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New Blues News – 7/6/2021

Charlie Barath – Just Me and My Friend(s) (Self-produced): “I put together this specific collection of songs for two reasons: 1. To demonstrate the diversity in my songwriting as well as my Harmonica playing and my Vocals;  2. To shine a spotlight on some of the amazing and talented people that I am fortunate to work with on a regular basis, AND call my friends. I am thrilled to be able to present this music to the listening public, and I truly hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it! My sincere thanks to you!” (https://charliebarath.bandcamp.com/album/just-me-and-my-friend-s) This collection is straight up blues and country styles. There is a lot of variety as Barth performs with a number of rotating musicians. He also shares his straight ahead harmonica and singing. The songs seemingly flow by as if on his front porch and the offerings are quite inviting. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this release.

Mark Cameron – Back From The Edge (COP): “Minnesota based singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Cameron has been active in live music for over thirty years. Mark began his performing career in the rich folk-rock scene of the early 1970’s and brought this influence into several bands he founded during the 1980’s and 1990’s.  Today Mark’s focus is centered on crafting original Blues songs with strong melodies and memorable lyrics. The range of Mark’s material stretches the Blues beyond safe limits with a focus on “foot stompin, butt shakin” music that is built for a live audience…. Known as a charismatic front man and soulful guitarist, Mark engages his audience directly in live performances and delivers his original compositions with a mix of sincerity, honesty and often a touch of humor. He is equally at home on acoustic or electrified instruments and retains writer/arranger credits on all of his recorded projects. Marks vocal range stretches from basement baritone to full-on growl and his original lyrics draw the listener in and paint a picture of the many worlds within the Blues. (https://markcameronmusic.net/about) The band members are Mark Cameron (guitar, lead vocals), Rick Miller (harmonica, except track #3), Scott Lundberg (bass guitar), Dan Schroeder (drums), Sheri Cameron (sax, flute, washboard, percussion) with additional support by Jason Craft, Greg Schutte, Nick Salisbury, Ian Schroeder, Chico Perez, Bill Keyes (harmonica on “Dirty Biscuit”). Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.

Sean Chambers – That’s What I’m Talkin About (Quarto Vallet Records): “This album is a tribute to Hubert Sumlin, a musician who had a huge influence on Sean’s life and future career in music. For a number of years Sean was a member of Hubert’s touring band, an experience that Sean will tell you himself made a significant impact on him as a person, and shaped his appreciation for the music and the audience that came to support and listen to the music each and every night.” (https://www.rockandbluesmuse.com/2021/06/28/review-thats-what-im-talkin-about-by-sean-chambers/) The band backing Chambers’ burning guitar and vocals are Bruce Katz on Hammond B3 and piano on all but two songs with John Ginty taking over on the last two songs and the rhythm section is features Andrei Koribanics (drums, percussion) and Antar Goodwin (bass). Chambers is a powerhouse. Click here for a sample song from this release.

George Gritzbach – Full Circle (Self-produced): “The George Gritzbach Band plays inventive takes on classics and a healthy helping of innovative originals offering a great mix of blues, roots, and R&B. The band has appeared at a wide variety of venues and Festivals across North America, including opening for B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray and many others as well as local nightclubs and Performing Arts Centers. They also have the versatility to play unplugged acoustic sets for a more intimate experience. The band, lead by George, a serious blues devotee who caused a sensation when he first debuted on the New England blues scene, is now backed by a seasoned rhythm section featuring Scott Lariviere on bass and backing vocals and Johnny Menezes on keyboards and Christian McCarthy on drums, percussion and backing vocals. Rounding out the group is Peter Murray laying it down on the sax. The ensemble continues to be in demand as a high energy R&B dance band strongly rooted in blues, funk and New Orleans styles.” (https://www.georgegritzbach.com/about) Mellow. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.

Tiffany Pollack & Co. – Bayou Liberty (Nola Blue): “Tiffany Ann Pollack is New Orleans. She’s the beauty that lies deep down within old pain – the letting go and kicking your heels up despite it all that defines the most mysterious American city. She’s been a foster daughter. A teen mom. A mortician. And when she sings, she’s a fluttering melody that slaps you with a smile. Raised north of the city in Slidell LA, on Bayou Bonfouca, just off the ditch-lined Bayou Liberty Road, she got her musical genes from a momma she didn’t meet until she was 25. Early on it was all-too obvious to her adopted family that the music of Southeast Louisiana was growing in her like a swamp iris reaching up through the shadows to sunbathe. “Who is this strange creature we’re raising? She’s nothing like us,” she pictures them saying as she hollered and banged away on a gutted player piano they bought her but didn’t think to tune. No matter – Tiffany turned to songwriting, kept plinking away and didn’t look back. Now a wife and mother of three, she’s in full bloom. Following a critically acclaimed debut album with her cousin, Eric Johanson, titled “Blues in My Blood,” she’s set to release her first solo project of all-original songs, “Bayou Liberty,” and is fast becoming a highly sought-after regular at clubs all around the city with her band Tiffany Pollack and Co.” ( ) Her backing musicians are Brandon Brunious (guitar), Christopher Johnson (sax), Stoo Odom (bass) and Ian Petillo (drums). All dozen songs are originals. Click here to listen to “Livin’ For You” from this disc.

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop