Sunday, May 30, 2010

Paul Black - 2009 - Blue Words [320]

Recorded at world renouned Erickson Studios, Paul Black with the help of drummer Gerry Adolph, keyboard player Darcy Phillips and bassist David Augistine, crafted 12 tracks with everything from Blues, Rock ,Latin and Soul to produce a well rounded and high energy album that will take you on a ride you won't soon forget.
(Full Covers)

Toni Price - 2007 - Talk Memphis [320]

If Irma Thomas and Carla Thomas were soul sisters, Toni Price could pass as their sound-alike sibling on this release that ranks with Price's Swim Away debut as her best. Some of the cream of Austin's musicianship pays labor-of-love tribute to the grooves of Memphis and New Orleans, with David Grissom and Derek O'Brien alternating on lead guitar and drummers Barry "Frosty" Smith and George Rains anchoring the rhythm sections. In addition to comparatively obscure material from the songbooks of Allen Toussaint ("Mean Man"), Isaac Hayes and David Porter ("Leftover Love"), and Booker T. Jones and Eddie Floyd ("Sorry About That"), Price turns again to her favorite contemporary songwriter, Gwil Owen, whose four selections fit just fine with the soul masters. Whether sounding as sweet as she does on "Sunflower" or as seductive as on "What I'm Putting Down," "Ninety-Nine Pounds," and "The Power," Price never hits a note that doesn't ring true, and she makes the title song by Jesse Winchester her own.
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The Blues Band - 1980 - Ready [320]

Blues Band's second release.
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The Blues Band - 1980 - Official Bluesband Bootleg Album [192]

England's the Blues Band is led by ex-Manfred Mann vocalist Paul Jones and guitarist/vocalist Dave Kelly, who, before forming the group in 1979, had been a member of the John Dummer Blues Band and issued several solo recordings on his own (Kelly had also received praise for his playing by such blues legends as Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker). After hooking up with friend/bassist Gary Fletcher, the seeds for the Blues Band were sown, resulting in countless albums. Their first album, The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album, a mixture of blues standards and original songs – notably the Paul Jones-Tom McGuinness cut Come On In, and their long-standing stage favourite Flatfoot Sam - initially attracted no interest from major labels, so they pressed a limited run of 3,000 themselves, hand-stamped their logo on the cardboard sleeve, and signed them all.After unqualified endorsement from BBC Radio 1 and others, media interest resulted in a contract with Arista records, who gave the album an official release.
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Rodrigo Nezio & Duoconde Blues - 2007 - Same [192]

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Hot Tuna - Historic Live Tuna [128]

Relix's second Hot Tuna release was another archival work, its two sides containing two KSAN-FM radio broadcasts from the spring and summer of 1971; one side was taped at the station, the other chronicles the band's appearance at the closing of the Fillmore West. In his liner notes, Jorma Kaukonen acknowledges that the band has encountered criticism for releasing such "so-called antique material," but counters that "If you like it, you like it ... if you don't you don't."
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Hot Tuna - 1984 - Splashdown [160]

This archival release is taken from a broadcast on New York radio station WQIV-FM on July 25, 1975, and features the duo of guitarist Jorma Kaukonen playing acoustic and bassist Jack Casady performing at the station. At the time, Hot Tuna recently had released its America's Choice album, but this set harks back to the group's 1970 debut album, Hot Tuna, both in its acoustic format and in the selection of mostly folk-blues standards.
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Daniel Castro - 1999 - No Surrender [320] (Re-Up)

Daniel Castro is a force on guitar. With his pure passionate sound reminiscent of B.B. King, Albert King, and Albert Collins, he is on the forefront of the Bay Area Blues Scene. No Surrender is his much requested debut recording. This ia a collection of eleven songs containing six original and five cover tunes that Daniel has infused with his own style.
(Front Cover)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Johnny Winter - 1974 - Nightrider [320]

If you don't know Winter and you want to: buy a greatest hits collection. If you know and love Winter, and you are now looking for precious odd gems, then this is one of those discs. Compiled of alternate takes and unreleased gems, Nightrider is such a blues delight, you will fall into amazement upon how many different styles are represented on this single CD. Winter can play wildly, or quite sad, or quite happy. And all the styles just seem to work. Winter rules. An absolute legend that has captured the hearts (and ears) of many blues fans.
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Mr.Boogie Woogie - 2007 - Absoo-Boogin'-Lootly [320]

