Stony Plain Records artist: The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Struck Down - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Struck Down, by The Fabulous Thunderbirds and it's one of their best. Opening with Struck Down By The Blues, Kim Wilson has the mic singing lead vocals on this BB King style track. Johnny Moeller and Steve Strongman handle the gripping guitar lead with Bob Welsh on piano, Rudy Albin Petschauer on drums and Steven Kirsty on drums. Excellent opener. Classic ZZ Top style, one line bass, drives Payback Time features Wilson and Billy Gibbons on lead vocals with great harmonica overtones by Wilson and featuring Gibbons on guitar. Very cool. Bonnie Raitt, Keb Mo and Taj Mahal share the mic on Nothing But Rambling, an easy shuffle with strong harmonica work by Wilson and Keb Mo on slide. Wilson back up front on romping shuffle, Whatcha Do To Me. Elvin Bishop lends his guitar work on his track giving it a nice kick and Wilson's harmonica work turns up the heat with his own spice. I really like Moeller's guitar work on stomping, I've Got Eyes with Wilson's harmonica creating great tension. Wrapping the release is soulful ballad, Sideline, with warm backing vocals by Chris Ayries, a clean sax solo by Kirsty and a strong piano bottom by Welsh. Strong closer for a real nice release. 

  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”

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M.C. Records artist: Big Jack Johnson - Stripped Down In Memphis - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Stripped Down In Memphis, from Big Jack Johnson and it's a big helping of old school, delta style blues. Opening with Jimmy Reed's Baby What You Want Me To Do, Big Jack Johnson on guitar and vocal is teamed up with Kim Wilson on harmonica. With a steady, jangly acoustic guitar rhythm under his solid vocal delivery and Wilson's soulful harmonica riffs, this is a great opener. Andy Gibson's The Hucklebuck is a classic with the electric guitar turned up to warm. A stirring rhythm and again with Wilson soloing on harmonica, this is a terrific track. Wild Child Butler's See Me Coming is a cool, laid back, blues jam feat Butler on harmonica and vocal and Johnson on guitar and vocal. Wrapping the release is Bill Doggett's The Hully Gully Twist with Wilson on harmonica and Johnson on electric guitar. A rambling blues with a romping guitar lead and harmonica solo counterpoint, this is a strong closer for a totally enjoyable release. 

  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”

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Stony Plain Records artist: The Duke Robillard Band - They Called It Rhythm & Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, They Called It Rhythm & Blues, by The Duke Robillard Band,  and it's another stellar performance by the Duke and his crew. Opening with swing blues, Here I'm Is, Chris Cote on lead vocal really does a nice job with excellent fluid guitar lead by Robillard, and solid backing by Bruce Bears on keys, Marty Ballou on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums and Doug James on sax. Fools Are Getting Scarcer, James really does a great job stepping out on bari and tenor sax solos over a hot R&B feel. Excellent! Kim Wilson takes the lead on Tell Me Why with his trademark vocals and solid harmonica work. Robillard's guitar lead is impeccable and the band is solid. John Hammond is up front on Homeless Blues with his delta based vocal and playing style. I really like Hammond and am glad to see him on this release. With distinctive drum work by Teixeira and piano by Bears, this track is one of my favorites. Freddy King's Someday After Awhile, is a real showcase for both Cote and Robillard with exceptional vocal lead and plenty of room for Duke to stretch. Very nice. Kim Wilson does a rework on Guitar Slim's Things I Used To Do, The Things I Forgot To Do,  and Wilson works it nicely. Duke's guitar soloing really captures the styling of Slim and the piano work of Bears is spot on, with reinforcement by James and Mark Earley on sax. Very cool. Wrapping the release is hot instrumental jam, Swingin' For Four Bills, featuring really nice front work by Duke, Sue Foley and Mike Flanigin.  This is a super track and great closer for Robillard on this newest release. 

  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”

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Severn Records artist: Nora Jean Wallace - Blues Woman - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Blues Woman, from Nora Jean Wallace and it's packed full of soul. Opening with shuffle, Martell, Nora Jean Wallace (formerly Bruso) means business with her thick rooted voice. Backed by Johnny Moeller on guitar, Steve Gomes on bass, Kevin Anker on organ, Steve Guyger on harmonica, Stanley Banks on keys and Robb Stupka on drums, this track is a strong opener. With a strong dash or R&B, I Can't Stop has a great feel a romping bass line and with David Earl on guitar. Victim is a bluesy ballad featuring Wallace's vocal up front with super soulful feel and some real nice guitar work by David Earl. I've Been Watching You is a real cool track with a funky kind of bas line. Wallace really works this track, making it one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is I Don't Have to Beg You to Love Me with it's lumbering bass line and floating Wallace's rich vocals is the lush guitar lead of Moeller. This is a strong release and a definite female vocalist to watch. 

  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”

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Rose Cottage Records artist: Peter Karp - Magnificent Heart - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Magnificent Heart, from Peter Karp and has nicely blends rock, blues and folk throughout the release. Opening with Sitting On The Edge Of The World, Karp on lead vocal and guitar and Kim Wilson on harmonica find a solid balance in contemporary blues with John Ginty on B3, Niles Terrat on bass and Michael Catapano on drums. She Breaks Her Own Heart has a cool, swampy, R&B feel with a cool sax solo by David Kasper and horn work by Jacob Wynne on trumpet. The Grave has a cool, low slung feel with Karp pulling out his slide and Wilson adding some real nice harmonica and Ginty adding real depth on B3. The Cold City Horns really funk up Let It On Out, with a solid bass line by Terrat and nicely woven guitar and horn jamming. Very cool. Going Home is a roots blues style track with ace harmonica work by Jason Ricci, slick resonator slide work by Karp and military style snare drum work by Capano.  Wrapping the release is smooth ballad, Face The Wind, featuring Karp on vocal with Jim Eingher on piano and Ginty on B3. Solid closer for a cool release. 

  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”

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Stony Plain Records artist: Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters - Beyond The Blue Door - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Beyond The Blue Door, from Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, and it's really strong. Opening with Brand New Me, a Jerry Butler track, the bands starts off in a solid slot with vocal dynamo, Diane Blue up front backed by Dave Limina on piano and B3, Ronnie Earl on guitar, Forrest Padgett on drums and Paul Kochanski on bass with Mario Perrett on tenor sax, and Scott Shetler on bari sax . Slipping into a cool shuffle, Baby How Long,  Kim Wilson is up front on lead vocal and harmonica. A real Chicago style blues gives Wilson and Earl a nice opportunity to exchange solos with Anthony Geraci on piano and Peter Ward on guitar. Very nice. Henry Glover's tune made popular by Ray Charles, Drown In My Own Tears gives Earl the stage to do exactly what everyone expects of Earl, to play those long soulful runs that have been such a trademark of his sound. Exchanging phrasing with Greg Piccolo on sax, this track is really hot. An interesting twist on a Ronnie Earl album is an acoustic take on Bob Dylan's, It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry . This is a great track that I have a special fondness for and it's earlier remake by Leon Russell, featuring Dave Bromberg on acoustic guitar and lead vocal balanced with Earl on electric guitar. Two great masters playing separate interpretations together making one very nice interpretation. Another favorite and certainly one of the best showcases for Blue is A Soul That's Been Abused with it's somber feel and that of course brings out the best in Earl. If you've followed his work, you know when a track goes in excess of 9 minutes, you're in for some rich guitar soloing and it's right here. Perrett, Shetler and Piccolo add sax work making this a terrific track. The TBone Stomp is another trademark style track for Earl with his articulate and sometimes lagging off beat playing and a rock solid bottom by Michael Rush on bass. Want another slow, blues ballad. When Blue and Earl are in... I'm in. Peace of Mind is a real nice track with Blue's rich vocal playing off of Earl's response. This is a terrific track. With a serious lope, Bringing Light (To A Dark Time) has such a great feel. Blue's vocals are spot on and Earl sounds like he's a tiger waiting to pounce during his lead filler. With warm sax backing by Perrett and Shetler and Limina pushing, this is another excellent track. Wrapping the release is slow blues number, Blues for Charlottesville. With a firm bass line by Kochanski and Limina on Hammond, Earl is free to just play and he does play. This is an excellent closer for a really excellent release. 

