Forty Below Records artist: Sugaray Rayford - In Too Deep - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, In Too Deep, from Sugaray Rayford and it's chocked full of R&B style blues. Opening with funky, Invisible Soldier, Sugaray Rayford is upfront with his powerful voice, backed by Rick Holmstrom on guitar, Drake Hunkikaid Shining on keys, Taras Prodaniuk on bass, Matt Tecu on drums and a powerful horn section consisting of Aaron Liddard on trumpet and Tom White on trombone. I really like the slinky bass line on No Limit To My Love  blended with the subtle guitar lead of Eamon Ryland and vocal backing by Gia Ciambotti and Eric Corne. Very nice. Please Take My Hand is a really warm vocal track with sonic roots in field hollers or work songs. Nicely paired vocal backing by Rayford and Corne sets the lead vocal off nicely. My favorite track for radio play is One with it's smooth bottom and rich vocal. I like Prodaniuk's bass line on this one and the violin and cello work of Eric Gorfain and Richard Dodd. Wrapping the release is Booker T style United We Stand, with it's funky bottom and high stepping beat. Steve Cropper like guitar riffs from Holmstrom and punchy horns from Finch and White make this a solid closer. 

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Forty Below Records artist: Sugaray Rayford - Somebody Save Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Somebody Save Me, from Sugaray Rayford and it's cool, dark and funky. Opening with The Revelator, Rayford is trudging into dark country. With an ominous bass line by Taras Prodaniuk, punctual guitar work by Rick Holmstrom, and cool trumpet by Mark Pender, with additional work by Sasha Smith on keys, Ron Dziubla on sax and Richard Rosenberg on trombone as well as a voodoo sounding choir made up of Eric Corne, Brittany Gael Vaughn, Brittney S. Wheeler, Gabriel M. Newman, J-Blake White, &Terika Jefferson. R&B track, You and I has an excellent melody with full horn section compliments of Pender, Dziubla and Rosenberg making is a solid radio track. One of my favorites on the release is I'd Kill For You, Honey, with a super moving blues bottom featuring a super bass line by Prodaniuk, Eamon Ryland on slide and Eric Corne on harp complimenting Rayford's excellent vocals. Soul ballad, Somebody Save Me, is another excellent showcase for Rayford's vocal sensitivity with backing vocals by Carol Hatchett and Roberta Freeman. Smith lays in an interesting keyboard solo and smooth backing by Eric Gorfain on violin and Richard Dodd on cello add warmth. Wrapping the release is Dark Night Of The Soul with not only power vocals but with a heavy bottom and dynamic harp work by Corne. Hot closer for a strong 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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Karen Lovely - Fish Outta Water - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Fish Outta Water by Karen Lovely and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Fish Outta Water, Karen Lovely is joined by Rick Holmstrom on guitar, Taras Prodaniuk on bass and Matt Tecu on drums. On Willie Dixon style, Twist My Fate, Lovely shows substantial vocal girth with Sasha Smith on piano and Eric Corne. Very nice. With a Country Western flair, Waking Up The Dead has a cool retro sound that I really like, with Doug Pettibone on guitar, Alan Mark Lightner on percussion, and David Rahlicke on cornet. Big Black Cadillac is a strong radio contender with a Country rock twist. Lovely's vocals are strong and i particularly like Holmstrom's guitar work. Hades' Bride is another strong track with a great melody and a Western ballad style. Lovely's voice works nicely in this flavor and clean guitar work by Al Bonhomme, warm cello tones from Richard Dodd and really nice violin lines by Eric Gorfain that dress the track beautifully. Wilson Pickett like, Molotov Cocktails has a cool R&B feel with Buddy Guy like guitar riffs from Pettibone. Very cool. Wrapping the release is The River's Wide, a cool ballad with a strong melody. The song has very nice stepping melodic sequences, coaxing the best from Lovely with warm Hammond work Phil Parlapiano and stylistically cool guitar work by Pettibone making this a strong closer for a very cool 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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Kim Wilson Part of Blues Blow Out!

