HAMILTON LOOMIS -- May 2014 Schedule

Before Hamilton's June UK/Europe tour, catch him this May in Texas, or the Chautauqua Hills Fest in S.E. Kansas! Be sure to check the full performance schedule at http://www.hamiltonloomis.com/schedule.html to see when Hamilton & Band are in your area... 4/5/8/14 Houston, TX MUCKY DUCK 7:30pm 713-528-5999 Click for Tickets! 5/9/14 Port Arthur, TX DYLAN'S 9:45pm 409-722-1600 5/10/14 Austin, TX ONE 2 ONE 11:30pm 512-473-0121 Click for Tickets! 5/16/14 Tomball, TX MAIN STREET CROSSING Grant Harrison opens @ 7:30pm, HL @ 8:15pm Click for Tickets! 5/17/14 Port Bolivar (Crystal Beach), TX SHIP'S WHEEL 9pm 409-684-4036 5/25/14 Sedan, KS CHAUTAUQUA HILLS BLUES FESTIVAL 10pm Click for Tickets!

Video on lost chapter of Chicago history

Gerri Oliver in front of the Palm Tavern  (photo: Jim Newberry)   NEW VIDEO ON LOST PIECE OF CHICAGO CULTURAL HISTORY   Three-time Grammy Nominee Tells the Story of the Legendary Palm Tavern and Its Owner “Going To See Miss Gerri One More Time” is a moving song about a lost chapter in the cultural history of Chicago’s black population.  As Living Blues put it, “It’s the story of Gerri Oliver, long-time proprietor of the Palm Tavern on 47th Street on Chicago’s South Side.   That neighborhood, often referred to as Bronzeville, is rich with African-American history – it’s been called the ‘Harlem of the Midwest’ – and much of that history unfolded in the legendary watering hole that Gerri Oliver presided over from 1956 until the city shut it down (or, more accurately, snatched it out from under here) in July of 2001.” The song was written by acclaimed Chicago bluesman Billy Branch, whom Oliver called her "son.”   To ensure historical accuracy, Branch consulted with Dr. Timuel Black, one of the city’s most respected African-American scholars and historians.   Living Blues called the result “by any objective standard, both an eloquent piece of storytelling and an appropriate tribute” and which Branch calls “the best song I’ve ever written.”  The song is the centerpiece of Blues Shock, the first studio CD from the three-time Grammy nominee with his band in fifteen years.  A fan of Billy’s, Will Gay, created a video for the song as a gift to the musician.   Comprised largely of old photos (including some disturbing images), it illustrates the historical significance and heartfelt sentiments of the lyrics that tell the story of Gerri’s life.  The song and video highlight her struggles with racism and segregation, from her birthplace in Mississippi in 1922 to Chicago, where she moved in the ‘40s in search of a better life, as well as her endurance and triumph as owner of an elite social and cultural touchstone for the black community.  In a lengthy cover story Living Blues calls the composition “nothing less than the story of the Great Migration itself, exemplified in the life trajectory of one remarkable woman.” In its heyday, the Palm Tavern was the hot spot for celebrities – folks like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Quincy Jones, and Dinah Washington, who would hang out there after their gigs - as well as for other luminaries such as dancer Josephine Baker, writers Richard Wright and Langston Hughes, and in later years, Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey.  It was, in short, as the Chicago Tribune put it, “a landmark in Chicago history and American musical culture.” Its demise haunted Branch, who says, “It was just a tragedy. The way they closed the Palm Tavern, without fanfare or celebration, it felt so wrong.  Such a rich historical and cultural legacy, to be just erased without any mention – this song is my way of paying homage to Gerri Oliver and the Palm Tavern.” To watch the video, please click HERE.