  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”

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Universal Music Enterprizes artist: Peter Frampton - All Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to pose the newest release, All Blues, from Peter Frampton and I think it's his best effort in years. Frampton Comes Alive was great in it's time but this release shows maturity and poise. Opening with Willie Dixon's I Just Want To Make Love To You, Frampton reworks this classic track without adding a lot of fluff. With Rob Arthur on keys, Adam Lester on guitar, David Labruyere on bass, and Dan Wojciechowski on drums this is a great basic core. Kim Wilson adds strong harp riffs throughout and Frampton shows that he knows more than the basics about blues with his more traditional based guitar riffs. Very nice. On Taj Mahal's She Caught the Katy, Frampton adds even a little more of a funky bottom than Mahal used and the track feels really good. The firm bass work by Glenn Worf and stiff woodblock by Wojciechowski give this track legs and Frampton uses them nicely to propel fluid guitar riffs. Very nice. Instrumental cover of Carmichaels' Georgia On My Mind shows Frampton's beautiful guitar work at it's best with luck phrases and clean articulate runs. Very nice. With a fresh Bo Diddley beat, Frampton's slide work really sets Dixon's, You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover, off nicely.  With the full disclosure that I'm a firm Miles Davis fan, Davis' All Blues is up next and Frampton dials the guitar back to all clean and with guest star, Larry Carlton, and a crisp piano solo by Arthur, sets up an excellent and very notable cover of this classic track. Excellent! On Jimmy Oden's Going Down Slow, Frampton and Steve Morse trade flaming blues riffs with a modern twist giving a different flavor for most any listener. Wrapping the release is Don Nix's Same Old Blues with a real gospel presentation, emphasized by Arthur's keyboard work and Frampton's best vocals on the release. His guitar playing is soulful and well stated without over statement. Very nice closer for a very solid release. 

  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”

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PETER FRAMPTON BAND’S ALL BLUES JUNE 7 VIA UMe, Farewell tour this summer!

PETER FRAMPTON BAND’S ALL BLUES

DUE FOR RELEASE JUNE 7 VIA UMe

“I JUST WANT TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU”

(FEATURING KIM WILSON) PREMIERES TODAY

SIRIUSXM SIX-WEEK SERIES

“THE PETER FRAMPTON SHOW” DEBUTS MAY 10

ON DEEP TRACKS CHANNEL

PETER FRAMPTON FINALE—
THE FAREWELL TOUR KICKS OFF THIS SUMMER

photo credit: Austin Lord

  “One of rock ‘n’ roll’s
lifelong major players”

All Blues, the forthcoming covers album from the Peter Frampton Band, is set for release on June 7 via UMe. The album is a collection of Frampton’s favorite blues classics and was recorded with his longtime touring band, made up of Adam Lester (guitar/vocals), Rob Arthur (keyboards/guitar/vocals) and Dan Wojciechowski (drums).

“I Just Want To Make Love To You” (featuring Kim Wilson) is the first song to be released from the new album, and is available now with digital album pre-order. Listen/share the track HERE.

All Blues was recorded at Frampton’s studio in Nashville, Studio Phenix, and was co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay. The album features additional collaborations with Larry Carlton, Sonny Landreth and Steve Morse.

The vinyl will be available as a double LP and also as a limited edition translucent blue color pressing exclusively at PeterFrampton.com. The double LP will include the bonus track “I Feel So Good,” which was written by Big Bill Broonzy and popularized by Muddy Waters.

Of the album, Frampton explains, “I have always loved to play the blues. When we formed Humble Pie, the first material we played together was just that. For the last two summers I had been playing a handful of blues numbers every night on stage with Steve Miller Band. I enjoyed this immensely and it gave me the idea of doing an ‘All Blues’ album live in the studio with my band. We started the resulting sessions 9 days after coming off the road last year. Over a two-week period, we recorded 23 tracks, all live in the studio. The energy of these tracks is completely different from building a track one instrument at a time. With this recording, we pay tribute to all the original artists who invented this incredible music. I hope you can hear and feel our enjoyment. I’m not sure if you can say we had fun playing the blues. But we definitely did.”

