Showing posts with label Barbara Blue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barbara Blue. Show all posts

Friday, January 27, 2023

Barbara Blue - From The Shoals

Size: 148.9 MB
Time: 65:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Soul
Art: Full

1. The Shoals (3:20)
2. Nutthouse Blues (7:10)
3. Tell Mama (3:22)
4. Steal Away (4:04)
5. Severed (5:13)
6. Curse Of Beauty (4:43)
7. Lost Young Love (4:40)
8. Slide Man (3:15)
9. Too Far (7:41)
10. Nothing Lasts Forever (3:09)
11. Never Stopped Loving You (5:12)
12. Song Of The River (6:42)
13. Trail Of Tears (6:25)

Pittsburgh native Barbara Blue left home in 1977 for Phoenix Az. From 1980 through 1987 Barbara lived in Detroit playing with the “City Limits Blues Band”. She returned to Pittsburgh and she started recording her own music after meeting Tony Braunagel on the blues cruise. She recorded with the Phantom Blues Band in 2001. Her first three album included Mike Finnigan, Johnny Lee Schell, co-producer Tony Braunagel, Larry Fulcher, horn players Joe Sublett and Darrell Leonard.

The first three albums “Love Money Can’t Buy”, 2001’s “Sell My Jewelry” and 2004’s “3rd & Beale”. In 2007 Barbara Blue recorded “Live at Silky O’Sullivan’s”. Like all her albums included were covers of songs by James Harman, Willie Dixon, Sandy Carroll and others.

2010’s “Royal Blue” and 2012’s “Jus’ Blue” were recorded at the Royal Studios and co-produced by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell. Included were the horn section of saxophonists Lannie McMillan, Gary Topper, and Jim Spake with Marc Franklin on trumpet. The guitarist was Charles “Skip” Pitts. Also co-produced by “Boo” Mitchell was2014’s “Sweet Strong and Tight”.

Barbara Blue has been named “The Reigning Queen of Beale Street” and she has been honored with a brass music note embedded in the sidewalk on what is called the Beale Street Walk of Fame. As an arranger Barbara has the uncanny ability to recognize a songs potential by re-imaging as her own. Barbara emotes so much soul as this is another performance deserving additional recognition.

On “From The Shoals” Barbara has written seven new songs with her new writing partner “Hutch” Hacic. Recorded by Jim Gaines at the legendary Nutthouse Recording studio in Muscle Shoals, Al. featured are Bernard “Pretty” Purdie drums, David Hood bass, Clayton Ivey keyboards, and Will Mc Farlane guitar. ~Richard Ludmerer

From The Shoals MP3
From The Shoals FLAC

Friday, December 3, 2021

Barbara Blue - Fish In Dirty H2O

Size: 145.9 MB
Time: 62:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front & Back

01. My Heart Belongs To The Blues (5:23)
02. Johnny Lee (4:14)
03. Accidental Theft (3:59)
04. Dr. Jesus (4:40)
05. Meet Me In Memphis (5:35)
06. Fish In Dirty H2O (6:25)
07. Walk Away (4:59)
08. BBQ Man (3:15)
09. Wild Women (4:00)
10. Gravy Train (5:13)
11. That's Workin' For Me (4:33)
12. Slow Burn (5:11)
13. Come On In My Kitchen (4:39)

With 19 musicians and singers, a herd of techie helpers, and a full 63 minutes of down and dirty, heart-filled soul, blues, R & B, with a touch of hip-hop, you definitely get your money’s worth with this set. Known in Memphis as the “Reigning Queen of Beale Street,” Blue has been performing there five nights a week for the past two decades. But she hasn’t been limited to Memphis. She’s also done numerous tours in other parts of the U.S. plus far-flung venues like Australia, not to mention a long list of international blues festivals. So this is one blues lady who has done her time and honed her chops to a high polish. If you’re not familiar with her work, this is definitely a stellar introduction.

“My Heart Belongs to the Blues” sets the tone for the whole set, which is first class throughout. In “Johnny Lee” Barbara is joined by a female vocal group called ‘Sweet Nectar.’ “Meet Me In Memphis” brings in some horn work with a tribute to the good times that are always available on the banks of the Mississip. “Dr. Jesus” is a gospel cut about the Man who can heal any aching pain, whether in the heart or in the soul; and it’s all co-pay free. The title cut, “Fish in Dirty H2O” gives a nod toward hip-hop with some rap-like lyrics. “Walk Away” is about that painful time when you both know it’s over but you’re still having a hard time cutting those ties.

“Slow Burn” is another look backward, this time it’s those smoldering love letters that can still stir up achingly sweet pains long after the fireworks have turned to ash. “Gravy Train” tells us to sop up and appreciate every good time that comes our way.

All in all, this is a first class album by a first class blues lady: Barbara Blue. ~Russ Heitz (Suncoast Blues Society)

Fish In Dirty H2O MP3
Fish In Dirty H2O FLAC

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Barbara Blue - Jus' Blue

Size: 175,0 MB
Time: 74:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Full

01. Sweet Love Blues (5:00)
02. No No Baby (3:00)
03. What To Do (5:28)
04. Road Blues (4:08)
05. Sell My Jewelry (3:23)
06. From The Delta To The Golden Gates (4:24)
07. Red Cadillac & The Blues (2:37)
08. (Shuffle) All Night Long (3:23)
09. Careful Blues (5:05)
10. The Road Comes To Me (3:51)
11. Daddy's Love (4:26)
12. Low Down Dirty Dawg (2:52)
13. Blue (4:20)
14. All You've Got (5:00)
15. Too Late Blues (4:03)
16. MaryJane & Muscadine (4:27)
17. A Woman's Blues (5:01)
18. Handsome Jack (4:15)

Just about anyone who’s visited Memphis in the past 22 years has fallen under the spell of Barbara Blue. The undisputed Reigning Queen Of Beale Street, she’s become an international sensation, belting out tunes and captivating many of the millions of tourists who visit annually.

Several of the top artists in the industry have participated on the 11 CDs she’s released on her own imprint since the mid-‘90s, and she has a diehard fan base — known as Blueheads. But despite her success packing up to 1,000 folks at a time into Silky O’Sullivan’s, where she holds court five nights a week, Barbara has inexplicably managed to fly under the radar of the blues mainstream.

Jus' Blue MP3
Jus' Blue FLAC

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Barbara Blue - Love Money Can't Buy

Year: 2006
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:38
Size: 116,8 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Scans: Front

1. Broken Hearts Row (3:18)
2. On A Saturday Night (3:12)
3. The Love Money Can't Buy (4:14)
4. Man Size Job (3:08)
5. Wild Stage Of Life (4:07)
6. Low Down Dirty Dawg (2:49)
7. Standin' In My Doorway Cryin' (4:22)
8. I Play Dirty (3:11)
9. What Makes You So Tough (2:46)
10. Daddy's Love (4:22)
11. Bag O' Bones (4:01)
12. Moonlight Over Memphis (2:55)
13. That's Where My Brother Sleeps (8:07)

Singing with a convincing firm voice, Barbara gives us a wide range of styles, all them combined with great taste. This cd includes thirteen songs, two are Barbara's own compositions and the rest are versions of Eddie Floyd, Jimmy McCracklin, Denise Lasalle, Henry Glover, Jessie Mae Hemphill and other less known artists. Barbara is an independent singer who takes on this role with self-confidence and audacity, and the truth is she gets unbeaten of that situation with a very good note. She is backed by The Taj Mahal's Phantom Blues Band who do a professional good work, especially the compact effective bright horn section. Barbara Blue brings us a very personal colourful piece of work with good blues, good swing, good soul and good groovin'.

Love Money Can't Buy mc
Love Money Can't Buy zippy

Monday, July 2, 2018

Barbara Blue Blues Band - Out Of The Blue

Year: 2000
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:12
Size: 115,9 MB
Styles: Blues
Scans: Full

1. Smoke Rings In The Dark (3:26)
2. Tap On My Window (3:21)
3. No No Baby (3:02)
4. What To Do (5:30)
5. Old Man's Movin' Out (3:08)
6. Out Of The Rain (6:48)
7. Can't Stand The Rain (4:05)
8. Bed Bug Boogie (3:07)
9. I've Got To Have It (3:12)
10. Piece Of My Heart (3:36)
11. Sweet Love Blues (7:41)
12. Shake (3:11)

Born and raised in Pittsburgh Pa, Barbara has had the blues since the day she was born. Since forming her own band in 1989, Barbara has been progressing right up blues alley. With the release of her debut CD "Out Of The Blue", Barbara has reached a wider audience of blues lovers world wide. Now residing in Memphis Tennessee and performing nightly on historical Beale Street for the past fifteen years, Barbara's understanding and cultivation of the Blues is deeper and richer than ever.

