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Zac Harmon & The Drive - Live - New Release Review

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 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live , from Zac Harmon & The Drive and it's super! Opening with soulful, NTRO , Nate Robinson on bass and Gino Iglehart on drums set a solid foundation, with Corey Lacy building on keys and lush guitar work by Zac Harmon and Kingston Livingston really setting the bar. Terrific opener. Blue Pill Thrill has super movement and soulful vocals by Harmon. Lacy on keys works the rhythm with Robinson and Iglehart and Livingston and and Harmon play stinging riffs on guitar really giving this track some kick. Deep blues track, Feet Back On The Ground features Albert King like stinging riffs and super soulful vocals by Harmon. Keeping the music floor low allows Harmon plenty of space to go dynamically from soft to wow quickly adding real emotion to the track. Excellent! Boogie Down is a strong jam with a firm piano base by Lacy giving Harmon plenty of headroom for vocal corralling. Lacy lays in some real tasty keyboar...
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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com

Dolly Says Woof/Hillgrass Hillbilly/VizzTone artist: Scissormen - Walking and Talking the Blues- New Release Review

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I just received the new release by Scissormen and have listened to it a number of times. In fact, I listened to it a few times yesterday, watched the DVD which comes with the recording last night, and then listened to it again a few times today. I don't know if the cd accompanies the DVD or vice verse but I'll start with the DVD. The footage on the DVD is actually a 90 minute feature directed by legendary Robert Mugge [Gospel According to Al Green, Saxaphone Colossus (starring Sonny Rollins), Deep Blues and New Orleans Musicians in Exile]. I loved Deep Blues and this movie is every bit as captivating but for different reasons. It captures singer, songwriter, guitar player Ted Drozdowski along with drummer R.L. Hulsman reconnecting with the early primitive blues and the life that still exists with it. Drozdowski went to North Mississippi after seeing Mugge's Deep Blues and visited RL Burnside, Jesse Mae Hemphill and Junior Kimbrough. These interactions had a profound affect ...

Gregg Wright @ Onezia Upscale Lounge, Gonzales, This Saturday!

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"KING OF THE ROCKIN' BLUES!" The Official Gregg Wright Newsletter February 29, 2012 THE ONEZIA UPSCALE LOUNGE, GONZALES, THIS SATURDAY! The Onezia Upscale Lounge, This Saturday! Greetings friends. We're proud to announce we'll be at the fantastic Onezia Upscale Lounge in Gonzales, this Saturday, March 3rd. I sincerely hope you'll come join us, because this is one you won't want to miss. My good firend Chris LeBlanc www.chrisleblanc.com is going to come by and sit in with us for a spell. It'll be a night of total guitar madness!!! Onezia owner Kyle Sonnier is a great guy who has put together a really nice, relaxing atmosphere at Onezia, with big, comfortable sofas, and great drinks. We love playing here! Special discount on CDs will be available at the show! The Onezia Upscale Lounge 13091 Airline Highway Gonzales, LA 70737 Tel: 225-647-2447 Showtime: 9:30 PM Admission: $10 http://www.on...

MUSIC MAKER RELEASES SHELTON POWE'S CAROLINA BLUES AND GOSPEL

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HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. - Music Maker Relief Foundation is excited to announce the release of Shelton Powe's first album, Carolina Blues and Gospel. The 14 tracks on Carolina Blues and Gospel are a blend of fresh and traditional, combining intricate melodies with a feel of spontaneity. The album will be available March 13, 2012, on iTunes and through the Music Maker online store. Born in 1957 in Charlotte, N.C., Powe grew up on the tent revival circuit, surrounded by a family of Gospel musicians. Early on, he absorbed the influence of legends on the Atlanta blues scene including Cora Mae Bryant, Neal Pattman, Cootie Stark and Frank Edward, collecting a wide range of lyrics and melodies along the way. Listen to "Diving Duck Blues" from the ablum here: http://www.musicmaker.org/jukebox/2055 Powe, a self-taught musician who now plays the Piedmont finger-style guitar, calls his music "old style country picking." He has had the opportunity to play on several Atlan...

Policy Dream Blues - BUMBLE BEE SLIM

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Amos Easton (May 7, 1905 – June 8, 1968), better known by the stage name Bumble Bee Slim, was an American Piedmont blues musician. Easton was born in Brunswick, Georgia, United States. Around 1920 he left home to join the Ringling Brothers' circus before returning to Georgia, marrying briefly, and then heading north on a freight train to Indianapolis where he settled in 1928. There, he met and was influenced by pianist Leroy Carr and guitarist Scrapper Blackwell. By 1931 he had moved to Chicago, where he first recorded as Bumble Bee Slim for Paramount Records. The following year his song, "B&O Blues", was a hit for Vocalion Records, inspiring a number of other railroad blues and eventually becoming a popular folk song. Over the next five years he recorded over 150 songs for the Decca, Bluebird and Vocalion labels, often accompanied by other musicians such as Big Bill Broonzy, Peetie Wheatstraw, Tampa Red, Memphis Minnie, and Washboard Sam. In 1937, he returned to Geor...

