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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!


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Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts

Friday, November 1, 2019

Sparky Parker - In The Dark - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, In The Dark from Sparky Parker is it's an energy packed fireball. Opening with title track, In The Dark, a solid radio rocker, lead singer and guitarist Sparky Parker shows his showmanship with solid vocals and use of wah wah on his rhythm work under the lead. With Kevin Berry on drums and Phillip Lock on bass, a cool opener. This Old Thing has great rhythm, super tone and stinging guitar riffs under solid melody making it another strong radio contender. Games has a classic blues guitar styling and Parker's vocals really shine on one of my favorites tracks on the release. Sleepy Town is blues but a newer, less formal styling, strong lead guitar and nicely blended vocals gives it a great unique appeal. Excellent! The rolling Stones' country rocker, Dead Flowers, is always a great track and this is no exception. Parker takes the pace up just a notch and with a tight rhythm and simple paired vocals gives this track a great country flavor. Escape To Quintana is a really cool surf style instrumental with blazing tom toms and freewheeling lead guitar … what's not to love! Wrapping the release is Slim Harpo's Shake Your Hips but with a high octane pace. Keeping this track pared back but adding a little juice is difficult but Parker does it just right. His guitar riffs are just right and with a driving bass line by Lock and tight riffs by Berry. Super closer.


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Wednesday, May 15, 2019

West Texas Band The Iveys Prepares To Release Colors of Honey



West Texas Band The Iveys Prepares To Release Colors of Honey, Tour Dates Announced
Family comes first for El Paso based roots/Americana quintet

EL Paso, TX - The Iveys are gearing up for the release of their fifth studio album titled Colors Of Honey.  The band was formed initially by Arlen Ivey and sister Jessica Ivey Carr, and while that gave them a taste of performing and creating together, it wasn’t until bringing in three more members of their family — sister Jenna Ivey, brother Galen Ivey and brother-in-law Sammy Carr — that The Iveys felt truly complete. According to Arlen, “The music has a different kind of depth; the songwriting and the collaboration of Jenna and I together was something that was missing before. I’ll bring her a song that I think is good and, after adding her input, it improves the story and elevates the song. We have one track that is about following your dreams, knowing there will be tough times, but regardless of that, living life to the fullest and enjoying the adventure. Then there is another song that is about our great-grandparents and their love/journey through life. It’s interesting how the family aspect of the band has unintentionally come through in the songwriting and taken the music to another level.”

The Ivey siblings grew up on the family farm in the Rio Grande valley, the children of three generations of farmers. Their father raised cotton, alfalfa, and pecans, and owned a vast record collection which they often explored. Their influences are far ranging but the siblings can all agree on favorites Bob Dylan and The Beatles as well as modern acts like The Lumineers and First Aid Kit.  “We also get inspired by our personal experiences and the things we have each gone through,” says Jessica. Their influences are apparent in the new songs which are relatable, taking the listener through the joys and heartache of life, and weaving a story that spans the album. While the band identifies most with the Americana genre, it is easy to hear the blues, indie, and rock elements that wind their way into the melodies. The sibling harmonies and pure instrumentalism that make the music of The Iveys their own runs through the album from start to finish.

The release of Colors of Honey is on the horizon, just in time for the start of the summer touring season. The Iveys have the next six months cut out for them. 500 shows into their career, the band has a heavy tour schedule beginning in June, plus upcoming studio time in preparation for their next release in 2020. The band also releases a new live music video of a cover song each week as part of their “Tuesday Tunes” series. Everyone chalks it up to being one of the positive aspects of being in a band with your siblings; family comes first - not only on weekends and holidays but each time they pick up their instruments or load up the van for concerts across the country.



