Bman's Blues Report

Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi and CEO of Experience Hendrix, has announced a new documentary about the guitarist's 1969 gigs at London's Royal Albert Hall. Hendrix (the sister) told Billboard that the film portrays "a day in the life of Jimi" and reckons it will offer a level of 'backstage' access that Hendrix fans won't have seen before. "There were about four cameras that followed Jimi and the guys around in Europe and filmed the two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall," revealed Hendrix. "As well as them coming off trains, planes and automobiles, signing autographs, Jimi backstage getting ready, in his apartment doing little apartment jams with his friends and then later playing the Speakeasy." "It's not an actor playing Jimi, it's Jimi and he really does forget the cameras are rolling. You see those sides of him, the stage and the sweetness with different girlfriends – there's several that are in the film – and how he...

"Sweet Emma" Barrett (March 25, 1897, New Orleans, Louisiana – January 28, 1983) was a self-taught jazz pianist and singer who worked with the Original Tuxedo Orchestra between 1923 and 1936, first under Papa Celestin, then William Ridgely. Also active with Armand Piron, John Robichaux, and Sidney Desvigne, Sweet Emma Barrett was at her most powerful in the early 1960s and became an iconic figure with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In 1947, she accepted a steady job at a local club, Happy Landing, but it was her 1961 recording debut, with her own album in the Riverside Records New Orleans: The Living Legends series, that brought her recognition from beyond the Crescent City. According to the liner notes of this album, these were her first recording performances as a vocalist, most of the songs on the album were instrumentals. She was nicknamed, Bell Gal, because she wore a red skull cap and garters with Christmas bells that jingled in time with her music. She was featured o...

Rosalie (or Rosa Lee) Hill, guitar and vocal. Recorded by Alan Lomax in Como, Mississippi, September 25, 1959. From "Worried Now, Won't Be Worried Long," one of five albums commemorating the 50th anniversary of Lomax's "Southern Journey" field recording trip. Released in 2010 digitally by Global Jukebox (GJ 1002) and on LP by Mississippi Records (MR 058). Rosalie Hill was a daughter of the Mississippi Hill Country's composer, multi-instrumentalist, band leader, and musical patriarch Sid Hemphill. Sid taught Rosalie to play the guitar when she was six; by the time she was ten she was playing dances with him. The only two songs she recorded for Alan were marked by a desolate, keening intensity, although by all accounts she was a jolly woman. Her father died in 1961, after which, as blues researcher George Mitchell noted, most of the very musical Hemphills "just didn't feel like playing no more." Rosie hung up her guitar for a time, but by ...

(Valparaiso, IN) - In less than two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (BLUES MATTERS and METALLIVILLE in the U.K.) and near (BLUES SOURCE; VINTAGE GUITAR; CHICAGO EXAMINER; BLUESROCKERS; BARRELHOUSE BLUES; SOUTHLAND BLUES; AMERICAN BLUES BLOG; more). The Valparaiso, IN-based band play smokin' Chicago blues imbued with some elements of rock. Formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys), Head Honchos' are now set to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong." Head Honchos' return to their hometown to perform at Martini's, 1004 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, Saturday, July 30. 9:30 p.m. No Cover. Info: (219) 464-0801 or log onto www.martinisinvalpo.com .

I'm a true believer in music's power to bring people together. During my career, I've seen music overcome national, ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic barriers in ways politicians can only dream of. For me, music's true purpose is bringing people together! Music, art and culture are important elements in the human experience. They are the means by which societies identify, express and ultimately heal themselves. In today's world, this is increasingly cross cultural. Musicians (real ones, not "Rock Stars!") are a little like Shamans . . . part Preacher, part faith healer. We use our gift to lift the mind, body and spirits of humanity. Musicians touch lives in many profound ways. Sir Bob Geldof's Live Aid, which raised millions of dollars to fight famine in Africa, comes to mind. Same with Michael Jackson and a host of other great music artists, with "We Are The World." Music is so much more powerful than we here in America are taught ...

I am starting a new segment TBNV specifically for music that is absolutely T errific B ut for which N o V ideo exists that I am aware of. There are so many terrific things that were never recorded on video that It Just has the right to be heard! This is the first of a hopefully long running series. Blue Matter is the third album by the band Savoy Brown. Teaming up once again with producer Mike Vernon, it finds them experimenting even more within the blues framework. Several tracks feature piano (played by Bob Hall, guitarist Kim Simmonds, and vocalist Chris Youlden, who even plays guitar here) as well as trombone. This album featured a mix of live and studio recordings. The live tracks were recorded at the now defunct City of Leicester College of Education, because the band was scheduled to tour the USA and needed additional tracks to complete the Album in time for the tour. The college had booked the band to perform a few weeks prior to the tour and the booking represented their only...

2x6L6 about 25 Watts

David "Junior" Kimbrough (July 28, 1930 — January 17, 1998) was an American blues musician from North Mississippi. His best known work included "Keep Your Hands Off Her" and "All Night Long". Music journalist Tony Russell stated "his raw, repetitive style suggests an archaic forebear of John Lee Hooker, a character his music shares with that of fellow North Mississippian R. L. Burnside". Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Texas Singer/Songwriter Guthrie Kennard By the age of 14 Guthrie was playing with friend and fellow musician Joe Russell in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. He left home to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, where Joe was signed with Bill Lowery Agency whose roster included artists such as Billy Joe Royal, Classics IV and Joe South. In Atlanta, Guthrie met people who were successful doing what they loved to do; his path was chosen. Back in Richmond, Guthrie formed the band Studio B and had his first opportunity to get serious and grow musically. Southside Johnny (of the Asbury Jukes) later moved down from New Jersey and became the bands lead singer. Guthrie originally came west in 1968, moving there to stay in 1971. During this time he started playing with Smokin’ Joe Kubek. Along with many other Texas artists. The next years were filled with great music and great musicians. He recorded with Smokin’ Joe and Doyle Bramhall, Sr, on Bird Records. Opening for artists including Robin Trower, Jo...