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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

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Tommy Malone On Mt. Stage, On Canvas & More





Tommy Malone Featured On WHYY's "On Canvas"
Recording Mountain Stage This Weekend
On WYEP's Live & Direct  April 14

Tommy's 2nd Release for M.C. "Poor Boy" Coming April 29


Northport N.Y. - Tommy Malone is having a busy week! On Thursday April 10 he'll be the featured artist on the award winning television program On Canvas. The show airs via WHYY in Philadelphia at 10PM on Thursdays and Noon on Sundays. Lots of great live performances and interviews. Click here to preview Tommy performing "Time To Move On" from his April 29 release Poor Boy.


This Sunday, Tommy heads to West Virginia to record a performance for the syndicated radio program "Mountain Stage." On the bill with Tommy is Keb Mo, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Joan Osborne. You can stream the show at mountainstage.org starting at 7PM Eastern time. Click here to get more info.


On Monday, April 14 Tommy will pay a visit to the wonderfully eclectic radio station WYEP in Pittsburgh. He'll be performing on their "Live and Direct Sessions." Not in Pittsburgh? You can stream the show via their website. Here's the link for the program, http://www.wyep.org/live-direct-sessions.

On April 29 M.C. Records will release his second solo effort for the label,
Poor Boy (MC-0076).  Tommy co-produced the recording with his longtime musical friend Ray Ganucheau in New Orleans. Ray was the engineer for the Subdudes' "Primitive Streak" and Tommy's first solo recording, "Soul Heavy."

Poor Boy features Tommy's unique songwriting that bleeds true Americana. The one amazing exception is Tommy covering Stevie Wonder's "Big Brother."


M.C. Records is proud to announce that Tommy Malone's second effort for for the label, Poor Boy is available for digital download and listening.
The first 11 songs are from Poor Boy , the next 12 are from his 2013 release, "Natural Born Days." Click the link to check it out!


Tommy Malone is not only one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, he’s a superb guitarist and a magnificent vocalist who animates every corner of his compositions. Over the past 40 years Malone has been at the center of some of the most storied and often star-crossed bands in Louisiana history, beginning with the family band formed with two of his brothers, Dustwoofie. Malone went on to help develop the eccentric songwriters’ collective the Continental Drifters before becoming a charter member of the still-beloved subdudes. Along the way he played in the well regarded one-off groups Tiny Town and Monkey Ranch as well as in a duo with his older brother Dave from the Radiators, the Malone Brothers. Poor Boy will mark the third solo recording in his storied career.


Tommy Malone has a bunch of dates solo and with the Subdudes.

Tommy Malone on Tour!
For Bookings contact  - Kyle Day - kyle@sweetwinegroup.com

Apr. 12 - French Quarter Festival - New Orleans, LA
Apr. 13 -Mountain Stage Taping - Wheeling WV
Apr. 15 - Live & Direct Sessions - WYEP, Pittsburgh PA
May 1  - An Evening With Subdudes- House of Blues, New Orleans, LA
May 3 -  2:00 PM - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
May 9 - Soiled Dove Underground - Denver CO
May 29 - An Evening With Subdudes- Pabst Theater, Milwaukee WI
May 30 - An Evening With Subdudes-House of Blues - Chicago IL
Jun. 25 - An Evening With Subdudes-Birchmere- Alexandria VA
Jun. 26 - An Evening With Subdudes- - Rams Head - Annapolis MD
Jun. 27 - An Evening With Subdudes - Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA
Jun. 28 - An Evening With Subdudes - World Cafe Live, Wilmington DE
Jul. 24 - An Evening With Subdudes- B.B. Kings, NYC
Jul. 25  - An Evening With Subdudes-The Boulton Center - Bayshore NY
Sept. 14 - American River Music Festival - Lotus CA

Get Some 'April Blues' at Harvelle's with Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke R&B Revue


            
                                                  On Saturday, April 19,
GET SOME 'APRIL BLUES' AT  HARVELLE'S W/ LARRY "FUZZY" KNIGHT'S    BLOWIN' SMOKE R&B REVUE FEATURING "THE FABULOUS SMOKETTES"

Santa Monica's Hottest Monthly R&B/Blues/Soul Dance Party For 2 Decades!


   (Santa Monica, CA) - Those in the know are definitely down with Santa Monica's hottest monthly R&B/Blues/Soul dance party - that being Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke R&B Revue featuring the Fabulous Smokettes, in concert for your listening and dancing pleasure at Harvelle's, Saturday, April 19. Showtime 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Admission $10. Harvelle's is located at 1432 S. 4th St., in Santa Monica. Info: (310) 395-1976 or https://www.facebook.com/harvelles?fref=ts.

  Find out for yourself why the Blowin' Smoke R&B Revue were voted by MUSIC CONNECTION magazine as a "Hot 100 Live Artist for 2013" in their year-end issue, topping several thousand bands around the United States that vie for that yearly honor.
   

   Music Connection reviewer Tim Reid Jr. writes, "(bandleader Fuzzy) Knight must know a thing or two about putting the right pieces in place to make a show, as he has done in this case. Even with a couple of subs in the horn section, the clear fact is that Knight is going to present true professionals whenever Blowin' Smoke takes the stand. Knight himself is a quality bass player and bluesy singer with an almost grittier Randy Newman kind of sound. The Fabulous Smokettes live up to their name - working the harmonies and each singer knowing how to take the spotlight when it hits. "Fuzzy" Knight reminds all of us in the modern technological era that real people with real instruments and real personalities playing music that hits the gut and forces the knees to bend...it makes one happy to be alive and in the community of other living people."


"Cross Soul Train with American Bandstand and you get a good idea
of what a Blowin' Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue show is like!"  

   For nearly two decades, Blues/R&B/Soul group Blowin' Smoke has been one of the most in-demand, successful bands on the Southern California live music circuit. Front and center in Blowin' Smoke is its creator, bandleader/bassist/vocalist, Larry "Fuzzy" Knight - whose impressive musical resume' includes a decade-plus stint as bassist for one of the great SoCal bands to emerge from the psychedelic era of the Sixties, Spirit.  Knight has also recently launched a new band project, Sky King, featuring some top-name musicians, all the while keeping Blowin' Smoke going strong. 

  Here's Blowin' Smoke performing Aretha Franklin's "Something's Gold A Hold On Me" recently at Harvelle's. 


                            www.blowinsmokeband.com

Momo Records artist: Rachelle Coba - Mother Blues - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Mother Blues from Rachelle Coba and it's a very interesting first effort on the part of this fine singer/songwriter/guitarist. Opening with Never Been To Memphis, Coba kicks up her heels in a country pop manner with balanced vocal and guitar mix. Ain't Got Time (To Fall In Love), is up next with a soul flavor. Showing strong possibilities as a radio track I would certainly compare it favorably with the work of Susan Tedeschi. Worried Blues is a fusion of blues and light jazz as you might hear from Robben Ford and not only nicely showcases Coba's fine vocals but also some pretty stylistic guitar riffs. Between The Tracks has a quiet ballad feel with clean articulate guitar work and firm drum work from Karl T Himmel. Jacob Webb lays down some really sweet bass lines on this track and Jerry Hahn also adds some nice lead guitar work. Chicago has a bit of a rag beat to it looking back at some of the more old style blues players. The cool repeating little guitar riff sets this track off. A more soulful attack on the solo guitar work on this track is a cool contrast against the acoustic picking which outlines the track. Telephone Song gets down and dirty with hot snappy electric guitar riffs complimenting Coba's finest vocals on the release. Title track, Mother Blues is a rambling shuffle track with an nice extended guitar solo. A Man Like You is a quiet understated shuffle track with nice guitar punctuation. David M Santos carries a nice bass line on this track leading to a smooth guitar solo by Coba. View From Here has a lot of the characteristics or older blues/spiritual tracks. This is a tight little number with mostly guitar chords and vocal. Nice. Let Your Love Shine, wrapping the release, has a nice funky bottom by Himmel on drums and Jason Webb on bass. Ray Murry adds warmth with organ on this piece but it's really strong writing, a great beat, ideal vocals and stinging guitar work that makes this my favorite on the release.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Ventura County Blues Festival




General Admission tickets:
Presale $20 (Limited Time Only)
$30 at Gate
Kids 12 and under are FREE
with paid Adult
VIP Tickets:
$100 (Online Only) all ages
For ticket info CLICK HERE!


Record Store Day 2014 Update From Varèse Sarabande Records


From Varèse Sarabande Records and Universal Music Distribution

Due to unforeseen manufacturing issues the Genesis vinyl album From Genesis To Revelation will, unfortunately, not be ready to ship in time for this year’s Record Store Day.  Varese has been working diligently with our manufacturer Erika Records to resolve the problem. While checking test pressings in quality control, both of us found points that did not meet with either of our production standards.
 
Fortunately, the album will be available to release for Black Friday in the fall. 
This is the first time this album will be available on vinyl since its original U.S. release in 1974. The album features the original multi-platinum-selling core Genesis line-up of Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, and Peter Gabriel.

Provogue Records artist: Walter Trout - The Blues Came Callin' - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (June 10, 2014), The Blues Came Callin', from Walter Trout and it is nothing short of super. This release, marking Trout's 25th anniversary as a solo artist is a nice addition to his catalog. Opening with blues rocker Wastin' Away, Walter and his troupes sound tight and ready to rock. A slight melodic tip to Humble Pie's I Don't Need No Doctor, Walter sings I Feel Like I'm Wasting Away as he fires up his strat like a flame thrower. The World Is Going Crazy (And So Am I) has a rhythm putting me in mind of The Shape I'm In (The Band) but Trout is nothing about that laid back country rock stuff and much more about the hot running blues. Stepping up again he shows that there is no loss of imagination or feel. The Bottom Of The River opens with acoustic guitar/resonator guitar work. Developing a heavy bottom and with the addition of harp, the intensity slowly grows until Trout is full out on electric guitar. Take A Little Time is a sweet shuffle track with nice boogie piano under the melody. A Chuck Berry/Keith Richards like guitar solo crowns this track and it's really a lot of fun. The Whale is a straight up rocker with hot blues riffs. Willie is a smokin' boogie track with screaming harp and Trout playing in tandem. This is one of the hottest tracks on the release. Mayall's Piano Boogie is a cool track of course featuring strong piano work in front. Trout lays back in the wings as the melody develops stepping up with slick Texas style guitar riffs. Very nice! Bound to be one of the most popular tracks on the release, Born In The City, has a solid slung blues pace directed by a solid bass line (like Fool For Your Stockings). Trout really takes over on this track with crisp vocals and the best guitar riffs on the release. Instrumental Texas shuffle, Tight Shoes has a SRV swagger and Trout really knows how to walk the walk. This is an excellent track and one that definitely see strong airplay for the right reasons. Title track, The Blues Came Callin', is born out of the sound of John Lee Hooker even featuring some traditional Hooker riffs. All electric, all the time, John Mayall takes a nice walk on the keys leading up to one of the fiercest solo's on a Trout release in a while. This is Trout swinging his axe at his best. Hard Time is a blues rocker with a light funky twist. Trout really hits a cool slot on this track. Egged on by a funky drum beat, Trout holds back using rhythmic dynamics rather than faster fingering. Very nice. Wrapping the release is another slower blues track along the lines of "Help Me". Nobody Moves Me Like You Do has a modified bass line built over this classic blues vamp and it's terrific. Again Trout holds back and allows the track to breathe as he sings the melody with only small licks of fire. Then he slowly lets out the leash and lets the big dog eat. If you love blues and want to hear Trout play fine explosive but spontaneous blues guitar solos, this is a great opportunity.

 I suspect if you have been following my report of even a casual fan of the blues you know that Walter is battling liver disease. This release was recorded throughout 2013 and is finally ready to hit the road running. here's well wishes that Walter is soon on the road to recovery.
Currently in production and scheduled to be shown in the summer, the exclusive documentary features Walter talking in depth about his life and music. Also featured in the documentary are many of the people who influenced Trout personally and professionally. To coincide with the release of the album, Provogue Records has orchestrated an extensive concert tour, a collectible re-issue limited edition vinyl series, and a book biography. "The Blues Came Callin'" will be available on 180 gram vinyl, CD, and as a limited edition CD/DVD combo. The DVD will contain a 2014 full-length documentary about Walter Trout.

 Walter is currently hospitalized and in urgent need of a liver transplant! Walter has been battling severe liver disease bravely for the past many months. He has continued touring and recording until a few weeks ago - he loves playing for people, and it has been the best medicine for him. We were given hope that medicinal treatment could reverse his condition but we now know that this hasn't worked. His liver has failed, and doctors say his survival depends on receiving a transplant. He is at UCLA in and out of Intensive Care, which is a prime facility for liver transplants. Walter has health insurance but this will not cover the full cost of his treatment. The medical expenses, co-pay, medication, after-care, etc. are going to be immense. Walter will need to cancel much of the tour planned for 2014 leaving him and his family with little income. By helping support this effort, you can help give Walter peace of mind and focus solely on his health and recovery before, during and after the transplant. The timeline is uncertain at this point. Waiting for a suitable liver donor in the hospital can be a lengthy and costly process of many weeks or even months. There will be considerable cost for rehabilitation, re-training and physical therapy post-surgery Quote From Walter's Wife Marie: "Thank you for coming here and sending your love towards Walter. It means the world to him and to me to feel surrounded with your love and prayers at this difficult time. Walter has lost 100 pounds and most of his muscle tissue in the past year, and suffered much pain. It has been heart wrenching to watch him go through this. He has tried to put on a brave face for us all - he has kept playing, composing, singing, touring, and recording because music and communicating through music has always been his life line.. But he has reached the point, where he is too sick to stand up or even hold a guitar. Thank you again on Walter's behalf for your love and support." - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/walter-trout-needs-a-new-liver-you-can-help-/151911

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Monday, April 7, 2014

Swedish rockers H.E.A.T announce four UK concerts

The long-awaited new studio album
"Tearing Down The Walls"
Released on April 14th, 2014 via earMUSIC
Featuring the new single "A Shot At Redemption" taken from
the same titled
4-track EP - released February 14th, 2014
"What can you say about H.E.A.T? If you don't like these energetic Swedes you must be dead inside, as this year they've shown the UK crowd how to be the most complete band on the planet." - Classic Rock Magazine
April 14th, 2014 sees the UK release of the long awaited new studio album "Tearing Down The Walls" by Swedish rock band H.E.A.T via earMUSIC.  
Once again the band decided the move into Bohus Studio with Grammy-award winning producer Tobias Lindell and created an explosive, fresh sound.
The first sneak peak of the album is the lead single "A Shot At Redemption". It confirms all that H.E.A.T showed before and more: a catchy hookline, a driven beat, the obligatory guitar solo and the raw, beyond comparison vocals of singer Erik Grönwall.

Photo Credit: © Gustaf Sandholm Andersson
"A Shot At Redemption" will be released digitally as part of a 4-track EP on February 14th, 2014 via earMUSIC.
Added on top to the "A Shot At Redemption" EP are the previously unreleased "Under Your Skin", a goosebumps worthy acoustic version of H.E.A.T's "In And Out Of Trouble" and a sensual cover of one of the greatest ballads, "She"s Like The Wind".
Four songs to enjoy the energetic and explosive side of H.E.A.T and their great talent for ballads, to ease the wait for the very anticipated new studio album.
"Tearing Down The Walls" – their brand new studio work – is the follow-up to the successful "Address The Nation" which was praised by media worldwide as one of the best album's in 2012 and consolidated the band's reputation as the new leading band in hard edged melodic rock.
H.E.A.T had a huge hit in Scandinavia with the song "1000 Miles" in 2009 and the band's 2nd Album, "Freedom Rock" was nominated as one of the Top 50 albums in 2010 by Classic Rock Magazine UK. Since then, they have been touring all over the world, convincing everyone with their powerful performance.

Photo Credit: © Gustaf Sandholm Andersson
In a moment when artists like Foreigner, Journey and Whitesnake are enjoying a second youth, when teenagers are re-discovering the melodic approach to hard rock which these artists have mastered and when proudly wearing their logo on T-shirts all of a sudden turned "hip", when classic hard rock songs are again in the single charts and among the most downloaded … – H.E.A.T is the hope for carrying this genre to the future. They are young, ambitious and full of energy.
H.E.A.T's music is not a revival, and it's not nostalgic. Still … it's by far the best you can have today if you love "classic rock" or "AOR" … or more simply if you think that rock music means energy, great songs, and the ambition to be on top of the world.

Photo Credit: © Gustaf Sandholm Andersson
H.E.A.T – UK TOUR DATES 2014
To dovetail the April 14th release of their new album “Tearing Down The Walls”, Swedish rockers H.E.A.T have announced they will play four UK concerts in May:
London Garage
Newcastle O2 Academy 2
Glasgow Cathouse
Manchester Academy 3  
Friday 16th May
Saturday 17th May
Sunday 18th May
Monday 19th May
Tickets for all four concerts are can be ordered from the official H.E.A.T website.
The follow-up H.E.A.T’s 2012 critically acclaimed album Address The Nation, "Tearing Down The Walls" was recorded at Bohus Studios with Grammy-award winning producer Tobias Lindell. The first single to be taken from the new album is A Shot At Redemption.
A new double A-side single "Tearing Down The Walls" / "Mannequin Show" will be released on Monday April 14th; to coincide with the release of the new album.
H.E.A.T line-up

Erik Grönwall - Vocals
Eric Rivers - Guitar
Jimmy Jay - Bass
Jona Tee - Keyboards
Crash - Drums
"A Shot At Redemption" EP Tracklist

1. A Shot At Redemption
2. Under Your Skin
3. In And Out Of Trouble (Acoustic)
4. She's Like The Wind
H.E.A.T – Biography
Over the last seven years H.E.A.T has established themselves as the young leading band in the melodic rock scene, both in their homeland Sweden and internationally. They have toured and performed in front of thousands and thousands of fans around the world.
It all started in early 2007 when H.E.A.T was born out of the ashes of two other bands. They began to write songs and started to play every show they could get their hands on. It resulted in a fan base in Sweden and whispers of a new rising star began to radiate abroad.
A few months later a record deal was signed and the first major gigs, as support to the likes of Toto and Mustasch were made.
In April 2008, their self titled debut album was released and became a massive vitamin injection for the genre and instantly received accolades from both fans and critics worldwide. The release was followed up by immense touring and H.E.A.T played with bands such as Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy and on big festivals like Sweden Rock Festival.
By January 2009, an exciting year in the H.E.A.T history began. First in line was a five week European tour supporting German greats Edguy followed by the Swedish qualifiers for the Eurovision song contest with the song 1000 Miles’ which became a huge hit in Sweden. The first album was re-released bundled with the ‘1000 Miles’ single and touring began all over Sweden.
In late 2009, H.E.A.T entered the studio to begin the recordings of the follow-up “Freedom Rock”. The album was released in May 2010. During the recordings, H.E.A.T began to grow a slight distance to singer Kenny Leckremo. After a tour in England in spring 2010, H.E.A.T and Kenny parted ways.
Determined to not let the band fade into history, the band began the search for a new singer. More than 200 applications came in.
During this time the band got in touch with “Swedish Idol” winner Erik Grönwall who was asked to do a stand-in gig in Sweden. He had to decline due to a busy solo career schedule, although the seed of him becoming singer of a successful rock band had been planted. A couple of weeks later, Jimmy met Erik at a release party and asked him straight forward if at all he was interested in joining. A meeting was set up and hours after the meeting Erik decided that his destiny was within H.E.A.T.
The band instantly began writing songs for what would become their third album, “Address the Nation”. A new record deal with GAIN/Sony Music was signed and together they chose which songs to record from a total of about 30 songs. Through their new label they got in touch with Grammy award winning producer Tobias Lindell and the legendary “Studio Bohus” in Gothenburg. They felt that this truly is the man to deliver the sound of H.E.A.T in the future.  
 “Address the Nation” was released in March 2012 worldwide with the epic song ‘Living on the Run’ as the vanguard. A lot of touring and hard work began for the guys and 2012 turned out to be a great year in the H.E.A.T history. They played in every corner of Sweden, including shows at mighty Sweden Rock Festival and Skogsröjet. They played big TV shows and got nominated for a Rockbjörn-award, a big and prestigious award in Sweden. H.E.A.T also recorded their first two music videos, one for ‘Living on the Run’, and one for ‘It’s All About Tonight’.
"What can you say about H.E.A.T? If you don't like these energetic Swedes you must be dead inside, as this year they've shown the UK crowd how to be the most complete band on the planet." - Classic Rock Magazine
The Address the Nation circus continued in 2013 and the guys loaded their guns and headed out to conquer Europe. With 10 headline shows in Germany, England and Spain, they proved to the European crowd that they were a top class live act.
In the summer of 2013 H.E.A.T played festivals in Germany with bands like Journey, Whitesnake and Europe and played at the legendary festival Firefest in England. This, together with H.E.A.T breaking new ground in the far east of China with a 10 date tour and the Rockalies-festival in France, marked the end of the Adress the Nation-era and the start of something new...
Despite these hectic two years, the guys still managed to keep the song writing going and in August of 2013, the guys once again entered Studio Bohus with producer Tobias Lindell to record their fourth album entitled: "Tearing Down the Walls".
With this album H.E.A.T has once again created a great hard rock album with the right blend of melodic and heavy songs. Singer Erik Grönwall about the title:
“Tearing down the walls is about breaking free from your mental walls that are holding you back. Go out there and try new things, don’t let yourself be your own worst enemy. Tear down the walls.”
“Tearing down the Walls” is released April 11th, with the EP “A Shot at Redemption” marking the start in mid-February.
They kick off the tour playing in Madrid with Scorpions in March and 2014 looks like the best year for H.E.A.T so far.
 

