A friend of mine from Germany sent me a link to this band the Busters. I am still trying to figure out why Ska is so big in Europe:-) Is anyone in the US playing Ska??? I am sure somewhere perhaps Chicago, Kansas City, New York there are some Ska Bands????? Anyone??? Send me some links.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
London Boys: Sweet Soul Music
I don't know how I missed these guys unless they were around in the early 80s, or didn't cross over into the states. Apparently both died in a tragic car accident. It is sad because they certainly had some talent.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Hot House Flowers: I'm Sorry
Irish Soul. I see Hot House Flowers is still playing, although with much shorter hair:-)
James Morrison: You Give Me Something
Some British Soul for you all. I posted a different video of this song a few years ago, and thought I should repost another one. I just can't help thinking that 20-30 years ago this guy would have been a huge star.
Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update
Seems like I've been waiting a BAZILLION weeks for today. But it's only been three. Finally. WE'VE GOT A GIG TONIGHT!! (Fri) At our home base, The Hub, bub, 4th & Main, right here in Sparkle City USA!! (Cedar Falls) It looks like there's SIX BAZILLION things going on here in the Cedar Valley, so I'm hoping you get a chance to spend a little time with us. Mark wriggled free from the chains that have held him kidnapped in Florida since mid January and the boxcar that he hopped in Tampa is s'posed to be here by mid afternoon, so we're expecting him to be on stage, happy that he no longer has to deal with the sunny 80 degree weather, so he can get back to helping us collectively bitch about the cold, rainy, "wintery mix", weather that is expected over the next few weeks. (didn't Muddy do a fantastic job of playing bass while Mark was being tortured in that ideal weather? THANK YOU, MUD!) Consequently, our full repertoire of songs should be available, so request away! And don't forget that requests written on a twenty dollar bill and passed directly to the band leader will get immediate attention! And, as if that wasn't enough, the two high school sax players who sat in with us last month are promising to return! A four piece horn section! Pizza by the slice, adult beverages, dancing, requests, what's not to like, right Avis? (get there early, Avis' husband Bob is a "sponsor" for one of the other six bazillion events going on, so he's likely to just play that green guitar during the first set) (I think it's weird that my spell checker on this computer does not think Avis is a real word, but it's ok with BAZILLION!) so bake a CAKE and bring it with you when you come! A pleasant time is guaranteed for all. We play geeeezer hours, 6-9:30p...
The hour long radio spotlight that resulted from my telephone conversation with Bobby Whitlock, the co lead singer/songwriter in Derek & The Dominos, (with Eric Clapton) will hit the airwaves Saturday night at 8pm, as the middle hour of my rock 'n' roll history show Backtracks that is aired by Iowa Public Radio. It includes music from his days with Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Derek & The Dominos, George Harrison, and others. I'm really proud of how that special turned out. Whitlock was a very cool guy to me and I hope you get the chance to meet him thru this spotlight. Find the frequency in your area, or listen anywhere on the planet via streamed audio, at www.iowapublicradio.org...
And speaking of public broadcasting, I have become an official victim of the uncertain future for funding at Iowa Public Television. Because of the tenuous (at best) funding from government sources, IPTV has been forced to cut back it's live fundraising pitches for late night music programming during this year's fundraising Festival. It costs quite a lot of money to have 3 camera operators, a floor manager, a director, an audio person, a lighting person, a volunteer coordinator and all the people who collect and enter the pledge data from supporters like you who call during those times. I applaud IPTV for taking the financially prudent steps to shut that operation down during the later evening hours when this "not ready for prime time player" normally works, in order to save that money, but it's disappointing none the less. The primary thing I will miss from that is the sense of community and camaraderie I have developed with the people that work at the network. We are blessed to have a state wide TV network in Iowa, staffed by skilled and caring professionals. Please be generous with your pledge this year so we can secure the future of this great resource and I might have the opportunity to return to help fundraise next year. And while you're at it, don't forget about Iowa Public Radio, either. I can't afford to lose THAT job too!...
