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Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Delta Groove & Eclecto Groove April Releases
Tommy Malone On Mt. Stage, On Canvas & More
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Get Some 'April Blues' at Harvelle's with Larry "Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke R&B Revue
On Saturday, April
19,
GET SOME
'APRIL BLUES' AT HARVELLE'S W/ LARRY "FUZZY" KNIGHT'S
BLOWIN'
SMOKE R&B REVUE FEATURING "THE FABULOUS
SMOKETTES"
Santa Monica's Hottest
Monthly R&B/Blues/Soul Dance Party For 2
Decades!
(Santa
Monica, CA) - Those in the know are definitely down with Santa Monica's hottest
monthly R&B/Blues/Soul dance party - that being Larry
"Fuzzy" Knight's Blowin' Smoke R&B Revue featuring the Fabulous
Smokettes,
in concert for your
listening and dancing pleasure at Harvelle's,
Saturday, April 19. Showtime
9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Admission $10. Harvelle's is located at 1432
S. 4th St., in Santa Monica. Info: (310)
395-1976 or https://www.facebook.com/harvelles?fref=ts.
Find out for yourself why the
Blowin' Smoke R&B Revue were voted by MUSIC CONNECTION magazine as a "Hot
100 Live Artist for 2013" in their year-end issue, topping several thousand
bands around the United States that vie for that yearly honor.
Music Connection reviewer Tim Reid Jr. writes, "(bandleader Fuzzy) Knight must
know a thing or two about putting the right pieces in place to make a show, as
he has done in this case. Even with a couple of subs in the horn section, the
clear fact is that Knight is going to present true professionals whenever
Blowin' Smoke takes the stand. Knight himself is a quality bass player and
bluesy singer with an almost grittier Randy Newman kind of sound. The Fabulous
Smokettes live up to their name - working the harmonies and each singer knowing
how to take the spotlight when it hits. "Fuzzy" Knight reminds all of us in the
modern technological era that real people with real instruments and real
personalities playing music that hits the gut and forces the knees to bend...it
makes one happy to be alive and in the community of other living
people."
"Cross Soul Train with
American Bandstand and you get a good idea
of
what a Blowin' Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue show is
like!"
For nearly two decades, Blues/R&B/Soul group Blowin' Smoke has been one of
the most in-demand, successful bands on the Southern California live music
circuit. Front and center in Blowin' Smoke is its creator,
bandleader/bassist/vocalist, Larry "Fuzzy" Knight - whose impressive musical resume'
includes a decade-plus stint as bassist for one of the great SoCal bands to
emerge from the psychedelic era of the Sixties, Spirit. Knight has also
recently launched a new band project, Sky King, featuring some top-name
musicians, all the while keeping Blowin' Smoke going strong.
Here's
Blowin' Smoke performing Aretha Franklin's "Something's Gold A Hold On Me"
recently at Harvelle's.
Momo Records artist: Rachelle Coba - Mother Blues - New Release Review
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Ventura County Blues Festival
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Record Store Day 2014 Update From Varèse Sarabande Records
From Varèse Sarabande Records and
Universal Music Distribution
Due to unforeseen manufacturing issues the Genesis
vinyl album From Genesis To Revelation will, unfortunately, not be ready to ship
in time for this year’s Record Store Day. Varese has been working diligently
with our manufacturer Erika Records to resolve the problem. While checking test
pressings in quality control, both of us found points that did not meet with
either of our production standards.
Fortunately, the album will be available to release for
Black Friday in the
fall.
This is the first
time this album will be available on vinyl since its original U.S. release in
1974. The album features the original multi-platinum-selling core Genesis
line-up of Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, and Peter
Gabriel.
Provogue Records artist: Walter Trout - The Blues Came Callin' - New Release Review
I just received the newest release (June 10, 2014), The Blues Came Callin', from Walter Trout and it is nothing short of super. This release, marking Trout's 25th anniversary as a solo artist is a nice addition to his catalog. Opening with blues rocker Wastin' Away, Walter and his troupes sound tight and ready to rock. A slight melodic tip to Humble Pie's I Don't Need No Doctor, Walter sings I Feel Like I'm Wasting Away as he fires up his strat like a flame thrower. The World Is Going Crazy (And So Am I) has a rhythm putting me in mind of The Shape I'm In (The Band) but Trout is nothing about that laid back country rock stuff and much more about the hot running blues. Stepping up again he shows that there is no loss of imagination or feel. The Bottom Of The River opens with acoustic guitar/resonator guitar work. Developing a heavy bottom and with the addition of harp, the intensity slowly grows until Trout is full out on electric guitar. Take A Little Time is a sweet shuffle track with nice boogie piano under the melody. A Chuck Berry/Keith Richards like guitar solo crowns this track and it's really a lot of fun. The Whale is a straight up rocker with hot blues riffs. Willie is a smokin' boogie track with screaming harp and Trout playing in tandem. This is one of the hottest tracks on the release. Mayall's Piano Boogie is a cool track of course featuring strong piano work in front. Trout lays back in the wings as the melody develops stepping up with slick Texas style guitar riffs. Very nice! Bound to be one of the most popular tracks on the release, Born In The City, has a solid slung blues pace directed by a solid bass line (like Fool For Your Stockings). Trout really takes over on this track with crisp vocals and the best guitar riffs on the release. Instrumental Texas shuffle, Tight Shoes has a SRV swagger and Trout really knows how to walk the walk. This is an excellent track and one that definitely see strong airplay for the right reasons. Title track, The Blues Came Callin', is born out of the sound of John Lee Hooker even featuring some traditional Hooker riffs. All electric, all the time, John Mayall takes a nice walk on the keys leading up to one of the fiercest solo's on a Trout release in a while. This is Trout swinging his axe at his best. Hard Time is a blues rocker with a light funky twist. Trout really hits a cool slot on this track. Egged on by a funky drum beat, Trout holds back using rhythmic dynamics rather than faster fingering. Very nice. Wrapping the release is another slower blues track along the lines of "Help Me". Nobody Moves Me Like You Do has a modified bass line built over this classic blues vamp and it's terrific. Again Trout holds back and allows the track to breathe as he sings the melody with only small licks of fire. Then he slowly lets out the leash and lets the big dog eat. If you love blues and want to hear Trout play fine explosive but spontaneous blues guitar solos, this is a great opportunity.I suspect if you have been following my report of even a casual fan of the blues you know that Walter is battling liver disease. This release was recorded throughout 2013 and is finally ready to hit the road running. here's well wishes that Walter is soon on the road to recovery.
Currently in production and scheduled to be shown in the summer, the exclusive documentary features Walter talking in depth about his life and music. Also featured in the documentary are many of the people who influenced Trout personally and professionally. To coincide with the release of the album, Provogue Records has orchestrated an extensive concert tour, a collectible re-issue limited edition vinyl series, and a book biography. "The Blues Came Callin'" will be available on 180 gram vinyl, CD, and as a limited edition CD/DVD combo. The DVD will contain a 2014 full-length documentary about Walter Trout.
Walter is currently hospitalized and in urgent need of a liver transplant! Walter has been battling severe liver disease bravely for the past many months. He has continued touring and recording until a few weeks ago - he loves playing for people, and it has been the best medicine for him. We were given hope that medicinal treatment could reverse his condition but we now know that this hasn't worked. His liver has failed, and doctors say his survival depends on receiving a transplant. He is at UCLA in and out of Intensive Care, which is a prime facility for liver transplants. Walter has health insurance but this will not cover the full cost of his treatment. The medical expenses, co-pay, medication, after-care, etc. are going to be immense. Walter will need to cancel much of the tour planned for 2014 leaving him and his family with little income. By helping support this effort, you can help give Walter peace of mind and focus solely on his health and recovery before, during and after the transplant. The timeline is uncertain at this point. Waiting for a suitable liver donor in the hospital can be a lengthy and costly process of many weeks or even months. There will be considerable cost for rehabilitation, re-training and physical therapy post-surgery Quote From Walter's Wife Marie: "Thank you for coming here and sending your love towards Walter. It means the world to him and to me to feel surrounded with your love and prayers at this difficult time. Walter has lost 100 pounds and most of his muscle tissue in the past year, and suffered much pain. It has been heart wrenching to watch him go through this. He has tried to put on a brave face for us all - he has kept playing, composing, singing, touring, and recording because music and communicating through music has always been his life line.. But he has reached the point, where he is too sick to stand up or even hold a guitar. Thank you again on Walter's behalf for your love and support." - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/walter-trout-needs-a-new-liver-you-can-help-/151911
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here
Monday, April 7, 2014
Swedish rockers H.E.A.T announce four UK concerts
The long-awaited new studio album
"Tearing Down The Walls"
Released on April 14th, 2014 via earMUSIC
"Tearing Down The Walls"
Released on April 14th, 2014 via earMUSIC
Featuring the new single "A Shot At Redemption" taken from
the same titled 4-track EP - released February 14th, 2014
the same titled 4-track EP - released February 14th, 2014
"What can you say about H.E.A.T? If you don't like
these energetic Swedes you must be dead inside, as this year they've
shown the UK crowd how to be the most complete band on the planet." - Classic Rock Magazine
Once again the band decided the move into Bohus Studio with Grammy-award winning producer Tobias Lindell and created an explosive, fresh sound.
The first sneak peak of the album is the lead single "A Shot At Redemption". It confirms all that H.E.A.T showed before and more: a catchy hookline, a driven beat, the obligatory guitar solo and the raw, beyond comparison vocals of singer Erik Grönwall.
Photo Credit: © Gustaf Sandholm Andersson
Added on top to the "A Shot At Redemption" EP are the previously unreleased "Under Your Skin", a goosebumps worthy acoustic version of H.E.A.T's "In And Out Of Trouble" and a sensual cover of one of the greatest ballads, "She"s Like The Wind".
Four songs to enjoy the energetic and explosive side of H.E.A.T and their great talent for ballads, to ease the wait for the very anticipated new studio album.
"Tearing Down The Walls" – their brand new studio work – is the follow-up to the successful "Address The Nation" which was praised by media worldwide as one of the best album's in 2012 and consolidated the band's reputation as the new leading band in hard edged melodic rock.
H.E.A.T had a huge hit in Scandinavia with the song "1000 Miles" in 2009 and the band's 2nd Album, "Freedom Rock" was nominated as one of the Top 50 albums in 2010 by Classic Rock Magazine UK. Since then, they have been touring all over the world, convincing everyone with their powerful performance.
Photo Credit: © Gustaf Sandholm Andersson
H.E.A.T's music is not a revival, and it's not nostalgic. Still … it's by far the best you can have today if you love "classic rock" or "AOR" … or more simply if you think that rock music means energy, great songs, and the ambition to be on top of the world.
Photo Credit: © Gustaf Sandholm Andersson
H.E.A.T – UK TOUR DATES 2014
To dovetail the April 14th release of their new album “Tearing Down The Walls”, Swedish rockers H.E.A.T have announced they will play four UK concerts in May: | London Garage Newcastle O2 Academy 2 Glasgow Cathouse Manchester Academy 3 |
Friday 16th May Saturday 17th May Sunday 18th May Monday 19th May |
The follow-up H.E.A.T’s 2012 critically acclaimed album Address The Nation, "Tearing Down The Walls" was recorded at Bohus Studios with Grammy-award winning producer Tobias Lindell. The first single to be taken from the new album is A Shot At Redemption.
A new double A-side single "Tearing Down The Walls" / "Mannequin Show" will be released on Monday April 14th; to coincide with the release of the new album.
