New Blues & Soul News – 4/12/2016
By Dave Rogers
New Blues & Soul News – 4/12/2016
New Blues Adds:
Juke Rockets Blues Band – Hungry Soul (Self-produced): Journeyman blues group from Maine presents its first release, complete with nine originals and a nice version of “Summertime”. The quartet features Ron Casillo (guitar), Steve Mellor (bass), Tim Woitowitz (drums) and straight-forward and sometimes shouting vocalist Carlene Thornton. The band’s repertoire includes several blues ballads, even an ode to “Mister 7” (Seagram’s, that is), and some straight up blues rock. It’s noteworthy that the band has also worked to support several organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Autism Awareness, Hospice Volunteers, the Cancer Support Center and the YMCA. Click here to sample songs on this disc.
Eric Lindell – Matters Of The Heart (Red Parlor): Singer-songwriter Lindell has been based in New Orleans for several years and the Big Easy influence is an important aspect of his art. His style is highly reminiscent of Bobby Charles in the later part of his career (post “See You Later, Alligator”) – it’s sweet with a nice flow in its own laid back way. Eight of the fourteen songs are originals and the remainder are mostly country soul. Lindell also plays guitar, harmonica, and Fender Rhodes. Additional musical support is provided by Luther Dickinson, Anson Funderburgh and Kyle Ogle (shifting guitars); Marc Adams, Mike Hood, Kevin McMcKindry and Donny Sundal (keyboards); Sean Carey and Myles Weeks (bass); Willie Maxwell McMains (drums); and occasional horns by Chris Fitzgerald, Blake Nolte, Matt Shevitts and Brad Walker. The music does flow with ease. Click here and scroll down to listen to the title song.
Various Artists – Blues For Big Walter (EllerSoul): So, what might be the best way to honor harmonica master Big Walter Horton on disc BESIDES simply playing his best performances? How about collecting as many current players as you can and record them honoring his performances or songs? The latter is what L’il Ronnie Owens did on this not-for-profit disc – all proceeds go to the Blues Foundation! Of course, L’il Ronnie is one of the harmonica players on the disc, but so are Kim Wilson, Bob Corritore, Mark Wenner, Steve Guyger, Mark Hummel, Kurt Crandell, Sugar Ray Norcia, and Andrew Alli! Not to mention the host of stars on other instruments! If you have ANY interest in blues harmonica in the classic styles of the 50’s and forward, you will LOVE this collection! Click here for a promo featuring Big Walter himself! Then check out this collection (Scroll to the bottom of this page! Short clips, but you’ll get the idea)! If you need any more encouragement: “When Big Walter played, the blues fell all over you.” Sam Phillips (Recorded Big Walter Horton in the early 50’s); “Big Walter is the best harmonica player I ever heard.” Willie Dixon
Johnny Winter with Dr. John – Live In Sweden, 1987 (Gazell): Live Johnny Winter in a trio, with Winter on guitar and vocals, John Paris on bass and harmonica and Tom Compton on drums – that is UNTIL Dr. John pays a visit with his voice and piano for a couple of tunes. Ever wonder what all the fuss about Winter was about? Here’s your answer! What really is ‘BLUES ROCK”? Winter in full form! Click here to check out the opening song (or at least part of it)!
New Soul Adds:
Sonny Mack – Get On Up! (Ecko): Sonny Mack is a veteran blues guitarist and singer who has moved back and forth between Chicago and Memphis, where he currently lives. He began his professional career playing guitar for Bobby Rush. Now recording for Ecko, Mack plays in the slick and smooth soul blues vein that is the main style at that record label. He wrote or co-wrote seven of the twelve songs on offer. The subject matter is love and trouble for the most part. The music is for dancing in a club style. Click here to sample songs on this disc.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
