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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Bob Corritore Blues News


August 25, 2010
  • Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues climbs to #9 in the Roots Music report! The initial reception to Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues on the Delta Groove label has been great! It entered the Roots Music Reportblues chart last week at #39 and this week it jumped up to #9! Click here to see the report! To see Josh Hathaway's blogcritics article click here. The first batch of reviews (all very positive) have come in and can be seen by clicking here. Thanks to all the DJs, programers, writers, and reviewers for the great support, and thanks to everyone at Delta Groove for their strong promotion and visibility!
  • Bob's Fall Performances  With a new release, Bob Corritore has an active gigging schedule for the fall. Here are the dates so far:
09/05/10: Phoenix, Arizona - Rhythm Room -Down Home Blues Festival and CD release party, withHenry GrayKid RamosCarol FranDave RileyRichard InnesRhythm Room All-Stars
09/18/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Bob's Birthday Celebration! Appearing will be Rhythm Room All-Stars, Dave RileyGeorge Bowman, and Long John Hunter.
09/24/10: Tucson, AZ - Rhythm & Roots Productions' Plaza Palomino Courtyard Concert Series -Rhythm Room All-Stars
09/25/10: Bisbee, AZ - Bisbee Blues Festival The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Also appearing on the festival are Tab BenoitShemekia Copeland and others. For more information click here.
10/01/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm RoomAmanda's Roller Coaster, harmonica showcase DVD filming
10/02/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm RoomAmanda's Roller Coaster, harmonica showcase DVD filming
10/03/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm RoomAmanda's Roller Coaster, harmonica showcase DVD filming
10/09/10: Helena, AR, Delta Cultural Center Annex with Bob MargolinBob Stroger, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith  as an auxiliary event of the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival 12:30 pm set. Note that the recently deceased Calvin "Fuzz" Jones was scheduled to appear at this event. For more information on the festival click here.
10/10/10: Clarksdale, MS - Hopson's Plantation, making a guest appearance at Pinetop Perkins' annual homecoming celebration! Many artists will perform at this event! 
10/15/10: Mesa, AZ - Dave Riley & Bob Corritore opening for Eric Bibb at Piper Repertory Theater at the Mesa Arts Center. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
10/22/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Rhythm Room All-Stars
10/23/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Rhythm Room All-Stars
10/28/10: Chicago. IL - Buddy Guy's Legends - Dave Riley & Bob Corritore perform as part of the Blues Blast Music Awards ceremony. Note that for this event Dave & Bob will appear in a band setting withDave Riley Jr. on bass, and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on drums.
11/12/10 to 11/24/10: South American tour of Brazil and Argentina. Dave Riley & Bob Corritore to appear with the Adrian Flores Band (specific dates and venues forthcoming)
11/27/10: Tempe. AZ - Tempe Center For The Arts - Bob Corritore & Friends with Bobby JonesLeon BlueChris JamesPatrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
  •  A list of available Phoenix, Arizona vintage blues, gospel, and soul recordings. Earlier this year the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation released a compilation of vintage Phoenix Blues titled Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's (for those seeking more information on Flyin' High, Click here). This has brought a new awareness to Phoenix's rich but largely uncelebrated blues history. But Flyin' High is just one of a number of satisfying vintage Arizona Blues, Soul, and Gospel reissues. Here is a list for active collectors, of wonderful CDs that partially uncover the musical treasures from this Southwestern, desert city:
1) Ray Sharpe / Linda Lu,  Bear Family  BCD 15888 AH (Ray recorded this classic blues rocker in Phoenix!)
2) Various artists  Eccentric Soul: Mighty Mike Lenaburg (producer), Numero 011  (2 disc vinyl release this fall)
3) Various artists  Soul Side Of The Street  Hadley Murrell (producer)1964-1972,  Dionysus BA 11103  (also 1 disc vinyl LP)
4) Eddie & Ernie / Lost Friends,  Kent  CDKEND 214
5) Dyke & The Blazers / We Got More Soul, BGP CDBGP2 180  (also 2 disc vinyl LP) Note that Dyke & The Blazers recorded the original "Funky Broadway" in Phoenix and make references to the Broadway Street of Phoenix, Arizona
6) The Servicemen / Meet The Serviceman,  Wind Hit WH-100
7) Rev. Louis Overstreet / Recorded live in Phoenix, AZ.  Arhoolie 442  (recently released on vinyl on Mississippi Records MR-049)
8) And of course Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's on the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation label,  SWMAF 07
Special thanks to Phoenix music historian John "Johnny D" Dixon for providing this list, and for his amazing efforts in making many the above releases happen.
  • Blues Blast Music Awards voting closes August 31st. The voting for the 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards will close on Tuesday, August 31st. Voting is open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazinesubscriber. Subscriptions are free and you can sign up as part of the voting process. Please note thatDave Riley & Bob Corritore Lucky To Be Living,  is nominated under the category of "Best Traditional Blues Recording." To see a complete list of all nominees and to vote please click here. The awards, put on by Blues Blast Magazine, will take place on Thursday, October 28th, at Buddy Guy's Legends new location of 700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. With this being the 3rd year for the Blues Blast Awards, the event and the recognition that it provides, has now become a proven and institutionalized part of the blues infrastructure.
  • Thomas Yearsley in train accident. Thomas Yearsley, the longtime bass player of the Paladins, and the former husband of Candye Kane, was hit by a train on August 16th, while trying to save his dog Swango, who was stuck on the tracks. The dog did not make it, but Thomas survived with a a broken leg and a banged up head. A web site has been set up for Thomas at www.helpthomas.com. Thanks toCandye Kane and Dave Gonzalez for this information.
  • Albert King performs "Blues Power" on YouTube! Please enjoy this great clip of blues master Albert King in an electriying live performance of "Blues Power". Click here to see.

Illinois Blues Blues News



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August 26, 2010 
© 2010 Blues Blast Magazine
Latest news, photos, reviews, links & MUCH MORE in this issue! Scroll or Page Down!

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Hey Blues Fans,
Tickets for the 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards on October 28th at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago are now on sale. Confirmed artists attending include:
More confirmations are expected soon so get your tickets NOW before they sell out. Tickets are only $25 so grab those discount airfares now and come join the fun at the most famous Blues club in the world. CLICK HERE to get your tickets now!
YOU Can Be A Sponsor!
If you want the BEST seats in the house for a total VIP experience, check out our affordable BBMA sponsorships that start at just $250. You get GREAT guaranteed seating, limited edition posters and t-shirts and other Blues memorabilia and you get to have access to the exclusive meet & greet area for an up close experience with these great artists. CLICK HERE for complete information on these sponsorship packages.
STILL TIME TO VOTE! - If you have not voted yet, you can still join the fun and vote for your favorite Blues artist until August 31st. To vote now  CLICK HERE

Great New Blues Festivals This Weekend
We think the Blues is alive and well and as evidence there are two great "NEW" Blues festivals this weekend. The Crossroads Blues Society of Illinois is sponsoring the Byron Crossroads Blues Fest this Saturday. Society president Mark Thompson and secretary Steve Jones are frequent Blues Blast Magazine contributors and they have put together a great lineup including performances by The Resistors, Barstool BobFilisko & Noden, Blues Blast Music Award nominees, Cash Box Kings, plus Westside Andy & Mel Ford Bandand Dave Weld & The Imperial FlamesCLICK HERE for more information or see their ad below.
There is also a great first year festival this weekend in Springfield, MO called the Ozarks Music Fest. The incredible lineup includes  Aunt Kizzy's BoysZac Harmon and Blues Blast Music Award nominees Joanne Shaw Taylor andShemekia Copeland on Friday and Reba Russel BandTallan LatzMichael Burks and Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk on Saturday. Blues Blast Magazine will be there too to cover all the fun for you in a future issue. For more infoCLICK HERE or see their ad below.

In This Issue
We have six new CD reviews this week! James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews a new CD by Alabama Mike.  Gary "Wingman" Weeks reviews a new reissue CD by Stevie Ray Vaughan.  We welcome new reviewer Mike Lightfoot who reviews a new CD by an artists from Sweden, Matti Norlin. Greg 'Bluesdog' Szalony reviews a new CD by Lou DeAdder.  Ian McKenzie reviews a new CD by Mitch Woods.  George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish reviews a new CD from a band based in Indianapolis, Indiana called 78 rpm. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!



 Featured Blues Review 1 of 6
Alabama Mike - Tailor Made Blues
Juke House Records
11 tracks; 49:16 minutes; Suggested
Style: Contemporary Electric and Traditional Blues, Soul-Blues, Jump-Blues
Alabama Mike sure does know Mississippi. That is the impression one gets from the opening, title track of his wonderful, sophomore CD, “Tailor Made Blues.” “Mississippi girl, make your dress tail pop. I like the way you make those big hips rock,” he sings with a gifted Blues voice that shames wannabe pretenders. As the story continues, a love buzzard gets his hands on Mike’s woman, and Mike tells him to get one of his own “tailor made” Mississippi girls. Then, using the most wonderful and authentic sounding Southern accent, he sing-says a long list of Mississippi Delta towns where one can be found.
Already nominated for a 2010 Blues Blast Music Award for Best New Artist Debut for his CD, “Day to Day,” Alabama Mike Benjamin is readily worthy of note. Born in Talladega, Alabama, in 1964, and now a resident in California, Mike was influenced by the Gospel singing of his father, and he also developed a love for Chicago Blues. Singing since age 13, it has only been in the last four to five years that Mike’s professional opportunities arose, especially to record. What started as a few cuts on a compilation CD for producer Scott Silveira turned into a full blown Alabama Mike CD. The two had to start their own indie record company (Juke House) to release “Day to Day.”
On “Tailor Made Blues” Alabama Mike handles all the vocals, and no less than nineteen instrument musicians guest in the studio. The album includes three songs by Benjamin; the rest are penned by featured studio musicians, and there’s one by Jon and Sally Tiven. Only Junior Wells’ “Hoodoo Man” is covered. The CD was recorded in the San Francisco studio of “9 Below Productions,” a growing collective of musicians, artists, producers, and engineers. It was founded in late 2007 by Scot Brenton who co-produced this CD, also adding guitar and harmonica.
The opening, title track is an instantly ear-pleasing, upbeat, full band production (with four horns and percussion). It was well placed, getting the listener into a real-deal Blues mood. Guy Arrostuto’s Hammond organ and Anthony Paule’s stinging guitar are standouts.
Also radio ready is the slow grinding “Eddie Lee” about a former friend, now a girl stealing, shotgun pointing badass. Scot Brenton is just killer on harp. His name is not one I knew, but he plays harmonica throughout the CD with skills and styles to equal any of today’s “big name” players. This song is an Alabama Mike original done from the heart and soul; by the end of the song, I don’t like that fother mucking Eddie Lee either!
“Go Ahead” features nasty electric slide guitar by Jon Lawton who backs it with acoustic guitar on the easy going “I’m Gone,” accompanied only by Kedar Roy on bass and Brenton on harp. “Moon Dog Howl”’s Trance-Blues rhythm underlies Chicago guitarist Tom Holland creating art beside Scot Brenton also on guitar. Solid all the way through, the only misstep is “Hoo Doo Man” seeming out of place among all the originals.
How many of these nineteen studio musicians can Alabama Mike get out on the road with him? Based on these first two CDs, people will want to see this cat live. I know I do!
Reviewer James "Skyy Dobro" Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and longtime Blues Blast Magazine contributor. His weekly radio show "Friends of the Blues" can be heard Saturdays 8 pm - Midnight on WKCC 91.1 FM and at www.wkccradio.org in Kankakee, IL.
To See James “Skyy Dobro” Walker's CD rating system, CLICK HERE 
For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

2007 Blewzzy Award Best CD Winner & Blues Blast Magazine Best Song Nominee Release Second CD
Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires Words Are Like Bullets
Order atwww.blueedgerecords.com  plus CD Baby and iTunes
www.nationaldebonaires.com

 Blues Society News

 Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:  
You can submit a maximum of 175 words or less in a Text or MS Word document format.