Mike Farris Spring 2014 Tour

Mike Farris Spring shows!! Hello fellow travelers and welcome to spring! Be sure and catch Mike this spring if he is in your area. Here is a list of all the shows, featuring the return of Mike and his MIGHTY Roseland Rhythm Revue to Nashville, Music City on Friday, May 16th! All ticket links can be found below! Thanks for tagging along with us and we hope to see you all soon!! May 16- Nashville, TN: Third & Lindsley (FULL BAND) http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4175384&pl=3rdlindsley&REFERRAL_ID=client May 23- Eatonton, GA: Crooked Pines Farm (Humane Society Benefit) http://www.livemusicinthepines.com/ May 24- Eastman, GA: Magnolia Theater http://www.magnoliamusicandmedicineshow.com/ May 25- Decatur, GA: Eddie's Attic http://www.eddiesattic.com/?event=mike-farris-2 June 27- Nashville, TN: NECAT Fundraiser http://necatnetwork.org/payments-and-giving/mike-mas-fundraiser/ July 12- Nescopeck, PA- Briggs Farm Blues Festival http://briggsfarm.com/tickets-2014/ July 18- Memphis, TN- Levitt Shell (FREE SHOW in the park featuring the Fantastic Roseland Rhythm Revue) Aug. 3&4- Canmore, Alberta- Canmore Folk Festival (1 of Mike's favorites!) http://www.canmorefolkfestival.com/

Forty Below Records artist: John Mayall - A Special Life

I just received the newest release (May 13, 2014), A Special Life, from John Mayall and in keeping with tradition, Mayall gives us another new view at his take on the blues. Opening with Why Did You Go Last Night, a Jimmy Reed like track, features Mayall on piano and CJ Chenier on accordion and lead vocal. Sonny Landreth's Speak Of the Devil has a strong bottom thanks to Jay Davenport (drums) and Greg Rzab (bass). Rocky Athas rips a nice guitar solo on this track as Mayall fills out the body on organ. James Lane's That's All Right has a strong R&B blues feel and features Mayall not only on vocal but also on harp. Nice! World Gone Crazy has a cool Doors like feel with Mayall on vocal, harp and keys but it's all about the bass on this track. Albert King's Floodin' In California still has the funky R&B style but with a definite Mayall twist. Easy going guitar work from Mayall on this track complimented by his own organ work leaves a nice open path for Athas to play a crisp guitar solo of his own. Very nice. Eddie Taylor's Big Town Playboy is up next with a cool shuffle beat. Mayall echoing himself on vocal and harp and accompanying himself on piano, this is a cool Chicago style blues. Davenport lays in the pocket as Mayall shows he still knows his way around the keys and the harp. Nice. Title track A Special Life is an easy going ballad with a really nice harp work. Jimmy McCracklin's I Just Got To Know has a real strong R&B feel and Mayall's vocals are best shown on this track. Athas plays a particularly well articulated solo on this track making it the front runner for my favorite track on the release. Heartache has a bit of a Latin feel with, Mayall playing a clavinet adding to an island feel. Getting into the Latin spirit, Athas lays down a nicely articulated guitar solo in contrast to a somewhat calming track. Like a Fool has a driving bass line compliments of Rzab and Mayall leads the way with classic vocal styling and nice organ work. Athas again steps up with blistering fretwork making this another of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Just A Memory, a really nice ballad delivered a la blues. One of the coolest compositions on the release and featuring an extended piano solo from Mayall this is a super conclusion to one of the founders of the modern blues' newest releases.

  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”

 

