Bobby Rush, Janiva Magness receive Grammy nominations

BOBBY RUSH, JANIVA MAGNESS RECEIVE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS  A fourth Grammy nod for Bobby Rush, whose Porcupine Meat is nominated in Best Traditional Blues Category, while Janiva Magness scores first nom with Love Wins Again in Best Contemporary Blues category. Ceremony is February 12 in Los Angeles. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Two of blues’ biggest names, Mississippi legend Bobby Rush and contemporary artist Janiva Magness, received Grammy nominations in the 59th Annual Grammy Awards announcements this morning. The awards will be announced at the Grammy Awards ceremony on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles.   It’s Rush’s fourth nomination, this one for his critically acclaimed Rounder Records debut album Porcupine Meat. With special guests Dave Alvin, Joe Bonamassa, Keb’ Mo’, and Vasti Jackson, and backing from the New Orleans “A” team, the release cemented Bobby Rush’s legacy as the most vital blues artist of his generation. Producer was Rounder’s Scott Billington. Rush is a 10-time Blues Music Award winner, and 41-time nominee.   Rush was previously nominated for his albums Hoochie Man (2000), Down in Louisiana (2013) and Decisions with the band Blinddog Smokin’ (2014).   “How much you wanna bet he finally wins that Grammy?” predicted Goldmine magazine of the album, while No Depression enthused: “Buckle up or if you prefer hang on tight and get ready for one of the funkiest, most jaw dropping rides you have ever been on that is going to take you down in the mud and muck of southwestern Louisiana and to heights that you didn’t think you could ever reach. Yes, already a first runner for Record of the Year.”   Responding to the announcement, Rush said, “This is the greatest thing to ever happen to me in my life, for being with the competition around me. I want everyone to win, but I certainly want to win. Just being in the race is to be a winner. Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. I’m not a sore loser especially with people like this. The category is so strong.”   Janiva Magness’ Love Wins Again album on Blue Élan Records was another evolutionary step for the soulful, elegant, award-winning singer-songwriter. Its 11 core songs and two bonus tracks were built on a sonically sophisticated architecture that’s in full service of her remarkably flexible and generous voice. The album shattered genre barriers by enshrining elements of Americana, soul, rock, pop, country and blues, and helped Magness cross over into Americana (she charted Top 30 on the format’s radio chart and performed at the Americana Music Festival & Conference). The album reached #1 on Blues radio and remained in the Top 10 for seven months. Magness is a seven-time Blues Music Award recipient and a 25-time nominee. According to Downbeat, “Janiva Magness is one lucky woman: Her singing is soulful and intimate.” Living Blues called it “a knockout addition to Janiva Magness’ stellar catalog.”   On her first-ever Grammy nomimation, Magness said, “I am profoundly humbled by today's Grammy nomination announcements. Standing in very tall cotton. Love Wins Again for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Thanks so much producer Dave Darling, Blue Élan, my band, Jeff DeLia and 72 Music Management, Cary Baker and Conqueroo, John Oszajca, Leslie Rouffe, Frank Roszak, and Atomic Music Group! Wow!”   Both Rush and Magness are managed by 72 Music Management.   # # #

Montrose Records Presents "A Concert in the Badlands" New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.  Interesting history for sure. However, more so the region is absolutely breathtaking.  Take for example the Village of Ruidoso, a small community nestled in the Sacramento Mountains.  While the local attractions include a world class horse track, ski slopes, and two casinos the backdrop of the mountains and all of the family owned craft stores and specialty restaurants help make this quaint village a place to return to over and over again.  In fact, the Cagle family (Montrose Records – Houston) liked the region so much that they built a beautiful log cabin home there with a stunning view to say the least.  Accordingly, when they were in the design phase Rich wasn’t going to be without a music studio so he designed a private recording suite.  After their home was complete and time moved forward Rich would be out and about meeting the local musicians.  It was through his conversations with Jamie Estes, President of the Lincoln County Food Bank that the topic of raising money to support their community would come up.  Everyone agreed and the talk moved toward recording a fund raising CD.  The musicians liked the idea of recording a CD that featured local talent and their original songs.  The goal would be simple – all the proceeds from the sale of the CDs would go to the Lincoln County Food Bank.  Once the plan was in place, Rich produced and recorded it, and now they are ready to host a live event to help kick off the sales.  Good people banding together to deliver something of value for a good cause.  The CD release party will be hosted by Sacred Grounds Coffee and Tea House, 2704 Suddereth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M. 88345, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2016. There are twenty artist/bands on the CD, leading off with Mike Montoya, followed by, the Flying J Wranglers, the Noisy River Band, Bobby Chavira, Delaney Davis, Gleewood, Grant & Ella Miller, Tradd Tidwell, the Hillbilly Potentates, Jonathan Walls, Jones & Miles, Mark Kashmar, Micah Schultz, Sierra Edmister, Monk Burris, DJ Pete Davis, Malachi Martin, Rich Chorne & Patty Tiscareno, Scotty Talley and Susan Kolb & Doug Gibson.

