Royal Garden Blues - Bix Beiderbecke

Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke (March 10, 1903 – August 6, 1931) was an American jazz cornetist, jazz pianist, and composer. With Louis Armstrong and Muggsy Spanier, Beiderbecke was one of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s. His turns on "Singin' the Blues" (1927) and "I'm Coming, Virginia" (1927), in particular, demonstrated an unusual purity of tone and a gift for improvisation. With these two recordings, especially, he helped to invent the jazz ballad style and hinted at what, in the 1950s, would become cool jazz. "In a Mist" (1927), one of a handful of his piano compositions but the only one he recorded, mixed classical influences with jazz syncopation. Beiderbecke also has been credited for his influence, directly, on Bing Crosby and, indirectly, via saxophonist Frank Trumbauer, on Lester Young. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Beiderbecke taught himself to play cornet largely by ear, leading him to adopt a non-standard fingering that some critics have connected to his original sound. He first recorded with a Midwestern jazz ensemble The Wolverines in 1924, after which he played briefly for the Detroit-based Jean Goldkette Orchestra before joining Frankie "Tram" Trumbauer for an extended gig at the Arcadia Ballroom in St. Louis, Missouri. Beiderbecke and Trumbauer both joined Goldkette in 1926. The band toured widely and famously played a set opposite Fletcher Henderson at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City in October 1926. The following year, Trumbauer and Beiderbecke left Detroit to join the best-known and most prestigious dance orchestra in the country: the New York-based Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Beiderbecke's most influential recordings date from his time with Goldkette and Whiteman, although they were generally recorded under his own name or Trumbauer's. The Whiteman period also marked a precipitous decline in Beiderbecke's health, brought on by the demand of the bandleader's relentless touring and recording schedule in combination with Beiderbecke's persistent alcoholism. A few stints in rehabilitation centers, as well as the support of Whiteman and the Beiderbecke family in Davenport, did not check Beiderbecke's decline in health. He left the Whiteman band in 1930 and the following summer died in his Queens apartment at the age of 28. His death, in turn, gave rise to one of the original legends of jazz. In magazine articles, musicians' memoirs, novels, and Hollywood films, Beiderbecke has been reincarnated as a Romantic hero, the "Young Man with a Horn". His life has been portrayed as a battle against such common obstacles to art as family and commerce, while his death has been seen as a martyrdom for the sake of art. The musician-critic Benny Green sarcastically called Beiderbecke "jazz's Number One Saint," while Ralph Berton compared him to Jesus. The historical Beiderbecke, meanwhile, is the subject of scholarly controversy regarding his true name, the cause of his death, and the importance of his contributions to jazz. 

 If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Mason-Dixon Blues - Birleanna Blanks and Fletcher Henderson

Birleanna Blanks was born February 18, 1889 in Iowa and died August 12, 1968 in New York. She was one of the first African Americans to star in musical comedy theater. In the 1920s, she toured vaudeville in a singing and dancing act with her sister. In 1919, she was in "Over the Top" at Harlem's Lafayette Theater, the beginning of her musical comedy career. She also sang with The Fletcher Henderson Orchestra.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out - Hawkeye Herman

