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| FREE Blues Internet Magazine | from IllinoisBlues.com | October 2, 2008 |
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| Hey Blues Fans, We made it to Blue Monday in Springfield, IL to hear a band from Champaign, IL called The Blues Deacons. This group features Billy Galt on guitar and Eric Tinsley on bass. This night we were surprised to see Ed O'Hara from the Kilborn Alley Blues band holding down the drum duties. After inquiring a bit further we found out that prior to joining the Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Ed was the regular drummer for the Soul Deacons. He says he still works with them when ever he can. And it was easy to see why. What a great band! Ed was feeling good and on a couple songs we witnessed someone playing drums and harp at the same time. Never seen this combination before. Pretty cool Ed! Good lead vocals too!
Blues Reviews and MORE! From Edinburgh, Scotland, street team reporter Phillip Wright sends us a review of Otis Grand with special guest Jimmy Thomas. James Walker reviews a new CD from EG Kight. Gary Weeks reviews a new CD by Chris Duarte. Chicago Editor Lordy reviews the Delmark records and Rosas Lounge benefit show for Chicago Blues legend Little Arthur Duncan's family. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!! |
2008 Blues Blast Music Awards 
| Festival Website: www.bluesandheritagefest.net |
Featured Blues Review (1 of 2)
| 12 songs; 52:59 minutes; Splendid Styles: Contemporary Blues, Vocal showcase, Southern Blues-Rock EG Kight is known as “The Georgia Songbird,” and her latest album is a wonderful showcase of her signature sultry vocals. This is a CD for lovers and romantics as EG weaves her way through slow-dance numbers to upbeat romps. On eight of the twelve numbers, EG will take two lovers through songs both sentimental and humorous to which they can relate by “Been there; done that” or “That’s sad; please don’t let that happen to us.” The other four cuts range from fun and lighthearted (“You Can’t Take It With You”) to lyrics about an old-fashioned Southern church meeting (“Pass the Plate”) to a trip down memory lane (“House of the Rising Sun”). Kight’s website biography reveals, “Distraught after a teenage heartbreak she penned her first song at sixteen, a pivotal moment that gave birth to a songwriter. She discovered the ability to grasp the emotion, write about it, put it to music, and tell the story from the heart.... She wants to touch a feeling or sentiment in every lyric and in every note.” To better help the listener appreciate that ability, the lyrics are thoughtfully included in the liner notes. EG gives co-writing credits to Tom Horner, among others, on eight numbers. Kight’s blues are as rich as a cup of Kona coffee and go down just as smoothly. If your taste in music is, exclusively, the hard driving, whiskey drinking, ass kicking variety, then this CD is not for you. Those folks will call this album “syrupy and sentimental.” Personally, I can enjoy both types; it is all about the timing. Perhaps it is the difference between a raucous Friday night party where one meets someone and makes a date and the subsequent Saturday night date for being considerate and romantic. For that romance, there are three beautifully sung numbers that have a female voice with an impact like a Patsy Cline. Two are great for slow dancing “I’m New At This” and “Roses and Promises.” “Sugar,” at mid-tempo, is as sweet as the title. Both “Sugar” and “Roses...” feature just-right piano by Graham Guest while Doug McMinn adds some unbelievable, Goodman-esque clarinet to “Sugar.” The set certainly does not begin at slow tempo; “I Want You Just ‘Cause I Want You” is a full-studio production number with horns added to requisite guitars, bass, drums, and keys by Paul Hornsby. Quick to follow, the title track then rips through the speakers, this time with Tim Hooper on both piano and organ opening and underpinning. Sean Farley adds a nice guitar solo run at mid-song soon followed by a solo bass line by Andy Seal. There are no less than 20 guests throughout the CD. Radio ready and appearing on my “Friends of the Blues Radio Show” this week is the upbeat and humorous fourth track with Bob Margolin on slide guitar, “Then There’s The Truth” (as in “...there’s what you tell me baby, then there’s the truuuuth”). Ken Wynn plays some delicate guitar notes with Gil Gillis’ mandolin in support of a beautiful sentiment in “Through The Eyes of A child.” The only misstep in this set is an ordinary cover of “House of the Rising Sun.” With the team Kight had behind her, surely they could have written and created one more jewel. In EG’s own words from the liner notes, “...I can’t think of anything more healing than music. I hope you enjoy this album, and I hope it lifts your spirit and makes you smile. Keep a song in your heart.” From this CD, you’ll have a song in your heart and at least a couple stuck in your head! 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. |
