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New Blues News – 12/15/2020

Dave Alvin – From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings (Yep Roc): “This 16 song collection features studio performances that Dave Alvin recorded over the years for his own albums or for tribute albums but mainly they’re just things he did for the pure kicks of playing music he loves with musicians he loves and admires. The songs range from some originals to interpretations of compositions by dear friends like Peter David Case, Chris Smither and the late Bill Morrissey to tunes written by heroes like Willie Dixon, Bob Dylan, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Earl Hooker and Marty Robbins. The music ranges from acoustic blues and ballads to electric barroom blues, folk/rock and even a little country/rock. There are contributions from dearly departed comrades like Chris Gaffney, Amy Farris and Bobby Lloyd Hicks as well as from old Blasters pals like Gene Taylor along with various members of The Guilty Men/Women/Ones plus help from brilliant accompanists like Greg Leisz, Cindy Cashdollar, Bob Glaub, Don Heffington, Danny Ott, Skip Edwards, Rick Shea, Chris G Miller, Wyman Reese, Dale Spalding and David J. Carpenter.” (https://yeproc.11spot.com/dave-alvin-from-an-old-guitar-rare-and-unreleased-recordings.html) Nice variety and so great to hear Alvin’s warm vocals. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.

Cathy Grier & The Troublemakers – I’m All Burn (Self-produced): “Cathy Grier singer songwriter guitarist, moved to Sturgeon Bay, WI after meeting bassist Tony Menzer during a Blues night he hosted at Badger Bowl in Madison in the fall of 2015. Cathy was traveling around the Country, she called her Wandertour, in search of adventure, open spaces and a change of life from NYC where she lived 20 years. She bought a car and along with her 2 standard poodles Etta and Lily, began an adventure a la Travels With Charley (Steinbeck), 29 states 18000+ miles and 6 months later, a call from melaniejane and pat mAcdonald invited her to participate in the Steel Bridge Song Festival in June 0f 2016. That chance opportunity, turned into the unexpected residence full time in Sturgeon Bay.  In 3 years, Cathy has performed hundreds of shows throughout Door County and Wisconsin, as a solo Artist including winning Paramount Music Association (Grafton) Solo and People’s Choice Award in 2017 Blues Competition which earned her the right to compete in Memphis in 2018.” (https://cathygrier.com/bio) Grier began her recording career in a duo with Lenore Troia in 1981 and after a few years went solo. This is her eleventh release. Her band, The Troublemakers, feature Tony Menzer (bass), Jamey Clark (drums) and Larry Byrne (organ, keys) with Jonny Orlock (harmonica on one song) and several guests including Howard Levy (harmonica), Billy Flynn (guitar, harmonica) Pat MacDonald (harmonic, backing vocals) with Andrew Spadafora (sax), Joe Nieman (trumpet) and Mike Lizzo (trombone) on five songs. Click here to listen to the songs on this release.

Willie May – Blues For Sugar (Self-produced): “Willie May has performed in basements, barns, garages, street corners, speak-easies, house trailers, preschool, high school, colleges, radio, television, bars, county fairs, carnivals, grocery stores, a pigeon coop, concert halls, outdoor festival arenas, and inside Attica prison.” (https://www.isrbx.net/3137834441-willie-may-blues-for-sugar-2020.html)  This band is slightly raw but they are also a straight up rockin’ blues band that can keep your toes tappin’ and a nice grin on your face. In fact, the band members come and go from song to song with May being the only player on each cut. James Cotton guests on one song and everyone seems to fit nicely with May’s style. Recommended. Click here to catch the band performing “Fannie Mae”, a song on this release.

Charlie Pastorfield – Charlottesville (Self-produced): “Charlottesville legend Charlie Pastorfield shares a few tunes off Charlottesville, a 2-disc set of songs Pastorfield as recorded between 1979 and 2018 by The Skip Castro Band, The Believers, Mark Roebuck and Noonday Ruin, The Gladstones, and Mama Tried, plus songs from his solo records and a couple of covers. The package includes a 12-page booklet with photos, stories, and recording details.” (https://www.wtju.net/pastorfield/) This set offers a terrific set regulars and more difficult to find rock and blues from one of the musical kings of Charlottesville and far beyond and it is a certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid of Cracks”! Click here for a dip in your hip and then grab this treasure!

Greg Sover Band – The Parade (Self-produced): “Indie blues, singer-songwriter, guitarist – Greg Sover continues to impress along with his bandmates; bassist Garry Lee, guitarist Allen James and drummer Tom Walling.” At this point, they have a couple of releases on the market and have frequently opened for big time stars like the Yardbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Ana Popovic, Walter Trout, and Sonny Landreth. Click here to listen to the songs on this EP.

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop