A Reunion Party Weekend 35 Years In The Making!

** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **

A REUNION PARTY WEEKEND 35 YEARS IN THE MAKING!

KANSAS CITY (April 24, 2014) – The hottest ticket in the Blues, The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, which sails on the high seas twice a year, is hosting their Annual Cruiser Reunion shows for 3 nights this year. Based in Kansas City, the LRBC is the brainchild of Roger Naber, (former co-owner of the Grand Emporium live music venue) who is also celebrating 35 years as a music promoter in tandem with the music on stage. With the next two sold-out upcoming LRBC's, Kansas City music fans will have an opportunity to see six varied internationally famous acts at the well known and respected Knuckleheads honkey-tonk venue.
Performing over the 3 day Memorial Day weekend soiree, May 23, 24 & 25, will be Blues Hall of Famer, Otis Clay and his 10 piece band, Royal Southern Brotherhood, an all-star band which includes music royalty names such as Cyril Neville and Devon Allman, Alligator recording artist, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Ronnie Baker Brooks, more blues royalty and a cruiser favorite, pianist Eden Brent, three-times Blues Music Award recipient, plus English guitar slinger, Joanne Shaw Taylor. One of the announced Special Guests who will be in Kansas City for the entire weekend will be pianist Leon Blue, who performed with the legendary Albert King 35 years ago for Naber's first Uptown Theater promotion.
To wrap up the weekend, there will be a Free Cabin For Two drawing, for the October 24-31, 2015 LRBC # 25, which will sail on the Holland America ms Westerdam from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The winning ticket will be drawn just before the final performance on Sunday night. One does not need to be present as any person who attends any of the 3 nights of the Anniversary Reunion will be have a chance to win the prize.

A PASSION FOR AMERICAN BLUES MUSIC

Roger Naber's 35 Year Anniversary as a music promoter is considered quite a milestone for what began simply as a passion for American Blues Music. In Kansas City, Roger is mostly known as the co-owner of the Grand Emporium live music venue from 1985-2004. During his 20 year run as booking proprietor, he featured live music 6-7 nights a week at the well established venue.
Blues giants such as John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Koko Taylor, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robert Cray performed, plus the newer generation, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang and Joe Bonamassa. Jazz, reggae and rock musicians such as Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, The Neville Brothers, Chick Corea, Jimmy Cliff, Dave Mathews, Wilco, Flaming Lips, and The Wallflowers also had their turn at the midtown venue. The Grand Emporium twice received the Keeping The Blues Alive Award as "Best Blues Nightclub." The Grand Emporium musician and poster archives can still be seen at the UMKC Marr Sound Archives, UMKC Miller Nichols LIbrary, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 or online at http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col-collections/grand-emporium
A pioneering entrepreneur, Naber co-founded the KC Blues Society in 1980, while serving as President for 13 years, the KCBS was honored with a Keeping The Blues Alive Award as best non-profit by the Blues Foundation in Memphis. He co-founded the Kansas City Blues Festival in 1981, the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival in 1990, and promoted the city's Annual Thanksgiving Blues Breakfast Dance for more than 20 years.
Taking to the ocean and sands, Naber co-founded the Ultimate Rhythm & Blues Cruise 1992 with his Grand Emporium partners, and more recently, the Blues Industry's highly popular and successful Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruises (bluescruise.com) in 2001. Naber was again awarded "Promoter of the Year" by the Blues Foundation for the LRBC in 2005. In 2003, he became a founding partner in Cloud 9 Adventures, which promotes the Jam Cruises, Holy Ship and various international land music events.
Today there are many music cruises sailing the high seas in the wake of the original Blues Cruise Charter Naber and his partners sailed in 1992.

Roger has been a tireless worker for the blues industries non-profits. Most recently, the LRBC has raised in excess of $300,000 for the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis which is becoming a reality this summer across the street from the Civil Rights Museum. In total, the cruises have raised in excess of $600,000 for various non-profits' needs.
After 35 years in the business, Naber still maintains that "it's all about the music" and spends the cruise off-season scouting talent and promoting upcoming cruises at land festivals nationwide.

THE "CRUISER REUNION WEEKEND" MUSIC LINEUP

Friday, May 23rd:

Royal Southern Brotherhood is an American blues and blues rock supergroup, consisting of singer and percussionist Cyril Neville, from the famed iconic Neville Brothers Band, co-band leader, vocalist and guitarist Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allman, co-band leader, vocalist and guitarist Mike Zito, drummer Yonrico Scott, formerly of Derek Trucks Band whose recording career looks like a Who's who, and bassist Charlie Wooton, also of Bonerama and his own band Charlie Wooten Project. royalsouthernbrotherhood.com

Joanne Shaw Taylor, raised in England and discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurithmics, Joanne has won numerous awards in England and now has released 4 album CDs on Germany's RUF Records. Joanne is making her first KC appearance just coming off a tour of Australia performing at the acclaimed Byron Bay Blues Festival. A powerful blues rocker not to be missed. joanneshawtaylor.com
Saturday, May 24th:

Otis Clay is an American treasure, having been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame this past year. He's one of a handful of Deep Soul singers who still command the Hi Records Memphis sound, much in the vein of Otis Redding and Solomon Burke. His song "Trying To Live My Life Without You" was one of Bob Seger's bigger hits. Otis brings a 10-piece group of horns, keys and backup singers. otisclay.net

Kicking off the show will be Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, one of blues most colorful frontmen. Rick ranks up as one of the world's premier harmonica players, song writers and frontmen in the blues world having won the BMA in 2013 in the harmonica category. Rick and the San Francisco based band recorded and videotaped a homage underground track to the LRBC simply titled, "I Met Her On The Blues Cruise". rickestrin.com
Sunday, May 25th:

Ronnie Baker Brooks will be showcasing his new 7-piece band which he is bringing to the West Coast cruise in October. The son of Blues Hall of Famer, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie also has Rodd Bland, son of the late Bobby Bland, on drums. Carrying o the torch of the masters, Ronnie and the full band have a new CD due for release this year. ronniebakerbrooks.com

Multiple Blues Music Award Winner and LRBC Piano Bar favorite, Eden Brent brings her band as she is touring in support of her latest CD, "Jigsaw Heart". Little Boogaloo as she is known to her Mississippi music fans carries on the deep style of the Boogaloo tradition she learned first hand. edenbrent.com

How to obtain tickets and lodging:

Tickets are only $50 per person for a 3 Day Pass!

Click to purchase your 3-Day Pass direct from the venue

Specific show tickets are also available @ $20/night in Advance or $25/night at the Door

A downtown host hotel has been pre-arranged for those traveling with
a limited number of hotels rooms still available until May 2nd!
Aladdin Holiday Inn, 1215 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64105
Reservations: 866-270-9274 and reference "LRBC Blues Cruise Reunion" or visit this link

2715 Rochester • Kansas City MO, 64120
(816) 483-1456 / (816) 483-6407
Voted KC's Best Live Music Venue 9 years running

# # #
For information or further press inquiries:
Contact LeAnne Clay: (816) 753-7979 or bluesin@bluescruise.com

A special thank you to Cruiser Reunion Party Weekend sponsor, Holland America Line!

313 Lawrence Ave. • Kansas City, MO 64111 • 816-753-7979 • 888-Bluesin' • BluesCruise.com

legendary.blues.cruise

Big Song Music House, May Music

Tonight, April 30th at 7pm, I will be playing music with  Doug Hamilton at the Oxford Community Arts Center.  A memorial concert for Doug's 15 year old daughter Kathryn who passed away on March 11, this year. We are raising funds to help purchase a Grand Piano for Talawanda High School in memory of Kathryn.  Kathryn Anne Hamilton was a talented athlete, musician, and creative artist, she had a big heart and a compassion for people.  Kathryn excelled in school and loved math and technology, and dreamed of becoming a race car engineer. She was the daughter of Barbara Smyth Hamilton, a big sister to Ethan Hamilton, a friend to her peers, and a bright spirit to everyone she met.      Healing the Heart; Soothing the Soul A concert in memory of Kathryn Hamilton    Hear Doug and Lisa play: BUZZIE   The Big Song Music House Presents!  Andra Faye and Scott Ballantine Multi-instrumentalist Andra Faye is keeping the Blues alive!  She has received critical acclaim for her blues mandolin playing. Andra was a long time member of the acoustic blues trio Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, who were nominated for several Blues Music Awards. Scott Ballantine is a jazz guitar virtuoso who has "wonderfully wicked guitar chops."  Don't miss this one! Saturday, May 24 at 8pm Doors open at 7 for potluck and mingling. A $20 donation will get you in the door. Please reply to this email to reserve yourself a seat.  Andra Faye and Scott Ballantine   Check our their new CD "Laying Down Our Blues" at CD BABY    Check Andra Faye and Scott on YOUTUBE: Feels Like Rain, and  In My Girlish Days     Music In May   THURSDAY, MAY 1ST, 2014   O'Pub, 10 W. Park Place, Oxford, Ohio Lisa Biales with Jay Jesse Johnson - 8-11pm 10 W. Park Place Oxford Ohio 45056 MAY 6-9 - Blues Music Awards, Memphis, TN. Looking forward to catching up with my musician friends, DJ & Radio friends, singing with EG Kight, and hearing some great music at the awards show. THURSDAY, MAY 29TH, 2014  7-10pm O'Pub, 10 W. Park Place, Oxford, Ohio 10 W. Park Place Oxford Ohio 45056 (513) 523-6782 Lisa Biales with the Belle of the Blues Band . . .heat up the cozy O'Pub. FRIDAY, MAY 30TH, 2014  Oxford Community Arts Center CD Release Concert for Belle of the Blues 8pm - Doors open at 7:30 10 S. College Avenue Oxford Ohio 45056 $10 admission - 513-524-8506 Lisa Biales and the Belle of the Blues Band with Bill Littleford on guitar, Dave Mackey on Drums, Noah Cope on Bass, Chuck Wiggins on Keys. SATURDAY, MAY 31ST, 2014 6:30-8pm  Oxford Wine and Art Festival Corner of High and Main in the Uptown Park Oxford Ohio 45056   513-523-5200 Lisa Biales and The Belle of the Blues Band with Noah Cope on Bass, Bill Littleford on Guitar, Dave Mackey on Drums, Chuck Wiggins on Keys and Accordion. Lisa's new CD "Belle of the Blues" makes the Living Blues charts at #11, the Blues charts at #17, and the  Acoustic Blues charts at #1. If  you would like to hear a preview of Belle of the Blues CLICK HERE    "BY FAR, ONE OF THE BEST FEMALE FRONTED BLUES RECORDINGS YOU ARE LIKELY TO HEAR IN 2014."    - John Vermelyia, Blues Underground   " Lisa Biales astonished us again with this new album. With her crystal clear vocals and an excellent backing band, this album is a flawlessly produced jewel." Philip Verhaege - Keys and Chords

BLUES LOVERS   Mark your calendars for the Cincy Blues Challenge    June 1  Cincy Blues Solo/Duo  Challenge   Arnold's Bar and Grill    1:00 - 4:30 (11 solo/duo acts) June 8 Cincy Blues Band Challenge    Germania Park   1:00 - 9:00 (22 bands)       For More Information: Cincy Blues Challenge     GET ACTIVE   Marc and I donated to the Blues Foundation's Raise the Roof! for  the Blues Hall of Fame. The donation includes our names to be added to a brick in the wall. I'd love to see your name there too!      THE BLUES FOUNDATION    Schedule now for your concert series, festival, club, or private event Lisa Biales  (Solo, Duo, Band) Peach Pickin' Mamas  (Lisa Biales and EG Kight)  EG Kight (Solo, Band)

Stony Plain Records Announces New Compilation Series, "The Best of the Stony Plain Years" - First Sets from Joe Louis Walker and Long John Baldry Due June 17

                                                      

                                 

Stony Plain Records Announces New Compilation Series, The Best of the Stony Plain Years

First Sets from Joe Louis Walker and Long John Baldry Due June 17

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – Stony Plain Records announces it will begin releasing an exciting new compilation series of CDs, titled The Best of the Stony Plain Years, which includes tracks from the label’s vaults, as well as rare and previously-unreleased material. The first CDs as part of the new series will be albums from Joe Louis Walker and the late Long John Baldry, both set for release on June 17. Stony Plain Records has been releasing acclaimed and award-winning roots and blues music since 1976, and is independently distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA).

2013 Blues Hall of Fame inductee Joe Louis Walker recorded three albums for the label: Witness to the Blues, Between a Rock and the Blues and Blues Conspiracy: Live on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. Between a Rock and the Blues won The Blues Foundation’s “Blues Album of the Year” award in 2010.

An international blues all-star, Joe Louis Walker has recorded a number of celebrated albums in a wide range of roots and blues styles, with such guests as B.B. King, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Steve Cropper, Branford Marsalis, Huey Lewis, Ike Turner, Shemekia Copeland and Duke Robillard, who produced Walker’s first two Stony Plain CDs. The 11 tracks on his Best of the Stony Plain Years reissue were compiled from all three CDs of his recorded output for the label.

British blues pioneer Long John Baldry (1941-2005) recorded for Stony Plain from 1991 up until his death. He started performing acoustic blues in London in the late 1950s and worked with fellow leaders of the British blues vanguard Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies in the early ‘60s.

