Blues Condition - Moon Over Main Street - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Moon Over Main Street, from Blues Condition and they have put together quite an enjoyable release. Opening with Done Somebody Wrong, an old Elmore James track made popular by the Allmans but with more of an early british sound, this track sounds fresh. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Don't She Look Good, is a old NRBQ track and has that great snappy rock feel. Excellent! Tampa Red track, It Hurts Me Too, gets a bit of a R&B blues flavor and I think that it really takes on a new feel. Most every serious blues band has covered this track but I think that this particular arrangement is just different. Lucky Star, written by Larry Benade, lead singer and guitar player, backed by Bruce Thomas on vocal and bass and Kenny Gott on drums has a rockin' country feel. Robert Johnson's If I Had Posession Over Judgement Day gets a Muddy Waters, Rollin' and Tumblin' feel and Benade rides the slide nicely. Willie Dixon track, Howlin' For My Baby gets a cool rockin' twist with a simple guitar riff. Very Cool! John Lee Hooker's Dimples gets a bit more sophistication than originally by Hooker with chorded rhythm lines. I like this take on the track giving it a real guitar workout. Stepping into a jazz type mode without playing out the full chords gives it a nice touch. Chuck Berry's Oh What A Thrill seems a natural for this band with it's simple 3 piece attack and raw feel. The guitar soloing has a more controlled Keith style than all out Chuck flair. Another cool track. Eddie Boyd's Five Long Years takes BC into it's first slower blues venture on this release and they make good use of the time. Benade has a voice that is well suited for a track like this and he shows his blues chops without getting out too far. Nice job. Fairport Convention's One More Chance gets a redo that has the flavor of SRV or Chris Duarte. I like their spunk laying this track out flat. Nice! Brian Adler's Any Ordinary Man maintains a stable rock beat for a simple radio style track. Made Up My Mind, a track by one of my favorite old British blues bands, Savoy Brown, gets a great cover with a solid rhythm section and traditional guitar riffs. Ballad, How Do I Know, has a nice bluesy feel and solid guitar work. Nothing flashy but very solid. Older R&B track made popular by the Stones, Harlem Shuffle doesn't venture far from the path cut by Keith and Mick but it is very professionally done and enjoyable. The release is wrapped by a rockin' version of Jeannie & Jimmy Cheatham's Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On. A slice between Chuck Berry and ZZ Top, this is a great finisher.

  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”

 

Stevie J - Blues Fundraiser & Listening Party at Underground 119

"BACK TO THE BLUES" FUNDRAISER AND LISTENING PARTY FOR

STEVIE J, MISSISSIPPI'S BEST-KEPT SECRET@UNDERGROUND 119  THURSDAY, APRIL 2

   (JACKSON, MS) - Stevie J, "Mississippi's Best-Kept Secret", holds a Fundraiser and Listening Party for his upcoming album "Back To The Blues"  at Underground 119, 119 S. President St., Jackson, Thursday, April 2. Showtime: 7 p.m. Info: (601) 352-2322 or http://www.underground119.com/. 

  A Platinum Rewards package (sponsorship of $1,000 or more) receive Executive Producer credits on the album; personalized EP plaque; Stevie J Blues custom varsity jacket; special thank- you on the album's inner jacket sleeve; and four (4) VIP tickets to the Album Release Party. Sponsorships of $500. receive a personalized EP plaque; two (2) VIP tickets to the Album Release Party; and two (2) Stevie J Blues t-shirts. Sponsorships of $250. receive four (4) Stevie J Blues t-shirts and two (2) VIP Tickets to the Album Release Party. $100. Sponsorship = two t-shirts and four CD Release Party tickets. $50. Sponsorship = 1 t-shirt and two CD Release Party tickets. View the link here: https://www.fundme.com/en/projects/16145-help-us-keep-the-blues-alive.

  "We are compiling a crossover album with radio format-friendly music capable of breaking boundaries of airplay for the blues," explains Stevie J. "Back To The Blues" is a celebration of music to expose the blues in every musical genre we touch. Face it - you can't play any modern music without playing the Blues. We as blues lovers, especially those who are in the industry, must try to do a better job of properly exposing this music to the masses," he concludes.

    The goal of the fundraiser is $2,000.00 to fund the recording of Back To The Blues, which will consist of four new songs and two tracks from Stevie J's Unstoppable LP. "This money will guarantee the album's awareness through allowing us to hire both a radio (and) public relations team," he says.

  The tracks on Back to The Blues (with Stevie J comments on each one):  Come See Me ("swamp-stomp blues with a pop beat"); Another Jody Song ("urban blues that speaks of the old familiar character made famous by the late blues-man Johnnie Taylor, with an R&B feel and soulful Albert King-style guitar"); Son Of A Saintified Preacher ("story of a conversation I had with my father. Cross of ZZ Top's 'La Grange' and John Lee Hooker's 'Boom Boom'"). Miss Apple Cheeks ("authentic New Orleans Second Line that captures the essence of that era); Down Hom People ("Soul, gospel, and blues at it's best. A song about Southern culture...from fish frys to backyard barbecues, horse rides to hog maul").

            

                         STEVIE J BLUES - SOME BACKGROUND

  Already hailed as the new face of the Delta Blues, Stevie J is well on his way to capturing the crown of Southern Soul as well. He is a supremely confident vocalist and skilled guitarist capable of wringing every nuance from any lyric in any genre. Yet Stevie J remains humble and true to his first love: The Blues. The son of pastor and native of Jackson, MS, Stevie J started his career in the gospel field playing for artists such as the Williams Brothers, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Jackson Southernaires and the great Shirley Caesar, among others. Stevie J found his true calling when he teamed up with legends such as Bobby Rush, Pat Brown, Denise LaSalle and Shirley Brown. He recorded with Bobby Rush on the Folk Funk album and is also featured in the Martin Scorsese blues series, Live at Ground Zero. Stevie J has toured throughout Switzerland and France, performing at the Cognac Blues Festival. His talents have also taken him to Spain, Italy, Norway and Belgium. His album 2 Sides OF a Man featured the single “Because Of Me”, which reached #1 on the Southern Soul chart. Stevie J is also a yearly participant on the popular BB King All-Star Cruises, where he is the band's guitarist. 

                            

                             http://www.steviejmusic.com/

                                                             

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stevie-J-blues/468408739924110

   

Moon Voyage Records artist: Chris Daniels & The Kings featuring Freddi Gowdy - Funky To The Bone - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Funky To The Bone, from Chris Daniels & The Kings featuring Freddi Gowdy and it's a funky R&B jam party! Opening with title track, Funky To The Bone, is a full on horn blow out featuring Jim Waddell on sax and Darryl Abrahamson on trumpet. Colin "Bones" Jones throws down a funky guitar riff and Chris Daniels, Fred Gowdy and Randy Amen lead the party on vocal backed by Hazel Miller, Coco Brown and Carl Carwell. R&B track, Something You Got is nicely blended melody with a bluesy saunter. A cool trumpet solo punching up the soulful vocal lead and crisp guitar riffs makes this a perfect radio track. Don't let Your Mouth Write No Checks takes a street saying and makes it into a funky R&B song. Billy Payne adds some funky keyboard along with that shaft guitar work for another radio bound track. A full boat horn section including Darren Kramer (trombone), Bob Rebholz (tenor), and Carlos Chavez (bari) along with Billy Payne on B3 gives Joy a lively spring. It brings to mind the sound created by Elvin Bishop with Mickey Thomas during his magical years. Very nice! Cool Breeze has a really nice horn intro breaking into a polished "hip-hop" vocal line by Chris Kimmel. Smooth jazz vocals and dynamic horns round out the track. Dance Dance has a cool sound with a little nod to Sly. A bit funkier and TOP style horns and a slick guitar solo give it a definite edge. Very nice! What A Day has a warm club sound with orchestral style horn backing. The lead vocals are solid and the backing vocals are warm and tight. Horn work , especially trumpet work by Abrahamson tops this track. Nobody Knows has a "Santana like" Latin feel with Christian Teele adding super percussion. Exceptional vocal lead and horn backing on this track, paired with Spanish styled electric guitar soloing makes it my favorite track on the release. Excellent! Survivors is a simple ballad with clean, clear piano intro by Payne. A definite radio track with a simple melody and backing horns and a light funky percussion base delivers it. A really sweet sax solo gives this track an extra boot toward the end. Wrapping the release is Birthday Suit a sassy blues track with a walking bass line from Kevin Lege. Payne on keys and the ensemble on horns really gets this track swinging for a tight ending on a very enjoyable 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”

 

Nood Records artist: John Campbelljohn - Chin Up - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Chin Up, from John Campbelljohn and it's a fusion of country and blues. Opening with swing boogie, The Mumble Boogie, Campbelljohn steps right up with his notorious slide guitar and steps on the gas. Backed by Neil Robertson on drums and Ronald Hynes on bass this track cooks. I Got It All brings it down a few notches and with more of a country 2 step feel. Smooth and easy is how he handles the guitar work on this track with clever vocals and a radio melody. Meet My Maker is a stripped down blues number with guitar harmonics and rudimentary drums. A cool slide solo on this track sweetens the pot. I really like the different feel of The Poor Man Plays. It has a swampy funk and backing vocals by Martha Mae Campbell, Megan Baxendale and Stan Carew. Very cool! Castaway is a blues rocker with a simple repetitive riff. Driving bass line from Hynes and a wide open slide solo cap this track. Attitude has some of the coolest slide work on the release over a simple spoken lyric and a basic rhythm backing. Nice! Ballad How Stupid Is That is a catchy melody with a hook. Another track that could easily gather radio followers, this track bears slick acoustic resonator slide work and cool piano riffs from Robert Campbell. Another blues rocker with a country twist is Stop Making Excuses. Campbelljohn delivers his vocals with attitude and knows how to back his words with stinger riffs. Articulate blues riffs with country sting permeate this track. Sally In The Alley has an attitude all it's own with a driving swagger and pinched harmonic guitar riffs trimming along the way. One of my favorites on the release. Fantistico Supremo is a rocker with a zydeco twist for lack of a better description. Free wheelin' slide guitar (lap steel) work on this track gives it a country feel. Good Morning Mr. Blue Sky also has a New Orleans flavor and a country basis featuring backing vocals by Martha and Megan. Campbelljohn wraps the release with simple folk track, She's Gone, features John on vocal, backed by Martha and megan and light acoustic slide. A nice conclusion to a solid 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”

 

Toots Lorraine & the Traffic - Make It Easy - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Make It Easy, from Toots Lorraine & The Traffic and it is some red hot smoking blues. Opening with title track, Make It Easy, Lorraine opens on vocal supported by Aki Kumar on fat harp and Chad Mo on swinging guitar riffs. Lorenzo Farrell adds a cool organ ride along with Mike Phillips on bass and June Core on drums. Farrell leads the way on piano on When Did you Stop Tryin', a smooth slow blues track. Lorraine and Kumar share the spotlight with Kumar really laying down some nice phrases. Mo steps up and establishes his own line with nicely articulated guitar solos and Farrell also takes a cool piano solo. Very nice! Let Your Tears Fall Baby, a fast shuffle track, has a T-Bone Walker feel with Mo and Lorraine playing call and response. Mo and Farrell each take a sweet solo on this track as well. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Get Back To Lovin' shows Mo in exceptional form with excellent guitar runs and tone. Lorraine has a rich voice and singing straight on the rhythm line against Mo's double step guitar playing gives the track exceptional feel. Farrell steps up with a super key solo and Mo is back with a really hot solo run. My favorite track on the release. Excellent! Kid Anderson steps in on guitar for shuffle track, Satisfied, trading riffs against Lotrraine on lead vocal. Another hot track, Anderson has a cool vibrato that adds nicely to his soloing. Very nice! Spiritual influenced and jazz flavored Wade In The Water plays nicely into Lorraine's vocal strength. The general feel of this track, enhanced by Phillips solid bass work makes this track the best showcase for Lorraines voice and Mo steps up with a crisp solo of his own. Hot! Classic Built For Comfort holds it's Chicago roots and features a really nice harp solo by Kumar. Mo also shows a slightly different side of his guitar chops on this track. Very nice! Quiet paced Wrong Side Of Love features Lorraine in the spotlight with the band peeled back. Clean, under the melody riffs from Mo and Farrell brighten the overall presentation of this fine track. Chad Mo Shuffle is a really nice instrumental featuring Mo just laying it out there. Farrell also jumps in on organ over a tight rhythm set by Phillips and Core. Very cool! Swing track Low Down Dog is a hot footed number with a smokin' harp solo from Kumar. Mo steps up with a slick bop of his own really getting the band revved up! On slower ballad, Hindsight, Lorraine leads the band down a soulful highway with a really dark feel. Farrell plays the lead solo on this track, the piano keeping with the stormy night feel. Wrapping the release is Love The World, a swampy track by Dr. John. With a mix of guitar work by Anderson, vocals, background vocals(like field hollering) and rudimentary rhythm, this is one of the most effective tracks on the release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

New video from Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King!

