DANNY MARKS TO HOST 18th ANNUAL MAPLE BLUES AWARDS

DANNY MARKS TO HOST 18th ANNUAL MAPLE BLUES AWARDS   Performers include nominees Downchild, Joel Johnson, Steve Hill, Angel Forrest, Brandon Isaak, and Harpdog Brown   Toronto, ON – Celebrated guitarist, Toronto’s own Danny Marks, is set to take the stage for a second turn as host of the 18th annual Maple Blues Awards on January 19th, 2015. A renowned musician and broadcaster with a lengthy career on the Toronto music scene, Marks is the long-time producer/host of radio program Bluz FM and the face of the 8-part series Cities in Blue on HIFI TV. The not-to-be-missed gala is Canada’s national blues celebration, recognizing outstanding musical achievement and gathering blues musicians and music fans from across the country each year. A cast of some of Canada’s notable and emerging new blues talent will be performing at the gala concert and are all current or past nominees. This year the performers include Ontario’s Downchild, Joel Johnson, Montreal’s Steve Hill and Angel Forrest. Also performing are British Columbia’s Brandon Isaak and Harpdog Brown. The performers will all be backed by The Maple Blues Band, comprised of Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Teddy Leonard, Al Lerman, Tom Bona, Chris Whiteley, Pat Carey and Chris Murphy. Following the awards and concert will be the popular after-party nominee jam with Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils. The January 19th gala event is considered to be the premier blues event of the year. Tickets for the Maple Blues Awards, held at The Royal Conservatory's Koerner Hall in Toronto, are on sale now for $35 - $65 and can be purchased at the Weston Family Box Office, located in the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, by phone at (416) 408-0208 or online at https://tickets.rcmusic.ca/public. Charter members of Toronto Blues Society can purchase tickets at a discount of $28.00. Voting for the Maple Blues Awards started on November 5th and over 2000 Canadian blues fans have registered their votes. Voting is open to Canadian blues fans 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time on December 5, 2014. The Maple Blues Awards gala is presented on the final night of Blues Summit 7. Blues Summit is a biennial music conference for all members of the blues music community including artists, presenters, agents, festival bookers, event organizers, and industry representatives of all kinds. Blues Summit 7 will take place January 16-19, 2015. Heading in to its 30th anniversary year, The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. Located along the Bloor Street cultural corridor, The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music performance and arts education institutions in the world. Its breathtaking Koerner Hall, "the jewel in the crown of Toronto's Cultural Renaissance," along with two other concert spaces, presents 70+ concerts annually from acclaimed classical, jazz, pop, and world music and hosts an additional 100+ concerts and events from a wide range of not for profit arts groups, charities, and corporate clients.

Montrose Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut CD, "Lucky Dog," on January 13

Montrose Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut CD, Lucky Dog, on January 13

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Montrose Records announces the signing of blues singer/guitarist Brad Absher and an upcoming January 13 release date for his label debut CD, Lucky Dog. The new album was recorded at Montrose Records Studio in Houston and produced by label head Richard Cagle and acclaimed bassist Larry Fulcher (Taj Mahal), who also adds his trademark bass lines throughout the disc. The rest of the musicians involved in the recording are primarily members of Absher’s solid touring band, rightly dubbed “Swamp Royale” for the earthy, soulful sounds they create around Brad’s masterful guitar work and vocals.  

Brad Absher’s Gulf Coast sound recipe includes equal amounts of blues, soul, and gospel, stirred up just right into a magical gumbo that goes down easy and has a spicy kick to it, recalling the best of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, too. The dozen songs on Lucky Dog include a healthy dose of Absher originals that showcase his songwriting prowess in the blues/R&B/gospel field, as well as several outstanding covers of songs by William Bell (“You Don’t Miss Your Water”), Leon Russell (“I’d Rather Be Blind”), Allan Toussaint (“Lipstick Traces”), the traditional gospel tune, “Jesus on the Main Line,” and Bill Withers (“Same Love”). Interestingly, Brad’s warm vocals recall the great Bill Withers in timbre and grit throughout the entire CD. And his guitar work stands out all over Lucky Dog with some greasy lines, strident fills and tangy solos that drip with soul/blues power.

Brad Absher and Swamp Royale have been a fixture throughout the Gulf Coast area for the better part of the past 20 years, becoming a Top Ten Finalist at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis that featured competition for all over the world. Other accolades they’ve won during that time period also include Best Local Album, Best Male Vocals and Best Blues Band in various music polls.

Based in Houston, Brad Absher was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his unique sound reflects the area’s “swamp pop” influence he first heard listening to South Louisiana radio stations. After moving to Tulsa in the late ‘70s, a young Brad Absher came under the tutelage of several players, most-notably guitarist Tommy Tripplehorn of Gary Lewis and the Playboys fame. Brad soon added slide guitar to his repertoire after seeing the great Ry Cooder perform live.

