Jonny Lang & Black Stone Cherry

JONNY LANG EXTENDS SIGNS WORLD TOUR

Twenty-Five New North American Shows Added

Tickets On Sale This Week

Signs To Be Released On September 8^th In North America

Los Angeles, CA --- Jonny Lang’s brand new studio album, Signs, will be released in North America on September 8th via SayRai / Concord Records.  The album (his sixth major label release) is his first in four years. The European release for Signs will be on August 25 via Provogue Records / Mascot Label Group.

The new album is available to pre-order here: http://amazon.com/dp/B071FPWNS6.  All pre-orders will include both “Bitter End” and “Make It Move” as instant gratification tracks.

This morning, twenty-five new shows in North America have been added to Jonny’s World Tour in support of Signs.  Tickets for most of these shows will go on sale this week.  VIP tickets will be available starting this Tuesday via www.jonnylang.com

Anyone who originally discovered Jonny Lang through his searing instrumental work will revel in the huge guitar tones and go for broke solos on Signs, while those who have appreciated his growth as an honest and passionate songwriter will find that honesty and passion unabated. Though he long ago left blues purism behind, Lang has never abandoned its spirit of universal catharsis through the relating of personal trials. Signs reaffirms his commitment to the blues and the guitar without sacrificing the modern approach that has made him such a singular artist. 

It is hard to believe that at only 36 years old Jonny Lang has already had a successful career for two decades. Easier to believe when you learn he released his first platinum record at 15—an age when many young people are just beginning to play music. Lie to Me revealed a talent that transcended the crop of blues prodigies floating around in the late Nineties. No flashy re-hasher of classic blues licks, even at that early age Lang was a full-blown artist with a style of his own. Also, setting Lang apart from the wunderkind crowd was a 15-year-old voice that sounded like a weathered soul shouter. Actual life experience was yet to come, and has been subsequently chronicled in a series of five uniformly excellent recordings.

Since the release of his debut album, Grammy Award winning Jonny Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation. The path Lang has been on has brought him the opportunity to support or perform with some of the most respected legends in music.  He has shared the stage with everyone from The Rolling Stones and B.B. King to Aerosmith and Buddy Guy, who he continues to tour with today.

Jack Broadbent and Guthrie Brown have been confirmed as direct support on a majority of the appearances scheduled for August through October in North America. Both artists will appear solo.  For appearances in Spokane on November 27 through January as announced below, support will be announced in the coming weeks.

Guthrie Brown is a Nashville transplant by way of Montana who began playing the guitar at age six. By the age of seventeen, he left high school for Nashville to pursue his dream of being a professional recording artist. Now at twenty-two Guthrie has toured the country relentlessly, signed a publishing deal with BMG and is currently recording his first full length album with GRAMMY® Award winning producer, Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Dawes, Of Monsters and Men, James Bay).  For more information http://www.guthriebrownmusic.com/. 

Jack Broadbent was hailed “The new master of the slide guitar” by the Montreux Jazz Festival, and “The real thang” by the legendary Bootsy Collins.  He has spent the past year wowing international audiences with his unique blend of virtuosic acoustic and slide guitar, and poignant folk and blues inspired vocals. Born and raised in rural England, Jack grew up listening to artists such as John Lee Hooker, Peter Green, Robert Johnson, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, to name a few. These legends of rock, blues, roots and folk influenced his distinctive song writing, singing and performance style, which have a depth and heart that defies strict musical genres. Broadbent‘s performances exude a warmth, humor and energy that has electrified audiences worldwide. For more detail: http://www.jackbroadbent.co.uk or https://www.facebook.com/JackBroadbentMusic.

JONNY LANG SIGNS WORLD TOUR

8/10     Los Angeles, CA                                                                    The Grammy Museum

8/11     Los Angeles, CA                                                                    Teragram Ballroom

8/13     Arlington, WA                                                                        Stillaguamish Festival

8/19     North Thornton, NH                                                               White Mountain Boogie

8/20     Alexandria, VA                                                                      The Birchmere

8/22     New York, NY                                                                       Highline Ballroom #

8/23     Philadelphia, PA                                                                     World Café Live #

8/25     Toronto, ON                                                                           Danforth Music Hall #

8/26     Trois-Rivieres, QUE                                                               Trois-Rivieres en Blues 

9/08     Aspen, CO                                                                              Belly Up+

