Real Gone June 30-July 10 Releases Include Ronny and the Daytonas, New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Viscounts and More

REAL GONE REVS UP FOR SUMMER WITH RONNY AND THE DAYTONAS

2-CD Set Featuring Their Complete Recordings Highlights June 30/July 10 Slate That Also Includes Limited-Edition Releases from the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Viscounts and Banana and the Bunch, a Deluxe Fanny Reissue and a Timely Grateful Dead Release

     

Nothing says Summer like surf and hot rod music, and on June 30 Real Gone Music is paying tribute to one of the greatest bands ever to come down the (turn)pike, Ronny and the Daytonas, with a 2-CD, 48-track set featuring four unreleased tracks and notes from “Ronny” himself! Being from Nashville, Ronny and the Daytonas tossed a little country twang into their surfin’ sound; our next artist, the New Riders of the Purple Sage, also turned country on its head by injecting an unapologetic hippie ethos into their country-rock sound. On July 10, we are reissuing their classic The Adventures of Panama Red album on limited edition (of 1000) purple vinyl with the fantastic gatefold album artwork intact.

Real Gone Music is also preparing a couple of other long-lost, limited-edition releases on CD, both in mini LP sleeves that exactly replicate the original album artwork. The first, The Viscounts’ Harlem Nocturne, features the definitive hit version of the oft-covered title track along with 11 other tracks of noir-inflected R&B and jazz. The second, Banana and the Bunch’s Mid-Mountain Ranch, is essentially a Youngbloods album without Jesse Colin Young, and is an early alt-country classic.

Finally, Real Gone returns to two artists whose catalogs the label has repeatedly mined with great results. The label is reissuing the Fanny Hill album from the groundbreaking female rockers Fanny in an expanded edition offering six bonus tracks and notes from three of the four band members. And, on June 30, right smack dab in between the band’s reunion shows in Santa Clara and Chicago, the label is releasing another essential live Grateful Dead show from the hallowed Dick’s Picks series of archival concerts.

Ready for a little more octane into your car stereo? Here come 48 tracks from Nashville’s greatest contribution to surf and hot rod music, Ronny and the Daytonas! “Ronny” was singer-songwriter-guitarist John “Bucky” Wilkin, who wrote their first hit, “G.T.O.,” while attending physics class as a senior in high school; his mom, country songwriter Marijohn Wilkin, then landed him a session with producer and former Sun session saxophonist Bill Justis that yielded the #4 chart smash. Justis became the group’s producer for their recordings on the Amy label imprint Mala, which featured Wilkin and a rotating cast of characters, the most prominent of which was frequent co-writer Buzz Cason. Though Ronny and the Daytonas never notched another hit as big as “G.T.O.,” their infusion of country twang put a unique spin on mid-‘60s surf ‘n’ drag music, and their use of strings and willingness to cut ballads alongside the requisite uptempo fare showed that Wilkin refused to be pigeonholed. His move towards a more personal style accelerated with the band’s move to the RCA label, where Wilkin assumed producer duties, culminating in the 1966 solo “Delta Day”/”I Wanna Be Free” single (included here as bonus tracks), which reflected Wilkin’s eagerness to embrace the folk-rock sounds that were in the air at the time. Now, Real Gone Music has assembled a 2-CD set that includes every single A and B-side (many of which have never appeared on CD) and unique album track recorded by Ronny and the Daytonas—just like the title says, The Complete Recordings! But even that title doesn’t really do the set justice; in addition to all the group sides we’ve included Bucky’s solo sides, two tracks (“Tiger-A-Go-Go” and “Bay City”) recorded under the moniker Buzz & Bucky, and four UNRELEASED tracks, all but two taken from the original mono tapes and remastered by Vic Anesini at Sony’s own Battery Studios. Notes authored by Bucky himself plus previously unseen photos drawn from his private collection round out the set. The ultimate look at one of the all-time great surf combos.

If there was ever any doubt that the New Riders of the Purple Sage were the ultimate hippie country rock band—and having had Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead as early members meant that there wasn’t much—The Adventures of Panama Red put them to rest. This 1973 album’s loosely connected tall tales of drug culture, complete with the album’s underground comic book graphics, ensured that this gatefold record was a long-time dorm room favorite for separating out those stems and seeds. But Panama Red (their only gold record) had a lot more going for it than just countercultural kicks—the band, by now consisting of John Dawson, David Nelson, Dave Torbert, pedal steel ace Buddy Cage and Jefferson Airplane drummer Spencer Dryden—was much tighter than any outfit this stoned had a right to be, and with songwriting contributions from Peter Rowan (the hit “Panama Red” and “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy”) and Robert Hunter (“Kick in the Head”) as well as from the band’s own fine tunesmiths in Dawson and Torbert, the songs were of a uniformly high quality.  Production by multi-instrumentalist Norbert Putnam, charts by the Memphis Horns and vocal contributions by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Donna Godchaux helped enshrine this record as one of the finest country-rock outings of the ‘70s. Now, Real Gone Music is reissuing this classic album for the first time on vinyl, remastered by Vic Anesini at Battery Studios in NYC and lacquer cut by Kevin Gray, with a limited edition pressing of 1000 in—what else?—purple vinyl, with the original gatefold album and inner sleeve graphics (with lyrics) intact. Time to add to your stash of essential ‘70s vinyl.