With over 40 years of performing experience, Michael "Hawkeye" Herman exemplifies the range of possibilities in acoustic blues, and personifies versatile musicianship, originality, and compelling artistry as a blues storyteller. His dynamic performances have won him a faithful following, and he leads a very active touring schedule of performances at festivals, concerts, school programs, and workshops. Hawkeye performs a wide variety of traditional blues, ballads, swing, and original tunes, on six-string and twelve-string guitar, and is an adept and exciting practitioner of slide guitar and slide mandolin. His music has been included in video documentaries and in three hit theatrical productions, and his solo CD, Blues Alive!, released in 1998, was greeted by rave reviews and greatly increased the demand for his live performances at major blues and folk festivals. His newest CD, It's All Blues To Me!, was released in May of 2005. Hawkeye was born in Davenport, IA, on January 11th, 1945. As a teenager, he discovered a broad variety of blues music in late night radio broadcasts from Memphis, Shreveport, Dallas, New Orleans, Little Rock, Chicago, Detroit, and other points beyond the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities, in the upper Mississippi River Valley area where he was growing up. Hawkeye got his first guitar in 1959, at the age of fourteen, and was performing two years later. Seeking to broaden his musical horizons, he relocated in the San Francisco Bay area in 1968. He sought out, and learned at the feet of many icons of the blues, including: Son House, Brownie McGhee, Bukka White, Mance Lipscomb, Furry Lewis, Lightin' Hopkins, John Jackson, K.C. Douglas, and Sam Chatmon. He became a staple in the Bay Area blues scene as both a solo artist and a back-up guitarist and worked with Charles Brown, Haskell "Cool Papa" Sadler, Sonny Rhodes, Jimmy McCracklin, Buddy Ace, Charles Houf, Little Joe Blue, Boogie Jake, and many others. Hawkeye began touring outside of California in 1984, and has performed at blues and folk festivals, and in concert, across the US/Canada and Europe. His dynamic performances have won him a faithful following and he leads a very active touring schedule. Hawkeye performs a wide variety of traditional blues, ballads, swing, and original tunes, on six-string and twelve-string guitar, and is an adept and exciting practitioner of slide guitar and slide mandolin. His 1989 album, Everyday Living, featuring Charles Brown and Cool Papa, received much critical acclaim. His song, The Great Flood of '93, has been used on the sound-tracks of two video documentaries on that Midwest disaster, and has been included in a compact disc anthology of singer/songwriters produced by the New York based music magazine, Fast Folk. As a music educator, Hawkeye has taken his love of blues music to students of all ages, from pre-school to university campuses through his enthusiastically received "Blues in the Schools" programs, which he initiated in 1980. He has taught guitar for over 25 years, and has presented blues and slide guitar instructional workshops at major folk and blues festivals as a part of his frequent concert touring schedule. In May of 1998, Hawkeye received the "Keeping the Blues Alive" Award for achievement in education from the Blues Foundation in Memphis. The award was the result of many years of blues educational programs he has done for students of all ages. He began this effort long before most blues support organizations and blues festivals even existed. Hawkeye has helped to initiate in-school educational programs for many blues societies and has single-handedly introduced blues music workshops to major festivals. He is the co-founder of the Rogue Valley Blues Festival in his home area of Southern Oregon. Hawkeye was the composer/musical director/musician for the hit play El Paso Blue, which has had successful runs in San Franciso, Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, Portland, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Philadelphia, where he was awarded the prestigious Barrymore Theater Award for Best Original Music in a play for the '99/'00 season, and at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR, the largest theater complex in the US. In 2004, Hawkeye performed off Broadway in the New York City production of El Paso Blue. He collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan on the music for the 2002 West Coast premiere of Schenkkan's play, Handler, also produced at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Hawkeye served for six years on the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation in Memphis, and was chairperson of the Foundation's education committee. He has contributed blues historical articles and personal memoirs to many national and regional blues magazines, as well as contributed to the recent book/CD anthology, Up the Mississippi/A Journey Of The Blues, published by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society in 2003. Hawkeye has provided musical soundtracks for a number of video productions, most recently, Tying Bob Quigley's Signature Flies / Volume One (Pegasus Productions). Hawkeye served for six years on the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation in Memphis, and was chairperson of the Foundation's education committee. He maintains an active touring schedule performing in concert and at blues festivals throughout the US/Canada/Europe, and his original articles about blues history appear in numerous national and regional blues magazines and newsletters. In November of 2004, Hawkeye was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in Des Moines, IA. In September of 2005, Hawkeye composed "Katrina, Oh Katrina (Hurricane Blues)", detailing the hurricane disaster on the Gulf Coast, at the request of the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). The song was aired to over 7 million listeners on BBC Radio news' "Today" program. This musician has definitely carved out a spot for himself in the contemporary acoustic blues/folk field, and has earned a reputation as one of the most accomplished artists in the genre. Michael "Hawkeye" Herman has been called "The Midwest's Blues Ambassador," and audiences throughout the US/Canada/Europe have come to know and appreciate Hawkeye's talent, dedication, and captivating performances. If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

AFTER HOURS - Eddie Barefield

Eddie Barefield (December 12, 1909, Iowa – January 4, 1991, New York City) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist and arranger most noteworthy for his work with Bennie Moten, Fletcher Henderson, Don Redman, Coleman Hawkins, Sammy Price, Bernie Young, and Ben Webster. Barefield's musical career also included work with ABC and WOR radio as well as appearances in several films. Barefeld died of a heart attack at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York on January 4, 1991 If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Down Home Blues - Bryce Janey