PEACH & The Blues All-Stars Headline Biscuits & Blues




PEACH & THE BLUES ALL-STARS HEADLINE PREMIERE VENUE
BISCUITS & BLUES IN SAN FRANCISCO - FRIDAY, APRIL 25





   (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) - PEACH & The Blues All-Stars make their San Francisco performing debut, headlining Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St., on Friday, April 25. 2 shows: 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. $20. Info: (415) 292-2583 or http://www.biscuitsandblues.com.

  This begins a busy touring and performing season for the award-winning guitarist-vocalist, who also is a headliner at the Untapped Brews & Blues Festival in Kennewick, WA on May 10.

  PEACH - recently interviewed on America's Blues Radio - is at the forefront of female-fronted blues acts performing both modern and old-time blues, with an All-Star band of musicians featuring keyboardist Ken Stange (Joe Cocker); guitarist Jamie James (Steppenwolf, Kingbees); bassist Del Atkins (James Ingram, Pointer Sisters); and drummer Tom Walsh (America, Joe Cocker, Supertramp). In the recent past PEACH has recorded with Taj Mahal, Marty Grebb (The Buckinghams), Reggie McBride (Elton John), Joey Delgado (Delgado Brothers), Garth Hudson (The Band) and Paul Barrere (LIttle Feat). She has co-written with Keb' Mo' and Marty Grebb and is a past Los Angeles Music Awards, Rockwired Radio Awards, All Access Magazine Music Awards, and South Bay Music Awards recipient.

     "PEACH has done a duet with Taj Mahal, co-wrote a song with Keb' Mo' and uses her decades of experience to bring real blues to her audience. Her kind spirit and passion make for a unique blend of Blues artist." - INFLUX MAGAZINE.
www.peach.us https://www.facebook.com/PeachBluesBand?fref=ts

Al Basile Delivers a Jolt of Bluff City Soul on His New CD, "Woke Up in Memphis," Coming May 20 on Sweetspot Records


Al Basile Delivers a Jolt of Bluff City Soul on His New CD, Woke Up in Memphis,
Coming May 20 on Sweetspot Records

Latest Disc by Former Roomful of Blues Alumnus Features Special Guests Duke Robillard, Rich Lataille, Doug James and Sista Monica Parker



RUMFORD, RI – Al Basile announces a May 20 release date for Woke Up in Memphis, the new CD from the singer/songwriter/cornetist and former member of Roomful of Blues, on Sweetspot Records, with distributtion by City Hall Records. Produced by Basile’s lifelong friend and musical collaborator Duke Robillard, who adds his trademark guitar sounds throughout, Woke Up in Memphis is also fueled by a dynamite horn section that includes Basile, current Roomful tenor sax player Rich Lataille and former member Doug James on baritone sax, along with Mark Teixeira on drums and percussion, Bruce Bears on keyboards, Brad Hallen on electric bass and special guest vocalist Sista Monica Parker.

Acclaimed not only for his sweet cornet playing, but also his literate blues songwriting, Al Basile lays down a groove of 14 originals on the new CD that sound as if they’d be right at home on a Stax or Hi Records session in the 1960s, but with a contemporary feel that makes them vital. With song titles such as “Don't Make Me Beg,” “When Things Get Tough (the Tough Get Things),” “Saved by the Blues,” “Too Tough,” “Big Like Elvis” and the title track, fans of roots music will feel like they “Woke Up in Memphis” from the moment the first sounds emanate out of the speakers.

Celebrating 15 years on his own Sweetspot label, Woke Up in Memphis is Al Basile's tenth solo CD, collecting 14 of his new songs inspired by classic ‘60s Memphis musical styles: soul, R&B, and gospel. The new album builds on the success of his last recording, At Home Next Door, which reached the number 12 spot on the Living Blues airplay chart and earned Al his third Blues Music Award nomination. It mixes secular lyrics with the first of Al's gospel songs to appear on one of his releases, a duet with Sista Monica Parker on the powerful “Make a Little Heaven.”

At Home Next Door drew universal kudos for its inspired mix of blues, soul, and R&B sounds. “Al is a complete master of music, of many genres,” said Blues Underground Network, “but I am telling you right now, that I really enjoyed the wonderful potpourri of musical styles … Al has exactly what it takes to capture your attention, regardless of what musical genres you prefer.”

“Basile is a great songwriter with a great musical feel for presenting a song, and he is backed by a terrific band that has played with him for nearly 25 years,” wrote Sunday Night Blues Project in its review. “I think this is the best music Basile has made so far in his career--his ease and strength as a vocal storyteller continues to grow with each release, and his cornet playing is rich, nuanced, and succinct.”

“Al Basile has raised his profile considerably over the past few years. His past four discs have charted in the Top 15 on the Living Blues airplay charts and he’s been nominated for multiple BMA’s as Best Horn Player. This retrospective/new release should raise his profile even more, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter, singer, and musician.” -  Bluesbytes

“I haven't heard the phrase ‘blue-eyed soul’ in a while, but I suppose it applies here. A consummate professional, Basile does what he does with feeling and intelligence, and he makes you want to come back for more.” - Rambles.net


For more information, visit www.albasile.com.

Hale's Pleasure Railway - Southpaw Steel 'n' Twang - New Release Review

I just received a new release, Hale's Pleasure Railway from Southpaw Steel 'n' Twang and it's really an eclectic blast! Opening with Open Field, Ville Leppanen plays some distinctively American country style pedal steel guitar riffs over jazz grass riffs on guitar. Joined by Tero Mikkonen on drums and JP Monkkonen on bass, these guys have concocted a formula that really successfully blends country, jazz, blues and bluegrass sounds in an exciting way. Bayou, again with pedal steel lead has a bit of muted strings and jazz fusion funk sounds. This is a great track. Alternating between picking and slide is a cool effect for this all instrumental track. Secret Sunset has a distinctively Hawaiian sound even including ukulele. Ville breaks away from the solid Hawaiian slide work and picks a bit giving the track texture but this thing is all tropical. Bad Alley has a beautiful classical (electric) intro before entering into a modern take on swamp blues and gypsy jazz with tremelo chords (think Les Paul style). Ville plays harmonics on guitar over a nice bass lead by Monkkonen. This is an enchanting and tactile track. Excellent! Butterscotch breaks into straight bebop jazz (with hints of country riffs). Excellent lead work from Ville on electric guitar coasting along on the drum work of Mikkonen and Monkkonen on bass make this another must hear. Title track, Steel 'n' Twang, takes a venture away from this guitar laden for a track backed by handclaps (percussion) and vocals by Ville and Jukka Haikonen. Cool. Red is an extremely well composed guitar lullaby. With soothing guitar sounds and light drum work, Ville plays a very nice baritone guitar solo. This may not have the pyrotechnics of Jeff Beck (but it doesn't need it), one of my personal favorite fusion players, but this is really masterfully done. The Game has a twin guitar lead with 6 string and pedal steel. Over a rocky beat by Mikkonen and tight bass work by Monkkonen this track has a nice groove. Stepping up into the heavier zone but still maintaining the fusion feel Dark C is a hot track. It's hard to compare (appropriately) any of my favorite artists but when trying to describe what I hear, think J Beck, Pete Carr, Mahavishnu, King Crimson, Trey Gunn, with a new twist. Feather Weather shows a solid return to classic 40's style slide jazz work. Jukka Haikonen adds organ on this track keeping the track light and bouncy. Wrapping the release is Still, a quiet steel guitar led ballad with minor hints of progressiveness. If you are at all open minded and love guitar music, this is a release that I highly recommend. These guys have really put together a fine piece of work!  

