NEW RELEASE DATE for Royal Southern Brotherhood CD has changed

Don’t Look Back: The Muscle Shoals Sessions

Produced by Tom Hambridge and Blessed by FAME founder Rick Hall

Cyril Neville’s Royal Southern Brotherhood Eyes

May 26^th For Digital Release and June 9th for CDs in Stores!

“They are not a band – they are an extravaganza” – John Hiatt

Atlanta, GA – Ruf Records recording group, Royal Southern Brotherhood (RSB) preps for their much anticipated third studio album, Don’t Look Back: The Muscle Shoals Sessions for two opportunities for fans May 26^th for online stores to download and then June 9^th in the record store bins.

This album was recorded at the legendary FAME Studios (est. 1960 - Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Otis Redding) in Muscle Shoals, AL with Grammy award-winning producer Tom Hambridge and the band’s new guitar lineup as Cyril Neville leads the charge forward.

Don’t Look Back is a spiritual journey that only Cyril Neville can lead. The elite percussionist’s experiences combined with these talented, energetic players create a new sound that remains reverent to the blues traditions. This highlights the magic that happens when great songs are performed by great bands.

The magic of FAME was not lost on band leader, Cyril Neville. The longtime musical icon almost sounded like a star struck upstart when speaking of the experience, stating, “I stood in the same place (vocal booth) as Wilson Pickett!”

The energy and excitement was not lost on the rest of the band. The process began when the band gathered at a rented house along the Tennessee River. The river is famous for the singing-like sounds it makes as the waves lap against the shores. According to the legend of The Singing River, which is associated with the Yuchie tribe, it is believed the flowing waters sounded like a woman singing. The time in the rented house not only inspired much of the material, it allowed the band to develop the chemistry that separates a band from a group of musicians.

For their third effort, RSB brought in two new fiery guitar slingers, Bart Walker and Tyrone Vaughan, to breathe new energy into the band's sound. The new blood is there to help the venerable Cyril Neville on percussion and vocals with the thunderous rhythm section of Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooton to up the funk while maintaining the blues and rock that has brought Royal Southern Brotherhood a growing, worldwide audience.

The constant touring and recording has paid off: in 2014, the band won a Blues Music Award for BEST DVD for Songs From The Road – Live In Germany. This year they are nominated for BEST ROCK BLUES ALBUM for their sophomore effort, heartsoulblood and that will be decided in Memphis at the Blues Music Awards held in May.

Songs like “Big Greasy” recalls old school funk and Go-Go music, a sparse “Anchor Me” is a tender love ballad while the Neville autobiographical “Hell or High Water” is filled with the showman’s life and its struggles. The banjo-tinged title track, “Don’t Look Back” which is sung by Bart, brings in a country texture to give it a traveling feel.

Listen to a sneak peek of three songs: RSB - 3 Song Teaser

All these great songs came from various places as the band toured. Whether it was a sound check in the mid-west or a cheap hotel lobby or some studio in Europe, the band fleshed out their ideas (often recorded on their cell phones), so they had structure and hooks worked out before reaching FAME. This allowed the band and Hambridge to concentrate on performance instead of spending time developing ideas.

"We got to Alabama and dug deep down into the dirt of Muscle Shoals and created this wonderful gumbo of sound. It's easy to get creative with a band when everybody is open and flowing in the same direction. This band has such a positive energy around it. They are truly a brotherhood and it was a joy producing this album." - Tom Hambridge

The other cats on tape are Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville on keyboards/organ and the legendary Jimmy Hall on harp scattered about adding flare to the tunes.

Bart Walker, with his tinted glasses and curly hair, has a powerhouse voice that cuts through the music.  Classically trained as a formal opera singer, Walker hails from the Nashville area and he spent time in both Mike Farris from The Screamin’ Cheetah Willies and Reese Wynans (and old SRV bandmate) musical outfits. 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.

This was Tyrone Vaughan’s second time collectively playing with the others and he fell into place as if he were a longtime bandmate. Being the son of Jimmie Vaughan and the nephew of the iconic SRV can be a heavy burden to bear. 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.