The Iveys 2019 Tour:
5/12- Mueller Farmers Market- Austin TX
6/1- Star City Studios (record release concert)- El Paso TX
6/6- The Ritchey Wine Saloon & Beer Garden- Alpine TX
6/9- The PourHaus- New Braunfels, TX
6/12- Mueller Farmers Market- Austin TX
6/13- Sanchos- San Antonio TX
6/15- Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline- Cedar Park TX
6/15- Salt Lick BBQ- Driftwood TX
6/16- Infamous Brewing- Austin TX
6/22- Two Docs Brewing Co.- Lubbock TX
6/27- County Line BBQ- Albuquerque, NM
7/3- State Line Barbecue- El Paso TX

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Glenco Records artist: Glen Clark - You Tell Me - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You Tell Me, from Glen Clark, and it's a solid set of low key country fused R&B style tracks. Opening with title track, You Tell Me, Glen Clark leads the way on guitar and vocal, backed by John Bryant on drums and vocals, Jim Milan on bass and vocal and Sam Swank on guitar for a solid radio bound country style track. Cool opener. Kicking into real R&B flavor, Accept My Love pulls in Jim Foster on trumpet and Ron Jones on sax with a cool melody and nice electric keys by Clark. Walk On has a definite radio feel with a great melody and strong vocals, supported by Clark on keys, James Pennebaker on guitar and Pat Peterson and Benita Aterberry providing rich backing vocals. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks, When The Time Is Right, has a funky blues feel with stinging guitar riffs and a great beat. Wrapping the release is up tempo pop track, That's Where You Come In with Clark out front on vocal and organ, backed by Swank's guitar work and solid bottom by Bryant and Milan. 

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Monday, April 16, 2018

306 Records artist: Ten Second Pistol - You Have No Power Over Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You Have No Hold Over Me by Ten Second Pistol and it's quite interesting. opening with slow blues number, Hold My Hand with Benny Chang leading the way on lead guitar and vocal, backed by Davis Alexander on bass and Manny Ayala drums. Chang's guitar riffs are fluid and constant, making this a great opener. On soul track, Hold On, the band shifts gears a bit and Chang's emphasis is on soulful vocals and lush chords. His stinging lead guitar soloing is crisp and nicely adorned. Very nice. Slow blues number, Get To Steppin' is really nicely formed wailing vocals and well placed guitar accents. Ayala really tips the cart on drums giving the track just the right heaviness and machine gun guitar riffs by Chang give it a nice flair. Bluesy ballad, Like A Bird is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's haunting melody and warm, nicely executed guitar solos. Burn Baby Burn incorporates a reggae beat by Ayala and cool bass line by Alexander to the rocking delivery by Chang. A laid back, yet wound out guitar lead gives this track real smoke. Freedom shows a strong influence by Hendrix and a powerful under cut by Alexander and Ayala and distorted guitar lead by Chang. Wrapping the release is She Left Me featuring Chang on vocal and guitar into distortion with early blues simplicity. This is a cool closer for a super introduction to Ten Second Pistol (love the name by the way).



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Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Badass Blues Straight Out Of Houston, Texas: Lovelace Brothers New Single, Tour












'BADASS BLUES' STRAIGHT OUT OF HOUSTON, TEXAS: LOVELACE BROTHERS RELEASE NEW SINGLE, GET READY TO TOUR THE U.S.




   (Houston, TX) - Straight out of Southeast Texas, home of ZZ Top, the late, great Johnny Winter, and Janis Joplin, The Lovelace Brothers have released a smokin' new single, "Leaving," (purchase the single at CD Baby, here) and are readying a U.S. tour for the Summer of 2017, Billy Lovelace, the group's guitarist-vocalist and principal songwriter, has announced.

  The Lovelace Brothers, who made their mark in Houston's underground blues scene, are truly one of Houston's Best-Kept Secrets. The Lovelace Brothers are fronted by Texas Blues guitarist Billy Lovelace Jr., with other band members being brother (drummer) Paul Lovelace and (bassist) Sean Lewis. They own a heavy Texas Blues sound "Selling Your Soul at the Railroad Tracks...the Dark Blues...Dirty and Heavy," asserts Lovelace. They're once again primed and ready to "electrify you with their talent, music, and live shows and brand of music called "Texas Electric Blues."