Absher’s musical expertise has been recognized throughout his career, and was referred to frequently during his time in Tulsa as a “guitar god.” In 2013, he competed and was selected as Houston’s International Blues Challenge regional winner and later performed during the competition that year in Memphis.

Bad Absher and Swamp Royale’s current set lists include songs from his five previous albums spanning the course of 20 years. Brad can lead his band throughout a show that covers greasy swamp pop to urban blues, all the while keeping the fans groovin’ on the dance floor.

When he’s not gigging in the Gulf Coast area or playing at festivals around the country, Brad shares his guitar knowledge as a staff member at Houston’s well-known Rockin’ Robin Music Store.

Rip Cat Records artists: Blue Lunch - Above The Fold - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Above The Fold, from Blue Lunch and it's lush! Opening with Ain't Trying To Kill Nobody, a cool groove with cool guitar work from Bob Frank and hot sax work from Chris Burge. With a cool story on vocals Frank makes for a cool track. On more laid back jazz track,  One Fine Day, Burge is joined by Bob Michael on trombone and Mike Rubin on trumpet for some real nice solo work. Pete London lays down cool harp work and Mike Sands on piano with Ramond DeForest on bass and Scott Flowers on drums make this a tight instrumental. Very nice! On boogie track The Long Game, London gets the chance to really blow out his harp and Frank takes a nice stretch on the fretboard. On swing track, Everybody's On The Phone, these guys really set a super groove with great harp work and solid vocals. Sands steps up with a cool piano solo coaxed along by the horn section. Excellent! On bluesy ballad, Woman I Bleed, the band pulls a nice contrast between a slow tear jerker and a hot swing. Frank sets the pace with his fast fingered guitar riffs. Very nice! No Time Like The Present opens with a strong big band sound featuring Burge, Michael and Rubin. Burge takes the lead and flies high on a super sax solo. Michael steps up right behind with smokin slide bone. Frank is tight on his heels with a cool jump solo of his own. Burge circles back as does Michael clearing room for hot riffs from Flowers and DeForest. Rubin rips a nice one of his own both open and muted. Hot! On spiritual/R&B styled track Where Do You Think It's Going, the band really hits it's stride with crisp vocals and warm organ work backing. London steps up on harp and with emphasis on bass and drums the band is almost in Ike and Tina land. Lake Erie Highball is another great jump track with hot horns. Michael is first up with his bone flaring. Burge slips in a never misses a step. With his warm sax tone and fluid runs, he's on fire. Excellent! Venita opens with beautiful chord work from Frank. A slow T-Bone Walker like track, this track oozes the blues. The horns are behind the vocals and Frank is at the ready with his blue jazz chords. Frank leads the way on this track instrumentally and plays those double stopped guitar riffs squeezing out the blues. Clocking in at over 6 minutes, this track seems to end too shortly. Very nice! With an almost calypso march, Love No More is short and sweet with tight horns and vocals. All I Needed is a classic pop ballad with standard jazz structure. An open invitation to radio airplay, the horns are strong and a super sexy sax solo by Burge sets the track off. Tossin' & Turnin' & Burnin has a bit of a Jimmy Reed feel but of course with a solid horn base. Burge again pulls out some super sax riffs and Frank fans the guitar with a tasty riff of his own. Vocal duet gives the track a more complex feel. Kattin' Around With Moe gets London back up front with harp and a cool blues swinger. Franks is chasing the beat on rhythm guitar and he and London duel their way down the blues trail. Very cool. Wrapping the release is the traditional Good News acapella with all male vocals - almost barbershop style. London, Frank, DeForest blend nicely for an memorable conclusion to another stellar release from Blue Lunch.  

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”

Obviously not from this release but a good representation of the band's work:

Barnes & Cabasso Music artist: Cheryl Barnes - Listen To This - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Listen To This, from Cheryl Barnes and although not my primary fare, a well done jazz/blues release none the less. Opening with a jazz swinger, Like Jazz Barnes shows that she has the voice to carry off classic jazz singing. Joined by John Hammond on piano, Phillip Cabasso on bass, and James Hughart on drums this track sets the pace for this release. That Afternoon In Harlem has a cool syncopation and breezy piano work by Joel Scott complimented by Wali Ali on guitar and Carl Saunders on trumpet this track is strong. On classic ballad, Why Did I Choose You?, Barnes shows her more expressive side in the delicate execution of this well done track. Hammond is back on piano with Rahn Coleman. Title track, Listen To This is a full blown swinger with full orchestration. Cabasso on piano and Hughart on on drums are joined by a full house of horns like Nolan Shaheed on trumpet solo, Rickey Woodard on sax solo, Jamie Horvorka, James Ford and Brian Swartz on trumpet, Francisco Torres, Wendell Kelly, Ryan Dragon and Steve Hughes on trombone and Katisse Buckingham, Justo Almario, Kirsten Edkins and Brandon Fields on sax. On I Wish You Love, Fred Jackson lays down a really nice sax solo supplementing Barnes well phrased vocals. Joni Mitchell's Come In From The Cold, has a nice rearrangement and with a different style of vocal altogether, Barnes with Cabasso on piano and Woodard on sax makes for a new experience. What's On Your Mind has a light funky under beat compliments of Coleman on drums and Rickey Minor on bass. A looser singing style nicely compliments this track and keyboard punctuation by Cabasso adds a nice punch. What's Fair In Love is a somber ballad with a haunting melody. Muted trumpet work by Shaheed adds a nice jewel in a very relaxing track. Wrapping the track is a jazzy upbeat Merry, Merry Christmas To You; perfect for the season. A light poppy track with piano and orchestration and featuring the child voices of Emilana Robinson, Dewain Robinson and Dominic Robinson.

  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”

 

HAMILTON LOOMIS -- December 2014 Schedule

We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! This December Hamilton and the Band make a quick run through TOPEKA, KANSAS CITY, MINNEAPOLIS, DES MOINES, and OMAHA...see below for details! 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 12/3/14 Topeka, KS Uncle Bo's 6:30pm - 9:30pm 785-234-4317 12/4/14 Kansas City, MO Knuckleheads 6:30pm - 8:30pm TICKETS 12/5/14 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's Calhoun Square 9pm 12/6/14 Des Moines, IA Gas Lamp (formerly Blues on Grand) 6pm - 8pm 12/7/14 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon (formerly Murphy's) 6pm - 9pm TICKETS 12/12/14 Tomball, TX Main Street Crossing 8pm TICKETS 12/13/14 Brenham, TX Private Event 12/19/14 Mandeville, LA Ruby's Roadhouse 9pm 985-626-9748 12/20/14 to be announced on www.hamiltonloomis.com

Robin Trower confirms new album and special guest Joanne Shaw Taylor on UK tour

MARCH/APRIL 2015 UK TOUR
With very special guest
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

DOVETAILS WITH NEW STUDIO ALBUM
RELEASED 9th MARCH 2015

“Robin Trower’s the British Hendrix.”
– Classic Rock Presents ‘The Blues Magazine’

“One of the most influential guitarists ever,
and respected the world over.”
– Firebrand Magazine

“Trower’s guitar playing rips it up to awesome effect.”
– Classic Rock Presents ‘The Blues Magazine’

British rock guitarist and vocalist Robin Trower returns to UK with a brand new studio album and a nationwide UK tour in March 2015, which follows 2013’s critically acclaimed Roots And Branches album.
Trower’s special guest is guitarist and singer/songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor.

Photo Credit: © Kevin Nixon

Tickets can be booked online from www.thegigcartel.com or by calling the 24 hour box office on 0844 478 0898.
All tickets are priced £22.50, except London o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (£25).

Joanne Shaw Taylor. Photo Credit: © Adam Kennedy

MARCH/APRIL 2015 UK TOUR
With very special guest
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

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

Regional Show Tickets: £22.50
London Tickets: £25.00

LINCOLN, ENGINE SHED
Thursday 26th March 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 0844 888 8766
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS
www.engineshed.co.uk

BURY ST. EDMUNDS, THE APEX
Friday 27th March 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01824 758 000
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD
www.theapex.co.uk

BIRMINGHAM, TOWN HALL
Saturday 28th March 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 0121 345 0600
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ
www.thsh.co.uk

SALFORD, LOWRY
Sunday 29th March 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 0843 208 6000
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
www.thelowry.com

CHESTER, LIVE ROOMS
Thursday 2nd April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01244 317171
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
1 Station Road, Chester, CH1 3DR
www.theliverooms.com
 
GATESHEAD, SAGE
Friday 3rd April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 0191 443 4661
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR
www.sagegateshead.com

GLASGOW, ARCHES
Saturday 4th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01415 651 000
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL
www.thearches.co.uk

ABERDEEN, LEMON TREE
Sunday 5th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01224 337 688
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

STOCKTON, ARC
Tuesday 7th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01642 525 199
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
www.arconline.co.uk

YORK, BARBICAN
Wednesday 8th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01423 502 116
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Paragon St, York, North Yorkshire,  YO10 4AH
www.yorkbarbican.co.uk

SHEFFIELD, CITY HALL BALLROOM
Thursday 9th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01442 789 789
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA
www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

HOLMFIRTH, PICTUREDROME
Friday 10th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 0844 478 0898
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Market Walk, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire HD9 7DA
www.picturedrome.net 

LONDON, O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE
Saturday 11th April 2015
Tickets: £25.00 / Box Office: 0844 477 2000
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Shepherds Bush Green, London, W12 8TT
www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

CRAWLEY, HAWTH
Tuesday 14th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01293 553636
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ
www.hawth.co.uk

