Guitarist Steve Hill Releases Solo Recordings Volume 2

"Montreal’s Steve Hill is hands-down the meanest guitar player in Canada."  Richard Burnett, Montreal Gazette    One of Canada’s most prolific and exciting guitarists, Steve Hill has recorded the much anticipated follow-up to his JUNO nominated Solo Recordings Volume 1, which also won album of the year at the International Blues Challenge, held in Memphis in 2013. Solo Recordings Volume 2 is a step up for Hill, embracing his roots and showcasing his talents and love of blues music even further. Solo Recordings Volume 2 and its predecessor was recorded live in the studio with Hill not only on guitar and vocals, but also on bass drum, hi-hat, shakers and whatever he can do with his feet at the same time.   Featuring tracks that are heavy and hard hitting, deep and melodic, Hill manages to nail a wide rage of emotions with his songwriting and masterful guitar playing. With eight original songs and three covers, including Little Walter's “Hate To See You Go”, Muddy Water's “I Want You To Love Me” and Ray Bonneville's “Simple Things”, Solo Recordings Volume 2 is sure to please the most discerning blues lovers and music fans in general.   This incredible release proves why the Montreal Gazette called Hill “the meanest guitar player in Canada” and why Vancouver's Real Blues Magazine has referred to him as “the best young Blues guitar player in North America.”   About Steve Hill For the past 20 years Steve Hill has been touring and recording and has shared the stage with many of his heroes like Ray Charles, BB King, ZZ Top, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin, Jeff Beck and many others. Over the course of eight albums he's explored everything from Hard-Rock, Country, Stoner Rock to Folk music while always incorporating the essence of his first love, the Blues.   View "Still Got It Bad" live in Quebec on Vimeo   www.stevehillmusic.com      Solo Recordings Volume 2 is available on iTunes /stevehillmusic     @stevehill             Track List 1.   Still Got It Bad 2.   Slim Chance 3.   Tough Luck 4.   The Collector 5.   Never is Such A Long Time 6.   Hate To See You Go 7.   Better 8.   Simple Things 9.   I Want You To Love Me 10. Go On 11. Long Road     “He is the Hit Man of one man bands. He has no limits. It was another flawless performance. The material from Solo Recordings: Volume 2 is powerful and raw with a pronounced, full sound.” – Montreal Blues Society

Blind Pig nabs major blues awards!

"REMEMBERING LITTLE WALTER," SHAWN HOLT AND THE TEARDROPS WIN MAJOR BLUES MUSIC AWARDS Remembering Little Walter, the live tribute to the blues harmonica genius, won two major Blues Music Awards  – “Traditional Blues Album of the Year” and “Album of the Year,” as announced by the Blues Foundation at their annual awards show on May 8th in Memphis. The recording, which features five of the top harmonica players in the field – Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia, and James Harman, received a Grammy nomination earlier this year for “Best Blues Album.” Musselwhite, who also won a BMA that evening for "Best Instrumentalist - Harmonica," said, "The best part about winning the awards for Remembering Little Walter is that Little Walter is honored for his huge contribution to blues so many years after his passing. He was my friend and a great inspiration to me. He gave me lots of encouragement when I was starting out in Chicago."  To watch Charlie performing a song from the Little Walter tribute CD show, please click HERE. "REMEMBERING LITTLE WALTER":     CD INFO              iTUNES Hummel, who produced the album, said, "I'm so thrilled and shocked we won these two major awards!!  It was so wonderful to be able to record this as a tribute to the iconic genius of the harmonica, Little Walter Jacobs, whose sound I've been chasing for over 40 years!  Plus, to have two idols of mine on the CD who knew Walter well, Billy Boy & Musselwhite, makes it even more special. Top it off with James Harman & Sugar Ray, plus the best band money could buy backing everyone up and we have a CD I'm probably more proud of than anything in my career so far." Shawn Holt and the Teardrops won the Blues Music Award for “Best New Artist Debut” for their debut recording on Blind Pig Records – Daddy Told Me.  Shawn is the son of the late legendary bluesman Magic Slim.   Said Holt, “I want to thank everybody that gave me an opportunity to carry on my father’s great blues tradition and front one of the best blues bands of the last thirty years.  I want to thank my father for putting a guitar in my hands at 16 and insisting that I develop my own sound.   I also want to thank Michael Blakemore and Marty Salzman for their confidence in recognizing that we could carry on the unique Magic Slim sound and tradition and also put my own “Shawn Holt” trademark in the mix. Thanks also to Blind Pig Records and Piedmont Talent for getting us out there and giving us the opportunity to be heard, and to everyone who, in their recognition and appreciation that Magic Slim lives on, voted for us.” "DADDY TOLD ME":    CD INFO         iTUNES Two other artists associated with Blind Pig Records also received Blues Music Awards: John Nemeth, who came to national prominence with the release of his three albums on Blind Pig, was named the winner of the “Soul Blues Male Artist” award. "NAME THE DAY!":    CD INFO       iTUNES Victor Wainwright, a principal member of the critically acclaimed roots blues “supergroup” Southern Hospitality, won the prestigious “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player” award for the second year in a row. SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY    CD INFO      iTUNES Or, take advantage of our 5 CDs for $50 offer HERE. (Photos courtesy of Marilyn Stringer)

