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Sunday, May 9, 2010
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Saturday, May 8, 2010
Johnny Winter - 1996 - White Lightning [VBR]
Johnny Winter's White Lightning recorded live at The Dallas International Motor Speedway in 1969.
Roky Erickson - 1995 - All That May Do My Rhyme [320]
"All That May Do My Rhyme" was a triumphant return to form for Roky. From the Buddy Holly-esqe "Starry Eyes" to the semi-autobiographical "Please Judge" it is a solid CD. The musicians involved seem to really understand Roky and it feels like he feeds off this energy. "Don't Slander Me" is full on rave up that burns like a Elevators track, while "Clear Night For Love" is probably one of his better love songs to date.
Sherman Robertson & Blues Move - 2005 - Guitar Man Live [320]
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Performing a highly explosive brew of his mighty Texas-style, guitar-driven blues with a shot of zydeco, soul/blues and a little funk, Sherman Robertson is the legitimate successor of the late great Albert Collins. “Guitar Man-Live” is recorded live in 2005 by Sherman Robertson and Blues Move.
Eric Burdon - 2006 - Soul Of A Man [192]
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There are few musicians the world over that the listener instantly recognizes with eyes closed. This phenomenon is generally referred to as charisma and is something you can neither buy nor learn; either you’ve got it or you don’t. There is certainly no doubt that Eric Burden posses such. For over forty years he has been gracing the world with his fascinating voice and his infallible feel for authentic blues-rock. Burdon’s Soul Of A Man, a 14 track recording at the interface of Rock, Blues, Folk and Gospel, proves the old credo of ‘it’s the singer, not the song’, is still relevant in 2006. Soul Of A Man exposes an extremely lively, contemporary and hungry musician in the living legend that is Eric Burdon.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Roky Erickson With Okkervil River - 2010 - True Love Cast Out All Evil [320]
Legendary musician Roky Erickson (co-founder of The 13th Floor Elevators) triumphantly returns with True Love Cast Out All Evil, his first new album in fourteen years.Produced by Will Sheff from Okkervil River, and featuring his band backing Erickson, the record is comprised largely of unreleased songs that Austin native Erickson wrote throughout his decades-long career detailing with heart-breaking candor a harrowing life that has included shock treatment, imprisonment, mental illness, and irreversible loss.
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Thursday, May 6, 2010
Backsliders - 1988 - Preaching Blues [160]
The Backsliders have been playing blues in Australia for decades, picking up awards from Rolling Stone and Rhythms magazines, as well as plenty of fans from Festivals around Australia. Preaching Blues is their first release. Here comes with a bonus CD with rare live material.
Tad Robinson - 2004 - Did You Ever Wonder? [256]
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Inspired by distinguished soul/R&B singers such as O.V. Wright, Z.Z. Hill, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Otis Clay (who provides backing vocals on two tracks), ex-Dave Specter vocalist Robinson turns in a spectacular performance on his third solo outing. Passionate and emotional, Robinson shifts from classy soul to relaxed blues and easygoing pop. The legendary Willie Henderson (Tyrone Davis, Jackie Wilson) arranged and conducted the horns, adding some authentic flavor. But it's Robinson's powerful voice and terrific songs (he co-wrote five tracks) that are responsible for this album's success.
Racky Thomas Band - 2002 - Live At The Yardrock [320]
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Live at The Yardrock captures the band doing what they do best, live and in the moment, playing to an enthusiastic audience and letting it all hang out. Nick Adams on guitar tears it up throughout this set, which also features stellar performances from Jeremy Berlin on piano, along with the rest of the band, as well as a special guest appearance by Gordon Beadle on tenor saxophone.
Roy Rogers - 2002 - Slideways [256]
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Blues producer and slide-guitar virtuoso Roy Rogers's eighth solo outing continues his exploration of roots music with an all-instrumental selection. Nearly an hour's worth of slide guitar is a rich confection, but the variety of styles and tones adopted here will keep the aficionado amused. A few of the cuts are simply grooves, rather than artfully prepared tunes, but the majority are blues based, and all are raunchy and uptempo. The opening "Avalanche" is a gloriously sweaty blueswailin' stomp. Other highlights include "Duckwalk," a rocking tribute to one of the unsung heroes of the slide guitar, Chuck Berry, and "There Is Only You," which climaxes in a manner reminiscent of some of Ry Cooder's best soundtrack instrumentals. Meters drummer Zigaboo Modeliste lends a New Orleans flavor, and Snortin' Norton Buffalo's harmonica is a key foil for Rogers's slide throughout.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Blues Experience With Cash McCall - 2007 - The Vintage Room [192]
If you're looking for music that is reminiscent of Chicago Blues in its heyday (Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf) - look no futher - Alex Dixon, grandson of the legendary Willie Dixon, recreates the Chicago Blues sound along with Cash McCall.