Planet Full Of Blues - Hard Landing - New release review

I just received the newest release (May 17,2014), Hard Landing,from Planet Full Of Blues and it's a lot of fun. Opening with Big Mouth, a shuffling rock track, lead singer and guitar player Johnny Ray Light takes control. Ron Dameron plucks a cool bass line and Brock Howe keeps the bottom tight on drums. So Special is a bluesy easy going track with warm shimmery guitar chords. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy has a strong tie to older Chicago blues with classic guitar riffs. Light bursts loose with a nice guitar rumble on this track as well as driving the track with Reed like melody. Open Your Eyes has a R&B rhythm and a catchy melody allowing Light the opportunity to step up with some stinging guitar solos to compliment his vocals. Busboy has a funky back beat and crisp Texas style guitar riffs. I Had A Dream is a slow bluesy ballad with a smart meoldy. Light uses the pace nicely to ease out a sympathetic guitar solo along with rich guitar chords which enhance the basis of the track. Big Bright Light has a country rock feel with a particular feel like the Dead. Nice little track with nicely blended vocals. Sunday Drive is a quick paced rock track with fluid guitar riffs and a tight bottom. Felt Like A Tourist is a hard driver with a twist of country. A real toe tapper, has a stripped down feel and a catchy melody. Snake Lady really gets the feel of southern country hill blues with a update. Keeping it simple is the key here and this is a cool one. Shugrue Shuffle has a super loose guitar lead with an almost American Bandstand theme melody. This is definitely my favorite track on the release and a cool wrap for this 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”

The Nighthawks Are Back with a New CD, "444," on a New Label, EllerSoul Records, Coming June 17

The Nighthawks Are Back with a New CD, 444, on a New Label, EllerSoul Records, Coming June 17

In their Fifth Decade, America’s Seminal American Roots Music Band Remains Vibrant & a Must-See Live Performance Group

WASHINGTON, DC – America’s favorite roots music band, The Nighthawks, announce a June 17 release date for their latest album, 444, on EllerSoul Records, their label debut. Produced by the band and recorded at Montrose Studio in Richmond, Virginia, 444 is jam-packed with 13 tracks of blues, soul, rock ‘n’ roll and roadhouse country music – all given the trademark Nighthawks combination of talent, passion, energy and showmanship that has made the Blues Music Award winners a truly one-of-a-kind live listening experience, conveniently packaged on disc and ready to take home to enjoy.

Now in their fifth decade of recording and live performing, the 21^st century Nighthawks are a tight, cohesive unit – the kind that comes only from years and miles. Guitarist Paul Bell and bassist Johnny Castle have been in the band for more than a decade; drummer Mark Stutso, the “new kid,” is starting his fifth year; and singer/harmonica player Mark Wenner is counting 40-plus. The nightly consensus from fans is that this version of The Nighthawks is the best ever. The concept that was mapped out in the liner notes of their 1974 debut recording, Rock and Roll, has grown into a powerful expression of the American musical tradition.
    

444 draws from the deep roots the band has always mined: an organic mix of originals and classic cover tunes. Some are well known, like Muddy Waters’ “Louisiana Blues,” and some more obscure, like the Du Droppers’ “Walk That Walk.” But they all blend to make a rich American stew. “Honky Tonk Queen,” a Wenner original that sounds as if it could have come from an old Rolling Stones’ session outtake; “No Secrets,” (another Wenner song) and “Price of Love” (written by The Everly Brothers) are previously recorded Nighthawks songs presented here with new depth and breadth. “The King” is well-represented on the new disc, as well. Two early Elvis Presley movie numbers -- “Got a Lot of Livin’” the final song in his 1957 film, Lovin’ You (which Elvis sings out in the audience that includes his mother Gladys) and “Crawfish,” which opens his 1958 movie, King Creole -- date from the magic period in the 1950s when Mark Wenner was most under the spell of the radical new star.

Johnny Castle contributes three originals to 444, including the hard-charging “444 A.M.” that gives the new CD its title. “High Snakes,” a swampy, haunting cry of lost love, was written and recorded by Johnny and his former DC-cohort, guitarist Bill Kirchen. Johnny’s lovely “Roadside Cross,” is unusual for The Nighthawks and gives the otherwise rockin' CD a gentle and beautiful finish. It also features the only guest appearance on the album, the delicate mandolin part by Akira Otsuka, a pal of Johnny’s from his bluegrass days.

Mark Stutso borrowed a bluegrass original from his brother-in-law and turned it into a Texas funk groove in “You're Gone.” For “Nothin' but the Blues,” he drew on his friendship with Grammy-winner Gary Nicholson. The band had learned “Livin' the Blues” backing up on a tour with Tracy Nelson, who co-wrote it with Gary. Mark Wenner takes the lead vocal on the “Hawks version, with just one little word change.

