Bman's Blues Report

Markus James - Head for the Hills "…primitive, raw, powerful and as real as it gets." - -Reflections in Blue full review “Creative ideas, boldness, and conviction…” - -Downbeat Magazine Full review - http://www.downbeat.com/digitaledition/2015/DB1501/single_page_view/66.html “…one of those infectious infusions paradoxically wedding the old to the new and keeping the form fresh while familiar.” - FAME (Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange) Full review- http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p10084.htm “…this music is as soulful as it is deep, as it is profound, perhaps the penultimate blues experience-as terrifying as it is satisfying.” 5 STARS - Gonzo Online (CANADA) Full review - http://www.gonzoonline.ca/music/music-news/813-the-record-box-for-sunday-december-7th-2014.html "…destined to be judged one of the top blues releases of 2014 come year’s end." -Blurt Magazine –  full review "This record, which is mighty, mighty ...

I just received the newest release (October 28, 2014), Head For The Hills , from Markus James and it's alive! Opening with Just Say Yes , a stripped down driver with straightforward drumming and rhythm guitar. James vocals, presented like through a distorted mic is nicely complimented by whirling slide guitar work. Very cool! RL Burnside's Going Down South really has the feel of today's modern blues as delivered by the Keys for example but with heartier slide and also featuring Kenney Kimbrough on drums. I like this track for isn't simplicity juxtaposed against it's modern slide techniques. Head For The Hills has a lot of the roots of Mali without losing it's North American sound (or vice versa). Shake is a real shak shaker with Calvin Jackson on drums. James does a real nice job on vocal and guitar on this track plus adding a cool harp part as well. This track is certain to appeal to contemporary audiences. Suit Of Golden Clothes is one of my favorites f...

Roots Blues Traveler Markus James Releases New Album, Head for the Hills, Recorded in North Mississippi, on October 28 th “first one’s free and the last one kills time to head for the hills” GRATON, CA – Firenze Records announces an October 28 th release date for Markus James’ new album, Head for the Hills . Recorded in Holly Springs, Como, Senatobia and Luxahoma, Mississippi, as well as in Northern California, Head for the Hills showcases Markus James on vocals, electric slide, 3 string cigar box, gourd banjo, slide dulcimer, acoustic guitar, harmonica, beatbox, and a snakeskin-covered 1- string diddley bow. He’s backed by a “who’s who” of North Mississippi Hill Country drummers including Kinney Kimbrough (son of Junior Kimbrough), Calvin Jackson (R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough,  Deep Blues film), Aubrey “Bill” Turner (Otha Turner), and R.L. Boyce (Jessie Mae Hemphill).  Also appearing is drummer Marlon Green, who was the last drummer to...