Tas Cru - Might Give Out... But I Won't Give In

Album: Might Give Out... But I Won't Give In
Size: 92,7 MB
Time: 39:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2026
Styles: Blues/Roots/Americana mix
Art: Front

1. Might Give Out (4:20)
2. Lucky At Love (3:59)
3. Known All Along (4:24)
4. Favorite Song (4:03)
5. Pass Them Biscuits (3:32)
6. Nasty Turn (4:07)
7. Tulsa Tornado (4:55)
8. Two Big Feet (3:51)
9. Come To Be (4:53)
10. Smell Like Whiskey (1:42)

With seven albums in the last dozen years and his 2025 single, the instrumental Déjà Blu, Tas Cru has released a new studio album. The album, Might Give Out... But I Won't Give In, delivers another batch of all original songs. As those familiar with Tas’ music would expect, the album is a mix of blues and roots music styles in keeping with Cru's songwriting reputation as genre-bending eclectic. Based out of Central New York, Cru performs in multiple formats ranging from a six-piece backing band to solo acoustic. He sings and plays a wide variety of guitars - at home on either electric, acoustic, resonator or cigar box and is known to sprinkle in a bit of harmonica from time to time.

With well over 150 songs to his credit, above all else Tas Cru is a songwriter. “He is a real writer,” says Bruce Iglauer – owner/producer of the renowned Alligator Records. High praise comes from Downbeat magazine, describing Cru as one of the most unique of roots musicians plying his trade today: “With fresh melodies and his trademark well-crafted lyrics, Cru has the ability to cast a magical hook.” According to Tas himself, “I insist that words serve more than to treat the listener like a hitch-hiker desperate to reach the guitar solo!”. Tas Cru – always original and where the songs matter, lyrics speak, and melodies thrive.

Might Give Out... But I Won't Give In mc
Might Give Out... But I Won't Give In gofile

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Tas Cru Band - Live

Size: 100.3 MB
Time: 42:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2024
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Dat Maybe (2:59)
02. Stand Up (3:52)
03. Brown Liquor Woman (3:36)
04. Have A Drink (3:24)
05. Take Me Back To Tulsa (6:18)
06. Grizzle N' Bone (3:42)
07. One Eyed Jack (4:47)
08. You Keep The Money (4:20)
09. Drunk Half The Time (4:43)
10. Heal My Soul (4:45)

Personnel:
Tas Cru – vocals, guitar
Mia (Mary-Ann) Casale – vocals
Tom Terry – vocals, bass
Phil Diiorio – vocals, drums
Scott Ebner – piano, organ

Tas Cru (born Rick Bates in Quebec, Canada), is a seasoned musician who has been living in the US for many years. Although he comes from a musical family, Rick himself did not have much to do with music until he was introduced to the blues by an old US Navy buddy and he started playing in his band for a while. Cru developed as a songwriter and started a solo career. In 2006 his debut album Biscuits was released. In 2009 he released the album Even bugs sing the blues , an album with original blues songs for children and in 2016 he recorded the album Doggone blues , a blues album for dog lovers (!). He tours extensively with his band through the US, Canada and Europe.

This month sees the release of Live, the new album by Tas Cru Band. A live album with his current road band with whom he toured in the summer and fall of 2023. Recorded with an audience at Subcat Music Studio in Syracuse, New York. The ten songs form a nice anthology of Tas Cru's repertoire.

After the opening words 'Don't say you will, when you know you won't' the concert opens swinging with Dat maybe, followed by the uptempo stomping gospel blues Stand up! , with a tight guitar solo and backing vocals by Mia Casale. The pace is kept up with Brown liquor woman with a tight rhythm section and a prominent role for Scott Ebner on organ. In Have a drink Casale takes care of the lead vocals. The more than six minutes long Take me back to Tulsa , with lead vocals by Ebner, starts very quietly but rocks a little later with various nice melodious solos. The drumming of Phil Diiorio is also very strong here and that is also in the funky Grizzle n' bone, enhanced with wonderful piano sounds. “I play with the hand that the good Lord has given me”, sings Cru in the funky title song One eyed Jack. The gospel-like You keep the money is again characterized by the tight drumming, a penetrating guitar solo and the harmony vocals of Casale. The organ is prominent in the intensely sung Drunk half the time. The closing number Heal my soul is a swinging gospel blues. The opening is with piano and the almost acapella singing of Mia Casale, but the number continues rocking with a flamboyant piano solo and beautiful duets by Tas and Mia.

Conclusion: Live is an excellent album with raw, honest music from a passionate Tas Cru Band.

Live MP3
Live FLAC

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Tas Cru - Riffin' The Blue

Size: 110.1 MB
Time: 46:52
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Full

01. Riffin' The Blue (4:49)
02. Brown Liquor Woman (3:21)
03. Stand Up! (3:32)
04. One More Time (7:22)
05. Throw It All Away (3:26)
06. Crazy Getting In My Way (3:20)
07. Heal My Misery (3:34)
08. House Of The Blues (5:48)
09. Let It Happen (3:52)
10. Miss This Man (3:14)
11. Memphis Gone (4:29)

This is Tas Cru’s latest effort, another fantastic set of all new songs that feature great riffs, or as he says, “That relentless melody that grabs you by the throat and just won’t let go!” These tunes embody that, with superb stories, lyrics and, most of all, outstanding guitar hooks.

Produced by Tas, he also features two stalwart musical guests: Mike Zito and Bruce Katz. Zito adds his guitar to the opening and closing cuts. Katz plays a larger role, appearing on pianos and/or organ on each tracks. He and Zito are superb. Tas’ studio mates are May Ann Casale on backing vocals, Bob Purdy on bass, Ron Keck on percussion, Andy Hearn on drums (with the first track featuring Lenny Milano on drums) and Bill Barry also adding organ to the top track. Tas, of course, takes care of lead vocals and guitar.

The title tracks gets things rolling. A great groove carries through the tune as Tas sings and plays with passion. Zito’s guitar is emphatic and poignant in support and on solo. Tas testifies to his passion and six string fever in riffin’ the blues. Katz helps carry the tune on organ as Tas and Zito build into a rousing finale. Next is a fun cut Tas gained inspiration from in Memphis at the Rum Boogie Bar. “Brown Liquor Woman” was inspired by two genteel members of the opposite sex who were appalled by other women who sipped of the darker spirits. Katz lays out some pretty piano work as Tas sings and the backing vocalists give ample support. Brown liquor women don’t drink champagne or wine like more refined females; they have whiskey and perhaps more on their minds. “Stand Up!” follows, fitting into the protest song mold as catchy social commentary. A driving beat and message make this one a winner. Tas sings emphatically and the band supports with equal emotion. A nice guitar solo and organ backing add much to this one. Things slow down with “One More Time,” featuring a great opening by Katz on piano and then some delightful guitar licks by Tas. This blues ballad tells the story of things that matter between him and his woman. There’s lots of pretty guitar and the organ come in to add depth and texture to the music.

“Throw It All Away” follows, a bouncing and slick cut with cool guitar featured. Tas again sings with emotion as he navigates another interesting cut about relationships. Next is “Crazy Getting In My Way,” which has a heavy beat and great vibe to it. Organ and guitar mix seductively with the vocals and wind their way to and organ and guitar duo of sorts that is delicious. “Heal My Misery” is a funky cut that moves along nicely with Katz laying on some more great organ as Tas’ guitar gets a groove on. Another super guitar solo is offered up here, too. Slow blues is next with “House Of The Blues.” Emotive and deep guitar opens the cut with Katz layering on some organ for effect. Tas the singer give us grit and feeling as the guitar and organ help to also set the mood. A huge guitar solo is featured here.

More funkiness follows with “Let It Happen.” Tas describes his doctor giving him the diagnosis that it’s not his diet that is causing his problems. The doc tells him he worries too much and needs to let life happen. Tas gives us some nice solo licks on his six string to enjoy, and then Katz follows that with a cool piano solo. To cap things off, his doctor give him a prescription for some whiskey; I need to meet that doc! Things swing on the next track with a nice boogie entitled “Miss This Man.” Tas tells his woman she’s gonna miss him if she gives him up. Passionate vocals, strident piano (including another primo solo), layers of fine organ and excellent guitar riffs make this one a great cut. The tempo cools off for the deep and haunting start of final track. “Memphis Gone” which concludes the set, with some pretty slide, piano and vocals. Things then build as Tas and the band get into it heavily. The slide and piano are outstanding as they play off each other with feeling.

This is the eleventh album release by Tas and he’s giving it his all. The songs are all top-notch. They all have great stories and are delivered with passion and excellent musicality. I truly loved this alum and I think Tas has a real winner here– this is the blues done up right. I strongly recommend this one! ~Steve Jones

Riffin' The Blue MP3
Riffin' The Blue FLAC

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Tas Cru - Broke Down Busted Up

Size: 109.2 MB
Time: 46:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2021
Styles: Electric/Acoustic Blues
Art: Full

01. Where Do We Go (4:19)
02. Broke Down Busted Up (4:17)
03. Turn On The Light (4:18)
04. River Of Insanity (4:27)
05. Be My Strength (3:31)
06. All Stays The Same (5:26)
07. You're He Real Deal (4:16)
08. Stay Home Blues (3:47)
09. So Damn Hard To Like (4:18)
10. Henry (3:47)
11. Write Me My Own (3:48)

With Broke Down Busted Up singer-songwriter, Tas Cru goes further to solidify his reputation as a blues eclectic who refuses to let his music be bound to any one sound and style. On the opening title cut listeners are greeted by pleading and urgent fiddle strains courtesy of the spirited Anne Harris. This alone tells those familiar with his previous works that on Broke Down Busted Up, Tas is once again going to be breaking fresh, new ground.

Tas calls it his "quasi-acoustic" album as it features mostly acoutic instruments and seeks an earthy and relaxed roots-music vibe. &hat's new here on Broke Down Busted Up foremost is the fiddle- a great fit for the aforementioned sought-after vibe. So too, is the standup bass that is featured on several tracks. There is mountain dulcimer on one track as well. The beautiful sound of the grand piano, the trademark rich backing vocals, tasteful drumming and subtle percussion that are all a part of Tas recent recordings are staples that remain. And of course, there is the guitar work acoustic and resonator.

Breaking it down and busting it up leaves intact only what matters most. And that's what Tas has done with this album.

The writing and performance aim for the goal that the music might be felt before it is heard and the lyrics awaken imagination ahead of thought. These songs have been Tas' close companions through the dark times that the whole world has lived through, and too many have suffered and even died from. They have lighted his way along the twisted path of emotions that Tas and most of us have all felt recently. All these feelings - fear, despair, perseverance and now, finally, HOPE are the essence of these songs.

Broke Down Busted Up MP3
Broke Down Busted Up FLAC

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Tas Cru - Drive On

Size: 106,7 MB
Time: 45:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Styles: Memphis Blues
Art: Full

01. That Lovin' Thang (3:57)
02. Money Talks (3:41)
03. Drive On (5:29)
04. Save Me (5:27)
05. Cry No More (5:24)
06. Kinda Mess (3:47)
07. Shookie Shake (3:20)
08. In This Moment (4:54)
09. Memphis Blue (4:25)
10. Devil In Your Heart (4:39)

Tas Cru lives in Chaumont New York not far from the Canadian border. He released his debut recording in 2006. Tas states his unusual stage name was bestowed on him by a Quebecois fan and roughly means “raw potato”. At the International Blues Challenge in 2014 Tas won a Keeping the Blues Alive Award in education. “For over 20 years, Tas Cru has been developing and conducting activities teaching about the blues”. He self-funded two children’s albums “Even Bugs Sing The Blues” and “Doggone Blues” and he donates copies to schools, community groups, and blues societies

For us grown folks Tas released his 2015 album “You Keep The Money” and it was one of the hottest albums of that year. His follow-up 2016’s “Simmered and Stewed” was a collection of older songs re-imagined. As a direct result Tas received a long overdue 2018 Blues Music Award nomination as Best Emerging Artist. His last recording “Memphis Song” also on the Subcat Records label was released later that same year. Overall this is Tas’ eleventh album.

The ten originals take the listener further down the road. A new smokier sound prevails. Tas, guitars, harmonica and vocals; is joined by his usual studio companions Mary Ann Casale, featured vocalist; backing vocalists Leanne MacRaye and Gary Manse-Neal; Bob Purdy or Colin Beatty, bass; Andy Hearn, Cathy Lamanna or Sonny Rock, drums; and Ron Keck, percussion. Among his noteworthy guests are Anthony Geraci, keyboards; Anthony Terry, saxophone; and Gabe Stillman, slide guitar.

All of the songs were written by Tas with the exception of one co-write. Tas opens with a shuffle, “That Lovin’ Thang”, featuring his infectious rhythm guitar and vocal; Geraci’s B-3, Terry’s sax and the background vocalists. Tas introduces slide guitarist Gabe Stillman, the IBC’s 2019 Albert King Award winner, on the humorous “Money Talks”; and Stillman plays again on the swampy “Memphis Blue” with Tas on harp and Geraci on piano. Tas is evocative on the hopeful “Save Me”. The funky title track again features Terry on sax. “Cry No More” features Casale singing the background vocal; while she steps up front to share a duet with Tas’ on their co-written “Devil in Your Heart”. Other highlights include the instrumental ballad “In This Moment” again featuring Tas’ guitar, Geraci’s piano and Terry’s sax; the danceable “Shookie Shake”, and my favorite the John Lee Hooker styled “Kinda Mess”.

I’m already looking forward to seeing Tas again as he meanders about the countryside in support of this new album. Although he calls his touring band “The Tortured Souls” nothing lights up his troubadour soul like good friends, audiences and familiar places. ~Richard Ludmerer

Drive On

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Tas Cru - Memphis Song

Size: 125,0 MB
Time: 53:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Memphis Blues
Art: Front

01. Heal My Soul (3:20)
02. Memphis Song (5:26)
03. Fool For The Blues (3:28)
04. Give A Little Up (4:08)
05. Daddy Didn't Give You Much (4:02)
06. Have A Drink (3:27)
07. That Look (4:07)
08. One Eyed Jack (4:07)
09. Queen Of Hearts (6:01)
10. Don't Lie To That Woman (5:26)
11. Feel So Good (3:47)
12. Can't Get Over Blues (6:23)

The music of Memphis can’t be pigeon-holed. Blues, R&B, Soul, Rock and Roll, Rockabilly, Jazz, and more all have deep roots in the Bluff City, and the combination is what creates the Memphis sound. Tas Cru understands that concept better than most, and pays homage to the true “music city” in his new Subcat Records release, Memphis Song.

Cru flew headlong into the radar in 2014, with You Keep the Money. It wasn’t his first album, but it sure got the attention of blues loving audiences world-wide. Then came 2016’s Simmered & Stewed, which saw Tas nominated for Best Emerging Artist Album at the recent Blues Music Awards. Now comes Memphis Song, described as completing a trifecta of Tas Cru’s creativity.

Long known as a blues poet, and once called the “master of the triple entedre,” Cru pays tribute to his muse, Memphis, Tennessee. He’s been infatuated with, and influenced by the music that came out of Sun Records since childhood. That influence, along with those of blues rock and country blues, are evident in his brilliant songwriting. Memphis Song brings us a dozen original songs that touch on nearly every genre.

“Heal My Soul” brings the record to life with a raucous, Gospel-tinged song of inspiration. Cru’s backing band is tighter than a preacher’s wife’s girdle at an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Combining Cru’s guitar with Dick Earl Ericksen’s down home harmonica is a thing of pure beauty.

Guest artists come out to play on the title track. Four time Pinetop Perkins Award winning piano player, Victor Wainwright, along with Pat Harrington (slide guitar) add to the haunting number. Mary Ann Casale also provides acoustic guitar. The song has Cru calling out to his muse, and Memphis answering. This one provided one or two of those shiver moments.

