An interesting version of 32-20. Not sure who to give the original credit to on this song. Like many delta songs and delta musicians words and music end up getting shared and used in other songs. I think Skip James is the correct author of this, yet this is a great version by Cassandra Wilson.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Skip James: All Night Long
Skip James on Danish TV in 1967. Was probably one of Skip James last appearances on TV.
J B Lenoir And Cassandra Wilson: Slow Down
A nice song written by and performed by J B Lenoir, and then also performed by the lovely Cassandra Wilson. This is from the PBS Blues mini series.
Blues Critics Top 30 Blues And Soul Albums 2008
This just came in from Blues Critic Media. The top 30 for 2008. Nice quick reviews of some great music. Check it out!!!!!
Blues Critic's
Top 30 Southern Soul, Rhythm & Blues Albums Of 2008
Southern Soul Deep Soul Soul Blues Retro-Soul Downhome Blues To be eligible albums must have been released 12/2007 to 12/2008. OR albums released in 2007 that peaked in 2008.
1. 
Clarence Dobbins "The Uprising" (CDS) LISTEN
Passionately-sung and performed Soul & Blues with real horns, bass, drums, organ, etc. Stax-like Soul Blues movers like "Can't Buy Me", "Blues Uprising" & "Matter Of Time", Soulful ballads like "Don't Give Up On Me", "Call On Me" & "Drown In My Own Tears". 100% real musicians. Dynamic.
2.
Al Green "Lay It Down" (Blue Note) LISTEN
To me this is Green's third comeback attempt to R & B... First he was too contemporary and then he was just too retro. Now, you would be right if you said Green is still riding high (or "Hi"?) from that second comeback but the new "Lay It Down" has brilliantly managed to make Green sound like classic Al Green while simultaneously contemporary. It's an obvious labour of love by Green's co-producers ?uestlove and James Poyser. It's organic, it's classic and it's hip. Better yet most of the songs are Grade A, some even deserving a slot on the ultimate Al Green best of ("You've Got The Love I Need", "Stay With Me (By The Sea)", "What More Do You Want From Me"). Al Green is truly back on top (the album even crashed the Billboard Top 200 Albums at #9). It's time to scream for an encore.
3. 
Omar Cunningham "Time Served" (Soul 1st) LISTENHe's done it again. Actually better than before. A perfect Southern Soul single with "My Life". Like "Check To Check" and "I'll Get By" Cunningham has painted another aural picture sympathetic of the Everyman's life. This midtempo swayer is simply inspiring and all hooks. Brilliant! It will be hard to find a better song in 2008. "A lot of things I had to go without/I still find it hard to talk about". That line gives me chills every time. Like his previous LP's "Served" straddles the line between mainstream R & B and "Party Blues".
4. 
Earl Gaines "Nothin' But The Blues" (Ecko) LISTEN
"Nothin' But The Blues" manages to appeal to Southern Soul and 12-bar Blues fans alike. It opens with a ripping version of Gaines' signature song "24 Hours A Day". This is followed by the melodic slowie "Let's Call A Truce", containing one of Gaines' best vocals I've heard in years... some Downhome Blues ("Meat And Potatoes Man"). That's pretty much how it goes- a Blues number ("You Better Know Your Hole From Mine", "Cheat On Schedule") followed by a Soulful ballad ("Everything Sweet Reminds me Of You", "If I Could Do It All Over")...There's real horns (arranged by Harrison Calloway) and a live rhythm section (no programs) yet John Ward still makes it sound like an Ecko LP.
5. 
Leon McMullen "Can I Take You Out Tonight" (Sound Mindz) LISTEN
It took some digging to find but this throaty singer's debut LP ("Just A Few Words") convinced Deep Soul fans Leon McMullen was an artist to watch. He's got one of those raspy Southern Soul voices that remind you of the revered sixties soul scene and we Soul Music nerds can't get enough of that. Good news friends, McMullen returns with another set of Soul Blues grit, UAC (Urban Adult Contemporary) R & B and a bit of Sam Cooke shag...
6. 
Archie Love "Love Chronicles" (JEA/Loveland) LISTEN
In a word or two if you like J. Blackfoot you'll like raspy-toned Archie Love. Besides the vocal similarities the songs and tracks have the same clean and commercial sheen as Blackfoot's recent output. Love's a triple threat- singer, writer and producer and this is his best yet, establishing beyond a doubt he's a top Soul artist in the this genre. As regards "Love Chronicles" I doubted any track could match his magnificent "Should've Been There For You" (from his previous LP "Sincerely Yours") but this set is more consistent than the previous. The luscious ballads "Love is A Wonderful Thing", "Before A Judge" & "Standing On The Edge" are up there (way up there...okay more, WAY).
7. 
Stan Mosley "Man Up" (CDS) LISTENThey do make them like they used to when we're talking "true Soul voices". Stan Mosley, he sing not Pretty, but Gritty. Actually he can sing quite lovely too like on the knockout slow numbers "Mr. DJ" (a real summer slow jam for sure) and "Bitter With The Sweet". Hitmaker Floyd Hamberlin Jr. produced and wrote the 10 songs..."Man Up" is one hundred percent "Southern Soul" or "Party Blues". A large percentage of potential hits here.
8. 
Sang'n Clarence "If You Like It, I Love It" (Brittney) LISTEN
Writer/Producer/Superstar Mel Waiters has started up his relatively obscure Brittney Records imprint with this superb 9 song disc on Sang'N Clarence. Just like Mel's own discs the production is clearer and crisper than most of what you'll hear from the chitlin' circuit and he wasn't stingy about giving out very strong songs either.... there isn't a dud in the bunch.
9. 
El Willie "Situations" (MVP) LISTENThe E-to-the-L-to-the Willie has a gift for melody, expert vocal phrasing and clever lyrics. "Situations" is where it all comes together...While he is mostly known for his uber-mellow slow jams El does add a dancer or two to his repertoire... I fell in love with "Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo, Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Dee", a coasting finger snapper with a memorable refrain...our hero adds a little Hip Hop flavor to the hilarious "Dope Or Dogfood" (with lyrics from Bishop James E. Bryant). Here El' reproves a foolish youngin' who's trippin' and wasting his life. Funkay! I've also grown to dig El's baritone voice... I'd consider him a top notch singer. El's cool as all get out.
10.
The Rhythm All-Stars "s/t" (Jomar/Silk) LISTEN
The amazing vocals of one-time Arista Recording artist/Gerald LeVert-produced Geoff McBride are the highlight of this fine set of Southern Soul originals and covers. The Memphis-inspired movers "Stuck" & "She's Powerful" and the aching ballad "I'll Work For You" have all received extensive airplay throughout the South and in the UK. (Footnote: The now hard-to-find set was repackaged and self-released as "Takin' Off" later in the year and McBride is no longer with the group)
11.
Will Easley "Sweet Sexy Soul" (CDS) LISTEN
Holy moly! what a singer! Where had this guy been? Hands down best debut of the year for sure. The club joint "Loop The Loop" is getting a lot of action but it's the slow jams that steal the show. Easley is magic on "Wantcha Back", "Your Love is Amazing" and "If I Let You Got". Most of this disc is ripe for mainstream Urban AC stations but without payola who knows if it'll get the chance.
12.
Sheba Potts-Wright "I'm A Bluesman's Daughter" (Ecko) LISTEN
To those in the know the title of Sheba's new disc ("I'm A Bluesman's Daughter") is a reference to Memphis blues man (and himself a former Ecko artist) Dr. Feelgood Potts, father to the Southern Soul chanteuse Sheba. Now, Sheba may be blues pedigree but she's better known for her sassy and sexy shuffle-bumpers like "I Need A Cowboy To Ride My Pony", "Cruise Control" and "I Can Hear Your Macaroni"...Track 3 is a splendid ballad called "Why Am I Still Lonely", featuring a superb arrangement of synth strings, organ, electric piano and bass guitar. This ranks up there with Denise LaSalle's output for the label. ...The quality holds up throughout (the "party blues dancer" "Where's The Party At?", & rote "Mississippi Man" are cookie-cutter songs for the label)...This may be her best collection in her still new career.
13. Ms. Travis is...the Gladys Knight of Southern Soul. Of course in her hometown of Chicago she's mostly known as a 12-bar Blues belter who plays sings several days a week. But in the chittlin' circuit she's becoming a huge favorite... like the hilarious ditty "Slap Yo' Weave Off" and the booming, anthem "I'm A Woman" which is the best song about female empowerment I've heard in years... two knockout ballads. "Don't Talk To Me" is a n emotional tornado sung by a scorned woman and "Running On Empty" a devastating number about a dying marriage. Travis is a powerhouse on the microphone.Also included is a terrific duet ballad with soulman Stan Mosley ("Who Knows You") 
Nellie 'Tiger' Travis "I'm A Woman" (CDS) LISTEN
14.
Willie Hill "I'm A Man On A Mission" (Ifgam) LISTEN
The phrase "long awaited new album" is an overused cliché that actually fits the new Willie Hill quite rightly. See, it was all the way back in 2005 when the first single off this LP was released. That track, "Man On A Mission", was a moderate Southern Soul hit that portended a good Theodis Ealey-like batch of tunes...the truly long-awaited new CD by Willie Hill has dropped...and it lives up to the promise. It leads off with the above-mentioned title track, includes the terrific "Friendly Reunion" and a slew of good 'uns. Mr Theodis Ealey has produced and presented an album on Hill not unlike his own output: Keyboard-driven, upbeat bumpers and Blues- not too polished but with a bouncy bottom.
15.
The Soul Children "Still Standing" (JEA) LISTEN
You could just as easily called this the new J. Blackfoot album because the throaty one sings lead on nearly all the tracks, often joined by Queen Ann Hines, Norman Wets , Cassandra Graham and a cameo by Toni Green. Both Blackfoot and West were part of the original Stax Records line up. Hines and Graham are standing in the roles of Anita Lewis and Shelbra Bennet. The foursome logged 11 charting singles on Billboard's R & B charts from 1968 to 1978, most notably "Hearsay" and "I'll Be The Other Woman", which both crossed over to the pop charts as well (at #44 and #36 respectively). Blackfoot (born John Colbert) hasn't lost any of his powerful rasp and fairly tears it up on the yearning ballads "Long Ride Home" and "Love You For Life" (featuring the dynamite Toni Green) and "More Than A Woman"...This is a solid "Modern/Retro" whatever you-wanna-call-it Soul album.
16.
Gregg A. Smith "Triple Play Swing" (G Man) LISTEN
Radio personality Gregg A. Smith, like one Frank-O Johnson, I've always found as perfectly strong singers/artists that could hang tough with all the other records they spin while a DJ...the third of the trilogy is here with the plaintively-titled "Who's Romeo & Jez". All three follow a similar pattern: Smith narrates the story in his deep, sexy tone atop a a bubbling musical backdrop punctuated by the sweetly-sung refrain. Having the full trilogy here is mist welcome but it isn't even the highlight of the album overall. The one-two "live" punch of "Angel" and "Stand By Me" are perhaps the best ten-plus minutes of his career. Smith can sang fo' sho. "Angel" will please fans of the great one Bobby 'Blue' Bland. Speaking of Bland the slow burning blues cuts "Trouble" and "One Day At A Time" can give the legend a run for his money these days. Bottom line: Gregg A. Smith deserves his propers and here's to hoping this album finds a audience.
17.
Bobby Wayne "Soul Station" (Bonedog) LISTENI've been looking forward to the new Bobby Wayne ever since I first listened to his ridiculously good last disc "Hit That Thang!". That masterpiece would be hard to duplicate in terms of song, sound and soul and while "Soul Station" isn't a duplicate, it's simply splendid and an essential purchase for fans of real Soul Blues by a great excess. Even with a street date of January 1 2008 it will endure as one of the best of the year. That locomotive bass, smacking drums, blaring horns and Bobby's unassuming voice on the title track (and opener) instantly brought a smile to my face. Stax Records lives...To sum up "Soul Station" for you in two words: TUNE IN.
18. 
Wendell B "Time To Relax...Time, Love & Relationships" (Smoothway Ent.) LISTENThe hyperbolic intro and too many interludes may stymie some of the joy here but Wendell B is an incredible singer. Yes they call him the "new Luther Vandross" and so on but all hype aside truth is you can't help but be captured by the man's Soul. The drop dead fantastic first single "She Didn't Have Ta Hurt Ya Boy Like That" has been out for a few months making this an eagerly anticipated release. I really can't prattle on enough about how great this track is. Perhaps that's why he put it out way before the album was ready. It just couldn't wait? In fact his holiday outing "Save A Little Room For Me" dropped inbetween. Whatever it may be this track alone is worth full price.
19.
Kenne' Wayne "You're The Best" (Goodtime) LISTEN
The "Licka Sticka" is back with a mainstream-leaning collection of slick Soul/R & B. Already the title track is climbing the Adult Urban Contemporary airplay charts, sounding like 80s era Lenny Williams... three of these written by the super talented Mr Sam (aka 'Mr Sam) and Ezra 'EZ Rock' Williams. The pair are credited with seven cuts while Ves Garrett provided four. Garrett wrote the bumps "Is There A Party In Here", "Get Cha Some" & "One For The DJ", as well as silky slow jam "No Love In The Club". Grade A material...The hands down winner though is Fallie/EZ Rock's "Georgia Pine" where Wayne unleashes one of his best and most assured vocals to date.
20.
Rue Davis "Return Of A Legend" (Boomtown) LISTEN
The boastful title is true, albeit in a limited sense. Davis has never scraped the national charts nor sold enough records to catch the attention of the I.R.S. but in the so-called chitlin' circuit he is indeed legendary. Perhaps he's mostly known for his uncanny ability to sing like Johnnie Taylor, ZZ Hill, Al Green and other legends. A reality highlighted on his out of print Avanti CD "Sings With Friends" ...This time Davis gives the producer chores to someone else, one Carl Marshall...vintage modern Soul. Like putting on your favorite tube socks on a cold day it just warms you up. "I'm Giving Up The Streets" is another midtempo roller with Davis settle down and "staying home with my baby". This is followed by the knockout slowie "I Promise". Pure Johnnie Taylor supreme (sorry Rue we know you are your own man)... He's never really gone away but this still feels like a triumphant return.
21.
Lee "Shot" Williams "Shot From The Soul" (CDS) LISTEN
"Shot From The Soul" starts off with four winners in a row. The Sam Cooke rhythm of "Country Woman" hit my ears like a welcome mat. Shot says "Now I got a woman/Her name is Sally Mae Brown/She lives just outside the city/In a little old country town". He proceeds to explain why he loves them country woman. They treat you so sweet, cook you up something nice on the stove and they'll "love you to the rooster crows!". Next is the anthem "It's Friday (Time To Get Paid)". It's one of those instant classic weekend songs that you can't help but get down with..."Shot From The Soul" is classic Lee Shot Soul (and Blues).
22.
Marvin Sease "Who's Got The Power" (Malaco) LISTEN
With each new Marvin Sease disc you know what you're getting: Funky workouts with Sease's philosophy on the birds and the bees ("The Power Of Coochie"), old school Soul balladry ("I'm Coming Home", "Denying Our Love") and midpaced Memphis movers ("She's My Woman", "I Can't Let You Go"). The only question then becomes how good is the material. Well these thirteen Sease originals will satisfy any fan of the genre. There may not be a new stone classic or a hit as catchy as, say "Sit Down On It", but there's plenty of greatness. The 60s-styled "Denying Our Love" is as close to Otis Redding as you're gonna get nowadays. As I've said before Sease may be known for his sex shtick but he's a master of Deep Soul slowies.
23.
David Brinston "Party Time" (Ecko) LISTEN
Brinston's previous Ecko release ("Here I Go Again") went pretty much ignored upon it's release but it was quite good. Perhaps superior to this new one. Things start off strong with the bumpin', if lyrically-lame "I Just Love Woman", the current single "Sometimes You Win Some", "Crazy 'Bout You Baby" and "Hard Working Woman"... put a live band behind Brinston on this album and it's pure Memphis Soul.
24.
Ms. Jody "I Never Take A Day Off" (Ecko) LISTENTo me Ms. Jody is Peggy Scott-Adams-lite. She has a similar tone and style just softer. That's not meant as a knock against "Jody" who has struck gold with the Southern soul steadies. Her last Ecko album has barely started to fade before we are treated to another one and it's slightly better than it's predecessor... The Chitlin' themes are all here. The clever "Energizer Bunny" is a cousin to Shirley Brown's "I Got To Sleep With One Eye Open" in that her man is a nympho. A simple Soul swayer with an especially solid vocal from the female Jody. Her man just "goes on and on and on and on." Can't imagine too many women complaining about that!
25.
Pookie Lane "Southern Woman" (Allison) LISTENLike the recent debut by Bigg Joe we have Jerome "Pookie" Lane making his introduction with a familiar synth-pushed Southern Soul hit (the title track) but turning out to be a superb boudoir balladeer rather than your cookie cutter party singer. Commencing at track 2 (the gorgeous "Love The Way We Used To"), the Pookie man croons like there's no tomorrow and he's got one night left with a beautiful woman! Smooth silk pajama slow jams like "Knockin'", "Moments", "Come Into My Bedroom", "Work It Out" and "Pretty Brown Girl" will make the ladies swoon. Cool Rhythm & Jazz flourishes on "On And On" keep things from getting monotonous. The sentimental closer "The Tribute" remembers Johnnie Taylor, Tyrone Davis, Little Milton and all the greats who've shed their mortal coil. Nearly eight minutes of soulful testifying. Pookie Lane is for all of us who love the human singing voice first and foremost in music.
26.
Willie Clayton "Soul & Blues" (Malaco) LISTEN
Second new Clayton CD of the year offers up more of his bluesy-tined Soul, true to the unimaginative title. On the Geirge Jackson-penned "I Feel A Cheatin' Coming On" he sings "Aretha's lost all respect for me and Millie J want no drama at all. Latty won't help me straighten it out and Bobby Womack won't return my call". Willie can't blame them cause he's weak and when he sees a "sexy little thing I feel a cheating coming on". Yeah, nothing new here. But Willie's fans won't mind one bit. That classic voice gets some good production from Vick Allen, Mike Snoddy, Donell "Showcase" Taylor and hisself.
27.
David G "Southern Soul With A Twist" (Laryan) LISTENDavid G(eorge) has a meaty Soul voice with a little Johnnie Taylor and Otis Clay tones and that's enough to recommend this CD. Actually, it contains a mid-to-high end Southern Soul programming to go along with it. The title track is a dancer reminiscent of JT while "D.G. Shuffle" captures some of that Sir Charles Jones style (G also covers Jones' smash "is There Anybody Lonely"). Both are "party Blues" cuts on par with whatever's out there. The bumpers "Private Party", "Ooh Yeah" and "Number One Lady" are good choices for radio. The latter is pure Mel Waiters if you ask me...Bottom line this is as good as any Sir Charles, Wilson Meadows or T.K. Soul disc you own.
28.
Al Lindsey "So In Love" (Pulsating Music) LISTEN Back in 2005 husky-voiced Al Lindsey appeared out of nowhere with a fresh (and refreshing sound) for the Southern Soul genre with "Caught"... convinced Lindsey to focus more on that sultry balladry and "So In Love" does just that. The tracks are mostly original but the centerpiece of the record is his dynamite cover of Leroy Hutson's "So In Love". Great arrangement. Lindsey sings it like he's been doing it since childhood (actually he has). Another slow jammy, Lindsey's own "Call Me", ain't no punk either. A gentle creeper, synth strings and a sexy vocal to boot. Hey when you're singin' a song about a "Nubian queen wearin' those painted on jeans" you know you're gonna sing it with feelin'! Deserves to be a hit. Would fit on mainstream R & B radio too. On the dancefloor tip comes "Let's Take A Chance" and "Pop It Shake Work It", featuring producer Simeo's knack for bass bottomed bumpers.
29.
Reggie P "Your Love Is A Bad Habit" (Rude Boy) LISTEN
"Your Love Is A Bad Habit" may only have seven actual songs (plus 1 remix and a glorified intro, "Witness") but most deliver, staring with the buoyant "I've Got That Feeling"; a serious nod to Sir Charles Jones and a surefire hit. Better though is the bluesy title cut, an emotional ballad with an impassioned vocal...The cat can sing a soulful ballad too evidenced by the Lenny Williams-like slowies "No More Tears" and "Unforgettable Dreams".
30.
Mose Stovall "Groove U" (Soul 1st) LISTEN
Plenty of Southern Soul jams on here superior to the single "Groove U Baby" (especially good news for those who do like the song). The midpaced bumps "Been There Done That" and "Blue" followed by the funky "Don't Stop The Music" cut the mustard for me. "Don't Stop" has some slapping drums, a killer bassline and Stovall singing with a vocodor. Can someone say "club joint"?
ATTENTION CHICAGO BLUE FANS!!!!
I know that the thousands of you from the greater Chicago area that drop by my blog would like to know about a new venue. I received an email from the University Golf Club about a new blues series they are doing on Monday nights. From 7-11 they are bringing in Da Blues to University Park Illinois. I understand that this is suppose to be a pretty swank place, so you better check it out. University Park is located way way on the south end of the Chicago metroplex! So you northsiders might want to pack a lunch:-)
University Golf Club
23520 Crawford Ave
University Park, IL 60466
708 747-0306
Every Monday
7-11pm
No Cover
Plenty of Parking
Restaurant & Cash Bar available
FEATURING:
January 12 Bobby Slim James
January 19 Matt Stedman Band
January 26 Mike Dangeroux Blues Band
If you need further detail please do not hesitate to call.
Rachel Simmons
Events Coordinator
University Golf Club and Conference Center
(708)747-0306 ext. 21 office
(708)747-2166 fax
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Crossroads Duel
Ah yes, the mythic tale of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the Devil, (which never happened click on the Robert Johnson tag below!!!) this is the retelling of the story with Robert Johnson's friend Willie Brown trying to win back his soul, so the young guitar playing star "White Lighting" (Ralph Macchio) battles the evil Stevie Vai for Willie's soul!!! Of course Ralph is not playing guitar but the amazing Ry Cooder (however the classical break towards the end is probably Stevie Vai) Of course, the whole thing is bunk, but ya gotta love it! Sure it plays on the worse sterotypes of the blues, but that is one great guitar battle.
Bob Willis And His Playboys: Sitting On Top Of The World
Here is what happens when you take a classic blues song, add a little Texas Swing, and twang, and you got your self some Country music!
