Big Jon Atkinson - Raw Blues

Size: 61.3 MB
Time: 26:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. You Messed Up (3:26)
02. Wait Baby (4:03)
03. Hold Out (2:49)
04. Train Fare Blues (3:04)
05. Looking For Trouble (2:43)
06. I Got The Blues (4:07)
07. Someday (3:30)
08. Don't Treat Me Like You Used To (3:00)

Personnel:
Jon Atkinson - Vocals, guitar
Kim Wilson - Harmonica
Kid Andersen - Guitar
Billy Flynn - Guitar
Barrelhouse Chuck - Piano
Kedar Roy - Bass
Marty Dodson - Drums

In 2014 “Big” Jon Atkinson recorded his debut album “Boogie With You Baby” on Bluebeat Music and it received rave reviews. Two years later the guitarist/vocalist collaborated with the Blues Music Award winning harmonica ace Bob Corritore and they released “House Party at Big Jon’s”; the album received a 2017 BMA nomination in the category of “Traditional Blues Album of The Year”.

Now working out of Bristol, Tennessee the thirty year old Atkinson is also a producer and recording engineer who loves using vintage analog equipment to get that “old school” sound; the sound favored by lovers of the blues. Because not many albums are still being recorded this way he began to experiment and learn, and eventually formed his own label “Bigtone Records”. Atkinson’s recent projects include The Atomic Road King’s “Clean Up The Blood” released on Bigtone; and the hugely successful Johnny Tucker “Seven Day Blues”, recorded in 2017 at the Bigtone Records Studio when they were still in Hayward California, and released on Highjohn Records.

Recorded by Atkinson and Danny Michel, his third album is a collection of songs from sessions held during the early days of Bigtone. These songs were recorded live to tape and are heard in glorious Mono. Each of the eight tracks features Atkinson, vocals and guitar; and the six-time BMA winning Kim Wilson (Courtesy of Severn Records), harmonica. The other all-star participants include Kedar Roy or Bill Stuve, bass; Marty Dodson, Alan West, or Malachi Johnson, drums; Barrelhouse Chuck or Bob Welsh, piano; and Michel, Billy Flynn or Kid Andersen, guitar.

“Hold Out” and “Don’t Treat Me like You Used To” are both written by Atkinson while the remaining songs are selected covers from Eddie Taylor, Robert Nighthawk, Henry Gray, Eddie Boyd and Little Johnny Jones.

The “old school” sounds heard here are raw and exciting. Atkinson has a lot more music still unreleased and “in the can” as they say. I find it hard to wait but look forward to hearing all he’s got. Thank you, “Big” Jon. ~Richard Ludmerer

Raw Blues MP3
Raw Blues FLAC

---

Atomic Road Kings - Clean Up The Blood

Size: 93,5 MB
Time: 39:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. I've Got Time (4:20)
02. Rumors (5:02)
03. In Arms Reach (2:19)
04. Have Your Way (2:07)
05. My Way Back Home (3:25)
06. Clean Up The Blood (3:09)
07. Candy Man (3:11)
08. Ain't For Me (2:30)
09. You Got To Change (2:27)
10. Two Sided Story (4:46)
11. Atomic Road Kings - Vibrations (3:34)
12. Back Down South (2:30)

The moment I first put on Clean Up The Blood, the new release from Atomic Road Kings, I knew it was something special. This album is blues with a bit of rock and roll, and a lot of soul, with a delicious classic sound. That sound is by design, as the album was recorded using old analog equipment. What a treat this disc is, especially today when the country is almost unrecognizable in its ugliness, and so many of us want to escape to another time, another place. A place that feels real, that feels honest. You know? And this music is just the right vehicle to take us there. The album features mostly original material. Atomic Road Kings are Jon Atkinson on vocals and guitar, Eric Von Herzen on harmonica, Bill Stuve on bass, Danny Michel on guitar, Malachi Johnson on drums, Tony Delgado on guitar and Scot Smart on guitar.

The album gets off to a great start with “I’ve Got Time,” blues with something of a Memphis feel. I love everything about this, for (as I mentioned) it all strikes me as honest and real. And a large part of that is due to its being recorded on old equipment, everything having an immediate and true sound. But the song itself is really good and features some great stuff on both harmonica and guitar. However, it’s that solid and cool work on bass that grabs me and holds me. “The time I was given could surely have been worse/But being from my family is nothing but a curse/I’ve got time/I’ve got time to be alone.” That’s followed by “Rumors,” the guitar having a delicious raw sound. Oh man, this is just so bloody good. Again, it has a classic sound, yet this song – like almost all of this disc’s tracks – is an original composition. Listen to that great vocal performance, the way he makes the words vibrate at times. “To lose this woman would be the death of me/I’ve seen the truth/Lord, I’ve seen it in her eyes.” This track features more great stuff on guitar. If you want the real deal, you’ve got to give this disc a listen.

“In Arms Reach” rolls along with a groove that got me smiling. We get more great work on harmonica, and another wonderful bass line. Then there is a bit of rock and roll to the sound of “Have Your Way.” And yet there is also a darkness, creating a very cool vibe. This is one of my favorite tracks. The vocals are kind of smooth, coming at us from the corners of an underground club where the chicks are all in black sweaters. “I feel all right/I feel, yes, I feel all right.” But ah, it is over too soon. Then “My Way Back Home” jumps off to a lively start. Hell, there is just not a single false note on this entire disc, no bullshit whatsoever, just some great playing. I dig the instrumental section of this track, particularly the work on drums. This tune has a damn good groove, and becomes a fun jam, that harmonica singing with a powerful voice. “With my baby in my arms I can do almost anything.”

“Clean Up The Blood,” the disc’s title track, has a slower, somewhat heavier feel, but with some touches on electric guitar that rise fiery above the general heat. This tune has a gloriously sweaty sound, a heat you can’t escape. I love the combination of darkness and joy that this music has. Take a track like “Ain’t For Me,” for example. There is a deep rumbling at its core, and yet is also totally danceable. This is just so damn good. The disc’s only cover is “Two Sided Story,” which fits right in with the rest of the material, not standing out as being older, though it is listed as “traditional,” because that is the sound and vibe of the entire album. It develops into a good powerful jam, driven by harmonica. It’s followed by “Vibrations,” a tune that is just dripping with cool right from its start. Robert Welch joins the group on piano for this track, delivering some absolutely delicious work and helping to make this another of my favorites. This album gets in one final bang with “Back Down South,” a raw, rockin’ tune with some more good stuff on harmonica. “For all my troubles, baby, I’ve got you to thank/I’ve got you to thank, I’ve got you to thank.” ~Michael Doherty

Clean Up The Blood

---

Chickenbone Slim - The Big Beat

Size: 99,8 MB
Time: 37:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. The Big Beat (4:10)
02. Long Way Down (5:09)
03. Hemi Dodge (3:13)
04. Vodka And Vicodin (3:16)
05. Long Legged Sweet Thing (4:46)
06. Do You Like It (2:41)
07. Me And Johnny Lee (6:09)
08. Man Down (4:04)
09. Break Me Off A Piece (3:36)

Personnel: Chickenbone Slim (Larry Teves): guitar and vocals; Kid Anderson: guitar; Jon Atkinson: guitar, bass, harmonica; Scot Smart: bass, guitar; Marty Dodson: drums.

What a good bit of music writing has is an overabundance of taking itself too seriously. I am guilty of it. There would have been a time when I would have dismissed a recording like Chickenbone Slim's The Big Beat as a silly contrived blues confection and I would have done so at an artistic loss to me. Twenty-five years of writing has taught me to listen to everything and appreciate it all for what it is. What The Big Beat is, is a loping juggernaut of electric blues, created and propelled by San Diego's own Larry Teves, AKA, Chickenbone Slim and his sveltly raunchy Fender Telecaster. Preforming as a nominal trio act, Slim plays a brand of blues, funk and R&B that is universal, whether it is the stop-time swing of the title piece, the soulful "Long Way Down," or the dangerously acoustic Bakersfield "Vodka and Vicodin." But it is not all blues, no, "Hemi Dodge" is some grand country music, where Slim plays some power twang guitar. But the devil here is in the blues as those found in Jon Atkinson's Little Walter/Big Walter harmonica playing behind the molten "Long Legged Sweet Thing" or the stomping "Do You Like It?" ~C. Michael Bailey

The Big Beat

---

Harpdog Brown - Once In A Howlin' Moon / Travelin' With The Blues

Album: Once In A Howlin' Moon
Size: 133,7 MB
Time: 57:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2002
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Front

01. Relaxin (6:03)
02. Everything's Gonna Be Alright (4:36)
03. Soul Survivor (2:37)
04. 9 Below Zero (6:00)
05. Flip Flop Bop (3:19)
06. Blue Light (5:19)
07. Pink Champagne (4:37)
08. Next Time You See Me (4:48)
09. How Come (4:54)
10. Evenin' (5:59)
11. Baby What You Want Me To Do (4:18)
12. Farmer John (4:42)

It was recorded on Friday October 13th, 2001 under a full moon.

Live at The Vat in Red Deer, Alberta.

A night when there seemed to be a certain electricity in the air.

It was a night when musically it all came together in a vibe that is one of the most memorable of my career.

-Harpdog Brown-

Once In A Howlin' Moon

---

Album: Travelin' With The Blues
Size: 107,9 MB
Time: 46:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Front

01. Better Days (Feat. Kid Andersen) (4:40)
02. Must Have Been The Devil (Feat. Carl Sonny Leyland) (4:06)
03. Sacrifice (Feat. Big Jon Atkinson) (3:58)
04. Bring It On Home (Feat. Jimmy Morello) (2:57)
05. Moose On The Loose (Feat. Charlie Musselwhite) (2:45)
06. For Better Or Worse (Feat. Kid Andersen) (3:22)
07. Fine Little Girl Rag (3:09)
08. Cloud Full Of Rain (4:01)
09. What's Your Real Name (4:34)
10. Facebook Mama (Feat. Danny Michel) (3:09)
11. Home Is Where The Harp Is (Feat. Rusty Zinn) (2:51)
12. Another Fool Like Me (2:26)
13. Hard Days Blues (Feat. Little Victor) (2:49)
14. Hayward Boogie (1:35)

Charlie Musselwhite says "Harpdog Brown is all blues man!"

My good friend Harpdog Brown has a new CD out. He’s got a smokin’ band playing and he’s singing the real deal, old school blues just like you want to hear it. It’s easy to tell from listening that Harpdog knows what he’s doing and loves what he’s doing. I’m not applauding this CD just because I happen to have the honor of joining Harpdog on a tune…it really is some great smokin’ blues. Every tune is a winner. If you love the blues you won’t go wrong with this wonderful session. I LOVE the killer guitar playing! It’s hard to say what my favorite is but I gotta say I REALLY like Must’ve Been The Devil. I’ve always liked that tune and Harpdog does it great. I love his harp playing on this one especially. Home Is Where The Harp Is has a cool 8-bar blues groove and I love 8-bar blues progression. Fool Like Me, Hayward Boogie, Cloud Full Of Rain, Fine Little Girl, are all fine and For Better or Worse has especially good lyrics. What’s Your Name has some tasty first position harp playing. All in all I think you have a very satisfying album on your hands. I really enjoy listening to it again and again. The tune I did with Harpdog, Moose On The Loose, was a lot of fun. It’s got a good feel and good energy and I remember the fun we had recording it. Give it a listen. I hope hope you can hear the fun like I can. It was recorded the old school way…right off the floor….with fine old tube amps and the works…at Big Jon Atkinson’s studio, Bigtone in Hayward, CA. Jon knows how the blues are supposed to sound and he totally captured that sound with Harpdog and his great band. ~Charlie Musselwhite

Travelin' With The Blues

---

John Blues Boyd - The Real Deal

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:54
Size: 102.8 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[3:58] 1. I Am The Real Deal
[2:33] 2. You Will Discover
[3:31] 3. I'm Like A Stranger To You
[3:24] 4. That's Big!
[2:55] 5. The Smoking Pig
[2:52] 6. That Certain Day
[3:09] 7. Dona Mae
[4:01] 8. I'm So Weak Right Now
[3:19] 9. When Your Eyes Met Mine
[4:28] 10. Screaming In The Night
[3:52] 11. (Have You Ever Been To) Marvin Gardens
[3:15] 12. Be Careful With Your Gardens
[3:31] 13. John, The Blues Is Calling You

John Blues Boyd: vocals; Kid Anderson: guitar, bass, piano, organ; Big Jon Atkinson: guitar, drums; Robert Welsh: guitar, piano, organ; Rick Estrin: harmonica; Aki Kumar: harmonica; Jim Pugh: piano, organ; Dave Chavez: bass; Danny Michel: bass; June Core: drums; Martin Windstad: drums; D’Mar Martin: drums; Donnie Green: drums; Eric Spaulding: sax; Frankie Ramos: sax; Terry Hanck: sax; Doug Rowan: sax; John Halbleib: trumpet; Manny Angel: trumpet; Faris Jarrah: trombone.

For those who love the blues, the thrill of discovering a new artist is still special. Blues singer John "Blues" Boyd just released The Real Deal—at 71 years young—as a testament that the blues continues to be a vital American art form that will never die. Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, Boyd picked cotton as a youngster, worked at hard labor, and loved to sing. Relocating to the Bay Area in the 1980's he was a roofer, sat in at local clubs, retired, and took care of his ailing wife, who passed in 2014. That's when he became a bluesman full time. Under the tutelage of Jim Pugh at Little Village Foundation, and with the production savvy of Kid Anderson from Greaseland Studios, Boyd was able to make an album of pure blues the way they use to do back in the day. He wrote most of the songs, letting Anderson take over the controls and procure all the accompanying musicians.

Opening with the autobiographical title track, there is an immediate sense of an authentic "big sound" upon which Boyd lays his songs. "You Will Discover," has that up tempo Junior Parker feel, while "That's Big," is a rolling Kansas City swing number carried along by honking tenor saxophones. Everyone knows that blues and barbecue go together, and "The Smiling Pig," is a humorous stinging tribute to that perfect combination. The classic west coast shuffle of T-Bone Walker influenced "That Certain Day," and "Be Careful With Your Love, offering a nice cadence where Boyd feels cool and collected. Memphis, and the Stax sound come to mind on "I'm So Weak Right Now," highlighted by the great organ work of Jim Pugh. Shades of an early B.B. King slips into "When Your Eyes Met Mine," contrasted by the Chicago style of "Screaming In The Night," which features Frankie Ramos on the howling sax. "I'm Like A Stranger To You," has him crying and pleading, and "Dona Mae," is a reflective ballad composed as a moving tribute to his wife. The selections come full circle on the closing "John, The Blues Is Calling You," Boyd taking a closer look at himself, and how things turned out. As with many blues singers that came before him, John "Blues" Boyd, is a storyteller who lived an interesting life. He has certainly been there, done that, and now is enjoying the opportunity to sing his songs. Great credit goes out to Pugh and his Little Village Foundation for his dedication to discovering and recording these interesting artists, and keeping the blues alive. ~James Nadal

The Real Deal

---

Big Jon Atkinson & Bob Corritore - House Party At Big Jon's

Size: 144,8 MB
Time: 61:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Full

01. Goin' Back To Tennessee (2:46)
02. Here Comes My Baby (2:57)
03. It Wasn't Easy (4:36)
04. She's My Crazy Little Baby (2:55)
05. At The Meeting (Feat. Dave Riley) (4:01)
06. Mojo Hand (Feat. Alabama Mike) (3:41)
07. Mojo In My Bread (Feat. Tomcat Courtney) (4:55)
08. Mad About It (2:50)
09. Empty Bedroom (2:37)
10. I'm Gonna Miss You Like The Devil (2:58)
11. You Want Me To Trust You (Feat. Willie Buck) (4:33)
12. Mississippi Plow (Feat. Dave Riley) (3:43)
13. El Centro (3:22)
14. I'm A King Bee (Feat. Willie Buck) (3:41)
15. Somebody Done Changed The Lock On My Door (Feat. Alabama Mike) (6:55)
16. My Feelings Won't Be Hurt (5:13)

House Party at Big Jon’s is a big portion of gut bucket, electric blues which will remind listeners why they fell in love with this music in the first place.

In 1988 Atkinson was born into a digital, cyber world which held no interest for a person who is a throwback to another age. His obsession with the blues took hold while still a youngster and led him on a quest to play with the modern masters. However, it was the old timers lining up to play with him.

Kim Wilson, who immediately took Jon under his wing and into his Blues All-Stars, put it this way, “Jon is one of the only guys doing it the right way. He knows the music. He knows the gist of it and understands the soul of the music.”

Soon Jon would join that elite fraternity known as Bob Corritore’s Rhythm Room All-Stars.

Thirty five years ago Corritore, a Chicago blues man, relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, and brought with him the blues from the windy city. He not only opened the Rhythm Room, an oasis of cool in the hot Sonoran desert, but a recording studio as well. It is where he has made a series of award winning albums which feature Bob’s muscular blues harp in support of this generation’s blues masters as well as the greats who are as old to him as as he is to Big Jon Atkinson.

Last year Corritore went to Jon’s studio in San Diego. Bob said of Big Jon, “Jon’s approach to the blues extends right into his recording studio. He records on vintage equipment just like it was recorded back in the old days. What you end up with is an honest performance with that natural saturation and warmth that makes for a beautiful sounding record.” He went on to say, “This is an example of the beauty and natural camaraderie that the blues inspires. I’ve been doing this a long time and here I am learning from a man who is half my age.”

As far as Bob’s harp playing is concerned, Jon said, “Bob’s playing on this record is the best of his career.”

Joining Jon and Bob is yet a third generation of musicians who make special guest appearances on House Party at Big Jon’s. They are vocalists Dave Riley, Alabama Mike, Willie Buck and Tomcat Courtney. They, along with Big Jon, put their own vocal spin and inject their unique personalities into a wonderful sixteen song mix of originals and some interesting covers. As Corritore points out, “There is, in some cases, a fifty to sixty year age differential between many of the musicians on this record. This speaks directly to the beautiful spirit of the blues that transcends the generations.”

Everywhere you go there are people who LOVE the blues and are quick to mention how passionate they are for this brand of music. It is generally understood that they just don’t make records like they used to and it is hard to find authentic sounding blues these days. Delta Groove Music has the answer. It is House Party at Big Jon’s.

It is what blues fans have been waiting for. It is an old school, modern masterpiece that will sit side by side with all of those “desert island discs” that are so universally cherished. House Party at Big Jon’s is an indispensible addition to any blues library.

This CD receives my highest recommendation and is an early contender for BLUES JUNCTION Productions’ Album of the Year. ~David Mac

House Party At Big Jon's FLAC

---

Big Jon Atkinson - Back Down South

File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues
Time: 56:07
Size: 129,5 MB
Covers: Full

(3:15) 1. Back Down South
(2:54) 2. Just Movin'
(3:07) 3. I'm Blind
(3:43) 4. Just One More Shot
(4:26) 5. Five Long Years
(2:07) 6. Too Late Baby
(2:45) 7. Come On Home
(3:31) 8. Someday
(3:20) 9. Two Headed Woman
(2:15) 10. Baby
(4:53) 11. Bound For Trouble
(5:48) 12. Down This Lonesome Road
(3:20) 13. Where'd You Go?
(4:43) 14. So All Alone
(2:56) 15. Wipe Your Tears
(2:58) 16. What Is Wrong With You?

This release by Big Jon Atkinson is a wonderful step forward for the young man who hails from down south. The 27 year old has already proved to be a true force to be reckoned with in the world of real blues music. Big Jon Atkinson is a harmonica player, guitarist, bassist and drummer. He is also a wonderful singer who has the soul and sound of the African-Americans who invented this language several decades ago. His singing never sounds forced or as if he is employing some kind of affectation. One of the joys in watching the career of Big Jon Atkinson unfold before our ears is how he has adapted to his relatively new home of Southern California. We have heard the results of the best musicians in this part of the state who have beaten a path to his door. In the past few months, Big Jon has expanded his grip on the blues fans of the Golden State and gone north to make music near the Golden Gate. It was at Kid Andersen’s Bay Area Greaseland Studios where some of this music was recorded and where some of that area’s big blues talent teamed up with Big Jon. The list of first call musicians on this record is staggering (read the booklet!). All of these musicians play along in various combinations on various tunes with the real star of the show, Big Jon. Atkinson is able to rise above these blues heavyweights and make a record that has his own brand, his own voice and vision. He never sounds smothered by these mostly older blues men. The inclusion of horns add an extra dynamic to the proceedings and broaden the scope of the record to give it an additional added dimension. For his part, Atkinson steps up and plays more guitar on this album than he did in his debut outing. He also even plays drums on a couple of tracks. Here on the new album, Atkinson also flexes his chops as a songwriter as nine of the sixteen songs on this healthy fifty five minute set are originals. Covers include material by Junior Wells, James Cotton, Robert Nighthawk, Eddie Boyd and Jimmy Nolen. -- Bluesjunction.

Back Down South

---

Big Jon Atkinson - Boogie With You Baby

Size: 107,8 MB
Time: 45:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Modern Electric Blues
Art: Full

01. Boogie With You Baby (3:26)
02. Natural Born Lover (3:00)
03. Mean Ole Train (4:36)
04. Go Away (2:48)
05. Feel So Worried (3:46)
06. Like Wolf (3:47)
07. Don't You Know (2:56)
08. Where'd You Stay (2:59)
09. Throw This Poor Dog A Bone (2:07)
10. Try Me One More Time (3:07)
11. Left My Happy Home (2:59)
12. Long Leanie Mama (2:32)
13. It Ain't Right (3:40)
14. Please Help (3:14)

Since moving to Southern California less than a year ago, twenty four year old Jon Atkinson has made a big splash on our Nation’s western shore. Atkinson is a man of immense talent, drive and determination. He has established himself as an in demand sideman, as he can play virtually any instrument. Big Jon also possesses that increasingly elusive commodity, the ability to sing the blues.

He has been spotted up and down the Southern California coast from Ventura to San Diego playing harp, guitar, bass or drums as well as singing with a couple of generations of blues luminaries including James Harman, Al Blake and Kim Wilson. He has recorded an album with Mark Mumea’s Silver Kings and recently completed this, his first solo album, Boogie With You Baby on Bluebeat Music.

Boogie With You Baby was recorded with another extremely gifted musician, Nathan James. James’ Sacred Cat studio in the Northern San Diego County enclave of Oceanside is where Big Jon surrounded himself with big talent such as pianist Fred Kaplan and James’ Rhythm Scratchers’ bassist Troy Sandow and drummer Marty Dodson. Two and half days after walking into the studio, Atkinson and company had a fourteen song gem. Atkinson even wrote three of the selections here.

The originals fit nicely with some of the most obscure diamonds in the rough I have ever heard. Songs by Lightnin’ Slim, Jon Brim, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, J.B. Hutto and others are re-imagined and given a confident, relaxed feel that stay true to the original sound. These recordings could sit right alongside the originals (if you could find them), some of which I don’t even have in my library. For example, Jon found a Muddy Waters original that is nowhere to be found in my 22 album collection on Muddy. Atkinson can quickly add the title “The Indiana Jones of the Blues” to his resume’ for digging up these buried treasures.

For this, his first album, Big Jon Atkinson chose not to feature his guitar playing, which is also exceptional. He, instead, is heard singing and playing harmonica and doing so with verve and style. The guitar duties, save one track, are in the very capable hands of Nathan James. James eschewed his custom made “Washtars” for this outing and sticks with more traditional axes, a ‘59 Fender Jazz Master and a Gibson ES 175.

The addition of Fred Kaplan is a welcome treat. He plays piano on four tracks giving these numbers an extra dynamic and helps to enhance the old timey feel of the album. The consummate rhythm section of Sandow and Dotson is first rate.

The debut album of Big Jon Atkinson is cause for celebration which can commence soon as the CD is scheduled for a mid May release. Boogie With You Baby receives my highest recommendation. ~David Mac

Boogie With You Baby FLAC

---