Fat's Frenzy - Fats Domino

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Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino, Jr. (born February 26, 1928) is an American R&B and rock and roll pianist and singer-songwriter. He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Creole was his first language. Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my wall or post great blues photos or events! Share your favorite postings and get more exposure for your favorite band! - ”LIKE”

Mean Old World - Dave Myers

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The Aces was one of the earliest and most influential of the electric Chicago blues band in the 1950s. Led by the guitarist brothers Louis and Dave Myers, natives of Byhalia, Mississippi, the brothers originally performed under the name The Little Boys; with the subsequent addition of harmonica player Junior Wells, they rechristened themselves the Three Deuces, followed by the Three Aces. The 1950 enlistment of drummer Fred Below prompted another name change, this time to the Four Aces; finally, to simplify matters once and for all, the group performed as just The Aces. Influenced in large part by jazz, they developed an urbane, sophisticated style well ahead of its time; in particular, Below's refined rhythms led to the rise of the blues shuffle beat, and helped launch the drums to a new prominence within the blues band hierarchy. In 1952, Wells quit to join the Muddy Waters band, filling the vacancy created by the recent departure of Little Walter; Walter himself quickly signed t...

Disco Strut - Booker T Laury

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Booker T. Laury (September 2, 1914 – September 23, 1995) was an American boogie-woogie, blues, gospel and jazz pianist and singer. Over his lengthy career, Laury worked with various musicians including Memphis Slim and Mose Vinson. He appeared in two films, but did not record his debut album until he was almost eighty years of age. Lawrence Laury was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up with his lifelong friend, Memphis Slim. At the age of six, after helping his mother play the family's pump organ, Laury learned to play the keyboards. His barrelhouse playing style, which he developed alongside Slim, was based on the influence gained from regular Memphis performers Roosevelt Sykes, Sunnyland Slim, and Speckled Red. In the early 1930s, and in the company of the younger Mose Vinson, Slim and Laury began playing in local clubs. In 1935, Sykes suggested to Laury and Slim that they relocated to Chicago, with a view of obtaining a recording contract. Slim took up the advice, but Laury ...

Phillip Walker & Gonzalo Araya

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It is a matter of public record that Phillip Walker was born in Welsh, Louisiana, February 11, 1937. Phillip was the seventh of twelve children of Malvin and Viola Weber Walker, sharecroppers who were married at ages 14 and 13 and began raising a family when they were only children themselves. Malvin was a smart hardworking farmer who always managed, somehow, to keep a roof over the heads of his family. Malvin could fix anything, and Phillip seems to have followed in his dad's footsteps with a mechanical aptitude nothing short of amazing. When Phillip was 8 years old his family moved to Port Arthur, Texas. It is this combination of Louisiana Creole, French, and Indian (his mother’s mother was full-blooded Cherokee), and Texas western gunslinger that combines to prod Phillip’s unique speech patterns, accent and dialect. His mother spoke in the French Creole dialect (Cajun) of the area. Things went smoothly in Port Arthur for a while, but by the time he was 12 years old, his father’s...

Lucy Mae Blues - Frankie Lee Sims

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Frankie Lee Sims (April 30, 1917, New Orleans, Louisiana – May 10, 1970, Dallas, Texas) was an American singer-songwriter and electric blues guitarist. He released nine singles during his career, one of which, "Lucy Mae Blues" (1953) was a regional hit. Two compilation albums of his work were released posthumously. Sims was the cousin of another Texas blues musician, Lightnin' Hopkins, and he worked with several other prominent blues musicians, including Texas Alexander, T-Bone Walker, King Curtis and Albert Collins. Sims is regarded as one of the important figures in post-war Texas country blues. Frankie Lee Sims was born on April 30, 1917 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Henry Sims and Virginia Summuel. He claimed he was born on February 29, 1906, but 1906 was not a leap year and April 30, 1917 is generally accepted as his birth date. He was the nephew of Texas blues singer Texas Alexander, and the cousin of Texan guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins. Both Sims's parents we...

