New Anthem for the Blues!

AWARD-WINNING BLUES ARTIST PENS NEW ANTHEM FOR THE BLUES! Acclaimed bluesman Zac Harmon, winner of both major awards from the Blues Foundation – the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Music Award – has come up with a new anthem for the genre - "Long Live The Blues."  The song, which he co-wrote with John Hahn and Christopher Troy, is a powerful, upbeat declaration that the blues "is here to stay." In the current Living Blues magazine Zac was asked about the song: Living Blues: You pull no punches on that one with those who think the blues may be dying or dead. Zac: Well, that song is an anthem for all the bluesmen in America.   I just kind of feel like blues is the roots and the father of most of your popular musical art forms in America, but yet blues always has to take a backseat to everybody.  And so, this is just an anthem for all of us, to say "We're still here, and we're gonna be here." To watch a great video of Zac and his band performing this new anthem for the blues, please click HERE.  Kindly share this video by posting on your Facebook page, social media or website. "Long Live the Blues" is a track from Zac’s new Blind Pig release entitled Right Man Right Now.  Living Blues said the CD "is Harmon is at his best: a smooth, polished sound grounded in traditional blues stylings yet thoroughly modern in sensibility. The future of the blues is in very good hands, indeed.”  Upcoming dates for the Zac Harmon Band: Oct. 8 Helena, AR King Biscuit Blues Festival Oct. 18 Fredricksburg, TX Blankets and Blues Oct. 29 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Oct. 30 Topeka, KS Uncle Bo's Oct. 31 Topeka, KS Uncle Bo's Nov. 14 Fort Dodge, IA Starlight Village Dec. 11 Richardson, TX Freddy King Winter Blues

Ruf Records artist: Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown - The Devil To Pay - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, The Devil To Pay, from Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown and I must say it's really hot! I have been a Kim Simmonds/Savoy Brown fan since high school and I've seen band changes both good and bad. Kim's dedication to keep rocking after 50 years and 45 albums is amazing and a testament to someone who loves what they are doing. Opening with Ain't Got Nobody, Simmonds leads right into a masterful guitar intro, the likes which of I haven't heard since his earlier release like Blue Matter and Looking In. This is a "slow blues" track and Simmonds absolutely blows the lid off right off the bat. The guitar phrasing on this track is some of the most beautifully executed work I have heard in years. Kim... excellent! Like I told you when I last saw you... certainly one of the greatest living blues guitarists today. Bad Weather Brewing is a moderate paced shuffle track with pure raw guitar riffs. Complimented by Pat DeSalvo on bass and Garnet Grimm on drums, this band is cooking. On rocker, Grew Up In The Blues, Simmonds shows continued progress in development of new blues rock riffs. I also want to note that I feel that the overall writing on this release is stronger than on most of the releases in recent years. His constant search for new means of expression and maintaining driving rhythm is exceptional. On shuffle track, When Love Goes Wrong, Kim backs off on the throttle a bit, but still playing smooth articulate guitar riffs. On Oh Rosa, Simmonds breaks out the harp giving the track still another dimension. Simmonds isn't Little Walter but he isn't Bob Dylan either. I really like his style and I think this track is a nice addition to the release. Title track, The Devil To Pay, is an upbeat Jimmie Rogers style blues rocker with a raking guitar rhythm and a natural fluid guitar break. Stop Throwing Your Love Around has a bit of a Willie Dixon flavor and Simmonds does some traditional Savoy Brown improvisational riffs against a traditional blues base. Very nice. Freddie King style, Snakin', shows Simmonds in pure shuffle mode. A real nice guitar instrumental, Snakin' is bound to make it's smooth transition into all blues stations play lists. Got An Awful Feeling finds Simmonds back at his best, choking the crap out of his guitar neck. This guy really does know how to get the best from his guitar and it's always nice to see him show it off. Excellent! Most Simmonds fans know that Kim has always been a slide master and this is the track where he whips it out. His best vocal effort on the release and a solid rock and roller, this track is great! Watch My Woman ventures into swing blues, a place that I've rarely seen Kim and I have to admit it's really nice. Stepping out on guitar, Gatemouth style, seems really natural for Simmonds and a cool change up for the Boogie Master! Whiskey Headed Woman slows down a bit with an almost relaxed, T-Bone Walker kind of style. Up beat accents by Grimm cooks this track and again, Simmonds vocals are some of his best. Want to hear Kim just ride along and play fluid guitar riffs against the up beat...here it is. Very cool! Wrapping the release is rocker, Evil Eye, with it's solid blues roots. Simmonds hits the guitar hard with searing string bending notes and the band drives it home, reminiscent of the conclusion of Hell Bound Train. Hot conclusion for a hot new blues rocker.

   

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”

 

Melrose Hill Records artist: the Beat Daddys - Hoodoo That We Doo - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Hoodoo That We Doo from the Beat Daddys and I like it! Opening with These Chains, a swampy blues track featuring Larry Grisham on vocal and harp, David Parks on drums, John Gillespie on bass and Tommy Stillwell on gritty slide guitar and backing vocal. Great opener! Sorry, has a dark blues rock feel super vocal backing and nicely blended guitar and harp work over a tight drum beat. You Made Me Cry sets up nicely around a cool driving bass line by Gillespie. Patrick Preston boost the middle with some cool organ work and Stillwell lays down some stinging guitar riffs in this well balanced track. The Moment has a smooth R&B feel, nicely featuring Grisham's super vocals. Stillwell lays down a really clean guitar solo on this track but doesn't venture far from the melody. Shuffle track, Pie or Cake has a cool blues feel with Grisham on vocal and harp. Hoodoo Woman has a really nice Latin feel (Way Down In The Hole/Black Magic Woman) and I particularly like Grisham's vocals on this track. Greg Franzman adds really tasty percussion and Stillwell rips a real nice guitar solo on this one! Excellent! D.U.I. Love is a standard 12 bar number with Preston on piano and and cool lead blues solo by Stillwell. Been Thinkin' has a real nice blues strut and a super bass line from Gillespie. Grisham does a particularly nice job on lead vocals with warm female vocal backing giving it that R&B touch. Stillwell steps up again with a nicely articulated guitar solo and Preston adds nicely on organ. Very cool! Luck's Got To Change is a real nice a blues anthem style track in 3/4 time. Organ by Preston backs Grisham's solid vocals and Stillwell lays in some melodic guitar riffs making for a real clean radio track. Shuffle track, The Blues Can Heal Ya', has a real nice tempo with solid backing vocals and Grisham playing the blues on harp. Stillwell crafts another solid guitar solo and takes the track home. Wrapping the release is I Need A Woman, a stripped down sounding track with a heavy kick. Franzman really carries the track on this one with his stiff kick drum driving Grisham's vocal and Stillwell slide work. Grisham hits the harp one last time with a blues attitude but maintaining a rock feel. Solid 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”

 

Blue Pearl Records artist: Deb Callahan - Sweet Soul - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Sweet Soul, from Deb Callahan and that's exactly what it is. Opening with Big Love with it's solid strut, Callahan establishes her ground vocally joined byMike Finnigan on keys, Reggie McBride on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums and Allen James. Very nice! I Keep Things Running has a solid footing in the blues with bass vamp and and nicely woven keys by Finnigan. Nice backing vocals by Teresa James, Finnigan and Leslie Smith warm the track and a slick guitar solo from James punches it up. Rocker, Shackin Up features Johnny Lee Schell on slide guitar and a cool bass line from McBride drives this track and Deb rides the wave vocally with clarity and authority. Soulful ballad, I Am Family, will have strong cross radio appeal with a taste of country and nice vocal harmonies from Teresa James and Finnigans articulate piano work. Laid back, Sweet Feeling, is a soulful pop track with strong support from Finnigan. Born To Love You screams 60's soul. Possibly my favorite track on the release, Callahan really hits it, supported by Finnigan on keys, Braunagel on drums, McBride on bass and Lydia Hilliard on backing vocals. James lays in a plucky guitar solo with attitude. Excellent! Seven States Away has a super walking bass line from McBride and real nice vocals from Callahan. Finnigan gives this track legs on keys and Braunagel is tight on drums. Tom Waits' Way Down In The Hole is one that has been done by a number of artists, being the theme song for terrific crime drama, The Wire. This track maintains it's Latin flavor and Callahan shows that she can hold down lead vocals where other super stars have been. James' lead guitar solo on this track is really nice and Jimmy Powers adds a nice harp line. Finnigan smooths in a nice keyboards solo and Teresa James, Finnigan and Schell add super backing vocals. Step Back is a southern soul track with intermittent soft and biting rhythms. A cool keyboard interlude by Finnigan sets the track apart and Callahan jumps up kicking. You Don't Know Your Mind is a high stepper and Deb's vocal phrasing is spot on. James springs on his guitar solo and shakes it nicely and Finnigan dabs on keyboard like an artist dabs on paint. Very nice! Ike Turner's Crazy Bout You Baby, calmed down just a little with a 2 step kind of feel and some chickin pickin guitar riffs from James. Callahan keeps a soulful attitude giving it an interesting texture. Slow blues ballad, Slow As Molasses, Sweet as Honey gets really gritty as Callahan digs deep for Pearl like feelings. James plays guitar response to her blues call and also sails with a smooth soulful guitar solo over clever piano work by Finnigan, making this my favorite track on the release. Doctor John's, I Been Hoodood has a strong funk feel but Callahan has such a soulful voice it gives it a fresh feeling. This is a super closer to a strong soulful 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”

 

Stony Plain Records artists: Monkey Junk - Moon Turn Red - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Moon Turn Red, from Monkey Junk and it's quite good! Opening with Light It Up, lead guitarist Tony D dusts the slide and they're off to the races behind Steve Marriner on lead vocal and harp backed by Tony and drummer Matt Sobb. This is a swift track with slippery slide and rolling harp riffs... a super opener. Driving blues rocker, You, has a really nice guitar vamp (think Whiskey Train) and Marriner sounds quite a bit like Paul Rogers with cool vocal backing and again solid harp work. Very nice! Show Me Yours is a solid rocker but with a taste of Tone Loc with Marriner's smooth vocals and warm keyboard work. David Wilcox's rocker Hot Hot Papa features Wilcox on vocal and guitar and the track has a real ZZ Top like swagger. Stinging guitar soloing and a driving beat make this one of the total standouts on the track. Love Attack has a definite reggae feel and sets a terrific groove. Breaking from the traditional rhythm on the chorus the band adds a more commercial sound but when it returns it hits hard. I really like this track, it's Louisiana feel on percussion, and the intelligent guitar playing from Tony. Live Another Day has a whole different spin with a Uriah Heep kind of feel. One of my least favorite tracks on the release, it still is interesting and well performed. Marriner lays down a solid and progressive harp solo and Tony rips a pretty nice guitar solo of his own. Learn How To Love is a really cool track with excellent guitar effects. It's really a simple ballad but the melody, vocal blending and precise instrumentation is captivating. Lucky One is really Matt Sobb's track to lead with it's hot drum work. Marriner of course is on top with his excellent vocals and Tony D is driving on guitar but it's the beat that makes this track float. Travelin' Light is a straight up rocker with radio styling. A solid melody and a clever rhythm give this track wheels and Tony slides into home on guitar with speed and accuracy. Meet Me At Midnight has a cool R&B feel with a light funk. Nicely blended vocal harmonies and slick guitar work bring this track if for a solid 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”

 

Joe Bonamassa performs free concert to celebrate 10 years of playing live in the UK

GUITAR GOD FULFILLS PROMISE!

JOE BONAMASSA PERFORMS

A SPECIAL ONE OFF FREE CONCERT:
MR. KYPS IN POOLE, DORSET

On a previous email we sent out it was stated that “No UK fans can apply for tickets”, this was a typographical error. The free tickets for the Mr. Kyps concert are available to all UK fans.

UK fans can apply for tickets to this special free concert from this dedicated web link - http://jbonamassa.com/contest/2015/mr-kyps-free-concert/.

Guitar legend Joe Bonamassa fulfils a promise that he made 10 years ago and performs a special UK concert, celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of his first-ever UK show. On November 1^st 2015, Joe will play Mr. Kyps in Poole, Dorset,  the same venue where he played his first ever UK concert back in 2005.

In 2005, venue owner Mark Kyprianou (Kyp) was approached to host Joe’s first ever UK concert, As Joe was an unknown, the concert was a slow seller. In a final push, Kyp decided to offer free entry and refunds to those few who had originally paid the £10 ticket. Only around 100 people attended the concert, but those who were there were stunned by Joe’s dynamic and virtuosic playing. Today, 10 years later, Joe is playing concert arenas around the globe!

Kyp and Joe formed a lasting relationship over the years. Says Kyp, “I’m very excited to host this one of a kind concert. No major artist at the level Joe is would do this for his or her fans. Joe made me a promise he would return, and is a man of his word!”

The concert dovetails Joe Bonamassa’s 8-date October 2015 UK tour. Tickets are available from www.eventim.co.uk or 0844 493 6666.   Read the UK tour press release - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/joebonamassa/uktour2015.htm.

JOE BONAMASSA - OCTOBER 2015 UK TOUR DATES

Newcastle Metro Arena                               Wednesday Oct 21

Liverpool Echo Arena                                     Friday Oct 23

Leeds First Direct Arena                               Saturday Oct 24

Nottingham Capital FM Arena                   Sunday Oct 25

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena                            Tuesday Oct 27

Bournemouth BIC                                            Wednesday Oct 28

Brighton Centre                                               Friday Oct 30

Brighton Centre                                               Saturday Oct 31

Israeli Blues Musician Lazer Lloyd Responds to Murder of Young Couple in Israel with Video of His Song, "Never Give Up"

Israeli Musician Lazer Lloyd Responds to Murder of Young Couple in Israel with Video of His Song, “Never Give Up”

JERUSALEM – Israeli blues musician Lazer Lloyd has issued a response to the murder of a young couple in Israel with the best way he knows how: by creating a special video using his song, "Never Give Up," and posting it on Facebook and YouTube pages. He will be raising money to help support the children whose parents were murdered in front of them. Video links:
https://www.facebook.com/lazerlloyd/videos/vb.1609822439261278/1686230348287153/?type=2&theater

"Never Give Up" YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDZ4frP0yP0

"This beautiful young couple was killed last night in Israel in front of their four young children in cold blood by terrorists sent personally by Abu Mazan and the Fatah movement,” Lazer Lloyd said.

“It is true they have temporarily saddened us here in the country as well as Jewish and Israeli people and our friends around the world, but we will ‘Never Give Up.’ We will continue to spread love and life and show that the way of God is the way of kindness. The enemies of Israel will not succeed using tools of violence, murder, and hate.

“Nothing will ever put out the dreams of this young couple and their beliefs. All of us should make new resolutions to live in the land of Israel to visit and to support the Jewish people around the globe.”

www.lazerlloyd.com

HAMILTON LOOMIS -- October 2015 Schedule

Hamilton & Band return to Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, & Wisconsin this October -- see the listings below!

The full schedule is at www.hamiltonloomis.com/schedule.html

10/3/15 Mandeville, LA Ruby's Roadhouse 9:30pm

10/8/15 Sugar Land, TX Baker Street Pub 9:45pm

10/9/15 Port Arthur, TX Dylan's 9:45pm

10/10/15 San Antonio, TX The Amp Room 10pm

10/13/15 Kansas City, MO Knuckleheads 6:30pm to 8pm TICKETS

10/14/15 Fort Dodge, IA Olde Boston's 7pm to 10pm

10/15/15 Rockford, IL Mary's Place 7pm to 9:30pm TICKETS

10/16/15 Trempealeau, WI Trempealeau Hotel 10pm

10/17/15 Ames, IA DG's Tap House 6pm to 8:30pm

10/22/15 Kemah, TX Jackie's Brickhouse 8pm

10/23/15 Galveston, TX Crow's Cantina 9pm

10/24/15 League City, TX Private Event 7pm

Please forward this email to any of your friends/family in these cities!!

Delmark Records artist: Jimmy Burns - it ain't right - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, it ain't right, from Jimmy Burns and it grooves! Opening with Big Money Problem, it's got Morganfield bounce and featuring Ariyo Ariyoshi on keys, Anthony Palmer on guitar, EG McDaniel on bass and Bryant T Parker on drums, Jimmy Burns is super on vocal and guitar for a tight opener. Burns really gets into his space on R&B vocal track, Will I Ever Find Somebody?. His vocals are warm and inviting with nice key work from Ariyo and joined by Roosevely Purifoy on organ, Chris Neal on tenor sax and Aaron Getsug on bari, this track has a great sound. Otis Rush's Snaggletooth Mule has a nice funky blues feel (Thrill Is Gone) and Burns shows great vocal prowess as he lays out some really nice guitar work over Purifoy and Ariyo on keys. Percy Mayfield's Long As You're Mine gets a full horn backing and a sixties Ray Charles R&B feel. Burns plays some pretty flashy guitar riffs and Ariyo hits the keys as well. Nice! Slinky 12 bar number, Hard Hearted Woman, has a super groove with a nice walking bass line from EG and rolling piano from Ariyo. Burns takes this shuffle for a nice walk on his guitar making it one of my favorites on the release. Another Percy Mayfield track, My Heart Is Hangin' Heavy lumbers with a funky bottom. It has a serious Albert King feel and Burns vocals are super. Burns stretches a bit on his guitar laying down a cool solo that works nicely with the groove. Crazy Crazy Crazy has a definite swing vibe featuring Getsug on honking bari sax. The vocal blending really work nicely in the delivery of an authentic period piece and Ariyo and Burns each lay in some really nice riffs. Jimmy Reed track, A String To Your Heart slows down the tempo and Burns is on harp. This is a real nice 12 bar number and Burns vocals have a bit more texture. Ariyo really shines on piano against what is otherwise a stripped down track. Boogie woogie track, Rock Awhile is really super with Gatemouth like guitar riffs. Burns really gets this band rolling and his vocals, coupled with Ariyo make for a fine track. Ben E King's Stand By Me gets a little Latin twist but retains it's soulful feel. A nice vocal track with clean guitar and keyboard adornment, this is a cool one. Surrounded has a showy R&B (almost Louis Jordan)feel with a chiding horn vamp. Parker's drum snap keeps things tight and Getsug and especially Marques Carroll on trumpet really punch up the track. Super blues, I Know You Hear Me Calling really grabs it by the short hairs and gives it a shake. Burn's vocals are rugged and soulful and Ariyo plays remarkable piano riffs. Burns steps up laying down some of his hottest blues riffs on the release cushioned by Purifoy on organ and Caroll, Neal and Getsug on horns. Excellent! Little Walter's It Ain't Right has that classic jump. Burns and Ariyo trade riffs throughout delivering on almost a gospel revival pace. Messin' With The Kid gets a real nice funky workover. This is one of my favorite tracks with it's heavy handed bottom, solid vocals and gripping guitar soloing. Excellent! The release is wrapped by Wade In The Water with all of the gospel that you'd ever anticipate in a modern blues influenced track. This is a super track to wrap the release featuring nice vocal harmonies and clean keyboard direction.

   

  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”

 

MIke Zito - Keep Coming Back - CD out November 6

Mike Zito Digs Deep In His Musical Pockets With Keep Coming Back

Blues Guitar Slinger slides, picks and grooves

on new album

Produced by Trina Shoemaker and Zito –

CD out Nov 6

“He’s a rough-edge sculptor who has the classic masters in mind and then makes a unique modern artist statement.” – Boston Blues Society

Ruf Records award winning artist singer/songwriter/guitarist Mike Zito paints a beautiful imperfect picture with Keep Coming Back. Colorful images of his past, present and future are all set to some of the most powerful melodies of his career. Recorded at Dockside Studios in Louisiana, the album was produced by Grammy Award winning Trina Shoemaker and Zito himself, is set for November 6^th release. Taking cues from his musical collection, live shows and his solid backing band, The Wheel, the guitarist finds himself in a fine place.

“Having fun and playing music you love and believe in; it’s all about the song.” – Mike Zito

This Texas rocker bleeds the words in his songs – “I’m Drunk” (co-written with Anders Osborne) describes his life-long addiction struggles and how many victims he has left behind.  Mike always returns to his founding values of honest, original songs, drawn from the emotional depths, twisting the great American genres into bold new shapes. The Credence Clearwater Revival cover, “Bootleg”, closes out the album with a bang, is most fitting for Zito’s voice. That voice moved a writer enough to call it, “velvet”.

The title cut is a memo to himself of how life runs in circles.  It’s a typical slice of brutal honesty from a man who has always told it straight. Ask Mike for his backstory and he’ll give you warts and all.

"Keep Coming Back; Give your burden to the Blues

Keep Coming Back, Whatta ya got to lose"

Keep Coming Back is home to seven new Zito-penned originals, three co-writes with Anders Osbourne and two covers, Bob Seger’s “Get Out Of Denver” and CCR’s “Bootleg”.  “I love to tell stories,” says the bandleader, “and these songs are stories from my heart, my crazy mind and my life. With the help of Anders, I think I’ve got the best collections of songs I’ve written yet.”

“…his fiery playing elevates each and every song, as do the swallow-your-emotions vocals.” –Vintage Guitar

Working with producer Trina Shoemaker gave Zito a fresh new start. “Trina and I were simpatico in our ideas of what this album would sound and feel like,” recalls Mike, “and she nailed it. This album is raw when it needs to be, subtle, sincere and grooving all the way through. My band is in top form. The musicians gave their all to the songs and brought out the best in me.” This band took the energy from the road to the studio in a hot flash. Top notch players include Jimmy Carpenter (saxophone/vocals), Scot Sutherland (bass), Rob Lee (drums) and Lewis Stephens (keys).

This seasoned musician has a lot to reflect on, solo albums, a Blues Music Award winner, a founding member of Royal Southern Brotherhood, as the wheels keep rolling for him.  There’s a spectrum of genres that can only be called Americana – part-blues – half a cup country and another cup of rock – makes Mike Zito who he is.

Mike and his band, The Wheel will embark on a supporting Keep Coming Back – check his website for updates – www.mikezito.com

Rounder Records to digitally reissue hundreds of recordings.

ROUNDER RECORDS TO REISSUE
HUNDREDS OF RECORDINGS NEVER BEFORE AVAILABLE
FOR DIGITAL STREAMING

October releases include key bluegrass albums by

 Norman Blake and Béla Fleck

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — On October 1, 2015, Rounder Records, a division of Concord Bicycle Music, will begin releasing hundreds of legacy albums into full digital distribution, making many songs available on streaming services for the first time. One new title will be announced each day via Rounder’s social media network, and each month a different musical genre will be featured, from reggae to children’s music, blues and zydeco. A Spotify playlist with one track from each album will be available at the end of each month as well.

Directed by Concord Bicycle Music SVP of Catalog Development Sig Sigworth, in conjunction with Rounder Records founder Bill Nowlin and VP of A&R Scott Billington, this carefully curated program taps Rounder’s legacy of over 3,000 albums of roots music from around the world. Sigworth comments, “Not only did we want to get these important records up and out globally across all digital platforms, but we also wanted to incorporate a marketing campaign to immediately connect, or re-connect, fans to this great Rounder catalog on a daily basis."

October will spotlight Rounder’s extensive bluegrass catalog, with releases by such significant artists as Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Norman Blake and Béla Fleck. Says Billington, “It was records such as Norman Blake’s Whiskey Before Breakfast and Ricky Skaggs’s Family and Friends that put Rounder on the map, and that established the label’s high standard. It’s wonderful to see them fully available to new audiences.”

Title rollouts in coming months will include both popular albums, such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s Live: Mardi Gras in Montreux and Laura Nyro’s Angel in the Dark, as well as deep catalog treasures from the likes of Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulai & the Master Drummers of Dagbon and selections such as Michael Doucet’s Le Hoogie Boogie: Louisiana French Music for Children.