American Showplace Music artist: Cris Jacobs - Dust To Gold - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dust To Gold from Cris Jacobs and it's quite good. Opening with The Devil or Jesse James, a rugged radio track, Cris Jacobs on guitar and vocal is joined by Todd Herrington on bass, Dusty Ray Simmons on percussion and John Ginty on keys. With a mellow sway, Kind Woman has a real nice groove. Jacobs vocas are smooth and his dobro playing soft and warm. Halleluja Hustler has a sweet melody and with nicely blended vocals, rolling piano by Ginty and swirling guitars by Jacobs, very nice. Jack The Whistle and The Hammer is a snappy, soft rocker with a touch of Buckingham Nicks. Jacobs springs across the fretboard with a tight little guitar solo giving the track just a bit more dressing, backed by Ginty. Very nice. One of the richest tracks on the release, Cold Carolina, has the warmth of the summer sun and the space of high country with Jonathan Sloane on slide. Bone Digger has a real cool funky groove with Jacobs delivering an almost hiphop lyrical skat with tight drum riffs and and clever guitar soloing. Very nice! With an almost Little feat bounce, Delivery Man is a really nicely crafted track with finely woven vocals and intricate guitar and keyboard instrumentation. Excellent! Break Your Fall is the most likely radio track on the release with the rhythmic solidity of tempted, the vocal strength and blending of Michael McDonald but with much more clarity and Ginty's organ work giving the track a soulful bottom. Very nice. Another cool R&B style track, Shine Your Weary Light, has great spring and soul. Sit still listening to this release...you can't. Simmons and Herrington really anchor the bottom and Jacobs' work on electric guitar and dobro really set this track apart. His vocals are soulful and Ginty's organ work really dresses it perfectly. Wrapping the release is acoustic ballad, Leaving Charm City. Jacobs has clearly shown himself as an accomplished, vocalist, songwriter and guitarist. With only Sloane's slide work in the background, this track is a super closer for a really nice release.



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Southpaw Steel 'N' Twang - Stat(u)e of Mind - New release review

I just received the most recent release, Stat(u)e of Mind from Southpaw Steel 'N' Twang and it's terrific! This is a creative release with a lot of diversity. Opening with Gateway, a subtle instrumental, JP Monkkonen on bass, acoustic and baritone guitars, Tero Mikkonen on drums, percussion and ukulele, and Ville Leppanen on steel, electric, resonator and vocals, this is a really nice tune with lead primarily in resonator. Gentle Storm has a blend of progressive with a touch of country with Leppanen on lead steel. Funky instrumental, Aloha Garage, has a snappy drum beat, strong bass line and a cool lead steel making this a cool rocker. Water, has bit of a Latin feel and at times sounds like The Mars Volta with rowdy vocals but cruising swing on steel. Very cool! Route 68 really jazzes it up but with a modern touch. Excellent jazz chords and jamming with a bit of twang bar laid in is just the right touch. This track really opens up with strong addition of drum work by Mikkonen. Excellent! Another jazz number, Blue Jean, is smooth as silk with bluesy guitar runs and beautiful articulation. On Lotto, the band has a real nice rock fusion groove and Pekka Grohn adds real nice keys. llO is a really interesting composition with a bit sounds like traces of King Crimson blended into an otherwise jazz rock track. With it's more classical styling, this track takes a nice ride. The second of the vocal tracks on the release, Something, is a strong ballad with a strong melodic line and vocals. It puts me in mind of the earliest of Elton John music with a nice blend on melody and composition. Very nice. Duel is a really cool track that reminds me quite a bit of older western type bolero's. With exceptional guitar work upfront, not unlike Akkerman in Focus, anchored by Mikkonen's drums, this track takes a full ride adding Jouko Auramo on trombone, Jermu Kolvukoski on trumpet and Perttu Pannula on sax. This track is a serious composition! Wrapping the release is Sergio, another track with a western flair. With nicely arpeggiated chords, twang bar bends and strong tom tom work in the background, this track is an excellent closed to a really cool release!



