Dave and Anne Ducharme-Jones celebrate CD release!

(Austin, Tex.) Strangest Things is the new release co-written by Austin’s David and Anne Ducharme-Jones (doo-sharm). Strangest Things is 13 lyrically driven rock songs accented by David’s strong melodic blues/jazz/rock guitar riffs. In celebration, the husband-wife team will perform at the One-2-One Bar April 22 at 8 p.m.  The show begins at 8 p.m. and with the $10.00 cover you receive a complimentary copy of the new CD. (www.ducharmejones.com)

Strangest Things features the songwriting husband-wife team, David and Anne Ducharme-Jones. It was produced and recorded at The Track Shack in South Austin.      Highlighted tracks to listen to and play include: Strangest Things (rock) Red Roses (country rock) Wherever You Go (poignant singer-songwriter)       David and Anne added a new facet to their successful relationship with co-writing these 13 songs. Though Anne has sung on David's solo albums and helped with David's songs this is the first time they have completely collaborated on all aspects. The thing they love the most about the writing partnership is the eclectic nature of the songs they bring to life. These songs are snippets of their own history, mostly love stories, including upbeat roots-rocker "Red Roses" and "Two Satellites", alongside moody and ambient "Of the Water", whimsical, jazzy "Wherever You Go", and funky "The Girl Is Gone." Anne steps into lead vocals on rootsey-rockers "I Don't Need You," "Crazy Heart," and "I Was Wrong." Click here to take a listen:  http://www.ducharmejones.com/music/

Long known for his stellar guitar performances, Dave's prior releases include Weeds (2009), and A LOUD Guitar (2012) on which Annie joined him on background vocals and at live performances. “Packed with talent.” – PoP Culture Press "Solid and melodically interesting.” – Bman’s Blues Report "An original and diverse set of blues-based roots music.” – Blues Bytes “A sumptuous breadth of styles and influences.” – Lone Star Music “Supremely smooth six-string maneuvers... also gets gritty.” – The Austin Chronicle "Sophisticated and fiery, Dave plays with emotion and style.” – Roger Allen, Sun Radio

Follow the Music! Twitter: @DucharmeJones Facebook.com/Ducharme-Jones-969848269729243/?pnref=story Instagram: ducharmejones www.CDbaby.com/cd/ducharmejones2

THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES UNVEIL NEW "CRAZY MACY" VIDEO! | "CRAZY MACY" SINGLE OUT TOMORROW!

 

THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES TO CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A NEW SINGLE "CRAZY MACY"/"LET ME ROCK" VIA BURGER RECORDS!

THE GROOVIES ON TOUR IN EUROPE NOW!

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES' RAUCOUS VIDEO FOR THEIR NEW SINGLE "CRAZY MACY" (PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST AND SHARE!)

The Flamin' Groovies are in full swing as part of their 50th Anniversary this year. The legendary band are currently on an agressive tour of Europe this month and next, and are also gearing up for a new studio album and documentary film. And tomorrow (April 16th) they'll be dropping a new single from their forthcoming LP via Burger Records. This new single features two Cyril Jordan/Chris Wilson penned tracks - the recently written "Crazy Macy" and the first track ever written by Jordan & Wilson, "Let Me Rock" recorded here for the first time! The first-pressing of the 7" vinyl single has already sold-out online due to high pre-order demands, but a second pressing will be available soon (of course, finer record shops around the nation will also have a limited number of the single available tomorrow as part of Record Store Day). The cassette single of "Crazy Macy"/"Let Me Rock" is available now through Burger Records HERE.

In related news, the Groovies' just released a new video for "Crazy Macy" on their Facebook page this week and received over 30,000 views in just under 24 hours! This energized video was directed by Kurt Feldhun and William Tyler Smith and features footage from their forthcoming documentary, The Incredible Flamin' Groovies Movie.

THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES: clockwise from top left w/ photo credits: Cyril Jordan (John Boydston), Victor Penalosa (Ray Flex), Chris Wilson (Ricardo Bernal), George Alexander (Laurence Le Tiec)

THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES 2016 TOUR DATES:
Fri Apr 15 Gijon Sound Festival, Gijon, Spain
Sat Apr 16 Intxaurrondo K.E., Donostia, Spain
Sun Apr 17 All Tomorrow’s Parties 2.0, Pontins, Prestatyn, North Wales
Tue Apr 19 Whelan's, Dublin, IRL
Wed Apr 20 Brundenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
Thu Apr 21 CCA,Glasgow, SCT
Fri Apr 22 Manchester Club Academy, Manchester, UK
Sun Apr 24 All Tomorrow’s Parties 2.0, Pontins, Manchester, UK (w/ Roy Loney!)
Mon Apr 25 Scala, London, UK
Thu April 28 De Zwerver, Leffinge, Belgium
Fri Apr 29 Le Petit Bain, Paris, France
Sun May 01 Hafenklang, Hamburg, Germany
Tue May 03 Folk & Rock, Malmo, Sweden
Wed May 04 Folk & Rock, Malmo, Sweden
Thu May 05 John Dee, Oslo, Norway
Fri May 06 Pustervik, Göteborg, Sweden
Sat May 07 Nobelberget, Stockholm, Sweden

Fri Jun 24 Nuggets Night @ Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR

Sun Jun 26 Burger Boogaloo @ Mosswood Park, Oakland, CA (w/ Roy Loney!)

FOR MORE INFO ON THE FLAMIN' GROOVIES:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flamin-Groovies/85760453541
https://twitter.com/FlaminGroovies
 

FOR MORE INFO ON BURGER RECORDS:
http://www.burgerrecords.org

Connor Ray Music Signs 2016 International Blues Challenge Finalist The Mighty Orq; Houston-Based Singer/Guitarist Is Playing Up a Storm on Label Debut CD, "Love in a Hurricane," Set for Release on May 20

Connor Ray Music Signs 2016 International Blues Challenge Finalist The Mighty Orq

Houston-Based Singer/Guitarist Is Playing Up a Storm on Label Debut CD,

Love in a Hurricane, Set for Release on May 20

HOUSTON, TX – Connor Ray Music announces the signing of Houston-based singer/guitarist The Mighty Orq, and will release the 2016 International Blues Challenge finalist’s label debut, Love in a Hurricane, on May 20. Recorded at Houston’s legendary Sugar Hill Studios and produced by The Mighty Orq and Josh Applebee, Love in a Hurricane features his regular touring band: The Mighty Orq (vocals, electric, acoustic, resonator, cigar box and Weissenborn guitars); Jimmy Rose (drums, percussion, mandolin); Barry Seelen (organ, piano, accordion); and Terry Dry (bass).

“I'm particularly excited about the new album because I've finally been able to combine all the elements of my various performance styles in one place,” Orq says about the new Love in a Hurricane. “There are rockers, singer-songwriter tunes, solo acoustic and cigar box songs, as well as southern rock, gospel and blues. It feels like the most complete portrait to date of all the musical styles I love to play.”

Always known as a stand-out guitarist and vocalist, over the last 13 years Orq has matured both as a writer and arranger. Where early-on the musical emphasis was on raucous drum and guitar lines, now Orq takes a more song-centered approach, letting songs dictate the instrumentation rather than the other way-around. On Love in a Hurricane, new compositions such as the title track, “Say It with Silence,” and the Weissenborn guitar instrumental that closes the album, “Cannon Ball,” showcase an experienced composer, instrumentalist, and singer beginning to reach his stride. Besides the10 original tunes, the new disc also includes exciting takes on Freddy King’s “Pack It Up,” courtesy of Orq’s funky, soulful blues shouting; and Son House’s “Death Letter Blues,” where Orq creates a brooding, atmospheric vibe that befits the content of the lyrics.  

As a testament to his growth as a musician, The Mighty Orq recently made it to the finals in the 2016 International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis sponsored by the Blues Foundation, which saw him competing against musicians from all around the world. He was also a finalist in 2011. Beloved Texas singer/songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard even posted on Twitter: “I dig that cat – the Mighty Orq stands flat-footed and delivers pounds of solid blues with whatever he plays.”

Born Josh Davidson and raised in Houston, he got the nickname, “Orq,” in high school, which later became “The Mighty Orq,” so dubbed by fellow Houston bluesman Tony Vega.