To support All Blues, Frampton will be hosting a new six-week series on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks channel. “The Peter Frampton Show” will premiere on Friday, May 10 at 10:00am ET on SiriusXM radios (channel 27) and on the SiriusXM app. Additionally, Frampton will walk SiriusXM listeners through each song from the new album in an exclusive track-by-track on SiriusXM’s BB King’s Bluesville channel. “Peter Frampton’s All Blues Show” will air on Monday, June 3 at 3:00pm ET on SiriusXM radios (channel 74) and on the SiriusXM app.

In conjunction with the album’s release, Frampton will kick off Peter Frampton Finale—The Farewell Tour presented by SiriusXM—an approximately 50-date run this summer and fall produced by Live Nation. Frampton will retire from regular vigorous touring at the end of this year due to his diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). IBM is a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness and atrophy. Frampton recently discussed his diagnosis with CBS “This Morning: Saturday,” watch the segment HERE.

The tour will feature special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, as well as Julian Frampton on the west coast stops, with additional surprise guests to appear on select dates. Tickets are on sale now and VIP packages will also be available at www.frampton.com. $1 of every ticket sold, as well as any donations, will benefit The Peter Frampton Myositis Research Fund at Johns Hopkins, a newly established fund by Frampton and Johns Hopkins, where he’s being treated.

Peter Frampton remains one of the most lauded artists in rock history. On May 7, the Music Business Association will present him with the Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement at the Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner that is part of the Association’s annual conference—Music Biz 2019—set to take place May 5-8 in Nashville. Frampton was also recently honored with the Les Paul Innovation Award at the 2019 NAMM Show’s 34th annual TEC Awards, and celebrated the 43^rd anniversary of his fifth solo album, Frampton Comes Alive!, one of the top-selling live records of all time (over 17 million copies sold worldwide). 

ALL BLUES TRACK LISTING

1.  I Just Want To Make Love To You (featuring Kim Wilson)

2.  She Caught The Katy

3.  Georgia On My Mind

4.  Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover

5. Me And My Guitar

6.  All Blues (featuring Larry Carlton)

7.  The Thrill Is Gone (featuring Sonny Landreth)

8.  Going Down Slow (featuring Steve Morse)

9.  I’m A King Bee

10.  Same Old Blues

PETER FRAMPTON LIVE

June 18—Catoosa, OK—Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa+

June 20—Little Rock, AR—Robinson Performance Hall

June 22—Wetumpka, AL—Wind Creek Casino & Hotel+

June 23—Chattanooga, TN—Tivoli Theatre+

June 26—Memphis, TN—Orpheum Theatre+

June 27—Nashville, TN—Ascend Amphitheater*

June 29—Salamanca, NY—Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino*

June 30—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*

July 2—Pittsburgh, PA—Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

July 3—Syracuse, NY—St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*

July 5—Montreal, QC—Montreal Jazz Fest- Place des Arts: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier+

July 7—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion*

July 9—Boston, MA—Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion*

July 10—Philadelphia, PA—The Met Philadelphia*

July 12—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center*

July 13—Stayner, ON—Roxodus Music Festival+

July 23—Interlochen, MI—Interlochen Center for the Arts-Kresge Auditorium+

July 25—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre*

July 26—Morgantown, WV—MountainFest Motorcycle Rally*+

July 28—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*

July 29—Cedar Rapids, IA—McGrath Amphitheatre

July 31—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre

August 2—Hinckley, MN—Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater*+

August 4—Maryland Heights, MO—Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*

August 5—Kansas City, MO—Starlight Theatre*

August 8—Cuyahoga Falls, OH—Blossom Music Center*

August 11—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre at Encore Park*

August 16-21—Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean+

August 30—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion*

September 1—Saratoga Springs, NY—Saratoga Performing Arts Center*

September 2—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Arena*

September 4—Jacksonville, FL—Daily’s Place*

September 6—West Palm Beach, FL—Coral Sky Amphitheatre at the S. Florida Fairgrounds*

September 7—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds*

September 10—Simpsonville, SC—CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park*

September 11—Washington, DC—The Anthem*

September 13—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden*

September 14—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

September 20-21—Dallas, TX—Crossroads Festival @ American Airlines Center+

September 21—Irving, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman*

September 22—The Woodlands, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory*

