Blue Largo - Got To Believe

Album: Got To Believe
Size: 121,8 MB
Time: 52:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Soul/Blues/Roots mix
Art: Front, back

1. A World Without Soul (6:07)
2. Got To Believe (4:26)
3. Soul Meeting (6:56)
4. What We Gotta Do (5:33)
5. Disciple Of Soul (3:27)
6. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (5:18)
7. Soldier In The Army Of Love (4:16)
8. Ronnie (4:07)
9. Gospel Music (3:49)
10. Rear View Mirror (5:59)
11. Santa Fe Bound (2:39)

Blue Largo’s Got to Believe is the long-awaited follow up to 2018’s Before the Devil Steals Your Soul. The new disc includes 10 original songs from the pen of guitarist Eric Lieberman and one fresh take on a legendary classic. All 11 tracks reflect a deep and personal perspective on some of life’s most defining moments. The record speaks to love, loss, and reconciliation but the real, underlying theme here seems to be one of encouragement and optimism. In a world where we could all use a glimmer of hope, Blue Largo says you just “got to believe.” The sound is definitely beefier, with two horns, a Hammond, and choral arrangements, but this collaboration of artists and friends continue to demonstrate their ability to play almost any musical style or genre - and have one hell of a time doing it.

The opening track, “A World Without Soul,” is a call for action. Get rid of your tech gadgets and take some time to enjoy the artistry and beauty that surrounds you. This particular track highlights the rollicking piano of Taryn “T-Bird” Donath and really sets the tempo for the entire album. The title track, “Got to Believe,” is a statement of fact on the downbeat. Whatever the world throws at you, you have the ability to deal with it and come back even stronger. Eddie Croft and that rich, tenor sax just kills. “Soul Meeting” is a love song that spans this life and possibly, the next. Vocalist Alicia Aragon, backed by the angelic Ajuzie sisters, take you to church. The weeping Hammond of Jody Bagley puts you squarely in the front pew. Simply put, there are no heartbeats more important than those beating inside the ones you love. The song “What We Gotta Do” is a fast-paced romp through every juke joint and barrelhouse this side of Memphis. Between the Bagley and Donath exchange on keys and the locomotive horn section of David Castel de Oro and Eddie Croft, this band can and does rock.

Guitarist Scot Smart guests on the reggae-influenced “Disciple of Soul.” The song was inspired, according to Lieberman, by Little Steven Van Zandt, who’s been an influence since his teens. There is only one cover song on this album and that’s the track “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” You have to feel that both Nina Simone and the Animals would get a kick out of this version. And yes, that is a baritone guitar. “Soldier in the Army of Love” comes right out of today’s headlines. Blue Largo dedicated it to the people of Ukraine, but it’s really a shout out to the world; the clock is ticking. “Ronnie” is a tribute to the late guitarist Ronnie Lane, who was a mentor and lifelong friend of keyboardist Taryn Donath. Yes, it’s the story of loss but you definitely get a sense of joy coming through Donath’s fingertips. It’s a reminder that friends never really leave you. The straight-forward “Gospel Music” is motivational and inspirational ‘cause it makes you “feel so good.” Get on your feet; put your hands in the air and shout Hallelujah!

The nostalgic “Rear View Mirror” is a look back at the road we’ve traveled and just how far we’ve come. No matter what life has in store, we face it together. The full chorus and the Hammond organ…and the angels sing! The last track on the album was a real surprise and Lieberman titled it “Santa Fe Bound.” It’s a straight-up country tribute to old friends. No trucks or dogs but it does feature the stellar pedal steel of David Berzansky. You can’t praise the rhythm section of this band enough. From big band charts and gospel praise to country music and reggae, drummer Marcus Bashore and bassist Mike Jones are masterful in their chosen crafts. But then, the Southern California dance community has known Blue Largo for a very long time. /Tim Mattox, San Diego Troubadour

Got To Believe mc
Got To Believe zippy

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Blue Largo - What A Day!