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MDV Visual: Man Of The World: The Peter Green Story - DVD - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Man of the World: The Peter Green Story and it's riveting. Many blues fan have been listening to the original Fleetwood Mac and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Peter Green for a long time and most have seen video clips of their performances but this release is seriously great! Rather than paste together more clips with music that may or may not be released, this film takes a totally new direction playing Peter Green's music in full fidelity between and behind excellent candid interviews with John Mayall, Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Peter's brothers and many others. This film is focused and fresh, showing the band as it was ... up close and really personal questions regarding Green, his talent, his problems and how the band Fleetwood Mac got it's name. It's tormented yet sensitive. It's done in an organized fashion so that it's easy to follow but not oversimplified to be repetitive or slow. Last but not least, you get a personal tour by Green of his guitar collection. It's curious to see his wonder with each guitar as if they are new but then his recall of stories related to each. Another extra is the reading of a letter that Green wrote to his manager when he was in Hawaii, explaining his interest in remaining clear of money. Lastly, there are further discussion of his prec=vious bandmates which were left out of the film. I see a lot of film and this one is really top notch with necessary live footage showing the band in performance. I highly recommended this film for anyone with even remote interest in British blues and modern blues roots. Excellent!

Levee Town - Takin' & Givin' - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Takin' & Givin' from Levee Town and it's got flavor. Opening with a country two stepper, title track, Takin' & Givin' shows nice vocal blending between Jacque Garoutte and Brandon Hudspeth who also throws down some cool guitar riffs, backed by Adam Hagerman on drums, Jacque Garoutte on bass & Chris Hazelton on Hammond. High Flyin' Mama is a cool funky rocker with a super bass line by Garoutte. This track is really smoking with hot Hammond work by Hazelton and Hudspeth on guitar. Warm loping blues, Kansas City Woman, features Jaisson Taylor on lead vocal and cool harp work by Jimmie Meade. Mr. Jameson is a cool swing track with fleet fingered guitar work by Hudspeth and cool backing vocals by Garoutte and Hudspeth over a cool walking bass line by Garoutte and slick piano riffs by Walser. Excellent! Walkin' Down The Road is a solid blues track with warm harmonies and clever guitar riffs over tight drum work. Driving blues rocker, You're So Hip, has the loose framework of Hip Shake with a cool boogie beat and solid bass line. Accented by gnarly guitar work and Hazelton on organ, this may be my favorite on the release. With Elmore James like slide riffs by Garoutte, Charlie Brown, has a great feel. Nicely articulated piano solo by Walser and cool harp by Meade gives this track even more texture. Slow blues number, Sunday Afternoon, has a lot of the feel of the early British blues of Clapton and Mayall. Featuring Jaisson Taylor on lead vocal, this track has plenty of room to groove with solos by Hudspeth and Meade. Very nice. Red hot, Letter To My Baby, has solid vocal work and especially nice guitar work by Hudspeth. Cool! Do-Si-Do is an interesting track with an unusual structure but nice roots in the blues. Accented by glistening guitar riffs and warm harp, a very cool track. Wrapping the release is El Grape with a super walking bass line and light fingered guitar work by Hudspeth. A really slick track to wrap a smooth and interesting release.



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Mark Crissinger - Night Light - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Night Light, from Mark Crissinger and it spans the blues country rock spectrum. Opening with light blues rocker, Holding My Heart, Crissinger leads the way on guitar and vocal. Joined by Dan Dube on piano, Marty Howe on harp, Jay Stevens on bass and Bill Hicks on drums this is a crisp entry. A soft edged country rocker, Poor Boy Blues, has traces of Skynyrd and Allmans for a certain popular hook. Pat Hook adds some tasty slide guitar work to Crissinger's fluid finger work and Jeff Heisholt warms it up with organ. Title track, Night Light, has an easy shuffle feel with some real nice harp work from Jerome Godboo. Boogie track, Defeated, has a cool edge and some cool flashy guitar work over solid tom tom work for a driving rocker. Rock and roller, The Sunday Blues, really digs in with a solid bottom and cool piano work from Dube. Crissinger pulls out the stops with a real nice Chuck Berry like guitar riff of his own. Very cool. Instrumental, Cedar Shuffle, flies low with Dube, Howe, Stevens, Hicks and Crissinger hitting a smooth groove and a particularly cool steel guitar solo. Wrapping the release is Run, a nicely written ballad with cool bass riffs and some of Crissinger's best vocals on the release, juxtaposed against acoustic and electric soloing.



