The 44 Dealers - Welcome To The Big Fat And Greasy Blues Sound Of The 44 Dealers

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 82,9 MB
Time: 35:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011/2019
Styles: Chicago Blues
Art: Front

01. Hidden Charms (3:07)
02. She Walks Right In (3:59)
03. I Don't Play (2:27)
04. Read About My Baby (3:32)
05. You Don't Know (2:39)
06. Hound Dog (4:42)
07. Please Find My Baby (4:41)
08. Niquelplated (2:44)
09. Lonesome (2:21)
10. Going Home Tomorrow (5:04)

The 44 Dealers was born in Madrid in mid 2008 as a parallel project to Special 20 and after different changes in the formation, the band becomes the main excuse to continue making theirs, consolidating in the last year as one of the more solid and firm proposals within the circuit, with the illusion of retaking the witness of the old masters, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Freddy King, Magic Sam, Elmore James, Junior Wells, Howlin 'Wolf, Robert Nighthawk, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rogers.

Welcome To The Big Fat And Greasy Blues Sound Of The 44 Dealers

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Dr. John - Recorded Live In Tokyo, Japan

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 176.6 MB
Time: 76:52
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: New Orleans Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Iko Iko ( 6:39)
02. Makin Woopee ( 4:10)
03. Something U Got ( 7:08)
04. My Buddy ( 3:55)
05. I Walk On Guilded Splinters (12:41)
06. Qualified ( 7:43)
07. Don't Let The Sun Catch U Crying ( 4:50)
08. Dance The Night Away With You ( 3:49)
09. Let The Good Times Roll ( 7:16)
10. Mess Around ( 6:00)
11. Big Chief (12:36)

Never before issued concert of Dr John live in the 80s. Fantastic recording and great versions of many classic songs. These recordings have been stored away in the US until now.

Recorded Live In Tokyo, Japan

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Veronika Jackson - The Woman I Am

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 92.3 MB
Time: 40:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Blues Folk
Art: Front

01. The Clouds Are Passing (2:45)
02. Freight Train (3:10)
03. Going To The Water (5:48)
04. Good Hearted Woman (4:45)
05. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free (3:45)
06. The Woman I Am (3:54)
07. Harriet Tubman's Ballad (4:01)
08. Go Down Sunshine (4:24)
09. Morning Train (3:25)
10. I Go To The Rock (3:59)

Veronika Jackson is an expression of the authenticity of acoustic folk blues. Intrinsically, she carries forth the African American musical traditions that goes back to rhythm and blues, gospel and soul, which is her heritage. Her music was influenced by singing artist such as Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson, Joan Baez. and Odetta.

Veronika has been told she reminds music lovers of certain artist, however, she says that, she has her own sound, she imitates no one. Veronika's sound is strong and expressive, and you feel each note she sings.

"This recording represents acoustic folk blues women who has inspired me in my musical career. Odetta, Nina Simone, Elizabeth Cotten, and Precious Bryant, along with my original compositions. These women paved the way for many through their music, and I am acknowledging their efforts."

Veronika is an acoustic folk artist with the flavor of blues which is rare and unique in the acoustic folk - blues arena. Her songs are like storytelling. Veronika has become one of the most enjoyed artist in the acoustic folk blues genre.

"This CD is a compilation of folk and blues. I have expressed the grassroots of my heritage on this recording. And if I must say my self, I am enjoying listening to it over and over again."

Individualistic, strong and determined, Veronika Jackson is a singer that plays a clean acoustic rhythmic folk guitar using the piedmont style form of guitar picking, which accompanies her strong expressive vocals. She sings from the heart, and Veronika has a voice that draws people into her presence.

Not only can you feel what Veronika sings , you can also see and vision what she is singing.

You will listen to this CD over and over again. It's a smooth easy listening acoustic folk blues recording.

Link for this post is no longer available. If you like it, please buy it. Post will stay to promote the artist.

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Simon McBride - Show Me How To Love EP

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 40.1 MB
Time: 17:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Show Me How To Love (4:21)
02. Dead Man Walking (5:29)
03. Grandma's Hands (3:02)
04. Lovesong (4:34)

In 2012, Simon McBride released Crossing The Line, which landed on Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2012. It was arguably the best album of McBride’s career. Seven years later, McBride finally returns with new music, a four-track EP titled Show Me How To Love, which is currently streaming exclusively on Spotify.

The EP begins with the title track and McBride picks up right where he left off from Crossing The Line. “Show Me How To Love” opens with a big riff and the production sounds terrific. Simon’s tone is excellent and the track features a lifting, catchy chorus. “Dead Man Walking” follows, which also appeared on 2010’s Since Then. This version is about 30 seconds longer with an extended guitar solo, and feels more energetic and livelier than the original recording. The EP also features two covers. First, Simon tackles “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers. McBride’s version is about a minute longer and is a lot more guitar driven, and features female backing vocals. The EP closes with a cover of The Cure’s “Lovesong,” which McBride brings his signature sound to and is definitely a strong way to close out the EP.

While brief, Show Me How To Love is a strong collection of songs. Simon McBride continues to show his prowess on the guitar, but really brings the total package. McBride is one of the more talented artists in modern day blues rock and hopefully Show Me How To Love serves as an appetizer for what’s to come. The Review: 8.5/10 ~Pete Francis

Show Me How To Love

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Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band - The Traveler

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 106.6 MB
Time: 46:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front & Back

01. Woman Like You (4:19)
02. Long Time Running (4:11)
03. I Want You (6:29)
04. Tailwind (4:01)
05. Gravity (3:43)
06. We All Alright (5:31)
07. Take It On Home (4:35)
08. Mr. Soul (3:47)
09. Better With Time (3:55)
10. Turn To Stone (5:44)

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band released Lay It On Down in 2017, which was voted Blues Rock Review’s top album of the year. Two years later, Kenny and the gang are back with The Traveler and they aren’t slowing down. Joined by Noah Hunt (vocals), Chris Layton (drums), Kevin McCormick (bass), and Jimmy McGorman and Joe Krown (keys), The Traveler is another top notch album from start to finish.

The upbeat “Woman Like You” opens up the album with Noah Hunt on lead vocals and features a horn section setting the tone. “Long Time Running” follows and the song “is someone expressing what it’s like to lead a complicated existence,” says Shepherd, and includes some scorching lead from Kenny. “I Want You” is a song filled with swagger and “Tailwind” goes in more of a southern rock direction with a bit of a county vibe.

“Gravity” was released as a single and has Kenny back on vocals and is about a complicated relationship with a lover. Kenny is really coming into his own as a vocalist and has credited Stephen Stills of The Rides for encouraging him to sing more. Those vocals are also showcased on “Better With Time.” Kenny and Noah trade off vocals on “We All Alright” while Shepherd is back on lead vocals for “Take It On Home,” a radio friendly song with southern rock flare.

The album features two covers. Noah handles vocals for Buffalo Springfield’s “Mr. Soul,” which again, features a horn section and Joe Walsh’s “Turn To Stone,” which closes the album out. “Turn To Stone” is the track where Kenny really stretches his wings on the guitar.

The Traveler is an all-killer no-filler album. It features all sorts of influences, but everything is done well. The Traveler has blues elements, but is a very song-oriented album. We all know Shepherd can shred, but the guitar is always serving the song. When listening to The Traveler it’s easy to tell Kenny and the Band weren’t trying to fit into any particular box, just make a great record and that’s what they’ve accomplished. The Traveler is another can’t miss album from the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. ; The Review: 9/10 ~Pete Francis

The Traveler

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Shakey Jake - Mouth Harp Blues

Year: 1961/1993
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:48
Size: 83,2 MB
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Scans: Full

1. Mouth Harp Blues (5:01)
2. Love My Baby (3:19)
3. Jake's Cha Cha (2:08)
4. Gimme A Smile (4:28)
5. My Broken Heart (3:09)
6. Angry Lover (3:00)
7. Things Is Alright (2:14)
8. Easy Baby (4:58)
9. Things Are Different Baby (5:15)
10. It Won't Happen Again (2:09)

Chicago harpist Shakey Jake Harris journeyed all the way to New Jersey to make his debut album in 1960. It was a huge stylistic departure for Harris - he was paired with jazz mainstays Brother Jack McDuff on simmering Hammond organ and blues-tinged guitarist Bill Jennings. The trio located some succulent common ground even without a drummer, Harris keeping his mouth organ phrasing succinct and laying out when his more accomplished session mates catch fire.