9/09     Boulder, CO                                                                           Boulder Theater +

9/10     Arvada, CO                                                                             Arvada Center +

9/12     Tulsa, OK                                                                               Cain’s +

9/14     Dallas, TX                                                                              House of Blues +

9/15     Houston, TX                                                                           House of Blues +

9/16     Austin, TX                                                                              ACL Live +

9/18     Kansas City, MO                                                                    Knuckleheads #

9/19     St. Louis, MO                                                                         Pageant #

9/21     Milwaukee, WI                                                                       Potawatomi Casino #

9/22     Milwaukee, WI                                                                       Polawatomi Casino #

9/23     Chicago, IL                                                                             House of Blues #

9/24     Louisville, KY                                                                        Bourbon & Beyond Festival 

9/26     Indianapolis, IN                                                                      The Vogue #

9/30     Hartford, CT                                                                           Infinity Hall +

10/01   Fairfield, CT                                                                           Warehouse +

10/03   Boston, MA                                                                            The Wilbur Theater #

10/04   Portland, ME                                                                          Aura #

10/06    Cranston, RI                                                                          Park Theatre #

10/07   Hampton Beach, NH                                                              Hampton Beach Casino #

10/08   Reading, PA                                                                           Reading Blues Festival

10/19   Huntington, NY                                                                      Paramount

10/22   Zwolle, NL                                                                             Hedon

10/23   Cologne, Germany                                                                 Gloria

10/25   Berlin, Germany                                                                     Columbia Club

10/27   Hamburg, Germany                                                                Mojo

10/29   Copenhagen, Denmark                                                           Amager Bio

10.30   Oslo, Norway                                                                          Rockafeller

10/31   Stockholm, Sweden                                                                Nalen

11/04   London, UK                                                                            SBE (London Folk and Roots Fest)

11/05   Leuven, Belgium                                                                    Hep Depot (Leuven Blues Festival)

11/07   Cleon, France                                                                         La Travene (Blues de Travene)

11/09   Marseille, France                                                                    Espace Julien

11/10   Six-Fours-les-Plages, France                                                  Espace Malraux

11/11   Paris, France                                                                           La Cigale

11/13   Prague, Czech Republic                                                         Lucerna

11/14   Vienna, Austria                                                                       Porgy and Bess

11/16   Sumperk, Czech Republic                                                      House of Culture (Blues Alive Fest)

11/27   Spokane, WA                                                                         Bing Crosby

11/28   Seattle, WA                                                                            The Neptune

11/29   Vancouver, BC                                                                       Commodore Ballroom

12/01   Grants Pass, OR                                                                      Rogue Theatre

12/02   Tahoe, NV                                                                              Montbleu

12/03   Sacramento, CA                                                                     Crest Theatre

12/05   Santa Cruz, CA                                                                       The Catalyst

12/06   Solana Beach, CA                                                                  Belly Up

12/08   Pasadena, CA                                                                         The Rose

12/09   San Juan Capistrano, CA                                                        Coach House

12/10   San Juan Capistrano, CA                                                        Coach House

1/09     Buffalo, NY                                                                            Tralf

1/10     Cleveland, OH                                                                        House of Blues

1/12     New Buffalo, MI                                                                    Silver Creek Event Center

1/16     Jacksonville, FL                                                                     FL Theater

1/18     St. Petersburg, FL                                                                   Palladium

1/19     Lake Buena Vista, FL                                                            House of Blues

1/20     Myrtle Beach, SC                                                                   House of Blues

1/22     Atlanta, GA                                                                            Centerstage

1/23     New Orleans, LA                                                                    House of Blues

1/25     Lafayette, LA                                                                         Acadiana PAC

1/26     San Antonio, TX                                                                    Aztek Theater

1/27     Oklahoma City, OK                                                                Diamond Ballroom

2/01     Agoura Hills, CA                                                                    Canyon

2/02     Scottsdale, AZ                                                                        Talking Stick Casino

Planetary Blues Band Performing at Prairie Magic Music Festival

PLANETARY BLUES BAND PERFORM AT PRAIRIE MAGIC            MUSIC FESTIVAL, AT SUNSET HILL FARM COUNTY PARK Saturday, August 12/ Showtime: 1:00pm/ Tickets: $15.