Year: 2000
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:15
Size: 164,6 MB
Styles: Jump blues, swing
Scans: Full

1. Ain't Gonna Quit You Baby (4:22)
2. You Came A Long Way From St. Louis (2:49)
3. Fine And Mellow (6:50)
4. What A Day (3:52)
5. Pitchin' Up A Boogie (4:18)
6. Strollin' With Bone (3:01)
7. Love Me Or Leave Me (4:58)
8. Five, Ten, Fifteen Hours (5:43)
9. Honky Tonk (5:40)
10. If It's Good (3:29)
11. One For My Baby (8:47)
12. He Walks Right In (4:21)
13. Fat Daddy (4:25)
14. Swing Brother Swing (4:00)
15. Sweet And Lovely (4:34)

Guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon formed Blue Largo in March 1999. During the previous ten years, Eric founded and led some of San Diego's hardest working and most respected blues bands, namely the Rhumboogies and the Juke Stompers. Today, when things seem tougher than ever for live music, Blue Largo continues to play regularly in San Diego, has played several dates at The Blue Cafe in Long Beach and has done two summer tours to northern California, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Arcata, Lake Almanor and Redding. The band has a continually expanding mailing list, currently in excess of seven hundred names, and on August 25, 2002, they drew over two hundred fans to the release party for their second CD "Still In Love With You".

Blue Largo mostly plays hard swinging 1940's and '50's jump blues in the vein of Louis Jordan, T-Bone Walker, Johnny Otis, Julia Lee, Ruth Brown, and Dinah Washington. However, they can also pay sincere tribute to the likes of Billie Holiday or The Nat King Cole Trio with equal conviction. Blue Largo released its first record "What A Day!" (produced by Rick Holmstom) in September 2000. This record has sold over one thousand copies and has garnered very favorable reviews.

More than anything else, Blue Largo would like to believe that the unshakeable passion they have for the music its various members have been playing for the better part of 20 years will translate to its audiences, and that this will make their audiences feel good and respond. Eric Lieberman often says that your audience will come back and see you again, not necessarily because you played so great, but because you made them feel so great. He believes that when this most soulful music is presented with integrity, finesse and style by some of most dedicated musicians around, you can hardly help from achieving this result.

What A Day! mc
What A Day! zippy

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Blue Largo - Before The Devil Steals Your Soul

Size: 163,9 MB
Time: 69:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Contemporary Blues, Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. Wash Away (5:03)
02. If I Can Make It To Augusta (5:36)
03. Monrovia (5:36)
04. Same Race (3:47)
05. Before The Devil Steals Your Soul (4:31)
06. Bodas De Oro (4:10)
07. I'm Alive (5:15)
08. The Long Goodbye (5:37)
09. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted (3:59)
10. Feeling Good (4:14)
11. Grinder's Groove (5:46)
12. Five Till Eight (4:02)
13. Every Time You Call My Name (4:52)
14. Work Song (4:45)
15. Lose Your Money (Bonus Track) (2:34)

Blue Largo is a band started by guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon nearly two decades ago. They had to take a rather lengthy break at the end of 2006, while Eric Lieberman worked to overcome focal dystonia that affected his right hand. In 2015, they were back with Sing Your Own Song, and are now following that up with Before The Devil Steals Your Soul, which features mostly original material written by Eric Lieberman. This album addresses our troubles and concerns, but also gives us – or reminds us of – reasons for celebration, for joy. And for that, I am thankful. This is an album I’ll be returning to often. It gives me nearly everything I am craving, needing. It is full of soul and good grooves, wonderful vocals and plenty of sax. The musicians on this release include Marcus P. Bashore on drums, Mike “Sandalwood” Jones on bass, Taryn “T-Bird” Donath on piano, Rafael Salmon on organ, Dave Castel De Oro on tenor saxophone and organ, and Eddie Croft on saxophone, plus several others on certain tracks.

This fantastic disc opens with “Wash Away,” the beginning of which is sung to the accompaniment of organ, the vocals delivered with a lot of soul. The song then becomes a good bluesy number, with some wonderful work on guitar. This song is about the horrid mess our country has gotten itself into. Alicia sings, “Seems these days we’re hanging on by just a thread/All this talk of nuclear war/We might all soon be dead.” But she then follows that line with a more optimistic thought: “But I still want to believe that it ain’t too late/If we just unite, stop preaching all this hate.” I dig the instrumental section too. There is something both timely and timeless about this one. The music has a timeless or classic quality, giving the impression that our current troubles have been going on for a long time. And hell, that’s how it feels, doesn’t it? It feels like Donald Trump and his ugly group of racists have been in power for decades. “I’ve been waiting such a long time for love to return.” Nena Anderson, Missy Andersen and Nathan James provide backing vocals on this track. Then “If I Can Make It To Augusta” has a more cheerful vibe, and again with a classic sound, which is wonderful. I love the sax, which functions as a voice, almost cheering Alicia on. Jonny Viau joins the group on tenor saxophone. There is also some wonderful work on piano, particularly in that instrumental section. There is optimism here, something we need. “I’m gonna get me a job/And find a good man too.” The way she delivers these lines, I’m certain she’ll accomplish what she sets out to do. And indeed, as the song fades out, she tells us, “I got a good man too/We’re going to settle right down.”

“Monrovia” becomes fun, particularly on the repeated title line, with the backing vocals and horns. Am I crazy or is there a bit of a “Ghost Riders In The Sky” vibe when the vocalists sing, “Monrovia, Monrovia”? Nena Anderson and Missy Andersen provide backing vocals, and Steve Ebner is on trumpet. This song tells a story, and that story turns deadly, proving that no one should go to Monrovia. It’s followed by “Same Race,” another song about the current, depressing state of our country, but a song that should unite people. The chorus is “Black lives matter/Police lives matter/Your life matters/My life matters/We’re all the same race/We are the human race/So please don’t tear us apart,” and – unless you’re a racist prick that voted for Donald Trump – you’ll likely find yourself singing along by the second time it comes around.

The album’s title track, “Before The Devil Steals Your Soul,” has a delicious and rousing gospel bent. “We all gotta jump before it’s too late/We all gotta shout before it’s too late/We all gotta dance before it’s too late/And the devil steals your soul.” Is it too late? Not while we’re breathing. This excellent song features more cool work on sax, plus nice stuff on keys. This one will get you on your feet, and will raise your spirits too. Vocals are provided by Diane McCalester, Jacqueline Haynes, Nathaniel Greene Jr. and Andre Buck.

The album’s first cover, “Bodas De Oro,” takes things in a different direction, and features some nice work by Taryn Donath on piano. Then “I’m Alive” is a celebration of music, of life, and contains a damn good jam. Steve Ebner plays trumpet on this one. That’s followed by “The Long Goodbye,” which is one of those beautiful, soulful blues tunes in the same realm as something like “It Hurts Me Too.” This one is about losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. “You started drifting, slowly drifting away/I feel I’m losing you little by little, day by day/And I can’t keep from crying inside/It is such a long goodbye.” Yeah, it’s hard to keep from being moved by this song. It features some wonderful stuff on guitar and on piano. And that sax hits the spot.

Blue Largo delivers a cover of Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted,” here titled “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted.” Nathan James plays baritone guitar on this one. That’s followed by another cover, “Feeling Good,” the beginning of which is delivered a cappella, as Nina Simone did it. In general, I prefer the original tracks to the covers on this album, but this song is just so damn cool, so damn glorious. “It’s a new dawn/It’s a new day/It’s a new life for me/And I’m feeling good.” We all want that. And I love that sax. That’s followed by “Grinder’s Groove,” an absolutely wonderful instrumental track with a classic groove and vibe to remind us of what life can be like. Music like this feels like the opposite of Donald Trump’s grotesque world. I love it, and I love that sax!

Blue Largo then gets jazzy with “Five Till Eight,” a song written by Nena Anderson. That’s followed by “Every Time You Call My Name,” a fun, positive tune. The first line is “I really like it when it rains.” That line makes sense here in Los Angeles, but when I was living in Oregon, well, I would have had different feelings about it. The last song listed on the back of the CD case is Nat Adderley’s “Work Song,” and Blue Largo does a really good job with it, with each musician getting a chance to shine. Though that is the last listed tune, there is one more track, “Lose Your Money.” This is an acoustic blues number that is a total delight, with just Eric Lieberman and Nathan James on guitar. Really, this is a solid album from beginning to end. ~Michael Doherty

Before The Devil Steals Your Soul MP3
Before The Devil Steals Your Soul FLAC

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Blue Largo - 2 albums: Sing Your Own Song / Still In Love With You

Blue Largo was formed by guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon in 1999. Eric recruited his old music partner, saxophonist Jonny Viau from as far back as 1982, when they were both sidemen in the King Biscuit Blues Band, and together with pianist Sue Palmer, drummer Phil Rowley, bassist Roger Daschle and baritone sax man Troy Jennings, the band released its debut album, “What A Day!” produced by Rick Holmstrom in the year 2000. The band went through a few personnel changes, and with piano virtuoso, Carl Sonny Leyland and bassist Chris Crepps on board , released its second record “Still In Love With You” in 2002. While maintaining its home base in San Diego, California during the past fifteen years, Blue Largo has traveled up and down the California coast, playing such well known venues as Biscuits and Blues in San Francisco, The Derby in Los Angeles and the legendary Blue Café in Long Beach.

In November2006, Eric developed a rare neurological condition called focal dystonia, which affected the coordination in his right hand, thus putting an end to any further recording plans until May 2015. With great dedication and hard work, Eric has overcome his focal dystonia to the point where he felt he would be able to record again, and the result is the band’s third album, entitled “Sing Your Own Song”.

Blue Largo has always been a traditional 1940’s / ‘50’s era blues band, specializing in covers by such artists as Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Louis Jordan, T Bone Walker and Julia Lee. Eric never considered himself a songwriter, but has rather always focused on paying tribute to the great artists whom he loves so much. However, he jotted down a few ideas over the years, which he and Alicia revisited when they decided to record their current album, and lo and behold, “Sing Your Own Song” contains seven original songs, which the band is most proud of and excited about! These original songs deal with life’s big issues…….. the challenges, despair, hope, perseverance, and ultimately prevailing! Music wise, the record contains everything from Louisiana swamp grooves to gospel, rhythm and blues, jump blues, sensual ballads and lowdown acoustic country blues, and Blue Largo is ready and rearing to bring it all to their live shows.

Along with Eric and Alicia, the current Blue Largo line-up features Jonny Viau on tenor and baritone saxophones, Marcus Bashore on drums, Taryn Donath on piano and Art Kraatz on bass. “Sing Your Own Song,” which was recorded and co-produced by Nathan James, also features Nathan on rhythm guitar, resonator guitar and upright bass, Ron Felton and Marty Dodson on drums, Joey Jazdzewski on both Fender and upright bass, Rafael Salmon on organ, Dave Castel de Oro on tenor saxophone and Missy Anderson on backing vocals.

Album: Sing Your Own Song
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:35
Size: 138.7 MB
Styles: R&B, Jump blues
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[5:13] 1. Walkin' On A Tightrope
[4:03] 2. Kindness, Love And Understanding
[3:08] 3. Sing Your Own Song
[5:48] 4. Tears Of Joy
[3:22] 5. Guitar Rhumba
[4:32] 6. Prisoner Of The Night
[5:15] 7. Evenin'
[5:07] 8. Nothin' To Prove
[3:11] 9. You Know My Love
[2:20] 10. Okie Dokie Stomp
[5:51] 11. Elevator To The Gallows
[5:02] 12. I Need You So Bad
[4:01] 13. Remington Ride
[3:33] 14. Sitting On Top Of The World

Sing Your Own Song mc
Sing Your Own Song zippy

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Album: Still In Love With You
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:55
Size: 173.8 MB
Styles: R&B, Jump blues
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:43] 1. Fell Like Cryin' Again
[3:27] 2. Come On Over To My House
[7:22] 3. I'm Still In Love With You
[5:13] 4. Sugar Baby
[3:20] 5. Rose Room
[5:53] 6. I'm Gonna Let 'em Ride
[5:42] 7. Lover Man
[9:43] 8. Hastings Street Bounce
[5:37] 9. I've Got You Under My Skin
[9:22] 10. Baby Get Lost
[3:55] 11. No Denyin'
[3:40] 12. Besame Mucho
[3:57] 13. Ain't Gonna Compromise
[3:57] 14. How Deep Is The Ocean

Still In Love With You mc
Still In Love With You zippy

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Blue Largo - Sing Your Own Song

Size: 142,9 MB
Time: 60:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

01. Walkin' On A Tightrope (5:13)
02. Kindness, Love And Understanding (4:03)
03. Sing Your Own Song (3:08)
04. Tears Of Joy (5:48)
05. Guitar Rhumba (3:22)
06. Prisoner Of The Night (4:32)
07. Evenin' (5:15)
08. Nothin' To Prove (5:07)
09. You Know My Love (3:11)
10. Okie Dokie Stomp (2:20)
11. Elevator To The Gallows (5:51)
12. I Need You So Bad (5:02)
13. Remington Ride (4:01)
14. Sitting On Top Of The World (3:33)

Blue Largo was formed in 1999 by guitarist Eric Lieberman, who has been at the forefront of the Southern California blues scene since 1982, and vocalist Alicia Aragon. The band released its debut album, "What A Day!" produced by Mavis Staples' guitarist / band leader Rick Holmstrom in the year 2000, and released its second record "Still In Love With You" in 2002. Both of these records feature some of Southern California's finest blues musicians, such as pianists Carl Sonny Leyland and Sue Palmer, Saxophonists Jonny Viau and Troy Jennings, and upright bassist Chris Crepps.

In November, 2006, Eric developed a rare neurological condition called focal dystonia, which affected the coordination in his right hand, thus putting an end to any further recording plans until May 2015. With great dedication and hard work, Eric has overcome his focal dystonia to the point where he felt he would be able to record again, and the result is the band's third album, entitled "Sing Your Own Song," released September 18, 2015.

Blue Largo has always been a traditional 1940's / '50's era blues band, specializing in covers by such artists as Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Louis Jordan, T Bone Walker and Julia Lee. Eric never considered himself a songwriter, but has rather focused on paying tribute to the great artists whom he loves so much. However, he jotted down a few ideas over the years, which he and Alicia revisited when they decided to record their current album, and lo and behold, "Sing Your Own Song" has seven original songs, which the band is most proud of and excited about! These original songs deal with life's challenges...... despair, hope, perseverance and ultimately prevailing! The record contains everything from Louisiana swamp grooves to gospel, rhythm and blues, sensual ballads and lowdown acoustic country blues. Along with Eric and Alicia, "Sing Your Own Song" features Jonny Viau on tenor and baritone saxophones, Dave Castel de Oro on tenor saxophone, Marcus Bashore, Ron Felton and Marty Dodson on drums, Taryn Donath on piano, Joey Jazdzewski on both Fender and upright bass, Art Kraatz on upright bass, Rafael Salmon on organ, Nathan James on rhythm guitar, resonator guitar and upright bass, and Missy Andersen on backing vocals. "Sing Your Own Song" was co-produced by Eric and Nathan James, and recorded at Nathan's Sacred Cat Studios in Oceanside, California.
As Charlie Parker said, "Now's the Time," and we believe now is the time for Blue Largo! So people get ready, get on board, and don't let this soul train leave the station without you!

Sing Your Own Song

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