             
                                 About...The Lovelace Brothers 

 
   In the mid 1970’s, a young 10-year old named Billy Lovelace started his career and love of music with, in his words. “A Beat Up Norman Electric”. Playing the guitar was a natural gift and talent for Billy, one that started him on the path to creating his own sound and gift of performance. Under the training of historically great artists and the direction of Tower of Power’s Saxophonist  Dick Wilkie, and Audio Engineering from Les Williams. He soon moved to Los Angeles, working in the music industry at recording studios while also performing with many popular bands, honing his craft and growing his name.

  "We are from a somewhat of a music-involved family," explains Billy Lovelace Jr. "On my father’s side, my grandfather owned in the 1950s – 70s KOGT in Orange, Texas where his father (Bill Lovelace Sr.) was a disc jockey. My uncle owned a blues bar in Austin called Mamma’s Money, which I was told, The Fabulous Thunderbirds played at, among others. I also had a few uncles that were musicians. On mamma’s side there were some gospel & bluegrass groups. If I wasn’t in the music business, I would probably have been a chef or in the fishing and boating business. But that’s another story."

  In December of 1996, Billy was shot by an unknown assailant. Upon moving back to Houston in 1987, Billy teamed with brother Paul in Houston-based bands, Symon Bar Sinister and Think Tank, the latter band achieving some big-time prominence in Houston, with Music News writing, "Think Tank is a Texas blues-rock band in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan-meets-Jimi Hendrix. In fact, they played a couple of tunes by both artists that would've made old Jimi and Stevie proud." From there, Think Tank morphed into what is today the Lovelace Brothers with fellow Houstonians, brother Paul Lovelace on drums and Sean Lewis on bass.

  Now, it's the start of a whole new beginning for The Lovelace Br others. "We just released “Leaving” an original, and “Come On” by New Orleans blues great Earl King. The next songs to be released will be another original, & “Going Down” by Freddie King. And then, the sky's the limit!"



   "Texas is a major influence. We’re from Southeast Texas. I was born in Louisiana but raised as a child in Orange TX. which borders Louisiana, so being raised on the border, Louisiana is a dominate influence as well." 

               Billy Lovelace Jr., in an interview with INDIE PULSE MUSIC




The Lovelace Brothers are on Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play Music









   










    


Sunday, January 29, 2017

Hardcore Sex - You Greasy Devil - New Release Review

  1. I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, You Greasy Devil, by Hardcore Sex and it's raw and real and I like it. Opening with Clarksdale, a modern stripped down blues, Bear Ryan wails the lyrics and plays drums and Brian Johnson has super saturated and distorted guitar, not dissimilar but not the same as early The Black Keys with heavy blues and punk edge. This is great! Sister has a soulful vocal line by Ryan and Johnson's slide work is fatter than fat with a catchy guitar vamp and showing a band that is just loose enough to give it a rag tag feel but tight enough to keep you glued. Down My Throat takes raw to the next level with overt sexual lyrics that give the raw bluesy feel even more edge. This duo takes the blues as close to punk as I've heard it and has super aural presence. Great guitar tone man! Excellent! Wrapping the release is Tiger Meat ,a led footed blues rocker with a really wide girth and erotic lyrics. This band knows how to hold it down and hammer it home. Excellent debut! Check it out!!

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Monday, January 16, 2017

Montrose Records artist: Richard Cagle & The Voodoo Choir - Dos - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dos, from Richard Cagle & the Voodoo Choir and it's a cool rocker with bite! Opening with driving rocker, Treat Your Daddy Right, Richard Cagle on lead vocal is front and center with Dusty Hill like bass lines from Calvin Hall, stinging guitar riffs from Lee Martin, Randy Walls on keys and Kelley Wright on drums. Love Ya Need Ya has a soothing pace with super bass on bottom and guitar lead is subtle at time and rabid at time. Very cool. With a heavy John Lennon meets Billy Gibbons, meets Robin Trower, Slow Blues oozes out a heavy blues rock feel. Cagle's vocals approach those of Axl on this one but the overall feel of this track is very solid and given the super bottom and nicely appointed guitar work by Martin, this track is one of my favorites. Breaking down Humble Pie style, Messing With the Blues is a basic rocker with guts. Martin definitely shows that he can surf the fretboard and with anchoring by Hall and Wright, this track is solid. Blues ballad, Crying the Blues, is another of my favorites on the release with cool vocals by Cagle, a particularly nice solo line by Martin and warm keys by Walls. Kicking it back up, Thunder Lightning is a cool rocker with definite attitude. A great foot stomper with a cool rhythm, solid guitar riffs, again I like Cagle's vocals and particularly the harmonics by Martin. Rock and Roll Stew has great swagger with a touch of early Black Sabbath and a bit of Free. A super all around blues rocker it nicely integrates a number of rock styles. All Night Long With You is a radio style track with blues rhythms and a Brownsville Station feel. Bring Me Some Water has the feel of a high energy Johnny Winter blues rocker with contemporary guitar pyrotechnics from Martin and driving drums pushing all the way. Wrapping the release is Singing The Blues, an easy shuffle track and a cool walking bass line from Hall and tight, melodic guitar lead by Martin. A cool closer for an interesting release.

