves up and down the big harp with a supple, fluid feel that recalls the great Big Band horn players.       Hohner has been custom-manufacturing low-tuned harps for Dennis Gruenling for some time.  Now that they're distributing them to the general public as “Thunderbird” harmonicas, Dennis's picture is on the box, and it's no surprise — he totally OWNS the lower octaves of this instrument.  It takes a special embouchure to control the harmonica's reeds once they go below a "standard" tuning, and Dennis hits every bend with precision, every note with clarity and punch.  "Roll Your Money Maker" begins with Dennis playing a Bb harp, 2nd position in the key of F, then halfway through the solo it drops a full octave as he switches to a LOW Bb harp.  I never even knew these things existed!  He plays a low D in "You Can Do No Wrong", a LOW low G on "Actin' Crazy", and a SUPER LOW F on "What's Wrong With Me."  When he picks up a regular Low F harp for a gorgeous 3rd position take on "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer", it seems positively midrange.       Believe me, this is no novelty act.  Dennis works the lower registers with power and grace, but he also breathes significant new life into the "standard" harmonica tunings. "She's So Pretty", cross harp on a standard Bb, has a classic Chicago attack, much like Walter or Cotton behind Muddy Waters;   "It Went Down Easy" is a cool, down-tempo swing played in 2nd position on an Ab harp; "2:22 A.M.", 2nd position on a Bb harp, gives a nod to Walter's "Sad Hours" (and it IS a couple hours past Quarter to Twelve…) with gigantic tone and tongue flutters; and "Hotso" is a rockin' 3rd position romp on a standard A harp. Dennis blazes new ground with taste and substance, avoiding show-offy riffs for the perfect, swinging groove.       As a harp player, listening to this album is a humbling experience…  but if your ego can take the blow, repeated listens will make you a better player, and a better MUSICIAN.

 

Vizztone artist:Dennis Gruenling - Rockin' All Day - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Rockin' All Day, from Dennis Gruenling and it's a flat out blast! Gruenling, joined by his touring partner, Doug Deming (guitar and vocals)Andrew Gohman on bass, Scott Hornick on bass, Devin Nell on drums, Tom Papadatos on drums and Dave Gross on piano really know how to make the place jump. Beginning with Rockin' All Day, Deming takes the vocal spot and plays some hot riffs but Gruenling shows why he is considered one of the top harp players on the planet. On Roll Your Moneymaker, Deming keeps the vocal slot and plays tight little riffs opening the door again for Gruenling to play over the top riffs. The mix is really solid on these recordings making a huge difference. One of the observations that I have about people who make classic blues recordings is lack of clarity in the recording. This recording sounds really authentic but the instruments aren't muddy or hidden. They are clear and distinct. Deming plays an outro on guitar that again has the heart of the original recordings. Original track, The Rev is a real blistering harp track (Stilladog...you listening?)! This is the kind of track that really blasts along and Deming gets his chance to play some blistering riffs as well. Spectacular. The classic Saturday Night Fish Fry is always a favorite and the band plays it like it is the first time it has been played. Deming's delivery on vocals retains the curiosity that was shown on the original track and it sounds fresh and fun. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer has a much more laid back tempo than what is most often heard today setting the table for some really smooth guitar soloing and soulful harp work. She's So Pretty comes right off Muddy's song sheet but Gruenling plays some great riffs under the melody and Deming's solid guitar playing drives the band on and Gohman keeps the bottom tight. The harp work on this track in particular has just the right tone. Warm, distorted and crisp. You Can Do No Wrong is a real blues rocker opening the door for Gruenling and Deming to play some cool out of the box rock riffs. On It Went Down Easy, Gruenling takes the lead on vocals for a retro blues track. Deming again plays some really tasty riffs on guitar and Gruenling keeps the groove with his notorious harp tone. 2:22A.Am, another Gruenling original instrumental takes a slow pace and Gruenling plays some beatifically articulated harp lead. This is a great track! No jump release would be complete without Bloodshot Eyes and here it is. The difference in this inclusion is that it is done with great feeling and respect and humor. The delivery is lively and full of life. Actin' Crazy, a Deming original has the total Chicago swing sound coaxing the best from Gruenling on harp and some unusually low harp phrasing. This is a really solid track making you stomp your foot as you enjoy this terrific band. Another original Gruenling track, Hotso, wraps up the release. This lively rhythmic instrumental track is a crisp ending to a really enjoyable recording. This is one you'll leave in your player for a long time!

