The Blues Report

As Of February 27, 2012 The Blues Report Blog Officially Retires

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:28:00 +0000

After over 3100 Posts, I have decided to officially retire The Blues Report Blog...

For all your Blues News and More, please Join my Group at Facebook called The Blues Connection Here...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bluesreport/

You can also follow my Blues Posts to a lesser degree at Twitter here...

https://twitter.com/TheBluesReport

Thank All...

The Blues Connection

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Welcome to The Blues Connection, formally The Blues Report...The Blues Connection is the Best Place On Facebook for Blues News and More, as Posted by me and all of our Blues Lovin' Members...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bluesreport/

Featured CD Review - Chris Murphy "Hotwired"

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Chris Murphy has been a celebrated Canadian Bluesman, Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalists for many years now. Based in London, Ontario, Chris has been the frontman in his own band since 1985.

Accolades have certainly come his way over the years with no less than 11 Maple Blues Award Nominations gathered already, and that was in a span of 12 years, in the category of Horn Player of The Year. Chris tours extensively and has been called "by the London Free Press as "one of the busiest musicians in South-Western Ontario." In addition to touring with his band, you can also catch him performing with "two time Juno Award Winning Guitarist, Jack de Keyzer, Alberta Adams (Detroit’s Queen of the Blues), The Maple Blues Revue (Canada’s 11 piece All Star Blues Ensemble)." "Hotwired" marks Chris Murphy's 3rd Solo release and his 7th release, as a bandleader.

"Hotwired" consists of 12 great Tracks, split evenly between originals and covers. Of the 6 originals, all were written by Chris Murphy. Fellow Canadian Blues and Roots artist Mike Clark is featured on Track 3 with his cover "Forget About You", a blazing bar room guitar fused tune. Other interesting covers included Track 5, "Funkalishus" a Dr. John instrumental, and "Just My Imagination", a standard by the Legendary Soul group, The Temptations. In addition to "Funkalishus", "Hotwired" contained 2 other great instrumentals, which included Track 2, the title Track and Track 8 "Burnin' Rubber", both of which were Chris Murphy originals, and both of which not only show off Chris's exceptional Sax playing, but also the band as a whole, especially Guitarist Teddy Leonard and Lance Anderson on Organ and Piano.

In addition to Teddy Leonard, whom is Canada's Iconic Band Fathead's Guitarist and Producer, and Lance Anderson, whom also Produced "Hotwired", this album also features Garth Vogan (Bass), Tim Tyler (Drums/Background Vocals), Howard Moore (Trumpet), Amoy & Ceceal Levi (Background Vocals), and Ryan Spong (Background Vocals on Track 9 "Hold It Right There"). Special Guest Jack de Keyzer makes an appearance on Tracks 1 & 9 "Something Else"/Hold It Right There", in the capacity of Guitar Solo's, and simply sizzles.

"Hotwired" has no problem showing us that Chris Murphy is not only an accomplished Singer, Writer, and Saxman, but it also shows us his skill as a seasoned Frontman, whom seems to effortlessly guide his troupe of amazing artists through the many textured layers of this amazingly good album.

With the release of "Hotwired", Chris Murphy not only follows in the styles of Canadian greats, Downchild, Powder Blues Band, and Fathead, but he also takes his style to a creative and unique level.

"Hotwired" is a rare treat...

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
http://www.bluesundergroundnetwork.com/

Listen To Samples Here...

Additional Artist Info... http://www.chrismurphysax.ca/

Featured CD Review - The Andy Poxon Band "Red Roots"

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:20:00 +0000

There is no doubt that by looking at Andy Poxon, that he has hair on his head, but more importantly, he also has a head on his shoulder, and it is perhaps that main reason, that despite his already amazing musical talent, he is still keen on learning and as of the writing of this review, is currently enrolled in Towson University, in the Jazz Guitar/Commercial Music Degree Program.

At the age of only 17, Andy Poxon's talents are undeniably, after all, Andy was only 16 when he wrote all the songs on his Debut Album "Red Roots" and Produced the Session as well. Comparisons were inevitable, with Johnny Lang being one for sure.

The greats out there have also taken notice, as the list of performers, such as, "Tom Principato, Bobby Parker, Dave Chappell, Daryl Davis, Pete Ragusa (formerly of The Nighthawks), The Nighthawks, the Thrillbillies, Clarence "The Bluesman" Turner, Waverly Milor, and Lisa Lim ", to name a few, for which he has played with, continues to grow.

Andy Poxon's resume does not stop there, not by a long shot, with performances at the 2011 Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, the Colonial Beach Blues Festival and Artscape 2011 in Baltimore, MD. Andy also "opened for Joe Louis Walker and for Coco Montoya at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis". "In 2010, Andy received Wammie nominations for Best New Artist of the Year, Best Debut Recording, and Best Blues/Traditional R&B Recording". Those are just a few of the things on Andy Poxon's star studded resume, to date.