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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Acclaimed Houston Blues Singer Trudy Lynn Signs with Piedmont Talent for Booking Representation; Nominated for Blues Music Award





Acclaimed Houston Blues Singer Trudy Lynn Signs with Piedmont Talent for Booking Representation

Trudy Lynn Just Nominated for a Blues Music Award in Traditional Blues Female Category

HOUSTON, TX – Connor Ray Music artist Trudy Lynn, whose latest CD is drawing rave reviews and substantial radio airplay for I’ll Sing the Blues for You, has been signed by Piedmont Talent for booking representation. Trudy was also just announced as a nominee for the Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female) by the Blues Foundation in Memphis for the upcoming Blues Music Awards in May.

“Piedmont Talent is honored to add Blues/Soul legend Trudy Lynn to our roster,” said Piedmont Talent CEO Jay Stollman in making the announcement. “Trudy’s profound talent and acclaimed musical history clearly define her as the ‘real deal’....a standout among the field of Blues vocalists, past and present. Simply put, Trudy Lynn sings the Blues as the Blues deserves to be sung....with heart, soul, passion and authenticity!”

The new CD from the acclaimed Houston-based blues singer features 10 tracks dripping with blues, soul and R&B, and includes her unique takes on songs from Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulsom, Memphis Minnie and Johnny Copeland, among others, as well as the funky original, “Thru Chasin’ You,” destined to be a fan favorite. Backing Trudy on the new album are Steve Krase on harmonica, David Carter on guitar, Terry Dry on bass, Randy Wall on keyboards and Matt Johnson on drums.  

“Choosing material for this album was quite an adventure,” Trudy said about I’ll Sing the Blues for You. “In my musical career, there are so many blues artists that I have been inspired by.”

In the new album’s liner notes, Trudy explained how its title came about. “As I’ve said in a previous recording of mine, ‘Everybody’s Got a Blues Song to Sing.’ One day my daughter gave me a gift of business cards, and on the top of each card was, Trudy Lynn: I’ll Sing the Blues for You! As I was looking at the cards, she said, ‘Mama, that’s what you do. You sing the blues for everybody.’ During so many of my performances, a fan will come up to me to say, ‘You were singing that song for me. That’s why I came!’ I take these compliments as stars in my crown, like flowers in my garden.”

I’ll Sing the Blues for You is Trudy Lynn’s 12th solo album and her third release on the Connor Ray Music label, following up on 2014’s Royal Oaks Blues CafĂ©, which hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart; and 2015’s Everything Comes with A Price, which spent four months on the Living Blues Radio Chart. Trudy is also a five-time Blues Music Award nominee and was inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Trudy Lynn was born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s Fifth Ward, where she began singing as a teenager. After high school, Lynn went to visit her aunt in Lufkin, where a club called the Cinderella needed a singer. She decided Lee Audrey Nelms wasn't going to cut it as a stage name. The club had a bunch of cartoon character names painted on the wall and she noticed “Trudy,” which she quickly paired with Lynn. “Lynn was something in those days,” she recalled. “Gloria Lynne, Barbara Lynn. I thought, ‘I’m going to be one of those Lynns, too, baby.’”