A lot of folks covered Earle Hagen and Dick Rogers’ classic composition “Harlem Nocturne”—there are over 500 recorded versions by some estimates—but the definitive take was laid down by a little-known R&B combo out of New Jersey named The Viscounts, who had a hit with the song for two different labels, for Madison in 1959 and for Amy in 1965. The latter release, which cracked the Top 40, spawned an entire album—also named Harlem Nocturne—to go with it, and if you are looking for the perfect soundtrack to set a bleary, late-night mood straight out of a Raymond Chandler novel (or a film by David Lynch or Quentin Tarantino—you can bet both of those guys have listened to this record), look no further—guitar dripping with reverb and tremolo, minor-key Hammond organ fills and sleazy saxophone create a mutant musical love-child of the Ventures, Link Wray and Earl Bostic. The original Amy album makes its worldwide CD debut on this Real Gone Music release, and we’re putting it out exactly as it was originally issued, in a limited-edition mini LP sleeve that re-creates the original album art to the T. Remastered from the original mono tapes at Sony’s own Battery Studios and LIMITED TO 1200 COPIES.

Recorded right after the Youngbloods broke up, and released on their own Raccoon label, 1972’s Mid-Mountain Ranch was the sole solo album from the band’s multi-instrumentalist Banana a.k.a. Lowell Levinger. Except that it wasn’t really a solo album, because the Bunch included Joe Bauer and Michael Kane from Banana’s former outfit! So, Mid-Mountain Ranch really was a Youngbloods album sans Jesse Colin Young; and the absence of their former front man allows Banana and the Bunch to stretch out with some bluegrass and jazz licks alongside their patented folk rock sound. It’s something of an early alt-country cult classic, reissued here on CD for the first time ever in a limited-edition mini LP sleeve that re-creates the original packaging right down to the label on the CD. LIMITED EDITION OF 1000.

Fanny had already stepped into some big shoes by being the first all-female rock band signed to a major label, but with the release of 1972’s Fanny Hill, they took things to a new level, recording at Abbey Road with producer Richard Perry and famed Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick (the album includes a Beatles homage with a cover of “Hey Bulldog”). And the result was Fanny’s most varied and ambitious album, sporting a beautiful mix of ballads and rockers and a mature, socially conscious lyrical approach. Not coincidentally, it’s long been the most-requested reissue in the Fanny catalog, and we’re adding six bonus tracks to the original release along with new liner notes from the band and rare photos. Another essential, expanded Fanny album from Real Gone Music.

Taken, like Dick’s Picks Vol. 10, from one of the Grateful Dead’s annual year-end runs of Bay Area concerts, Dick’s Picks Vol. 5—Oakland Auditorium Arena 12/26/79 marked five straight volumes of ‘70s shows selected by archivist Dick Latvala to start the series, and as it was from one of the very last days of the decade, it was the perfect way for Dick to complete his own mini “tour” of the ‘70s (Vol. 6 would break the string by forging ahead to the ‘80s). But Vol. 5 has a lot more going for it than just a convenient spot on the calendar; this is one of the rawest and most energetic Picks, a complete show anchored by a second set that is in essence one big medley that begins with “Uncle John’s Band” and ends with it two hours later, with a supercharged “The Other One” and the first appearance of “Brokedown Palace” in two years among many high points in between. Set one is no slouch, either, with a great, Garcia-led rendition of “Alabama Getaway” four months before it appeared on record and a passionate vocal by Bob Weir on “Looks Like Rain” leading to a spirited, set-closing “The Promised Land.” And throughout it all you’ll hear Brent Mydland serving notice in one of his first shows with the band that he is fully up to the task of replacing Keith Godchaux. Out of print for years, and a perfectly timed release for the Dead reunion shows (the label is also pressing up a 300-unit limited-edition run of Dick’s Picks Vol. 29, the only 6-CD set in the series, consisting of two monster May 1977 shows with stellar bonus material).

JUNE 30 RELEASES FROM REAL GONE MUSIC

Ronny and the Daytonas: The Complete Recordings (2-CD Set)

The Viscounts: Harlem Nocturne (Limited Mini LP Sleeve Edition)

Banana and the Bunch: Mid-Mountain Ranch (Limited Mini LP Sleeve Edition)

Fanny: Fanny Hill (Expanded Edition)

Grateful Dead: Dick’s Picks Vol. 5—Oakland Auditorium Arena 12/26/79

Limited Edition 300-Unit Repress

Grateful Dead: Dick’s Picks Vol. 29--5/19/77 Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA 5/21/77 Lakeland Civic Center Arena Lakeland, FL (6-CD Set)

JULY 10 RELEASES FROM REAL GONE MUSIC

New Riders of the Purple Sage: The Adventures of Panama Red (Limited Edition Purple Vinyl Release)

About Real Gone Music

Real Gone Music, formed and helmed by industry vets Gordon Anderson and Gabby Castellana, is an eclectic and prolific catalog and reissue label with distribution through Sony via Razor & Tie. Anderson and Castellana each started businesses in 1993 — Collectors’ Choice Music and Hep Cat Records & Distribution, respectively — that became two of the most important outlets for buyers and sellers of vintage music recordings. They joined forces in 2011 to launch Real Gone Music, which serves both the collector community and the casual music fan with a robust release schedule combining big-name artists with esoteric cult favorites. Real Gone Music is dedicated to combing the vaults for sounds that aren’t just gone — they’re REAL gone.

On The Fly Music artist: Lee Palmer - Like Elway - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (May 12, 2015), Like Elway, from Lee Palmer and there's a lot of airplay coming. Opening with Rockin' This Chair, a bluesy, country kind of thing with a pinch of New Orleans, Palmer on vocal has enlisted Lance Anderson on accordion and Elmer Ferrer who screams a pretty good electric guitar solo to make this a fun opener. On pop country ballad, Life's A Mess, Anderson on keys and Al Cross on drums provide most of the music not produced by Palmer on acoustic guitar and vocal. Light, breezy jazz number, Those Winter Blues, has a smooth bass line by David Woodhead and crisp runs from Anderson on piano and Ferrer on guitar. Lonely At The Top is a simple 2 stepper with a catchy melody and vocal harmonies by Mary McKay. Country flair is added by Ferrer on guitar and Cross keeps the drums tight and simple. Title track, Like Elway, has a real cool feel with a Latin beat. Palmer spins a talking tale as McKay sings a catchy chorus and Ferrer adds tasty slide guitar riffs. Possibly my favorite track on the release. With a distinct New Orleans flavor, Palmer creates the bluesiest track on the release, This Feels Like One Of Those Days. Roly Platt adds some of his rich harp work to this laid back track with backing vocals from McKay. Anderson lays down some great electric piano riffs giving the track an even more authentic feel. Very nice! Another ballad, Maybe That's Why, has the purest melody with nice vocal blending with McKay. Anderson adds a warm European flavor with accordion and Ferrer lays down one of the most beautiful Spanish style guitar solos I've heard on a contemporary release in a long time. Have A Wonderful Life is a stripped down rocker with a tension created by Joaquin Nunez and Cross on percussion and drums as well as Anderson on keys. Ferrer opens the final track, Axe to Grind, with a slick slide guitar solo. Nunez on percussion, Cross on drums and Palmer and McKay on vocals are nicely balanced by Anderson on keys and Platt on harp. A straight up rocker, this is a great closer for 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”

 

The Mekons Announce Rare, Full-Band Tour

The Mekons Announce Rare, Full-Band Tour

And, additional screenings for the documentary film Revenge of The Mekons

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“The Mekons are the most revolutionary group in the history of rock ‘n’ roll”

– legendary rock critic Lester Bangs

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Celebrated British musical miscreants The Mekons (https://www.bloodshotrecords.com/artist/mekons) announced they will tour select U.S. cities in July as a full band. The group will make stops in Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and more during the two-plus-weeks stretch.

The genre-defying collective Mekons emerged from the 1977 British punk scene, and progressed from socialist art students with no musical skills to prolific, raucous progeny of Hank Williams. Theirs is an improbable history: a surprising and influential embrace of folk and country music, with occasional forays into the art world. The current lineup has remained intact since the mid ‘80s marked by defining releases The Mekons Rock ‘n’ Roll, Fear and Whiskey, I Love Mekons, and their most recent Ancient & Modern in 2011.

July dates for the full-band lineup can be found here: https://www.bloodshotrecords.com/tours-events/6864

7/11	The Hideout (SOLD OUT)	Chicago	IL
7/13	The Poetry Foundation	Chicago	IL
7/14	Mineral Point Opera House	Mineral Point	WI
7/16	Music Box Supper Club	Cleveland	OH
7/17	Herr Street Stage	Harrisburg	PA
7/18	Dogfish Head Brewing	Rehoboth Beach	DE
7/20	Boot & Saddle	Philadelphia	PA
7/21	Bowery Ballroom	New York	NY
7/23	Jalopy	Brooklyn	NY
7/24	3S Artspace	Portsmouth	NH
7/25	Middle East Upstairs	Cambridge	MA

For those who can’t make any of the shows, Revenge of the Mekons, a documentary about the band, is being screened at select theaters across the U.S. For more information and to watch the theatrical trailer, click here: http://www.mekonsmovie.com/Revenge_of_the_Mekons/HOME.html

Chicago-Based Blues and Roots Singer/Guitarist Christian Collin Embraces the "Spirit of the Blues" on New CD, Coming July 10 on C-Train Records

Chicago-Based Blues and Roots Singer/Guitarist  Christian Collin Embraces the Spirit of the Blues on New CD, Coming July 10 on C-Train Records

CHICAGO, IL – Christian Collin announces a July 10 release date for Spirit of the Blues, the new CD from the Chicago-based singer, guitarist and songwriter devoted to blues and American roots music. Produced by Christian Collin and Grammy Award-winning engineer Brian Leach and recorded at Joyride Studio in Chicago,  Spirit of the Blues pays homage to his blues heroes while leaving a musical mark all his own. On the album’s dozen all-original songs, Christian is backed by his longtime road band featuring Alex Evans on bass and Chris Morrow on drums. He is joined by notable guest musicians Billy Branch and Mathew Skoller on harmonica; and Johnny Iguana on piano and organ.  Rounding out the package is Pete Galanis from Howard and the White Boys on slide guitar, Jen Williams on background vocals and Rodney Brown and his crew playing horns.

“Christian Collin makes the grade with breathtaking precision on his latest album,” writes former Detroit Blues Society president George Seedorff in the CD’s liner notes. “Collin rocks it up with a selection of soul blues from Jackson, Mississippi, tied end-to-end with Memphis style R&B, all wrapped up in hard-as-steel rockin' lead guitar and slide the way it was done in Beaumont, Texas, by the great Johnny Winter some 50 years ago. It's clear that Christian Collin has paid his dues. With a red hot crew of back-up singers, a tightly-tooled band and lots of tasty harp playing, Collin has combined razor sharp guitar licks right out of the west side of Chicago into something new. Serve it up with some tasty ribs and sauce and you are ready for a mighty fine barbeque. All of this is really no coincidence at all---it's the side of the street that rock ‘n’ roll came from in the first place.”

Christian Collin was born in the Detroit area to a musical family. His father sang and played guitar and was an A&R man for Capitol Records, as well as road manager for Bob Seger. At an early age, Christian was immersed in the sounds of Motown, classic rock ‘n’ roll and the many variants of American roots music.  Musicians gathered at the family home and their singing and guitar playing made a lasting impression on Christian as a child. His parents took him to see Little Feat shortly before the passing of Lowell George in 1979 and that concert profoundly influenced Christian, who began playing guitar at age 13. Having honed his musical chops playing bars and roadhouses across the Midwest for the last fifteen years, he is a seasoned bandleader whose dynamic performances leave audiences consistently impressed. 

Collin was previously the front man for Molasses, a blues rock band that performed regionally and recorded two critically acclaimed albums. In 2012, he released his first full-length solo album, American Art, which received substantial radio airplay. Drawing from his nearly two decades of experience playing blues and rock ‘n’ roll, Christian is now primed to take his music to the next level with Spirit of the Blues.

Christian’s strong songwriting, soulful vocals and exceptional musicianship create a musical stew that excites and inspires. His voice has been described by one critic as “city-grit soulful and as honest as the lyrics he sings;” while another raved about his “heartfelt lyrics and a guitar that can testify!” Favoring Fender Strats, Telecasters, and a Gibson Les Paul Junior, Collin’s guitar playing is powerful and passionate, yet melodic and refined. He has a wide-range of musical mentors, and while these influences may be evident in his music, he is obviously his own man and has created a sound infused with originality.

On Spirit of the Blues, highlights abound throughout the disc, including “One and Only,” the high octane funky rock and blues opener that showcases the musical dynamism of the Christian Collin Band; “Player’s Game,” a catchy rockin’ blues shuffle documenting the trivial sexual pursuits of a big city womanizer; “A Woman Like You,” a fun southern blues rocker with honky-tonk piano; and the change-of-pace “Without You,” a slow and sensual R&B ballad that sounds like it was written by Bill Withers.

The title track of the album is a very personal song for Christian, delivered as a slow blues anthem that describes how the blues has inspired him and encourages others to find their own musical inspiration. “Highway Song,” showcases an upbeat blues shuffle featuring the interplay of Christian’s lead guitar and Mathew Skoller’s talented harmonica playing. Shifting gears again, the album moves on to “Dead Man Walking,” a unique and bluesy dirge about a lonely and desperate man. Having a dark, ethereal vibe and hypnotic rhythm, it’s the only song on the album that features Christian’s eerie and atmospheric slide guitar playing. 

Other standout tracks include “The River (Unplugged),” a modern take on old school acoustic blues featuring Billy Branch on harmonica; and the album’s closer, “Forever Friends,” an emotionally charged soul ballad about two lovers going their separate ways, both with heavy hearts. With tasty Jimi Hendrix-meets-Steve Cropper inspired guitar licks, it’s the only song to feature a horn section, and is reminiscent of the classic ‘60s Stax era.         

With the impressive release of Spirit of the Blues, Christian Collin tips his hat to the rich legacy of America’s musical forefathers, while aiming to leave his own mark as a contemporary bluesman. As the liner notes so aptly state, “there’s a rarely achieved sense of authenticity on this album that screams out the best in American Music … with screaming guitar work, killer vocals, catchy hooks and lyrics that stick in your head, this is how blues can really rock when it's done right.”

BROTHER DEGE RELEASES NEW "SCORCHED EARTH POLICY: DELUXE" STUDIO ALBUM ON CD JULY 24TH!

DIFFUSER.FM PREMIERES BROTHER DEGE'S NEW TRACK "PAY NO MIND"! CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

 

BROTHER DEGE CURRENTLY ON MAJOR EUROPEAN TOUR / U.S. SUMMER TOUR DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

 

 

The Deep South's forgotten son comes banging out of the gates with his third album under the Brother Dege moniker, Scorched Earth Policy: Deluxe, morphing his signature Delta, sonic-slide sound (as heard in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained official soundtrack) into the psyouthern, psych swamposphere. Joined by his touring band, The Brethren, Brother Dege & Co. push these 12 tracks into rural cinematic realms, adding their post-millennial update to the southern rock & roll lexicon. 

Following his two previous acclaimed solo efforts (2009's Folk Songs Of The American Longhair & 2013's How To Kill A Horse) Brother Dege released a unique 19-track digital-only "summer mixtape" last year entitled Scorched Earth Policy, featuring a mix of newly recorded studio songs, demos, covers and field recordings. Now Dege has updated it into a more cohesive studio album, Scorched Earth Policy: Deluxe paring down some of the rougher demos and field recordings and has added four new studio tracks to it. This is the first time any of these 12 songs will be available on CD. 

Brother Dege's Scorched Earth Policy: Deluxe will be available July 24, 2015 on CD and digital formats.

 

SCORCHED EARTH POLICY: DELUXE TRACK LISTING

(* new studio tracks)

1. Set It Off

2. Pay No Mind *

3. Somewhere *

4. Day I Was Born

5. Supernaut

6. Yellabone

7. Tower Of Babel

8. Revolution

9. Souls of the Darklands *

10. Calabasas *

11. Jones For War

12. Way of the Lamb

 

 

BROTHER DEGE 2015 TOUR DATES:

GERMANY, AUSTRIA, LUXEMBOURG

BROTHER DEGE & THE BROTHERHOOD OF BLUES

06.05.15 Heiligenhaus – Der Club 

08.05.15 Fürstenfeldbruck – Veranstaltungsforum 

09.05.15 Bitburg – Eröffnung Kultursommer, Open-Air-Bühne auf dem Spittel

10.05.15 Langenfeld – Schauplatz

12.05.15 Kaiserslautern – Kammgarn, Cotton Club

13.05.15 Langenau – Pfleghof 

14.05.15 CH-Aarau – KIFF

15.05.15 A-Hard – Kammgarn 

16.05.15 Oelsnitz/Vogtl. - Katharinenkirche 

17.05.15 Ilmtal (Thüringen) - Saal Kleinhettstedt 

18.05.15 Ingolstadt – KKB Neue Welt 

19.05.15 Waldkraiburg – Haus der Kultur 

20.05.15 Wetzlar – Franzis

21.05.15 Unna – Lindenbrauerei

22.05.15 Torgau – Kulturbastion

FRANCE

23.05.15 Strasbourg, France, La Popartiserie

HOLLAND

BROTHER DEGE & THE BROTHERHOOD

24.05.15 Wilhelmina - Eindhoven

25.05.15 (Place TBA) - Drachten 

29.05.15 Sniester, (Den Haag) Netherlands

30.05.15 EKKO, Utrecht, Netherlands

31.05.15 - De Hip - Deventer 

03.06.15 - Vera - Groningen 

05.06.15 Volt Club, Sittard, 

06.06.15 Blues Festival, Leeuwarden

(U.S. SUMMER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!)

 

 

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT BROTHER DEGE:

"Frankly, every track on the Brother Dege CD could have been in the movie [Django Unchained]. It works and has a badass score sound to it. Almost every song could be a theme song. It’s like a greatest hits album. But this song 'Too Old to Die Young'... it’s pretty damn badass. And it’s used in the movie in a pretty damn badass way, I’ve got to say.” - QUENTIN TARANTINO

 “Fans of slide guitar, Southern gothic, or plain old rock & roll attitude need to run, not walk, and check out Brother Dege ASAP. Brother Dege is a case study in how one guy with a steel guitar and minimal accompaniment can out-rock a roomful of electric bombast, given the right songs, the right skills, and the right voice. Brother Dege has‘em all.” – POPMATTERS

 “[Four Stars] In lesser hands all this might easily sound contrived, but instead it’s genuinely powerful and compelling stuff. 'The Girl Who Wept Stones' and 'Dead & Gone' might have been ripped from the Son House songbook, though the seven-minute epic 'House of the Dying Sun' is the real keeper.” – UNCUT

 “Both ancient and modern, like an indie rock cover of something Lomax may have recorded a hundred years ago.” – BLOGCRITICS

 "... an updated perspective of the age-old Delta blues." - OFFBEAT MAGAZINE

 “Brother Dege brings the ghosts of kudzu-covered swamp rats to life in your speakers.  Find the darkest spot in your backyard, light some candles and turn it up.” – THE BIG TAKEOVER

 “... in the slide guitar Delta blues tradition, but with Legg’s own twist.” – CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE

Bonedog Records artists: Billy Price and Otis Clay - This Time For Real - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (May 19, 2015), This Time For Real, from Billy Price and Otis Clay and it's one of the best R&B flavored releases I've heard in a long time. Opening with Somebody's Changing My Sweet Baby's Mind, Clay and price show just how nicely their vocals work well together, squeezing ever drop of soul out of the track with backing by Duke Robillard (guitar), Mark Teixiera (drums), Brad Hallen (bass), Bruce Bears (keys), Doug Woolverton (trumpet) and Mark Earley (sax). This track reminds me a lot of the days of Price working with Roy Buchanan and Earley's sax work is really nice! On I'm Afraid Of Losing You, Clay's strength is more prominent with backing vocals by Theresa Davis, Dianne Madison and Diana Simon creating a more spiritual feeling and an Al Green groove. Very nice! Going To The Shack has a funky rhythm with Clay and Price balancing nicely with the horns. Bears takes a key solo leading into a funky "King" like groove from Robillard. All Because Of Your Love is a really solid track with a warm vocal harmonizing on the chorus. Clay and Price trade off lead vocals with full horn backing making this a perfect radio track. Earley opens Love Don't Love Nobody with a rich sax intro over gospel like piano work from Bears. Both Clay and Price take turns on lead vocal and I particularly like Clays vocals on this track. The backing vocals on this track give it a nice "Philly" sound making it one of my favorite tracks on the release. Excellent! I'll Never Do You Wrong is a great track with strong vocal harmonies. This track brings to mind early Impressions with a really tasty guitar solo from Robillard. With a Spinners like groove, Don't Leave Me Starving For Your Love, has a solid sway and calm instrumental backing. This is my choice for my favorite track featuring the vocals of Price. Bobby Womack's Broadway Walk really picks up the tempo with rock pace and Robillard responds with a fun solo giving the track more pop. Book Of Memories is a strong southern soul track featuring the strength of Clay and Robillard's guitar adornment is spot on. Bears plays one of his classic piano solos giving the track an authentic early feel. Too Many Hands is a sturdy R&B track with Price and Clay pushing and the horns giving it up. A very nice high stepper. Robillard sets the stage on Tears Of God with light shimmery guitar chords. Price takes the first verse but joined by Clay on the chorus. Clay takes verse 2 and the band keeps everything light giving it more impact. Deep sax work by Earley and tight trumpet by Woolverton joined by Bears on keys gives this track a certain presence. Very clean! Wrapping the release is Sam and Dave's You Got me Hummin'. These guys sing like they have been together like Sam and Dave for a long time. Very nice wrap to a fun CD. BY the way I really like the cover shot!