When Harris returned to New Jersey later that same year to wax his Bluesville encore, he brought along fellow Chicagoan Jimmie Lee Robinson as his guitarist. A full rhythm section was used this time (New York cats all), but the overall approach was quite a bit closer to what he was used to hearing on Chicago's West side. /Bill Dahl, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Mouth Harp Blues mc
Mouth Harp Blues zippy

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Billy Flynn - Blues & Love

Year: 2002
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:10
Size: 116,3 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Scans: Full

1. Kat Daddy (3:04)
2. Carzy 'Bout Mary (3:26)
3. Listen To My Guitar (4:12)
4. Blues Is A Feelin (3:02)
5. Missin' You (3:33)
6. This Time (4:15)
7. How Will I Know (2:30)
8. Keep Smilin' (5:04)
9. Precious Gift (2:38)
10. Spring Again (3:02)
11. It's So Good (3:26)
12. How Long Has It Been (5:13)
13. Blues Made Me Sick (3:32)
14. You Deserve Much More (3:08)

Billy Flynn is recognized as one of the most accomplished blues guitarist stylists on the world’s blues scene today. Billy has been the leader of his own group for over 30 years and has recorded nine albums under his own name. His mastery of various blues styles has made him one of the most sought after sidemen and session players in the blues, having recording countless records with the biggest names in Chicago blues. Some of those include: Otis Rush, Jimmy Dawkins, Snooky Pryor, Luther Allison, Might Joe Young, John Brim, Willie Kent, Kim Wilson, Jody Williams and many, many others.

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Blues & Love mc
Blues & Love zippy

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John Németh - Love Me Tonight

Year: 2009
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:54
Size: 104,0 MB
Styles: Harmonica blues, soul
Scans: Full

1. Love Me Tonight (2:47)
2. Just Like You (4:02)
3. Fuel For Your Fire (4:39)
4. Too Good To Be True (2:42)
5. Daughter Of The Devil (4:02)
6. My Troubled Mind (3:50)
7. Where You Been (3:02)
8. She's My Heart's Desire (4:36)
9. Love Gone Crazy (4:51)
10. Country Boy (4:13)
11. Blues In My Heart (6:05)

Blues and soul musicians noted for their harmonica skills usually aren't top-notch vocalists or songwriters. There are a few exceptions, of course; Little Walter and the Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson come to mind, but generally those who put hours into learning the blues harp don't spend as much effort perfecting their singing skills. That's what makes John Nemeth so special. He's a terrific player, blowing hard and heavy while punctuating the tracks with throbbing solos. But he's primarily a soulful vocalist, slinging out his emotional voice like a young Howard Tate. Blues veterans from Bob Margolin and Anson Funderburgh, the latter whose band he joined for a while after the death of Sam Myers, to Elvin Bishop (who appears on two cuts here), have lauded his skills, and Nemeth's sophomore release for Blind Pig shows that his impressive 2007 label debut was no fluke.

He has gained confidence in his singing, and his presence is unusual for a relative newcomer. Better still, his songwriting has also advanced a few notches, with the gospel laced "Fuel for the Fire" a ringer for a great old Southern soul track. It's not though. The tune is one of ten newly penned songs that seem so authentic to the southern '60s R&B/blues genre you'll be shocked to find Nemeth's name as sole composer. There's only one cover, a raging take on the Falcons' "She's My Heart's Desire" which is faithful right down to a guitar solo straight out of the late Robert Ward's arsenal, that gives the original a powerful contemporary spin. A few selections, such as "Too Good to Be True" punch out singalong choruses with pop hooks in under three minutes that would have been natural for '60s radio.

Others, such as the swamp stomping "Daughter of the Devil," which seems like a lost Howlin' Wolf B-side, take a little more time to build tension, but still pack a sizeable wallop in about four minutes. Nemeth never sounds less than committed to this material and often pushes the performances into the red zone with assistance from a sturdy backing quartet. Whether he's singing or working the harp, Nemeth is one of the finest young additions to the soul-blues scene. He's a spiritual offspring of Curtis Salgado who treads similar territory, but his future is assured if he keeps releasing albums as powerful and consistent as this. /Hal Horowitz, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Love Me Tonight mc
Love Me Tonight zippy

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Maria Daines - Rock Of Love

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 137.5 MB
Time: 59:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Second Time Around (4:49)
02. Get Tough! (3:58)
03. I Would If I Could (But I Can't) (6:20)
04. Alligators, Snakes N' Drugs (5:26)
05. Title Belt (3:39)
06. Hit 'em Hard (3:47)
07. Headin' For The Bright Lights (3:56)
08. Slaughterhouse Blues (4:53)
09. Set Us Free (5:31)
10. City No More (4:44)
11. Coulda Been Your Baby (6:06)
12. Rock Of Love (5:59)

Maria Daines is a rock frontwoman whose four piece band based in the UK opened for Pink, Hawkwind and Wishbone Ash. With a Southern hard rock sound and plaudits from the legendary Willie Nelson, Daines voice is critically acclaimed; Artist Launch magazine wrote 'If you mix Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge, add a dash of Gretchen Wilson, you will start to comprehend the powerhouse that is Maria Daines'.

Rock Of Love

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Kerry Kearney - Smokehouse Serenade

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 109.0 MB
Time: 47:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric/Acoustic Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Shakin' Like Jelly (2:51)
02. Long Tall Mama (2:24)
03. Statesboro Blues (3:29)
04. Fireplug (3:45)
05. No Way Back Blues (3:42)
06. Wake Me, Shake Me, Bake Me (4:05)
07. Sittin' On Top Of The World (2:43)
08. Camptown Races - Smokehouse Serenade (6:17)
09. Girl From Memphis (2:59)
10. Creole Woman (5:29)
11. Goin' To The Mardi Gras (4:03)
12. Pretty Baby (5:22)

Kerry Kearney is a slide guitarist deserving additional recognition. Although not as well known as Sonny Landreth or Roy Rogers his fretwork at times has been compared to theirs. Long Island’s Kearney has been performing for over forty years as this is his seventeenth recording.

A review of his 2001 “Welcome to the Psycodelta” album stated “when carbon copy seems to have become the set standard of musical style, it is refreshing to enjoy a performance of original artistry…no stylistic replication…but a fresh innovative voice…Kearney’s songwriting includes honest lyrics and music performed with emotion, energy, and unquestionable command of his instrument”. Soon after the albums release The Long Island Blues Society voted Kearney “Bluesman of The Year”.

Another review, this time of his 2012 “Ghosts of The Psycodelta” boiled it down “Kearney’s signature guitar sound is inspirational and evokes raw emotion on several levels. The musical notes that come through Kearney’s fingers create an oral experience that equals the vibrant colors that become a visual masterpiece on canvas”.

Smokehouse Serenade

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Luca Kiella - Figure It Out

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 42.6 MB
Time: 18:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Full

01. Ten O'clock Blues (2:00)
02. Unnecessarily Mercenary (3:19)
03. Figure It Out (4:02)
04. I Can't Stop Loving You (3:32)
05. So Many Questions (5:32)

This has been a major surprise for us here at RMHQ; a pleasant one, but a surprise none the less. Mostly because the stable it came from is more recognised as supplying us with some of the sharpest Rhythm and Blues in the Western Hemisphere; and that sure ain’t the way to describe Italian singer-pianist Luca Kiella at all.
That said, he really does play The Blues but it’s that late night, nightclub style that we normally associate with Brother Ray or more recently Mr Jon Cleary or the British star Jamie Cullum; but with an added contemporary edge to his songs.
The glorious instrumental Ten O’Clock Blues gets the show on the road in a clever way; nodding to the likes of Monk and Dr. John in the way Kiella tinkles the ivories; but never ever sounding like either on a classy tune that’s just waiting for a TV advert.
This is followed by Kiella’s homage to his hero with a reverential rendition of Jon Cleary’s Unnecessarily Mercenary that will get the toes a’tappin and the brain cells working overtime.
Choosing to cover Don Gibson’s I Can’t Stop Loving You in this format is a brave and possibly even dangerous choice; but Luca treads that tightrope without a safety net; and gives it everything he has coming out the other end with a rather sexy love song that will make the ladies go weak at the knees, and the men grooving along to the wonderful Jimmy Smith style organ sweeps and Aaron Weistrop’s super cool guitar licks too.
This 5 track EP closes with a startling song called So Many Questions, which needs to be played with the lights turned way down low; as our Italian friend tells his story of leaving home to cross an ocean for the love of music; and if his piano playing doesn’t move you…… you don’t have a soul!
I normally like to be contrary when it comes to choosing a Favourite Song; but I have to agree with the record company publicist this time; and go for the title track and single, Figure It Out, a really swinging Jazzy Blues tune with an edgy song sung in Luca’s finest Italian-American accent. Winner, winner, winner!
For a debut there’s a whole lot to like here; nothing more so than Luca Kiella’s superb keyboard skills and his delightful voice which will get even better the older he gets. ~The Rocking Magpie

Figure It Out

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The Chitlins - Die Another Day

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 92.2 MB
Time: 40:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Rock, Southern Rock
Art: Front

01. On The Grind (4:02)
02. Home Wrecker (3:34)
03. In The City (5:38)
04. Where The Blues Come From (3:33)
05. Die Another Day (3:31)
06. Kiss And Say Goodbye (4:38)
07. Down Here (4:00)
08. Sad In Sadisfied (3:33)
09. Everytime I Roll The Dice (4:05)
10. No Future In Yesterday (3:27)

Personnel:
Scott Henry-Vocals
Bucky Cole- guitars
Jay Patricks - Bass
David Whitehead - Drums
Charlie "Choo-Choo" McGinn - Slide Guitar and Mandolin

Nominated Best Mississippi Blues Band and Best New Artist 2017 by The Mississippi Music Foundation.

The Chiltins are a band of musical brothers that came together along the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in the coastal city of Gulfport, Mississippi. They take a back-to-the-basics approach to their brand of music. A mixture of rock, blues and country. Influenced by the culture and traditions of the southern way of life....and being held to no boundaries. A bit rough around the edges, yet cooked up with true soul and served up piping hot!!!!

The Chitlins have shared the stage with the likes of Cedrick Burnside Project, Jeff Bates, Hardy, Blackberry Smoke, Jamey Johnson and many more.

Die Another Day

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Barbara Healy & Groove Too - Barbara Healy Live

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 112.8 MB
Time: 49:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues, Funky Blues
Art: Front

01. Old Woman Blues (Live) (6:20)
02. Rumba Of The Heart (Live) (4:45)
03. Struck By The Blues (Live) (7:12)
04. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (Live) (4:21)
05. Momma Told Me Not To Look (Live) (4:49)
06. Can't Make Me Cry (Live) (6:10)
07. Four Alarm Fire (Live) (5:38)
08. Phd In The Blues (Live) (9:44)

If you are looking for some real feel-good ear candy, this is it. Award-winning songwriter/ powerful vocalist Barbara Healy takes her 7-piece band featuring the Treacherous Horns to the Corvallis Fall Festival as the headliner and delivers a fun, rockin" Blues set with a jazzy twist. All the songs are written by Healy, showing her gift of injecting humor and passion into her lyrics.
Having been in the music scene for almost 40 years, she started out in the Bay Area as a teenager recording a 45 record at the age of 18. She continues to write and perform with the same wit and emotion, using music to make observations about the world around her and the life she lives. She says "Everything in life has a song in it".

Barbara Healy Live

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Peter Frampton Band - The Thrill Is Gone/I Just Want To Make Love To You EP

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 90 MB
Time: 9:58
File: FLAC
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. The Thrill Is Gone (Feat. Sonny Landreth) (5:51)
02. I Just Want To Make Love To You (Feat. Kim Wilson) (4:07)

From Peter Frampton upcoming album feat. Kim Wilson and Sonny Landreth.

The Thrill Is Gone/I Just Want To Make Love To You

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King Bee & The Stingers - Meet Me In Memphis

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 94.8 MB
Time: 41:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. You're All I Need (3:37)
02. Tattooed Love Girl (3:32)
03. Half A Mind (3:19)
04. Meet Me In Memphis (5:41)
05. Smokestack Lightning (4:30)
06. Leave This World (4:27)
07. Lucky One (3:48)
08. Buzz Awhile (3:07)
09. Hound Dog (3:34)
10. Devil Train (5:25)

Meet Me In Memphis, the debut album by King Bee & The Stingers, plants its roots firmly in that city’s fertile musical soil but stretches across the blues landscape and beyond. From Chicago to the north, Muscle Shoals to the south, and even across the pond for some vintage British guitar finery, the songs spin tales of love, obsession, regret, redemption and more. “We started playing these songs in the spring of 2018 and started recording them shortly thereafter,” explains harmonica player/singer and band founder Mark ‘King Bee’ Menefee. “Then we played a lot of gigs over the summer, the songs changed, got better so we went back and rerecorded them.”

Menefee formed the band in 2007, but it wasn’t until his daughter, Sarah, came on board as lead singer in 2014 that the group began to come into their own. They steamrolled to the semi-finals of the International Blues Challenge in 2018 and 2019, gaining fans from around the globe for their expansive take on the blues. “We don’t play traditional 1-4-5, 12-bar blues, and I think that’s something that sets us apart,” Sarah comments. “It’s a very conscious decision,” she adds, “we don’t try to emulate any one blues sound or tradition in particular, we just let it all come together and flow naturally.” Over the course of Memphis‘ 10 tracks that natural flow is clearly evident; this is a band firing on all cylinders and ready for their turn in the spotlight.

Meet Me In Memphis

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Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers - Pay The Price

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 110.3 MB
Time: 47:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. Hoodoo Train (2:53)
02. Pay The Price (3:16)
03. Pearlene (2:35)
04. Mojo Hand (4:14)
05. Alabama Train (3:04)
06. Rollin' And Tumblin' (4:00)
07. Mean And Evil Woman (5:00)
08. I Will Not Let You Go (3:16)
09. Bad Luck And Trouble (2:40)
10. Devil Woman (4:26)
11. Keep On Keepin' On (2:02)
12. Don't Leave The Man You Love (3:33)
13. My Father Is A Jockey (4:13)
14. Tore Up (2:11)

RAY FULLER from New Albany Ohio, was given his first guitar at the age of 8, a Gibson Melody Maker. At an early age, Fuller was inspired by the British Invasion; Rolling Stones, Yardbirds and the Animals bands. Fuller's first Blues album he ever heard was John Mayall and the Blues Breakers featuring Eric Clapton. "I could tell good blues guitar when I heard it...it was different."

Fuller's passion for the Blues was fueled with the discovery of the original Blues greats; John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, BB King, Elmore James. Young Ray Fuller was especially fond of John Lee Hooker.

The Ray Fuller Band was formed in 1974, evolving into Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers in 1978; releasing a self titled album on vinyl and Fuller has not looked back since. Mastering his craft throughout the 80's and 90's, Fuller was quick to become the "go to act" throughout Ohio to open for iconic Blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and Albert Collins to name a few.

