Silver Talon Records artist: Blinddog Smokin' - High Steppin' - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (July 17, 2015), High Steppin', from Blinddog Smokin' and it is funnnkkky! Opening with a real high stepper, Pimp Shoes, vocalist Carl Gustafson lays down one vocal riff after another with Roland Pritzker driving the bass, Mo Beeks riding the keys and Chicago Chuck Gullens keeping it tight on drums. Backing vocals from Linda Gustafson, Chris White and Chicago keep it real and really hot guitar soloing from Chalo Ortiz and sax work from Rex Amend blow the top off! Bayou Lady is swampier and sticky funky with a definite voodoo sound. I really like Carls vocals on this track and bursts of guitar by Ortiz are hotter than lightning! Don't Put No Money On Me is a cool track with a cool falling down the stairs rhythm style and a story telling style of vocals. This is a gritty track and I really like it. I Caught Her Lyin' has a easier country blues sound with cool story telling with dynamics by Beeks on keys and Matt Rhody on violin. Tell "Em Shuffle is a cool Chicago style blues track led off by Billy Branch on harp. A simple blues number with cool organ work by Beeks and Branch taking control on harp, it's one of the swinginest track on the release. Slow soulful blues track, If I Died Today, really shows the richness of Gustafson's voice complimented by Branch on harp and with soft background vocals. Probably my favorite track on the release. Big Behind is a clever country comedy style track. This track has a a group vocal part but not like in harmony. More just togetherness. The track has a country format with Tommy Broderick on steel guitar and could easily make a strong cross airways appeal with it's clever lyrics and catchy melody. Lady's Playin' returns to the funk with some poppy funky bass work by Pritzker. Vocal mostly done in a soft rap style, and with a George Clinton like backing delivers with Eric Bernhardt on sax, Travis Blotsky on bari sax, Mike Fulton on trumpet and David Phy on trombone. Fun! Wrapping the release is a gospel style redo of Tell 'Em (Reprise). Beeks really has the gospel styling down on organ and the vocals are rich. Nice closer.

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OUT FRIDAY 7/17: Blinddog Smokin' (Grammy Nominees--Best Blues) readies 'High Steppin''

GRAMMY-NOMINATED FUNK COLLECTIVE BLINDDOG SMOKIN’
MAKES HIGH-ENERGY ROOTS MUSIC
WITH HUMOR, DEPTH AND SOUL

High Steppin’ features wild-man raconteur Carl Gustafson’s epic tales plus eclectic sounds; reunites band with producer Donny Markowitz;
set for July 17 release date on Silver Talon Records exclusively
distributed by City Hall Records in tandem with The Orchard

