Guy Scores The Americana Fest

Guy Davis Scores Americana Fest Showcase The 2018 Grammy Nominated Artist To Make His Debut at the Fest ​

Northport NY - M.C. Records is proud to announce that our artist Guy Davis will be performing at the world famous Americana Fest in Nashville this September. The Fest takes place from September 11-16 at various venues throughout Nashville. Other great artists appearing include John Prime, Candi Staton, Shemeika Copeland, The Milk Carton Kids and so many more. You can view all the confirmed artists by clicking the photo. The invitation to Americana Fest is another milestone for the NYC Bluesman. Earlier this year, his recording with Fabrizio Poggi, "Sonny & Brownie's Last Train" was nominated for Grammy in the Traditional Blues category. It marked Guy's 1st Grammy nomination in his 30+ year career. In May, Guy was also nominated for two Blues Music Awards in Memphis.  Sonny & Brownie's Last Train is a love letter to the iconic blues duo. The deep, acoustic blues sessions took place in Milan Italy and were recorded live in the studio. The result captured the special musical connection that Guy and Fabrizio possess from the years of playing and recording together. You can listen and radio can download the recording via AirPlay Direct. Click the cover to enjoy! We've received many outstanding reviews for Sonny & Brownie's Last Train here's a sampling: This is a fond look back to the music of the Piedmont blues icons, harmonica ace Sonny Terry and acoustic guitarist Brownie McGhee.   Elmore Magazine    You'll be doing yourself a disservice by not immediately purchaing this first-rate record American Blues Scene   This is an excellent and historically significant collection of standard blues and traditional music. Black Grooves                                  The syndicated radio program Music City Roots recently broadcast a performance that Guy & Fabrizio recorded in late March. If you missed it, you can click the photo to check out the duo's version of "Walk On."                                              Guy has upcoming dates in Salt Lake City, a Tour of Italy and the Vancouver Folk Fest.  All of his dates can be found at http://guydavis.com/wp/tour/   ***

CECE TENEAL & SOUL KAMOTION - New CD #5or5000 out 6/22

ORLANDO SOUL & FUNK OUTFIT, CECE TENEAL &

 SOUL KAMOTION TO RELEASE #5or5000 ON JUNE 22ND


“CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion give southern soul charm!” Soul Tracks

“Sassy and brassy throughout, this is how deep soul sounds these days.”  Midwest Record

“CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion’s blues, soul, and gospel roots extend out into a lavish coppice of musical pageantry.”  American Blues Scene

CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion have been captivating audiences internationally with original, live music for over 16 years. Their blend of blues, soul and roots music uplifts and inspires audiences with messages of hope, love and the belief that anything possible.

The band’s new live album, “#5or5000”, is a captivating, energetic and entertaining blend of songs that’s funky and fun, addressing all stages of love and living. It’s enchanting yet powerful, encouraging us to move and groove on the dance floor and to embrace life.

The album’s first single & video, “What I’d Do To Get Your Love Back” was originally written by CeCe’s mom, international blues singer Yvonne Jackson, and when the band heard it, the words took on a whole new meaning. The song is an opportunity to reflect on what that moment would be like to get someone’s love back for just one day – a parent, sibling, friend or love interest. We’ve all been there.

The funkiest musicians to ever touch the stage, Soul Kamotion is the smooth and passionate, Chris Baptiste (Keys & MD); the creative and innovative Terrell Kimble (Bass), and the multi-talented Lavon Rushing (Guitar). They have as their song 90 Mph suggests, one gear – high energy. Lead singer, CeCe Teneal is an award-winning, undeniable talent who both critics and fans call “a musical force to be reckoned with.” To sum, “#5or5000” reflects CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion’s mission of giving the same show and a hundred percent of themselves, whether there are five or five thousand people in the audience. This band Is a well-primed musical force and prepared to spread their message on a global scale.

www.soulkamotion.com

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - Don't Let The Devil Ride! - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (releasing today), Don't Let The Devil Ride!, from Bob Corritore & Friends and it's super. Opening with Willie Buck's shuffle track, Went Home This Morning, Bob Corritore on harp joins up with Willie Buck on lead vocal, Mojo Mark on guitar, Troy Sandow on bass and Brian Fahey on drums for a solid opener. On Little Walter's Tell Me Mama, Oscar Wilson is on lead vocal and Corritore lays out a real nice harp solo with Priimetime Smith on guitar, Henry Grey on piano and Johnny Rapp on guitar. Alabama Mike has the lead on Laundromat Blues and with really expressive lower octave work from Corritore, particularly nice soloing from Atkinson on guitar and strong piano work from Welch making this one of my favorites on the release. Corritore original, Fork In The Road, features Oscar Wilson on vocal, with Henry Grey on piano and Johnny Rapp on guitar with Corritore in in mostly a strong supportive role choosing cool riffs over long solos...his general trademark. Bob Welch's rockabilly guitar riffs on Lovey Dovey Lovey One set the stage and Corritore sails on harp. Another terrific track. Particularly strong vocals by Alabama Mike set title track, Don't let the Devil Ride! with complimentary guitar work by Danny Michel. Willie Mae features the vocal and guitar work of Bill "Howl-N-Madd" Perry and with it's Latin rhythm, it simmers. George Bowman has the lead on I Was A Fool with Chris James adding tasty texture on guitar. Wrapping the release is Thundering and Raining featuring Tail Dragger on lead vocal, Grey on piano and Bob Stroger on bass. Rockin' Johnny Burgin and Corritore balance guitar and harp nicely for a solid ending to a real cool release.

  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”

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Bizarre Records artist: Screamin' Jay Hawkins - Are You One Of Jay's Kids? - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' work, Are You One Of Jay's Kids, and it's creative, strange and cool. Screamin' Jay was a showman, being carried on stage in a coffin and emerging with a bone in his nose, but he was serious about his music. I first became aware of Hawkins' work through CCR and then later Leslie West but this guy way really hanging it all out there. Disc one opens with Louis Jordan's Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby, with his dramatic vocals but not at all lacking with production quality or musical integrity with tight backing vocals and clever guitar soloing. Jump track, I Feel Alright is played pretty straight with aggressive drums and classic 50's vocal backing and cool guitar work and a hot sax solo. His ultimate money track, I Put A Spell On You, gets an odd dance mix with Matt Guitar Murphy style guitar rhythm and rapping backing. BB King's track, I Hear You Knocking, made famous by Dave Edmunds has a solid bass line reinforcing it's boogie style but with Jay's vocals and female vocals, this track is a cool rocker. Quirky tracks like Ignant and Shit and jungle beat driven Swamp Gas, Voodoo Priestess with it's sultry sax work and Strokin' with it's wild lyrics keep you thinking. Bluesiest track on disc one is Another Pain with outright blues guitar. Strong. Willie Mabon's I Don't Know has a powerful swing and Jay is riding high cool vocal backing and tight rhythm. On Ray Charles' I Believe, Jay digs in and belts out the blues.

A strong rhythm, hot guitar riffs and super sax drive opening track on disc 2, Call The Plumber. Slow blues track, Sherilyn Fenn, is so out there with Jay fanaticizing verbally about Fenn. I know that it's hard to believe, but Jay does an even more blatant fantasy song about Amy Fisher.... yup! When You Walked Out the Door follows the Muddy Waters, Chicago format with another honest to goodness blues track. Laced with cool guitar work and harp, very cool. Fourteen Wives rings a little strong with the rumor that Jay had between 57 and 75 children (hence the name of the cd) and solid horn work is smooth as silk. Make You Mine is a cool shuffle with harp, a vocal duet and slide guitar. Possibly Jay's best attempt to be weird which actually sounds normal. Oh yeah, he gets back to standard on Shut Your Mouth, a quirky track that is all Jay. Wrapping the release is Clam Bake, a rock 'n roller with a great beat. With super piano and guitar, Jay just leads the way having a blast. This is definitely jay at his wildest. Check it out.

  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”

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Panache Records artist: Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds - You should have been there! - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You should have been there! from Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds and it's a super exhibition of Savoy Brown live and on top of it's game, recorded live at the Yale in Vancouver on 2.23.03. Opening with When It Rains from their 2003 release, Strange Dreams, Kim is handling stinging lead guitar and vocal, backed by David Malachowski on guitar, Gerry Sorrentino on bass and Dennis Cotton on drums. I have seen this unit and it is tight. On slow blues, Where Has Your Heart Gone?, also from Strange Dreams, Simmonds gets into such a nice guitar groove that this 11 plus minute track seems to be over in short minutes. Simmonds' phrasing is excellent as always and his ingenuity on this night was spot on. On classic, Poor Girl, from on of my all time favorite SB releases, Looking In, Simmonds literally blows the doors off. You like contemporary blues rock. This is it! Excellent! On Jimmie Rodgers' Blues Like Midnight, Simmonds takes it way down with only a sliver of a back up, playing Delta style and singing the blues. Winding up for the grand finale, Street Corner Talking from the album of the same name, followed by Hellbound Train, also from an album of the same name, are two of Savoy Browns bet known tracks and and one hell of one listening experience to spend about 25 minutes. Now I have to say, 25 minutes seems like a long time, but I listened to this release at least 5 times today and it's going into my car. it's the best of Savoy Brown live today and I highly recommend it!

  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”

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Spencer MacKenzie - Cold November - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cold November, from Spencer MacKenzie and it's solid. Opening with light funk rocker, Fine Place To Start, Mackenzie shows real promise on lead vocal and guitar. Joined by Miles Evans on piano, Al Duffy on bass, Sean O'Grady on drums, Brant Parker on lead guitar, Dave Dunlop on trumpet, Peter Hysen on trombone, Jay Davidson on sax this is a polished opener. On Move On Down The Track, MacKenzie blends in a bit of country drive and Parker on slide enriches the sound even further. The title track, Cold November is a bluesy ballad with soulful vocals, a nice melody and strong guitar riffs. Very nice. One of my release favorites is Voices Echoing with a funky jazz feel and boppy keyboard by Evans reminiscent of Brian Auger. Haunt Me is a cool shuffle track with real radio appeal. Backing vocals by Rochelle Harrison and Camille Harrison add yet another dimension to this smooth jazzy approach with light and breezy solos by Mackenzie and Evans. Another of my favorites on the release is Robert Cray's, You Move Me with a great bass rumble by Duffy. Traces of Albert King are in MacKenzie's guitar riffs and Evans' piano work weaves in just right. Wrapping the release is Gary Clark Jr.'s Next Door Neighbor Blues with understated slide work throughout and resonator (sound) solo riding high on top of what is really a stripped down rocker. very nice closer to a solid release.

  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”