Due to popular demand, Mr. Boogie Woogie (Eric-Jan Overbeek) has released "Absoo-boogin'-lootly!" a 25 year retrospective of his favorite boogies recorded over the span of the Boogie Man's career. The CD contains tracks from his first release "Bluesin' and Cruisin' right through to the recent day. It also includes a special tribute to his mentor Rob Hoeke (1943-1999), a Dutch Boogie Woogie institution. This track called Down South (recorded by Rob Hoeke in 1964) and previously unreleased by Overbeek, was and still remains the most played Boogie on the Dutch radio.
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Stone Axe - 2010 - Stone Axe II [320]

Stone Axe harkens back to the best days of the 1970's with the release of their second album, Stone Axe II. The songs on this record sound like an imported greatest hits album your cool uncle let you play when your folks were out bowling. Stone Axe adeptly put a new stamp on the warm and familiar sounds we recall from our youth.
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Stone Axe - 2009 - Extended Play [192]

What started as a project for fun between 2 friends has turned into a band who is resurrecting the bygone times of Free, Thin Lizzy and The Faces. Stone Axe is an eight legged rawk monster whose short but sweet live sets are burning up the stages with there own brand of the 1970s. The band is the brain child of Mos Generator's Tony Reed and Port Orchard's Dru Brinkerhoff. The band's self titled first album is receiving raving reviews from the underground and those lucky enough to see them live are treated to the kind of rock show that hasn't been seen in a long time.
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Karen Lawrence & Blue By Nature - 1999 - Hard Daze [256]

During the 90's Blue By Nature emerged from L.A.'s thriving and highly competitive blues/R&B music scene, to become one of the top bands in So. Cal. The five-member group, renowned for their high-energy live shows, utilized eclectic and diverse musical influences to create a widely appealing "cross-over" blues-based sound which thrilled fans and won them a solid and still growing core of faithful followers across the USA. Karen Lawrence, Blue By Nature's driving force, is a dynamic singer and prolific songwriter.
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Blues Company - 2000 - Invitation To The Blues [256]

If you listened to Invitation to the Blues without paying close attention and without knowing anything about the Blues Company's background, you could easily assume that the band was American. Unless you listened closely, it wouldn't occur to you that the Blues Company might be based in Germany, or that it could have a founder who was originally from the former Yugoslavia (Todor "Toscho" Todorovic). Invitation shows how unpredictable and diverse a blues-oriented CD can be; this album finds the band incorporating everything from rock (the moody "Driving Through Texas") and funk ("Fine! Fine! Fine!") to jazz ("Warm Night in June"). "What Love Can Do" has the sort of Texas-fried blues-rock groove that you would expect from ZZ Top, while "Havin' a Ball" underscores Todorovic's appreciation of Little Richard. And elements of 1940s jump blues find their way to the exuberant "Jet Set Shuffle." To the Blues Company's credit, it all fits together -- Invitation comes across as eclectic without sounding erratic or schizophrenic. This CD is enthusiastically recommended to anyone who is seeking something unpredictable from the blues.
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Little Axe - 1996 - Slow Fuse [224]

Slow Fuse cuts back markedly on the sweeping sonic experimentation of the critically acclaimed The Wolf That House Built for more vocals and a song-oriented approach built on a foundation of acoustic guitar meeting high-tech studio sound. This time, rather than fashion a musical extension, Skip McDonald apparently set his sights on imagining and re-creating (to a point) the ambience of the Mississippi Delta world from which the blues took root.
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Monday, May 24, 2010

Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - 2010 - Have Blues Will Travel [320]

Two incendiary Texas guitarists - Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, come roaring back with Have Blues, Will Travel, the duo's twelfth album (and second for Alligator Records) over the course of their 20 year career. The album's title is entirely apropos, as Kubek and King chalk up 150-200 nights a year on the road kickin' out their hard-rocking juke-joint blues. Smokin' Joe is a blues-rock guitarist very much in the tradition of Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan, while King is a soulful vocalist and a damn fine guitarist in his own right, his elegant rhythm playing exploring a different side of the blues. Together, Kubek and King have enormous chemistry, and Have Blues, Will Travel promises to please fans and win converts.
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Stone Axe - 2009 - Stone Axe [320]

If you were to hear this album without the aid of any background information on its origins, your instincts would probably tell you it was 60's-era rock, carefully unearthed from the vaults of an overlooked rock band along the lines of Free or Cream. The fact that it's a new recording is a testament to the precision with which the group crafts not only their songs, but their sound. If you feel like you've exhausted your classic rock options, this is a great place to get a fresh start.
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Indigenous - 2006 - Chasing The Sun [320]

Though the name "Indigenous" reflects frontman Mato Nanji's heritage as a member of the Nakota tribe, on Chasing the Sun he sounds more like a member of the tribe of Stevie Ray Vaughan soundalikes. Not that this is necessarily a problem when the songs are so strong, the singing so soulful, and the guitar playing so striking. Whereas Indigenous earlier featured Nanji fronting a family band, these days he pretty much is Indigenous (though sidemen still include his bassist brother Pte). The opening "Runaway" channels so much of Vaughan's signature style that listeners might well mistake it for Stevie Ray, though the album ultimately extends its range to encompass the Allmanesque balladry of "Come on Home" and the bluesy twist given Bob Dylan's closing "Born in Time." What he lacks in originality, Nanji offsets with chops and conviction.
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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Mike Zito - 2009 - Pearl River [320]

There is one glaring problem that all whom listen to Mike Zito's new album "Pearl River", will no doubt notice, that being that this release is just not long enough. Yes even at 55+ minutes, Mike Zito's "Pearl River", is simply going to leave you wanting more. "Pearl River" is an Album that sounds like it was soaked in the Blues, rinsed with Rock N Roll, and dried with a towel laced with Soul, thanks in part not only because of Mike's magic, but also the magic brought to this Album by it's special guests performers, namely, Reese Wynans (Double Trouble), Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne and Susan Cowsill. "Pearl River" is an exceptional follow-up to his Eclecto Groove Records debut "Today", and leaves you with the feeling that although Mike may not yet be the King of his style, he is certainly in line for the crown, and will no doubt be wearing it one day.
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John Lee Hooker With The Groundhogs - 1965 - Hooker & The Hogs [256]

Guitarist Tony McPhee was once asked to succeed Eric Clapton in John Mayall's Blues Breakers. He declined opting instead to continue playing with his own band, the Groundhogs. The Band's name was taken from a track on Hooker's "House of the Blues". When Hooker toured England in 1965, he was accompanied by the Groundhogs who essentially served as his back-up band. This Cd was recorded during that tour. The first 11 tracks are from the original mono recording featuring Hooker on Guitar and vocals, McPhee on Guitar, Pete Cruikshank on Bass, Dave Bookman on Drums and Tom Parker on Organ/Piano. Tracks 12-15 feature Hooker and "unidentified" guests. Each track features Hooker's trademark electric boogie in its rawest form. Except for being mono, the material could easily be mistaken for more recent Hooker material. No blues fan should be without this CD in his/her collection.
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Mick Abrahams And The This Was Band - 1998 - This Is [VBR]

After mending fences with Ian Anderson and playing some of the old tunes a few times, the idea of The This Was Band was formed. Mick Abrahams (guitar, slide guitar & vocals) got together with Mike Summerland (bass guitar), Paul Burgess (drums & percussion), and Steve Dundon (flute & vocals) to tour and play a set consisting of the songs from the first Jethro Tull album, "This Was". This album consists of live performances of 9 of the 10 tracks from that first album. "Round", the short closing piece is really more of a coda for the album, and really wouldn't work in concert, but the rest are here. In addition, they play a rocking encore of B. B. King's "Rock Me Baby" to close the album. As with the original album, this one opens with "My Sunday Feeling", but from there on the track order is completely different. Despite Mick being the only original member to play on this album, at times the sound is eerily similar to the original group. There are some great performances; such as "Move on Alone", "Beggars Farm", and it wouldn't be a Mick Abrahams live performance without a memorable rendition of "Cat's Squirrel".
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Kim Simmonds - 2001 - Blues Like Midnight [320]

Savoy Brown's founding leader unplugs once again for his second solo outing. Considering that his band has released some lackluster, highly derivative, and plain plodding boogie material, especially in the '80s and '90s, this subtle set is remarkably affecting in its low-key, moody intensity. Simmonds doesn't have a great voice, but it works well in this stripped-down setting dominated by originals that sound like classic covers. A nearly eight-minute version of Jimmie Rodgers' title track is the album's centerpiece, yet the entire disc is an emotionally stirring showcase for a style of music seldom associated with the traditionally spotlight-stealing leads of Simmonds' electric blues band.
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Jimmy Lloyd Rea & The Switchmasters - 2007 - Cruzin' For A Bloozin' [VBR]