September 24—Albuquerque, NM—Sandia Resort & Casino*+

September 26—Phoenix, AZ—Comerica Theatre*

September 28—Las Vegas, NV—Red Rock Resort Spa & Casino+

September 29—Temecula, CA—Pechanga Casino-Pechanga Summit*†

October 2—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU*†

October 3—Paso Robles, CA—Vina Robles Amphitheatre*†+

October 5—Inglewood, CA—The Forum*†

October 6—Tuolumne, CA—Black Oak Casino Resort-Westside Pavilion*†+

October 9—Seattle, WA—Paramount Theatre*†

October 10—Ridgefield, OR—Ilani Resort & Casino-Cowlitz Ballroom*†+

October 12—Concord, CA—Concord Pavilion*†

*with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

†with Julian Frampton
+not a Live Nation date

Eller Soul Records artist: Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones - Complicated Mess - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Complicated Mess, from Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones and it's really strong. Opening with title track, Complicated Mess, guitar man and vocalist, Doug Deming sets the table for a blues feast. His vocals are solid as always and using machine gun and trem bend, his riffs are hot! Joining are Andrew Gohman on bass and Marty Dodson on drums. Super opener. Kim Wilson's harp work adds great depth and Demings riffs are rich and jazzy on Sweet Poison, a cool bluesy ballad. Sam Theard's classic, You Rascal You, has great wings with Little Charlie Baty on guitar, joining Deming with clever lyrics and an extremely active rhythm section. Excellent! Shuffle, Need My Baby has a great lope and Madison Slim's harp work is strong giving the track a nice edge. My favorite track on the release is slow blues, Deep Blue Sea, with soulful vocal by Deming and smoldering guitar riffs, playing against Bon Welsh's piano workout. Excellent! Bright jazzy instrumental, Captain's Quarters is bass driven by Gohman and Little Charlie and Deming really give it a strong workout. Very nice! Shuffle track, Cookin' At The Kitchen has a great feel with Welsh on piano, Slim on Harp, and tight trums work by Dodson. Wrapping the release is horn soaked instrumental Rat Killin', with Tino Barker on lush bari sax, Sax Gordon on tenor sax, Gohman getting loose on bass and some terrific flight finger work by Deming. Excellent closer for a really strong release. 

  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”

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Rose Cottage Records artist: Peter Karp - Blue Flame - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blue Flame, from Peter Karp and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with Rolling On A Log, Karp on lead vocal and guitar is joined by Kim Wilson on harp, Daniel Pagdon on bass and Paul Unsworth on drums. Kicking it up a gear, Train O' Mine is a hard driving blues rocker with Dave Keyes on piano and Dennis Gruenling sailing on harp. Warming things up a bit with slide resonator Karp gets a little greasy on Valentine's Day. Very nice. Quiet ballad, The Turning Point develops nicely into a radio style track with an interesting melody and featuring a nice guitar solo by Mick Taylor. My favorite track on the release is The Arson's Match with a distinct Elmore James feel. Featuring Karp's best vocals on the release, hot harp from Wilson and Karp and fat fat slide, nice track. A laid back, rural feel is the ticket on From Where I Stand and another of my favorites on the release. A bright melody, clean vocals and mandolin by John Zarra make this another top radio track.  Boogie, The Nietzsche Lounge has a great groove and gets your foot stomping. Karp handling vocal and piano with a great guitar boogie line supporting it makes this another outstanding track. Wrapping the release is Young Girl, a stripped down blues track with raw energy and Karp's overblown vocals with resonator accompaniment. I like this sound. Cool closer. 

  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”

