It's "A New Day" for Georgia Songbird EG Kight - Her New CD Coming September 16 from Blue South Records

It’s A New Day for Georgia Songbird EG Kight - Her New CD Coming September 16 from Blue South Records

Latest Album Reflects Her Comeback After a Life-Threatening Illness

EAST DUBLIN, GA – It truly is A New Day for “The Georgia Songbird,” EG Kight, as reflected in the title of her upcoming CD, set for release September 16 on Blue South Records. Produced by EG and legendary producer Paul Hornsby (The Marshall Tucker Band/Charlie Daniels Band), the new album was recorded at Hornsby’s Muscadine Studios in Macon, Georgia, showcasing 10 original blues and roots songs performed in her inimitable sassy/sweet southern style.

With EG on vocals and guitar, she’s backed by her touring band of Ken Wynn – guitar, Mike Harrell – keyboards, Johnny Fountain – bass, Gary Porter – drums, and Rhonda Porter – backing vocals. Special guests include guitarist Tommy Talton, keyboardist Randall Bramblett and drummer Bill Stewart (all of whom played in the legendary southern rock group, Cowboy, as well as many other credits: Gregg Allman, Sea Level, etc.), singer Greg Nagy and producer Hornsby, who adds his deft touch on keyboards, too.  

Kight’s grateful to be alive, after a major health scare a few years back. “When things happen so suddenly in life, it’s scary,” she says, “but most of the time we can somehow find a blessing from it. Since I recorded my last CD, I had a life-threatening illness (meningitis and encephalitis) and it changed my life.

“A year after the illness, I was finally able to write songs again, and they seem to flow from a deeper place,” she states. “That has been so cool. I already had some of these songs written before the illness, even one that my friend, the late Ann Rabson helped with, but several came from the ‘new me’ - “Holdin’ On,” “Don’t Give Up,” and “Time to Move On” among them. I have a new lease on life, and I believe this is my best work to date. Every day of my life now is A New Day.”

Kight has received six Blues Music Awards nominations and two Blues Blast nominations. Many artists have recorded her songs, and she’s had songs on two Grammy®-nominated albums, and on two blues compilations that maintained Billboard chart positions for over a year. Her songs have appeared on the Children’s Miracle Network, Nick at Night, and ABC Family.

EG remains positive and uses her music not only as a medicine for her own continued recovery, but also as a message of hope and guidance for those out there facing similar challenges.

Kight will support the release of A New Day with a series of CD release showcases, as well as club and festival dates, appearing solo, in a duo format, and with her full touring band.

For more information, visit www.egkightmusic.com.

EG KIGHT TOUR DATES

FRIDAY, JULY 18 – Knoxville, TNAlive After Five at Knoxville Museum of Art / band

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 – Tallahassee, FLAlbum release party! – Bradfordville Blues Club / band

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 – Port Royal, SCMusic in the Street concert series / band

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 – Dahlonega, GACrimson Moon Café / solo

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – Montgomery, ALAlbum release party! – Capitol Oyster Bar / band

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – Macon, GAAlbum release party! – Cox Capitol Theatre / band

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 – Muncie, INPruis Auditorium at Ball State University / duo

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 – Chattanooga, TNAlbum release party! – The Tropicana Room / band

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 – Columbus, OHHey Hey Bar and Grill / solo

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 – Cincinnati, OHDownTowne Listening Room / solo

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 – Oxford, OHAlbum release party! – Big Song Music House / solo

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 – Sandy Springs, GASteve’s Live Music / solo

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 – Marietta, GAAlbum release party! – Darwin’s / band

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – Bradenton, FLBradenton Blues Festival / band

Ruf Records artist: Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado - Too Many Roads - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Too Many Roads, from Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado and it's classic blues rock. Opening with If You Wanna Leave, a driving shuffle track with Risager and Peter Skjerning on guitar, and backing horn work from Kasper Wagner (sax), Hans Nybo (sax) and Peter W Kehl (trumpet). Title track, Too Many Roads takes a more traditional route with Risager on dobro and slide contrasting against his firm but rugged vocals. Lea Thorlann and Pia Trojgaard add warm backing vocals giving it a southern country blues feel. Acoustic ballad, China Gate has a real rural feel accompanied only but acoustic guitar, solitary electric guitar and keys. Very nice. Paradise is an uptempo foot stomper with an almost spiritual feel. This nicely composed blues track backed by Emil Balsgaard on keys, Martin Seidelin on drums and percussion and again nice horn work makes for a very cool track. Drowning is a really effective use of instrumentation to showcase Risager's voice. Isolated but well blended into this sensitive track with key bass work from Soren Bojgaard and artistic inclusion of guitar riffs, horn work and keyboard make this quite and interesting track. Backseat Driver is a quiet rocker waiting to erupt. Balsgaard breaks through the myst on keys and is followed shortly thereafter by Kehl. Solid vocals by Risager overall give this track a lot of interest. Through The Tears has a flavorful R&B sound showing not only Risager's versatility as a soulful singer (which he does really well) but also the adaptability of the band to carry off a track so well. Very nice. High Rolling is a pure blues rocker with a stiff back beat but what grabs me by the short hairs is the great grinding guitar tones on this track. A stinging guitar breakout on this track accented by horn work pushes Risager into yet another vocal style and well done. Red Hot and Blue efficiently blends R&B, pop, ska and rock for a unique feel. Horn work on this track is particularly effective and with the addition of stylized percussion, the track seems to dance on it's own. Rich Man has a low slung delta swing feel with super vocal work from Risager and particularly articulate piano work from Balsgaard. The horn section steps up for a cool break out giving the track a New Orleans flavor. Wrapping the release is a piano boogie Play On, with Risager and pianist Balsgaard leading the way. A fast Rock and Roll pace (a la Jerry Lee Lewis or Little Richard) gives Balsgaard a real wide opening to really hammer out a cool boogie. This release has it's own sound and Risager has a unique and very solid voice. This is a tight band and a 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”

 

Stony Plain Records Set to Reissue MonkeyJunk's First Album, "Tiger in Your Tank," with Two Bonus Tracks, On July 29

Stony Plain Records Set to Reissue MonkeyJunk’s First Album, Tiger in Your Tank, with Two Bonus Tracks, On July 29

2009 Album Originally Won Blues Music Award as “Best Artist Debut”

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records announces a July 29 release date for Tiger in Your Tank, a reissue with two bonus tracks of the first album from multi-award winning Ottawa-based group, MonkeyJunk. Originally released in 2009 on the band’s own Beefy label imprint, Tiger in Your Tank went on to capture the blues world’s imagination, kick-starting the band’s international career and winning both the Blues Music Award as “Best Artist Debut” and the Canadian Indie Award for “Blues Album of the Year.”

The reissue version of Tiger in Your Tank has been remastered and includes two new tracks especially recorded for it: “Lucky One” and “Pueblo,” both written by MonkeyJunk band members Steve Marriner, Tony D and Matt Sobb. MonkeyJunk is Canada’s most-acclaimed blues/roots music band and the trio tours regularly throughout Canada and at major festivals in North America and Europe. 

Tiger in Your Tank follows last year’s critically-acclaimed CD, All Frequencies, and their 2011 label debut, To Behold, both of which garnered rave reviews and extensive radio airplay around the world. Comprised of Steve Marriner (vocals, harmonica, keyboards, baritone guitar), Tony D (lead guitar, background vocals) and Matt Sobb (drums, percussion, background vocals), MonkeyJunk plays a mix of swamp blues and funky roots rock ‘n’ roll. For the uninitiated, the band takes its name from a chance remark by legendary bluesman Son House: “I’m talkin’ ‘bout the blues. I ain’t talkin’ about monkey junk.”

Tiger in Your Tank features nine original songs composed by the band, as well as distinctively-impressive covers of songs from Willie Dixon (“I Wanna Put a Tiger in Your Tank”), Magic Sam (“Give Me Time”), Otis Rush (“If You Were Mine”) and Leon Russell/Chris Blackwell (“Boogie Man”).

In January of this year, MonkeyJunk won honors in five categories at Canada’s Maple Blues Awards, including Recording of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Entertainers of the Year and Songwriters of the Year. In addition, the group’s Steve Marriner won the Harmonica Player of the Year award. 

Tiger in Your Tank Tracklist and Songwriting Credits

1)I Wanna Put A Tiger In Your Tank (Willie Dixon)
2)Small Time Evil (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb)
3)Give Me Time (Sam Maghett)
4)If You Were Mine (Otis Rush)
5)When Push Comes To Shove (Steve Marriner)
6)Beefy (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb)
7) Pay The Cost (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb)
8) Boogie Man (C. Blackwell/L. Russell)
9) Leave The Rest To You (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb)
10)Blues For Anna (Tony Diteodoro)
11) Gutsy (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb)
12) Lucky One (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb) – bonus track
13) Pueblo (Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb) – bonus track

For more information, visit www.monkeyjunkband.com and www.stonyplainrecords.com.

"Tribute To Walter Trout" Tour - First Show July 31 at Sainte Rocke

WALTER TROUT BAND FEATURING GUITARIST DANNY BRYANT & SPECIAL GUEST JON  TROUT, KICK OFF MUCH-ANTICIPATED TOUR

  Perform Locally: Sainte Rocke in Hermosa Beach/Thurs, July 31

  

     (Hermosa Beach, CA) - One of this Summer most antcipated tours, "A Tribute To Walter" featuring the Walter Trout Band fronted by U.K. guitar ace (and Trout prote'ge') Danny Bryant, along with Special Guest Jon Trout (Walter's son) on guitar, comes to the South Bay with a show locally at Sainte Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, Thursday, July 31. 9 p.m. $15. Info: (310) 372-0035 or http://saintrocke.com.

                                                  Walter Trout and Danny Bryant

 Danny Bryant's special relationship with Walter is well-documented. When then-fifteen-year-old Danny Bryant sent a fan letter to Trout almost twenty years ago after discovering Walter’s music in his parents record collection, he surprisingly received a phone call one evening out of the blue from his idol. Thus began a special mentor-ship and unique bond that would change the course of Danny’s life forever. Trout has mentored Danny ever since, offering wisdom and advice freely. From the early days of afternoon guitar lessons during Walter’s relentless UK tours, to numerous support slots, recording sessions and sensational jams at major international festivals, the Walter Trout-Danny Bryant relationship is truly special. Bryant was recently described as “a national blues treasure” by Classic Rock ‘The Blues’ Magazine.  A free download of Bryant's music is available at: http://www.dannybryant.com/free-download/.

Danny Bryant:  "A national blues treasure" (Classic Rock "The Blues" Magazine).

   Danny Bryant will be fronting Walter’s powerhouse rhythm section. Sammy Avila (keyboards) has been with Walter since 2001. Born and raised in San Gabriel, California, into a musical family, Avila cut his teeth on the L.A. club circuit playing with a vast array of musical acts. Michael Leasure (drums), born in Alhambra, California, played with guitar phenom Philip Sayce for six years and the legendary Edgar Winter before joining the Walter Trout band in 2008. Rick Knapp (bass) has played with such legends as Carey Bell, Sam Lay, & Bo Diddley before joining the Walter Trout Band in 2005. Together they form one of the greatest blues/rock outfits anywhere in the world.

    For Jon Trout, it seems very natural to be following in his father's musical footsteps on guitar. In much the same way that his father once mentored Danny Bryant, Jon Trout is now receiving the same guidance and tutelage from Bryant.

    Walter Trout has just released The Blues Came Callin' (limited edition, CD/DVD). Walter's biography, Rescued From Reality, is due out July 8.  It will feature pages of previously unreleased photos from Trout's childhood as well as Trout's years with Canned Heat and John Mayall, as well as many from his storied solo career. The next Collectible Vinyl Series release of Walter's recordings, Positively Beale Street, drops July 7.

A Tribute To Walter Trout

Featuring the Walter Trout Band with Danny Bryant & Jon Trout

July 31 (Thur.)         SAINTE ROCKE                      Hermosa Beach, CA

Aug. 1 (Fri.)            THE COACH HOUSE              San Juan Capistrano, CA  

Aug. 2 (Sat.)            RHYTHM ROOM                    Phoenix, AZ

Aug. 5 (Tues.)         FAT FISH PUB                        Galesburg, IL

Aug. 6 (Wed.)         BLUES ON THE MALL              Grand Rapids, MI

Aug. 8 (Fri.)            VIOLETTE'S                            Barrie, ON, Canada

Aug. 9 (Sat.)            CALLAHAN'S                         Auburn Hills, MI

Aug. 13 (Wed.)        CANAL HOUSE PUB               Tuscarawas, OH
Aug. 14 (Thur.)       BEACHLAND BALLROOM       Cleveland, OH
Aug. 15 (Fri.)           MOONDOG'S                        Blawnox, PA
Aug. 16 (Sat.)          BUILDING 24                        Wyomissing, PA
Aug. 17 (Sun.)         JB MCGINNIS PUB                  New Castle, DE