LARAMIE, Wyo. — Blinddog Smokin’s larger-than-life new album High Steppin’ is a kaleidoscopic romp through the wild side of roots music. The disc’s nine songs ricochet from rock ’n’ roll to juke joint blues to New Orleans jazz to raw Americana, all supported by the band’s twin pillars: hot ’n’ greasy funk and frontman Carl Gustafson’s epic storytelling. High Steppin’ follows 2014’s Decisions, a collaboration with soul-blues legend Bobby Rush that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Blues Album. Decisions includes the song “Another Murder in New Orleans,” which enlisted another legend, Dr. John, to tell its tale of street violence. The tune was widely played on Americana and blues radio, and was used by the New Orleans Crimestoppers organization to raise awareness. Blinddog Smokin’s imaginative video for “Another Murder in New Orleans” mixes performance footage, cartoons and live action actors, and has received more than 110,000 views on YouTube. Blinddog Smokin’s 11th release, High Steppin’ kicks off with “Pimp Shoes,” an ebullient, percolating funk gem that displays the group’s spectacular ensemble.  “’Pimp Shoes’ is not about pimps or shoes,” says Gustafson. “It’s about attitude. When a man becomes the captain of his soul, and he’s mastered who he is, it comes out in his posture, in his pose, in his walk. That’s what that song’s about.” On a more literal note, there’s “Big Behind,” an ode to a lady’s posterior largess that straddles funky soul-blues, rock and — with its sweeping pedal steel guitar — honky-tonk country. High Steppin’ is set for a July 17th release date on Silver Talon Records exclusively distributed by City Hall Records in tandem with The Orchard.  “I Caught Her Lyin’” goes deeper into the country tradition to offer Blinddog Smokin’s version of a mountain lament — surrounding Gustafson’s heartbroken yarn with an Americana-perfect framework of crying violin, grinding guitar and his appealing worn-leather voice. “Lady’s Playin’” changes the locale to New Orleans. That song’s a Crescent City funk powerhouse, with bold horns, a scalding six-string solo and chanting group vocals that celebrate la difference. Similarly, “Don’t Put No Money on Me” — a wickedly funny loser’s lament — sounds like a drunken Mardi Gras street parade, while “Tell ’em Shuffle” is a straight-up Chicago blues. Blinddog Smokin’s marvelously eclectic sound and approach is the result of Gustafson’s literal and musical world travels. He and the band have toured the planet numerous times since 1994, putting more than a million road miles on their vehicles — which include Gustafson’s bicycle. “When we get to a new town, I like to take my bike off the bus and ride the backstreets,” he says. “When you travel the alleys, you learn about people. The front yard is for show; the backyard shows the way they live. And when I run into old-timers, I stop and listen to their stories.” Gustafson, who describes himself as an adventurer and philosopher, has plenty of tales of his own. And his book It Ain’t Just the Blues, It’s Showtime: Hard Times, Heartache and Glory Along the Blue Highway chronicles Blinddog Smokin’s experiences on the road.  “I come from a time before television, when telling stories was part of the fabric of life,” he offers. “So I’m a songwriting machine. I’m constantly coming up with new lyrics and our producer and friend, Donny Markowitz, has provided much of the music based on his skills and his knowledge of how we think and play as a band.” That knowledge is deep. Markowitz is the Oscar-, Grammy- and Golden Globe-winning writer of the song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and the composer of soundtracks for the hit Steve Carell film Crazy, Stupid, Love and many others. And High Steppin’ is the third album in a row he’s produced for Blinddog Smokin’. “We didn’t hit our stride in the studio until we started working with Donny,” Gustafson says. The other essential ingredient to Blinddog Smokin’s broad stylistic mastery is the ability of its players. The core members of the group comprise one of the finest modern bands in American roots music. Dynamic drummer and vocalist Chuck Gullens started with the Blinddogs in 1994 in Laramie, Wyoming, shortly after Gustafson and the band, then named Bluestone, returned from traveling the Middle East and Mediterranean, playing for troops on a 49 day DOD tour. Versatile bassist Roland Pritzker joined in 2000, followed by keyboardist and exceptional vocalist, Mo Beeks — whose own, earlier band, Lock & Chain, gave R&B singer Chaka Kahn her start back in 1972. In 2009 came back-up singer and bassist Chris White, and virtuoso guitarist Chalo Ortiz also entered the fold, followed quickly by backing vocalist Linda Gustafson, who plays feminine yin to her husband’s hot-dogging, high stepping yang in concert. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of performers to share the stage with,” says Gustafson. “They can go anywhere at any time, and get along, and that’s a rare thing in any style of music.”  Gustafson’s own musical tale begins in Laramie, his hometown. “My first exposure to blues was hearing Willie Dixon,” he recounts. “My parents went to a little club outside Cheyenne, and my brother and I — we were six and eight years old — stayed in the car. When we heard the music, we were absolutely fascinated by it, so we peeked in the windows. Then I started sneaking around listening to blues whenever I could. I had to sneak, because my father was a classical pianist and said the blues was ‘Satan’s music’ and ‘not culturally acceptable.’ He’d only gone to the club to socialize with relatives.   “When I was 16 I ran away from home,” Gustafson continues. “There was a little after-hours café down by the railroad tracks called the Pic-a-Rib. I went down there and lived with a black boy I played football with, whose mother, Miss Peggy, ran the café. I stayed with them, hiding from my mom and dad, and I learned how to appreciate blues. I learned how to dance. I learned how to sing. It was a really cool, isolated pocket, of black culture in a completely white conservative environment.” Gustafson says that High Steppin’ reflects those early life lessons and the myriad others he’s learned along the way. “This album shows me as a philosopher; as somebody who analyzes life and adjusts from honest vulnerability to establish a fun swagger. There’s a journey here that can only happen to an introspective person who loves life, people, stories, and never believes that you have to stay in the station where you are. And until the day I die, I plan to grow as an artist and storyteller.” BLINDDOG SMOKIN’ TOUR DATES Wed., June 24 PHOENIX, AZ The Rhythm Room Thurs., June 25 NEW ORLEANS, LA Old U.S. Mint Mon., June 29 CHICAGO, IL  Martyr’s Fri., July 3 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Bourbon Street Sat., July 4 MCPHERSON, KS Fri., July 10 LARAMIE, WY  Jubilee Days Sat., July 11 LARAMEE, WY Jubilee Days Tues., July 14 OVERLAND PARK, KS Kanza Hall Thurs., July 16 JACKSON, MS  Underground 119 Thurs., July 23  TORONTO, ON  Hard Rock Café Thurs., July 30 RAWLINS, WY  Rawlins in the Park Fri., July 31 LARAMIE, WY  Alibi Sat., Aug. 8  ROCK SPRINGS, WY Blues & Brews Festival  Thurs., Aug. 13 THEMOPOLIS, WY  Fri., Aug. 14 CASPER, WY  The Attic Sat., Aug. 15 SINCLAIR, WY  Platte River Festival Sun., Aug. 16  CENTINNIAL, WY  Bear Tree Sun., Sept. 6  LARAMIE, WY  Snowy Range Music Festival Sat., Nov. 15  HIGH POINT, NC High Point Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2015 GRAMMY-NOMINATED FUNK COLLECTIVE BLINDDOG SMOKIN’ MAKES HIGH-ENERGY ROOTS MUSIC WITH HUMOR, DEPTH AND SOUL

GRAMMY-NOMINATED FUNK COLLECTIVE BLINDDOG SMOKIN’ MAKES HIGH-ENERGY ROOTS MUSIC WITH HUMOR, DEPTH AND SOUL High Steppin’ features wild-man raconteur Carl Gustafson’s epic tales plus eclectic sounds; reunites band with producer Donny Markowitz; set for July 17 release date on Silver Talon Records exclusively distributed by City Hall Records in tandem with The Orchard

LARAMIE, Wyo. — Blinddog Smokin’s larger-than-life new album High Steppin’ is a kaleidoscopic romp through the wild side of roots music. The disc’s nine songs ricochet from rock ’n’ roll to juke joint blues to New Orleans jazz to raw Americana, all supported by the band’s twin pillars: hot ’n’ greasy funk and frontman Carl Gustafson’s epic storytelling. High Steppin’ follows 2014’s Decisions, a collaboration with soul-blues legend Bobby Rush that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Blues Album. Decisions includes the song “Another Murder in New Orleans,” which enlisted another legend, Dr. John, to tell its tale of street violence. The tune was widely played on Americana and blues radio, and was used by the New Orleans Crimestoppers organization to raise awareness. Blinddog Smokin’s imaginative video for “Another Murder in New Orleans” mixes performance footage, cartoons and live action actors, and has received more than 110,000 views on YouTube. Blinddog Smokin’s 11th release, High Steppin’ kicks off with “Pimp Shoes,” an ebullient, percolating funk gem that displays the group’s spectacular ensemble.  “’Pimp Shoes’ is not about pimps or shoes,” says Gustafson. “It’s about attitude. When a man becomes the captain of his soul, and he’s mastered who he is, it comes out in his posture, in his pose, in his walk. That’s what that song’s about.” On a more literal note, there’s “Big Behind,” an ode to a lady’s posterior largess that straddles funky soul-blues, rock and — with its sweeping pedal steel guitar — honky-tonk country. High Steppin’ is set for a July 17th release date on Silver Talon Records exclusively distributed by City Hall Records in tandem with The Orchard.  “I Caught Her Lyin’” goes deeper into the country tradition to offer Blinddog Smokin’s version of a mountain lament — surrounding Gustafson’s heartbroken yarn with an Americana-perfect framework of crying violin, grinding guitar and his appealing worn-leather voice. “Lady’s Playin’” changes the locale to New Orleans. That song’s a Crescent City funk powerhouse, with bold horns, a scalding six-string solo and chanting group vocals that celebrate la difference. Similarly, “Don’t Put No Money on Me” — a wickedly funny loser’s lament — sounds like a drunken Mardi Gras street parade, while “Tell ’em Shuffle” is a straight-up Chicago blues. Blinddog Smokin’s marvelously eclectic sound and approach is the result of Gustafson’s literal and musical world travels. He and the band have toured the planet numerous times since 1994, putting more than a million road miles on their vehicles — which include Gustafson’s bicycle. “When we get to a new town, I like to take my bike off the bus and ride the backstreets,” he says. “When you travel the alleys, you learn about people. The front yard is for show; the backyard shows the way they live. And when I run into old-timers, I stop and listen to their stories.” Gustafson, who describes himself as an adventurer and philosopher, has plenty of tales of his own. And his book It Ain’t Just the Blues, It’s Showtime: Hard Times, Heartache and Glory Along the Blue Highway chronicles Blinddog Smokin’s experiences on the road.  “I come from a time before television, when telling stories was part of the fabric of life,” he offers. “So I’m a songwriting machine. I’m constantly coming up with new lyrics and our producer and friend, Donny Markowitz, has provided much of the music based on his skills and his knowledge of how we think and play as a band.” That knowledge is deep. Markowitz is the Oscar-, Grammy- and Golden Globe-winning writer of the song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and the composer of soundtracks for the hit Steve Carell film Crazy, Stupid, Love and many others. And High Steppin’ is the third album in a row he’s produced for Blinddog Smokin’. “We didn’t hit our stride in the studio until we started working with Donny,” Gustafson says. The other essential ingredient to Blinddog Smokin’s broad stylistic mastery is the ability of its players. The core members of the group comprise one of the finest modern bands in American roots music. Dynamic drummer and vocalist Chuck Gullens started with the Blinddogs in 1994 in Laramie, Wyoming, shortly after Gustafson and the band, then named Bluestone, returned from traveling the Middle East and Mediterranean, playing for troops on a 49 day DOD tour. Versatile bassist Roland Pritzker joined in 2000, followed by keyboardist and exceptional vocalist, Mo Beeks — whose own, earlier band, Lock & Chain, gave R&B singer Chaka Kahn her start back in 1972. In 2009 came back-up singer and bassist Chris White, and virtuoso guitarist Chalo Ortiz also entered the fold, followed quickly by backing vocalist Linda Gustafson, who plays feminine yin to her husband’s hot-dogging, high stepping yang in concert. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of performers to share the stage with,” says Gustafson. “They can go anywhere at any time, and get along, and that’s a rare thing in any style of music.”  Gustafson’s own musical tale begins in Laramie, his hometown. “My first exposure to blues was hearing Willie Dixon,” he recounts. “My parents went to a little club outside Cheyenne, and my brother and I — we were six and eight years old — stayed in the car. When we heard the music, we were absolutely fascinated by it, so we peeked in the windows. Then I started sneaking around listening to blues whenever I could. I had to sneak, because my father was a classical pianist and said the blues was ‘Satan’s music’ and ‘not culturally acceptable.’ He’d only gone to the club to socialize with relatives.   “When I was 16 I ran away from home,” Gustafson continues. “There was a little after-hours café down by the railroad tracks called the Pic-a-Rib. I went down there and lived with a black boy I played football with, whose mother, Miss Peggy, ran the café. I stayed with them, hiding from my mom and dad, and I learned how to appreciate blues. I learned how to dance. I learned how to sing. It was a really cool, isolated pocket, of black culture in a completely white conservative environment.” Gustafson says that High Steppin’ reflects those early life lessons and the myriad others he’s learned along the way. “This album shows me as a philosopher; as somebody who analyzes life and adjusts from honest vulnerability to establish a fun swagger. There’s a journey here that can only happen to an introspective person who loves life, people, stories, and never believes that you have to stay in the station where you are. And until the day I die, I plan to grow as an artist and storyteller.” BLINDDOG SMOKIN’ TOUR DATES Wed., June 24 PHOENIX, AZ The Rhythm Room Thurs., June 25 NEW ORLEANS, LA Old U.S. Mint Mon., June 29 CHICAGO, IL  Martyr’s Fri., July 3 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Bourbon Street Sat., July 4 MCPHERSON, KS Fri., July 10 LARAMIE, WY  Jubilee Days Sat., July 11 LARAMEE, WY Jubilee Days Tues., July 14 OVERLAND PARK, KS Kanza Hall Thurs., July 16 JACKSON, MS  Underground 119 Thurs., July 23  TORONTO, ON  Hard Rock Café Thurs., July 30 RAWLINS, WY  Rawlins in the Park Fri., July 31 LARAMIE, WY  Alibi Sat., Aug. 8  ROCK SPRINGS, WY Blues & Brews Festival  Thurs., Aug. 13 THEMOPOLIS, WY  Fri., Aug. 14 CASPER, WY  The Attic Sat., Aug. 15 SINCLAIR, WY  Platte River Festival Sun., Aug. 16  CENTINNIAL, WY  Bear Tree Sun., Sept. 6  LARAMIE, WY  Snowy Range Music Festival Sat., Nov. 15  HIGH POINT, NC High Point Theatre