Basist Jimmy Lloyd Rea is a real modern day Bluesman and a true legend in the modern Blues scene. He has stood and played on the bandstand with many ot the true blues treasures. From Albert, BB, and Freddie King, to Lightinin Hopkins, Charlie Musselwhite, J.B. Hutto, John Lee Hooker, Troyce Key , J.J. Malone ,Canned Heat and many many more. As much as Jimmy honored and loved working with such amazing Blues talent , he had a sound lurking in his heart, mind and soul. Blues with a certain "groove" , raw edge , and fire. A much more free, untamed and straight from the soul type of sound.
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Black River Bluesman - 2003 - Not A Dog-Gone Thing [VBR]

Black River Bluesman and the Croaking Lizard play their Blues in the deep woods and swamps of the muddy Black River Delta way up North in cold Finland. Their unrefined, electric and hypnotic Blues have been compared to the rough sounds of the Mississippi Hill Country artists as well as to anything between Tom Waits and Jim Morrison or psychoblues and garage. Whatever the influences may be, they play their Blues with no compromises - just the way they feel. (Track 06 is missing).
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Monday, May 17, 2010

Robben Ford - 2007 - Truth [192]

On this release, guitar legend Robben Ford speaks the truth...not just with the sound of his guitar, but with the vision behind his music as he ventures deep into the blues with aggressive licks, direct and honest vocals and an uncharacteristic, yet appealing, rough edge. The CD also features Susan Tedeschi on the song One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor.
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Cass Elliot - 1973 - Don't Call Me Mama Anymore [VBR]

On this live album, recorded at Mister Kelly's, the prestigious Chicago nightclub, in the summer of 1973, she performed her act, which she was polishing in preparation for its adaptation into a television special in the fall. The album was released concurrently with the broadcast of the special, and the album cover describes it as "recreating selected highlights from her CBS television special," which isn't exactly accurate, but never mind.
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Cass Elliot - 1972 - The Road Is No Place For A Lady [320]

Cass Elliot (1941 – 1974), was a noted American singer, best remembered as Mama Cass of the pop quartet The Mamas & the Papas. After the group broke up, she had a successful solo career, releasing five studio albums. Elliot was found dead in her room in London from an apparent heart attack after two weeks of sold-out performances at the Palladium. In 1998, the four members of the group were inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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William Clarke - 1994 - Groove Time [256]

Here is Clarke, hot again. This time he has added a horn section on some of the cuts here. No problem. Alex Schultz is here on lead guitar to make sure that this album rocks, while Clarke once again writes most of the songs -- all 15 fat tracks. By this time, his Alligator albums have a style and feel all his own that one looks forward to. Plenty of high-impact amplified chromatic harmonica here of the push-the-band-hard variety that Clarke does so well, plus some tasty acoustic thrown in, too.
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Guitar Shorty - 2001 - I Go Wild [192]

In his sixth decade of playing the blues, Guitar Shorty returns with the duly claimed I Go Wild. These 13 cuts cover gritty soul/blues the way Shorty would play 'em on any given Saturday night in any number of blues joints around the world. Shorty has not mellowed with age. One of the strong points of I Go Wild is Shorty's ability to translate the exhilaration and acrobatics (literally) of his live show into the studio. The showmanship of Shorty's mentor, Guitar Slim, and student, Jimi Hendrix, is evident. Needless to say, the 13 cuts provide matching passion and rambunctiousness. Jim Pugh's Hammond B-3 organ adds an extra dimension to the proceedings.
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Guitar Shorty - 1998 - Roll Over, Baby [320]

Shorty is one of those artists who has never received his due. The fact that he influenced both the great Buddy Guy and Jimi Hendrix is almost beside the point. He is an uncommonly good blues guitarist in his own right and a powerful vocalist to boot. Roll Over, Baby is full of memorable sides like the slightly risque title cut, a nostalgic lover's plea. Shorty also does a fine "Hey Joe" a la Hendrix, yet firmly imprints it with his own stamp. And when Shorty says "Don't Mess with My Woman," you'd better listen. His biting guitar is reminiscent of the late Albert King with a little Clapton thrown in.
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Guitar Shorty - 1996 - Billie Jean Blues [256]

Billie Jean Blues is the first compilation album released by blues guitarist Guitar Shorty (David Kearney). The album was on CD by the label Collectables on August 27, 1996, the same day as the compilation album Blues Is All Right. The album was produced by Swamp Dogg at several club sessions.
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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Jimmy Dawkins - 1973 - Transatlantic 770 [256]

In 1972 Jimmy went to London and made "Transatlantic 770". There is a couple of nice Al King covers, Think Twice Before You Speak and High Cost Of Living and some very hard numbers like Stoned Dead and No More Troubles. Also included is a remake of All for Business.
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Saturday, May 15, 2010

Jimmy Dawkins - 1971 - Chicago On My Mind [256]

In 1971 Jimmy Dawkins went to Europe and when he was in Paris he took the time to record this album. The band is 2/3 French, the only American player is Mickey Baker on guitar. The liner notes tells it all: "Even the less informed listener will understand, in hearing this collection, the extent that this music, so charged with emotion and contained violence, corresponds to the mixed feelings of frustration and hope of the black population of the great American cities."
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The Paul Speidel Band - 2005 - Guitar Bass Drums [320]

The Paul Speidel Band plays raw blues-based improvisations exploring R&B, shuffles, slow blues, rock-n-roll and ballads--three musicians with hundreds of shows under their belt captured live.
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Blodwyn Pig - 1993 - Lies [VBR]

Mick Abrahams featured on Jethro Tull's first two albums before he split to form the first incarnation of Blodwyn Pig in 1969. 'Lies' recorded in '93 by B.P. mach 9 is a more soulful affair with the band leaving porgressive and jazz behind. Apart from the title track, there's a ton of R&B-styled material here including covers of songs by Doc Pomus and Dr. John.
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Friday, May 14, 2010

Texas Johnny Brown - 1997 - Nothin' But The Truth [192]

Nothin’ But The Truth, marks a welcome return to recording for Brown. Actually, it’s like he was never gone. He reprises his old Atlantic track "There Goes The Blues," and finally gets to record his own version of "Two Steps From The Blues." His guitar is as good as ever, maybe better. His vocals are a little rough around the edges, but effective. The rest of the songs are original compostions by Brown (except for the instrumental cover of "Ain’t No Way"), and lean toward the soulful side of blues. "Cheatin’ and Stealin’" (with it’s punchy horns), "Strange Situation," "Once Was," and the title track (about his life after the death of his mother) are among the standout tracks. Brown is backed by an excellent band, including the late Teddy Reynolds on three tracks.
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Joe Satriani - 2010 - Live In Paris - I Just Wanna Rock [VBR]

2010 two CD live set from the veteran guitarist. This very special recording depicts Satriani's stirring May 2008 performance in Paris, France. Some of his most memorable songs, "Surfing With The Alien", "Flying in a Blue Dream", are matched with recent hits like "Super Colossal" and "I Just Wanna Rock." Following the success of his other live releases, Satriani Live in 2006 and Live in San Francisco in 2001, Satriani has gained new heights with Live in Paris. The quality of music by the 15-time Grammy nominee is unquestionable.
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Donavon Frankenreiter - 2006 - Move By Yourself [192]

Former pro surfer Donavon Frankenreiter rides a new wave on his sophomore effort. A change in labels from mentor Jack Johnson's Brushfire to Lost Highway finds the bearded, long-haired, doe-eyed singer/songwriter channeling his inner Talking Book-era Steve Wonder on this occasionally funky and consistently engaging keyboard-dominated album. His dreamy, near-falsetto voice floats through these soulful slices of pop perfection. The low-boil funk and nonchalant vocals sometimes recall Curtis Mayfield or Boz Scaggs in their casual, yet distinctive approach. An offhand natural warmth oozes from this recording that finds the singer and his band tapping an earthy groove. Nothing seems rushed or forced, as the musicians lock into the sunshiny, blue-eyed, melodic R&B vibe. A few more upbeat cuts like the irresistible title track and the riff-driven "That's Too Bad" might have added more supple firepower, but even the ballads connect with a rootsy low-key charm. Frankenreiter hasn't entirely forsaken his tropical beach-boy charm, as shown by the closing "Beautiful Day," but Move by Yourself is a refreshing twist that proves the artist is far more than a surf bum who picked up music to occupy his downtime on a rainy day.
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Donavon Frankenreiter - 2004 - Donavon Frankenreiter [320]

Born on December 10, 1972, in Downey, CA, Donavon Frankenreiter took to surfing at a young age. By the age of 13 he had a sponsor -- Billabong -- and the pursuit of a professional career in surfing led to a move to Hawaii a year later. He had rented a home from the parents of Jack Johnson, a fellow surfer who would become a successful recording artist years later. The two became fast friends, learning guitar together, surfing, and just plain hanging out. Music was always fun to play for Frankenreiter, but it wasn't until 2002 that he was confident enough to try it professionally. Meanwhile, Johnson's musical career had broken through into the mainstream, and he was starting his Brushfire Records label. With guest spots from Johnson, G. Love, and Koool G Murder of the Eels, Frankenreiter's self-titled debut appeared on Brushfire in May of 2004. This album is the acoustic compliment to the laid-back world that Donovan comes from.
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The Black Crowes - 2008 - Warpaint [VBR]

