Rounder Records artist: Bobby Rush - Porcupine Meat - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (September 16, 2016), Porcupine Meat, from Bobby Rush and it's a mover. Opening with I Don't Want Nobody Hanging Around, Bobby Rush has a high steppin funky opener featuring a cooking horn section, great bass lines and of course some fine harp work. With a smooth R&B feel, title track, Porcupine Meat, is a real cruiser with Vasti Jackson laying down some tight riffs on guitar over a solid bass line. Very cool. Slow blues number, Got Me Accused, really gives Rush the opportunity to show his deep blues roots. With his soulful vocals and crying harp playing, this track is heavy. Again the strong bass lines really anchor the track and salted lightly with guitar, this track is smokin. R&B track, Snake In The Grass, has strong radio play sound with a catchy hook and a solid beat. Funky track, Funk o' de Funk, has really super bass line and the funk is so deep you can smell it. Punched up horns, keyboard and nicely placed harp work. This track hits the groove. Me, Myself and I is a smooth, jazzy number with a rock solid bottom and clean guitar riffs added by Joe Bonamassa. Catfish Stew is a cool pop jam with a rolling bass line. Light hearted feel and cool horn work make this track sail. It's Your Move has a nice BB King like feel that almost glides across the airwaves. Dave Alvin lays in some really nice guitar work over a solid bottom and a strong keyboard cloud. Keb' Mo' slips on the slide hitting Nighttime Gardener running over a blues riff. Rush does his thing lyrically, and with no pause. A sure crowd pleaser. R&B track, I Think Your Dress Is Too Short, has a real nice feel. With it's super cool bass line, snappy drums and horn punctuation, Rush just rides the wave. Very nice! Standing On Shaky Ground is pure soul and the horns sound like they are pure from the 70's. Rush has seen it all and knows the way with billowy keys and clean accents. Cool track. Wrapping the release is I'm Tired, a high water stepper with nice harp work, slide guitar and light percussion. Rush's harp work is instinctual and gives this track a cool modern feel. Nice closer.



  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”

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NEWS: Bobby Rush signs to Rounder; new album 'Porcupine Meat' due out Sept. 16.

BOBBY RUSH SIGNS TO ROUNDER RECORDS; FIRST NEW ALBUM, PORCUPINE MEAT, SLATED FOR SEPTEMBER 16 RELEASE With special guests Dave Alvin, Joe Bonamassa, Keb’ Mo’, and Vasti Jackson, and backing from the New Orleans “A” team, album cements Bobby Rush’s legacy  as blues’ most vital artist of his generation. NPR premieres a track: "I Don’t Want Nobody Hanging Around” Read and listen here.

JACKSON, Miss. — Naming one’s album after a song titled “Porcupine Meat” may seem a little unusual — unless, of course, you’re Bobby Rush, who earned his first gold record in 1971 with a hit entitled “Chicken Heads.” He elaborates on his recent composition:  “If a lady won’t treat me right, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have me, that is hard to digest.” Hence the lyric, “too fat to eat, too lean to throw away.” Porcupine Meat is Rush’s debut release for Rounder Records, and one of the best recordings of his astonishing 60-plus year career. The album is due out September 16, 2016. Rush estimates that he has cut over 300 songs since he first began making music. He has been honored with three Grammy nominations, as well as ten Blues Music Awards and 41 nominations. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006. Make no mistake: Rush is not your typical octogenarian. At age 82, he exudes the energy of a 20-year-old, on the road for more than 200 dates a year. His hectic tour schedule has earned him the affectionate title King of the Chitlin’ Circuit. Rush has traveled the globe including Japan and Beirut. In 2007, he earned the distinction of being the first blues artist to play at the Great Wall of China. His renowned stage act features his famed shake dancers, who personify his funky blues and the ribald humor that he has cultivated during the course of his storied career. Born Emmet Ellis, Jr. in Homer, Louisiana, he adopted the stage name Bobby Rush out of respect for his father, a pastor. According to Rush, his parents never talked about the blues being the devil’s music. “My daddy never told me to sing the blues, but he also didn’t tell me to not sing the blues. I took that as a green light.” Rush built his first guitar when he was a youngster. “I didn’t know where to buy one, even if I had the money. I was a country boy,” he says. After seeing a picture of a guitar in a magazine, he decided to make one by attaching the top wire of a broom to a wall and fretting it with a bottle. He also got some harmonica lessons from his father He eventually acquired a real guitar, and started playing in juke joints as a teenager, when his family briefly relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. The fake moustache Rush wore made club owners believe he was old enough to gain entry into their establishments. While he was living in Little Rock, Rush’s band, which featured Elmore James, had a residency at a nightspot called Jackrabbit. During the mid-1950s, Rush relocated to Chicago to pursue his musical career and make a better life for himself. It was there that he started to work with Earl Hooker, Luther Allison, and Freddie King, and sat in with many of his musical heroes, such as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Willie Dixon, and Little Walter. Rush eventually began leading his own band in the 1960s. He also started to craft his own distinct style of funky blues, and recorded a succession of singles for a various small labels. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that Rush finally scored a hit with “Chicken Heads.” More recordings followed, including an album for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Label. Rush relocated one final time, to Jackson, Miss. in the early 1980s. He was tired of the cold up north, and he realized that setting up his base of operations directly in the center of the South would make it easier to perform in nearby cities on weekends. More indie label recordings followed. Songs like “Sue, A Man Can Give (But He Sure Can’t Take It),” “What’s Good For The Goose Is Good For The Gander Too,” and” I Ain’t Studdin’ You” became regional jukebox favorites in juke joints throughout the region, and many of those songs are still fan favorites that are an integral part of his live repertoire. Since 2003, Rush has self-released the majority of his work (including the critically acclaimed Folk Funk album) on his Deep Rush label, but recently, he came to the realization that having a bigger record company behind him would be beneficial. “I outgrew myself,” he says. “I need someone to help in doing the things I can’t do. When you are wearing all the hats, you can’t be everywhere at once.” Enter esteemed producer and two-time Grammy winner Scott Billington, Rounder Records’ longtime VP of A&R. Billington first met Rush at a Recording Academy meeting 25 years ago, and they became fast friends. He has wanted to work with Rush ever since.  “He is the most vital bluesman of his generation,” says Billington. He continues, “There are many people who still don’t know Bobby Rush, even though he is a hero in the parallel universe of the Chitlin’ Circuit — fans stop him on the street in Memphis and Helena and Little Rock.” Porcupine Meat will not only please Rush’s older fans, but is likely to win over many new ones. Billington reflects, “We wanted to come up with something fresh, while staying 100% true to Bobby.” The album was recorded in New Orleans, and Rush was pleased and proud to be given the opportunity to make an album in his home state for the very first time. His impassioned vocals and in-the-pocket harmonica playing are among the best performances of his career. Unlike most of his recent releases, these sessions only feature real instruments and no synthesizers. All of the rhythm tracks were cut live in the studio, often edited down from jams that on several occasions ran close to ten minutes. For the project, Billington assembled some of the best Louisiana musicians, including Shane Theriot, David Torkanowsky, Jeffrey “Jellybean” Alexander, Kirk Joseph, Cornell Williams, and others. Rush brought along his old friend and longtime collaborator, guitarist Vasti Jackson, who worked with Bobby and Scott on getting the songs ready for the studio. Guitar greats Dave Alvin, Keb’ Mo’, and Joe Bonamassa all make guest appearances on the album. Rush has always been a prolific and clever songwriter. The songs he penned for Porcupine Meat such as “Dress Too Short,” “I Don’t Want Nobody Hanging Around,” “Me, Myself And I,” “Nighttime Gardener,” “It’s Your Move,” and the title selection, all equal or rival his best material. “Funk O’ De Funk” delivers exactly what the title suggests and what Rush has always done the best, which is putting the funk into the blues. While “Got Me Accused” is inspired by events from Rush’s own life, the lyrics tell an all-too-familiar tale about the rampant racial injustice that afflicts our society. Producer Billington and his wife Johnette Downing (the well known New Orleans songwriter and children’s musician) co-wrote a couple of fine selections, “Catfish Stew” and “Snake In The Grass.” Bobby Rush is the greatest bluesman currently performing. Porcupine Meat is a testament to his brilliance, which presents him at his very best, and doesn’t try to be anything that he is not. “I just try to record good music and stories,” he humbly states.  With this recording, he has more than accomplished his goal, and has produced one of the finest contemporary blues albums in recent times.

Joe Bonamassa to release new album "Blues Of Desperation

Joe Bonamassa: "Blues Of Desperation" | Joe Bonamassa: UK Dates March 2016
Joe Bonamassa: "Live at Radio City Music Hall" | Joe Bonamassa: "Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks"
Joe Bonamassa: "Different Shades of Blue"

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BONAMASSA EVOLVES AS BLUES-ROCK MUSICIAN WITH NEW ALBUM “BLUES OF DESPERATION”

RELEASED WORLDWIDE ON
FRIDAY 25th MARCH 2016

GRAMMY-nominated blues-rock guitar icon Joe Bonamassa announces today that his brand new studio solo album, Blues Of Desperation (Provogue), will be released 25th March 2016.
Like his previous solo disc, 2014’s Top 10 Billboard hit Different Shades of Blue, the new album features all-original material, and it sees the maverick superstar guitarist, singer and songwriter tossing away the rule book as he continues to reinvent and redefine the blues-rock genre like no other artist working today.

Photo Credit: © Rick Gould

“I want people to hear my evolution as a blues-rock musician,” says Bonamassa, “somebody who isn’t resting on accomplishments and who is always pushing forward and thinking about how music can evolve and stay relevant.”
The writing sessions for Blues Of Desperation took Bonamassa back to Nashville, where he’d composed Different Shades of Blue, to work with some of Music City’s top tunesmiths, people like James House, Tom Hambridge, Jeffrey Steele, Jerry Flowers and Gary Nicholson.

“These are some of the best guys in the business,” Bonamassa raves. "Lyrically, you’ll hear the proverbial trains, mountains, valleys and other blues references about heartbreak and loneliness, but there are also some poignant moments about getting away from the stressful, crazy demands of life and losing yourself with your special someone. I think anybody will be able to relate.”
Bonamassa and his long-time producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Journey) convened at Nashville’s Grand Victor Sound Studios (formerly known as RCA Studio A), and during an intense, five-day period they recorded 11 galvanizing songs with a crack group of musicians including drummers Anton Fig and Greg Morrow, bassist Michael Rhodes, keyboardist Reese Wynans, horn players Lee Thornburg, Paulie Cerra and Mark Douthit, and background singers Mahalia Barnes, Jade McRae and Juanita Tippins.

Photo Credit: © Marty Moffat

Of his decade-long collaboration with Shirley, Bonamassa says, “I can explain our relationship with one word – ‘trust.’ I completely trust in Kevin and his musical promptings. He pushes my musical ability by challenging me to not just rest on my laurels or settle for ‘good.’ He expects more out of the other musicians as well and will not hold back when he sees us falling back into our usual routine.”
“Which sometimes calls for unorthodox measures”, says Shirley, who admits that his idea of augmenting Bonamassa’s usual recording band with second drummer Morrow was engineered to “ruffle Joe’s feathers.” “I wanted him to work a little harder, like in his early years,” he says, “so I brought in an additional drummer, just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons.” Of the results, Shirley raves, “Recording Blues Of Desperation is one of the most exciting recording projects I've done. What a joyful noise we made!”

Photo Credit: Laurence Harvey

Blues of Desperation is Bonamassa’s most powerfully diverse and boldly realized album yet, with the material ranging from the gutsy, gritty blues call to arms of This Train (Joe’s guitar is set to “rude” throughout) to the elegant yet emotionally shattering ballad What I’ve Known For A Very Long Time to the soul-nourishing, acoustic-based Americana of The Valley Runs Low, on which Bonamassa’s voice rises up majestically to meet Barnes, McRae and Tippins in gospel-like rapture. And then there’s the bleary, tequila-soaked Drive, dripping with the kind of raw, wicked and unsettling sensuality that could make David Lynch go green with envy.
For details of Joe’s upcoming March 2016 UK tour dates click HERE.

Photo Credit:© Rick Gould

JOE BONAMASSA ONLINE

Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter

Official YouTube Channel | Official Instagram | Mascot Label Group

 

Josh Smith - Over Your Head - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Over Your Head, by Josh Smith and I really like it! Opening with aggressive blues rocker, How Long, Smith takes no time at all establishing his presence. A heavy bass line by Calvin Turner, drums by Lemar Carter and solid vocals and lead guitar by Josh Smith, this track hits hard. With rock solid footing, Smith sets the track on fire with creative guitar riffs. His work is also complimented by Joe Bonamassa on guitar. Excellent! Title track, Over Your Head, is a well written rocker with grinding guitar riffs and gravelly vocals. I really like Smith's poise and guitar attack which shows both composure and explosiveness. Very cool! Strongly blues oriented, When I Get Mine, has a modified shuffle feel with cool blues guitar phrasing over a melodic bass line. Very smooth! Walking jazz bass line by Turner sets the pace for Still Searching with Jeff Babko on keys. This is a really nice improvisational piece that has a great groove. First Hand Look is a super rocker with an uneven rhythm. This is a terrific track non concentric drumming and a contagious rhythm. Want a mix of Led Zep, Tommy Bolin and Billy Cobham... this is it! Excellent!! Next up is ... and What, a swinging blues instrumental. With it's wah wah cranked open, Smith and Kirk Fletcher just lay down the nicest guitar grooves over a tight rhythm pattern by Turner and Carter. Excellent! Up next is Smoke And Mirrors with a super dynamic intro breaking into a funky rock groove. With a light twist of Stone Free, this track moves along gathering tension which is released in a power bomb over and again by this 3 piece dynamo! Pusher is a funky rocker, Smith responding to his own poised vocals with crisp guitar riffs. Carter's kick drum and slap snare/rim shot combo sets the pace and Turner's bass groove is infectious. Super! Better Off is a quiet ballad featuring Charles Jones on vocals and Jeff Babko on keys. This is a special track with an almost Philly sound. Sensuous guitar soloing by Smith nicely compliments this beautiful track. You'll Find Love has a Muddy Waters/Willie Dixon kind of feel reinforced by Charlie Musselwhite on harp. A cool and easy blues vamp with modern dressing, this track opens up as it progresses with swinging blues guitar riffs and harp work. Wrapping the release is a reprise of How Long, with a tight drum rhythm, bass line and distorted guitar soloing. This is an excellent closer to an excellent 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”

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Joe Bonamassa performs free concert to celebrate 10 years of playing live in the UK

GUITAR GOD FULFILLS PROMISE!

JOE BONAMASSA PERFORMS

A SPECIAL ONE OFF FREE CONCERT:
MR. KYPS IN POOLE, DORSET

On a previous email we sent out it was stated that “No UK fans can apply for tickets”, this was a typographical error. The free tickets for the Mr. Kyps concert are available to all UK fans.

UK fans can apply for tickets to this special free concert from this dedicated web link - http://jbonamassa.com/contest/2015/mr-kyps-free-concert/.

Guitar legend Joe Bonamassa fulfils a promise that he made 10 years ago and performs a special UK concert, celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of his first-ever UK show. On November 1^st 2015, Joe will play Mr. Kyps in Poole, Dorset,  the same venue where he played his first ever UK concert back in 2005.

In 2005, venue owner Mark Kyprianou (Kyp) was approached to host Joe’s first ever UK concert, As Joe was an unknown, the concert was a slow seller. In a final push, Kyp decided to offer free entry and refunds to those few who had originally paid the £10 ticket. Only around 100 people attended the concert, but those who were there were stunned by Joe’s dynamic and virtuosic playing. Today, 10 years later, Joe is playing concert arenas around the globe!

Kyp and Joe formed a lasting relationship over the years. Says Kyp, “I’m very excited to host this one of a kind concert. No major artist at the level Joe is would do this for his or her fans. Joe made me a promise he would return, and is a man of his word!”

The concert dovetails Joe Bonamassa’s 8-date October 2015 UK tour. Tickets are available from www.eventim.co.uk or 0844 493 6666.   Read the UK tour press release - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/joebonamassa/uktour2015.htm.

JOE BONAMASSA - OCTOBER 2015 UK TOUR DATES

Newcastle Metro Arena                               Wednesday Oct 21

Liverpool Echo Arena                                     Friday Oct 23

Leeds First Direct Arena                               Saturday Oct 24

Nottingham Capital FM Arena                   Sunday Oct 25

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena                            Tuesday Oct 27

Bournemouth BIC                                            Wednesday Oct 28

Brighton Centre                                               Friday Oct 30

Brighton Centre                                               Saturday Oct 31

Joe Bonamassa to release "Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks" DVD, Blu-ray & CD

"MUDDY WOLF AT RED ROCKS"

JOE BONAMASSA’S TRIBUTE TO
MUDDY WATERS AND HOWLIN’ WOLF

RELEASED ON DVD, BLU-RAY, VINYL & CD ON MONDAY 23rd MARCH 2015

"They always try to write off the blues; well we’ve proven tonight that at least 9,000 people like the blues," says celebrated blues rock master Joe Bonamassa who releases "Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks" on DVD, Blu-ray and CD set on March 23, 2015.
The exclusive concert experience, which is a tribute to blues legends Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, was filmed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre over Labor Day weekend in 2014.

Joe Bonamassa "Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks" Album Trailer

Carved into the bedrock of Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains, the famed amphitheatre sets the stage for Bonamassa’s fiery delivery of over 2.5 hours of bluesy guitar-wailing and horn-filled tunes honouring the two Blues greats. Playing to a sold-out crowd of 9,000 fans, this marks the biggest show of Bonamassa’s career, a major milestone for the bluesman.
The Blu-ray and DVD contains over 1.5 hours of bonus features including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, photo gallery, historic footage of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, and a featurette of Bonamassa and producer Kevin Shirley’s trip to The Crossroads.

Photo Credit:© Christie Goodwin

Unlike any Bonamassa show before, Muddy Wolf marks the start of a tribute concert series that will display a different band and catalogue of material that will vary from Bonamassa’s music as a solo artist. For Muddy Wolf, songs were carefully selected from the catalogues of Howlin’ Wolf, one of Chicago’s most influential bluesmen, known for his deep, scratchy voice, and Muddy Waters, considered the "father of modern Chicago blues."
Muddy Waters was a major inspiration for the British blues explosion of the 1960s, a genre that has heavily influenced Bonamassa’s original music throughout his career.

Photo Credit:© Christie Goodwin

The concert features a selection of songs from each artist, followed by a 30-minute set of songs from Bonamassa’s own extensive catalogue, plus a line-up of players different from Bonamassa’s touring band, dubbed the “Muddy Wolf Band” which includes Anton Fig (drums), Michael Rhodes (bass), Reese Wynans (piano, Hammond organ), Lee Thornburg (trumpet, horn arrangements), Ron Dziubla (saxophone), Nick Lane (trombone), Mike Henderson (harmonica), and Kirk Fletcher (guitar).

"MUDDY WOLF AT RED ROCKS" (PRD 7457)

(2CD/2DVD/BLURAY/3LP)

MUDDY WATERS SET

Mississippi Heartbeat (Intro)

1. Tiger In Your Tank
2. I Can't Be Satisfied
3. You Shook Me
4. Stuff You Gotta Watch
5. Double Trouble
6. Real Love
7. My Home Is On The Delta
8. All Aboard

HOWLIN’ WOLF SET

1. How Many More Years
2. Shake For Me
3. Hidden Charms

i. Band and Introductions
ii. Spoonful
iii. Killing Floor
iv. Evil (Is Going On)
v. All Night Boogie (All Night Long)

JOE BONAMASSA SET

1. Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
2. Oh Beautiful!
3. Love Ain't A Love Song
4. Sloe Gin
5. Ballad of John Henry
6. Muddy Wolf Credits

BONUS FEATURES

1. Joe and Kevin’s Excellent Adventure… to The Crossroads
2. Behind the Rocks - An Exclusive View Behind the Scenes
3. The Originals - Historic Footage of Muddy Waters & Howlin’ Wolf
4. Rockagram Gallery

Photo Credit:© Christie Goodwin

Of the experience, a humbled and grateful Bonamassa says - "Inspired was the feeling that permeated the camp from the very downbeat. It was the gig of a lifetime for me. What you see on this DVD is what it was like to play in front of the largest audience of my career, playing music that I loved, love, and fell in love with again in a much bigger way than I had before.
The concert is presented by Keeping the Blues Alive (KTBA), which Bonamassa founded, and helps to promote the heritage of the blues to the next generation, fund music scholarships, and supplement the loss of music education programs in public schools. With ticket sales from the show, KTBA raised over $40,000 for schools across the country. 
What was proved on this night, with $40,000 raised for charity and 9,000 fans dancing to Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf songs, is that blues music is alive and well.

Photo Credit:© Christie Goodwin

JOE BONAMASSA ONLINE

Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter

Official YouTube Channel | Official Instagram | Mascot Label Group

Provogue artist: Bernie Marsden - Shine - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Shine from Bernie Marsden and it is solid. Opening with Linin' Track, a classic work song, Marsden opens as a solo vocalist but is quickly joined by an explosion of blues rockin' including Mark Feltham on harp and particularly strong drums. Nice! Next up is Wedding Day and Marsden and some drone note finger picking on electric guitar. Very cool ! With a catchy melody and contemporary feel Marsden rips out a nice guitar solo icing the track. Walk Away has a real pop feel and bright keyboard work. Marsden lays down some of his solid guitar riffs making this arena rock track complete. Kinda Wish She Would is a ragged rocker with a lot of bite. With it's great drive, piano support and biting guitar riffs, it's likely my favorite track on the release. Ladyfriend has a distinctly British rhythm (think When The Levee Breaks) and a crying harp. What's not to like. Next up is Trouble featuring David Coverdale on lead vocal. This is a hot blues rocker with super drum work and well placed organ dialogue accentuating the Marsden's guitar work. Who Do We Think We Are? is another track with a strong radio theme. Marsden plays a particularly melodic guitar solo on this track with nice backing vocals from Rob Cass and Pearse Macintyre. Cherry Lee Mewis takes the lead vocal on Bad Blood. This track has a great driving bass and drum line setting a solid blues base. Marsden steps up nd lets his guitar do the talking with well placed searing guitar phrases. Very nice! Joe Bonamassa is featured on lead guitar on Shine, an open wheeled racer with vocal harmonies. Rumble rhythm drum and bass work adds a nice accent to this solid rocker. Dragonfly is a haunting track with Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green's) like glistening guitar chords. A cool guitar melody makes this another of my release favorites. Tandem guitar leads, smooth vocals and a straight forward rock beat make this track a rocket to the radio. Hoxie Rollin' Time has a real cool blues rollin' beat with a nice lope and Marsden rides the wave. Clever drum riffs and tight organ work make this another of my picks for this release. Wrapping the release is NW8, an acoustic resonator track with a nice melody supported by keys and light percussion. A very nice track to close an interesting release from Marsden.  

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”

 

Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa announce debut live recording "Live In Amsterdam"

Provogue Records are pleased to announce the Monday March 24th CD, DVD & Blu-ray release of "Live In Amsterdam", the debut live recording from grammy nominated duo Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa.

Against the stunning backdrop of the Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, blues-rock vocalist Hart and world-renowned guitar hero Bonamassa are on blistering form, turning in an awe-inspiring set of scorching soul covers taken from their 2011 debut album "Don’t Explain" and 2013 follow-up "Seesaw".
Tracks originally made famous by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Donnie Hathaway, Lucinda Williams, Bill Withers, Delaney & Bonnie, Buddy Miles, Tina Turner, Slackwax, Melody Gardot and Nina Simone are given a new lease of life by two musicians at the very top of their game.

The project was born from what Hart, Bonamassa, and Bonamassa's long-time producer Kevin Shirley call a "crazy idea" to record in a way that recalls the days when bands recorded live in the studio, with little or no overdubs; the days when the vocalist was happy when a take was done, regardless of their personal performance.
"What we’re trying to capture is an era of reaction and spontaneity – something that was a great inspiration for me as a budding musician," explained Bonamassa. "It’s a bygone era in lieu of modern times and digital studio manipulation. We wanted to do the exact opposite of that for this live concert. There were no nets and what you hear is what was sung and played that night."

Both Hart and Bonamassa were heavily influenced by these songs and the artists who originally performed them. "We’re doing these amazing cover songs, and what’s so great is that it shows part of what excited us and made us want to become artists when we were young and just starting out," said Hart. "You can see that a lot of this was an influence with me, and Joe, and the other musicians, you can hear it in the way everyone plays and performs."

Featuring 22 songs and over two hours of bonus and behind-the-scenes footage, the sonic pairing that critics are calling a "match made in heaven" are backed by the same world class band that kept the grooves going on both the pairs’ studio albums: Anton Fig (drums, percussion), Carmine Rojas (bass), Blondie Chaplin (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) and Arlan Schierbaum (keyboards). This time out, their mighty sound is augmented by a horn section, with Lee Thornburg (trumpet and percussion), Ron Dziubla (saxophone and percussion), and Carlos Perez Alfonso (trombone and percussion).

ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS:

Mascot Label Group - Official Website | Beth & Joe's - Official Website

Joe Bonamassa - Official Website | Joe's Official Facebook | Joe's Official Twitter

Beth Hart - Official Website | Beth's Official Facebook | Beth's Official Twitter

 

Provogue Records- Your Guide to the Blues

WE HOPE YOU'RE AS EXCITED AS WE ARE! Boy do we have a great year of music for you. For those of you who ARE familiar with Provogue, you already know that we are an international favorite in the blues world. With artists like, Robert Cray, Walter Trout, Beth Hart, Popa Chubby, and Leslie West it's no surprise that we took home 7 honorable mentions in The Blues Magazine's Best of 2013 edition, not to mention 2 Blues Foundation nominations, and a Grammy nomination!  That's why it's no surprise we plan on making a lot of noise in 2014!    WHAT'S NEW? Fresh Artists + Brand New Releases Whether you're into classic blues, Chicago blues, a good ol' shuffle or even your new-age progressive blues there's a big buzz coming from Matt Schofield. His latest release "Far As I Can See" serves an entree of well thought out songs that take you for a journey. The album is available worldwide on February 18th, you can click here to pre-order now.    "THERE ISN'T A BETTER BRITISH BLUES GUITARIST PLAYING CURRENTLY" -Guitar Magazine NEW ALBUMS FOR 2014! March 4 "A Day In Nashville" - ROBBEN FORD April 1 "In My Soul" -  THE ROBERT CRAY BAND   Catch Matt On Tour Near You! "THE UK HAS PRODUCED THE BEST BLUES GUITARIST FROM ANY COUNTRY IN DECADES. HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE HEARD." - Los Angeles TIMES Facebook Twitter YouTube Website CONGRATULATIONS BETH! BETH HART'S ALBUM WITH JOE BONAMASSA HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR "BEST BLUES ALBUM" AT THE 56TH ANNUAL GRAMMYS Be sure to tune into the 56th annual Grammy's Sunday, January 26th, 2014 on CBS! Copyright © 2014, All rights reserved.

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