Royal Southern Brotherhood Takes the Sonic Highway to Muscle Shoals' FAME Studios

Royal Southern Brotherhood

Takes the Sonic Highway to Muscle Shoals’

FAME Studios

With New Guitarists

Bart Walker and Tyrone Vaughan

ATLANTA, GA - Ruf Recording artists, Royal Southern Brotherhood, are raising the ante as they roll into the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The band has added fiery guitar slingers Bart Walker and Tyrone Vaughan to breathe new energy into their third studio release. The new blood is there to help the venerable Cyril Neville and powerhouse rhythm section Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooton up the funk while maintaining the blues and rock that has brought Royal Southern Brotherhood (RSB) a growing, worldwide audience.

Click on photo to watch footage from the new line up!

http://youtu.be/sVVc2oeFcDg

The Brotherhood has toured incessantly over the last four years, canvassing the USA, Europe and Australia. The hard work paid off as RSB watched their fan base and notoriety swell. 2014 also saw RSB win a Blues Music Award for their live DVD, Songs From The Road.

Royal Southern Brotherhood has also been fortunate to have NOLA legend, Cyril Neville, featured in an episode of HBO’s “Sonic Highways” series. This is an 8-episode show that follows the Foo Fighters as they visit different towns they consider to be musically unique and important. Neville was a natural and charismatic fit to talk with Dave Grohl about the New Orleans sound. Their shared love of percussion and rhythms creates a chemistry that serves the show well.

Cyril provided some unique insight and stories about growing up in New Orleans along with Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, telling Dave how Troy got his nickname. Neville detailed how Troy began playing at such a young age that the T-bone was actually taller than Troy. Although he is now a grown man, the nickname “Trombone Shorty” has stayed with him.

With this new spotlight on Cyril, he has been a part of the show’s promotional efforts, by being mentioned in the band’s interviews that have been taken to an international level, CNN, Rolling Stone, Anderson Cooper, CBS’ “60 Minutes”, etc. Dave Grohl has claimed Cyril Neville and NOLA to be his new crush.

As RSB began the task of recording their new CD, they knew they needed a historical, creative location to raise the bar. Choosing FAME was a no-brainer. The studio is located along the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals, which may seem like a quiet, southern town, but it’s a lightning rod for creativity.

In 1960, FAME Studios opened its doors under the direction of Rick Hall. It wasn’t long before Rick had developed a talented and unique group of session players (and production staff). The sound these boys from northern Alabama created drew the attention of artists such as Wilson Pickett, The Staple Singers, Drive-By Truckers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Simon and Duane Allman. It’s been told, that Eric Clapton, wanted to know who was that playing on “Hey Jude”, by Pickett and that’s how he found ‘Sky Dog' (Duane Allman). The place oozes with musical history, vibe and creative juice that will energize RSB’s new endeavor.

Recently, RSB went into a local New Orleans studio to record some demos and work on the vital band chemistry with the new members, guitarists Bart Walker and Tyrone Vaughan. Bart and Tyrone fell into the Brotherhood quickly and added a spark that only change can bring. The results exceeded expectations.

Tyrone hails from blues royalty. When your father is Jimmie Vaughan and your uncle is the vaunted Stevie Ray (who gave Tyrone his first guitar at 5), it can be a blessing and a curse. A lot is expected from Tyrone before he hits the stage, so it takes courage to follow in the family business. Fortunately, Tyrone is unaffected by the adulation for his family, and developed his own gifted style and signature tone. Tyrone cut his own path by working his way up through the Austin (a town drenched in guitar heroes for the uninitiated) club scene in his teens, eventually packing clubs around Texas. Through hard work, studying the masters and a tip or two from the family, Tyrone has developed a soulful voice along with a guitar tone that mixes blues, rock and country. Tyrone’s description of, “in your face,” tone proves accurate when you hear him cut through any mix.

Bart Walker brings his own unique talents to RSB. As a Nashville native, it was natural for Bart to be affected by the country, bluegrass and gospel music that permeates the air. Bart, however, wanted more. Classically trained, Walker considered an offer to join a German opera company. However, his curiosity kept him searching for new music.