As for the 65-year-old Neville, a world-renowned percussionist has long been considered New Orleans royalty for his stints in the Grammy Award winning Neville Brothers, Galactic and The Meters.  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. His philosophical beliefs and activist voice blend effortlessly when Cyril sits down to write. His intuition to the world and people are reflected within his soulful singing voice which creates a magnetic force between the listener and him.

In 1989, Cyril penned “Sister Rosa,” about the Civil Rights icon, Rosa Parks. USA Today honored Neville by choosing the song as one of the  most inspirational songs 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 U.S.

This past year, Cyril found himself being interviewed by another drummer, Dave Grohl, of the Foo Fighters, for the “Sonic Highways” documentary on HBO. This eight-part series that followed the Foo Fighters around to various US cities, capturing the music scene and history that is unique to that city. Grohl, who directed the series, interviewed other Nawlins luminaries Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews to gain an understanding of the Crescent City’s unique musical sound.

Cyril will lead the charge into the next Royal Southern Brotherhood crusade with this new album, Don’t Look Back with eyes narrowed. And just like John Hiatt says, “They are not a band, they are an extravaganza!” A sound and sight event of pure talent mixed in with love for their art, the music and their fans, the Loyal Royals.

The band will be in full touring mode throughout the year with radio and media campaigns behind them.

Please see their website for further information: www.royalsouthernbrotherhood.com

ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD INTINERARY

JAZZ FEST SCHEDULE:

04/29/15              New Orleans, LA                              Louisiana Music Factory               

In-Store!

04/30/15              New Orleans, LA                              Botanical Gardens          

05/02/15              New Orleans, LA                              New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

05/02/15              New Orleans, LA                              Saenger Theatre             

                                Neville’s Forever – A Celebration of the Neville Brothers and Their Music

SUMMER of RSB TOUR:

05/15/15              Colorado Springs, CO                      Stargazers Theatre         

05/16/15              Denver, CO                                         Lost Lake Lounge            

05/17/15              Durango, CO                                      Taste of Durango

05/19/15              Flagstaff, AZ                                       The Orpheum Theater

05/20/15              Phoenix, AZ                                        The Rhythm Room                         

05/23/15              Simi Valley, CA                                  Simi Valley Cajun and Blues Festival        

05/24/15              Oroville, CA                                        Semi- Annual Blues Festival        

06/19/15              Aurora, IL                                            Blues on the Fox             

Regina Bonelli - Open Up The Door - New Release Review

I just received the debut release, Open Up The Door, from Regina Bonelli and it's springy, bluesy and fresh. Title track, Open Up The Door, is a fusion of country, pop and blues. Vocalist Bonelli accompanies herself on piano with super guitar man Michael Hill adding some real nice riffs. Swing jazz track Cybersex Blues has a fuller arrangement including David Barnes on harp, Mike Griot on bass, Bill McClellan on drums and Hill on guitar. Rich vocal doubling harmonies add to the richness of the mix. Bluesy ballad, Mystical Love, is a nice vocal showcase with an excellent guitar solo by Hill. The bass lines by Pete Cummings on this track really hit hard and Bonelli's organ work is cements the track. R&B flavored Mama Raised A Sweet Thing has a real nice feel. Memphis style backing and hot guitar riffs take this track to the next level. Shuffle track, Daddy I'm A Big Girl Now may be my favorite track on the release with a sassy vocals from Bonelli and stinging guitar riffs from Hill. Soul track, Single Mother, Single Life is a really nicely written track with a tight melody and keyboard, bass and drums by Kevin Hill. Michael Hill takes advantage on the tempo slashing through with some really sweet guitar riffs. Very nice! I Fell has a mix of R&B and Latin influence. Cummings again lays down a nice bass line and McClellan is tight on the drum and Hill's guitar riffs add a really slick feel! Can You Fill His Shoes has a little funk and a nice swagger. Bonelli's vocals shine on this track and Michael Hill on slide guitar is icing on the cake. Blues ballad, Usin', has a strong grip and Bonelli uses the stage to give it a good shake. Michael Hill steps up with my favorite guitar break on the release adding to one of the most memorable tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Very First Day with Michael Hill joining Bonelli on vocal. An easy paced track with tight slide and acoustic guitar work, paired with light percussion gives Hill and Bonelli a great platform to sew up a very nice debut 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”

 

Award-Winning U.S. Blues Artist PEACH at Mojo Blues Bar

AWARD-WINNING U.S. BLUES ARTIST IN CONCERT AT WORLD-FAMOUS MOJO BLUES BAR IN DENMARK 9 May (Saturday), 2015

(Copenhagen, Denmark) - Award-winning U.S. blues artist PEACH and Band featuring guitarist Aske Jacoby along with bassist Fredrik Damsgaard and Stefan Pasborg on drums, and Esben Just on keyboards, perform in concert at the world-famous Mojo Blues Bar, Løngangsstræde 21 C, 1468 Copenhagen, Denmark, 9 May (Saturday). Doors open at 8:00 p.m., show starts at 9:30 p.m. Telephone: 33116453. Advance reservations can be made at: mojo@mojo.dk. Additional info at www.mojo.dk. PEACH performing in Venice, California, USA, last November. (photo by Ed Simon)    "(PEACH) exhibited her guitar skills along with strong singing on Stix Hooper/Will Jenning's 'Never Make Your Move To Soon' and also showcased 'It Meant Nothin' that she co-wrote with Keb' Mo', singing ever so soulfully and supported by Gospel-liker piano solo," writes L.A. Jazz Scene in a review of her  previous show at WitZend last November. "PEACH proves that nice girls CAN sing the blues," asserts Ed Simon in L.A. Beat, in a review of the blues diva's last WitZend gig. "The music seems to flow naturally out of her almost effortlessly, a natural singer (and excellent guitar player too) who kept the crowd at the WitZend transfixed. She sings without the forced 'blues inflection' that many performers add in songs just to make it bluesy. Instead, she has a crystal clear voice that was born to sing the blues," concludes Simon.                                     PEACH  - BIO      PEACH is at the forefront of female-fronted blues acts performing both modern and old-time blues, with an All-Star band of musicians featuring keyboardist Ken Stange (Joe Cocker); guitarist Jamie James (Jamie James & The Kingbees, Steppenwolf); bassist Jervonny Collier (Bruce Hornsby, Pointer Sisters); and legendary drummer James Gadsen (Paul McCartney, B.B. King, Smokey Robinson, Thelma Houston, Ray Charles, Freddie King, many more). In the recent past PEACH has recorded with Taj Mahal, Marty Grebb (Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell), Reggie McBride (Elton John), Joey Delgado (Delgado Brothers), Garth Hudson (The Band) and Paul Barrere (LIttle Feat). She has co-written with Keb' Mo' and Marty Grebb and is a past Los Angeles Music Awards, Rockwired Radio Awards, All Access Magazine Music Awards, and South Bay Music Awards recipient.      "PEACH has done a duet with Taj Mahal, co-wrote a song with Keb' Mo' and uses her decades of experience to bring real blues to her audience. Her kind spirit and passion make for a unique blend of Blues artist." - INFLUX MAGAZINE.                              PEACH: "Today I Sing The Blues"                                                                                            www.peach.us                            https://www.facebook.com/PeachBluesBand?fref=ts Influx Magazine - Feature L.A. Music Examiner - CD Review Rockwired Magazine - Interview Los Angeles Beat - Live Show Review

Charlie Parr - Stumpjumper

Charlie Parr   New album "Stumpjumper" premiering now at NPR Folk Alley Release date April 28 on Red House Records Available for pre-order here  "The raw metallic resonator guitar sound of Charlie Parr registers as a magnet of sorts – in the same way we’re drawn to the curious sounds of Tom Waits and even the indie folk of The Mountain Goats." - Glide Magazine