The WV Blues Society, Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District, and Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau have got together and will honor WV native Diamond Teeth Mary McClain on August 27, 2010, in Huntington, WV at Heritage Village, 210 11th Street in the Downtown area, from 4pm to 10pm - FREE TO THE PUBLIC!!
WVBS will unveil the historical marker commemorating Diamond Teeth Mary McClain, present awards for the 1st Annual Diamond Teeth Mary Youth Art Competition where local youngsters will present their interpretations of “the blues”, and celebrate with music by:
John Taylor- acoustic blues virtuoso and blues historian
Maynard Chapman and Black Sedan- Huntington’s own rockin’ bluesman
Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues- the boogie-woogie duo friends of Diamond Teeth Mary herself
Nat Reese- The WV Bluesman, 2009 WV Music Hall of Fame inductee, 1995 Vandalia Award Winner.
Come join us for an evening celebrating our great array of artists, artisans, craftsmen, children, musicians and above all, WV’s own Diamond Teeth Mary McClain.
The Windy City Blues Society is proud to announce the 2010 Chicago Blues Challenge; a competition featuring some of the finest blues talent the Windy City has to offer. Winners of the Chicago Blues Challenge will represent the Windy City Blues Society and Chicago at the 2011 International Blues
Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee from February 1-5, 2011. Performers can compete in three categories: Solo/Duo, Band, and Youth. The Chicago Blues Challenge will have competitions in August and September, with finals in early November.
Chicagoland musicians can apply to compete in the Chicago Blues Challenge starting July 19. Deadline for the Solo/Duo and Youth category is August 15, and for the Band category is September 1. Applications can be obtained and returned at several area blues clubs. The application and more information on the Chicago Blues Challenge can also be found at www.windycityblues.org, and more information can also be found on our Facebook, MySpace and Twitter page
Alabama Blues Project - Northport, AL
On Thursday, September 16, 2010, Tuscaloosa will have a rare treat when internationally acclaimed, Grammy nominee (and Blues Blast Music Award Nominee) Ruthie Foster will perform at the Bama Theatre 600 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL in a benefit concert for the Alabama Blues Project. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries please call (205) 752-6263 or email Cara Smith at cara@alabamablues.org.
MVBS presents Candye Kane and her band on Sunday August 29 at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf. Show time is 7:00 p.m.; admission is $10, $8 for MVBS members. For more information visitwww.mvbs.org
Crossroads Blues Society - Rockford, IL
Crossroads Blues Society is producing their very first Blue festival this year. The Byron Crossroads Blues Festival will run from noon to midnight on Saturday, August 28, 2010, in downtown Byron, Illinois.
The festival lineup includes The Resistors, noted artists Filisko and Noden, The Cashbox Kings, Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band and Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames. For more information visit the Crossroads website at: www.crossroadsbluessociety.com
2010 Friends of the Blues shows - September 2, Ivas John Band, 7 pm , Moose Lodge, N State Rt 50 ( Kinzie Ave ), Bradley IL, September 21, Shawn Pittman, 7 pm , Kankakee Valley Boat Club, October 12, Too Slim & Taildraggers, 7 pm , Kankakee Valley Boat Club, October 26, Perry Weber & DeVilles, 7 pm , Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club. For more info see: http://www.wazfest.com/JW.html 
Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL
BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. August 23 – Bryan Lee “Blind Blues Daddy”, August 28 – ICBC Blues Challenge at the Old Capitol Blues & BBQ, August 30 – Kilborn Alley Blues Band




Festival Website:

 Featured Blues Review 2 of 6
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather (Legacy Edition)
Epic Records
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his death, Epic records sees fit to release an expanded edition of Stevie Ray Vaughan's landmark album Couldn't Stand The Weather.
Moving into the 1980's, the musical landscape was overrun by the likes of hair bands like Quiet Riot, Ratt and Twisted Sister. MTV was emerging as the music medium to turn too. The age of the guitar hero appeared to be dead.
When Vaughan emerged on the scene, he brought guitar playing to the forefront. And he made the world aware of the blues.
The first disc is of course made up of the classic album. Bonus tracks, studio outtakes, unreleased gems are an added bonus. Epic's music closet cleaning of the vaults is admirable. Though some of these cuts turned up on releases after Vaughan's death, they are still a healthy glimpse on what made the guitarist tick.
While Vaughan was superb at blasting originals like the Lonnie Mack rocker "Scuttle Buckin," or trying his hand at jazz in the West Montgomery inflected "Stang's Swang," you just had to love his take on covering the songs of others.
And you see that in the additional tracks. Stevie puts his indelible stamp on Freddie King's "Hideaway" and injects Hendrix attitude into turning Earl King's "Come On" into hard rock candy. Drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, who were Vaughan's long standing rhythm section, hang tight and stoke the coals when Vaughan mean shuffles through "Look At Little Sister," painfully extracting notes from "The Sky Is Crying" and hyper-boogieing through "Give Me Back My Wig."
The second disc made up of Vaughan's live performance from the Spectrum in Montreal, Canada. From tearing into Hendrix material "Voodoo Child" or ripping through the slow boil of "Texas Flood," we are reminded of guitarist who stood out like a beacon in an era stifled by dull musicianship.
With liner notes by Associate Guitar World Editor Andy Aledort that include interviews with Stevie's rhythm section, this package is reminder of an individual who made guitar playing fashionable again. If kids are covering your songs in blues jams around the world, you left your mark. Vaughan's legacy is testament to that.
Reviewed by Gary "Wingman" Weeks.
For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE


 Featured Blues Review 3 of 6
Matti Norlin - LIVE - Blues 3 Trappor Upp
Independent Release
This is the latest album from Sweden's Matti Norlin. It's his 4th blues CD and his first since 2002. The album was recorded live at Blues 3 Trappor Upp (3 Stairs Up) in Tranemo Sweden and features a number of Matti Norlin originals with a smattering of blues classics from the likes of Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton.
A couple of things stand out on this CD. The first is the camaraderie between Matti and his audience. Although the dialogue is in Swedish, there is obvious humour apparent and the participation between artist and fan is quite extraordinary. The second is Matti's astonishing guitar playing. As well as his picking, he also plays quite a mean slide. His forays into rag time are also quite sensational.
The set kicks off at a brisk pace. Two Norlin originals, "Mind Your Own Business" and "Mainstream Blues" split by Robert Johnson's "Up Jumped The Devil" and by now the audience are really lapping this up.
A change in tempo, any one for ragtime?. I've found another way to live and "Airy Man Blues" are brilliantly played. The Big Bill Broonzy number "How You Want It Done: is the albums highlight. Controlled tension at it's very best. A trio of Norlin originals are next up. "Biscuits" (I've never heard a blues number with references to baking powder before), "Not Allowed" and "Groovin" are real rootsy, gutsy numbers before we return to some more rag time in the shape of "Milkcow Blues Boogie" and "Piccolo Rag". Two Charlie Patton numbers, "Shake It and Break It" and "Bird Nest Bound" follow before Matti is joined by Fredrik Haake on assorted kitchen utensils (baking trays, saucepan lids and cymbal) The disc closes with a rabble rousing "Emigration Blues".
This has to be one of he best solo live albums I have ever heard. Those who were present witnessed something quite special. The rest of us will have to hear the CD, It's indispensable..
Reviewer Mike Lightfoot is House DJ at the New Crawdaddy Blues Club, Billericay, Essex UK, www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk and is also a contributor to Blues in Britain magazine www.bluesinbritain.org.
For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE


 Featured Blues Review 4 of 6
Lou DeAdder - Number 5
self release
time-40:53
Lou DeAdder's press release describes him as a Canadian fusion guitarist. If fusion means proficient in varoius styles of music, that blurb is right on the money. Although not a blues artist the jaunty, breezy blues of "Low Down Feelin' Blues" that leads off this disc reminds in a positive way of blues songs done occasionally by big name pop artists. Nothing heavy here in music or vocal, just a very enjoyable listen featuring Lou's pleasant pipes and peppered by the harmonica of phenom Carlos Del Junco. Lou also interjects a brief 'bluesy' guitar solo.
If you heard this record without the benefit of liner notes, you might think it was a compilation of unissued tracks by fusion- era Jeff Beck and horn band Chicago and others. "Guitar Wank" and "Curtains Calling" sound like a slightly tamer Jeff Beck with the latter featuring Lou on vocal. On my first listen of "Aftermath" and "Tight...Eh?" I was waiting for a smooth vocal to kick in about about Saturday in the park or something else Chicago-y.
The two man horn section of Leo Sullivan and Steve McDade have that breezy horn vibe down to a tee. DeAdder also does a great job of mimicing Beck's stuttering, string bending, herky-jerky guitar sound all the while sounding fresh. "Guitar Wank" has a mellower middle section that sets up the release of final portion. "Jazzy" starts off life as a guitar- instrumental-for-a-Sunday-afternoon leading to a more complex Beck-affected mid-section. "Curtains Calling" has a lead in that sounds like an outtake from 'Blow By Blow', followed by a DeAdder vocal that could pass for 'Styx' or 'REO Speedwagon' with less emphasis on the pop-star dramatics. The double-tracked guitar rocker "Crash And Burn" comes on like 'Bachman-Turner Overdrive'.
A varied retro-ish expericence is waiting here for fans whose tastes lean towards classic rock. That vibe is presented while not coming off as mimicry, but more like a nod that Robin Trower gave to Hendrix. High production values and sure-fire band backing ensure an interesting day-dreamy-listen..
Reviewer Greg 'Bluesdog' Szalony is from the New Jersey Delta. He is the proprietor of Bluesdog's Doghouse at http://bluesdog61.multiply.com.
For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE


Ladies Sing The Blues Cruise
A 5 day Carnival Cruise on the Triumph
Ever wish you could afford to take a Blues cruise but know you are in the wrong tax bracket to afford one? Well there is an alternative at a lower cost.
Fan Cruises has announced a five day Carnival Cruise departing from New Orleans December 6, 2010 with Ports of Call in Progreso, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico.
This special package includes private concerts by three Blues Ladies and cruise prices start at just $155 each for double occupancy, (plus plus $259.67 each for fees, taxes and gratuities). This Caribbean cruise include three private Blues concerts, private cocktail party with open bar, autograph signings and meet & greet time with the performers.
You can get a cabin for two for $830 total! (You can add a 3rd or 4th person to your cabin for only $10 & the fees each.) Or for a great early Christmas present for you and your loved one get the BEST cabins on the boat  for a total cost of $1,290 for two people!  (Panorama Deck 10 - Forward and Lido Deck 9 - Midship)
The Blues Lady performers include Pat Hunter,  Terri Lynn & Thunder Bluesand Vivian Vance Kelly. Other special guests include Boston band member Kimberley Dahme, Sarasota Slim, Steve Nixon and Kevin Kathey.  It is NOT all Blues all the time.  It is an affordable 5 day Caribbean cruise.  Up close with these great musicians and includes two ports of call (including the island of Cozumel, with three Blues concerts and a Blues party! For more information visit their website at http://fancruises.com


 Featured Review 5 of 6
Mitch Woods: Gumbo Blues
Club 88 Records
12 tracks: 32mins 31 secs
This CD is subtitled ‘A tribute to Smiley Lewis and the pioneers of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues’ and comes with a thanks from Mr Woods to Dave Bartholomew and Herb Hardesty to other stalwarts of the NO music scene for many years.
Smiley Lewis made his name laying down music that was later covered by others who had the hits: ‘I Hear You Knocking’ (hit for Dave Edmunds) and ‘One Night’ (hit for EP) spring to mind. The music consists of many originals written by Dave Bartholomew either alone or with co-writers, and Woods’ N’orlins tinged rumba/bogie based piano is well to the fore on most of them. The band consists of a terrific horn section (Herb Hardesty, Amadee Castenell and Brian Cayolle) with some excellent axe work from John Fohl (from the Dr John band). Cornell Williams on bass and Eric Bolivar on drums, fill out the rhythm section.
Listen out for the Cajun stomper ‘Big Mamou’ and the rocking ‘Bumpity Bump’ first recorded by Joe Turner and Wynonie Harris all those years ago. Outstanding tracks also include Bartholomew’s ‘Gumbo Blues’ and the wonderful (traditional) ‘Lil Liza Jane’. 
Herb Hardesty was for many years a close associate of Fats Domino and here he (and the rest of the band) has a ball on the Domino show stopper ‘Blue Monday’ also first recorded by Lewis by Fats had the hit.
The CD booklet has the line that the musicians ‘…make [the} music sizzle like greasy onions, bell peppers and shrimp in an especially tasty po-boy’ and who am I to disagree with that assessment?
Reviewer Ian McKenzie lives in England. He is the editor of Blues In The South (www.bluesinthesouth.com) a monthly flier providing news, reviews, a gig guide and all kinds of other good stuff, for people living and going to gigs along the south coast of England. Ian is also a blues performer (see www.myspace.com/ianmckenzieuk) and has a web cast regular blues radio show on www.phonic.FM in Exeter (Wednesdays: 1pm Eastern/ 12 noon Central).
For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE


 Featured Review 6 of 6
78 rpm - 78 rpm
Sound Tone Records
10 tracks  Total time: 32:59
78 rpm is comprised of three veteran players in Indianapolis, Indiana’s blues scene, whose total experience is easily around 100 years. Tim Duffy, drummer/vocalist, goes back to the 1980s, while harpman Allen Stratyner and guitarist/slide guitarist/vocalist Vince Mullin go back further, and were both members of Yank Rachell’s bands in the 1980s. In addition, Stratyner gave his harp talents to Yank Rachell’s last album, Too Hot for the Devil, recorded in late 1996, just a half a year before the famed “Blues Mandolin Man”’s death.
Vince Mullin is arguably the best slide guitarist in Central Indiana, while harp maestro Stratyner is not only adept at both acoustic and amplified harp and has obviously studied the masters, he’s also created his own personalized approach to the venerable Marine Band. The self-titled 78 rpm is the group’s first CD, and while it contains no originals, it does ably cover the classic blues in a striking way. Contained on the CD are not only the hoary “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Key to the Highway,” but also Elmore James’s “Shake Your Money Maker,” Jimmy Reed’s “Mary, Mary,” Jimmy Rogers’s “You Don’t Know,” Jerry McCain’s “She’s Tough,” and two classic Muddy Waters’ tunes, “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” and “She Moves Me.” Rounding out the CD’s playlist is the Jerry West-penned “Tell Me Pretty Baby,” and Big Walter Horton’s noted instrumental, “Walter’s Boogie.” The CD sleeve gives the key each number is played in, a real pedagogical help for blues beginners.
While the arrangements are all built around the original recordings, Stratyner and Mullin approach them afresh, creating a uniquely 78 rpm approach that relies on harp-guitar interplay, and on “She Moves Me” and “You Don’t Know,” letting the harp carry the melody load. Vince Mullin plays his able slide guitar on most cuts, with excellent slide solos that demonstrate his mastery on “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” and especially on “Shake Your Money Maker.” Allen Stratyner’s added harp provides a unique approach to what were guitar-driven numbers when originally done, and even on songs that did feature harp on the original, Stratyner does his own playing, not simply copying from the original recording. His harmonica chops stand out well on “Walter’s Boogie,” and are also notable by the way he alternates very high notes with very low notes in his solo on “Sweet Home Chicago.” The absence of a bassist in 78 rpm isn’t even noticed, as guitarist Mullin and drummer Duffy provide a full rhythmic bottom all by themselves.
Reviewer George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, home of blues legends Yank Rachell and Leroy Carr. He has written a regular music column for several years. He wrote the liner notes for Yank Rachell’s Delmark album, Chicago Style. He has been a blues and pop music contributor for the left-wing press as well, and has appeared in Against the Current and Socialism and Democracy.
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(The Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will take place Thursday, October 28th, 2010 at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, IL)
Best Contemporary Blues CD
Best Traditional Blues CD
Joe Louis Walker - Between A Rock And the BluesDave Riley & Bob Corritore - Lucky To Be Living
Mike Zito - Pearl RiverDavid Maxwell & Louisiana Red - You Got To Move
Nick Moss - PrivilegedEddie C. Campbell - Tear This World Up
Sean Costello - Sean's BluesFiona Boyes - Blues Woman
The Holmes Brothers - Feed My SoulThe Kilborn Alley Blues Band - Better Off Now
Tommy Castro - Hard BelieverMississippi Heat - Let's Live It Up
  
Best Blues Song
Best New Artist Debut Release
Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers - 
How Much Woman Can You Stand?
Alabama Mike - Day To Day
Joe Louis Walker - I'm TideJackie Scott & The Housewreckers - 
How Much Woman Can You Stand?
Mike Zito & Cyril Neville - Pearl RiverMarquise Knox - Man Child
Pete Anderson - Still In LoveQuintus McCormick - Hey Jodie!
Quintus McCormick - Hey Jodie!Shaun Murphy - Livin' The Blues
The Kilborn Alley Blues Band- Better Off Now 
  
Best Female Blues Artist
Best Male Blues Artist
Candye KaneBobby Rush
Fiona BoyesJoe Bonamassa
Janiva MagnessJohn Németh
Ruthie FosterMagic Slim
Shemekia CopelandNick Moss
Zora YoungTommy Castro
  
Best Blues Band
Sean Costello Rising Star Award
Magic Slim & The TeardropsCash Box Kings
Nick Moss & The Flip TopsDamon Fowler
Rick Estrin & The Night CatsJackie Scott & The Housewreckers
The Holmes BrothersJoanne Shaw Taylor
The Mannish BoysMarquise Knox
Tommy Castro BandThe Insomniacs
  
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