Many of my longtime colleagues in public broadcasting are facing these uncertain times and some of them have asked me what it's like being "retired". (yes, it's true, I did accept the University of Northern Iowa's early retirement offer, but I simply cannot afford to "retire".) (hey, I'm too young to retire) My response to one of my friends at IPTV was:
I'm not sure how much you really want to hear about "retirement" from me, so I'll give you a few thoughts and we can go from there. Because I continue to produce two radio shows in my garage, (where they've been produced for the last 25 years) and those shows are purchased and aired by Iowa Public Radio, that aspect of my professional life continues. The good news: I produce the two shows that I love making and I do not have to produce the shows that I was not fond of making. The bad news: I wind up doing about two thirds of the work I was doing before "retirement" and I make about half the money! Couple that with the band business really dropping off in terms of doing live shows, selling CDs/shirts/etc, plus the banks paying such historically low interest rates on certificates of deposit (the interest I made last year was not even half of what I got two years ago) and all of a sudden, I'm a little scared about money, especially at the alarming cost I've been paying to maintain/repair body parts! Psychologically it's been ups and downs (I am told they have medication for that) I have a little too much time to think about the fact that I'm now probably physically and emotionally beyond my prime to do my life's work. And life long goals and aspirations of greater achievement probably aren't gonna happen. The actuary tables say I'll be dead in 18 years. YIKES! Personally confronting these emotionally charged issues is eye opening. Be ready for that one! The last issue (today!) is plain and simple the climate. The record snowfalls and sub zero temps are getting more unbearable virtually every day. My wife is 6 years younger than me, loves her job at UNI, and has aging parents in Waterloo who have their own health issues, so we're not going anywhere, but if you can, do think in terms of getting somewhere where you can wear shorts and a t-shirt for at least 2-3 weeks every winter. Otherwise, every time it snows you'll ask yourself, WHY AM I LIVING HERE?! That's way more than you wanted to know, isn't it?...
For the most part, the great majority of the people on this email list are being confronted with these same issues. Please let me know how you are coping. I need a few more tricks to get me through. We are living thru some scary and uncertain times. You are my extended family. I hope you'll call on me if you think I can help, because I'm planning on calling you!...
And if that wasn't enough, my washing machine broke. This too is a traumatic situation. I've had that washer for 21 years. The repairman we called has been fixing washers for 35 years. He was stunned to see that old Amana washer cuz "they just don't make 'em like that anymore". I tried to console myself by thinking that buying a new washer would probably be the last washer I'd ever have to buy, since they last for 20+ years. Then the repairman told me that "these days they rarely last more than seven years". WHAT??? Are you telling me that I'll have to buy 3 or 4 more washing machines before I die? And 3 or 4 more dryers too? All of a sudden, my clothes don't seem so dirty!...
After the Hub gig, it'll seem like I'm retired from the band business too, as we don't have another gig scheduled until Blues Weekend at the Riverside Casino. (south of Iowa City) We play the kick off Friday (Mar. 25) in the lounge after the Robert Cray concert. There is no charge for our performance. Get a room in the casino's hotel and we can have a party at your place!...
We did add another couple of summer shows to the 30th Anniversary Tour this week (http://www.theblueband.com/cal.htm) and I wanted to thank you again, for helping get the word to the entertainment buyers in your life that I am NOT retired, the band has never sounded better, and we're ready to play anywhere from the concert stage to your basement or garage! Unless we find some last minute work for the next two open weeks, I'm probably going to spend my time shopping for a washer/dryer and anything else that needs repair, (Vanna, the band's second equipment truck, needs a new battery too) so this might be the last Blue Note for a coupla weeks. See yas on the Blue Highway, rub yer washboard tie for stress reduction, remember that CAKE cures a BAZILLION ills (except if you're a washing machine) and most importantly don't forget that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band
Illinois Blues News
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| Hey Blues Fans, Blues Blast Music Awards - Bigger and Better in 2011!  We get inquiries from Blues artists and record labels wondering how to get their recordings considered for nomination in our annual Blues Blast Music Awards. We have a simple process for those interested to send in their recordings for consideration by our nominators. We have 30 nominators and you can send in copies of your CD to be considered. Eligibility dates for recordings are releases between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. The 2011 nomination process started March 1st when we began accepting submissions from labels and artists. Artist do not necessarily have to submit their releases to be considered but any that do will have their recordings screened by the nominators. Read all the details at the link below for complete information to have your CD release considered now. Our nominators include, music journalists, radio DJs, festival promoters, club owners and others who are very active in the Blues scene. This year as every year, the nominees are artists and music that the nominators got the opportunity to hear. (They can't nominate something they haven't heard!) Our diverse group nominators hear many CDs and see many performing artists but if an artist or label really wants a release to be considered by all the nominators, they can send in copies of their CDs beginning March 1. CDs will be sent to the nominators. You must send 30 copies so that all nominators get to listen to them. There is no charge for this in 2011. You send us the CDs and we will cover the cost of getting the CDs into the nominators hands. Act NOW to get your music considered! For complete information on sending in your release CLICK HERE Nominators begin submitting their nominations May 1st and final nominations will be announced after May 31st, 2010. Voting Begins in July. The winners in the 2011 Blues Blast Music Awards will be announced on Thursday October 27th, 2011. In This Issue Greg “Bluesdog” Szalony reviews a new CD by Alan Black. George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish reviews a new CD by Roddy Barnes. Rainey Wetnight reviews a new CD by The Don Ray Band. Steve Jones reviews a new CD by Big Daddy "O". All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!! |
 Blues Blast Advertising Special - Lowest Prices Of The Year Blues Blast Magazine is offering a Spring Ad special. This is our lowest pricing of the year and offers an affordable & effective way to get the Blues word out! This 6 week combo rate of only $200 allows you to affordably add significant impact to your Blues ad campaign. It is a great way to kick up the visibility of you new CD release or Blues Festival or event! Blues Blast Magazine is a great way to promote the Blues. More than 17,000 Blues fans read our magazine each week. They are located in all 50 states and in more than 80 countries. We get more than 1,000,000 (That's ONE MILLION) hits and more than 25,000 visitors a month on our website. Normal 2010 Advertising rates are $45 a week for Blues Blast magazine ads and website ads are $70 per month. BUT, for a limited time, you can advertise your Blues event or CD in six issues of Blues Blast Magazine and on our website for a month and a half for less that the cost of a small ad in your local newspaper. To get the special rate of $200 simply reserve your ad space by April 15th, 2011. Ads can be booked to run anytime between now and September 30, 2011. So for only $200 your ad can be viewed more than 135,000 times by Blues fans who want to know about Blues events and music! Reserve your space today! Space is limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis. Ads must be reserved and paid for before April 15, 2011. To get more information email info@thebluesblast.com or call 309 267-4425 today! |
Featured Blues Review 1 of 4
 Alan Black - Happy As A MonkeySelf Release Time-36:59 Let me start off by saying this CD has one major glaring flaw…..It is WAY too short. I can’t enough of this Canadian’s back porch and infectious brew of blues. What is it up there across the border that gives them such an authentic handle on the blues? Alan Black handles vocals, drums, harmonica and the brunt of the songwriting with such an ease and grasp of the blues that it boggles the mind. His voice is easy on the ears and well suited to the style. Gary Peeples and a few guests provide more than capable guitar work. Andy Pryde handles bass and co-producer duties. All songs feature a pleasing interplay of various guitar styles and harmonica giving a loose country- blues groove. The lead track “When I Hear You” is more or less the music of “Good Morning Little School Girl” with new lyrics. I sure can identify with the sentiment of “Reincarnation Blues”. The writer is content with the notion that he will be able to apply the lessons learned in this life to his next one. The tune is an upbeat shuffle containing slide and breathy harp work. Dr. John’s “I Been Hoodood” is given a slow, smoldering blues treatment featuring swampy electric