Silver Talon Records artist: Bobby Rush with Blinddog Smokin' - Decisions - New Release review

I just received the newest release (April 15, 2014), Decisions by Bobby Rush with Blinddog Smokin'. Opening with slinky R&B track, Another Murder Down In New Orleans, Rush and Dr. John (Rebenack)exchange really nice vocals and this really strong track is reinforced by nice backing vocals by Linda Gustafson. Distinctive piano work by Dr John is certainly present and Robert Chalo Ortiz also adds substantially with searing guitar riffs accenting a super effort. Title track, Decisions, stays in the R&B style package with more emphasis on rhythm by Chicago Chuck Gullens on drums and Roland Pritzger on bass. Billy Branch chimes in on this track with cool harp accents and the groove continues. Bobby Rush's Bus takes a solid down the funky trail. Pritzger really takes the lead on this track and backing vocals from Eric Bernhardt, Lorenzo Castillo, Yolanda Windsay and Jolynda Philips add to the general feel with warn sax work rolls from the sky complimenting Robertson and Carl Weathersby on guitar solos and Billy Branch on harp. If That's The Way You Like It I Like It Is Simple on lyrics but stinging guitar work and heavy horns from Eric Bernhardt (sax), Alex Blaine (sax), Mindi Abir (sax), Tom Saviano (sax), Rev. Dave Bonuff (sax), Travis Blotsky (sax), Brandon Lewis and Chuck Findley on trumpet and Nick Lane on Trombone. Funky Old Man is a really cool track with heavy horns and great backing vocals. (Think James Brown). Love Of A Woman has a loping blues sound (think Sitting On Top Of The World) with Rush taking control on simple vocals. A stripped down blues sound is very cool with harp solo from Branch and Mo Beeks keeping the keys on target. Simple rudimentary drumming is just right on this track by Gustafson. Stand Back is a fusion of Rap, heavy Caribbean and Latin (think Smooth with more Latin authenticity and spoken vocals). A recurring guitar solo reminicent of Santana's Smooth, by Ortiz gives this track it's more contemporary sound because the percussion by Michael Skinkus and Ronnie Gutierrez is terrific. Skinny Little Woman has a Jimmy Reed feel and Branch and Rush have it pegged. One of my favorite tracks on the release, the groove is just there. Dr. Rush, a straight rap track has an intro by Big Llou Johnson and then is basically samples and percussion. Too Much Weekend takes the lighter road with acoustic guitar and harp under Rush's vocals. As the track develops, the fullness of the band grows with added players. Sitting Here Waiting is a R&B style pop track that could easily get airplay with a cool melody and contagious beat. Included in this deluxe package are extensive liner notes with full lyrics and photos as well as musical credits. A DVD is also included with a cool video of Another Murder Down In New Orleans. This really is a strong track and switching back and forth between street scenes, graphics and music footage is well done and interesting. A short video discussion with Dr John is also quite interesting followed by Rush accompanying himself on harp. Very nice! A third video track shows a full array of photos of the artists performing and backstage imaging.

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