Bryce Janey began his career at the age of 13 in his hometown of Marion, IA in a blues-rock trio called The Janey’s. With his mother on drums and his father BillyLee on guitar, The Janey’s played regionally and nationally from Chicago to Los Angeles. They shared the stage with over 50 national acts, including Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton, Blues Traveler, Johnny Winter, Elvin Bishop and the late great "Queen of the blues" Koko Taylor!! While still in The Janey’s, Bryce began a solo career and released his first CD, Practice What You Preach in 1995. Since then, he has released 7 more CDs. These early CD's have gained national attention, five stars from Blues Access magazine and great reviews from Blues Revue and Living Blues, among others. Bryce's new Electric CD's "Blues In My Soul" and "Game of Life"(8th solo disc) by this outstanding blues/rock axe slinger from Iowa feature his phenomenal, top-shelf, world-class, soul-powered, retro-70s bluesy heavy guitar "six string mojo" that truly delivers on all levels of greatness."Blues In My Soul"and "Game Of Life" is Bryce Janey's finest hour and stands tall in the supreme blues/rock guitar world. Highly recommended to fans of Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Billy Gibbons & ZZ Top, Johnny Winter, SRV & Doyle Bramhall II. In 2007 Bryce was Inducted into the Iowa Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame with the BlueBand, and was the Iowa Blues Challenge Winner 2011. And in 2012 was an IBC Semi-Finalist in Memphis,TN. Bryce has performed at many Major Festivals including Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival, Buddy Guy's Blues Fest(Chicago Blues Fest 1990) and Most Recently in 2012 at "Ribfest" in Fort Wayne, IN and The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Davenport, IA. If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Cell Phone Blues - James Kinds & The All-Night Riders

James Kinds has always possessed a powerful voice, cutting his teeth on southern gospel and developing his own distinctive style as a young man. Inspired by juke-joint blues and early rock n roll, he left Mississippi for Chicago where he became a fixture on the local music scene mixing blues with soul and awing audiences with his explosive delivery and intense platform shoe high step routine.
James performs with the All-Night Riders, a hard hitting and versitile group of rock n' rollers with a no nonsense and fresh approach to the blues.
Taking inspiration from a number of sources, they provide a unique balance between now and then, tradition and vision. ****************************
James is author to over two hundred songs including "BodySlam", "Crack-Head Woman" "Love You From the Top" and the soul wrenching show stopper "Ada" . In 2008, James was inducted into The Iowa Blues Hall of Fame.

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Take a Swig - The Pumpers

The Pumpers are a blues band based out of Eastern Iowa and includes multiple members of the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. Collectively the Pumpers have over 170 years of professional experience, most of that playing the blues the right way - classic Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans blues and rock n roll.

The Pumpers feature Perry Welsh on Harp and vocals, Bryce Janey on guitar and vocals, T-bone Giblin ..boards - each of these have released many solo records and been part of other national bands. The rhythm section features Troy Harper on drums and Dave Bader on bass. Collectively, the members of the Pumpers have appeared over 50 CDs.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Instrumental - Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

Since their formation in 2005, singer-guitarist Matt Woods, bassist Scott Cochran and drummer Michael Swanger have carved a niche for themselves as uncompromising purveyors of traditional blues. However, their admiration for the blues masters goes beyond mere imitation as they have created their own timeless sound and songs.
Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! Share your favorite posting and get more exposure for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

My Dog - Elvin Bishop

One of the coolest guitar players on the planet...you gotta listen...and by far one of the coolest guitars... I've heard some great guitars but Red Dog is one of the best guitars on the planet... and Elvin has a great time!! Love this guy!!
Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  Here

New Release :Going To The West Side - Jackie and The Housewreckers - Review

I just received the newest recording, Going To The Westside, by Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers. This recording is a lot of fun. Jackie has a really solid voice and the band is cookin' funky! Don't look at the cover and say..."Oh yeah...I got it". You don't! This is something special and you need to take the time to check it out. I'm on my 4th time through and it's really enjoyable. My favorite tracks are Pink Cadillac, I'm Tired and Been Trying To Figure Out but I found every track on the recording enjoyable. Often when I need to listen to a cd over and over it's because I am trying to find something to say. In this case, it's because I was trying to find words to describe how much I like it...in case you haven't noticed...unless I get on a rant...I haven't a lot to say. Oh, and Eddie Shaw is featured as well! If you like your blues funky with a lot of soul....this is your ticket. I'm keeping mine so don't ask me for it!
Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  Here

Bman's Exclusive Interview: Joe and Vicki Price

Bman: It's a real privilege to have the chance to talk with you. So you're on your way up to Eugene Oregon for the Far West Alliance Conference. Have you played that gig before?

