New CD - James Montgomery Band!

BRAND NEW FROM THE VIZZTONE LABEL GROUP VizzTone proudly welcomes the James Montgomery Band! NEW ON VIZZTONE / OPEN E ENTERTAINMENT - CLICK ON THE CD COVER TO CHECK IT OUT! The VizzTone label group is proud to welcome the James Montgomery Band, and their new CD - FROM DETROIT TO THE DELTA - featuring special guests Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer, the Uptown Horns, and seminal rapper DMC! When blues legend James Montgomery sings and plays the harmonica, he summons the power and inspiration of a rich history.  While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters — James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells — at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of its most dynamic performers. In the late 60s James moved to Boston and formed the James Montgomery Band.  Incredibly energetic live shows placed them among the hottest acts in New England alongside the J. Geils Band and the budding Aerosmith (who opened two shows for the Montgomery Band), and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.  Since that time, James has recorded eight albums. His releases have hit the Billboard Top Ten and included members of the David Letterman Band, the Uptown Horns, producer Allen Toussaint and other luminaries. James spent four years playing with Johnny Winter, and recorded on his Grammy-nominated “Bluesman” CD.  He has also recorded with Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker. James has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others, and performed onstage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, and Peter Wolf among many others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax”. FROM DETROIT TO THE DELTA finds James and his great band once again in the company of well-known friends: Johnny Winter plays some blazing slide guitar, James Cotton joins James in a lowdown country blues, Aerosmith’s Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford power up a couple tracks, the Uptown Horns add their special flavor, and rapper DMC (Run DMC) takes “Who Do You Love” to a whole new place. The James Montgomery Band:  George McCann, James Montgomery, David Hull, Seth Pappas Did you know... you can preview every song from every artist at www.vizztone.com!

Vizztone artist:Dennis Gruenling - Rockin' All Day - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Rockin' All Day, from Dennis Gruenling and it's a flat out blast! Gruenling, joined by his touring partner, Doug Deming (guitar and vocals)Andrew Gohman on bass, Scott Hornick on bass, Devin Nell on drums, Tom Papadatos on drums and Dave Gross on piano really know how to make the place jump. Beginning with Rockin' All Day, Deming takes the vocal spot and plays some hot riffs but Gruenling shows why he is considered one of the top harp players on the planet. On Roll Your Moneymaker, Deming keeps the vocal slot and plays tight little riffs opening the door again for Gruenling to play over the top riffs. The mix is really solid on these recordings making a huge difference. One of the observations that I have about people who make classic blues recordings is lack of clarity in the recording. This recording sounds really authentic but the instruments aren't muddy or hidden. They are clear and distinct. Deming plays an outro on guitar that again has the heart of the original recordings. Original track, The Rev is a real blistering harp track (Stilladog...you listening?)! This is the kind of track that really blasts along and Deming gets his chance to play some blistering riffs as well. Spectacular. The classic Saturday Night Fish Fry is always a favorite and the band plays it like it is the first time it has been played. Deming's delivery on vocals retains the curiosity that was shown on the original track and it sounds fresh and fun. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer has a much more laid back tempo than what is most often heard today setting the table for some really smooth guitar soloing and soulful harp work. She's So Pretty comes right off Muddy's song sheet but Gruenling plays some great riffs under the melody and Deming's solid guitar playing drives the band on and Gohman keeps the bottom tight. The harp work on this track in particular has just the right tone. Warm, distorted and crisp. You Can Do No Wrong is a real blues rocker opening the door for Gruenling and Deming to play some cool out of the box rock riffs. On It Went Down Easy, Gruenling takes the lead on vocals for a retro blues track. Deming again plays some really tasty riffs on guitar and Gruenling keeps the groove with his notorious harp tone. 2:22A.Am, another Gruenling original instrumental takes a slow pace and Gruenling plays some beatifically articulated harp lead. This is a great track! No jump release would be complete without Bloodshot Eyes and here it is. The difference in this inclusion is that it is done with great feeling and respect and humor. The delivery is lively and full of life. Actin' Crazy, a Deming original has the total Chicago swing sound coaxing the best from Gruenling on harp and some unusually low harp phrasing. This is a really solid track making you stomp your foot as you enjoy this terrific band. Another original Gruenling track, Hotso, wraps up the release. This lively rhythmic instrumental track is a crisp ending to a really enjoyable recording. This is one you'll leave in your player for a long time!

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”

 

Mitch Woods CD/DVD - Blues Beyond Borders / Live in Istanbul!