Since 2002, The Mighty Orq has been performing solo and with his band across the USA and Europe. He has won multiple awards, previously released six albums and an instructional DVD for solo resonator slide guitar. He is a uniquely talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with a focus in the American roots music genres.

The Mighty Orq has also been a frequent winner at the Houston Press Music Awards, garnering honors as “Best Blues Act” in 2015 and 2012; and “Best Guitarist” in 2010 and 2007. He also was awarded an Individual Artist Grant from the Houston Arts Alliance in 2011.

For more information, visit www.mightyorq.com and www.connorraymusic.com.

Muskett Music Media artist: The Dave Muskett Acoustic Blues Band - Recorded Live At The Slippery Noodle Inn - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Recorded Live At The Slippery Noodle Inn, by The Dave Muskett Acoustic Blues Band and it's tight and clean. Opening with That Kind of Walk, an easy going blues based shuffle, Dave Muskett on vocal and guitar is joined by Mark Carnes on harp and backing vocal, Jay Arnold on bass and backing vocal and Charlie Bushor on drums. On Ain't My Good Girl Now, Muskett leads the way again on a nicely picked track with the tempo and general feel of Alice's Restaurant. Very cool. She Can't Give Me The Blues is a nice, easy shuffle with warm harp soloing. This is one of my favorite tracks on the release for just this reason. Handyman Blues has a deeper blues root but still retaining that easy flow. With a smooth guitar solo from Muskett and Carnes' harp work, this is a strong contender for the radio track on the release. Ain't Got It All has a Jimmy Reed touch and a more deliberate blues styling. I particularly like Muskett's vocals on this track, answered by Carnes on harp. Rain Song breaks the run with a really funky dobro rhythm. A cool sliding pattern, played against Carnes on harp and Bushor on drums makes this another of my release favorites. Sweet Mary Jane has a cool Robert Johnson feel with slide dobro and traditional blues style guitar riffs. With clever word smithing, this is bound to be a crowd favorite. Got A Need has a Jimmie Rodgers feel with a real swing, with some flashy acoustic guitar riffs and a bopping harp solo. Semi-Naked Shoe Shine has a nice polish to it and a warm feel. Arnold drives the train on this one with his bass lines and solo exchanges between Carnes and Muskett give this track real traction. Take A Look At This has a more raw, alive blues feel with the absolute best vocals on the release. The track doesn't stray far from the basic root line and I really like that. Very cool! Pet That Thing has a strong Piedmont style and overt lyrics that are curious and funny. With Carnes on harp and and a tight bottom, this is the absolute crowd favorite. Wrapping the release is You Gotta Know with it's Jimmy Reed feel. Muskett whips out some real nice acoustic guitar riffs and Carnes ices the cake as the band ties this one up neatly. 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

Ruf Records artists: Jane Lee Hooker - No B! - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, No B!, from Jane Lee Hooker and it's a riot!! I got to tell you, when I saw the name I was dubious but one look at the cover I was intrigued. I'm thinking L7 and John Lee Hooker... and I'm thinking... let's get it on! This excellent release opens with powerhouse, Wade In The Water written by John Wesley Work II and he never heard it this way in his head... believe me. This is kick ass from the first note with Dana "Danger" Athens on lead vocal, "Hail Mary" Zadroga on bass, Tracy "High Top" on guitar Melissa "Cool Whip" Houston on drums and Tina "TBone" Gorin on guitar. Rockin excellent! Johnny Winter's Mean Town Blues is up next and it's mind blowing! Zadroga and Houston set a smokin' pace and Athens knows how to steer this runaway locomotive. I really love the raw energy of this band and High Top and TBone's guitar exchanges. Excellent! Ray Charles has got to be sitting back listening to I Believe In My Soul with the hair standing up on the back of his neck. These musicians grab this track by the collar and throw it around like a rag doll. Powerful, soulful and razor edged, this track is over the top. These guys know how to squeeze ever bit of blues out of a track and kick it's butt. The way it was meant to be...not soft smooth and polished but raw, scratchy and dangerous! Excellent! Kansas Joe McCoy's Bumble Bee has the most straightforward blues approach of any track on the release.  With concise guitar soloing from both guitarists and emphasis on more constrained vocals, this track has a more contemporary blues sound. Original track, In The Valley departs from the pure blues for a power pop track with a sweaty edge. With tight rhythms, slashing lead guitar work and a steady beat, this track is cool! Otis Redding's Free Me, holds it's strong soul heart and Athens really works it into a lather. A powerful support from the band gives it a rockier edge but this is pure soul. Very nice! Booker T's, The Hunter, takes on a more modern rock bottom but with it's original hook reinforced by the tandem guitars. Not letting off at all, Gorin, Zadroga and High Top ride high on Houston's solid foundation. What a rocker! OK...Muddy Waters never thought of this, but I bet he would have smiled ear to ear hearing this rendition of Champagne and Reefer. With it's slinky pace, soulful vocals and grinding guitar support to Athen's vocals, this is a great interpretation of an absolute classic. With High Top and Tbone trading lead riffs, this is smoking. Milt Gabler's Didn't It Rain is a super rocker a hot bass line and crisp drums. Holding it's spiritual quality and with a pure rock and roll beat, this track has you jumping. Again returning to the Muddy Waters songbook JLH pulls out a heavily powerful Mannish Boy.. You really got to hear this to appreciate it. Pounding through this Muddy Waters classic this band wields a heavy stick, taking out everything in their path. Very nice! Wrapping the release is Willie Dixon's Shake For Me, with Gorin and High Top playing call and response over Zagroga and Houston's hard rock bottom. Kicking it into high gear the band rocks the blues right up to the finish. This is an impressive band. Looking forward to seeing them in person!



  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

Stony Plain Records Signs Paul Reddick; Unofficial Canadian Blues Poet Laureate Is Ready to "Ride the One" on Label Debut CD Coming May 20

Stony Plain Records Signs Paul Reddick

Unofficial Canadian Blues Poet Laureate Is Ready to Ride the One on Label Debut CD Coming May 20

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records has announced the signing of singer/songwriter/harmonica player Paul Reddick and will release his label debut CD, Ride the One, on May 20. Produced by Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo) and recorded at Union Sound Company in Toronto, Ride the One showcases 11 all-original songs and includes a backing band that features special guest Steve Marriner of MonkeyJunk on guitar, keyboards and backing vocals. Reddick co-wrote three songs on the most recent highly-acclaimed MonkeyJunk album for Stony Plain, Moon Turn Red.

Ride the One is a musical reference to the hypnotic grooves explored on Paul Reddick's new release. Deep rhythm, intense singing and harp playing combine with his distinctive blues poetry. As Reddick puts it, “Blues is a beautiful landscape;” and he’s created this special atmospheric video to talk about his vision of the music: https://vimeo.com/92108801.

Reddick’s songs on Ride the One have a palpable sense of urgency, passion, energy and grit that transcend any usual categorizations of the blues. Its traditional blues themes of love, death and redemption are bonded by the crucible of rock-edged performances that clearly demonstrate why the idiom birthed the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll and other forms of roots music. 

For over 25 years, Paul Reddick has been melding poetry, mystery, darkness and light along with an extensive knowledge of the history and traditions of blues. An unofficial poet laureate of Canadian blues, Mojo Magazine praised his “wayward brilliance” in an earlier review. Reddick’s song, “I'm A Criminal,” was used by Coca-Cola in a TV commercial that aired during the Super Bowl.

“Ensuring the long-term health of blues in Canada has become a passion for Paul Reddick, and the motivation behind his creation of the Cobalt Prize, aimed at celebrating songwriting innovation within the form,” wrote Canadian music site FYI Music News in interview with the musician. 

“The singer/harmonica player has never forgotten he was once in that position when he formed The Sidemen in 1990, a band whose skillful balance of tradition and originality laid the foundation for a new crop of homegrown talent,” added the site.

One of those bands that picked up the torch was MonkeyJunk, who returned the favor of Reddick’s influence on them with member Steve Marriner’s participation on Ride the One, Reddick’s fourth solo album.

According to Reddick, his desire to sponsor the Cobalt Prize was “to encourage people to write blues songs – songs that expand, explore and refresh the blues tradition, to broaden the possibilities, assumptions and expectations and audience for the blues,” said Reddick in the interview. “In a lot of ways, Bob Dylan has always been a master at that, and if there were one song I wish I could have written, it would probably be ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’.”

www.paulreddick.ca                      www.stonyplainrecords.com