Joe: This is our first visit to Far West, but it won't be our last. We had a wonderful time. Attended a lot of workshops on topics like BMI and ASCAP, where to find gigs, and what promoters of venues are looking for. Then we had the opportunity to perform for the folks in this business that do concerts, festivals and book various venues. The best part though was meeting and getting to hear a lot of great musicians.

Bman: I hear a lot of Hound Dog Taylor and Earl Hooker in your style. Who were your early influences?

Joe: You have a good ear because when I was a teenager I saw Earl Hooker play in my home-town of Waterloo, IA. Waterloo was his home at the time. In the 1970's I was in a band called Mother Blues that warmed up Hound Dog Taylor and his band. Both Earl and Hound Dog had an incredible influence on my playing. I like Muddy Waters, Elmore James and Robert Johnson, but who don't.


Bman: I'm a big fan of both. Earl Hooker was over the top and Hound Dog was just a great spontaneous player! Your tunes are really wild but have the heart of the delta in them. How do you make that up in Iowa?

Joe: We travel all over the country and have the opportunity to hear and see a lot of good music. We seek out the blues and that is basically all we really listen to.


Bman: How do you get that "signature" sound. I see that you play a resonator a bit but also what looks like an old Airline. Are there any components in particular that you feel contribute significantly to your overall sound?

Joe: The Airlines are reproductions of the old models built by The Eastwood Company in Canada. We play through a new Victoria tube amp. We both play with heavy strings and we play finger-style with finger picks. All of this gives us an old sound. Vicki leans more towards a cleaner acoustic sound, I'm looking for the tone of the early 50's tube amps.

Bman: Well, you certainly get it. I love that sound. So is one of you the song writer and one of you the lyricist or how does the collaboration work?

Joe: We both write our own music and our own lyrics. Occasionally we offer each other advice, but this is usually just small corrections on lyric. We each have our own music room and we can hear the other play, but we don't usually get together on a song until right before we are going to take it out to perform.

Bman: I first heard you on the Rain or Shine release. That cd is killer. Are you working on a follow-up?

Joe: Yes, we were in the studio in Nashville, "Wow and Flutter" in April and are going back in November to work on our next release. Hopefully it will be out next spring/summer.

Bman: You can bet there are a lot of people looking for that!



I was looking at your tour schedule and if I can figure out how I'll post it with this interview, but are you planning to venture out any further.... like Arizona?

Joe: We tour out west every June and July and will definitely be back to Arizona and New Mexico.

Bman: Thank you both for your time. Have a safe trip!

Joe and Vicki released five CD’s on Iowa’s Trailer Records. Joe’s 25 Below in 1996, Request in 1999 and Designated Drive in 2000; Vicki’s Mississippi Summer in 1998 and Looking for Love in 2005. Sadly, in 2007 Trailer Records shut its’ doors. Taking the initiative the couple released two CD’s on their label Blues Acres Productions; in October of 2008 A Brand New Place which features 10 new tunes penned by Vicki and in March of 2009 Joe’s collection of original songs Rain or Shine. Both releases made the top 100 CD’s of 2009 in Real Blues Magazine. A Brand New Place was nominated for Best independent release at the International Blues Challenge in 2008, Rain or Shine was nominated for 2009. Rain or Shine won an Independent Music Award for best Blues CD 2010 and the IMA Vox Pop People’s Choice Award for blues CD 2010.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click Here

You Better Think - Elvin Bishop and friends

Relaxed accoustic set of "Think" with Elvin, Kid Andersen, John Nemeth and Finis Tasby Saturday afternoon Notodden Blues festival 2011
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Casual Talk between Buddies - Little Smokey Smothers - Pinetop Perkins - Elvin Bishop

Joseph William Perkins (July 7, 1913 – March 21, 2011), known by the stage name Pinetop Perkins, was an American blues musician, specializing in piano music. He played with some of the most influential blues and rock and roll performers in American history, and received numerous honors during his lifetime including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame.

Little Smokey Smothers (January 2, 1939– November 20, 2010)Albert Abraham "Abe" Smothers was born in Tchula, Mississippi, learned guitar at the age of 15, and relocated to Chicago two years later. He soon appeared on stage playing alongside Arthur “Big Boy” Spires, Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Lazy Bill Lucas. In 1958 he joined up with Howlin' Wolf, and played on Wolf's recording session for Chess Records the following year. Tracks Smothers contributed to included "I've Been Abused," "Howlin' for My Darling," and "Mr. Airplane Man."

