Azzul's Collective: April 2023

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Mississippi Shakedown - Right Here Right Now

Album: Right Here Right Now
Size: 94,2 MB
Time: 40:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Blues
Art: Full

1. Keep Those Homefires Burning (3:55)
2. Right Here Right Now (3:32)
3. Mean And Evil (4:02)
4. Drinkin' (4:13)
5. Mississippi Minor (3:24)
6. Extra Mile (3:22)
7. Fool's Paradise (3:58)
8. Talk In Texas (3:55)
9. I've Had A Really Bad Day (3:52)
10. Man Of The Century (2:24)
11. The Twist (3:58)

Mississippi Shakedown is a Band with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of effect. A 3-piece unit led by blues rock charged slide guitar, with a “Don’t Bore Us, Get to the Chorus” attitude! With influence from the deep south, these guys have heart. This band was not created to play in a restaurant.

Just take a listen to their current CDs, “Mississippi Shakedown” and “Right Here Right Now” with their 3rd CD “The Blues Lives Here” – all original songs, with an original attitude. The band takes no prisoners on their journey to Shakedown an audience. Once seen, never forgotten, once heard always loved! Fronted by Mississippi Jeff Cripps, (well known owner of A# Sharp Recording Studio and 2002, 2003 and 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards’ Producer Of The Year, with a dozen of his artists also having won Australian Blues Awards) on slide guitar and vocals. The band is driven by John Gannon on bass with Derek Smith on drums in the engine room.

With grand performances at the Goulburn, Thredbo, Launceston, Newcastle, Forth Valley, Gosford and Davistown Blues Festivals, and sundry other gigs in Sydney, Perth, Tasmania, Canberra and the East Coast, it has been proven without a shadow of a doubt, Mississippi Shakedown never fails to please an audience, whether it be an audience of blues aficionados, or Joe Public.

Right Here Right Now mc
Right Here Right Now zippy

Backtrack Blues Band - A Day By The Bay

Album: A Day By The Bay
Size: 131,1 MB
Time: 56:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Front, back

1. Best Friend's Grave (6:06)
2. Make My Home In Florida (8:19)
3. Help Me Just This Time (6:34)
4. Dixie Grill (5:35)
5. Natural Born Lover (4:44)
6. Rich Man Blues (5:16)
7. She Might Get Mad (4:52)
8. Times Is Hard (7:56)
9. You'll Come Back Someday (7:23)

The Backtrack Blues Band was formed in St Petersburg, Florida in 1980, and is one of the longest-running blues bands in America. This high-energy quintet features Chicago- style blues, with Texas influences. Exceptional guitar, harp, and vocals have made this band a favorite on the American and international festival circuit. Backtrack Blues Band has performed in concert with the world’s greatest blues artists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, Robert Cray, Johnny Winter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Koko Taylor, John Lee Hooker, and many more. The group has released eight albums of original music, including this latest album on Gulf Coast Records.

Recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival on April 10, 2022, the new live album showcases the band that consists of Sonny Charles on harmonica and vocals, Kid Royal on lead guitar and vocals, Little Johnny Walter on rhythm guitar, Joe Bencomo on drums and Stick Davis on bass. On larger shows, the band is joined by Wayne Sharp on B3 organ and the Backtrack Angels on backing vocals. These seasoned musicians combined have garnered a Grammy Award, two Blues Music Awards, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and three Tampa Bay Music Awards for “Best Blues Band“. The group’s members are serious students of blues music, and their influences include Little Walter, Albert King, Ronnie Earl, Paul Butterfield, and Sonny Boy Williamson.

Sonny Charles is an accomplished harp player in the mold of the great Chicago blues harmonica legends. Kid Royal is influenced by the Texas blues sounds of Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, and Jimmie Vaughan. Together, they comprise one of Florida’s longest-running and most accomplished blues bands, displaying original, electric blues music with honesty and panache!

Personnel: Sonny Charles (vocals, harmonica); Kid Royal (vocals, lead guitar); Little Johnny Walter (rhythm guitar, backing vocals); Joe Bencomo (drums); Stick Davis (bass); Wayne Sharp (Hammond B3 organ); Latonya Oliver, Dana Merriwether (backing vocals).

A Day By The Bay mc
A Day By The Bay zippy

Taj Mahal - Savoy

Album: Savoy
Size: 135,4 MB
Time: 58:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Swing/Jazz
Art: Front

1. Stompin' At The Savoy (3:43)
2. I'm Just A Lucky So And So (3:23)
3. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You (3:51)
4. Summer Time (2:48)
5. Mood Indigo (4:08)
6. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (4:36)
7. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me (5:05)
8. Sweet Georgia Brown (3:18)
9. Baby It's Cold Outside (4:31)
10. Lady Be Good (3:52)
11. Baby Won't You Please Come Home (3:25)
12. Caldonia (3:32)
13. Killer Joe (4:09)
14. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) (8:08)

Taj Mahal can rightfully be called a living legend for his contributions to popular music. With a voice as instantly recognizable as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, or Johnny Cash, throughout his career Taj has pushed the envelope of American roots music forward by incorporating sounds from the Caribbean, Africa, traditional blues and jazz.

With Savoy, Taj takes a new direction in his musical journey, exploring a collection of blues tinged classic material with his good friend and acclaimed record producer John Simon, whose resume includes producing classic albums by The Band, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot and Blood Sweat & Tears. Recording Savoy is the realization of a musical collaboration they had been discussing for decades, finally locking in the studio time in Oakland, California to make it happen in August, 2022.

In the introduction to the first track ‘Stompin’ at the Savoy’, Taj Mahal talks about his parents meeting for the first time at the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem during the initial run of Ella Fitzgerald with the Chick Webb Band in 1938, writes Stony Plain Records co-founder Holger Petersen in the album’s informative liner notes. The album is a loving throwback to the sounds of the swing jazz big band era. With guest vocals of Maria Muldaur on ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ and Evan Price’s violin on two tracks, the album covers 14 standards composed by the likes of Duke Ellington, Louis Jordan, George Gershwin and Louis Armstrong, brought to life by the unique voice and character of the one and only Taj Mahal.

Savoy was recorded at 25th Street Recording in Oakland with engineer Gabriel Shepard. Taj showed up the first day about 1:00 PM and settled in with cups of sweet tea. Backing Taj Mahal vocals and harmonica on Savoy is a rhythm section comprised of Danny Caron – guitar; Ruth Davies – bass; John Simon – piano; and Leon Joyce, Jr. – drums; with background vocals by Carla Holbrook, Leesa Humphrey and Charlotte McKinnon.

On the first day of recording, the band was running down John Simon’s arrangement of ‘Stompin’ at the Savoy’ with encouragement from Taj. Chick Webb had the first hit with the song in 1934 and Ella later recorded it with Louis Armstrong. Taj said, “It needs a little more sashay. You’ll know it when you hear it.” Co-Executive Producer Holger Petersen who was at the session shares, “and everybody did! Taj’s scat singing is a highlight. Except for Killer Joe, fans would likely have heard all the others at one time or another at the Savoy Ballroom during its long run from 1926 to 1958. This is a Taj album like no other and a deep part of his long history.”

Savoy mc
Savoy zippy

Thursday, April 27, 2023

The Mighty Houserockers - Fine Lookin' Woman!

Album: Fine Lookin' Woman!
Size: 115,3 MB
Time: 49:52
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1989
Styles: Blues
Art: LP front & back

1. Down, But Not Out (4:36)
2. Fine Lookin' Woman (3:43)
3. Bluesman Boogie (5:01)
4. Party Time (2:55)
5. Talk To Me Baby (3:28)
6. Play The Blues For You (5:46)
7. Houserockin' Blues (3:19)
8. She's My Baby (5:11)
9. Alcohol Please (4:11)
10. Just Because (4:04)
11. Drinkin' & Thinkin' (4:24)
12. Can't Stop Lovin' (3:10)

b. 10 September 1955, Willenhall, Staffordshire, England. Wilson began playing guitar at the age of 15 and by 1974 was performing professionally. He studied at Humberside College for a degree in Food Science and Microbiology, later teaching food hygiene/microbiology. He continued to play guitar and, influenced by contemporary electric blues players, he formed his own blues-based band, the Mighty Houserockers in 1981. Wilson developed a good local following in the Midlands region and over subsequent years played at numerous UK and European blues festivals, including Colne, Luxembourg, Cork, Geithoorn and Oudenaarde. He has performed extensively on the blues circuits in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. A strikingly effective slide guitarist, Wilson’s live performances are exciting affairs. Among his influences are George Thorogood and Son Seals, heard live, and, heard on records, Jimi Hendrix, Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, B.B. King, Albert King and Buddy Guy.

Wilson’s sidemen over the years have included Chris Lomas (bass), Dave Sutherland (bass, percussion, vocals), Fred Skidmore (keyboards), and Tony Baylis, Phil Guest and Micky Barker (drums), some of whom have been around since the early days. In the early 00s, Wilson was composing a large part of his current repertoire. Although rooted in traditional blues, much of his latter-day composing displays manifold musical influences that have shaped his career and his off-stage life; since 1997 he has lived in the far west of Eire. Among Wilson’s compositions are ‘Guitar Man’, ‘Fuelled Up’, ‘She’s My Baby’, ‘I’m A Fool’, ‘Blue Light’ and ‘Don’t Leave Me’. /Biography by AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Fine Lookin' Woman! mc
Fine Lookin' Woman! zippy

Eddie Vaan Shaw - The Trail Of Tears

Size: 150.0 MB
Time: 64:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1994
Styles: Chicago Blues
Art: Full

01. Please Tell Me (5:43)
02. Geche Woman (4:23)
03. My Woman's Ugly (4:20)
04. Heart Of Yours (6:18)
05. Tears Are Falling (3:03)
06. I'm Ready (5:15)
07. Sky Is Crying (8:17)
08. Oh, How They Can Love (4:39)
09. I'm Crazy Now (5:55)
10. Luck Overdue (4:57)
11. Blues Men Of Yesterday (2:48)
12. Stone Cold Blue (5:21)
13. Bare Ass Slide (3:17)

Eddie Shaw did just about everything in the blues business. He was a sideman, singer, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, producer and tavern owner. In most of those roles, he worked on behalf of other artists. The whole West Side blues scene benefited from Eddie’s efforts, which included acting as bandleader and manager for the late Howlin’ Wolf from 1972 to 1975. After working for years behind the scenes, Eddie stepped out on his own as a band leader, proving himself to be one of the blues world’s premier horn players and a fine vocalist to boot. Before Wolf died in 1976, he urged Eddie to carry on the blues with The Wolf Gang. Eddie not only kept the core of the band together (later adding his talented son Vaan on guitar), but also forged a new identity for Eddie Shaw and The Wolf Gang.

Eddie’s career with Wolf began in 1958, but his varied activities brought him in contact with hundreds of other bluesmen, both in Chicago and in the South. Eddie was born March 20, 1937, in Benoit, Mississippi, and grew up in nearby Greenville, where his adolescent friends included a number of musicians who would one day become fellow Chicago bluesmen: Little Milton Campbell, Left Hand Frank Craig, Johnny “Big Moose” Walker and L.V. Banks, among others. Eddie and his close companion Oliver Sain were just two of the many blues and jazz horn players to come from Coleman High School. They joined other formally trained musicians in Greenville’s sophisticated, urban jump-blues bands, which featured four- and five-man horn sections. Eddie and Oliver made the rounds of the local nightclubs, schools, and dances, and often traveled through the Delta to play with bands such as Ike Turner’s and Guitar Slim’s. Eddie, who played trombone and clarinet before switching to saxophone, also put in some time with more traditional local bluesmen like Sain’s stepfather, Willie Love and guitarist Charlie Booker. In 1957, Eddie sat in with the Muddy Waters band in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Muddy hired him on the spot, and Eddie arrived in Chicago as a member of the top band in town.

The Chicago bands of Muddy and Wolf were built around amplified country blues, and Eddie found that he had to play differently in Chicago than he had in Mississippi. He was usually the only horn player in the band and no longer had section arrangements or short, set parts to play. But Eddie adapted to the new demands as a soloist. A few months with Muddy, a few months with Wolf, back to Greenville for a short stay, and then Eddie settled in Chicago for good. He rejoined Wolf for about two years, moved on to the Otis Rush band, and during the ‘60s worked most often with Magic Sam on the West Side. In between, there were plenty of weekend gigs with any band that needed a sax man for a night or two--“in and out of bands, up and down the highway,” said Eddie.

Eddie sang and fronted his own band from time to time, using guitar players such as Magic Sam, Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson and Jesse Robinson. He played on recording sessions with Wolf, Sam, Freddie King, Jimmy Dawkins and others, and occasionally took his band into the studio to record dubs for promotional use on jukeboxes and on Big Bill Hill’s local radio and TV programs. One such recording, an instrumental called “Blues For The West Side,” became a minor Chicago hit when it was issued as a single by Colt Records. In addition, Eddie wrote songs for Wolf, Willie Dixon, Magic Sam, and Andrew “Blueblood” McMahon, and contributed arrangements to sessions by Wolf, Muddy and others. In the midst of all this, Eddie was usually involved in some sort of independent business venture--an air conditioning and refrigeration service, a laundromat, a barbecue joint, a tavern on West Madison Street, which was famed for its all-star Monday jam sessions. For a number of years, Eddie operated the biggest blues club on the West Side, Eddie’s Place (The New 1815 Club), which featured such top-notch blues acts as Wolf, Otis Rush, Jimmy Reed, Luther Allison, James Cotton, Mighty Joe Young and Little Johnny Taylor.

Besides constantly touring for over two decades, Eddie recorded prolifically. His debut album, Have Blues, Will Travel, was released in 1977 on the Simmons label and later reissued by Rooster Blues. He cut four sides in 1978 for Alligator’s Living Chicago Blues series with the famed Hubert Sumlin on guitar. He cut a second album for Rooster Blues, one for the French Isabel label (issued in the USA by Evidence), four for the Austrian Wolf label and one for Chicago’s own Delmark Records.

Eddie Shaw brought his fat-toned, blues-drenched saxophone to blues fans for fifty years, thirty of them as a band leader and vocalist. He won fans all over the world, and performed constantly, carrying on in the Windy City spirit of his mentor Howlin’ Wolf and his friend Magic Sam, but above all as his own man, Chicago’s #1 blues horn player. Eddie passed away on January 29, 2018.

The Trail Of Tears MP3
The Trail Of Tears FLAC

Dudley Taft - Guitar Kingdom

Size: 116.5 MB
Time: 49:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Full

01. Black And Blues (4:54)
02. Old School Rocking (4:57)
03. Oil And Water (4:42)
04. Still Burning (4:37)
05. Guitar Kingdom (5:19)
06. Get Stoned (4:39)
07. Favorite Things (3:26)
08. Darkest Night (3:50)
09. I Want (More Wild Young Days) (4:43)
10. The Great Beyond (3:20)
11. A Quitter Never Wins (5:08)

Cincinnati guitarist Dudley Taft is a bonified gunslinger having attended Berklee school of music and spent time in Seattle grunge bands, Sweet Water and Second Coming, tours internationally and produced eight of his own albums and lives in a house he bought from Peter Frampton. It makes perfect sense that his new album, Guitar Kingdom, is a celebration of his greatest passion “The Guitar.” The ten new tracks and a bonus cover song are a reflection of his influences from classic blues riffs and driving rock with a hint of metal and country.