The Bluesrockers:
Harmonicist Doc Malone brings a ton of stage presence with his performances! Bassist Glen "Manny" Manuel and drummer Darrell Jumper are the driving force behind our tight rhythm section!

Pay The Price

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Lula Reed - Blue And Moody

Year: 1958/1987
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:58
Size: 72,3 MB
Styles: Blues/R&B
Scans: Front, sleeve, tray, cd

1. Watch Dog (3:01)
2. I'll Drown In My Tears (2:57)
3. Goin' Back To Mexico (2:35)
4. Three Men (2:24)
5. Sample Man (2:30)
6. Last Night (2:29)
7. Rock Love (2:11)
8. Let's Call It A Day (2:40)
9. Bump On A Log (2:29)
10. My Poor Heart (2:55)
11. Every Second (2:15)
12. Jealous Love (2:28)

The longtime protegé of King Records house pianist/arranger/ producer Sonny Thompson possessed a sultry style well-suited to blues ballads in the urban vein and lighthearted upbeat fare - both of which reside on this reissue of her vintage King album. /Bill Dahl, AllMusic

Blue And Moody mc
Blue And Moody zippy

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Bo Diddley - The London Sessions

Year: 1973/1991
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:42
Size: 82,7 MB
Styles: Funky blues
Scans: Full

1. Don't Want No Lyin' Woman (4:02)
2. Bo Diddley (2:55)
3. Going Down (2:53)
4. Make A Hit Record (5:03)
5. Bo-Jam (3:35)
6. Husband-In-Law (3:34)
7. Do The Robot (5:45)
8. Sneakers On A Rooster (2:45)
9. Get Out Of My Life (5:07)

After Howlin' Wolf made the Billboard album charts in 1970 with his London Howlin' Wolf Sessions release, Chess duly began preparing similarly titled albums by its remaining roster of stars - Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry followed the Wolf - and in 1973 this Bo Diddley release came along. Actually, a lot of it was done in Chicago, with the London portion of the sessions added, seemingly to justify the title. And it did sell better than Bo's other original albums of this era. It remains in print on compact disc, one of a only handful of his albums so released.

As with Muddy Waters' London Muddy Waters Sessions album, Bo's presence was somewhat overwhelmed by the massive number of session musicians involved (well-meaning though they may have been) and more so, because Bo was still looking for a new sound, whereas Muddy knew what he was about. The songs are pretty fair - a mix of soul and funk - with elements of his old sound, and this is probably the best compromise he achieved during this phase of his career, between the old and the new. /Bruce Eder, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

The London Sessions mc
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Freddie King - Stumble: The Cotillion Years

Year: 2019
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:28
Size: 168,6 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Scans: Front

1. Hideaway (2:33)
2. Stumble (3:36)
3. Yonder Wall (3:22)
4. Ain't Nobody's Business What We Do (3:38)
5. Blue Shadows (3:41)
6. Stormy Monday (4:24)
7. Funky (2:28)
8. Woke Up This Morning (3:13)
9. My Feeling For The Blues (2:08)
10. Get Out Of My Life, Woman (3:34)
11. What'd I Say (2:55)
12. Hot Tomato (2:49)
13. I Don't Know (3:06)
14. The Things I Used To Do (3:50)
15. I Wonder Why (3:18)
16. Let Me Down Easy (3:02)
17. Play It Cool (3:48)
18. You Don't Have To Go (2:28)
19. That Will Never Do (2:25)
20. Wide Open (3:05)
21. It's Too Late, She's Gone (2:24)
22. Today I Sing the Blues (3:57)
23. Sweet Thing (2:32)

Although his career was tragically cut short by his death at the age of 42, Freddie King was one of America’s most distinctive and influential electric blues guitarists, leaving an indelible mark on more than one generation of guitar superstars, including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Rolling Stones’ Mick Taylor. The Texas-born axeman began playing guitar at the age of six, and in his teens moved with his family to the South Side of Chicago, where he was inspired by witnessing club gigs by such seminal electric bluesmen as Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers and Elmore James.

Originally billed as Freddy King, he began recording in 1957, revealing a massively influential style that merged his Texas and Chicago influences, and soon achieved commercial success with a series of infectious instrumental hits.

Stumble: The Cotillion Years mc
Stumble: The Cotillion Years zippy

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Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues Feat. Carlos Johnson - Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues

Year: 2002
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:24
Size: 123,3 MB
Styles: Electric blues, harmonica blues
Scans: Full

1. Crank It Up/Baby, Scratch My Back (6:59)
2. Shake, Rattle & Roll (4:53)
3. The Thrill Is Gone (6:35)
4. Nick's Groove (5:19)
5. Let's Straighten It Out (9:03)
6. Messin' With The Kid/Next Time You See Me (6:16)
7. Tribute To The Boogie Man (4:25)
8. I Don't Want Much (4:10)
9. Who Done It (4:18)
10. Sweet Home Chicago (Accapella) (1:21)

Billy Branch has followed a very non-traditional path to the blues. Unlike many blues artists, he isn’t from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and immediately began to play simple tunes. Billy returned to Chicago in the summer of ’69 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. It was during these years that he was introduced to the Blues. He soon became immersed in the local blues scene. He spent a great deal of time at legendary blues clubs such as: Queen Bee’s and Theresa’s Lounge; he learned from such stalwart harmonica players like: Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell.

His big break came in 1975 during a harmonica battle when he beat Chicago legend, Little Mac Simmons at the Green Bunny Club. He made his first recording for Barrelhouse Records and began to work as an apprentice harp player in Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars. He eventually replaced Carey Bell and worked with Willie Dixon for six years. During this time, Billy formed the Sons Of Blues (S.O.B.s) featuring musicians who where the sons of famous blues artists. The original S.O.B.s consisted of Billy, Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon and Garland Whiteside. They toured Europe and played at the Berlin Jazz Festival. Shortly afterward, they recorded for Alligator Record’s Grammy-nominated Living Chicago Blues sessions, and Billy has been a regular studio player appearing on over fifty albums.

Billy has recorded and/or performed with an incredible list of Blues legends including: Muddy Waters, Big Walter Horton, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, and Albert King. In 1990, he appeared with three harp legends: Carey Bell, Junior Wells, and James Cotton on W.C Handy Award winner, Harp Attack! His most recent recordings for the Polygram label are entitled The Blues Keep Following Me Around and Satisfy Me. Billy is also passing on the blues tradition to a new generation through his Blues In The Schools program. He is a dedicated blues educator and has taught in the Chicago school system for over twenty years as part of the Urban Gateways Project.

In 1996, some of his finest students opened the Main Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival which was broadcast throughout the U.S. on National Public Radio. Blues producer, Chicago Beau has written, “Billy Branch has become a beacon, and model for his times; as an artist, and social/cutural activist… Billy Branch is a Bluesman; Billy Branch is the Blues.”

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues mc
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John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers - Live At The BBC

Year: 2007
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:58
Size: 86,3 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Scans: Full

1. Crawling Up A Hill (2:09)
2. Crocodile Walk (2:25)
3. Bye Bye Bird (2:50)
4. I'm Your Witchdoctor (2:12)
5. Cheating Woman (2:04)
6. Nowhere To Turn (1:43)
7. On Top Of The World (2:34)
8. Key To Love (2:03)
9. No More Tears (2:20)
10. Riding On The L And N (2:20)
11. Sitting In The Rain (2:54)
12. Leaping Christine (1:57)
13. So Much To Do (5:31)
14. Taxman Blues (3:50)

On its own terms, most of this 14-track compilation of 1965-1967 recordings for BBC sessions (all but one of them dating from 1965-1967) is a worthwhile collection of supplementary work by John Mayall's best Bluesbreakers lineups. If you're a serious Mayall fan, however, be aware that you might have already bought this material in some form or another in the year or so previous to the release of this CD in early 2007. For the dozen 1965-1967 cuts all appear as bonus material on the 2006 U.K. expanded CD editions of the John Mayall Plays John Mayall, Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, and A Hard Road albums, all of which also include bonus tracks from non-LP singles, studio outtakes, and the like.