Prior to striking out on her own, Trudy was the vocalist for such Texas greats as I.J. Gosey and Clarence Green, where Trudy spent five years as the vocalist for his band. Green was a stern mentor, but Lynn credits him with helping her become a professional. “He molded me well,” she says. “He's still in me because of what he taught me. It takes that.” After leaving Green’s band, Lynn began performing on her own. For years she struggled to get recorded in a manner deserving of her talent, until 1989 when Trudy signed with John Abbey’s famed Ichiban label and provided the opportunity for her to tour the world and perform at the most prestigious festivals, including Lucerne and the Chicago Blues Festival. While at Ichiban, producers had a strong hand in directing her recordings. Since joining forces with harmonica wizard Steve Krase and the Connor Ray Music label in 2014, Lynn has played curator for herself. She has been writing original songs that blend nicely with the vintage material. The songs are mostly about good times and bad men. “Each one of these songs means something to me,” she states. “I truly understand something about each one of them.”

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Connor Ray Music Set to Release New CD from Acclaimed Houston Blues Singer Trudy Lynn, "I'll Sing the Blues for You," on October 21





Connor Ray Music Set to Release New CD from Acclaimed Houston Blues Singer Trudy Lynn, I’ll Sing the Blues for You, on October 21

Trudy Lynn Will Celebrate New Album’s Release with a Special Show at Houston’s Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club on Saturday, October 22


HOUSTON, TX – Connor Ray Music announces an October 21 release date for I’ll Sing the Blues for You, the new CD from acclaimed Houston-based blues singer Trudy Lynn. I’ll Sing the Blues for You features 10 tracks dripping with blues, soul and R&B, and includes her unique takes on songs from Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulsom, Memphis Minnie and Johnny Copeland, among others, as well as the funky original, “Thru Chasin’ You,” destined to be a fan favorite. Backing Trudy on the new album are label president Steve Krase on harmonica, David Carter on guitar, Terry Dry on bass, Randy Wall on keyboards and Matt Johnson on drums.  

Trudy Lynn will celebrate the new album with a special CD release party show at Houston’s famed Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club on Saturday, October 22.

“Choosing material for this album was quite an adventure,” says Trudy about I’ll Sing the Blues for You. “In my musical career, there are so many blues artists that I have been inspired by.”

In the new album’s liner notes, Trudy explains how its title came about. “As I’ve said in a previous recording of mine, ‘Everybody’s Got a Blues Song to Sing.’ One day my daughter gave me a gift of business cards, and on the top of each card was, Trudy Lynn: I’ll Sing the Blues for You! As I was looking at the cards, she said, ‘Mama, that’s what you do. You sing the blues for everybody.’ During so many of my performances, a fan will come up to me to say, ‘You were singing that song for me. That’s why I came!’ I take these compliments as stars in my crown, like flowers in my garden.”

I’ll Sing the Blues for You is Trudy Lynn’s 12th solo album and her third release on the Connor Ray Music label, following up on 2014’s Royal Oaks Blues CafĂ©, which hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart; and 2015’s Everything Comes with A Price, which spent four months on the Living Blues Radio Chart. Trudy is also a five-time Blues Music Award nominee and was inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Trudy Lynn was born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s Fifth Ward, where she began singing as a teenager. After high school, Lynn went to visit her aunt in Lufkin, where a club called the Cinderella needed a singer. She decided Lee Audrey Nelms wasn't going to cut it as a stage name. The club had a bunch of cartoon character names painted on the wall and she noticed “Trudy,” which she quickly paired with Lynn. “Lynn was something in those days,” she recalls. “Gloria Lynne, Barbara Lynn. I thought, ‘I’m going to be one of those Lynns, too, baby.’”

Prior to striking out on her own, Trudy was the vocalist for such Texas greats as I.J. Gosey and Clarence Green, where Trudy spent five years as the vocalist for his band. Green was a stern mentor, but Lynn credits him with helping her become a professional. “He molded me well,” she says. “He's still in me because of what he taught me. It takes that.” After leaving Green’s band, Lynn began performing on her own. For years she struggled to get recorded in a manner deserving of her talent, until 1989 when Trudy signed with John Abbey’s famed Ichiban label and provided the opportunity for her to tour the world and perform at the most prestigious festivals, including Lucerne and the Chicago Blues Festival. While at Ichiban, producers had a strong hand in directing her recordings. Since joining forces with harmonica wizard Steve Krase and the Connor Ray Music label in 2014, Lynn has played curator for herself. She has been writing original songs that blend nicely with the vintage material. The songs are mostly about good times and bad men. “Each one of these songs means something to me,” she states. “I truly understand something about each one of them.”

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Johnny Nicholas - Fresh Air - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Fresh Air, from Johnny Nicholas and it's got breadth. Opening with Moonlight Train, Nicholas keeps it light with his own vocal and harmonica backed by Scrappy Jud Newcomb on guitar and John Chipman on drums. An early blues sound drives this track with purity. Sleepy John Estes' Kid Man Blues is up next with a cool bop. Cindy Cashdollar makes an appearance with some cool slide and Newcomb adds in nice mandolin giving this track a whole new feel. With a Little Feat kind of funk, Blues Time, has a real nice groove. Backaing himself on guitar with Cashdollar on slide and super percussion and drums by John Chipman and Bruce Hughes this track has a real nice feel. Country flavored, Red Light, gets a real nice lap flavor from Cashdollar and with slick piano work, Steve Riley on button accordion and Newcomb's guitar, Nicholas' vocals are perfect. Sweet Katrina has a smoky Latin feel emphasized by precise piano work and nice slide from Cashdollar. Expressive vocals by Nicholas and nicely executed guitar riffs give the track a real cool sound. Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar has an easy, slinky feel highlighted by nice bass work by Hughes and Jack Bruce like falsetto vocals by Nicholas. Painterly organ parts and a nice trade of acoustic and electric guitar riffs add a nice dimension. With a forward jazz ballad feel, How Do You Follow A Broken Heart?, is a strong entry with simple brush drums, rich lap steel soloing and nice chords supporting Nicholas' clean vocals. Very nice. With it's 8 bar format, Bayou Blues, gives Nicholas on harp, Cashdollar on lap steel and Riley on accordion equal footing in the spotlight. Nicely finger picked, Roll Mississippi, is a solitude blues ballad with mostly acoustic guitar and mandolin. Backing vocals by Newcomb, Chipman and Hughes give the track a warm closeness. Willie Dixon's Backdoor Man features Nicholas o national resonator and Newcomb on mandolin for a update on primitive blues styling. Very nice. Wake Up Bobby has a cool, swampy funk feel punched along by Hughes on bass. Nicholas' vocal phrasing and slick slide work by Cashdollar make this one of my favorites on the release. Grinding guitar tone on the opening of Workin In The Garden sets a rock theme with cool western overtones set by Cashdollar. Strong vocal delivery makes this the most radio driven track on the release. Title track, Fresh Air is a real nice track with Nicholas on slide resonator balanced against Newcomb on mandolin and clear lead vocals backed by warm rich backing vocals for a soft touch closer.

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Monday, August 8, 2016

Heralded Austin Musician Johnny Nicholas Brings a Breath of "Fresh Air" with New Blues/Roots CD Coming September 2






Heralded Austin Musician Johnny Nicholas Brings a Breath of Fresh Air with New Blues/Roots CD Coming September 2


AUSTIN, TX – Acclaimed roots musician Johnny Nicholas has announced a September 2 release date for his new CD, Fresh Air, which showcases his multiple talents on various guitars and soulful vocals for an album surely to be one of the best musical revelations of the year.


Watch the Johnny Nicholas video that includes musical excerpts from the Fresh Air album:





Fresh Air was produced by Bruce Hughes and recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Scrappy Jud Newcomb (guitars, mandolin, mandocello), John Chipman (drums, percussion, vocals) and Bruce Hughes (bass, vocals, percussion), plus a guest list that includes Cindy Cashdollar (lap steel and additional guitars), the new CD creates a satisfying statement of true American roots music at its finest and most authentic.
Fresh Air is a collection of stories and melodies that have haunted me for some time,” says Johnny Nicholas. “There are some different styles here but all of this is the blues as I know it—as all American music and rock and roll has sprung from the same source. I don’t understand a whole lot of what is going on in the modern world, but I do know I could use a little ‘fresh air.’ I hope you dig these tunes.”