New CD from Davina and the Vagabonds Is a Ray of "Sunshine;" Twin-Cities-Based Band Releases Their Strongest Album Yet, July 15, on Roustabout Records

New CD from Davina and the Vagabonds Is a Ray of Sunshine

Twin-Cities-Based Band Releases Their Strongest Album Yet, July 15, on Roustabout Records

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Twin-Cities based Davina and the Vagabonds announce a July 15 release date for their new CD, Sunshine, on Roustabout Records, distributed nationally by Burnside Distribution. Sunshine was produced by the band, recorded and mixed in December, 2013, at The Pearl Recording Studio in Minneapolis and mastered at Treelady Studios.

Davina and the Vagabonds will celebrate the new album with two special local pre-release party shows at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant in Minneapolis on May 23-24. DATV will be in Europe for most of the summer, and will return to the U.S. just in time to travel to the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival, where they will be playing the two biggest stages of the festival: the Arena and Garden stages, on September 20. At a previous Monterey Jazz Festival performance, the Monterey Herald pronounced them as “…easily among the breakout stars at this year’s festival.” 

Recorded in exquisite analog sound and set for release on both CD and vinyl, Sunshine is a bold statement from a songwriter and band that draws from the last 100 years of American music and sounds truly original. Through the 11 songs (and one bonus track), many facets of the group are represented: there is the unmitigated optimism of the title track and “Flow,” and the irrepressible New Orleans second-line groove of “Red Shoes.” “You Better Start Praying” sounds as if it came from The Band’s Last Waltz album sessions, and “Away from Me” is soul balladry at its most heartbreaking. “Fizzle Out” is an achingly beautiful pop tune, and “I Really Try to Be Good” is a hypnotic minor-key rumba. The relaxed swing of “Throw It to the Wolves for Love” is a nod to Fats Waller, and then the band covers the immortal Fats, himself, with a glorious take of his “You Must be Losing Your Mind.” Besides the Waller tune, DATV has added two additional covers that have also become fan favorites, done Vagabond style. Included is the blues tune, “I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water,” (inspired by Aretha Franklin’s version); and Davina plays a sublime solo version of Patty Griffin’s “Heavenly Day.” The album closes with the bonus track, an updated version of Davina Sowers’ “Under Lock and Key,” the title track from DATV’s 2007 album (now out of print).

