Dimo's Blues

T-Model Ford and Gravel Road - Taledragger (Alive Records, 2011)

2012-01-29T12:13:00.000+04:00

Although T-Model Ford picked up guitar later in his life, in some way he is deeply rooted in Mississippi Delta Blues tradition which is heard throughout all eight songs of the Taledragger delivered with equal passion and dedication but sung on his very own, original way to say the least.

Raucous vocals of T-Model, in addition to unusual mix of guitars, 12-string guitar, slide guitars, saxophone and piano/B-3 organ under the guidance of one of the last survivors, is rich and intense, expanding and overwhelming, creating mesmerizing ambient, the more so because music floats as a ship through furious mix of different styles of blues all of which are rooted in Mississippi Delta..

To say that this latest work by T-Model Ford is masterfully planned, arranged and implemented, means to underestimate it. This is a very well-considered, deeply heartfelt album, sometimes breaking rules of harmony, but where every accord is a necessary accord, and every detail is a necessary detail. This is irreproachable work. Such is the Blues symphony of T-Model Ford in which contribution of his backing band, The Gravel Road, should be emphasized separately.

Most enjoyable Blues recording of 2011 so far!

5 stars of 5.

Personnel: T-Model Ford - guitar, vocals; Brian Olive - guitar, baritone saxophone, piano, organ; Stefan Zillioux - guitar; Matthew Smith - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, slide guitar; Mike Weinel - slide guitar; Martin Reinsel - drums.

Track List

01. Same Old Train

02. Comin’ Back Home

03. Someone’s Knockin’ On My Door

04. How Many More Years

05. Big Legged Woman

06. I Worn My Body For So Long

07. Red Dress

08. Little Red Rooster

Link

Rev Brown - Bare In Change (Provogue, 1993)

2012-01-28T12:13:00.000+04:00

After you listen to this album you'll get a feeling you could have missed a lot if you would not. This 14-track album sends shivers down your spine. This guy plays guitar like nobody else. You can hear it either in blues songs or more rocky tunes. Album starts with I Can Only Sing The Blues with great guitar playing, continues with more rocky Up The Dirt Track, then comes There Ain't Enough Hours In The Day with folk elements and afterwards more than nine minutes of brilliant guitar work in Girlfriend Blues. The sound is new and unique. I can bet you never heard such guitar. Some folks could read AC/DC influence here, but it’s truly original, unsophisticated playing getting it’s culmination in Love Me Babe, craziest boogie. Album continues with slow blues, and then we hear folk elements again in Slow Train Blues. Rev Brown gets out of guitar everything the instrument can give. This is obvious in Religion Blues which, in my opinion, is the best guitar work throughout the album. This guy sings about traditional blues concerns like need of love, heart break etc. as well as about religion. No matter what the theme is, guitar work is distinguishable, it’s his guitar. You should not miss this album.

Track List

01 I Can Only Sing the Blues
02 Up the Dirt Track
03 There Ain't Enough Hours in the Day
04 Girlfriend Blues
05 Full Trottle Fever
06 Dimples
07 These Blues Are Taking Me Higher
08 Love Me Babe
09 New Day Blues
10 Slow Train Blues
11 Tomorrow Is an Other Day Blues
12 Religion Blues
13 I Still Need Love 14 Holy Grail Blues

Link

J.B. Hutto - High & Lonesome (Fan Club Records, 1992)

2012-01-27T12:13:00.000+04:00

Are your ready for the BLUES? I can’t hear you. Are YOU ready for the BLUES? Yes? Good. Then put aside everything, sit deep in your armchair and be prepared ‘cause you will be captivated, yes, captivated from the very first touch of strings. You’ll not be able to think of anything, feel anything or do anything and important most of all, you won’t want to. This music takes you over, you’re gradually becoming surrounded by the best slide blues ever, performed by the Master. That night of 12th April 1982, J.B. brought the house down. This live performance in Binghampton, New York is his best one. Slidewinder does his job perfect way starting with Jimmy Reed’s High & Lonesome, continuing with his own instrumental J.B.’s Boogie followed by excellent cover of Big Bill’s Feel So Good. Laundromat Blues, an answer to skeptics, saying J.B. is all about rock ‘n roll, will make you cry. Coo Coo Baby and Walking The Dog is a small relax. Then starts the madness. There are not enough words in the world to describe what happens in Come Back Baby. It seems music gets into your blood and you want to freeze the moment. Inimitable feeling brought to you by the King of Slide Guitar and his four-piece band, delivering true Chicago sound. Album finishes with fine cover of Leiber/Stoller’s Kansas City. If you listen to J.B. for the first time, I bet you’ll immediately become his fan. First thing I did after I listened to this album I started it again and then again and all over again. And I’m listening to it right now.

Track List

01. High And Lonesome
02. J.B.'s Boogie
03. Feel So Good
04. Too Much Alcohol
05. Hide and Seek
06. Laundromat Blues
07. Coo Coo Baby
08. Walking the Dog
09. Come Back Baby
10. Kansas City

Link

John Primer - All Original (Blues House Productions, 2008)

2012-01-26T12:13:00.000+04:00

This 2008 release represents 12 songs, recorded for John’s own label Blues House Productions. No doubt, this is Chicago blues and the band performs like true Chicago band but some feeling of imperfection gets you after you listen the whole album.

Guitar work could be considered average to good. Guitar on I Called My Baby is really cool, in best traditions of slide guitar, on Blue Eyed Woman you find Muddy influenced guitar drive, but the best song and truly original should be acoustic Love In My Heart For You. Besides this, guitar could be distinguished on At Home Alone. On the rest of the songs John does below his abilities. Generally, guitar throughout the album sounds like one of Muddy Waters’, who, for instance, is John’s idol and mentor. After finishing listening first feeling I got I have already heard it number of times.

