Lazer Lloyd, Israel's King of Blues Rock, on U.S. Tour, Plays The Mint

Lazer Lloyd, Israel's King of Blues Rock, comes to the Southland for a series of shows beginning on Monday, November 17 at UCLA and culminating with a show at The Mint in Los Angeles on Monday, November 24. More below and also at www.lazerlloyd.com.

LAZER LLOYD, ISRAEL'S KING OF BLUES ROCK,  COMES TO THE SOUTHLAND FOR SERIES OF SHOWS BEGINNING NOVEMBER 17 Performs Locally: The Mint In Los Angeles- Monday, November 24      (LOS ANGELES, CA) - Lazer Lloyd, Israel's "King of Blues Rock," brings his fresh sound, new songs, and deep roots to the Southland for some select solo shows and trio performances with all-star backing.    Lazer Lloyd performs locally at The Mint, 6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, Monday, November 24. Showtime is 9:45 p.m. Tickets $8. in advance, $10. at the door. Info: (323) 954-9400 or http://themintla.com/.   Lazer Lloyd is an Israeli singer/songwriter and an international recording artist influenced by blues, gospel, southern rock, and the great guitar traditions of power and groove from Jimi Hendrix to Wes Montgomery. His music takes the audience into his world from the tender moments of a traveling musician in the song "By Your Side", to a man struggling with life in "Talk". Lloyd opens hearts with his "world soul groove" sound on "Way Down" and "Back Porch", and then rocks with intensity and joy on irresistible tunes such as "Good Man Down", "Set My Soul Free", and "Rockin' in the Holy Land".    Lloyd has crossed over into the Israeli mainstream music scene and has been featured playing live on Israeli Channel 8 TV’s “Guitar Heroes” hosted by Tal Friedman, Channel 10′s “London and Kirschenbaum”, Israeli Channel 2's "Good Morning", 88FM with Gedi Livneh, as well as on Yoav Kutner’s Army Radio program. Kutner commented, “From the moment the sounds of his guitar reached the air it was completely clear that this is an international-level guitarist. His shows are worth every minute. One of the great musicians.”   Flying to the USA fresh from his second tour of Russia, Lazer has opened for such artists as Johnny Winter, Prince, and Olie Brown.  Lazer Lloyd's singing and guitar playing has been honed to perfection by his constant touring in Israel. Lazer and his all-star partners will perform an unforgettable evening of music presenting some of Lazer Lloyd's greatest tunes and previewing his upcoming self-titled 2015 album of new electric music.  His previous album of all original acoustic solo tunes, "Lost on the Highway", was released in 2013 on Blues Leaf Records.  Lazer's 2014 album, "Insides Out" is a  collection of his popular songs from past albums and classic live performances at Jerusalem Woodstock and the renowned Israeli venue, Yellow Submarine.                       WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING...ABOUT LAZER LLOYD "Lazer Lloyd’s Lost on the Highway provides a fresh take on the blues and it is definitely worth a listen.  His guitar playing alone is worth the price of admission, and when you add in his vocals and strong songwriting skills, this disc is a winner."                                                    BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE “Lloyd’s guitar skills are impeccable, along with a rich, vocal delivery. A consummate musician, writer and storyteller.”                                      NASHVILLE BLUES SOCIETY “He handles his guitar like it was an extension of his lanky, but sturdy body, and the glorious noise that it emits emerges directly from his soul. He’s the best guitarist in Israel.”                                       JERUSALEM POST "We are extremely excited and honored to present a world-class musician such as Lazer Lloyd in concert here in Long Beach. Lazer sharing the stage with Long Beach music legend, Bernie Pearl, should be nothing short of magical."                     BILL GRISOLIA (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, NEW BLUES FESTIVAL) “This is the best Rock N Roll Blues that I have seen in Israel. Amazing, you have to see him live.”                              BEN RED, 88FM  (ISRAELI RADIO)       Lazer Lloyd -  California Tour Itinerary & Radio Interviews Nov. 16 (Sun.) Nov. 17 (Mon.) Nov. 17 (Mon.) Nov. 18 (Tues.) Nov. 18 (Tues.) Nov. 20 (Thur.) Nov. 21 (Fri.) Nov.  22 (Sat.) Nov. 23 (Sun.) Nov. 24 (Mon.) KOCI 101.5 FM - LIVE INTERVIEW UCLA HILLEL MAUI SUGAR MILL SALOON MAKING A SCENE/LIVE INTERVIEW LONG BEACH BETH SHALOM* GARFIELD THEATER KX93.5 FM - LIVE INTERVIEW BETH SHALOM BISCUITS & BLUES THE MINT    *with Bernie Pearl    Costa Mesa, CA    Westwood, CA    Tarzana, CA    World Wide Web    Long Beach, CA    La Jolla, CA    Laguna Beach, CA    Charmichael, CA    San Francisco, CA    Los Angeles, CA                                                  www.lazerlloyd.com                             https://www.facebook.com/lazerlloydbb

