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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles. Show all posts

Friday, April 26, 2013

Loose Walk - Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon is considered to be the first musician to translate the language of Bebop to the tenor saxophone. Dexter Keith Gordon was born on February 27, 1923 in Los Angeles, California. His father, Dr. Frank Gordon, was one of the first African American doctors in Los Angeles who arrived in 1918 after graduating from Howard Medical School in Washington, D.C. Among his patients were Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. Dexter’s mother, Gwendolyn Baker, was the daughter of Captain Edward Baker, one of the five African American Medal of Honor recipients in the Spanish-American War. Dexter began his study of music with the clarinet at age 13, then switched to the alto saxophone at 15, and finally to the tenor saxophone at 17. He studied music with Lloyd Reese and at Jefferson High School with Sam Browne. In his last year of high school, he received a call from alto saxophonist Marshall Royal asking him to join the Lionel Hampton Band. He left Los Angeles with the band, traveling down south and learning to play from fellow band members Illinois Jacquet and Joe Newman. In January 1941, the band played at the Grand Terrace in Chicago for six months and the radio broadcasts made there were Dexter’s first recordings. It was in 1943, while in New York City with the Hampton band, that Dexter sat in at Minton’s Playhouse with Ben Webster and Lester Young. This was to be one of the most important moments in his long musical career as, as he put it, “people started to take notice.” Back in Los Angeles in 1943, Dexter played mainly with Lee Young (Lester Young’s brother) and with Jesse Price plus a few weeks with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. In 1944, he worked with Louis Armstrong ‘s orchestra which was one of the highlights of his careers. Being in the company of the great trumpet master was inspiring and gave him insight into the world of music that he never forgot. It was during this period that Gordon made his first lengthy solo recordings as the leader of a quintet session with Nat “King” Cole as a sideman. In 1944, Dexter joined the Billy Eckstine band, the source of many of the Bebop innovators of the time and many of the most prominent bandleaders in the future. He was surrounded nightly by Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Leo Parker, John Malachi, and other architects of the new music. Dexter began to record for Savoy Records in 1945 with tunes such as Blow Mr. Dexter, Dexter’s Deck, Dexter’s Cuttin’ Out, Long Tall Dexter (none of which were named by the composer). These early recordings are examples of the development of his sound and his style which influenced many of the younger tenor players of that day, including Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. In 1947, Dexter recorded his historic sides for Dial Records, including “The Chase” with tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray. The two tenor “duels” became very popular at this time and Dexter commented that despite the differences in style, it was sometimes hard for him to tell where one left off and the other began. This recording was to become the biggest seller for Dial and further established Dexter as a leader and a recording artist. In the late 40s, Dexter appeared on the famed 52nd Street in New York City with Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, Miles Davis, Max Roach, and many of the bebop innovators of the day. The classic photo of Dexter at the Royal Roost in 1948 has become the iconic photo of the bebop musician and has been reprinted on album covers, t-shirts, posters, and print ads. In 1960, Dexter was approached by Alfred Lion to sign with Blue Note Records. For five years, he made on session after another, and they are all considered classics. When asked which of all his recordings was his favorite, Dexter said: “I would have to say it is Go! The perfect rhythm section which made is possible for me to play whatever I wanted to play.” The Blue Note recordings allowed him the opportunity to record with Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Barry Harris, Kenny Drew, Horace Parlan, Bud Powell, and Billy Higgins. The Blue Note recordings are still available and are considered jazz classics. A gig in 1962 at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London was a new experience for Dexter and he began to travel and work in Europe. Eventually, he settled in Copenhagen where he lived until his return to the U.S. in 1976. During that period in Europe, he traveled extensively, worked for long periods at the historic Jazzhus Montmartre and recorded for European labels as well as Prestige Records. In 1976, Dexter enjoyed a hero’s welcome in the U.S. when he made his return engagement at Storyville in New York City with Woody Shaw, Louis Hayes, Ronnie Mathews, and Stafford James. He subsequently played the Village Vanguard, signed with Columbia Records, and was officially back in town. He organized his first working band during this period with George Cables, Rufus Reid, and Eddie Gladden. He considered this band to be his best band and he toured extensively with them and recorded Live at the Keystone (Mosaic) and Manhattan Symphonie (CBS Sony) with the group. In 1986, Dexter moved into his new career, acting, in the motion picture Round Midnight which was directed by Bertrand Tavernier. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Leading Actor in 1986 for his portrayal of Dale Turner, a character based on the lives of Lester Young and Bud Powell. The music for the film won an Oscar for musical director, Herbie Hancock. The film included fellow musicians Bobby Hutcherson, Billy Higgins, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Pierre Michelot, John McLaughlin, and Wayne Shorter. Dexter Gordon’s last major concert appearance was with the New York Philharmonic in Ellingtones, a concerto written for him by acclaimed composer David Baker and conducted by James de Priest. Dexter died on April 25, 1990 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

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 favorite band!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Bust A Move To Buster's In Long Beach : Charles Burton Blues Band In The House This Sunday



                    
                     Hey All You Blues, Swing, And Dance Lovers:
           BUST A MOVE TO BUSTER'S BEACH HOUSE IN LONG BEACH:
                                Charles Burton Blues Band
         IS IN THE HOUSE!  - THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 17 - 4 PM MATINEE SHOW!
   (LONG BEACH) - Charles Burton, the longtime stellar guitarist-vocalist known as "San Diego's Blues Ambassador To The World," comes north for a special 4 p.m. Matinee Show this Sunday, March 17 at Buster's Beach House, 168 N. Marina Drive, in Long Beach. $15-$20 donation requested. Info: (562) 598-9431 or log onto https://www.facebook.com/bustersbeachhouse. Also performing: Coco Montoya and Friends plus the Cadillac Zack Band.
   Watch a live performance of the song "Gangster Of Love" by the Charles Burton Band below.


    Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Charles Burton plays with fire, and when he does, his articulation and phrasing are instantly recognizable. This tall drink of water has been playing Blues, Country, Rock, and Roots music for over forty years. He has played lead guitar in Country bands in Los Angeles (1970's), Honolulu (1980's), Tokyo (1990's), and Fresno, California. He headlined the Fresno Blues Festival playing with the late great Hosea Leavy in 1995. As a blues guitarist and singer, he has released four CDs with the Charles Burton Blues Band, and has toured Europe headlining festivals, culture houses, and clubs twice a year since 2005. In 2007/2008 he toured Scandinavia with Maury "Hooter" Saslaff (Big Jack Johnson and the Oilers), playing over 200 gigs in seven months! In 2009 he won San Diego's International Blues Challenge finals. That same year he took first place in San Diego's King of the Blues competition. Burton's latest CD release "Favorites"  is a collection of.tasty remakes including "Tell Me Why" by Duke Robillard; "Early In The Morning" by Louis Jordan; and Litlle Walter's "Last Night."
  

"Rockabilly styled blues with a swinging backbeat and a solid groove throughout that keeps the whole thing shuffling onward in the most pleasant fashion. The Charles Burton Blues Band is in shape and it shows with a sparseness that fits the genre without bogging it down with so much flash that the beautiful simplicity is lost. It speaks volumes of the bands experience and musical knowledge that they do not need to show off their skills at every turn, but instead they serve the songs while adding their voice at the same time."                                                   THE HAZARD REPORT
    
                                                      www.charlesburton.com 
                      https://www.facebook.com/charles.burton.16?ref=ts

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Robbie Krieger

Robert Alan "Robby" Krieger (born January 8, 1946) is an American rock guitarist and songwriter. He was the guitarist in The Doors, and wrote some of the band's best known songs, including "Light My Fire", "Love Me Two Times", "Touch Me", and "Love Her Madly". He is listed as number 91 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time Robby Krieger was born in Los Angeles, California, to a Jewish family. His first exposure to music was mostly classical, as his father was a big fan of marching music, until he heard Peter and the Wolf, which was the first music that really caught him. When he was seven, Krieger accidentally broke his record player, but the radio began to reach his ears playing the likes of Fats Domino, Elvis Presley, and the Platters. At 10, he tried the trumpet, but found it was not for him. He began playing the blues on his parents' piano with much more success than the trumpet. While Krieger was attending a private school, there was study time at night that allowed him to teach himself to play the guitar. He began by learning flamenco, borrowing a friend's guitar. When Krieger was 18, he got his own flamenco guitar and took lessons for a few months. He bounced around genres, including flamenco, folk, blues, and jazz. After high school, Krieger attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. Krieger listed guitarists Wes Montgomery, Albert King, and Larry Carlton among the biggest influences of his style. Krieger was a member of The Doors along with keyboard player Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and vocalist Jim Morrison. At an early Doors rehearsal Morrison heard Krieger playing bottleneck guitar and initially wanted the technique featured on every song on the first album. Krieger's fingerstyle approach to the electric guitar, eclectic musical tastes, and songwriting helped establish The Doors as a successful rock band in the 1960s. His only singing with the early Doors can be heard on the album The Soft Parade, on the song "Runnin' Blue". After Morrison's death in 1971, The Doors continued as a trio and released two albums, Other Voices and Full Circle. Krieger shared lead vocal duties with Manzarek. After The Doors disbanded in 1973, Krieger formed The Butts Band with Densmore. He enjoyed some success as a jazz-fusion guitarist, recording a handful of albums in the 1970s and 1980s, including Versions (1982), Robby Krieger (1985), and No Habla (1989). For his first solo release in 1977, Robbie Krieger & Friends, Krieger worked with rock artist Jim Evans to create a painting that became the album package. In 1982, Krieger made an album with the Los Angeles group Acid Casualties. Their album, Panic Station, was released by Rhino Records and included a new version of the rare 1968 Pink Floyd single "Point Me at the Sky." In the early 90s, Krieger formed a trio called the 'Robby Krieger Organization' featuring Skip Van Winkle (electric organ,organ pedal bass) and Dale Alexander (drums, backing vocals).[citation needed] In 1996, Krieger formed a new band simply known as the 'Robby Krieger Band' which featured his son Waylon Krieger (guitar), Barry Oakley Jr. (bass, backing vocals), Dale Alexander (keyboards) and Ray Mehlbaum (drums).[citation needed] The band performed shows in North America and Europe between 1996-1998. In 2000, Krieger released Cinematix, an entirely instrumental fusion album, with guest appearances from Billy Cobham and Edgar Winter. Krieger and Manzarek reformed as the Doors of the 21st Century in 2002 with vocalist Ian Astbury of The Cult. Following a dispute with Densmore over The Doors name, the band is now known as "Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors". For a brief period, the reformed band also included Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Krieger played guitar on a few tracks by Blue Öyster Cult and has worked on a number of tribute projects organized by Billy Sherwood. Krieger has made some guest appearances with the band Particle and appears on the album Transformations Live. In June 2008, ZYX Studio released his concert with Eric Burdon, called Live at the Ventura Beach California. They also played "Back Door Man" and "Roadhouse Blues". In April 2009, Krieger and Ray Manzarek appeared as special guests for Daryl Hall's monthly concert webcast "Live From Daryl's House". They performed several Doors tunes ("People Are Strange", "The Crystal Ship", "Roadhouse Blues" and "Break On Through"), with Hall providing lead vocals. Krieger has participated in the "Experience Hendrix" series of concerts over the last two years (2008–09), joining a number of high profile guitar players paying tribute to the musicianship and songwriting of Jimi Hendrix 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”

Monday, January 7, 2013

Really let It Out - Neverwonder

I just received the newest release, Really Let It Out, by Neverwonder. Featuring a new lead vocalist, Alima Soul, Neverwonder is a pop rock band with a soul twist. The bands members include Scott Ramsey on guitar, Vincent Ramos on bass, and Andres Ramos on drums. This is a 5 track release opening with Help Me, a danceable rock tune. Spinning, a subtle ballad, is a nice feature for Soul's voice and is directed square at radio airplay. Let It Out, another rock track, has a dash of flavor on another pop dance number. Enough is an uptempo ballad again with heavy pop influence. Spinning (Lounge) features Konrad Thompson on piano along with Soul on a pop ballad. Although this release has very little to do with the blues, it does have legitimate airplay promise. Check it out if you have pop inclinations.

  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”

 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Sweet-Sounding Guitar Ace Dave Widow Is Tommy Marsh's Guest At Wednesday's Ventura County Blues Society Jam At The Tavern


    Tomorrow Night! Wednesday, December 12  
Catch The Sweet Sounds Of L.A. Guitar Ace Dave Widow As He Joins Host 


Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog At SoCal's Best Weekly Blues Jam At The Tavern 

                                                                

  (VENTURA) - Like your Blues with a touch of R&B and a little bit of Soul? Then tomorrow night is for you, as sweet-sounding guitarist/vocalist Dave Widow joins Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog as Special Guest at SoCal's best and most talked-about weekly Blues Jam, Wednesday, December 12 at The Tavern in Ventura. 211 E. Santa Clara Ave.; 8-11 p.m.; no cover. Info: (805) 643-3264. Sponsored by the Ventura County Blues Society.

 
                    What The Press Is Saying About Dave Widow & His New CD,  
                                              Waiting For the World To End  

"Waiting For The World To End" contains fourteen fantastic songs that will keep you grooving track after track...from great vocals to fabulous horns and clever lyrics, they are a tight band! Don't forget about the great axe work by Dave. I am impressed."              WAYNE REINHART/BLUES E-NEWS                                            
"Dave Widow has put together a great lineup of musicians on Waiting For The World To End. 'Piss You Off,' like a lot of the album, has a heavy dose of Soul /R&B stirred in to the blues stew. We've all been there...we've all done that. This song plays out a slice of every-man's life. Dave uses his vocals to express his pain and plays some stinging guitar riffs to make his point."         BMANS BLUES REPORT  


"If you're a Blues lover and dig the same things I dig, you are gonna LOVE Dave Widow's new CD "Waiting For The World To End"...fourteen original tracks laid down by top-notch professionals including Chicago Blues legend Barry Goldberg, Mike Finnegan, Bill Champlain, James Gadsen and Gary Mallaber...from traditional Blues cuts to Californicated styles you hear creeping in, "Waiting For The World To End" is well-produced and engineered. You'll want to buy this one."          CASEY REAGAN/AMERICAN BLUES NEWS            


        

   Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog In The (Blues) News: Check out a brand-new interview with Tommy (gotta love the headline - "Tommy Marsh: Damn Good Music For Damn Good Folks") in European online music publication, Mixalis Blues: http://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/an-interview-with-californian-tommy-marsh-blending-the-blues    

  
                             
                                           

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 favorite band!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Back Door Man - The Doors - John Densmore

John Paul Densmore (born December 1, 1944) is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer of the rock group The Doors Born in Los Angeles, Densmore attended Santa Monica City College and Cal State Northridge; at the latter he studied ethnic music under jazz cellist Fred Katz. He joined The Doors in 1965 and remained a member until the band's dissolution in 1973. Densmore met keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger at a Transcendental Meditation lecture. Densmore says, "There wouldn't be any Doors without Maharishi." According to Densmore's own book, he quit the band on one occasion in reaction to Morrison's increasingly self-destructive behavior, although he returned the next day. He repeatedly suggested that the band stop touring, but Krieger and Manzarek were resistant to this notion. After the Doors' last performance with Morrison in New Orleans in 1970, the band agreed to discontinue performing live. Densmore allowed "Riders on the Storm" to be used to sell Pirelli Tires, in England only. Densmore later stated that he "heard Jim's voice" in his ears and ended up donating the money earned to charity. In 2002, Densmore vetoed an offer by Cadillac for $15 million for "Break on Through (To the Other Side)" because of his strong views to conserve the environment. Densmore formed a band with fellow ex-Doors Robby Krieger in 1973 called The Butts Band but disbanded after two albums in 1975. Densmore left rock-and-roll in the 1980s, moving to the world of dance as he performed with Bess Snyder and Co., touring the United States for two years. In 1984, at La Mama Theatre in New York, he made his stage acting debut in Skins, a one-act play he had written. In 1985, he won the LA Weekly Theater Award for music with Methusalem, directed by Tim Robbins. The play Rounds, which he co-produced, won the NAACP award for theatre in 1987. In 1988, he played a feature role in Band Dreams and Bebop at the Gene Dynarski Theatre. He developed and performed a one-man piece from the short story, The King of Jazz, at the Wallenboyd Theatre in 1989. With Adam Ant, he co-produced Be Bop A Lula at Theatre Theatre in 1992. He has acted in numerous TV shows, most memorably as himself in the show Square Pegs, working as a drummer for Johnny Slash's band Open 24 Hours. His film credits include: Get Crazy with Malcolm McDowell, Dudes directed by Penelope Spheeris, and The Doors directed by Oliver Stone. Densmore wrote his best-selling autobiography, Riders On The Storm (1990), about his life and the time he spent with Morrison and The Doors. In the first chapter Densmore describes the solemn day on which he and the band finally visited Morrison's grave around three years after he had died. As the drummer and an influential member of The Doors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He worked as a technical adviser on the 1991 film, The Doors, and was very impressed with Val Kilmer's performance as Morrison and overall was quite happy with the film.[citation needed] In 2006, his band, Tribaljazz, released their first album of original work.[citation needed] Densmore appears alongside Krieger and Manzarek in 2012's RE:GENERATION, a documentary directed by Amir Bar-Lev. It features Densmore collaborating on a new song with Skrillex. 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 favorite band!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Shuggie Otis

Shuggie Otis (born Johnny Alexander Veliotes, Jr.; November 30, 1953) is an American singer-songwriter, recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist. Otis' composition "Strawberry Letter 23" (as recorded by The Brothers Johnson) topped the Billboard R&B chart and reached #5 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977. He also achieved commercial success with his 1974 single "Inspiration Information" (from the album of the same name), reaching #56 on the R&B chart Born in Los Angeles, California, Otis is the son of rhythm and blues pioneer, musician, bandleader, and impresario Johnny Otis and wife Phyllis. The name "Shuggie" (short for "sugar", according to his mother) was coined by Phyllis when he was a newborn. Otis began playing guitar when he was two years old and performing professionally with his father's band at the age of twelve, often disguising himself with dark glasses and a false mustache so that he could play with his father's band in after-hours nightclubs. Otis, primarily known as a guitarist, also sings and plays a multitude of other instruments. While growing up with and being heavily influenced by many blues, jazz and R&B musicians in his father Johnny's immediate circle, Otis began to gravitate towards the popular music of his generation such as Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and Arthur Lee of the band Love. In 1969, Al Kooper asked Otis to be the featured guest on the second installment of the Super Session album series that had previously included Stephen Stills and Mike Bloomfield. Kooper and the then-fifteen-year-old Otis recorded the whole album over one weekend in New York. Immediately returning to Los Angeles, Otis, along with his father and singer Delmar "Mighty Mouth" Evans, performed on the album Cold Shot, released in 1969 on the Los Angeles-based Kent label. Another obscure album this three-man team recorded was the extremely rare and risque Snatch & The Poontangs (rated X due to its explicit lyrical content)[citation needed], on which Otis recorded tracks under the pseudonym "Prince Wunnerful". Otis then released his first solo album later that year entitled Here Comes Shuggie Otis on Epic Records. Countless musicians were his guests on that debut attempt, including Johnny, Leon Haywood, Al McKibbon, Wilton Felder. This further established his reputation and catapulted him to the attention of B. B. King, who was quoted in a 1970 issue of Guitar Player magazine saying Otis was "his favorite new guitarist". Some of the artists Otis performed and recorded with during that time include Frank Zappa (having played electric bass on "Peaches en Regalia" on the 1969 album Hot Rats), Etta James, Eddie Vinson, Richard Berry, Louis Jordan, and Bobby 'Blue' Bland, among many others. The album Otis received the most notoriety for was his second Epic Records release in 1971, Freedom Flight, which featured his hit "Strawberry Letter 23". Both the album and single reached the Billboard Top 200 and caught the attention of Brothers Johnson guitarist George Johnson, who then played it for producer Quincy Jones. They covered the song and it instantly became a smash hit. Even though Otis played most of his own parts in the studio, the lineup on this album was quite extensive, including keyboardist George Duke and Aynsley Dunbar of Frank Zappa, Journey, and Whitesnake fame. In 1974, Otis released Inspiration Information, his third and final album for Epic Records. The album had taken almost three years to finish. All the songs were written and arranged by Otis himself, who played almost exclusively every musical instrument on the album (except for horns and various stringed instruments). However, despite its long-awaited impact, Inspiration Information had but one single (the title track) reach the Billboard Top 200. After the album's release, Otis was approached by Billy Preston on behalf of The Rolling Stones, asking him to join the band for their upcoming world tour. He declined the offer, along with the chance to work with Quincy Jones in helping produce Otis's next album. After a series of similar refusals, Otis gained the reputation of "taking his time", and his recording contract with Epic Records was nullified. Otis's only credited works throughout the mid-1970s were done as a session musician for his father's recording projects. Inspiration Information gained a huge cult following during the 1990s with the emergence of rare groove and acid jazz.[citation needed] It was lauded by such musicians as Prince and Lenny Kravitz. Due in part to this regained interest, the album was re-released on April 3, 2001, by David Byrne's independent label Luaka Bop Records. This CD re-issue includes all nine original album tracks plus four songs taken from Otis' 1971 album Freedom Flight, and features new cover art, liner notes, and exclusive never-seen-before photos. Otis is featured in every one of his father Johnny's books, as well as Alligator Records Presents West Coast Blues, issued in August 1998. Otis and Sony Music Entertainment have made a deal for a double CD which will be released on April 20, 2013. It will be a re-release of Inspiration/Information. Added to the album will be several bonus tracks, including an accompanying album entitled Wings of Love. Wings of Love is an album of previously unreleased material, all of which was written from 1975 to the present, including live material from some of his rare performances. It will be available on Shugiterius records (Shuggie's new company) and Sony records, through Sony Music Entertainment. Little is known of Otis' private affairs, as he is considered by most who know him to have always been somewhat reclusive.[citation needed] While still a teenager, he had a son with Judith Peters, Johnny III (who goes by Lucky). A few years later, he then married Lillian Wilson, daughter of trumpeter, bandleader, and Latin jazz pioneer Gerald Wilson, and they (Shuggie and Lillian, a/k/a Teri) had a son, Eric (whom Lillian named after her father Gerald's close friend and bandmate Eric Dolphy. In spring 1991, Otis Sr. and his family relocated to Sonoma County. Since moving back to Southern California in 2006, Otis has made but a handful of sporadic public appearances. Both of Shuggie's sons, Lucky Otis and Eric Otis, who are also musicians and based in the Los Angeles area, are producing their own music as well, Shuggie has a new band now (2012) and is currently on a: "Never Ending World Wide Tour". It will start in Europe of November 2012. 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 favorite band!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Favorite Reviews For The Charles Burton Blues Band's Album



    
   Favorite Reviews For The Charles Burton Blues Band Album, "Favorites"                     
"Recorded at the end of one of Charles Burton's tours, this session features eleven favorite songs that bring instant recognition when he sings 'em. With the leader playing guitar, Arnold Ludvig on bass and Asmus Jensen on drums, each selection comes through clearly with plenty of energy to spare. Burton sings forcefully and delivers a clear lyric, but it's the band that drives each message loud and clear. They appear to be on top of their game, as seamless as a blanket and as tight as a workshop vise."  
                                                                                                          SOUTHLAND BLUES

"As a blues guitarist and songwriter/singer, Charles Burton has released four CDs - two with fabulous songs of his own pennings and two giving loving care to blues and r&b covers..."                                                                                        SAN DIEGO ACOUSTIC    
"'Favorites' provides a great vehicle for The Charles Burton Blues Band to showcase their tight ensemble playing...the band sets a great groove and allows the music to breathe. Tight, light, and with plenty of soul - just the way we like it."           BARRELHOUSE BLUES

"A very adept and soulful guitarist, Charles treats us to many familiar tunes...he even gets his Classics IV groove on with 'Spooky." Guitar work is constructed very nicely...each tune here will ring true to you, familiarity is good on many levels."                              BLUES 411

"Burton has put together eleven of his favorite tunes and has created a pretty entertaining album...a tight rendition of Duke Robillard's "Tell Me Why" opens the recording getting started down the Texas-style blues path...nice job Charles and congratulations on a cool CD."                                                                                               BMANS BLUES REPORT

"...A team of talented tune-smiths...the Johnny 'Guitar' Watson  cut "Gangster Of Love" features some noteworthy guitar work and further proves the band can really work their faves and yet remain true to the spirit of the genre."                                     L.A. EXAMINER

"Good blues guitarist with a good enough voice to handle all the material here (on 'Favorites')...for straight blues, best effort here is Duke Robillard's 'Tell Me Why.'"                                                                                                                                       BLUES BYTES

"One never gets tired of listening to the great music and The Charles Burton Blues Band certainly knows how to deliver up these favorites...delivered with the energy,simplicity and authority that only a seasoned three-piece blues band can, "Favorites" is a must-have for the discriminating music connoisseur."                                                      BOOMEROCITY 

"These renditions of some great Blues and R&B tunes does more than justice to them, and defines the difference between a cover and an interpretation."     ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE

"Guitarist/singer Charles Burton plays with fire, and when he does, his articulation and phrasing are instantly recognizable."                                        BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE

"Rockwired's Jazzed And Blues presents Charles Burton, San Diego's Blues Ambassador to the World."                                                                                                     ROCKWIRED

"Another good name I recommend for you to check out is guitarist Charles Burton....his playing deserves your serious attention!"                                                   GUITAR ON SKY
  
"American Veterans Radio is proud to bring to the World  The Charles Burton Blues Band as our Spotlight Artist of the Week!"                                    AMERICAN VETERANS RADIO
                                       

  Check out Burton's skillful guitar playing on a live version of the track "Gangster Of Love."


                                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8B8X68BO_U
                                               Charles Burton - A Brief Bio
 Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Charles Burton plays with fire, and when he does, his articulation and phrasing are instantly recognizable. This tall drink of water has been playing Blues, Country, Rock, and Roots music for over forty years. He has played lead guitar in Country bands in Los Angeles (1970's), Honolulu (1980's), Tokyo (1990's), and Fresno, California. He headlined the Fresno Blues Festival playing with the late great Hosea Leavy in 1995. As a blues guitarist and singer, he has released four CDs with the Charles Burton Blues Band, and has toured Europe headlining festivals, culture houses, and clubs twice a year since 2005. In 2007/2008 he toured Scandinavia with Maury "Hooter" Saslaff (Big Jack Johnson and the Oilers), playing over 200 gigs in seven months! In 2009 he won San Diego's International Blues Challenge finals. That same year he took first place in San Diego's King of the Blues competition. Widely regarded as the best blues guitarist in San Diego, Charles is San Diego's Blues Ambassador to the World.

                                                      www.charlesburton.com 

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Cucas Blues - David Hidalgo & Louie Pérez

David Hidalgo (born October 6, 1954 in Los Angeles, California) is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the band Los Lobos. He is also a member of the supergroup Los Super Seven and of the Latin Playboys, a side project band made up of some of the members of Los Lobos. He formed another side project band with Mike Halby of Canned Heat, called Houndog. Most recently, he appeared on national television in the US backing Tom Waits. Hidalgo's songs have been covered by the Jerry Garcia Band, Waylon Jennings, Bonnie Raitt and others. He performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010. His son, David Hidalgo, Jr. is the current drummer for Social Distortion. In addition to his work with Los Lobos, Hidalgo frequently plays musical instruments such as accordion, violin, 6-string banjo, cello, requinto jarocho, percussion, drums and guitar as a session musician for other artists' releases. 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”

Thursday, August 16, 2012

HARD LUCK BLUES - JOHNNY TURNER


Los Angeles musician Johnny Turner and his band, Blues With a Feeling. Texas born singer-guitarist Johnny Turner (1934) fronts the band along with his friend and playing partner Zaven Jambazian (1941-2004), a talented and idiomatic harmonica player. The quartet was a fixture at The Raven and the Rose nightclub in Sierra Madre during the '70s and early '80s. The album is a perfect representation of their mainstream Chicago blues approach and energetic performance. The band's easygoing, unpretentious music was recorded on location at The Raven and the Rose during one of its regular Friday night stints.


Tracklist

1. Checkin' on My Baby
2. Hard Luck Blues
3. Can't Hold Out Much Longer
4. She's Mine All Mine
5. Tennessee Woman Blues
6. Tomorrow Night
7. You're So Fine
8. Last Night
9. Don't Start Me to Talkin'
10. You Don't Have to Go

Recorded live at The Raven And The Rose, Sierra Madre, California.

Johnny Turner- Vocals,Guitar
Zaven Jambazian- Harmonica
Tony Manrique- Bass
Stu Perry- Drums
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”

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Stealin' - Denny Freeman


As an adolescent and young teen in Dallas, Texas in the late1950's, Denny Freeman heard on the radio the radical new sounds of people like Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Chicago and Louisianna blues artists like Muddy waters and Slim Harpo. Freeman would go to concerts that featured folks like Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Ruth Brown, and the Clovers. In the 60's there was Jimi Hendrix and Cream, and the wonderful jazz of the time. All of it contributed to the music that Freeman would come to play. Primarily a guitar player, he has played piano and organ on his own and other folks records and gigs over the years. Jennifer Warnes has him playing piano on one track (The Well [Reprise]) on her latest release. His piano playing also appears on James Cotton and Jimmie Vaughan albums. He toured on Jimmie Vaughan's first solo outing as the piano player.
Denny has been the main writer on the songs on his four, mostly instrumental albums, and teamed up with Kathy Valentine of the GoGos and Clem Burke of Blondie, to submit music to Deborah Harry for the Blondie "No Exit" album. Deborah wrote the lyrics, and "Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room" was born. He also co-wrote "BaBoom (Mama Said)" with Jimmie and Stevie Vaughan for the Vaughan Brothers' "Family Style" album.
After touring for a year and a half with Jimmie Vaughan in the mid nineties, he toured w/ Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band until late 2002, playing guitar. It was during this period that Taj' Grammy winning CD, "Shoutin' in Key" was released. "Playing with an American icon like Taj Mahal was a real honor for me. We went all over Europe and to Japan, and it seems that there are Taj fans in every nook and cranny, all over the planet."
After growing up in Dallas, going to college in north Texas, and a brief sojourn in L.A., Freeman moved to Austin, Texas in 1970. Jimmie Vaughan, Doyle Bramhall, and Stevie Vaughan soon followed. If you were a musician, a part of the sub culture, or just had long hair, Austin was the place to be in that part of the world, at that time. It wasn't so much of a music town, Freeman observes. " It was the kind of place that musicians in the early 70's found hospitable. Lots of pretty girls, cheap rent, a laid back atmosphere, those things were especially helpful, in those days." The word got around and musicians are still moving there, today, although things have changed, like everywhere else, and cheap rent is certainly a thing of the past. The main thing, though, that these folks had in common, was that they came ready to play blues. Unhappy with the direction rock was heading after the demise of Cream and Jimi Hendrix, blues was the only thing that appealed to these and a few other people. But still it was a struggle. Of course, Jimmie, w/ his Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Stevie finally found some commercial success. Freeman lived and played with Jimmie and Stevie off and on through the 70's and 80's. There just weren't many players interested in playing blues, so the pool was small. "I first heard Jimmie Vaughan play in Dallas, when he was 16, and Stevie a few years later, in Austin, when he was around 17. It was obvious, even then, that we would be hearing from these guys. It took a while, but eventually most fans of guitar, the world over, came to know about them, too. We became friends, roommates, bandmates. Stevie still owes me $30 rent."
In 1975, the world famous Antones Night Club opened up. At first, the T Birds were the house band, providing backing for the famous Chicago, and other, blues artists that were booked. In the early 80's, another house band was formed, and Freeman had guitar and piano duties, backing up blues giants like Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Lazy Lester, and many, many more. "It was beyond anything I could have imagined. I never thought I'd see most of these guys, much less get to play with them. Some of the shows were recorded, so I'm even on records with my heros."
In spite of Freeman's work with Austin blues bands and blues artists in L.A., where he lived from1992 until late 2004, he doesn't consider himself a "blues guy". "I'd rather think of myself as a guitar player." The compositions on his four albums display a love of three chord rock n' roll, soul jazz, blues and old school r&b and soul music. "I'll always love listening to my old blues records, and trying to play it (blues), but I don't want to be stuck in that bag. I like to go out on a limb, sometimes. I also love ballads." Clem Burke plays drums on his latest CD, "Twang Bang."
Some of Freeman's early recordings (late 80's) ended up in low budget, mostly horror films. One, "Mortuary Academy", featured Paul Bartel and Wolfman Jack. He recently was in the studio (eraly 2004), playing on the new Percy Sledge album, "Shining Through the Rain", which includes a Denny co-write (w/ Fontaine Brown), "Love Come and Rescue Me", as well as his own new project. In October (2004), he was in the studio, with C.C. Adcock, and Scott Nelson and Mike Keller, working on Doyle Bramhall's forthcoming album, "Is It News?". (Spring release)
Denny played in the Bob Dylan Band from 2005 until August 2009, and plays on the Bob Dylan album, "Modern Times". Since the autumn of 2009, Denny has been playing in Austin, Texas a lot, mostly at the Continental Club, Antones, and The Gallery, and in DFW area clubs, and is preparing to record.
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”

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Rock Me - Jean Shy & The Shy Guys


Jean Shy is an internationally acclaimed Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Gospel Singer; Songwriter, Music Producer, Actress, and Author. With four Top Ten Hits under her belt, the 2009 Blues Music Award Nominee for “Soul Blues Female Artist Of The Year,” is definitely a multi-talented, truly unique Artist, and audiences are overwhelmed by her powerful vocal delivery, and entertaining Show.

The 2009 BMA Nomination was given by the Blues Foundation in conjunction with the latest Jean Shy & The Shy Guys CD release entitled "The Blues Got Soul." The Blues Music Awards are recognized as the highest honor given to Blues Artists.
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”

Saturday, July 21, 2012

MC Records artist: Debbie Davies - After The Fall - New Release Review


I just received the new recording, After The Fall by Debbie Davies. Debbie is a stellar blues guitarist and I been anxious to hear this. The recording opens with Don't Put The Blame, a song that to my ear has a country rock swagger. Davies has a great voice and it is the feature on this first track. The Fall, another vocal dominant track has a great guitar solo with Davies bringing that slick style and tone that she's known for. True Blue Fool is a classic R&B style ballad and Davies takes full advantage of the opportunity to play a beautifully melodic guitar solo. Done Sold Everything, an uptempo Texas style blues track with a good story line and great dual lead guitar playing. A sure crowd pleaser. Little Broken Wing, another R&B style ballad is well written and includes another cool contrasting guitar solo. All Of My Forgiveness has a light Latin rhythm and another smooth guitar solo to top off Debbie on vocals. Goin' To Gaggle gets the Bo Diddly rhythm going and Davies plays off the piano and guitar rhythm to tell her story. I'll Feel Much Better When You Cry is a straight up 12 bar blues with the money solo that traditional blues fans will be looking for.... EXCELLENT! R.R. Boogie is a great and unpredictable instrumental giving Davies and crew the chance to stretch out a little... certain to be a favorite at concerts. The recording ends with Google Me Baby, styled after early jazz style tunes. Davies takes this opportunity to show her jazz chops and her touch is spot on.
Davies has put together a versatile recording of blues influenced music and there is certainly something for everyone.
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”

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Waiting For The World To End - Dave Widow And The Line Up - New Release Review