(Valparaiso, IN) - The Planetary Blues Band are one of the headliners at the Prairie Magic Music Festival, Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Rd., Saturday, August 12. Festival begins at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $15. (Adults), $10. with Student I.D. Children 12 and under free with a ticketed adult. Info/tickets: (219) 548-0219 or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2977487.   The Prairie Magic Music Fest is a celebration of rock, bluegrass, folk, and Americana music nestled in the heart of a beautiful County Park just minutes from the expressway. Also performing: The Crawpuppies, Foster Ross & Young, and the Blues Project, and the Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra.   The festival will also highlight Craft Food and Beer vendors. Valpo Velvet Ice Cream and Bartlett's Gourmet Grill will be satisfying hunger while a beer garden will make local microbrews available to those 21 and over.                              About...The Planetary Blues Band Michael Schaefer-Murray: guitar and vocals Martin Schaefer-Murray: guitar and vocals Bobby Schaefer-Murray: bass guitar Nick Evans: drums   The Planetary Blues Band consists of the trio of brothers Martin Schaefer-Murray (guitar and lead vocals) Bobby Schaefer-Murray (bass) and Michael Schaefer-Murray (guitar), with their longtime friend Nick Evans on drums. The band is based in Valparaiso, IN and has been paying dues in Midwest bars and at local festivals for over fifteen years. They've shared the stage with some of their biggest influences, such as Son Seals and Buddy Guy, including opening up for Buddy Guy at his own club, Legends. The PBB is influenced by a wide range of musical styles. Like most rock bands worth their salt, Planetary got their start playing, and being influenced by, the Blues. The band was born in 1999 in “Mom’s basement”, where countless hours were spent learning entire albums by Chicago Blues greats like Buddy Guy and Son Seals. Over the course of the past fifteen-plus years, Planetary has held onto those roots, while expanding outward into various other corners of the musical universe. The Planetary Blues Band recorded and produced their most recent album, Once Upon A Time In The South Loop, all “in-house” (engineered by Michael S-M), and it received stellar reviews both nationally and internationally. www.planetaryblues.com https://www.facebook.com/theplanetarybluesband Join us on Facebook      Follow us on Twitter       Send us an Email

PRE-ORDER Hamilton Loomis's new CD "BASICS" NOW!!

"BASICS" -- the new CD by Hamilton Loomis NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!! Pre-order Hamilton's long-awaited new CD by clicking here: http://shop.hamiltonloomis.com/Basics-2017-Basics-PRE-ORDER.htm  Estimated ship date is Aug. 16, 2017! You can also download the entire CD (includes artwork) by clicking here: https://hamiltonloomis.bandzoogle.com/music  ALBUM NOTES: Hamilton Loomis does indeed go back to basics on his new album, which is his most personal and emotional effort to date. Gone are the double entendres for which Loomis is known; this time, his lyrics are direct, personal, and often autobiographical. The “basics” theme runs through the entire CD, in its lyrics (“Prayer,” “Cloudy Day”), single-chord progressions (“Sugar Baby," "Looking Into a Dream”), simple melodies (“Come and Get Me”), and stripped-down instrumentation of guitar, bass and drums (“Reason," "Getting So Big”). Still, Loomis’s trademark deep-grooved funk and soulful blues-rock is definitely present. “I wanted this record to be more stripped-down. Even the CD jacket is black and white and pretty basic itself," he says of the disc, which features songwriting collaborations with Grammy-award winning songwriter/ producer/bassist Tommy Sims, co-writer of Eric Clapton's “Change the World." Loomis’ 2013 album “Give It Back” showed his pay-it-forward attitude of passing on knowledge to young, up-and-coming musicians, just as his mentors (notably Houston’s Joe Hughes, Johnny Copeland and rock icon Bo Diddley) once did for him. On Basics, Loomis continues the tradition by featuring several of his young protégées, and finishes the record with a jam session by some of his favorite Houston-area youngsters, whose ages range from 13 to 16. Loomis is also on a mission to raise awareness about hyperinsulinism (HI), a rare disease that causes low blood sugar. His 3-year-old son was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition in 2015, and Loomis dedicates Basics' opening track, “Sugar Baby,” to Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (www.congenitalhi.org), an organization that heads research on the disease, educates doctors and hospitals, and supports families affected by the disease. “They call HI kids 'sugar babies,' so I wanted to write a song in appreciation for all they do for families all over the world,” Loomis says.

www.hamiltonloomis.com

Moondogg Records artist: Johnny Ray Jones - Feet Back In The Door - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feet Back In The Door, by Johnny Ray Jones and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Feet Back In The Door, Johnny Ray Jones show strong soul roots with a great rhythm and horn section. His vocals are strong, joined by Mike Finnigan on piano, Hutch Hutchinson on bass, and Tony Braunagel on drums and topped off with Joe Sublett on sax, Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Teresa James on backing vocals. Very nice. I really like the bass work on Come Up And See Me Sometime which really carries Finnigan's organ line and sets a cool stage for Jones to strut. Jones' vocals on High Cost Of Loving and Johnny Lee Schell throws down some stinging blues guitar riffs making this one of my favorites on  the release. Z.Z. Hill's, I'm A Blues Man has a great balance of heavy bass, big brass, snappy drums and warm vocals giving Jones and Schell a wide open slate to sing and play. Very nice. Allen Toussaint's A Certain Girl is always a great track with New Orleans flair, and a real nice sax solo by Sublett. The playful vocal interplay is super. Original track, In The Heart Of The City has a real nice melody and Schell's melodic guitar solo further enhances the radio drive on this track. Wrapping the release is Leon Russell's Hearts Have Turned To Stone. Using classic Leon riffs throughout but with his own signature, Jones closes nicely with smart piano flair from Finnigan, nice vocal highlights by James and tight brass punctuation by Leonard.

  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" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Floating Records artist: Jeffrey Halford and the Healers - Lo-Fi Dreams - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lo-Fi Dreams from Jeffrey Halford and the Healers featuring country, soul and rock laden music. Opening is Two Jacksons, a simple rock radio track with flavors of John Cougar and the Eagles. Halford on lead vocal and guitar is joined by Adam Rossi on drums and keys and Bill MacBeath on bass. Elvis Shot The Television is a cool track with a memorable lyric, cool slide by Halford and cool keys and drums by Rossi. One of my favorite tracks, Door #3 has a great melody, cool backing vocals by Rossi and iridescent guitar lines by Tom Heyman. Bird Of Youth is a hot country rocker with a hint of British style, a driving beat, a cool bass line and a healthy dose of slide guitar. Very cool. Sweet Annette is a curious track with a hint of Lou Reed, cool lead guitar and euphoric steel guitar swirling in the air. Cool blues rocker, Looking For A Home, has a simple melody and country blues style with a snappy drum beat, raw slide guitar work and cool harp work by Jimmy Dewrance. Wrapping the release is ballad, Great Divide, with somber vocals by Halford, tension added by Rossi on keys and really cool Spanish flavor added by acoustic guitar. Very 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

3rd Annual Big Buggs Island Blues Bash Features Best Lineup Yet!

             

THE 3RD ANNUAL BIG BUGGS ISLAND BLUES BASH: LIVE BLUES, GREAT FOOD, SWING DANCE COMPETITION, BEST LINEUP YET

Saturday, September 3, 2pm-10pm Robbins Ballpark, Clarksville, VA  

                                                

                                                   (Rain or Shine)

    

    (Clarksville, VA) - Announcing the 3rd Annual Big Buggs Island Blues Bash, Saturday, September 30, from 2pm-10pm (rain or shine), on the Lake at Robbins Ballpark, 104 Woodland Drive in Clarksville, VA. Tickets $25.00 (Early-Bird Special till August 31 - purchase here), $30.00 General Admission (September 1-September 29), $35.00 at the gate/day of the Festival. Limited number of $75.00 VIP Tickets available (includes admission plus two complimentary drinks, premiere seating under Stage Side Tent, and access to the catered Hospitality Tent for a 'Meet-And-Greet' with the performers. Also a Swing Dance Competition on the Lake, food for sale by top area restaurants and food trucks, plus an Arts and Crafts Vendors Village.

   "We've arranged for some of the finest performers in the Blues to entertain and amaze." says Woolly, Founder/Promoter of the Big Buggs Island Blues Bash and creator of the famed Woolly's Big Blues jam. Emcee is Confessing The Blues radio show Host, Cleve Baker.  Rain or shine - in the event of bad weather, the Festival will be moved to an indoor location. Info: (919) 451-4356 or visit us on-line at http://www.bbibb.org/.