The Golden Novak Band - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just received the newest self titled release from The Golden Novak Band, made up of Brian Golden on guitar and vocal, Jess Novak on vocal, guitar and violin, Nick Andrews on drums, Randy Heuer on percussion, Paul Puzzullo on bass and Mark Nanni on keys. Opening with Let It Shine, a moving rocker with a contagious back beat and screaming lead guitar, what's not to like? Rat A Tat is up next with a catchy free San Francisco sound but a definite pop feel. Lead vocal by Novak is strong and Nanni on keys bridges the track between Andrews and Golden's guitar work. Quiet ballad, Chasing, has solid melodic bones and with well meshed vocal harmonies and floating violin accompaniment. The Phone has a cool Spanish feel with nice nylon string and electric guitar work by Golden and well balanced violin work as well as seductive vocals from Novak. Very nice! Hands On has a cool funky rhythm and Novak has a laid back vocal delivery. Andrews plays it straight up with solid drumming giving the track a lot of punch. Golden steps up with a hot guitar solo in hot contrast to this otherwise mesmerizing track. New Song is a R&B style ballad featuring Novak on vocal and a clean key solo by Nanni. A cool radio track. Wrapping the release is Good Enough, is a down the middle pop track with a dance beat but with short instrumental bursts from Golden and Nanni giving the track extra oomph.

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Deanna Bogart to perform at SIRIUSXM's First Bluesville Festival!

DEANNA BOGART INVITED TO PERFORM AT SIRIUSXM's' FIRST BLUESVILLE FESTIVAL Blind Pig recording artist Deanna Bogart has been invited to perform at the first ever Bluesville Festival, which will take place on Tuesday, November 11th at the SiriusXM Radio studios in Washington, D.C.  Also on the bill are Buddy Guy, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, Eden Brent, Victor Wainwright, and Quinn Sullivan. The unique event will be taped in front of a live audience on Tuesday, November 11th and broadcast on the satellite radio's "B.B. King's Bluesville" channel once per day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (November 14,15, & 16). Bogart's most recent release, Just A Wish Away..., has earned high praise: "Deanna Bogart has become one of the greatest musicians and songwriters working in America today. It is not just her playing, but her songwriting that has matured to the point of greatness.  All of this adds up to Just A Wish Away.....being one of the best albums of 2014." - Blurt.com "Fine songs, an excellent, well-pedigreed band of players, and the sort of authentic enthusiasm for music that is absolutely contagious."                                                                                         - RollingStone.com "With her spellbinding piano chops, thoughtful songwriting and rich, sultry voice, Deanna Bogart brims with talent and creativity." - Elmore  "A flavorful musical gumbo that's a taste of the artist at the height of her powers. Just a Wish Away... is a truly lovely record, full of the fine playing, singing, and songwriting that she is known for."- Living Blues To watch a video of "Fine By Me Good Bayou" click HERE.

Raise The Ruf - 20 Years of Music... Double CD out today: November 11th

Raise The Ruf for 20 Years of Music:

From the juke joints to world stages

This label offers only the best for fans

A Special double CD out on November 11^th

Atlanta, GA – Ruf Records celebrates its 20^th Anniversary on November 11th with a double CD release of tunes from the first line up in 1994 to the current roster in 2014. This German label started as a dream for Thomas Ruf, after he got completely smitten with the Blues. Artists have come and gone from this small but all label, but with Thomas’ vision, the drive is still there to present the best. Ruf Records is distributed by Allegro worldwide through all various digital downloads and retail stores. After 120 releases or more, Grammy nominations, a lot of Blues Music Awards winners and at least a thousand miles traveled; Thomas Ruf has arrived at a milestone.

A Guy Name Ruf – “Roof” like the roof over your head:

As anything in life, you get the idea when you are not thinking, it comes out of the blue and it hits you in the face.  It happened late one night; Thomas Ruf was at a show at the Black Forrest, a local club, where the great Luther Allison was playing. Mr. Allison was playing with the local folk musicians and he saw something special unfold. Something overcame him; watching and hearing this now iconic eclectic group of players, Thomas began to think, “This is something I would love to be a part of!”

 Ruf started out working on the road with Luther, when the blues musician would tour Europe assisting him with his needs. They became friends and soon Ruf found his mentor in Luther Allison. Thomas still gets in the trenches with his artists 20 years later with The Spin Doctors, Samantha Fish and Royal Southern Brotherhood. His award winning live DVD/CD concerts, Songs From The Road, are gifts to the fans that can buy and experience what that night had to offer.

Thomas Ruf is a firm believer in all aspects of the artist’s career is important and should be addressed. This sometimes means talking at all hours of the night and day to be the guiding light throughout. He points out the obvious, tells the truth while dreaming the biggest dream of all, everyone is to be happy and successful with their artistic journey.

“The test of time will show which of them is going to remain significant” – Thomas Ruf (Classic Rock Magazine 2014)

Ruf comes from a small town in Germany called, Lindewerra (2.5 hours north of Frankfort), with a population of 250, where everyone is sure to know him. From his tall height to his collection of colorful shirts to the pile of vinyl records underneath his arm; he eats, drinks and breathes music. He has been known to bring an extra suitcase just to fill it up with vinyl records when he traveling. He’s always hunting for more and asks, “Where is a good record store that sells vinyl?”

Where the Blues Crosses Over:

“Where the blues crosses over” has been Thomas’ slogan for a long time. “The blues has influenced rock and pop music, but the influence goes both ways. It was never a way one-way street,” Ruf told Classic Rock Magazine in 2014.

In 1997, Ruf was putting together a Rolling Stones tribute album with his roster at the time, and he brought in Luther Allison one more time. Mr. Allison was sick with lung cancer but as you hear him sing the track, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, you’d never know it. He was full of gusto, guts a bustin’ and heart achin’ by leaving it all out there for others to feel what he was feeling. Four weeks later after that session, Luther passed away at the age of 58. So Thomas placed the gospel-tinged anthem at the end of this double CD in honor of his mentor, his friend and his muse.

Luther holds a huge place in Thomas’ heart and soul, for the Chicago blues maestro, gave him the light and fire to start and now carry on. Perhaps in some way he is always around giving Ruf by surrounding him of the very best.

As Thomas writes in the liner notes, “Luther’s name will always be connected to the label’s history.”

Music to fans’ ears:

The double disc release is carefully laid out in sequence with songs starting by the young blood; girls and guys with guitars, vocally gifted singers to the respected veterans. Ruf carefully wrote about each artist talking about how much he was a fan of theirs before he even met them. He’s keen on talent that’s for sure.

Several successful musical careers are made and some are made legendary, starting with Luther Allison, of course, Ana Popovic, Candye Kane, Sue Foley, Savoy Brown, Louisiana Red, Walter Trout and even The Spin Doctors.

He has developed many young careers, with Joanne Shaw Taylor, Samantha Fish, Thorbjorn Risager and Laurence Jones as they learn their craft by putting together group tours and projects. Blues Caravan, Girls and Guys with Guitars and his award winning, live CD/DVD series “Songs From The Road” introduce fans to his label roster in a unique manner.

Enter Royal Southern Brotherhood:

RSB as we – fans, friends and their musical family call them – was a brain child of industry vet, manager Rueben Williams, for he brought this groovy, funky and blues group to Thomas to see what would happen.

The sound was big; the grooves were funky – why? One, you had Cyril Neville, from New Orleans’ royal family of the same name, two, you had Devon Allman, from another legendary family of rock, The Allman Brothers Band, Gregg’s son. Then, you had a bright and shining star in blues guitarist Mike Zito, all backed up by the most eclectic rhythm section put together, drummer Yonrico Scott and bassist Charlie Wooton.  Their 2012 release flew off their merchandise table, store’s shelves and the media ATE them up. Fans from all five members came together as one to become “Loyal Royals” as guitarist Devon pegged them. In 2014, their second release, heartsoulblood was again a success as the band grows in their musical shoes.

Again, records were broken, miles were traveled and we all fell in love with the music again. 

What the future holds:

With offices in the U.S. and Germany, Ruf Records operates 24/7 with radio, public relations, retail and distribution. It’s not an easy task but it’s done effectively. Ira Leslie heads up the U.S. operations and Michael De Urso is chief radio promoter; they are both based in the New York area. Amy Brat, of Bratgirl Media is out of Chicago can be found posting away on all the social media platforms, while Jill Kettles, of Miss Jill PR is the labels’ publicity contact who resides in Atlanta.

On the creative side; Ruf surrounds himself with the best to achieve his goal, to make the artist happy, let them breathe and be who they are. He has a list of go to people like Jim Gaines, a producer based out of Memphis who has a way of calming the nerves of musicians who might be entering the studio for the first time. Jim’s no-nonsense approach is something that attracted Ruf back in the 1990s and beyond.

“He (Ruf) thinks outside the box in a business that sometimes seems content being in it.” - Guitarist Albert Castiglia (taken from

Classic Rock Magazine 2014)

So a lot of times that Rolling Stones’ song comes up in life, sometimes as a sign, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need.”