If for some reason you do want to zero in on the BBC material exclusively, this has some decent live performances with both the Eric Clapton and Peter Green lineups of the Bluesbreakers. (The liner notes also admit it's likely that the three tracks from October 25, 1965 feature not only Jack Bruce on bass during his brief Bluesbreakers stint, but also guitarist Jeff Kribit (sometimes spelled Geoff Krivit in other sources), who was in the group during a brief spell when Clapton left the band to go to Greece.) The BBC takes here of songs that also appear on Mayall's official '60s releases aren't as good as the studio versions (and are sometimes very similar), but are still well done, though on the five tracks on which Clapton appears, he doesn't seem to be playing with as much fire as he was capable of mustering.

Of special interest are a few songs that Mayall didn't put on his official '60s recordings in any form, including a cover of Willie Dixon and Sonny Boy Williamson's "Bye Bye Bird" and (from the October 1965 session) two decent original Mayall compositions, "Cheating Woman" and "Nowhere to Turn." Also note that while Mayall was leading the Peter Green version of the Bluesbreakers on the four songs from a January 23, 1967 session, it's Mayall playing alone on one of these tracks, "No More Tears," which would appear on his The Blues Alone LP. The two songs that end the CD are from an October 21, 1975 session, and are of far less interest than the other material, dating from a time where Mayall was a few years past his creative peak and leading a much less interesting band. /Richie Unterberger, AllMusic

(For sessions details, see artwork included.)

Live At The BBC mc
Live At The BBC zippy

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Sonny Thompson & Lula Reed - The Very Best Of

Year: 2010
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 80:03
Size: 185,1 MB
Styles: R&B
Scans: Front

1. Blues Mambo (2:45)
2. Single Shot (2:46)
3. Let's Move (2:43)
4. Just Whisper (2:31)
5. Watch Dog (2:56)
6. Cat On The Keys (2:52)
7. I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone (2:25)
8. I Ain't No Watch Dog (2:48)
9. Four Thirty In The Morning (2:50)
10. Clang! Clang! Clang! Master (2:35)
11. Don't Make Me Love You (2:16)
12. Waiting To Be Loved By You (2:20)
13. Going Back To Mexico (2:30)
14. Real Real Fine (2:47)
15. Let Me Be Your Love (2:27)
16. I'll Drown In My Tears (2:51)
17. Things Ain't What They Used To Be (2:32)
18. This Fool Has Learned (2:35)
19. Turn The Lights Down Low (2:29)
20. Rock Love (2:08)
21. Mellow Blues (2:43)
22. I'm Beggin' And Pleadin' (2:27)
23. My Poor Heart (2:50)
24. Sick And Tired (2:28)
25. Caught Me When My Love Was Down (2:40)
26. I'm Giving All My Love (2:16)
27. Flying Home (4:10)
28. I'm Still Lonesome (2:40)
29. Behind The Sun (2:46)
30. Heavyweight Mama (2:43)

Sonny Thompson: Bandleader and pianist Sonny Thompson was among the most prolific R&B instrumentalists of the late '40s and early '50s. Thompson began recording for Sultan in 1946, then did several sessions for Miracle, King, Federal, and Deluxe, while also backing vocalist Lula Reed from 1951 to 1961. Thompson scored two number one R&B hits for Miracle in 1948: "Long Gone," Pts. 1 & 2, and "Late Freight." He landed another Top Ten and two more Top 20 singles for Miracle in 1949, and then had three Top Ten hits for King in 1952. The biggest was "I'll Drown In My Tears," which reached number five. /Biography by Ron Wynn, AllMusic

Lula Reed: A longtime cohort of pianist/producer Sonny Thompson, singer Lula Reed recorded steadily for Cincinnati-based King Records during the mid-'50s after debuting on wax in 1951 to sing Thompson's original version of the moving ballad "I'll Drown in My Tears" (a 1956 smash for Ray Charles as "Drown in My Own Tears").

After serving as Thompson's vocalist at first, the attractive chanteuse was sufficiently established by 1952 to rate her own King releases. She was versatile, singing urban blues most of the time but switching to gospel for a 1954 session. Reed's strident 1954 waxing "Rock Love" was later revived by labelmate Little Willie John. She briefly moved to the Chess subsidiary Argo in 1958-1959 but returned to the fold in 1961 (as always, under Thompson's direction) on King's Federal imprint. While at Federal, she waxed a series of sassy duets with guitarist Freddy King in March of 1962. Another move - to Ray Charles's Tangerine logo in 1962-1963 - soon followed. After that, her whereabouts are unknown. /Biography by Bill Dahl, AllMusic

The Very Best Of mc
The Very Best Of zippy

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Jim Shaneberger Band - Above & Below

Source: CD
Size: 94.2 MB
Time: 40:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Full

01. My Way (4:46)
02. Indifference (3:44)
03. Above & Below (4:17)
04. Bright Side (5:21)
05. Ain't Your Daddy's Blues (4:30)
06. I Can't Sleep (4:30)
07. Way Down South (4:50)
08. Just Sayin', Bro (4:51)
09. Whole Lotta Soul (3:57)

Blasting out of Western Michigan, the Jim Shaneberger Band features Jim on guitars and vocals, with Jeff Baldus on bass, and drums shared by Steve Harris, and, on one cut, Karl Schantz. Of the nine original cuts that comprise their second album, “Above And Below,” all were either written by Jim wholly, or with other band members. They mix elements of Hendrix, SRV, and Led Zep, and toss in a love for the Motown sound to give the whole project a little shot of funk.

The fellows set up a stone free groove on the leadoff cut, where Jim sings, “It’s My Way or no way at all.” They proudly preach ’bout that “new sound goin’ down, and it Ain’t Your Daddy’s Blues,” over a roadhouse shuffle beat, and then they all head “Way Down South, chasin’ my demons while my demons chase me!” This one features Jim’s Delta-fied slow-blues guitar, set over a pounding, percussive backbeat.

We had two favorites, too. Both “Indifference” and “Above And Below” beg the musical question, “how many lives must be lost before we get things right,” with “innocent people dying in the streets every time I see the news!” “Indifference” was written in response to the shootings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling in 2016, and each of these songs show the power of music in reaching out to a troubled society.

For the Jim Shaneberger Band, it’s all about that music. Each song on “Above And Below” is a unique, energetic look at what these guys typically bring to their live shows, and we give this one two big thumbs up!

Above & Below

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The 44's - Twist The Knife

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 76.8 MB
Time: 33:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Harmonica Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Cuttin' Deep (3:22)
02. Sugar You (3:34)
03. Howlin' (4:17)
04. Champagne And Reefer (4:45)
05. Too Many Drivers (3:21)
06. Rosie (6:47)
07. Helsinki Blues (3:48)
08. 44's Shuffle (3:09)

Personnel::
Johnny Main – Vocals, Guitar
Eric Von Herzen – Harmonica
Mike Hightower – Bass
Gary Ferguson – Drums
Junior Watson – Guitar

After seven long years, The 44s return with Twist The Knife, a new album of blues-fired rocket fuel that pays homage to the greats while keeping a firm eye fixed on the future. Bandleader Johnny Main spent the past few years rebuilding the 44s with an all-new lineup, and the result is the best album of the band’s long and storied career. “This is the first time I’ve really been able to stretch,” says Main, whose guitar playing is the core of the 44s sound. His expert string work leads the band through a 33-minute rock and roll reclamation that spans everything from psyche-delic blues-rock to vintage Michigan Avenue grooves and more. “When you get right down to it, this album is about perseverance,” he explains. “I was at a point where I had to decide whether or not to keep going, to keep this band alive. All those guys we look up to, like Muddy, Wolf, Albert Collins, Lightnin’ Hopkins… they kept going right up until they died. I want this record to serve as a tribute to them, their inspiration is why I started this band almost 20 years ago, and its what keeps driving us today.”

