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Zac Harmon & The Drive - Live - New Release Review

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 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live , from Zac Harmon & The Drive and it's super! Opening with soulful, NTRO , Nate Robinson on bass and Gino Iglehart on drums set a solid foundation, with Corey Lacy building on keys and lush guitar work by Zac Harmon and Kingston Livingston really setting the bar. Terrific opener. Blue Pill Thrill has super movement and soulful vocals by Harmon. Lacy on keys works the rhythm with Robinson and Iglehart and Livingston and and Harmon play stinging riffs on guitar really giving this track some kick. Deep blues track, Feet Back On The Ground features Albert King like stinging riffs and super soulful vocals by Harmon. Keeping the music floor low allows Harmon plenty of space to go dynamically from soft to wow quickly adding real emotion to the track. Excellent! Boogie Down is a strong jam with a firm piano base by Lacy giving Harmon plenty of headroom for vocal corralling. Lacy lays in some real tasty keyboar...
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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

GUITARIST/SINGER BOY WELLS HEARS BLUES SKIES CALLINGON NEW CD COMING NOVEMBER 22

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GUITARIST/SINGER BOY WELLS HEARS BLUES SKIES CALLING ON NEW CD COMING NOVEMBER 22 MASTERFUL PLAYER’S ALBUM SHOWCASES HIS BLUES, ROCK, COUNTRY AND FUNK ROOTS; INCLUDES BONUS CD-ROM OF LATE ‘70S WELLS GUITAR LESSON WITH THE LEGENDARY DANNY GATTON WIMBERLEY , TX – Guitarist/singer Boy Wells announces the November 22 release of his debut CD, Blue Skies Calling , featuring a dozen original songs on his own Marcel Marsupial Records. The album will be available at CDBaby, iTunes and other fine outlets. Blue Skies Calling introduces music fans to a largely undiscovered stellar guitarist and musical master in Boy Wells. Wells is a veteran of the southern rock scene that was rooted in the geographical and multi-stylistic pocket around the nation’s capital, who now resides in the artistically fertile hills of Central Texas. The new CD is a harmonic and sonic - as well as personal and spiritual - journey through the musical tradition at the heart of the American roots idio...

Wildcat O'Halloran Band to share stage with Coco Montoya Nov 1

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The Wildcat O’Halloran band has been dazzling New England audiences since way back in 1981, and, with an infusion of new blood, is ready to rock your town. Wildcat, once described as “the Pioneer Valley’s answer to Texas six-string pounder Stevie Ray Vaughn” by the Valley Advocate, has had a storied career including: Honorable Mention, Billboard International Songwriting Contest Stroh’s Superstar Talent Search, second place,NewEngland WRSI Singer –Songwriter Contest Finalist, Seagrams Superstar Talent Search , second place ,New England John Stifler of the Daily Hamp Gazette raved, “ They may not be famous, but they sure are Great!” Coco learned his chops as a member of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Albert Collins' Icebreakers. His fiery blues rock has earned him the praise of fans and critics worldwide as well as a W. C. Handy award and numerous nominations. "Blistering contemporary blues...piercing attack, funky, shivery guitar tones and aggressive, so...

Joanne Shaw Taylor returns for a 10-date November tour

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Following her special guest performances at Black Country Communion’s December 2010 UK concerts, and her critically acclaimed May 2011 UK tour, blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joanne Shaw Taylor returns for a 10-date November tour. 24 Ticket Hotline: 0871 230 1101, www.seetickets.com, www.thegigcartel.com. Born and raised in the Midlands, Joanne was first discovered as a 16-year-old guitar prodigy by Dave Stewart (Eurhythmics). She’s fast becoming the hottest young female guitarist on the British Blues scene. On tour in the UK in November by popular demand, Joanne will perform songs from her debut album ‘White Sugar’, and 2010’s follow-up ‘Diamonds in the Dirt’. Celebrated by the magazines Classic Rock, Guitarist, Blues Matters and Total Guitar, Joanne was voted 'Best British Female Vocalist' at the British Blues Awards 2010. November 2011 UK Tour Dates: Buxton Arts Centre (15) London Islington o2 Academy (16) Bristol Tunnels (17) Exeter Phoenix (18) Falmouth Princess Pavilion...

Red House - Jimi Hendrix

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James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter. He is widely considered to be the greatest guitarist in musical history, and one of the most influential musicians of his era across a range of genres. After initial success in Europe with his group The Jimi Hendrix Experience, he achieved fame in the United States following his 1967 performance at the Monterey Pop Festival. Later, Hendrix headlined the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. He often favored raw overdriven amplifiers with high gain and treble and helped develop the previously undesirable technique of guitar amplifier feedback. Hendrix, as well as his friend Eric Clapton, popularized use of the wah-wah pedal in mainstream rock which he often used to deliver an exaggerated sense of pitch in his solos, particularly with high bends, complex guitar playing, and use of legato. As a recor...