And all Ruf needed, was the blues.

For more information on Ruf Records please visit their website: www.rufrecords.de

Hittin' the Note Records artist: Tommy Talton - Until After Then - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Until After Then, from Tommy Talton and it is a mixed bag of cool tunes. Opening with title track, Until After Then, Talton creates an almost Steely Dan like pop jazz feel with Matt Slocum on organ, Frankie Nattola on bass and David Keith on drums joining Talton on guitar and vocal. Real Sugar has a super Al Green like R&B strut. Kevin Holly adds a cool wah wah guitar, Billy Earheart electric piano, David Hood bass, Bill Stewart drums but it is the cool sax work of Brad Guin and trumpet work by Ken Watters added to Talton's vocals that pushes this one over the top for me. Nice! Mr. Love is an easy rocker which actually reminds me quite a bit of Joe Walsh when he plays it mellow. Another cool track. That Distant Light has a super sweet Paul McCartney like melody. Talton continues to show his versatility as both a songwriter and singer. My, O, My again has a McCartney kind of sound with a quiet beauty. Talton does show a little slide work on this track and it's smooth as silk. I Keep My Mind On You changes directions radically ending up in Margaritaville. With an island feel, Holly on 12 string, Earheart on keyboard and Watters' trumpet accents, this track could easily hit the airwaves hard. She Was There is a fresh sounding pop ballad with Talton leading the way on vocal and acoustic guitar and clean piano lines by Kenny Head. The Man From Down Near Waco has a simple country western ballad feel with a pinch of rock. John Kulinich plays a cool western style guitar riff adding a nice touch. Love U A Little is a simple ditty with some real smooth acoustic dobro slide work. You Got A Friend has a catchy melody, clever rhythm and warm vocal harmonies. Wrapping the release is instrumental, Surfin' The Levee, a funky rock track with Talton on distorted vocals and guitar, Keith Head on organ, Brandon Peeples on bass and David Keith on drums. Talton does stretch out a fairly cool guitar solo on this track. This is a really nice jam to wrap up a primarily mellow release.

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Ruf Records artist: Dana Fuchs - Songs From The Road - New Release Review - CD/DVD

I just received the newest release, Songs From The Road from Dana Fuchs and it's quite dynamic. Recorded Live at Highline Ballroon in New York City, Fuchs opens with Bliss Avenue. Fuchs hits the stage hard with a dramatic vocal entrance and a stinging tele solo from Jon Diamond really turned my head. Next up is Handful Too Many, a track showing a lot of commercial potential with a pinch of country and warm backing from Elaine Caswell, Nicki Richards and Bettie Sussman (The Screaming Sirens). Livin' On Sunday is a really cool track with a funky revival back beat. The "Screaming Sirens" really give it that extra edge and may be one of my favorite tracks on the release. How Did Things Get This Way really has a Stones feel and Fuch's "Pearl" like vocals shine through. Diamond is again hitting the frets hard this time on Les Paul but this track is a hard driven rocker. R&B track So Hard To Move is a really nice ballad and both the solid bass work of Jack Dailey and keys from Pete Levin are instrumental in making the track so easily controlled by Fuchs. Another powerful tele solo by Diamond ices this cake. Summersong is another R&B number with sweet backing vocals from The Screaming Sirens. I would be totally amiss if I didn't mention how cool Dailey's Jazz Bass looks with it's 50 year old black worn finish. Set It On Fire is a pop rocker with solid commercial potential. Tell Me I'm Not Drinking is a strong acoustic number featuring Fuchs and Sirens on rich vocal harmonies and Diamond on acoustic guitar. Another acoustic number, Sad Salvation, features Fuchs on a quiet country ballad backed by Diamond on vocal and acoustic and Matt Beck with nice crying tele backing and a real sweet slide solo. Kicking it back up into country rock mode, Love To Beg has a taste of Skynyrd but built on more of a pop ballad bass. Diamond again wields his mighty axe where it isn't as much about speed as about intensity. Very nice. Rodents In The Attic has a real country western rhythm emphasized by Joe Dailey's drum patterns. Fuch's shows absolute comfort and composure on this track. Getting down more into a honky tonk feel, Nothin' On My Mind, gives Levin to show his country chops and Diamond twangs his tele as well. Very nice! Vagabond Wind actually reminds me a little bit of Macy Gray (a real compliment) but of course with the biting vocal style more akin to Joplin. A very strong track, this is my favorite tune on the release. Long Long Game is a basic country rock track with well blended instrumentals throughout. Diamonds solos on this track are a bit more progressive on this track but Fuchs, maintains front and center with her dynamic personality. Keep On Walkin' gets back into a funky rock feel with Fuchs getting tight with the Sirens and Diamond taking a short crisp solo. On Otis Redding's soul classic, I've Been Loving You, Fuchs may best show the qualities of her vocal skills and Diamond lays down some of the beefiest guitar riffs on the release. This is the hottest track on the release... smokin! Wrapping the release is John Lennon's Don't Let Me Down. You do have to wonder how one would close a set after that last track and Fuchs pulls out the perfect track in this rock classic. Using Lennon's basic arrangement but with solid organ work from Levin, a great bass line from Dailey, Diamond throws a stiff guitar solo, warm vocals from the Sirens and some of the most tame vocals on the release, you feel a closure with this set. Very nice.