In 2009 he formed The Andy Poxon Band along with members Russ Wasson (Bass), & Mike O’Donnell (Drums), and released "Red Roots" in November of 2011. Additional performers on "Red Roots", included Carol Ann Drescher (Backup Vocals, Track 8 "When"), Ray Tilkens (Backup Vocals, Tracks 4 & 5 "I Want You So Bad"/"I Need My Girl", plus Keyboards), Zack Sweeney (Rhythm Guitar, Tracks 3 & 12 "Quitters Never Lose"/"Is There Anything I Can Do"). Ray Tilkens was also responsible for Recording, Mixing, and Mastering "Red Roots".

"Red Roots" consists of 13 Tracks and as mentioned earlier, Andy Poxon wrote all of them. On Andy's website his influences were listed as "B.B. King, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Charlie Christian, Hank Williams, Sean Costello, Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, and The Beatles", which seems like a wide variety of styles, and sure enough that is what you get on "Red Roots". The opener "Hottest Thing In Town" and the closer "C'mon Pretty Baby", are both swingin' Tracks. "Hottest Thing In Town" shows us right off the bat that not only does Andy Poxon have great Guitar skills, but he also has an amazing voice to match, one that sounds years ahead of his age. The first 4 Tracks on "Red Roots" run the gamut of 4 different styles/genres and includes the opener, which as I said is a bit of Swing, Track 2, "No Love", a slow Guitar driven Blues tune, Track 3, "Quitters Never Lose", which is a Country Edged song, and Track 4 "I Want You So Bad", a song where he shows us his Soul.

The next Track "I Need My Girl", also follows a more Soulful take, which not only shows off Andy's Vocals, but also his Songwriting abilities.

Those that like a bit more faster Guitar Driven Blues will certainly like Tracks 6 & 10, "I'll Sing The Blues" & "Run Of Bad Luck".

One of my favorite Tracks on "Red Roots" was Track 8 "When", which was a pure Americana/Country feeling song. I believe it is his best all round song on the album.

"Red Roots" showed me an amazing talent with such an amazing future still ahead of him and unlike a few of the previous young hopefuls, Andy Poxon has just that little extra that will certainly take him farther and have him remembered for more than a hit or 2.

In my Blues Underground Network's Year End Review 2011, I was so impressed with Andy Poxon, that I chose him for the category Future Of The Blues.

For 2011, "Red Roots" was one of the best multi-genre albums I had the honor of listening to, and I have no problem Highly Recommending it to all.

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

http://www.bluesundergroundnetwork.com/

Listen To Samples Here...

Additional Artist Info... http://www.andypoxon.com/

Permanent Review Link Here... http://www.bluesundergroundnetwork.com/The_Andy_Poxon_Band_CD.html

President Obama sings Sweet Home Chicago!

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:29:00 +0000

Featured CD Spotlight - Al Lerman "Crowe River Blues"

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Following Review Courtesy Of John Valenteyn (John's Blues Picks)

At the Awards show, Matt Andersen was being accompanied to the podium by one of those wonderful stings by the band – this time Al Lerman was playing guitar & harp. Matt quipped ‘we got to take some instruments away from Al’. That delightful compliment is a good way to introduce Al’s new solo album on which he gets to play all his instruments plus he gets to sing, something that with FATHEAD is confined to harmony vocals.

We’re used to seeing Al play harp or tenor sax but the band doesn’t play all the time. Increasing opportunities for solo shows and requests for CDs to purchase led eventually to this delightful disc. The cover shows Al standing beside the Crowe River, in the country, where he’s lived for a couple of years now, and country life permeates the program. He does have some assistance in having Alec Fraser on bass, Lance Anderson on keys and Bucky Berger on drums in a program of originals and covers that gives us a rather different sound than what you’d expect from listening to FATHEAD.

His choice of covers holds a few surprises: “Suitcase Blues” is not the hit by Sippie Wallace, but by the legendary Hollywood Fats and the full band does a nice job. “Chugging The Blues” has Al layering multiple harps, the various lines meshing to achieve quite an unusual effect – a tour de force. “Gypsy Feet” is a rather attractive song about a wandering musician that must be a highlight of his solo acoustic shows, augmented here by acoustic bass and a spot-on harmony vocal from Fraser. Not for the only time here, there’s the distinct influence of The Band.

Continue Review Here... http://torontobluessociety.com/2012/01/johns-blues-picks-11/

About Al Lerman & Accolades

Considered one of the top harp players in the country, singer/songwriter AL LERMAN is a journeyman musician who plays with sizzle and a whole lot of soul. His harmonica and saxophone playing have garnered him several Maple Blues Award nominations. He is founder and leader of the 2X Juno Award (Canada's Grammy) winning blues outfit FATHEAD, touring regulary playing festivals, concert halls and roadhouses all across the country. When FATHEAD is not on the road, Al can be found working with a variety of top notch musicians - either as a sideman or fronting. He regularly performs as solo artist accompanying himself on guitar and rack harmonica. He has appeared on critically acclaimed recordings by artists such as MORGAN DAVIS, MEL BROWN, RICK FINES, STEVE PAYNE, RITA CHIARELLI, WILLIE 'BIG EYES' SMITH, LITTLE MACK SIMMONS and countless others. No matter what, you can always expect some downhome blues that shoot straight from the heart.