Twist The Knife

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Tullie Brae - Revelation

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 89.4 MB
Time: 38:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Rock, Contemporary Blues
Art: Front

01. Price Of The Blues (4:42)
02. Seven Bridges (3:19)
03. Mississippi Rain (5:04)
04. Break These Chains (Feat. Brandon Santini) (4:03)
05. New Shoes (3:41)
06. Devil In Deville (3:26)
07. Ain't No Good (3:15)
08. Watch Her Move (3:22)
09. Shine (4:05)
10. Thank You Mom (3:43)

This Tullie Brae comes from Louisiana; and it appears The Blues don’t just run through her blood but is fixed tightly deep in her DNA.
YIKES! The opening chords to track #1 Price of the Blues will scare a biker gang; and when Ms. Brae takes a deep breath and releases enough venom to stop a bull elephant on this striking tale of domestic abuse; told from the viewpoint of a neighbour.I’m not giving anything away if I tell you it’s a song of Biblical style retribution and redemption.
What a way to start an album; and mercifully Tullie allows us to catch our collective breath with the swampy Gospel infused Seven Bridges which follows afterwards; but to say there’s passion in her voice and the way the band swoop in behind her, would be a massive understatement.
I don’t know if they have a name; but the band here are as tight as a duck’s bum; but first and foremost this is Tullie Brae’s showpiece album, with all 10 songs coming from her own pen; and she certainly knows how to catch the listeners attention; on New Shoes she compares her new relationship to said footwear – and I ain’t ever heard that comparison before! Then with the funkilicious Watch Her Move she picks up the mantle for feisty women everywhere; especially Single Mothers; and it’s fair to say that in my younger days the women Tullie describes used to scare the pants off me (literally and figuratively!)
There’s no real surprise in discovering that love in all its shapes and sizes figures prominently on this ace album; with the sublime Mississippi Rain (starring Ms Brae playing some classy slide guitar) she captures the sultry atmosphere quite perfectly on a song of lost love that never leaves her memory; and on Ain’t No Good she goes deep into Beth Hart territory and comes out the other side unscathed; and in another life Shine would have been a crossover ‘Power Ballad’ and a huge Worldwide Hit; then the singer closes her album with the charming Thank You Mom; which she carefully steers away from being too twee.
Then there is the footstompin’ raggedy Delta Blues of Devil in Deville; which is not only a thrill a minute tale of temptation and sin; but shows what an amazing guitarist and singer Tullie Brae is; and therefore becomes the RMHQ Favourite Song here with ease.
I have no idea where Tullie Brae and her magnificent band sit in the American Blues World; but I’ve heard a helluva lot worse from much bigger names in the last few years; and very very few better Blues Albums from anyone out there; be they male, female or other.~The Rocking Magpie

Revelation

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Rae Gordon Band - Better Than I Was

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 94.0 MB
Time: 40:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock, Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. Better Than I Was (4:45)
02. Elbow Grease (3:25)
03. Holding Back The Tears (5:54)
04. Hurry Bone (3:06)
05. Ain't Gonna Wait (4:12)
06. I Don't Believe You (4:02)
07. Someday Is Too Late (3:19)
08. You Coulda Fooled Me (3:04)
09. Standing On The Edge (3:53)
10. Dreams To Remember (4:57)

“Take equal parts of Janis Joplin’s pain, Aretha Franklin’s soul and Grace Slick’s power; mix them thoroughly, add a big gob of gooey molasses and you have Rae Gordon’s voice.” – Positively Entertainment and Dining

This 7-piece band rides the sweet spot between gritty downtown blues and uptown soul, with the powerhouse vocals of Rae Gordon front and center.

The Rae Gordon Band sound is best described as blues and gritty soul, punched up by a powerhouse horn section. Rae is known throughout the Northwest and beyond for her wide vocal range and ability to connect with a crowd. The band won 3rd place in the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and was named Best Portland Blues Act in Willamette Week's 2017 reader poll.

The ten tracks on this CD highlight the songwriting skills of Rae Gordon and Pat McDougall, keyboardist and musical director for the band. The title track "Better Than I Was" features guest appearances by soulful songstress LaRhonda Steele and master harmonica player Rich Layton.

Better Than I Was

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Aaron Burton - Blues Is Beautiful

Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 77.3 MB
Time: 33:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Acoustic Blues
Art: Front

01. Sweet Jessica Linn (3:51)
02. Flashing Lights In My Rearview (4:16)
03. I Was Trippin' (4:37)
04. Illinois Blues (3:46)
05. Blues Is Beautiful (3:29)
06. Take It Home To Mama (3:44)
07. Dew Drops (2:48)
08. The Entertainer (2:25)
09. So Long Mama (4:19)

Aaron Burton is yet another of those Texan pickers who seems to creep in under the radar, lodging himself in the mind and memory. With around half a dozen albums already to his credit, ...he brings more than a touch of Down South, low-down and dirty acoustic blues to the mix. ...laid-back, sensitive acoustic picking with its shades of past-masters and rolling rhythmic licks.

Obviously touched by Texan influences, including Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins, Burton nevertheless manages to slip sideways into the slipstream and stamp his own character on the material and the fine fretwork with evident ease. His droll, drawling vocal delivery matches his picking style perfectly, and he always squeezes some unexpected humor into the lyrical mix. Burton is one of those guys who is clearly comfortable with the music, and has an excellent grasp of the essentials of good ole’ traditional, southern blues. ~Ian Patience

Blues Is Beautiful

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VA - Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 1, Vol. 2 & Vol. 3

Album: Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 1
Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 123.8 MB
Time: 53:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01 Carl Marshall - Put Your Hands On It (4:31)
02 Bobbye Doll Johnson - Pull Up From Behind (4:49)
03 Nathaniel Kimble - Sit On My Face (4:35)
04 Willie B. - Sweet Lick (4:18)
05 Ricky White - Taste Your Love (4:40)
06 Big Cynthia - Eating Still Ain't Cheating (4:24)
07 Chick Willis - Mother Fuyer (3:55)
08 Travis Haddix - Put Your Finger In It (3:23)
09 Charles Wilson - Ride Your Body Tonight (4:28)
10 Blind Ricky McCants - Put A Liplock On That Thang (3:32)
11 Stevie J. - Hit It Again (4:40)
12 Jody Sticker - Roll It Baby (Long Version) (6:22)

Album: Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 2
Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 142.0 MB
Time: 61:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01 Koree' Rudolph - Taste Like Candy (4:25)
02 Jody Sticker - Mr. Booty Do Right (3:44)
03 Ricky White - Ride My Money (Club Sex Mix) (4:31)
04 Keri - All In The Mood (3:38)
05 Charles Wilson - You're The Shhh (3:46)
06 Travis Haddix - Two Heads Are Better Than One (5:54)
07 Decarlos Bonds - I Miss My Ex And Her Sex (4:54)
08 Chick Willis - I Did It All (4:23)
09 Big Cynthia - She Workin' That Nookie Thang (3:58)
10 Lee Shot Williams - Baby By An Outside Woman (3:30)
11 The Love Doctor - Pop That Coochie (4:54)
12 William Calhoun - Room 229 (We Did The 69) (5:00)
13 Willie B. - Larry Licker (4:55)
14 Jody Sticker - It's Good On The Top (3:59)

Album: Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 3
Source: Digital Lossless Copy
Size: 127.1 MB
Time: 55:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01 Travis Haddix - Dick For Dinner (3:41)
02 Billy Cole - Let Me Stick It (3:36)
03 Blind Ricky McCants - Caught You With Your Drawers Down (3:37)
04 Chick Willis - I Like It Like That (4:10)
05 Stan Mosley - Backbone (Extended) (4:25)
06 Jody Sticker - Mr. Telephone Man (3:30)
07 Ricky White - Stacked In The Back (4:43)
08 Ghetto Cowboy - She Put That Thang On Me (3:56)
09 Corey Rudolph - Sexy Body (4:36)
10 Dicky Williams - Sex, Lies & Alibi (2:49)
11 Chuck Roberson - The Lollypop Man Can (3:01)
12 Charles Wilson - This Bed Ain't Big Enough (4:32)
13 Jim Bennett - She Laid A Freak On Me (4:22)
14 Jody Sticker - Don't Make No Noise (4:06)

Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 1
Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 2
Nasty N' Dirty Southern Soul Blues Vol. 3

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Elmore James & John Brim - Tough

Year: 1968
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:18
Size: 79,6 MB
Styles: Blues, Chicago blues
Scans: LP front & back

1. Elmore James - Stormy Monday Blues (2:27)
2. Elmore James - Going For Good (3:04)
3. John Brim - Lifetime Baby (3:03)
4. Elmore James - I See My Baby (3:04)
5. John Brim - Be Careful What You Do (2:42)
6. Elmore James - The Sun Is Shining (2:46)
7. John Brim - You Got Me (2:58)
8. Elmore James - Whose Muddy Shoes (3:17)
9. Elmore James - Madison Blues (2:25)
10. John Brim - Ice Cream Man (2:46)
11. Elmore James - My Best Friend (3:22)
12. Elmore James - Talk To Me Baby (2:17)

Unfortunately acclaim has come to Elmore James too late for us to do ary more than honour his memory. Time never seems to have been on his side. Elmore was born in Canton, Mississippi on January 18, 1918, and although he is remembered by several other blues singers to have been playing throughout the South during the '30's and '40's, he did not make any records until 1952. The previously unissued material on this record comes from two recording sessions some six or seven years apart. The first was made only a couple of years after his first record, and despite the presence of a saxophone, we find that Elmore still retains the rougher, less sophisticated mannerisms of a country singer. Jumping to within three years of his death, the second session shows us much the same lineup to his band, though this time it is enhanced by the powerful echo which Elmore came to prefer. Magnificent versions of "Stormy Monday" and "The Sun Is Shining" are probably the highlights of his contributions to this album.

John Brim is by no means as widely known as Elmore, though some collectors may be aware of single issues on the Fortune, Random, and JOB labels. Brim was born near Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1922. Arriving in Chicago in 1945, he became a semi-professional musician, working when he could, sometimes with Muddy Waters' band. Eventually he and his wife Grace, who played drums, joined Big Maceo Merriweather, and worked and recorded with him until Maceo's death in 1953. After that, John made a handful of records and then disappeared. He was found three or four years ago but has not recorded again. His four titles are a marked contrast to those of Elmore, due probably to the absence of a piano and the substitution of harmonica. Although "You Got Me" and "Be Careful" have nothing like the intensity of "Lifetime Baby". /From the LP liner notes by Neil Slaven

(For original recording years and personnel details, see info file included.)

Tough mc
Tough zippy

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Billy Branch & Carlos Johnson - Don't Mess With The Bluesmen

Year: 2004
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:07
Size: 150,7 MB
Styles: Electric blues, harmonica blues
Scans: Full

1. Running From The Devil (0:35)
2. Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong (7:12)
3. Don't Mess With The Bluesman (5:08)
4. Going To New York (7:08)
5. Escape (4:06)
6. Shade Tree Mechanic (6:37)
7. Hello There (4:47)
8. Hey Pretty Baby (4:02)
9. Summertime (4:04)
10. My Babe (4:21)
11. Blues After The Pain (5:06)
12. Real Mother For Ya (9:23)
13. Cognac For Breakfast (2:33)

Modern Chicago harp master Billy Branch and fellow Windy City guitarist Carlos Johnson team up for Don't Mess With the Bluesmen, an easygoing session recorded in Chicago between 2003 and 2004 for the Japanese P-Vine label. Alongside spirited cover versions of Jimmy Reed's "Going to New York" and a rhumba-inflected "My Babe," the originals "Blues After the Rain," "Running from the Devil," and "Cognac for Breakfast" put Branch's soulful harp at center stage where it belongs.

However, the lukewarm takes of George and Ira Gershwin's "Summertime," Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Real Mother for Ya," and Albert King's "Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong" prove to be a bit too slick, as is the Johnson/Branch ballad "Hello There." The production may be too polished for purists, but fans of contemporary blues should check it out. /Al Campbell, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Don't Mess With The Bluesmen mc
Don't Mess With The Bluesmen zippy

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The Cash Box Kings - Hail To The Kings!

Year: 2019
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:49
Size: 118,1 MB
Styles: Electric blues, Chicago blues
Scans: Full

1. Ain't No Fun (When The Rabbit Got The Gun) (3:07)
2. The Wine Talkin' (3:49)
3. Take Anything I Can (3:55)
4. Smoked Jowl Blues (4:30)
5. Back Off (3:02)
6. I'm The Man Down There (3:19)
7. Poison In My Whiskey (4:43)
8. Joe, You Ain't From Chicago (3:31)
9. Bluesman Next Door (4:43)
10. Hunchin' On My Baby (2:53)
11. Jon Burge Blues (4:37)
12. Sugar Daddy (5:44)
13. The Wrong Number (2:50)

The Cash Box Kings were founded in 2001 by Joe Nosek. Oscar “43rd Street” Wilson joined in 2007. Born in Chicago in 1953 Wilson grew up in the company of blues royalty such as Junior Wells, Elmore James and David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Chicago’s 43rd Street has since been renamed Muddy Waters Drive. Nosek and Wilson are over twenty years apart in age. Wilson states “The Cash Box Kings are a throwback to the golden age of blues with some kickin’ fresh young blood. Joe is my best friend in the music world, the band is a marriage made in heaven for the both of us.” Nosek adds “Oscar is godfather to my oldest son; we have each other’s backs. We’re family." The “young blood” joining vocalist Wilson includes Nosek, harmonica and vocals; Billy Flynn, lead guitar; John W. Lauler, upright and electric bass; and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, drums. They are joined by the “Cash Box Queen” Lee Kanehira on piano and organ.

Recorded in Chicago the band continues to refine their mix of original Chicago Blues and Memphis rockabilly. As songwriters Nosek and Wilson continue to improve and include eleven new songs, eight of them co-written. Their storytelling and good humor stand out on the performance piece “Joe, You Ain’t From Chicago”. The Kings sing of love gone wrong on “Ain’t No Fun (When The Rabbit Got The Gun)”; and on “The Wrong Number” with the hilarious lyric “there was this chick who was really fine that I had on the side…it was the wrong number that I texted last night”. They also tell us the story of a bad cop on “Jon Burge Blues”. “The Wine Talkin” written with John Hahn features Wilson in a vocal duet with Shemekia Copeland. The ensemble finds that “old school” spirit and channels both Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Wilson’s vocal inspiration also includes Jimmy Reed and the band covers “I’m the Man down There” first recorded by Reed in 1965.

Flynn’s masterful guitar playing combines well with Nosek’s harmonica and Kanehira’s keyboards, as the rhythm section attacks each song with authority. Living Blues Magazine declared the Kings “one of the best blues bands in the land” and the proof is in the pudding. Look for The Cash Box Kings to receive yet another “Band” nomination in 2020. /Richard Ludmerer

Hail To The Kings! mc
Hail To The Kings! zippy

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Abi Wallenstein, Gunther Brackman, Martin Rottger - FeelGoodBoogie: Live! On The Beach

Size: 174.1 MB
Time: 74:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Piano Blues, Boogie Woogie
Art: Full

01. King Bee (Live) (5:31)
02. Route 66 (Live) (5:24)
03. Kansa City (Live) (8:08)
04. As Long As I Can See The Light (Live) (5:55)
05. Willow Tree (Live) (8:15)
06. Money (Live) (6:07)
07. Cry Cry Baby (Live) (6:16)
08. Death Letter Blues (Live) (7:59)
09. I Just Wanna Make Love To You (Live) (9:07)
10. Same Old Blues (Live) (6:14)
11. Shake Your Boogie (Live) (5:46)

At FeelGoodBoogie, the blues' friend may think of Chicago or Memphis. In fact, behind this project title, which is programmatic for the performance of their concerts, hides three high-caliber Blues: Abi Wallenstein, Günther Brackmann and Martin Röttger.

Abi, Günther and Martin play since 2004 in this cast together. These rather irregular appearances have matured the interplay of these three personalities over the years, each bringing its own individual quality and yet always dedicated to the trio as a 'groove community'.
Abi, as a master of the atmosphere, prepares the spaces that Martin opens up with a sure-footed drumming and his sensitive feel for dynamics. Abi and Günther fill this tension of the spaces with their solos, in the course of which the entire improvisational experience of the trio becomes audible. These processes of interaction can not be rehearsed or reproduced. They are the result of the special moment, characterized by the mood of the audience, the atmosphere of the room as well as the dedication and passion of the musicians.
The result is unique interpretations of original Bluestitel, which extend in a pleasant way the stylistic devices of the genre and the blues thus return its relevance. Abi Wallenstein plays a special role here as someone who feels the energies on stage as well as the audience and brings them together in his inimitable way.

Her performances are part of a special kind of improvisational concert that uses well-known titles as the basis of her own joy in playing and thus creates special moments - for the musicians as well as for the listener.

FeelGoodBoogie

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Grady Champion - Steppin' In: A Tribute To Z.Z. Hill

Size: 103.0 MB
Time: 44:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. Down Home Blues (4:26)
02. Shade Tree Mechanic (2:56)
03. Someone Else Is Steppin' In (3:38)
04. Bump And Grind (4:14)
05. I'm A Blues Man (3:39)
06. Open House At My House (4:43)
07. Who You Been Giving It To (2:58)
08. Three Into Two Won't Go (2:53)
09. Cheating In The Next Room (3:36)
10. Right Arm For Your Love (3:31)
11. Everybody Knows About My Good Thing (4:26)
12. When It Rains It Pours (3:33)

Grady Champion wastes no time getting to the heart of the matter by opening his latest release with ‘Down Home Blues,’ a song that has been called the best-known blues song of the 1980s. Champion’s 11th album, “Steppin’ In,” is a loving tribute to fellow Malaco Records’ recording artist, the late great Z.Z. Hill, who is best known for his recordings in the 1970s and early 1980s, including his 1982 album for the label, “Down Home,” which stayed on the Billboard soul album chart for nearly two years. Champion is a torch bearer for the combination of authentic Mississippi blues and contemporary soul styling devised by Z.Z. Hill that helped to restore the blues to modern black consciousness.
The collection of a dozen specially chosen tracks was recorded in Jackson, Mississippi with Champion backed by his veteran road band of guitarist Will Wesley, Frederick Demby Sr. on bass, Sam Brady on keys and Edward Rayshad Smith on drums, for that gritty live in the room feel. Special guests include fellow IBC winner Eddie Cotton, The Jackson Horns and home girls Jewel Bass and Lahlah Devine suppling the backing vocals. The group gives ‘Shade Tree Mechanic,’ from Hill’s 1983 album, “I’m A Blues Man,” the full Wang Dang Doodle treatment by swinging the riff a bit more and, of course, adding Champion’s vaunted blues harp. The Jackson Horns join the party on the classic blues of tough love ‘Someone Else Is Steppin’ In,’ providing melodic flourishes under Champion’s pleading vocal. Cotton brings in his guitar to join Grady’s call for the band slow down on the heavy-duty track ‘Bump And Grind,’ so he can get on the dance floor with the girls like his hero used to do. Grady then steps right into Z.Z. Hill’s shoes for the autobiographic ‘I’m A Blues Man,’ perfectly replicating his every move.

Wesley’s lead guitar shines on the tale of a man done wrong ‘Open House At My House,’ and another soul blues prototype from Hill’s 1982 album, “The Rhythm And The Blues,” ‘Who You Been Giving It To,’ is covered with detailed loving care. The horn fueled ‘Three Into Two Won’t Go,’ is a sweet bit of Memphis Soul, and the collection would not be complete without Hill’s first hit for the Malaco label ‘Cheating In The Next Room.’ The hymn of endless devotion, ‘Right Arm For Your Love,’ is delivered with new energy and Cotton fires off the opening lead line to another signature track from “Down Home,” the fiery blues ’Everybody Knows About My Good Thing.’ Texas blues and soul singer/songwriter Bobby Patterson wrote ‘When It Rains It Pours’ for Hill in 1982 not knowing the world would lose him just two short years later. Champion closes the set delivering this prophetic deep cut with reverence and fortitude.

Champion dedicates the album to Hill’s biggest fan, his own mother Jerry Dean Champion, who schooled him in the artistry of her favorite bluesman by playing the records of Z.Z. Hill on their farm in Canton, Mississippi. The youngest of 28 children, Grady Champion has had many teachers and mentors in his life and with “Steppin’ In” he pays tribute to the two closest to his heart. Rick J Bowen

Steppin' In

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Albert Castiglia - Masterpiece

Size: 106.2 MB
Time: 45:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Bring On The Rain (3:30)
02. I Tried To Tell Ya (4:19)
03. Heavy (4:53)
04. Keep On Swinging (5:05)
05. Masterpiece (3:25)
06. Thoughts And Prayers (3:37)
07. Too Much Seconal (4:58)
08. Catch My Breath (3:08)
09. Red Tide Blues (3:02)
10. Love Will Win The War (4:34)
11. I Wanna Go Home (5:21)

As many artists will attest, the most unexpected circumstance can spark artistic inspiration. That’s a fact that hasn’t been lost on singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Albert Castiglia. With his latest album, the aptly named Masterpiece (available May 24), he celebrates an unforeseen triumph — a connection with a daughter he never knew he had. The result is a work that’s both personal and provocative all at the same time.

Co-produced by long-time friend and colleague Mike Zito, and coming out on Zito’s own label, Gulf Coast Records, the album also finds Castiglia reflecting on the disappointment and disconnect that’s gripped the nation in the past several years. “This album is an observation of life through the eyes of a father, grandfather, husband and citizen of the world. My newly found family brought out a perspective I never thought I’d have.”

The Miami-raised musician served an apprenticeship while backing legendary blues musician Junior Wells. He later went on to work with singer Sandra Hall. Thus far his solo career has yielded eight critically acclaimed album and consist kudos for his exceptional instrumental prowess, his searing vocals, and live performances that have dazzled audiences from coast to coast. It’s little wonder that Miami’s New Times lauded him as South Florida’s “Best Blues Guitarist” or that USA Today was inspired to remark “It’s a revelation to discover the thrilling retro-electric blues from this astonishing young guitarist.”

Likewise, BluesAbout.com called Castiglia “one of those mid-tier artists that is just one album away from breaking big and becoming a household word in the blues world.” Or, as M Music & Musicians once noted, “His back-to-basics approach follows in the footsteps of those who fostered the blues in the Mississippi Delta and the smoky late-night haunts of Chicago.”

For now, anyway, Castiglia is content to celebrate a new chapter in his life and what has become an added incentive for making music. That philosophy is perhaps best expressed in another song on the new album, a track called “Keep on Swinging.”

“It’s about advice I would have given my daughter had I been around when she was a kid but which I’m now able to give to grandchildren,” Castiglia says.” ‘Keep on swinging, don’t let the haters get you down.'” I always try to remind them that they are special and can accomplish anything their heart desires if they only put their minds to it. They’re the ones that give me hope for the future.”

Masterpiece

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