I'm A Train - Cinqui

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Ian or 'Cinqui' (pronounced 'Sinkie', a nickname acquired as a child) was a recording artist in his own right with Creole Records, and has also worked as a session vocalist, most notably he has collaborated and performed with Phil Collins to produce charity concerts for the Princes' Trust. Cinqui says “Originally I didn’t intend to necessarily perform these songs myself. As I worked the material with guitarist/arranger Stuart Dixon it immediately became clear that the combination of styles could, and did, evolve into a hybrid of musical genre. The result of this collaboration was the eventual recording of the acoustic album titles ‘Cinqui’ which basically recreated, albeit in a studio environment, the essence of the acoustic duo, on songs such as "Mighty Mighty" and "Never Forget your Face". Audience feedback showed phenomenal appreciation of the rhythms and intimacy of the acoustic duo and also the way that Cinqui deconstruct some classic songs ...

Life And Troubles - Blues Queen Sylvia

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Sylvia Lee Burton Embry (June 14, 1941 - February 28, 1992) grew up in Arkansas. She had been a vibrant part of the Chicago blues scene. Blues Queen Sylvia had a big husky voice in the tradition of Koko Taylor and Big Mama Thorton. She was backed by such greats as Jimmy Rogers, Jimmy Dawkins and Louisiana Red. Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! Share your favorite posting and get more exposure for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Black Snake Blues - Jeff Martin

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Jeffrey Scott Martin (born October 2, 1969 in Windsor, Ontario) is a Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter best known for fronting the rock band The Tea Party. Martin began his career as a solo artist in October 2005, when The Tea Party disbanded. Forming The Tea Party in 1990 after a marathon jam session at the Cherry Beach Rehearsal Studios in Toronto, Martin (a self-confessed "control freak") produced all of The Tea Party's albums, including their eponymous debut album in 1991, distributing it through the band's own label, Eternal Discs. In 1993 The Tea Party signed to EMI Music Canada and released their first major label recording entitled Splendor Solis. Martin employed open tunings to imitate Indian instruments such as the sitar, something he has continued to employ throughout his career. Further developing The Tea Party's sound in 1995, The Edges of Twilight was recorded with an array of Indian and Middle-eastern instrumentation while Martin drew lyrical...

Devils Son - Skylar Wolf

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SKYLAR WOLF— is an accomplished artist, musician, guitarist and harmonica player. He is a singer songwriter of great talent... .. WOLF grew up in the Four Cornner's area of ....New Mexico.... and ROLLS.. a ..WILD STYLE.. in L.A... but lives a life of tradition. He walks in ..TWO WORLDS.. and tells his stories from BOTH SIDES. Apart of Skylar's TEACHINGS came from the ..STREETS.. of ....Niagara Falls, New York... His music takes you back to 444 4th street, Willow Ave and the up stairs Hotel California Zodiac Bar rooms in ..Niagara Falls.. ..! A hard way of life pushes SKYLAR WOLF to spread his music sharing it with the world, helping the less fortunate, the lost souls living out on the streets. Most importantly, MR. WOLF wishes to ..dedicate his lifes work for the children.., teaching and guiding them towards a BETTER LIFE or a new beginning. .. .. .. His message is one of hope and redemption..: a life free from addiction and ...

Somethings Cookin' - NORMAN NARDINI

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Norman Nardini, longtime Pittsburgh rock’n roller wrote the lyric "I've Been Doin It For Years Before Ya All Was Here” in 1979. Twenty five years later, he’s still doin it. Norman spent the late 60's and early 70's doing covers and learning the ropes. In 1971, while living in Boston and attending the Berklee School of Music, Nardini spent a week playing guitar for music legend Big Mama Thornton and George "Harmonica' Smith at The Jazz Workshop. In 1975, as bass player for rock band "Diamond Reo", he got his first national release and toured extensively through 1978 performing on shows with Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Canned Heat, Kansas, Rush & Kiss. It was a great education. After two more releases, 1976’s “Dirty Diamonds” on the Kama Sutra label and 1978's “Ruff Cuts” on Mad Dog Records. Norman left the band to start "Norman Nardini & The Tigers", his first shot as lead singer, lead guitar and chief song writer. The 1981 release ...

