Tree Leaf Music artist: Lefty Williams Band - All In - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (August 21, 2014), All In, from Lefty Williams and it's quite good. Lefty, who gets his nickname from the amount of work he can get done on the guitar using primarily his left hand, has put together a short list of slick tracks which blend, pop, jazz, blues and R&B. Opening with Crescent, a funky jazzy track with a flavor of New Orleans, Williams shows he has a great sense of style and a strong voice. He is joined by Richie Mays (slide guitar), Steve Mays (bass), Kofi Burbridge (keys), Yonrico Scott (drums), Ethan Levitt (sax), Hardian Mendoza (trumpet) and Joseph Jenkins (bari sax). This is a tight unit with a great sound. Let It Roll On has a bit more of a laid back style with more of a southern rock flair and slide guitar/piano riffs bridging the vocal lead. You Know I Love You is a really special track. A blend between John Fogerty and Steve Winwood, this track has a beautiful and memorable melody and warm guitar work, backed by nice horn work. Definitely the best track with absolute universal airplay appeal. Coming Apart is a simple ballad, again well constructed, showing Williams' fine vocals and guitar work. Wrapping the release is You Don't Tell Me, is a rocker with a definite southern flavor but sounding fresh and not stereotypical. This is a fine outing by a strong musician and singer.

  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”

 

Cordova Bay records artist: David Vest - Roadhouse Revelation - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Roadhouse Revelation, from David Vest and his Willing Victims, Gary Kendall (bass), Teddy Leonard (guitar) and Mike Fitzpatrick (drums). Opening with Freight Train Rolling Fitzpatrick starts the train a rolling and southern-bred boogie woogie piano player Vest brings it on. Teddy Leonard plays a sweet country infused guitar solo firing Vest up for a really nice romp on the keys. Stand Your Ground has a more straight forward pop format with a few slick guitar interludes and a cool piano solo. Hank Williams' Ramblin' Man is kept simple with only light instrumental adornment, but with a few Williams like yodel/vocal inflections. You Came Through is a solid ballad with a nice melody. Aside from a simple guitar solo, this track keeps it straight and serious. Streetcar is a cool vintage piece reminding me a lot of Buddy Bolden Blues with cool guitar work and classic piano riffs. This is possibly my favorite track on the release. Gone Too Far has a real 50's Memphis sound with that underlying boogie piano sound. Crooked Politician is a weave of spirituals music and New Orleans gumbo. Interesting vocal delivery and perfectly directed drums by Fitzpatrick iced by Vest's piano make this track roll. Santa Fe Steamer is a full out piano boogie and expertly executed. That Happened To Me is an easy paced blues track delivered a lot like Dylan would do it. Leonard steps up and really lays down some tasty blues guitar riffs on this track and Vest isn't far behind. Nice job! Heart Full Of Rock And Roll has rocky boogie feel. Both Leonard and Vest give up solos and Kendall and Fitzpatrick rock. Wrapping the release is Pretty Things For Anne, a cool jazz piano composition. This is a fine song which would make a super backdrop for a Miles Davis solo.

  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”

 

Black Keys SALE ending, Fat White Family join FP, tour dates, videos, more

BLACK KEYS SALE ENDING 6/1 RUBBER FACTORY, THICKFREAKNESS, CHULAHOMA CDs AND LPs for only $10      grab 'em on FATPOSSUM.COM    Click the pic to see them on Colbert: FAT WHITE FAMILY SIGN TO FAT POSSUM Sharp as knives, thick as thieves, completely moral when it counts, completely immoral when it doesn’t. They’re the best young rock band in the world. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

THE DISTRICTS // S/T NEW VIDEO FOR "ROCKING CHAIR," CLICK PIC: ON TOUR: May 31 - Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY Jun 5 - Cain’s Ballroom - Tulsa, OK Jun 7 - The Blue Note - Columbia, MO w/ Dr. Dog Jun 8 - Vogue Theatre - Indianapolis, IN w/ Dr. Dog Jun 10 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA w/ Dr. Dog Jun 11 - Cat’s Cradle - Carrboro, NC w/ Dr. Dog Jun 21 - Make Music Philly Jul 8 - Ottawa Bluesfest - Ottawa Jul 18 - Forecastle Fest - Louisville, KY Jul 25 - Camden Waterfront - Camden, NJ Jul 27 - Susquehanna Bank Center XPN Fest - Camden, NJ Aug 2 - Lollapalooza - Chicago, IL Aug 6 - OYA Fest - Norway Aug 7 - Haldern Pop Festival - Haldern, Germany Aug 8-10 - Outside Lands Festival - San Francisco, CA Aug 15-17 - MusicFest NW - Portland, OR Aug 22 - Reading Festival - Reading Aug 23 - Leeds Festival - Leeds Aug 29 - End of The Road Festival - Dorset Aug 31 - Electric Picnic Festival - Stradbally Sep 6-7 - Loufest - St. Louis, MO Oct 3 - Austin City Limits - Austin, TX   BUY THE CD/LP/MP3s FROM FATPOSSUM.COM BUY THE EP FROM iTUNES BUY THE EP FROM AMAZON BUY THE EP FROM INSOUND   FRENCH FOR RABBITS  DEBUT NORTH AMERICAN RELEASE 7” OUT TODAY ON LEFSE. “GOAT” / “THE OTHER SIDE” TOUR DATES: May 28 – Voliere - Lucerne, Switzerland  May 29 – Badeschiff - Vienna, Austria  May 30 – Klub Mocvara - Zagreb, Croatia  June 5 – De Peissnitzhaus - Halle, Germany  June 7 – Habrovka - Prague, Czech Republic    Pick up the limited release at lefserecords.com.

TOUR DATES TEMPLES // Sun Structures BUY THE ALBUM FROM FATPOSSUM.COM TOUR: August 1 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza August 2 – Toronto, Canada - Lee’s Place August 3 - Montreal, Canada - Osheaga August 6 - Philadelphia, PA - Morgan’s Pier August 7 - New York, NY - Pier 84 August 8 - Ashbury Park - Ashbury Lanes   MUTUAL BENEFIT // Love's Crushing Diamond BUY THE ALBUM FROM FATPOSSUM.COM TOUR DATES: June 14 - Dogfish Head Brewery - Rehoboth Beach, DE June 16 - Waterstreet Music Hall  - Rochester, NY June 17 - Casbah  - Hamilton, ON June 19 - Iron Works - Buffalo, NY June 21 - Iron Music Hall (Late Show)  - Northhampton, MA June 22 - Columbus Theatre  - Providence, RI July 10 - Pier 84 (w/ Wild Beasts) - New York, NY July 11 - Union Transfer (w/ Wild Beasts) - Philadelphia, PA July 12 - 9:30 Club (w/ Wild Beasts) - Washington, DC July 14 - The Sinclair (w/ Wild Beasts) - Cambridge, MA July 15 - Corona Theatre (w/ Wild Beasts) - Montreal, QU July 20 - Pitchfork Music Festival  - Chicago, IL August 7 - Oya Nights - Cafe Mono - Oslo, Norway August 8 - Way Out West - Stay Out West - Gothenburg, Sweden August 10 - Wilderness Festival - Main Stage     - Charlbury, UK August 15 - Jabberwocky Festival - London, UK August 16 - Greenman Festival - Walled Garden Stage - Brecon Beacons, UK August 17 - Proud Cabaret - Brighton, UK September 4 - Hopscotch Festival - Raleigh, NC September 28 - Pygmalion Music Festival - Champaign-Urbana, IL NEW VIDEO FOR "LET'S PLAY" / STATUE OF A MAN: PURE X // Angel BUY THE ALBUM FROM FATPOSSUM.COM TOUR DATES: June 24- Last Exit Live - Phoenix, AZ June 25 - The Hideout - San Diego, CA June 26 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA June 28 - Brick & Mortar Music Hall - San Francisco, CA July 1 - Bunk Bar - Portland, OR July 2 - The Media Club - Vancouver, BC July 3 - Barboza - Seattle, WA JIMBO MATHUS // Dark Night of the Soul BUY THE ALBUM FROM FATPOSSUM.COM NEW TOUR DATES: June 18 - Rhythm Room - Phoenix, AZ June 19 - The Raven - Prescott, AZ June 20 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA June 21 - AMSDconcerts - San Diego, CA June 22 - SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA June 23 - Fulton 55 - Fresno, CA June 25 - Hotel Utah Saloon - San Francisco, CA June 26 - The Crepe Place - Santa Cruz, CA June 27 - Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Reno, NV June 28 - Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Reno, NV July 10 - The Hopkins Center - Hanover, NH w/ Andrew Bird July 11 - The Klein - Bridgeport, CT w/ Andrew Bird July 12 - Lowell Summer Music Series - Lowell, MA w/ Andrew Bird August 30 - High Country Beer Fest - Boone, NC

Roots guitar guru performs at Relix office in NYC!

NEW DAMON FOWLER VIDEO - "TROUBLE" Stripped-down Performance At Relix's NYC Office Last winter when Damon Fowler and his band stopped by the New York City office of roots music magazine Relix for an interview, they also regaled the publication's staff with an acoustic performance of "Trouble," a track from their lastest Blind Pig release entitled Sounds of Home.  Damon co-wrote the original composition with album producer Tab Benoit and Ed Wright.   Relix just released the video, posting in on their website and featuring it in their weekly newsletter.  Accompanied by Chuck Riley on bass and James "Country" McKnight on percussion, Damon movingly demonstrates the musical qualities the magazine praised in its album review: "On Sounds of Home, he showcases his tasty lead work and subtle, soulful singing."  To watch the video, please click HERE. For more info on the CD, please click HERE.

Folkish Festival@Marin Country Mart Presents.. Jeffrey Halford & The Healers

FOLKISH FESTIVAL PRESENTS...A SPECIAL ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE BY JEFFREY HALFORD & THE HEALERS At The Marin Country Mart - Sunday, June 8, 12:30-2:30 p.m.        (LARKSPUR, CA) - Acclaimed roots-rock/Americana artist Jeffrey Halford & The Healers perform a special acoustic show (with special guests) at the Folkish Festival Kickoff, taking place at the Marin County Mart, Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, Sunday, June 8. 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Info: www.marincountrymart.com/. The Folkish Festival in the past has included such notable musicians as Ramblin' Jack Elliot (who performed there last year).    Jeffrey Halford and the Healers have just released their long-awaited new album Rainmaker (Shoeless Records). "This album is greasy organic with tube amplifier screaming under a low hum shag carpet, with the walls shakin' behind the words falling down the plaster," states Halford.    Halford is one of the premier purveyors of rootsy, bluesy rock ‘n roll (Americana), with a pop sensibility. RAINMAKER is Halford's seventh full-length album release and is the follow-up to 2008's critically- acclaimed Broken Chord  (which climbed to #7 on the Americana charts in the USA and Europe). On RAINMAKER Jeffrey demonstrates that both he and the band have aged like a fine Northern California wine. The recording showcases the best of Halford’s songwriting and his distinctive guitar, complimented by the crafted rumble of his band.    Long admired as a singer-songwriter-guitarist, Jeffrey Halford shows a new sensitivity on RAINMAKER. There are multi-dimensional character sketches and storytelling revealing the deep urgency of love, heretofore a new territory for Halford. With songwriting that nods as much towards Sam Shephard and Jack Kerouac as it does to the usual songwriting gods, RAINMAKER captures the multi-faceted soul of America past, present, and maybe future as well. This album is a redemptive journey that just happens to be a collection of songs.     RAINMAKER is complemented by an array of notable guest artists, including Bruce Kaphan (Talking Heads, Sheryl Crow, Black Crowes) on guitar and steel, who also co-produced the album. There's a gospel infusion via Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones (Blame Sally), plus noted drummer Trey Sabatelli (Jefferson Starship, The Tubes, Todd Rundgren), and Tom Heyman ({Alejandro Escovedo) on guitar. “This is great rootsy rock music. Halford’s slide playing is raucous, raw and foreboding. His poetry transcends the run-of-the-mill lyrics.”                             NO DEPRESSION “...Halford’s storytelling talents are obvious, almost a Hemingway armed with a blues guitar.”    DIRTY LINEN   JEFFREY HALFORD & THE HEALERS - LIVE SHOWS ITINERARY   June 8 (Sun.)             FOLKISH FESTIVAL               Larkspur, CA June 20 (Fri.)        CREEKSIDE MUSIC SERIES     Mill Valley, CA June 27 (Fri.)        ARMANDO'S                        Martinez, CA July 10 (Thur.)      KRUSH CONCERT SERIES      Santa Rosa,CA July 26 (Sat.)        CLAREMONT HOTEL             Berkeley, CA Aug. 10 (Sat.)      SONOMA COUNTY FAIR        Sonoma,CA                                       www.jeffreyhalford.com                          https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.w.halford?fref=ts

Delta Groove Music artist: Andy T - Nick Nixon Band - Livin' It Up - New release Review

I just received the newest release (June 17, 2014), Livin' It Up, from Andy T - Nick Nixon Band and it really hits the spot. Opening with Baby Right Now, a cool 12 bar number highlights Nick Nixon on vocals and Andy T with some sweet guitar riffs. On Best In Town, a Jimmy Reed like tune, Christian Dozzler steps in with a cool harp solo and Larry Van Loon provides solid piano work in support of Nick and Andy. Delbert McClinton's Livin' It Down, a light Latin twist give this track just the right amount of spice. Bassist Sam Persons adds rhythm guitar on this track and Ron Jones beefs things up a bit on sax. Jim Klinger keep a tight rhythm on drums and Nixon really does a nice job on the vocals on this track. T - Bone Walker's, My Baby Is Now On My Mind, gives Andy a really nice format to play some tasty T-Bone inspired riffs. Dossler takes the piano role on this track pushing Andy just enough to get him swinging. Very nice! Good Man is a deep Texas blues and Andy is diggin in from the first note playing some of the bluest guitar riffs on the release. Nixon has great voice and complimented by Van loon on piano, this track is perfect for highlighting his style. Excellent! One Note Shuffle is a great romp featuring Dana Robbins on sax and Van loon on B3. Andy steps up laying down some really nice riffs for a really cool, easy going instrumental. Back Down South is a low slung blues number with hot vocals from Nixon and stinging guitar riffs from Andy. Ron Jones adds a roundness to the overall track as well as a cool solo with his solid sax work. Boogie rocker, Last To Leave, features Dozzler on slick piano riffs, some hot horn work from Robbins and Andy lays down some tasty guitar riffs supporting Nixon with his powerful vocals. On Let's Say It's For Good, an easy swing track, Van Loon and Andy each lay down some really nice licks. Snake In The Grass has a funky beat and Nixon gets right in the groove. Van Loon on B3 does a really nice job and Andy plays more slashing style riffs on rhythm guitar before laying out a cool funky guitar solo grabbing it up tight. Spiritually infused, Whatever You Had You Ain't Got It No More is a really cool track and not only are Nixons vocals powerful, I really like the effects created by Jones on sax. Andy stands tall with his guitar followed by a really cool sax solo from Robbins. On R&B track, Oh Baby, the band is steppin high and Andy gets right on the top with pure style. This track is particularly well suited for Nixon's vocal style. Robbins puts up a full sax solo adding to the muster on this track. Wrapping the track is Love At First Sight, a soul style ballad, featuring heartfelt vocals by Nixon, gospel style piano work from Van loon and nice sax soloing from Dana Robbins. This is a solid release which is quite soothing.