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Silvertone/RCA Records artist: Buddy Guy - The Blues Is Alive And Well - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Blues Is Alive and Well, from Buddy Guy and it's strong. Opening with A Few Good Years, Buddy Guy pleads in song for continued good years to remain but his vocals are smooth and his guitar as vibrant as ever. Joined by Tom Hambridge on drums, Rob McNelley on guitar, Kevin McKendree on B3 and Willie Weeks on bass, this hits home. Shuffle track, Guilty As Charged shows a strong romp attitude and you can see that gold tooth glistening as Buddy shouts out guilty and fans his guitar wildly in one of his frantic guitar explosions. Very nice. Cognac, is a real nice 12 bar number featuring not one but two legendary guest guitar players, Keith Richards and Jeff Beck who along with Guy give this track real teeth. Richards' riffs are always standout and Beck's style is remarkable and an absolute signature. Excellent! Title track, The Blues Is Alive And Well is a great R&B fused track with Weeks' instinctual bass work leading the way. Guys' vocals are rich and pure and the backing by the Muscle Shoals Horns (Charles Rose on trombone, Steve Herrman on trumpet, Doug Moffet on tenor sax and Jim Hoke on bari sax really add depth to Guys personal guitar style. Very solid. Soul ballad, Blue No More features James Bay and Guy trading vocal and guitar lead. Smooth as silk and blue as can be, this track is a great radio track. Digging in the funk, Whiskey For Sale shows a side you don't often see but a great side it is. With McNelley on slide, Guy tearing up the lead and the McCrary Sisters on backing vocals this track may be one of my favorites on the release. Slow blues, You Did The Crime is classic Buddy Guy with terrific vocals and guitar, fat slide from McNelley and Mick Jagger on harp. With that rumbling bass line that I like to think as classic Buddy, Old Fashioned, is a great track with Guy conjuring up the notorious Buddy Guy guitar tone and riffs. The Muscle Shoals horns really pump up the volume and McKendree's B3 fills out the sound. Excellent! When My Day Comes is still another great track with Buddy on full throttle with expressive vocals and lead vocal and tight pointed drumming by Hambridge. Sonny Boy Williamson's Nine Below Zero sits solid in the Chicago sound with classic lines and riffs. Guy grew up in this stuff and knows just how to dress it right. His soloing is fresh, expressive and meaningful. Excellent! Boogie track, Ooh Daddy is a hard driver with Weeks leading the way and Buddy shows nothing but vitality with youthful yelps and pounding riffs. Super. Wrapping the release is End Of The Line and Milking Muther For Ya. Guy does it big time smooth band with horns honking and great guitar tone. Continuing his theme of nearing the end of his time, Guy shows no signs here to slowing or losing his fine talents as some of his predecessors have done. He ties into this last track his little ditty that he often sings in concert about the girl who tries to milk the bull. I've seen Buddy many times and he's always a great performer. My hopes are that he still has many more years to come. Excellent release!

  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”

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Dirty Cat Records artists: The Lucky Losers - Blind Spot - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blind Spot, from The Lucky Losers and it may be their best one yet. Opening with It's Never Too Early, a melodic two stepper featuring nicely blended vocals by Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz, backed by Ian Lamson on guitars, Chris Burns on keys, Endre Tarczy on bass and Robi Bean on drums. Take The Long Road is a real cool track with an Al Green strut. Lemons' vocals are spot on, with Laura Chavez on lead guitar and Berkowitz harp contributions are notable. Alligator Baptism is a cool blues rocker with a pinch of Latin spice courtesy of D'mar on percussion and the addition of Kid Andersen on lead guitar, Jack Sanford on bari sax and Nancy Wright on sax. Another strong track, The River, this time country soul really nicely showcases Lemons' voice which sounds a lot like Susan Tedeschi. Lamson's slide work and harp work by Berkowitz add nicely to this really solid entry. With a cyclical bass line by Tarcy, Supernatural Blues has a great feel, with Lemons and Berkowitz laying down a solid duet and crisp guitar riffs by Lamson. Funky, Don't Take Too Much,lays heavy on a great bass line by Tarczy and D'Mar on drums. Nicely phrased vocals by Lemons and Berkowitz, funky organ work by Burns, and a particularly nice harp lead by Berkowitz makes it hard to sit still. Very nice. Channeling an Al Green vibe, Love Is Blind really sits nicely in the groove. Lemons has the lead on vocal and with nicely finessed harp work from Berkowitz, a cool neck pickup guitar solo with tight articulation by Kid Andersen and Beans solid drumming, this track is smooth. Wrapping the release is You Left It Behind, a light, piano framed shuffle with playful vocal exchanges by Lemons and Berkowitz. Tarczy and Bean set a compact bottom and Lamson's guitar runs are super. Very cool closer for a real nice release.