Couldn't find a video on Clay and Price together but this track is smokin'!

  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”

 

Randy Chortkoff has passed. My thoughts are with his family.

Randy Chortkoff, founder, president and CEO of Delta Groove Productions, passed away today at 8:40am in Los Angeles at the age of 65.
A highly successful entrepreneur outside of the music business, Chortkoff simultaneously followed his true passion as a music producer, performer, and promoter for two decades before founding Delta Groove Productions almost 15 years ago. Delta Groove was his labor of love, a culmination of a lifelong devotion to traditional blues and roots music. Through his vision and leadership, the company quickly rose to its current position as an industry leader, encompassing Delta Groove Records, Eclecto-Groove Records, No Respect Records, Festivals Exclusive Booking Agency, independent artist and event promotions and management, and more.

Ever the astute businessman, in recent months Randy oversaw the planning and arrangements for Delta Groove Productions and its affiliates to continue to flourish and carry his passion onward after his passing, under the leadership of longtime associates Jeff Fleenor and Tammie Barnum, and the rest of the talented and devoted Delta Groove team.
Randy leaves behind children Jessica, Taylor and Joshua, an extended family of Delta Groove musicians whose lives he touched, and a worldwide network of music lovers who both shared and benefited from his passion for music.

Randy was also was the leader of top blues band The Mannish Boys.

Few blues acts have perfected the tricky maneuver of honoring the storied history of the Blues, while at the same time keeping the music up-to-date, as well as Delta Groove’s The Mannish Boys. It’s a balancing act that they’ve honed over the course of six highly-acclaimed CD releases and countless nights gigging on concert stages around the world. Conceived as an all-star showcase for the cream of the west coast blues crop, The Mannish Boys have stayed true to that vision. They’ve continually evolved through the years, seeking out and spotlighting the talents of true Blues legends in a setting that stays true to the deep roots of genre, providing them with the support required to excite today’s blues audiences.
Their newest release on Delta Groove marks a number of firsts for The Mannish Boys. “Double Dynamite”, as the title suggests, serves up a double dose of The Mannish Boys on a two CD set, allowing them to really stretch out and feature more special guests and sounds than on any of their previous releases. Especially notable is new featured vocalist Sugaray Rayford, a soulful, gospel-inflected singer, originally from Texas, who has been little known outside of his current home base in Southern California until now. Also along for the ride this time, and adding variety and depth in the vocal department, are veterans James “Icepick” Harman, Mike Finnigan (who in the ‘60s played keyboards on Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland” LP, among many other accomplishments in his long career), and Jackie Payne, plus long-time Mannish Boys frontman Finis Tasby. The band’s regular guitarists Kirk Fletcher and Frank Goldwasser also take turns in front of the vocal mic, as does The Mannish Boys harp playing honcho Randy Chortkoff. And as a special treat this time out, Mud Morganfield, oldest son of the undisputed king of Chicago blues, Muddy Waters, also contributes as a guest vocalist, bringing a south side Chicago blues unrivaled by any living vocalist. Other special guests on this amazing release include harmonica aces Rod Piazza, Jason Ricci and Bob Corritore, and guitarists Elvin Bishop, Junior Watson, Nathan James, and Kid Ramos, all backed by the hard-swinging rhythm section of Jimi Bott and Willie J. Campbell, plus an array of other very special musicians.

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”

 

ICONIC CANADIAN SINGER IAN TYSON RELEASES NEW STONY PLAIN RECORDS ALBUM, "CARNERO VAQUERO," ON JUNE 16

ICONIC CANADIAN SINGER IAN TYSON RELEASES NEW STONY PLAIN RECORDS ALBUM, CARNERO VAQUERO, ON JUNE 16

Upcoming Tour Includes Performances in Washington, DC and New York City

EDMONTON, AB - Acclaimed roots music label Stony Plain Records announces a June 16 U.S. release date for Carnero Vaquero, the 13^th album from iconic Canadian singer/songwriter Ian Tyson.

The late blues singer John Lee Hooker, asked at age 85 whether he planned to retire, told a reporter: “It’s too late to quit now.” That may well be the motto of Ian Tyson, whose ongoing career began in the folk music boom of the early ‘60s.

Now 81, Tyson has just recorded a new album for Edmonton-based Stony Plain Records — and he still plays some 40 concerts a year as well as manages the Tyson Cattle Ranch south of Calgary. U.S. dates on his upcoming tour in support of the new album’s release include May 16 at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA; and July 16 at The City Winery in New York City.

Carnero Vaquero includes 10 songs that can be described as true and clear as the western sky, the foothills of the Rockies and the changing cowboy tradition. The album’s title — “Carnero” is the Spanish word for ram, and “Vaquero” is Spanish for cowboy, and, indeed, the cowboy tradition, particularly in the south-western United States — is an accurate indication of the music.

The songs range from the traditional (“Doney Girl”) to co-writes with Calgary’s Kris Demeanor. There are five new Ian Tyson songs, as well as a tuneful remake of “Darcy Farrow” (originally recorded in the early ‘60s Ian & Sylvia folk duo days). “Wolves No Longer Sing” is written with Tom Russell — the pair co-wrote “Navajo Rug,” one of Tyson’s biggest hits.

Tyson’s voice, which has recovered from the accident that severely damaged it in 2007, recorded the album with his core touring band. Instead of a formal studio, Tyson cut most of the CD in a 100-year-old stone building, a mile down a gravel road from his ranch house; it’s the building where Tyson works every day when he’s not on the road. “I think that the ghosts of all the songs I’ve written here approve of the new ones,” he says.

Samantha Fish Spins You Around With An Emotional Wild Heart out July 7th

Samantha Fish Spins You Around With An Emotional Wild Heart

“She snarls it, she spits it out and she could give a damn.”

Goldmine

Produced by Luther Dickinson

Out on July 7th on Ruf Records

3^rd Studio Release is filled up to the rim with staggering vocals,

Aching guitar riffs and thunderous drums, leaving you lifeless

Atlanta, GA – On July 7^th, Ruf Records recording artist singer-guitarist Samantha Fish, will raise eyebrows with her third studio release, Wild Heart, produced by Luther Dickinson (The North Mississippi Allstars/Black Crowes). Having Samantha on guitars and Luther on various stringed instruments, they rounded out the lineup with Grammy Award-winning Brady Blade (Emmylou Harris/Bob Dylan) on drums. Special guests include Lightnin Malcolm (guitar), Sharde Thomas (drums) and Memphis session singers Shontelle Norman-Beatty and Risse Norman. The result is a stunning representation of Americana roots music.

Wild Heart was recorded in three different studios, as they trekked the backroads from Louisiana to Mississippi in the fall of 2014. Starting at Brady Blade’s Shreveport, Louisiana studio, they laid the basic rhythm tracks and vocals. Luther and Samantha then hightailed it to his Zebra Ranch Studios in Hernando, Mississippi where they had a traditional Hill Country Blues session. Then, finally, all roads lead to Memphis where the duo put the final touches at both Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios and the legendary Ardent studios.

Growing up in Kansas City in a musical family, Samantha’s first instrument was the drums before she switched to guitar.  As she listened to her musical heroes, Fish began to explore their own influences by going back in time. After the sun went down she would visit clubs like Knuckleheads to soak it all in. “They had all kinds of artists come through the doors,” she says. “I really got into listening to the live performances, and that’s just where it rubbed off on me. When you see something right in front of you, that’s where the impact happens.” (Vox Magazine 2014) Over the years, she’s cultivated her own sound by blending her influences ranging from Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, R.L. Burnside and Stevie Ray Vaughan as well as her musical peers.

“I fell in love with it,” she told Premier Guitar of her growing passion for the form, “and started doing my homework by listening to the old guys like Son House and Skip James.”

Only into her mid-20s she already released two CDs, played all over the world and shared the stage with well-established to the legendary artists from Tab Benoit and Johnny Lang to Buddy Guy. Label mate and sometimes touring buddy, Mike Zito has long championed Samantha, produced her critically acclaimed albums, Runaway and Black Wind Howlin' (2013).  Samantha’s had a master’s class in a wide variety of the blues. Her work ethic is unquestioned and her love for performance is obvious.

Boys will be boys it’s a powerful thing

Better learn how to swim or learn how to drink – Bitch On The Run

All that ambition and passion paid off in 2012 when Samantha won a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut for her 2011 release Runaway (Ruf Records). The wonderful critical praise, winning fans at shows and all the long hours driving came to a shining moment that put more fuel into her fire. This desire is now revealed with Wild Heart as the pivotal moment in her budding career.

Always yearning to learn, Samantha soaked in this experience like a sponge from the songwriting sessions to the final background harmonies.  As her songs came together, it was suggested for her to collaborate with another songwriter she jumped the opportunity. Last summer she traveled to Nashville and wrote with accomplished songwriter Jim McCormick, whose songs have been cut by Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban. A native of New Orleans, Jim has a flare for blues-boogie and full throttle vocalization to haunting melodies that gave Samantha a chance to growl.

“… Fish’s commanding voice holds its own against the crunching guitar riffs and driving beat.”

-Elmore Magazine

Samantha and Jim wrote five of the 12 songs on the album, including the title song, “Wild Heart”, that echoes Led Zeppelin with a whiplash of a steady guitar riff. “Show Me” - a song that could easily be heard at some of New York City’s finest rock clubs – wreaks stale beer. Samantha holds her own on guitar duties on this tune as Brady Blade grinds the drums with a slow steady roll.

As the album opens she’s bashes away with “Road Runner“, a warning to others of this mean man that broke her heart. The driving guitar sounds and thunderous beat supports her voice that is smooth as honey with a sad dash of salt.

Left me waiting by a red-light, I think about him every night

Road runner, road runner – Road Runner

After wrapping basic tracks, it was off to Dickinson’s Zebra Ranch Studios via the back roads of Mississippi. Seeing the culture and environment upfront got her excited for the unknown. The result of that magical setting was a cover of Charley Patton’s, “Jim Lee Blues Pt. 1”, which fits Fish’s voice. It was an organic setting with fellow Hill Country Blues artists Sharde Thomas and longtime friend, Lightnin Malcolm. Sharde is a native Mississippian fife/drum player in the same American tradition of her grandfather Othar Turner. “This session had a whole other vibe to it. The studio is out in the country, no cell service, no distractions. You're just surrounded by nature and guitars,” beams Samantha.

Samantha’s love for the Hill Country Blues genre started early on as her musical foundation began to build. This fiery singer-songwriter and guitarist met some of these players when she attended the King Biscuit Blues Festival at age 17. There she met Lightnin Malcolm, a guitarist who befriended the young gun and then a few years later, at Zebra Ranch, she got to record with him. “Working with Malcolm was a longtime coming as I'd known him since I was a teenager. Hearing hill country blues made me fall in love with blues music and he was one of the first artists who let me jam with him.”

“One of my favorite songs on Wild Heart is ‘Go Home’. It became so powerful and we wanted girl power, no-frills and those ladies delivered,” Samantha proudly states.  It’s a quiet moment of reflection of an inner self struggle that can either be destructive or productive.  The background singers, Shontelle Norman-Beatty and Risse Norman provide a soothing answer to Samantha’s tearful call.

“Maybe in a moment of clarity, I’ll do what’s right,

Maybe I’ll finally swallow a bit of my own advice” – Go Home

Both Samantha and Luther wanted to make a live and honest record, capturing Fish’s emotional intensity and power trio integrity. “She is so smart and talented. It was a joy to take her under my wing and share what I've learned with her. Samantha brought her emotional energy from her performances which transcended into the record. The songs are very personal and she delivered. I am proud to be a part of the record”, states Dickinson. Samantha was equally satisfied with the results, “I was blown away by his ability to color a song. I stepped out of my comfort zone and I couldn't be more proud of what we made.”

Fish is an inveterate storyteller as well. Her songs are vivid and compelling with thick guitar lines and catchy riffs. – The Morning Call

As the album comes to a close, Samantha has run the gamut of emotions. Her fingers are tired and her voice is shaking but she is able to pull out one more gem of a performance. A whispering rendition of RL Burnside’s “I’m In Love With You”. This is Samantha at her best-caressing the melody while the guitars and a slight drum beat flickers underneath her reassuring voice.

Samantha has dug her high heels in some rich musical soil with Wild Heart and is poised to reach a new level in her career. She is armed with her guitar and these songs are in her back pocket; for there is no doubt Miss Fish will aim and fire, with confidence.

Stony Plain Records artists: James Burton, Albert Lee, Amos Garrett & David Wilcox - Guitar Heroes - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Guitar Heroes, from James Burton, Albert Lee, Amos Garrett and David Wilcox and it's quite terrific. Not since Danny Gatton passed have I heard such a tastefully done release of tele rippin guitar riffs in one spot. These tracks were recorded live in a one time special performance at the Vancouver Island MusicFest on July 12, 2013 and is being released on both Cd and 180 gm vinyl. Opening with Big Boy Crudup's That's All Right featuring Albert Lee on vocal and each of the featured guitarists soloing. First Albert with his country style picking, then James with his trademark chicken pickin', then David more traditional country styling, Amos who has a distinctive riff styling of his own and then back to Albert all backed by Jon Greathouse on keys, Will MacGregor on bass and Jason Harrison Smith on drums. Great opener! Greathouse takes the mic on Suzie Q and Wilcox is up first with a real nice riff, followed by Burton with a real authoritative solo of his own. Garrett's solo steps out of the box with his solo with a bit more of free approach followed by a nice key solo by Greathouse. Garrett brings forward a really nice interpretation of Johnny and Santo's Sleepwalk. Excellent bending, chording, double stops and feel! On Ray Charles' Leave My Woman Alone, Lee is back on vocal. Lee takes the first solo and it is strong and crisp interwoven with piano work by Greathouse. Lee then leads off a flurry of solos followed by Burton and Wilcox. Hot! On You're The One, Wilcox takes the mic as well as a lead slide riff. Wilcox lets out some of the best vocals on the release and Burton, Lee and Garrett proceed to unload extended guitar solos each nicely complimenting the other on this easily paced blues number. One of my favorite tracks on the release. On Latin influenced instrumental, Comin' Home Baby, Wilcox leads the way with a cool sliding/bending solo followed by Burton, Lee and Garrett. Very very nice track. Wilcox is back at the mic again for blues shuffle, Flip Flop and Fly. He has a real interesting slide sound with a richness almost like a lap steel guitar. Lee is up next with fleet fingered riffs as clean as a whistle. Garrett really captures the swing feel and his guitar tone with echo is tops. Closing it out is Burton with slick riffs of his own. Very nice! Jimmy Seals' instrumental, Only The Young, is a quiet introspective track with lead chords by Burton, an extended key solo by Greathouse and inventive "jazz" solos by Wilcox, Garrett, Lee and Burton. Beautiful execution! Tony Joe White's Polk Salad Annie goes totally instrumental with the first melodic solo by Burton. Garrett has a more aggressive blues rock style solo followed by MacGregor who keeps it tight. Greathouse bridges the guitars with a short key solo and then it's Lee who literally blows the doors off. Wilcox is last on the list but certainly not least with a country blues attack. Two stepper, Bad Apple, features Wilcox on lead vocal with simple kicked back guitar solos by Garrett, Burton, Burton and Wilcox. Wrapping the release is Albert Lee's Country Boy featuring Lee on lead vocals and of course Lee setting the pace with his tasty rapid fire soloing right up front. Wilcox takes the second (third) solo with a real steel like sound that really sets him out. Very nice. Greathouse lays down a real nice finger wrenching piano sol before Albert steps back up to close the track. Excellent!

  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”