Wolfgang's Vault Newsletter - Weekly Update

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Wolfgang's Vault Newsletter Today Marks 20 Years Since Bill Graham's Passing Steve Jobs was to the computer industry what Bill Graham was to the concert business . Both were abrasive, unapologetically brilliant visionaries that rewrote the rules of their businesses. The doors of perception for both were shaped by 60's idealism while the roads they drove to success were paved with streamline capitalism. A half million people paid homage to Graham at a wake after his death, as those grieving Jobs laid apples at the gates of his empire these past weeks. We honor one with a look at the posters for Fillmore shows , as we say thanks to both. New Release By The Pretenders In 1980, the Heatwave Festival was thrown as the New Wave equivalent to Woodstock. In their set, The Pretenders delivered a searing, hit-filled set to the rapturous crowd of 100,000. Pitch perfect with her incomparable, seductive growl, Chrissie Hynde and her band were as raw as rusty razor...

Big Storm - Cool John Ferguson

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John was born in Beaufort, SC in 1953. He learned to play the guitar by the age of 3. By age 5, John played gospel music professionally and astounded musicians ten times his age. John was the featured entertainer for Lowcountry Sing on Channel 5, Charleston SC, for three years, appearing with three of his sisters, the Ferguson Sisters, an outstanding gospel trio. Early in life John made a decision to follow his dream of becoming a renowned guitarist, pianist, and singer. He made his dream a reality. He has formed bands playing psychedelic music, rhythm and blues, pop and jazz. John’s fingers just seem to glide effortlessly across the guitar strings as his audience watch in amazement. John has spent his life traveling where his music leads him. He has performed at many concerts and major blues festivals throughout the United States and abroad, including the Savannah Music Festival, Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors, Lucerne Blues Festival, and Switzerland’s Blues to Bop Festival, Austral...

Guitar Ace Alastair Greene Plays The Eldorado - Friday, November 4

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Straight from his recent performance at the Kern River Rock 'N' Blues Festival, G uitar slinger Alastair Greene plays The Eldorado in Long Beach Friday, Nov. 4 " The Alastair Greene Band has achieved an elusive result with 'Walking In Circles,' waxing a blues-rock album that hold appeal for traditionalists." BLUES REVUE Guitar Ace Alastair Greene Plays The Eldorado - Friday, November 4 (LONG BEACH) - Guitar ace Alastair Greene brings his formidable talents to venerable live music bistro The Eldorado , 3014 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach, Friday, November 4. No cover. Info: (562) 421-2122 or www.myspace.com/eldoradorestaurant . The SoCal-based Greene has been wowing audiences since the early '90s , during which time he has shared the stage with some of the bigger names in the Blues including The Fabulous Thunderbir...

Artist Update: Megan Heavlin Ochoa

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A few months back I provided a few videos of Megan's work to great reception. I think it is about time for an update! Megan has a flurry of activity right now. She recently won a contest called the Hype Hustle and was able to record her first music video (should be done within the week), and some recording time. Check out a video of her song 'No Good' live at Resonate Studios in Burbank: Megan also has a few gigs lined up: November 11, 8:30pm opening for the Dance Hall Pimps at On the Rox in West Hollywood, CA November 29th, 10pm playing the Twisted and Live Event, at Here Lounge in West Hollywood, CA Check back for more updates on Megan! Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Low Society Performance Update

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Talking with Sturgis Nikides of Low Society. Here's what he had to say: We are very busy little beavers here in the LS camp. We've been keeping our noses to the grindstone, in rehearsals preparing to begin national touring. This week (Oct 23 - 29) we are being featured on the nationally syndicated Blues Deluxe radio hour - syndicated to 200 stations worldwide. In the meantime, we do have a couple of appearances coming up locally too. Nov. 7 @ Delancey Bar, NYC - Nov. 11 Veterans Day Benefit/Motorcycle Run for Rolling Thunder MC at Woody's Roadside Tavern in Farmingdale NJ (with Slackjaw Blues Band) - Dec. 10 - at Dock Street Bar on Staten Island. Here's a performance from Washinton's Festival in the Borough earlier this month:

ERIC BIBB - Latest Tour Info

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Itinerary 1/27/2012 Portland, IN Arts Place (260) 726-4809 www.indianaarts.org 1/28/2012 Springfield, IL University of Illinois, Perf (217) 206-6160 www.sangamonauditorium.org 1/29/2012 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk (773) 728-6000 www.oldtownschool.org 2/1/2012 San Diego, CA Anthology (619) 595-0300 www.AnthologySD.com/ 2/2/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907 www.ptgo.org 2/3/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907 www.ptgo.org 2/4/2012 Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for Arts (408) 961-5858 www.montalvoarts.org 2/5/2012 N Vancouver, BC Capilano University Perf (604) 280-3311 www2.capilanou.ca/news-events/performin 2/8/2012 Albuquerque, NM South Broadway Cultural (505) 232-9868 www.ampconcerts.org/ 2/9/2012 Durango, CO Fort Lewis College (970) 247-7657 http://www.durangoconcerts.com/ 2/10/2012 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts (505) 988-1234 www.lensic.com 2/11/2012 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Mus 480-478-6000 www.themim.org 2/13/2012 Chico, CA Sierra Neva...

Chicken Raid - Mr Frank Edwards

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Frank Edwards left home at 14 and played guitar and harmonica alongside Tampa Red. As World War II approached, Edwards joined seminal Mississippi bluesman Tommy McClennan and headed North, recording eight sides for OKeh in 1941 with Washboard Sam. After being discharged from the army he cut two songs for Regal in 1949, after which he continued playing on the street corners, juke joints and restaurants, before hitting the festival circuit during the folk revival. Thanks to Pete Lowry, Edwards released his first full album “Done Some Travelin’” in 1972 through Trix. When not onstage, the iconic Edwards, or “Mr. Frank” as he was commonly known, was a familiar face at the clubs, supporting other blues musicians in Atlanta. He joined the roster of Music Maker artists in the 1990’s, performing festivals once again before quietly passing away on his return home from a recording session in North Carolina for the Music Maker label on March 22, 2002. I know you want to know what he's singing...

Upcoming Dates for The Brooklyn Blues Project

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BBP plays first time at the world famous Kenny's castaways on Bleeker. Then a long set Saturday night at Desmond's tavern in mid town. See below for details. Fri, Oct 28 Doors Open: 9:00 PM Kenny's Castaways New York, NY Sat, Oct 29 Doors Open: 9:00 PM The National Underground (Upstairs) New York, NY Sat, Nov 5 Doors Open: 9:30 PM Bratva Bar Brooklyn, NY Fri, Nov 11 10pm Desmond's Tavern New York, NY Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Going Down Slow - Justin Saladino

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Justin Saladino is a 16 year old blues-rock guitarist, singer and songwriter from Montreal, Quebec. Growing up in a musical family, guitars were never too far from reach. It was no coincidence that Justin would start a love affair with the guitar. Eager to learn he started taking lessons from his uncle. By the age of 9 he was showing an amazing ability in playing songs by artists like: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin, Buddy Guy and Santana. Now he is a fusion of all these artists making his identity and style. Justin has played over 50 shows with ex-band members Matthew Passalacqua and Adam Passalacqua of “Runaway Slide” receiving a substantial praise from the blues community here in Quebec and among other fellow musicians and critics. He has shared stages and jammed on numerous occasions with artists like Paul Deslaurier, Jim Zellers, Ronnie Baker Brook, Steve Marriner, Angel Forest, Mike Deway, Trevor Finlay , Lalya Zoe, Carl Tremblay, Jimmy James and Guy Belanger. In ...

Not Fade Away - Jerome Godboo

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Jerome Godboo is a singer, songwriter and harp player extraordinaire. He has released twelve albums over twenty years. He’s recorded and toured with the Phantoms, Alannah Myles, Dutch Mason, Jeff Healey, Ronnie Hawkins, Jack de Keyzer, Jimmy Bowskill and Suzie McNeil. Jerome has headlined at the Montreal Jazz Festival (2005) and performed on stages across Canada, the U.S., France, Finland, Portugal, Ukraine, Israel and beyond. He’s played with Prince, Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, the Tragically Hip, Levon Helm, Billy Ray Cyrus and many more. Jerome has electrified audiences of all sizes. He’s opened for the Yardbirds and performed at the Toronto Air Canada Centre with Ronnie Hawkins as well as to record-breaking crowds at the Montreal Jazz Festival and another 30,000 at Canada Day festivities as the show stopper harmonica player in The Jimmy Bowskill Band. Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Two White Horses - Solar Porch

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Bar Solar Porch is an electrified 2-piece from the Mississippi Delta, born of the land and of necessity. Both Barger and Dorrough were steeped in Blues and Roots Music from early childhood. Coupled with a deep interest in experimentation, they combine raw, gritty blues and psychedelic Rock & Roll to produce a blues experience for the modern age. Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

