Davina and The Vagabonds To Release Nicollet And Tenth On March 25th....

DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS TO RELEASE

NICOLLET AND TENTH ON MARCH 25^th

Minneapolis, MN – Over the past several years, Davina And The Vagabonds, have been building an audience around the globe.  Their shows are filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, dark theatrical moments that evoke Kurt Weill, and tender gospel passages. Singer/pianist Davina Sowers' presence is indelible, while her voice defies simple categorization. Evoking comparisons as diverse as Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday and Betty Boop, she is simply a true original, presenting a personal vision that celebrates a century of American music.

With a full tour schedule already in place for the top of the new year, Davina And The Vagabonds will release a brand new live album: Nicollet And Tenth on March 25^th.

Normally when an artist announces they are releasing a ‘live album’ it’s considered a stopgap or throwaway release, not vital to the artist’s collection.  In the case of Nicollet And Tenth, it couldn’t be any farther from the truth.  Davina And The Vagabonds have built their success on the road, and the two studio albums released by the group so far have tried to be a reflection of their rollicking focused performances, clean sound and raging fun. 

With the release of Nicollet And Tenth, the band is giving the listener a front row seat to what has made them popular in the first place, their live show.

“On the corner of Nicollet and Tenth, in downtown MPLS, lies a moody jazz club called the Dakota,” Davina remarked.  “The Vagabonds and I have been playing there for over 10 years. It is our second home and we are welcoming you to come in, grab a drink, and listen to us play our hearts out to you!” 

In 2011, Davina And The Vagabonds released her first full length, all original album Black Cloud. It was named one of the ten best releases of the year by their hometown daily the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and awarded 4 ½ stars from Downbeat Magazine. Their next release in 2014, Sunshine, hit number 13 in the Billboard Blues Chart, which led to an performance on the famed hit BBC show, Later with Jools Holland. 

Watch Davina And The Vagabonds Perform “Red Shoes” live on Later With Jools Holland here: https://vid.me/5Jxz

NICOLLET AND TENTH - TRACK LISTING

Knock Me A Kiss

Black Cloud

Sunshine

Ain’t That A Shame

Louisiana Fairytale

Shake That Thing

Muddy Waters

You Must Be Losing Your Mind

Lipstick And Chrome

Start Runnin

I Would Rather Go Blind

Red Shoes

Pocket

Travelin All Alone

5 ft 2

Bee Sting

St. James

His Eye is On The Sparrow

2016 Davina And The Vagabonds Tour Dates

1/08                 Brainerd, MN                          NP Event Space

1/13                 Northampton, MA                  Iron Horse Music Hall

1/14                 Westerly, RI                            Knickerbocker

1/15                 New York, NY                       City Winery

1/16                 Williamsburg, VA                   Winter Blues Jazz Festival

1/20                 Chicago, IL                             City Winery

1/21                 Wisconsin Rapids, WI            McMillan Memorial Library

1/22                 St. Paul, MN                           Wilebski's Blues Saloon

1/23                 Marion, IA                              Campbell Steele

1/24                 Lansing, IA                             The Other Place

1/29                 Minneapolis, MN                    Crooked Pint

1/30                 Minneapolis, MN                    Crooked Pint

1/31                 Indianapolis, IN                      Jazz Kitchen

2/02                 Vienna, VA                             Jammin Java

2/03                 Richmond, VA                       Tuckahoe's Woman's Club

2/04                 Mifflinburg, PA                      Rusty Rail Brewing Company

2/05                 Wyomissing, PA                     Building 24

2/06                 Philadelphia, PA                     Chris' Jazz Cafe

2/08                 Ann Arbor, MI                        The Ark

2/09                 Grand Rapids, MI                   Tip Top Deluxe

2/10                 St. Louis, MO                         Old Rock House

2/11                 Kansas City, MO                    Knuckleheads

2/12                 Davenport, IA                         Redstone Room @ River Music Experience

2/13                 Racine, WI                              Racine Theatre

2/14                 Madison, WI                           Majestic Theatre

2/26                 Minneapolis, MN                    Dakota

2/27                 Minneapolis, MN                    Dakota

2/28                 Sioux Falls, SD                       Sioux Falls State Theatre