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”

 

Benson Blues: Harmonica Workshop, Concert Featuring Dennis Gruenling, Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones

Master Harpist Dennis Gruenling Continues U.S. Tour With Guitarist
Doug Deming (With The Jewel Tones) Both Supporting Their New CDs

Perform Locally: Pizza Shoppe Collective in Benson - Wednesday, Aug. 29th

(BENSON, NE) - Benson gets the blues as one of today's most compelling duos in Contemporary Blues, harmonica master Dennis Gruenling and guitarist Doug Deming (and his band, The Jewel Tones), perform swinging jump blues rich with gritty shuffles and driving boogies at Pizza Shoppe Collective, 6056 Maple St., Benson, Wednesday, August 29. Harmonica workshop from 5:30-6:15 p.m. (includes performance, $20); CD Release Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. $5. (if not attending workshop). Info: (402) 556-9090 or visit www.pizzashoppecollective.com.

Harpist Gruenling and guitarist Deming (the later who fronts longtime group, the Jewel Tones) have once again joined forces, recently completing an ambitious twenty-eight city tour in just twenty-six days, each in support of a new CD ("Rockin' All Day" by Dennis Gruenling; "What's It Gonna Take" by Doug Deming).

Watch highlights from their recent 2012 Summer Tour here:


About: Dennis Gruenling

After receiving his first harmonica as a gift from a family friend while in his teens, he had heard his first blues record and his life was never the same! Having been in New Orleans during 1992-'93, Dennis came back home to the Garden State of New Jersey and quickly gained a reputation as a young rising star on the local blues scene, working in a couple different local blues bands. In 1998 he started to form his own local "all-star" band, using members pulled from other regional bands. Since his self-titled debut with that band ("Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time!") in 1999, Gruenling has pulled in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics and musicians around the world for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound and style. Taking equal parts from the blues harmonica and swing saxophone traditions and styles, Dennis has pushed the boundaries further for blues harmonica, while in the meantime pioneering a whole new sound and direction for the instrument. http://www.dennisgruenling.com.

"Dennis Gruenling has become the new harp player's harp player...one of the most critically acclaimed of his generation" - JUKE JOINT SOUL

"Dennis Gruenling is a leading light among a new generation of harp players...stands poised to claim a spot in the pantheon of blues harmonica greats." - BLUES REVUE

About: Doug Deming

"We have no gimmicks," says leader Doug Deming. "We play pure traditional music from the heart, with an image that conveys a deep respect for the genre." As a result, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones have been become regulars on the national blues and jazz touring circuit as well as an 'in demand' backing band for a 'who's-who' of today's top American roots music performers, including Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Louisiana Red, Chicago Pete, vocalist Alberta Adams, Black Top's Johnnie Dyer, W.C. Handy Award winner Johnny 'Yard Dog' Jones and the legendary Lazy Lester. Detroit guitarist and Handy multi-award nominee Johnnie Bassett describes the band as "great talent...that people outside the area will come to know."
Doug Deming has been the driving force behind the Jewel Tones (formerly known as the Blue Suit Band) since it's beginning in 1991. As a guitarist and vocalist, he acknowledges a musical debt everyone from T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters to Nat Cole and Count Basie. Says Detroit blues writer George Seedorff: "Doug is equally at home playing straight ahead on the solid body guitar or swinging on the big jazz box." The group's recordings achieve originality while staying deep in the genre. http://www.reverbnation.com/dougdemingthejeweltones.