EXETER, CORN EXCHANGE
Wednesday 15th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01392 665 938
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Market Street, Exeter, EX1 1BW
www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange

SALISBURY, CITY HALL
Thursday 16th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01722 434 434
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7TU
www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

MILTON KEYNES, STABLES
Friday 17th April 2015
Tickets: £22.50 / Box Office: 01908 280800
Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes,
Buckinghamshire, MK17 8LU
www.stables.org

Photo Credit: © Kevin Nixon

Robin Trower - Biography

Hailed as one of the finest guitarists in rock history, Robin Trower’s career has spanned more than four decades.
Trower spent the early 60’s playing guitar in various London based bands, the most successful being The Paramount who specialised in mostly covers, and released several singles from 1963 and 1965. The Rolling Stones were big fans.  In 1967, Trower received his big break when he joined Procol Harum; and remained a member until 1972.
After leaving Procol Harum, Trower embarked on his solo career, formed a power trio that transformed him into a celebrated guitar innovator.  His early albums share a tough, explosive guitar style mixed with his trademark “soft psychedelia” that made Robin Trower stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Throughout his solo career, Trower has been regarded as the “White” Hendrix due to his uncanny ability to channel Jimi’s bluesy, psychedelic, Fender Strat playing style.
Trower released his solo debut, Twice Removed From Yesterday, in 1973. The album barely left a dent in the US charts, but that would change soon enough with his next release 1974’s Bridge of Sighs. The album skyrocketed into the US Top Ten, peaking at number seven selling a million and a half copies. It still sells 15,000 copies yearly worldwide.
Although Bridge of Sighs was to be his most popular solo release, Trower’s stock continued to rise throughout the mid 70’s, as he became an arena headliner on the strength of such hit albums including 1975’s For Earth Below, 1976’s Robin Trower Live,  Long Misty Days, and 1977’s In City Dreams.
Further releases followed in the 80’s, including a brief stint with ex-Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce which spawned the albums, 1981’s B.L.T. and 1982’s Truce.
The 80’s saw Trower expand his audience with several releases that updated his blues-rock style, most notably on 1987’s slickly produced album Passion).
During the early 90’s, Trower returned back to Procol Harum for a brief reunion (1991’s Prodigal Stranger), before backing ex-Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry on a few releases (1993’s Taxi and 1994’s Mamouna, the latter of which Trower earned a co-producer credit). The 90’s saw Robin consistently touring the USA with his power trio.
In 2002, Trower returned to the production role, linking up with Bryan Ferry again, to work and play on Bryan’s Frantic album. In the following years Trower concentrated on writing and producing film music for releases such as Good Humour Man.
In 2005, Fender are scheduled to release a Robin Trower signature guitar to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stratocaster, along with this there will be a Bridge of Sighs  custom shop Stratocaster, of which only 100 will be made and will mark the legendary album’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate this event, Trower returned to live work in Europe, and has been touring regularly since.

Robin Trower Online

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter

Roly Platt - Inside Out - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Inside Out from Roly Platt and I really like it. A mixture of classic ballads, jazz, R&B and deep seeded blues this release has a lot of breadth. Opening with Joe Sample's, Put It Where You Want It, Platt that's a jazz track and replacing horn with harp it has a real nice effect. Joined by Al Cross on drums, John Tilden on guitar and Lance Anderson on keys this is a super opener. Mad River has a real nice Texas boogie style driven by Russ Boswell on bass, Platt, Tilden and Anderson each take nice solo lines. Dropped down a few clicks, Steve Strongman takes the lead vocal spot and adds guitar on Good Mind To Wander. Platt rides high with his harp on the melody of this likely commercial track. Congo Strut has a jazzy feel of course featuring the slick but gritty harp work of Platt. Anderson adds some real nice electric piano work giving the track a nice transition to a hot guitar solo from Tilden. Yes, everyone has done an interpretation of Over The Rainbow but aside from Jeff Beck, this may be one of my favorites. The purity of Platts harp work puts me in mind of Toots Thieleman although on a conventional harp. Anderson plays a very expressive and sensitive piano solo complimenting Platt's work. Excellent! Rippin' It Up is a hot rock n roller featuring Platt on vocal and harp. A genuine smoker, conjures thoughts of JL Lewis with boogie piano by Anderson but this track is burning from all corners with Neil Chapman on guitar, tight drums and harp work as well. Well done! Steve Strongman is back on Ocean Of Tears, a slow blues number. Platt really digs in deep with deep blue phrasing and Strongman's vocals are spot on. At 8 plus minutes this track is "the one" that you guitar heads are looking for. Strongman, Tilden, Platt and Anderson each take turns at the lead and Boswell and Cross keep the track tight. Hot! On Ray Charles' I Got A Woman, vocals are replaced by lead harp and Platt is certainly up to the job. He lays down fluid harp lead and Anderson pushes him along on Hammond. Chapman and Tilden each throw down hot riffs but this is Platt's show and it's well done. Another jazz classic, Georgia On My Mind is done quite straight forward with nice phrasing by Platt. On this track it's Anderson's spiritual like phrasing on keys that really propels Platts work. Very nice! Funk Shui puts me in mind of TOP but with harp instead of horns. Again Platt shows he's got what it takes to shake the bushes and Tilden steps up with yet another tasty guitar solo. Anderson takes a nice ride on the Hammond and Cross and Boswell hold the gang together. Wrapping the release is a somber ballad, Bartender's Blues,  with Jordan John on acoustic guitar and lead vocal with Platt adding just the right amount of harp to round out the release. This is a different kind of release but one that I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing.