Containing a baker’s-dozen 13 tracks, Fresh Air covers a wide swath of Johnny’s roots – everything from the Delta blues of the album’s opener, “Moonlight Train,” to the Chicago-style city blues of the Howlin’ Wolf classic, “Back Door Man,” along with sojourns into swampy Cajun styles, Americana and everything in between.  The constant throughout all these songs is Johnny’s high-lonesome blues vocal style, lithe harmonica playing and soulful string work on an assortment of guitars. Other than “Back Door Man” and the Sleepy John Estes chestnut, “”Kid Man Blues,” Johnny Nicholas had a hand in writing all of the other songs on Fresh Air.
“Johnny Nicholas is one of the best bluesmen ever, black or white.” – Stephen Bruton. When it comes to Americana roots music and especially the blues, the late, great Stephen Bruton knew what he was talking about. His description of his long-time friend and musical comrade in arms is succinct and quite a heady compliment, but then, Johnny Nicholas is an amazing talent.
For four decades, Johnny’s consummate musicianship and vocal skills have graced live music scenes across the country and abroad. He has toured, performed and recorded with many true blues and Americana roots music legends, including Mississippi Fred McDowell, Robert Lockwood Jr., Johnny Shines, Big Walter Horton, Roosevelt Sykes, Nathan Abshire, Robert Pete Williams, Eddie Taylor, Hound Dog Taylor, Johnny Young, Houston Stackhouse, and Boogie Woogie Red.
Johnny recorded and toured with Johnny Shines and Snooky Pryor, producing and playing guitar on their W.C. Handy Award-winning album, Back to the Country. He was one of the lead vocalists with Asleep at the Wheel when they won their first of many Grammy Awards. He gave blues guitar icon Ronnie Earl his first gig in the now legendary band, Guitar Johnny and the Rhythm Rockers. He has also performed with the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Rait, Eric Clapton, Pops and Mavis Staples, Delbert McClinton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Marcia Ball and Jimmie Vaughan, among many others. He can wow a festival crowd of thousands or a small room of devotees.
Born in Rhode Island, Johnny discovered the blues at an early age, grooving to the great R&B that was blasting from the airwaves in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s—Jimmy Reed, Lightnin’ Slim, Lloyd Price, Slim Harpo, Larry Williams, Little Walter, Ray Charles and Howlin’ Wolf were all big blips on this impressionable young man’s radar screen. Like fellow Greek-American Johnny Otis had a generation earlier, this Johnny easily made the leap into the soulful world of the blues. He was high school friends with Duke Robillard and the two of them shared licks and records after school, as well as each leading their own band (Duke’s was called the Variations and Johnny’s was called the Vikings).
In 1966, he hopped the train to New York City to see his idol, Howlin’ Wolf. He ended up hanging with Wolf’s band at the Albert Hotel by day (where Wolf, the Muddy Waters band and Otis Spann were all staying), and at Ungano’s nightclub by night, where the Wolf was holding musical court while on a two week prowl of the Big Apple. This experience cemented his love of the blues while providing inspiration and a gateway to friendships and musical adventures that would help mold a successful career, and still smolder in this talented and restless soul
In 1980, Johnny decided to take time off from touring in order to raise a family. He married Brenda Schlaudt, one of the co-founders of Antone’s night club; and played music at (and helped manage) what became a Texas culinary and music legend: Hill Top CafĂ© (housed in a former 1920s-era gas station - “inconveniently located in the middle of nowhere”) near Cherry Spring, not far from Austin. Hill Top’s eclectic menu includes items that reflect his and Brenda’s Greek, Cajun and Texas influences.   
After fathering three sons, Nicholas stepped up his music ventures, highlighted by Back to the Country in 1991.  Since then, he has released several more albums and returned to a more rigorous touring, songwriting and performance schedule.
Johnny Nicholas will support the release of Fresh Air with a series of dates in the Texas area, as well as showcase venues and festival dates around the country.