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Severn Records artist: Kim Wilson - Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1, from Kim Wilson and it's a heavy dose of old style Chicago blues. Opening with harp instrumental Bonus Boogie, Wilson is hitting on all cylinders, backed by Big Jon Atkinson on guitar, Bob Welsh on guitar, Troy Sandow on bass and Malachi Johnson on drums. Excellent! Sonny Boy Williamson's, Ninety-Nine features Wilson on lead vocal and harp and it's one of my favorites on the release. Pure Chicago style and Wilson's tight harp tone is the ticket here. Big Maceo's Worried Life Blues is up next with a solid slower pace highlighted by the keen piano work of Barrellhouse Chuck. John Lee Hooker's Same Old Blues has a swinging blues feel a la BB King or T Bone Walker. Billy Flynn steps in with some choice riffs on guitar, complimented by Larry Taylor on bass, Richard Innes on drums and Jonny Viau on horns. Very nice! Magic Sam's Look Whatcha Done has a great groove with slick guitar riffs by Atkinson and Welsh. Big Walter's Blue and Lonesome is another of my favorites on the release with Atkinson and Nathan James on guitar, some of the best vocals on the release and tight guitar attacks under the melody throughout. Wilson really belts it out on this one crushing it. Kim Wilson's own instrumental, Edgier is a great shuffle with harp lead. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Jimmy Rogers' You're The One. With solid vocals and harp by Wilson, Dodson on drums, and Atkinson on guitar, this is a super closer for a really solid release.

  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”

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Kim Wilson Gets Back to Basics on "Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1" CD, Coming October 20 from Severn Records

Kim Wilson Gets Back to Basics on Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 CD, Coming October 20 from Severn Records

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Legendary singer/harmonica master Kim Wilson has gone back to the basics and old school Chicago blues for his exciting new CD, Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1, coming October 20 from Severn Records. Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 was produced by Kim Wilson, with most tracks  recorded and mixed by Nathan James at Sacred Cat Studios, Oceanside, California; except tracks 4 and 15 recorded by Big Jon at Big Tone Recording Studios, Hayward, California.

“I want to tell all of the real blues fans out there what a labor of love this project has been,” Wilson writes in the album’s liner notes. “I’ve been recording many, many tracks for a couple of years now and time has just flown by! A couple of the greatest musicians that ever lived, Richard Innes and Barrelhouse Chuck, have passed away during the process of making this CD. One of their dreams was to see this stuff come out.

“So here it is, the first of many to come. This kind of music is very easy and pleasurable for me to perform. I like to surround myself with musicians who like to ‘fly by the seat of their pants.’ People like Richard and Barrel, Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson, Marty Dodson, Nathan James, Larry Taylor, Malachi Johnson and all of the other fantastic blues musicians who are on this CD. I desired to record songs that I have always wanted to do. However, I have to put my own twist on everything.”

The track list includes several Kim Wilson originals that fit like a hand-in-glove along with the deep blues songbook he delved into for the new disc, including tunes by Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, Magic Sam and Jimmy Reed.    

A founding member of the legendary Fabulous Thunderbirds and a multiple Blues Music Award winner as a solo artist, Wilson salutes many of his Chicago blues roots influences – in particular his harmonica mentors such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and especially James Cotton – on Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1. It’s music that is both timely and timeless.  

“I’m dedicating this CD to my big brother, James Cotton,” Wilson says. “He has always been a great inspiration and a dear friend. When I was a kid, having a great time with all of the masters of this music, I never dreamt I would be living in a world without them. Every time I open my mouth to sing or pick up my instrument to play I am doing it for them! There are hundreds of tracks in the can and still recording, and I really believe that this period of time is the beginning of my legacy. I could never have done it without my family of masters who invented this music and the musicians who are on this CD. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it!”

Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds are managed by Glen Parrish of GP Entertainment.

1. Bonus Boogie - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Bob Welsh; Bass: Troy Sandow; Drums: Malachi Johnson

2. No Love in My Heart - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitar: Nathan James; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Big Jon Atkinson; Drums: Richard Innes; horns: Jonny Viau

3. Ninety Nine - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Drums: Richard Innes

4. Worried Life Blues - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Bass: Kadar Roy; Drums: Marty Dodson

5. You Upset My Mind - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

6. Teenage Beat - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes

7. Same Old Blues - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitar: Billy Flynn; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes; horns: Jonny Viau

8. Searched All Over - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor

9. From the Bottom - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes

10. Look Whatcha Done - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Bob Welsh, Big Jon Atkinson; Bass: Troy Sandow; Drums: Malachi Johnson

11. Blue and Lonesome - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

12. Sho Nuf I Do - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitar: Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Nathan James; Drums: Richard Innes; horns: Jonny Viau

13. Learn to Treat Me Right – vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes

14. Edgier vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Bass: Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