APRIL 21, 2015:  While a legend in some circles, Northwoods songwriter/guitarist Charlie Parr may be a new name to some music fans. Long a part of the vibrant Duluth, MN, music scene (Alan Sparhawk and Low, Trampled by Turtles), Charlie will release Stumpjumper, his first album with Grammy-winning Minnesota indie label Red House, on April 28. He's announced additional tour dates  through fall (scroll down for complete dates). NPR Folk Alley is streaming the album in its entirety this week, preview it here.  As well as being the first album Charlie has recorded outside of his native Minnesota, Stumpjumper is his first to feature a full band and was recorded in rural North Carolina with producer Phil Cook (Megafaun, Hiss Golden Messenger). Percussive and raw, the 11 songs on Stumpjumper, 10 originals and his version of the venerable murder ballad, “Delia,” could be lost field recordings from another era. Charlie's blistering picking -- he switches between acoustic guitar (he plays National resonator guitars), dobro and banjo -- and keening, cut-through-the-crowd vocals resonate with a conviction that runs deep and true. Parr’s inspiration is drawn from the alternately fertile and frozen soil of Minnesota; his songs exude a Midwestern sensibility and humility. He grew up in the Hormel meatpacking city of Austin, MN (population 25,000) where most of the world's favorite tinned meat, Spam, is still manufactured. (He won't eat hot dogs to this day.) The combination of growing up with both of his parents working proud union jobs in an industrial meat factory and his largely rural environment had a broad impact on his songwriting. Growing up around hard physical work and being close to the land are what comes through in Charlie's songs. Most of his recordings to date have eschewed typical studio settings; he’s recorded in warehouses, garages, basements and storefronts, usually on vintage equipment, which gives his work the historic feel of field recordings. It's not because he wants to sound like he was discovered 75 years ago by Alan Lomax, it’s because most modern recording studios make the reticent and self-effacing Parr feel uncomfortable.   His heartfelt and plaintive original folk blues and traditional spirituals don't strive for authenticity: they are authentic.   Press: "Parr's songs ring out with a working-class ethos and a welcome-home energy." - The Bluegrass Situation "The native Minnesotan’s style can best be described as new music from an older time – sometimes dark and desolate, sometimes raucous and danceable." - Dan Forte (Vintage Guitar)   "He draws from the well of human suffering, but does so with humor and just a dash of folk tale mystery." - American Standard Time   “Parr may have been born during the Nixon era, but you can taste the grit of the Dust Bowl in his music.” - Dusted “Among the contenders in the every burgeoning indie folk, or new folk, genre, there are a lot of pretenders and acts trying desperately to “look and play the part”, but five seconds in front of Charlie Parr and you know you’re dealing with the real thing.”- Jim Beckman (KEXP) “John Fahey described the music he collected on American Primitive Vol. 1 as ‘made under the influence of enthusiasm.’ The enthusiasm he spoke of was a kind of possession, whether Christian or diabolical he couldn’t be sure; a mode of ecstatic communication that intervened in the delivery of sacred and secular messages alike. Charlie Parr’s recordings, which make splendid companions to Fahey’s anthology, are similarly enthusiastic.” - Popmatters Tour Dates: TU 4/21 Duluth, MN - Tycoons Alehouse and Eatry WE 4/22 Duluth, MN - The Red Herring Lounge TH 4/23 Winona, MN - Midwest Music Festival (Broken World Records) FR 4/24 Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House SA 4/25 Zumbrota, MN - Crossings At Carnegie TU 4/28 Duluth, MN - Duluth Homegrown Music Festival TH 4/30 Duluth, MN - Duluth Homegrown Music Festival FR 5/1 Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater SA 5/2 Fargo, ND - Aquarium FR 6/5 Ft. Collins, CO - Moe’s Original BBQ - Choice City Stomp TH 6/11 Eau Claire, WI - Blue Ox Music Festival Country Jam FR 6/12 Duluth, MN - Red Herring Lounge FR 6/19 Bayport, MN - Bayport BBQ SA 6/20 Hancock, MI - The Orpheum Theater WE 6/24 Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle TH 6/25 Charlotte, NC - US National Whitewater Center FR 6/26 Wilmington, DE - World Cafe Live SA 6/27 Windham, VT - The Frendly Gathering TU 6/30 Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark WE 7/1 Nashville, IN - BigWoods Brewing TH 7/2 Cincinnati, OH - Washington Park FR 7/3 Berwyn, IL - Fitzgerald's-Berwin SA 7/4 Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House WE 7/8 Buffalo, NY - Sportsman's Tavern TH 7/9 Cambridge, MA - Atwoods Tavern SA 7/11 Greenfield, MA - Green River Music Fest SU 7/12 Saratoga Springs, NY - Caffe Lena FR 7/17 Remer, MN - Double Barrel Blues Fest SA 7/18 Stillwater, MN - Stillwater Log Jam SA 7/18 Minneapolis, MN - Patrick’s Cabaret FR 7/31 Red Wind, MN - Falconer Vineyard SA 8/1 Somerset, WI - Somerset Amphitheater FR 8/21 Durango, CO - Durango Blues Train SA 8/22 Durango, CO - Durango Blues Train TH 8/27 St, Paul, MN - Minnesota State Fair FR 8/28 St, Paul, MN - Minnesota State Fair SA 8/29 Friendship, IN - Whispering Beard Folk Festival WE 9/2 Minneapolis, MN - Midwest Music Showcase @ Target Field SA 9/5 Duluth, MN - Red Herring Lounge SA 9/12 Ames, IA - DG's Taphouse SU 9/27 Johnsville, CA - Lost Sierra Hoedown WE 10/14 St Could, MN - Pioneer Place on Fifth Theatre SA 10/24 Austin, MN - Paramount Theatre SA 12/19 Lake City, MN - Oak Center General Store

Chalet Music, LLC artist: Peter Novelli - St Amant Sessions - New release Review

I just received the newest release, St Amant Sessions, from Peter Novelli and it and it has a lot of variety. Opening with Louisiana Sunrise with a country 2 step feel, Novelli, a vocalist and guitar player is joined by slide player extraordinaire, Sonny Landreth, who lights it up. Boudin is a really cool funky jazz track with Novelli showing his own guitar chops on lead melodic guitar. Backed by Chris Senac on bass and Brian Brignac on drums this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Je Ne Sais Quoi is straight up rocker with cajun twist. Featuring Sammy Naquin on accordion and Kevin McKendree on keys, Novelli shines on both guitar and vocal. Very nice! Spirit Passing By has a serious strut and is heavily driven by Brignac on drums. Novelli's guitar attack on this track is raw and carefree...I like it! Woman In My Dreams is a smooth pop track with a jazz structure. Backing vocals by Bob Henderson and Elaine Foster as well as a voracious guitar lead from Novelli makes this track stand out. Story In Your Mind is a smooth ballad with a nice harmonic guitar solo backed by McKendree on organ. Bob Henderson steps up with some nice sax work as well. A sure radio track. Shreveport Stomp, a boogie instrumental, has that Louisiana country instrumental flavor with slick guitar riffs and McKendree reinforcing on piano. Thinkin' or Drinkin' really gets down into the Louisiana mud with R&B style funk. Naquin adds tasteful accordion harmony on Novelli's lead vocals and Henderson and Foster on backing vocal. Henderson throws down a hot sax solo as well. Rounding out the mix is Novelli's stylistic guitar solo. Another of my favorite tracks on the release is I-10 Boogie with a real Elmore James style guitar riff over a boogie beat. Novelli really shines on guitar on this track taking it for a hard ride. A break into a more Cha Cha feel gives Chubby Carrier the opportunity to hit his triple row accordion and then into a New Orleans style piano groove for McKendree on keys, then into a Latin feel for guitar. Rolling back into a Texas blues/boogie this track is hot! Wrapping the release is Zydeco Ride, again with Chubby Carrier leading the way on accordion.

  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”

 

Nugene Records artist: Ian Siegal - The Picnic Sessions - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, The Picnic Sessions, from Ian Siegel and it's laid back and loose. What do you get when you bring together 5 of the top folk story, blues, country instrumentalists together in one room? You get the Picnic Sessions! Opening with Stone Cold Soul, a simple country blues track, Ian Siegal, Luther Dickinson, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Jimbo Mathus and Cody Dickinson lay down a really gritty track with guitar, mandolin and vocal harmony. Very cool! How Come You're Still Here? has a folksy, uptempo, Dylanesque feel with guitar and banjo. Townes Van Zandt's Heavenly Houseboat Blues is a really sweet little blues track with authentic country style vocal blending. With guitar, slide and mandolin, this track lays in the pocket. Excellent! Beulah Land has the sound of early American folk music with tight symmetry. Changing tempo mid tune, the track takes on a more western flavor with western steel style riffs and telling a great story. Keen and Peachy, has a definite bop to it with and definitive slide part, cool harp and a steady foot stomp. This is great music for just kicking back and throwing one down. Wasted Freedom is the "classic" track on the release with it's timeless warmth. With it's Kristofferson feel could be redone over and again in years to come. Tom Russell track, Gallo Del Cielo, a Spanish based ballad, is rhythm guitar driven with Spanish guitar flavors and rugged vocals. Very nice! Hard Times (Come Again No More) is a really solid ballad with finger picked resonator and slide work. The earthy vocals both on lead and in harmony give this track a particular richness. Talkin' Overseas Pirate Blues is another really tight folk blues that will definitely put one in mind of Dylan. This track will please your ears and stimulate your minds eye. Very nice! Wrapping the release is Only Tryin' To Survive, a more colorful track with a broader instrumental palate. With blusier vocals and bright mando lead over guitar and blended vocal harmonies, this is a great finisher. This is a cool release with a relaxed country blues feel. Enjoy!