"Doug Deming's 'Falling Through The Cracks' features solid performances on a program that encompasses a variety of blues styles." - BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE

"You can sit and listen to the Blues or you can get up and start dancing to it. Doug Deming and The Jewel Tones' 'Falling Through the Cracks' will certainly get you doing the latter, with one of the finest mixes of 50's Style Rockabilly, Classic Jump/Boogie, Shuffle, and Swing I have recently heard." - BLUES UNDERGROUND

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Western NY Blues Society Present..Doug Deming & Dennis Gruenling In Concert 7/13

28 Shows In 26 Days!

Harpist Dennis Gruenling Joins Guitarist Doug Deming (With
The Jewel Tones) On U.S. Tour Both Supporting Their New CDs

<Perform Locally: Paradise Island In Buffalo - Friday, July 13>

(Presented By the Western New York Blues Society)

(Buffalo, NY) - One of today's most compelling duos in Contemporary Blues, harmonica master Dennis Gruenling and guitarist Doug Deming (and his band, The Jewel Tones), perform swinging jump blues rich with gritty shuffles and driving boogies.

Harpist Gruenling and guitarist Deming (the later who fronts longtime group, the Jewel Tones) have once again joined forces for an ambitious twenty-eight city tour in just twenty-six days, each in support of a new CD ("Rockin' All Day" by Dennis Gruenling; "What's It Gonna Take" by Doug Deming). Full itinerary is found below.

Dennis Gruenling along with Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones perform locally at Paradise Island, 4701 Transit Rd., Depew, Friday, July 13. 7 p.m. $12. advance, $15. at the door. This is a Western New York Blues Society-sanctioned event. Info: (716) 656-7946 or http://wnyblues.org/Home/tabid/41/Default.aspx.

Dennis Gruenling (l) and Doug Deming (r) have both released new albums and are touring together

About: Dennis Gruenling

After receiving his first harmonica as a gift from a family friend while in his teens, he had heard his first blues record and his life was never the same! Having been in New Orleans during 1992-'93, Dennis came back home to the Garden State of New Jersey and quickly gained a reputation as a young rising star on the local blues scene, working in a couple different local blues bands. In 1998 he started to form his own local "all-star" band, using members pulled from other regional bands. Since his self-titled debut with that band ("Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time!") in 1999, Gruenling has pulled in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics and musicians around the world for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound and style. Taking equal parts from the blues harmonica and swing saxophone traditions and styles, Dennis has pushed the boundaries further for blues harmonica, while in the meantime pioneering a whole new sound and direction for the instrument. http://www.dennisgruenling.com.

"Dennis Gruenling has become the new harp player's harp player...one of the most critically acclaimed of his generation" - JUKE JOINT SOUL

"Dennis Gruenling is a leading light among a new generation of harp players...stands poised to claim a spot in the pantheon of blues harmonica greats." - BLUES REVUE

About: Doug Deming

"We have no gimmicks," says leader Doug Deming. "We play pure traditional music from the heart, with an image that conveys a deep respect for the genre." As a result, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones have been become regulars on the national blues and jazz touring circuit as well as an 'in demand' backing band for a 'who's-who' of today's top American roots music performers, including Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Louisiana Red, Chicago Pete, vocalist Alberta Adams, Black Top's Johnnie Dyer, W.C. Handy Award winner Johnny 'Yard Dog' Jones and the legendary Lazy Lester. Detroit guitarist and Handy multi-award nominee Johnnie Bassett describes the band as "great talent...that people outside the area will come to know."
Doug Deming has been the driving force behind the Jewel Tones (formerly known as the Blue Suit Band) since it's beginning in 1991. As a guitarist and vocalist, he acknowledges a musical debt everyone from T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters to Nat Cole and Count Basie. Says Detroit blues writer George Seedorff: "Doug is equally at home playing straight ahead on the solid body guitar or swinging on the big jazz box." The group's recordings achieve originality while staying deep in the genre. http://www.reverbnation.com/dougdemingthejeweltones.

"Doug Deming's 'Falling Through The Cracks' features solid performances on a program that encompasses a variety of blues styles." - BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE

"You can sit and listen to the Blues or you can get up and start dancing to it. Doug Deming and The Jewel Tones' 'Falling Through the Cracks' will certainly get you doing the latter, with one of the finest mixes of 50's Style Rockabilly, Classic Jump/Boogie, Shuffle, and Swing I have recently heard." - BLUES UNDERGROUND

Watch a live performance of Doug Deming's "Momma Didn't Raise No Fool" by Dennis Gruenling and Doug Deming here:

Dennis Gruenling/Doug Deming - "2012 CD Release Tour" - Live Shows Itinerary

June 20 (Wed.) Freddie Rebels Naples, FL
June 21 (Thur.) Gatorz Port Charlotte, FL
June 22 (Fri.) Mattison's City Grille Sarasota, FL
June 23 (Sat.) The Back Room Delray Beach, FL
June 24 (Sun.) Earl's Hideaway 2pm Sebastian, FL
June 25 (Mon.) Papa Mojo's Durham, NC
June 26 (Tues.) Reeve's Theatre Elkin, NC
June 27 (Wed.) Capital Ale House Richmond, VA
June 28 (Thur.) Roxy & Duke's* Dunellen, NJ
June 29 (Fri.) Black Eyed Sally's Hartford, CT
June 30 (Sat.) Private Party Middletown, NY
July 1 (Sun.) Asbury Park Jazzfest Asbury Park, NY
July1 (Sun.) Towne Crier* Pawling, NY
July 2 (Mon) Mystic River Park Mystic, CT
July 3 (Tues.) Triad Theatre New York, NY
July 4 (Wed.) House Party New Jersey
July 5 (Thur.) House Party Barrytown, NY
July 6 (Fri.) The Turning Point Piermont, NY
July 7 (Sat.) Harmonica Seminar Teaneck, NJ
July 7 (Sat.) The Twisted Tail Philadelphia, PA
July 8 (Sun.) Skeeter's BBQ Shamokin Dam, PA
July 9 (Mon.) Blues Society Event Cleveland, OH
July 10 (Tues.) Woodlands Tavern Columbus, OH
July 11 (Wed.) Court Street Grill Pomeroy, OH
July 12 (Thur.) Thunderbird Cafe Pittsburgh, PA
July 13 (Fri.) Paradise Island Buffalo, NY
July14 (Sat.) NY State Blues Festival Syracuse, NY

*"Harpin' For Hunger" Benefit Shows

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Rocker - Dennis Gruenling & Doug Deming

Ever since his self-titled debut with his band Jump Time hit the streets in 1999, Dennis has been pulling in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics & musicians around the globe for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound, and top-notch band. Within the context of Jump Time, he pulls from mostly horn influences to get a new sound for the instrument, blending the vocal abilities of the trumpet and trombone with the swinging, fat-bodied sound of the tenor and baritone sax players of the 1940's & 50's era.

In 2000, "Up All Night" was released. A non-Jump Time project, which owed much to his roots in stripped down Chicago-style blues, proving he could also play "traditional" blues harmonica with the best of them. This gained more recognition for his talents not only as a harp player, but also as a bandleader and songwriter. The year 2001 saw the second Jump Time release, which includes special guests and the new addition to the band - vocalist Gina Fox. Once again Dennis has pushed the boundaries further for blues harmonica.

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Sad Hours - Dennis Gruenling

Dennis Gruenling has been laying down some of the best blues harmonica in the East Coast region for over 15 years now. Along the way, Gruenling has shared the stage with many top names in the blues world, such as Pinetop Perkins, Snooky Pryor, Homesick James, John Mayall, Mick Taylor, BB King, Little Sammy Davis, A.C. Reed, and Jimmy Dawkins, as well as contemporary masters such as Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Kim Wilson, Rusty Zinn, Charlie Musselwhite, Jason Ricci, Mark Hummel and Steve Guyger.
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