NEW VIDEO FROM SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING! Blind Pig Records has released a video of "Cornbread," the second track on Fat Man's Shine Parlor, the new album from Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre.  To watch the video, please click HERE. The latest addition to the duo's prolific discography just jumped to #1 on the Living Blues Radio chart for February.  Kubek and King have been thrilling music fans all around the world with what Billboard called their "hard-hitting original Texas blues-rock" for twenty-five years, and have developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Here's a list of their upcoming shows: March 11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits & Blues March 13 Birkenfeld, OR The Birk March 14 Milwaukie, OR Winter Blues Festival March 15 Seattle, WA Highway 99 Blues Club April 1 Kansas City, MO BB's Lawnside BBQ April 2 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 4 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon April 8 Memphis, TN Lafayette's Music Room April 9 Monroe, LA Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson Rally April 18 Erie, PA Get The Winter Blues Out 2015 April 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall April 21 Del Ray Beach, FL Bostons On The Beach April 24 Goodland, FL Little Bar Restaurant April 25 Sarasota, FL Sun Coast Blues Festival April 26 Sebastian, FL Earl's Hideaway April 27 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter May 16 El Paso, TX El Paso Blues & Jazz Festival May 30 Mobile, AL Blues Tavern May 31 Montgomery, AL Capitol Oyster Bar "Fat Man's Shine Parlor" is available from fine retailers everywhere.  For more info, please visit our website HERE.   To order from Amazon, please click HERE.

Lisa Biales March Music

March Happenings  Songwriter Showcase at Natalie's Thursday, March 12 from 9-12pm   Eric Gnezda hosts the wildly popular Songwriter Showcase at Natalie's 5601 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio. 614-436-2625 - $10 admission   Lisa Joins Eric Gnezda in the songwriters circle along with Vincent Trocchia,  and Elena Gallagher    Come and enjoy the best pizza and acoustic music Columbus offers.    Thursday, March 26 from 8-10pm Lisa Biales and Doug Hamilton O'Pub 10. College Ave, Oxford "Throwback Thursday" Bring an old friend.  My old friend  is bringin' his fiddle! The Big Song Music House Presents! Guitar Virtuoso Beppe Gambetta   Saturday March 28th at 8pm     While Beppe lives in his native Genova, Italy, he travels to North America at least four times a year to play music. We are excited to have Beppe in Oxford for this once in a lifetime up-close-and-personal music experience with a true guitar virtuoso. Read all about Beppe on: Wikipedia Watch Beppe Gambetta play Dixie Breakdown: HERE With special guests  Lisa Biales and  Michael McGannon Doors open at 7pm for potluck and mingling.  A $20 donation at the door is suggested.   Please let us know you are coming by simply replying to this email and we'll save you a seat! Lisa Biales and Bill Littleford Leo CoffeeHouse Sunday, March 29 from 8:15-9pm Mt. Healthy United Methodist Church 7612 Perry Street, Mt. Healthy, Mt. Healthy Ohio Price: Donations at the Door The Queen City Balladeers Presents their beloved Leo Coffee House each year from September - May. The Leo Coffeehouse is one of the oldest, longest running folk and acoustic music venues in the United States. The Leo was started in 1963, when a group of students at the University of Cincinnati formed the Queen City Balladeers and the Leo Coffeehouse.  APRIL @ The Big Song Music House!   Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin FRIDAY, April 10th at 8pm   Stephanie Bettman is at the least a triple threat. An accomplished writer, singer, and fiddler: her lyrics are infused with wit and wisdom, poetry and insight. Vocally she draws comparison to the soaring soprano of Joan Baez and the plaintive emotion of Emmylou Harris. Meanwhile, her fiddling, which combines elements of bluegrass and jazz, is inspired by such masters as Stephane Grappelli, Byron Berline and Johnny Gimble.    Luke Halpin is a renowned multi-instrumentalist. A master of the guitar and the mandolin, impressive on fiddle, banjo, and adept at nearly anything he picks up. Halpin draws inspiration from the likes of Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor and Tony Rice and holds his own in comparison. A dynamic and sensitive vocalist himself, the harmony blend he and Ms Bettman achieve is chilling and at times simply transcendent.  His quirky sense of humor is a perfect foil to Stephanie's dry witty presence.  Check out Bettman & Halpin on Youtube: HERE   Doors open at 7pm for potluck and mingling.  A $20 donation at the door is suggested.

Shantell Ogden Releases "Ghosts in the Field"

Award-winning Americana artist Shantell Ogden will be releasing her new album Ghosts in the Field on April 28, 2015. The seven-song collection follows Ogden’s highly successful Better at Goodbye, which won Americana Album of the Year at the 2014 IMEA Awards, garnering her a whole new legion of fans.

“I feel like I’m continuing to stretch and evolve in my songwriting and vocal delivery as an artist,” said Shantell. “I wanted to make sure people felt full after listening to the album, so I tried to think of it in terms of a menu. I wanted to balance out the deep songs with some lighter toe tapping tunes.”

Each song has a distinct emotional flavor, from the cold, hard truth of loving an addict in “Who Comes First”, to the deep yet hopeful “God Counts Every Tear,” to the upbeat song about a crush “Just a Little.” Perhaps the highlight of the album is the nostalgic “Ghosts in the Field” which Shantell wrote to honor her family’s third generation dairy farm.