 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”

 

Mark T. Small Wins "Acoustic Blues Album of the Year" Award at 2014 Blues Blast Magazine Awards Show

Mark T. Small Wins “Acoustic Blues Album of the Year” Award at 2014 Blues Blast Magazine Awards Show

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Blues singer/guitarist Mark T. Small won the “Acoustic Blues Album of the Year” award at the 2014 Blues Blast Magazine Awards Ceremonies, held October 23 at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign, Illinois. Small also performed during the gala held to honor blues music artists and CD releases for the year. "It was an honor to be part of such a fine event and be associated with such a fantastic publication,” said Mark T. Small. “Winning the award was the icing on the cake.”

The Somerset, Massachusetts-based artist garnered the recognition for his January, 2014, release, Smokin’ Blues, on the Lead Foot Music label imprint. The dozen tracks on Smokin’ Blues, Small’s fourth CD,  solidified his place as an emerging master of the guitar, whose styles range from Delta and Chicago blues to the intricate, flatpicking style from his early days in “Newgrass” bands. The 12 songs on the CD reflect music originally performed by such early blues legends as Blind Boy Fuller, Tampa Red, Charley Patton and Reverend Gary Davis to post-war icons John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James and even a Stax/Memphis soul vibe with the inclusion of a Rufus Thomas tune.  

“Smokin' Blues is a sampler of the guitar grooves that make up my solo show,” said Mark T. Small upon the album’s release. “My main objective for this CD was to produce a recording that sounds and feels like I am playing in a small room with the listener. The only effect that was added, other than the ‘radio tone’ on the song, ‘Daddy Was a Jockey,’ was a touch of reverb to further simulate listening in a small room.”

Upon its release, reviews for the CD were over-the-top in their praise. “Smokin’ Blues lives up to its title from start to finish,” wrote Malcolm Kennedy in his review for the Washington Blues Society. “I give it my highest recommendation, simply fabulous!” “He's as good a guitarist as you will hear and if you listen to Smokin’ Blues, you will hear plenty of evidence of that, as Small tears through a dozen of his favorite songs,” said Graham Clarke in Friday Blues Fix. “With vocals as strong as sweet as his fret work, Small has made one memorable and amazingly versatile album right here that guitar fans will love.”

Mark T. Small has been playing music since his early teens, when he began listening to Old Time Music. He learned to play fiddle tunes on the guitar in the styles of Doc Watson and Norman Blake and also learned to play the Dobro. In 1981, this music took Mark to Indiana to play and record with a five-piece “Newgrass Band” called The Brown County Band. At the same time, he was playing harmonica and listening to Junior Wells and Charlie Musselwhite.

After returning to the East Coast, Mark dug deeper into the blues, playing more electric guitar. When he was playing progressive Newgrass, his style had the influence of the blues. Now delving into the blues, his playing has the razors edge and speed that was developed from years of flat-picking. This combination of the lightning fast bluegrass style and soulful blues playing are the key components of Mark’s sound. .

Beginning in the late 1980s, Mark started his own Chicago-style blues band that ranged anywhere from three to ten pieces on a given night and was a staple on the New England club circuit for over a dozen years. Many of the gigs were played as a “power trio” with Mark singing and filling the band out with scorching electric blues guitar. Other times, the band included a keyboard or sax player and/or the addition of the Newport Navy Band Horn Section.

 In 2000, Mark began to gravitate back to his acoustic roots and the studio became his classroom. After making a decision to pursue a solo career, Mark took all of the lessons that he had learned over the last 25 years and constructed an act that was as hard- hitting as the band, but all in a one-man show. As such, he’s opened for Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, James Cotton and others.

Today, his show includes many traditional Delta blues numbers with a Chicago blues slant that transforms each tune into a “tour de force.” Included are the blazing flat-picking techniques that grabbed audiences in Mark’s bluegrass days, the hot slide guitar playing that creates a mood and timbre change in each set and the showmanship that was developed from his years of experience. 