What makes this album be rated above average is work of two sidemen - Harmonica Hinds on harp and David Ross on piano/organ.

Track List

01. Add a Little Touch

02. Going Back To Mississippi

03. I Called My Baby

04. Everyday Brings By A Change

05. Blue Eyed Woman

06. Other Man

07. Woman That I'm Loving

08. Bad Child

09. Keep On Loving The Blues

10. At Home Alone

11. Say Yes, Don't Say No

12. Love In My Heart For You

Link

John Primer - All Right (1996)

2012-01-25T12:13:00.000+04:00

This rare live set recorded in Argentina in 1996 gives full impression of John Primer's Blues power. Accompanied by the group of local musicians Primer performs first set on acoustic guitar and 4 bonus tracks on electric. Songs mostly consist of covers and all are delivered with deep thrill. Audience feels and reacts accordingly. Without knowledge of where this set was recorded, one might think it was done in one of the Windy City's Blues clubs. Particular attention should be given to cover of Muddy Waters' Country Boy. John pays tribute to his mentor and main influence. This is John Primer at his best.

Very rare set. Highly recommended.

Personnel: John Primer (acoustic and electric guitar, vocals); Omar Itcovici (guitar); Esteban Garcia (harmonica); Chucky De Ipola (keyboards); Rafael Pravetoni (bass); Adrian Flores (drums).

Track List

01. Waitin' For My Time

02. Still A Fool

03. Rock Me Baby

04. Kansas City

05. Rhinestone Cowboy

06. All right, Okey

07. I'm In The Mood

08. Drive, Drive, Drive

09. That's All I Need

10. Lookin' At The Window

Bonus Tracks

11. Cairo

12. Got My Mojo Working

13. Country Boy

14. Close To You

Link

Blues Charts (Billboard, Roots Report, Soul Critic)

2012-01-24T20:35:00.000+04:00

Billboard

Gary Clark Jr. became a new leader with The Bright Lights removing Hugh Laurie's debut album. SRV also jumped as well as Etta James with Icon who is represented with two albums again. Outsiders are Joe Bonamassa with Dust Bowl and Beth Hart/Joe Bonamassa with Don't Explain. Joe Bonamassa is not in top ten! Can't remember when this happened last time. Instead we have Gregg Allman back with Low Country Blues and Carolyn Wonderland debuting with Peace Meal. Much Bluesy society than in any week this year.

Longest resident is still Icon with 72 weeks followed by Playlist with 61. Overall chart looks like this:

Billboard Blues Chart (Week of January 28, 2012)

01. *Gary Clark, Jr. - The Bright Lights

02. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk

03. Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton - Play The Blues

04. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Playlist: The Very Best Of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble

05. Tedeschi Trucks Band - Revelator

06. *Johnny Winter - Roots

07. Etta James - The Dreamer

08. Etta James - Icon

09. *Carolyn Wonderland - Peace Meal

10. *Gregg Allman - Low Country Blues

* Titles with the greatest airplay and sales gains this week.

Roots Music Report

Roots Music Report Blues Chart (Week of January 20, 2012)

01. Cash Box Kings - Holler And Stomp

02. Steve Cropper with Featured Duets - Dedicated: A Salute To 5 Royales

03. Steve Pineo's Blue Monday Trio Canada - Vol. 1: Hardwired For The Blues

04. Etta Jame - The Dreamer

05. Carolyn Wonderland - Peace Meal

06. Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton - Play The Blues

07. Keb' Mo' - The Reflection

08. Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Evening

09. Johnny Winter - Roots

10. Matt Andersen - Coal Mining Blues

Soul Blues Music

Soul Blues/Southern Soul Charts (January 2012)

01. Omar Cunningham - Growing Pains

02. Ms. Jody - Ms. Jody's In The Town

03. Latimore - Ladies Choice

04. Willie Clayton - The Tribute: One Man, One Voice

05. Jill Scott - The Lights Of The Sun

06. Class Brotherhood Band - Out Of The Shadows Of Soul

07. Wilson Meadows - Man Up!

08. The Revelations featuring Tre Williams - Concrete Blues

09. Carl Marshall - Songs People Love The Most, Vol. 2

10. Sheba Potts-Wright - Let Your Mind Go Back

Upload Termination

2012-01-24T20:33:00.001+04:00

Hi All Blues Fans!

As many of you already know, scandal associated with file sharing service Megaupload scared other similar services as well. I was trying to upload just 1 file during the whole day but it appeared to be impossible. Other blogs are having the same problem. So, we'll have to wait for better times. Until then, I'll continue to publish posts covering other Blues stories.

This Day In Blues (January 22)

2012-01-22T12:04:00.000+04:00

22.01.1897. Legendary Bluesman Blind Willie Johnson was born near Brenham, Texas.

22.01.1908. Long-time collaborator of Sleepy John Estes, Blues harp player Hammie Nixon was born in Brownsville, Tennessee.

22.01.1931. American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Sam Cooke was born Samuel Cooke in Clarksdale, MS.

22.01.1949. Blues harmonica player, Cooper Terry was bon Verl Cooper, Jr. in San Antonio, TX.

22.01.1964. The Yardbirds featuring Eric Clapton appeared at The Cavern Club, Liverpool, England.

22.01.1981. American Blues singer, guitarist and bandleader, Blind James Campbell died in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 74.

22.01.1982. Blues harmonicist influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson II and tutored by Little Walter, Big Leon Brooks died of a heart attack in Chicago, IL at the age of 48.

22.01.1992. One of the finest white Blues and folk singers of the early to mid-1960s, Judy Roderick died of a heart attack from complications due to diabetes in Grantsdale, MT, aged 49.