3/04                 Des Moines, IA                       Social Club

3/05                 Bloomington, IL                     American Red Cross Fundraiser

3/10                 Akron, OH                              Jilly's Music Room

3/11                 Cleveland, OH                        Music Box Supper Club

3/12                 New Cumberland, WV           Oak Glen Culture Club

3/19                 Mankato, MN                         Hooligan's

3/29                 Seattle, WA                            Jazz Alley

3/30                 Seattle, WA                            Jazz Alley

4/02                 Eureka, CA                             Redwood Coast Music Festival

4/21                 Minneapolis, MN                    Dakota

4/22                 Minneapolis, MN                    Dakota

4/23                 Zumbrota, MN                        Crossings

4/24                 Minneapolis, MN                    Dakota

5/03                 Hopkins, MN                          Hopkins Center For The Arts

5/12                 Minneapolis, MN                    Lowertown Line Filming

6/04                 Rapids, IA                              Veterans Memorial Building

Award-winning guitarist + singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué announces new album and Canadian tour dates

Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues available January 22, 2016

First single "Little Bit" available on iTunes, Radio Submit and cdkmusik.com

The early 2015 release of Montreal guitarist and singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué’s acclaimed solo acoustic recording, Anybody Listening Part 1: Monologues showcased Doo-Kingué’s songwriting in its rawest form, earning her accolades and multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting. On January 22, 2016, Doo-Kingué will release the second chapter of her trilogy exploring blues, roots, and life in their myriad of aspects. Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues features her strength and versatility as an all-around guitarist and musician, from blues to jazz to folk to soul to rock n’ roll.  Fiery licks and seamless melody compliment her deep, laid-back voice throughout the album, leaving no doubt as to the guitarist’s oneness with the instrument, nor the unity of her sound.  Surrounded by a stellar cast of Montreal’s finest musicians, Doo-Kingué presents an eclectic collection of contemporary blues adding to the social commentary of Anybody Listening Part 1:Monologues, and celebrating life and music with fellow artists she is a fan of, in spaces that exude positive energy. Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues is a family reunion, as much in the ‘whom’ as ‘where and how’ it was recorded.  Doo-Kingue called on long time collaborators Kim Richardson and Alan Prater, Kalmunity Vibe Collective regulars Malika Tirolien, Fredy V, Wayne Tennant, and Nadia Bashalani to ensure the soulful back vocals to the album.The album was predominantly tracked and entirely mixed at Bottega Studios in Kelowna, owned by the same patrons of the arts who run Streaming Café.  Most of the bed tracks are courtesy of two of her live trio rhythm sections, Anthony Pageot on drums, paired with Fredy V and Cedric Dind-Lavoie on bass.  The Dialogues version of “Six Letters features” two of Doo-Kingué’s favourite guitarists: her brother J.C ‘Dook’, and Montreal soul / funk legend Daniel ‘DJ’ Joseph, invited to play lead on the track alongside Kelowna-based banjoist Jesse Padgett. Thematically, Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues continues the social commentary found on Monologues, adding disenfranchisement (Riot & Revolution), self-gratification (Pure Entertainment), and religious fanaticism (Faith) to the themes explored by the trilogy.  Cécile Doo-Kingué also celebrates the sweeter side of life, (Sunshine Lady, Thankful, and Little Bit) as a reminder that life is beautiful, despite the state of the world.  To pay tribute to one of her favourite guitarists while raising awareness of mental illness, Doo- Kingué ends the collection with a full steam version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression”. Cécile Doo-Kingué isn’t just another token “chick” guitarist; her talents are measured not by gender lines, but by the fact that she is quickly earning a stellar reputation and a place alongside Canada’s current roster of great guitarists. Powerful and raw, Cécile Doo-Kingué’s guitar prowess, lyrics, and sound make for enthralling and intimate communion. Click here to request a digital download of Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues   Click here to download album artwork Click here to download promo photos of Cécile Doo-Kingué  Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues Tracklist 1. Riot and Revolution 2. Sweet Talkin’ Devil 3. Anybody Listening 4. Little Bit 5. Six Letters 6. Thankful 7. Pure Entertainment 8. Animal Kingdom 9. Bloodstained Vodka 10. Faith 11. Sunshine Lady 12. Manic Depression Cécile Doo-Kingué Tour Dates Jan 14: Bruce Social Club, Thornbury ON  Jan 15: Bruce Wine Bar, Thornbury ON  Jan 16: The Townehouse, Sudbury ON  Jan 18: Maple Blues Awards, Toronto ON  Jan 21: Winterruption, Regina SK  Jan 23: Creative City Centre, Regina SK Jan 27: The Root, Lloydminister SK Jan 29: Fish Creek Concerts, Calgary AB Jan 30: Coldsnap Festival, Prince George BC Feb 05: New Moon Folk Club, Edmonton AB Feb 06:Flying Canoë Volant, Edmonton AB Feb 07: Olive Bistro & Lounge, Jasper AB Feb 11: Water Shed Arts Cafe, Langley BC Feb 12: Fox Cabaret, Vancouver BC Feb 13: Love Is The Answer Fundraiser, Vancouver BC Feb 17: Plum, Lethbridge AB Feb 19: La Grange Laurier, Laurier MB Feb 20: Festival du Voyageur, Saint-Boniface, MB Feb 21: Festival du Voyageur, Saint-Boniface, MB Feb 25: Mid-Winter Blues Festival, Regina SK Feb 26: Saskatoon Blues Festival, Saskatoon SK Feb 27: Stircrazy Blues Festival, Swift Current SK Mar 04: O Patro Vys, Montreal Homecoming show  www.cdkmusik.com                   @cdkmusik   /ceciledookinguemusik   Photo by Terry Hughes Images

Texas Blues Legend Long John Hunter 1931 - 2016

TEXAS BLUES LEGEND LONG JOHN HUNTER

JULY 13, 1931 - JANUARY 4, 2016

Internationally known Texas guitar legend Long John Hunter, 84, died in his sleep at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on Monday, January 4. His signature Texas blues were fueled by his single-note solos and melodic, drawling vocals. The Los Angeles Times called him "a top notch singer, guitarist and unbridled wildman performer...a raw, feral talent bursting with energy." During a 60-year career, he recorded seven solo albums and a number of 45s.

Long before Hunter became a world-renowned recording artist, he was already a major draw in the Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas region, where he cut his first 45. In 1957 he headed to Juarez, Mexico where he led the house band at the rough and tumble Lobby Bar for the next 13 years. There he played for locals, cowboys, soldiers, tourists and touring musicians, including Buddy Holly, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Lightnin' Hopkins, Etta James, Albert Collins and many others. He became a mentor to a young Bobby Fuller (I Fought The Law). Twice James Brown brought his band to witness Hunter in action. The second time Brown surprisingly took the stage during a set break. Unfazed, the audience screamed for Brown and company to move on and clear the way for the return of their hero, Long John Hunter.

Hunter became regionally famous not only for his musicianship, but for his showmanship. One of his favorite tricks was to hold his guitar by the neck in one hand while continuing to play. With his free hand, he'd reach up, grab a rafter above the stage and start to swing, never missing a beat. The Lobby Bar crowd delighted in Long John's antics, and they inspired the title of his 1997 album, Swingin' From The Rafters.

John T. Hunter, Jr. was born in Ringgold, Louisiana on July 13, 1931 and grew up in Arkansas and Texas. He had no interest in being a professional musician until, when he was 22, co-workers at the Beaumont, Texas box factory where he worked took him to see B.B. King perform at the Raven Club. Hunter later said he was amazed at the reception King got from the crowd, especially the frenzy of the women in the audience. The next day Hunter went out and bought a guitar. That very week he put a band together and before long developed his own style, mixing swinging blues and razor sharp guitar playing reminiscent of fellow Texans Albert Collins and Gatemouth Brown, with a definite nod towards B.B. King. Less than a year later, Hunter was headlining at the Raven Club, the very same place he first saw B.B.

Hunter's growing reputation spread to Houston, where Don Robey of Duke Records (home of Gatemouth Brown, Bobby Bland and Junior Parker) released Hunter's first single, Crazy Baby b/w She Used To Be My Woman, in 1954. The record didn't win Hunter a national audience, but it did generate enough interest to keep him working full time as a musician. Hunter headed for Houston in 1955 to try and capitalize on his Duke single. He played shows with Little Milton, Johnny Copeland and many others. Two years later, he moved west to El Paso. The very night Hunter arrived, he crossed the border into Juarez, Mexico and found work at the Lobby Bar where he stayed for the next 13 years. "If it didn't happen at the Lobby Bar," Long John often said, "it just didn't happen in life."