“On Smokin' Blues I tried to match the intensity of playing in a club setting,” Mark said at the time. “In these settings I take the tunes that I love, interpret them and do everything possible to make that connection with the audience.”

To download a photo of Mark at the Blues Blast Awards with his trophy, click here: marktsmallbbaward

For more information, visit www.marktsmall.com.

Upcoming Mark T. Small Performances

December 12 / The Amazing Things Arts Center - Framingham, MA
A Night Of Acoustic Blues / Co-Bill with Danielle Miraglia 
 
January 17 / The Narrows Center For The Arts - Fall River, MA - Winter Blues Fest / On the bill with Young Neal & The Vipers, Mike Zito & The Wheel, Johnny Hoy & The Bluefish

January 24th / The Cotuit Cultural Center - Cotuit, MA - With James Montgomery & Bruce Marshal 
 
In residence every Thursday at The New World Tavern, Plymouth, MA (7:00-10:00 PM)

Kenny Wayne Shepherd announces April 2015 UK Tour

BOOK ONLINE: www.thegigcartel.com
24 HR BOX OFFICE: 0844 478 0898

PLANET ROCK PRESALE – WEDNESDAY 12th NOVEMBER
GENERAL ONSALE – FRIDAY 14th NOVEMBER

Photo Credit: © 255 Photography

Hot on the heels of rave reviews from his recent October 2014 UK tour dates, five-time Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling blues/rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd returns to the UK for a follow-up tour in April 2015, including a major headline concert at the London Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday 15th April.

Planet Rock will host a 48-hour ticket presale from Wednesday 12th November. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday 14th November via the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 478 0898, or book online from www.thegigcartel.com.

Photo Credit: © Adam Kennedy

The UK tour will include Salisbury City Hall (Friday 10 April), Holmfirth Picturedrome (Saturday 11 April), Glasgow o2 ABC (Sunday 12 April), Aberdeen Lemon Tree (Monday 13 April) and London Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Wednesday 15 April).
VIP Tickets will be available for £50.00. This entitles all VIPs entry to soundcheck for a private meet and greet with Kenny along with photos and signing opportunity. Each VIP will also receive a commemorative tour laminate and tour poster.

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is a veritable who’s who in rock and blues.  The band features  long-time vocalist Noah Hunt, plus drummer Chris Layton, a 2014 inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame as a member of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, ex-Firm bassist Tony Franklin and keyboardist Riley Osbourn (the latter is the former keyboardist for Willie Nelson).
The April 2015 tour follows Kenny’s highly successful 2014 European tour, Classic Rock Magazine said Kenny was "…a figurehead for the next generation and no longer needs to prove himself to the fiercely protective old guard."  While Metal Express said "Seeing these guys in full flow is what music is all about, passion, energy, emotion and is an absolute joy to watch."

Photo Credit: © Mark Seligner

1. Kenny Wayne’s most recent studio album "GOIN’ HOME" follows his collaboration with the blues-rock supergroup THE RIDES, which features Shepherd alongside Stephen Stills (CSN / CSN&Y / Buffalo Springfield) and Barry Goldberg (Electric Flag). Their 2013 album "Can’t Get Enough" was critically acclaimed the world over and appeared in countless "Best Of 2013" album polls.

"GOIN’ HOME" (Mascot Label Group), is an exploration into the music of Shepherd’s biggest influences, and features guest performances by some of his closest friends including Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Warren Haynes, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Randolph, Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds), Pastor Brady Blade, Sr. and the Rebirth Brass Band.

Photo Credit: © Jim Templeton-Cross

The album features songs originally recorded by some of Shepherd’s heroes such as B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, Bo Diddley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Lee Dorsey and many other icons of the Blues.  Kenny Wayne reached deep into their catalogues and chose songs that inspired him when he was learning to play the guitar.
Says Kenny Wayne - "The end result is a great recording that I believe pays homage to the spirit of the original music," says Shepherd, "At the same time, it shows our appreciation for the musicians and genre that have inspired us to make music for decades."

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
APRIL 2015 UK TOUR

BOOK ONLINE: www.thegigcartel.com
24 HR BOX OFFICE: 0844 478 0898

SALISBURY CITY HALL
FRIDAY 10th APRIL 2015
Tickets: £25.00 / Box Office: 01722 434 434
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Salisbury City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7TU
www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

HOLMFIRTH PICTUREDROME
SATURDAY 11th APRIL 2015
Tickets: £25.00 / Box Office: 0844 478 0898
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Market Walk, Holmfirth. HD9 7DA
www.picturedrome.net

GLASGOW O2 ABC
SUNDAY 12th APRIL 2015
Tickets: £23.00 / Box Office: 0844 477 2000, 0844 478 0898
www.ticketweb.co.uk, www.thegigcartel.com
300 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JA
www.o2abc.co.uk