At the heart of the band’s sound are the scintillating keyboard work and soulful vocals of Davina. "Sowers' vocals are unreal,” wrote one reviewer. “She simultaneously evokes Adele and Bessie Smith, and the band’s sound is vintage and fresh, a modern take on old-time blues and jazz.” A British reviewer said of her style, “Think of a meld of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Alberta Adams and Amy Winehouse and you come close to understanding what Davina Sowers is all about …Davina is a real talent who deserves greater exposure.”

Over the last nine years, Davina and the Vagabonds have grown from a down-and-dirty blues band into one of the most exciting acoustic ensembles in the country. This high-energy quintet has established itself with a stellar live show, great stage presence and good old-fashioned hard work: they used to average over 300 shows a year in the Twin Cities area, and now have an ambitious full-time U.S. and international schedule. Davina and the Vagabonds' first album in three years, Sunshine is the latest chapter in DATV's new spin on an old sound mission!

DATV’s last release, 2011’s Black Cloud, was the first to feature all original songs by Davina Sowers. It received 3 ½ stars in Downbeat magazine, and was named one of the Top Ten records of the year by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The national exposure led to additional touring: several festival appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe, including appearances at the 2012 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and 2013 Monterey Jazz Festival. Over the last 3 years, the band has appeared in 38 states, two Canadian provinces, and 8 European countries. The grueling tour schedule has led to a number of personnel changes, which delayed the writing and recording of new material. After a number of changes, DATV’s Black Cloud tour has resulted in Sunshine!

Davina and the Vagabonds are booked by Intrepid Artists International (www.intrepidartists.com). For more information, visit www.davinaandthevagabonds.com.

American Blues Artist Group artist: Dudley Taft - Screaming in the Wind - New release review

I just received the newest release (May 20, 2014), Screaming in the Wind, by Dudley Taft and he continues to explore new territory. Opening with Skip James' Hard Time Killing Floor Blues uses a basic blues backdrop and twists of rock and metal to forge his own sound. His subtle yet solid approach on this track baits you in until he springs the rock trap where he and his band of rockers, John Kessler (bass), Jason Patterson (drums), andn Reese Wyans(organ)lay it all out. Freddie King's Pack It Up is a cool rock track with a great beat and almost Steve Miller like vocals, Taft wailing away on his guitar solo's yet keeping the track contained for easy airplay. Tom Hambridge joins on the track playing drums and the Muscle Shoals horn section (Charlie Rose on trombone, Jim Horn on sax and Vinnie Seizeilski on trumpet) adds that over the top sound. Red Line has a lot of southern rock feel with a solid drum/bass bottom and even a Golden Earring kind of rumble with a Billy Gibbons flair with great guitar riffs and a lot of pinched harmonics. Very cool. Title track, Screaming In The Wind has a bit of a swamp feel with a smokey rhythm, crafty organ work and super grindy guitar work. Taft uses the vocals in an interesting way perfectly complimenting the instrumentation. Possibly my favorite track on the release. 3DHD is a really interesting track with a rhythm similar to Foxy Lady, but with a melody which is much more melodic. A taste of Zac Wilde style vocal but with masterfully crafted harmonies and really nice guitar work makes this a definite standout track on the release. I Keep My Eyes On You has a light funk to the step but is way to far over the line toward heavy rock to be considered a funk track. this is an interesting blend of styles leading up to curiously cool guitar work from Taft. Chords and bends and jazz runs blended into a rugged rock sound. An extended guitar solo on this track is a definite bonus. A straight up blues ballad, The Reason Why, could be another strong radio contender. Taft knows how to run the board and isn't shy to show it. I really nice guitar solo on this track followed by an equally cool B3 solo from Wynans makes it a sure crowd grabber. Rise Above It takes a jagged rhythm tightly executed and with well crafted lyrics and melodies for a transitional blues/metal sound. I really like what he's doing here and can definitely see where he's going. Barrio is the most mellow of all tracks on the release in 3/4 time. Backing vocals from Ann and Regina McCrary create a warm feel and Taft keeps the guitar reeled in on this track while still showing his dexterity and tasteful riffs. Sleeping In the Sunlight again has that mix of heavy swagger and creme filling. Screaming guitar riffs played full out but mixed down have a very nice effect to create dynamics on this track. Tears In The Rain has an unusual time signature seemingly cradling the music with well blended vocal harmonies with Hambridge and skillfully played, emotionally packed guitar riffs. Wrapping the track is rocker Say You Will, a blend of tuff and soft. Patterson sets the pace with tight drumming, sided by Kessler on bass but Taft is riding high with his prominent vocal style and well selected guitar explosions. Excellent!

  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”

 

Oxford, Mississippi's The Blues Doctors release debut CD

ROOSTERS HAPPY HOUR IS DEBUT CD FROM THE BLUES DOCTORS   Oxford, Mississippi — Got the rockin' pneumonia and the boogie woogie flu? Or perhaps a hole in your soul? Well, a new Mississippi-made blues release aims to cure it.   The Blues Doctors are in.   Leading up to their performance at Clarksdale, Mississippi's Juke Joint Festival, the Oxford-based blues duo of Adam Gussow and Alan Gross has released its debut CD as The Blues Doctors.   "We're really looking forward to this year's Juke Joint Festival," said Gussow. "A lot of the tracks on our new album are things we beat into shape on the streets of Oxford, so a big street festival in Clarksdale should feel just like home."   Named for the steady Friday gig at Rooster’s Blues House in Oxford, Mississippi, where Gussow and Gross hammered our their dynamic two-man sound, Roosters Happy Hour aims to please traditional and adventurous blues fans alike.   Gussow describes The Blues Doctors as "a power blues trio without the bass." The third leg of the duo is actually Gussow’s thumping kick drum. The result is a hard-swinging jump combo distilled to the bare essentials, propelled by Gross’s jangling guitar and Gussow’s over-the-top harp lines.   "Alan and I had crossed paths on the Ole Miss campus for ten years, but we didn't actually hook up musically until the summer of 2012," recalled Gussow. "I needed a local guitar-man to go along with my one-man band thing, and he needed a new challenge. That's how the Blues Doctors were born."   Describing Roosters Happy Hour — a mix of new originals and classic covers — as "down-home blues with a big-city angle of attack," the duo is always ready to take the show on the road. They headline Juke Joint Festival's Sunflower Avenue Gazebo Stage on Saturday, April 12th at 5pm.   For those who can't make The Blues Doctors upcoming festival show, the new album is available as a download or CD at www.thebluesdoctors.net. The album is also available via iTunes, Amazon and CDbaby.   BIOGRAPHIES:   Adam Gussow needs little introduction to blues harmonica fans. Founder of ModernBluesHarmonica.com, organizer of the Hill Country Harmonica festival, Gussow is best known for his twenty-five year partnership with Mississippi-born guitarist and one-man-band Sterling "Mr. Satan" Magee as the duo Satan and Adam. Their releases include the W. C. Handy-nominated Harlem Blues (1991), Mother Mojo (1993), Living on the River (1996), and Back in the Game (2011). A longtime member of the New York City blues scene before relocating to Mississippi in 2002, Gussow has performed and recorded with many guitar-men, including Wild Jimmy Spruill, Larry Johnson, Charlie Hilbert, Robert Ross, Andrew "Shine" Turner, Bill Sims, Jr., Irving Louis Lattin, and Brian Kramer. Gussow's debut solo album, Kick and Stomp (2010), rose to the #2 position in the "picks to click" category on Bluesville (SiriusXM), America's premier satellite radio blues show. His second solo album, Southbound (2011), spent March and April 2012 at the #1 position on the Mississippi Roots Radio Airplay Chart. An associate professor of English and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi, Gussow has written three award-winning books about the blues, including Mister Satan's Apprentice (1998), a memoir about his time as a Harlem street musician.   Alan Gross is perhaps best-known for his long association with Mississippi bluesman Terry "Harmonica" Bean — he's played guitar in his band for a decade — and work with hill country performers Kenny Kimbrough, Lightnin' Malcolm and Eric Deaton. He's also gigged with R. L. Boyce, a mainstay of Otha Turner's Rising Star Fife and Drum ensemble, and played numerous festivals across the state of Mississippi. A professor of clinical psychology at the University of Mississippi for almost thirty years, his guitar influences include Muddy Waters, Duke Robillard, Jimmie Vaughan, and Warren Haynes. ####

For hi-res album art and photos, please email asgussow@aol.com

Real Gone Music - Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys - Riding Your Way

I just received the newest release from Real Gone Records, Riding Your Way - The Lost Transcriptions For Tiffany Music 1946 - 1947 by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and it's a real authentic cowboy/big band/Mexican/Hawaiian/bluegrass/swing/jazz fusion collection and a joy to explore. Included are all of the background hoots and hollars, hawaiian steel guitar tuning, big band horn arrangements, yodeling and authentic American music that you could imagine. This 11 or so piece band brought it all and didn't leave any of it when they were done. They went all after it. For two years Wills and the Playboys recorded tracks for about 30 radio stations airings including written dialog for the DJ's to string together the tracks. Originally 220 tracks were compiled for release between 1947 and 49.With the resurgence of interest in Wills music in the 90's and again in 2009 a large set of these recordings were released as a box set. This set, the recordings which are premium quality includes 50 tracks from the original recordings including 20 tracks that have never before been released. I have been sitting listening to this 2 disc set for a number of hours and it draws you in even more as you listen to it. This is genuine good time music and expertly executed. Going through and exploring each track individually in writing would be an enormous track but I will say that there is a variety of music here, all which is extremely enjoyable. Disc 1 opens with Put Another Chair At The Table a classic country styled ballad with big band twists. Brushy Fork is a really cool bluegrass (Irish reel) track with a lot of snap. The instrumental, Paradise Isle has a lot of Hawaiian influence with lap tuned Hawaiian style. Very cool. Brown Skin Gal, another instrumental is pure Texas swing with a capital T. Travelin Blues hits right on target with a country blues track. Excellent! On The Alamo again touches on Hawaiian tuning on the steel but with a touch of big band/jazz arrangement. Another particularly cool track. El Rancho Grande is one of my favorites from disc one with it's TexMex flavor. Ragtime Annie is a springy bluegrass style instrumental and a great track to conclude the 25 track 1st disc.

 Disc 2 opens with Sally Johnson which I think would be a jig or a reel. A very cool instrumental and then into Silver Dew on the Blue Grass Tonight, a traditional country swing track with traditional country steel tuning. Love Letters In The Sand gets a real country swing feel. And My Wild Irish Rose is taken as seriously as when written. Very nice. Another favorites on disc 2 is She's Killing Me, a bluegrass influenced track with a lot of vocal call and response. Bubbles In My Beer should definitely be in the jukebox of my neighborhood tavern. It would get a lot of quarters. I really enjoyed this review of classic Bob Wills music and recommend the release for anyone who likes a little touch of something fun. Included with these special 50 tracks is a large tri fold dvd sized package with photos and track listings as well as a 23 page booklet chocked full of info, poster photos, notes, bios and photos to look at while you listen to this great 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”

 

Sweetspot Records artist: Al Basile - Woke Up In Memphis - New Release review

I just received the newest release (May 20, 2014), Woke Up In Memphis, from Al Basile and it's a giant bowl of R&B and soul. Opening with Yesterday You Left, a poppy R&B track with solid sax contributions from Rich Lataille and Doug James and cornet and vocals from Basile. Duke Robillard plays a plucky solo on this track supported by Bruce Bears on organ, Mark Teixeira on drums and Brad Hallen on bass. Don't Make Me Beg has a super feel with Basile really getting in the groove vocally. A loose and airy cornet solo followed by a tight guitar riff from Robilard tops this track. When Things Get Tough is a straight up R&B pop track. One More Stone In The Pitcher has a really nice feel along the lines of Al Green with warm vocals and well balanced horns and keys. Bears takes a real nice organ solo on this track also letting the door open for Basile to follow with a really melodic solo of his own on cornet. Title track, I Woke Up In Memphis, is a quick paced almost spiritual track also featuring Robillard playing some finger picked guitar and punctuation from Basile on cornet. Jimmy & Johnny has a traditional Memphis ballad sound and a catchy melody. I particularly like the rich guitar work of Robillard on this track. Saved By The Blues has a great strut with horns pushing the way. Basile's vocals are well integrated and soulful. Both Robillard and Basile lay down some nice solos on this track. Nibblin' Through The Fence is a nice easy ballad with tasty little riffs by each player. Make A Little Heaven features Sista Monica Parker on vocals and classic Memphis horn work making this a nice pop R&B track. Too Tough has a really distinctive swing and Basile really capitalizes on it both vocally and instrumentally. Possibly my favorite track on the release, Robillard really steps it up with a great bluesy guitar solo over bears on organ and Basile also does some of his strongest cornet work on this track as well. Nicely done. You Choose Me is another stand out track with a strong strut. Basile's vocal strength is supported by solid horn work by his own cornet work and of course the work of James and Lataille. Drummers never get the pats they deserve but Teixeira really keeps a tight ship on this release. The release is wrapped by Masked Man, a funky R&B track allowing some of the most effective soloing by Basile on the release. Robillard also hits a nice groove on this track of course supported by Bears, Teixeira, Hallen, James and Lataille. This is a cool release capitalizing on the R&B styling from Memphis and I think that he does a nice job of pulling in cool blues, jazz and rock influences for a unique package.  

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”

  This video is not from the current release but representative of Basile's work.

Delmark artist: Sleepy John Estes with Hammie Nixon - Live In Japan - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Live In Japan, from Sleepy John Estes with Hammie Nixon. If you like primitive blues/country blues, this is tough to beat. The release is comprised of music previously released in Japan only in the late 70's on LP just shortly before Estes death on 1978. The releases, earlier titled Blues Live! Sleepy & Hammie Meet Japanese People and Blues Is A-Live. This is an extensive 21 track set and I won't even attempt to describe it track by track but will attempt to give you a flavor. The release opens with Corrina Corrina, with Estes singing lead and playing guitar and Nixon on vocal and kazoo. Broke and Hungry, an original track is a perfect for illustrating the gripping qualities of Estes unique vocal style. Always a crowd favorite, I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You, finds the duo trading lead vocals, again with Estes on guitar and Nixon on kazoo. This is of course one of many "fun" songs on the release and showing the life in these performances. Stop That Thing has always been on of my personal favorites by Estes and Nixon does a real nice job on harp as well. A track that has been played by a number of contemporary players is Divin' Duck Blues. Here as Estes wrote it, accompanying himself on guitar and Nixon on harp, it certainly has a personality of it's own. Nixon takes a larger role in When Your Mother Is Gone, a traditional track showing his absolute strength as a vocalist. A super blues track, Rats In My Kitchen, again relies heavily on the super vocals of Estes. Nixon has a harp style that is well matched to Estes' voice and that is very apparent on this track. Another deeper blues track, Potato Diggin' Man falls back to tghe strength of Nixon on vocals and harp. Very nice. The last 4 tracks include backing by the Japanese band, Yu Ka Dan. Sleepy John's Twist has almost a rock blues feel but still remaining with the primitive style. It's a good chance to see Sleepy John with a slightly different but still true style. Love Grows In Your Heart is more of a gospel oriented ballad along the lines of Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning.  Another Estes original, Brownsville Blues, is gritty and wailing. Estes definitely had his own sound, never to be duplicated. This is a very cool track again with all of the bite of Estes at his best. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Jesus Is On The Mainline, features Nixon on lead with Estes on chorus and harmony. This is a super wrap for a very cool release. Wether you have all of Sleepy John's stuff, or you are just looking for an intro, this is a very cool set which captures Estes in a great live setting.

  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”

 

James Cotton Wins Blues Music Award

JAMES COTTON WINS BLUES MUSIC AWARD FOR TRADITIONAL BLUES MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR On Thursday, May 8, Grammy Award-winning harmonica master James Cotton received the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Male Artist Of The Year. The Blues Foundation announced the winners of the 35th Annual Blues Music Awards in a ceremony held at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Cotton, who was in attendence at the ceremony, is currently celebrating his 70th year as a professional performer, and is hot off the heels of 2013's Grammy-nominated Cotton Mouth Man.  Cotton Mouth Man is an upbeat, warm blues album boasting fine musicianship and Cotton's undeniable spirit. Living Blues says, "James Cotton is one of the great harmonica innovators of his generation. Cotton Mouth Man is a star-studded affair that makes James Cotton's best recording for Alligator. It is an autobiographical narrative of Cotton's eventful life and soul-deep relationship with the blues. He plays with an authority and energy that belies his age." NPR Music declares, "Conjure up a list of all-time great blues harmonica players, and high up on it you'll see the name James Cotton. ### www.ALLIGATOR.com

BEHOLD THE BENDER! September 25–29, 2014. Riviera Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada. The Inaugural Big Blues Bender is no ordinary music festival! Featuring a Grammy winning line-up of music superstars, including the legendary B.B. King, this event is also a complete Las Vegas vacation experience! The Big Blues Bender will feature 4 days of music, 4 nights accommodation, and multiple stages all contained in one property! More than just music, Big Blues Bender will offer activities, a custom restaurant, pro jams, pro-am jams and the Las Vegas strip at your doorstep. We’re taking over the hotel for the weekend so you and your friends can experience all the music, gaming, food & drink we have to offer all just an elevator ride away. HAVE A FEW DRINKS ON US! Haven’t booked your package yet? Book now (while supplies last) and receive drink tickets up to $50 to be used in our main music venue bars upon check-in. Refresh with a soda, grab a cocktail or buy a new friend a beer; you won’t have trouble using the Bender Bar tab drink tickets! EXCURSIONS UPDATE Las Vegas has a lot of attractions to do both on and off the strip. While we plan to jam pack the 4 days with music and activities, we realize that some Benders are coming early or staying late and want to see a little more that Vegas has to offer. There are several tour operators that conduct business in Las Vegas and we are encouraging the Bender attendees to all book through our recommended partner that we will announce in the coming months. By booking through the same operator, you can be assured that any group excursions will be with fellow Bender attendees. We’ll also do our best to negotiate the best prices with group bookings. Whether you want to see the Grand Canyon, go on a helicopter ride, Take a spin on the new High Roller or go for a round of golf, our excursion coordinator can help add that outing to make your Vegas trip a little more special! BENDER BLENDER Want to plan to meet up with fellow Benders before the event? Need a forum to collaborate the festivities with other Benders? Looking for a roommate? We’ve got the place for you! We want to make sure you have checked out the Big Blues Bender Blender on Facebook! Click to join today and say hello to your fellow Benders! EXTEND YOUR STAY Do you want to extend your Bender holiday without having to check out and then check back into your room again? Starting today, you have the ability to book extra nights around your package and we will combine your order so that you can stay in the same room. Not only will you save time and hassle by not having to pack all your belongings for a short move, but keeping the same hotel portfolio also means that you don’t have to pay for the resort fee or hotel lodging taxes as we have included it in our costs for you! ASK BENDER SUPPORT Our Bender support specialists have been hard at work answering your questions and enquiries. We asked our team leaders what was the most common request that came through the last month. If you have Bender questions, stop in at http://support.bigbluesbender.com and get answers! Music Schedule We know that you are eager to know who is performing when. We want to share that with you as soon as we know. We are still adding artists to the lineup and there are always last minute shuffles. We want to make the schedule and release it only one time. We plan to do this before the festival and will make sure we post it and email it out to everyone as soon as its finalized. Arrival / Departure details and package inclusions About a month before the event (after the final name change deadline) we plan to send out an email confirming the names and check-in and check-out dates. Our standard packages have check in on Thursday the 25th at 4PM and checkout is on Monday the 29th at 11AM. Standard Packages sold include 1 room, Event wristbands for 2 people and accommodation for 4 nights! We don’t have any rooms remaining that allow for more than 2 people and there are a limited number of “Single King Bee” rooms if you want a room entirely to yourself. BIG BLUES BENDER LINEUP B.B. King Buckwheat Zydeco Ana Popovic Walter Trout Walter Wolfman Washington Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers   Guitar Shorty* The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band* Karen Lovely George Thorogood and the Destroyers Charlie Musselwhite Coco Montoya Tommy Castro and the Painkillers* Trampled Under Foot* Golden State - Lone Star Review with Mark Hummel, Little Charlie Baty and Anson Funderburgh Popa Chubby The Record Company* Lisa Mann Blind Boys of Alabama Tab Benoit* Otis Taylor The Holmes Brothers Carolyn Wonderland Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials*   Rick Estrin & the Nightcats Bob Corritore & Lil'Ed The Bender Brass (featuring: Jimmy Carpenter) * Artists playing multiple days.

PACKAGES Ready to Attend? Big Blues Bender is sold as "Packages" that include your accommodations as well as your event pass. Please note that this is the only way to attend the Bender. We want to protect your vacation investment, and Bender security will ensure only ticketed guests will enter our venues. Do not attempt to book accommodations at another hotel nor directly via the Riviera's website, as any reservation made elsewhere is not transferable to Big Blues Bender. All rooms are double occupancy. Prices below are PER PERSON. Smokestack Lightning $599.50/pp $1199/room VIP Upgrade $200/pp (Limited quantities available.) Book Now Wang Dang Doodle VIP $949.50/pp $1,899.00/room Book Now Boom Boom Room $649.50/pp $1299/room VIP Upgrade $200/pp (Limited quantities available.) Book Now Backdoor Man VIP $1,099.50/pp $2,199.00/room Book Now Hoochie Coochie $699.50/pp $1399.00/room VIP Upgrade $200/pp (Limited quantities available.) Book Now BIG DADDY BALLER SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Book VIP

BIG DADDY BALLER PACKAGES ARE SOLD OUT! We are now SOLD OUT of BIG DADDY BALLER PACKAGES. There are also only limited numbers of VIP packages and upgrades. These will be gone before you know it and if you want premium seating, VIP check-in and more, grab yours today. Book Now SINGLE TRAVELERS & KING BEES We understand that not everyone’s friends can get out of work or swing a trip to Vegas. We also understand that sometimes friends come in odd numbers! We have begun two initiatives to help accommodate those single or odd numbered travelers. We now have a facebook group where people can connect, make new friends, and find roommates for the event. Click here and join the group! For those of you that want a room that can normally hold two Bendees, but you want it all to yourself - we've got a very limited quantity of rooms at a marginally reduced rate. Our "King Bee" package features a King bed in the Monaco tower complete with a VIP Bender band set for the King that you are! $1399/1 person Book Now LOCALS TICKETS Good news, Clark County Residents! You can still attend the Bender without purchasing a package. (Tho honestly, it would be nice not to drive home after the shows, right?) The locals ticket is strictly for Clark County residents, and upon pickup you will be required to show an ID with a valid Clark County Address. NO EXCEPTIONS and no refunds will be available for anyone who purchases a locals ticket, but can not produce a valid Clark County ID. $350.00/per person Book Now