VIZZTONE NEWS — IMPORTANT STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW!  NEW MITCH WOODS CD/DVD Blues Beyond Borders - Live in Istanbul! click the CD to listen or buy at VizzTone.com   ;-) VizzTone is proud to present Mitch Woods' latest CD/DVD Blues Beyond Borders / Live In Istanbul!     Boogie Woogie piano maestro Mitch Woods brings his all-star Rocket 88s, featuring noted players from his two home bases, New Orleans and San Francisco, on a five week tour of the Republic of Turkey.  Mitch brings the sounds of Boogie Woogie, Jump Blues, Swing and New Orleans Rhythm & Blues to an eager new audience and proves that Blues is truly BEYOND BORDERS.     "In October 2010, I embarked with my band the Rocket 88’s on a tour of Turkey with the Efes Blues Festival, playing 26 shows in 20 cities over 5 weeks.  I was deeply impressed with the warmth and hospitality of the people and their openness and enthusiasm for the American musical form we call “the Blues.” It made me realize that we are musical ambassadors – able to cross cultural, religious, and national borders that most people cannot.     In this CD and DVD I document our tour of the Republic of Turkey, a secular nation with 99% Muslim population that straddles the border of east and west, geographically and culturally. On this journey I realized in my heart and soul that music truly crosses all boundaries and Blues is certainly beyond borders.    I am happy to share it with you.  So let’s hop on the bus, and as they say in Turkey— “Bastan basa Blues” — “the Blues is everywhere!”             — Mitch Woods THE BAND (l to r):  Adam Gabriel - guitar, background vocals / Larry Vann - drums / Mitch Woods - piano, vocals / Amadee Castanell - sax, background vocals / Cornell Williams - bass, vocals DVD EXTRAS:  Live Concert in Istanbul  •  The Journey  •  Exploring  •  The Culture  •  Adventures On the Road and On the Bus / The Band  •   Turkish Independence Day Izmir  •  The Pozitif Crew

Vizztone Records artist: Mitch Woods - Live In Istanbul - Blues Beyond Borders - New CD/DVD Review

I have just received a copy of the new Mitch Woods CD/DVD combo pack, Blues Beyond Borders - Live In Istanbul and it's terrific! This is recorded live at the Rfes Blues festival and documents not only the performance but the tour itself. It shows beautiful shots of the Turkey scenery and shares their culture... "The Blues Is Everywhere". The DVD opens with Solid Gold Cadillac, a solid piano boogie. Mitch is a great singer and entertainer as well as piano player. Down Boy Down is a hot jumper and Mitch gets the band hopping! Amadee Castenell plays some awesome sax solos on this track and it's obvious the band is having a great time! Next Up is Mojo Mambo, a popular New Orleans party track. Mitch flows easily between piano styles and this track would make you believe he was born right there in the Bayou. Boogie Woogie Bar-B-Q, another jump style boogie is up next and Mitch is turning on the heat. The man is animated and it's hard not to smile watching his performance. Castenell takes another nice break on this track and this time Adam Gabriel also gets a chance to smoke the strings on his Strat! This band, also including Cornell Williams on bass and Larry Vann on drums is incredibly tight. I Got A New Car is a real swing blues and just has that great lope. Castenell smokes another beautiful sax solo ... this guy is really hot! What Can I Do is a cool jump blues giving Gabriel a nice opening to play some hot guitar riffs and keeps the crowd on their feet. Queen Bee is done swing style and again Gabriel plays a sweet guitar solo. Some lower octave playing really punches the upper fret squeezing! There are numerous shots and videos inter dispersed throughout this film and it helps to add to the viewers appreciation that this film is is being shot in a climate much unlike the US. The country is very receptive and the crowd is obviously really enjoying the opportunity to see this great show. Crawfishin', another jump blues keeps Woods on his feet and has hot riffs from but Castenell and Gabriel. Long, Lean and Lanky a rockin' blues keeps the heat up and Gabriel spits out another hot solo on guitar. Woods is really working this crowd and having a ball playing the 88's. Third Degree finds Williams leading off a real slow traditional blues track. Gabriel plays some absolutely scorching lead work on this track. Bassist Williams has a beautiful voice and actually fronts this track. Castenell absolutely kills his solo and leads up to another scorcher by Gabriel! The band gets back into the groove with Rocket 88 and leading right into In The Night/Lambaya Puf De (Described as a Barry White like song in turkey). This extended track gives each band member the opportunity to shine with nice solos. The set is wrapped with House Of Blues Lights, a perfect closer of this set. Mitch Woods obviously enjoys his "job" and makes sure that all of the concert goers do too! A natural entertainer. The extra footage showed impromptu performances with Kenny Neal Band who was traveling with them, and the band in local settings and engaging with local customs. It also gave insights into life on the road and the band personnel. Aerial and street shots captured glimpses of Independence day. Also included is a photographic slideshow which is quite enjoyable and aesthetically beautiful. This recording will be Available October 30, 2012
  “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson 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”