As always, the essential flavors and textures of this rich American stew come from the electric and acoustic guitar work of the incomparable Paul Bell, who continues to thrive in his role as lead guitarist, forever expanding his horizons on the instrument with the best of tone and taste.

Almost every Nighthawks recording has featured at least one Muddy Waters tune, and 444 is no exception. This time the band showcases its acoustic version of Muddy's “Louisiana Blues” (staying close to the country blues tone of Muddy’s original version), recalling their Blues Music Award-winning acoustic release, Last Train to Bluesville, and Muddy's live introduction on the band’s Open All Night album. As the legend said that night way back when, “They have a beautiful name. They are THE NIGHTHAWKS.”

The Nighthawks are booked by Blue Mountain artists (www.bmatours.com). To watch the trailer for their upcoming 2015 documentary film, “The Nighthawks: That Band on the Blue Highway,” directed by Michael Streissguth, click on this link: https://vimeo.com/88276223

For more information on the band, visit www.thenighthawks.com.

THE NIGHTHAWKS TOUR ITINERARY

5/7                         The Zoo Bar                                                                                        Lincoln, NE

5/8                         21^st Saloon                                                                                          Omaha, NE

5/9                         Uncle Bo’s T-Town Bar – Ramada Inn Downtown              Topeka, KS

5/16                       Bright Box Theatre                                                                          Winchester, VA

5/7                         Poolesville Springfest                                                                     Poolesville, MD

5/29                       34^th Annual Herndon Festival                                                      Herndon, VA

5/30                       Ramshead Tavern                                                                            Annapolis, MD

6/7                         National Whitewater Center                                                       Charlotte, NC

6/20                       The Birchmere                                                                                 Alexandria, VA

6/22                       Capital Ale House Music Hall (CD Release – 6pm)               Richmond, VA    .

6/26                       Thunder in the Valley                                                                     Johnstown, PA

6/27                       Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival                                                        Charleston, WV

6/28                       The State Theatre                                                                            Culpepper, VA

7/4                         Evenings on Main                                                                            Luray, VA

7/5                         High Tides on Potomac                                                                  Colonial Beach, VA

7/6                         A Blues Night Out – Bethesda Blues & Jazz                           Bethesda, MD

7/20                       Gilligan’s Pier                                                                                     Newberg, MD

7/26                       Peekskill Rock & Blues Festival                                                   Peekskill, NY

"Old Fools, Bar Stools, and Me" - new roots guitar guru video

NEW VIDEO FROM DAMON FOWLER - "OLD FOOLS, BAR STOOLS, AND ME" Blind Pig Records has just released a video of the Damon Fowler Band performing a live version of “Old Fools, Bar Stools, and Me,” a track from their highly-acclaimed new release, Sounds of Home. Typical is this quote from Blues Music Magazine, "Fowler simply has never played better, showing off a notable control while continually stirring in new elements of Americana, R&B, and grease-popping soul." And here are some quotes about the song: “Fueled by a reverberating, quaking dirge, ‘Old Fools, Bar Stools, And Me’ tells of a liquored-up loser aware of consequences and regret but unable to avoid either.  This is a common blues theme struck in an uncommon, chilling way.”  - Hittin’ the Note “This one is a slower song with some shimmering guitar but it is the combination of Damon’s wistful vocal and the title chorus that gives it that country feel.”  - Blues Blast “Leans on a decidedly Merle Haggard-inspired lyrical imagery while chasing a Doyle Bramhall-style confidence.”   - Living Blues To watch the video, please click HERE. For more info, or to purchase the CD, please click HERE.  For digital downloads of Sounds of Home, please visit iTunes HERE.