 David Honeyboy Edwards
Roamin' and Ramblin' 2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee To read the Blues Blast CD review - CLICK HERE |
Live Blues Review
| Otis Grand and the Big Blues Band Featuring Jimmy Thomas The Jamhouse, Edinburgh Scotland, August 1st 2008 It has been a couple of years since Otis Grand And The Big Blues Band last appeared in Edinburgh but it was well worth the wait. With trumpet, tenor sax, drums, bass and keyboards playing an instrumental, Otis was welcomed onstage by my good self (I confess folks, Otis suckered me into making my debut as MC). Right from the get go Otis launched into a blistering and powerful version of ‘Sweet Little Angel’ featuring his vocals, we don’t hear the big fella singing too often and he made a pretty decent job of it! Veteran Ike Turner band vocalist Jimmy Thomas was introduced and his feature spot included a superb reading of Lowell Fulson’s ‘Reconsider Baby’, a boogie feature for the piano man that grooved into ‘Honey Hush’, and a superb ‘All Your Love (I Miss Loving)’ with Otis’s guitar work exemplary. Following an extended audience walkabout, which climaxed with Otis handing over his Fender to a member of the audience who proved more than capable, he reclaimed the stage to haul off a ‘surf’ style instrumental. Jimmy them came back and sung a lovely Texas style number titled ‘Katie Mae’, then ‘Bye Bye Baby’, followed by Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Built For Comfort’. The final number was a rollicking reading of Gatemouth Brown’s ‘She Walk Right In’. As a rousing encore there was a John Lee Hooker boogie that segued into Magic Sam’s ‘Looking Good’ that threatened to lift the roof and proved to be a fitting end to an enjoyable and satisfying night for the capacity audience at the Jamhouse. Review and photos by Phillip Wight
For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
 EG Kight It’s Hot In Here
Her first CD in four years from six time BMA award nominee and Koko Taylor songwriter. It's Hot in Here," features her blazing guitar work and fiery, resonant voice. Patriot-News EG Kight has hit a home-run with this excellent album. The Planet Weekly |
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New Sounds from Kansas City 2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee To read the Blues Blast CD review - CLICK HERE |
Featured Blues Review (2 of 2)
| www.myspace.com/chrisduartegroup Since his 1994 debut release of Texas Sugar/Strat Magic, blues rocker Chris Duarte has worked with several different record labels. Chris can't be pigeonholed as just a bluesman only. For years he has toured with a revolving door rhythm section of players that build a foundation of sound that screams power trio in more ways then one. Playing at a decibel level that demands a good pair of ear-plugs, Chris can chase a few listeners away who are offended by his bombastic take on the blues. Those people are in the minority as the club remains packed with Duarte playing like a man possessed. Shaking his ponytail and stomping the stage with a floorboard of effects to enhance his sound, Duarte tears at his Strat ripping off licks and notes putting him in the same class as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He doesn't mind those comparisons. But there's a lot more to the man then that. Rarely does Duarte come out with CDs two years in a row. When he signed with Mike Varney's Blues Bureau International Label last year, he released Blue Velocity which was a return to his roots. Varney couldn't have been more thrilled. And he tends to make sure his artists are putting out a product without too many years between releases. The point is proven in The Chris Duarte Group's 2008 release Vantage Point. Working with drummer Jeff Reilly and bassist Joseph Patrick Moore, Duarte continues to capitalize on that same formula of licks. It may not be too experimental but it rocks like a mother. There's not too much blues here. "Trouble On Me" is a bag of Stevie Ray solos coming out of Texas Flood. The instrumental "Woodpecker" is Duarte's best Jeff Beck Blow By Blow impersonations. He's not known for British influences so it's a welcome surprise when he does it. Like his live performances, the music is jacked and revved up enough with dollops of power chords and frenzied soloing. Leading track "The Best I Can Do" is a hip swiveling dance floor affair with Chris cutting loose with biting tones. Duarte finds it difficult to avoid the infamous Texas shuffle in the Stevie Ray laced "Satisfy." At least Chris won't remain in that groove for long. The moderate paced instrumental rocker "Slapstak" is a hybrid of riffs and solos saluting the Vaughan brothers. Comparisons likes these are inescapable in Chris' case. At this point in time, if he hasn't shaken it yet, the chances are he never will. But Chris can do ZZ Top with the best of them. The hard hitting John Lee Hooker groove of "More Boogie" is Billy Gibbons