James Wheeler has Passed - Our thoughts are with his family and friends

It is with great sorrow that we learn that the great James Wheeler has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will release more details as they become available. James will be greatly missed at Rosa's Lounge, in the Chicago blues community and throughout the world. He was one of the sweetest human beings we have ever encountered and what a wonderful singer and picker he was too. Rest in sweet peace our dear James.

Blues guitarist James Wheeler was born in Albany, GA, on August 28, 1937. His earliest musical influences were the big bands of the time, especially Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and his first idol, Louis Jordan. Following his older brother Golden, Wheeler moved to Chicago in 1956. Golden had started playing harmonica in the clubs, becoming friends with many blues musicians, including Little Walter. It was after the move to Chicago that James Wheeler picked up the guitar and started jamming with local musicians. Wheeler's first big break came when he played guitar with Billy Boy Arnold, which lead to the formation of the Jaguars in 1963, backing up B.B. King, Millie Jackson, O.V. Wright, and Otis Clay. Clay was so impressed with Wheeler's playing that after the Jaguars broke up in 1972 he asked Wheeler to put together his touring band, which lasted three years. Following a brief tour with the Impressions, Wheeler took a non-music day job, picking up weekend gigs here and there for the next decade. In 1986, Wheeler received a call from Otis Rush asking him to play a weekend gig that turned full-time, lasting until 1993. After recording and touring stints with Mississippi Heat, Magic Slim, and Willie Kent, he released his much anticipated solo recording, Ready, in 1998 on Delmark Records. Featuring ten original tracks plus three covers, his band featured brother Big Golden Wheeler on harmonica and pianist Ken Saydak. Following a hectic tour schedule through Europe and South America, Wheeler's second release, Can't Take It, followed in 2000, again, on the Delmark label. Can't Take It spotlights all original compositions by Wheeler, fronting the same band, with the exception of Ron Sorin replacing Big Golden on harp.

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3011 Records artist: Howard and the White Boys - Rosa's Lounge - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Rosa's Lounge, from Howard and the White Boys and it's quite good. Opening with Heat Seeking Missile, a cool R&B style blues, Howard (bass and vocals) and the boys, Rocco Calipari (guitar), Pete Galanis (guitar) and Jim "Bucka" Christopolous launch off into a great track. Nice lead guitar work and great vocals highlight the track. Strung Out On The Blues is up next and it rips! A down and dirty track really showcases Howard's vocals and especially tasty guitar riffs throughout. This is my favorite track on the release and shows how strong Howard and gang can be live! Trouble Follows You is a cool Billy Boy Arnold or Bo Diddley influenced track with a great rhythm and strong drum beat by Christopulos. Cool slide work on this track over the guitar rhythm nicely emphasizes the contrast. Judge has a bit of funk and slick guitar rhythms. Freewheeling guitar work pushed along by Christopulos and McCullum makes this track sing. A slow R&B style blues, What Would I Do, sets up nicely. This track should play nicely into radio play with a sweet melody and fluent bursts of guitar wizardry. Guess Who's Coming To Dinner is a cool blues track with a track of Taj Mahal in feel. With a solid bass line and nice slide work, this track will appeal to both dancers and guitar enthusiasts. Super boogie, Black Cat features Steve Asma on slide guitar and this track moves! Asma adds a real nice texture and a free wheeling approach as the band literally romps (Think Tush). Excellent! R&B style track, The Last Time, employs wah wah and a funky back beat for a straight up radio track. Of course there are slick solos with pinched harmonics and double stops but this track is one that will stick in your head. The Blues Are Killin' Me is an easy blues rocker with a solid bass line and featuring Neal O'hara on organ some fluid guitar riffs in an extended jam format. Wrapping the release is That's Alright which was recorded in JoyRide Studios in Chicago. With a tighter more radio oriented flavor, this track again seems to be perfectly suited for a diverse audience of listeners. I like this release. A live review of this band shows it's musical talent and diversity. Very cool.

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Johnny Winter Dead?

It has been reported that Johnny Winter, a young man of 70 and currently on tour has passed.

This was announced by Sugar Blue, a super harp player during his show at Rosa's Lounge this evening.  I have not found any other specific references to this information or been able to substantiate this claim and at this point believe that it is not true. I will report back as soon as I have determined the facts but at this point I am with his fans around the world praying that he is "Still Alive and Well"! Rock on Johnny!!  

New Johnny Winter Studio Release “Step Back” out Sept. 2nd

July 4th, 2014

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Johnny Winter releases perhaps his greatest album on September 2, 2014! Step Back features an amazing list of musical guests and takes Johnny back to a more aggressive style of blues… one that helped shape the musical icon. Produced by Paul Nelson.
Buy it at Amazon.
Step Back Track Listing
1. Unchain My Heart – Johnny Winter
2. Can’t Hold Out (Talk To Me Baby) – Johnny Winter with Ben Harper
3. Don’t Want No Woman – Johnny Winter with Eric Clapton
4. Killing Floor – Johnny Winter with Paul Nelson
5. Who Do You Love – Johnny Winter
6. Okie Dokie Stomp – Johnny Winter with Brian Setzer
7. Where Can You Be – Johnny Winter with Billy Gibbons
8. Sweet Sixteen – Johnny Winter with Joe Bonamassa
9. Death Letter -Johnny Winter
10. My Babe – Johnny Winter with Jason Ricci
11. Long Tall Sally – Johnny Winter with Leslie West
12. Mojo Hand – Johnny Winter with Joe Perry
13. Blue Monday – Johnny Winter with Dr. John

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”