“’Ghosts in the Field’ is really a song for anyone who has roots,” she says. “There is such a connection you can feel through the land to your ancestors, especially on a family farm.”

As with her previous album, Ghosts in the Field was recorded at Willisoundz in Nashville, with John Willis producing and playing all instruments but drums, which were played by Steve Brewster. Judy Rodman produced the vocals.

“When I started this album with Shantell, my goal was to honor the songs with tasteful arrangements and make sure we continuing to cultivate Shantell’s unique artistic voice through the production,” said John Willis, producer and multi-instrumentalist. “I believe we’ve done just that with this album.”

The album will be available for pre-sale on Shantell’s website at www.shantellogden.com beginning on April 1, and a special listening event will be held on April 20 in Nashville (more information here). The album will be released globally on April 28 on iTunes.

Jon Spear Band - Old Soul - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Old Soul, from the Jon Spear Band and it's made up of a diverse range of blues based tracks. Opening is I Can't Help Myself, is funky R&B style track featuring Dara James on vocal and guitar joined by Spear on vocal and guitar, Andy Burdetsky on bass and John Stubblefield on drums. Devil's Highway has more of a radio outline with a catchy melody well blended vocals. On clever track, The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese, Spear takes lead vocal and James contributes with strong harp and guitar riffs. Burdetsky steps up on lead with a nice walking bass line making this a very enjoyable track. James in back on lead vocals on title track, Old Soul, a sultry ballad featuring Ron Holloway contributing some excellent sax. Country presentation on I Love My Skin is complimented by western guitar riffs and easy two step drums. Forever Home is a laid back country blues track with strong radio appeal. A light slide guitar riff behind the clear vocals of James makes this track an absolute pop standout. With it's jazzy attack and nice harp work, this track is the most well rounded track on the release. Mean Mean Woman has a light Latin beat and a track of Isley like guitar underpinning. Tight vocal harmonies compliment this track nicely. Paid In Full is a warm ballad with strong phrasing and a nicely executed blues solo. Live Music Is Better is a straight up 12 bar number with swing. Burdetsky lays out a nice bass solo on this track and James it tight on harp. Wrapping the release is Tin Pan Alley which is nicely executed. A beautiful intro guitar solo by James sets up this track and James' vocals give the track a soft warmth. A terrific 8 minute take on a classic slow blues number, this is absolutely the outstanding track on the release with fiery guitar riffs flowing throughout. 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”

 

Johnny Winter "Best Of Alligator Years" LP Set For Record Store Day

JOHNNY WINTER VINYL-ONLY 
IT'S MY LIFE, BABY -- THE BEST OF THE ALLIGATOR RECORDS YEARS,
TO BE RELEASED ON RECORD STORE DAY

Johnny Winter (February 23, 1944-July 16, 2014) was an American music legend. Beginning with his first appearance on the pages of Rolling Stone in 1968, Winter epitomized the fiery and flamboyant blues-rock guitar hero. On Saturday, April 18, 2015, Record Store Day, Alligator Records will release the vinyl-only album It’s My Life, Baby – The Best Of The Alligator Records Years. It collects eight classic tracks from Winter's three heralded Alligator albums, featuring one brilliant, career-defining performance after another. The 180g pressing will also include a download card for the entire record. It will be initially available only at participating Record Store Day locations.
Upon joining the Alligator family in 1984, Winter wanted to record nothing but authentic, deep blues. When he released Guitar Slinger, his Alligator debut, it was widely hailed as his best (and bluesiest) album ever; it charted in Billboard and earned a Grammy nomination. The next year, Winter followed up with Serious Business. The blistering album won him his second Grammy nomination with Alligator. 3^rd Degree, his final Alligator release, came out in 1986. The album featured several special guests and an array of blues styles. Original Johnny Winter Trio players Tommy Shannon and Uncle John Turner, as well as Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack, made guest appearances.
While with Alligator, Johnny was living his artistic dream. Surprisingly, his Alligator blues albums earned their way onto rock radio, and a video for the song Don't Take Advantage of Me played on the fledgling MTV network for over six months. But no matter how much commercial success Johnny's Alligator albums received, they never compromised his commitment to his roots.
After his three Alligator releases, Johnny’s management convinced him that he needed to return to more commercial blues-rock and the world of major labels. Winter never stopped touring and recording, although he was facing growing health problems. He released a number of critically acclaimed live and studio albums while remaining as in-demand as ever. He died on July 16, 2014, while on tour in Switzerland. Shortly after his death, his final studio album, Step Back, was released.