Recorded mainly at the Taft’s home studio that Frampton built, Taft is bolstered by cracker jack rhythm section players, Kasey Williams on bass, drummers Alex Dungan and Nick Owisanka, and keyboards from Andy Smith with backing vocals from Dudley’s daughter Ashley Charmae along with special guests, radio host and bassist John Kessler and renowned percussionist, Walfredo Reyes, Jr.

“Black And Blues” opens the set with one of the aforementioned driving riffs and lyrics that could be speaking to a lover or his faithful guitar. Taft tells his story and gives us fun loving insight to the source of his musical affection, or addiction if you want to call it on “Old School Rocking.” He calls out his lady to get out and have some fun on “Oil And Water,” a rollicking rocker with flavors of classic Deep Purple. The passionate ballad, “Still Burning,” is a sophisticated mix of blues and power pop. Taft spells out his mantra on the title track “Guitar Kingdom,” declaring “Guitar’s a way of life, it’s where my spirit guides and it makes me feel alive.”

The ode to a working man, “Get Stoned,” rumbles along with intricate drum fills from Dungan that match Taft’s guitar leads note for note and the foot stompin’ “Favorite Things,” details the virtues of the toys and tools Taft loves the most - cars, guitars, and his best gal. Some fine acoustic picking opens the contemplative “Darkest Night,” revealing a softer side to the self-professed rocker. The album quickly gets back to business on the spunky “I Want More (Wild Young Days),” and its subtle socio-political message. The Seattle Rock influence is felt on the heavy psalm, “The Great Beyond,” with its big drums and super fuzz guitars.

Taft closes Guitar Kingdom with an inspired reading of Tinsley Ellis’ epic “A Quitter Never Wins,” adding muscle to the Atlanta bluesman’s best-known tune. ~Rick J Bowen

Guitar Kingdom MP3
Guitar Kingdom FLAC

Nate Gross Band - Raw Turkey: Live

Size: 98.1 MB
Time: 42:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Resting Bitch Face Jam (Live) (4:23)
02. Rainy Night Blues (Live) (4:58)
03. I Get Stoned (Live) (9:21)
04. Blak Kat Moan (Live) (4:41)
05. These Four Walls (Live) (4:01)
06. Highway 79 (Live) (3:03)
07. Even Bigger Railroad Blues (Live) (3:44)
08. Taste The Tears (Live) (7:54)

THE NATE GROSS BAND Live at the Blarney Stone Pub in Norwich NY! Recorded LIVE the Friday after Thanksgiving, 2022. Line up Includes Nate Gross - Guitars and Vocals Patrick Corbet - Bass and Vocals Robert Toussiant - Drums and Vocals Ben Gross - Hammond and Keys
For years, Nate has toured coast to coast spreading his brand of Blues Rock.

Combining Blues, Soul, Americana, Swing, Latin, Jazz and traditional sounds with monster sized guitar licks, The Nate Gross Band has a sound that has been captivating audiences at some of the most respected Festivals and Venues. Nate has shared the stage with legends such as Levon Helm, Tommy Castro, Dickey Betts, G.E Smith, Jim Weider, Arlo Guthrie, JD Simo, Commander Cody, Walter Trout, Willie Nelson, Shemika Copeland, and JJ Grey to name a few. When not on the road, Nate owns a private music studio where he is teaching over 50 students a week. As a multi instrumentalist, Nate teaches the importance and love of The Blues and Traditional Music styles.

Raw Turkey: Live MP3
Raw Turkey: Live FLAC

Budda Power Blues - Budda Power Blues Collective

Size: 99.0 MB
Time: 42:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Electric/Acoustic Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. It Doesn’t Matter (2:46)
02. Multiple Times (3:59)
03. Good Old Pair Of Jeans (2:11)
04. Different Thoughts (3:13)
05. The Least Resistance Path To Harmony (3:37)
06. So Long (5:04)
07. These Arms (4:43)
08. Gonna Travel Far (3:20)
09. The Trade That Time (4:33)
10. You’re Gonna Miss Me (3:38)
11. Brothers From Different Mothers (4:59)

In 2020, Budda Power Blues expand from a Power Trio to a Power Sextet. João Martins (Sax), Rui Pedro Silva (Trumpet) and João Andresen (Harp), join forces with Budda Guedes, Nico Guedes and Carl Minnemann, for special shows, bringing the band more towards New Orleans and the Stax and Chess Records classic sound.

But the band keeps its identity, just a lot more sound mass, and arrangements, give the show a deluxe energy, with all the power Budda Power Blues is known for. The Jam now extends to six musicians, so a bigger party on stage is the result.

Budda Power Blues Collective MP3
Budda Power Blues Collective FLAC

Sass Jordan - Live In New York Ninety-Four

Size: 94.9 MB
Time: 40:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Intro (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (0:38)
02. Damaged (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (3:43)
03. Make You A Believer (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (5:28)
04. Moonage Daydream (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (4:43)
05. Head (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (4:18)
06. You Don't Have To Remind Me (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (4:37)
07. High Road Easy (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (4:13)
08. Sun's Gonna Rise (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (3:30)
09. Pissin' Down (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (6:01)
10. Ugly (Live In New York Ninety-Four) (3:35)

Sass Jordan‘s breakthrough album, ‘Racine‘, was released in 1992 and yielded the Canadian hit singles ‘Make You a Believer‘, ‘I Want to Believe‘–both ranked on Billboard magazine’s Mainstream Rock chart–‘You Don’t Have to Remind Me‘, and ‘Goin’ Back Again‘. In 1994, Jordan released ‘Rats‘, which yielded her first song on the Billboard Hot 100 with the single ‘Sun’s Gonna Rise‘, and also featured ‘High Road Easy’. In 1992, Jordan recorded the duet ‘Trust in Me‘ with Joe Cocker for the motion picture The Bodyguard, after star Kevin Costner heard Jordan on his car radio. The soundtrack would go on to sell more than 45 million copies worldwide.

The show was recorded at the South Street Seaport in NYC during the 1994 Rats tour. The band at that time, along with Jordan, consisted of Tony Reyes (bass, vocals), Taylor Hawkins (drums, vocals), Nick Lashley (guitar), and Stevie Salas (guitar).

Live In New York Ninety-Four MP3
Live In New York Ninety-Four FLAC

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

The Mighty Houserockers - Fuelled Up!

Album: Fuelled Up!
Size: 128,2 MB
Time: 55:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1991
Styles: Blues
Art: Full

1. Guitar Man (4:48)
2. Fuelled Up (4:26)
3. Ain't Got Nobody (2:53)
4. Blue Light (4:52)
5. Don't Leave Me (4:49)
6. No Money Down (3:56)
7. Madison Blues (3:32)
8. Monday Morning Blues (5:50)
9. She Suits Me (4:39)
10. I'm A Fool (3:07)
11. I Believe I'm In Love (3:30)
12. See You In The Evening (4:00)
13. Wilson's Groove (4:50)

Fuelled Up! mc
Fuelled Up! zippy

Billy Hector - Hard Rockin' Blues

Album: Hard Rockin' Blues
Size: 121,7 MB
Time: 52:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

1. Take Your Hands Out Of My Pocket (4:43)
2. Back It Up (3:37)
3. Evil, Slick 'N' Sly (3:47)
4. Come On Home (4:37)
5. Santa's Blues (7:27)
6. Diamonds At Her Feet (3:20)
7. I Can't Hold Out (4:05)
8. Stealin' (5:25)
9. That's Alright (3:41)
10. Goin' Away Baby (3:15)
11. Just To Be With You (4:46)
12. That's Alright (3:44)

Emotions encountered in everyday life play a big role in the music of Billy Hector. In 2001, at age 45, he remained a hard-working musician, hitting the road 252 nights a year from his home in Walls, NJ, where he lived with his wife Suzan Lastovica, to perform at blues and rock clubs across New Jersey. On his 2001 CD, Duct Tape Life, he confronted his own personal anger at life's misfortunes and found resolve in the musical experiences that have taken him on a journey through changing musical trends over the past 30 years. Hector's song "Stop Doggin' Me Round" concerned his frustration over life's daily hardships. He took things to a political level on "Dealin' With the Devil," a song about his protests over the power of contractors in New Jersey. "Twisted" revisited his early interest in the Rolling Stones.