Releasing only a small number of 45s, Hunter didn't record a full album until 1993's Ride With Me (Spindletop, reissued by Alligator). He signed with Alligator in 1996. His label debut, Border Town Legend, brought his music and his story to the masses. With his 1997 follow-up Swingin' From The Rafters, Hunter went from being a locally revered Texas bluesman to being an internationally touring festival headliner. In 1999 he joined his old Beaumont friends Lonnie Brooks and Phillip Walker for the Texas rave-up CD, Lone Star Shootout. The Chicago Tribune said, "Hunter embodies Texas blues in all its varied, roustabout glory like no one on the scene today."

As his stature grew, so did his tour calendar. He played numerous high-profile concerts including The Chicago Blues Festival, South By Southwest, San Antonio Cultural Festival, Long Beach Blues Festival, as well as multiple tours of the U.S and Europe. Hunter continued to perform and record, releasing independent CDs in 2003 and 2009.

Hunter is survived by his wife Gayle and brother Tom.

Funeral information is pending.

Nola Blue artist: Benny Turner - When She's Gone - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (February 14, 2016), from Benny Turner and it's smooth! Now on his 4th release, Turner, brother to Freddie King (yes, that Freddie King) really has it going. His last release, Trouble

was really nice and this one is even better! Opening with I Can't Love, a cool swinging blues with a nice heavy bottom compliments of Alonzo Johnson, and sparkling keys courtesy of Samuel "The Bishop" Berfect gives the track traction and Turner's solid lead vocals and backing vocals by Diane Lotny and Yvonne Washington give it a James Brown twist. Very nice! On Pity On This Lovesick Fool, The Bishop on piano, Davell Crawford on Rhodes and organ and Marc Adams set an almost Billy Preston presence and Turner, joined by Marva Wright on lead vocals gets in the groove. Smooth ballad, Because Of You, features Turner right up front and with such a soulful melody, should hit the radio hard. Backing vocal by Tanya Jarvis, The Bishop on keys, Dr John on guitar, Alonzo Johnson on bass and Herman Ernest III keep this really tight. Solid! On Bill Withers' super track, Ain't No Sunshine, Turner hits with some of his best vocals ,Bob Margolin adds key ethereal slide work to a really nice arrangement of a really cool track. Complimented by Derwin Perkins on rhythm guitar, Turner on bass, Keiko Komaki on keys and Jeffrey Jellybean Alexander on drums this may be the best redo of this track I've heard. So Deep is a really interesting track with lead bass lines by Turner. A gospel feel with full backing vocal ensemble including Davell Crawford, Craig Adams, Carla Davis, Yvette Whittler and Charles Chucky C Elam, over just Charles Brown on piano, The Bishop on organ and Larry Williams on drums makes this one of my personal favorites on the release. Excellent! If I Can't Have You has a cool bass line by Johnson and a really nice walking groove. Turner's vocals, backed by Lotny and Washington, is point on and keys by the Bishop, harp by Sean Lewis and drums by Alexander a really nice track. Have You Ever Been Lonesome, again finds Turner supplementing his lead vocals with some really tasty bass lead. A slower soul style blues track is really smoking fanned by the Bishop on keys, Johnson on bass and Alexander on drums. Excellent! Lowell Fulson's Reconsider Baby gets a slight swing and excellent guitar punctuation by Bob Margolin. John Paxton and Keiko Komaki roll the keys and Marglolin lays in some of the tastiest guitar riffs you'd love to hear. Very nice! Jimmy Rogers' That's Alright is laid back with cool harp riffs. Turner takes his place at lead guitar and vocal and his guitar style isn't flashy but soulful and nicely matches his vocals. Very nice! Wrapping the release is Jessie Mae Robinson's Black Night and Turner takes the bull by the horns. With an aggressive vocal style, clever guitar work by Marc Stone and key piano and organ work by Brown and the Bishop, punctuated by Jason Mingledorff on sax and Barney Floyd on trumpet makes this an excellent closer to a super release.

 

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