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Jesi-Lu Records artist: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps - Bonafide - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Bonafide from Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps and it's a rocking blast! Opening with R&B track, I Like It Like That, James leads the way on vocal and over the top piano with super bass work by Terry Wilson, Guitar by Billy Watts and drums by Tony Braunagel. Excellent opener. On Spit It Out, James really hits her stride with Al Green like pace. This track really makes you want to dance with hot vocals and nice horn work by Darnell Leonard and with Mike Finnigan's excellent B3 additions. Funky, Hollywood Way has a super groove with Wilson crafting a nice bass line and real nice slide work by Billy Watts. Backing vocals by Wilson and Watts really add to the richness of this track and James' phrasing is tight! A cool soul track, You Always Pick Me Up, is right down the slot with warm vocals and all of the poise of the queen of soul herself. With a spiritual warmth and the addition of trumpet by Lee Thornburg and sax by Ron Dziubla this track is really nice! Funky rocker, What Happens In Vegas, has the sound of New Orleans fused with a bit of Muscle Soul. Mike Finnigan's piano work, a smoky guitar solo by Wilson and Wilson and Watts' backing vocals really set James vocals on top. Too Big To Fail is another track with that swampy funk and Herman Matthews' drum work and Wilson's guitar work nicely compliment James' soulful vocals. Another great soul track, No Regrets goes even further to show how James is really hitting on all cylinders. With basic backing by Finnigan on organ, Lewis Stephens on Wurlitzer and sassy sax work by Ron Dziubla, this track is smoking! Kicking out the jams, You Want it When You Want It sounds like it was written by Keith Richards. With attitude and style, James crafts a solid rocker and gives it spunk. Wrapping the release is a really nice song, Have a Little Faith In Me, written by John Hiatt. I've always really liked this track and James keeps it light and airy with clear vocals and simple instrumentation. Atmospheric guitar work by Watts, percussive piano by James, Finnigan's organ work and a soulful sax solo by Jerry Peterson makes this a super closer for a really super release.



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Cream to reissue deluxe edition of debut album 'Fresh Cream' / Due out 27th January 2017

Cream to reissue deluxe edition of debut album 'Fresh Cream' Due out 27th January 2017   Pack shot here Late January 2017 sees the deluxe edition release of Fresh Cream, the debut album by British, blues boom, power trio, Cream. The 3-CD + 1 Blu-Ray Audio disc come housed in a gatefold sleeve within a rigid slipcase and includes a 64-page hardback book, featuring new sleeve notes by respected Rolling Stone writer, David Fricke. The set comprises various alternate and new stereo mixes plus several, previously unreleased BBC sessions. A special 6LP 180g Vinyl edition of Fresh Cream will also be released in April 2017. Originally released in 1966, at the height of the UK blues bloom, Fresh Cream showcased the not inconsiderable talents of three of the then music scene’s brightest lights: Eric Clapton fresh from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers; drummer, Ginger Baker straight from the Graham Bond Organisation and versatile bassist and musician, Jack Bruce who, at the time, had just left Manfred Mann. Collectively the three had decided to give up their roles as much sought after sidemen to form their own super group. Coming together as Cream in the early summer of 1966, the trio moved at impressive speed to make the release of Fresh Cream in December of the same year. Highlights include the racing harmonica work-out and the call and response excitements on Muddy Waters’ Rollin’ and Tumblin’, a spine-tingling vocal on the Willie Dixon classic, Spoonful, as well as the self-penned Sleepy Time Time, which gave Clapton a free hand to wake up all and sundry. Their rousing treatment of the traditional standard, Cat’s Squirrel alerted listeners to just how well Clapton, Baker and Bruce musically complemented each other. Fresh Cream is available to order now: 3CD + 1 Blu-Ray Audio: https://cream.lnk.to/FreshCreamCD 6LP 180g Vinyl: https://cream.lnk.to/FreshCreamVinyl

CREAM FRESH CREAM Disc One:          FRESH CREAM Mono Album 1.      N.S.U. 2:44 2.      SLEEPY TIME TIME  4:20 3.      DREAMING  2:00 4.      SWEET WINE  3:19 5.      SPOONFUL  6:30 6.      CAT’S SQUIRREL  3:01 7.      FOUR UNTIL LATE  2:09 8.      ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’  4:46 9.      I’M SO GLAD  3:59 10.    TOAD  5:14          Session recording - mono mix: 11.    THE COFFEE SONG  2:56          The Mono Singles: 12.    WRAPPING PAPER  2:29 13.    CAT’S SQUIRREL  3:01          A-side & B-side of Cream’s 1st UK single, Reaction 591007, released 7          October 1966. 14:    I FEEL FREE  2:49 15:    N.S.U.  2:45          A-side & B-side of Cream’s 2nd UK single, Reaction 591011, released 9          December 1966. 16.    SPOONFUL Part I  2:26 17.    SPOONFUL Part II  2:31          A-side & B-side of Cream’s 3rd  US single, ATCO 45-6522, released                  September 1967.          The Mono French EPs: 18.    WRAPPING PAPER alternate mix  2:25 19.    SWEET WINE alternate mix  3:18 20.    I’M SO GLAD  3:57 21.    CAT’S SQUIRREL alternate master  3:01          FRENCH EP, Polydor 27 791, released November 1966. 22.    I FEEL FREE  alternate mix  2:48 23.    ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’  alternate master  1:50 24.    N.S.U.  2:4425.      FOUR UNTIL LATE  2:06          FRENCH EP, Polydor 27 798, released November 1966. Disc Two:          FRESH CREAM Stereo Album 1.      N.S.U. 2:45 2.      SLEEPY TIME TIME  4:23 3.      DREAMING  2:01 4.      SWEET WINE  3:20 5.      SPOONFUL  6:31 6.      CAT’S SQUIRREL  3:08 7.      FOUR UNTIL LATE  2:08 8.      ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’  4:43 9.      I’M SO GLAD  3:59 10.    TOAD  5:12          Session recordings - stereo mixes: 11.    I FEEL FREE  2:52 12.    WRAPPING PAPER  2:25 13.    THE COFFEE SONG  2:48          New stereo mixes: 14.    I'M SO GLAD (NEW STEREO MIX)  3:59 15.    N.S.U. (NEW STEREO MIX)  2:48 16.    WRAPPING PAPER (NEW STEREO MIX)  2:43 17.    THE COFFEE SONG (NEW STEREO MIX)  3:06 18.    ROLLIN' AND TUMBLIN’ (FIRST VERSION - NEW STEREO MIX)  4:53 19.    SPOONFUL (FIRST VERSION - NEW STEREO MIX)  5:57 20.    TOAD (NEW STEREO MIX)  5:12          All new stereo mixes previously unreleased. Disc Three: FRESH CREAM Early versions, outtakes and alternate mixes: 1.        THE COFFEE SONG early version  2:54 2.        YOU MAKE ME FEEL session outtake  2:41 3.        BEAUTY QUEEN session outtake  2:38 4.        WRAPPING PAPER  early version  1:05 5.        CAT’S SQUIRREL early version  2:27 6.        I FEEL FREE early version  3:08 7.        I FEEL FREE mono mix with no lead vocal 2:51 8.        I FEEL FREE alternate mono mix  2:50 9.        SWEET WINE early version  3:07 10.      ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’ early version  4:35 11.      TOAD early version  4:19            All tracks previously unreleased except “You Make Me Feel” which was            first released on the box set   Those Where The Days, Polydor 314 539            000-2, in September 1997.  THE BBC SESSIONS (November 1966 – January 1967):                    BBC Light Programme “Saturday Club” session            Recorded at the Playhouse Theatre, London, 8th November 1966: 12.      SWEET WINE      3:28 13       ERIC CLAPTON INTERVIEW  0:54  14.      WRAPPING PAPER  2:31 15.      ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’  3:04 16.      SLEEPY TIME TIME  3:16  previously unreleased 17.      STEPPIN’ OUT  1:50            BBC Home Service “Guitar Club” session. Recorded at BBC Studio 2,              Aeolian Hall, London, 28th November 1966: 18.      CROSSROADS   1:55 19.      STEPPIN’ OUT  2:34  previously unreleased            BBC World Service "R & B Club" session. Recorded at BBC Maida Vale            Studio 4, London, 9th December 1966: 20.      CAT’S SQUIRREL  3:43 21.      TRAINTIME  2:56 22.      I’M SO GLAD  4:24 23.      LAWDY MAMA  1:54            BBC Light Programme “Saturday Club” session. Recorded at the                      Playhouse Theatre, London, 10th January 1967: 24.      ERIC CLAPTON INTERVIEW 2  0:48 25.      I FEEL FREE  2:55 26.      N.S.U.  2:57 27.      FOUR UNTIL LATE  1:54 Disc Four (Blu-Ray Audio Disc)          FRESH CREAM US Stereo Album in 24/96 Hi Resolution Audio: 1       I FEEL FREE  2:52 2.      N.S.U. 2:45 3.      SLEEPY TIME TIME  4:23 4.      DREAMING  2:01 5.      SWEET WINE  3:19 6.      CAT’S SQUIRREL  3:08 7.      FOUR UNTIL LATE  2:08 8.      ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’  4:43 9.      I’M SO GLAD  3:59 10.    TOAD  5:12          Stereo bonus tracks: 11.    SPOONFUL  6:32 12     WRAPPING PAPER  2:25 13     THE COFFEE SONG  2:49 FRESH CREAM US Mono Album in 24/96 Hi Resolution Audio: 14.      I FEEL FREE  2:48 15.      N.S.U. 2:44 16.      SLEEPY TIME TIME  4:20 17.      DREAMING  2:00 18.      SWEET WINE  3:19 19.      CAT’S SQUIRREL  3:00 20.      FOUR UNTIL LATE  2:08 21.      ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’  4:45 22.      I’M SO GLAD  3:58 23.      TOAD  5:13            Mono bonus tracks: 24.      SPOONFUL  6:33 25       WRAPPING PAPER  2:28 26       THE COFFEE SONG  2:54

Guitar Legend & Johnny Winter Protege Paul Nelson Releases New Album “Badass Generation”

Guitar Legend & Johnny Winter Protege Paul Nelson Releases New Album “Badass Generation”

Los Angeles – Much to the excitement of guitarists worldwide, guitar legend Paul Nelson has released his new album “Badass Generation” to critical acclaim! Grammy winning guitarist Paul Nelson was Johnny Winter's protege guitarist in the Johnny Winter Band.

Paul has toured with countless worldwide touring artists and performed live and or on recordings along side major artists such as Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Leslie West, Robben Ford, Joe Perry, Mark Knofler, Brian Setzer, Dr. John, Slash, Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, Sonny Landreth, Los Lobos, Kim Wilson, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Reb Beach, Steve Morse, John Popper, Debbie Davies, Los Lobos, Quin Sullivan, Tinsley Ellis, Lucky Peterson, Joe Louis Walker, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, John Medeski, Joe Walsh, Larry Carlton, Steve Vai, Earl Slick, Hubert Sumlin, Pete Rivera, Rick Derringer, Harvey Brooks, Bill Evans, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Coco Montoya, Uptown Horns, Blues Brother Horns, Reese Wynans, Edgar Winter, Ray Davis, George Lynch, James Cotton, Anthony Jackson, Dickey Betts, Junior Brown, Pat Travers, Jimmy Vivino and La Bamba of Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Paul Schaefer's CBS Orchestra to name a few. With appearances on David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel programs.

Paul Nelson has been featured in every major guitar magazine and news publication from Guitar World to Rolling Stone and is credited as being a composer/performer for music heard on international and national television broadcasts such as NBC, TNN, UPN, for the WWE. He has conducted his successful “Master Class” Clinics and written guitar columns all over the world.

Paul has had the distinction of appearing as both guitarist and songwriter on Rock/Blues legend Johnny Winter's Grammy-nominated Virgin/EMI release “I'm A Bluesman” as well as producer/performer on his releases “Roots” and the Grammy winning “Step Back” on Megaforce/Sony. He performed as a musical guest with Johnny Winter on the Late Night with David Letterman Show to promote the “Roots” album and on Jimmy Kimmel on ABC TV to promote the “Step Back” CD and Johnny Winter's “Down and Dirty Movie,” which he also appeared in and was the Executive Producer.

Nelson, who studied with Steve Vai in his Berklee days, jazz fusion great Steve Khan and Mike Stern has created a tour de force with his last all-instrumental rock/fusion solo release, “A very diverse package that takes the listener on a sophisticated journey through the musical mind of Paul Nelson. Boundless energy, and displays ferocious solo sections at the same time showing us his control over an emotional side of playing all the while holding it together with a tasteful melodic sense which comes through on each cut.”

Paul's latest CD on Sony Music Group entitled “Badass Generation” has received rave reviews worldwide; calling Nelson “One of today's Top Guitarists”!

“What else can we say about Paul Nelson except - Chops Deluxe.” - Guitar World Magazine 

“An A-List guitar player who is undeniably one of the most technically dazzling players the world has ever known.” - Guitar One Magazine 

“He's a soulful player who has chops to burn. The word 'ferocious' comes to mind, or 'take no prisoners'” - Vintage Guitar Magazine 

“Love this album - the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” – Wall Street Journal

Recognized as one of music's top guitarist/songwriter/producers Paul Nelson continues his musical journey recording and touring the world over. Nelson was not only guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of today's premier guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor. “The blues world does that. One musician hands another the torch, and then you run with it. Johnny took pride in turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues - all the music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative of that.”

Nelson performed on and produced “Step Back,” a posthumous, star-studded affair, pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy Awards for “Best Blues Album” in 2015. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.

The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and the “Badass Generation” album marked the next step in that evolution. Nelson's new project still maintains an unmistakable connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven singer-songwriter fare.

“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Like the debut albums of Aerosmith or Van Halen, this self-titled debut is hot with licks that are in service to the song. That, right there, puts it a cut above. Nelson's sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain't got nothin' on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” - Goldmine Magazine

On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson's fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar - what you might expect of someone who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music,” says Nelson.

Nelson's handpicked co-conspirators include vocalist Morten Fredheim, who turned heads topping the European edition of “The Voice”, bassist Christopher Alexander; and Chris Reddan on drums. Gov't Mule keyboardist Danny Louis also makes a cameo appearance. The collective result is something that’s musically rooted in the classic era of Led Zeppelin, Free, Bad Company, Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, Aerosmith and ZZ Top – but right at home with a fresh new take in the 21st century. “We got together and painstakingly worked out these songs before we recorded them. The caliber of the musicians in this band is inspiring” Nelson explains.

Nelson is eager to begin this new stage of his career with his band mates. Songs such as “Keep It All Together” with Fredheim's soaring vocals, and Nelson's classic guitar sounds to “Goodbye Forever”, with it's infectious groove and chorus and “Please Come Home” displaying emotional melodies and soulful slide guitar work, all which are among the few future stand out classics found on this album. “I want our music to touch many people in the same way it did us in the making and performing of this album,” says Nelson. His only regret? That his old friend wasn't able to sit in on a few of the tunes. “Johnny Winter's influence will always be a part of me,” he says. “There are many times when I pick up my guitar, and I feel his music. I know he's with me in a way, but I also have influences from so many other places. Have I now spread my wings? Absolutely. I'm a musician. I have to keep on writing and performing and never stop.”

The album's title “Badass Generation” says it all! The music on this latest recording speaks to today’s generation's quest for something new and this band's music does just that, through great song writing and musicianship making for one great musical ride!

Blues Hall of Famer, GRAMMY Award winner, and Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award winner Taj Mahal's new album 'Labor Of Love' comes out December 16 on Acoustic Sounds

TWO-TIME GRAMMY WINNER, BLUES HALL OF FAMER & AMERICANA MUSIC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER TAJ MAHAL’S STRIPPED DOWN ALBUM ‘LABOR OF LOVE’ OUT DECEMBER 16 ON ACOUSTIC SOUNDS

FIRST RELEASE IN FOUR YEARS SET FOR LP, FEATURES SOLO FAVORITES FROM 1998 PLUS COLLABORATIONS WITH MUSIC MAKER RELIEF FOUNDATION ARTISTS

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner, Blues Hall of Famer, and Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Taj Mahal’s 47th album ‘Labor of Love’ will come out December 16on Acoustic Sounds.

‘Labor of Love’ features some of his most beloved materials such as the murder ballad “Stack-O-Lee,” Mississippi John Hurt’s “My Creole Belle,” the Delta standard “Walking Blues,” and the longtime live favorite “Fishing Blues.” Taj also collaborates with one armed harmonica player Neal Pattman, blind singer Cootie Stark, guitar master Cool John Ferguson (profiled in a recent issue of Premier Guitar), and Piedmont blueswoman Algia Mae Hinton. Pattman, Stark, and Baker have since passed on. Full liner notes by UNC writer Will Boone paint the full picture. All songs are previously unreleased while four of the songs have not been recorded in any other version by Taj.

Enraptured by the mission of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, Taj Mahal met MMRF head Tim Duffy in 1993 and introduced him to the Rolling Stones, BB King, Dan Ackroyd, and others; he is on the Advisory Board and has been a staunch MMRF ally and friend to Tim ever since. On a 42-date tour in 1998, Music Maker Relief Foundation head Tim Duffy set up recording equipment in whatever hotels Taj and the Music Makers were staying. Finally, in Houston, TX, Taj and the Music Makers got to playing after hours; six solo tracks were recorded along with seven tracks of Taj with Music Maker Relief Foundation artists such as National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship winners Etta Baker and John Dee Holeman. ‘Labor of Love’ is Taj’s first release in four years. Of working with those musicians, Taj says that he most enjoyed “getting to know their lives and how they made things work” while getting “closer to the source.”

In the past half decade alone, Mahal has opened for Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis, and Eric Clapton; performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with the Roots; guested on new Clapton recordings; joined the Rolling Stones onstage; performed at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, CA; joined a Bonnaroo jam with Susan Tedeschi, Anthony Hamilton, Derek Trucks, Chaka Khan; and performed on the Americana Music Awards.

Raised in a West Indian-American and African-American family, Taj Mahal signed to Columbia Records and began his recording career in 1968. Since then, he has played the music of the African diaspora, drawing connections between African, Carribean, South Pacific, and Southern American culture. Bonnie Raitt said of him, "Taj is probably the most important bridge we have between blues and rock-n-roll. He's as bad as they get." Mick Jagger has called him “a living link to the old blues tradition.”

'Labor of Love' Track List:

1. Stagger Lee
2. Shortnin' Bread (with Neal Pattman)
3. My Creole Belle
4. I Ain't The One You Love (with Alga Mae Hinton)
5. Fishin’ Blues
6. Mistreated Blues (with John Dee Holeman)
7. Zanzibar
8. So Sweet (with Cootie Stark)
9. Spike Drivers Blues
10. Hambone (with John Dee Holeman)
11. Walkin’ Blues
12. John Henry (with Etta Baker)
13. Song For Brenda (with Cool John Ferguson)

"Listen"

Azuretone Records artist: Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers - Long Black Train - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Long Black Train, from Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers and it's a solid blues infused rockin romp. Opening with boogie, Burn Me Up, Ray Fuller on vocal and guitar leads the way with Myke Rock on bass, Darrell Jumper on drums, and Doc Malone on harp. This is an excellent opener with a lot of drive. Voodoo Mama is a modern day rocker with deep roots and contemporary links to CCR and ZZ Top. On hot rockin, Hip Shakin' Mama, Fuller kicks it up a few notches and with his slide blazing, has the essence of Hound Dog Taylor going. Very cool! Title track, Long Black Train, has a hard driving Chuck Berry flair and Fuller kicks it nice. Something' Shakin' is a solid 12 bar number with cool harp work by Malone. Fuller steps up big on this one with hot slide work in the flavor of Elmore James or Billy Gibbons. Very nice. Whiskey Drinkin' Woman has the strong foundation of Muddy and with it's Chicago sensibility and tight instrumental sensitivity, this track is a solid blues machine. Along the lines of Robert Johnson's Walking Blues, Pipeline Blues maintains a lot of the fundamentals that made Johnson on of the best blues men ever and with solid vocals, raw slide work and integral harp work, this track is hot. Wrapping the release is a flaming hot rocker, You've Got The Blues. This is my favorite track on the release with a hard driving beat, blues harp and sizzling guitar riffs. Excellent!



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New track from Country Lips - 'Grizzly Bear Billboard'

Hailing from Seattle, this 8-piece powerhouse of a band are putting the fire back into country music, forcing you to re-evaluate what you already know about the genre. Recorded in Seattle and produced by Randall Dunn (Master Musicians Of Bukkake, Sunn O))), Cave Singers) the new album ‘Til The Daylight Comes’ (out January 6th) is pretty much an ode to all things alcohol, small-town romance and kicked-over bar stalls making for a pretty interesting listen!



  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”

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Black Hen Music artist: Big Dave McLean - Better The Devil You Know - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Better The Devil You Know, from Big Dave McLean and it's quite good! Opening with Life On The Road, Big Dave McLean has a casual, JJ Cale meets "Little Feat" easy blues feel joined by Steve Dawson on lead guitar, Gary Craig on drums, Jon Dymond on bass, and Kevin McKendree with cleverly stylistic piano. On Muddy Waters' You Can't Lose What You Never Had, McLean opens with fiery slide riffs and his vocals are raw. McKendree's piano really gives the track a Chicago sound with his piano work and acoustic guitar work by McLean and Dawson's eccentric slide work carries the track nicely. The traditional, You'll Need Somebody On Your Bond, gets a country two step remake with a warm intro by Ann and Regina McCrary. Dawson's dobro work and Fats Kaplin on fiddle add even further to the country / bluegrass edge. Uptempo, I Need You, is a cool country blues number and McClean pulls out the harp adding a more bluesy flavor to Dawson's dobro slide work. One of my favorites on the release is a remake of Old Time Religion which has a cool dark western sound. With Dawson on pedal steel and also contributing a sweet electric guitar solo, along with the McCrary sisters warm backing vocals, this track is way cool. With a country waltz sound, Swingin On Heaven's Gate is another real nice track with Dawson on mandolin and particularly nice vocal blending. Deliver Me has a really nice "Little Feat" funk. With the McCrarys on backing vocal and Dawson on slide, this track is really excellent. Wrapping the release is is a stripped down blues, Pet Rabbit, with McLean on vocal and and resonator. The track is raw and alive and a real cool closer for a cool release.



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HERE