   "This Year's Entertainment Lineup Is Our Best Yet!" - Woolly

Four-time Blues Music Awards nominee, Hammond B-3 organist extraordinaire, Bruce Katz, headlines the Big Buggs Island Blues Bash Saturday, September 30.

Jon Spear Band, nominated for "Best Live Blues Recording" in 2016 by Blues Blast Magazine,  are a popular national touring act fronted by talented guitarist, Jon Spear (second from right).

The pride of Plano, Texas, guitarist extraordinaire Anson Funderburgh has also been called "the nicest man in the Blues" by Blues Festival Guide. Funderburgh is joined onstage by Stern and Cotton at the 3rd Annual Big Buggs Blues Bash.

North Carolina-based trio James-Pace and Preslar, fronted by guitarist-vocalist T.A. James (pictured), are a popular band on the Blues Festival circuit.

Parker & Gray bring their soulful blues to Big Buggs Island Blues Bash.

They're joined onstage by Ken Farmer from the PBS television series

Antiques Roadshow, himself a American-Roots vocalist-guitarist.

3RD ANNUAL BIG BUGGS ISLAND BLUES BASH ON YOU TUBE:

Floating Records artist: Jeffrey Halford and the Healers - Lo-Fi Dreams - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lo-Fi Dreams from Jeffrey Halford and the Healers featuring country, soul and rock laden music. Opening is Two Jacksons, a simple rock radio track with flavors of John Cougar and the Eagles. Halford on lead vocal and guitar is joined by Adam Rossi on drums and keys and Bill MacBeath on bass. Elvis Shot The Television is a cool track with a memorable lyric, cool slide by Halford and cool keys and drums by Rossi. One of my favorite tracks, Door #3 has a great melody, cool backing vocals by Rossi and iridescent guitar lines by Tom Heyman. Bird Of Youth is a hot country rocker with a hint of British style, a driving beat, a cool bass line and a healthy dose of slide guitar. Very cool. Sweet Annette is a curious track with a hint of Lou Reed, cool lead guitar and euphoric steel guitar swirling in the air. Cool blues rocker, Looking For A Home, has a simple melody and country blues style with a snappy drum beat, raw slide guitar work and cool harp work by Jimmy Dewrance. Wrapping the release is ballad, Great Divide, with somber vocals by Halford, tension added by Rossi on keys and really cool Spanish flavor added by acoustic guitar. Very 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Singer Johnny Rawls Boards the Soul-Blues Express on New CD, "Waiting for the Train," Coming September 15 from Catfood Records

Singer Johnny Rawls Boards the Soul-Blues Express on New CD, Waiting for the Train, Coming

September 15 from Catfood Records

EL PASO, TX – Catfood Records announces a September 15 release date for Waiting for the Train, the new CD from Blues Music Award-winning singer Johnny Rawls. Produced by multi-Grammy-winning producer Jim Gaines, Waiting for the Train was recorded at the Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, with additional recording at Bessie Blue Studio in Stantonville, Tennessee. On the new disc, Rawls is backed by his long-standing recording unit, The Rays: Johnny McGhee – guitar; Bob Trenchard – bass; Richy Puga – drums; Dan Ferguson – keyboards; Andy Roman – alto/tenor sax; Mike Middleton – trumpet; Nick Flood – baritone/tenor sax; Joel Chavarria – trombone; with Jon Olazabal – percussion; and backing vocals by Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston. 

Waiting for the Train features six originals (five co-written by Rawls and one by labelmate James Armstrong and Bob Trenchard), with Johnny adding his own distinctive vocal stamp on songs previously recorded by Wilson Pickett (“I’m in Love”), Bob Dylan (“I Shall Be Released”), Tyrone Davis (“Turning Point”) and Syl Johnson (“We Did It”).

Some background on the players on Waiting for the Train: Jon Olazabal, the percussionist, is a member of popular Southern California band The Dirty Heads, who’ve hit it big headlining festivals and touring coast-to-coast. Background singers Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston are members of the Neo Soul group S4TG. Johnny McGhee was an L.A. - Motown session player before joining LTD.  Richy Puga, Dan Ferguson, Andy Roman and Bob Trenchard have been together since the group Kay Kay and Rays started 20 years ago. Johnny Rawls is traveling to Europe three times in 2017 and still playing 150 dates a year. His last CD, Tiger in a Cage, reached #1 on the Living Blues Radio Chart and remained at #1 for 14 weeks on the Roots Music Soul Blues Chart. It also made the Downbeat Magazine Critic's Best of the Year Poll list, just as his two previous albums did. 