Aug. 18 (Mon.)        THE STUDIO@WEBSTER HALL*  New York, NY

Aug. 19 (Tues.)       MEXICALI BLUES                    Teaneck, NJ

Aug. 20 (Wed.)        THRESHOLD EVENT CTR.       Lancaster, PA
Aug. 21 (Thur.)       CHAN'S                                 Woonsocket, RI
Aug. 22 (Fri.)           BOULTON CENTER                Bay Shore, NY
Aug. 26 (Tues.)        EMMETT'S                            Appleton, WI
Aug. 27 (Wed.)         EMMETT'S                            Appleton, WI
Aug. 28 (Thur.)        SHANK HALL                        Milwaukee, WI
Aug. 29 (Fri.)           HOUSE OF BLUES                  Chicago, IL
Aug. 30 (Sat.)           FAMOUS DAVE'S                  Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 31 (Sun.)          PLAYING WITH FIRE             Omaha, NE   

           * With Special Guests, Popa Chubby and Dana Fuchs  

Venue Passes/ Artist Interviews/Promotional Materials On Request.

                                 www.dannybryant.com           

                                                   www.waltertrout.com

                                                         

Roustabout Records artist: Davina and the Vagabonds - Sunshine - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (July 15, 2014), Sunshine, from Davina and the Vagabonds and it's actually quite good! Opening with title track, Sunshine, Davina lays all of the pop that I'd care to hear on an entire cd in one track. That's actually a good idea from my perspective. This really sugary sweet female vocal track could easily make a splash on any top 40's radio station. Now that we've got that out of the way, we get sown to some serious fun. Flow has a light poppy feel but with more sophistication and unique vocal styling by Davina, accompanying herself on piano and joined by Daniel Eikmeier on trumpet, Benjamin Link on trombone, Conner McCrae Hammergren on drums and Andrew Burns on bass. Fizzle Out delves even deeper into serious vocal styling and composition. There are traces of Fiona Apple and others in her work but she stands alone with her own sound. Primarily accompanying herself on piano, I like it! One of my favorite tracks on the release, Away From Me, shows maturity and patience. This is a beautifully composed and executed track that can stand with the best ballad compositions that I've heard in recent past. Excellent! I Try To Be Good has a Latin feel with stylistic vocal references to Amy Winehouse. Authentic Cuban style piano with by Davina is really cool and a really nice trombone solo by Link is really nice. Addition of tight percussion work by Hammergren and cool trumpet by Eikmeier also add a nice punch. R&B style track You Better Start Praying shows additional versatility by Davina with musical references to The Band (Ophelia). Red Shoes has a rag style but contemporary presentation and New Orleans flair. Nice New Orleans style piano by Davina, tight drums by by Hammergren and super horn work from Link and Eikmeier compliment the vocal precision of Davina. Throw It to The Wolves retains the New Orleans rag styling with the slick addition of Tony Balluff on clarinet. So far I have been raving about the nice instrumental work by Davina but she is an extremely strong vocalist as well. This track has a really cool uptempo jazz break with a Dixiland feel but it's back to spot and a tight ending. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water has a strong swing feel and Davina again shows her strength on vocals even though she strongly carries a lot of the weight of the instrumentals on keys. This is a musician who could easily be the featured vocalist or the featured piano player for many contemporary blues bands. An extremely talented composer, vocalist and instrumentalist. On You Must Be Losing Your Mind, Davina takes a a nice jazz styled piano solo to open the track and Link and Eikmeier each take extended, well constructed horn solos, Burns a solid bass solo, and Hammergren a drum solo as well, giving this track serious instrumental merit. On Oh Heavenly Day, Davina is back with an emphasis on lead vocals. A quiet moody ballad this leads up to a bonus track, Under Lock and Key. This bonus track returns to the pop like styling but with grittier vocals earlier associated with Winehouse. I thoroughly enjoyed this release and plan to have it in my car for further review within a few weeks. This is a cool release and one that you should check out.

  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”

 

Dateline: 7/12/2014 Westminster, MD- Common Ground Music Festival. - Stilladog - Special guest reporter

Yesterday the Common Ground On The Hill Music Festival began wrapping up two weeks of workshops, lessons, and jams. The prime purposes of Common Ground are cultural diversity, musical education, and promotion of the American roots art forms, particularly music and dance. Of course, at the heart of all this is blues music. Whether sawing out a hoedown on a fiddle, a zydeco two-step on accordion or ripping up a mean blues break solo on a National Steel guitar, the blues is always present while not always front and center. My day started out with a set by Scott Ainslie. He played a National Steel throughout his whole set, once using a paper napkin to use as a damper to get the sound he wanted when blending sad blues lyrics with an upbeat guitar line straight out of Nigerian Juju music! In addition to some original tunes his set was accented by Robert Johnson tunes and stories. He did Come On In My Kitchen in the David Bromberg style. And after telling the story of the "Sundown" laws that did not allow blacks out after dark -which got Robert Johnson's head busted open more than once- he finished the set with Crossroads Blues.

After cooling off with a craft beer at Der Bier Garten which was really served in a garden, we took in Guy Davis set complete with some Appalachian clog-style dancing to a blues number. Guy Davis is probably one of the most popular and well recognized artists at the festival and has been playing there for many years. He did several classic blues tunes in addition to a few covers. He was accompanied by Professor Louie on accordion and Christopher James on mandolin. The knockout punch by Guy Davis was a rendition of Bob Dylan's Lay Lady Lay in which Professor Louie's haunting accordion part set the base for Davis impassioned vocals. In my mind Lay Lady Lay by Guy Davis was the runner-up for best single song of the day!

Mary Flower followed Davis on the "Blues Stage." She played a number of original tunes. If you are unfamiliar with Mary Flower music, she is at times heavy on the slide guitar played lap style on Dobro and a custom made box guitar. The highlight of her set was I'm Dreaming of Your Demise from her Misery Love Company album. Despite the fact that she was smack in the middle of Carroll County Maryland, she did not play the Carroll County Shuffle. Instead she offered up loads of other top notch acoustic blues and was a most gracious performer.

After a pulled pork sandwich and some jalapeno & sriracha coleslaw we settled in for the most entertaining set of the day, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix. This set was billed as "Professor Louie & The Crowmatix with the Rock of Ages horns. Except the Rock of Ages horns apparently missed the tour bus. But in their place was a trombone, trumpet, tenor and baritone sax horn section made up of local guys which Professor Louie introduced as "The Westminster Horns."

Thanks to Coffey Music of Westminster, Bob Coffey and his merry band (including my old tennis partner Dave Motter on trombone) the Rock of Ages horns were barely missed! The band did have to stay pretty close to the charts with a bunch of new guys playing, so only organized solos were rendered. But it was a great set highlighted by three outstanding Band covers, Ophelia, Don't Do It, and The Weight. Professor Louie is another artist who has been very active in Common Ground. I know he's played every year that I've been there, and many more.

The grand finale was Hot Tuna. Jorma Kaukonen was extremely sharp for a 70 year old picker. And the tone resonating from his acoustic guitar was about as pure a tone as the instrument can render! Along with long time partner Jack Cassady on bass and Barry Mitterhoff on Mandolin, they picked their way through the American Folk and Blues catalog and their own songs. Hesitation Blues, Prohabition Blues, and Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out were all very strong numbers. But the single best song of the day was Barbeque King Blues! Just fantastic. Sooo much better than ANY rendering of this song than anything I've heard since the time I picked up Jorma's Barbeque King album on vinyl from the cut-out bin at my local record store in 1984. I hope it was recorded to be released on a future album because they really nailed it and looked like they were having fun doing it!

Bottom line: It was a beautiful day to do many of the things I enjoy most, drinking beer, eating barbeque, and listening to the very best blues music. This festival is truly a hidden gem and has been for years. In years past I've seen Buckwheat Zydeco, Arlo Guthrie, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and CJ Chenier at this festival. And the best thing is, it's only two miles from my house! It's a shame more people don't come to it, but on the other hand the crowd was just right for maximum enjoyment. The Festival continues today with Professor Louie playing again and tonight's headliners, New Riders of the Purple Sage.


 Stilladog Rides Again!  

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”

 

"Spark" Your Enthusiasm - new Damon Fowler video!

NEW VIDEO FROM DAMON FOWLER - "SPARK" Blind Pig Records has released another live video from roots guitar guru Damon Fowler - "Spark," a track from Damon's latest release, Sounds of Home. In its CD review Living Blues magazine called the song "a rocking Nashville boot-knocker, recalling the swagger of the Georgia Satellites with vintage twang spilling out the sides." To watch the video, please click HERE. USA Today said the album, produced by Gulf Coast-based guitarist Tab Benoit, "nails the region's bluesy, easy-rocking, gospel-tinged sound." Blues Music Magazine added, "Fowler simply has never played better, showing off a notable control while continually stirring in new elements of Americana, R&B, and grease-popping soul." For more info on Damon and the CD, please click HERE.  For downloads of this and other songs from the album, please visit iTunes HERE. Damon Fowler Band Upcoming Dates: July 11 Tallahassee, FL Bradfordville Blues Club July 12 Marietta, GA Darwin's July 13 Montgomery, AL Capital Oyster Bar July 25 Tampa, FL Skipper's July 26 Boca Raton, FL Funky Biscuit Aug. 9 Wheeling, WV Heritage Music Festival Aug. 23 Bean Blossom, IN Bean Blossom Blues Fest Sept. 4 Maryville, TN Brackin's Bar Sept. 5 Durham, NC Papa Mojo's Roadhouse Sept. 6 Virginia Beach, VA 17th Park Street Sept. 13 Lakeland, FL The Music Ranch Sept. 27 Bedford, VA Bedford Centerfest Oct. 12 Ft. Fisher, NC Pleasure Island Blues Festival

For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.

July 19 + Harvelle's + Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin Smoke Revue featuring the Fabulous Smokettes = HOT

 

         

                                                

Sat. , July 19 + Harvelle's + Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke 

Rhythm & Blues Revue Featuring The Fabulous Smokettes = HOT!

                             

 

 

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

 

 

   (Santa Monica, CA) - It's a simple, yet true, equation: July 19 + Harvelle's Blues Club + Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue featuring the Fabulous Smokettes = HOT!

 

    Catch Blowin' Smoke in concert for your listening and dancing pleasure at Harvelle's, Saturday, July 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.

 

              

 

 

                  BLOWIN' SMOKE'S LARRY "FUZZY" KNIGHT IN THE NEWS

 

 

   Blowin' Smoke's band leader, Larry "Fuzzy" Knight, does in-depth interviews tracing his long career up to the present with both Professor Johnny P's Juke Joint: http://professorjohnnyp.blogspot.com/2014/06/larry-fuzzy-knight-bringing-music-from.html; and Making A Scene magazine: http://www.makingascene.org/an-interview-with-larry-fuzzy-knight/.

 

 

 

 

 

   Come and find out for yourself why the Blowin' Smoke Rhythm & Blues 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 competing for the honor.
   

 

MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE RAVES ABOUT LARRY "FUZZY" KNIGHT'S BLOWIN' SMOKE RHYTHM AND BLUES REVUE

 

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. 

         https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4215955879633

                            www.blowinsmokeband.com

         https://www.facebook.com/blowinsmokeband?fref=ts

 

Beyond The Blues Horizon - CD Review (BMans Blues Report)

Larry "Fuzzy" Knight - Interview (Orange County Blues Society)

Blowin' Smoke - Live Show Review (Music Connection)

Stony Plain Records artist: Long John Baldry - The Best Of The Stony Plain Years

I just received the newest release, The Best of the Stony Plain Years from Long John Baldry and found it somewhat refreshing. I haven't heard Baldry in quite some time, his having passed in 2005 and my primary exposure being the album It Aint Easy released possibly 40 or more years ago. The release opens with Good Morning Blues, with classic Baldry vocals, John Lee Sanders on piano, Butch Coulter with some tasty harp riffs and nice bass lines from Norm Fraser. On old standard, I'm Shakin', Baldry adds a special dynamic to the vocal track coaxed along by Al Webster on tom tom and Johnny Ferreira on sax. Papa John King also adds a nice guitar solo on this track as well. Easy Street is laid down in New Orleans shuffle form with light bouncy piano by Webster and Baldry hits a nice groove on vocal as Babcock and Ferreira lay down some nice sax work. Traditional track Midnight Special has a special feel with John Lee Sanders on tuba and cool backing vocals from Kathi McDonald. Tom Colclough hits the note on clarinet accenting the new orleans feel of Chris Nordquist on drums. A little different take on Gallows Pole than the Led Zep fans may be accustomed to with a bit of a western flavor and cool violin by Jesse Zubot. Straight up blues track Midnight Hour Blues has King on simple acoustic lead guitar with Baldry laying down a smooth vocal track. Webster does a really nice job of punching up the track on piano and Rusty Reed does a really nice job on harp. On Hooker's Dimples, A stripped down feel with Baldry on vocal, King on guitar, Coulter on harp and Lent on bass is one of my favorite tracks on the release. On Insane Asylum, Baldry shares vocal lead with Kathi McDonald and Bill Runge drives the rhythm on bass. Midnight In New Orleans has a NO jazz feel with Amos Garrett and Gaye Delorme on guitars and sweet backing vocals by McDonals. Teddy Borowiecki leads the way on piano and Daryl Bennett blows a nice sax as well. Black Girl keeps a fairly traditional feel and again the strong vocals by McDonald and Baldry are particularly potent on this track. King adds some tasty acustic guitar riffs adding an iridescence overall. The release is wrapped by a live track, Time's Gettin' Tougher Than Tough with Jimmy Witherspoon and the Duke Robillard Band. A real swinger, Witherspoon and Baldry share lead vocals and Marty Ballou leads the way on bass. Robillard adds some really punchy guitar riffs and Sax Gordon Beadle really hits the note on sax. Super conclusion to 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”

Full Swing Records artist: Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl - Un Twisted - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Un-Twisted, from Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl and it's quite good. Opening with Soul Mate, an easy going 12 bar, Hoerl lays back on the harp and with cool guitar lead from James "Buddy" Rogers. Pure & Simple Blues has a nice swing to it and a cool bass line from Roger Brant. Hoerl plays smooth harp riffs and trades solos with Rogers. Nice! A cool, bouncy cover of I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled and Crazy gives Hoerl and Dave Dykhuizen on guitar a real nice platform to jam. Vocals by Hoerl are particuarly cool on this track. Period sounding track, Snake Charmer, is nicely done with really nice classic harmonica styling and super guitar work from Brandon Isaak. Fight Of The Century has a show sound with a light James Brown guitar rhythms by Double D and strong organ work from Dave "Cob" Webb. Don't Think It Can't Happen To You is an easy going shuffle with a rich organ solo from Webb and of course nice harmonica work from Hoerl. Grand Old Game has a strong Bo Diddley rhythm and harmonized vocals. Long Highway is swinging shuffle with a cool feel. A Little Off The Top has a nice bluesy feel and Hoerl gets into a real nice groove vocally. Johnny Ferriera skates in with a real nice sax solo on this number and Webb does some real nice piano work complimenting some of Hoerl's best harp work on the release. Closing the release is classic I Left My Heart In San Francisco nicely done and with a lot of the feel of Toots Thieleman. A nice wrap up of an interesting 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”

 

Mud Morganfield & Kim Wilson Join Forces on "For Pops (A Tribute to Muddy Waters)," Coming August 19 on Severn Records

                Mud Morganfield & Kim Wilson Join Forces on For Pops (A Tribute to Muddy Waters), Coming August 19 on Severn Records

The Duo Salutes the 100^th Anniversary of Mud’s Legendary Father’s Birth with 14 Songs Backed by an All-Star Band Channeling the Classic Chicago Blues Sound

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Severn Records announces an August 19 release date of For Pops (A Tribute to Muddy Waters), a very special CD from Mud Morganfield, son of the legendary bluesman, and Kim Wilson, singer/harmonica player of the iconic roots group, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, saluting the classic blues music of Mud’s father in the 100^th anniversary year of his birth.

The genesis for this recording project was simple, according to Severn president David Earl. “I couldn’t ignore all the requests,” he said. “After we released Mud Morganfield’s Son of the 7^th Son album and The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ On the Verge disc, the phone was ringing off the hook and the inbox was flooded with emails. The topic was always the same: ‘You have to get Mud and Kim to do an album together!’ So, after all the prodding, I picked up the phone and asked both Mud and Kim if they would like to do an album together. They resoundingly said, ‘yes!’”

In addition to Mud Morganfield’s vocals, which bear an uncanny resemblance to his late father’s sound, and Kim Wilson’s award-winning harmonica work, the duo are backed by an all-star team of players schooled in the Chicago-style of blues playing: Billy Flynn and Rusty Zinn (guitars), Barrelhouse Chuck (piano), Steve Gomes (bass) and Robb Stupka (drums). The album was produced by David Earl and Steve Gomes and recorded at Severn Sound Studios in Annapolis, Maryland.

In keeping with the organic nature of classic blues music recordings, the For Pops album tracking took on the feel of a late night jam session. “We began with an old-fashioned ‘house party’ in our studio,” recalled David Earl. “Attendees included friends and family from all over the mid-Atlantic region, who were treated to a wonderful performance by Mud and Kim, along with some barbeque and spirits. The next day, the overall thought was to record the album ‘live’ in the studio and capture the feel we had at the party. All the instruments were recorded together in the same room in order to truly capture the interplay between the musicians. Mud was isolated so we could put the best possible sound to tape. We spent four days recording and actually mixed it at the end of the week with all the musicians present. It was a whirlwind, but at the end of the day, everyone agreed that ‘Pops” would be proud.”

Facing the daunting task of which Muddy Waters songs from his vast catalogue to include on For Pops, the mutual decision was made to record some of Muddy’s better-known tunes, but also some lesser-known ones that would demonstrate the vibrant scope of how encompassing was the legend’s blues repertoire. The rest of the players chosen for the sessions were all hand-picked by Mud, Kim and David Earl based not only on their musical chops, but their feel for playing this music within the classic Chicago blues ensemble format.