meeting Eric Johnson through Joe Satriani. It's a powerhouse song that will have air guitar freaks jumping up and down in musical ecstasy. Then there's the rock-a-rama shakedown in "Let's Have A Party" which is a sweatfest dance boogie mining those familiar Stevie licks. He struggles to be his own voice in the seductive "Blow Your Mind." The ominous tones in "She Don't Live Here Anymore" make way for the song to speed up its tempo with Chris soloing above a rhythm section gone mad in true Hendrix fashion. Maybe having a different guitar and equipment altogether can shake these inevitable comparisons that have followed Duarte since his career started. Oh well. At least when he does Hendrix live, he will whip out obscure numbers and not "Red House" and "Voodoo Chile." He has stated several times of admiring jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. Perhaps observing McLaughlin's musical imprints can make an alteration on his music. But his fanbase might not tolerate it. They have become too accustomed to Chris' mixture of Stevie and Jimi licks. He figures if it's worked this long, then he's doing something right. And maybe he is.. Review by Gary Weeks For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Chris Duarte Group - Vantage Point| "What Goes Around” – a new CD from Michael Osborn! "Michael Osborn is one of the best blues guitarists around, he can really lay it down". - John Lee Hooker "Michael Osborn is one of the authentic blues guitarists today. His style goes straight to the heart of the blues and he’ll steal your show if you don’t watch out!” – Robben Ford www.myspace.com/checkerboardrecordscom CLICK HERE to purchase |
| Eden Brent 2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee "Sean Costello Rising Star Award" To read a review of this CD, CLICK HERE CLICK HERE to Purchase this CD now! |
Blues Society News
Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to: Please submit a maximum of 125 words in a Text or Word format ONLY. Press releases not formatted River City Blues Society - Peoria, IL The RCBS is proud to support a benefit for a good cause. In late July, local blues drummer, most recently playing with the Dave Chastain Band, was severely shocked while working near an electrical substation. John has been through a lot and is working through the challenge of a lifetime. John's friends and bandmates are organizing a benefit on his behalf on Sunday October 19th, 2008, at 12pm at the Itoo Hall on Farmington Road in Peoria, IL. There will be Food from La Gondola, Raffles, Door Prizes, a Dunk Tank, and BLUES music by The Dave Chastain Band, The Robin Crowe Band, Rooster Alley, Elektrik Trybe, Brainchild, The Jim Davis Band and more! This show is a fall fundraiser for the 2009 Winter Blues Festival. RCBS is also holding a membership meeting the same night starting at 5:00PM. Anyone who shows up to the membership meeting at 5:00PM will get into the Kilborn show for FREE. For more information check out www.rivercityblues.com or call 309 267-4425. Simple Man Enterprises - Ft Madison, IA Australian Blues sensation Harper, will be playing a benefit for the Relay for Life Oct 3rd, 2008 at Richmond Stadium in Fort Madison, IA. Simply The Blues Blues Festival has raised over $12,000 for non-profit and charity organizations over the past 5 years during our festival. Relay For Life has been one of those. This year Simply The Blues has a Relay for Life team and we are sponsoring the performance of HARPER. Please come and be on the team or just make a contribution. Contact Matt Eimer at 319-470-2082 or at simplemanenterprises@yahoo.com Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA MVBS Party Bus Trip, Saturday October 4, 2008 to see Bob Dorr & the Blue Band at Tabor Wineries Anniversary Party Near Maquoketa, IA. Leaving from and returning to Creekside Bar & Grill 3303 Brady St. Davenport IA. Sign up at Creekside 563-324-4619 or MVBS office 563-322-5837. Bus Bruce Katz, a 2008 Blues Music Award Nominee for Best Keyboardist, will bring his fiery, passionate and very original take on blues, roots and soul music to the Redstone Room, Davenport, on Friday Octber 17 at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $15, $12 for Mississippi Valley Blues Society members (at the door). The show is sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. For info contact the MVBS office 563-322-5837 Chicago Blues & Bluegrass Festival - Chicago, IL The Chicago Vlues & Bluegrass Festival on November 22nd, 2008 is a one-day festival hosted by the Congress Theatre. It features 12 hours, 16 bands, for only $31 to help eradicate congenital heart defects in children. A portion of the event’s proceeds will contribute to the research efforts of the Chicago-based Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation. The lineup includes: Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, David Grisman, The Avett Brothers and many more. Check out www.cbgbfesival.com for more info. The Rowan Blues and Jazz