Personnel: Barbara Blue (vocals); Jeffery Thurston (guitar); Will Franklin (bass); Ray DeFade (drums); Chris Patarini (tenor saxophone); Garth Assmussen (harmonica).

Out Of The Blue mc
Out Of The Blue zippy

Friday, June 15, 2018

Barbara Blue - Memphis Blue: Sweet, Strong & Tight

Year: 2014
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:31
Size: 116,6 MB
Styles: Electric blues, soul-blues
Scans: Full

1. Hands Off (4:22)
2. No Time To Cry (3:18)
3. Rudy's Blues (2:42)
4. VooDoo Woman (3:53)
5. Me & Jesus (5:10)
6. Rollin' Up On Me (3:45)
7. Love Is After Me (3:00)
8. Coat & Hat (4:33)
9. Sweet, Strong & Tight (3:31)
10. I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (3:25)
11. SuperBlues (4:26)
12. Memphis Stomp (3:25)
13. 800 Mile Blues (4:53)

Memphis Blue: Sweet, Strong & Tight is producer/singer/songwriter Barbara Blue's 10th independent release featuring cameo appearances by Bobby Rush, Ronnie Earl & Sonny Barbato. All 13 tracks are treasures. Ms. Blue belts the blues on record and at clubs and festivals all around the world. Performing gritty urban blues and smoky Memphis soul her voice and presentation has been compared to Etta James and Janis Joplin.

Blue makes her home base on historic Beale Street in Memphis at Silky O'Sullivan's where she performs five nights a week since 1997. There are no disappointments with a performance by Barbara Blue wether on CD or live - she's the real deal!

Memphis Blue: Sweet, Strong & Tight mc
Memphis Blue: Sweet, Strong & Tight zippy

Barbara Blue - Memphis 3rd & Beale

Year: 2004
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:57
Size: 117,8 MB
Styles: Blues, soul-blues, soul
Scans: Full

1. 24-7-365 (3:23)
2. Rainy Night In Memphis (3:08)
3. I Don't Need No Man Like That (3:07)
4. If I Had You (3:50)
5. Red Cadillac & The Blues (2:37)
6. Don't Put No Headstone On My Grave (4:53)
7. The Road Comes To me (3:51)
8. (Shuffle) All Night Long (3:23)
9. Careful Blues (5:06)
10. Lie No Better (3:44)
11. Lake Charles (6:08)
12. One Good Man (4:53)
13. You Can't Stop My Love (2:48)

Barbara Blue returns to the scene with another heaping helping of Memphis soul and blues, compliments of her latest CD, Memphis 3rd and Beale. Backed by stellar support from the Phantom Blues Band and some of the funkiest horns heard since the Stax era from the Texicali Horns, Blue brings her A-game to Memphis 3rd and Beale. Her vocals, a potent mix of both Etta James and Janis Joplin, are always a pleasure to hear and she really outdoes herself on several tracks, including a reading of Charlie Rich's "Don't Put No Headstone On My Grave," that would surely bring a smile to the Silver Fox's face.

Though Blue does a great job on the bluesier numbers (like "The Road Comes To Me," "Careful Blues," and "Red Cadillac & The Blues"), to me she really shines on the soul tracks, like the opening cut, "24-7-365", which sounds for all the world like it came straight from Stax. Other soulful highlights include "Rainy Night In Memphis", and "If I Had You". As on Blue's previous release, Sell My Jewelry, there are covers of songs by Lucinda Williams ("Lake Charles") and Janis Joplin ("One Good Man"), both of which Blue handles easily. Equally comfortable singing the blues or soul, Barbara Blue continues to improve and impress with each subsequent release. /Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes

Memphis 3rd & Beale mc
Memphis 3rd & Beale zippy

Friday, April 21, 2017

Barbara Blue - Sell My Jewelry

Size: 111,8 MB
Time: 48:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2001
Styles: Blues Soul, Modern Electric Blues, Contemporary Blues
Art: Full