Kim Wilson Part Of All-Star Blues Harmonica Blow Out! Rick Holmstrom & Debbie Davies Start 2013 On The Road Happy New Year! Contact: Mark Carpentieri                                          Phone: 631-754-8725                                               E-Mail: mc@mc-records.com                                      web: www.mc-records.com Northport N.Y. - Happy New Year to everyone! 2013 is starting off full of blues and roots music. M.C. Records is looking to forward to a great year and we'll be announcing some new signings very soon. Mark Hummel has been putting together his Blues Harmonica Blow Outs for years. It looks like he has outdone himself with these upcoming shows in California. Blues master Kim Wilson will be on these amazing shows and depending on which concert you go to you might also see Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson, & Joe Louis Walker!  The Tour starts on January 3. Check out the dates for more or go to, http://www.markhummel.com/calendar.html  Thu     01 - 03     Moe's Alley - Santa Cruz, CA w/Kim Wilson, Lazy Lester, Joe Louis Walker, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson, & Aki Kumar!    Fri  01 - 04 &  Sun  01 - 06     Yoshi's - Oakland, CA w/Kim Wilson, Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson & Joe Louis Walker!    Mon     01 - 07     Sierra Nevada - Chico, CA w/Kim Wilson, Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson, & Joe Louis Walker!    Tue     01 - 08     Cascade Theatre -  Redding, CA w/Kim Wilson, Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson, & Joe Louis Walker!   Wed     01 - 09     Van Duzer Theatre Humboldt State  - Arcata, CA w/Kim Wilson,  y Thu     01 - 10     State Theatre - Modesto, CA w/Kim Wilson, Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson & Joe Louis Walker!    Fri     01 - 11     Three Stages at Folsom -  Folsom, CA w/Kim Wilson, Kenny Neal, Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson, & Joe Louis Walker! Sat     01 - 12     Napa Valley Opera House - Napa, CA w/Kim Wilson, Kenny Neal, Lazy Lester, Little Charlie Baty, Rick Estrin, Ron Thompson, & Joe Louis Walker! Rick Holmstrom's 2012 was pretty amazing! We released his first recording in 5 years and the stellar reviews are still pouring in. He toured with Mavis Staples and Bonnie Raitt and recorded a Austin City Limits performance. Rick's New Year starts with a solo date in L.A. 01/06/13 - Los Angeles, CA Liquid Kitty (RHB) 01/13/13 - Carlsbad, CA New Village Arts Theatre (RHB w/ Nathan James & Rhythm Scratchers) 01/19/13 - St. Petersburg, FL Mahaffey Theater (Mavis) 01/20/13 to 01/27/13 - Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise (Mavis & RHB) 02/07/13 - Wilmington, NC University of North Carolina (Mavis) 02/14/13 - New York, NY Lincoln Center (Mavis) 02/15/13 - New Bedford, MA Zeiterion Theatre (Mavis & Ruthie Foster) 02/16/13 - Old Saybrook, CT Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (Mavis) 02/21/13 - Iowa City, IA Englert Theater (Mavis) 02/22/13 - Lincoln, NE Bourbon Theatre (Mavis & Pieta Brown) 02/23/13 - Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre (Mavis)       Ms. Debbie Davies had a wonderful 2012. Her recording After The Fall spent months on both The Living Blues Radio Chart and The Roots Music Chart! Also plenty of great reviews and touring. We're so proud to have her on M.C. Records! Her first gig in 2013 is in New York City on January 15. 1/15/2013 -  NEW YORK CITY     NY     B.B. KING BLUES CLUB & GRILL 1/20/2013 - 1/27/2013     FORT LAUDERDALE     FL      THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE 2/1/2013 - MIDDLETOWN     NY     BRIANS BACKYARD BBQ 2/9/2013 - HARTFORD     CT     BLACK-EYED SALLYS

2012 A Good Year For M.C. Records

2012 A Good Year For M.C. Records   Rick Holmstrom & Debbie Davies' Releases Gettin' The Love From Radio & Reviewers     Contact: Mark Carpentieri                                          Phone: 631-754-8725                                               E-Mail: mc@mc-records.com                                      web: www.mc-records.com     Northport N.Y - M.C. Records wants to take a pause for the cause and thank everyone at radio, media and the fans for making this a great 2012! Also, we hope to have an announcement of a new signing over the next few weeks.   After The Fall by Debbie Davies released in July and Rick Holmstrom's Cruel Sunrise in August have received some of best radio play and reviews in our 21 year old history. Both releases have spent multiple months on the Roots Music Report. In fact they are both still on the top 15! You can see for yourself.     That's not the only radio chart that's been feeling the love for both releases. Both releases have been on The Living Blues Radio Chart. Debbie Davies spent a total of three months and Rick landed on chart for the month of October. The complete chart can be viewed here, http://www.livingblues.com/index.php/inside-living-blues/radio-charts.html   Click on the covers to check out the music!     Since the release of After The Fall on July 17 Debbie Davies has toured the U.K., the Midwest and the West coast. The 10 time Blues Music Award nominee has received fantastic reviews and has been interviewed on XM/Sirius B.B. Kings Bluesville and The Guitar Show with Andy Ellis and Music On The Couch.   Check out these great reviews!   her fiery fretwork and emotive vocals reflect a commitment to the material that helps her transcend the standard MO.  Blurt   "After the Fall" (M.C. Records) is an 11-track LP of slashing hooks and cathartic riffs that echo the hardships Davies endured and her efforts to overcome them. The Connecticut Post   Prepare to be moved, and also to have a good time Blues Revue Searing, pulsating riffs and house-rockin' performances with clever lyrics and gut-check emotion are featured on "After the Fall," The Toledo Blade   This might be one of the best blues releases this year. Blues Blast Magazine   The Debbie Davies Band is booked by Piedmont Talent. www.piedmonttalent.com   Cruel Sunrise is Rick Holmstrom's first solo recording in five years and features Mavis Staples on two tracks.  Rick and his band have been recording and touring with Mavis Staples for the last five years. He received a Grammy in 2010 for his work on Mavis'  "You Are Not Alone," produced by Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco). Rick has been interviewed on The Guitar Show with Andy Ellis and Music On The Couch.   Check out these great reviews!   The fetching tones of Holmstrom's vocals combine with the warm atmospherics of the rhythm section lure us into emotionally involving original tunes that have his guitar cutting as sharply as the thorns of a honey locust tree. Downbeat   Coming up with an original instrumental group voice is as hard as finding one’s own guitar style, but Holmstrom (and band) succeed in both respects  Vintage Guitar   Songs  like “It’s Time I Lose,” “I’m Not Afraid” and “By My Side” showcase Holmstrom’s development as a songwriter and the band’s soulful finesse, while Staples adds fire to “Owe You Everything” and the killer gospel-blues groove “Lord Please.” Pasadena Weekly   Rick Holmstrom is just too talented and restrained to release anything less than professionally crafted. All Music Guide   Each track is blissfully inventive. Holmstrom creates a blues that is effortless to vibe to. Where Y'At   The Rick Holmstrom Band is booked by M.C. Records, info@mc-records.com - 631-754-8725

Debbie, Rick & Cyril On The Road!

Debbie Davies, Rick Holmstrom & Cyril Rockin' The Road!   Debbie & Rick Still On Roots Music Report B     Contact: Mark Carpentieri                                          Phone: 631-754-8725                                               E-Mail: mc@mc-records.com                                      web: www.mc-records.com     Northport N.Y - As we move toward the Holiday season M.C. Records artists Debbie Davies, Rick Holmstrom and Cyrill Neville will be on the road.   Talk about legs! M.C. Records latest  two recordings have been on The Roots Music Report Blues Charts for so long they're starting to get mail. Debbie Davies' After The Fall has been on the charts for three months and is currently no. 10. Debbie's latest is shaping up to be one the most successful of her impressive career. Rick Holmstrom's first release in 5 years, the all-original Cruel Sunrise, has been on the charts for two months and sits at the no. 15 position. You can check out the this weeks chart right here.         Since the release of After The Fall on July 17 Debbie Davies has toured the U.K., the Midwest and the West coast. The 10 time Blues Music Award nominee has received fantastic reviews and has been interviewed on XM/Sirius B.B. Kings Bluesville and The Guitar Show with Andy Ellis. More good news is on the way.   Check out these great reviews!   "After the Fall" (M.C. Records) is an 11-track LP of slashing hooks and cathartic riffs that echo the hardships Davies endured and her efforts to overcome them. The Connecticut Post Searing, pulsating riffs and house-rockin' performances with clever lyrics and gut-check emotion are featured on "After the Fall," The Toledo Blade   This might be one of the best blues releases this year. Blues Blast Magazine   The Debbie Davies Band is booked by Piedmont Talent  www.piedmonttalent.com   11/16/2012  CLEVELAND OH - THE WINCHESTER TAVERN & MUSIC HALL 11/23/2012    WOONSOCKET    RI - CHAN'S    11/17/2012  LONDON,ON CANADA - THE MUSIC HALL 12/1/2012    COLLINSVILLE CT - BRIDGE STREET LIVE 12/31/2012     PAWLING    NY - TOWNE CRIER CAFÉ       Cruel Sunrise is Rick Holmstrom's first solo recording in five years and features Mavis Staples on two tracks.  Rick and his band have been recording and touring with Mavis Staples for the last five years. He received a Grammy in 2010 for his work on Mavis'  "You Are Not Alone," produced by Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco). Rick has a bunch of solo dates in the LA area and continues leading Mavis Staples band.   Coming up with an original instrumental group voice is as hard as finding one’s own guitar style, but Holmstrom (and band) succeed in both respects  Vintage Guitar   Rick Holmstrom is just too talented and restrained to release anything less than professionally crafted. All Music Guide   Each track is blissfully inventive. Holmstrom creates a blues that is effortless to vibe to. Where Y'At   Rick Holmstrom is booked by M.C. Records, info@mc-records.com - 631-754-8725   11/17/12 - Elgin, IL Elgin Community College (Mavis) 11/23/12 to 11/24/12 - Chicago, IL City Winery (Mavis) 11/29/12 - Kahului, HI Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Mavis)     Cyril Neville has a slew of solo dates. This is a great chance to check out the legend doing his own thing!   11/16/12 Springfield, IL     Sangamon Auditorium w/ An Evening in Treme 11/17/12 New Orleans, LA     The Joy Theater 11/25/12 - 12/02/12 New Orleans, LA The New Orleans Music and Heritage Cruise