Baldry was an inspiration to The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. He mentored Rod Stewart and Elton John, who both produced and recorded on some of Baldry’s early classic albums, Everything Stops for Tea and It Ain’t Easy. Both albums were re-issued by Stony Plain in 2012 with several bonus tracks and rare photos added and are still active in their catalogue.

Long John Baldry’s Best of the Stony Plain Years set includes songs from several of his label releases, as well as two rare and previously-unreleased tracks, plus a duet recorded live with the legendary Jimmy Witherspoon, “Time’s Gettin’ Tougher than Tough” (1995), with backing by the Duke Robillard band. Baldry and Witherspoon were long-time friends, dating back to when “Spoon” visited England on tour in the early 1960s.

Stony Plain Records President Holger Petersen contributes liner notes to each of the CDs by Joe Louis Walker and Long John Baldry, adding personal insights and memories to the compilations that promise to become collector’s items.

For more information, visit www.stonyplainrecords.com

Suit Ty Thurrsty - People In The Street - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, People In The Street, by Suit Ty Thurrsty and it's quite unusual. Opening with I'm Never Gonna Leave You STT sets a basic jazz rock groundwork. Featuring Tyree "Ty" Pope on vocal and bass, Pedro "Thurrsty" Johnson on vocal and percussion and Tom "The Suit" Forst on vocal, guitar and keys these guys mean business. Diamonds is an unusual blend of the Classiv IV, Hendrix and Frank Zappa. A little of something for everyone. People In The Street has a really cool bass/drum/guitar groove and Living Color like obtuse lead work. Same Old Song has a definite blues riff with a Leslie West edge. Darkest Before The Dawn is a clean and clear cut blues rocker. Nice. I Got The Blues is an uptempo blues rocker with Forst adding keys complimenting his lead guitar work. You Make Me Feel Real opens with a cool bass/drum riff. Forst takes a slick guitar detour on this track playing aginst some funky bad vocals. With a R&B feel this may be the best track on the release. Drawers has a real guitar sting and although blues based, more of a heavy hand along the lines of Leslie West with vocal harmonies like you may hear in some heavier tracks. Mama (What's A Man) is a quieter ballad with searing multilead guitar work. I'm Already Against The Next War maintains the course with a blues rock anthem along the lines of Mahogany Rush or Eric Gales (not that STT sounds like anyone in particular but these are comparisons that I can draw in my mind). I See Your Future takes it to the next level with a Chili Peppers feel but still retaining the guitar rock style. A bonus track, Same Old Song is added to the end with a cool more instrumental flavor. The funky edge and guitar riffs add a different flavor.  

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”

 

Big Surprise Music artist - Carmen Grillo - A Different World - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, A Different World, from Carmen Grillo and it's really sweet! Grillo is the guitar player from Sons Of Champlin and formerly with Tower of Power so you already have a feel for what may be in store. Opening with Come And Gone, a contemporary jazzy blues track Grillo shows his voice is a good match for his song writing and his tasty guitar riffs. Also featuring Mark Meadows (bass), Tony Braunagel (drums) Marc Hugenberger (keys), Mike Finnigan (B3), Greg Adams (trumpet), Lee Thomburg (trumpet and trombone) and Johnnie Bamont on sax this piece moves. JG Watson's classic Real Mother For Ya has that classic bottom thanks to Meadows and Brauagel but with the flair of Grillo looking at the guitar work through fresh eyes, he really sets this thing on fire. I Got The Sauce opens with Rocco Prestia laying down a real nice bass riff and Grillo isn't far behind creating a jazz rock fusion track with creative and nicely executed guitar lead. Rob Mullins joins in with a really nice B3 solo on this track bringing me back to some of the super fusion key players. This is a hot track and one that will make a groove under your back side. (Nice job Rocco)! Steve Stephens is classic with his drum riffs really capping a great track. Tryin' To Make It Happen is a real pop oriented track sounding a lot like it's from the Steely Dan song book... not a bad thing. Grillo again shines on lead vocals and the trumpet work of Adams and Thormburg really set this track off. Prototype has a really nice feel with lead guitar melody. Grillo knows how to play and not overplay making for a well balanced, interesting and fun track. Guitar players...listen up! Real nice! A Different World comes out of the chute ...Adams and Thromburg trumpets blazing. With a light funk and more of a TOP feel this track is dominated by vocal with hot instrumental accents. Bob Emmet really places his piano riffs nicely and Grillo steps up with tasty riffs keeping things tight. Transatlantic Boogie is a cool funky instrumental sounding a bit like a take on some cool old Jeff Beck riffs. Give that to a bunch of hot players and the smoke turns to fire...nice! A very hot groove featuring Grillo, Watson, Matthews and Emmet. Sad State Of Affairs is the first ballad on the release and although possibly my least favorite track on the release, expertly executed and again featuring very nice instrumentation. (It's probably the radio sleeper on the release). The Nature Of The Beast has a bit more of a New Orleans funky rock beat as sees the addition of Curt Campbell on harp. Champlin lays down some cool organ work but this track belongs to Herman Matthews with his clean drum execution. Everything's Gonna Be Alright is a straight up rock track. The cool thing is, when you get this many talented musicians together focused around a concept, it usually turns out well...and it does. River Of Molten Rock is another fusion instrumental and I love it. Meadows and Braunagel do the heavy lifting but Hugenberger stes the trap and Grillo steps up and rips it loose. Very smart track! Wrapping the release is You're The One, a Peter Frampton like ballad. Done acoustically with Grillo accompanying himself on guitar and Mullins on keys this is a clean simple ending to a super guitar fusion 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”

 

Michael Franti & Spearhead Announce "Soulshine" Summer 2014 Tour!

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD ANNOUNCE
SIGNATURE MUSIC & YOGA "SOULSHINE" SUMMER 2014 TOUR
FEATURING SOJA, BRETT DENNEN & TREVOR HALL
PLUS ROCK-STAR YOGA GURU RYAN LEIER

150,000 FANS, 30+ CITIES, 4 BANDS, 2 DJ'S, 1 INCREDIBLE YOGA JAM!

SOULSHINE APPEARS AT OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRES NATIONWIDE
JUNE 19 - AUGUST 2, 2014

San Francisco, CA -- Tuesday, April 29 -- Michael Franti & Spearhead announce today the launch of the first-ever music and yoga lifestyle tour, Soulshine, featuring special guest artists SOJA, Brett Dennen, Trevor Hall, and acclaimed yoga teachers such as Canada's Ryan Leier; additional yoga instructors TBA. Bridging daytime and evening experiences including live music, yoga, sustainable living activities and DJ performances, Soulshine is one of the most anticipated all-ages summer tours hitting 30+ outdoor amphitheatres across the country starting on June 19, 2014 in Santa Barbara, CA at the Santa Barbara Bowl and continuing until August 2, 2014 when it rolls through Nashville, TN at The Woods @ Fontanel. A bona fide family affair set at an affordable ticket price, Soulshine embodies the spirit of these performing artists' love of music, dance, yoga, the environment, and bringing the community together for a full-blown dance party! Artist interviews and hi-res photos are available upon request.

With more than 15 million Americans practicing yoga, the Soulshine tour promotes healthy living with on-premise pop-up "yoga villages" providing 1,000 - 2,500 mats to concert-goers (number of mats differs for each venue; minimal additional fee is required for participation); "yoga villages" turn into an evening DJ tent, art gallery and local musicians platform during the main stage performances. Soulshine incorporates yoga networks from around the nation by inviting the founders, teachers and students of renowned studios to participate in the "yoga villages" in their respective cities. Italian-rooted and Napa Valley-based winery and restaurant, Ca'Momi, sponsors the tour as they share in the philosophy of sustainability and mindful presence in both business and personal relationships. Mantra and Origin magazines are the official media partners of the Soulshine tour.

Afternoons on the Soulshine tour begin with a mass yoga and acoustic music jam with Michael Franti & Friends, led by some of today's most inspiring North American teachers. Each yoga session is designed for people of all experience levels, ages, shapes and sizes and features various artists participating side-by-side with fans. Afternoon activities then give way to four full music sets by the singular headlining acts.

Franti has been practicing yoga for over 12 years, and has graced the covers of numerous lifestyle publications including Yoga Journal, Origin, Mantra and Yoga. Celebrated yoga guru Ryan Leier heads up the daily sessions, bringing his innovative style of assimilating ancient traditions with a contemporary flow to the masses. Based in Canada, and a yoga ambassador to communities across the globe, Leier is the founder of One Yoga studios and Vinyasa Yoga for Youth, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through the practice of yoga.
Soulshine Performing Artists Bios:
Michael Franti & SpearheadOver the course of his acclaimed career, Michael Franti & Spearhead has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying and ultimately unforgettable live acts in the business. Michael Franti has sold more than 2.5 million singles of his hit song "Say Hey (I Love You)", and has charted his albums on Billboard's "Top 40" along with frequent appearances on David Letterman, Leno, Conan, Oprah, Ellen and CNN. In addition to being a leading social activist, Franti has diligently created and supported numerous environmental and humanitarian causes, which speaks to the evolution of sounds featured on his latest album, All People (Boo Boo Wax/Capitol Records: July 2013). In the foreground are colossal dance beats and dizzying electronic effects, while Franti's lyrical sincerity shines bright as he sings about what moves him most.

SOJAOn Tuesday, April 29, 2014, reggae sensation SOJA releases the track "I Believe" featuring Michael Franti and Nahko on ATO Records. Co-written by Franti, "I Believe" marks the first single on SOJA's forthcoming full-length album hitting stores later this year. SOJA's non-stop touring, headlining and selling out large theaters in more than 20 countries, sharing stages with the likes of Dave Matthews Band and Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley, have helped generate over 60 million YouTube views, 3 million Facebook fans, and an almost Grateful Dead-like international fan base. Over the past few years, they've sold more than 200,000 albums, including their critically acclaimed 2012 release, Strength To Survive (ATO Records), which made an impassioned call for unity and change with universally relatable songs about faith, hope and love.

Brett DennenNorthern California's Brett Dennen's 2013 album, Smoke and Mirrors, is the folk-pop singer-songwriter's strongest recording effort yet. Led by the cheerful, hook-heavy single "Wild Child," Dennen's fifth release shifts effortlessly from lilting, breezy pop ("You Make It Easy") to heartfelt balladry ("Only Want You"). His nostalgic "When We Were Young" urges maturing rock fans to turn up their radios and stay forever young. Dennen was named by Rolling Stone magazine as an "Artist to Watch" and, in 2008, Entertainment Weekly called him one of its eight "Guys on the Rise."

Trevor Hall
Trevor Hall's career quickly broke through the music scene with a song placement on the Shrek the Third soundtrack, as well as Trevor joining a series of sold-out tours with artists such as Steel Pulse, The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Matisyahu, Michael Franti and Colbie Callait. Trevor's self-titled debut album peaked on Billboard's Heatseeker chart at #7 in 2009, he was named one of the "Top 20 New Artists" by Music Connection magazine, MTV named him one of the twenty emerging artists for 2010, and in 2012 CBS used his hit "Brand New Day" for the promo of their CBS This Morning show. His most recent album, Everything, Everytime, Everywhere, reached #80 on the Billboard "Top 200" chart. Trevor is scheduled to release a new album later this year.

For full tour information, including announcements regarding newly confirmed tour dates and on-sale information, please visit: www.MichaelFranti.com and www.Soulshine.com

Soulshine Summer 2014 Tour Dates:
THU 6/19/14 -- Santa Barbara, CA -- Santa Barbara Bowl
FRI 6/20/14 -- Los Angeles, CA -- Greek Theater
SAT 6/21/14 -- Berkeley, CA -- Greek Theater
SUN 6/22/14 -- San Diego, CA -- Open Air Theatre
TUE 6/24/14 -- Jacksonville, OR -- Britt Festivals
THU 6/26/14 -- Vancouver, BC -- PNE Amphitheater
FRI 6/27/14 -- Seattle, WA -- Marymoor Park
SAT 6/28/14 -- Bend, OR -- Les Schwab Amphitheater
SUN 6/29/14 -- Portland, OR -- Edgefield
TUE 7/1/14 -- Missoula, MT -- Big Sky Brewery
WED 7/2/14 -- Sun Valley, ID -- Sun Valley Center
THU 7/3/14 -- Salt Lake City, UT -- USANA
SAT 7/5/14 -- Santa Fe, NM -- The Downs at Santa Fe
SUN 7/6/14 -- Denver, CO -- Red Rocks
TUE 7/8/14 -- Kansas City, MO -- Crossroads
THU 7/10/14 -- Chicago, IL -- FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
FRI 7/11/14 -- Minneapolis, MN -- Basilica Block Party*
SAT 7/12/14 -- Des Moines, IA -- Simon Estes
SUN 7/13/14 -- Indianapolis, IN -- The Lawn @ White River State Park
TUE 7/15/14 -- Toronto, ON -- TD Echobeach
THU 7/17/14 -- Asbury Park, NJ -- Stone Pony Summer Stage
FRI 7/18/14 -- Boston, MA -- Bank of America Pavilion
SAT 7/19/14 -- Gilford, NH -- Bank of NH Pavilion
MON 7/21/14 -- New York, NY -- Pier 97
TUE 7/22/14 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Skyline Stage at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts
THU 7/24/14 -- Floyd, VA -- FloydFest*
FRI 7/25/14 -- Wilmington, NC -- Battleship Park
SAT 7/26/14 -- Portsmouth, VA -- nTelos Pavilion
SUN 7/27/14 -- Charlotte, NC -- Uptown Amphitheater at The Music Factory
TUE 7/29/14 -- Boca Raton, FL -- Sunset Cove Amphitheater
WED 7/30/14 -- St Augustine, FL -- St Augustine Amphitheater
FRI 8/1/14 -- Atlanta, GA -- Masquerade Park
SAT 8/2/14 -- Nashville, TN -- The Woods @ Fontanel
*Michael Franti & Spearhead only

BLACK HEN MUSIC SIGNS VANCOUVER-BASED SINGER COLLEEN RENNISON & WILL RELEASE HER DEBUT SOLO CD, "SEE THE SKY ABOUT TO RAIN," ON JUNE 17 IN THE U.S & JUNE 3 IN CANADA

BLACK HEN MUSIC SIGNS VANCOUVER-BASED SINGER COLLEEN RENNISON & WILL RELEASE HER DEBUT SOLO CD, SEE THE SKY ABOUT TO RAIN,

ON JUNE 17 IN THE U.S & JUNE 3 IN CANADA

NASHVILLE, TN – Black Hen Music announces the signing of Vancouver-based singer Colleen Rennison, and will release her debut solo CD, See the Sky About to Rain, on June 17 in the U.S. and June 3 in Canada. Recorded at the Hen House Studios in Vancouver and Nashville, See the Sky About to Rain was produced by Juno Award-winner Steve Dawson, who also adds his multi-talents on various instruments throughout the album. In addition to a core session group of Canadian and Nashville all-stars, Colleen’s debut also features such special guests as the renowned McCrary sisters on backing vocals, Jim Hoke on sax and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien.

See the Sky About to Rain showcases Colleen Rennison as a classic singer of songs, who brings new dimensions to a set list from the pages of the great American (and in this case Canadian, too) songbook, creating nuances, passion and soul with a delivery that stamps them as her own.

The album’s dozen tracks demonstrate Colleen’s amazing interpretations of timeless material from a wide range of composers, including Robbie Robertson (“All La Glory” and “Stage Fright”), Townes Van Zant (“White Freightliner”), Leonard Cohen (“Why Don’t You Try”), Bobby Gentry (“Fancy”), Tom Russell (“Blue Wing”), Joni Mitchell (“Coyote”), and Neil Young (“See the Sky About to Rain”).

Over the last several years, Colleen Rennison has been the frontwoman/vocalist for the acclaimed Canadian band, No Sinner. She’s been touring consistently both on her own and with No Sinner in 2014, including two tours of Europe, a number of dates in the U.S. (including SXSW) and across Canada. With a voice channeling power, tenderness and a range of emotions that couldn’t possibly come from a singer who’s only 25 years old, Colleen projects a sound that envelops the heart and cleanses the soul. Her solo album is a bit of a departure for those used to her raucous ways onstage with No Sinner, but the end result is just as powerful. Here, she sings songs that have influenced her over the years and carries them to new heights with her masterful delivery.

The sessions were recorded mostly live off the floor in a surrounding that Colleen describes “like a dream. Steve records in such a way with his funky old monitors and vintage microphones that there’s this amazing ambience in the room. You can even hear the dust falling from the ceiling and it becomes part of the song.”

Cleopatra Records artist: Eli Cook - Primitive Son - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (April 29, 2014), Primitive Son, from Eli Cook and it's a rockin, snarling blues guitar release. Opening with War Horse, Cook and gang (Wade Warfield on drums and Rob Richmond on bass) crank up a Led Zep feel with a southern twist. It has a mesmerizing groove and cool guitar riffs. Revelator has a bit more pop to it adding Vinny Appice (drums), Jorgen Carlsson (bass and B3) and Steffen Presley and Greg Hampton on backing vocals. Sweet Thang has a slinky sound and features Tinsley Ellis on additional guitar. High In The Morning, a southern influenced track features Sonny Landreth on some slick slide work. Reese Wynans adds some Vocals remind me quite a bit of Black Label Society. Won't Be Long is a real nice little acoustic ballad featuring Cook on acoustic slide and vocal. Motor Queen steps out with real attitude... a club swingin blues rocker with Leslie West joining on guitar. This track has a lot of attitude and is one of my favorites on the release. Be Your Fool, still with more of a rock blues swagger, features Rod Piazza on harp but certainly has more of the flavor of Led Zep, Skynyrd or G&R than the old masters but still quite entertaining. Swing A Little Harder is a stripped down track with only Cook on vocal, bass and guitar and Wade Warfield on drums. A blend of spoken lyrics and heavier rock gives it a different style sound. Again the closest thing that I can compare it to is BLS. With interesting guitar riffs and a solid beat... cool track. Shake The Devil Down is consistant with the bulk of the release with solid vocals and well executed guitar riffs over a solid bottom. Tall & Twisted is again accompanied by acoustic guitar and understated drums by Warfield and bass from Rob Richmond. Modern country blues. The Great Southern Love Kill has a hotter flame featuring Artimus Pyle on drums and Pat Travers on additional guitars. A more straight up blues rocker and an easier melody actually brings this track across a bit more crisply. Smokin hot guitar riffs on this track break the uneven but consistent drum rhythms. Amphetamine Saint has a real blues rock swagger. I like Cook's vocal style more on this track and guitar heavy Eric Gales adds nicely to the mix. Title track, Primitive Son, is more vocal heavy with instruments more in the back. A straight forward blues rocker, this track definitely demonstrates the relationship between blues and progressing metal. Wrapping the track is Burying Ground, a heavy blues rocker with interesting guitar work and a heavy drum beat. Cook is carving out a niche for himself in this heavy blues rock/metal sound and I'm certain he will find a strong audience.

  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”

 

Matthew Patrick - Yard Sale - New release Review

I just received the newest release, Yard Sale, from Matthew Patrick. Patrick is a talented singer/songwriter/guitar player and his talents are reflected in this release. Opening with Fly, a reggae rhythm pop track with well orchestrated vocal harmonies between Patrick and Jillian Trawick. Patrick plays some slick guitar riffs over Don Hoffman on organ and Andrew Diamond on drums. Howl At The Moon has a blues rock and not only features some nice slide work from Patrick but also some cool harp riffs from Brian Veditz. The Fool I've Got To Be has a real country rock flavor cut from the Ramblin' Man cloth. One Ride has a cool Latin rhythm highlighting David Kasochi on bass and Diamond on drums. Patrick again opens up on slide and his style is really nice. A pretty cool track, this is probably my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is the traditional track, Midnight Special, done along the lines of John Fogherty with a little bit of a reggae twist. A cool resonator solo on this track and the addition of Trawick especially gives a little more of a rural flavor. Very Nice.

  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”

 

Yellow Dog Records artist: Eden Brent - Jigsaw Heart - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (May 6, 2014), Jigsaw Heart, from Eden Brent. This new release has a definite weight toward country music but remaining all Eden. The opening track, Better This Way is a solid ballad illustrating clearly why Eden is regarded so highly for her vocal skills. A slow, easy waltz paced ballad, it's a nice opener. Everybody Already Knows busts out with honky tonk pride, Brent swinging on piano as she hammers out cool piano riffs. Title track, Jigsaw Heart, has a definite country feel again in ballad rather than easy pop style. There is a definite class to her songs separating them from today's pop country efforts by other artists. Dan Dugmore add a nice easy steel guitar counter to Brent's vocals. Very nice and air bound. Opportunity has a gospel/R&B feel and is one of my favorites on the release. Brent gets into a super groove and really delivers vocals nicely against her own rhythm piano. Drums by Gary Craig bass by John Dymond and Colin Lind on guitar and with super vocal backing woven into the fabric of the track by Ann and Regina McCrary. Easy blues track with a gospel base, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free features not only fine vocals but a slick slide guitar solo by Linden. Very nice. The Last Time has a distinctive country ballad feel. The clarity of Brent on piano contrasted against the sounds of Kenzie Wetz on fiddle create a nice environment for this subtle track. Panther Burn maintains a country sub feel with bouncy piano riffs and gospel/revival like vocals. Let's Go Ahead And Fall In Love has a definite southern delta blues feel. Brent really leads the way on keys and her vocals are tops. Chris Carmichael on viola and Dan Dugmore add to this New Orleans sound, woven together like a dixieland band. Cool track. Tendin' To A Broken Heart is a straightforward blues ballad. Brent has this style down to an absolute science and her vocal with piano accompaniment (and light drums) is superb. Locomotive has a train trestle rhythm and an open country delivery. You can tell that Brent is just having a pure ball with this release. Get The Hell Out Of Dodge is a quirky little rag tune with nice acoustic guitar accompaniment by Linden and fiddle by Wetz. He blues styling on vocal is really clean and warm. This track features one of the longer instrumental interludes on the release in a nice laid back format. Valentine is a simple heartfelt ballad to wrap the track. Charmichael on violin adds nice warmth to a simple backing of acoustic guitar by Linden and John Dymond on bass.

  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”

 Not from this release but a good representation of Brent's style:


 

Tall City Blues Fest Announces 2014 Line-Up