Blues Legend Jody Williams: February 3, 1935 -- December 1, 2018

  JODY WILLIAMS: FEBRUARY 3, 1935 - DECEMBER 1, 2018

photo by Dan Machnik

Famed Chicago blues guitarist/vocalist and Blues Hall Of Fame member Jody Williams, who recorded with legends including Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Spann and his childhood friend Bo Diddley, as well as under his own name, died of cancer at the Munster Med Inn in Munster, Indiana on December 1, 2018. He lived in nearby St. John, Indiana. He was 83.

One of the last and most accomplished practitioners of the golden 1950s era of Chicago blues, Williams was well-known for his instantly recognizable stinging guitar tone, a keen vibrato and a sensibility that straddled the turf between gutbucket blues, sophisticated jazzy West Coast stylings and even vintage rockabilly, along with solid vocals and thoughtful songwriting. His often-replicated guitar parts were crucial to some of the most iconic songs of the genre, including on Bo Diddley’s Who Do You Love and I’m Bad, Howlin’ Wolf’s Evil and Forty Four, Billy Boy Arnold’s I Wish You Would and I Ain’t Got You, and Sonny Boy Williamson’s Don’t Start Me Talking.

Joseph Leon (Jody) Williams was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 3, 1935 and moved to Chicago around age five. After he began exploring music on harmonica and jaw harp, he met Ellas McDaniel (the future Bo Diddley) at a talent show. Bo taught him an open guitar tuning and they began working the streets together in 1951. Williams began playing clubs at age 17 and went on to record under his own name (including his influential instrumental anthem Lucky Lou). Williams was the first Chicago blues guitarist to master B.B. King’s stringbending-based approach and influenced the young modernists of the day such as Otis Rush and Buddy Guy. He served for years as the house guitarist at Chess Records and backed a varied list of artists including Jimmy Witherspoon, Floyd Dixon, Dale Hawkins and Bobby Charles. He played on Buddy Morrow’s big band version of Rib Joint, and dueled with B.B. King on an Otis Spann 45 for the Checker label. He also played on multiple rock ‘n’ roll package tours. In 1958 he was called to the army, serving his tour of duty in Germany. Returning to Chicago, Williams studied computers and engineering. He left the music business in the 1960s.

Williams returned to public performance in 2000. Focusing on being a band leader and songwriter, Williams recorded two very well-received CDs of predominantly original material, 2002’s Return Of A Legend and 2004's You Left Me In the Dark, both for Evidence Records. Living Blues said, "Williams is a modern-day standard bearer for a still-vital style that continues to impress, exhilarate and inspire fifty years after he first helped create it." The success of the CDs led him to play festivals all over the country in addition to dates overseas. He was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame in Memphis in 2013 and into the Chicago Blues Hall Of Fame in 2015.

Williams is survived by his wife Jeanne Hadenfelt, his daughters Marilyn Murphy and Sissy Williams, sons Anthony and Jason Williams, grandchildren Justin, Noel, Joseph, Joshua, River and Ethan Williams and Gerold Murphy, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Sunday, December 9
Leak & Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL

2:00PM - Wake

3:00PM - Service

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Margolin - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release by Bob Margolin and it's all Margolin playing, singing, producing and recording every note himself. Opening with One More Day, a stripped down blues rocker, Margolin drives the train and blows the whistle with solid vocals and stylistic guitar soloing. Instrumental track, Detroit showcases not only Margolin's solid song writing but also his command of the slide guitar. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Muddy Waters like, Mercy with it's gritty delta sound and signature slide guitar sound. Leroy Carr's Blues Before Sunrise is up next with Margolin's own soulful wailing over nicely executed blues rudiments. Snooky Pryor's boogie,  Peace of Mind, is up next with some classic slide playing by Margolin backed by simple rhythm and drums. Jimmy Rogers' classic, Going Away Baby is another of my favorites with a perfect boogie pace and nicely articulated guitar lines by Margolin. Wrapping the release is James Cotton's One More Mile and some of Margolin's best vocals working nicely with some minor key changes giving the track a haunting feel. Very nice closer to 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

Khalif Wailin' Walter - Nothin' Left To Lose - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Nothin' Left To Lose, from Khalif Wailin' Walter and it's aggressive. I love it when an artist takes the threads of music and weaves a fabric all their own and Walter is doing this in a big way. Opening with Reign Down Fire, Walter works a basic blues groove with finger picked blues lines, a deep bass line by Danie Hopf and drums by Daniel Grzelak complimenting his own rich vocals a wailing electric guitar soloing. This is really quite simple yet remarkable. Sliding into a simple R&B track, I've Made A Change with Matt Shevitz and Juergen Wiechin on sax, Walter shows he is just as comfortable laying down a simple pop tune. You like reggae, we got, Why Did I Do It, with hot blues guitar riffs tugging all the way. Very nice. Straight down BB King highway with a blues shuffle, One Last Nerve, Walter hits the blues straight on with his personal blues riff attacks. One of my favorite tracks on the release is slow blues number, Worries, Worries, Worries with edgy vocal tension, nicely controlled drumming by Grzelak, Jacelak Prokopowitz on keys and soulful guitar runs that make you sit up and listen. Very nice. Wrapping the release is R&B track, Can You Feel My Groove with funky guitar rhythm and balanced keyboard work by Prokoplwitz with smooth vocals and a memorable melody making for a solid 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