Holmstrom, Bonnie & Mavis

Rick Holmstrom With Mavis Staples & Bonnie Raitt On Austin City Limits This Weekend! Contact: Mark Carpentieri                                          Phone: 631-754-8725                                               E-Mail: mc@mc-records.com                               web: www.mc-records.com Northport NY - M.C. Records is excited to announce that guitarist Rick Holmstrom and his band will be playing with Mavis Staples on PBS' Austin City Limits this weekend. Rick and his band-mates have been backing Mavis on the road and in the studio for over five years. You can sneak a peak of this weekends show right here. Rick Holmstrom's first CD in five years, Cruel Sunrise was released on August 28 and you can listen to and download all 24 tracks  (including two with Mavis Staples on tracks 3 & 8) and read his new bio right here: Rick Holmstrom is just too talented and restrained to release anything less than professionally crafted. All Music Guide I'm so inspired by the sounds, the vibe, Rick's edgy guitar playing, and the honest and revealing songwriting. Andy Ellis, Senior Editor, Premier Guitar Each track is blissfully inventive. Holmstrom creates a blues that is effortless to vibe to. Where Y'At Cruel Sunrise will leave a lasting impression in the ear, the heart and the mind, to be returned to over and over again. David Rubin, KBA Winner in Journalism All 12 songs on Cruel Sunrise were written or co-written by Rick Holmstrom. The recording are also  available as a limited "Deluxe Edition" which features a second disc of all instrumentals. They are Rick's unique take on classic songs including "You Send Me," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "I'll Take You There." Both the single CD and Deluxe Edition were released on August 28. I was around songwriters like Jeff Tweedy, Ron Sexsmith, and Neko Case while recording and touring with Mavis Staples,” says Holmstrom “I thought there must be a way to write songs like theirs, but with a blues feeling—songs that regular music fans might like, in addition to blues aficionados. - Rick Holmstrom No doubt both blues aficionados and rock music fans will enjoy Cruel Sunrise, a record that honors Rick Holmstrom’s ongoing reign as a statesman of the blues while pointing to his future as a songwriter to be reckoned with. Rick Holmstrom Tour Dates with Mavis Staples www.rickholmstrom.com 10/19/2012 Norwalk, CT Norwalk Concert Hall (Mavis) 10/27/2012 Linköping, SWEDEN Linköping Jazz & Blues Festival (Mavis) 10/30/2012 Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS MC Theatre (Mavis) 10/31/2012 Uppsala, SWEDEN Sacred Music Festival (Mavis) 11/3/2012 Dublin, IRELAND National Concert Hall (Mavis) 11/17/12 - Elgin, IL Elgin Community College (Mavis) 11/23/12 to 11/24/12 - Chicago, IL City Winery (Mavis) 11/29/12 - Kahului, HI Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Mavis)