While he continued to bring joy to fans around the world with his live shows and his recordings, Johnny Winter never again recorded with the inspiration of both being signed to a blues label and the accompaniment of real Chicago blues musicians. It’s My Life, Baby – The Best Of The Alligator Records Years will delight old and new fans, and remind them of Johnny’s intense love of the blues tradition and his desire to bring the deepest and most authentic blues to the widest possible audience.

Neon Blue Records artist: James Day & the Fish Fry - Southland - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Southland, from James Day & the Fish Fry and it's hot! Opening with New Orleans style R&B track, Chain of Pain, Day leads the way on vocal with it's modified twisting beat complimented by Dave Young on bass and John Meriglano on drums. Ron Baldwin hammers out a great piano lead and Day slides the fretboard on guitar. Very Nice! One of my favorite tracks on the release, Next New Thing is a hot Chicago style track with a twist of New Orleans from Baldwin on accordion. Stilladog ... listen up! The harp work on this track is cooking (Think Hoy Hoy Hoy)! Mark Shewchuk lays down a really meaty swing blues guitar solo topping of a really great track! Muscadine Wine has a simple rhythm reminiscent of the Coasters' Idol With A Golden Head. A cool party track with solid organ and unusual guitar riffs. Time & Money is a straight up blues track with nice piano runs. I particularly like Day's vocals and Mark Hummel's harp work on this track. Nice romp! Nat'chel Man has a light Gypsy Jazz club feel with Bill Nixon on fiddle, Rich Delgrosso on mandolin and Wally Bechtold on clarinet. Great tune! Fish Fry Jump is another hot boogie lead by Massimino. Day is really having a blast on vocals here and rips into his chromatic harp for a killer solo. Excellent! Country Woman really has a lot of the feel of Keith Richards playing the country music of the stones. Still has a rock edge but no polish and all feel. Cool! One Step Des Chameaux really gets that Zydeco sound with the French vocals and Baldwin on accordion. Nixon hits the cajun fiddle for a solid party track. Don't Bruise The Melons, another track with a sound of early rock/R&B featuring Carl Crabtree on sax and Day on vocal and harp. Keli Vale and Alisa B Anderson warm up the back with some tight vocals. Weather Blues is delta blues track for the release with particularly cool vocals. Day plays slide cigar box guitar on this track and Mark Hummel throws down fart harp riff after riff. Great track! Zydeco Boogaloo is likely the one track that comes to most everyone's mind when you say Zydeco. Nicely executed and rockin'. Festival Time digs deeper into the New Orleans bag featuring Richard Orr on clarinet, Jimmy Parker on trombone and Troy Corley on sax. Boneman Larry Toft pulls off a hot trombone solo opening up the traditional New Orleans jam held tight by Mark Thornton on percussion. Money Smarts & Charm is a blend of New Orleans and Skiffle. Shewchuck cuts loose some chicken Pickin riffs giving it a country twist. Day wraps it all up nice with a rolling harp solo! Title track, Southland has the definite sound of rural south with slide guitar, acoustic bass, fiddle and jaw harp. Vocal harmonies enforce the rural feel of this track with anchors it in it's rural roots. This is a really tasty release with strong writing, hot riffs and clever turns. Check it out!

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

James Burton, Albert Lee, Amos Garrett and David Wilcox Are "Guitar Heroes" on New Live CD, Coming May 5 from Stony Plain Records

James Burton, Albert Lee, Amos Garrett and David Wilcox Are Guitar Heroes on New Live CD, Coming May 5 from Stony Plain Records

Dream Team of Telecaster Masters Create an Historic Roots/Rock Extravaganza on CD and Vinyl, Recorded Live at Vancouver Island MusicFest 

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records proudly announces a May 5 release date for Guitar Heroes, a very special live recording that teams acclaimed guitar masters James Burton, Albert Lee, Amos Garrett and David Wilcox for what promises to be one of the most heralded albums of the year. Stony Plain Records (which is distributed in the U.S. by ADA) will release Guitar Heroes in both CD and vinyl LP formats. The LP version will be pressed on 180-gram vinyl and also include a card enabling purchasers to download the full 11 tracks on the CD edition.   

These four Telecaster Masters shake up the rock and roll universe on this historic release, recorded during a one-time special performance at the Vancouver Island (Canada) MusicFest on July 12, 2013. Rooted in blues and rockabilly influences, each of the four legends have shaped and changed the sound of popular music since the mid-1950s. The musicianship, good taste, camaraderie and energized interplay showcased on stage that night made guitar history, now preserved on recordings for everyone to experience. As Albert Lee, himself, proclaimed that night, “Welcome to my dreams here!”