Doctor Ross - 1966 - Call The Doctor [256]
The music of left-handed ,one-man band Doctor Ross, who has recorded for Sun, Chess, Fortune, and Testament since 1951 (he was born Charles Isaiah Ross on October 21, 1925 in Tunica, Mississippi and passed away on May 28, 1993), has as much to do with the development of Memphis Rock as any artist around. Although singles chart success never came his way, just listen to Cat Squirrel and Chicago Breakdown for some of the most energetic, infectious boogie you're apt to hear anywhere and from any artist. A must for both the true R&B historian AND for anyone just wanting to listen to the sound that paved the way for many, more notable Memphis artists to come.
Rocky Jackson - 2010 - Testify! [192]
Hard-hittin', soulful Blues with stinging guitar, powerful vocals, and interesting lyrics, delivered Texas-style with roots in the Delta and Chicago: classic Blues roots with a modern edge.
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Jimmy Warren Band - 2010 - No More Promises [320]
Following on from their recent “Live At Last” album, comes this extremely classy offering from the Illinois-based Jimmy Warren Band, “No More Promises” – led by the tasteful guitar and voice of Jimmy Warren, who despite only picking up the guitar at age 25, has now developed a most distinctive, thick, but melodic tone and is a fine player – he also features on keyboards, drums and programming, as well as penning all 12 songs here – tales of lost love and relationships, and the general way of the world.
Chris Fritz Band - 2010 - Live At Dodge Street Bar & Grill [320]
The Chris Fitz Band takes American blues and roots music and drives it into the 21st century with electric abandon and virtuosity all the while sounding modern and original. This music grooves with the best! If you like guitar music and Jams this is it!
Chris Fitz Band - 2007 - Chris Fitz Band [VBR]
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Modern electric guitar blues/rock meets the dusty back porch of the Mississippi Delta.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Lucky Peterson - 2001 - Double Dealin' [192]
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As one of the most versatile players in blues, Lucky Peterson ranks among the best of the best. His first release for the Blue Thumb label, Double Dealin' showcases the artist on 12 great songs soaked in the sentiments and emotions that characterize the blues style. Peterson plays the lead guitar, the Hammond B3, and sings his gut-wrenching blue notes with a great band that includes Johnny Lee Schell on rhythm guitar, Jon Cleary on keyboards, Reggie McBride on bass guitar, Tony Braunagel on drums and Tamara Peterson on background vocals.
Wilko Johnson - 1980 - Ice On The Motorway [224]
Best known as the guitarist in Dr. Feelgood, one of British pub rock's greatest bands, Wilko Johnson went on to a long solo career playing the kind of rootsy, R&B-based rock & roll he loved. Johnson in 1977 formed a backing band called the Solid Senders, which featured keyboardist John Potter, bassist Steve Lewins, and drummer Alan Platt. They signed to Virgin in 1978 and released the LP Solid Senders that year. The following year, Johnson joined Ian Dury's Blockheads, where he remained until 1980; there he met bassist Norman Watt-Roy, who later became a regular collaborator. In early 1981, Johnson released his second album, Ice on the Motorway, and two years later issued the EP Bottle Up and Go!
Patty Larkin - 2010 - 25 [VBR]
Released in January '10, the theme here is simple - 25 songs reworked in a stripped-down solo acoustic format with 25 friends/music cohorts to celebrate 25 years of making music. Larkin is a contemporary folk troubadour whose long resume speaks for itself. 25 is an intimate recording, bare-bones in its delivery, which is refreshing, and the 25 selected songs are some of Larkin's best over the years. The inclusion of "friends" such as Greg Brown, Catie Curtis, Bruce Cockburn, John Gorka, Merrie Amsterburg, Martin Sexton, Shawn Colvin, Chris Smither, etc. makes it all the more interesting.
Tom Principato Band - 1988 - Live In Europe 1988 [128]
Recorded at live appearances in Scandanavia, northern Europe, and Turkey in 1988, this CD features Steve Wolf (bass and vocals) and Clark Matthews (drums and vocals).
