Brooks Williams - Lucky Star - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lucky Star, from Brooks Williams and it's got a bright, bluesy folk feel. Opening with Bright Side of the Blues, a poppy track with Williams on vocal and acoustic guitar, backed by Phil Richardson on piano, Kevin McGuire on bass, Stuart Brown on drums and Rab Noakes on smooth backing vocals, Williams shows his strong capabilities as a singer songwriter. Something You Got is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's easy feel and melodic guitar soloing by Williams. With it's Caribbean styling, Mama's Song has a great rhythm. With it's country blues form, Gambling Man has nicely blended vocals and cool finger picking. Ballad, Whatever It Takes has a strong melody with only the necessary backing from McGuire on bass, Brown on drums, and Rachael Lightbody on backing vocals. Very nice. A second inclusion of Rock Me, this time with only Williams on guitar and vocal and Hans Theessink on mandolin and backing vocal. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is a second cut of Gambling Man, this time again with Theessink on acoustic guitar and vocal. This is a strong original track and a solid closer for this solid release.

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Blue Groove artists: Hans Theessink & Terry Evans - True & Blue - New Release review

I just received the newest release, True & Blue, from Hans Theessink  & Terry Evans and it handles the roots of blues with modern sophistication. Opening with Demons, an easy paced country blues, Theessink leads the way on vocal with light harmonies by Evans. Traditional, Mother Earth, has a more soulful delta feel with excellent acoustic guitar work. Both Theessink and Evans work the lead vocals as well as harmonies. Very smooth guitar solos on this track make it one of my favorites. Fast paced Glory of Love is a great finger picked number with smoothly blended vocals. Gotta Keep Movin' features nice acoustic slide work and Evans on lead vocals. Very nice! Vicksburg Is My Home, a slow 12 bar number, again features Evans on lead vocals. This is a very traditional style track and very effective. Ledbelly's Bourgeois Blues, done a long time ago again by Ry Cooder is another of my favorites. A great strut feel and aggressive slide work coupled by Theessink on harp make this track a standout! Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You is a story telling track with a lesson. Low key vocals and the contrast of finger picked guitar with harp and slide make this track a crowd favorite. Aggressive slide work opens Robert Johnson's Cross Road Blues featuring Evans on lead vocals. Solid almost rowdy vocals and diligent slide work are hot! Chuck Berry's Maybellene keeps it's original pace by delivered with a country acoustic flair. Theessink and Evans really get the crowd tuned up on this track with extensive guitar work. Very nice! Theessink opens Delta Time with a harp solo and his solid vocal work. Evans on rhythm guitar and backing vocal rounds out the track. Evans takes the lead on J.B. Lenoir's, Talk To Your Daughter and it has a nice boogie feel. Stinging guitar solos on this track and warm vocal blending give it a different feel altogether from other covers that I've heard. Quiet ballad, Shelter From The Storm featuring Theessink on lead vocal has an almost spiritual feel. Boogie track, I Need Money, opens with a rockin guitar rhythm and Theessink on harp. Evans and Theessink trade lead vocal parts as well as slick guitar riffs. back to a country blues for the closer, Tears Are Rolling has a great pace with hot finger picking and Evans trading lead vocals with Theessink. This performance was recorded live in Vienna and the crowd obviously loved it.

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Blue Groove artist: Hans Theessink - Wishing Well - New release Review

I have just received the newest release, Wishing Well, from Hans Theessink. A totally acoustic effort from Theessink, he performs originals as well as covering tracks by Townes van Zandt, Brownie McGhee and Bob Dylan. Theessink has a very warm voice and an clean picking style which is well demonstrated on Wishing Well which also includes complimentary slide work. A favorite of mine, Wayfaring Stranger is handled very nicely with a nice balance between guitar, vocals and backing steel. A Piedmont style track,Take Your Picture, has a bit of a quicker tempo sounding quite a bit like John Hartford. Make shift instrumentals are a nice addition to an authentic country blues track. Traditional track Make Me Down A Pallet On Your Floor, still highlighting Theessink vocals has very tight instrumental components such as acoustic, slide guitar and mandolin coming forward like jems. A particularly nice version of Alberta Let You Hair Hang Down, again with a country blues twist is nicely balanced and clean. Kathmandu has tablas percussion to set off the quiet melodic track. Ballad of Hollis Brown is handled in an interesting manner with Dave Pearlman creating very eerie tones on his pedal steel. Didn't We Try gets into the blues rock vein almost like Midnight Special. This is the fastest tempo track on the release and another of my favorites. The recording is concluded with Early In The Morning which is a great acoustic country blues track. all of the instruments are allowed to come forward with plucky guitar, mandolin and Theessink on vocal and rhythm. This is a cool recording and one that you can kick back and enjoy when you want to relax.

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Big Bill's Guitar - Hans Theessink

After more than 40 years “on the road” and with 25 albums, an instruction video, a songbook and a DVD to his name, Hans Theessink has become a roots and blues institution. With his sonorous baritone voice and unmistakable guitar work Hans is in great demand. He tours Europe, Britain, North-America, Australia and New Zealand. He is one of the few Europeans to perform at the biggest Blues, Jazz and Folk Festivals in America, the homeland of the blues. The US blues press called him “An international blues treasure” and “One of the world’s pre-eminent pickers”. The legendary Bo Diddley called him “One helluva guitar player”. He’s a modern day troubadour and entertainer who keeps on spellbinding audiences all over the world with his rich and emotional sounds. In 2009 Hans was nominated for the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN for “Best Acoustic Album Of The Year” for the album VISIONS (Hans Theessink & Terry Evans). Hans’ double album Birthday Bash was recorded live in Vienna at his 60th birthday celebration. On Birthday Bash Hans is joined by musical friends Terry Evans, Cowboy Jack Clement, Allan Taylor, The Dubliners, Donovan, Insingizi, and many more, for an unforgettable night of fun and music. 2011 saw the release of “Big Bill’s Guitar” a biography written by Dietmar Hoscher. Sony released the 3 CD box-set “Homecooking” with 40 Favourite Theessink compositions. Also Hans provided the soundtrack to “Jedermann Remixed” – a film project ont 90 years of Jedermann in Salzburg. Musical variety has always been Hans Theessink’s trademark. Whether he plays solo or with other musicians, Theessink is a sure guarantee for heartfelt blues & roots music on a high emotional and technical level. His extensive roots repertoire is the tour guide for a musical journey that takes the audience on a trip through a mix of Blues, Folk, Roots and Gospel – a celebration of infectious “handmade” music. Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. He is one of the world’s pre-eminent pickers and his warm baritone expresses blues. (Blues Revue, USA) ONE HELLUVA GUITARPLAYER (Bo Diddley) Mr.Theessink sings the blues with a voice the texture of black molasses and plays guitar as if he were born to it. The overall feel of the music is devastating competent. (The Living Tradition, UK) It’s an honor to the Delta blues and gospel tradition to have someone with Theessink’s experience demonstrating his sincere, humble, and grateful virtuosity…(Nightflying, USA) Acclaimed as a master of the Delta/Piedmont roots blues styles, Hans Theessink brings power and energy to his performances. His slide and fingerpicking virtuosity far surpasses every other player we’ve seen. In the midst of his booming baritone and boot stomps, Hans may delight with a feather-delicate string caress or astound with a blistering rhythmic romp on the frets…..(Uncle Calvin’s, Dallas TX, USA)  

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Delta Time - Hans Theessink and Terry Evans featuring Ry Cooder - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Delta Time, by Hans Theessink & Terry Evans and it's terrific! This very earthy and warm recording begins with Delta Time, a bouncy blues track written by Theessink with deep thick vocals, acoustic and slide guitar. Blues Stay Away From Me has a real roots (country) feel and beautiful vocal harmonies with Ry Cooder bringing in some distinctive riffs. A great duet on It Hurts Me Too brings freshness to a well traveled track. The instrumentation has been applied like paint on a canvas just a light dab here and there as required. How Come People Act Like That, another cover track, is handled in a fresh light and again the duo with their rich vocals and Ry Cooder adding his flair on guitar makes for a very cool track. The Birds and The Bees, a classic pop track, has been included memorializing Evans contribution to the original track some 50 years ago. Build Myself A Home, a Thessink original, has a distinct gospel feel and is beautifully executed with Piedmont style playing and great vocal harmonies. JB Lenoir's Down In Mississippi is included on this cd and I never really get enough of this track. It was originally well written and is here well executed and embellished. Shelter From The Storm, another Theessink original, is another track that has solid roots and rich vocals. The song is very well written and Cooder again contributes beautifully melodic guitar riffs to compliment the track. I Need Money, another Theessink original has the spring of a Jimmy reed track and the gang does a great job on execution. Evans and Theessink sing and play in tandem for a great bluesy sound. Traditional track Heaven's Airplane has a lot of the characteristics of country, blues and gospel. Pouring Water On A Drowning Man is a terrific track with strong R&B sound. This track is handled with great care and warmth. The vocals are smooth and the guitar is perfect. Jimmy Reed's Honest I Do is up next and again handled with reverence. The vocal harmonies are very cool and refreshing. Theessink original Mississippi wraps the recording. This is a really great track and gives the entire band a chance to stretch out a little. You may be able to tell it's hard for me to articulate how good this recording is. It's really good! I also don't want to pass without mentioning vocal contributions by Arnold McCuller and Willie Greene Jr.
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Johnny & the Devil - Hans Theessink

We've already had an American in Paris, but a Dutchman in Vienna? And one who has dedicated himself, body and soul, to American blues and roots music? Okay, Hans Theessink (pronounced Tay-sink) did not pick the easiest way to do this, but he has done so with a certain degree of single-mindedness.