In 1961 he founded Little Smokey Smothers and the Pipeplayers. He later met Paul Butterfield and became a founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He was replaced in the band by Elvin Bishop, but developed a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Throughout the 1960s Smothers appeared with Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Earl Hooker, and Junior Wells. Musical opportunities dried up in the 1970s, and Smothers worked in construction. He re-appeared in the 1980s with The Legendary Blues Band. Their 1989 recording, Woke up with the Blues, included contributions from Smothers.

In 1993, Bishop made a guest appearance on Smothers first solo album with the Dutch Black Magic label, Bossman! The Chicago Blues of Little Smokey Smothers. The recording also included work from Smothers' cousin, Lee "Shot" Williams. Bishop and Smothers played at the 1993 Chicago Blues Festival. Smothers had open heart surgery in 1995, but the following year issued Second Time Around. Smothers performed at the 1999 San Diego Blues Festival, and at a party for Mick Jagger's 55th birthday.


Alligator Records then issued That's My Partner (2000), a live album recorded in San Francisco, which saw Smothers reunited with Bishop.Smothers also appeared at the 2000 Chicago Blues Festival. In 2006 Smothers and Bishop played live at the Ground Zero club in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Latterly Smothers experienced health problems, and had both legs amputated due to diabetes.

In 2009, Bishop compiled the benefit album, Chicago Blues Buddies, incorporating recordings made by Smothers and Bishop dating back to 1992. Proceeds from the album helped to pay for Smothers' medical costs.


On November 20, 2010, after a spell in a Chicago hospital, Smothers died of natural causes.

Elvin Bishop (born October 21, 1942)
is an American blues and rock and roll musician and guitarist.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Little Brown Bird - Elvin Bishop

Bishop was born in Glendale, California, and grew up on a farm near Elliott, Iowa. His family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he was ten years old. There he attended Will Rogers High School, winning a full scholarship to the University of Chicago as a National Merit Scholar finalist. Upon graduation, he moved to Chicago in 1960 to attend school, where he majored in physics. In 1963, he met harmonica player Paul Butterfield in the neighborhood of Hyde Park and joined Butterfield's blues band, with whom he remained for five years. Their third album, The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw, takes its name from Bishop's nickname. In 1968 he went solo and formed the Elvin Bishop Group, also performing with Bloomfield and Al Kooper on their album titled The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper.

In March 1971, The Elvin Bishop Group and The Allman Brothers Band co-billed a series of concerts at the Fillmore East. Bishop joined The Allman Brothers Band onstage for a rendition of his own song, "Drunken Hearted Boy". Over the years, Bishop has recorded with many other blues artists including Clifton Chenier and John Lee Hooker. In late 1975, he played guitar for a couple of tracks on Bo Diddley's The 20th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll album, and in 1995, he toured with B.B. King.

Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby - Elvin Bishop

Elvin Bishop (born October 21, 1942) is an American blues and rock and roll musician and guitarist.Bishop was born in Glendale, California, and grew up on a farm near Elliott, Iowa. His family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he was ten years old. There he attended Will Rogers High School, winning a full scholarship to the University of Chicago as a National Merit Scholar finalist. Upon graduation, he moved to Chicago in 1960 to attend school, where he majored in physics. In 1963, he met harmonica player Paul Butterfield in the neighborhood of Hyde Park and joined Butterfield's blues band, with whom he remained for five years. Their third album, The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw, takes its name from Bishop's nickname. In 1968 he went solo and formed the Elvin Bishop Group, also performing with Bloomfield and Al Kooper on their album titled The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper.

In March 1971, The Elvin Bishop Group and The Allman Brothers Band co-billed a series of concerts at the Fillmore East. Bishop joined The Allman Brothers Band onstage for a rendition of his own song, "Drunken Hearted Boy". Over the years, Bishop has recorded with many other blues artists including Clifton Chenier and John Lee Hooker. In late 1975, he played guitar for a couple of tracks on Bo Diddley's The 20th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll album, and in 1995, he toured with B.B. King.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Raisin' Hell Review - Elvin Bishop

Now here's a cd that I have been waiting for for quite some time. Elvin Bishop has been one of my favorite performers for as long as I can remember. He's a stellar guitar player with huge chops! He's seen it all, He's done it all! This cd is his first live cd in a while and was recorded on last years Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. If you haven't done this, it's a must for blues fans. The party never stops and that's why Elvin "Crabshaw" Bishop is perfect for this type of venue.