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Sunday, April 6, 2014

Luther Dickinson - Rock 'n Roll Blues

LUTHER DICKINSON
Rock 'n Roll Blues
Dear Music Lovers —
You all know Luther Dickinson from the North Mississipi Allstars — the world-boogie power trio that has been touring the world and breaking down barriers for more than a decade now.  You may also know Luther from his work with the South Memphis String Band, or his two Grammy-nominated solo albums.
New West Records has just released Luther's latest, ROCK 'n ROLL BLUES.  Luther describes it as "folk country punk blues."  It's acoustic guitar, upright bass, drums and vocals, recorded directly to 8-track tape at Zebra Ranch, the Dickinson family studio in Coldwater, Mississippi.  Helping out are celebrated Memphis actress/singer-songwriter Amy Lavere (bass, vocals), Otha Turner's granddaughter Sharde Thomas (drums, fife, vocals), and longtime cohort Lightning Malcolm (bass, drums). By the way, these drums are just drums — there is not a cymbal on the entire record!
Anyone who knows anything about Jim Dickinson and his sons understands that the mark of the rebel is deeply embedded in their DNA.  When Luther and Cody Dickinson produced the first North Mississippi Allstars album in 2000, they took traditional hill country blues, amped it up, gave it a mighty twist to the left, and proceeded to demolish what was left of any pigeonholes people had in mind for them.  Luther has always created music from his heart, without trying to fit into a mold or cater to anyone else’s expectations.  ROCK 'n ROLL BLUES is a superb and timely addition to Luther’s musical canon, rolling up the punk rock exuberance of his early years and the blues and folk music traditions that are his birthright into a careening autobiographical album, full of wit, irony, and joy.
Needless to say, this album covers a lot of ground stylistically. For those of you looking for BLUES CONTENT, may I suggest:
Track 3: YARD MAN
It's a finger-picked country blues reminiscent of Sid Selvidge and Jimmie Rodgers, telling the story of a musician who is not inclined to cut the overgrown lawn, no matter what his old lady says:  "I ain't no yard man, ain't no yard man's son / Got a pocket full-a money, she won't pay to get it done / Bought a ridin' lawn mower, the dirty sumbitch won't run..."
Track 1: VANDALIZE
This is pure Juke Joint Punk Blues, with Luther rocking the one-string coffee can Diddley Bo. It also has the distinction of being his 4-year-old daughter's favorite song.
Track 5: MOJO MOJO
The hypnotic, marching groove of MOJO MOJO features Sharde Thomas singing background vocals and playing the cane fife that belonged to her grandather, the late, great Otha Turner.
To hear and/or buy the album, CLICK the links below:
Luther is currently on tour with Southern Soul Assembly, which features Luther Dickinson, Anders Osborne, JJ Grey (of MOFRO), and Marc Broussard — see tour dates below. 
Thanks and Best To All,
  — Richard Rosenblatt
     Vizzable Music / VizzTone label group
Release date 3/18/2014
some early press..

Rollicking, raw and teeming with palpable punk energy one minute, laid back and burning with the tranquil beauty of a southern sunset ...Made with just acoustic guitar, vocals, stand-up bass and drums, the album of acoustic punk country blues offers a side of Luther seldom seen before.
    — New Releases Now

The music on Luther’ Dickinson’s Rock and Roll Blues is every bit as earthy and organic as its cover art would suggest- a guitar planted in an expanse of verdant countryside. Teeming with the spontaneity of the moment, the album is a series of pithy vignettes extracted from every phase of this not-so-young man’s life, back before he formed the North Mississippi Allstars carrying on through his current state as a family man and musician working regularly on a diverse roster of projects...  Its subdued acoustic textures markedly different than the cauterizing electricity of The North Mississippi Allstars’ World Boogie is Coming, Rock and Roll Blues nevertheless vividly demonstrates the maturation process of the committed but fun-loving musician that is Luther Dickinson, wholly and completely of a piece with previous solo endeavors such as Onward and Upward as well as Hambone’s Meditations.
    — Glide
Luther Dickinson's new solo album, Rock 'n Roll Blues, will be released March 18 on New West Records. Made with just acoustic guitar, vocals, stand up bass and drums, the album of self described "folk punk country blues" offers a side of Luther seldom seen before. From the propulsive beat and unbridled sound of opener "Vandalize" to the rambunctious acoustic strut and barbed chorus hook of "Bar Band," which relives Luther's dues-paying youth playing battles of the bands and plastering Memphis with concert flyers to "Blood 'n Guts," chronicling the transience of a life spent in a van driving from one gig to the next, it's clear this is a unique chapter in the acclaimed Southern musician's songbook.
     — Guitar Player
In this climate of over produced, slicked up Americana, Dickinson’s dialed down approach is charming, rustic, uncluttered and delivered with the honesty of a guy who wouldn’t know how to do it any other way.
    — Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter
Because a lot of great songs have been written about the crossroads, but none of 'em cover what happens next quite like this: "Got the busted eardrum, bad news baby, bloodsuckin' bed bug, rock 'n roll blues."

    — Andy Langer: The Best Songs Of March 2014 - Esquire

TOUR DATES with SOUTHERN SOUL ASSEMBLY
Apr 05 • T Bois Blues Festival 2014 • Cut Off, LA

Apr 07 • Texas Union Ballroom • Austin, TX

Apr 08 • House Of Blues • Boston, MA

Apr 09 • Concert Hall, Norwalk City Hall • Norwalk, CT

Apr 10 • The Grand Opera House • Wilmington, DE

Apr 12 • Howard Theatre • Washington, DC