  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”

 

Bobby Keys has passed - Our thoughts are with his family

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Bobby Keys, a saxophonist and lifelong rock 'n' roller who played on recordings by Buddy Holly and John Lennon and performed one of the all-time blowout solos on the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar," has died at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 70 years old.

Michael Webb, who played keyboard with Keys, said Keys died Tuesday after a lengthy illness. Keys had been on tour with the Stones earlier this year before his health prevented him from performing.

"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys," the band said in a statement. "Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."

Known for his heavy jowls and raw, raucous style, the Lubbock, Texas, native was born on the same day as Keith Richards — Dec. 18, 1943 — and the Stones guitarist would often cite Keys as a soul mate and favorite musician. Besides "Brown Sugar," Keys also played memorable solos on such Stones favorites as the 7-minute jam "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" and the country-styled "Sweet Virginia." Other career highlights included John Lennon's chart-topping "Whatever Gets You Through the Night" and albums by Richards, George Harrison, Barbra Streisand and Eric Clapton.

"I have lost the largest pal in the world, and I can't express the sense of sadness I feel, although Bobby would tell me to cheer up," Richards said in a statement.

Keys' career dated back to the 1950s, when as a teenager he played with fellow Lubbock native Holly and The Crickets. He met the Stones in the mid-'60s while they were on the same bill at a state fair in San Antonio, Texas, and was distraught that the British rockers had recorded a cover of Holly's "Not Fade Away."

"I said, 'Hey, that was Buddy's song,'" Keys recalled in Richards' memoir "Life," published in 2010. "Who are these pasty-faced, funny-talking, skinny-legged guys to come over here and cash in on Buddy's song?"

But once Keys listened more closely, he decided the Stones were playing "actual rock and roll," an opinion the Stones more than shared about Keys. He first recorded with them in the late 1960s and toured and recorded with them off and on over the following decades, his work featured on three of the group's most acclaimed albums: "Let It Bleed," ''Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street."

In some ways, he was too close to Richards, developing a heroin addiction that led to his temporary estrangement from the group. But he was with them on every major tour over the past quarter century, dependably stepping up for his solo on "Brown Sugar."

Keys' memoir "Every Night's a Saturday Night" was published in 2012, with a foreword by Richards. Keys recalled that he was first exposed to rock 'n' roll through Holly's music — not on the radio, but at the grand opening of a Texas gas station near the home of Keys' grandparents. It was the first time he had heard an electric guitar played live.

"And right then and there I knew I wanted to have something to do with that music," Keys explained. Holly "just kinda lit a fuse that started burning then, and it's still burning now."

Provogue Records artist: Jimmy Barnes - Hindsight - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (January 27, 2015), Hindsight, from Jimmy Barnes and it provides a brief summary of his 30 year career with songs of special significance paired with special guests. Opening the release is Lay Down Your Guns featuring The Living End. A track with a strong pop theme and a touch of arena over a rock beat. Barnes leads the way with vocal and is supported by Chris Cheney on guitar, Scott Owen on bass and Andy Strachan on drums. Time Will Tell features Baby Animals on a straight up rocker. Barnes and Suzie DeMarchi share lead vocals with Dave Leslie on guitar, Dario Bortolin on bass and Mike Skelton on drums. Ride The Night Away features Steven Van Zandt on lead guitar on this pop rock track with an Elton John feel. There is a stinging Keith Richards like guitar riff but overall pop rock. The backing band is Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Hegerty on bass, Ben Rodgers and Danny Spencer on guitars, Lachian Doley on keys, Lee Thornburg on trumpet, David Woodford on sax and Van Zandt, Mahalia Barnes, EJ Barnes and Elly-May Barnes on backing vocals. Stand Up features Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates with Mahalia and Jimmy sharing lead vocals. A spirited, driving soulful rocker finds Lachian Doley on keys and Dave Hibbard on drums with Ben Rogers on bass and Gary Pinto. I'd Die To Be With You Tonight features Diesel and Mark Lizotte joining Barnes on lead vocal. Jackie Barnes on drums, Ben Rogers on bass and Mark Lizotte on guitar keep a tight rock track. Stone Cold features Tina Arena sharing lead vocal and Joe Bonamassa on lead guitar for a slower paced rock ballad. Joined by Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Menell on bass, Arlan Schierbaum on keys, Lee Thornburg on trumpet, Dave Woodford on sax and Lenny Castro a strong radio track with nicely orchestrated horns and a supple Bonamassa guitar solo make this a standout for guitar thirsty listeners. Working Class Man features Jonathan Cain and Ian Moss again has a feel of Stones and Elton. With a straight forward beat from Greg Morrow on drums joined by Barnes on lead vocal, John Dymond on bass, Ian Moss on lead guitar and Tom Bukovac, Dan Dugmore and Steve Sheehan on guitars, Jimmy Mattingly on mandolin, Howard Duck on B3, Jonathan Cain on piano this is a full blown rocker. Going Down Alone opens with a nice slide solo from Bonamassa and features Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain. Joined by Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Menell on bass, and Lenny Castro on percussion this track has a solid rock feel and Schon lays down some trademark riffs. Love and Hate featuring Shihad had a much heavier feel with a metal backing provided by Tom Larkin on drums, Karl Kippenberger on on bass, Phil Knight and Jon Toogood on guitars. No Second Prize has a really catchy Elton John like composition. With an arena beat Barnes is joined by Charley Drayton on drums, Ben Rogers on bass, Davey Lane, Franco Raggatt and Ben Rogers on drums. I'd Rather Be Blind features Jon Stevens with Barnes on lead vocals with Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Hegerty on bass, Stuart Fraser on guitar and Jade MacRae, Juanita Tippins and Mahalia Barnes on backing vocals. When Your Love Is Gone, an R&B influenced pop track features Barnes on lead vocals, Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Hegerty on bass, Ben Rodgers and Danny Spencer on guitars and Lachian Doley on keys. A nice slide solo on this track is particularly tasty. The Other Side, a REO like track, features Barnes on lead vocals, Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Hegerty on bass, Ben Rodgers and Danny Spencer on guitars and Lachian Doley on keys. Walk On, another somber ballad features David Campbell with Barnes on lead vocal supported by Jackie Barnes on drums, Michael Hegerty on bas, Rogers and Spencer on guitars, and Lachian Doley on keys. Wrapping the release is I'm Still On Your Side featuring Bernard Fanning on vocal and acoustic guitar supported by Charley Drayton on drums, Charlie Owen on dobro, Lachian on piano, Ben Rodgers on bass and Jeff Bova on orchestration. A cool track with a different feel, it is a nice conclusion to this 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”

 

Jeff Beck Live In Tokyo – 2014 - DVD (audio review only) - New release Review - Stilladog - Guest reviewer

My old pal Stilladog had a chance to listen to the new Jeff Beck DVD audio and his review follows. We have both been Beck fans for a long time so I was thrilled to see his review:

The recordings take place at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan on April 9th of this year.  These Japanese recordings were the first to feature Beck’s new backing band of Jonathan Joseph (drums), Nicolas Meier (guitars) and Rhonda Smith (bass). The setlist includes some material from his new, as yet unreleased, studio album as well as material from nearly all of his previous releases. In contrast to Beck s previous videos done in small clubs, Live In Tokyo was filmed in a major concert arena and has a very different, more spacious feel.  Beck has released a number of live albums from Japan over the years and he obviously feels comfortable there.

The set begins with a tune from his most recent EP, Yosogai, entitled Loaded.  It is a perfect warm up for the alternately beautiful and soaring instrumental version of Jimi Hendrix’s , Little Wing, which follows.

A new song, You Know You Know, is next and I am interested in hearing this version contrast with the studio released version assuming it is included on the next release.  This is followed by three of Jeff’s live standards, Hammerhead from Emotion And Commotion, Angel (Footsteps) from Who Else!, and Stratus which I believe he has never done in studio.

Yemin is another new song which borders jazz with a middle eastern touch as you might imagine from the title.  Then the band reaches back to the Guitar Shop days for the beautiful ballad, Where Were You. Reaching yet further back into the extensive Beck catalog they find The Pump and You Never Know from There And Back sandwiched around an exquisite medley consisting of a 1:10 intro of Charles Mingus’ Goodbye Porkpie Hat and Brush With The Blues.  Probably my favorite cut on the album.

Beck’s incredible fretboard control is on full display on the classic ballad, Danny Boy, also originally released on Yosogai.  Then it’s a return to dig yet deeper back to the mid 1970s of Blow By Blow and Wired for the screamers and crowd favorites, Blue Wind and Led Boots. 

Throughout, the incredible tone and of Jeff Beck is mesmerizing.  The set continues with a blend of rock, jazz, with flashes of blues and funk including The Beatles’ Day In The Life (now a Beck Live standard as well), Big Block, Rollin’ and Tumblin, and Corpus Christi Carol.

The set ends with an absolutely perfect Rendering of Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers. For an encore the band performs Why Give It Away from Yogosai, the only tune on this release with vocals.

This is pure Jeff Beck.  Better than the Ronnie Scott’s release.  No special guests. Just Jeff and his hand picked band.  While Jimmy Page has dropped off the face of the earth and Eric Clapton has become a product of the music marketing machine (and about as interesting as his last album, an ‘Old Sock’) this is an awesome display from the lone virtuoso rock guitarist that remains creative and relevant SIXTY years hence!  Very highly recommended.  That is all.         

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”

BGB Music, Inc. artist: Georgie Bonds - Stepping Into Time - New release Review

I just received the newest release, Stepping Into Time, from Georgie Bonds and it's smooth. Opening with the classic St. James Infirmary, Georgie Bonds, singing a capella establishes himself immediately as a solid soulful vocalist. Joined on The Blacksmith, a Robert Johnson rooted blues track with cool rhythm and slide work from Neil Taylor as well as Kenny Githens on bass,Andy Haley on drums, Walter Runge on organ and with a gritty harp solo from Buddy Cleveland this is a real nice track. On swing jazz track, What More?, Bonds really takes the track for a ride and sax work from Dave Renz adds a heavy warmth. Harry Jacobson whips down a slick guitar solo as well. On New Orleans influenced Lord, Oh Lord Haley and Runge really set the tempo and Buddy Cleveland punctuates Bonds fine vocal work. Daily News is a bluesy ballad and Bonds is certainly up to the soulful task. Neil Taylor plays a well heeled guitar solo over the solid organ work of Runge and still regiment of Haley. Very nice! On funky organ track Dyin' Is The Easy Way, Runge and Joey Stout on piano set a nice pace. Bonds is certainly up to the challenge, James White plucks some fine bass riffs and Taylor rips it wide open with a screaming guitar solo. Another strong soul ballad, Calling Your Name is a cool spotlight for Bonds on vocal. A slow dancer this track has basic backing from Runge on piano and Haley on drums. Kicking it up to full funk blues, Going Shopping is pushed along by funky riffs by Taylor, Haley, and Kenny Githens on bass. One of the hottest tracks on the release it features a cool organ solo from Runge and nicely articulated solo from Taylor as well. A fine slow blues, Out Of The Fryin' Pan gives Bonds to really show his blues vocal chops. Taylor lays up a nice guitar solo heavily supported by Runge and Stout on keys. James White is tight on bass and Haley never misses a beat. I Need Somebody is a funky rocker with a Bonds on top and cool harp additions by Cleveland. On Hurricane Blues, Taylor rips some pretty hot riffs supporting Bonds solid vocals and cool bass riffs from Githens. Wrapping the release is John Lee Hookers, Dimples, with a bit more polish than Hooker but still with a nice rawness and broken delivery. I like Russ Joels drum work on this track and think Taylor does some of his most aggressive yet bluesy guitar work complimented by Cleveland on harp and bringing out the rawest vocal delivery by Bonds on the release. A rudimentary delta style track with harp and acoustic guitar take it home. 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”

Fat Possom Records - VERY Extremely Dangerous - New Release Review - CD/DVD

I just received a cool new DVD/CD which featured a documentary about a real music outlaw. This documentary by Robert Gordon and Paule Duane feature real live footage of a wild man with a wild past. Jerry McGill had recorded with Sam Phillips Sun Records in 1959 and been the road manager for Waylon Jennings under the name of Curtis Black. This is the story who lived the life of a real outlaw, serving prison time, swinging a gun around, robbing and thieving. I knew a man like this once in my life (but without the gun) and as stated by Robert Gordon, historian and film maker, someone who I may not have wanted in my house, but someone I was glad was in my life. This is not a dry, dusty, fluffy documentary with a lot of pretty scenery but the real time documentation of a 70 year old man who has not at all mellowed, full of most everything and ready to spring at the whisk of a mouse whisker. This is a documentary about music but this is really a healthy slice of life and one that will likely stick with you for a while. Ride along and feel your hair raise. Listen to yourself say...are you kidding me. Yes, this is the real deal. The video does have some brief musical performances and there is a cd included documenting about 11 songs but this is all about life. Real life. Pick this up and enjoy!

(winner of the Special Jury Prize at IndieMemphis 2012)

Walter Trout / John Mayall 7-Inch For Record Store Day

Walter Trout and John Mayall have a long history of collaboration that dates back to the 1960s.  From Walter playing in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, through collaborations as recently as WT’s most recent album.  To celebrate their relationship, the duo present this double A-side split 7-inch.  This special edition Black Friday exclusive is limited to 1000 copies and features “Willie” by Walter Trout and “World Gone Crazy” from John Mayall. 

Stony Plain Records artist: Eric Bibb - Blues People - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Blues People, from Eric Bibb and I think it's his best in quite some time! Opening with Silver Spoon, a primarily acoustic track rooted deeply in the delta but with hot contrasting electric blues riffs from Popa Chubby in the distance and bass and drums by Glen Scott. Excellent! Driftin' Door To Door has a bit more of the walking blues sound with nice picked and slide work from Bibb and Michael Jerome Browne. Very nice. God's Mojo is a quiet jazz framed blues track with nicely figured key work and light drums by Glen Scott. Bibbs vocals are particularly focused on this track. Turner Station has a more modern acoustic blues sound with Bibb and Browne on guitar. As the track builds more fullness appears with Scott on Hammond, backing vocals and electric keys as well as Neville Malcolm on bass. On Pink Dream Cadillac, Bibb paints a vivid story as Staffan Astner adds some tasty slide work. Guy Davis' Chocolate Man features Davis and and Bibb trading lead vocals and guitar with Scott on bass, piano and drums. Rosewood is a somber ballad with light electronic keyboards backing Bibbs articulate acoustic guitar and vocal. Rev. Gard Davis' I Heard The Angels Singin' has an almost Richie Havens feel with Browne on 12 string, Scott on bass and drums and featuring J.J. Milteau on harp and The Blind Boys of Alabama on backing vocals. Dream Catchers has an interesting reggae feel with Ruthie Foster at her grittiest and Harrison Kennedy singing lead and Sara Bergkvist-Scott on backing vocals. Very nice! Chain Reaction features Glen Scott on lead vocal with Bibb for some really nice soul style harmonizing. Paris Renita adds some really nice backing on this track giving it a real soul feeling. Taj Mahal is on lead vocal and banjo on this shot but critical, Needed Time intro. A more flowing and refined expanded track follows with Foster, Bibb and the Blind Boys Of Alabama sharing vocal duties with Scott on piano, Browne on electric slide, Paul Robinson on drums Neville Malcolm on upright bass. Also backing on vocal is Bob Manning, Ulrika Ponten on Big Daddy Wilson. Excellent! Out Walkin', again with a solid blues base but in a more contemporary form features Bibb on vocal joined by Browne on acoustic guitar. R&B track, Remember The Ones, features Linda Tillery trading lead vocal with Bibb. Scott adds a nice Hammond warmth as well as sampling horns from the Memphis horns. Andre De Lange shares the lead vocal with Bibb on African influenced Home. Astner joins on acoustic guitar and guitelele and Scott adds piano, bass, drums and percussion to this moving track. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Where Do We Go featuring a vocal duet with Bibb and Leyla McCalla who also adds banjo. Scott on Melodica and piano Astner on electric guitar and Malcolm on upright bass add to the quiet melody. A soft sensitive ballad, this is a nice track to conclude a very interesting release.

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Screen Door Records artist: Magnus Berg - Cut Me Loose - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Cut Me Loose, from Magnus Berg and I really like it! Opening with title track, Cut Me Loose, Berg takes command on vocal and guitar showing a maturity beyond his age. Joined by Bjorn Tore "Daffy" Larsen on harp, Havard Sunde on drums and Roy Oscar Pettersen on bass. This is rock solid! On One Way To Please You, Berg slips into Chicago style and Daffy really hits the harp. Blues riffs with a twist of country, flash from the fretboard of Berg and these guys cook! Very nice! On Texas style loper, Drifting, Berg has commanding lead vocals and sets the rhythm riff and Daffy punctuates nicely on harp. Berg takes center stage again laying down a nice helping of Texas style blues rock guitar. Very cool! When You Leave Me is a understated blues in the style of SBW with well placed guitar tones and some of the best vocal work on the release. Berg plays some really nice slide work on this track with Kristian Koppang on keys making it one of my favorite tracks on the release. Laid back, Kansas City, gives you a shot of Berg and crew taking a leisurely ride in the blues. Smart guitar lead by Berg and nice key work from Koppang highlight the track. On Freddie King's San-Ho-Say, Berg really gets great tone from his tele and snappy surf rhythm from Ola Overby on drums give Daffy plenty of room to lay down some hot harp riffs as well. Kirsten Thien takes lead vocal on When It's Gone, a quiet ballad with slick slide work by Berg and additional acoustic guitar, accordion and bass from Erik Boyd. A great take on Willie Dixon's Hoochie Coochie Man is another of my favorite tracks on this release. A slinky blues number with really fat slide work and great tone, sets a particularly cool groove. Daffy and Koppang trade cool lead lines nicely complimenting Berg who really blows the doors off on this track. Excellent! On Boogie track, St. Pete Boogie, it's Pettersen and Sunde who make the groove. Berg has a special voice and it is perfect for this track. Daffy rides the groove with certainty and Berg steps up once again showing that he knows what to do on guitar. Smokin! Wrapping the release is One Too Many with it's great walking bass line. Berg opens with vocal and Daffy takes the first solo on harp. Berg steps up one last time with his tele and lets it do his talking. He has great feel and phrasing making this a super capper for a super release!  

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