Hector, who grew up in Orange, NJ, got his first taste of the blues from the Rolling Stones, whose blues-inflected rock led him back to bluesmen Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker. From there, he discovered the more experimental rock edge of guitarists Roy Buchanan and Jimi Hendrix. After playing with several rock bands in high school and studying for two years at William Patterson College in New Jersey in the mid-'70s, he moved to Asbury Park, NJ, to become part of the burgeoning music scene there. Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes had already gained national attention at the Stone Pony club in Asbury Park, and in the wake of their success, Hector began playing guitar with the horn-driven Shots, which had replaced the Jukes as the house band at the Stone Pony. Hector felt too much in the background in the Shots, so he decided to move on.

He joined the band Hot Romance, which became the house band at Mrs. Jay's, a biker bar next to the Stone Pony, in Asbury Park. By the mid-'80s, he formed the Fairlanes, a blues-rock group (featuring his wife as its lead singer) that broke before the popularity of Stevie Ray Vaughan. They recorded Hit the Road in 1987 and All the Way Live in 1989 for his label Blue Jersey. Discovering that other bands in the U.S. shared the same band name, Hector decided to drop it and started calling his group the Billy Hector Band. In 2000, Hector took hold of two golden opportunities. He performed with Sonny Landreth at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in tribute to Delta bluesman Robert Johnson for footage in the film documentary Hellhounds on My Trail. He also shared the stage there with Bonnie Raitt in a "Tribute to Muddy Waters."

That same year, he also recorded an acoustic set live at Jason's in South Belmar, NJ, for a CD to be released in the summer of 2001. Things changed in his personal life. Hector and his wife were uprooted from their 20-year residence in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, in 1998 when the house's owner decided to sell it. Hector then learned in 2000 that his wife had multiple sclerosis, which in 2001 continued to disrupt the couple's life with early-morning physical therapy. Despite the upheaval, Hector remained philosophic about life and he and his wife continued to write songs together and Hector continued to be a road warrior. /Biography by Robert Hicks, AllMusic

Personnel: Billy Hector (vocals, guitar); Tim Tindall (bass); Fred Saunders (bass on track 2); Sim Cain (drums); Rich Monica (drums on track 2): Susan Lastovica (vocals track 12).

Hard Rockin' Blues mc
Hard Rockin' Blues zippy

Justine Blazer - Girl Singing The Blues

Album: Girl Singing The Blues
Size: 85,5 MB
Time: 37:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues/Soul/Americana mix
Art: Front

1. Pretend In The Dark (3:32)
2. Cold Day In Hell (4:20)
3. Big Bright Beautiful Day (3:04)
4. Tears Of Blue (3:29)
5. Sound Of My Heels (4:04)
6. Hard Way (3:23)
7. Between Here And Gone (3:25)
8. Bad Love (3:55)
9. Never Get Away (3:43)
10. Girl Singing The Blues (4:02)

Multi-genre singer/songwriter, producer, recording artist and proud member of the Recording Academy (and a Grammy? Voter since 2020), Justine Blazer, just released her highly anticipated debut blues album "Girl Singing the Blues." There are ten original tracks on the album, featuring collaborations and duets with BB King's daughter, Claudette King, Grammy-winner Larry Mitchell, Billboard charting composer Kitt Wakeley, multi-award winning recording artist Natalie Jean, Gospel singer Kezia Alford, trumpet player Syreeta Thompson, Detroit blues guitarist Kerry Adams, sax player Suzanne Grzanna, award-winning Texas artist Damian Wyldes and more.

"I'm so excited to be releasing my debut blues album," Justine exclaims. "Girl Singing the Blues is my eighth studio album and I feel like this is some of my best work to date. Being originally from Detroit, I grew up around the blues, R&B and Motown. My parents listened to all the greats - Aretha Franklin, Martha Reeves, Mitch Ryder, The Temptations, Etta James and more. I actually started off in a blues band in Detroit with my brother in law, blues guitarist, Rex Mason. We actually won the Detroit Blues Challenge in the mid to late 2000s, but I ended up singing country music instead - which I have always loved, too!" /Chloe Rabinowitz

Girl Singing The Blues mc
Girl Singing The Blues zippy

Monday, April 24, 2023

The Aron Burton Chicago Blues Band - The Cologne Sessions

Size: 146.2 MB
Time: 63:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2001
Styles: Chicago Blues
Art: Full

01. Bloody Tears (5:27)
02. Two Way Street (6:44)
03. Walking The Dog (7:15)
04. The River's Invitation (3:34)
05. Flip, Flop And Fly (6:31)
06. Straighten It Out (7:33)
07. Chitlins Con Carne (5:18)
08. Been Down (7:57)
09. Honey Hush (6:45)
10. Man Downstairs (5:51)

Personnel:
Bass, Vocals – Aron Burton
Drums – Tommie Harris
Guitar – Freimuth Fischkal, Larry Burton
Harmonica – B. Plant
Piano – Chris Rannenberg

Recorded August 23, 2000 at Dezibel-Tonstudio Cologne, Germany.

Long recognized as a rock-solid bassist (and a master landscaper for the Chicago Park District), Aron Burton has begun to emphasize his vocal talents more prominently of late. His 1993 Earwig album Past, Present and Future showcased both of Burton's specialties, eastablishing him as bandleader instead of bandsman. Burton left Mississippi for Chicago in 1955. He got his feet wet as a singer and bassist in the late '50s with Freddy King at Walton's Corner on the West side (King bought Aron his first bass). He got drafted in 1961, came out four years later, and got back into playing with various rock (notably Baby Huey & the Babysitters) and blues (Junior Wells, Fenton Robinson) groups. Burton did sessions with Wild Child Butler, Jackie Ross, Carey Bell, and a 45 of his own for Eddy Clearwater's Cleartone logo ("Garbage Man"), but it was his signing on as a charter member of Albert Collins' Icebreakers in 1978 (Aron's brother Larry was the band's rhythm guitarist) that catapulted him into the spotlight. He played on Collins' landmark Alligator LP Ice Pickin' and toured extensively with the Master of the Telecaster before getting restless and leaving the band. Burton did sessions with Johnny Littlejohn, James Cotton, and Fenton Robinson before taking a three-year European hiatus in the late '80s. That's where he cut his debut LP, Usual Dangerous Guy, with Champion Jack Dupree guesting on piano. Since returning to Chicago, Burton has picked up where he left off -- he's playing, singing, and leading his own band instead of backing others. ~by Bill Dahl

The Cologne Sessions MP3
The Cologne Sessions FLAC

Raphael Wressnig & Igor Prado - Live

Size: 101.3 MB
Time: 43:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues, Soul, Funk
Art: Front & Back

01. Kissing My Love (5:14)
02. I Know Who You Been Socking It To (4:22)
03. Born To Roam (5:50)
04. Crossfire (5:09)
05. No More Okey Doke (6:20)
06. Drive It Home (4:40)
07. Ain't No Love (In The Heart Of The City) (5:26)
08. Faceslap Swing No. 5 (6:25)

From New Orleans-style funk to soul and rhythm & blues, Wressnig’s percussive and greasy Hammond sounds conjure dynamic, high-voltage music. Old-school and new-school rendezvous in his style and his sound combines an authentic soul & blues vibe and a “lowdown” feel with a contemporary funk edge for a unique listening experience. Together with the Brazilian guitar master Igor Prado he shows the bright potential of soul, blues and funk in a modern world and will give the audience a new way to experience these old genres. Raphael Wressnig - Hammond B3 organ Igor Prado - guitars Yuri Prado - drums & percussion Quotes: „Oh yes, Raphael plays a dynamic brand of B-3, his passion commensurate with his technique and his creative intelligence. He's a high-voltage dynamo but also a musician of surprising delicacy and self-reflection.