Johnny Winter & Calvin ''Loudmouth'' Johnson - 1995 - Blues To The Bone [256]
This previously unissued 1967 session teams up Winter with local Dallas bluesman Calvin "Loudmouth" Johnson on 13 blues jams.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Hellecasters - 1997 - Hell III - New Axes To Grind [VBR]
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With Hell III: New Axes to Grind, the Hellecasters (John Jorgenson, Jerry Donahue and Will Ray) prove that innovative guitar bands are not an extinct species. Drawing on influences from Django Reinhardt, to the Grateful Dead, to Indian pop music, the 'casters offer up 10 instrumental tracks to melt the wax out of your ears. In spite of their technical virtuousity, these three clearly play for the shear fun of it -- much to the benefit of the listener.
The Hellecasters - 1994 - Escape From Hollywood [VBR]
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For their sophomore effort, "Escape From Hollywood", the three guitarists known as the Hellecasters (Jerry Donahue, Will Ray, John Jorgenson) go beyond the musical soundscapes they advanced in their first CD. Featuring more rock influences this time, the soloing is incredibly nimble and prolific.All three guitarists play Fender Telecasters, and they take what could be overkill and turn it into a killer album. The uninitiated will be surprised at how many different sounds can be coaxed from a single instrument; these Telecasters growl and croon and chatter and wail. "Escape From Hollywood" is a primer of the distinctive voices born of the meeting of guitarist and guitar.
Bjørn Berge - 2009 - Fretwork [320]
Bjorn Berge is out with his 10th album - "Fretwork". On this album he's finally back with an album consisting of original songs. It's produced by Bjorn Berge and Kjetil Ulland. This time Berge has chosen to bring along 2 famous norwegian guest artists; Oyvind Staveland (violin and viola) and Vidar Johnsen (vocal). The combination of Stavelands violin and Bjorn Berges acoustic guitars has maybe given his songs a wider and more open atmosphere than earlier.
Bjørn Berge - 2004 - St. Slide [VBR]
New album ”St. Slide” includes the “usual” mix of Bjorn’s own songs and his unique versions of songs by other composers, much like he have done on his two latest (both Norwegian Grammy-winners) albums. On “St. Slide” Bjorn includes tracks by such different artists as Motorhead (”Ace of spades”), Morphine (”Thursday”) or Frank Zappa (”Keep it greasy”).
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Stevie Salas - 1994 - The Electric Pow Wow [192]
The idea behind The Electric Pow Wow was to make an album of covers of artists that had influenced Stevie as a musician. It quickly blossomed into something more. Stevie ended up writing some songs in the same vein as his influences and the fun really started. Add to this mix of great songs a cast of musicians including members of Guns n' Roses, Cheap Trick and Parliament Funkadelic and you have something really special.
Jeff Chaz - 2001 - Tired Of Being Lonely [256]
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This is Jeff's first CD on his own label. It is an excellent blend of foot-tapping funk and soulful blues, with "Eveybody Knows" & "A Chill In The Air" being examples of the latter. Most tracks include instrumental segments from Jeff (guitar) as well as saxaphone solos from "King" Walter Gentry ably supported by the rest of the band.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Allen Hinds - 2008 - Falling Up [320]
The third CD from guitarist and composer Allen Hinds is by far his most adventurous and revealing. This CD sounds better and all the performances are great. Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Babko, Randy Porter, Melvin Davis, are just a few of the great players featured on this CD.
Greg ''Fingers'' Taylor - 2003 - Hi Fi Baby [256]
This 2003 release features the blues harp master teamed with a super hot band full of special guests including Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. The long time Jimmy Buffettband member shines with down and dirty blues paying tribute to the originators of the genre.
Willie J Foster - 1999 - Live At Airport Grocery [VBR]
One of the prime discoveries of 1999, this recording from undeservedly obscure harmonica player Willie Foster fairly oozes with the blues. Foster is, quite simply, a master at his craft; in his hands the harmonica takes on a new dimension of expression. Not to be missed.
Willie J Foster - 1993 - At Home With The Blues [256]
Willie J. Foster provides vocals and harmonica playing as only a true Mississippi Delta bluesman can. His soulful harmonica touches the heart of all who have known the blues.(Full Covers)
LINK
Nande & The Big Difference - 2001 - Nande & The Big Difference [320]
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15 hot Jump Blues songs. Flaming harmonica, smoking guitar and a red hot rhythm section from Denmark.