Society - Salisbury, NC The Rowan Blues and Jazz Society is presenting its 10th Annual Blues and Jazz Festival, October 11 in Downtown Salisbury, NC at 2p.m. It is featuring the Homemade Jamz Blues Band featuring Ryan, Kyle and Taya Perry and Dad, Big Bill Morganfield, Joe Robinson Jazz Band, Larry Davis Jazz, Ladies Auxiliary Blues Band, and Bob Paolina. Bring your own chairs and blankets, Variety of vendors and family friendly. For more information go to our website www.rownbluesandjazz.com Contact 704-636-2811. Second Wind Cancer Retreat - Atlanta, GA Legendary singers Bonnie Bramlett and William Bell are among the many artists scheduled to perform at BluesFest ‘08, benefiting the Second Wind Cancer Retreat, on Sunday, October 5, at Blind Willie’s blues club in Atlanta. Other artists scheduled to perform at the benefit include Liberty Jones, Men in Blues and Ike Stubblefield and Friends. Doors opening at 3:00 PM and music scheduled to run from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door, with no one admitted under 21 years of age. This non-smoking event is also dedicated to the memory of blues guitarist Jeff Healey, who passed away from cancer in March. Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL The Illinois Central Blues Club announces the 2008 call for entries for the Solo/Duo Challenge. The winner of this challenge will receive a slot to represent our club at the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis, TN, February 4-7, 2009, and well as $500 in travel money. Entries must be received by Monday, October 10, 2008. The event will be held at The Alamo on Saturday, October 25, 2008, from 6pm - 10pm. At least one member must be a member of ICBC to participate in this challenge. For rules and regulations check our website at http://www.icbluesclub.org For more info contact Judy Burgess Secretary Illinois Central Blues Club judygaile@yahoo.com Blue Mondays- Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover - Oct 6 - Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Oct 13 - The Rich Fabec Blues Band, Oct 20 - Too Slim & the Tail Draggers, Oct 27- Gina Sicilia with David Gross The West Virginia Blues Society - Charleston, W.V. The West Virginia Blues Society will hold its Second Annual Blues Competition on October 4, 2008 at Christopher's Banquet Center in Fairmont, WV. Blues bands and solo/duo blues acts will compete for cash prizes and WVBS sponsorship to the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge held every year in Memphis, Tennessee. Complete information is available online at www.wvbluessociety.org |
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The 25th International Blues Challenge February 4-7, 2009 in Memphis, TN Advance tickets, host hotel information, merchandise and preliminary event schedule will be available at www.blues.org beginning October 1. |
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Fortune Teller
2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee for "Best Contemporary Blues Recording" CLICK HERE to Vote for Us NOW To purchase this CD now CLICK HERE
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| 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. |
Chicago Blues Update
| Live Blues reviews by Chicago Blues editor Lordy Blues Beat: Chicago (Photos by August Lord) Benefit show for Little Arthur Duncan's family at Rosas Lounge The venue, the band and a host of friends and family showed up to honor Little Arthur's memory. On display upon the pool table were the official honorary proclamations from Illinois' governer and Chicago's mayor. A who's who of our Chicago Blues community took the stage in turn. The eulogies were presented with guitars, harps and singers. Imagine a whole evening of Chicago's best players, jamming their hearts out. The uninitiated may not realize what a party this could be. After all, isn't Blues sad? Hell no. The tribute at Rosa's was a memorable evening, hanging with friends and enjoying the music that brought us together. As usual, you should have been there.! CLICK HERE to visit Lordy's website at ChicagoBluesBeat.com To see a Chicago Area list of upcoming events CLICK HERE |
By spring we heard Little Arthur was hospitalized. In August we sadly lost yet another connection to the likes of Jimmy Reed and Howlin' Wolf. We lost a warm and friendly bluesman. Fast forward to Rosa's once again. Twist Turner, Arthur's drummer and producer was present. Arthur's bassist Mike Azzi was present. Arthur's guitarists Illinois Slim and Rick Kreher were present as well. | Sunday, November 2, 2008 Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, IL. Confirmed Blues artists performing are Eden Brent, Tim "Too Slim" Langford from Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, The Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Lurrie Bell, Teeny Tucker, Gina Sicilia and John Nemeth! Ticket info will be available soon. |
Live Blues Calendar
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