slide guitar. The band does a credible Canned Heat boogie on “Sink Or Swim”, a lament on the sad state of this mean old world…..I can picture Bob “The Bear” Hite putting his husky pipes to this gem. “I Love To Ramble” is a percussion driven guitar feast. The Gary Peeples penned “Tend To Get The Blues” is enhanced by mournful harmonica and a fresh bent to the lyrics. The perpetually lost war of love is bemoaned in “She’s Winning”-“This war called love”, “It’s the only war were you sleep with the enemy”. The blues is an easy pill to swallow in the hands of Alan Black and cohorts. Their approach to the blues adds the best of old school and applies it to modern lyrics. The Canadians have a knack for attaining an authentic blues sound. I could sure go for an extra helping of these feel good grooves. I’m eager to hear what the Canadian Delta has to offer next time around. . Reviewer Greg “Bluesdog” Szalony hails 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 |
 Burton Gaar Fried Grits & Greens Available now at |
Blues Society News
Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:  You can submit a maximum of 125 words or less in a Text or MS Word document format. Dayton Blues Society – Dayton, OH Saturday, March 12th the Dayton Blues Society & Team Vanderpool present the 2nd annual “Blues for a Cure” benefit for the American Cancer Society at Gilly’s in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Four of the hottest bands in the area: The Reece Lincoln Band, Slowhand (Eric Clapton Tribute), The Noah Wotherspoon Band, and The Scotty Bratcher Band. Show starts at 6pm and admission is a donation at the door. Grand finale planned with all 4 of these great guitarist on stage! More info at www.daytonbluessociety.com . Rosedale Crossroads Blues Society - Rosedale, MS Rosedale Crossroads Blues Society presents The Crossroads Blues and Heritage Festival Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the River Resort. Highway 1 S. in historic Rosedale, MS. Gates open at 12:00 noon - music starts at 1:00. Admission $5 - adults, $1 - children under 12. Bring your own ice chest - $10 No beer sold - No glass - No pets, please! Parking $5 Lineup ( in order of appearance - subject to change): Vinnie C., Eddie Cusic, Mickey Rogers, T-Model Ford, Daddy Mack, Big T, Guitar Mikey and the Real Thing, and Eden Brent. Fest Feast on Friday evening, May 6 at the River Resort with a 5-course Creole dinner, $50 per person - Cash bar. Limited seating. Call 662-759-6443 or 662-897-0555 for reservations and information. If you have questions about the above information, call 662-402-6251. Thank you. Mary Anna Davis Crossroads Blues Society www.rosedaleblues.com Crossroads Blues Society - Rockford, IL On Friday, March 18th the Crossroads Blues Society presents Blues in the Schools (BITS) Wine Tasting Fund Raiser at Artale Wine Co. 6876 Spring Creek Rd # 128, Rockford, IL 61114-7405. The event will be held from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tickets are $15. Food will be provided by Joesph Barbados/Pearl and a karge assortment of wines will be available to sample. Tickets are available at the store whose hours are 10 AM to 9 PM daily except Sunday when the hours are 11 AM to 6 PM. Steve Ditzell will be playing acoustic blues at the event, which is a huge treat for him and attandees. He doesn't go acoustic much at his shows but when he does the music is always outstanding! Steve has played with many a great and is most noted for his outstanding work with Junior Wells (whom he played and toured with extensively). His complete musical biography: http://www.bluelightningband.com/blue2.htm Call Artale Wine Co at (815) 877-9463 if you need directions or more info from them. Contact Steve Jones at sub_insignia@yahoo.com for more info. This will be a great event; we hope that you can come out and help our BITS program and have a good time, too! www.crossroadsbluessociety.com The Grafton Blues Association - Grafton, WI The Grafton Blues Association & the Cedarburg Cultural Center will present Tinsley Ellis on Thursday March 24 at the Cedarburg Cultural Center. Doors open at 6pm show starts at 7pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Tickets are $14 in advance for GBA and CCC members, $15 in advance for non-members and $17 at the door for everyone. For more info visit - www.graftonblues.org The Great Northern Blues Society - Wausau, WI The Great Northern Blues Society in Wausau, WI will be hosting their annual fundraising event “Blues Café’”, on Saturday 3/26/11 at the Rothschild Pavilion. (Near Wausau, WI) Performing will be Jumpship Blues Band, 12 Year Old Tallan Noble Latz, Red White & Blues Band, Young British Blues Diva Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Atlanta Based Blues Guitar Flamethrower Tinsley Ellis. The Fun Starts at 1:00PM. $13 in advance, $18 at the door. Bulk ticket rates also available. For more info