He's back! Rock Bottom's latest CD featuring four never before released tracks, and a selection from nine of his previously released CDs. If you've not heard Rock's incredible harmonica playing before, then this is the disc to get you hooked.
Perfect Americana album, driving meaty vocals that raise the bar and swiftly turn from rocky edged lyrical influences to driving country balladry. Contemporary Celtic folk violinist and singer-songwriter from Scotland, Laura McGhee released her debut album GREEN EYES in 2006. I could readily compare this to the likes of Elizabeth Cook, the Bittersweets and the Redlands Palomino Company. This second album from Laura is an all embracing look at her roots in traditional Celtic music, but also encapsulating a contemporary side of the Americana music scene. Having already received album of the week from Celtic Music Radio for CELTICANA, Laura has also now received airplay on BBC Radio. Three of ten tracks on this release have been co-written by Laura, with one of them, Memphis Crawl, cowritten by Jim Lauderdale. Half of the album was recorded in Nashville whilst the other half in Glasgow. Tracks such as the opener Careless is a rolling Americana hit-to-be, with a punchy force behind it, pushed farther with the commanding vocals that ultimately steer the direction of this record and certainly bring it to a place of its own. Memphis Crawl is a country twang track, that's mightily powerful and energetic, with some wonderful guitar playing, whilst Radio Love is more of a fun loving track that is addictive in melody and catchy in lyrical content. What a fantastic release! This has everything - wonderful vocals, superb musicianship, variety in song and subject and a sound that is captivating and thrilling. Don't overlook this one - and maybe soon you'll see her on the live scene near you!
Andrea Marr is the 'Pint Sized Powerhouse of sassy, soulful Blues'. Her new
album "Little Sister got Soul" won the 2009 Australian Female Blues Artist
of the Year & 2009 Best Self Produced Blues Artist of the Year (Australia)
and was nominated for three Australian Blues Music Awards. Andrea also
represented Australia in the IBC in January 2006. See why she's one of the
top female blues acts to come out of the dynamic Australian blues scene.
A tribute to the New Orleans funky piano tradition and some of its legends by veteran pianist/organist/singer Gregory Barrett, who has accompanied a slew of major stars and now releases his second solo CD--four original compositions including the title track, plus a group of classic New Orleans blues, R&B and boogie-woogie tunes in new arrangements. Songs by Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Earl King, the Neville Brothers and Clarence Frogman Henry feature Barrett's New Orleans piano chops and funky organ embellishment.
This album was made over the last seven years, starting with the live recording of 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' with Abi Wallenstein at 'Waldschanke' Kiel to the last finishing touches at AnalogHoaus just a couple of weeks ago. It's a cocktail of the best recordings out of many different sessions we had at Uberschall Tonstudio in Kiel and AnalogHaus in Karben.
Every time different friends and colleagues were present to contribute their styles and sounds, so we have a phenomenal list of guest musicians, and it wasn't an easy job to even recall who played on which song.
We hope you'll all enjoy the listening as much as we did the making.
Tommy Keys' 3rd solo effort was released January 31st 2010. Co-produced by Mario Staiano of Savoy Brown, "The Man in the Moon" showcases Tommy's sizzling piano work and soulful vocals. The material is varied, containing seven originals including a tribute to Big Joe Duskin,"Big Joe the Boogie Man", along with songs from Memphis Slim (Born with the Blues), Floyd Dixon (My Wish) and Professor Longhair (Hadacol Bounce).
The title song, The Man in the Moon, is a moody type of bounce, with a New Orleans feel. Another of the original tunes on the disc, No Money, is a comical take on making ends meet while having a good time. Tommy calls it a jab at "Rap-Boogie-Blues". Tommy cranks into high gear with Rock A Boogie Woogie, a high energy tune about a band playing on a Saturday night and the excitement to crowd feels.
"...an impressive piece of work"
-BiLL FoOLeRY.com
"Songs From The Road" documented one of the magic moments of the blues-legend Luther Allison, who dies in 1997. Recorded in Montreal by the Canadian Television at 4th July 1997, only 4 days before he had to cancel his tour, and to come back on stage never again. In a set about nearly 90 minutes (which is documented on CD in nearly the whole length, and the TV-Edition about 56min. on DVD) Luther burns down a real blues-firework for his fans. As he has known, that this concert would be the last documented one.
A blues legend at his best and an essential collectible for his true friends
My last memory of Luther Allison was on the night of Friday, June 13, 1997. I had driven 1 1/2 hours to see him in New Hampshire and when we hugged goodbye and shook hands, his sweet cologne accompanied me on the car ride home. During that ride, I thought of the three times I'd seen him perform during that week and of how many times I would be part of Luther's magic throughout the ensuing years.
A month later, July of 1997, Luther was diagnosed with the disease that, by August, 1997, would rob the world of a wonderful and gracious man.
Lucky for us, Luther's performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival on July 4th, 1997, was both recorded and filmed by Montreal television. It was one of his last shows as six days later, on July 10th, Luther was handed that devastating news. Yet, he still took the stage that night for his final show in Madison, Wisconsin.
The 80 minutes of music includes 11 Luther standouts like "Cherry Red Wine", his 1996 Song of the Year, "Serious", "Will It Ever Change", and "Move From The Hood", his personal calls to social activism, and "It Hurts Me Too", Luther's usual slide guitar club walk song. Whether stinging slide, piercing single note runs, or blazing string attacks, Allison possessed the touch that married gospel and blues with rock and soul. Because The DVD show was edited down to 56 minutes to fit Montreal television, it showcases seven of Luther's most energetic tunes from the CD. By the second song, "Livin' In The House Of Blues", Luther's begun sweatin'. By the fourth song, "Cherry Red Wine", you'll need to get a towel to dry his face. By the time he voices "Move From the Hood", Luther's solos flow forth like molten lava. As you watch and listen, Luther jumps off the celluloid and captures you in his intimate trance.
A truly amazing performance from a man with only a month to live.
There are musicians who can allow each member of the audience the privilege to enter into the spontaneous, creative process. Luther discovered the rare ability that empowered any spectators willing to join his musical spirit. His intimately passionate performances were as physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining for audience members as for the sweat drenched Allison. He could permit every patron to become one with the messages of his soul, which moved effortlessly between reception of stimuli and conversion into pure, raw, emotional music. For that reason, every Luther performance has been the most draining experience I've ever endured.
His life partner, Rocky Brown, once told me, I still get the chills every time he starts singing".
Famous for his marathon, 4 hour non-stop shows, Luther said is best. "As draining as my shows are, if the audience is doin' their job, I'm not so tired at the end of a night's performance. I'm very spontaneous on stage. Right now if I got the chance to play for three hours, I'll still do it. But I don't want people to program it. To me, if it happens, it's a bonus man! I tell the people, you've paid for the first 90 minutes. Anything after that, consider that I'm paying for it."
Luther taught each of us many lessons; perseverance, acceptance, redemption, triumph, unrequited friendship, and generous, overwhelming love. His most enduring lesson, however, may be the message to live our lives in the precious present. To hold his precious present, Luther assaulted endings. Every night he battled the performer's enemy, curfews and closing times. He extended encores for hours as one song became five became ten. He fought to keep club lights on until every fan had been personally touched. It was these exquisite moments Luther never ignored. His final message to us all was "Leave your ego, play the music, love the people." We need to remember how warm his heart was to all. We need to remember he saw only people, no color difference. We need to live our lives and conduct our affairs remembering his final words.
Thomas Ruf, Luther's dear friend and owner of Ruf Records, sums up the loss best, "The Blues lost a true hero. Luther had the unique ability to pull new fans in to the blues."
Whenever I left a Luther show, I wished I could see the experience over and over again. Songs From The Road is the ultimate celebration of Luther Allison's powerful message to the world.
Art Tipaldi - Contributing Editor of Blues Revue and BluesWax and the author of the book Children Of The Blues, Profiles of 49 Blues Musicians, including Luther and Bernard Allison.
Pat Pepin is a singer and saxophonist who knows the blues from the inside out. She performs with conviction and power, infusing her music with heart-felt emotion, drawing the audience into a Blues experience like none other.
This phenomenal musician has set her sites on achieving national status. Pat has worked all her professional life as a vocalist, sax player, songwriter and music teacher. She has done so while simultaneously raising two children, building her own home and earning her degree in music from the prestigious University of Maine, Augusta. Today, she also assumes an active role as grandmother to her daughter’s four children.
With a career that spans over 25 years of experience, three CDs, a tour schedule that has included gigs and appearances up and down the east coast, Pat believes that she has what it takes. She fully expects to achieve her goal of touring internationally and to continue to create and deliver high energy, honest entertainment.
Pat’s passion is not confined to the stage. Her warm and upbeat manner is a hit with kids. She hosts the annual Children’s Program at the Maine Blues Festival and has had the honor of working with patients at the Barbara Bush and Shriners Hospitals as part of ‘Raising the Blues’.
· "In it for the Long Haul" Finalist - 2010 International Blues Challenge Best Self-Produced CD “In it for the Long Haul”
· 2009 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise “Mojo Boogie” Award receipent
· International Blues Challenge competitor 2002, 2004, 2008 - Memphis, TN
· Annual Children’s Program, Maine Blues Festival
· 2008 South Florida International Blues Festival
“I was lucky enough to catch the raw vocals and saxophone of Pat Pepin...She blew the roof off the room.”
“Pat's wonderful vocal and musical talents let you into her heart, her mind and her soul, as she allows you to feel some of her deepest emotions. She can definitely belt a blues song both vocally and on her horn”
“Her original songs, complimented by very related covers, divulge her complexity as well as her humor, hardships and true life adventures. “
The sophmore effort from this International Blues Challenge Finalist, Two provides good-time fun, humorous twists on everyday life, with sizzle and spice. From rocker to piano boogie woogie, to gospel-ballad to full-on dance tunes, this CD of original music taps into band members Delta roots and brings it current day.