Live MP3
Live FLAC

Vin Mott - Blues Omerta

Size: 100.1 MB
Time: 43:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Harmonica Blues
Art: Front

01. Doctor's Orders (2:15)
02. The Saint Of All Killers (3:27)
03. Firewood (3:51)
04. I Got To Get Myself To Austin (4:00)
05. She Ain't From Mississippi (4:00)
06. Jalopy Stomp (1:45)
07. Sarah (4:22)
08. Whisky Winds (3:37)
09. Ain't Got Nothin' (2:39)
10. Born To Be A Loser (2:48)
11. Dance Of The Wolf Spider (3:32)
12. Sugar Cane (4:26)
13. Brother Robert (2:18)

Personnel:
Vin Mott - vocals, harmonica, guitars, drums, percussion
Steve Kirsty - upright bass
Jack Stanton - pedal steel guitar

Completely self recorded during Covid lockdowns between 2020-2021 in a tiny shack in the Texas Hill Country, Blues Omertà is Vin Mott's 4th record, and 2nd all DIY recording to date. Lots of traditional blues here as well as rock n roll, singer/songwriter, and even country influences. All songs are original material.

Vin Mott is currently a rising star out of the Austin, TX music scene who is building a reputation for his loyalty to the traditional sounds of the Chicago/Memphis/Delta style blues and his talent as a singer, harmonica player, band leader and hard work ethic. Mott's records have received worldwide radio play and praises from the blues world’s top publications.

Blues Omerta MP3
Blues Omerta FLAC

Andreas Bock - The Incredible Blues & Boogie Drumming Of Andreas Bock: Live & Studio Recordings 2006-2022

Size: 172.7 MB
Time: 73:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues, Boogie
Art: Full

CD 1:
01. Groove Yard Boogie (Boogie Royale) ( 3:52)
02. Berlin Breakdown (Boogie Royale) ( 3:02)
03. Let's Boogie All Night Long (Boogie Royale) ( 2:12)
04. Stayed At The Party (The Boogiesoulmates) ( 3:36)
05. Chills And Fever (The Boogiesoulmates) ( 3:22)
06. Cry To Me (The Boogiesoulmates) ( 3:57)
07. Don't Give Up On Me (The Boogiesoulmates) ( 3:36)
08. Jealous Guy (The Boogiesoulmates) ( 5:57)
09. Remblin' On My Mind (Mitch Kashmar) ( 4:35)
10. Route 66 (Mitch Kashmar) (11:27)
11. Somebody's Been Crying (Boogie Rockets) ( 2:49)
12. House Party (Boogie Rockets) ( 5:17)
13. Boogie Duo (Niels V.D. Leyen & Andreas Bock) ( 3:15)
14. African Stomp (Niels V.D. Leyen & Andreas Bock) ( 8:38)
15. The Lion & The Fish Boogie (Niels V.D. Leyen & Andreas Bock) ( 8:03)

CD 2:
01. Somewhere Down The Line (The Backscratchers) (4:15)
02. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (The Boogiesoulmates) (3:08)
03. Christmas Boogie (The Boogiesoulmates) (4:49)
04. Every Beat (The Boogiesoulmates) (1:52)
05. Teardrops (The Boogiesoulmates) (2:12)
06. Since I Feel For You (The Boogiesoulmates) (4:48)
07. Boogie Woogie Meeting (Niels V.D. Leyen Trio & K.C. Miller) (3:33)
08. Full Stream Ahead (Niels V.D. Leyen Trio & K.C. Miller) (2:51)
09. Rush Hour (Niels V.D. Leyen Trio) (3:45)
10. Red Line Boogie (Niels V.D. Leyen Trio) (3:33)
11. Big Time Operator (Boogie Woogie Quartett) (2:49)
12. Save The Last Dance (Boogie Woogie Quartett) (3:37)
13. Something To Say (Boogie Radio Orchestra) (3:28)
14. Love Me Or Leave Me (Boogie Radio Orchestra) (3:53)
15. For You My (Little Roger & The Houserockers) (3:43)
16. Breaking Up The House (Little Roger & The Houserockers) (2:52)
17. The Fabulouse Boogie (Henning Pertit & Andreas Bock) (4:11)
18. Little Conny In The Saladfield (Henning Pertit & Andreas Bock) (3:47)
19. You Don't Love Me (The T-Tones) (4:27)
20. Act Like You Love Me (The Varitones) (3:27)

Andreas Bock is one of the most accomplished blues drummers in Europe. More than 30 successful professional years show the diversity of his work. He is nationally active as a drummer for renowned bands and musicians, including Boogie Royale Duo/ Trio, Miss King & her Jewels, The big groove feat. Vanesa Harbek Jan Mohrs Backsrachers & others. He is also a concert agent with his agency "Bluesdrumming for Event"

Internationally, his work has brought him together with Mitch Kashmar (USA), Al Jones (USA) and with Voice of Germany senior star Janice Harrington (USA).

He can look back on countless concert tours and festival appearances: Lehrter Blues Festival, CH- Davos Jazz Festival, Gaildorf Blues Festival, Kiel Week Festival, Blues Festival NL- Eindhoven, Hohwacht Blue Stage, Jazz Festival Ahrenshoop, Blues Festival N- Notodden, Jazztage CH- Miles, etc.

He is also a multiple winner of the "German Blues Award" in the drums/percussion category and has been the founder of the Jeinser Blues Festival since 2021.

The Incredible Blues & Boogie Drumming Of Andreas Bock MP3
The Incredible Blues & Boogie Drumming Of Andreas Bock FLAC

Nelson Blanchard - Nelson Blanchard

Size: 95.6 MB
Time: 40:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Louisiana Blues, Rhythm & Blues
Art: Full

01. The Girl Doesn't Love You (3:19)
02. (I'm Not Just) Anybody's Fool (4:30)
03. Treat Your Lady Right (3:15)
04. My Heart's In Louisiana (3:40)
05. Teach Me Tonight (3:51)
06. Big 1-10 (3:38)
07. Free Bird In The Wind (4:30)
08. Twenty Years Ago (3:46)
09. Please (3:10)
10. Far Cry (4:24)
11. I'm Leaving It Up To You (2:35)

Nelson Blanchard was born on January 13, 1953. At the tender age of 10, he was already a performer in clubs with The Richard Brothers, a popular local group from the Pierre Part, LA area (Nelson's birthplace). He studied music throughout elementary and high school, playing in special state and district bands (including the Governor's Honor Band). He studied music education at LSU and Nicholls State University.

Nelson has performed with various groups throughout his 35-year career, as well as with soloists including the likes of Percy Sledge, Ernie K-Doe, Irma Thomas,Kenny Neal, and Tareva Henderson.

He now owns Techno Sound Recording Studio - a 24-track facility - in Baton Rouge, where he has worked with many artists, including Kyper (for whose Atlantic Records LP, Tic Tac Toe, he was awarded a Gold record), Head East, Elizabeth Ashley,Civello (BMG), former Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis, the Serendipity Singers,John Fred and the Playboys, Wayne Toups, and many others.

Nelson Blanchard MP3
Nelson Blanchard FLAC

Bobby Solo & Silvia - Blues For Two

Size: 139.2 MB
Time: 59:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Acoustic Blues
Art: Front

01. Did Somebody Make A Fool Out Of You (4:24)
02. My Babe (4:14)
03. Every Day I Have The Blues (4:57)
04. I Need Some Money (4:51)
05. Ain't No Sunshine (4:16)
06. Ode To Billie Joe (5:29)
07. Maudie (4:07)
08. Summertime (4:52)
09. Stormy Monday (6:02)
10. The Thrill Is Gone (5:20)
11. Black Night (5:48)
12. Rock Me Baby (5:24)

Bobby Solo showcases his passion for blues with a brand new album recorded at the Maxy Sound studio. All songs were played with two acoustic guitars, Bobby's voice, and a shoe to mark the time (a black Old Signature).

Silvia Zaniboni, a young guitar player that Bobby Solo met in a Red Ronnie TV program also features the album with her amazing musicality for blues. Bobby fell in love with her ability to make the instrument "sing". The album includes some blues classics that everybody should know like Summertime, Ain't No Sunshine and many more.

Blues For Two was published by the label Maxy Sound and recorded at Max Titi's studio in Verona. Bobby Solo has chosen him as a producer and they have been great friends for many years. Three videos were also shot and they will be published at the time through the course of the next months, starting on the day the album is released. After having sung evergreens such as Una Lacrima Sul Viso, Se Piangi Se Ridi, Non C'è Più Niente Da Fare, the singer and guitarist that was born in Rome made a come back by playing one of the music genres that has been immortalized in his voice that people love, along with Elvis' music, Rock'N'Roll and country music: The Blues.

Bobby Solo's voice is like a good wine: the older it gets the more new shades it takes on. In Blues For Two, the Italian musician confirms that he is an artist that has nothing to envy to stars of the international music scene like Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart or Sting.

When you hear and watch Bobby Solo perform live, he does touch the strings of the soul with these perfect renditions he got us accustomed to throughout the years, without filters and lacquering which have often a negative effect on the final result.

The feeling you get when you hear Solo's voice is still the same and this has allowed him to be popular all around the world. After having sold a million copies worldwide, the 71-year-old artist goes back to his roots by recapturing the mood of the old days instilling positive energy, which is closest to the strings that only a lucky few people can touch: the ones that vibrate with emotion.

"Blues For Two" is suitable for fans of the blues genre and those who intend to approach the blues.

Blues For Two MP3
Blues For Two FLAC

Bruce Katz Band - Connections

Size: 132.2 MB
Time: 56:21
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues, Jazz
Art: Full

01. Right Here Right Now (5:20)
02. Nightime Stroll (4:37)
03. Where's My Wallet? (4:41)
04. Morning On Basin Street (5:42)
05. Down Below (5:07)
06. Sneakin' Around (5:41)
07. The Dream (5:08)
08. All About That (5:04)
09. Cary's Jam (5:11)
10. Tides Are Turning (4:48)
11. What I Feel (4:58)

Connections is the newest CD from the legendary keyboardist Bruce Katz and his dynamic band. Recorded at famed Capricorn Studios in Macon Georgia, this album includes ten new original tunes that explore the connections between Bruce’s many influences: Blues, New Orleans R&B, Jam Blues, Soul-Jazz, and Blues Rock. Bruce was a longtime member of Gregg Allman’s Band and member of other Allman Brother “family bands”, including Butch Trucks’ Les Brers and Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band. Recording the album at Capricorn, the studio that gave the world the Allman Brothers and so many other greats, was an inspired choice for creating Connections, and the results are stunning!

Connections MP3
Connections FLAC

Jimmie Bratcher - Far Enough

Size: 124.5 MB
Time: 53:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues Rock, Americana
Art: Full

01. Far Enough (The Story Of Mike & Clark) (4:24)
02. Memphis Slim (3:46)
03. Don't Count Me Out (3:22)
04. My Name Is Sinner (5:24)
05. The Road That Leads Home (5:15)
06. Living Here In Babylon (4:22)
07. Chains (5:29)
08. Why Is It We Don't Dance Anymore (3:45)
09. When He Dreams (The Cowboy Song) (5:37)
10. Don't Bring That Evil Around Here (6:25)
11. Save Me, From Myself (5:31)

Kansas City guitarist, Jimmie Bratcher, aka The Electric Rev, is a prolific writer, who keeps busy touring a mix of churches, clubs, and prisons, alternately preaching and performing that requires interchangeable audience-grabbing abilities and employs his greatest gift - being a captivating storyteller. He has released a dozen albums, a cookbook and two live DVDs since 2001 and now delivers his 13 th album Far Enough, together with a 117-page companion book for the album “Far Enough Stories & Songs.” Bratcher collaborated fully with keyboardist, engineer and producer Eric Stark to write or co-write the collection of eleven new tracks in a sophisticated presentation that expands the boundaries of “Blues Rock,” employing strings, brass, lap steel, and Irish penny whistle to back up Bratcher’s guitar work and providing a colorful landscape for his expansive tales of faith, discovery, love, loss, and life.

The southern fried gospel infused opener, ”Far Enough,” tells the story of a man delivered into sobriety through grace and a helping hand from a dear friend. The big production continues with hot horns and glorious backing vocals from Charmelle Cofield as Bratcher narrates the life and times of Jim Gaines, Jimmie’s friend and a multiple Grammy-winning record producer and engineer. The slick two-beat funk “Don’t Count Me Out,” features another great horn chart, greasy B3 organ from Aaron Mayfield and sweet backup vocals, to create a very Ray Charles soul-styled track. “My Name Is Sinner” reflects the plight of many a downtrodden soul in a dramatic performance from Bratcher on soaring vocals and guitar. The acoustic driven “The Road That Leads Home” is a homily of hope and redemption.

“Living Here In Babylon” rocks hard and hits topical and timely talking points about our complex world. Stark wrote the expansive power ballad, “Chains ,” that Bratcher embodies the profession of faith with his whole being. He lightens the mood asking the simple question “Why Is It We Don’t Dance Anymore,” with a four-piece horn section punctuating his call for a return to the good times. The tragic tale, “When He Dreams,” tugs at the heartstrings as it portrays the life of someone whose eyesight was taken but his hope and imagination remain. Bratcher emphasizes his point with grinding slide guitar on the fiery rebuke, “Don’t Bring That Evil Round Here.”

The album closer “Save Me From Myself,” is a work of clinical self-evaluation administered as a melancholy blues with cinematic underpinning. Bratcher and Stark have created a heady piece of work on Far Enough that will challenge and enlighten listeners with equal measure. ~Rick J Bowen

Far Enough MP3
Far Enough FLAC

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Billy Hector - Out Of Order: The Stone Pony Sessions

Album: Out Of Order: The Stone Pony Sessions
Size: 134,2 MB
Time: 58:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Blues
Art: Full

1. Hammer (4:40)
2. Howlin' For My Baby (4:55)
3. Daddy Rollin' Stone (6:40)
4. Whiskey (5:51)
5. Old School Thang (7:53)
6. Busted (3:47)
7. Memphis Train (4:27)
8. Big Legs, Tight Skirt (5:05)
9. Patricia (4:00)
10. Stop Doggin' Me 'Round (4:57)
11. Dealin' With The Devil (5:49)

Out Of Order: The Stone Pony Sessions mc
Out Of Order: The Stone Pony Sessions zippy

Sharrie Williams - Out Of The Dark

Album: Out Of The Dark
Size: 125,9 MB
Time: 54:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Blues/Soul mix
Art: Full

1. Can't Nobody (4:46)
2. City Limit Musicians (3:34)
3. Out Of The Dark (5:07)
4. What's Wrong With You (3:36)
5. Need More Money (2:48)
6. Although I Sing The Blues (3:11)
7. Prodigal Son (3:21)
8. Gone Too Long (4:28)
9. Gatekeepers (3:21)
10. What Kind Of Man (4:36)
11. Breakin' Out (3:00)
12. Choices (3:22)
13. My Old Piano (3:03)
14. R.I.P. (5:48)

Sharrie Williams grew up in the Daniel Heights Projects of Saginaw, Michigan, United States. She began singing in the church choir at the age of six, and by the time she was 12 she had begun touring and recording with the Greater Williams Temple church choir. Under the choir directorship of Hubert J. Williams, Williams performed and recorded with Shirley Caesar, The Winans, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, and the Reverend James Cleveland. In 1993, she toured with Snap Productions in a presentation of Michael Matthews’ gospel stage production, I Need A Man. In 1996, she began singing with the house band at a club in Saginaw named Wise Guys. That house band quickly evolved into Sharrie Williams & The Wiseguys, and she met and later married the owner of Wise Guys, Norman "Pops" Crawford in 1998.

Sharrie Williams & The Wiseguys began appearing regularly at renowned Chicago blues clubs The Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy's Legends. 1998 saw Sharrie Williams & The Wiseguys on their way to Europe, starting with performances in Germany. Williams released her first CD in 2001 under her own Faith Records label, Sharrie Williams Live at Wise Guys. The live recording caught the attention of the Detroit Music Awards Committee, which earned her a nomination for their Best Blues Album of the Year award. By the end of 2003, Sharrie Williams & The Wiseguys had successfully toured France, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and Great Britain.

In April 2004, Williams released Hard Drivin’ Woman on the German label, Crosscut Records. Williams followed up with Live at Bay-Car (2007), recorded live at the festival in Grande Synthe, France also on the Crosscut label. Studio albums I'm Here to Stay (2007), and Out of the Dark (2011), were released on the Canadian Electro-Fi Records label. Out of the Dark went on to win Blues Album of the Year Award from the Académie du Jazz. Williams was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the 'Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year' category in 2012 and in 2009, and was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the 'Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year' category in 2008. JAZZed magazine named Sharrie Williams the top 'World Artist' for 2014.

Williams has collaborated and appeared with Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Ruth Brown, Mavis Staples, Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Otis Clay, Larry McCray, Sugar Blue, Bobby Bland, Walter Trout, and Johnnie Taylor. Her influences include Koko Taylor, Etta James, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, and Billie Holiday. /Wikipedia

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Out Of The Dark mc
Out Of The Dark zippy

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Dwane Dixon - Working Man Blues

Size: 290 MB
Time: 46:07
File: Flac
Released: 2016
Styles: Blues, blues-rock
Art: Front, tray, cd

1. My Time Is Running Low (3:29)
2. Another Lonely Night (4:27)
3. Working Man Blues (3:45)
4. New Ball & Chain (5:50)
5. Candy (4:34)
6. Bad Voodoo Mama (3:53)
7. Hard Times Won't Last (3:21)
8. Where The Sun Don't Shine (3:17)
9. Highway One (4:03)
10. Crying For You Baby (3:38)
11. All About You (3:14)
12. The End Of The Road (2:30)

Dwane Dixon is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and music entrepreneur with four self-produced, all-original blues albums to his credit. Based in Montreal, Canada he is a 20-plus year veteran of the local music scene. A true ambassador for the blues rock of the late 60's & 70's, he pours body and soul into the genre, drawing influences from Jimi Hendrix, Billy Gibbons and Jimmy Page at the height of their powers. In his own words, "I grew up on the blues-based rock of the 60s and 70s and that music brought me back to the roots. I discovered Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers long before I knew Howling Wolf or John Lee Hooker. In reality it was Jimmy Page that really initiated me into the blues. Upon hearing the opening guitar lick of Since I've Been Loving You, I was hooked!" For about a decade, Dwane travelled around North America performing mostly one-night stands and fly-in engagements in a corporate-party band from the late 1990s until 2010. After 12 long years of playing cover music, he decided to place an ad on Craigslist looking to start a "Texas Blues Trio". It didn't take long before his trio, "Rio Grande" was booking 100 shows per year. Being equally at ease on stage as in the studio, Dwane decided that it was time to make an album, in his ad hoc home studio, that would celebrate this new direction and to pay homage to the great players that inspired him. In 2013 his debut album, Black Satin Blues was released. Music blogger Pete "Blewsman" Lauro called the song, Long Way From Loving You, "Six and a half minutes of pure, blues bliss" and "song of the year material...". Another song, Devil is Knocking, got regular airplay on a local classic rock station. It wasn't long before Dwane Dixon Band was playing 120 shows/year with solo performances rounding out the schedule to top 200. In 2016 Dwane released the follow-up album, Working Man Blues and then, in 2019, his first solo album, Betting on a Gambling Man. Since March 2020, Dwane has performed assorted virtual and live shows and also released a digital album of 8 songs entitled, 14 Days in the Hole Volumes 1 & 2 all of which were written, produced and performed by Dwane Dixon between the months of April and June 2020. His music is currently enjoying regular airplay on several internet, satellite and FM radio stations in Canada, the United States, the UK, Germany and Australia and has held a Top 50 chart position on Stingray Music Canada and Roots Music Report Canada for over a year. You can find Dwane Dixon music almost anywhere digital music is consumed including Spotify, Itunes, Amazon Music and Google Music. Dwane is currently working on his fifth album due out in late 2021.

Working Man Blues FLAC

D-Train - Go For It Baby

Size: 316 MB
Time: 51:41
File: Flac
Released: 2000
Styles: blues
Art: Front

1. Go For It Baby (2:48)
2. Fight (4:35)
3. End Of The Road (5:17)
4. Ridin' On The L+N (2:31)
5. Sleep Keeps Me Awake (2:38)
6. Turnin' Me On (3:13)
7. Funky Mama (5:06)
8. What's Wrong With You (2:47)
9. Take My Warning (5:54)
10. Bad Is Bad (2:23)
11. Sweet Mama (3:38)
12. Born In Georgia (7:42)
13. Bettie Lou (3:03)

These dutch guys are the best in their erea and have appeared at many bluesfestivals. The raw components are guitars,harmonica,bass and drums. Some horns and backingvocals, while guitar king Monti Amundson participates on a couple of numbers. It is easy to move with the music, partly because of the pleasingly varied tempos and certainly to the tight playing.

Go For It Baby FLAC

Dollar Bill & His One Man Band - I Aint Got But A Dollar

Time: 39:25
File: Flac
Released: 2011
Styles: Blues, rock
Art: Front, folder, tray

1. I Aint But A Dollar (3:05)
2. Good Mornin Judge (2:16)
3. Love My Baby (2:28)
4. Dollar Bill Breakdown (2:24)
5. Wish You Would (2:45)
6. She's Got It (2:29)
7. Short Change (2:27)
8. Shake You Hips (3:04)
9. I Cried For You (3:15)
10. Yes, I'm Feelin Fine (2:43)
11. That Dont Worry Me (Accoustic) (2:57)
12. My Baby Makes Me Feel (Alt) (5:03)
13. Gibson Stomp (2:34)
14. Be A Man (1:50)

Stompin' one man blues band

I Aint Got But A Dollar FLAC

Monday, April 17, 2023

Les Wilson & The Mighty Houserockers - On The Loose

Album: On The Loose
Size: 153,9 MB
Time: 66:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1998
Styles: Blues
Art: Full

1. Life's A Bitch (5:33)
2. Gonna Play Some Blues (4:27)
3. Boogie For Elmore (2:59)
4. Fly Like The Wind (5:10)
5. Checkin Out (Of Your Life) (5:05)
6. Big City Blues (Goin To West Cork) (6:05)
7. Lonely Nights (6:50)
8. Got The Hots For You Tonight (6:16)
9. Lucille, Come Home (3:04)
10. Real Fine Lovin (3:33)
11. I Wanna Dance (4:01)
12. Give Me A Chance (4:37)
13. On The Loose (6:11)
14. I'm A Rocker, I'm A Roller! (2:38)

On The Loose mc
On The Loose zippy

Sharrie Williams - I'm Here To Stay

Album: I'm Here To Stay
Size: 136,9 MB
Time: 59:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Blues/Soul mix
Art: Full

1. Fire (3:33)
2. Jealousy (5:26)
3. Seeking (3:49)
4. I'm Here To Stay (3:19)
5. Gotta Go Thru Hell (4:23)
6. Will You Still Love Me (2:55)
7. Rhythm Of Life (4:24)
8. I Gotta Find Me A Mojo (4:00)
9. Power (4:11)
10. It's Getting Late (5:22)
11. I'm A Real Woman (4:27)
12. Don't Give Up (4:10)
13. I'm So Blue (3:12)
14. Time (3:20)
15. Pocono Praise (2:25)

With 'Hard Drivin' Woman', Sharrie Williams took Europe by storm in 2004. Out of the blue, Sharrie captured the hearts of blues lovers and festival goers. It happens once in a blue moon that a blues diva conquers European stages like she did. With her powerful mix of soul, blues, rock and gospel music she is one-of-a-kind, well-known today for her rousing and moving stage presence.The vocalist from Saginaw, Michigan, a mid-size town not too far away from Detroit, comes from a gospel music background. Musically, she grew up in church. It is her special blend of soulful, rocking gospel blues that appeals to her many fans. Supported by her international band, she's a regular on festival and club stages in Europe. Most recently, she made her first trips to Moscow and Turkey. But she's also in demand back home in the U.S.A. Her performances are truly unique, powerful and extremely emotional.