  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”

 

Bill Wyman announces first UK solo album in 33 years

BILL WYMAN ANNOUNCES FIRST UK SOLO ALBUM IN 33 YEARS 'BACK TO BASICS' TO BE RELEASED JUNE 22 ON PROPER RECORDS

Back To  Basics does exactly what it says on the tin. It is unashamedly stripped back. The snappy lyrics are refreshingly audible and the instrumentation is clean, subtle and accomplished. Back To Basics wears its influences on its sleeve – Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, JJ Cale – and there’s more than a passing nod to Bill’s own English background. It is that rare thing, a meld of styles and genres that actually work together - uplifting in a jaunty, dancey way and pensive in a bluesy, narrative way. As might be expected from one of the world’s best known bass players Back To Basics drives along with a rhythmic muscularity, and then slows the pace for more autobiographical lyric and melody.  It is an album that warrants repeated play. It is also an album that’s long overdue… Bill Wyman’s last solo UK album, Bill Wyman, was released in 1982. Back To Basics comprises only his fourth UK solo release.

But Bill has not been idle of course. 31 years in the Rolling Stones, author of seven learned books, globally exhibited photographer, metal detecting expert with his own brand of metal detector, producer, composer for film and TV and founder of the very successful Rhythm Kings who release CDs and tour regularly - he has had a pretty full calendar. It was only when archiving old demos last year he realised he had around 60 songs he’d never released.

He chose five songs that needed reworking and did just that. He put them together with a bunch of brand new songs and went into his studio to record them.

“Initially I thought I’m a bit old for this but then I thought all the old blues musicians played till they dropped so why don’t I give it a go…” B.W.

The CD comprises 13 tracks in total, eight of which are new songs. Musicians joining Bill in the studio include long time collaborator/guitarist Terry Taylor, Guy Fletcher (Mark Knopfler) , Graham Broad and Robbie McIntosh while co-production credit goes to Andy Wright (Jeff Beck, Eurythmics, Simply Red).

On Bill Wyman’s Back To Basics you get music that’s the real deal...and you’re all the better for it.

BACK TO BASICS
Track Listing

1. What & If & When & Why
2. I Lost My Ring
3. Love, Love, Love
4. Stuff (Can't Get Enough)
5. Running Back To You
6. She's Wonderful
7. Seventeen
8. I'll Pull You Through
9. November
10. Just A Friend Of Mine
11. It's A Lovely Day
12. I Got Time
13. Exciting (Bonus track for Itunes only)
www.billwyman.com