“Crowe River Blues is a delightful disc.... a tour de force... a first rate showcase.
The next time you see that Al is playing a solo show, be sure to take it in and
be sure to get one of these, you won’t be disappointed.”
-Maple Blues magazine (Canada)

Harpist Al Lerman is outstanding!"
-Blues Revue (USA)

Fathead hit the bull's-eye”.
- Frank John Hadley, Downbeat magazine

"Special note must be made of Al Lerman who blows a mighty mean harp."
-Rock & Blues News (UK)

"His brilliant harp creates a classic sound."
-Blues Beat (USA)

"The song is infused with downhome sass by Al Lerman's harp break."
-Living Blues (USA)

Additional Artist Info... http://www.allermanmusic.com/home.cfm

02/20/12 Shelley-Lynne Hardinge Sat On The Couch

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:17:00 +0000

The Hip-Shakin' Mama joined me from Manitoba, Canada to discuss her career and her music. Shelley-Lynne Hardinge has been working on her career since she was 14 years old. She spent time in rock and roll bands and country bands and then made the decision blues was her music and there has been no looking back since.

We discussed her journey in more detail than you will find anywhere else.

Shelley talked about her latest album "Reclaim Your Land" and the many accolades and honors it has received. She also clued us into her new album which should be hitting the shelves before too long and other projects she has in the hopper.

I also probed this writing thing she has got going in the last 7 years. The woman can craft a song indeed.

Of course we were delighted to play songs from "Reclaim Your Land" during the interview..

Listen To Interview Here... http://www.musiconthecouch.com/2012/02/022012-shelley-lynne-hardinge-sat-on.html

Billie Holiday, Living the Blues

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:09:00 +0000

Billie Holiday Lived the Blues

Billie Holiday (1915-1959) was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Billie’s blues started at an extremely young age. At the age of thirteen she was thrown out of her parents home after becoming pregnant. She then lived with her grandparents and an older cousin while her mother left to work in New York City. Her father, a banjo and guitar player, left his family to tour with a jazz band. Billie’s relatives abused and neglected her. With little help from the grown-ups around her, Billie had to start working as she ran errands and cleaned apartments for people in her neighborhood. At one point, Billie went to New York to live with her mother. Her mother treated her the same as always…to fend for herself. While there she was raped for the second time in her life. She did the best she could, but found herself spending a few months in jail.

When Billie was released, she started singing in night clubs in order to earn money. When she was fifteen, she had to sing the same songs over and over again for customers. Billie learned to be creative and change her voice and timing slightly while repeating the same lyrics. This same style is used by many blues artists today.

Billie suffered from depression and mood swings in her early thirties. Her personal problems worsened when she became addicted to drugs and alcohol. As Billie tried to recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol, she had a comeback period during the mid-1950s. She performed at Carnegie Hall (a legendary, New York concert hall) and toured in Europe. Sadly, Billie was never able to overcome her drug addiction. Her health began to fail with liver and heart disease.

Billie Holiday died on May 31, 1959, when she was 45 years old with seventy cents in the bank.

Continue Article Here... http://www.ameriblues.com/2012/02/15/billie-holiday-living-the-blues/

Weekly Blues Music Report: Grammy Awards Redux

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Last week's Grammy® Awards provided somewhat of a sales uptick to virtually all of the blues music nominees, the winner for "Best Blues Album" - the Tedeschi Trucks Band's Revelator - jumping several spots back into the number four spot, while Gregg Allman's Low Country Blues edged back in at number ten. Guitarist Warren Haynes' excellent Man In Motion album re-entered the charts at a respectable number fifteen.

Continue Article Here... http://blues.about.com/b/2012/02/21/weekly-blues-music-report-grammy-awards-redux.htm

Featured CD Spotlight - Jeff Menteer "The Nature Of My Dreams"

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:47:00 +0000

A dynamic debut CD featuring some of Seattle's finest Blues musicians playing twelve original compositions that span the contemporary blues spectrum. Blues Rock to Jazzy Blues. Recommended if you like Robben Ford or Derek Trucks. CDBaby

About Jeff Menteer

Jeff Menteer calls the Seattle area home. He was married here and his children were born and grew up here. Originally, he came from a middle class family that lived on the north side of Spokane, Washington a few blocks from one of the local public golf courses. He grew up with 4 siblings on a block where every other house contained a family with children so there were lots of kids to play with when he was young.

His introduction to music was via piano lessons and eventually clarinet in the school band but it was when he picked up the guitar that his life-long love of playing music started. This led to garage bands which evolved into playing in numerous rock bands that worked in clubs throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana and up into Canada. Then while in college studying music theory, he spent a couple years playing in a country band every weekend at the collection of clubs on the state line between Washington and Idaho plus did the guitar work for EWSU's production of the rock opera Tommy. While he was a poor student the allure of money grabbed him and he set off on a ten year odyssey that took him from working in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to the Persian Gulf side of Saudi Arabia and to travels through the Seychelles Islands, India, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines. He crewed on a 100-ton sailboat on an extended trip down the Pacific side of Latin America, transiting the Panama Canal into the Caribbean. On all his travels his guitar was his steady companion.

After he married, working and raising a family became his priorities though he still kept up his playing and songwriting occasionally playing a string of gigs with some friends. Finally when his children were in high-school he felt the urge to get back into playing out in the clubs and doing what he loved which was just “being a guitar player”. He plays gigs mostly with the award winning Seattle based Stacy Jones Band. He has written songs for and recorded 5 CDs with the Stacy Jones Band and has his newly released “The Nature of My Dreams” solo CD.

A consummate songwriter and student of the guitar, Jeff plays custom-built amplifiers and has a modest collection of Tokai guitars which he gigs and records with. Look for a section on his gear as the website matures.

Link To Samples Here...

Additional Artist Info... http://www.jeffmenteer.com/

Bandana Blues #425 Doo-Wop Happens!!!

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:51:00 +0000

Show #425 02.18.12
Big Pete - Choice Cuts Review by Beardo

Grand Funk Railroad - Time Machine (On Time 1969)
Chris Duarte - Sun Prairie Blues (Something Old Something New 2009)
13 - So Mean To Me (Feat. Lester Butler 13 2011 re-issue)
Carolyn Wonderland - What Good Can Drinkin' Do (2011)
Bonerama - Whipping Post (Live From New York 2004)

Spinner's Section:

Jimmy Smith: jumpin' the blues (5:20) (Midnight Special, Blue Note,1961)
David Burgin: lonesome (2:55) (Wild Child, Flying Fish, 1984)
Delbert McClinton: my baby comes to me (2:54) (Genuine Cowhide,ABC, 1976)
Magic Dick & Jay Geils: I don't play (3:39) (Little Car Blues,Rounder, 1996)
Mark Ford: feelin' disconnected (4:38) (& the Blue Line, Blue Rock'It, 1998)
Rick Estrin: gettin' out of town (5:46) (On The Harp Side, self-release, 2008)
Barrelhouse: falling down (5:13) (Who's Missing, Munich, 1976)
Mose Allison: eyesight to the blind (1:43) (Mose Allison Sings,Prestige, RVG remaster 2006)
Blues 'n' Trouble: travelling light (4:02) (Hat Trick, Blue Horizon, 1987)
Pee Wee & the Specials: buying your love (1:30) (-, Rockhouse,1980)

Back To Beardo:

I always wanted to be the bass man on a doo-wop song..... Vocal ... not Guitar!!

Frank Zappa (Rueben & The Jets) - Stuff Up the Cracks [Alternate Mix][Alternate Take](Greasy Love Songs: An FZ Audio Documentary Project/Object 2010 original late 60's)
The El Dorados - At My Front Door (1957)
The Turbans - When You Dance (1955)
Little Anthony & The Imperials - Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop (1960)
The Dubs - Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely
The Boss-Tones - Mope-Itty Mope (1959)
The Del Vikings - Come Go With Me (1956)
The Chords - Sh-Boom (1954)
The Edsels - Rama Lama Ding Dong (1958)
The Shields - You Cheated (1958)
Clyde Mcphatter & The Drifters - Money Honey (????)
Dion & The Belmonts - I Wonder Why (1958)
The Spaniels - Goodnite Sweetheart, Goodnite (1954)

Listen Here... http://beardo1.libsyn.com/webpage/bandana-blues-425-doo-wop-happens-

‘Nothing But The Blues’ 15th February 2012 Steve Jessney

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:48:00 +0000

Playlist includes: Muddy Waters/Johnny Winter/James Cotton, Kris Pohlmann Band (new album), Son House, Pearl Handled Revolver (new album), Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb (new album), Junior Wells, Bluesmix (new album), Mitch Laddie (new album), Walter Trout, Simon McBride (new album), Sharon Lewis...

Listen Here... http://stevejessney.podbean.com/2012/02/19/nothing-but-the-blues-15th-february-2012-steve-jessney/

Blues Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:59:00 +0000

The Blues Foundation has announced this year's slate of inductees to the Blues Hall of Fame, and the "class of 2012" includes both some heavy-hitters as well as some personal faves of mine. Billy Boy Arnold, Michael Bloomfield, Buddy & Ella Johnson, Lazy Lester, Furry Lewis, Horst Lippmann and Fritz Rau, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Doc Pomus, Pervis Spann, Frank Stokes, and Allen Toussaint will all be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in May during Blues Music Awards Week.

Continue Article Here... http://blues.about.com/b/2012/02/19/blues-hall-of-fame-2012-inductees.htm

Featured CD Sptolight - Heritage Blues Orchestra "And Still I Rise"

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Release Date February 28, 2012

Blues Undergound Network Review Pending...

Spotlighting male and female voices, bold brassy sounds of New Orleans as well as modern jazz horn sounds and a heavy back beat, H.B.O. serves up a powerful and compelling new take on America's Blues heritage. With an emphasis on musical exploration, Heritage Blues Orchestra digs into innovative musical territory making a unique and exhilarating contribution to the African-American musical canvas. Amazon.com

Following Review By Taj Mahal

Listen to their debut album, or witness a live performance by the Heritage Blues Orchestra and you'll recognize this group as something breathtakingly new even as they honor old African-American musical traditions. How can something so deeply rooted in the past still seem so adventurous-even audacious?

Heritage Blues Orchestra delivers by serving up a compelling new take on America's Blues legacy. This utterly contemporary group is digging into innovative musical territory and making a distinct contribution to the African-American musical canvas.

From the grit of low-down country and urban blues to the bold brass of New Orleans; from the hand-clapping, hustle and bustle of gospel to fiery postmodern, jazz-infused horn arrangements; from the haunting cries of work songs to pulsating drums that reach back to the roots of it all-if you are lucky enough to hear the Heritage Blues Orchestra, you'll experience this and more.

From the first of the twelve tracks on their debut album And Still I Rise, Junior Mack's propulsive rendition of Son House's Clarksdale Moan, Heritage Blues Orchestra unapologetically stomps onto the scene and digs in with both heels-taking us from Bill Sims' hard-shuffling version of the immortal Muddy Waters classic, Catfish Blues to the solemn dirge of Chaney Sims' interpretation of Leadbelly's, Go Down Hannah to magnificent three-part harmonies against a slippery slide guitar in their head-nodding version of Get Right Church.

The group is driven by the powerful rhythms of Grammy-awarding winning blues drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith; it is buttressed by the churning, precise and percussive rhythms of harmonica virtuoso, Frenchman Vincent Bucher; and ablaze with some of New York City's heaviest horn players who have worked with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Sting and Springsteen.

Heritage Blues Orchestra also boasts contributions from Bruno Wilhelm, the group's highly esteemed tenor saxophonist and horn arranger. A native of France, Wilhelm is influenced by an extensive palette of jazz styles. Whether with ethereal musings or hard-hitting section work, his arrangements punctuate every song they touch.

This combined with Bill, Chaney and Junior's collective history in jazz, R&B and gospel help articulate and underscore the Heritage Blues Orchestra's striking voice. At the heart of the group is a broad spectrum of the blues and the longstanding musical mingling between America and Europe that brings together African-American music, Modern Jazz and Western European harmony.

Nowhere is the breadth of Heritage Blues Orchestra's vision and reach better evidenced than on the album's closing piece, Hard Times. This song, in 3 movements, demonstrates it all: the traditional call-and-response between a lone voice and guitar; a bewitching horn composition peppered with Miles Davis' A Silent Way; and a final transition to a roof-raising funk jam that leaps out and shoves you onto the dance floor.

This group is an inspiring testament to the enduring power, possibilities and boundless beauty of African-American music. It drives us down Highway 49 from Clarksdale to New Orleans, journeys across the Middle Passage, takes us from chain gangs and juke joints, to orchestra pits and church pews, and even to back porches.

What begins as a loving celebration of tradition gives rise to a whole new adventure in music with a singular sound. Join us in welcoming the exciting arrival of the Heritage Blues Orchestra.

"HBO is one of the new and exciting faces of the Blues! Elegant, fabulous and refreshing! " - Maestro Taj Mahal

Listen To Samples Here...

Additional Artist Info... http://heritagebluesorchestra.com/

Show 54 – British Blues Special

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:49:00 +0000

A mainly British blues special this week.

Hi again folks.

Last weeks show was incredibly popular….So this week we figured we will give you even more of the very best blues out there.

A mainly British line up this week. First up, the incredible Kat and Co . Next we feature, Paul Lamb and the King Snakes.

Third up is the fantastic Babajack . Forth on the set list is 2Blue and the lucky stiffs. Next we have Edgy. Sixth up is the really talented Alan Redmond. If that isn’t enough we give you in number 7, Will Johns – nephew of Eric Clapton – no less. Last but not least is Willie Logan

Listen Here... http://blackonblues.com/archives/374

The Roadhouse 365

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:47:00 +0000

It’s a full-on hour of guitar blues in the 365th Roadhouse. Freddie King, Mississippi John Hurt, Johnny Winter, Gary Moore, and Hound Dog Taylor show just how entrancing a mastery of wires and wood can be. From all over the map, all over the genre, and all over the hundred-year-plus timeline of the blues, it’s another hour of The Roadhouse.

Listen Here... http://roadhousepodcast.com/2012/02/18/the-roadhouse-365/

Raven & Blues 18th Feb 2012 Show Now Online

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Weekly 60 minute blues radio show and podcast from a houseboat on the River Thames, beside Hampton Court, SW London...

Listen Here... http://raven.libsyn.com/webpage/raven-blues-18th-feb-2012

ATC show #06 is now streaming FREE online!

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:16:00 +0000

This week's blues show features:

Joe Murphy & the Water Street Blues Band, Sandy Atkinson, Etta James, Bill Johnson, Honeyboy Edwards, Shakura S’Aida, Coco Montoya, The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer, The Cash Box Kings, Richard Carr and Sean Costello

Just click the link: The 55 min show is free, plays in YOUR media player and is CD quality - May the blues be with you!

http://atcblues.ca/radio/radio.m3u

Friday Blues Fix - The Blues of the Magic Man

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Of all the blues artists I've listened to in my twenty-five-plus years of listening to the blues, Magic Slim has to be the most unwavering. For over forty years, Slim has done one thing and done it very well...he's has played genuine houserockin' music all over the world. Nothing fancy, no bells and whistles (for the most part), just rough and ragged, down and dirty, strictly blue collar blues.

He has one of the largest repertoires of any blues musician.......he's a veritable human juke box......and the uncanny ability to take anybody's song and transform it into his song. Over the past twenty years, he has gone from being "seldom recorded" to one of the most prolific of recording artists, with a ton of releases both domestically and overseas. His band, though having undergone some big changes over time, is still one of the very best in the Windy City and is the epitome of the classic blues band. As I stated a few months ago on this blog, if you don't like Magic Slim, you don't like the blues.

Magic Slim was born Morris Holt in Grenada, MS in 1937. He started out on piano, but lost his little finger in a cotton gin mishap. Unable to play piano, he took up guitar, making his first by taking the bailing wire from his mother's broom and nailing it to a wall ("My Mama whopped me when I Tore up her broom, but she let me keep using it. My Mama said later that if she had know what I'd be into later, she wouldn't have given me a whopping.")

A Young Magic Slim

In 1955, he made his first trip to Chicago and encountered another Grenada native, Magic Sam. Magic Sam gave him tips on playing the guitar and even gave him his nickname. At the time, Slim was tall and slim, so the name fit pretty well. Sam encouraged him to develop his own style, which Slim eventually did. Unfortunately, he wasn't quite ready at the time, even though he landed a spot with Robert Perkins' band, Mr. Pitiful and the Teardrops. He eventually moved back to Mississippi to work on his sound.

Continue Artile And Music Here... http://fridaybluesfix.blogspot.com/2012/02/magic-slim.html

Podcast 156. Roots and Blues Hour

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:58:00 +0000

THE ROOTS AND BLUES HOUR brings you a selection of new releases from the genres of roots, alt. country, progressive folk and indie. rock.

PLAYLIST. ARTIST - ALBUM - TRACK.

1 Ray Bonneville - Bad Mans Blood - Darlin Put Your Suitcase Down.
2 The Hello Strangers - Introducing Max Schmidt - Conococheague.
3 Bap Kennedy - The Sailors revenge - Working Man.
4 Jay Farrar - Terroir Blues The Dogtown Sessions - Out On The Road.
5 Dierks Bentley - Home - The heart of a Lonely girl.
6 John Doe - Keeper - Keeper - Jump Into My Arms.
7 Snooks La Vie - Another Place in Time - Sometimes Life Gets in the Way.
8 The Pardoners - Indulgences - Soaking up a summer afternoon.
9 Sonny Landreth - Down In Louisiana - Sugar Cane.
10 Mark Twain Words and Music - Indian Crow - Marty Raybon.
11 Youri Blow - Corridor - Muddy Streams.
12 Steve Cropper - Dedicated A Salute To The 5 Royales - When I Get Like This.
13 Ndidi Onukwulu - The escape - On the Metro.
14 Red Molly - Light in the Sky - Does My Ring Burn Your Finger.
15 Mike Doughty - Yes and also yes - Na Na Nothing.
16 Austin Lucas - A New Home in The Old World - Sleep Well.

Listen Here... http://www.sablues.org/newsletter/newsletter.html

Blues Tools – Pignose: Portable Power

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

The famous Pignose Portable Amplifier

There is no doubt that every amp-using blues player has his or her idea of the ultimate rig. In poring over dream amplifier choices, however, practicality is often thrown right out the window. Many amps are too expensive, too large or even too difficult to maintain for the average player to consider owning them. Sometimes all one needs is a convenient box to plug into and make some sound. This is particularly true of situations such as backstage warm ups or when living in confined quarters (perhaps even right above the landlord).

One answer to this common problem is the Pignose. The Pignose amplifer was introduced in the early 70s and quickly became a popular fixture for small gatherings and practices. The Pignose is battery-powered and contains a single 3-inch speaker. Six AA batteries provide the juice for five little screaming watts of solid-state sound. A DC power supply may also be used in place of batteries. The amp has a single knob (shaped like a pig nose, of course!) on the front for controlling volume and turning the unit on and off. It even has buttons at the top of the case so that a strap can be slung to it and it can be carried around while playing, providing a roving concert experience if the user so chooses.

Continue Article At American Blues Scene: http://www.americanbluesscene.com/2012/02/pignose-portable-power/#ixzz1meuwfNvk

Dana Fuchs at Highline Ballroom in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:53:00 +0000

Dana Fuchs and her band rock the Highline Ballroom

http://danafuchs.com/

What’s up my fellow Blues lovers! This week I am featuring some photos of Dana Fuchs, a singer that has gathered herself quite a following since arriving in New York some years back at the age of 19. When I went to the Highline Ballroom on April 15, 2011 to catch this show the place was packed. I didn’t know much about Dana then and had never seen her perform aside from a video clip here and there. I was on the upper level of the club so it was easy to look down and see how many people were there. When Dana and the band came out they kicked butt, simple as that. Dana has a good stage presence and command of the stage. She’s been mentioned in the same breath as Janis Joplin so go out and catch her and see what you think. If you read her bio you’ll see that since arriving in New York at 19, alone and broke, she’s worked hard to get herself in the position she’s in now. She’s someone definitely worth catching and I will recommend that you do.

Please note: Dana plays the role of a sympathetic hooker confidante to Method Man’s Mortician character in the upcoming Feb 2012 3D release of “The Mortician”.
NEW WORLDWIDE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED – SOLD OUT NEW YORK SHOW!

The “Love To Beg” 2012 Tour kicked off with a SOLD OUT Unplugged show this January 27 at The Rubin Museum Of Art in NYC. Dana and the Band will be playing clubs and great festivals throughout the US, Europe and Scandinavia for all of 2012. Check our the Tour Dates Page for details. And check back OFTEN as new dates are being added constantly! Dana and the Band are off to Norway and Denmark Feb 1 -20 for a chilly but rocking tour.

View All The Great Photo's Here... http://www.ameriblues.com/2012/02/17/dana-fuchs-at-highline-ballroom-in-nyc/

New Details Emerge on Gregg Allman’s Upcoming Autobiography

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:51:00 +0000

"My Cross to Bear", the cover from Gregg Allman's Autobiography

2012 is certainly shaping up to be an “Allman Brothers” kind of year. Three different Allman Brothers Band members were competing for a Grammy award for Best Blues Album, Gregg Allman’s hotly-anticipated new autobiography is due out in May, and their celebrated Beacon theater appearances, which have been a staple for years, are selling tickets like wildfire.

Details on the contents of Gregg’s autobiographical book have largely been scarce before now. New information released by the Allman camp and William Morrow confirm the hopes that the book will indeed tell the long-awaited stories behind some of the great triumphs and tragedies in rock music as described by Gregg. Readers can expect no pomp and fluff from this autobiography — just the true, wild ride that was the development of one of Rock’s greatest and most long-standing bands.

Among things fans of the long-running rock dynasty can expect are Gregg’s candid discussion on his string of failed marriages, most notably to Cher, his decades-long struggle with drug addiction, and the tragic losses of both his brother and bassist almost exactly a year apart.

Other revelations include details from inside the southern rock hit making machine’s catapult to stardom, and Gregg’s rough and tumble life growing up with his brother in a still deeply segregated south.

Continue Article Here... http://www.americanrockscene.com/2012/02/14/new-details-emerge-on-gregg-allmans-upcoming-autobiography/

LURRIE BELL'S "THE DEVIL AIN'T GOT NO MUSIC" TO BE RELEASED ON ARIA B.G. RECORDS APRIL 17, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:49:00 +0000

"His guitar work melds raw emotion and fiery technique in a majestic
meld of tonal aggression, linear sureness, and exploratory drive. His
sound these days is shot through with triumph: although he may
continue to face down his demons in song, his music has an undercurrent
of hard-won tranquility." (Chicago Reader)

ARIA B.G. RECORDS proudly announces the release of Chicago blues guitar
great/singer/songwriter LURRIE BELL's "THE DEVIL AIN'T GOT NO MUSIC" on
APRIL 17, 2012, his second for the label.

When Bell was chosen as a recipient for the prestigious annual 3Arts
Grant and was informed that he could use the funds in any manner he
wished, the answer for him was easy. “I had always wanted to make a
record to show my gratitude for gospel music. I’m a bluesman but I’ve
also played a lot of gospel songs for myself and for my family when I’m
at home. The music gives me a sense of peace that I can’t find
anywhere else.”