01. Trouble With A Capital 't' (3:50)
02. Back By Popular Demand (4:06)
03. Tool Box Blues (3:35)
04. Don't Lead Me On (5:57)
05. Road Blues (4:08)
06. Can't Get Your Lovin' Off My Mind (3:08)
07. Sell My Jewelry (3:24)
08. From The Delta To The Golden Gate (4:25)
09. Cheatin' Blues (3:36)
10. Drunken Angel (3:42)
11. Brought Together By The Blues (3:13)
12. Turtle Blues (5:14)

With the backing of Taj Mahal's Phantom Blues Band, Barbara Blue presented a gutsy set of soulful contemporary blues on Sell My Jewelry. There's nothing groundbreaking about Blue, the songs, or the arrangements, but she has a powerful throaty voice, often used on songs playing up to a tough-mama persona. The band gives her able support that draws soul music influences into the blues context, using organ and horns as well as the staple guitar and rhythm section. Blue wrote a bit of the material, but most of it's devoted to songs by other writers, including Janis Joplin ("Turtle Blues"), Lucinda Williams ("Drunken Angel"), and Rod Piazza (co-writer of "Brought Together by the Blues"), though the other composers won't be familiar names to many listeners. While she often sings about not taking guff from guys, in truth she sounds as good-natured as she does angry, though that doesn't detract from the merit of the music. She also breaks up the gruffer stuff with a couple of serious emotional near-ballads in "Don't Lead Me On" and Williams' "Drunken Angel," as well as a gutbucket self-penned John Lee Hooker tribute, "From the Delta to the Golden Gates." All 12 of the tracks from Sell My Jewelry are contained on the British compilation By Popular Demand, which adds a half-dozen tracks from other Blue albums. ~Review by Richie Unterberger

Sell My Jewelry

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Barbara Blue & The Phantom Blues Band - By Popular Demand

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:50
Size: 150.7 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2001/2007
Art: Front

[3:46] 1. Trouble With A Capital "T"
[4:04] 2. Back By Popular Demand
[3:32] 3. Toolbox Blues
[5:52] 4. Don't Lead Me On
[4:05] 5. Road Blues
[3:05] 6. Can't Get Your Lovin' Off My Mind
[3:20] 7. Sell My Jewelry
[4:22] 8. From The Delta To The Golden Gates
[3:33] 9. Cheatin' Blues
[3:36] 10. Drunken Angel
[3:10] 11. Brought Together By The Blues
[5:13] 12. Turtle Blues
[2:54] 13. Moonlight Over Memphis
[3:46] 14. If I Had You
[2:34] 15. Red Cadillac & The Blues
[2:47] 16. You Can't Stop My Love
[2:57] 17. No No Baby
[3:04] 18. Old Man's Moving Out

The British compilation By Popular Demand is essentially an expanded edition of Barbara Blue's Sell My Jewelry album, adding a few tracks from three of her other releases (Out of the Blue, Memphis 3rd & Beale, and Love Money Can't Buy). On the 12 songs that originally comprised the Sell My Jewelry album, Blue presented a gutsy set of soulful contemporary blues with the backing of Taj Mahal's Phantom Blues Band. There's nothing groundbreaking about Blue, the songs, or the arrangements, but she has a powerful throaty voice, often used on songs playing up to a "tough mama" persona. The band gives her able support that draws soul music influences into the blues context, using organ and horns as well as the staple guitar and rhythm section. Blue wrote a bit of the material, but most of it's devoted to songs by other writers, including Janis Joplin ("Turtle Blues"), Lucinda Williams ("Drunken Angel"), and Rod Piazza (co-writer of "Brought Together by the Blues"), though the other composers won't be familiar names to many listeners. While she often sings about not taking guff from guys, in truth she sounds as good-natured as she does angry, though that doesn't detract from the merit of the music. She also breaks up the gruffer stuff with a couple of serious emotional near-ballads in "Don't Lead Me On" and Williams' "Drunken Angel," as well as a gutbucket self-penned John Lee Hooker tribute, "From the Delta to the Golden Gates." Taj Mahal's Phantom Blues Band also plays on four of the six other tracks, which largely follow a similar style. ~Richie Ubterberger

By Popular Demand mc
By Popular Demand zippy