Sam Taylor RIP
From Bob Corritorie
Watch Sam Taylor in Music Videos | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Watch Sam Taylor in Music Videos | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
January 6, 2009
- RIP Sam Taylor 10/25/34-1/4/09: World renown blues and soul singer/guitarist/songwriter Sam "Bluzman" Taylor passed away of heart complications on Sunday, January 4th at his home of Islandia, New York. He was 74. Taylor was the son of renowned saxophonist Sam "The Man" Taylor. His early sides include a Bobby Robinson-produced session for the Fire record label. He had many notable achievements in the blues throughout his long and active career. Taylor worked with soul greats Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and The Isley Brothers. During the 1980s, he spent time in Los Angeles and later settled in Tucson, Arizona, where he made his home for over a decade before moving back to New York, where he spent his last years. He toured Europe frequently in 1990s and 2000s. Sam Taylor's band served as a schooling for many a budding blues musicians who credit Sam in their resume. He often teamed up with Tucson blues violinist Heather Hardy for a unique stylistic blend that seemed to suit Taylor well. He was inducted in the Arizona Blues Hall Of Fame in 1997, and the Long Island Blues Hall Of Fame in 2006. A short, but sturdy man with a charismatic stage presence and a spectacular voice, Sam was a master bandleader, songwriter, and arranger. Sam will be deeply missed by those of us lucky enough to have known him, his great music, and his ever-present smile. When you asked Sam Taylor how was doing, he would respond "I feel blessed". Click here for the newsday.com obituary.
The Blue Triangle Is Back
while the Crawling King Snake maybe gone, the Voice is bringing you the latest news from the Blues Triangle. Great to have you guys back!
BJFMS UPDATE
HERE’S MUSIC NEWS YOU CAN USE from The Voice
FIRST EDITION ____________________________________________January 6, 2009
The BJFMS UPDATE is back. Just about every week (or so) you’ll be getting a little something in your inbox from the BJFM VOICE which will include everything WE know about what’s going on with LIVE MUSIC here and around here. That is, unless we hear from you that you want us to STOP, in which case we will take your name and email OFF the list – just reply with “STOP.” Otherwise, just be patient and give us a little while to get this thing up and running. On the other hand, if you know anyone who would appreciate getting this information, just email me and we’ll ADD their name and email address to the list. I really want to be just the EDITOR of all the stuff YOU, the MUSIC PEOPLE (and you KNOW who you are) send me to include here. I’m L@@KING for NEWS of WHO’S PLAYING WHERE, REVIEWS of any LIVE music, CD and MUSIC DVD REVIEWS, FESTIVAL REVIEWS, whatever YOU think the MUSIC PEOPLE would want to hear about. EMAIL any and all to: bluesphotog@gmail.com Don’t be shy.
Well, HERE GOES>>>
GOOD ADVICE
Robert Huges and Teeny Tucker of The Teeny Tucker Band sent me this:
Thelonious Monk's Advice 1960
Just because you’re not a drummer, doesn’t mean that you don’t have to keep time.
Pat your foot and sing the melody in your head when you play.
Stop playing all those bullshit notes.
Make the drummer sound good.
You’ve got to dig it, to dig it, you dig?
All reet.
Always know …
It must be night, otherwise they wouldn’t need the lights.
Let’s lift the bandstand, I want to avoid the hecklers!
Don’t play the piano part, I’m playing that.
Don’t listen to me, I’m supposed to accompanying you.
Don’t play everything, let some things go by.
Some music is just imagined.
What you don’t play can be more important than what you do play.
A note can be as small as a pin or as big as the world, it depends on your imagination.
Stay in shape! (When the gig comes, you have to make it.)
When you’re swinging, swing some more.
What should we wear tonight? Be as sharp as possible.
Always leave them wanting more.
These tunes were written so as to have something to play, and to get cats interested enough to come to rehearsal.
Whatever you think can’t be done, somebody will come along and do it.
A genius is the one most like himself.
They tried to get me to hate white people, but someone would always come along and spoil it!
Best wishes for a Happy,
and ...
Prosperous New Year!
all the best, Robert & Teeny
______________________________________________________________________
Ist THINGS FIRST – THE IMPORTANT STUFF >> IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
“MEMPHIS OR BUST” BENEFIT
One of Columbus’ best blues bands and one of Cleveland’s most popular acoustic blues musicians will perform a special benefit concert in Marietta THIS SATURDAY for one of their favorite charities: themselves.
Mojo Theory from Columbus and Austin “Walkin’ Cane” Charanghat from Cleveland, both winners at The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society’s (BJFMS) annual River City Ohio Blues Competition last February will be performing at the “Memphis or Bust” benefit to help send them to compete in the 2009 International Blues Challenge (IBC), in Memphis, Tennessee. The “Memphis or Bust” Benefit will be held THIS SATURDAY, January 10, 2009 at The River City Tavern & Grill, in the Comfort Inn, on the pike, in Marietta. Music starts at 8PM. Admission at the door will be $10. There is no advance ticket sales for this event.
When they won back in February, Mojo Theory won the $1,000 first prize, but, as you can imagine, in these times it takes a lot more than that to send a
5-piece band to Memphis for four or five days. Austin “Walkin’ Cane” won only the $100 prize, so you know he needs help. Blues societies all over the country are holding “Memphis of Bust” Benefits to help out, with hopes of bringing home a winner for big time bragging rights.
“We hope everybody comes out to support live music and the blues,” said John Gifford, Competition Director for the BJFMS. “It’s going to be a great blues show you wouldn’t normally be able to see around here. Both musical acts will have their latest CD’s for sale and autograph, along with a 50/50 drawing and all donations will go to support these guys,” said Gifford.
The International Blues Challenge is presented by The Blues Foundation in early February each year.
The IBC is the undisputed largest gathering of blues bands in the world – last year’s Challenge saw over 100 blues bands and 60 solo/duo acts competing live on world famous Beale Street. The 25th annual IBC will take place February 4-7, 2009 in Memphis.
“The IBC is a great opportunity for these serious blues musicians to gain valuable exposure and further their careers. We want to help them all we can, and getting to Memphis is half the battle,” added Gifford.
“The River City Taven & Grill seats over 300 people, and we need everybody who supports LIVE MUSIC out for this show. River City Tavern & Grill is a new venue for us: we want to IMPRESS them so they’ll want to have us back again. We need YOU to make it a PRIORITY to come out and support this event. This venue can offer tremendous opportunities for us IF we get a big crowd here for SATURDAY night. Please BE THERE if you can.
RIVER CITY OHIO BLUES COMPETITION
Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21,2009
DEADLINE for entry in the 17th annual competition is THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9th. This could be your chance to compete on world-famous Beale Street in Memphis at the International competition. If you would like to enter, go to www.bjfm.org for complete details, rules and application. You can even drop the application off to me in person if need be. If you need help, or if there is a problem, call me at 304.295.4323.
TICKETS FOR RIVER CITY OHIO BLUES COMPETITION ARE ON SALE NOW
Call Peggy evenings at 740.376.0222,
or call Steve just about anytime at 304.295.4323
INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE (IBC) UP SOON
If you’re planning to head to Memphis, TN February 4-7 for the IBC – the undisputed largest gathering of blues bands in the WORLD and the “Disneyland of Blues” better have your plans already set or get it done in the next few days. The hotels are pretty full already, so accommodations will be slim pickin’s the closer we get to the competition. The trip is highly recommended if you’re a serious blues fan, or if you’re just a serious partyer – either way, you’ll never forget it and be hooked like the rest of us. Trust me, you’ve never seen any festival or anything else like it. Go to www.blues.org for all the details and to buy tickets.