Released on March 3, 2008, 'Warpaint' was the band's first studio album in almost seven years, and its first with new members Luther Dickinson and Adam MacDougall, as well as the first to be released on the band's own Silver Arrow Records label.
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Backsliders - 2009 - Throwbacks [320]

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Backsliders - 2007 - Left Field Holler [320]

'Left Field Holler'. This album, the band's 10th, captures the tough raw edge of Backsliders live performances with an eclectic array of original and diverse tunes. This album is a mix of hard hitting, frenetic new blues anthems and poignant ballads.
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Young Heart Attack - 2003 - Mouthful Of Love [192]

Young Heart Attack formed in 2001 around Austin, TX scene vets Chris Hodge (vocals/guitar), ex-Sixteen Deluxe'ers Chris Smith (guitar) and Steven Hall (bass), and former Fastball drummer Joey Shuffield. Vocalist Jennifer Stephens was also tapped, as a foil to Hodge's barely-contained yell. A round of 7"'s and frequent gigging (including exposure at South by Southwest) hooked the Heart Attack up with a deal on XL, and soon the Texans were rocking European crowds alongside kindred throwbacks like the Darkness and the Datsuns. The "Misty Rowe" single appeared in autumn 2003, and was followed by more U.K. dates; the full-length XL debut Mouthful of Love dropped domestically in May 2004.
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Roy Buchanan - 1973 - That's What I Am Here For [192]

The late Roy Buchanan is a sadly underrated cult figure in the world of hard rock guitar. His aggressive attack, soulful selection of notes, and general playing attitude made him one of the most respected players of his generation. With heavy competition from musicians such as Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, and Jimi Hendrix, this is quite a feat. That's What I Am Here For, one of his earlier Polydor albums, illustrates all of the above artists in fine style. The extended reading of "Hey Joe" is enough to seal Buchanan's reputation, with some lightning fast and super heavy blues runs.
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Lonnie Brooks - 1988 - Live From Chicago [320]

Louisiana-born Lonnie Brooks is an underrated blues great, capable of dishing out swamp-rock, bittersweet melodies, and fire- breathing rave-ups. The pyrotechnics won out in this 1987 live performance, recorded at B.L.U.E.S. Etcetera on his adopted home turf, Chicago. Brooks's "Two-Headed Man" and his take on Freddie King's "Hideaway"--which bookend the CD--find him plying slick, screaming string-bends and gutsy vocals that mix back-road gravel with down-home charm. It's the latter that makes numbers like "Got Me By the Tail" and "Eyeballin'" such colorful, appealing stories. They reveal Lonnie's still-vital country roots. At times the band plays with the velocity--and ferocity--of a guided missile. But Brooks is always at the controls.
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Jonny Lang - 2009 - Live At The Ryman [192]

Live at the Ryman was recorded in the summer of 2008 and is a career spanning 12-track CD. Lang and his talented team performed an engaging set packed with emotion and energy. The show opens with "One Person at a Time", which blends old school rock and blues with a hopeful hook line. Its followed by "Bump In The Road" and "Turn Around" - both spiritual songs that showcased soulful singing and solos. Other standouts included "A Quitter Never Wins" - a slow simmering staple in Lang's live shows. "Don't Stop (For Anything)" was forceful like the fright train it mentions - moving on thick rhythms and racing riffs. "Lie To Me" is still lush - closing the set and the CD on a sizzling note.
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Sunday, May 9, 2010

Char - 2002 - Sacred Hills [192]

Char (Hisato Takenaka) is known as one of the top guitarists in Japan. His producing, performing and song writing skills have strongly influenced many musicians. Char himself sings over 70% of his songs in English, and you won't believe that those great sounds are coming from a musician in Japan.
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Backsliders - 2005 - Live [320]

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Eric Burdon & The Animals - 1983 - Ark [192]

Ark is a reunion album released in 1983 by the original members of The Animals. It was the second, and last, reunion attempt of the original group.
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Chainsaw Dupont - 2003 - Lake St. Lullaby [VBR]

Former Junior Wells sideman, Chicago blues guitarist Chainsaw Dupont debuts with his first CD, containing 13 original songs. Critics have compared him to Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix.
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