see www.gnbs.org The Friends Of The Blues - Watseka, IL 2011 Friends of the Blues shows - March 17 (St. Patty’s Day), Little Joe McLerran, 7 pm, Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club, April 05 - Albert Castiglia, 7 pm, Kankakee Valley Boat Club, April 26 - The Rockin’ Johnny Band, Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club, May 03 - Too Slim and the Taildraggers, 7 pm, Kankakee Valley Boat Club, May 19 - The Sugar Prophets (2011 IBC Finalists), 7 pm, Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club, June 23 - Sean Chambers, 7 pm, River Bend Bar & Grill, July 13 - Reverend Raven & C.S.A.B., 7 pm, River Bend Bar & Grill. For more info see: http://www.wazfest.com/JW.html West Virginia Blues Society - Charleston, WV The West Virginia Blues Society presents the Charlie West Blues Fest May 20 & 21, 2011 in Haddad Riverfront Park, Charleston, WV Here is the lineup: Friday May 20 - Sit Down Baby, Izzy & Chris, Mojo Theory, Lil Bryan & The Travelers, Davina & the Vagabonds and Joe Louis Walker. Sat. May 21- IBC Band Winner, Slim Fatz, Trampled Under Foot, Sean Carney, Kristine Jackson, Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King and Ana Popovich. The Charlie West Blues Fest is produced by the West Virginia Blues Society, Inc. www.wvbluessociety.org and www.charliewestbluesfest.com Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL The Illinois Central Blues Club 25th Anniversary Celebration is Saturday, March 5, 2010, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2200 S. Meadowbrook, Springfield, IL from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am. Kicking off the celebration at 7:30pm will be local favorites The Mojo Cats. The featured artist will be the living blues legend Magic Slim and the Teardrops. Magic Slim will take the stage at 9:00pm. This event serves as a fund raiser for the ICBC’s “Blues in the Schools” programs which bring live blues music and oral history of the blues to children and adults in the community. The admission fee is $8.00 for members and $10 for non-members. For more info contact Mark Edmiston at 217-679-0721 or visit www.icbluesclub.org Also BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. March 7 - Eddie Snow Tribute, March 14 - Levee Town, March 21 - Little Joe Mclerran, March 28 - Rockin’ Johnny, Apr 4 - Andrew “Jr Boy” Jones, April 11 - Grady Champion, April 18 - Chris Cain, April 25 - Big Jeff Chapman. icbluesclub.org |
Featured Blues Review 2 of 4
 Roddy Barnes - Under the SunRoddy Barnes 13 tracks - Total time: 49:56 In the notes accompanying his CD, Fredericksburg, Virginia’s Roddy Barnes pays special tribute to his Fredericksburg neighbors, Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, and all three of its members—Gaye Adegbalola, Ann Rabson, and my old friend, Indianapolis native Andra Faye—for special encouragement of him and his art over the years, an encouragement well-deserved. Here Barnes demonstrates that he is a multi-layered talent indeed, someone from whom one desires to hear more: an able songwriter whose songs are often laced with ironic wit; an expressive vocalist with a strong, clear tenor; and a masterful piano player who can romp with the boogie and play the blues. His piano style on boogie and blues, as well as his vocal phrasing, seem to owe much to the influence of Ann Rabson; if so, then she’s an able teacher indeed! The same might be said of his wit expressed through songwriting, certainly a trait of Gaye Adegbalola. But Roddy Barnes goes well beyond being an Adegbalola or Rabson imitator; he is his own man, not simply their male counterpart, although it’s obvious that the influence of Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women was a positive and invaluable influence. Twelve of the 13 tracks are Roddy Barnes originals; track 7, “Beethoven Boogie,” his short, rocking adaptation of a Beethoven motif, recalls such “demented” adaptations of classical music from the rock ‘n’ roll era as what B. Bumble and the Stingers did to Tchaikovsky in 1962 with “Nut Rocker.” The CD divides neatly into two parts: the first ten tracks are African American-derived piano blues, boogie and spirituals, with three of these solo piano; one, track 2, “Old Evil Blues,” solo piano blues with harmonica; one, track 4, “Pillow Talk,” solo piano with upright bass and trumpet; one, track 6, “Better World,” an African American spiritual of longing for freedom that’s solo piano with vocal chorus; track 10, “Long Gone,” solo piano with trumpet solo; and three tracks, track 1, “Lucky Guy;” track 3, “Suicidal Animals;” and track 9, “Hell Fire Blues,” modern ensemble numbers with electric bass, drums, vocal chorus, and electric guitar laying the foundation for Barnes’s piano. The second part, tracks 11-13, are based on the European musical tradition: two melancholy ballads of love’s longing and disappointment, and the last track, “Nocturne for Harmonica,” a classical instrumental for piano and first-position Marine Band harmonica that’s graced by guest Allen Holmes’s excellent, proficient playing. Roddy Barnes does well in filling the old bottles of piano blues with the new wine of appropriate lyrics on “Old Evil Blues” and “Long Gone,” new creations on the old themes of living in a world of trouble and longing for the old home of one’s youth. “Pillow Talk” is another filling of an old bottle, this time a slow blues adaptation of Faron Young’s country hit written by Willie Nelson, “Hello Walls”—the lonely man ruminating to an inanimate object his feelings of hurt and loneliness over a lover’s departure. Barnes’s songwriting wit and irony come out well on “Lucky Guy;” “Suicidal Animals;” track 8, “Little Fishes;” and “Hell Fire Blues.” “Lucky Guy” is a tale of optimistic outlook in the face of woe, where being “unencumbered” by such things a money, a home, and new clothes actually becomes a blessing; while “Hell Fire Blues” asks the question, “When the preacher’s talking about the damnation of hellfire in the hereafter, isn’t he actually talking about what we face here on earth?” “Little Fishes” is another commentary on the roughness of the human condition, this time a comparison of the human lot with that of the fishes, and the human luck in not ending up served on a dinner plate or swallowed by one’s fish mother. “Suicidal Animals” is another empathy song for animals and their lot, this time about the suicidal proclivities of those beasts who become road kill, with the added fillip of “Chipmunk” electronic vocal chorus and spoken refrain at the end. In all these songs, Roddy Barnes mixes compassion and sympathy for both humans and animals with a nicely-developed touch of ironic humor. Two numbers borrow from the musical tradition of the African American spiritual: the above-mentioned “Better World” and track 5, “Betrayed,” a poignant ballad of love’s betrayal that, like “Better World,” imbues the spiritual with the secular, vaguely reminiscent in this approach with such songs as “Unchained Melody” and “Ebb Tide.” “Better World” is more Aesopian secular, an original song that not only reminds us of how African American “church music” was integral in expressing the secular, political aims of the civil rights movement, but one that also eloquently expresses that noble political “spirituality” in its own right. Guest musician Jeff Covert provides electric and upright basses, drums, guitar, and guitar solos on “Suicidal Animals” and “”Hell Fire Blues,” and provides backup vocals with Gina DeLuca on “Lucky Guy,” “Better World” and “Hell Fire Blues.” Allen Holmes plays acoustic harp and provides harp solos on “Old Evil Blues” and “Hell Fire Blues,” while Ben Grondahl rocks “Suicidal Animals” with a clarinet solo. Barnes himself plays trumpet with mute on “Pillow Talk,” and does the solo on “Long Gone.” He also scats in imitation of a trumpet on “Little Fishes.” The three European-derived tracks that end the CD are further displays of a well-rounded Roddy Barnes. I’ve already discussed “Nocturne for Harmonica.” The two vocal ballads, track 11’s “How Strange” is a ballad strange one’s surroundings become when love is gone, and in this is somewhat reminiscent of the Doors’ “People Are Strange;” while the equally melancholy track 12, “A Song for Lisa,” features complementary cello accompaniment by Rebecca Maxon. All this above recommending this as a worthy listen. 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. For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE |
Featured Blues Review 3 of 4
 Don Ray Band - Lonesome RiderMargdon Records 12 songs; 53:47 minutes Styles: Bluesy Southern Rock Sometimes, the line between blues and rock is hard to define. When it becomes blurred, blues novices might get confused and purists irritated! The Don Ray Band, a Tennessee ensemble with Margdon Records, treads this hair-thin threshold. Most of the twelve songs on their “Lonesome Rider” album are of medium tempo with roaring guitar, but in terms of whether they fall into the blues or rock genre, many listeners may find themselves scratching their heads. On his website, Don says, “I was never happy with the constraints of a single style of music. I was always wanting improvisation and groove to go with my stories.” At the age of 18, He left the Souix City IA for Austin TX. Don says, “I was really diggin' the kick ass Blues coming out of that area, and I wanted to get closer to it. I learned quickly that Austin was the perfect place to work on creating a sound that would fuse Country, Rock and the Blues into my own style.” Nevertheless, are his latest songs worth a listen? Yes. Are they danceable? On several tracks, most definitely! Worth Muddy Waters’ praise from beyond the grave? That’s up for debate, but “Lonesome Rider” won’t leave one out in the cold. The album is entertaining, right from