LINEUP
18th Annual River City Blues Festival
March 20-21, 2009 Lafayette Hotel, Marietta, Ohio
Friday, March 20, 2009
8PM – Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy
Gospel-influenced Blues from Houston, TX
2008 BMA: “Best New Artist of the Year”; 2005 IBC Winner
10PM – Nick Moss & The Fliptops with
Special Guest: Lurrie Bell
Traditional Chicago Blues doesn’t get any better than this! Nick Moss has won “Album of the Year” and “Band of The Year”. Lurrie Bell was just named “2008 Blues Artist of The Year” by Living Blues Magazine
Saturday, March 21, 2009
1PM-2009 Blues Competition Winners
220PM – Thomasina Winslow Band
From World Famous Winslow Family Band –
Singer/Songwriter/Educator from Up-state New York
350PM – Big James Montgomery &
The Chicago Playboys
From Guess Where (Chicago). Big James is former band member with Little Milton, Albert King, Johnny Christian and yes, Buddy Guy
8PM – Joey Gilmore
Florida Legend, Blues and R&B Master. 2-time IBC Winner – South Florida Blues
10PM – Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater
Chicago’s premier blues showman. “The Chief” of authentic West-Side Chicago Blues
30th ANNUAL BLUES MUSIC AWARDS (BMA’s)
30th Blues Music Awards Nominees, Tickets and Voting
30th Annual Blues Music Awards confirmed for May 7 in Memphis, Tennessee. MANNISH BOYS TOP NOMINATIONS WITH SIX; OTHERS NOMINATED INCLUDE BUDDY GUY, B.B. KING, ELVIN BISHOP, MAGIC SLIM
For a complete list of the 30th Blues Music Awards Nominees, click here.
WHAT: The Blues Music Awards
WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2009
WHERE: Cook Convention Center, 255 N. Main, Memphis, TN
TICKETS: $125; (Tables of 10 are $1200) available here or 901.527.2583 xt 10. Your level of membership, your order date and the number of tickets (or tables) ordered are three of the important factors in determining where and with whom you will be seated.
The Blues Foundation has confirmed the thirtieth annual Blues Music Awards, a seven-plus hour throw-down featuring dozens of incredible musicians and honoring the best of the blues world. Blues Foundation members will be able to vote starting today, through March 1, with the results determining the winners. Click here to vote.
West coast-based group The Mannish Boys lead the pack this year with six nominations, including band, traditional album and album of the year in addition to individual nominations for band members Richard Innes (drums), Kid Ramos (guitar), and Larry Taylor (bass). Tied with four nominations each are slide guitar legend Elvin Bishop, pianist Eden Brent, songstress Janiva Magness, soul man Curtis Salgado, and former truck driver Watermelon Slim. Buddy Guy is nominated for three awards and B.B. King for two.
The Mississippi-based Homemade Jamz Blues Band are the youngest nominees at 9, 14, and 16 years of age. Sadly, Sean Costello received two posthumous nominations while Jeff Healey received one. Chicago elder statesman and torch bearer Magic Slim earned three nods. Lurrie Bell earned two nominations for an album he made while grieving the loss of his wife and his father, harp man Carrie Bell.
The Blues Foundation has added a Rock Blues category for the first time in 2009, with nominations going to Gary Moore, Jeff Healey, Michael Burks, Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King, Sonny Landreth, and Walter Trout.
The presenting sponsor for the 2008 Blues Music Awards was once again The GIBSON Foundation. The 2008 Blues Music Awards were also sponsored by BMI, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
Performers have not yet been confirmed for the 2009 show but all nominees are invited to take the stage, showing a broad range of blues styles from solo resonator fingerpicking to soul-blues shouters. For the blues fan, it's the only way to see a lineup like this and it annually threatens to rage well into the night.
The awards ceremony and concert will be broadcast live by Sirius XM Satellite Radio's B.B. King's Bluesville channel. The Blues Music Awards will be shot in HD for a DVD to be released in the fall of 2009.
The Blues Foundation has 3,000 individual dues-paying members around the world and 160 affiliated grassroots, member-based local blues societies in a dozen countries.
For more information on The Blues Foundation and the Blues Music Awards, please contact Nick Loss-Eaton [nlosseaton@shorefire.com] or Matt Hanks [mhanks@shorefire.com] at Shore Fire Media, 718.522.7171. www.shorefire.com
Home > Blues Music Awards > Nominees
2009 - 30th Blues Music Awards
Acoustic Album of the Year
Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One
Rory Block - Blues Walkin' Like a Man
Paul Rishell & Annie Raines - A Night in Woodstock
Hans Theessink & Terry Evans - Visions
Fiona Boyes, Mookie Brill & Rich Del Grosso - Live from Bluesville
Acoustic Artist of the Year
Doug MacLeod
Rory Block
Otis Taylor
Paul Rishell & Annie Raines
Eden Brent
Album of the Year
The Mannish Boys - Lowdown Feelin'
Curtis Salgado - Clean Getaway
Buddy Guy - Skin Deep
Janiva Magness - What Love Will Do
Elvin Bishop - The Blues Rolls On
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year
Janiva Magness
Watermelon Slim
Bobby Rush
Lil' Ed
Magic Slim
Band of the Year
Magic Slim & the Teardrops
Nick Moss & the Flip Tops
The Mannish Boys
Watermelon Slim & the Workers
Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials
Best New Artist Debut
Chris James and Patrick Rynn - Stop and Think About It
Delta Highway - The Devil Had a Woman
Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm - 2 Man Wrecking Crew
The Homemade Jamz Blues Band - Pay Me No Mind
Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One
Contemporary Blues Album of the Year
Elvin Bishop - The Blues Rolls On
Watermelon Slim & the Workers - No Paid Holidays
Janiva Magness - What Love Will Do
Sean Costello - We Can Get Together
Buddy Guy - Skin Deep
Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year
Gaye Adegbalola
Marcia Ball
Robin Rogers
Bettye LaVette
Janiva Magness
Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year
Michael Burks
Elvin Bishop
Sean Costello
Watermelon Slim
Buddy Guy
DVD
Broke & Hungry Records, Cathead Blues & Mudpuppy Recordings - M For Mississippi: A Road Trip Through The Birthplace of the Blues
Eagle Eye Media - Albert Collins Live at Montreux 1992
Eagle Eye Media - Carlos Santana Plays Blues At Montreux 2004
Stony Plain Records - Ronnie Earl & Broadcasters - Hope Radio Sessions
Delmark Records - Little Arthur Duncan Live at Rosa's Blues Lounge
Historical Album of the Year
Eagle Records - Albert Collins Live At Montreux 1992
Jamie Records - Barbara Lynn: The Jamie Singles 1962-1965
Delmark Records - On Highway 80 (Sleepy John Estes)
Ruf Records - Rich Man's War: New Blues & Roots Songs of Peace and Protest (Various Artists)
TopCat Records - Hollywood Fats & the Paladins Live 1985
Instrumentalist-Bass
Bob Stroger
Mookie Brill
Larry Taylor
Bill Stuve
Jeff Turmes
Instrumentalist-Drums
Cedric Burnside
Richard Innes
Jimi Bott
Tony Braunagel
Kenny Smith
Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith
Instrumentalist-Guitar
Sonny Landreth
Lurrie Bell
Michael Burks
Kid Ramos
Ronnie Earl
Instrumentalist-Harmonica
Steve Guyger
Billy Gibson
Mark Hummel
Jason Ricci
Rick Estrin
Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith
Instrumentalist-Horn
Deanna Bogart
Kaz Kazanoff
Terry Hanck
Keith Crossan
Doug James
Instrumentalist-Other
Johnny Sansone - Accordion
Bob Brozman - Mandolin, Ukulele
Otis Taylor - Banjo
Rich Del Grosso - Mandolin
Gerry Hundt - Mandolin
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
Henry Butler
David Maxwell
Eden Brent
Bruce Katz
Marcia Ball
Rock Blues Album of the Year
Jeff Healey - Mess of Blues