15. Mean Old Frisco - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Bass: Kadar Roy; Drums: Marty Dodson

16. You’re the One - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

15th Annual Blues From the Top Festival: 2 Days of Blues Royalty

ANNOUNCING THE 15TH ANNUAL BLUES FROM THE TOP FESTIVAL:     TWO BIG DAYS OF BLUES ROYALTY IN BEAUTIFUL WINTER PARK, CO Enjoy Fabulous Thunderbirds, Anders Osborne, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Carolyn Wonderland, Alvin Youngblood Hart, And More, All In A Beautiful Mountain Setting! ~ Presented With Pride By The Grand County Blues Society, In Memory of Blues From The Top Founder, John Catt ~ Saturday, June 24 (11am to 6pm); Sunday, June 25 (10:30am to 6pm)

(Winter Park, CO) - Announcing the 15th Annual Blues From The Top Festival, two big days of blues royalty in a beautiful mountain setting, located at Hideaway Park, 78820 US Highway 40, taking place Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. Gates open 10am, with music from 11am to 6pm (Saturday) and 10:30am to 6pm (Sunday). Currently, General Admission tickets are $30. (one day), $50. (2 days); prices will increase. V.I.P. Experience: $100.00 per day per person, $185. for two days. V.I.P. Seating features Stage Right starting at the Front Row; Daily Buffet; Private Bar with two Complimentary Drinks each day; free water and soft drinks; Shade Tents with tables and chairs; and Private Restrooms. Kids 12 and under, free (when accompanied by an adult). Tickets on sale now at www.bluesfromthetop.org. For additional BFFT Festival information visit www.bluesfromthetop.org. Blues From The Top is presented with pride by the Grand County Blues Society, in memory of Blues from The Top Founder, John Catt.   The two-day lineup is packed! Appearing on Saturday, June 24: The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson; Little Hurricane; C.J. Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band; Jimmy Vivino and The Kate Moss 3; Austin Young Band. Sunday, June 25 features performances by Anders Osborne, Carolyn Wonderland, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Analog Son, Danny Franchi, and Mountain Gospel featuring Ali Grayson.   ~About Some of the Headliners at 15th Annual Blues From The Top ~    For over thirty years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barn-burners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation. “We started as a straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.” In addition to Wilson, the current Thunderbirds line-up features Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on bass.   A musical force equipped with the soulful vocals of Janis and the guitar slinging skills of Stevie Ray, Carolyn Wonderland reaches into the depths of the Texas blues tradition with the wit of a poet. She hits the stage with unmatched presence, a true legend in her time. "Carolyn Wonderland's live shows are just outright phenomenal. Top notch, five-stars, off the meter - whatever the clinch., Carolyn and her band meet it...Her voice can be as beautiful as an angel and as powerful as a Class 5 hurricane all within the drop of a hat...One thing's for certain, some forces - even those barely five feet tall - cannot be contained" (ROCKZILLAWORLD).    Between the potency of his richly-detailed songwriting, his intensely emotional, soulful vocals and his piercing, expert guitar work, New Orleans' Anders Osborne is a true musical treasure. He is among the most original and visionary musicians writing and performing today. Guitar Player calls him "the poet laureate of Louisiana's fertile roots music scene." New Orlean's Gambit Weekly has honored Osborne as Entertainer of the Year. Osborne's songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, Jonny Lang, Trombone Shorty and Aaron Neville, to name a few. His songs have appeared in multiple feature films. A powerful live performer, Osborne has won over fans through non-stop touring as well as a heralded collaboration with the North Mississippi All-Stars and Southern Soul Assembly.      Clayton Joseph Chenier, who fronts C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, was born September 28, 1957 - the son of the great King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. C.J.'s father was the first Creole musician to win a Grammy Award. C.J. spent his childhood in the tough tenement housing projects of Port Arthur, Texas. His earliest musical influences were an eclectic mix of funk, soul, jazz and Motown, and his first musical instruments were piano, tenor saxophone and flute. It wasn't until his 21st birthday, after winning a scholarship and studying music at Texas Southern University, that C.J. first performed with his famous father and the legendary Red Hot Louisiana band.                                                       www.bluesfromthetop.org                                       www.facebook.com/bluesfromthetop                                 Join us on Facebook      Follow us on Twitter       Send us an Email