Her new studio album was recorded in Pennsylvania. It delivers fifteen new songs, all written by Sharrie herself, some with the support of her band. The set contains beautiful ballads like 'Will You Still Love Me', up-tempo rockers like 'Power' and even New Orleans-inspired songs ('Gotta Find Me A Mojo'). Sharrie covers the whole emotional spectrum. She can whisper, she can scream. She may moan and she can sing the blues, as if tomorrow would be doomsday.

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

I'm Here To Stay mc
I'm Here To Stay zippy

Mudslide Charley - Clearwater Junction

Album: Clearwater Junction
Size: 120,2 MB
Time: 51:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

1. Other Shoe (3:23)
2. Bootsy Basil (3:32)
3. Road To Brookston (4:48)
4. Lil' Miss Molasses (4:06)
5. Long Death Ride (Live) (5:17)
6. Don't Look Back (4:49)
7. Reactionary Man (5:08)
8. Juniper Girl (5:34)
9. Adrianna (2:59)
10. Look Away (7:00)
11. Stop Talking (5:06)

Clearwater Junction is the fifth album from Mudslide Charley, a very impressive blues band based out of Missoula, Montana. Featuring 11 self-written tracks, this is an album of superb modern blues, incorporating hints of soul and roots rock, and is well worth investigating. The band comprises Liza Ginnings on lead vocals, Roger Moquin on drums and vocals, Russ Parson on keys and vocals, Phil Hamilton on harmonica, saxophone, guitars, percussion and vocals, Marco Littig on slide/lead guitar and vocals and Paul Kelly on bass and vocals. In addition, Lee Rizzo, Christine Littig and Georgia Littig all provide backing vocals and Jeff Stickney guests on trumpet.

The band make maximum use of having so many good singers available, layering the vocals hypnotically on tracks such as “Stop Talking”, emphasizing the bridge/chorus in the early rock’n’roll of opening track, “Other Shoe”, or in answering the perhaps previously unaddressed question: “what would Queen have sounded like if they had been a blues band from Montana?” in “Lil’ Miss Molasses”. The band are comfortable essaying a wide range of blues-influenced styles. So “Bootsy Basil” centers around a catchy single note riff from Littig, while the Blues-Rock of “Long Death Ride” features some deep harmonica from Hamilton.

The bass-led “Don’t Look Back” features a nod to “Amazing Grace on slide guitar, a spoken word verse and an ace solo from Parson, while “Look Away” channels the band’s inner Gospel (and it’s so worth waiting for the five minute mark on this track, at which point the band achieves lift-off). “Reactionary Man” and “Juniper Girl” both highlight Littig’s top drawer steel guitar playing, and the minor key “Stop Talking” recalls the reggae influence of The Neville Brothers’ “Yellow Moon”.

Even on the Rolling Stones-esque “Road to Brookston”, the band’s blues influences shine through with a riotous honky tonk piano solo from Parson. Lyrically too, the band is not afraid to gently push the envelope whilst remaining very much within the blues genre. So while “Juniper Girl” is a love song from Littig to his wife, “Don’t Look Back” tells the story of a veteran and “Other Shoe” contains the memorably wry couplet at the end of each verse: “Working my way to the bottom from the top, waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

And while various band members lay down impressive solos, this is an album of blues songs, not an excuse for the guitar player to stretch out for chorus after chorus, as is seen in so many other modern blues albums. Clearwater Junction was recorded in Hamilton’s basement, with Richard McIntosh as sound engineer and mastering by Will Borza. All involved deserve recognition for capturing such excellent performances. Warmly recommended. /Rhys Williams

Clearwater Junction mc
Clearwater Junction zippy

Tony Holiday - Motel Mississippi

Album: Motel Mississippi
Size: 56,8 MB
Time: 24:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

1. Rob & Steal (2:48)
2. Get By (3:41)
3. Trouble (4:11)
4. She's So Cold (2:21)
5. Just As Gone (2:29)
6. Nobody But You (2:54)
7. You Know Who I Am (3:35)
8. Yazoo River (2:27)

There’s something about Tony Holiday that draws people together. Community has been at the core of Holiday’s young career from the beginning. Since relocating from Salt Lake City to Memphis in 2017, Holiday has been at the center of a soul blues revival in Memphis, anchored by a contingent of young, savvy well-schooled musicians with a “family-like” attitude and a strong belief in one another. Mentored by past legends, Holiday and this loose Memphis collective are building on the city’s rich traditions and carrying them forward.

“Motel Mississippi”, Holiday’s 2nd solo album, was recorded about an hour outside Memphis in Coldwater, Mississippi, at Zebra Ranch, the studio of the late great Memphis legend Jim Dickinson (The Rolling Stones, Big Star). Combining the sounds of North Mississippi Hill Country, Delta Blues, and Memphis soul, Motel Mississippi is equal parts hypnotic blues, driving soul, and juke joint stomper. The album consists of six originals and two covers, “Rob & Steal” by Paul Wine Jones and “Nobody but You” by Asie Payton. Like with previous projects, Motel Mississippi began as a collaborative effort, this time between Holiday, guitarist/songwriter A.J. Fullerton and guitarist/producer Dave Gross who shared production duties with Fullerton. Rich sonic layers provide a forward-thinking quality to these productions, conjuring up a vibe that’s modern and retro at the same time.

The drone and drive of songs like “Rob & Steal” and “Get By” contrast with juke joint grooves like “Just as Gone” while diving into new territory with the Cajun-infused double harmonica instrumental “Yazoo River.” The album was recorded by another mainstay of recent Memphis recordings, Kevin Houston (Southern Avenue, North Mississippi Allstars, G. Love). Other musicians on the album include Lee Williams Jr. on drums, Terrance Grayson on Bass, Aubrey McCrady on guitar, Jake Friel on Harmonica, and Mikey Junior on backup vocals.

Motel Mississippi follows 2020’s Soul Service, produced by another regular collaborator, Southern Avenue’s Ori Naftaly. This followed two volumes of Tony Holiday’s Porch Sessions, which saw Holiday traveling across the United States and throughout Europe recording blues musicians on their very own front porches, in front of juke joints, in the countryside, and even on the front stoops of raucous night spots in bustling cities, resulting in two critically acclaimed albums. The guestlist struck a balance between older legends like Grammy winners Charlie Musselwhite and Bobby Rush, former Muddy Waters guitarist John Primer, and the iconic Lurie Bell, alongside some of Holiday’s peers Southern Avenue, Victor Wainwright, and John Németh. The latter two have served as important mentors for Holiday since his move to Memphis.

There’s something in the water in Memphis, and Tony Holiday has tapped into it to contribute to an exciting new chapter unfolding in this storied region.

Motel Mississippi mc
Motel Mississippi zippy