Sonny Landreth - from the REACH
Michael Burks - Iron Man
Gary Moore - Bad for You Baby
Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Blood Brothers
Walter Trout - The Outsider
Song of the Year
Dave Duncan & Curtis Salgado - 20 Years of B. B. King (Curtis Salgado)
Kenny Neal - Let Life Flow (Kenny Neal)
Elvin Bishop - The Blues Rolls On (Elvin Bishop)
Albert Castiglia - Bad Year Blues (Albert Castiglia)
Sonny Landreth - Blue Tarp Blues (Sonny Landreth)
Soul Blues Album of the Year
Irma Thomas - Simply Grand
Curtis Salgado - Clean Getaway
Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band - Overnight Sensation
Clarence Spady - Just Between Us
Johnny Rawls - Red Cadillac
Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year
Sharrie Williams
Irma Thomas
Jean Shy
Etta James
Denise LaSalle
Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year
Tad Robinson
Bobby Rush
Jackie Payne
Johnny Rawls
Curtis Salgado
Traditional Blues Album of the Year
Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials - Full Tilt
B.B. King - One Kind Favor
Honeyboy Edwards - Roamin' and Ramblin'
Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater - West Side Strut
The Mannish Boys - Lowdown Feelin'
Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
Koko Taylor
Maria Muldaur
Nora Jean Bruso
Diunna Greenleaf
Ruthie Foster
Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year
B.B. King
Lurrie Bell
Magic Slim
Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater
Honeyboy Edwards
The Blues GRAMMY Nominations Announced
51st Grammys have been announced. They are:
Best Traditional Blues Album
“The Blues Rolls On” – Elvin Bishop (Delta Groove Music)
“Skin Deep” – Buddy Guy (Silvertone Records)
“All Odds Against Me” – John Lee Hooker (Steppn’ Stone)
“One Kind Favor” – B.B. King (Geffen Records)
“Pinetop Perkins & Friends” – Pinetop Perkins & Friends (Stoneagle/Telarc)
Best Contemporary Blues Album
“Peace, Love & BBQ” – Marcia Ball (Alligator Records)
“Like A Fire” – Solomon Burke (Shout Factory)
“City That Care Forgot” – Dr. John (429 Records)
“Maestro” – Taj Mahal (Heads Up/International)
“Simply Grand” – Irma Thomas (Rounder Records)
TRADITIONAL ACOUSTIC BLUES FESTIVAL – Columbus, OH
Better know to most of us as TRAD FEST
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2009
Holiday Inn Worthington (NICE)
7007 N High Street
Columbus, Ohio
HEADLINER: Guy Davis & Ann Rabson
Eden Brent, Kristin Jackson (Clevelend), Samual James,
2008 IBC Solo/Duo Winner Lionel Young, and more
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW,
go to www.columbusbluesalliance.com
or call Herb.
MARIETTA BREWING CO. 167 Front Street, Marietta,OH
SPECIAL BLUES SHOW: Bill Lupkin & The Workers
WEDNESDAY, January 23, 2009 7PM
Legendary blues harp virtuoso BILL LUPKIN along with THE WORKERS (as in Watermelon Slim & The Workers) named BLUES BAND of THE YEAR, 2007 in a special MID-WEEK EARLY show. (I saw this show about a month ago and it’s FANTASTIC – NOT TO BE MISSED) Come out, SUPPORT THE BLUES!!
A WORD ABOUT THE MARIETTA BREWING COMPANY:
Folks, this is the area’s LAST VENUE for quality LIVE MUSIC;
I’d suggest you come out, have dinner, a beverage of your choice and support it before they too, give up on quality LIVE MUSIC as other establishments in our area have done. The MBC has really stepped-up the level of their LIVE MUSIC and it’s up to YOU to keep it happening. Chris Fennell, Events & Entertainment Director at MBC tells me he has GREAT LIVE MUSIC shows of all genres booked this Winter. Keep an eye on their website for latest schedule: www.mariettabrewingcompany.com or call 740.373.BREW
UPCOMING SHOWS AT MARIETTA BREWING CO:
TONIGHT: COLIN JOHN from COLUMBUS (last show ‘til AUG)
Friday, January 9: Bobby Kurl
Saturday, January 10: The Extremophiles
Tuesday, January 13: Justin Arthur
Friday, January 16: The Faculty – Doebrich & company
Saturday, January 17: LONG TALL DEB & DRIFTERKINGS
SHORT SUBJECTS:
IZZY & CHRIS LOCAL SHOW:
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Overtime Bar & Grill
Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, WV
TICKETS: Call 304.???.????
CONCERT: Jorma Kaukonen, Robben Ford & Ruthie Foster
Thursday, February 19
The Midland Theatre
Newark, Ohio (NE of Columbus – 110 miles from here)
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: www.midlandtheatre.org
740.345.5483
Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt Concert – Ohio University
Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt On Stage Together
Friday, February 13, 2009
7:30PM – 9:30PM
Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
TICKETS ONLINE: www.ohio.edu/performingarts
Finally, my friend Herb Sollars sent me this:
In a few short days, an African American man will move from his private residence into a much larger and infinitely more expensive one, owned not by him, but by the taxpayers. A vast lawn, a perimeter fence and many well trained security specialists will insulate him from the rest of us, but the mere fact that this man will be residing in this house should make us all stop and count or blessings - because it proves that we live in a nation where anything is possible. Many believed this day would never come. Most of us hoped and prayed that it would, but few of us actually believed we would live to see it. Racism is an ugly thing in all of it's forms and there is little doubt that if this man had moved into this house fifteen years ago, there would have been a great outcry - possibly even rioting in the streets. Today, we can all be both grateful and proud that no such mayhem will take place.when this man takes up residency in this house.
This man, moving into this house at this time in our nation's history is much more than a simple change of addresses for him - it is proof of a change in our attitude as a nation. It is an amends of sorts - the righting of a great wrong. It is a symbol of our growth, and of our willingness to "judge a man, not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character". There can be little doubt now that the vast majority of us truly believe that this man has earned both his place in history and his new address. His time in this house will not be easy - it will be fraught with danger and he will face many challenges. I am sure there will be many times when he asks himself how in the world he ended up here and like all who have gone before him, the experience will age him greatly. But I for one will not waste an ounce of worry for his sake - because in every way a man can, he asked for this. His whole life for the past fifteen years appears to have been inexorably leading this man toward this house. It is highly probable that that in the past, despite all of his actions, racism would have kept this man out of this house. Today, I thank the lord above that I am an American and that I live in a nation where wrongs are righted, where justice matters and where truly anything is possible.
I couln’t agree more.
The Voice
-30-
Monday, January 5, 2009
Muddy Waters: Hoochie Coochie Man
Muddy at Newport in 1960. The sound is a little quiet due to the mono mix used, but still Muddy at his prime. Unfortunately the clip ends just before he is done.
Taj Mahal And Corey Harris: Sitting On Top Of The World
Cool video from the PBS blues series of Taj Mahal and Corey Harris. Classic!
Keb Mo: It Hurts Me Too
Of all the current delta style players out there, the one that comes closest to Robert Johnson in my mind is Keb Mo. Here is Keb mo playing harmonica, slide guitar, and singing.
Andy Coats Update
Happy New Year!
Start the year off right, folks, by joining us at the lovely Flipside this Friday.
NO SMOKING and NO COVER charge, how can you beat that?
Friday, Jan. 9, 9 pm-mid
Andy Coats & the Bank Walkers
The Flipside
408 E 2nd St, Clayton, NC 27520
http://www.theflipside.us
(919) 553-0123
I hope to see you there,
All the best,
Andy
www.andycoats.com
www.myspace.com/andycoats
www.myspace.com/andycoatsandthebankwalkers
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Murali Coryell Update
Murali coryell Update
Buy the CD's @ cdbaby Murali Coryell-The Same Damn Thing
http://cdbaby.com/cd/murali6
Murali Coryell-Eyes Wide Open http://cdbaby.com/cd/murali3
Murali Coryell-Strong As I Need To Be http://cdbaby.com/cd/murali
Murali Coryell-Don't Blame It On Me http://cdbaby.com/cd/murali5
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
Joseph's Grille - http://www.josephsgrille.com/index.php
9:00pm
1033 Bellevue Ave
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-702-8310
Price: $12
Friday, January 23rd, 2009
TJ's Flightline Pub
solo acoustic - 7:00pm
20 Saratoga Road
Scotia, NY 12302
518-399-8401
Saturday, January 24th, 2009
TJ's Flightline Pub
Murali Coryell Band - 9:00pm
20 Saratoga Road
Scotia, NY 12302
518-399-8401
Price: $5
Friday, February 13th, 2009
Theodores Blues, Booze, & BBQ - http://www.theobbq.com/
9:00pm
201 Worthington St
Springfield, MA 01103
413-736-6000
Price: Free
Saturday, February 14th, 2009
Keltic House - http://www.thekeltichouse.com/
Valentines Day - 10:00pm
1004 Main St.
Fishkill, NY 12524
845-896-1110
Price: $5
Friday, February 20th, 2009
Billy's Lounge - http://billyslounge.com
9:00pm
1437 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI
616 459-5757
Price: $5
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Roadhouse Rags
8:00pm
Austin, TX
Price: $5
concert will be recorded live!
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Lost Pines, TX
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Evangeline Cafe
Austin, TX
Price: $5
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Segovia Spanish Restaurant - http://segoviaaustin.com
Austin, TX
March 18-22 South by SouthWest: Austin, TX venue TBA
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
The Turning Point
9:00pm
468 Piermont Avenue
Piermont, NY 10968
(845) 359-1089
Price: $20
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Skip's Lounge - http://www.skipspartyplace.com/Schedule.html
9:00pm
112 West Maumee
Angola, IN 46703-1944
260 665-3922
Price: $5
National Blues Night at Skips Party Place!
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
The Press Room - http://www.pressroomnh.com/
8:00pm
77 Daniel St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-431-5186
Price: $10
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
The Grog - http://www.thegrog.com/main.htm
with Parker Wheeler and friends - 7:00pm
13 Middle Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
978.465.8008
Price: TBA
Illinois Blues News
All news BLUES in the US!
| FREE Blues E-Magazine | from IllinoisBlues.com | January 2, 2009 |
© 2007 - 2008 IllinoisBlues.com
News, photos, reviews, live Blues links & MUCH MORE in this issue! - Scroll or Page Down!
IllinoisBlues.com quick website links: Reviews Links Photos Videos Blues Radio Blues Shows near YOU! Advertise for FREE! The Blues Blast Archives
| Happy Blues New Year! May 2009 be a great Blues year for all! Hey Blues Fans, Another year has gone by and we are looking forward to a great 2009. We are excited about another great year of bringing you "All News Blues" ! As we review the 2008 issues of the Blues Blast we find more than 150 CD reviews and more than 75 Live Blues show reviews as well as interviews, videos, Blues links and more. Our New Year's resolution is to bring you even more Blues! You can see we have got our work cut out for us. If you missed any of the past issues they are all available on line, CLICK HERE. To see the Reviews page with more than 200 Blues CD reviews, CLICK HERE. Blues wanderings We made it out to Blue Monday to catch our good friends Sally Weisenburg and the Famous Sidemen. It has been a couple years since we have seen Sally and her guitarist Don Berbaum perform. Shame on us, as we now remember how good this group is. If you get the chance to see this Blues singer and piano player, DON"T MISS IT! Sitting in with them was Frank Parker on Trumpet. Frank has played with some of the best Blues artists around including a stint with Irma Thomas. Blues man Ted "Big Boss Man" Cash passed away on January 1st, 2009. He was 68. He was a versatile singer, entertainer, writer, and composer fluent in all styles of music. No further information is available at this time. His career spanned more than 40 years. We reviewed his last 2 CDs a few months back. To see the reviews, CLICK HERE.
Blues Reviews and MORE! Blues Review this week - James Walker reviews a new CD from Studebaker John. Mike O'Cull reviews a new CD by Gary Allegretto. This week we welcome a new Blues Blast reviewer, Eldrige “Big Cat” Tolefree, who reviews a new CD by the Blues Caravan featuring Deborah Coleman, Candye Kane and Dani Wilde. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!! |
Featured Blues Review 1 of 3
| Avanti Records 12 songs; 56:47; Splendid Style: Modern Electric Blues, Blues Rock The big three U.S. auto makers may think they need a bailout, but not Studebaker -- Studebaker John, that is. Both John Grimaldi and his own personal Studebaker Hawk automobile are running like well oiled machines. Chicago is the “Home of the Blues” in part because there are over 90 steadily working lead musicians, and Studebaker John has been an integral part of that scene since the 1970s. Having recorded over ten albums, five on the Blind Pig label, and toured Europe many times, Grimaldi is a respected stalwart. His newest, all original, CD is a solid, straight ahead blues example of his experience and consummate skills. Born in 1952, in an Italian-American section of Chicago, Grimaldi’s home had many instruments lying about the house as his father was himself an amateur musician. As a youngster Grimaldi began playing several of the instruments but focused on playing mainly harmonica by age seven. Under the spell of music he heard on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s famed open air market and blues melting pot, young John became a performer there himself after catching performances from the likes of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. After taking in a “life-changing” Hound Dog Taylor club date, Grimaldi also mastered guitar and slide guitar. Grimaldi began performing as Studebaker John and the Hawks in the ‘70s. The band name referenced his Studebaker Hawk and was also intended as a tribute to his friend, J.B. Hutto and the Hawks. Track one kicks off sounding like Santana sending out piercing notes from guitar. The up tempo “Down At the Bottom” is typical of the entire set with nary a slow song in the mix. Paul Ashford is the drummer, and Bob Halaj is on board for bass and background vocals while Bartek Szopinski adds organ and piano to the set. Manny Hernandez and Eric Michaels appear only on this first track adding, respectively, Latin percussion and keyboards. The fun romp continues on track two “She Just Won’t Roll” with a driving shuffle. “She knows you want to rock, but she just won’t roll,” laments Grimaldi’s seasoned vocals. John then shares how to, thankfully, leave spaces between notes on a tasty guitar solo. “Every Night is a Saturday Night” highlights fuzz-tone guitar and funk plus great harmony vocals on the chorus. We get our first taste of Grimaldi’s killer slide guitar on “Hell To Pay” along with some fun “Whoo-s” shouted in the chorus. John’s harmonica gets a great workout on “Natural Born Boogie.” As a songwriter and musician, Studebaker John has emerged as a major creative force in the world of modern blues. This album proves what a standout Studebaker John has become. Reviewer James “Skyy Dobro” Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show “Friends of the Blues” can be heard each Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00pm on WKCC 91.1 FM in Kankakee, IL For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
| Winter 2009 Chicago Blues Tour Saturday, January 17th, 2009 Visit 9 of Chicago’s famous Blues clubs featuring 12 live blues bands! For more Info CLICK HERE |
Featured Blues Review 2 of 3
 Gary Allegretto - Many Shades Of Blue(Big Fiore Records) http://www.garyallegretto.com/ http://www.myspace.com/garyallegretto Gary Allegretto is a blues singer, songwriter, and harp virtuoso who does a good job covering many roots styles on his latest CD release Many Shades Of Blue. He includes tastes of swampy, greasy, and rocking flavors in both acoustic and electric formats and has the chops and the all-star backing band to make it all happen. Special guests on the album include heavyweight champs like Ivan Neville, Janiva Magness, Doug Macleod, Rich Delgrasso and John Cephas and their appearances contribute to both Allegretto’s music and his credibility in the blues scene. He has also lived quite a life and has many experiences from which to draw music from, including stints as a backcountry ranger and firefighter, bouncer, cowboy, and ranch hand. These experiences populate Allegretto’s original songs and elevate him over the many acts out there that continually re-work standards. Allegretto’s songs are authentic and individual at the same time, and that is the most interesting aspect of this record, although he is certainly a hot hand on the harmonica. It is a tough juggling act to remain true to one’s inspirations while finding a unique musical voice, especially in roots styles, but Allegretto makes it look easy. Enjoy cuts like “Hurry Down The Rounder”, “She Speaks To Me”, and “Good To Go” to get a feel for where he is coming from and where he is going to. Those who are searching new blues material that sounds like the “real” stuff will find Many Shades Of Blue to be an excellent choice to keep their speakers warm on cold winter nights. Review by Mike O'Cull www.myspace.com/mikeocullmusic For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Blues Want Ads
| Blues Musicians Place Your Want Ad here for FREE "workin Blues performers" ONLY can place Want Ads here for FREE. NO Commercial Ads! Blues Music Reviewers wanted - Southwest and Texas areas Blues Blast Magazine is looking for reviewers to review new Blues CD's and live music shows. If you have a background and experience with Blues music and like to write we can provide new CD's and press passes for events for you to review. Photography experience helpful for show reviews. Must be willing to write a minimum of one review every other week. Reviewer keeps the CD's for writing the review. If interested please send a sample of your writing and a short bio of your Blues background to info@illinoisblues.com
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| | The River City Blues Society presents Wednesday Blues featuring January 7, 2009 - 7:00pm The Dragons Dome To see Map- CLICK HERE Admission $3 or free with new Society membership |
Featured Blues Review 3 of 3
| 17 songs; 69:04 minutes - Highly Recommended Growing up in an urban community, listening to real soul singers makes it hard to listen to soul singers of today. Candye Kane comes close to that sound but she lacks the soul consistent with the likes of Tina Turner, Coco Taylor and Aretha. Since it’s a different era now, what’s called blues and soul today has it’s own identity and value like when the Stones attempted to imitate the Motown sound. This seventeen song recording project takes several chances when it comes to reaching out to blues lovers. Kane’s grown up style of delivering seductive messages in her music, tastefully punches wholes in a market saturated by watered down female singers. Without her vocal identity and power the album may get lost in a pile of typical jazz artists making a living as blues artists, that seems to be the trend sweeping the globe these days. Everybody knows Big Cat loves a dose of blues and a beautiful women now and then, to get them both in one cool little package is a beautiful thing. My favorite track on the CD is this laid back tune “Jesus Just Left Chicago”. There are other sides I like too, but this one has a nasty groove and infectious hook that reels you in like an eight pound catfish. Not sure why their label insisted on putting the three on this one, after a couple shots of Patron the flow seems out of balance for some reason. I would like to hear each singer in separate spaces, but that’s just me… The singing quality on this collection of tunes was above average, however the real shining moments on the album came from the good musicians that played on most of the live songs. “Whole Lotta Love” had this repetitive John Lee Hooker style like a few other tunes on the disc, but definitely turned out to be one of the better toe tapers from start to finish. Now what ever Big Cat says goes, I know times are tough but this is a go getter if you have the cash. This is one of those records you crank up while flipping them ribs and links, with ice cold beer chilling in the back of the old icebox. Eldrige “Big Cat” Tolefree is a Blues musician and writer. Visit his website at www.bigcatentertainment.com For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Deborah Coleman, Candye Kane, Dani Wilde - Blues Caravan, Guitar’d and Feathered Blues Society News
Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to: Please submit a maximum of 175 or words or less in a Text or Word format ONLY. River City Blues Society- Peoria, IL The River City Blues Society's Wednesday Blues Series in Central, Illinois are early shows each Wednesday at 7:00pm, featuring the best traveling regional and National Blues musicians. The shows will feature a budget priced cover charge of $3. For the month of January all shows will be held at the Dragons Dome at 3401 Griffin Ave in Pekin, IL. This location is just 3 blocks from the previous location at the Captains Wheel. The Captains Wheel is closing for remodeling on December 21st and will open under new management in January. Shows scheduled are: January 7th - Studebaker John, January14th - Scott Holt, January 21 - Robin Crowe, January 28 - James Armstrong Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL Blue Mondays- Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover - Jan 5 - Texas Groove, Jan 12 - Tombstone Bullet, Jan 19 - Groove Daddies, Jan 26 - Juke Joint Duo / Cedric Burnside and Lightnin Malcolm, Feb 2 - Big Jeff Chapman, Feb 9 - Jim Suhler, Feb 15 - Shawn Kellerman, Feb 23 - Deak Harp |
| The BEST Way To Promote YOUR Next Blues Project! BANDS, BARS, AND LABELS: Is your promo material getting you the gigs and business you desire? If not, call music journalist and copy writer Mike O'Cull for all your promotional needs. Mike is a veteran music journalist and musician and writes for the Illinois Entertainer, IllinoisBlues.com, and www.Chicagomusicguide.com and can deliver the highest quality promotional writing around quickly and at a reasonable price. Mike's specialties include bios, press releases, liner notes, and web content. Full press kit design, including graphics, is also available. Clients include The Joe Moss Band, Carl Davis, TruSoul Entertainment, B.A. S. Entertainment, and many others. Samples available on request. Email mocull@mac.com , call Mike O'Cull Music at 847-608-0357, or visit us online at www.myspace.com/mikeocullmusic for more information. Mention the Blues Blast for a $10 new customer discount. |
| New CD Mighty Mighty CLICK HERE to Purchase this CD
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In case you are not familiar with this event, it is an international search for the best undiscovered Blues band on the planet. Each year the Blues Foundation's 160 affiliate Blues societies from all over the globe hold "local" or "regional" Blues challenges. They send the winners to compete in the semifinals in Memphis in February. There are categories for both bands and solo/duet acts. In 2008, 100 bands and 60 solo/duo acts filled the clubs up and down Beale Street for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday. This is a Blues show you do not want to miss. It is literally the worlds largest gathering of Blues Bands! Beale Street is the legendary Blues Mecca in Memphis. Each club on Beale has 6 or 8 acts competing in the semi-finals. By the rules of the competition, each act plays exactly 30 minutes all using the same stage setup for a panel of judges and a packed crowd of Blues fans. They are judged on Blues content, vocal and/or instrumental talent, originality and stage presence by a different panels of judges each night (See scoring criteria HERE). The scores are averaged and the top scoring act from each club advances to the finals that are held at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday. (To see some photos of last years fun CLICK HERE) Tickets to this historical event are just $75 and include entrance to all the clubs on Beale Street both Thursday and Friday and the finals on Saturday. CLICK HERE to get yours now. Be sure to get your hotel reservations NOW too as some of the host hotels are already sold out! CLICK HERE for hotel info |
Live Blues Calendar
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or click a state to see Blues shows by State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware D.C. Florida Georgia Performance dates submitted by Musicians, Clubs, Blues Societies and Blues festivals. IllinoisBlues.com is not responsible for errors or omissions. |
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