“I would like to thank everyone who has put so much into the making of this album,” said Mud Morganfield during the sessions. “It’s coming up on my Dad’s 100^th birthday and that makes me even more proud to be a part of this great release. I thank all blues lovers and fans around the world; the music we make today always comes to you and history.”

To stream the album’s lead-off track, “Gone to Main Street,” click here: https://soundcloud.com/jill-kettles/gone-to-main-street-for-pops-mud-morganfield-and-kim-wilson

For more information, visit www.severnrecords.com

For Pops (A Tribute to Muddy Waters) Track Listing

1. Gone to Main Street

2. Just to Be With You

3. I Don't Know Why

4. I Want You to Love Me

5. Still a Fool

6. My Dog Can't Bark

7. She's Got It

8. I Love the Life I Live, I Live the Life I Love

9. Blow Wind Blow

10. Nineteen Years Old

11. I Want to Be Loved

12. Trouble No More

13. I Just Want to Make Love to You

14. She Moves Me

Bernie Marsden To Release SHINE on 9/30/14 via Mascot Label Group's Provogue Records

BERNIE MARSDEN AND MASCOT LABEL GROUP'S PROVOGUE RECORDS

ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER 30 RELEASE DATE FOR SHINE

GuitarWorld.com Premieres Lyric Video For "Linin' Track" Today

Screen Here: http://www.guitarworld.com/bernie-marsden-premieres-linin-track-lyric-video-exclusive

New York, NY --- Bernie Marsden and Mascot Label Group's Provogue Records have announced a September 30 release date for SHINE.  Marsden has been a prolific artist since the early 1970s, contributing performances to approximately one hundred albums.  He has enjoyed a successful long-running solo career, alongside being a key member of ensembles that include Whitesnake, UFO, Wild Turkey, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton & Lord, Cozy Powell’s Hammer, Alaska, M3 and others.  An album trailer can be screened here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbLX4jnO2rs.  Additionally, GuitarWorld.com has premiered the lyric video for "Linin' Track" today which can be screened here: http://www.guitarworld.com/bernie-marsden-premieres-linin-track-lyric-video-exclusive

Looking towards the release of SHINE, the Buckinghamshire-born guitarist shares, “To me, it’s a classic rock album with a modern feel.  When I asked the bosses at Provogue what type of album they wanted from me, they simply replied: ‘Make a Bernie Marsden album’. And that’s what I did.” 

The light, airy commercial feel of ‘Shine’ is largely attributable to producer Rob Cass, who pieced together its contents in Studio 3 of the legendary Abbey Road facility, though the backing tracks for three of its selections were cut at Riverside Studios in Somerset. During the 1980's Cass had actually spent six months as the lead singer of Marsden’s group Alaska before carving a career as a successful producer with a wide range of rock, pop and classical artists. It was Cass who sought out Marsden, emailing him to suggest they catch up over a reunion lunch at the home of his production company, located at Abbey Road Studios.

Marsden offers, “Rob wanted to thank me for having sent him an air ticket to come to London from Ireland [to join Alaska] and helping to get his career underway.  Coincidentally, I was looking for a producer because I’ve been writing, playing and producing for too long. I really liked the sounds that Rob gets, and that’s how the whole thing came together. If people think I was recording at Abbey Road because Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’ made 18 gazillion quid then they’re quite wrong… though it did make 17 gazillion quid!”

Marsden believes that the famous facility has an atmosphere that permeates the sounds created within its walls – hence the album’s final instrumental song is titled NW8, after the studio’s postcode. He reflects, “The Beatles recorded Revolver, my favorite album of theirs in Studio 3, so it has that sense of history.  I honestly believe Abbey Road to be the best studio in the world.”

Although Marsden was wary of flooding the credits with too many special guests, SHINE does feature some extremely well-known names, from Joe Bonamassa to Whitesnake singer David Coverdale, and the Deep Purple duo of Ian Paice (drums) and Don Airey (keyboards). Jimmy Copley of Jeff Beck fame behind the kit and Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero also supplies some breathtaking harmonica playing.  Marsden states, “I can’t help it, I’ve got a lot of mates – and quite a few of them are guitar players."

The complete track listing of SHINE is: "Linin' Track," "Wedding Day," "Walk Away," "Kinda Wish She Would," "Ladyfriend," "Trouble," "Who Do We Think We Are?", "Bad Blood," "Shine," "Dragonfly," "You Better Run," "Hoxie Rollin' Time," "NW8."  Mascot Label Group's Provogue Records will issue the album on August 18 in Europe.