King Biscuit Boy - 1995 - Urban Blues Re:Newell [320]
Richard Newell grew up in Canada listening to the blues. He learned to play the harmonica as a teenager and joined the Barons in 1961, releasing a single called "Bottleneck." In 1966, Newell left the band (then renamed Son Richard and the Chessmen) to join the Midknights, but then began playing with Ronnie Hawkins, who nicknamed him King Biscuit Boy. After playing with Hawkins for two years, he joined Crowbar and released Official Music (as King Biscuit Boy & Crowbar) in 1970. He recorded solo material sporadically throughout the '70s and '80s (including 1982's Mouth of Steel and Richard Newell A.K.A. King Biscuit Boy in 1988). Poor health due to alcoholism stunted his career through the 90's and on January 5, 2003 Newell succumbed to the disease at his home in Hamilton, Ontario.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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Zakiya Hooker - 1993 - Another Generation Of The Blues [320]
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Zakiya Hooker was born into the blues. After all, her father is the late great blues legend John Lee Hooker. Zakiya has pursued life and music on her own terms. In 1991 Zakiya made her first public appearance with her father at the Kaiser Center Theatre in Oakland, California. Since that time Zakiya has gone on to perform on shows with Etta James, John Hammond, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite and many more artists of all genres. By 1993 Zakiya released her first CD Another Generation Of The Blues on Silvertone Records.
Zora Young - 1992 - Travelin' Light [224]
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Despite the prominent presence of celebrated blues artist Howlin' Wolf in her family tree, singer Zora Young grew up singing not blues, but gospel. Even when the Mississippi native shook off her roots at the age of seven to relocate with her family to Chicago, she attended the Greater Harvest Baptist Church and continued to sing gospel. It wasn't until later that she switched over to R&B, and evolved into a powerhouse blues vocalist with three decades of experience behind her. She has performed with a long list of artists, including Junior Wells, Jimmy Dawkins, Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Professor Eddie Lusk, Albert King, and B.B. King. Her recording credits include collaborations with Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim, Mississippi Heat, Paul deLay, and Maurice John Vaughn, among others.
Fathead - 2007 - Building Full Of Blues [320]
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Twelve great songs solid and well built, played with conviction, passion and strength, fast and effective with solos in the guitar, harmonica and saxophone, without neglecting the piano and Hammond B-3, which are handled by two guests recruited for the occasion, Jesse O'Brien and Lance Anderson.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Rockie Charles - 1996 - Born For You [256]
Fifty-four-year-old Louisiana Native Rockie Charles emerges from the fen-sucked fog of obscurity on 'Born for You.' A singer/songwriter/guitarist known as 'The President of Soul,' he backed soul legends like Little Johnny Taylor, Percy Sledge, O.V. Wright and Otis Redding in the 1960s when he was based in Nashville. This unpretentious album of original Southern soul owes more to the music of Al Green and O.V. Wright then to blues or even 'Nawlins R&B. The five ballads suggest the influence of Percy Sledge. His sparse, clean guitar work reminds of Stax-era Steve Cropper as it fits in perfectly with the organ and horns. Sadly Rockie Charles, passed away about one month ago, after battling cancer.
Fathead - 2010 - Where's The Blues Taking Me [320]
Fathead’s latest CD “Where's The Blues Taking Me” is the crown jewel in the band’s seven CD catalogue thus far. It’s been a long but steady climb since Fathead’s debut CD in 1995, and the band has been tearing it up on the North American festival circuit ever since – winning over new fans every time they play – making Fathead one of the country’s top roots acts.
T. Blues Mob - 2002 - Live In Denmark [VBR]
T. Blues Mob is a band from Tbilisi, Georgia, which plays its own uncompromising version of blues based and hard-driving rock. From the very beginning the name of this band stood for class, since it was formed by one of the best rock, blues and jazz musicians of Georgia, who had long established their high reputation among both music lovers and fellow musicians. The repertoire of the band consists of both their original re-workings of standard or lesser known traditional blues songs and the groups own rock and soul compositions driven by improvisory and energetic performance style. T.Blues Mob was formed in 1998 by three former members of the famous Georgian group Blues Mobile Band - Koka Tskitishvili, Lasha Topuria and Davit Manizhashvili, now augmented with experienced and brilliant guitarist Tamaz Tkhinvaleli.
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