the start with “The Trigger”. Ray narrates the tale of how a bluesman got his start. He meets a savvy older woman who becomes his manager and lover: “I’m the heart and she’s the brain,” Ray sings without a trace of envy. “I rule the stage, but don’t call me Mister. I hold the gun, but she pulls the trigger!” Chuckles may ensue at the double entendre, at least if listeners can hear the lyrics over the guitar. Later on come the two best songs on the CD, “Victim of Passion” and “The Ruckus Room”. These are polar opposites in terms of theme and lyrical content, but they will stick in one’s mind long after their last notes die away. “...Passion” pays tribute to heroes who are “kings with a cross to bear”--Elvis, MLK, Jr., our soldiers off at war, and even THE King, if you’re a Christian. “The Ruckus Room”, on the other hand, is an addicting sing-along that celebrates kings of the blues: Buddy Guy, B.B. King, and Muddy himself. If you’re not up and on the dance floor during this one, or at least not grooving in your chair, you’re missing out on a lot! Speaking of “missing”, there seems to be something missing from quite a few of the other songs: the watermark of pure blues. “Poison”, “In Your Eyes”, and even the title track are tarnished rock songs that connoisseurs might want to skip if they’re looking for twenty-four-karat blues gold. Don Ray has commanding, clear vocals and great studio musicians, especially the three guitarists, but having the word “blues” in a song does NOT a blues song make. Depending on their target audience, he and his band would do well to remember that. ? Reviewer Rainey Wetnight is a 31 year old female Blues fan. She brings the perspective of a younger blues fan to reviews. A child of the 1980s music, she was strongly influenced by her father’s blues music collection. For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE |
Featured Blues Review 4 of 4
 Big Daddy “O” - Used BluesRabadash Records 12 tracks Released last year at the end of April, Big Daddy “O”’s fourth CD is a smoking hot mix of blues offered up by a man who has paid his dues and then some. Owen Tufts is his name, and with thirty-plus years of playing the roadhouses and ten years of CD releases and playing to larger venues with some more exposure he is surely hitting his stride as evidenced here. Owen is 6’6” and is a huge stage presence. As the name of this CD implies, we get a variety of covers of stuff from the obtuse to the overly familiar. On the overly familiar side is “Johnny B. Goode”; he gives this over done Chuck Berry standard a fresh coat of boogie woogie and swings through it in a different manner than most. The vocals here (and some of the electric guitar play) and throughout remind me of the smoothness and temperament of Duke Robillard. He hits this one with a medium tempo boogie and still swings his way through in about two and a half minutes. “Poor Boy” is a Howlin’ Wolf standard, and he gives this one a low keyed and very toned down delivery. The minimalistic guitar and Steve Gelder’s harp make this one a smooth little cut. The opening song “Life is Hard” (Fred James) swings with Big Daddy’s soulful vocals and guitar, John Autin’s B3 and Tim Ernest’s tenor sax work which I really enjoyed. Delbert McClinton’s “Better Off With The Blues” follows and is a thoughtful cover with a nice guitar and B3 solo. He also does McClinton’s “Some Kind of Crazy” which is much more up tempo and upbeat. Gelder on harp adds a very nice dimension to this one. “Soul Fixin’ Man” is a hot track with a somewhat breathy set of vocals and jumping beat. Owen trades licks and solos with Autin in a nicely done cut. Rockin’ Jake offers up some solemn and soulful harp on “All OF Your Stories”, a slow and contemplative ballad. Clapton’s “Something Special” overlays Tuft’s acoustic guitar work in a nice package. I also need to shout out about “Need Your Love So Bad”; supporting vocals by Cherrie Mannino, baritone sax by Sam Skelton, Trombone by Eric Alexander, and Miles Mannino on trumpet make this one a rousing and impressive performance on top of Big Daddy’s great work. This is all great stuff and the accompanying players all do a great job. Cassandra Faulconer is steady on bass, and drummer Doug Belote (and Shawn Manguno on drums for “Need Your Love…”) back Tufts tightly and professionally. Big Daddy gives a very impressive performance top to bottom. No clinkers here; it’s all very well done and it is a fun set of tunes to groove to. I enjoyed this CD and think anyone who likes swinging blues will, too. Reviewer Steve Jones is secretary of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE |
Live Blues Calendar
YOU can submit your Blues performances for FREE at: http://www.thebluesblast.com/submitnews.htm Performance dates were submitted by Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Blues festivals. TheBluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.
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Taylor Hicks: Why Cant We Live Together
Another video of Taylor Hicks. Won't comment on the keyboard playing:-) But he does play a lot of instruments
Bob Corritore Blues News
From Bob Corritore
March 2, 2011
- Rhythm Room All-Stars appear this weekend at the Rhythm Room! Back at their home base, the Rhythm Room All-Stars play Friday, and Saturday, August 20, and 21. The Rhythm Room All-Stars feature Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. Look for a couple nights of houserocking Chicago blues!
- Moulin Blues Festival poster unveiled! Moulin Ospel Blues Festival in the Netherlands in one of the most highly regarded blues festivals in Europe. The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band (with Dave, Bob, Dave "Yahni" Riley, Jr., and Brian Fahey) will appear Saturday, May 7th at the fest. Bob will be flying from Memphis to the Netherlands the day after the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. The 2011 lineup also includes Los Lonely Boys, Janiva Magness, Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Nemeth, Kenny Neal, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Dave Acari, Homemade Jamz, Mike Sanchez Band, Nick Moss & The Fliptops, Blackberry & Mr Boo Hoo, Ian Siegal & Big Pete, Shawn Pittman & The Moeller Brothers, Def Americans, and Tim Lothar & Peter Nande. They have just unveiled the festival poster which you can see by clicking here.
- Mud Morganfield unearths some historic blues photos! Mud Morganfield is the eldest son of Muddy Waters. We have talked about Mud recently since Bob Corritore is producing his forthcoming CD which will be out later this year! Mud's mom, Mildred McGee, has a few photos from when she was seeing Muddy Waters in the 1950s. Mud recently shared a photo of Elgin Evans playing a beautiful drum kit with the Muddy Waters Blues Band logo on the bass drum . Also please enjoy a great shot of Muddy and Mildred together. We have posted these photos for you to enjoy, (click here to see). Thanks Mud for sharing these priceless images!
- John Lee Hooker sings "Boom Boom" on YouTube! Please enjoy this early 1960s clip from of John Lee Hooker rocking the boogie as he sings his hit "Boom Boom". This clip appeared on BBC television, and features John lee with a fine unidentified band, and a cool, dance audience. Click here to see.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Eddie Kirkland RIP
February 28, 2011
- RIP Eddie Kirkland - August 16, 1923 to February 27, 2011. Guitarist/singer/harmonica player Eddie Kirkland died yesterday in a auto accident in Tampa, Florida. He was 87 years old. Eddie Kirkland was born in Jamaica, and raised in Alabama. After military service in World War II, he relocated to Detroit and started working with John Lee Hooker, with whom he made some spectacular classic recordings. His sympathetic stylistic interaction with Hooker created some of most richly textured down home blues recordings ever recorded. While still with Hooker, he recorded a few 1950s sides under his own name for Modern, RPM, Federal and later Fortune. His version of "Done Somebody Wrong" influenced Elmore James who would record his own arrangement of the song. During the '60s he recorded singles for Lupine and Stax before making his first album with the King Curtis band which was released on the True Sound label. He would go on to make records with Trix, JSP, Deluge, Blue Suit, Telarc, Evidence, Fantastic, and other labels, as well as making recorded guest appearances on releases by Johnny Rawls, the Wentus Blues Band (from Finland) and Foghat. Eddie had an amazing work ethic and would tour constantly. His shows were pure energy, and he always played with a beautiful down-home rough edge, even while playing more contemporary blues and soul songs. He wore a scarf over his head which became his trademark but it also covered a metal plate that was in his head from an old war wound. Eddie Kirkland symbolized the beauty of down home urban blues, and his many important contributions will live on through the ages. To read Eddie's Wikipedia bio, click here. To see Eddie Kirkland on YouTube performing "I Love You", click here. For a wonderful Eddie Kirkland discography, click here.
Chick Willis: The Rib Shack Blues Cafe
The amazing Chick Willis playing the Rib Shack Blues, The start of the video is Dan Aykroyd introducing him, but the real video starts just past that. It is a nice mix of photos and videos of the immortal bluesman Chick Willis.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
John Hammer Blues News
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John 'blueshammer' Hammer
Blue Monday Monthly Magazine
www.bluemondaymonthly.com
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KOWZ 1170am/ 100.9fm
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