Trudy Lynn Feat. Steve Krase - Royal Oaks Blues Café

Album: Royal Oaks Blues Café
Size: 112,2 MB
Time: 48:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013/2023
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. Confessin' The Blues (3:51)
2. Play The Honky Tonks (4:27)
3. Feel It (4:44)
4. Every Side Of Lonesome (3:56)
5. Country Man Blues (3:57)
6. Street Walkin' Daddy (5:35)
7. Red Light (4:38)
8. I'm Gonna' Put You Down (5:19)
9. Down In Memphis (2:43)
10. Effervescent Daddy (4:10)
11. Whip It To A Jelly (5:06)

Trudy Lynn gives harpist Steve Krase a starring role on Royal Oaks Blues Café and he does indeed shine throughout this 2013 album. He offers subtle support, sometimes slipping in to accentuate her verses, then he takes center stage for slippery, supple solos that bring a bit of Chicago to Lynn's Texas blues. Such casual bending of genre boundaries is one of the appealing things about Lynn's latter-stage career: she's absorbed all the shifts in soul-blues styles since the '60s, so she can slide between sounds with ease.

There are rollicking roadhouse rockers like "Red Light" here but what gives this album such personality are the digressions into mellow, rolling soul ("Feel It"), funky R&B stomps ("Down in Memphis"), and even a sojourn into the Delta by way of Jimmy Reed ("Whip It to a Jelly"). Lynn is a master of every one of these sounds and so is Krase, so it's a pleasure to hear them enjoy each other's company. /Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Royal Oaks Blues Café mc
Royal Oaks Blues Café gofile

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Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase Band - Connor Ray Christmas

Size: 39,8 MB
Time: 17:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues, Rock, Xmas
Art: Front

01. Go Tell It On The Mountain (Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase) (4:02)
02. Up On The House Top (Steve Krase) (3:49)
03. Oh Holy Night (Trudy Lynn) (3:49)
04. Jingle Bells (Steve Krase) (3:23)
05. Auld Lang Syne (Steve Krase) (1:55)

The 5 song EP features Blues Music Award Nominee Trudy Lynn and fellow Houstonian’s The Steve Krase Band.
On the CD Trudy contributes a rousing gospel inspired version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” along with a soulful version of “Oh Holy Night” backed by Bobby Markoff on organ. Steve Krase delivers upbeat versions of the classics “Jingle Bells” and “Up On The House Top” and closes the EP with an acoustic duet of “Auld Lang Syne” with David Carter on Guitar
Special guests include Barry Seelen (Annika Chambers) on organ and Houston blues legends Eugene “Spare Time Murray on Bass and The Lady D on backing vocals.

Connor Ray Christmas

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Dry Johnson - Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1

Size: 97,1 MB
Time: 40:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. DJ Intro (0:28)
02. Daddy's Got A Cadillac (Feat. Mike Zito & Annika Chambers) (3:42)
03. Long Live Them Blues (Feat. Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase) (5:06)
04. Hit The Highway (Feat. Jonn Del Toro Richardson) (3:40)
05. Drunk Girl With A Tambourine (Feat. Snit) (3:34)
06. Too Many Hipsters (Feat. Mighty Orq) (4:37)
07. Juke Joint (Feat. Mighty Orq, Mike Zito & Jonn Del Toro Richardson) (3:19)
08. I Walk Alone (Feat. James Wilhite) (4:27)
09. Trashy Women & Cheap Guitars (3:18)
10. Fried Chicken (3:24)
11. Little Bird (5:05)

Bassist Terry Dry and drummer Matt Johnson are currently the rhythm section in the Mike Zito Band. Zito states “I met Matthew Robert Johnson and Terry Dry in St. Louis around 2002 when I opened a show for Hadden Sayers, I still remember thinking they sounded really good and had a big sound. Matt and Terry share a love for the American art form. The blues brought them together and has given them a musical purpose to work toward. Matthew’s drumming is strong and immense; while Terry’s bass playing is solid and straight forward. Together they make a sound that is large and tight, round and moving. Always musical and consistent, they work together to form a foundation that any guitarist, vocalist or band can make great music with.” The powerhouse rhythm section has been with Zito for two years now.

Dry and Johnson first met in 1998 and have been playing together, off and on, for twenty years. Over the years they have backed many musicians. Johnson says “Terry and I originally thought up the idea after a gig with Mike Zito…we discussed the idea of doing a project as a rhythm section, with all the artists that we have either worked with…or would like to work with…” They started playing together in Houston so it’s only proper that this be recorded there. Seven of the tracks were recorded at Rock Romano’s Red Shack Studio in Houston, while two tracks were recorded 93 miles away at Zito’s Marz Studios in Nederland, Texas. The album is co-produced by Dry Johnson and Romano.

The album opens with a recording on a phone answering machine. Nine of the ten songs were written by Dry; however the first song “Daddy’s Got A Cadillac” was co-written by him with Jamie Dry. The song was first recorded by Executive Producer Steve Krase on his highly successful 2014 album “Buckle Up”. Zito guests on guitar and vocal in a duet with Houston favorite Annika Chambers. This is a fabulous new arrangement that should be played on every blues radio station, it’s that good.

Another Houston native, labelmate Trudy Lynn, guests on the title track “Long Live Them Blues”. She is joined by Krase on harp, and the Mighty Orq on guitar. As a rhythm section Dry Johnson is rarely equaled. The Mighty Orq appears again on guitar on three more songs and takes his own vocal on “Too Many Hipsters” featuring Kevin “Snit” Fitzpatrick ranting in the background. Snit gets a chance to sing on “Drunk Girl With A Tambourine”.

The only cover is Johnny Guitar Watson’s “Hit The Highway”, a.k.a. “I’m Gonna Hit That Highway”, it was first recorded in 1985; John Del Toro Richardson guests on guitar and vocal, and it’s another fabulous performance. “I Walk Alone” features James Wilhite, on guitar with a commanding vocal.

Dry gets to sing on both “Juke Joint” and “Trashy Women and Cheap Guitars”. On the former Orq and Wilhite are the guitarists; on the later Dry is rejoined by guitarist Zito, but its Johnson’s infectious beats that really impress. Zito is superb again on the instrumental “Fried Chicken” as someone shouts out the menu entree. On the closer “Little Bird”, Dry is impressive as he sings and plays an acoustic guitar.

Not only is Dry Johnson a great rhythm section but they, along with Romano, are also great producers. This album is being called “Long Live Them Blues Vol. #1”. Hopefully there will be much more to hear from Dry Johnson. ~Richard Ludmerer

Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1 MP3
Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1 FLAC

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Steve Krase Band - Just Waitin'

Size: 94,7 MB
Time: 40:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Electric Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Front

01. Settin' The Woods On Fire (3:27)
02. I Don't Mind (2:54)
03. Just Waitin' On My Brand New Baby (3:17)
04. Irene Irene (3:28)
05. The Ballad Of Jed Clampett (4:18)
06. All In The Mood (3:50)
07. Dirty Dirty (4:22)
08. Blame It All On Love (1:58)
09. Nobody Loves Me (6:11)
10. My Baby Walked Off (6:35)

A Brooklyn native, this singer and harmonicist has been travelling around from Ohio to California and Louisiana before settling down to the music scene of Houston where he has been for the last three decades. After ten years spent with Jerry Lightfoot & The Essentials, he has created his own band, Steve Krase & The In Crowd. Noticed in our neck of the woods with Trudy Lynn during his recent European tours, Steve Krase is a true follower of the J. Geils Band in its golden age, and his way of playing shows an impressive energy. Through his hero, Magic Dick, you can also feel the influence of the Chicago legends: the two Walter, but also the killers that are Kim Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite and of course the late William Clarke. This is his fourth album and after leaning towards a west-coast style swing in his previous album, he takes us off balance from the opening track in a typically pub rock Dr. Feelgood’s style. Steve Krase takes on the two parts of the founding frontmen, you’d swear he is imitating Wilko’s gruff vocals whilst injecting the late Lee Brilleaux’s fiery harp playing! He carries on with a frenetic Diddley Beat cover “I Don’t Mind”, which featured on the first album of the good Doctor. But then the local Texas Blues takes back its rightful place with the staggering “Just Waitin’ On My New Baby” (worthy of the late Lee McBee and Mike Morgan), before giving way to the Zydeco “The Ballad Of Jed Clampett”, including accordion and washboard. The captivating and mischievous “Dirty Dirty” would not be out of place in Rick Estrin’s repertoire with a hint of Coasters. David Carter performs a simply amazing solo with his six string guitar, quickly followed by another (no less explosive) from the boss. The playful “Blame It All On Love” brings the Peter Wolf/J.Geils’s touch without which none of Steve Krase’s albums would feel complete. There are also two covers from Chester Burnett (alias Howlin’ Wolf) sprinkled in but undoubtedly the highlight in this remarkable object is Walter Price’s “Nobody Loves Me”, the only slow blues in this album. This track reminds of the “Double Trouble” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby” when Otis Rush struck all mere mortals with lightning. Of course, David Carter strikes again with another unbelievable solo whilst Steve Krase overwhelms with a breathtaking solo on the harp. As remarkably produced as it is played, this is undoubtedly one of this year’s greatest blues recording! ~Patrick Dallongeville

Just Waitin' MP3
Just Waitin' FLAC

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Steve Krase - Should've Seen It Coming

Size: 143,7 MB
Time: 61:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Brand New Thang (3:43)
02. Crazy For My Baby (3:14)
03. Let The Four Winds Blow (3:25)
04. The World's Still In A Tangle (5:21)
05. Shot Of Rhythm And Blues (3:33)
06. Should've Seen It Coming (Radio Edit) (7:45)
07. Travelin' Mood (2:58)
08. Troubles, Troubles (3:40)
09. Make You Love Me Baby (5:03)
10. Repo Man (Radio Edit) (4:57)
11. Way Back Home (5:02)
12. Should've Seen It Coming (Bonus Track) (7:45)
13. Repo Man (Bonus Track) (4:57)

Blues harmonica ace Steve Krase announces an April 21 release date for his latest album on Connor Ray Music, Should’ve Seen It Coming, which includes special guest appearances from label mates Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza.

Steve Krase is well-known as the harmonica player behind Trudy Lynn’s three incredible blues albums on Connor Ray Music. To those in the know, Krase is a powerhouse in his own right as a performer, whose high energy shows are legendary around the Houston scene. Krase has been recognized in multiple categories over the years by the esteemed Houston Press Music Awards in several categories, and most recently -and perhaps most suitably - in 2016 as “Best Player.” Steve was also a semi-finalist at the recent 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Should’ve Seen It Coming is Krase’s 4th for Connor Ray Music and follows his acclaimed 2014 release, Buckle Up. It includes five original tunes by Steve and his cohorts, including his brother David, bassist and co-producer Rock Romano and the late Jerry Lightfoot, who was an early mentor to Steve. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Krase spent 10 years with Lightfoot’s “Essential Band” providing harmonica on three of Lightfoot’s releases.

“As always I try to make a fun record that people want to turn up loud at a party or crank it on the car radio on a long road trip,” Krase says. “I was honored to be able to include great Connor Ray Music artists Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza on this CD.”

Among the unique covers on Should’ve Seen It Coming are Steve’s takes on music from Willie Dixon “(Crazy for My Baby”), Fats Domino (“Let the Four Winds Blow”), and Clarence “Frogman” Henry (“Troubles, Troubles”).

“The majority of this CD was recorded live over two nights at the Red Shack in Houston,” states Krase. “I was lucky enough to be able to include a couple of my Connor Ray Music label mates on this release, Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza.”
Steve Krase expands on the song list for Should’ve Seen It Coming: “ ‘Brand New Thang’ is a groovy song written by ‘Dr. Rockit’ Rock Romano that Mark May just owns on guitar! On ‘Crazy for my Baby,’ we loved Charlie Musselwhite’s interpretation and decided to add elements of the Little Walter and Willie Dixon versions to it. For ‘Let the Four Winds Blow’ - I’ve always loved Fats Domino, it was a just matter of deciding which song. ‘The World’s Still in a Tangle’ is a takeoff of the Jimmie Rogers original – the message being turn off the news!! ‘Shot of Rhythm and Blues’ is a Rock Romano favorite that I was lucky enough to catch Bob Lanza while he was in town to add the killer guitar leads. Wee Willie Waynes’ ‘Travelin’ Mood’ is an oldie but goodie. ‘Troubles Troubles’ is a great tune by Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry that Randy and I just rock out on. ‘Make You Love Me Baby’ was a staple of Jerry Lightfoot’s live performances, ‘Foots’ taught me everything I know about this music and I try to pay tribute when I can, including here, which is also a nod to another inspiration, the late James Cotton. The Junior Parker version of ‘Way Back Home’ was introduced to me by my dear fiend Trudy Lynn, who sings background vocals on three of the album’s tracks. She wanted me to play something mellow... sorry, Trudy! ’Should’ve Seen It Coming’ and ‘Repo Man’ are another couple of songs from my brother David representing fictional crazy characters. I like to think of ‘Repo Man’ as a blues song for 2017, as ‘Back Door Man’ is no longer the biggest badass on the block! The two bonus tracks included on the disc are explicit versions of the title track and ‘Repo Man’.”

“Steve Krase’s music is no holds barred and his songs are meant to be listened to loud.” – Blues Blast Magazine

Should've Seen It Coming

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Steve Krase - Buckle Up

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 38:58
Size: 89.2 MB
Styles: Blues rock
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:17] 1. Jolene
[3:49] 2. Daddy's Got A Cadillac (Mama Rides A Mule)
[3:57] 3. I Just Want To Make Love To You (Feat. Trudy Lynn)
[2:28] 4. Misery
[7:42] 5. Night Train (From Oakland)
[3:27] 6. Blueshound
[2:59] 7. I Like Them All
[4:06] 8. Buckle Up
[3:38] 9. Big Bad Woman
[3:30] 10. Now

Steve was born in Brooklyn NY and has spent time in Ohio, California and Louisiana. Now almost 20 years in Houston, Steve has blended his high energy style with the soulful vibe that runs through the great city of Houston.

Steve spent 10 years as the harp man for the legendary Houston band Jerry Lightfoot and The Essentials. After the Essentials broke up Steve spent a few years as a sideman with Matt Leddy & The Meatcutters before forming Steve Krase & The In Crowd. Steve Krase & The In Crowd were winners of the 2004 and 2005 International Blues Challenge, moving on to the finals in Memphis both years.

Buckle Up mc
Buckle Up zippy

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