Decision Records Release: Concrete Blues - The Revelations featuring Tre Williams - review

I just received "Concrete Blues" a new release by The Revelations featuring Tre Williams. I've been listening to this recording for a couple of days and I really like it. It is solidly rooted in the traditional soul music but with updated sounds and syncopation of a contemporary recording. Lead vocals are handled by Tre Williams who has a terrific soul voice. His delivery of the title track, Concrete Blues, had me jammin' in my seat and sitting back smiling. It's always nice to hear someone pickup where some of the greats like Al Green have cut the path. I know that my blog says "Blues" but as I have said many times, I don't know what Blues Music is ... but I do know what good is. This is it! Music that makes me stop and listen instead of just working on... music that makes me look at the cover to see what and who... music that makes me groove. I didn't grow up in Philly or Detroit but I do know good soul music when I hear it. For the more pure blues lovers there are some nice ripping blues guitar riffs by Wes Mingus and a solid bottom from drummer Gintas Janusonis who are joined by the brothers "Teenie" Hodges on guitar and Charles Hodges on organ who are know for their work with Al Green. Session musicians James Alexander of the Bar-Kays played Bass and Lester Snell of Isaac Hayes Movement popped in on piano. The recording includes 8 new originals as well as two cover tunes, "Until You Get Enough of Me", a Ronnie Lovejoy tune and "Don't Walk Away" previously released by the great Johnnie Taylor. The recording also includes 3 bonus tracks from 2009 top selling release "The Bleeding Edge".

The Revelations are really putting it out there having shared the stage with Latimore, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Denise LaSalle, one of my favorites Lenny Williams, Otis Clay, Bobby Rush, Swamp Dogg and and recently deceased J. Blackfoot.

I hope that you enjoy this recording as much as I do.
Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  Here

Information Regarding The Services of J. Blackfoot (John Colbert)

J. Blackfoot   Homegoing Celebration Information for Soul Blues Legend J. Blackfoot Memphis, TN December 5th, 2011 - John "J. Blackfoot" Colbert, Jr. (b. November 20th, 1946-d. November 30th, 2011) passed away quietly at a local Memphis hospital surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. Wake Friday December 9th @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church 918 Looney Ave Memphis, TN 38107 Memorial Celebration Saturday, December 10 @ 11am Christ Missionary Baptist Church 480 South Parkway East Memphis, TN 38106 Funeral Services Provided by E.H Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Blvd Memphis, TN 38116 901-345-9958 It is with our deepest condolences and heavy heart that we share this news with the world as we send our prayers, love and strength to the family of Mr. John "J. Blackfoot" Colbert, Jr.

TO ONE IN SORROW Let me come in where you are weeping, friend, And let me take your hand. I, who have known a sorrow such as yours, Can understand. Let me come in - I would be very still Beside you in your grief; I would not bid you cease your weeping, friend, Tears bring relief. Let me come in - I would only breathe a prayer, And hold your hand, For I have known a sorrow such as yours, And understand.  A Condolence Message Guestbook has been setup at http://bluznewzentertainmentandpromotions.com/condolence_messages_for_the_family_of_john_j_blackfoot_colbert_jr  for those who are unable to attend the service(s) or unable to reach the family of J. Blackfoot personally.  Feel free to express your condolences to the Family.  The Guestbook will remain posted for the next 60 days.

J Blackfoot 25 Nov 2011 W. Memphis Ak

J. Blackfoot (born John Colbert, November 20, 1946), was an American soul singer, who was a member of The Soul Children in the late 1960s and 1970s, and subsequently had a moderately successful solo career. His biggest hit was "Taxi", which reached the charts in both the US and UK in 1984.
John Colbert was born in Greenville, Mississippi, moving to Memphis, Tennessee with his family as a child. Generally known as "J." or "Jay", he acquired the nickname "Blackfoot" as a child, for his habit of walking barefoot on the tarred sidewalks. In 1965, after spending some time in Tennessee State Penitentiary in Nashville, he recorded a single under his own name for the small Sur-Speed label, before returning to Memphis, where he was heard singing in a street corner group by David Porter of Stax Records. After the plane crash that claimed the lives of Otis Redding and four members of The Bar-Kays, he joined the reconstituted group as lead singer, and performed with them for several months but did not record.

In 1968, after Sam & Dave had moved from Stax to Atlantic Records, Porter and his songwriting and production partner Isaac Hayes decided to put together a new vocal group of two men and two women. They recruited Blackfoot, together with Norman West, Anita Louis, and Shelbra Bennett, to form The Soul Children. Between 1968 and 1978, The Soul Children had 15 hits on the R&B chart, including three that crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, and recorded seven albums.
Main article: The Soul Children

The Soul Children disbanded in 1979. Blackfoot worked with bands in the Memphis area, and recorded solo for the local Prime Cut label. In 1983, he began working again with writer and producer Homer Banks, with whom he had recorded with The Soul Children, and recorded "Taxi", a song originally written for Johnnie Taylor but not recorded by him. Blackfoot's record rose to no. 4 on the R&B chart and no. 90 on the pop chart, also reaching no. 48 in the UK. He recorded several albums, and had several more R&B hits on Banks' Sound Town label before moving to the Edge label formed by Al Bell in 1986. In 1987, he had another significant hit, "Tear Jerker", a duet with Ann Hines, reaching no. 28 on the R&B chart. He later moved to the Basix label, continuing to release albums into the new millennium.

In 2007, Blackfoot and West reformed the Soul Children, adding two new singers, Ann Hines and Cassandra Graham
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page (available in over 50 languages). I will not relay senseless nonsense. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

The Legendary J. Blackfoot Died Today

It is with great sadness to report that J. Blackfoot (born John Colbert, November 20, 1946) died today, November 30, 2011 at Methodist Germantown Hospital near Memphis, TN.

We will keep you abreast of service information as we receive it.

J. Blackfoot will truly be missed.

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page (available in over 50 languages). I will not relay senseless nonsense. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here