H.E.A.T line-up
Erik Grönwall - Vocals
Eric Rivers - Guitar
Jimmy Jay - Bass
Jona Tee - Keyboards
Crash - Drums
Erik Grönwall - Vocals
Eric Rivers - Guitar
Jimmy Jay - Bass
Jona Tee - Keyboards
Crash - Drums
"A Shot At Redemption" EP Tracklist
1. A Shot At Redemption
2. Under Your Skin
3. In And Out Of Trouble (Acoustic)
4. She's Like The Wind
1. A Shot At Redemption
2. Under Your Skin
3. In And Out Of Trouble (Acoustic)
4. She's Like The Wind
H.E.A.T – Biography
Over the last seven years H.E.A.T has
established themselves as the young leading band in the melodic rock
scene, both in their homeland Sweden and internationally. They have
toured and performed in front of thousands and thousands of fans around
the world.It all started in early 2007 when H.E.A.T was born out of the ashes of two other bands. They began to write songs and started to play every show they could get their hands on. It resulted in a fan base in Sweden and whispers of a new rising star began to radiate abroad.
A few months later a record deal was signed and the first major gigs, as support to the likes of Toto and Mustasch were made.
In April 2008, their self titled debut album was released and became a massive vitamin injection for the genre and instantly received accolades from both fans and critics worldwide. The release was followed up by immense touring and H.E.A.T played with bands such as Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy and on big festivals like Sweden Rock Festival.
By January 2009, an exciting year in the H.E.A.T history began. First in line was a five week European tour supporting German greats Edguy followed by the Swedish qualifiers for the Eurovision song contest with the song ‘1000 Miles’ which became a huge hit in Sweden. The first album was re-released bundled with the ‘1000 Miles’ single and touring began all over Sweden.
In late 2009, H.E.A.T entered the studio to begin the recordings of the follow-up “Freedom Rock”. The album was released in May 2010. During the recordings, H.E.A.T began to grow a slight distance to singer Kenny Leckremo. After a tour in England in spring 2010, H.E.A.T and Kenny parted ways.
Determined to not let the band fade into history, the band began the search for a new singer. More than 200 applications came in.
During this time the band got in touch with “Swedish Idol” winner Erik Grönwall who was asked to do a stand-in gig in Sweden. He had to decline due to a busy solo career schedule, although the seed of him becoming singer of a successful rock band had been planted. A couple of weeks later, Jimmy met Erik at a release party and asked him straight forward if at all he was interested in joining. A meeting was set up and hours after the meeting Erik decided that his destiny was within H.E.A.T.
The band instantly began writing songs for what would become their third album, “Address the Nation”. A new record deal with GAIN/Sony Music was signed and together they chose which songs to record from a total of about 30 songs. Through their new label they got in touch with Grammy award winning producer Tobias Lindell and the legendary “Studio Bohus” in Gothenburg. They felt that this truly is the man to deliver the sound of H.E.A.T in the future.
“Address the Nation” was released in March 2012 worldwide with the epic song ‘Living on the Run’ as the vanguard. A lot of touring and hard work began for the guys and 2012 turned out to be a great year in the H.E.A.T history. They played in every corner of Sweden, including shows at mighty Sweden Rock Festival and Skogsröjet. They played big TV shows and got nominated for a Rockbjörn-award, a big and prestigious award in Sweden. H.E.A.T also recorded their first two music videos, one for ‘Living on the Run’, and one for ‘It’s All About Tonight’.
"What can you say about H.E.A.T? If you don't like these energetic Swedes you must be dead inside, as this year they've shown the UK crowd how to be the most complete band on the planet." - Classic Rock Magazine
The Address the Nation circus continued in 2013 and the guys loaded their guns and headed out to conquer Europe. With 10 headline shows in Germany, England and Spain, they proved to the European crowd that they were a top class live act.
In the summer of 2013 H.E.A.T played festivals in Germany with bands like Journey, Whitesnake and Europe and played at the legendary festival Firefest in England. This, together with H.E.A.T breaking new ground in the far east of China with a 10 date tour and the Rockalies-festival in France, marked the end of the Adress the Nation-era and the start of something new...
Despite these hectic two years, the guys still managed to keep the song writing going and in August of 2013, the guys once again entered Studio Bohus with producer Tobias Lindell to record their fourth album entitled: "Tearing Down the Walls".
With this album H.E.A.T has once again created a great hard rock album with the right blend of melodic and heavy songs. Singer Erik Grönwall about the title:
“Tearing down the walls is about breaking free from your mental walls that are holding you back. Go out there and try new things, don’t let yourself be your own worst enemy. Tear down the walls.”
“Tearing down the Walls” is released April 11th, with the EP “A Shot at Redemption” marking the start in mid-February.
They kick off the tour playing in Madrid with Scorpions in March and 2014 looks like the best year for H.E.A.T so far.
PEACH & The Blues All-Stars Headline Biscuits & Blues
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Al Basile Delivers a Jolt of Bluff City Soul on His New CD, "Woke Up in Memphis," Coming May 20 on Sweetspot Records
Al Basile
Delivers a Jolt of Bluff City Soul on His New CD, Woke Up in Memphis,
Coming May 20
on Sweetspot Records
Latest Disc by
Former Roomful of Blues Alumnus Features Special Guests Duke Robillard, Rich
Lataille, Doug James and Sista Monica Parker
RUMFORD, RI – Al Basile announces a May 20 release date for
Woke Up in Memphis, the new CD from the
singer/songwriter/cornetist and former member of Roomful of Blues, on Sweetspot
Records, with distributtion by City Hall Records. Produced by Basile’s lifelong
friend and musical collaborator Duke Robillard, who adds his trademark guitar
sounds throughout, Woke Up in Memphis is also fueled by a dynamite
horn section that includes Basile, current Roomful tenor sax player Rich
Lataille and former member Doug James on baritone sax, along with Mark Teixeira
on drums and percussion, Bruce Bears on keyboards, Brad Hallen on electric bass
and special guest vocalist Sista Monica Parker.
Acclaimed not only
for his sweet cornet playing, but also his literate blues songwriting, Al Basile
lays down a groove of 14 originals on the new CD that sound as if they’d be
right at home on a Stax or Hi Records session in the 1960s, but with a
contemporary feel that makes them vital. With song titles such as “Don't Make Me
Beg,” “When Things Get Tough (the Tough Get Things),” “Saved by the Blues,” “Too
Tough,” “Big Like Elvis” and the title track, fans of roots music will feel like
they “Woke Up in Memphis” from the moment the first sounds emanate out of the
speakers.
Celebrating 15 years on his own
Sweetspot label, Woke Up in Memphis is Al Basile's tenth
solo CD, collecting 14 of his new songs inspired by classic ‘60s Memphis musical
styles: soul, R&B, and gospel. The new album builds on the success of his
last recording, At Home Next Door, which reached the number
12 spot on the Living Blues
airplay chart and earned Al his third Blues Music Award nomination. It mixes
secular lyrics with the first of Al's gospel songs to appear on one of his
releases, a duet with Sista Monica Parker on the powerful “Make a Little
Heaven.”
At Home Next Door
drew
universal kudos for its inspired mix of blues, soul, and R&B sounds.
“Al is a complete master of music, of many
genres,” said Blues Underground Network, “but I am telling you
right now, that I really enjoyed the wonderful potpourri of musical styles … Al
has exactly what it takes to capture your attention, regardless of what musical
genres you prefer.”
“Basile
is a great songwriter with a great musical feel for presenting a song, and he is
backed by a terrific band that has played with him for nearly 25 years,” wrote
Sunday Night Blues Project in its review. “I think this is the
best music Basile has made so far in his career--his ease and strength as a
vocal storyteller continues to grow with each release, and his cornet playing is
rich, nuanced, and succinct.”
“Al
Basile has raised his profile considerably over the past few years. His past
four discs have charted in the Top 15 on the Living Blues airplay
charts and he’s been nominated for multiple BMA’s as Best Horn Player. This
retrospective/new release should raise his profile even more, showcasing his
versatility as a songwriter, singer, and musician.” - Bluesbytes
“I
haven't heard the phrase ‘blue-eyed soul’ in a while, but I suppose it applies
here. A consummate professional, Basile does what he does with feeling and
intelligence, and he makes you want to come back for more.” - Rambles.net
For more information,
visit www.albasile.com.
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