ABERDEEN LEMON TREE
MONDAY 13th APRIL 2015
Tickets: £23.00 / Box Office: 01224 337 688
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Aberdeen The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

LONDON O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE
WEDNESDAY 15th APRIL 2015
Tickets: £25.00
Box Office: 0844 477 2000, 0844 478 0898
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
London Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush Green, London, W12 8TT
www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

Photo Credit: © 255 Photography

ESSENTIAL KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD WEB LINKS:

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HAMILTON LOOMIS -- November 2014 Schedule

This November: Hamilton teaches two "Beginner Blues Harmonica" workshops in Walla Walla WA and Boise ID! CLICK HERE to learn more! Dallas/Ft. Worth TX: the world famous J&J Blues has re-opened as the RIVER RUN ROADHOUSE! See our Nov. 21 performance below... 11/8/14 Kemah TX Jackie's Brickhouse (Rusted Avenue opens @ 8:30pm) 9pm 11/15/14 Walla Walla WA Beginner Blues Harmonica Workshop (part 1) 3pm - 6pm CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 11/16/14 Walla Walla WA Beginner Blues Harmonica Workshop (part 2) 3pm - 6pm CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 11/17/14 Boise/Nampa ID Beginner Blues Harmonica Workshop (part 1) 6pm - 9pm CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 11/18/14 Boise/Nampa ID Beginner Blues Harmonica Workshop (part 2) 6pm - 9pm CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 11/21/14 Ft. Worth TX River Run Roadhouse (Formerly J&J Blues) 9pm 11/22/14 Hitchcock TX Mister Calvin's 9:30pm 409-354-9844 11/23/14 Houston TX McGonigel's Mucky Duck 6pm - 8pm 713-528-5999 TICKETS 11/28/14 Port Arthur TX Dylan's 9:30pm 409-722-1600 11/29/14 Austin TX One 2 One 11:30pm 512-473-0121 TICKETS Please forward this email to any of your friends/family in these cities!!

www.hamiltonloomis.com

George Taylor - Rain or Shine - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Rain or Shine, from George Taylor and it's a solid package or honest American music. Opening with Goodnight, an easy going country rock track featuring Taylor on guitar and vocal, Justin Douglas on bass, Blake Lange on percussion and judy Reynolds on fiddle. The Hard Way has a strong sip of country western and a sober chaser. With a waltz like pace, this track has a certain clarity that is lacking in most of the music that I typically hear. Nice. Railroad Song features Douglas on dobro and Taylor on guitar, harp and vocal. A folksy track, it is soothing and catchy. What Am I Gonna Say? is a serious ballad with simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. On Scenery, paints a story is words with color and texture. Only Blue is a classic country track with Douglas on steel guitar and Taylor adding some real nice harp over his heartfelt vocals. Breakin' In Boots has some of the grittiest guitar work on the release and an almost rock style cushioned by Cody Ground on keys. One of the top tracks on the release. Harvest Moon has a strong root in the blues with a solid foot stomp, vocal and harp melody and greasy slide dobro work. Very nice. A haunting melody amplified by cool reverb saturated guitar and windy steel guitar make The Rain one of my favorites on the release. Excellent. Wrapping the release is Seat With Your Name, an edgy ballad with a country honesty and an almost Neil Young feel is a really nice track. Simple keys, vocals and acoustic guitar give this track a somber sound and the harp just rides on top like a cloud. Very nice.

 “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

 

OmniVibe Records artist: Altered Five Blues Band - Cryin' Mercy - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Cryin' Mercy, from Altered Five Blues Band and it's smokey hot! Opening with the slinky Demon Woman, Jeff Taylor leads the way on lead vocals and Mark Solveson lays down a real nice bass line. Jeff Schroedl really steps out on guitar and Scott Schroedl on drums and Raymond Tevich rounds out the band on keys. I'm In Deep is a cool shuffle track and this time it's Tevich that steps out with a cool key solo. Jeff Schroedl isn't far behind smoking the fretboard. Very nice! R&B ballad, Find My Wings, meets all of the criteria for a top player on the airwaves and even includes a smooth melodic guitar solo accompanying Taylor on his vocal outro. Very cool! Stay Outta My Business has a funky twist on the blues with a cool bass line. Jeff S. shows just how versatile his bag of tricks is with a really tasty solo on this number over the keyboard backing of Tevich. Counterfeit Lover is another prime radio style track with mostly strong vocal work from Taylor but with some exceptional guitar riffs from Jeff as well. I Got You has an almost marching drum style setting a unique feel. Tevich sets up some really nice key phrasing and again a blistering guitar solo from Jeff S. is hard not to notice. On blues rocker, Who's Your Lover, I almost feel an Ike Turner rhythm on the bottom. Tevich and Jeff S. trade riffs on this mostly radio driven track. Move House opens with a really hot Albert King style guitar intro from Jeff S. Taylor, sounding more like BB than Albert, grabs this track by the short hairs for one of my favorite performances on the release. The entire band is hitting hard on this track making it my release favorite. Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry, is a high stepper with a catchy melody, strong organ and guitar accents. Another funk infused track, Urgent Care, gets you squirming around in your seat. Jeff S. hits with some laser sharp guitar riffs blending nicely with the general feel of the track. Scott S. adds significantly with his precise attack as well. Closing the release is Back Button, a cool R&B style track with a trace of James Brown rhythm. Tevich takes the lions share of soloing on this track but Jeff does hit with a cool riff on the end. This is a cool release with blues, R&B and funk.