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

Black Hen Music artist: Kat Danser - Goin' Gone - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Goin' Gone, from Kat Danser and I really like it. Opening with title track, Goin' Gone, Danser who leads on vocals and guitar has a thick bluesy/country style and has surrounded herself with a tight group of musicians including Steve Dawson guitar and pedal steel, Jeremy Holmes on bass and mandolin, Gary Craig on drums, Jim Hoke on harmonica and sax and Matt Combs on fiddle and mandolin. Voodoo Groove delves even into a country style with healthy guitar riffs and rich vocals. Dawson gets the pedal steel wound up on Memphis Tennessee with light harmonica soloing by Hoke. Danser's vocals are consistently solid track to track and the release is nicely balanced. Sam McGhee's Chevrolet Car has a cool blend of country and blues with country style fiddling by Combs and powerful vocals by Danser over tight drum rhythms by Craig. Haunting slide work by Dawson on Mississippi Fred MacDowell's Train I Ride gives it a special amount of pepper over the sassy vocals of Danser. This track has great feel and spaciousness. Very cool. Wrapping the release is easy paced, Time For Me To Go with only acoustic guitar, light electric guitar, bass and brush drums supporting Danser's vocals as she winds down. This is a very cool release with crisp energy and solid melodies.

  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

Bloodshot Records Signs Jason Hawk Harris

Photo credit: Daley Hake (download) Full-Length Debut To Be Announced Soon Bloodshot Records is excited to announce the signing of Houston, TX-raised/Los Angeles-based artist Jason Hawk Harris. The singer/guitarist – formerly of LA-based indie outfit The Show Ponies – self-describes his sound as "meta-apocalyptic country/Americana grief-grass," a tongue-in-cheek amalgam combining his background in music composition education, impassioned song content, and the influence of growing up listening to traditional country, folk and rock singers. In 2017, Harris released his first solo effort, a five-song EP Formaldehyde, Tobacco and Tulips, and has been on the road in support of or writing its follow-up ever since. Bloodshot first caught him at Folk Alliance in 2018, when he gave goosebumps to everyone within the dingy walls of a tiny hotel room with his evocative, powerful, and unrestrained live duo set. Later in the year, he opened up for our Sarah Shook & the Disarmers on a run of tour dates, after which Sarah relayed her wholehearted approval. JHH will release his full-length debut with Bloodshot in 2019. Video for “I’m Afraid”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRvdKiX_mmY

John Mayall to Release New CD Featuring Todd Rundren, Joe Bonamassa, Little Steven Van Zandt & Alex LIfeson

Blues Hall of Fame Member John Mayall Announces New Album, Nobody Told Me Featuring Todd Rundgren, Little Steven Van Zandt, Alex Lifeson and Joe Bonamassa.

On February 22nd Forty Below Records will release Nobody Told Me, the new studio album from The Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall. As with his last handful of albums, Mayall again shares production duties with Forty Below Founder Eric Corne who also handles engineering and mixing duties. The album boasts an impressive and diverse list of guest guitarists, all personal favorites of Mayall’s including Todd Rundgren, Little Steven Van Zandt of The E Street Band, Alex Lifeson from Rush, Joe Bonamassa, Larry McCray and Carolyn Wonderland who will be joining the band on tour. Also, on hand are Mayall’s dynamic Chicago rhythm section of Greg Rzab on bass guitar and Jay Davenport on drums, along with Billy Watts (Lucinda Williams) on rhythm guitar and Mayall’s regular horn section, moonlighting from their day job in The Late Show with Conan O’Brien’s house band. The album was recorded at The Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 on the same legendary Sound City Neve console his one-time protégés from Fleetwood Mac used to record parts of the best-selling Rumours album. “This project has been a true labor of love for me and I can’t wait for people to hear the fireworks that took place,” beams Mayall. Nobody Told Me is an apt title for the blues icon who suffered a recent unexpected health scare shortly after recording the album. But, the seemingly ageless road dog, who famously takes no days off and carries his own gear on tour, has been given a clean bill of health and plans to return to his usual grueling touring schedule to support the release. Tour dates can be found at johnmayall.com

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. 

  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

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. 

  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

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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

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

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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

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

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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

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