Here Comes The Hurricane: Vancouver's Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl Releases Un-Twisted

Here Comes The Hurricane: Vancouver's Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl Releases Un-Twisted June 24, 2014 Multiple award-winning musician Dave “Hurricane” Hoerl is a force to be reckoned with on the North American blues scene. One of Canada’s foremost harmonica players, his mastery of the harmonica -both standard and chromatic - as well as his soulful vocals, and charismatic, memorable performances make him stand out on any stage. Born and raised in San Francisco, Hoerl has made Vancouver his home since 1982 and for over three decades has been performing at clubs and festivals around the world, most notably as the founding member of Vancouver’s legendary jump blues band The Twisters. Un-Twisted is Hoerl’s first recording under his own name and features members of his band, Hurricane and the Hooligans, comprised of some of Vancouver’s best blues musicians. Un-Twisted features 11 standout tracks including “Soul Mate”, a shout-out to Hoerl’s wife, “Snake Charmer”, a fun track with plenty of double-entendre, “Don’t Think It Can’t Happen To You”, a reminder that nobody is immune to tragedy and bad fortune, and “Grand Old Game”, possibly one of the only modern blues songs written about one of North America’s favourite sports - baseball. Un-Twisted is a brilliant showcase for Hoerl’s soulful singing, perfect playing and stimulating songwriting, serving up one vivid slice of life after another.   “This hard workin’ harmonicist is surely worthy of his many accolades, and this CD will no doubt add a pile more.” - Paul  Norton, CiTR 101.9 Code Blue & CFRO 100.4 One O’clock Jump www.davehoerl.com Listen to "Snakecharmer" on Soundcloud Track List 1. Soul Mate 2. Pure & Simple Blues 3. I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy 4. Snake Charmer 5. Fight of the Century 6. Don’t Think It Can’t Happen To You 7. Grand Old Game 8. She Took Back Her Heart 9. Long Highway 10. A Little Off The Top 11. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Tommy Malone's Texas Swing

Tommy Malone Ready To Rock Texas Dates With Subdudes Coming Up Northport N.Y. - Tommy Malone will be taking his trio will to Texas starting Thursday June 19. He'll make stops in San Antonio, Houston and Austin.  Also, Tommy Malone and the Subdudes will be on the east coast from June 25-28. Scroll down for the details. On June 19 Tommy will pay a visit to KNBT in New Braunfels, TX. Look for his interview/performance to start at about 1PM Central Time. You can listen live right here; http://radionb.com/knbt Did you get a chance to check out Tommy Malone on Mountain Stage last week with Keb Mo, Joan Osborne and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band? Well if you missed it or want to hear it again, you can by clicking the logo. On April 29, M.C. Records released Tommy Malone's second solo effort for the label, Poor Boy.  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." You can listen to the new recording via Airplay Direct by clicking the cover. We want to thank the 30 + stations who have added Poor Boy and the dozens more who are playing it. Currently it's No. 28 this week on The Americana Music Charts.  You can view the entire chart right here: http://www.americanaradio.org/ama/displaychart_beforetracks.asp?mode=lw&dtkey= Tommy Malone's Poor Boy is the No. 4 album on this week on the Roots Music Reports Top 10 Roots Rock Albums.  Click the logo for more! Tommy was on the Americana Music Show with Calvin Powers. Tommy Malone plays tracks from Poor Boy and talks about the Subdudes reunion, reading the Society Page, and how everyone has a Katrina story. Click the photo to hear the Podcast. Poor Boy is getting serious reviews! This third solo release and second on M.C. Records by Tommy Malone, front-man for the popular New Orleans bluesy-rock band, The Subdudes, offers a soothing, laid-back feel and a dash of Southern charm. The Toledo Blade "Poor Boy" mines the Americana vein with sophistication and grit. Its songs run the gamut from layered, Beatleish psych-pop to rock-infused soul, with a consistent thread of eloquent, gut-level storytelling skill.   The Times Picayune What raises his personal bar on Poor Boy is the confident comfort that is a part of each track, and the album as a whole. The Alternate Root Tommy Malone makes music that alternately soothes and fires up the soul. He’s always been able to do that, and it’s clear on Poor Boy that it’s become second nature for him. Something Else With Poor Boy, Tommy Malone has released another album full of great songs complete with excellent guitar work and singing that should extend his stellar musical reputation beyond the cognoscenti and to the general public, where it deserves to be. OffBeat You'll learn a lot about Tommy Malone s world after hearing his third, and arguably finest solo album, Poor Boy. Americana Boogie Tommy Malone has a bunch of dates solo and with the Subdudes. Tommy Malone & The Subdudes on Tour! For Bookings contact - Kyle Day - kyle@sweetwinegroup.com June Jun. 19 - Sams Burger Joint - San Antonio TX (Trio) Jun. 20 - Continental Club -  Houston TX (Trio) Jun. 21 - Threadgill's - Austin TX (Trio) 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 July July 12 - Public House - New Orleans LA (Band) July 17 - Vermilionville Performance Center - Lafayette LA (Solo) July 18 - Red Dragon Listening Room - Baton Rouge LA (Solo) Jul. 22 - An Evening With Subdudes Fairfield, CT -  Fairfield Theatre StageOne Jul. 23 - An Evening With Subdudes Fairfield, CT -  Fairfield Theatre StageOne Jul. 24 - An Evening With Subdudes- B.B. Kings, NYC Jul. 25  - An Evening With Subdudes - The Boulton Center - Bayshore NY Jul. 26  - An Evening With Subdudes - The Egg - Albany NY September Sept.10 - Yoshi's - Oakland - CA - (Band) Sept.11 - Moe's Alley - Santa Cruz CA - (Band) Sept. 13 - American River Music Festival - Lotus CA - (Band) Sept.  26 - An Evening With Subdudes - Tipitina's - New Orleans, LA

FMI Records artist: Dave Fields - All In - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (July 1, 2014), All In, from Dave Fields and it's quite strong. Opening with Changes In My Life, a blues shaped rocker, Fields,playing most all instruments lays out a pop blues rocker with a catchy feel and blues riffs blended with modern tapping techniques making for an interesting change of pace. Voodoo Eyes is up next with more of a ballad style but with a cool rhythm. Fields again steps up with some really nice guitar riffs and key work that nicely highlights the track. Let's Go Downtown has a really happy feel and pacing march rhythm not a lot unlike what you might expect from Wet Willie or Elvin Bishop. This is a cool track with strong blues guitar riffs. Yeah, he has a better voice than my pal Crabshaw, but I ain't holding that against him. Nice track. Dragon Fly takes a much more serious approach to the music with more of an orchestral arrangement, powerful bottom and soaring guitar. Cream's (Robert Johnson) Cross Road is up next with a totally different feel. The reason that I say Cream has more to do with it sounding like an interpretation of Cream's interpretation of Robert Johnson's Crossroad Blues. With a slower pace and a heavier attack, this track has new life and modern guitar pyrotechnics yet retains a bit of the rawness of Johnson's original. Wake Up Jasper is a straight up 12 bar number along the lines of Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues. Fields has a nice voice that blends well with his musical style. Breaking into a R&B track midway through, this track is one of the coolest on the release with Jeff Beck like guitar sounds and a Wilson Pickett step. Excellent! A really cool twist is a funky take on Led Zep's Black Dog! Retaining a bit of Robert Plant's senseless groans and grunts might be the easiest tip off that it's the same track it's done so nicely, Led Zep fans will easily pick it out... but it is really a new track. Not retaining the flash and flair of Page's guitar work opting instead to do it "Texas Style" this is quite a cool track. Not Gonna Let You Get Away retains that southern blues funk with a pop edge. An "Eddie van Halen" like guitar solo breaks the funk but not in a bad way. This is a cool track which nicely blends not only musical styles but also guitar styles and nice vocal work. Got A Hold On Me slides into Ray Charles territory with a touch of Stevie Ray. A cool R&B rocker with modern guitar sounds really separates this track and Fields as a whole as someone who is trying to cut his own road. Nice job! That's All Right is a groove monster with a funky beat and killer guitar riffs. Again Fields is right on vocally making this one of the nicer tracks on the release. Wrapping the recording is Lover's Holiday, an easy, acoustic number primarily featuring Fields on acoustic guitar and vocals, light percussion and backing. This is a cool little track to complete what is certainly Fields finest outing to date.