About Johnny Rawls

Born in the southern Mississippi town of Columbia, and raised in Purvis and Gulfport, Johnny Rawls - while still in high school - was already backing such stars as Z.Z. Hill, Little Johnny Taylor, Joe Tex and The Sweet Inspirations when they toured in his area. In his early 20s, Rawls was hired by the legendary deep soul singer, O.V. Wright, as his band director. After Wright died in 1979, Rawls kept the band together and toured for several years with Little Johnny Taylor and others.

By 1985, Johnny Rawls was touring as a solo artist and had made his first solo recording. In 1994, he recorded the widely acclaimed album, Down to Earth, with L.C. Luckett on the Rooster Blues label. After a second Rooster Blues album with Luckett, Rawls recorded a number of albums for JSP before starting his own label. Rawls first met Catfood Records president Bob Trenchard in 1997 and the two have worked on a number of projects together since then, culminating when he released his first album for the label, No Boundaries, in 2005    

Rawls garnered previous Blues Music Award nominations for his albums Heart and Soul in 2007, and Red Cadillac in 2009. Both Red Cadillac and Ace of Spades were nominated for Album of the Year by Living Blues and his last six albums have all charted top ten on blues charts with Red Cadillac reaching #1 on the Living Blues Radio Play Chart. Ace of Spades hit the #4 spot, remaining in the top 20 for three months. 

Johnny’s 2012 CD, Soul Survivor, garnered him two more Blues Music Award nominations and followed Memphis Still Got Soul (2011), which received three. He’s been nominated numerous times in both the Soul Blues Male Artist and Soul Blues Album categories by The Blues Foundation, and his Ace of Spades CD won the BMA in 2010 as “Soul Blues Album of the Year. In 2014, he was voted Living Blues magazine’s “Male Blues Artist of the Year” and three of his albums have won the Living Blues “Critics' Choice Southern Soul Album of the Year.”  

Severn Records Announces October 6 Release Date for New CD from The Original Blues Brothers Band featuring Steve Cropper & "Blue Lou" Marini, "The Last Shade of Blue Before Black"

Severn Records Announces October 6 Release Date for New CD from The Original Blues Brothers Band featuring Steve Cropper & “Blue Lou” Marini,

The Last Shade of Blue Before Black

Special Guests Include Eddie Floyd, Joe Louis Walker, Paul Shaffer, Dr. John, Matt “Guitar”Murphy and

Joe Morton

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Severn Records announces an October 6 release date for The Last Shade of Blue Before Black, the new album from the legendary Original Blues Brothers Band, featuring guitarist Steve Cropper and sax player “Blue Lou” Marini, with special guests Eddie Floyd, Joe Louis Walker, Paul Shaffer, Dr. John, Matt “Guitar” Murphy and Joe Morton.

“Had anyone told me in 1978 that in 2017 I would still be traveling around the world and playing with the Blues Brothers’ Band, I would have said they were out of their minds,” says “Blue Lou” Marini. “But, amazingly here we are with a new CD and still playing all over the world. This album is a true labor of love and I’m so proud of the organic way it came about. We really wanted to honor our history and to include some of our favorite musicians that we’ve worked with and loved over the years.  We have the legends, Eddie Floyd and Dr. John, plus our original band leader, Paul Shaffer and the great bluesman Joe Louis Walker.

“We also have Tom ‘Bones’ Malone playing and arranging, and cameos from Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy and Joe Morton, a star from our second movie. We are also thrilled to have former members David Spinozza on guitar, Birch Johnson on trombone, and my steady sub, Baron Raymonde on alto sax.”

The Last Shade of Blue Before Black was produced by Lou Marini, Steve Cropper and The Original Blues Brothers Band and recorded at IWII Studios in Hoboken, NJ, by Jay Messina.

“We wanted to present some new original material and do some tunes that hearkened to our past,” declares Marini. “This is a live CD, with everyone recording at once, mostly first or second takes and live vocals and solos. The only overdubs were some baritone sax parts and a few minor fixes. We were blessed with a fantastic studio that suited us so well, IIWII in Hoboken, New Jersey, and the world’s greatest engineer and friend to all, Jay Messina.