Backing the four Guitar Heroes for this concert were the members of Albert Lee’s regular touring band: Jon Greathouse (keyboards/lead vocals), Will MacGregor (bass) and Jason Harrison Smith (drums/background vocals). The 11-song repertoire recorded for the program is presented just as it was heard that night, with no editing, overdubs or studio sweetening. Just four amazing guitar players having fun together and creating a magical night of music. Songs run the gamut of roots music, with explorations into blues, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll and a touch of country.

Musical highlights on Guitar Heroes abound, such as James Burton recreating his classic guitar licks on “Susie Q,” just as he did on the Dale Hawkins’ original single back in 1957; Albert Lee going on amazing guitar runs all over the album’s closer, “Country Boy;” Amos Garrett launching into the stratosphere with his string-bending take of the rock ‘n’ roll gem, “Sleep Walk;” and David Wilcox going full-out with two masterful solos on “Comin’ Home Baby.”

“As Artistic Director of the Vancouver Island MusicFest, I get to dream up collaborations like these for what will hopefully become once-in-a-lifetime musical experiences,” says Doug Cox on the album’s liner notes. “This one worked. It's truly rock and roll heaven, right here on Earth where there is indeed, a hell of a band!”

Burton, Lee, Garrett and Wilcox arrived on Vancouver Island a day early to rehearse at the local Cumberland Hotel. The mutual respect was clearly evident from the moment the four guitarists started to play together. “I remember standing out on our main street, thinking how surreal it was to have James Burton, Albert Lee, Amos Garrett and David Wilcox in our local watering hole in the middle of the day swapping licks,” recalls Doug Cox in his notes. “It was like a gunslingers gathering in an old saloon; one where all the survivors got together to enjoy each other’s company like only survivors can. High-test, take no prisoners, expect no mercy, guitar slinging at its best.”

And no wonder: each of these players has a resume that would be the envy of any musician on the planet. “James Burton, with his trademark ‘chicken pickin’ style, has created one of the most influential styles in country music and rock and roll,” writes Cox. “His playing has become a well of inspiration for many players, including the other musicians on this recording. Albert Lee took influences from James’ style and made it his own, with tone to die for. To quote his buddy Eric Clapton, Albert plays ‘like a jazz musician, but with country scales; like Django, but with a bluegrass past.’ Amos Garrett, known as the inventor of multiple string-bending on the guitar, is one of the most well versed players in the business, with a history steeped in blues, country and jazz (including classic solos, such as his work on Maria Muldaur’s “Midnight at the Oasis.”) And iconic guitarist David Wilcox, who is perhaps one of Canada's best kept secrets, has influenced a generation of Northern pickers with his funky rhythms, quirky surprise licks and searing slide guitar that identify him as one of our countries most unique players.”

James Burton (born Aug. 21, 1939, Dubberly, Louisiana)

Career highlights: “Susie Q,” with Dale Hawkins (1957), 11 years with Rickie Nelson, Elvis Presley (1969-77), Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris' Hot Band, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Denver, Merle Haggard, Roy Orbison, the TCB Band and thousands of sessions.

Albert Lee (born Dec. 21, 1943, Lingen, Herefordshire, England)

Career highlights: Heads, Hands and Feet (1971-73), The Crickets, Emmylou Harris and The Hot Band, five years with Eric Clapton, the Everly Brothers, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Rodney Crowell, 20 plus solo albums and thousands of sessions.

Amos Garrett (born Nov. 26, 1941, Detroit, Michigan)

Career highlights: Ian & Sylvia's Great Speckled Bird (1969-70), Maria Muldaur's “Midnight At The Oasis,” Paul Butterfield's Better Days, The Amos Garrett, Doug Sahm, Gene Taylor Band, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Garcia, Martin Mull, Jesse Winchester, etc.

David Wilcox (born Jul. 31, 1949, Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Career highlights: Great Specked Bird (1970-73), Nashville North and The Ian Tyson (TV) show, Maria Muldaur, many Canadian hits and gold and platinum albums as a solo artist. One of Canada's most influential roots music guitarists, singers and songwriters.

“There are moments of deep musical inspiration on these grooves; the kind that only happens when the music becomes bigger than the individual players,” Doug Cox summarizes in his liner notes. “All egos were put aside, nothing to prove, no young, nervous energy, just veterans digging in with musical colleagues in the truest sense. Thank goodness we recorded the show, although at first it was just to be a souvenir for the players. Once we heard the results we knew it had to be shared with the world. This is pure, passionate music.”