2014 BMA Artist of the Year Nominee and Accepting 2014 Requests

	TEENY TUCKER WILL BE ATTENDING THE 35th BLUES MUSIC AWARDS IN MEMPHIS Teeny Tucker is FuN, FreSH, and FASCINATING! Columbus, Ohio’s Teeny Tucker nominated for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist 35th Blues Music Awards to be held in Memphis, TN in May (Columbus, OH)- The Blues Foundation has nominated Columbus Ohio Blues singer, Teeny Tucker, for the 2014 Best Traditional Female Blues Artist Award (Koko Taylor Award). The Blues Music Awards are universally recognized as the highest accolade presented to Blues musicians.   Teeny is the daughter of Tommy Tucker, who penned, and recorded the 1964 classic hit “Hi Heel Sneakers”. Teeny is a gifted songwriter who has twice been top five in the International Song Writing Competition. Teeny’s music can be heard playing in heavy rotation on many major blues stations in the US and abroad. She has released five CDs, three of which were recorded in the past six years under her current label TEBO Records in Columbus, Ohio.   “Just to be considered for this award is a honor,” said Teeny Tucker. “I have spent two decades singing the Blues. This music is who I am. Of course, I want to win! But win or not, I feel blessed and compelled to sing the Blues. This award? Well, that would be the high note in the compilation of awesome experiences that has been my career.”   Teeny’s road to Blues music’s highest award has been full of other accolades. She was awarded the 2010 Monterey Bay Blues Artist of the Year at the acclaimed Monterey Bay Blues Festival and is a two-time winner of the International Blues Challenge, held annually in Memphis, TN. This is Teeny’s second nomination for the Best Traditional Female Artist Blues Music Award. She was previously nominated in 2011 and 2013. Teeny was also nominated three times for “Artist of the Year” by Blues Blast magazine in 2008, 2011, and 2013.   The 35th annual Blues Music Awards will be held Thursday, May 8,2014 at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, TN.   To schedule an interview or appearance by Teeny Tucker and her band, contact Robert Hughes at 614-488-2769 or email roberthughes@ameritech.net For more information or to see where she is playing, go to www.teenytucker.com. To learn more about The Blues Foundation and the Blues Music Awards, go to www.blues.org. Teeny Tucker 2013 CD (Voodoo To Do You) reaches #5 on the Living Blues Radio Chart Teeny Tucker is #5 on (TOP 50) Internet Radio Airplay chart Purchase Teeny Tucker CD "Voodoo To Do You" by clicking on the cdBaby link below ~ Teeny in Clarksdale MS ~ Teeny Tucker "live TV "in Burghausen Germany. Teeny caused "CROWD FRENZY" as you can see! TEENY TUCKER DELIVERS HER "WOMEN IN BLUES AND OVERCOMING OBSTACLES" WORKSHOP/SEMINAR AT PENN STATE UNIVERSITY. SHE RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION FROM EVERY SINGLE ATTENDEE AT THE PENN STATE FORUM SERIES .  CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO SEE TEENY TUCKER FULL SUN STUDIO "SUN SESSIONS" TV EPISODE WHICH WAS AIRED ON ALL PBS MAJOR MARKETS CONTACT AND BOOKING: roberthughes@ameritech.net - 614.488.2769 IMAGINE A CROWD THIS EXCITED? WITH TEENY TUCKER THEY WILL BE!

17th Annual Doheny Blues Festival

Get ready for a weekend of blues, roots, and rock music at the 17th Annual Doheny Blues Festival on May 17 & 18, 2014. Enjoy 20+ performances on three different stages, tasty microbrews, local vendors and delicious food. Headlining the 2014 festival are Gregg Allman, The Doobie Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Buddy Guy, and Vintage Trouble. Also joining the line-up are Keb’ Mo’, James Cotton & Friends, Ruthie Foster, Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires, The Mannish Boys Revue, and John Németh & The Bo-Keys. Grab your friends and family and head down to Dana Point’s Doheny State Beach for the Doheny Blues Festival on May 17 & 18, 2014 www.dohenybluesfestival.com

. . . Meanwhile Back At The Ranch

DAVID LINDLEY: STRICTLY LAP STEEL FOR BEGINNERS!

DAVID LINDLEY: STRICTLY LAP STEEL FOR BEGINNERS!  Level 1/2 One seat has become available in David Lindley's long sold-out introductory workshop to lap steel guitar.  During Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26, 2014) multi-instrumentalist, David Lindley, will be teaching Strictly Lap Steel Guitar for Beginners.  This workshop is geared towards those of you who are looking to transition your current musical skills to lap steel guitar but aren't sure where to begin - let David lead the way!  David does have an instrument requirement for this workshop: all participants must come prepared with either a Weissenborn hollow neck guitar or an acoustic guitar with a raised nut and either a Stevens or a Shubb-Stevens style bar. Tuition for the workshop is $1500 and includes single accommodations in one of our cabins, all meals (Friday lunch - Monday breakfast), all workshops with David (10+ hours), and ticket for David's performance in the Fur Peace Station Concert Hall Saturday night!  Sign up today!  Don't miss this great opportunity! MAY 23th - 26th Fur Peace Ranch Pomeroy, OH David Lindley - Little Sadie - Live at Fur Peace Ranch

Workshop enrollment also includes a ticket for our May 24 performances from David Lindley

Off To Memphis For The BMAs!

 

 

 

Delmark artist: Giles Corey - Stoned Soul - New release review

I just received the newest release, Stoned Soul from Giles Corey and it's a blast. Opening with funky blues rocker, Oh, Mademoiselle; Corey establishes his ground on vocal, paired nicely with Marty Sammon on keys, the driving bass lines of Joewaun Scott and straight up drumming of Rick King. Stepping up with both hot riffs and slide guitar Corey shows he means business. On Morning Train the track has a lighter bluegrass/jazz feel with intro by Pat Otto on mandola. Corey splays the guitar on this track laying it wide open. Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You has a R&B/gospel feel and backing singers Diane Madison, Mae Koen and Nanette Frank help to showcase some of the best vocals on the release. Breaking into a full foot stomping tent raising frenzy Corey gives his fretboard a workout. Very nice. Time Flies When You're Drunk is an easy going shuffle track featuring Otto again on mandola and smart piano work from Sammon. Pork & Beans doesn't mess around coming out blowing flames. Maintaining a funky guitar rhythm and tight drum pattern, the band cooks up a real pressure cooker here. A rip roaring guitar solo isolates the quiet funk from the intensity that this track delivers. Gary Clark Jr.s' Bright Lights gets a slight rework on this cut but retains the intensity of Clark's own performance. Sammon plays some sparkling Rhodes piano work on this track and Corey does not hold back when he opens it up on guitar. Super! Rita, a funky rocker, has a fat slide part that echoes the melody and eventually takes center stage. Nice. Right On! has an easy jazz intro but a bluesy melody ... a radio style track with solid structure. Again, strong backing from Koen, Madison and Frank play a key role in the execution of the track. Laid back, It's All Been Said Before puts you in mind of Van Morrison or Jerry Garcia. Otto again stepping up on mandola adds to that "country" feel ... this tracks floats on air. Watch Myself Go Crazy gets the R&B groove with a glisten of pop jazz. Rhodes piano work from Sammon and light crisp drum work from King keeps it simple for Corey who delivers a Steely Dan like guitar work over poetic lyrics. That Girl Is Bad takes the high road with a grinding slide rhythm filler and Mitch Mitchell like drum work. A tight rocker, this this track does take a breath for a keyboard solo but drives on hard throughout. Nice! Home Is On My Mind is a rolling rural ballad with a contrasting slide against triplet guitar riff. Nice touch. Every Time I See Your Face is an easy shuffle with a Randy Newman feel. Stylistic piano work on this track and nicely compliments the vocals of Corey and as a wrap to the track as also to the release, Corey lets the slide out and the band turns it up a few notches. Nice conclusion to a very entertaining 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”