Essentially begun as a one-time musical skit that debuted on NBC-TV’s Saturday Night Live” in 1978 and fronted by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues, the band became an overnight sensation, spawning numerous TV appearances, hit albums, two blockbuster movies and global touring.  

“I think the power and joy of this great band that has been playing together for so many years is evident,” states Marini. “We love each other and love making music together. Everyone played their asses off on this CD and none more so than our wonderful bassist, Eric Udel. Eric died tragically in September from a fall here in NYC. He was a great musician and a sunny, funny man whom we all loved. We dedicate this album to him as well as our other fallen and still greatly missed brothers, Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn” and Alan ‘Mr. Fabulous’ Rubin.

“I’ve often said that the OBBB is the world’s greatest part-time job because of you, our fans. We’ve gotten to see the world and enjoy it in your company. We’ve eaten and drank with you, especially the latter, and you have treated us like kings. Enjoy this music and for God’s sake, PLAY IT LOUD!”

The Original Blues Brothers Band are: Steve “The Colonel” Cropper - guitar; John “Smokin’ John” Tropea – guitar; Eric “The Red” Udel – bass; Lee “Funkytime” Finkelstein – drums; Leon “The Lion” Pendarvis – organ; Rusty “Cloudmeister” Cloud - clavinet, Wurlitzer, piano and organ; Steve “Catfish” Howard – trumpet; Larry “Trombonious” Farrell – trombone; Lou “Blue Lou” Marini – saxophones; Bobby “Sweet Soul” Harden – vocals; Tommy “Pipes” McDonnell - vocals and harmonica; and Rob “The Honeydripper” Paparozzi - vocals and harmonica.

The Last Shade of Blue Before Black Track Listing and Additional Credits

1. Baby, What You Want Me To Do - Music & lyrics by Jimmy Reed (Conrad Music/The Seeds of Reed Music, BMI) Arranged by Lou Marini Bobby, Tommy and Rob-vocals, John Tropea-guitar solo, Rob Paparozzi-harp, Tom Malone-trumpet, Baron Raymonde-alto sax

2. Cherry Street - Music & lyrics by Delbert McClinton, Kevin McKendree & Gary Nicholson (East Folks Music, BMI/ASCAP). Arranged by Lou Marini Tommy “Pipes’ McDonnell-lead vocal, Birch Johnson-trombone, Baron Raymonde-alto sax & solo

3. On a Saturday Night - Music & lyrics by Eddie Floyd & Steve Cropper (Irving Music, BMI) Arranged by Tom Malone Eddie Floyd-lead vocal, Tom Malone-baritone sax

4. Itch and Scratch - Music & lyrics by Ronald Hayes & Toby King (Gulf Coast Music LLC) Arranged by Lou Marini and The Original Blues Brothers Band Bobby “Sweet Soul” Harden-lead vocal, Rob, Tommy & Rusty-background vocals, Baron Raymonde-alto sax

5. Don’t Go No Further - Music & lyrics by Willie Dixon (Hoochie Coochie Music, BMI) Horn arr. by Lou Marini, rhythm arr. by The Original Blues Brothers Band Joe Louis Walker-lead vocal, Rob Paparozzi-chromatic harp, Tommy McDonnell harp solo, Steve Howard-trumpet solo, Matt “Guitar” Murphy-guitar solo

6. You Left the Water Running - Music & lyrics by Dan Penn, Rick Hall & Oscar Franks (Screen Gems-EMI       Music, Inc., BMI.)  Arranged by Tom Malone Bobby “Sweet Soul” Harden-lead vocal, Tommy, Rob & Lou-background vocals, Lou Marini-tenor sax solo, Tom Malone-baritone sax, David Spinozza-acoustic guitar

7. Don’t Forget About James Brown - Music & lyrics by Eddie Floyd (Irving Music, BMI) Arranged by Leon Pendarvis Eddie Floyd & Tommy “Pipes” McDonnell-lead vocals, Baron Raymonde-alto sax, Tom Malone-baritone sax, Larry Farrell-trombone solo

8. Sex Machine - Music & lyrics by James Brown, Bobby Byrd & Ronald Lenhoff (Dynatone    Publishing Co., BMI.) Arranged by Paul Shaffer & Tom Malone Paul “The Shiv” Shaffer-lead vocal and piano solo, David Spinozza-guitar, Tom Malone-trumpet

9. Your Feet’s Too Big - Music by Fred Fisher, lyrics by Ada Benson with extra lyrics by Fats Waller   (Morley Music Co/Sony ATV Tunes LLC, ASCAP) Arranged by Lou Marini and The Original Blues Brothers Band Rob Paparozzi-lead vocal & bass harmonica, Rusty Cloud-piano solo, Lou Marini-clarinet

10. 21^st Century Baby - Music & lyrics by Rob Paparozzi (Robodripper Tunes, SESAC) Arranged by John Tropea Rob Paparozzi-lead vocal, Baron Raymonde-alto sax, Tom Malone-trumpet & baritone sax

11. Blues in My Feet - Music & lyrics by Rusty Cloud (Stousefouse Music, BMI) Rusty Cloud-lead vocal, Tom Malone-baritone sax, Rob Paparozzi-harp solo

12. Qualified - Music & lyrics by Jessie Hill & Malcom Rebennack (Warner-Tamerlane Publishing OBO Skull Music, ASCAP) Arranged by Lou Marini Dr. John “The Nite Tripper”-lead vocal and piano, Bobby, Tommy, Rob & Rusty -background vocals, Birch Johnson-trombone, Baron Raymonde-alto sax, Lou Marini-baritone sax & tenor sax solo

13. I Got My Mojo Working - Music and lyrics by Preston Foster (ARC Music/Dare Music, Inc., BMI)      Arranged by Lou Marini Rob Paparozzi, Bobby Harden, Joe Morton & Tommy McDonnell-lead vocals, The Original Blues Brothers Band-background vocals, Rusty Cloud-organ solo,     Tom Malone-trumpet

14. The Last Shade of Blue Before Black - Music & lyrics by Lou Marini (Hip Pickles Music ASCAP) Arranged by Lou Marini and The Original Blues Brothers Band Lou Marini-lead vocal, Bobby, Tommy, Rob & Rusty-background vocals, John Tropea-guitar solo, Lou Marini-tenor sax solo

Ali Handal Is Fearless With New Album That's What She Said Out on 9/8 on Red Parlor Records

Ali Handal Is Fearless With New Album

That’s What She Said

Out on 9/8 on Red Parlor Records

If you like Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, and Kasey Musgraves, you will love Ali Handal.

Her sass and up-front attitude is refreshing, insightful and beautiful. Her guitar prowess is playful and technically flawless.

The phrase That’s What She Said, has been used in our culture for a while but not really put into a musical connotation like this. Ali takes her natural ability to converse and connect while being poetic and authentic.

Songs cover the gamut of love, life, cats and surviving cancer… with a sly-grin on her face, she makes the listener fidget in their seat. She plays off her guitar licks; her rhythms are like a pair of black boots with spurs. While cancer isn’t a laughable situation to be in,  sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

Moved early on by wise and resilient women, singer/songwriter Ali Handal wore out Carole King’s Tapestry album. As a cat-obsessed six-year-old (some things never change), Ali honored her initial musical heroine by naming her very first kitten “Carole.” Over the years, the sweet melodies and lyrics penned by musical sages King, Dylan, Lennon, and McCartney captivated her. She had an epiphany when, as a teenager, she heard Led Zeppelin for the first time. Completely mesmerized by Jimmy Page’s seductive guitar riffs, Ali quit her piano lessons to pick up the guitar.

Now based in Los Angeles, Ali unleashes sultry, groove-filled songs upon live audiences, setting the stage ablaze with fiery guitar passages and soulful lyrics delivered by her powerhouse voice. She holds her own among the ranks of fierce female performing songwriters like Ani DiFranco and formidable guitarists such as Jimmy Page. 

Music Connection magazine described her as “earthy, natural, real and loaded with talent…a singer/songwriter with something to say… a gifted artist who brings insight and intelligence to her art.” When asked about her music and stage presence, fans simply say “badass.”

Ali’s songs have been featured in numerous films and hit shows like Sex and the City, Dawson’s Creek and iCarly. She’s toured Australia, Japan and beyond, provided backing vocals for Neil Young, and shared the stage with songwriting legend Paul Williams as his featured vocalist. Also a published author, Ali penned Guitar for Girls (Hal Leonard), an exceptional guitar method book & CD brimming with advice for aspiring female musicians, as well as encouraging quotes and remarkable songs from female songwriters in all genres.