Sugaray Rayford Delivers Vintage Soul & Blues on New Release

Sugaray Rayford Brings Vintage Soul Vibe to New Album Somebody Save Me out on Forty Below Records, March 1st

On March 1st, Forty Below Records will release Somebody Save Me, the new studio album from soul blues singer, Sugaray Rayford. On the album’s opening track, “The Revelator”, Rayford forcefully sings, “I’m a freak of nature / I ain’t no honey bee / I’m an unknown creature / The like you’ve never seen” At 6’5” and 300 pounds, this cigar chompin’ ex-Marine with a voice like a force of nature holds court in any room he enters. Possessing a magnetic personality, and an old school vocal style that echoes Muddy Waters, Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrass, Rayford is also a stellar dancer with moves reminiscent of the Legendary James Brown.   Somebody Save Me is an ambitious album that slides gracefully between the new blues of Gary Clarke Jr. and Fantastic Negrito, the rock & soul stylings of The War & Treaty, and the vintage Daptone vibe of the late Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones, bringing a fresh take to classic sounds.   The album was written and produced by Forty Below Records founder Eric Corne. Best known for his work with blues legends John Mayall and Walter Trout, Corne and Forty Below have also launched the careers of several talented new artists, such as Sam Morrow, Jaime Wyatt and KaiL Baxley. A number of mainstays from Corne productions feature strongly here including guitarist Rick Holmstrom (Mavis Staples), bassist Taras Prodaniuk (Dwight Yoakam), drummer Matt Tecu (Jakob Dylan), keyboardist Sasha Smith (Sam Beam), guitarist Eamon Ryland (The Happy Mondays) and the horn section from Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Corne recorded the bulk of the record live and the chemistry of the performances infuses the songs with a spontaneity and raw emotion.   The ten songs on the album explore contrasting themes of darkness and light. There is social commentary like on “Time to get Movin’” “The mansions on the hillside / Look down on homeless camps / While we’re caught in the crossfire / Lookin’ for the exit ramps.” There are several love songs, including two gorgeous soul ballads, “My Cards are on the Table” and “Somebody Save Me”, the Stax inspired “You and I” and the more Motown leaning “Is it Just Me”, “She could bring peace / To the Middle East / They'd be ready to sign / Free the worst villain / From the tightest prison / And have the warden waving goodbye.”   The album is full of inspired arrangements with several unexpected twists and turns; like the John Barry (James Bond) inspired bridge of “Angels and Devils”; the wobbly 1950’s inspired keyboard solo and lush strings of the title tracks, recorded with The Section Quartet (Ryan Adams, Father John Misty); and the gospel choir, shape-shifting keyboards and dramatic horns of “The Revelator” which seamlessly blends blues, soul and jazz with a hint of reggae. But at the center of it all is Sugaray Rayford’s commanding voice, tying it all together.   With his 8-piee crack band and personal charm, Rayford’s live shows are quickly becoming re-known for their high-energy and celebratory nature, with Rayford whipping the crowds into a frenzy, like a Gospel Preacher, in the studio and in person, Sugaray Rayford is developing a reputation as a force to be reckoned with and an artist to watch in the coming years.     www.sugarayrayford.com

Sue Foley, Crystal Shawanda, Jenie Thai, Harry Manx & Steve Marriner, Earle & Coffin to perform at Maple Blues Awards

Sue Foley, Crystal Shawanda, Jenie Thai, Harry Manx & Steve Marriner, Earle & Coffin to perform at Maple Blues Awards Raoul Bhaneja hosts Koerner Hall National Blues Gala February 4 Montreal’s Guy Bélanger to host lobby afterparty "Winner’s Circle Jam” (Toronto) – The Toronto Blues Society has announced the performers who will grace the stage at Koerner Hall in Toronto for the 22nd annual Maple Blues Awards gala and concert, to be held on Monday, February 4th, 2019. Heating up the cold February night will be performances from some the of the hottest Canadian blues artists including, Steve Marriner of MonkeyJunk with Harry Manx, guitarist/singer-songwriter Sue Foley, who is nominated in six categories, Jenie Thai, who is nominated for Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, blues-belter and Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Crystal Shawanda and Newfoundland’s New Artist of the Year nominees Earle & Coffin. The evening will also feature a performance from Raoul Bhaneja, actor and bandleader of Raoul & The Big Time, who will be hosting the gala for the fourth time. Providing the MBA’s musical background and theme, The Maple Blues Band also accompanies all the special guests who perform as part of that special night. The Maple Blues Band has been a cornerstone of the annual Maple Blues Awards Ceremony in Toronto since 1999. This world-class, eight-member group includes some of Canada’s highly respected blues musicians, all of whom are multiple Maple Blues Award winners and nominees including Gary Kendall, Teddy Leonard, Lance Anderson, Chris Murphy, Al Lerman, Pat Carey, Jim Casson, and Howard Moore. Following the not-to-be-missed gala event is the popular afterparty and jam, hosted by Montreal’s Guy Bélanger. Canadian blues fans can vote for nominees online in the eligible categories until December 1st, at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time. Register at www.mapleblues.ca. The Maple Blues Awards will be held on February 4th, 2019. The gala event is considered to be the premier blues event of the year.  Tickets for the Maple Blues Awards are available online at rcmusic.com or at the Koerner Hall box office (The Weston Family Box Office, located in The Royal Conservatory building at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto) or by phone at (416) 408-0208. TBS Charter Members can benefit from the ongoing exclusive pre-sale and purchase best available seats for a discounted price, $35. Koerner Hall is The Royal Conservatory’s 1,135-seat performance venue. It is beloved for its architectural beauty and architectural acoustic excellence. Since opening, it has hosted hundreds of concerts and events reaching more than one million individuals around the world. Koerner Hall is celebrating its 10th anniversary season in 2018-19. To learn more or purchase tickets, please visit rcmusic.com/performance.

Cary Morin - When I Rise - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, When I Rise from Cary Morin and it's quite good. Morin has coupled his solid vocals, crisp guitar work and fine knowledge of musical phrasing to craft his best release yet. Opening with title track, When I Rise, Morin on lead vocal works with large group of talented musicians including Steve Amedee on drums, Paul Benjaman on electric guitar, Celeste De lorio on vocals, Jay Forrest on drums, Jason Larson on vocal, piano and bass, Dexter Payne on harp and clarinet, Kim Stone on bass, Andy Weyl on piano and Lionel Young on violin. Let Me Hear The Music has a terrific melody and Morin's vocals paired with Payne's clarinet work is pure gold. The Grateful Dead's Dire Wolf gets a really strong rework and I got to say I really like it. With a bit of stiffening and drama and really nice backing vocals by Di lorio, this is a cool track. Benjamin's electric guitar soloing, coupled with Morin's steel work is magic. One of my favorite tracks on the release is My Memories of You with a beautiful melody and the perfect balance between strong vocals and clean guitar accompaniment. Excellent! Another really strong ballad is Devoted One with Morin on acoustic guitar and vocal. Very nice. Morin presents his own interpretation of Duane Allman's classic, Little Martha with a few stylistic changes but pure as written. Happy go lucky Lay Baby Lay is a quick shuffle with just enough zip to put a smile on your face and some mighty tasty guitar riffs. Wrapping the release is an acoustic version of Water In The Jug, included on the release in electric form. Morin certainly has a joy for the music and a really nice voice. This track, with jubilant, almost spiritual feel shows Morin's joy in his music shining. 

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Up 2 Zero Entertainment artist: Anthony Gomes - Peace, Love & Loud Guitars - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Peace, Love & Loud Guitars, from Anthony Gomes and it has the signature Gomes edgy rock blues feel. Opening with solid rocker, Come Down, Gomes is handling lead vocal and guitar. Backed by Mike Brignardello on bass, Greg Morrow on drums, David Smith on keys, Chris Leuzinger on acoustic guitar and Angie Primm, Gale Stuart, Devonne Foulkes and Gomes on backing vocals this is a nice opener. Turning up the blues, Blues In The First Degree has a great pace and Gomes' vocals are gritty and raw. His guitar soloing has real bite and Brignardello's bass lines are perfect. Shuffle track, The Whiskey Made Me Do It, is one of those tracks that you know will be a huge concert favorite. Gomes' slide work gives the track a steamy edge making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. The radio choice for the release is ballad, You Are Amazing with it's supple melody, fluid guitar solos and solid vocals. Very nice. Title track, Peace, Love & Loud Guitars is a classic rocker with rowdy guitar riffs which would fill any arena with screaming head bangers. Another track with mass appeal is Your Mama Wants To Do Me with the following lyric (and your daddy wants to do me in). Another of my favorites, Hard Road Easy, has a great drum floor compliments of Morrow paired with Gomes' guitar lines giving it a Led Zep feel. His soloing on this track is smooth and lush. Wrapping the release is ballad, Take Me Back Home featuring Gomes way out front on lead vocals with only the necessity of backing instrumentation. A very clean closer for a solid release. 

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Jumping Jack Records artist: Delta Moon - Babylon Is Falling - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Babylon Is Falling, from Delta Moon and it's really good. Opening with dark, swampy, Long Way To Go, Tom Gray on slide guitar works his magic with complimentary vocals by himself and Mark Johnson (also on guitar), Franher Joseph on bass and Marlon Patton on drums. Excellent opener. Patterson sets an excited pace on title track, Babylon Is Falling, a smoky blues track with Gray on lead vocal, guitar and keys. His slide work is smooth and gritty lending the track a beefy, New Orleans feel. Two stepping, Might Take A Lifetime has a solid rock beat and loose, guitar riffs giving the track a JJ Cale feel. RL Burnside's Skinny Woman retains RL's energy but with a slightly different arrangement, has a somewhat more contemporary feel. Very cool. Traditional blues, Nobody's Fault But Mine gets a funky, swampy remake. Nice electric piano work, woven with cool guitar riffs, a solid bass line and tight drums gives this track new life. Wrapping the release is Christmas Time In New Orleans with a straight forward rhythm and easy acoustic slide couples with quietly wailing electric lap steel giving the track a cool eeriness. This is a really solid release and one you should definitely check out.

  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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Big Joe and the Dynaflows Are Throwing a "Rockhouse Party" and Everyone Is Invited!

Big Joe and the Dynaflows Are Throwing a Rockhouse Party and Everyone Is Invited!

New Blues/Roots Album Set for February 15 Release on Severn Records

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Severn Records announces a February 15, 2019, release date for Big Joe and the Dynaflows’s new album, Rockhouse Party, featuring acclaimed blues singer/drummer Big Joe Maher. With distribution by MRI/The Orchard/Sony, Rockhouse Party will be released on both CD and vinyl formats. The colorful album cover graphics were designed by Big Joe’s good friend, Marty Baumann, who works for Disney-Pixar Films.

The new album was produced by Big Joe and Kevin McKendree, who also contributed piano and organ on the sessions, which were recorded at McKendree’s Rockhouse Studio in Franklin, Tennessee (hence the album’s title). The rest of the players on Rockhouse Party included three-time Blues Music Award bassist “Mookie” Brill (who also sings lead vocals for the first time on record), plus the talented guitar tandem of Robert Frahm and Yates McKendree, Kevin’s then- 16-year old son (who’s now a ripe old 17). Another teenage phenom, Erin Coburn, adds her tasty guitar licks on one song and backing vocals on three more. The tracks showcase both a number of original songs as well as several cool covers.

“Rockhouse Party represents my love of pure blues and R& B,” states Big Joe Maher. “The songs I write come from my heart and tell the same story as all the great blues artists have done for the last 100 years: the story of life!”

Big Joe is also proud and honored to announce that he’s playing drums on Delbert McClinton’s upcoming CD and will be performing for the 15^th time on McClinton’s legendary “Sandy Beaches Cruise” in early 2019. Additionally, Maher has been playing gigs with his long-time buddy Anson Funderburgh, and will be performing with him in Europe next month.

Rockhouse Party also reunites Big Joe Maher with Severn Records, the label that released his 2011 CD, You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down, 1998’s I’m Still Swingin’ (which won a Washington Area Music Association award for “Best Blues Recording”) and his 2000 release, All Night Long.

“This album was something I have wanted to do for a while,” relates Maher. “It brings together some of my favorite musicians - the McKendrees for one. I gave Kevin his start in the music business with his first gig with the Dynaflows back in 1987. We have played together off and on since then; and then his genius son, who I have known since his birth, he’s simply the best. Only way I can describe Yates is that he’s a 50-year-old man in a 17-year-old body. I have known Robert Frahm since he was about 17 and now at 37 is a true bluesman on the guitar. I met Tom “Mookie” Brill playing the now-defunct Double Door Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina, in about 1982. From the minute I met him, we hit it off. We are kindred souls who think alike, love great singing and follow the same deal. If you can sing we love you! Tom had never sung solo on a record before and I felt it was my duty to feature him on this project. The end result - he knocks it out of the park!”

Based in the Washington, DC area, Big Joe Maher has been performing blues and jazz for almost 50 years. In his high school jazz band, he was able to play with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Urbie Green, Mundell Lowe and James Moody, which helped develop his innate style of swing playing that permeates his music to this day. Over time, he’s shared the stage and backed up a diverse group of blues, R&B and soul performers such as Jimmy Witherspoon, Willie Dixon, Lazy Lester, Bullmoose Jackson, James “Thunderbird” Davis, Nappy Brown, Otis Rush and Earl King, among others. In the late ‘80s, after performing (and managing) a nine-piece DC swing band, The Uptown Rhythm Kings, as well as several years as the drummer in the Tom Principato Band, Joe formed his own five-piece jump-blues group, Big Joe & the Dynaflows. In between touring and recording sessions, Joe was musical coordinator for Mick Fleetwood’s club in Alexandria, Virginia, in the mid-90s. His knowledge of local and national blues and jazz performers made him a natural for that gig, and the club was booked with top-notch talent during his tenure. Joe’s also produced a number of blues, jazz and R&B albums, including one by local DC saxophone legend Joe Stanley.

In addition to his previous releases on Severn Records, among the other labels Big Joe has recorded for include Black Top Records out of New Orleans (his Layin’ in the Alley album won the 1994 WAMA award for “Best blues Recording”), as well as the DC-based Powerhouse label, which released his Good Rockin’ Daddy CD.

“I have always loved blues; it’s like an infatuation with me,” Maher proclaims. “I have been blessed to have played with some of the greatest blues and R& B artists ever. All in all, this CD is ME.....this is the music I love and will play till my last breath.....so sit back pour your beverage and let the Rockhouse Party begin !!”

Kirk Fletcher - Hold On - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hold On, from Kirk Fletcher and it's quite good. Opening with R&B style track, Two Steps Forward, Fletcher shows his power as both a soulful lead singer and excellent lead guitar player. His guitar style is warm like cray, fluid like Clapton and funky like Hendrix but all original. Super opener. Sad Sad Way has a Jimmy Reed style with plenty of enthusiasm, hot guitar riffs, and super backing by Matt Brown on drums and Jonny Henderson on keys. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful ballad, The Answer with warm, rich guitar accompaniment over a soft bed of organ and Fletcher's solid vocals. Fletcher really knows how to milk the blues from his guitar and this track is an excellent example of his chops. Really nice. Time's Ticking is a great slower blues/rock number with clever drumming which, with organ tension sets a terrific stage for Fletcher to unleash the fury...and unleash he does. Terrific! Dupree is a super jazzy/blues track in the manner of JG Watson or WW Washington. Excellent! Wrapping the release is a terrific soul track, Hold On with beautiful backing vocals by Jade McCrea and an excellent guitar interlude by Fletcher. Excellent 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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Stony Plain Records artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Inspired By The Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Inspired By The Blues, by Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne and it swings. Opening with solid blues opener, I Know I'd Be Playing The Blues, Wayne on piano, organ and lead vocal leads the way backed by Russell Jackson on bass, Joey DiMarco on drums, and Yuji Ihara on guitars. Billy Branch adds some real nice licks on harmonica to spice up this fine opener. Opening it up on Start Rockin' Dave Babcock on sax and Bob Tildesley on trumpet pump up the action and Wayne's piano playing really rolls, balanced nicely against Yuji's guitar. Laying way back on I Like That Woman, Wayne sets a great pace on piano and his vocals are excellent. Jump track, Jimmy and Johnny has great feel with a trumpet solo by Tildesley and really nice piano work by Wayne. Very cool. Lake Country Boogie, led by the warm sax work of Babcock gives Wayne a wide open road to ply his trade. Wayne isn't shy and shows he really is the blues boss and Babcock stays toe to toe with him making this a terrific instrumental. an Old Brick Wall is another great boogie but with rich warm guitar chords and super soloing by Duke Robillard, great organ work by Wayne and power sax by Babcock. One of my favorite tracks, That Raggedy Shack, on the release features a nice paired lead vocal over a solid boogie beat. Babcock hits the sax solo square and the band is tight. Wrapping the release is a traditional take on Georgia On My Mind with solid vocals over electric piano by Wayne, Mati Vaarmann on Hammond, Mait Paldra on bass, Raul Ukareda on guitar, Jevgeni Lamba on guitar and Jaak Ahelik on drums. Veery solid 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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PIERCE PETTIS Announces First New Album In Nearly A Decade

Songwriter Pierce Pettis Announces First New Album In Nearly A Decade FATHER'S SON Set To Release January 18, 2019 On Compass Records "Unlike a lot of his contemporaries, singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis doesn't belong to the 'me generation.'  He's more likely to sing of his surroundings than himself, and frequently draws on his Southern background for inspiration and color." Washington Post  A witty, heartfelt lyricist, Pettis has a voice that carries the acoustic folk tradition, but is refreshingly hard to pigeon-hole." Charlotte Observer “Pierce Pettis has created a musical body of work that is wide and deep. Dip your toe in anywhere and you will want to hear more of my friend Pierce Pettis!"  — John Gorka “I have loved Pierce’s music for many years now - he has the gift of a true inner compass.”     — Eliza Gilkyson “Pierce Pettis bares a gentle soul with a keen eye, a soulful voice, and perfect guitar accompaniment for his beautiful songs - a masterful poet treasure.”  — Darryl Scott November 15, 2018, Nashville, TN -- A songwriter’s songwriter, Pierce Pettis is back with his first new studio album in nearly a decade with FATHER’S SON, out January 18 on Compass Records. You can listen to the opening track, "Wouldn't Change It For the World," HERE. Featuring 10 tracks, including a cover of Jesse Winchester’s “A Showman’s Life,” the Alabama songwriter writes about friends he’s lost, childhood memories, and the relationships he’s experienced both as a son and a father on these deeply moving, literate songs. FATHER’S SON, reuniting Pettis with producer Garry West, was recorded “live on the floor, with the band, with minimal overdubs, to capture the energy and authenticity of Pierce's performances.” "I began my alleged career at Muscle Shoals Sound in the late 70s," Pettis deadpans."I was signed as a writer and had an artist development deal." From there, he was a part of the “Fast Folk” movement in New York that featured such fellow artists as Shawn Colvin, John Gorka and Suzanne Vega, going on to record three albums for Windham Hill. He spent several years as a staff writer for Polygram Records before signing to Compass Records.   Pettis and West combed through some 40 songs, old and new, to come up with the songs on FATHER’S SON. The album opens with the upbeat “Wouldn’t Change It For the World,” where he embraces where he finds himself at this time in his life – “sometimes you’re blessed, Sometimes you’re burned, But that’s OK, I woudn’t change it for the world.” Pettis’ daughter Grace Pettis contributes backing vocals on the refrain. Along with the title track, “Your Father’s Son,” a song about never forgetting where you came from, Pettis reaches back into his childhood memories to tell the story of one kindly Mr. Ziedman, the “one and only Jew” in his little town, who always wore long sleeves to “keep an ugly thing from view.” The song is enhanced by Andrea Zonn’s poignantly beautifully string arrangement, as Pettis ends the song by lighting a candle for “our one and only Jew.” ”More” is a song about the great mystery – he likens death to “just a seed that had to fall” – and concludes that “there is more than we can guess … forever more." And, as always, he includes a song by his late friend, musician/producer Mark Heard, whose sudden death in 1993 left its mark on Pettis. “The song I chose this time, 'Look Over Your Shoulder,' has a special meaning for me as it was the last song Mark ever performed," Pettis says. "I know this because Kate Miner and I were with him at a festival in Illinois and on stage with him at the time.”  Pettis was joined in the studio by a cast of old friends and veterans from his previous albums: Reece Wynans, widely known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa, contributed piano and Hammond B-3 tracks.   Longtime collaborator Stuart Duncan contributes his multiple Grammy-winning fiddle skills along with some beautiful mandolin parts. Also back is violinist Andrea Zonn (James Taylor Band), who contributed the string arrangement for “Mr. Ziedman.”   "Adding backing vocals for the second time is my daughter, Grace, who last recorded with me on EVERYTHING MATTERS when she was 9 years old! “ Pettis says. And of course, my long-time producer and friend, Garry West, joins us on bass and produced for the fourth time.” Some newcomers to Pierce's world are guitarist Doug Lancio, known for his work with John Hiatt and Patty Griffin, drummer/percussionists Josh Day (Sara Bareilles, John Oates) and Jordan Perlson (Adrian Belew, Alison Brown, Blue Man Group), and vocalist Ruth Moody from renowned vocal trio, the Wailin’ Jennys. At this point in his life, as a career touring artist and father of four, Pettis has reached a period of reflection and peace with his life as well as a comfort zone as an artist.  “The biggest change,” he says, “has been getting over myself and realizing this is a job and a craft. And the purpose is not fame and fortune but simply doing good work." TRACK LISTING 1. Wouldn’t Change It for the World 2. Very Same Moon 3. A Showman’s Life 4. Don’t Know Where I Am 5. The Adventures of Me (and this Old Guitar) 6. Your Father’s Son 7. Mr. Zeidman 8. More 9. Look Over Your shoulder 10. Instrument TOUR DATES Fri, NOV 30      Tallahassee, FL - The Almost Christmas Concert with Del Suggs & Pierce Pettis Thu, DEC 6       Fort Payne, AL - Johnny Whitley's Rockin' Lil' Christmas RadioVizions Show Sat, DEC 8        Duluth, GA - Red Clay Music Foundry Sun, DEC 9       Carrboro, NC - Pierce Pettis at Birdland NC Thu, DEC 13     Sarasota, FL - Fogartyville Community Media Arts Center Sat, DEC 15      Coral Springs, FL - Boumel House Concerts  2019 Sat, FEB 2         Panama City Beach, FL - amp Helen State Par Sun, FEB 3        Lynn Haven, FL  - Roberts Hall Fri, FEB 8          Waco, TX - "Fundraiser for the Waco Partnership for Psychological and Spiritual Care" Sat, FEB 9        Houston, TX  - 2nd Saturday Concerts Sat, FEB 16      Fayetteville, AR  - Cove Concerts Thu, MAY 16     Buffalo, NY - Nickel City Sessions Fri. May 17        Rochester, NY - Lake Effect House Concerts Fri, NOV 15       Austin, TX  - Acoustical Cafe Sat, NOV 23      Edom, TX  - The Old Firehouse Check https://www.piercepettis.com/shows for tour updates. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM OPENER "WOULDN'T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD" HERE:

Seth Rosenbloom to Release 'Keep on Turning' - Out January 18th

Boston Blues Guitarist Seth Rosenbloom to Release New CD

‘Keep on Turning’ out January 18th

“For me, playing the blues is all about expressing emotions,” guitarist and vocalist Seth Rosenbloom insists. “What’s always drawn me to the genre is the fact that it allows for an extraordinarily wide range of emotion. That, I think, is the key to making great music overall, and great blues in particular.”

Rosenbloom knows of what he speaks. Hailed by The Boston Globe as “a searing blues-rock guitarist,” and The Noise Boston as a musician who “makes his guitar growl and has a voice to match,” he’s been compared to “a slightly younger and rawer version of Matt Schofield ,” by the Blues PowR blog, which also praised him for “his gravelly, forceful vocals and stinging guitar work.”

Those assessments were affirmed this past year, when Rosenbloom made his bow with his debut self-titled EP. Now, with the release of his first full length effort, Keep On Turning (January 2019), that promise is indeed fulfilled. An assertive and authoritative artist and auteur, he demonstrates confidence and credence with a set of songs that sounds every bit like a new set of standards. He executes the material in ways that are both riveting and embracing, with his dynamic delivery ensuring an emphatic impression.

Throughout the album, Rosenbloom commands center stage, with able support from Travis Carlton on bass (Robben Ford, Scott Henderson), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech) on keys and Gary Novak (George Benson, Chick Corea) on drums. Produced by Josh Smith, a world renowned blues guitarist in his own right, Keep On Turning was recorded at Smith’s Flat V Studios in Reseda, California.

Although firmly entrenched in the blues, Keep On Turning reflects a distinct diversity in the range of sentiment, as expressed in a selection of songs composed by Rosenbloom both on his own and with co-writer Sonya Rae Taylor. He also includes classic covers of B.B. King, Elmore James and Freddie King. From the emphatic wail of “Keep On Turning” and “Right About Now,” to the drive and determination of “Crawling Back” and “I Can’t Help It,” Rosenbloom’s passion and authenticity are on display throughout the album.

Born into a musical family and raised in Waltham, Massachusetts, Rosenbloom began playing classical violin as a child and subsequently took up guitar at age eleven. Initially inspired by the music of Elvis and The Beatles, he earned a performance merit scholarship from Berklee College of Music by the time he was 16.

Rosenbloom has further expanded his reputation by spending much of this year on the road as well, introducing himself to his newly enthusiastic audiences. Whether demonstrating his dazzling guitar riffs and stinging vibrato, or emoting with his soaring and sultry vocals, he brings a distinctive power and personality to each of his performances. Now, with the release of Keep On Turning, he underscores that ability to add several specific hues to the blues.

Keep on Turning to be released by HOLMZ Music on January 18, 2019.

www.SethRosenbloom.com

TOURDATES

Jan 12---Burren Backroom Series---Somerville, MA

Jan 16---Pour House Music Hall---Raleigh, NC

Jan 17---Evening Muse---Charlotte, NC

Jan 19---Open Chord---Knoxville, TN

Feb 1----Theodores'---Springfield, MA

Feb 2----Nectar's---Burlington, VT

Mar 2----9 Wallis---Beverly, MA