  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”

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Artur Menezes - Keep Pushing - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keep Pushing, from Artur Menezes and it's quite good. Opening with radio track, Now's The Time, Artur Menezes delivers a smooth R&B track with warm horn saturation, highlighted by melodic BB King like guitar riffs. Nice opener. Title track, Keep Pushing, has a real nice feel with fluid guitar runs by Menezes, a solid bottom by Daniel Aged on bass, Gary Novak on drums, Carey Frank on keys and solid horn work by Jamelle Adisa on trumpet and Dan Bosley on sax. Come With Me is a lumbering blues rocker that really gives Menezes a great floor for his vocals and with a thick underbelly, his vibrant guitar riffs are smoking hot. Excellent track. Slow blues number, Any Day, Anytime has strong blues bones along the lines of a Freddie King number. Menezes keeps coming on stronger and stronger with his soulful vocals and crisp guitar work. his phrasing is intuitive and inspired. Excellent! Funky, Should Have Never Left has a strong balance of bass, drums and horns, underlaid by organ by Frank and Menezes' guitar playing is nothing short of super. Jump blues number, Love 'n' Roll gives Menezes a great opportunity to show his best "Gatemouth" Brown styling and again, he is tops. With trumpet punctuation by Adisa, this track rocks. Shuffle track, Give My Money Back has great pace and flow. Menezes gets in a really nice groove on this one and just rides. Very nice. Slowing way down for a soulful jazz ballad, Can't Get You Out Of My Mind, Menezes conjures up the sound of 50's jazz club with smooth vocals, muted trumpet of Adisa and his own lush guitar chords, breaking into George Benson like runs. Very nice. Wrapping the release is 'Til The Day I Die, shifting gears one more time to a contemporary rocker. Moving midsong to a heavy bottomed rocker, reinforced by Aged and Novak, Menezes shows that he understands how far blues roots extends and really kicks it with flashy heavy riffs. Excellent closer!

  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”

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Jeff Jensen - Wisdom & Decay - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wisdom & Decay, from Jeff Jensen and it's flavorful. Opening with Little Milton's I'm Living Off The Love You Give, you get a strong sense of soul from Jensen's hometown of Memphis. With Jensen on guitar and vocal, this band is packed with sound featuring Bill Ruffino on bass, David Green on drums, Chris Stephenson on organ, and a powerful dose of horns from Kirk Smothers on sax and Marc Franklin on trumpet. 2000 Days has a sensitive Latin rhythm and James Cunningham on percussion. A nicely phrased guitar solo by Jensen gives this track a nice boost.  With a formula that made the Doobies popular, Jensen hits that smooth rhythmic groove, pumped up by horns, clean melodic guitar riffs and backed by Reba Russell on vocal. With a slinky Latin feel, Downtown, has a firm bass edge by Ruffino, muted trumpet and simmering guitar lead giving the track a fiery feel.  Bob Dylan's Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You takes a solid clue from early Jeff Beck material with Bobby Tench but with a strong remake, this track is really strong. Rich backing vocals and some of the best vocals I've heard from Jensen make this one of my favorite tracks on the release. His guitar soloing is inspired and the horn work soulful. Very nice. Wrapping the release is The Water Jam/Something In The Water Revised which takes a basic melody and with tight percussion, rich organ and vibrant Spanish flavored electric guitar and punches it up with horns. This is adventuresome and a solid track to wrap a cool release.

  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”

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Grand Marquis Records artist: Grand Marquis - Brighter Days - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brighter Days, from Grand Marquis and it's a blues/jazz fusion party. Opening with Another Lover, lead vocalist Bryan Redmond has a R&B/world sound with a delivery like Van Morrison. With Chad Boydston on trumpet, Redmond on sax, Trevor Turla on trombone, Ryan Wurtz on guitar, ben Ruth on bass and Fritz Hutchison on drums, these guy have the sound like BST and ska. With a Latin rhythm, I'm On Fire, the band fuses that horn fusion sound with the hot sax work of Jr Walker. Very nice. New Orleans flavored, Night Shift has silky vocals and I love the sousaphone work of Ruth, highlighted by Boydston on trumpet, Redmond on sax and really cool trombone solo by Turla. It Don't Matter is a real nice, horn laden, blues track that highlights the nicely blended horn voices of the band. Excellent. Jimmy Cliff's Many Rivers To Cross is transformed into a soulful, gospel like track with rich horn backing and clean guitar lead. very nice job. Wrapping the release is traditional, Down By The Riverside with full second line treatment. Ruth's lead on sousaphone and the light march snare drumming of Hutchison, kicked by bright trumpet work by Boydston, and solid trombone solo by Turla, swinging sax solos by Redmond and the full interwoven treatment with the band together makes for a terrific closer.

  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”

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James House And The Blues Cowboys - New Album Out On August 3

JAMES HOUSE

AND

THE BLUES COWBOYS

NEW ALBUM OUT AUGUST 3

“There is a vulnerable truth in James House’s songwriting that is very humbling for any writer to experience and that voice!!! That voice is pure emotion heartbreaking and soul lifting at the same time. I love you, James. Congrats on another great one!” – Beth Hart

The beautiful mind of House writes words and lines that will turn you inside out:

“Once there was this spider in my bed, I got caught up in her web, of love and lies” 

Nashville-based singer-songwriter James House set to release an album of Blues, Americana, and rock to his fans that have been begging him to do for a long time. His love of the Blues has always been an undercurrent tone to his tunes. The self-titled album will come out on August 3 to worldwide audiences, and this time, James is singing from his gut.

“Mama killed Daddy in self-defense

Never was one to sit on the fence” – “Jail House Blues”

Created by James in his studio, Cabin In The Woods located in a rural area of Nashville, he called on some hot shot musicians with great pedigrees to help: Todd Sharp (Rod Stewart, Hall & Oates), Mike Bradford (Uncle Kracker), Will Kimbrough and Kenny Greenberg (an A-list Nashville studio guitarist). He tapped into his vault of songs that fit the sound of the ever-evolving songwriter and pushed the record button, letting the magic happen organically.

Songs from this album are swinging, haunting and sometimes hopeful with House pulling out all the stops by using his creative influences like John Lee Hooker, William Faulkner and the wild violin strings of Eamon McGlouglin (The Greencards, John Paul White, and Ashley Monroe) to provide some fire. You can hear how his craft intersects with his art with songs like, “Long Way Down” that recall John Lee Hooker and “Well Ran Dry” - that asks the question, what if William Faulkner wrote a blues song?

Well, he’d write something like this:

I’m an empty soul

At the holy water bowl

Waiting on the rising tide – “Well Ran Dry”

House, a sought-after collaborator with Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart, Martina McBride and Dwight Yoakum has found himself in some of the best musical circles one could be in. James has a way with the art of story-telling while delivering it with a good cry, moan and groan.

Hounds of hell are barking

right outside my door

and every time I feed em

they come back for more – “Long Way Down”

House has recently been behind the scenes shaping the sound of modern Blues music with his sophisticated songwriting. As a singer, House’s voice has that rough soul ache that is his secret weapon as a writer and performer. As a guitar player, he lets his Fender do the talking as the riffs fly off his fingers providing a backdrop to his melodies.

His songs have been nominated for Grammys, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and climbed their way to the top of the charts. Some songs have been game-changers for young 6-string slingers such as British Blues artist Joanne Shaw Taylor to the more developed voices of Beth Hart and Martina McBride. One can’t go wrong with a House song.

James might not be a household name, but his songs are. Throughout his years with his performance rights organization group, BMI, he has reached a 7 million and counting radio airplay spins to date for three of his songs:  “A Broken Wing” and “Ain't That Lonely Yet” are at 3 million radio airplay awards each and  “In A Week, Or Two”  is at 2 Million.  James has set his sights on changing the Blues music world, and he does it with style. House co/wrote eight songs on with Joe on (Bonamassa’s  Different Shades Of Blue  (reached: #8 Billboard Album Chart #1 Blues and Rock) and seven songs on Blues Of Desperation  (reached: #5  Billboard Album Chart  #1 Blues/Rock ).

Blues guitar hotshot Joe Bonamassa says this about his partner in crime: 

 “James House is one of the premier songwriting and musical talents in the world today. His ability to flourish in so many different genres is a testament to his lifelong dedication to his songwriting craft.  Plus, he is one helluva singer.  On a personal note, many of my career-defining songs have been written with James.  He is very good at taking my wacky ideas and turning them into real songs. “

-Joe Bonamassa

A native of Northern California and now a long-time resident of Nashville, James was raised on music from his families’ ranch in Oregon and the Sacramento Delta where he and friends would often head to Fillmore West in San Francisco to hear blues greats like Paul Butterfield and BB King. The talented songwriter moved to Los Angeles after high school graduation where he honed his craft working on film soundtracks, various studio sessions and playing around town where he ended up signing with first Warner/Curb and later Atlantic Records where he recorded with Steely Dan producer Gary Katz.

His live shows are filled with passion and grit, and for this album, he has handpicked some new talent. His touring line up will include two unique musicians from Lafayette, LA that he met during a songwriter’s event named, Smoov Ras and Roddie Romero:

"Roddie Romero is a Lafayette, LA guitar playing, singing legend and Smoove Ras is a drummer/ percussionist/ vocalist who people are just now discovering and also from Lafayette. They both have that innate sense of music and both are committed to their craft.  From the moment we got together to write and jam the harmonies were spot on, and it was like we'd been playing together for years.  They are The Blues Cowboys." – James House

James’ approach to songwriter has always stood alone as he chooses his words, notes, and chords carefully to construct a song and have it stand the test of time. From Music Row to Santa Monica Blvd and now eyeing Beale Street, James House has always had the Blues one way or another.

OFEH Records artist: Blind Lemon Pledge - Evangeline - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Evangeline, from Blind Lemon Pledge and it's an interesting slice of contemporary blues. Opening with, Buley's Farm, a modern interpretation of an original chain gang work song, BLP recaptures the spirit of the old Lomax recordings. Very cool. One of the most curious, and possibly my favorite track on the release is Brimstone Joe with it's 30's cadence and clever lyrics. Swing track, Jump The Willie has a light, bright feel, jazzy guitar accompaniment and light brushes and piano for kicks. Slick. Language Of Love has a cool, Latin rhythm and percussion and with BLP's vocals almost sounds like The Kinks "Apeman". Very interesting. Wrapping the release is title track, Evangeline, with cool slide and resonator tones over a bluesy ballad. A solid closer for a cool release. 

  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”

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IDLA/Linus Entertainment artist: Michael Kaeshammer - Something New - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Something New, from Michael Kaeshammer, and recorded at historic Esplanade Studios in the heart of New Orleans' Treme district, it has a definite NO flair. Opening with Scenic Route, Kaeshammer blends a rockin pop melody with great New Orleans style and hot piano riffs for a super opener with twists and turns. Backed by George Porter Jr. on bass, and the hard work of Johnny Vidacovich on drums, this track is a super opener. Pushing the horn section (William Sperandei on trumpet, Chris Gale on sax, William Carn on trombone) forward on Do You Believe, featuring Curtis Salgado on vocal and Matt Perrine really belting out the sousaphone lines with authority over a really snappy drum rhythm. Very cool. I particularly like the vocal and piano exchange on She's Gone over Vidacovish's spot on drum work and guest Whurlitzer work by Chuck Leavell. A soulful track with great drums... very nice. Who Are You is another solid entry with a great mix of R&B and New Orleans jazz. Randy Bachman and Colin James guest with guitar on this track and his playing works nicely with Kaeshammer's mix of R&B, and jazz piano work. Very nice. Cyril Neville has the lead vocals on soulful ballad, Heaven and Earth and some of the richest vocals on the release, backed by sparkling piano by Kaeshammer. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Weimar, a solid instrumental piano ballad with flavors of multiple influences. Kaeshammer's key work is flawless and clean presenting a nice closer for a cool release. 

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16th Annual Blues From The Top Festival, Star-Studded Lineup

16TH ANNUAL BLUES FROM THE TOP FESTIVAL FEATURES STAR-STUDDED LINEUP, 2 DAYS OF BLUES BLISS IN WINTER PARK, COLORADO  Saturday, June 23 & Sunday, June 24 - Music Starts 11am Both Days 2018 Blues Music Awards Winners Southern Avenue (and) Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, North Mississippi All-Stars, Nick Moss Band w/ Dennis Gruenling, Vintage Trouble, Plus More

(WINTER PARK, CO) - If it’s Summertime in Colorado, that can only mean one thing for blues lovers in the know: The 16th Annual Blues from The Top Festival is right around the corner!    Taking place Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, Blues From The Top is jam-packed with great artists both days: Saturday, June 23 includes performances by, among others, guitar ace Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band; harp great (and 2018 Blues Music Awards "Traditional Blues Male Artist" and "Blues Song" winner), Rick Estrin And The Nightcats; 2018 BMA "Best Emerging Artist Album" winner, Memphis soul/blues band, Southern Avenue. On June 24, the North Mississippi All-Stars; popular L.A.-based guitar-powered R&B band, Vintage Trouble; and Nick Moss Band with harp virtuoso, Dennis Grueling. Hideaway Park, 78820 US Highway 40. Gates open 10am; music from 11am to 6pm (Saturday) and 11:00am to 6pm (Sunday). Currently, General Admission tickets are $35. (one day), $60. (2 days). V.I.P. Experience: $100.00 per day per person, $185. for two days. V.I.P. Seating features Stage Right starting at the Front Row; Daily Buffet; Private Bar with two Complimentary Drinks each day; free water and soft drinks; Shade Tents with tables and chairs; and Private Restrooms. Kids 12 and under, free (when accompanied by an adult). Tickets/info: www.BluesfromtheTop.org. Presented with pride by the Grand County Blues Society.   Expect some diversity of sounds at this year's Blues From The Top. "Until recently, Blues From The Top primarily has been straight-up blues music," explains Maria Chavez, President of the Blues from The Top Festival, in a recent Blues-E-News interview. "However, we realized that if we want the festival to grow and diversify and to also reach a younger audience, we needed to add more blues “roots” music into the mix – indie blues, blues rock, rock and soul. This includes bands such as Honey Island Swamp Band, North Mississippi All-Stars and Vintage Trouble that help break down what “blues” music is. Blues is the seed, creating roots and watching other musical forms grow from these musical blues roots, " adds Chavez. "We also are very prideful of our program Blue Star Connection which provides musical instruments for children with life threatening illness in over 57 hospitals nationally."                                        www.bluesfromthetop.org facebook.com/bluesfromthetop #BFTT #ElevateYourBlues There's no hotter band on the Festival circuit at the moment than Southern Avenue, who took home "Best Emerging Artist Album" at the 2018 BMA in Memphis earlier this month. They play Blues From the Top Saturday, June 23. L.A.-based musical powerhouse Vintage Trouble channel the vitality of their live show into a fresh and urgent take on guitar-powered rhythm & blues. They stage the stage Sunday, June 24 at Blues From The Top 16. 2018 Blues Music Awards "Traditional Blues Male Artist" and "Blues Song" winner), harp great Rick Estrin And The Nightcats, play BFTT on June 23.