Like others of his generation, in the early 1960‘s a love of the Blues took hold of the man whom Bo Diddley described as "one helluva guitar player", and it has not let go since. Above all, the country blues with its earthy and heartfelt sound impressed Hans Theessink and played a major role in his development as a musician. His roots are unmistakeably in the blues, but has also been influenced by countless other aspects of roots music. This musical variety has become a trademark of Hans Theessink, who as a songwriter has succeeded in building bridges to the present in addressing issues which reflect the reality of the here and now.
Hans is probably Europe's bluesexport Nr.1 - one of the top blues and roots musicians worldwide who has entertained audiences around the globe during a musical career that spans over more than 35 years. The world's leading bluespaper - US magazine Blues Revue wrote: "Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. He is one of the world's pre-eminent country pickers and his warm baritone expresses blues".

Theessink's first recording was an EP in 1970. Since then his music has continually developed and so far Hans has released 20 albums, a songbook, a blues-guitar instruction video and a DVD. His CDs are guaranteed award winners. "Banjoman", the tribute project to Derroll Adams, that Hans produced with Arlo Guthrie, was recently nominated for a Grammy.
In 2004 Hans got the Austrian Amadeus award for "Songs from the Southland", a tribute to the music of the American South - a constant source of inspiration and companion on his musical journey. A Danish Music Award for best bluesalbum followed in 2005. His most recent CD "Bridges" - a recording with the new Hans Theessink Band, is again nominated for the Amadeus in the category best Blues-, Jazz-, Roots-, Folk-album. Hans' latest work is a DVD "Live in Concert" - "A Blues & Roots Revue" - it shows the Hans Theessink Band in action + lots of other special features. Hans' productions are known for their excellent sound quality and are also in big demand in HiFi circles.

Through his unmistakable guitarwork, sonorous baritone voice and stage presence, Hans has attained a status which is unique for a European. He has performed at many of the most prominent North American music festivals such as the "New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival", the "Chicago Blues Festival", the "Kerville Folk Festival", the "Toronto Soul & Blues Festival", the "Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival", the "Edmonton Folk Festival", the "St.Louis Blues & Heritage Festival", the "King Biscuit Blues Festival", the "Woody Guthrie Festival" and the "Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Cruise" to name a few.

Hans Theessink has become one of the most sought-after artists of the international blues scene. He is more or less constantly "on tour" and plays an average of 200 concerts a year - a modern day troubadour and entertainer who keeps on spellbinding audiences all over the world with his rich and emotional sounds.
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”

Johnny & the Devil - Hans Theessink

We've already had an American in Paris, but a Dutchman in Vienna? And one who has dedicated himself, body and soul, to American blues and roots music? Okay, Hans Theessink (pronounced Tay-sink) did not pick the easiest way to do this, but he has done so with a certain degree of single-mindedness.

Like others of his generation, in the early 1960‘s a love of the Blues took hold of the man whom Bo Diddley described as "one helluva guitar player", and it has not let go since. Above all, the country blues with its earthy and heartfelt sound impressed Hans Theessink and played a major role in his development as a musician. His roots are unmistakeably in the blues, but has also been influenced by countless other aspects of roots music. This musical variety has become a trademark of Hans Theessink, who as a songwriter has succeeded in building bridges to the present in addressing issues which reflect the reality of the here and now.
Hans is probably Europe's blues export Nr.1 - one of the top blues and roots musicians worldwide who has entertained audiences around the globe during a musical career that spans over more than 35 years. The world's leading blues paper - US magazine Blues Revue wrote: "Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. He is one of the world's pre-eminent country pickers and his warm baritone expresses blues".

Theessink's first recording was an EP in 1970. Since then his music has continually developed and so far Hans has released 20 albums, a songbook, a blues-guitar instruction video and a DVD. His CDs are guaranteed award winners. "Banjoman", the tribute project to Derroll Adams, that Hans produced with Arlo Guthrie, was recently nominated for a Grammy.
In 2004 Hans got the Austrian Amadeus award for "Songs from the Southland", a tribute to the music of the American South - a constant source of inspiration and companion on his musical journey. A Danish Music Award for best blues album followed in 2005. His most recent CD "Bridges" - a recording with the new Hans Theessink Band, is again nominated for the Amadeus in the category best Blues-, Jazz-, Roots-, Folk-album. Hans' latest work is a DVD "Live in Concert" - "A Blues & Roots Revue" - it shows the Hans Theessink Band in action + lots of other special features. Hans' productions are known for their excellent sound quality and are also in big demand in HiFi circles.
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