22.01.1999. Al King died at the age of 72.

22.01.2002. Terminus Records released Fool Me Good, an album by Precious Bryant, nominated for 2003 W.C. Handy Blues Awards in Acoustic Blues Album Of The Year and Best New Artist Debut categories.

22.01.2002. Ruf Records released Hush!, an album by Ana Popovic, nominated for 2003 W.C. Handy Blues Awards in Best New Artist Debut category.

22.01.2008. North Mississippi Records released Hernando, an album by North Mississippi Allstars reaching No. 1 on Billboard Blues chart.

22.01.2011. 25th anniversary of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Nick Moss - Here I Am (Blue Bella, 2011)

2012-01-22T00:13:00.000+04:00

Frankly said, fans of Nick Moss should be disappointed with Here I Am. At least fans who still consider Nick Moss a Bluesman.

The first and foremost is new sound (in terms of overall sound that band generates through the album) which is not something unacceptable itself but such heavy, almost metallic, sound heard on a number of songs, is totally incompatible with his soft voice. This should be considered a weak point of the work.

Another thing is longevity of songs. Of course, Nick Moss was known for his prolonged guitar solos making them run more but on this album this is a rule, not an exception. Only three songs run less than five minutes. The obvious reason for that should be desire to express same, old feelings in a new format but this new format has its rules. Thus the result.

Diversity of genres covered and political element of the lyrics need to be mentioned as well. One even might say the lyrics are more important than music but this is questionable.

Anyway, Nick Moss still is one of the finest guitar players, diverse, and already an experienced. All these fatures are showcased here. Yes, this album is musically diverse. Yes, we hear great guitar playing, we feel potential of commercial success; and to the regret of many, we don’t hear the Blues. Yes.

Considering Moss’ previous release, Privileged, we have sound ground to say this guy left the Blues. Hopefully not for good.

Track List

01. Why You So Mean?

02. Blood Runs

03. Here I Am

04. Candy Nation

05. It’ll Turn Around

06. Long Haul Jockey

07. Here Comes Moses

08. Caught By Surprise

09. Katie Ann (Slight Return)

10. Sunday Get Together

11. It’ll Turn Around (Radio Edit)

Link

Jo Ann Kelly - Key To The Highway: Rare & Unreleased Recordings 1968-1974

2012-01-21T12:13:00.000+04:00

When Blues patriarchs like Sonny Boy Williamson II and Muddy Waters started visiting UK for expanding Blues geography, Jo Ann Kelly was one of the pioneering woman musicians to become infected with the devil's music. The fever was her companion during whole life, life which sadly ended untimely.

This album covers period from 1968 to 1975 although title states "1968-1974". This compilation became necessary after her creation finally got deserved attention. Jo Ann Kelly did not became shining star during her life nor she enjoyed commercial success but her legacy is of utmost importance in formation of British Blues. Her voice is rich and guitar playing intense. She is equally good with accompaniment or without ("Levee Camp Holler "). Set consists mostly of covers of songs from Big Bill Broonzy to Jimmy Reed and this lady sings all these songs with ease, naturally and originally, she makes these songs sound like her own songs. Just listen to "Louisiana Blues [Version 2]", you'll feel you are in the Delta. One more proof that you don't need to be black to sing the Blues.

Album also contains two interviews.

Track List

01. Keep Your Hands Out of My Pocket
02. No Chance With You
03. You Win Again
04. I've Been Scorned
05. Can I Get a Witness
06. Rolling Log Blues
07. Louisiana Blues
08. I Can't Be Satisfied
09. Levee Camp Holler
10. Two Nineteen Blues
11. Make Me a Pallet on the Floor
12. Key to the Highway
13. You've Got to Move
14. Black Rat Swing
15. Baby, What You Want Me to Do
16. Louisiana Blues [Version 2]
17. Boyfriend Blue
18. Catfish Blues
19. Walking the Dog
20. Jump Steady Daddy
21. Put a Record On
22. Guitars, Stars, and Early Repertoire [Interview]
23. The Bridge House Days [Interview]

Link

This Day In Blues (January 21)

2012-01-21T12:04:00.000+04:00

21.01.1936. Blues, rock and roll, jazz and country musician, Snooks Eaglin was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

21.01.1942. Count Basie and His Orchestra recorded "One O'Clock Jump".

21.01.1942. Butler twins, Clarence (harmonica, vocals) and Curtis (guitar), were born in Florence, AL.

21.01.1948. Chicago Blues singer Zora Young was born in West Point, Mississippi.

21.01.1948. Bull Moose Jackson went on No. 1 with "I Love You Yes I Do" on US R&B chart for three weeks overturning Julia Lee and Her Boy Friends with "(Opportunity Knocks But Once) Snatch and Grab It".

21.01.1965. The Animals' show at New York's Apollo Theater is canceled after the U.S. Immigration Department forced the group to leave the theater.

21.01.1968. Jimi Hendrix recorded his version of the Bob Dylan song '‘All Along the Watchtower’' at Olympic Studios in London. Rolling Stone Brian Jones and Dave Mason from Traffic both played on the session.

21.01.1982. B.B. King donated his entire record collection of over 20,000 discs to Mississippi University's centre for the Study of Southern Culture.

21.01.1984. Gary Moore performed Live In Chippenham at Goldiggers, Chippenham, UK.

21.01.1987. Robert Cray Band with special appearance of Stevie Ray Vaughan on three songs recorded live for Q-102 Radio station at Club Redux in Dallas, Texas.

21.01.1992. One of the finest Blues pianists ever, who spent much of his career in Europe, Blues Hall Of Fame inductee, Champion Jack Dupree, died of cancer in Hanover, Germany.

21.01.1997. Evidence released King Of Hearts, album by King Ernest, nominated for 1998 W.C. Handy Blues Awards in Comeback Blues Album Of The Year and Soul Blues Album Of The Year categories.

21.01.1999. Blus and R&B singer and piano player who had two number one hits, Blues Hall Of Fame inductee (1996), Charles Brown died of congestive heart failure in Oakland, California at the age of 76.

21.01.2003. Blues Express released Bettye LaVette's album A Woman Like Me, winner of 2004 Blues Music Awards in Comeback Blues Album Of The Year category. Album was also nominated for 2004 Blues Music Awards in Blues Album Of The Year and Soul Blues Album Of The Year categories.

21.01.2008. Blues drummer known as "the ambassador" at the annual San Francisco Blues Festivals, Francis Clay died in San Francisco, CA, aged 84.

21.01.2008. Odetta was the keynote speaker at San Diego's Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration.

21.01.2011. Fred Sanders’ funeral was hold at the New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church at 4920 Horn Lake Road, Memphis, Tennessee.

Jimmy Dawkins - Me, My Guitar And The Blues (Ichiban, 1997)

2012-01-20T12:13:00.000+04:00

One more time we have to say: West Side Guitar Hero does it perfectly. One of the most bluesy bluesmen ever, Jimmy Dawkins, proves - it is possible to play the blues only and make it great music. Me, My Guitar And The Blues is an album perfect in every instance: great selection of songs ("True Love" needs particular attention); great band, members of which do not play even one unnecessary note (this is what is called Chicago sound); and, of course, Jimmy's singing and truely fantastic playing which completes the thing.

You can't listen this album just once. It'll come to you number of times. So, why to wait, download and enjoy the Blues.

Track List

01. Back To School
02. You Don't Want Me
03. Down, Down Baby
04. I'm Running
05. Tuff Girl
06. Me, My Guitar and The Blues
07. Jimmy's Bag
08. True Love
09. Back Street Blues
10. Cold As Hell

Link

This Day In Blues (January 20)

2012-01-20T12:04:00.000+04:00

20.01.1888. Influential Blues, gospel and folk singer of first generation, and player of guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica, violin, and accordion, Leadbelly was born Huddie William Ledbetter on the Jeter Plantation near Mooringsport, Louisiana.

20.01.1922. Piney Brown was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

20.01.1936. Blues pianist Erwin Helfer was born in Chicago, Illinois.

20.01.1937. Saxophonist of Blues and jazz, Erskine Oglesby was born.

20.01.1949. Albert Ammons played at President Harry S. Truman's inauguration.

20.01.1952. American Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter John Campbell was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

20.01.1956. Reverend Gary Davis' Harlem Street Sprituals were recorded by Kenneth F. Goldstein. Recordings appeared at Riverside Records' American Street Songs LP.

20.01.1973. Jerry Lee Lewis made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

20.01.1989. Blues pianist Whistlin’ Alex Moore died of a heart attack in Dallas, Texas at the age of 89.

20.01.1996. American Blues guitarist and singer, who played guitar in Willie Dixon's Blues All-Stars, Buster Benton died from the effects of diabetes in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 63.

20.01.1998. Cannonball Records released Cadillac Blues, an album by Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents, nominated for 1999 W.C. Handy Blues Awards in Traditional Blues Album Of The Year category.

20.01.2002. Blues musician in the Piedmont style, John Jackson died of liver cancer in Fairfax Station, Virginia at the age of 77.

20.01.2004. A Tribute To Reverend Gary Davis titled "If I Had My Way: Blues, Gospel & Ragtime of Reverend Gary Davis" was held at Kaufman Center, Merkin Hall (part of Lincoln Center) in New York City as part of the New York Guitar Festival with performances by Jorma Kaukonen, Roy Book Binder and Ernie Hawkins.

20.01.2007. Eric Clapton performed his first-ever concert in China at Shanghai's Grand Stage.

20.01.2009. Aretha Franklin performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" during the inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama.

Ike Turner - Risin' With The Blues (Zoho Music, 2006)

2012-01-19T12:13:00.000+04:00

Grammy winning album from American R&B icon proves that Ike Turner is a sound name in Blues music too. 14 compositions were enough to demonstrate this. Album is comprised of both originals and covers but each song is performed the new way, originally.

Compositions are selected masterfully and established in such order that every next one brings new emotion and raises the wish to prolong this celebration of music.

Ike Turner was multi-talented performer. He plaid guitar and keyboards and, of course, he sung. He was good in every instance and it is seen on this album but his voice is a separate issue. Raw, hoarse, powerful, and intimate simultaneously, Ike Turner's voice fits the Blues.

Ike Turner is backed by his Kings of Rhythm and band only makes it better. It is a work which does not need any kind of categorization. It is a music!

Track List

01. Gimme Back my Wig
02. Caldonia
03. Tease Me
04. Goin' Home Tomorrow
05. Jazzy Fuzzy
06. I Don't Want Nobody
07. Jesus Loves Me
08. A Love Like Yours
09. Senor Blues
10. Eighteen Long Years
11. Rockin' Blues
12. After Hours
13. Big Fat Mama
14. Bi Polar

Link

This Day In Blues (January 19)

2012-01-19T12:04:00.000+04:00

19.01.1925. Blues pianist Henry Gray was born in Kenner, Louisiana.

19.01.1933. The Georgia Browns (Buddy Moss, vocals, harmonica; Fred McMullen & Curley Weaver, guitars) recorded "Next Door Man" for ARC. Song was not released on the label.

19.01.1934. Laurens Hammond patented his invention, Hammond organ.

19.01.1934. Drummer and harmonica player, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith was born in Helena, Arkansas.

19.01.1942. American Blues guitarist and harmonicist, Joe Johnson was born in Independence, LA.

19.01.1943. Blues and rock singer Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas.

19.01.1945. Louis Jordan recorded for the first time Fleecie Moore's future Blues standard "Caldonia" on Decca Records.

19.01.1970. T-Bone Walker disciple, guitarist L.C. McKinley died in East Chicago, Indiana, aged 51.

19.01.1977. Charlie Daniels and the Marshall Tucker Band played for Jimmy Carter's inauguration.

19.01.1993. Fleetwood Mac reunited to perform at Bill Clinton's inauguration. The band's "Don't Stop" was used as the theme for his campaign.

19.01.1993. Tom Waits was allowed to keep the $2.5 million that a judge awarded him after he sued Frito-Lay for using a sound alike in a 1988 commercial. The U.S. Supreme Court supported the amount of the damages.

19.01.1993. Dave Van Ronk gave a fifteen-piece live performance at the Packhaus-Theater in Bremen, Germany later released on Tradition & Moderne as On Air album.

19.01.2010. Phoebe Snow suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.

19.01.2010. Merless Records released Home Sweet Home, an album by South Memphis String Band, nominated for 2011 Blues Music Awards in Acoustic Album Of The Year category.

Hubert Sumlin - Blues Guitar Boss (JSP, 1994)

2012-01-18T12:13:00.001+04:00

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and many others cited him as one of the major influences, he was mainstay ofHowlin' Wolf band although played for a short time in Muddy Waters Blues Band. Today he is one of the legends of Chicago Blues.

Hubert Sumlin started solo career when he was over forty and during 30+ years recorded just more then a dozen albums. This one was recorded in London, UK in 1990 and rooted Sumlin's place on modern Blues scene. You can't find here fiery guitar solos or playing to burn strings. On the contrary, Mr. Sumlin plays his Gibson Les Paul on a calmest manner ever possible but you still got the feeling of playing by great master and that's a sign of a master. Only a few Blues guitar players could ever do that. Mr. Sumlin is a true Blues Guitar Boss!

It is a very good Blues album.

Personnel: Hubert Sumlin (vocals, guitar); Richard Studholme (guitar, upright bass, bass guitar, background vocals); Jack Hill (piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Steve Thorneycroft (drums).

Track List

01. All I Can Do
02. You Got To Help Me
03. Blues Is Here To Stay
04. Sometimes I'm Right
05. Spanish Greens
06. Still Playing The Blues
07. I Could Be You
08. Pickin'
09. Look Don't Touch
10. I've Stopped Crying

Link

Blues Society News

2012-01-18T12:13:00.000+04:00

Rosedale Crossroads Blues Society - Rosedale, MS

Rosedale Crossroads Blues Society presents The Crossroads Blues and Heritage Festival, Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the River Resort at Highway 1 South in historic Rosedale, MS featuring Bill Abel, Cadillac John, Big Joe Shelton, DSU Ol’ Skool Revue and other area artists.

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

Minnesota Blues Society - Minneapolis, MN

In celebration of the Society's 10 year anniversary, Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society (GTCBMS) has changed their name to: Minnesota Blues Society, to better reflect their constituency. Get Out of Town" (GOOT) Fundraiser, Sun., Jan 22, 3:00pm, Minnesota Music Cafe, 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN, 651-776-4699. Suggested donation: $10, Come support Minnesota's 2012 IBC representatives, Annie Mack and Tom Kochie; and Javier and the Innocent Sons. Music by former IBC representatives: Steve Vonderharr, John Franken, Good Time Willy, Davina and the Vagabonds, Scottie Miller, Papa John Kolstad, Jeff Ray, and Harold Tremblay. Visit our new website at www.mnbs.org for more information.

Capital Region Blues Network - Albany, NY

The Capital Region Blues Network is proud to announce The Mid-Winter Blues Bash on Friday, January 27th at The Roadhouse Grille (27 Fuller Road, Albany) at 8PM. Tom Townsley and Seth Rochfort will be coming in from Syracuse to open the night, followed by The Matt Mirabile Band with special guests Tom Healey and Tas Cru. Tickets are $10.00 at the door and $5.00 for Capital Region Blues Network members. For more info see our website @ www.capitalregionbluesnetwork.org

Grafton Blues Association - Grafton, WI

The Grafton Blues Association (GBA) and State of Wisconsin will be represented at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee for the 4th consecutive year. The GBA will be sending a band (Tweed Funk) and solo/duo act (John Stano) this year. A Send-Off Party/Fundraiser will be held January 20th at the Black Swan Room in Grafton.

The Send-Off Party/Fundraiser starts at 7 pm and will feature music from both John Stano and Tweed Funk. Friday, January 20th, 2012; 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Black Swan Room; 1218 13th Ave, Grafton, WI 53024; Suggested Donation - $10; Drinks, Raffles, and Door Prizes. www.graftonblues.org

The Diamond State Blues Society - Wilmington, Delaware

The Diamond State Blues Society in Wilmington, Delaware has two great events coming up. The first is Saturday, January 14th for our "Goin' to Memphis Fundraiser Party" on behalf of the DSBS IBC entrant for this year, The Blue Cat Blues Band. The show is from 3 to 10pm and will feature 8 great regional blues bands: at 3pm- Scoville Blues; at 3:45pm- April Mae & the June Bugs; at 4:30pm- Johnny Never & the Solar Pimps; at 5:15pm- Alicia Maxwell & the Diamond Dawgz; at 6pm- Mikey Jr. & the Stone Cold Blues; at 6:45pm- The Billy Pierce Blues Band; at 7:30pm- Venom Blues; at 8:15pm- Nuthin' But Trouble; and at 9pm- The Blue Cat Blues Band. It will be a day of HOT Regional Blues and to raise some funds to get our IBC entrant to Memphis!

And on Saturday, March 3rd it's the Diamond State Blues Society's 15th Annual House Rockin' Party. Opening the show at 3pm will be Nuthin' But Trouble, followed by Florida's great Blues Guitarist, Albert Castiglia, and headlining the show is the ironman himself, the phenomenal Michael Burks! Full details can be found at www.DiamondStateBlues.com

Dayton Blues Society – Dayton, Ohio

The Dayton Blues Society presents the 4th Annual “Winter Blues Showcase” on January 21st 2012, The event spotlights this year’s IBC representatives Gregg “GC” Clark & Brian Lee (Solo/Duo) and The Noah Wotherspoon Band (Band) opening for this year’s headliner Big Bill Morganfield, son of blues legend Muddy Waters. Gilly’s 132 S. Jefferson St. 6pm—Meet & Greet w/ Big Bill Morganfield ($5), 8pm— Gregg Clark & Brian Lee, 9pm— Noah Wotherspoon Band, 10pm— Big Bill Morganfield (Muddy Water’s Son), DBS Members—$20 / Non DBS Members— $25, For more info go to www.daytonbluessociety.com .

River City Blues Society - Pekin, IL

River City Blues Society presents: Bringing The Blues To You with the following shows - Jan 11th at 7PM - Brandon Santini. Location Goodfellas 1414 N. 8th St, Pekin, Illinois 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm $5.00 non-members $3.00 members. For more info visit: www.rivercityblues.com

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

The Illinois Central Blues Club presents "Blue Monday" every Monday night for the last 25 years - BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. Jan 9 - The Brandon Santini Blues Band, Jan 16 - The Groove Daddies, Jan 23 - Mike Zito, Jan 30 - Tombstone Bullet, Feb 6 - Matt O'Ree, Feb 13 - Hurrican Ruth, Feb 20 - The Distillery, Feb 27 - The Blues Deacons. icbluesclub.org

This Day In Blues (January 18)

2012-01-18T12:04:00.000+04:00

18.01.1933. Slim Gordon recorded "Leg Iron Blues" for Vocalion 1743 accompanied by Curley Weaver and Fred McMullen or Buddy Moss on guitars.

18.01.1933. Gospel influenced southern soul singer, Vernon Garrett was born in Omaha, NE.

18.01.1935. Kokomo Arnold cut two songs for Decca in Chicago, Illinois.

18.01.1951. Ralph Willis featuring Brownie McGhee recorded "Income Tax Blues", "Bed Tick Blues", "Too Late To Scream And Shout" and "Hoodoo Man" for Jubilee in New York, NY. Dumas Ransom was in charge of bass and drums.

18.01.1960. Flamboyant pianist and singer of Blues, Gladys Bentley died in Los Angeles, CA at the age of 52.

18.01.1965. The Rolling Stones recorded "The Last Time" and "Play With Fire" at the RCA studio in Hollywood, California. Phil Spector played acoustic guitar on "Play With Fire".

18.01.1986. Blues and soul singer active from 1950s to 1980s, McKinley Mitchell died in Chicago Heights, IL, aged 51.

18.01.1995. Jerry Garcia crashed his rented BMW into a guard rail near Mill Valley, California, USA, but was not injured in the accident.

18.01.2000. Guitarist and singer of Country Blues who first recorded at his 80s, Alfred "Snuff" Johnson died at the age of 86.

18.01.2007. Mississippi Blues Trail marker was established in Clarksdale, Mississippi to commemorate Riverside Hotel.

18.01.2010. Time Slips On By, an album by Rich Del Grosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson was released. An album was nominated for 2011 Blues Blast Awards in Traditional Blues CD category.

18.01.2011. Universal Music released Low Country Blues, an album by Gregg Allman, Billboard Blues chart leader for eight consecutive weeks. Album was nominated for 2012 Grammy awards in Best Blues Album category.

18.01.2011. Delaney Bramlett was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.

18.01.2011. Blind Pig released Devil Got His Way, an album by Damon Fowler, nominated for 2011 Blues Blast Awards in Contemporary Blues CD category.

Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers - Beware Of The Dog! (Alligator, 1975)

2012-01-17T12:13:00.001+04:00

Simple playing could be funky. It’s possible. Hound Dog proved it. Playing simply on a cheap Japanese guitar with just two sidemen accompanying him he could make public go crazy. You can feel general feeling of audience throughout the album. People are crying, screaming, wowing provoked by Hound Dog’s cheerful playing. No matter he plays Elmore James’ classics or his own compositions, result is all the same: houserockin’, joyful, low-down music that makes you stand up and squeal and holler. You can’t just sit and listen. No, no chance of it. When you listen to Hound Dog you want to stand up and shake. This album is not an exception. It is amazing live performance brought to you by six-finger slide guitar wizard.

I want to say a few words about the band. HouseRockers is one of the best examples of three piece band. Guitar, another guitar and drums. No bass. Yes, Hound Dog Taylor never had a bass player because nobody could keep up with him. Brewer Phillips was playing bass lines on a second guitar.

Hound Dog Taylor is one of the much underrated great bluesmen. Every blues lover should have this album. Listen to this genius of slide guitar.

Personnel: Hound Dog Taylor - guitar, vocals; Brewer Phillips - guitar; Ted Harvey - drums.

Track List
01. Give Me Back My Wig
02. The Sun Is Shining
03. Kitchen Sink Boogie
04. Dust My Broom
05. Comin’ Around The Mountain
06. Let’s Get Funky
07. Rock Me
08. It’s Alright
09. Freddie’s Blues

Originally released on Alligator Records in 1975, CD released in 1991.

Link

Blues Internet Airplay Chart (Week of January 13)

2012-01-17T12:13:00.000+04:00

01. Tedeschi Trucks Band - Revelator

02. Jerry McCoy - Whistle Blowin'

03. Maria Muldaur - Steady Love

04. The Derek Trucks Band - Songlines

05. Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights

06. Eric Lindell - Low On Cash, Rich In Love

07. Eric Lindell - Gulf Coast Highway

08. Eric Lindell - Alligator Records 40th Anniversary

09. Waren Haynes - Man In Motion

10. Ray Bonneville - Bad Mans Blood

This Day In Blues (January 17)

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000+04:00

17.01.1902. American Blues pianist and singer, James “Stump” Johnson was born in Clarksville, Tennessee.

17.01.1933. Fred McMullen and Curley Weaver recorded "She Wear Good Stuff" for ARC label. Song was never released as was "Downhearted Florida Blues", recorded next day.

17.01.1933. Ruth Willis made recording sessison for ARC label consisting of five songs none of which was released.

17.01.1947. Louis Jordan went on No. 1 with "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" on US R&B chart for 17 weeks replacing own "Ain’t That Just Like a Woman (They’ll Do It Every Time)".

17.01.1950. Acoustic Blues guitarist and singer, Paul Rishell was born in Brooklyn, NY.

17.01.1953. Recording session of Arthur "Big Boy" Spires for Chance Records took place in Chicago, Illinois. Spires was backed by John Lee Henley or P.T. Hayes on harmonica, Johnny Williams on guitar and Ted Porter on drums.

17.01.1964. The Rolling Stones released their first EP.

17.01.1969. Charlie Watts' (Rolling Stones) book, Ode To A High Flying Bird was published. The book was a tribute to Charlie Parker.

17.01.1969. Led Zeppelin's debut album was released.

17.01.1973. Muddy Waters started series of concerts at National Arts Center in Ottawa, Ontario.

17.01.1985. Blues guitarist best known for his collaboration with Big Walter Horton, Jimmy DeBerry died in Sikeston, MO, aged 73.

17.01.1991. John Lee Hooker was inducted into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame.

17.01.1994. Papa John Creach suffered a heart attack during the Northridge earthquake.

17.01.1996. Robert Covington, drummer and singer of Chicago Blues, died in Elk Grove Village, IL, aged 54.

17.01.1998. North Mississippi Bluesman, Junior Kimbrough died following a stroke in Holly Springs, Mississippi at the age of 67.

17.01.2003. Singer Lou Rawls was arrested at Albuquerque Airport, New Mexico after an incident with his companion, Nina Inman.

17.01.2006. Ruf Records released Blues Reflex, an album by Bob Brozman, nominated for 2007 Blues Music Awards in Acoustic Album Of The Year category.

Homesick James - Shake Your Money Maker (Blue Label, 2007)

2012-01-16T12:13:00.001+04:00

Homesick James’ works of later period are of particular importance. To the surprise of many this is a period when “last of the broom dusters” was in his eighties. This album is one of those; recording was made live at Swiss club in 1999 when Mr. James was 89.

Homesick James was not an axe burner, nor the doer of fiery solos, but he could deliver so deep emotions with just a few touches of the strings, that many kilowatt eaters would envy. More to this, he could do it on both acoustic and electric guitars with his authentic slide style that all Blues fans will recognize from very first accords.

Sometimes atonal and disharmonic with often incomprehensible lyrics, his Blues legacy remains one of the most beautiful examples of the genre. And this album serves as a tutorial to young musicians how to stay within the boundaries of the genre and still deliver great music.

True Homesick, true Blues!

Personnel: Homesick James - guitar, vocals; Fred James, Bleu Jackson - guitar; Jeff “Stick” Davies - bass; Andy Arrow - drums.

Track List

01. Gotta Move

02. Set A Date

03. Sky Is Crying

04. Cross Cut Sow

05. That’s Alright Mama

06. Shake Your Money Maker

07. Homesick Boogie

08. Woman I Love

09. Early In The Morning

10. Bottle Up And Go

Link

Weekly Blues News #042 (108)

2012-01-16T12:13:00.000+04:00

Etta James Released From Hospital

January 06, 2012

Blues singer Etta James, who is terminally ill and battling leukemia, was resting at her Riverside home Friday, a day after being released from a Southern California hospital, KTLA-TV reported.

The 73-year-old had been hospitalized since late December after experiencing difficulty breathing. James is battling the final stages of terminal leukemia and also suffers from kidney disease and dementia.

She was on a respirator for nearly two weeks until she was strong enough to breathe on her own, her manager Lupe De Leon told the Associated Press.

James was in stable condition but reportedly communicating only with nods and simple words.

Guy Davis To Release 2-CD Version of One Man Show "The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed With The Blues"

Janury 08, 2012

Guy Davis will release a 2-CD "audio play" version of his one-man play The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed With the Blues. Davis, the son of noted, treasured actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, has performed this play all over the world since 1994 and he'll be performing excerpts from it throughout 2012 to support this first-ever audio release through his own label Smokeydoke Records.

The play includes original Davis compositions as well as songs by Robert Johnson, Reverend Gary Davis, Blind Willie McTell and Big Bill Broonzy.

New Doors Song Discovered

January 10, 2012

A producer discovered the song as he was preparing a 40th anniversary re-issue of“L.A. Woman, the rock band's sixth and final album recorded while singer Jim Morrison was alive.

The album will be released Jan. 24 with the newly discovered song, “She Smells So Nice.”

“That's a new song that we didn't know existed; nobody did,” Manzarek said. “It came out of the blue. It came out of knowing it was the 40th anniversary of L.A. Woman.

“Bruce Botnick, our producer and engineer, started listening to stuff and said, ‘Holy Cow! Come in. Come in and listen to this.' And we went into the studio into his listening space and there was this cut that we had completely forgotten.”

L.A. Woman was released in April 1971, and Morrison died three months later in Paris at age 27.

Mud Morganfield Releasing Debut Album

Januay 11, 2012

Severn Records has announced a March 20 release date for Son Of The Seventh Son, the label debut from Larry "Mud" Morganfield, son of the legendary Muddy Waters.

Recorded in Chicago and produced by Bob Corritore, Son of the Seventh Son features Mud Morganfield's earthy, soulful vocals backed by a cadre of blues all-stars, including Kenny Smith on drums, Rick Kreher and Billy Flynn on guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck on keyboards, E.G. McDaniel on bass, and Harmonica Hines and Bob Corritore on harp.

Son of the Seventh Son includes seven Mud Morganfield originals, as well several other new tunes and a couple songs associated with his famous dad, such as "You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had." Producer Bob Corritore calls his sound "a contemporary version of traditional Chicago Blues."

Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi Diagnosed With Cancer

January 09, 2012

Black Sabbath’s original lineup had been working on a new album when guitarist Tony Iommi learned he had lymphoma, the AP reports.

Send good vibes his way, rock and roll fans.

This Day In Blues (January 16)

2012-01-16T12:04:00.000+04:00

16.01.1896. American Blues guitarist and vocalist of American and Cherokee descent, Robert Wilkins was born in Hernando, Mississippi.

16.01.1914. One of the most influential East Coast Blues guitarists of 1930s, Buddy Moss was born in Jewel, Georgia.

16.01.1927. Self-taught guitarist and pianist, Guitar Pete was born Edward Lamonte Franklin in Indianapolis, IN.

16.01.1930. Blues drummer active in Chicago since mid-1940s, Billie Stepney was born in Grenada, MS.

16.01.1932. Blues harp player, Lester "Mad Dog" Davenport was born in Tchula, Mississippi.

16.01.1932. Joseph Kekuku, the inventor of lap steel guitar, died in Morristown, Dover, New Jersey of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 58.

16.01.1942. American Blues and R&B singer and songwriter, Barbara Lynn was born Barbara Lynn Ozen in Beaumont, TX.

16.01.1957. Little Richard recorded "Lucille".

16.01.1961. Memphis Slim, Jazz Gillum and Arbee Stidham assembled in a New York City recording studio and recorded an album for Candid Records. It was a tribute to Big Bill Broonzy, Leroy Carr, Cow Cow Davenport, Curtis Jones, Walter Davis, Roosevelt Sykes, Blind Blake, Washboard Sam, and Big Maceo, each of whom is given a tip of the hat in one song or another.

16.01.1969. Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Albert Collins all appeared at the Fillmore West, San Francisco, California.

16.01.1976. Family held a memorial service for Howlin' Wolf at A.R. Leak Funeral Chapel on South Cottage Groove Avenue.

16.01.1979. Cher's divorce from Gregg Allman was finalized.

16.01.1990. Ike Turner was convicted of driving under the influence of cocaine and being under the influence of cocaine and sentenced to a four year prison sentence in California.

16.01.1992. Eric Clapton recorded his unplugged session for MTV.

16.01.2000. It was reported that Mick Jagger had lost the chance of a knighthood because of his errant ways.

16.01.2001. Malaco Records released Little Milton's album Feel It, winner of 2002 Blues Music Awards in Soul Blues Album Of The Year category.

16.01.2003. Blues singer, musician and harmonica player, Little Hatch died of cancer in El Dorado Springs, Missouri at the age of 81.

16.01.2007. Alligator Records released The Holmes Brothers' album State Of Grace, winner of 2008 Blues Music Awards in Soul Blues Album Of The Year category.

16.01.2008. it was reported by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office that Ike Turner had died from a cocaine overdose.

Blues Charts (Billboard, Roots Music, Soul Critic)

2012-01-15T12:13:00.000+04:00

Billboard

Kenny Wayne Shepherd's How I Go left elite one more time and Etta James' final work, The Dreamer re-entered the list. Johnny Winter's Roots jumped one position and made respective albums by Hart/Bonamassa and Bonamassa solely (this guy still managed to be represented with two works in top ten) drop down. That's it, all the rest remained unchanged, same leader, same triumvirate.

Longest resident is still Icon with 71 weeks followed by Playlist with 60. Overall chart looks like this:

Billboard Blues Chart (Week of January 21, 2012)

01. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk

02. Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton - Play The Blues

03. Gary Clark, Jr. - The Bright Lights

04. Tedeschi Trucks Band - Revelator

05. *Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Playlist: The Very Best Of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble

06. Etta James - Icon

07. *Johnny Winter - Roots

08. *Etta James - The Dreamer

09. Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa - Don't Explain

10. Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl

* Titles with the greatest airplay and sales gains this week.

Roots Music Report

Roots Music Report Blues Chart (Week of January 13, 2012)

01. Cash Box Kings - Holler And Stomp

02. Steve Cropper with Featured Duets - Dedicated: A Salute To 5 Royales

03. Steve Pineo's Blue Monday Trio Canada - Vol. 1: Hardwired For The Blues

04. Etta Jame - The Dreamer

05. Treasa Levasseur - Broad

06. Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton - Play The Blues

07. Keb' Mo' - The Reflection

08. Carolyn Wonderland - Peace Meal

09. Sugar Ray & The Bluetones - Evening

10. Johnny Winter - Roots

Soul Blues Music

Soul Blues/Southern Soul Charts (January 2012)

01. Omar Cunningham - Growing Pains

02. Ms. Jody - Ms. Jody's In The Town

03. Latimore - Ladies Choice

04. Willie Clayton - The Tribute: One Man, One Voice

05. Jill Scott - The Lights Of The Sun

06. Class Brotherhood Band - Out Of The Shadows Of Soul

07. Wilson Meadows - Man Up!

08. The Revelations featuring Tre Williams - Concrete Blues

09. Carl Marshall - Songs People Love The Most, Vol. 2

10. Sheba Potts-Wright - Let Your Mind Go Back