One day Bart wandered into a blues jam and realized he found his calling. Bart paid his dues playing in Mike Farris’ (Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies) and Reese Wynan’s (Stevie Ray Vaughan) bands before landing his own deal with Ruf Records. His 2013 release, Waiting On Daylight, garnered both national and international acclaim. This attention gave Bart the cache to see a lot of the world via Ruf Records President’s, Blues Caravan Tour, which spotlights new talent to sizable audiences. Now a seasoned player, Walker was ready and able to join the Brotherhood. “Joining RSB was the best idea anyone had for me,” said the affable Walker.

Cyril Neville has long been considered New Orleans royalty for his stints in the Grammy Award winning Neville Brothers, Galactic and The Meters. The Meters opened for the Rolling Stones and have been on the voting ballot twice for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Neville’s career has spawned 45 some odd years and has included performances with music icons such as Bono, Joan Baez, Dr. John and Tab Benoit.

In 1989, Cyril penned, “Sister Rosa,” about the Civil Rights icon, Rosa Parks. Last year, USA Today honored Neville by choosing the song as one of the  most inspirational song about Martin Luther King’s, “I Have A Dream,” speech on the 50^th anniversary of the historical oration given during the march on Washington (Parks was in attendance). “Sister Rosa” may not have had a change on the movement at the time, but Neville’s composition reminded a country of the thousands of souls that risked their lives to bring an end to a shameful tradition in the US.

The current line-up will hit the stage with Cyril Neville (of course) on vocals and percussion, Devon Allman and Bart Walker on vocals/guitars, and Yonrico Scott (drums) and Charlie Wooton playing bass. Many consider Scott and Wooton to be the best rhythm section working, and their skills have provided the foundation for RSB to up the funk. The band is still supporting their latest release, “heartsoulblood” with dates throughout the winter and early spring months.

When the Brotherhood’s original guitarists, Mike Zito and Devon Allman decided to concentrate on their solo careers, the parting was amicable and most likely both Zito and Allman will join RSB on stage occasionally. This is because RSB is truly a brotherhood of like-minded musicians that love to work together. Some of the players may rotate (Cyril, however will always steer the ship) but the spirit is the same: write great songs and see where they take you. The chemistry, craftsmanship and artistry of the musicians will always ensure great music.

Devon’s last performance with RSB will be at the Wanee Festival in Live Oak, Florida. The show will take place in mid-April, so we ask you to still use the following photo for tour press coverage.

For information on the band’s tour dates and news, go to www.royalsouthernbrotherhood.com

Ruf Records: 20 Years Anniversary - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, 20 Years Anniversary, from Ruf Records. This is a hot release of music from 1994 to present showing the breadth of Ruf artists talent. Opening is one of my personal Rolling Stones classics, Bitch featuring Samantha Fish, Cassie Taylor and Dani Wilde from the Girls With Guitars release. Hot! Up next is Bliss Avenue, the title track from Bliss Avenue, by Dana Fuchs. Fuchs has a throaty voice with a lot of grit on this track which has a lot of the suspense of Screaming Jay Hawkins. I had the fortune to review her Songs From The Road release recently and she really puts on a show! Make sure that you catch the smoking guitar solo on this track! Joanne Shaw Taylor is up next with Can't Keep Living Like This from Diamonds In The Dirt. Showing her guitar prowess, Taylor demonstrates clearly that she isn't just a skirt and a voice. Fish is back on Down In The Swamp from her Runaway release. With it's driving "swampy" guitar vamp Fish sets the stage, tells the tale and then rips it to shreds on guitar. Very cool. Dani Wilde changes the pace up a bit with the title track from her Shine release. A R&B style track nicely highlights Wilde's soulful voice. Meena follows Wilde with James Brown's epic,Try Me from her release of the same name. A very tasty and melodic guitar solo nicely accents the more modern sound brought to the table by Meena. Very nice! Ana Popovic steps up with Love Fever from her Hush release. With a ballad format and a R&B strut, Popovic gets things moving. Popovic reels off some biting guitar riffs balancing the catchy melody with guitar muscle. Next is a not yet released track, Stranded In Memphis by Eliana Cargnelutti, from her CD to be released in 2015. A solid entry by this new artist, she will be featured in the 2015 Blues Caravan. Joanna Connor is up next with the slightly funky, gospel influenced, Never Been Rocked Enough from her Rock And Roll Gypsy release. Erja Lyytinen lays down some hot slide work on Skinny Girl from her Dreamland Blues release. This has a cool mix of a rock 'n' roll rhythm with bluesy slide. Really cool! Sue Foley does a old style swing blues track Show Me, from her Time Bomb release. Well balanced with cool, stylistic piano, Foley's vocal and guitar efforts make for a well rounded blues track. Candye Kane and Laura Chavez pull out a real swinger in Toughest Girl Alive from her Guitar and Feathers release. Chavez is a good match on guitar for Kane with her strong vocal presence. Wrapping disc one is Sue Foley, Deborah Coleman and Roxanne Potvin on In The Basement from the Time Bomb release. Sugar Pie DeSanto's original R&B feel comes through loud and clear but with stinging guitar riffs this time around. Opening disc 2 is Thorbjorn Risager and If You Wanna Leave from his Too Many Roads release. This is a strong blues rocker with excellent grinding guitar tones and a hot sax solo. The Royal Southern Brotherhood fire up Rock and Roll from the HEARTSOULBLOOD release. A straight up Rock 'n' roller with great vocals and hot slide, this track really gets you moving. With talent like Cyril Neville, Devon Allman, Mike Zito, Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooton you'd expect nothing less. Walter Trout releases his trademark blues rock sound on Livin' Every Day from his Livin' Every Day release. An anthem of triumph for Trout and his recent health issues, he stiff arms time in the face blazing his path with amazingly fluid guitar riffs. Oli Brown has a cool, different style with a neo soul attack at the blues. A super vocalist, Oli delivers Speechless from his Heads I Win Tails You Lose release. A well heeled guitar attack nicely blends with his smooth danceable melodies. Laurence Jones is up on Temptation from his Temptation release. With it's Chicago feel and attack, this is a hot track showing a young man with slashing skills. Mike Zito has great guitar tone and he lays it down here on Voices In Dallas from Gone To Texas. I just had the opportunity to review Zito's release, Songs From The Road and he is a definite performer. Waiting On Daylight by Bart Walker is a solid bluesy ballad from the release of the same name. A well written track with nicely balanced guitar soloing over the vocals, a nice addition to this compilation. The Spin Doctors bring Some Other Man Instead from If The River Was Whiskey and it has a certain country blues rawness giving it a real nice feel. A raw but contained guitar solo sets this track apart from most of the more polished bands on this release. Very cool! Aynsley Lister, Erja Lyytinen and Ian Parker perform Blues Caravan from the Pilgrimage release. A funky blues track with a swampy feel, and harmonized vocals lay down the pavement for a short guitar riff off. Jeff Healey delivers his classic take on I'm Tore Down from Mess Of Blues. Healey was a hot guitar player and a great singer. This is a nice record of Healey during his most productive period. Excellent! Cyril Neville delivers some Swamp Funk from Magic Honey. With it's blend of rock, funk, blues and pure New Orleans, this is a super track. Devon Allman brings Homesick from his Turquoise release. He has a nice guitar hand and smooth vocals. This dark smokey blues rocker shows a nice flavor of Allman's work. Savoy Brown has been a recurring favorite band of mine for years. Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown contribute Nuthin' Like The Blues from Goin' To The Delta. Simmonds holds down lead vocal and lead guitarist spot on this straight forward rocker and Kim shows a little bit of what he can do when he steps on the pedal. Albert Castiglia performs Bad Avenue from the Solid Ground release. This is an excellent choice to profile Castiglia who not only is a solid singer but one of the better blues guitarists on the scene today. Very cool! Wrapping the release is Mr. Luther Allison on Stone's Classic, You Can't Always Get What You Want. Taking this track to the next level Allison coaxes the soul out of it and then lights it on fire with funky blues guitar. An absolutely excellent ending to a really super 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”

 

Murder By Death Debuts New Song "Strange Eyes"

(download artwork for usage)

*Exclusive stream via Entertainment Weekly of lead single from forthcoming album Big Dark Love

*iTunes album pre-order / New tour dates

+

Murder By Death will release their seventh full-length album Big Dark Love on February 3rd, 2015. Today, Entertainment Weekly/EW.com is premiering “Strange Eyes,” the first new song from the band’s second release with Chicago label Bloodshot Records.  

http://music-mix.ew.com/2014/12/10/murder-by-death-strange-eyes/

Big Dark Love is now available for pre-order on CD and LP via Bloodshot’s website or digitally via iTunes, in which purchasing parties will receive an instant MP3 download of the lead single, “Strange Eyes.”

Big Dark Love reflects a different, more complex side of the band. As hinted in the title, the 10 songs circle a central theme of love, only in this case, the oft-traveled topic is examined through a non-traditional kaleidoscope: the love of a parent for their child, the struggle between unconditional love and morality, loving to excess. There can sometimes be a dusky patina of despair overlaying glints of hope. For a band that has built its formidable, near 15-year career around a consideration to tension, release, bombast, ecstasy, and highest-highs vs. lowest-lows, it is something to say that this is Murder By Death’s most dynamic release to date. Sonically here, their signature sound – rootsy indie rock, cinematic gothic ballads, and rousing pub rock shout-alongs – mixes with enlivening new stylistic elements - touches of pop, synth-y electronics, and psych rock - only hinted at on previous albums.

In support of the new album, Murder By Death will embark on a U.S. tour in late January, the first time fans will be able to hear new material in full. The lengthy stretch of dates begins on the West Coast in Seattle on January 30, continues across the continental U.S. to the East Coast in February, and eventually doubles back and wraps up in Bloomington, IN in mid-March. The band will also tour through the Midwest in late May. All tour dates can be found listed below, or on the band’s tour page.

Murder By Death Big Dark Love album release tour dates:

30-Jan	Seattle, WA	The Crocodile
31-Jan	Portland, OR	Star Theater
3-Feb	Salt Lake City, UT	Bar Deluxe
5-Feb	San Francisco, CA	The Independent
6-Feb	Santa Cruz, CA	The Catalyst Atrium
7-Feb	Los Angeles, CA	The Roxy
8-Feb	Santa Ana, CA	The Constellation Room
9-Feb	Phoenix, AZ	Crescent Ballroom
10-Feb	Albuquerque, NM	Launchpad
12-Feb	Dallas, TX	Club Dada
13-Feb	Austin, TX	Red 7
14-Feb	Houston, TX	Fitzgerald's Downstairs
15-Feb	Memphis, TN	Hi-Tone Café
24-Feb	Pittsburgh, PA	Mr Smalls
25-Feb	Cleveland, OH	Grog Shop
27-Feb	Boston, MA	Paradise Rock Club
28-Feb	New York, NY	Bowery Ballroom
1-Mar	Brooklyn, NY	Music Hall of Williamsburg
4-Mar	Hamden, CT	The Ballroom at The Outer Space
5-Mar	Charlottesville, VA	The Southern
6-Mar	Philadelphia, PA	Union Transfer
7-Mar	Washington, DC	Black Cat
8-Mar	Raleigh, NC	Kings Barcade
10-Mar	Tampa, FL	The Orpheum
11-Mar	Orlando, FL	The Social
12-Mar	Atlanta, GA	Terminal West
13-Mar	Nashville, TN	Mercy Lounge
14-Mar	Bloomington, IN	The Bluebird
28-May	St Paul, MN	Turf Club
29-May	Milwaukee, WI	Turner Hall Ballroom
31-May	Chicago, IL	Subterranean

Flying Machine Records artist: Anne McCue - Blue Sky Thinkin' - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (February 10, 2015), Blue Sky Thinkin', from Anne McCue and it takes you to a different place. Opening the release is Dig Two Graves, a swinging blues track with smooth vocals and slick guitar work from McCue, joined by Dave Raven on drums, Carl Byron on piano, Dusty Wakeman on bass and Deanie Richardson on violin. Things You Left Out In The Rain is a cool period blues style track with silky vocals and great jazz style horn work from Jim Hoke (clarinet), Steve Herrman (trumpet) and John Hinchey (trombone). Spring Cleaning In The Winter Time is a light hearted track with some fleet fingered guitar work from McCue. Devil In The Middle, co written by Dave Alvin and David Olney features McCue and Alvin in duet and classic early blues instrumentation. This is that "New Orleans Jazz" in it's classic form. Featuring Hoke on clarinet, Randy Leago on sax, Steve Herrman on trumpet and John Hinchey on trombone ...Terrific! Long Tall Story has thata Memphis Minnie sound with McCue on vocal and dobro. lightly backed by Carl Byron on piano and Dave Raven this track has a nice swing and cool melody. Little White Cat is a bit more upbeat with some hot lap riffs by McCue. With backing vocals by Szu Wong and bass by Djordje Stijepovic this track almost has a gypsy sound. Very cool! It Wasn't Even Fun While It Lasted has a theme which most everyone can relate to. Strong piano by Byron and violin by Richardson dress this simple melody making it quite a pleasant venture. Save A Life has a 50's jazz sound with only basics for backing with finger snaps and cool bass riffs by Dave Pomeroy. Uncanny Moon has a really nice Latin feel with stylized drums and piano. McCue's vocals are very nice but her guitar work is beautiful on this track. My definite favorite. Cowgirl Blues has a memorable melody and simple instrumentation with basic blues fundamentals but presented in a more modern manner. Knock On Wood again gets that moody horn soaked feel and it is performed flawlessly. With McCue on vocal and guitar with Tisha Simeral on bass, Bill Huber on trombone, Herrman on trumpet and Hoke on clarinet, this is quite a cool track. Title track Blue Sky Thinkin', is a poppy track really allowing McCue to step forward on guitar with clever jazz riffs, blended with Byron on piano and Hoke on clarinet. A very nice conclusion to a solid contemporary yet rootsy blues based release.

Also want to comment that I really like the cover art which is also by McCue.

  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”

 

JE Gagne Records artist: Mike Osborn - In The Dog House - New Release review

I just received the newest release, In The Dog House by Mike Osborn and it's a cool blend of country, rock and blues. Opening with Love vs Ego vocalist, lead guitar player Mike Osborn, joined by Johnny Griparic (bass), Lee Spath (drums), Teddy Andreadis (keys) and Randy Mitchell (slide and electric guitars). A rocker with a twist of country, Osborn flashes some of his bluesy riffs surrounded by Andreadis on organ. On Hooker like boogie track Company Graveyard, Osborn breaks loose with some real nice guitar riffs and Osborn's vocals have a Gibbons grit. Spath keeps the track on point with tight rhythms and Griparic rides the bass hard. Very cool! Light rocker Lovin' Time has some swingin' guitar riffs and a catchy melody which could easily make radio airplay. Cold Man Cold has a nice swagger and wah wah guitar effects. Blues rock guitar riffs give the track a nice edge. Fire and Gasoline is a country rocker with a definite blues edge. Hot blues guitar riffs weave in and out of the track. Tied Up is a down and dirty blues track with flaming hot riffs. Osborn's vocals on this track are gritty and his guitar expressive. Cheap Women is a rock and roller featuring nice piano work by Andreadis. With JLL roll and SRV flame, this track smokes. Veterans Song has a Dire Straits flavor and some wailing guitar soloing. Satan & St. Paul has the distinct feel of a western ballad. It actually may be my favorite track on the release but for no particular reason than I really like the simple construction and iridescent guitar work. Jump In Your Fire is a hot boogie track again with that Hooker heat! Gnashing guitar work caps this bad boy off and leaves you wanting more! Wrapping the release is title track, In The Dog House, a surf rocker track with a straight beat. You all know that I have a soft spot for these surfer instrumentals so I gotta say I really think it's a cool closer for a pretty 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”

 

Keyesland Music artists: Harlem Street Singer - Empire Roots Band - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Music from the film, Harlem Street Singer, Music by Empire Roots Band it's it's quite well done. This film and consequently this cd celebrates the music of Rev. Gary Davis. Opening with Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, this band features the robust voice of Bill Sims Jr. guitar work by Woody Mann, piano by Dave Keyes and bass by Brian Glassman. Each of the performers shows their individual virtuosity on this track. On Search My Heart, Sims Jr. holds a strong line vocally but it's Keyes that shines on through on piano on this track. Opening with really clean piano riffs by Keyes, Mean Old World gets a super rework by Sims jr. and may be my favorite track on the release. Both Keyes and Mann lay down some exceptional riffs. There's A Destruction In This Land has a particularly strong spiritual overtone with it's gospel feel. Genre specific piano riffs and warm harmonies accentuate Sims jr.s lead vocals. I particularly like Mann's lead guitar take off on this track. Opening with some cool slide riffs by Mann, Soon My Work Will All Be Done, is a quiet contemplative track with subtle overtones. Nice finger picking by Mann opens Trying To Get Home and Sims Jr. lays down some of my favorite vocals on the release. A nice blend of Mann's guitar, Keyes on piano and a cool solo by Glassman makes this one of my favorites on the release. An extremely precise chord intro by Mann gives Sunday Church Medley a certain sophistication before breaking into a simple revival feel with blended male vocals and Keyes, Glassman and Mann sharing in the resulting musical bounty. A great intro by Mann and Keyes and a nice bass line by Glassman gives on Hesitation Blues a terrific posture. Excellent! Twelve Gates To The City has a nice almost New Orleans strut thanks to Keyes. Glassman lays out a solid bass solo on this track, lightly punctuated by Keyes and Mann plays close to Sims Jr. really capturing the feel of RGD. On I Am The Light Of This World/I Belong To The Band, Sims Jr.s vocals are more neatly tucked into the basci feel of the music with solid piano throughout. Mann has a few hot riffs but this track is about it's swing. Wrapping the release is Orangitang Rag. This is a really crisp guitar lead guitar track with tight bass riffs and a quick piano solo from Keys. An excellent track to conclude an uplifting 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”

 

Ruf records artist: Mike Zito & the Wheel - Songs From The Road DVD - New Release Review

I had promised a follow up on Mike Zito and the accompanying DVD to the CD that I reviewed before Thanksgiving. I finally found a spot in my schedule so here we go. The concert opens with Didn't Break A Leg and I have to say it is a terrific opener. Zito and Jimmy Carpenter really smoke the place and that's no crap! Second up is Greyhound, a Keith Richards flavored country style rocker and Zito lays down some really nice slide work. Although the video quality isn't spectacular, the musical quality more than makes up for it. I Never Knew A Hurricane is a quiet ballad and Carpenter harmonizes nicely with Zito on vocal as well as plays warm sax solo fillers. Hell On Me has a cool boogie beat and Zito grinds out a really nice tele solo driven by Scot Sutherland on bass and Rob Lee on drums. Pearl River is a cool bluesy number with a great melody and light arpeggiated guitar work. Zito steps it up and rips the sack wide open on this track letting all the meat out.... very nice! Dirty Blonde is a swinging boogie with solid piano work from Lewis Stephens and super nice guitar phrasing on multiple solos from Zito. Dueling sax /guitar solo on this track really cooks! One Step At A Time finds Zito moving to a hollow body guitar and more of a ballad track. Vocal harmonies with Carpenter and strong piano support from Stephens make this a cool radio track. Subtraction Blues has a cool swampy funk sound and a real nice extended piano lead from Stephens. Zito's vocals on this track are particularly cocky and his guitar spanky. Very cool! Judgement is a solid rocker with full over the top horn work from Carpenter and manic guitar work from Zito. Smokin! Gone To Texas is a basic country rocker with straight up vocals and melodic guitar soloing. On Let Your Light Shine On Me, Zito takes center stage with only his hollow body guitar accompanying himself on vocal lead. The band rejoins Zito back on stage for Natural Born Lover and he breaks out his Fender necked v. Laying down some real nice slide work this is a great track for an extended jam. Excellent! Wrapping the concert and the release is Texas Flyer, a hot funky number with Carpenter chasing Zito's vocals with hot sax riffs. Changing keys and ripping a hot stinger of his own Zito gives the track extra zip. Carpenter really shows the power of the horn with a hot solo of his own. Zito steps back up and these guy cumulatively raise the roof. Excellent!

 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”

DAVE RAY (Koerner, Ray & Glover) "Legacy" this SUN, 12/07 on NPR Weekend Edition

DAVE RAY    The late songwriter and guitarist's legacy remembered this Sunday, December 7  on NPR Weekend Edition, click here for regional air times   LEGACY,  a deluxe 3-CD package with 32-page booklet, is out now on Red House Records A collection of rare and unreleased recordings from 1962 - 2002 from an American Blues Master    “Hopefully this collection does what it set out to do; illustrate just what an amazingly gifted musician and vocalist Dave was, and how wide he rode through the musical spheres.” - Tony Glover (Koerner, Ray & Glover)   December 5, 2014:  One of the first white artists to study and learn the then little-known blues tunes from the 20s, 30s and 40s and part of the Minneapolis folk and blues revival that spawned Bob Dylan, Dave "Snaker" Ray brought an enthusiasm and raw, raunchy earthiness to his performance style which set the stage for artists that followed. Koerner, Ray & Glover’s recordings were enormously influential among their fellow musicians, with artists from David Bowie and John Lennon to Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams and Beck citing them as an influence. Ray's career, celebrated on Legacy, a three-CD collection of rare and unreleased songs by the influential acoustic bluesman painstakingly compiled by Ray’s longtime bandmate/collaborator Tony Glover, will be featured on NPR WEEKEND EDITION this Sunday, December 7.  The piece will also be archived online at http://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/.   NPR's Jim Bickel speaks to Tony Glover about Legacy, a 10-year-in the-making tribute to his friend and former bandmate. The 55-song collection features a 32-page booklet with rare photos and extensive liner notes and additional info by Glover. Legacy spans Ray's career, starting in the 1960s in Minneapolis, MN’s West Bank neighborhood with “Spider” John Koerner and Tony Glover  through his subsequent collaborations, solo albums and untimely death on Thanksgiving, 2002.    To me he was a brother from another family – the family of sound. He brought a vitality to the blues that the scholars who’d been on the scene couldn’t muster,” Glover says.     Along with live recordings and rarities, Legacy includes selections from out-of-print recordings including Ashes in My Whiskey (Rough Trade) and One Foot in the Groove (Tim /Kerr Records).  Unless noted, the tracks on Legacy are previously unreleased and include performances taken from a wide variety of mediums including reel-to-reel analog tapes, old sound board mix cassettes and live broadcasts.    “Since Dave was doing Lead Belly and I was working on my Sonny Terry riffs, people thought it would be a good idea to put us together,” Glover recalls. “We both had very similar tastes in blues, preferring the deep, down-home raw numbers. After the initial learning-by-rote process we made a point of going for the feel of a song, trying to capture its aura rather than doing a note-by-note cover.” It was a musical partnership that ended up lasting four decades.   Since the album's release, the Twin Cities declared November 9 to be Dave Ray Day; that evening, friends and fellow musicians attended a sold-out tribute concert at the Minnesota History Center which included a display of Ray's memorabilia, hand-written lyrics and two of his guitars. The City of St. Paul held a street-naming ceremony on November 24 dedicating a stretch of Franklin Avenue as Dave Ray Avenue. QUOTES   "Nobody has topped them for feel or drive or humor or sheer affection for their folk-blues forebears like Leadbelly and Memphis Minnie - four stars." - Rolling Stone   "As a trio, Koerner, Ray and Glover brought a raucous, highly rhythmic approach to the acoustic blues that effectively captured the essence of their forbears." - Playboy   "The instrumental work on here is just plain awesome...and really puts up a case for them being reclassified from upstart revivalists onto American roots music greats." - Folk Roots (U.K.)     RED HOUSE DISCOGRAPHY   Dave Ray Legacy: Rare and unreleased recordings 1962 - 2002 from an American Blues Master  (2014)    Koerner, Ray & Glover  Blues, Rags, and Hollers (re-issue of the classic 1963 release with four bonus tracks)  Lots More Blues, Rags, and Hollers (re-issue of the 1964 classic)  The Return of Koerner, Ray & Glover (re-issue of the 1965 classic)