Crosscut Saw - Mark Pontin Group

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The Mark Pontin Group,or MPG for short are a three-piece blues/rock outfit based in Swansea,South Wales.Following a tradition that stretches back to the days of bands such as Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream,the band play with top class musicianship,utilizing power,subtlety and dynamics.Improvisation is a key feature,and the band work on good interplay between the musicians.Members have shared stages with Albert Lee,The Hamsters,The Cult,Eugene Hideaway Bridges,Snatch It Back amongst others. Members Mark Pontin-Guitar/Vocals Chris Baglole-Drums/Vocals Alun Walters-Bass/Vocals Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! Share your favorite posting and get more exposure for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Better Vision For Children Benefit@House of Blues/L.A. Featuring Bluesman Papa J

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Presents A "Better Vision For Children" Benefit Featuring Real Blues Festival Of Orange County Founder Papa J & Friends Saturday March 3 - House of Blues - Hollywood, Calif (HOLLYWOOD) - In a development that is guaranteed to make Southern California's fiercely loyal and ever-growing Blues community jump for joy, the House of Blues/Sunset is presenting a new, all-ages, Blues Concert Series in its second floor Crossroads Restaurant and Concert Hall. This Saturday night, March 3, the House of Blues presents Real Blues Festival of Orange County founder/harpist-vocalist Papa J & Friends with an auction benefiting Better Vision For Children - a non-profit charity working to prevent and cure partial or total blindness resulting from amblyopia (Lazy Eye), Autism, Diabetes, and Eye Cancer. 9:00 p..m-12:00 a.m. on the Voodoo Lounge stage; no cover and free appetizer with ...

New Release: Last Time I Saw You - Microwave Dave and the Nukes - Review

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I have just received and had the chance to review the new release, Last Time I Saw You by Microwave Dave and the Nukes .The recording starts out with Drinkin' Wine Since Nine , a loosely structured rocky blues. Jesus Was Smart is a clever song put together just for your enjoyment with a cool guitar riff in the middle to top it off. I've Got A bet With Myself is a straight up rocker done country style. The Worst Thing is a soul oriented blues tune with a relaxed guitar solo interlude for you blues lovers. Tire Man is another clever song with lines alluding to suggestion to get the audience thinking and paying attention. Alabama Saturday Night is a rockin' boogie with harp and Nawlins flavor with a Bo Diddley beat. All Night Boogie is exactly what it is...boogie! Goin' Downtown has a great intro and I love the interesting guitar tone that Dave gets on this particular tune. Cadillac Ride has some pretty cool guitar riffs especially if you dig the under polished st...

Guitar Lesson w/ Alastair Greene - Lesson 2 Kitchen Sink Scale

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This is the second installment of guitar lessons with Alastair Greene. Here's Greene's upcoming tour schedule with Alan Parsons: March 3rd Las Vegas, NV - Railhead at Boulder Station March 25th San Jose, Costa Rica - International Arts Festival March 27th TBA, Costa Rica June 9th Beaumont, CA - Cherry Festival July 17th Beirut, Lebanon July 19th Munich, Germany July 20th Essen, Germany July 22nd Corsica, France July 24th Curcassonne, France Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my wall or post great blues photos or events! Share your favorite postings and get more exposure for your favorite band! - ”LIKE”

Walter Trout adds new date to UK tour

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www.waltertrout.com www.provoguerecords.com 24 HOUR TICKET HOTLINE: 0844 478 0898 BOOK ONLINE: www.thegigcartel.com Walter Trout's 21st album Blues for the Modern Daze will be released in the UK on Monday 23rd April (24th April in the US). The new album showcases the contemporary guitar legend’s return to his hardcore blues roots, with songwriting at a creative and personal zenith. Blues For The Modern Daze is Trout’s sixth recording for Provogue Records, a division of the Mascot Label Group, and his first full-fledged blues album in 23 years as a bandleader. Walter Trout is one of the world’s great guitarists. The former lead guitar player with John Mayall Blues Breakers , Canned Heat and John Lee Hooker , recently celebrated his 20th years as a solo recording artist in his own right with the chart busting album ‘Common Ground’ . Now comes the preview of his brand new album ‘Blues For The Modern Daze’ . "A torrential, gladiatorial guitar...

Can't Make Another Day - Edith North Johnson

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Edith North Johnson (January 2, 1903 – February 28, 1988) was an American classic female blues singer, pianist and songwriter. Her most noted tracks were "Honey Dripper Blues", "Can't Make Another Day" and "Eight Hour Woman". She wrote another of her songs, "Nickel's Worth of Liver Blues". Born Edith North, in 1928 she married a local record producer, Jesse Johnson. She originally worked at her husband's Deluxe Music Store as a sales person. Although not a professional singer, between 1928 and 1929 Johnson recorded eighteen sides. She started on QRS Records in 1928, later switching to Paramount. Her output tally included those from a recording session in Grafton, Wisconsin, for the Paramount label with Charley Patton. Oddly, it is now reckoned that Patton did not play on any of her recordings. During World War II, Johnson managed a taxicab operation in St. Louis, as well as later running Johnson's Deluxe Cafė after her husband...