Guitar Heroes CD Track Listing

1. That's All Right (Mama) 5:18

2. Susie Q 5:26

3. Sleep Walk 4:13

4. Leave My Woman Alone 7:39

5. You're The One 7:57

6. Comin' Home Baby 4:32

7. Flip, Flop And Fly 4:32

8. Only the Young 6:15

9. Polk Salad Annie 5:44

10. Bad Apple 6:29

11. Country Boy 5:54

Guitar Heroes Vinyl LP Track Listing

(Includes download of all 11 tracks featured on CD & in digital outlets)

    Side One

1. That’s All Right (Mama) 5:19

2. Susie Q 5:27

3. Sleep Walk 4:13

4. Leave My Woman Alone 7:40

    Side Two

1. Flip, Flop And Fly 4:33

2. Comin’ Home Baby 4:32

3. You’re The One 7:58

4. Country Boy 5:54

Red House records artist: Charlie Parr - Stumpjumper - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (April 28, 2015), Stumpjumper, from Charlie Parr and it's a dandy! With his wailing vocals and deft finger picking on his resonator, he gets the set started with Evil Companion. backed by Phil Cook revival like on piano, Ryan Gufstafson on banjo and James Wallace on drums, this track is a real kicker. Empty Out Your Pockets has the sound of a field holler backed by a nice banjo roll and only minimal percussion, rhythm and slide by Parr and Emily Parr on vocal harmony. Very nice! Falcon has a really rural feel... gutsy strumming and bluesy vocals. Remember Me If I Forget is a fast paced folk track with a finger picking /slide technique reminiscent of Leo Kottke. Nicely blended with Emily Parr fits nicely with the overall country blues feel. On Marrying a Woman With an Uncontrollable Temper has a real bluegrass basis but just that twist of blues that is present in the humble roots of all American music. Very nice! The most contemporary folk ballad on the release is Over The Red Cedar, a track with a simple forward melody/harmony blending and cleanly articulated guitar picking. Resurrection has a real swampy sound of original delta blues. A lone resonator guitar with slide and simple vocal melody makes this track particularly effective. Title track Stumpjumper is a uptempo foot stomper with nice resonator slide backing. Simple snare work from Wallace is particularly effective in focus. Temperance River Blues is another simple country blues but with a waltz tempo in this case. Emily is particularly successful in creating the country harmony and Charlie in capturing the rudimentary slide. Frank Miller Blues is a cool acoustic blues track with resonator and drums. Parr hits the blues square on vocally and his guitar pacing is relentless. Cool! Wrapping the release is Delia with a simple soft touch. Keeping the strings on the minimal percussive side, parr carries the track almost exclusively on his strong vocals. Very nice close to a particularly acute country/folk/blues roots 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”

 

Roots and blues powerhouse Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar strike a chord with new release

"... she is utterly unique, the blood of a past era of music is running through her veins and when she sings she'll stop you dead in your tracks.” – Justin Stone, Fatea Magazine

Toronto based ensemble Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar have quickly been recognized as rising stars in the Canadian roots and blues music scene since the February 17th release of their exceptional recording Send the Nightingale. With extensive airplay and reviews from around the world, critics are hailing Martin as "a voice that comes along once in a generation" (Bob Mersereau) and "raw, urgent lead vocals that invite favorable comparisons to those of Bonnie Tyler.” (Duane Verh, Roots Music Report)   Within a few weeks Send the Nightingale was featured on The Alternate Root Top Ten Tracks of the Week, and has reached #3 on the !earshot National Folk/Roots/Blues charts with several positions on top 30 charts from stations across Canada, showing no sign of slowing down.   Here's what some of the reviewers have to say:   “O, boy! From the first notes of this explosive album, I was excited. I remained so as the album unfolded over its almost 40 minutes, and then I hit play again and was just as engaged the second time through. And the fifth… It is still early, but Send the Nightingale is going to be one of my favourite albums this year.” – Donald Teplyske, Fervor Coulee   “Listening to Send The Nightingale, one can only wonder why Toronto based singer Samantha Martin isn’t already a major star. This can be said without a hint of exaggeration as Send The Nightingale presents a talent fully formed to glorious effect. This lady owns a full understanding of what  ‘soul’ really means and a world-weary voice with the kind of power and control to get the job done properly.” – Rod Nicholson, Scene Magazine   “The ultimate joy of reviewing new albums is occasionally getting totally besotted by the first listen…the album will make you shudder, extract every sinew of raw emotion and leave you blessed with an experience of exploring what makes music an important medium for self-expression.” – Three Chords and the Truth (UK)   Send the Nightingale is available on iTunes and at www.samanthamartin.ca     @rootsnroll     /Samantha-Martin-Music