 Check it out.

 “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

 

Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce - Live - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Live from Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce and it's easy and fun. Opening with Bad Boys, Weeks, joined by Mike Hilliard on lead guitar, Ed Hilliard on drums, Terry Strudwick on bass and Bill White on rhythm guitar, set the pace for a pop country blues concert. Jimmy Dee has a boogie line but roots in country. A two step melody with cool guitar riffs from Hilliard makes this a release favorite. Slide Over Here has a slinky feel and Weeks vocals are top notch. Roll It throws a bit of funk into the mix and I particularly like Ed Hilliard's snappy drum riffs. Mike Hilliard takes a longer guitar solo on this track and although compressed in sound, it does rip! Happy Home is a straight up shuffle led by Mike Hilliard. Weeks gets a rock n roll feel going and Mike H. takes it a step further with stinging riffs. On Randy Newman's You Can Leave Your Hat On, the band puts a bit of funk on the original arrangement and it had a fresh feel. Weeks holds the bluesy road making this a fairly successful cover of a very familiar track. Ike Turner's Strange has a pinch of jazz to a standard R&B track. Hilliard is back again spicing up the track with clean guitar riffs supported by White on rhythm. Ballad Tarantino opens quietly but slowly builds momentum with Hilliard building his riffs to a drop off. Lieber and Stoller track I Can't Hear A Word You Say has a vintage shuffle feel and Ed Hilliard dances on the drums as Mike lays out a nice open rock guitar solo. Hound Dog, another Lieber and Stoller track made popular by Big Mama Thorton and Elvis gets a Latin beat and nicely showcases Weeks vocal style. Rolling right into Big Boss Man, a Luther Dixon composition made popular by Jimmy Reed among others holds a funky beat and Mike H. takes a cool guitar solo and the band takes an esoteric bridge but follows back to the funky grind. Wrapping the release is Got My Eye On You, a lounge style blues with Weeks' vocals very stylized, reinforced by E. Hilliard's punctuation. A longer jam the band stretches making for an enjoyable conclusion to what I'm certain was a cool live performance.

 “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

 

JW-Jones CD hits Billboard chart!

JW-JONES RELEASE MAKES BILLBOARD CHART! Belmont Boulevard debuts at #9 on sales chart   Belmont Boulevard, the new Blind Pig release from Canadian guitarist and songwriter JW-Jones, debuted at #9 on the Billboard blues sales chart this week. JW & Jamie & Laura's Excellent Adventure... JW and his band, Jamie Holmes on drums and Laura Greenberg on bass, are currently touring the U.S. in support of the album.   So far it's been an eventful tour: In Sacramento, California, local favorite Little Charlie Baty came down to the Torch Club and sat in with JW's band. Said Charlie, "Catch them if you can - they are an impressive band of young Canadian blues performers."   In Southern California, labelmate Jimmy Vivino, bandleader of The Basic Cable Band on the Conan TV show, jammed with JW's band at the Maui Sugar Mill in Tarzana. To watch video, click HERE. The next day, JW and his bandmates attended a taping of the Conan show in Burbank, where they got to meet Conan O'Brien and rub shoulders backstage with Miley Cyrus.   And to top it all off, the band ran into Paris Hilton on the street and posed together for a photo.   Only in Beverly Hills!   Here are the remaining dates on JW's U.S. tour: Nov. 4 Austin, TX Continental Club Nov. 7 Houston, TX Shakespeare Club Nov. 8 Houston, TX Big Easy Nov. 9 Dallas, TX RBC Nov. 12 Lincoln, NE Zoo Bar Nov. 13 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon Nov. 14 St. Louis, MO BB's Jazz Blues & Soups Nov. 15 St. Louis, MO Blues City Deli Nov. 24-30 Key West, FL Hog's Breath Saloon