Last Fair Deal Gone Down - Kent Duchaine

Kent DuChaine, (born 25 April 1951), is an American blues singer and guitarist. He currently lives in Fort Gaines, Georgia. DuChaine started in music when his father taught him to play the ukulele at six years old. At thirteen years old he got his first electric guitar and formed a band with his friends in his hometown of Wayzata, Minnesota, playing mainly popular music at private parties and school functions. After reading some liner notes of an Eric Clapton album, Kent started researching blues music. He discovered a Robert Johnson album and was astounded and fascinated at the banging sound as the bottle neck knocked against the frets as Johnson slid it up and down the neck of his guitar. Kent used a butter knife at first determined to recapture the wonderful sound. He immersed himself in blues music of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, Bukka White and never looked back. Kent learned to play the slide guitar and soon developed his own ferocious wild style. In 1970 he opened a show for the slide guitar genius, Bukka White. From 1972 until 1975 Kent performed in a band with Kim Wilson from the present day Fabulous Thunderbirds. The band backed up blues greats such as Fenton Robinson, Boogie Woogie Red, Luther Tucker, Hubert Sumlin and Eddie "Guitar" Burns. The reputation of the band grew and Willie Dixon arranged a recording contract and a concert sharing the bill with Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker and Howling Wolf. In 1979 Kent met up with his beloved and ever faithful Leadbessie. She’s a beat up 1934 National Steel Guitar that wows and astounds audiences when the equally beat up case she travels in is opened and her extra heavy strings are furiously played. Kent discovered and looked up a legendary blues man with the name of Johnny Shines in 1989. They travelled together for three years and performed over 200 shows. In that time they recorded “Back To the Country” with harmonica great Snooky Pryor and were honoured with the coveted W.C. Handy Award for best country blues album but unfortunately they did not add Kent's name to the recording. In 1991 the Smithsonian Institution honoured the King of the Delta Blues, Robert Johnson. DuChaine and Shines were specially invited to perform and “Roots Of Rhythm & Blues: A Tribute to the Robert Johnson Era” was the result. This was recorded by Sony BMG and also Grammy nominated. DuChaine and Shines' partnership and friendship was cut short when Johnny Shines died on 20 April 1992. Since going solo in 1982 and firstly hitting the roads in the United States, Kent and Leadbessie have probably clocked up over two million miles together, including over 80 plus tours in Europe and the United Kingdom during the last 20 years, promoting the Delta blues and blues music in general. A small handful of wives have been picked up and lost along the way and many stories gained of friendships, loves, heartaches and the blues that he communicates to his audiences, most of which, leave folk laughing or scratching their heads in disbelief. Kent also speaks of the history of the blues music, the great men who developed it and his incredible involvement with some of them to audiences far and wide. Songs such as Shake Your Moneymaker and "Jitterbug Swing” have folk up dancing. Kent’s versions of Trouble in Mind and St James Infirmary Blues have been seen to bring tears to many eyes. The Times London newspaper has named him as one of the five best concerts in the United Kingdom. Kent and Leadbessie have dedicated fans all over the world who are asking all the time for him to add another album to the seven, plus one live DVD, that he has already released. These include his own recordings as well as songs that he keeps alive from the past, by the blues legends that we all know and love If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Craig Chaquico signs with Blind Pig!

CRAIG CHAQUICO SIGNS WITH BLIND PIG RECORDS! Craig Chaquico, a chart-topping guitarist in both the rock and jazz fields, has signed with noted roots label Blind Pig Records to record a blues-based album. Chaquico was a central figure in the legendary multi-platinum selling rock band Jefferson Starship, one the most successful arena rock bands of the 1970s and early '80s.  In the 1990s, Craig left the fast-paced pop world and reinvented himself as a major force on the contemporary jazz landscape, becoming  an  award-winning solo artist in that field. Chaquico said of the signing, "I am really excited about beginning a project that has been in the back of my mind and at the front of my heart and soul for years.   Now it's going to become a reality...my very first blues album for the premier blues label on the planet - Blind Pig."   "As the lead guitarist, songwriter, and sometimes co-producer for the preeminent American band Jefferson Starship for nearly 20 years, I was always encouraged by my more established iconic bandmates to play rock and roll the way I saw and felt it, even though I was the "baby in the band" and even if the styles of that band evolved quite a bit (with me as the only single constant band member from '73 to '90)." "I felt that my guitar playing was always blues-based through all those style changes, though not necessarily inspired by going all the way back to the Robert Johnson or Delta blues days.  My "roots blues" is probably more rooted in my current Blind Pig record collection, as well as people I listened to in my early teens - Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, B.B. and all the Kings, Jeff Beck, Santana, Led Zep, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, Allman Brothers, Free, Bad Company, and of course, Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna." "Finding myself in a major rock band while still in my teens, the multi-platinum stadium rock period in my musical life was as rewarding as it was fun, and part of my higher musical education.  After that I was fortunate to be able to create a twenty year, million-selling, Grammy-nominated, #1 on the charts musical life in the world of acoustic instrumental Smooth Jazz." "As much as I still love instrumental smooth jazz, which for me was always blues-based anyway, I sometimes missed the edge that I could experience with blues-based rock and roll.  For some time now I have been thinking about doing my own heartfelt modern blues project that could be the best of all those musical worlds and planets I've visited since my teens." "And now, thanks to Blind Pig and all those who have inspired, encouraged, and helped me get to the top of different musical charts and styles for five consecutive decades now, the time has come for my very first ever official version of the blues from my own musical world.  Blues that often actually makes ya happy!" "See you on that world - and don't ya be late.  Thank you, Blind Pig, for truly making a dream come blue."

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Ezee Rider - Mama Yancey

Estelle "Mama" Yancey (January 1, 1896 – April 19, 1986) was an American blues singer. She was nominated four times for the Blues Music Awards as "Traditional Blues Female Artist." Yancey, born Estella Harris in Cairo, Illinois, grew up in Chicago, where she sang in church choirs and learned how to play the guitar. In 1917, when she was 21, she married Jimmy Yancey, who had traveled the U.S. and Europe as a vaudeville dancer. She often sang with him at informal get-togethers and house parties in the 1930s and 1940s and performed with him at Carnegie Hall, New York in 1948. Because Jimmy Yancey was a great boogie-woogie/blues piano player, Estelle recorded frequently with her husband. In 1943, the Yanceys recorded for Session Records, and went back into the studio to record the album Pure Blues for Atlantic Records. The session was just a few months before Jimmy Yancey's death that same year. Estelle continued to perform and record. One of the best examples of her soulful, expressive vocals can be found on an album for Atlantic Records, Jimmy and Mama Yancey: Chicago Piano, Vol. 1. (1952). Songs include "Lady Bump," "Devil Eyes," "Wizard Bump," "A-B-C of Love," "1-2-3-4...Fire!," "Big Bad Boy," "Baby Doll," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "I'm Knocking (At Your Door)." Mama Yancey's recordings with other pianists include "South Side Blues" for the Riverside label (1961), some records with Art Hodes for Verve Records in 1965, and Maybe I'll Cry with Erwin Helfer for the Red Beans label in 1983, recorded at age 87. Estelle Yancey died April 19, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

I'M MAD - WILLIE MABON

With HUBERT SUMLIN, EDDIE TAYLOR, BOB STROGER AND ODIE PAYNEWillie Mabon (October 24, 1925 – April 19, 1985) was an American R&B singer, songwriter and pianist.Born Willie James Mabon, and brought up in Hollywood, Memphis, Tennessee, he had become known as a singer and pianist by the time he moved to Chicago in 1942. He formed a group, the Blues Rockers, and in 1949 began recording for the Aristocrat label. Mabon's debut solo release was made for the Apollo label on 28 August 1949 (Bogey Man/It Keeps Raining) and then Chess. His style contrasted with many Chess artistes – it was cool and jazzy, emphasising piano and saxophone rather than guitar and harmonica. His biggest success came in 1952 when his debut solo release, "I Don't Know",originally recorded for Al Benson's Parrot label 1050 and later the same year released on Chess with whom it had the hit topped the Billboard R&B chart for eight weeks. He picked it up from the older boogie-woogie pianist, Cripple Clarence Lofton. It was one of the most popular releases of its era, becoming Chess's biggest hit in the period before Chuck Berry's and Bo Diddley's success. It also became one of the first R&B hit records to be covered by a leading white artist, Tennessee Ernie Ford. Mabon's original was played on Alan Freed's early radio shows and also sold well to white audiences, crossing over markets at the start of the rock and roll era.Mabon returned to the top R&B slot in 1953 with "I'm Mad", and had another hit with the Mel London penned "Poison Ivy" in 1954. However, his career failed to maintain its momentum, and record releases in the late 1950s on a variety of record labels were largely unsuccessful. After a lull he repeated the process more modestly in the early 1960s with "Got To Have Some" and "I'm The Fixer".After moving to Paris in 1972, Mabon toured and recorded in Europe, including a 1977 album on Ornament Records.[4] He also performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival. In April 1985, after a long illness, Mabon died in Paris 

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Born Under A Bad Sign - Sarasota Slim

HOWDY Y'ALL ! My name is Gene Hardage and I'm also known as Sarasota Slim. I'm a true Florida cracker - born in the panhandle and raised in Sarasota - and yes I am slim. I've been at this music stuff longer than I'd like to admit, luckily this makes me somewhat legendary in certain circles. Help me nurture this myth by playing my music for your friends and even calling your local radio stations and seriously suggesting some Sarasota Slim songs. (now say that 6 times real fast!) If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Better Treat Me Better Baby - Riyen Roots

Original Blues/Soul/Roots Music From The Mountains Of Asheville, North Carolina Giving us raw uncut truth through his blues influenced songs, time and time again. Inviting us to take a look at ourselves and the everchanging world around us through his music, while taking the blues genre to a new place, with unique rhythms, truly original song stylings, and a voice that has been compared to the likes of Muddy Waters, Johnny Cash, Warren Haynes, and even Tom Waits. From the roots to the fruits...RiYeN RoOtS is keeping his music roots music alive, one show at a time. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Train - Mud Dog

Steve "Mud Dog" Sainas has been a guitarist/singer/songwriter in Vancouver's cabarets and pubs for the past twenty years. During this time, he has developed a powerful blues guitar and singing style that is instantly recognized by his steadily growing audience. In 1997, Steve began to lay the ground-work for forming his powerful blues band Mud Dog. His vision was to pay tribute to blues masters such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker with a fiery contemporary blues sound. The highlight of each concert, however, is when Steve testifies his own life experiences through his original songs, inspired by the sounds of the Mississippi Delta. Mud Dog released its debut CD "Devil's Ride" on March 7th, 2003 at the Terry Fox Theatre to a house full of excited fans. "Devil's Ride" features eleven originals songs written & produced by Sainas and two traditional arrangements. The CD has been featured on both Storman Norman's Sunday Blues on Rock 101 and CBC Radio and is receiving regular airplay coast to coast. In March 2008, Mud Dog released their second CD, “River of my Soul,” that features eleven new original acoustic songs written and produced by Sainas. These songs deeply reflect on finding the light in a world consumed by darkness. During the day, Steve is busy teaching Rock School and Recording Arts at Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, BC. He established these programs in 2000/2001 and has developed them into one of the most successful music programs in public education. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Perpetual Obscurity Records artist: Paul Thorn - What The Hell Is Going On - New Release Review

Been listening to the new release by Paul Thorn, What The Hell Is Going On and it's pretty cool. It opens with Lindsey Buckingham's Don't Let Me Down Again. Snake Farm, a Ray Wylie Hubbard track really conjures up the swamp with cool grinding guitar, driving beat and slide work. Buddy and Julie Millers Shelter Me Lord has great gospel backing vocals and interesting slide guitar riffs. The recordings best track, Elvin Bishop's What The Hell Is Going On? is a blues driver and Elvin himself shows up to play some slide! Wild Bill & Martha Jo Emerson's Bull Mountain Bridge takes mid America by the horns featuring Delbert McClinton and sounding a bit alt country...certainly destined for airplay with the hook and guitar. Big Al Anderson,Shawn Camp and Pat McLaughlin's Jukin' is a cool track with a boogie beat that will get you dancin. Donnie Fritts and Billy Lawson's She's Got A Crush On Me is a great tune in ballad form and will likely get airplay. It not only has the hook...it's also a great song. The recording closes out with Eli “Paperboy” Reed's Take My Love With You. Thorn uses his gospel background and his love for soul music to put this track right on spot. This is a cool cd and one that will likely find a broad audience.
 If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”
 

Big Ron has a blast in North Dakota - and don't miss Shakori Hills!

Big Ron rocked North Dakota! Big Ron played the North Dakota Museum of Art on April 14th, and he received the same warm welcome that Ironing Board Sam did! Artist Adam Kemp worked with children at the museum to create a special sign to welcome Ron, and he was thrilled. Ron loved playing at the NDMOA, and had the full Grand Forks experience, even feeding some calves at Adam Klemp's farm!     Chocolate Drops in DC May 10! The Carolina Chocolate Drops will play the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA on May 10th! Come out for a show full of foot-stomping energy as the Drops play songs new and old. The show will be in the Bandstand, which means there is room to dance! Tickets are $25 and you can purchase online here. Doors open at 6pm, the show starts at 7:30pm. Hope you can make it!   Photo of the week    MMRF Advisory Board Member Taj Mahal, Neal Pattman, and Cootie Stark by Tim Duffy  Don't Miss Music Maker at Shakori Hills! The Music Maker Blues Revue will be at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in Pittsboro, NC! The show, 8-10pm on the Cabaret stage, will feature Pat "Mother Blues" Cohen, Big Ron Hunter, Captain Luke, Ironing Board Sam, Boo Hanks, Bubba Norwood, Sol and Gerald Robinson. While you're there, find the Music Maker popcorn stand! The sales support our programs, so enjoy some delicious popcorn while helping MMRF! There's plenty happening at Shakori, like Justin Robinson & the Mary Annettes on Friday night - hope to see you there! Listen:  Ironing Board Sam - Bye Bye Blackbird Diggin: A first listen to "Bye Bye Blackbird" We're so excited that later this year we will re-release Ironing Board Sam's record Ninth Wonder of the World of Music, recorded in the late 60's in Gary, Indiana. This song, Bye Bye Blackbird, Sam learned from fellow musicians on South Beach in Miami.  Anyone who's heard this jazz standard before will note Sam's original take on this classic tune: fast, bluesy and freaked out.  Sam claims he had to hypnotize his drummer, Lil' George, to play as fast as he does on this track. Sam took the synthesizer break on one of his favorite toy keyboards. We love this track and think you will too - enjoy! -- Corinne & Aaron The 78 Project benefits MMRF - tickets now available! Tickets are now on sale for The 78 Project at City Winery in New York City on May 20! The event includes a Live Music Revue and Benefit Auction featuring Dawn Landes, The Reverend John Delore & Kara Suzanne, Vandaveer and more special guests. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Music Maker, and we are so grateful to them for supporting our mission! Tickets range from $25 to $65, and you can purchase them here! To read more about the 78 Project, check out their website! Quick Links:     Website  Merch  Music

Upcoming Shows: Click here for more info on upcoming events  4/19 - Beverly "Guitar" Watkins - Sweet Georgia Juke Joint, Atlanta  4/21 - Music Maker Blues Revue - Shakori Hills Festival, N.C. 4/27 - Cool John Ferguson, Captain Luke, and Shelton Powe - Havelock Blues Festival, N.C.   4/27 - Beverly "Guitar" Watkins - Northside Tavern, Atlanta   4/27 - Guitar Lightnin' Lee, Leyla McCalla - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 4/27 - John Dee Holeman - Cat's Cradle, Carrboro N.C.  4/28 - Carolina Chocolate Drops - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival   4/29 - Ironing Board Sam - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 5/11 - Music Maker Blues Revue - Back Porch Music, Durham, N.C. 5/11 - Ironing Board Sam - The Depot, Hillsborough, N.C.    Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain  recognition and meet their day to day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations.

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Killer Mosquito - Bernie Worrell, Warren Haynes, Will Calhoun & Brett Bass

George Bernard "Bernie" Worrell, Jr. (born April 19, 1944) is an American keyboardist and composer best known as a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic and for his work with Talking Heads. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. Worrell was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey. A musical prodigy, he learned to play the piano by age three and wrote a concerto at age eight. He went on to study at Juilliard and the New England Conservatory of Music. As a college student around 1970, Worrell played with a group called Chubby & The Turnpikes (later to be known as Tavares). The drummer in that band was Joey Kramer, who left in October, 1970, to be a founding member of the rock band Aerosmith. He then met George Clinton, then the leader of a doo wop group called The Parliaments. Soon, Worrell, Clinton, The Parliaments and their backing band (Funkadelic) moved to Detroit, Michigan, and became Parliament. During the 1970s the same group of musicians toured and recorded under both the Parliament and Funkadelic names as well as several others, collectively known as Parliament-Funkadelic. Worrell was a central figure in the group. He played the piano, keyboards and organ in both groups and co-wrote or did the arrangements for many of the bands' hits. He debuted the keyboard synthesizer bass in popular music on the Parliament song "Flash Light". He also recorded a 1978 album with the group, All the Woo in the World, under his own name. Since the late 1980s, Worrell has recorded extensively with Bill Laswell. He has also performed with Gov't Mule. Through the beginning of the 21st century, Bernie has become a visible member of the so-called Jam band scene, performing in many large summer festivals, sometimes billed as Bernie Worrell and the Woo Warriors. These new funk, groove, and rock bands have embraced Worrell's historical relevance and immense talent. He has appeared on many Jack Bruce albums, including A Question of Time, Cities of the Heart (live), Monkjack, and More Jack Than God. In 1994, Worrell appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation album, Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool. The album, meant to raise awareness and funds in support of the AIDS epidemic in relation to the African American community, was heralded as "Album of the Year" by Time Magazine. Worrell has since joined the rock group Black Jack Johnson, with Mos Def, Will Calhoun, Doug Wimbish and Dr. Know. He appears with the band on Mos Def's 2004 release The New Danger. Worrell joined forces with bass legend Les Claypool, guitarist Buckethead, and drummer Bryan Mantia to form the group Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains. His project Baby Elephant is a collaboration with Stetsasonic member/De La Soul producer Prince Paul (producer) and longtime Paul associate Don Newkirk. Released September 11, 2007, Turn My Teeth Up!, features George Clinton, Shock G, Yellowman, Reggie Watts, Nona Hendryx, David Byrne and Gabby La La. In 2009 he joined with longtime Parliament-Funkadelic guitarist and musical director Dwayne "Blackbyrd" McKnight, bassist Melvin Gibbs and drummer J.T. Lewis to form the band "SociaLybrium". Their album "For You/For Us/For All" was released on Livewired Music in January 2010. His nephew is underground rapper Chino XL. Worrell appears in the 2004 documentary film Moog with synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog and several other Moog synthesizer musicians. In 2011, he was touring with Bootsy Collins, another major figure of the Parliament-Funkadelic. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

I'll Run Your Hurt Away - Ruby Johnson

Ruby Johnson (19 April 1936 - 4 July 1999) was an American soul singer best known for her recordings on the Volt label in the late 1960s. She was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and was raised in the Jewish faith. She sang, with her eight brothers and sisters, in the Temple Beth-El choir. After completing high school, she moved to Virginia Beach where she worked as a waitress and began singing rhythm and blues with local bands, before spending two years with Samuel Latham and the Rhythm Makers. She then moved to Washington DC in the late 1950s, and joined Ambrose and the Showstoppers, the house band at the Spa nightclub. Local entrepreneur Never Duncan Jnr. became her manager, and placed her with record producer Dicky Williams. Her first single, "Calling All Boys", was issued in 1960 on the V-Tone label, before Duncan established his own recording company, NEBS. She released a succession of singles on NEBS, including "Here I Go Again", "Worried Mind", and "Nobody Cares", some of which became local hits. When her local supporter, disc jockey Al Bell, began working for Stax Records in Memphis in 1965, he won her a contract with the label. There, she recorded a handful of classic soul records with the writing and production team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, and backing musicians including Steve Cropper, "Duck" Dunn and Al Jackson. These were issued on the Stax subsidiary label, Volt. They included "I’ll Run Your Hurt Away", which reached #31 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1966, and "If I Ever Needed Love", both tracks which became staples of subsequent soul compilations, such as those by Dave Godin. Despite the quality of her records, they met with little success, and after a few more years singing in clubs, she gave up her singing career in 1974. She worked in government posts, and eventually became the director of Foster Grandparents, a federal programme helping handicapped children relate to older generations. She also returned to worship and sing at the Temple Beth-El near her home in Lanham, Maryland. A compilation CD, including many previously unissued tracks, was issued in 1993. She died in 1999, aged 63 If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Ten Years To Life - Bee Houston

Guitarist/vocalist Edward Wilson "Bee" Houston's an exciting performer whose style blends elements of Texas shuffle blues and Southern gospel-tinged soul. Houston played in a high school drum and bugle corps as a youngster in San Antonio, and played in the backing bands of Little Willie John, Junior Parker, Bobby "Blue" Bland and others in the late '50s and early '60s. After a two-year army stint, Houston moved to the West Coast. He toured and recorded frequently with Big Mama Thornton in the '60s, and also accompanied several visiting blues players during West Coast visits. Houston recorded for Arhoolie in the '60s and '70s, and also made several festival appearances and club dates. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Cheating and Lying Blues - Doctor Clayton

Doctor Clayton (April 19, 1898 - January 7, 1947) was an American blues singer and songwriter. Peter Joe Clayton was born in Georgia, though he later claimed he had been born in Africa, and moved to St. Louis as a child with his family. He had four children and worked in a factory in St. Louis, where he started his career as a singer (he could also play piano and ukelele, though he never did so on record). Clayton recorded six sides for Bluebird Records in 1935, but only two were ever issued. Clayton's entire family died in a house fire in 1937; following this Clayton became an alcoholic and began wearing outsized hats and glasses. Moving to Chicago with Robert Lockwood, he received attention from Decca Records but ultimately returned to Bluebird, recording with them again in 1941-42. He also recorded for Okeh Records at this time. Among the songs he wrote were "Cheating and Lying Blues", frequently covered by other blues artists; "Pearl Harbor Blues", written after the Pearl Harbor bombing of 1941; and "Moonshine Woman Blues", which became a chart hit for B. B. King under the name "The Woman I Love" in 1968. He recorded again in 1946, recording the tunes "Hold That Train, Conductor" and "I Need My Baby" which were also both covered by King. Most of his later recordings featured Blind John Davis on piano.[1] He was a regional sales success and played regularly in Chicago nightclubs with Lockwood and Sunnyland Slim. Clayton died of tuberculosis in January 1947, in Chicago, shortly after his second recording session. Big Bill Broonzy and Tampa Red attended his funeral. Document Records has released all of Clayton's output recorded between 1935 and 1942 on one CD; Old Tramp Records released the remaining 1946 recordings. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Fingerbuster - Willie The Lion Smith

William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholoff Smith (23 November 1893 – 18 April 1973), a.k.a. "The Lion", was an American jazz pianist and one of the masters of the stride style, usually grouped with James P. Johnson and Thomas "Fats" Waller as the three greatest practitioners of the genre from its Golden Age, c. 1920–1943. William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholoff Smith was born in Goshen, New York. His mother and grandmother chose the names to reflect the different parts of his heritage; Joseph after Saint Joseph (Bible), Bonaparte (French), Bertholoff (biological father's last name), Smith (added when he was three, his stepfather's name), and William and Henry which were added for "spiritual balance". In his memoir he reports that his father, Frank Bertholoff, was Jewish. Willie was at least somewhat conversant in Yiddish, as he demonstrated in a television interview late in his life. Willie's mother, Ida Oliver, had "Spanish, Negro, and Mohawk Indian blood". Her mother, Ann Oliver, was a banjo player and had been in Primrose and West minstrel shows (Smith also had two cousins who were dancers in the shows, Etta and John Bloom). According to Ida, "Frank Bertholoff was a light skinned playboy who loved his liquor, girls, and gambling." His mother threw Frank out of the house when "The Lion" was two years old. When his father died in 1901, his mother married John Smith, a master mechanic from Paterson, NJ. The surname Smith was added to that of "The Lion" at age 3. He grew up living at 76 Academy Street in Newark. In the 1940s his music found appreciation with a wider audience, and he toured North America and Europe up to 1971. To leave the US, he needed a birth certificate. He went to the Orange County Courthouse and found it, but discovered that the birth certificate said he was born on November 25, in contradiction to his mother telling him he was born on November 23. Willie "The Lion" Smith died in New York City. His autobiography, Music on My Mind, The Memoirs Of An American Pianist written with the assistance of George Hoefer, was published by Doubleday and Company in 1964. It included a generous foreword written by Duke Ellington. It also includes a comprehensive list of his compositions and a discography. His students included such notable names as Mel Powell, Brooks Kerr, and Mike Lipskin. With the latter, he made two albums: a two-LP set of playing and reminiscences, The Memoirs of Willie the Lion Smith, done in 1965, and an album of solos and duets from 1971: California Here I Come, which coincided with Mike's relocation from New York to Marin County. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Giles Robson & The Dirty Aces

Ranked in Classic Rock Magazine’s Top Ten Blues albums of 2011, Giles Robson has already been hailed as the most exciting new harmonica virtuoso’s of his generation by blues harp legends such as Sugar Blue and Paul Jones. Rising at breakneck speed through the Blues world since forming, Giles Robson & The Dirty Aces raw and unique twist on the Blues have not gone unnoticed, with everyone from BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans & Radio 6’s Tom Robinson to Blues in Britain giving the band rave reviews. With a voice recalling the legendary Charlie Musselwhite, Robson is already establishing himself as one the freshest, most exciting new Blues artists to arrive in recent times and is sure to continue his fast ascent through the vibrant UK and international Blues scenes. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

That's Wrong - Sandy Mack Band

I'm Sandy Mack. I play some harmonica, sing a little and write some songs. I try to make music that doesn't sound like everybody else's. You decide if it's good or bad. ..I'm one of the weirder people I know but I'm not especially dangerous, so no need to warn anyone. Generally I find most things about life humorous and I enjoy joking about it. I'm into love, laughter & silliness and not too much into hatred, fear, etc but I do have an appreciation for all emotions. ..I could have never done much musically without the help and support of my lovely wife, two wonderful daughters and a lot of very talented musicians, who have helped me out tremendously along the way and who have inspired me to keep doing this music thing.
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Stepping Out - Berends/Wilson Trio

This short lived trio was fun while it lasted. From it came The Berends Bros Band
Myspace pages: Bill Berends | Rich Berends Ed is probably still doing a solo act somewhere.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

As The Years Go Passing By - Branson Welsh with Damon Fowler

The Sunday Night Blues Jam at Ringside Cafe hosted by Branson Welsh guitar, vocals, R.j.Howson guitar, Devin Neel drums, and Marc Petrulis Bass.
Branson was born in Virginia and now lives and plays in Florida. He learned from all the local guys in St Pete's like Red Lasner, Craig Vantillbury,Damon Fowler,Sean Chambers,Jimmy Grizwold Sarasot Slim and then all the greats ALL OF THEM!! The turnning point was when Lucky Peterson took him around the world as his guitar tech and he let him play with him almost every night. He will have a new cd soon. Watch for a review on that one!!.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

British Blues Awards, Limited Edition Digi-pack and duet with Lorraine Crosby.

Hot on the tail of multiple nominations in the U.S Trevor Sewell has now started to make waves in his home territory – the UK. He is currently nominated in the British Blues Awards for ‘Best Original Blues Song’ for his song ‘Hate Me for a Reason’. The track is taken from his ‘Calling Your Name’ album which has to date amassed 4 separate nominations both in the U.S and U.K.

Calling Your Name is Trevor’s first album since going solo 18 months ago and he is currently in the studio recording a new acoustic Album while working on new material for the next electric follow up to the Calling Your Name album.

A collectors CD is also due for release at the end of April from Austrian based W.A.R records. The limited edition album will feature all of the Calling Your Name Album plus 4 bonus tracks.

One of the bonus tracks is a duet specially written and recorded for the project and features Lorraine Crosby (best known for being the lead voice on the Meatloaf hit – I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that)

Trevor said:

“I’ve always wanted to record with Lorraine as I believe she is one of the best vocalists this country has produced in recent years, I played some dates with her in Germany a few years ago and working with her again in the studio was just great – I’d like to think we may do some more in the future”.

Trevor has just been confirmed for the Maryport Blues Festival and will be playing a series of UK gigs throughout the summer.

Guy Davis Set to Appear on NPR's "Talk of the Nation" Show Tomorrow, April 19

BLUES SINGER-SONGWRITER GUY DAVIS TO

APPEAR ON NPR’S

“TALK OF THE NATION” SHOW, TOMORROW, APRIL 19

WASHINGTON, DC – Blues singer-songwriter Guy Davis, whose new “audio play” 2-CD set, The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed with the Blues, continues to generate critical acclaim and major radio airplay, will be a special LIVE guest tomorrow, April 19, on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation” program. Davis will perform two songs and will be interviewed by “Talk of the Nation” guest host and ABC-TV News reporter, John Donvan. “Talk of the Nation” is NPR’s live call-in talk show broadcast on over 330 member stations to over 3 million listeners each week Monday through Thursday from 2:00-4:00 PM Eastern Time. The Guy Davis live segment is scheduled for the 3:40-4:00 PM time slot. For more information on the show and to find out the time and station in your market, go to www.npr.org/talkofthenation. Davis, who’s been dubbed “The Ambassador of the Blues,” recently returned from performing a number of shows in Greenland and is set to tour extensively in Europe from late April through May.

Released on his own Smokeydoke Records label, The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed with the Blues, marks the debut on disc for the production Guy Davis has performed off and on since 1994, and he celebrated its release with a special run of performances of the one-man play in February at the famed Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The album features a number of Guy Davis original compositions, as well as songs by such blues icons as Robert Johnson, Reverend Gary Davis, Blind Willie McTell and Big Bill Broonzy. The album is a “road story” in the truest sense. Guy Davis performs the stories and songs in character as “Fishy Waters,” who traveled throughout the south meeting a host of vivid characters and creating a lasting impression that is at times humorous and playful, at others mysterious and sometimes intensely powerful.

“Story telling is the most ancient, most powerful magic of the universe,” says Guy Davis, son of acclaimed actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. “I grew up in a house full of story tellers. I met many more through the years but family members such as my grandpa Marshall (my mom’s dad) and my father were among the very best. My grandpa was famous for his rascally tales and jokes but every once in a while he’d tell about the time his mom killed and cooked his pet chicken and he didn’t realize it until after he had eaten it! My dad could tell a story over and over and make it fun every time. All these factors came together in my life and were helpful to me in writing The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed with the Blues.”

Born Electric - Davide Pannozzo & Loud Stuff - New Release Review

I came across Davide Pannozzo about 6 months or so ago when I was looking for talent and I was blown away. I have been awaiting this cd which he told me at the time he was working on and it's killer. Now it's not straight blues, but it has a lot of blues and Davide is a very accomplished guitar player. If you like guitars, you should love this recording. In any case, here's my review of Born Electric, the new release by Davide Pannozzo & Loud Stuff.Davide Pannozzo - Guitar & Vocal, Claudio Romano - Drums
Lello Somma - Bass with Special Guest: Robben Ford, David Garfield, Carl Verheyen and Pippo Guarnera. Who Cares is a light jazzy track with guest appearance by Guarnera. It takes a while to get to it, but Davide plays some extremely tasty riffs at the bridge. It appears that this song will be the airplay song. Stone Marten Blues, again with Guarnera guesting, is a driving blues with a modern flair. Davide shows his chops with an extended solid solo which has some pretty cool jazz and blues riffs throughout. A very strong track. Woman's Love, featuring David Garfield, is constructed like a soul ballad. Pannozzo again stretches his wings with a very tasty guitar solo. You won't find these riffs on most of your run of the mill blues albums...believe me. Walkin' In LA is a hot fusion instrumental. It has a very unusual rhythm pattern and one of my favorites on the cd. This tune gives the band a real opportunity to improvise and away they go. Think Robben Ford or Larry Carlton. You Never Know Me Well is an airplay oriented track featuring Robben Ford. As you might expect with two world class guitar players on one track there are some very tasty solo's on this track. Each has his own distinct sound and style and it's relatively easy to discern their exchange. Goin' On is a quiet ballad with slide accompaniment. The Wind Cries Mary featuring Garfield, is given a very interesting twist with vocal harmonies and and an active bass line. The guitar solo has a little more funky take on it that you have probably ever thought of on this track but it is very cool. Always been partial to this song and Pannozzo has done a great job. The instrumental portion of this song is really interesting featuring each of the accomplished band members. Once again Pannozzo demonstrates that he's no slouch on guitar. Turning Point, featuring Carl Verheyen, takes more of a jazz approach. Again an instrumental with very strong bass and rhythm line. The guitar work on this track is a bit more experimental in nature and is sure to quench your thirst for quick tasty jazz runs as well as obtuse wailing soloing. I really like this track. Light My Way, again featuring Guarnera, has the r&b structure and actually puts me in mind of Johnny Guitar Watson quite a bit. The recording finishes out with Mr. Becks Brush With The Blues. Pannozzo doesn't just mimic Jeff's every note but makes it his own. This is a great modern blues jam and one I'm certain anyone who likes transitional blues will love. Pannozzo shows what he's got and he had a lot of great riffs up his sleeve. For a major artist like Davide to take on a guitar titan's tune and make it his own takes a lot of guts and Pannozzo really shines. This cd is a great listen and I'm certain that you will find it refreshing.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Dick Clark has passed