I just received a copy of the new release Waiting For The World To End by Dave Widow And The Line Up and it pretty interesting. Widow has assembled a great band including Reggie McBride, Gary Mallaber, Mike Finnegan, Bill Champlin, Barry Goldberg and a crew of outstanding horns and vocalists and they demonstrate their broad background on this stellar party cd. First up is Bluesman, a slow swinging boogie with horns, guitar and keys. Dave has a cool voice for this style of music and the band gets right into the groove right from the start. Keyboard ace Mike Finnegan lays down some organ right up front and Marty Grebb is out there on the Bari Sax with Widow laying down some pretty hot guitar licks himself. I love party blues music and I can't help thinking Crabshaw is gonna burst in any minute. Leave A Piece Of Me has a bit of R&B, a bit of rock and a bit of soul bringing forward a track that is likely to hit the airwaves. I usually am not at all drawn to songs that use "cheater hooks" to grab the fan but Piss You Off is just a great track. What I mean is I typically find that artists use words or hooks to artificially grab the audience's favor but this is actually a great track. The horns are strong,the vocals sound heartfelt and it's a straight up blues track with a strong guitar solo ... and the words aren't used gratuitously but with purpose. Nice job! Reach Out is soul stye ballad and the melody is strong, the background singers are great and Widow adds guitar riffs sparingly as needed. Nothin' On You has a cool funk rhythm again with a strong instrumental groove and the backing vocals are right on. Wait On Love is another strong composition with cohesive arrangement, solid vocals and well orchestrated instrumental compliments throughout. I Look For Things Like That is another funk infused blues track that is bound to get you moving around in your seat. Widow has a knack for getting the train shaking and then throwing straw on the fire. Picture Of You is a really sweet little track along the lines of a classic ballad acoustically accompanied and light backing vocals. This is a really strong track... and I'm not a ballad guy. The title track, Waiting For The World To End, is another funk blues track and another track that will get you up and moving. It's almost like Widow just put a cd together to give you a reason to party. This recording is well composed and consistent end to end. This song is so funky you'd think Sly was gonna take you higher. Overall Widow and the Lineup have composed a very entertaining recording.

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”

Monday, June 18, 2012

Move To The Outskirts of Town - Sugarcane Harris

Don "Sugarcane" Harris (born Don Francis Bowman Harris, June 18, 1938 - November 30, 1999) was an American rock and roll violinist and guitarist. Harris was born and raised in Pasadena, California and started an act called Don and Dewey with his childhood friend Dewey Terry in the mid 1950s. Although they were recorded by Art Rupe on his Specialty label, mostly utilizing the services of legendary drummer Earl Palmer, Don and Dewey didn't have any hits. However, Harris and Terry co-authored such early rock and roll classics as "Farmer John", "Justine", "Leavin' It All Up to you", and "Big Boy Pete," all of which became hits for other artists. At some point in his career, Harris was given the nickname "Sugarcane" by LA bandleader Johnny Otis and it was to remain with him throughout his life. After separating from Dewey Terry in the 1960s Harris moved almost exclusively over to the electric violin. He was to reappear as a sideman with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Frank Zappa, most recognized for his appearances on Hot Rats, and on the Mothers of Invention albums Burnt Weeny Sandwich and Weasels Ripped My Flesh. His lead vocal and blues violin solo on a cover of Little Richard's "Directly From My Heart to You" on Weasels, and his extended solo on the lengthy "Little House I Used To Live In" on Weeny are considered highlights of those albums. During the early 1970s, Sugarcane fronted the Pure Food and Drug Act which included drummer Paul Lagos, guitarists Harvey Mandel and Randy Resnick, and bassist Victor Conte, who was the founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO). Conte replaced Larry Taylor who was the original bass player. In the 1980s, Sugarcane was a member of the Los Angeles-based experimental rock band Tupelo Chain Sex. Harris died on November 30, 1999 in Los Angeles, California. 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”

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Ttime To Cry - The Red Devils

The Red Devils were a Los Angeles-based blues-rock band who were active from 1988 to 1994. With their no-frills approach and singer Lester Butler's convincing Chicago-style blues harp, they were a popular fixture on the Los Angeles club scene and toured the U.S. and Europe. The band released a live album, a four-song EP, and recorded songs with Mick Jagger and Johnny Cash. 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”

Friday, June 8, 2012

Favorites - The Charles Burton Blues Band



Just got a copy of Favorites, the new release by The Charles Burton Blues Band. Burton has put together 11 of his favorite tunes and has created a pretty entertaining album. A tight rendition of Duke Robillard's Tell Me Why opens the recording getting started down the Texas style blues path. A rhumba version of Early In The Morning shows the bands versatility and finds Burton airing his strings out a bit... tasty. The band turns to it's jazzier side of the blues with a more traditional version of Spooky. A Texas style version of Big Bill Broonzy's Key To The Highway allows the band to stretch a bit with some pretty hot riffs. Doc Pomus is covered on Little Sister, a traditional rocker which is done with a little twang for spice. next is a cover of Sly Stone's If You Want Me To Stay which is my favorite track on the release. Arnold Ludvig does a pretty nice little bass interlude here and the basic light funk integrity is held with some real tasty guitar riffs. A cover of Little Walter's Last Night is well done with guitar solos on this slow blues number to please the guitar guys like me. last up is Johnny Guitar Watson's Gangster Of Love. The original format of this track isn't changed too much but Burton's guitar soloing is on a totally different track than Watson. Nice job Charles and congratulations on a cool cd.
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”