As the Years Go Passing By - Jimmy Johnson Blues Band

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Jimmy Johnson (born James Earl Thompson, November 25, 1928, Holly Springs, Mississippi) is an American blues guitarist and singer. Several of Johnson's brothers had careers in music; among them are soul musician Syl Johnson and Magic Sam bassist Mack Thompson. In his younger years he played piano and sang in gospel groups. He and his family moved to Chicago in 1950, where he worked as a welder and played guitar in his spare time. He began playing professionally with Slim Willis in 1959, changing his last name to Johnson like his brother Syl. As a guitarist he was influenced by both Buddy Guy and Otis Rush and he played with Freddy King, Albert King, Magic Sam and Eddy Clearwater among others. In the 1960s he played more R&B music, working with Otis Clay, Denise LaSalle, and Garland Green. He also had his own group from the early sixties, and by the late sixties he had released his first single. By 1974 he had returned to blues playing, working with Jimmy Dawkins and touring Jap...

Wilko Johnson announces April 2012 UK tour

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ABS AGENCY & www.thegigcartel.com presents WILKO JOHNSON APRIL 2012 UK TOUR With very special guests 'Virgil and the Accelerators' 24 HOUR BOX OFFICE: 0844 478 0898 BOOK ONLINE: www.thegigcartel.com TICKETS ON SALE FROM FRIDAY 28th OCTOBER Following his recent TV appearance on BBC 2 Television's Later With Jools Holland , "Wilko Johnson" , the legendary former guitarist of Dr. Feelgood , who has influenced everyone from Joe Strummer, Mick Jones to Steve Albini, is pleased to announce and extensive April 2012 15-date UK tour with very special guests Virgil and the Accelerators . Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday October 28th at 10am via the 24 hour box office: 0844 478 0898 or can be booked online: www.thegigcartel.com . Fans that can't wait until Friday can take advantage of a special 48 Hour Pre-sale on Wednesday October 26th from 10am via www.eventim.co.uk and www.ents24.com . The tou...

Bishopville (My Home Town) - Drink Small

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Born January 28, 1933 in Bishopville (Lee County), SC, Drink Small (his real name is South Carolina's last great bluesman. A master of guitar, downhome piano, and basso profundo vocals, Drink Small is the No. 1 blues point of reference for many Carolinians. ***************************************** He made his first recorded appearance in 1956 on Vee Jay Records (same label as Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, et. al.) as a member of The Spiritualaires of Columbia, SC. He later recorded one blues single ("I Love You, Albertha" b/w "Cold Cold Rain") in 1959 for the Sharp Records subsidiary of Savoy. His other releases include platters on Ichiban, Southland, Erwin Music, Mapleshade, and of course his own imprint, Bishopville Records. Known for his over-the-top showmanship, ribald sense of humor, and virtuoso guitarwork, Drink Small is unique in his field...a true American original. ********************************************* Drink Small has played many of the major ...

Hello My Lover - Ernie K-Doe

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Ernie K-Doe (February 22, 1936 - July 5, 2001), born Ernest Kador, Jr., was an African American rhythm and blues singer best known for his 1961 hit single "Mother-in-Law" which went to #1 on the Billboard pop chart in the U.S. In the 1980s K-Doe did radio shows on New Orleans community stations WWOZ and WTUL. The shows were known for his explosively energetic announcements and frequent self promotion (occasionally causing problems for the non-commercial station). K-Doe's catch phrases included "Burn, K-Doe, Burn!" "I'm a Charity Hospital Baby!" and (addressed to himself) "You just good, that's all!". For a time he billed himself as "Mister Naugahyde" until he was ordered to desist by the owners of the Naugahyde trademark. K-Doe then explained that it was a misunderstanding; he was actually referring to himself as "Mister M-Nauga-Ma-Hyde", a word he invented himself. In the 1990s K-Doe began billing himself as ...

New Ruf Records release : Voodoo Moon - Savoy Brown - review

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Savoy Brown started as a more traditional blues band back in the 60's but became almost synonymous with Boogie during the 70's. Although band leader, Kim Simmonds has remained a constant with the band over the years a compliment of other players in the group have influenced the general sound widely. Early Savoy Brown albums such as "Raw Sienna", "Street Corner Talking" and "Looking In" firmly planted Savoy Brown in the modern "bone chilling" blues bands with a slow melding into album oriented music in "Hellbound Train". By the early 70's and the release of "Lions Share's" rock hit "Tell Mama" cast a new stone into the fire. With new addition of Chicken Shacks Stan Webb and the departure of Dave Peverett along with the bands rhythm section (to form Foghat) the band started off on a journey of continuous experimentation producing a number of interesting blues rock oriented recordings. This new Savoy...