  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”

 

Eller Soul Records artist: The Nighthawks - 444 - New Release review

I just received the newest release (June 17, 2014), 444, from the Nighthawks and it's a lot of fun. Opening with the Du Droppers' Walk That Walk, the Nighthawks are really swinging with really nicely blended vocal harmonies and super harp work from Mark Wenner. On Livin' the Blues, a traditional 12 bar with a casual lope to it, vocal harmonies are again a key part of the track. Wenner again lays down some nice harp riffs joined by Paul Bell on vocal and guitar, Johnny Castle on bass and vocal and Mark Stutso on drums and vocal. Title track 444 A.M. is a real rocker with flaming guitar riffs from Bell pulling out some really cool rockin solos. You're gone has a twist of country and a radio style arrangement. Honky Tonk Queen continues along with a country flavor and an even stronger radio presence. Got A Lot of Livin' has strong Rockabilly roots with cooking bass work by Castle and crisp riffs from Bell. Authentic roots style vocals punctuate the track. Crawfish has a swampy feel with a repetitive guitar chime and tom tom work. Wenner echo's the vocals nicely on harp. Price Of Love has a stomp to it with nice over driven slide work. The most straight forward blues rocker so far, gives Bell a lot of room to slide and Wenner plays back a nice compliment for each hot riff from Bell. High Snakes is possibly the coolest track on the release with a slow tex/mex rhythm and creative writing. Bell plays subtle but sensuous guitar riffs on this track and Wenner compliments him well. Very nice. Nothin' But The Blues gets into a solid blues groove. The lead vocals are really super on this track and Bell takes a really nice guitar ride on this track. Wenner also steps up with icing for a nice cake. No Secrets is a more prominent blues rocker with Stutso leading the way on drums. Bell cuts it loose again on slide and this track simmers on white hot sliding action. Wenner knows how to work the harp and does a really nice job on this track. On Morganfield's Louisiana Blues, the band is just a few steps from stripped down with fairly raw acoustic guitar and harp. Wrapping the release with Roadside Cross the band is joined by Akira Otsuka on mandolin. A quiet acoustic ballad this is a nice close to a nicely done 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”

Could not find a clip from this release but this is the Nighthawks:

Sword & Cross Records artist: Stephen Anthony Gregory - Me, Myself & I - New release Review

I just received the newest release, Me, Myself and I from Stephen Anthony Gregory. This is certainly not a mainline blues release by any means but of course has blues influences. Opening With Red Light, White Light, Gregory who plays all instruments, plays intricate classically shaped guitar solos over a metal based rhythm. Tapping, bending and shredding are all present but quite tastefully done. On Old Avila, the backing is a little lighter in nature but use of bass the track still has a bit of a metal sound. Gregory weaves the drums, rhythm guitar and bass into a cool underlayment for wailing guitar melodies. Gregoria is a bit lighter yet with arpeggiated chords and solid twin lead guitar solo melodies making for a pleasant instrumental. Wrapping the release is The "Hip Do's" a hard driver with grinding rhythm guitar and high overdrive lead guitar melody. Rapid fire lead guitar work leading into anthem like melodic lines and soaring dives makes this an entertaining diversion from much of what I typically hear.

  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”
 

Delmark Records artist: Steve Freund / Gloria Hardiman - Set Me Free - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Set Me Free, from Steve Freund and Gloria Hardiman and it's quite entertaining. Earlier released on Razor Records in 1983 (LP) this release is now available on CD with a few unissued tracks. Opening with R&B style You Got Me (Where You Want Me) Hardiman shows her command of the genre and Freund plays some hot riffs really getting the release off to a good start. On Jimmy Rogers track, That's All Right, Hardiman brings it down a bit and shows some rich blues feeling. Freund is always standing ready with a loaded fretboard making most anything that he touches come to life. Accompanied by Sunnyland Slim on this track it's good to hear the master at work. Bob Stroger on bass and Fred Grady on drums keep it simple while Freund plays a frenzied guitar solo sitting you back in your chair. Jammin' With Sam, a hot swinging instrumental track features a great lead melody by Sam Burckhardt on tenor sax and again solo work from Sunnyland and Freund. Ike Turner's The Way You Love Me, gives Hardiman a great opportunity to showcase her vocal style and Freund rips a nice solo lead. Harlan Terson sits in on bass on this track and Eddie Turner handles the drums. Ken Saydak lays down a really nice spiritual style piano line on King Curtis' Let Me Down Easy, giving Hardiman the opportunity to perform some of the best vocal work on the release. Freund isn't far from the mark when she takes a breath and crisp guitar riffs flow like water. On Aretha Franklin's Dr Feelgood, both Hardiman and Freund hit a nice groove, Freund really getting some smoking riffs off. On Guitar Slim's, Well I Done Got Over It, Hardiman really belts out the lead and Freund is always ready to throw some fuel on the fire with the guitar. New Orleans Hop Scop Blues is a swinging boogie like track with a nice guitar intro by Freund. Saydak really kicks it on piano on this track and of course Freund's contributions and certainly noteworthy. Things That I Used To Do, another Guitar Slim number is hot as a poker with Freund smoking the strings. Freund also takes the lead on vocals with a pretty nice vocal impression of Slim. Sunnyland Slim is back on piano and his personal styling, especially on this track is spot on. Possibly the best track on the release. Cleanhead Vinson's Kidney Stew Blues, a hot swinging blues instrumental is up next with great work from Burckhardt on tenor sax, Saydak on piano and Freund on guitar. Excellent! Otis Rush's Homework, never before released maintains the 60's rock beat and features Ron Sorin on harp and excellent vocal backing by Diane Holmes, Gail Washington and Gloria Hardiman. Freund punches the track with quick jabs and Gary Heller adds guitar work as well. Brook Benton's free wheeling, Kiddio, another never before released track has super piano presence from Saydak and Sorin is back on harmonica making this a great inclusion. Shoppin' And Snackin' features Saydak on vocal and piano as well as Bob Levis on guitar for a cool swinging piano blues. Wrapping the track is a boogie instrumental version of Swanee River Boogie. Saydak really hammers it out for a great conclusion of a very cool 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”

 

New Music from Eden Brent and more Eden Brent picks up the pieces of her Jigsaw Heart with a soul-baring set of new songs

Take Eden Brent to a Nashville studio and you still hear the Mississippi Delta. Recording in the historic RCA Studio A with producer/guitarist extraordinaire Colin Linden, the blues-piano powerhouse stretched her musical legs, ambling into soulful Americana territory. But by reaching back to Mississippi, recalling memories, old friends and all she learned from her piano mentor Boogaloo Ames, she combined an immensely satisfying array of American music styles — blues, gospel, soul, country and R&B — to forge her deepest, most reflective album yet. Read the full article »

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"Crafting her own genre that mixes blues, roots and her own vision, this is an unflinchingly gorgeous album that never strikes a false note..."  –Midwest Record Recap "It smoked a hole in our soul..."  –Blues Music Magazine

Final Recordings of Counterculture Legends Asylum Street Spankers Unearthed

Look: it’s embarrassing for such an acclaimed band as this to have to admit that they honestly don’t remember where their final album came from. What becomes clear upon listening to these recordings is that none of these songs has ever been recorded by the Asylum Street Spankers before. What’s even clearer is this: the band is in their finest form ever here, living up to their firmly cemented reputation as an acoustic powerhouse. Who else can blend string-band virtuosity, multi-instrumental skills, tight vocal harmonies and counterculture wit like this? Read the full article »

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"One of the most ribald and irreverent roots music acts of our time... they've got hearts of gold, even if they have blood of chemicals and minds of mirth."  –The Independent Weekly "A roots-rock riddle, nestled in a satirical Vaudeville enigma, packaged in an old-timey radio-show puzzle and slathered with hippie-fried mystery sauce..."  –Tampa Weekly Planet

Independent Music Awards voting closes soon

Congratulations to The Claudettes and The Soul of John Black, who each recently took home honors in the 13th annual Independent Music Awards. Each were nominated in two categories, and The Claudettes won Instrumental Album of the year (Infernal Piano Plot...HATCHED!) while JB's song "Higher Power" won Soul Song of the year. Well done, boys! The judges have spoken, but the general public is also invited to vote in each of these categories for the IMA’s "Vox Populi" award. Visit the links below to check out these songs, albums and videos... and vote!

• The Soul of John Black – A Sunshine State of Mind – R&B/Soul Album
• The Soul of John Black – “Higher Power” – R&B/Soul Song
• The Claudettes – Infernal Piano Plot...HATCHED! – Instrumental Album
• The Claudettes – “The Claudettes: Live in the Studio” – Long Form Music Video

Andy T - Nick Nixon Band "Livin' It Up"

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Andy T - Nick Nixon Band - "Livin' It Up" The blues has a history of great collaborations. Now it's time to add Andy T and James "Nick" Nixon to that venerable list thanks to the red clay covered roots of Nick's dynamic voice and Andy's bold, vibrant tones and equally rooted guitar style. Nick is one of those amazing artists that rarely surface today. This velvet voiced singer was born and raised in Nashville and was part of the thriving Jefferson Street blues scene of the '60s. Nick was a Chess Records recording artist in the '70s and is a key figure in today's reviving Nashville blues scene. "Andy T" Talamantez was born and raised in Southern California, and relocated to Nashville in 2008. His guitar style is influenced by T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Magic Sam and Albert Collins among others, yet it remains his own. After meeting James "Nick" Nixon, and watching him perform, Andy knew they they would make an unstoppable combination. And they proved that with 2013's Drink Drank Drunk. The album, produced by Texas blues legend Anson Funderburgh, has been embraced by hundreds of radio stations, reaching number two on Sirius/XM radio's million-subscriber "B.B. King's Bluesville" and climbing the Living Blues chart. Critics have praised their tasteful and authentic approach in the Nashville Tennessean, Elmore, Living Blues, Blues Bytes and a host of other mainstream and specialty publications. And - most important - the fans have fallen in love with their dynamic, rooted live performances, making Andy, Nick and their backing quintet of veteran musicians an in-demand act at festivals and clubs across the world. These include Arkansas' historic King Biscuit Festival and the Moulin Blues Festival in Oslo, Norway, and such prestigious venues as Phoenix's Rhythm Room, B.B. King's on Memphis' Beale Street, Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco and Knuckleheads in Kansas City, Missouri. After storming the international blues scene in the year since their debut album on Delta Groove, the Andy T - Nick Nixon Band wasted no time in knockin' out another spirited and rousing effort with their sophomore release Livin' It Up, which once again falls under the guidance and direction of iconic Texas blues guitarist/producer Anson Funderburgh. Blending together the regional influences of Memphis soul, Texas blues and New Orleans R&B, Andy, Nick and the band dish out ten new original compositions, along with three choice covers selected from the songbooks of T-Bone Walker, Alvin Robinson and Delbert McClinton. Rounding out this offering are a pair of accomplished Dallas-based musicians making a return appearance from the previous album including Austrian born multi-instrumentalist Christian Dozzler on piano and harmonica and saxophonist Ron Jones. Andy T - Nick Nixon Band - Livin' It Up Click Here To Listen And Pre-Order