Lee Palmer to release third CD "Like Elway" on May 12

Lee Palmer to release third CD "Like Elway" on May 12

Talented singer-songwriter Lee Palmer is set to release his third album Like Elway on May 12, 2015. Although a musician and writer for most of his life, Palmer didn’t release his first album One Take: Live at Canterbury until 2013. He quickly followed with a second release, 60 Clicks in 2014. Both received positive reviews and airplay across North America & Europe.   With a unique mixture of blues, country, jazz and Americana, Like Elway features nine tracks, with every song showcasing Palmer’s talents as a singer and songwriter. The writing for this album started with a 10-day trip to Nashville this past summer. Two tracks, “Like Elway” and “Lonely at the Top” were a direct result of that musical emersion in Tennessee. The balance were written in the fall of 2014.   The album was recorded live at Noble Street studios with JUNO winner George Seara behind the mixing console. The players for the session included Al Cross, David Woodhead, Lance Anderson and Elmer Ferrer. Later additions to the recording included cameo appearances by: Roly Platt on harmonica, vocalist Mary McKay and Joaquin Nuñez on Cajon and percussion.   The album serves up a mix of emotions from light and witty, (Axe to Grind, Rockin’ this Chair, This Feels Like One of Those Days and Lonely at the Top) to serious tunes like (Life’s a Mess, Maybe That’s Why and Those Winter Blues). Palmer also serves up some unique spins with the talking country-blues title track Like Elway and rockier Have a Wonderful Life, co-written with friend, guitarist and co-producer, Elmer Ferrer.   Palmer doesn’t slide into any one genre easily. In past reviews, his musical sound has been compared to musically diverse talents like Willie Nelson and the early Downchild Blues Band. One thing is for sure, he continues to write and share his musical stories in an honest and straight from the heart fashion.   The debut of Like Elway is sure to further showcase Palmer’s musical talent as a vocalist, and songwriter. “I continue to learn each time I go into the studio,” says Palmer, “I feel this is my best effort yet and I am extremely thankful to those who have helped me on my journey.”     Quotes   "A fresh, pleasant, first-rate singer-songwriter. Worthy to be heard, this Lee Palmer. Where have you been all this time, Lee?" - Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe   “Americana with a big arching A …You get the feeling that in those years before he started making his own records, that Palmer was a bit of a collector of stories and was probably more than a bit player in a lot of them, there is a tone, a quality to the material that suggests a real sense of ownership.” – Neil King, Fatea   @leepalmermusic  /leepalmermusic   For more information on Lee Palmer, visit leepalmer.ca      Tracklist   1. Rockin’ This Chair 3:36 2. Life’s A Mess 3:13 3. Those Winter Blues 4:37 4. Lonely At The Top 4:02 5. Like Elway 4:00 6. This Feels Like One Of Those Days 2:52 7. Maybe That’s Why 3:46 8. Have A Wonderful Life 3:32 9. Axe To Grind 4:00

Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue 'Spring' into Harvelle's

      

                                                

 

    Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue Featuring The Fabulous Smokettes 'Spring' Into Harvelle's

 

 

Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

 

 

  (Santa Monica, CA) - Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue featuring The Fabulous Smokettes, 'Spring' into Harvelle's,

1432 4th St., in Santa Monica, Saturday, April 25. Admission is $10. 9:30pm-1 am. Info: (310) 395-1676 or http://santamonica.harvelles.com .

 

 

  Knight, a longtime seminal figure in the blues/R&B/soul music scene with a career that streches back several decades, proudly fronts the same eleven-piece ensemble he first started in southern California back in 1995 (the band just celebrated their 20th anniversary in March).

 

  Blowin' Smoke was feted in the April 2015 issue of national publication, Music Connection.

 

  

 

 

Do You Remember Where You Were & What You Were Doing In 1995, The Year Blowin' Smoke First Formed & Started Playing Live in SoCal?

 

 

  Two decades ago - 1995, to be exact - a gallon of gasoline was $1.09, a dozen eggs were 87 cents, postage stamps were 32 cents each, and the average cost of a new car was $15,500.00. Also that year, longtime Southern California musician Larry "Fuzzy" Knight formed the Blowin' Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue, a unique, multi-instrumental band with a big lineup and an even larger sound, augmented by three superb female vocalists collectively known as The Smokettes.  Their debut album "Beyond The Blues Horizon" was hailed by the L.A. Times, L.A. Weekly, Music Connection and more for it's smart blend of blues, R&B, and soul, utilization of a rich-sounding horn ensemble and of course, those ever-present Smokettes on vocals.

 

  Two decades later, much has changed (especially those aforementioned prices!). but one thing has remained constant - Knight and Blowin' Smoke are still going strong, entertaining audiences at festivals and better nightclubs throughout the Southland, often accompanied onstage by renowned guest musicians. "Blowin' Smoke conveys a welcome reminder to all people with a beating heart that putting a full horn section in front of a smoking rhythm section, then layering three charismatic and powerful vocalists on top of that - all live and at the same time - is music at its most enriching," writes MUSIC CONNECTION. "Bandleader Larry "Fuzzy" Knight reminds all of us in the modern technological era that real people with real instruments and real personalities are playing music that hits the gut and forces the knees to bend."