When I first heard Elvin he was playing with Paul Butterfield and I was blown away. Skinny tie and Black suit. Some quick research told the story of the white kid genius who left left Oklahoma to study physics at University of Chicago but really went there under the guise of being close to the heart of the blues he was hearing on his radio at home. He met Paul Butterfield and joined forces playing traditional blues music. If you haven't caught my earlier post of Bishop playing at the Fillmore stop now and go find it. He set the place on fire. This clip appears live in the movie 'Fillmore: The Last Days'. Just outrageous!

After his stint with Butterfield, Bishop put out a number of solo albums with a mix of blues, country and Bishop. Wild guitar and clever lyrics.
Oh yeah...you want to know about the new cd!!

13 tracks that include some new and some tried and true.

Opens with Callin' All Cows - Elvin is this song! Check out the slide work!!
Who Lotta Lovin" can't say enough.... great guitars and groove!
Fooled Around...if you from this planet you really know it... great soloing again!
What the Hell is Goin" On - Pure Elvin... how do you write that if Elvin is on it it's great!
Down in Virginia...good harmonica... great guitar work!
Rock My Soul... a little break from traditional sound with a picked up end...nice touch! Everyone gets a time to solo on this one!
Cryin' Fool... I know this is a collaboration but this is a perfect song for Elvin's voice...but he lets Red Dog do his barkin... cool sax work featured on this track.
River Invitation fits nicely into the album but is just a taste of what's to come...
Dyin' Flu Elvin talks the blues to us...and then kicks it into overdrive!!
Tore Up Over You features the band and is a good tune.
It Hurt's Me Too... Elvin plays the serious blues!
Bye Bye Baby ... get that last dose of Elvin...it's over. Time to play it again!

Let me just start off by saying just cause Bishop is telling jokes and making funny limericks, doesn't mean he ain't serious about what he's doing. What he's serious about doing is having a good time and making sure that everyone else does too. He features some great supporting players including John Nemeth on vocals and harmonica, Finis Tasby on vocals, Terry Hanck on sax and vocals, Kid Anderson on guitar, Ed Early on trombone, vocals and percussion, Steve Willis on piano, accordion and vocals, Bob Welsh on guitar, Bobby Cochran on drums and vocals, Ruth Davies on bass and Lisa Leu Andersen on vocals but lets cut the BS. We are listening to this cd to hear Bishop sing and grind away on his 345 and he does both!!

Bishop comes up with the best lyrics, gravel voice and fat woody guitar sounds known to man and this cd is no exception. Now I'm not a big pop music fan so Fooled Around and Fell in Love ain't my favorite... but hey...a man's gotta make a living and if you look at his then followup cd (Small Town Boy Makes Good) even he makes good light of it. (If you haven't caught his cd's with Little Smokey Smothers...gotta do that too!!)

Do you get the feeling yet that I love Elvin Bishop music. There is rarely a musician that I can honestly say is a pure joy to watch and listen to. Elvin Bishop is one in a million and I hope that he keeps crankin' for all of us!

Raisin' Hell Review - Elvin Bishop

Well, He's done it again. Elvins got a new cd coming out.

Blues legend Elvin Bishop follows up on his acclaimed 2010 album Red Dog Speaks when Delta Groove Records releases the guitarist's live Raisin' Hell Revue on May 17, 2011. Recorded live on board last fall's Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, the new collection takes on a truly raucous party atmosphere. Bishop is assisted by veteran blues vocalist Finis Tasby, singer and harp slinger John Nemeth, guitarist Kid Anderson, and saxophonist Terry Hanck. The album's song selection runs the gamut from smoky blues and roots-rock to up-tempo R&B and even a little gospel. Nemeth fronts the vocals on Bishop's classic "Fooled Around And Fell In Love," adding his soulful flourishes to Mickey Thomas's original twangy delivery.

Gonna have to wait till I get my copy to get a review!
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Little Brown Bird - Elvin Bishop

I think I warned you I love Elvin Bishop. If you haven't had the chance...see him!
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

The Sky Is Crying - Elvin Bishop

Can't say it too many times... Elvin Bishop is amazing. Here is some early footage of Elvin playing his old beat up 345 and crankin out the Chicago blues.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Small Town Boy Makes Good- Elvin Bishop

Another player who is only loosely associated with the blues primarily because he was once in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band is Elvin Bishop. Now Elvin is the real deal. He prefers to stick to his old country roots but the boy can play and he knows the blues like nobody's business. If you haven't had the chance to check out this stellar album... there's the tip. He does a great version of Things That I used to Do by Guitar Slim as well and it smokes.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE