Sherman Holmes In AP, MCR Next Week!

Sherman Holmes of The Holmes Brothers  The Richmond Sessions Reviewed In AP ​ Performing On Music City Roots Next Week Special Guests Include Joan Osborne, Rob Ickes & Sammy Shelor

Northport N.Y. - We are very excited to share with you that the AP has just published its review of the just released The Richmond Sessions. Click on the cover to check it out! On Wednesday Aug. 2, Sherman will be bringing his band with Rob Ickes to the syndicated radio program Music City Roots. The show should air the following week. Click the photo for more info.    This past Friday, Sherman Holmes released his first solo recording in his 50+ year career. The Richmond Sessions by The Sherman Holmes Project carries on the spirit of the Holmes Brothers by re-imagining songs and making them their own. The record maintains a bluesgrass/gospel vibe throughout that surprises and delights. Fans of the Holmes Brothers will relish in this fine recording. Clarion Ledger The project is flawlessly rendered, The spirit of the Holmes Brothers lives on! - Elmore Magazine A one of a kind record that’s just going to blow your mind, killer stuff throughout! - Midwest Record Sherman Holmes' voice contains a lifetime of soul.  We are so lucky we still have him with us! - Joan Osborne             Click The Photo to Watch A 5 Minute Video Bio Of The Richmond Sessions                                                                      Photo: Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities  Sherman Holmes’ solo debut The Richmond Sessions can’t help being a milestone: It’s the esteemed singer and bassist’s first recording since the passing of his brother and musical partners, Wendell Holmes and Popsy Dixon, both in 2015. But his solo debut, dedicated to the memories of Wendell and Popsy, is no somber affair. The blend of bluegrass, gritty rock & roll and joyful gospel will be familiar from Holmes Brothers days. And with some of his strongest vocals on record, the album shows Sherman is still an artist in his prime. Long time friend, Joan Osborne, duets with Holmes on the Dan Penn classic, “Dark End of the Street.” Other songs include The Band's "Don't Do It," Credence's "Green River" and Ben Harper's "Homeless Child." “Sounds pretty good for a 77-year-old, doesn’t it?” Holmes laughs. “I was overjoyed to do this, because I didn’t know how I was going to restart my career. We chose a good collection of songs that we wanted to do—We got some gospel in there, and some bluegrass. It’s a good mix of the Americana music, as I like to call it.” Produced by Jon Lohman, Virginia State Folklorist and Director of the Virginia Folklife Program at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, The Richmond Sessions draws from Holmes’ longstanding Virginia roots. Lohman made the new album a Virginia-style family affair, bringing in guests like the Ingramettes—Richmond’s “first family of gospel” of 50 years standing—and instrumentalists like dobro master Rob Ickes, twice nominated for Grammy Awards; and Sammy Shelor, multi-time IBMA banjoist of the year. Look for Sherman to hit the road for his first tour as a solo artist. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there,” he says. “That’s my life, man.” Sherman Holmes Project Tour Dates ​ August 2 - Music City Roots Taping, Nashville TN ​ Sept. 1 - Joe Wilson Memorial Festival, Galax, Virginia ​ Sept. 2 - Song of The Mountains Taping, Marion VA ​ October 14 - Richmond Folk Festival, Richmond VA   ***

Santa Ana based Blues/Americana outfit Dry River release 2nd album

Prayin' for the Rain is the second studio album from Dry River, recorded and produced by singer/songwriter guitarist Oliver Althoen at his home studio in Orange, California and mastered by Rob Elfaizy at Stage One Studios in Lake Forest. For the second album, Dry River wanted to crank it up a notch and stretch out a bit; so they expanded their ranks with a rhythm section, recruiting bassist Joel Helin and drummer Ruben Ordiano.  Half the songs on the new album are electric and the other half acoustic; all are originals written by Althoen with the exception of "Makin' Biscuits' which was cooked up by harmonica player Dave Forrest. Dry River is a Blues-Rock/Americana band hailing from the banks of the Santa Ana River in Southern California.  It was originally formed as an acoustic duo when Althoen and Forrest got together to share a love of early Blues. They started out playing tunes by vintage Blues giants like Mississippi Fred McDowell, Little Walter, Slim Harpo, Skip James, and Robert Johnson, as well as modern acts like Gary Primich, Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and ZZ Top.  Dry River's tag line is "Songs of Death, Desperation, and Redemption," in the Folk/Blues/Americana tradition.  Dry River's members are basically happy people... but they like to play sad songs. Their first public performance together was on the street in downtown Orange, California.  They earned enough money in tips to buy a few beers at a local gastropub, which they took as a good omen.  That was the night they decided on Dry River as their band name. The name "Dry River" refers to the Santa Ana River (which would be dry most of the time if it weren't for reclaimed wastewater) is the geographic link between Orange County (where Oliver and his family lives) and the Inland Empire (where Dave and his wife live). Their first album Lost in the World featured all original material by Althoen. The two of them recorded the album live into a single microphone; it's about as honest as music gets.  https://dryrivermusic.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dry.river.music https://soundcloud.com/dry-river https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQX563GHr_k www.cdbaby.com/cd/dryriver

5th Annual Woodystock Blues/Rock Festival: 3 Days, New Stage, Best Lineup Yet

  

   (Apple Valley, CA) - The 5th Annual Woodystock Rock 'N' Blues Festival returns, expanding this year to three big days and nights - Friday, October 6; Saturday, October 7; and Sunday, October 8, at Woodardville Ranch, (end of Chicago Road), Apple Valley. 3-day tickets $35.00 in advance, $40.00 day of show. Camping tickets $10.00 per night/per vehicle. Kids 12 and under, free. Tickets/info.: (760) 963-4994 or www.woodystock.info. Music starts Friday night, October 6 at 7pm-12 midnite; Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, music starts at 11am-9pm each day. Returning as Emcee for all three days again this year: Jay Jamie of High Desert radio station, KJAY Epic! Radio.

   In addition to now being three days and nights, bands will perform on a newly-built, enlarged stage. "Our goal since Day One is to bring first-class musicians to the High Desert," says Woodystock founder John Woodard, who's also a Councilman for the City of Adelanto.

  The complete Woodstock music lineup includes the Kenny C Band; Johnny Jukebox; Papermoon Gypsys; Crooked Eye Tommy; The Reverend Smack Jonez Band; Babylon Steel; Billy D and the Hoodoos; Southern Spirit; Soul Pattern Project; Delta Shade; DJ Parker; and Brigitte Rios Purdy.

  No need to go "Down the Hill" to the Inland Empire or L.A. - enjoy some of the best Blues and Rock right here in the High Desert at Woodystock!

   Some of The Artist At 5th Annual Woodystock Blues/Rock Festival 

   

Orange County's Papermoon Gypsys (pictured) recently won "Best Blues Artist" and "Fan Favorite" at the LA Music Critics Awards. They're fronted by powerhouse vocalist Lexi G. (center) and guitar whiz Kenny "Big Daddy" Williams (front row, right). They perform on Saturday at Woodystock.

        Soul Pattern Project, fronted by well-known High Desert musician,

        Maggie Vee (pictured), perform on Sunday at the Woodystock Fest.

Powerhouse IE-based blues vocalist Brigitte Rios Purdy (pictured above) makes her Woodystock performing debut on Sunday, October 8.

 

Omnivore Recordings artist: Arthur Alexander - Arthur Alexander- New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release (July 28, 2017) by Arthur Alexander and it's chocked full of country, pop and soul. Opening with I'm Comin' Home, Arthur Anderson shows the style he's know for with a bright beat and smooth vocals. One of the standout tracks on the release, Go On Home Girl, has all of the attributes of a Jimmy Buffet track with the catchy melody and an easy going rhythm. Another track that of course grabs a lot of attention is Burning Love which was covered by Elvis only months after this recordings original release. My favorite track on the release is Rainbow Road, a solid ballad with a lot of soul. Steve Cropper's Down The Back Roads is another strong track with warm melody, cool piano and the soulful vocals of Alexander. Original track, Thank God He Came, is a really nice track with a spiritual theme. Alexander's vocals coast nicely on a wave or organ and rich backing vocals. Another original, They'll Do It Every Time has classic "hit" trademarks with a catchy melody, super vocals and nicely stylized guitar work. Wrapping the release is pop track, Simple Song Of Love, with Alexander just doing his thing. Minimal instrumentation is all he needs to convey his message.

  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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Blind Chihuahua Records - The Mark Robinson Band - Live at The 5 Spot - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live at the 5 Spot, from the Mark Robinson Band and it shares a healthy dose of blues rock. Opening with Baby's Gone To Memphis, Robinson on lead guitar and vocal sets up a real nice boogie rocker with a cool walking bass line from Daniel Seymour and Rick Schell on drums. Being a live release, Robinson takes a nice long guitar solo on this almost 7 minute track. On The Temptations' I Can't Get Next To You, Robinson sets in a terrific groove reminiscent of Al Green or Savoy Brown. Great track and cool performance with backing vocals by Seymour and Schell. One Way Ticket is a cool blues rocker with some of Robinson's best vocals. The band is tight and Robinson's guitar work is progressive and interesting. With it's Latin flavor, Under Her Spell has a Fleetwood Mac feel ... kind of like Black Magic Woman and even some of the glistening tones with Chip Clarke on drums. This is a cool track with slick guitar work. Another boogie track, Drive Real Fast, has a nice groove with the addition of Ben Graves on harp and Mark T. Jordan on keys. Another extended track shows how this tight knit group of guys jams. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Eddie Clearwater's I Wouldn't Lay My Guitar Down with a pure Chuck Berry roll. Keeping it compact, this is an excellent closer for a solid release. 

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

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Greg Sover - Songs Of A Renegade - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Songs of a Renegade from Greg Sover and it's classic arena rock. Opening with Moment, a bluesy ballad, Greg Sover on lead vocals shows real polish, backed by Garry Lee on vocal and bass, Allen James on guitar, Tom Walling on drums and Wally Smith on keys. His guitar solo phrasing is solid and dynamic. With a edgier sound on Heroes, Lee drives the bass and Sover's lead vocal and guitar work is spot on. On Quicksand Sover's Philadelphia roots show blending his rock nature with Philly soul. With blues bones, After Me explores a more pure form of the blues with basic blues riffs and a modified walking bass line. Cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine performed with a slight reggae twist, driving rock drums and flaming guitars. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Cherie, a cool track with Caribbean rhythms. With it's catchy melody and contagious rhythm, this is a super closer for a solid release.

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

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Check Out Benny Turner's Book & Enter To Win Autographed Copy

Reply to this email to enter drawing for an autographed copy of Benny's book!   After more than 60 years performing gospel, R&B, soul and blues everywhere from the Chitlin Circuit to the Apollo Theatre to the far reaches of the globe, Benny Turner shares his captivating life story in his new biography, Survivor: The Benny Turner Story. Available in hardcover and eBook versions beginning July 8, 2017. An oral history as told to Bill Dahl, Benny talks about his early years in Gilmer, TX, the family’s move to Chicago in 1950 and the ultimate birth of his career in the gospel, R&B and blues genres. Surviving extreme poverty in rural East Texas followed by the shocking transition to urban life in Chicago and the untimely death of his big brother, bandmate and best friend Freddie King, are only a portion of the obstacles Benny has survived. Early acclaim for the book has been high, both from within the music industry and beyond, earning multiple 5-star reviews from Readers Favorite book reviews. "Freddie King fans will definitely want to check this book out, but Turner's story stands on its own as a testament to resilience and survival." Tom Cullen, Blues Music Magazine "...it feels like Benny Turner is sitting with you as a friend at the kitchen table, sharing his history."  Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite

Survivor - The Benny Turner Story Book Signing Dates Available In Hard Copy & Ebook Amazon Barnes & Noble Benny's Website Benny's Interview On RMU Radio

Little Dog Records artist: Lightnin' Willie - No Black No White Just Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, No Black No White Just Blues, from Lightnin' Willie and it all fun. Opening with Can't Get That Stuff No More, Lightnin' Willie rips a good one sounding like a contemporary track by Iron Head or Lead Belly. A cool boogie, lead by Willie on guitar and vocal really nicely showcases the hot piano work of Dona Oxford and a fat guitar solo by Willie.  On Chicago flavored Eye's In The Back Of My Head, Willie continue his clever wordsmithing and Pete Anderson on harp and thumping bass gives the track even more personality. Willie's guitar tone is way cool. One of my favorites is Locked In A Prison, a slower, T-Bone Walker style composition. Ron Dzubla really heats the track up with his sax work and Willie's guitar work is mighty tasty.  Michael Murphy on piano, Jerry Olson on drums and Skip Edwards' Hammond work is spot on. On Latin flavored, Heartache, Willie really takes a cool departure and laying out a cool strumming pattern giving the track even more texture. His solo riffs are precise and spontaneous with great feel.  Another of my favorite tracks is Phone Stopped Ringing with that Otis Rush/Peter Green feel. Alternating between the glistening guitar tone and the fat lower fret throaty tone, Willie uses his guitar to it's best. Very nice. Wrapping the release is rip roaring, Shake My Snake. (Stilladog...this one's for you!) With rimshots reminiscent to ZZ Top on LaGrange Willie cranks the listener and then squeezes his slide ...great boogie...great closer!

  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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Kenny Wayne Shepherd's "Diamonds & Gold" premieres at Guitar Player; new album "Lay It On Down" out Aug 4 on Concord

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND’S
“DIAMONDS & GOLD” PREMIERES VIA
GUITAR PLAYER

NEW ALBUM LAY IT ON DOWN OUT AUGUST 4 ON
CONCORD RECORDS

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES THIS SUMMER

   

“[Shepherd] is a guitarist who can easily mesmerize an audience with his playing ability and through his passionate and energetic solos.”—The Huffington Post

“Diamonds & Gold,” the new single from Lay It On Down, five-time Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s forthcoming ninth album, is now premiering via Guitar Player; listen/share the track at http://bit.ly/2tKyzwY. Guitar Player notes, “Lay It On Down showcases a more roots-based, Americana sound from Shepherd, and the guitarist was inspired by several genres and musical eras during its inception. The album was recorded super-old-school—live in the studio to analog tape.”

Lay It On Down is due August 4 on Concord Records. Recorded at Echophone Studios in Shepherd’s hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana and produced by Shepherd with Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Natasha Bedingfield, Kate Voegele), the album was largely recorded live in the studio to analog tape.

Billboard recently premiered the album’s title track, noting, “The gentle ‘Lay It On Down’—which Shepherd co-wrote with ‘Blue On Black’ collaborators Mark Selby and Tia Sillers—certainly represents something different for Shepherd and company.” Shepherd went on to explain, “It’s, like, a midtempo ballad, which surprises some people, but I love ballads. I grew up in the era of the power ballad. That was the biggest thing on the radio when I was a teenager, those rock ‘n’ roll ballads. So I’m a sucker for a good ballad and wanted to have one on this record.” Additionally, CMT Music premiered the video for the album’s first single, “Baby Got Gone,” calling it “the most rollicking country-infused rock track you’ve heard in a long time.”

Shepherd’s band on Lay It On Down features his long-time lead vocalist Noah Hunt, the rhythm section from Shepherd’s supergroup side project The RIDES, Chris Layton (drums) and Kevin McCormick (bass), and keyboardist Jimmy McGorman. “I’m proud of the album we have delivered to the fans and I think they'll be excited by what they hear,” notes Shepherd. “The band we’ve assembled did a fantastic job bringing these songs to life and conveying the musical message to the listener. Now we are looking forward to bringing this new music to the live show to watch it develop even more.” Shepherd further discusses the writing/recording process in the new album’s video trailer, watch/share it at https://youtu.be/xW6HfiJ-WYQ.

Shepherd will celebrate the album’s release with a U.S. tour that kicks off August 9 in Westbury, NY. See below for a list of dates; additional shows to be announced shortly.

Lay It On Down finds Shepherd two decades into a recording career that began when he was 16. Shepherd has sold millions of albums worldwide and, in addition to his five Grammy nominations, he has won two Billboard Music Awards, a pair of Orville H. Gibson awards, the Blues Foundation’s Keeping The Blues Alive award and two Blues Music awards. He’s had six #1 blues albums and a string of #1 mainstream rock singles, and his acclaimed documentary project 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads was the top-selling blues album of 2007. Shepherd’s last release, 2014’s Goin’ Home (Concord Records), debuted at #25 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and spent several weeks at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart.

LAY IT ON DOWN TRACK LIST

1. Baby Got Gone
2. Diamonds & Gold
3. Nothing But The Night
4. Lay It On Down
5. She’s $$$
6. Hard Lesson Learned
7. Down For Love
8. How Low Can You Go
9. Louisiana Rain
10. Ride Of Your Life

THE KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND LIVE
 

August 9	Westbury, NY	The Space at Westbury
August 10	Albany, NY	The Egg
August 11	Northfield, OH	Hard Rock Live
August 12	Peoria, IL	Riverfront Park
August 14	Annapolis, MD	Rams Head on Stage
August 15	Annapolis, MD	Rams Head on Stage
August 16	Morristown, NJ	Mayo Performing Arts Center
August 18	Portland, ME	Aura
August 19	Northampton, MA	Calvin Theatre
August 20	Derry, NH	Tupelo Music Hall
August 22	Bar Harbor, ME	Criterion Theatre
August 23	Ridgefield, CT	Ridgefield Playhouse
August 25	Harrisburg, PA	Whitaker Center
August 26	E. Providence, RI	Bold Point Park
August 27	Beverly, MA	Cabot Theatre
September 1	Milwaukee, WI	Harley Davidson Museum
September 8	Sacramento, CA	Crest Theatre
September 9	Redwood City, CA	Fox Theatre
September 10	Guerneville, CA	Russian River Jazz Festival
September 15	Cottonwood, AZ	Thunder Valley Rally
September 16	Las Vegas, NV	Tropicana Theater
September 18	Kansas City, MO	Uptown Theater
September 19	Des Moines, IA	Hoy Sherman Place
September 21	Wichita, KS	The Cotillion Ballroom
September 22	Springfield, MO	Gillioz Theatre
September 23	Louisville, KY	Bourbon & Beyond Festival
October 14	Merrillville, IN	Star Plaza Theatre

Blue Elan Records artist: Janiva Magness - Blue Again - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blue Again, from Janiva Magness and she taps a number of blues classics. Opening with I Can Tell, Magness has the place rockin' and Kid Ramos shows some trademark riffs backed by Matt Tecu on drums, Gary "Scruff" Davenport on bass, Zach Zunis and Garrett Deloian on guitar and Arlan Schierbaum om keys. On Al Kooper's, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know, Magness digs deep for some of her most soulful vocals on record. Kooper being an organ player, this track leaves plenty of space for Schierbaum and he uses it nicely complimented by tasty guitar soloing. Magness teams up with Sugaray Rayford for an vibrant R&B duet on If I Can't Have You. Joe Hinton's I'm Tired Of Walking with crisp, Freddie King/Eric Clapton like guitar work. Very nice. Nina Simone's slinky,   Buck is a cool track with snappy, SRV like guitar riffs and TJ Norton on harp. Wrapping the release is funky blues rocker, Pack It Up. Magness is in the slot with super vocals, really nicely backed by Schierbaum on electric piano and low key guitar soloing by Zunis. Nice closer for a solid release. 

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

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