“THE DEVIL AIN'T GOT NO MUSIC” is not a pure gospel record nor is it a
pure blues record. It is a musical journey where both genres fit
seamlessly together. From the uplifting "Swing Low" that opens the set
to the yearning "Peace in the Valley" to Bell’s meditative solo take on
the classic Reverend Gary Davis song "Death Don’t Have No Mercy," “The
Devil Ain’t Got No Music” plays out like many of the greatest blues
recordings, reflecting all the emotions that life conjures. And also
like the best blues records, real stories about real life unfold.

“THE DEVIL AIN'T GOT NO MUSIC” is a stripped down affair, which allows
Bell to shine on both vocals and acoustic guitar more so than in any of
his past efforts. The songs come from a wide range of sources.
"Trouble in My Way" and "Search Me Lord" come from Bell’s early years
down South. Other material dips into the gospel repertoire of bluesmen
Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell and Reverend Gary Davis.
Contemporary compositions by Tom Waits and James Taylor also grace the
collection. The title track is the one new original, written by his
longtime friend and producer Matthew Skoller. Skoller was inspired by
a Mavis Staples interview with Chicago journalist David Whiteis.
Whiteis asked Staples if the blues really was the Devil’s music. Mavis
immediately retorted “Come on, the Devil ain’t got no music.”

In addition to Bell on guitar & vocals, musicians featured on the
recording include BILLY BRANCH on harmonica in the full band
arrangement of "Trouble in My Way", the ever creative Chicago
percussionist, KENNY 'BEEDY EYES' SMITH and noted New York blues and
gospel musician BILL SIMS, JR. Critically acclaimed guitarist,
songwriter and singer JOE LOUIS WALKER laid down a languid slide guitar
on "Peace in The Valley" and a rough and tumble slide on "It’s a
Blessing". Walker also had the opportunity to testify on "I’ll Get To
Heaven on My Own", written by Walker.

The growth and transformation of many of our great vocalists began in
the black gospel church. From Etta James to B.B. King to James Brown,
the list is extensive. Lurrie Bell had a different path learning his
trade, he started in the blues before finding himself immersed in
spiritual music.

As the son of noted blues harmonica player Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell was
first exposed to the world of blues at a very young age. Bell grew up
with the likes of Muddy Waters, Eddie Taylor, Big Walter Horton and
Eddie Clearwater who were frequent visitors to his home. Somewhere
between the age of five and six, he first picked up one of his father’s
guitars and taught himself to play. Not only was Bell recognized as an
exceptionally talented guitarist and musician, his knowledge of
different blues styles, his soulfulness and his musical maturity
garnered praise in publications such as Rolling Stone and The New York
Times.

Bell’s gospel journey began when he was sent from Chicago to Macon,
Mississippi (at the tender age of 7) where he lived for 3 years. From
there he and his brother moved to Lisman, Alabama where they lived with
their maternal grandparents for four more years. “My folks down in
Alabama-- my grandfather he was a preacher, I had to go to church and
play my guitar in the church… Once I began to play with the singers and
learned about the gospel music I began to love it. I played acoustic
guitar and was already very familiar with the blues so I would listen
to the singers, and, well, the music just came naturally to me.”

In spite of being forbidden to play the straight ahead blues songs he
absorbed in Chicago, Lurrie crafted his own personal blend of blues and
gospel, “I was a bluesman so I would play blues lines off the guitar,
in church, but I would sing those gospel lyrics.”

Although closely related, blues and gospel have distinct differences in
content and delivery. With this new recording it is clear Lurrie Bell
has mastered both idioms with power and grace. And like his blues, Bell
puts his own individual stamp on his gospel interpretations, creating a
highly personal sound that is instantly recognizable. For Lurrie
Bell, blues and gospel do not meet at a crossroads down in the delta
nor do they exist respectively in a church or a barroom, they are one
continuous, glorious road stretching from Lisman, Alabama to the
streets and churches of Chicago.

“As long as there is a Black Church there will be blues musicians”
–Sterling Plumpp (Chicago, 2011)

www.lurrie.com

Blues Superstars Shemekia Copeland, B.B. King, Keb’ Mo’, More to be Featured Live in White House

noreply@blogger.com (BUN007) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:47:00 +0000

In recognition of the impact of Blues Music on American culture, and in conjunction with Black History Month, President Obama and the First Lady will be hosting a number of blues artists at the White House on February 27th. Among the artists performing are B.B. King, Keb’ Mo’, recent Grammy winners Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Jeff Beck, Gary Clark, Jr. Warren Haynes, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Shemika Copeland, and Mick Jagger. Booker T. Jones will act as the band leader, and Taraji P. Henson will be hosting the program.

The event will be streamed live in it’s entirety on the White House’s Official Feed at 7:20 PM Eastern Time in February 27th. It will air at 9:00 Eastern later that night on PBS.

Read more at American Blues Scene: http://www.americanbluesscene.com/2012/02/blues-superstars-shemika-copeland-b-b-king-keb-mo-more-to-be-featured-live-in-white-house/#ixzz1mbirPiYq