Richard Wagstaff "Dick" Clark (November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012) was an American game-show host, radio and television personality, and businessman. He served as chairman and chief executive officer of Dick Clark Productions, which he sold part of in recent years. Clark was best known for hosting long-running television shows such as American Bandstand, five versions of the game show Pyramid, and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

Clark was long known for his departing catchphrase, "For now, Dick Clark...so long," delivered with a military salute, and for his youthful appearance, earning the moniker "America's Oldest Teenager."

Clark suffered a significant stroke in late 2004. With speech ability still impaired, Clark returned to his New Year's Rockin' Eve show on December 31, 2005/January 1, 2006. Subsequently, he appeared at the Emmy Awards on August 27, 2006, and every New Year's Rockin' Eve show through the 2011/2012 show
On April 18, 2012, Clark died after suffering a massive heart attack after undergoing a procedure. He was 82
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Wilko Johnson to release autobiography "Looking Back At Me"

Due for release on Wednesday 30th May 2012 - Looking Back At Me is the unique, vibrant and hotly anticipated autobiography of former Dr Feelgood guitarist, British R&B legend and proto-punk pioneer Wilko Johnson, written and collated with acclaimed music writer Zoë Howe.

Fascinating, funny, deeply personal and visually compelling, Looking Back At Me is a fascinating rock 'n' roll scrapbook and oral history, and genuine treasure trove, marking the first time Wilko has told his story, no holds barred.

Within these colourful pages, the Canvey Island raised guitarist shares his recollections on everything from his Essex childhood and his Indian odyssey as a hippy, to the wild, turbulent days of Dr Feelgood and Ian Dury and The Blockheads, to his current band featuring Norman Watt-Roy (bass) and Dylan Howe (drums).

Wilko also expands on his love for astronomy, art, literature, clouds, poetry, sci-fi, and Shakespeare; making him the ultimate Renaissance man of rock.

WILKO JOHNSON - EXCLUSIVE BOOK SIGNING at
Rough Trade East on Wednesdy 30th May 2012

Wilko will sign copies of his new autobiography "Looking Back at Me" at Rough Trade East at 6pm on Wednesday 30th May.

The signing will be followed by a Q&A and a half hour set with his band featuring Norman Watt-Roy (bass) & Dylan Howe (drums).

Rough Trade East, Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery,
91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL.
Tel: 020 7392 7790.

www.roughtrade.com

Amid the twists, turns and tangents, Looking Back At Me features many previously unseen images of Wilko from throughout his life, as well as an array of Wilko ephemera and anecdotes from notable Wilko fans including Robert Plant, Alison Moyet, JJ Burnel, Keith Levene, Gavin Martin and Whispering Bob Harris. The book also features a foreword by Mick Farren.

Zoë Howe is a music writer whose books include the acclaimed biography 'Typical Girls? The Story of The Slits' and 'How's Your Dad? Living In The Shadow of a Rock Star Parent', both published by Omnibus Press, and her writing has appeared in The Quietus, NME, BBC Music, Channel 4 Music, Contemporary Magazine, Company and others. In addition to writing she has made music radio series for Resonance FM and RTI, and has appeared as a talking head on Absolute Radio, BBC 6 Music, E4 and Planet Rock. Zoë is also a drummer and has worked with Viv Albertine (The Slits), Anne Pigalle, Mick Jones, and Steve Beresford.

Book Publisher: Number of Pages: Number of Photos: Publication Date: Retail Selling Price:

Cadiz Music Ltd 256 280 Wednesday 30th May 2012 £25.00