 

  Knight - whose impressive musical resume' includes a decade-plus stint as bassist for one of the great SoCal bands to emerge from the psychedelic era of the Sixties, Spirit - recently announced the addition of a new member to the Blowin’ Smoke lineup, Don Preston.  Preston is a former original member of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention and co-founder of the “GrandMothers”, of which he recorded a total of thirty-plus albums.

 

  

                            www.blowinsmokeband.com

              https://www.facebook.com/blowinsmokeband

 

 

Larry "Fuzzy" Knight Interview - Orange County Blues Society

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

Live Show Review - Los Angeles Beat

Larry "Fuzzy" Knight Feature - The Argonaut

Ghetto Surf Music artist: Billy Hector - Old School Thang - New release review

I just received the newest release (June 27, 2015), Old School Thang, and it's smokin! Opening with blues rocker, She's Gone, Billy Hector on vocal and guitar is backed by Tommy Labella on sax, Steve Jankowski on trumpet and trombone, David Nunez on organ, Tim Tindall on bass and Sim Cain on drums. With a Latin flair, the horns seem to make the tune sway in the breeze, anchored by Nunez and Hector splits the hurricane with sweet guitar riffs. Don Nix's, Goin' Down comes out hot and heavy with tributes to the mixes by Freddie King and Jeff Beck. I've always loved this track and Hector launches right into it with both feet. This track rips! On the funky title track, Old School Thang, Hector fuses James Brown and his own style of funk for a cool but nasty guitar jam party. Winston Roye drives hard on the bass and Cain really nails the drum kit. Very cool! Fake ID has a really strong swagger, emphasized by Hector's slide work and additional guitars by Micky Melchiondo. Tim Tidell on bass and Sim Cain hold down the bottom as Hector and Melchiondo jam. Nice! Vitamin Big Daddy is a slinky blues track with a horn melody pumped up big time by Labella and Jankowski. I really like Hector's slide work on this track. Excellent!! Country flavored blues track Come On Home has a bright rhythm with Winston Roye on cowbell and Ken Sorenson on harp. Evil Slick 'N Sly is a slinky track with a contagious guitar riff and stiff drum reinforcement. With that I Put A Spell On You kind of vamp, this track is really hard to beat. Hector even hows at the moon as he blows off the wicked guitar riffs. Excellent! Springy and light, Hammer, has a jazzy blues approach. Larry Crockett takes over the drums on this one and Hector stings like Albert Collins surrounded by an easy funky guitar rhythm. Rita is a really cool swampy blues with Hector's vocals backed by Suzan Lastovica and Joshua Mark. A gritty guitar solo on this track instead of horns straight from Bourbon Street gives it a fresh flavor. Excellent! Down and dirty, Short and Sweet Blues finds Hector attacking guitar blues straight on old style. This instrumental track complimented by Nunez on organ, Labella on sax, Pete Maurer on Trombone and Carlos Francis on trumpet is hot! Wrapping the release is super funky People Of The World. Rich Monica takes the drums on this one and Mel Taylor steps up with a hot sax solo and Hector grabs it and shakes it hard. Super, primarily instrumental conclusion to a really smokin 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”

 

Giddy Minion artists: Ben Rice & Lucy Hammond - Destination Clarksdale - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Destination Clarksdale, by Ben Rice & Lucy Hammond and they make a fine acoustic blues duo. Opening with Ida Mae a cool shuffle track, Rice lays down a fine guitar base and blends nicely vocally with Hammond. Very cool. Next up is Oh Lord, a quiet delta style track performed with solitude and rich feeling. Rice has his resonator ringing and again the vocal blendings between Rice and Hammond are quite fine. On Gary Davis styled Wants Me Back Again, Rice really shows that he is a fine vocalist and Hammond knows how to push him to even higher heights. With only resonator finger picking, this is my favorite track on the release. A more contemporary track with a modern beat, Turn My Back On You would seem the certain radio track with clever guitar work and a catchy melody. Wrapping the release is Muddy Water featuring Hammond in the lead role. Her rich vocal talent is nicely demonstrated here with only a very light rhythmic acoustic guitar accompaniment. This is a solid release by Rice and Hammond. It's easy to see why their performances have gained them IBC finalist status.

  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”