Walter Trout June 10 Event in NYC / Walter Recovering From Surgery

MASCOT LABEL GROUP AND IRIDIUM ANNOUNCE EVENING IN

CELEBRATION OF WALTER TROUT ON JUNE 10TH

Documentary The Blues Came Callin' - The Walter Trout Story Will Be Premiered

Followed by Performances from Special Guests Joe Louis Walker, Jon Paris and

Jim Weider Joining House Band Assembled By Elmore's Arnie Goodman

Featuring Rocky Athas, Scott Holt, and Jeff Simon

TROUT UNDERGOES SURGERY FOR LIVER TRANSPLANT MAY 26

New York --- Legendary New York venue Iridium in association with Mascot Label Group have announced a special evening planned to celebrate Walter Trout on June 10.  Trout's THE BLUES CAME CALLIN' will be released that morning by Provogue / Mascot Label Group.  The accompanying documentary The Blues Came Callin' - THE WALTER TROUT STORY will be premiered at the venue, followed by performances of Trout repertoire by esteemed, special guests Joe Louis Walker, Jon Paris and Jim Weider joining a house band assembled by Elmore's Arnie Goodman featuring Rocky Athas (John Mayall), Scott Holt (Buddy Guy) and original member of George Thorogood and The Destroyers Jeff Simon.  There are two sittings planned for 8:00PM and 10:30PM, with a door charge of $25.00.  Tickets can be purchased here: http://theiridium.com/events/2296/walter-trout/

For this special evening, Rocky Athas, Scott Holt and Jeff Simon all are appearing to support Trout as he recuperates at the Nebraska Medical Center following a long-awaited liver transplant.  On May 26, the donor came through, and Trout is now recuperating from surgery.  Scott Holt shares, "I've respected and admired Walter's playing since his days with John Mayall.  He's an incredible, fiery guitarist, a great entertainer and a tremendous talent."  Jan Paris offers, "Walter Trout's heartfelt tribute to the late-great Luther Allison is just one example of Trout's musical virtuosity.  Wishing Walter a fast and full recovery, so he can get back to doing what he does so well, play The Blues."  Rocky Athas adds, "Not just a great musician...but a man of real character"  The emcee for the evening will be Brian Cadey, a veteran radio correspondent with a rich history in the Blues from tenures at CBS Radio and BMP's House of Blues Radio.

Walter Trout's THE BLUES CAME CALLIN' captured Trout looking back at an almost 50-year commitment to playing and singing the blues.  The album was recorded throughout 2013, and the songs reflect Walter's thoughts about mortality and his renewed appreciation for being alive.  Amongst the twelve new songs, ten are originals.  One is written by John Mayall for the occasion, and the other is a J.B. Lenoir cover. Trout searches his soul on this album and lays it bare allowing the celebration of his career to be infused with new appreciation for life.  THE BLUES CAME CALLIN'  was produced by Walter Trout and Eric Corne.  An EPK can be screened here (with an embedded link provided below): http://youtu.be/btiS6ijncMk.

The upcoming official biography Rescued From Reality - The Life and Times of Walter Trout is co-written with British music journalist, Henry Yates.  The manuscript will be released simultaneously with the new album. The book features previously untold stories, and is packed with rare photographs from the musician's personal archive. It documents an initially blissful childhood, shattered by divorce, abuse, and violence.  As the story unfolds, it leads us through Walter’s life of heartache, poverty, living on the street and being “the only white guy” struggling in famous blues bands in LA in the late 1970’s.  Walter reflects on his time in the 1980’s when nobody cared to hear the blues, to being “discovered” and having long-time gigs as a hard-playing and hard-drinking and drugging globetrotting sideman with Canned Heat and John Mayall.  The book chronicles how Walter eventually became drug-free, broke out on his own and embarked on a solo career in 1989.

Trout recently offered, "To play my music for people has become even more important to me.  When I think about looking out into the crowds of people and connecting with everyone on a soul level, and sharing the experience of music with them, this is what keeps me fighting to get back: My family and my music is my lifeline.  These days, it means more to me than ever before."