There are several upbeat, fun-loving tunes on Memphis Song. Some of these include “Fool for the Blues,” “Have a Drink,” the slightly irreverent “That Look,” “Feel So Good,” and the album’s closer “Can’t Get Over Blues.” A true raconteur, Cru spins some great yarns on “One Eyed Jack,” “Don’t Lie to the Woman,” and the funkified “Give a Little Up.”

Casale has some featured vocals on “Give a Little Up,” that makes for a sweet, sweet combination. She is also a backing vocalist on the record along with Donna Marie Floyd-Tritico and Patti Parks. Bob Purdy provides a constant, steady bass line while Andy Rudy tickles the ivories. The must-have Memphis organ is provided by Guy Nirelli, except on “Queen of Hearts,” on which Bill Barry takes over. Drums come at us from Ron Keck, Sonny Rock, and Andy Hearn, depending on the song.

Memphis Song takes us home on many levels, and we’re sure it will do the same for you. Get yourself a copy and just try to prove us wrong. Bet ‘ya a nickel you can’t do it. ~By JD Nash

Memphis Song MP3
Memphis Song FLAC

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Tas Cru - 2 albums: You Keep The Money / Even Bugs Sing The Blues

Album: You Keep The Money
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:31
Size: 129.4 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:26] 1. You Keep The Money
[5:22] 2. A Month Of Somedays
[3:57] 3. Half The Time
[4:49] 4. La Belle Poutine
[4:00] 5. Heart Trouble
[5:51] 6. A Little More Time
[3:00] 7. One Bad Habit
[5:26] 8. Take Me Back To Tulsa
[5:14] 9. Count On Me
[4:59] 10. Holding On To You
[4:24] 11. Bringing Out The Beast
[4:56] 12. Thinking How To Tell Me Goodbye

A WOULD-BE BLUESMAN: “You know, I should get paid.” TAS CRU: “Yes son, you should. Welcome to the blues.” This is an actual exchange between Tas and a young man (grandson of Delta bluesman, T-Model Ford) that took place after the kid had jumped up on stage with his tambourine. You Keep the Money, is dedicated to every bluesman and woman who has learned the hard truth that making honey doesn’t always make you money.

This sixth album by acclaimed singer/songwriter/bluesman, Tas Cru is without question a portrait of this artist at his peak. The writing is terrific with his trade- mark, well-crafted lyrics and vibrant musicality that has earned him a reputation as one of the most unique of bluesmen plying his trade today. As longtime fans might expect from Tas, this is a “big tent” blues album, meaning its canvas is covered with an array of blues styles – songs painted from a palette of country roots to modern blues-rock and the many shades in between. Like the eclectic blues/roots artists he is known to so greatly admire, Tas Cru writes and performs comfortably and confidently in any of these styles. As you will note, he delivers ballad to barrelhouse with equal power, passion and purpose.

You Keep The Money mc
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Album: Even Bugs Sing The Blues
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:54
Size: 93.6 MB
Styles: Pop-blues
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[3:25] 1. Can't Chirp
[4:16] 2. Spider Won't You Play
[3:47] 3. Honeybee Put A Hurtin' On Me
[5:21] 4. Grouchy-Mean Old Lady
[3:07] 5. Voracious, Hungry Python
[2:54] 6. I'm A Hungry Caterpiller
[3:47] 7. Cham-E-Le-On
[5:41] 8. Silly Turtle
[3:41] 9. Clyde The Clod
[4:50] 10. A Firefly Lullaby

"Even Bugs Sing the Blues ...and some reptiles do too!" is a related work loosely based on children's stories by Eric Carle (e.g. The Very Hungry Caterpillar). Tas Cru is an an accomplished performer and songwriter well known to the blues world and is the recipient of the Blues Foundation's prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive Award in 2014 for blues education. This album is an entertaining way to introduce a new generation to the uniquely American music genre that is the blues with stories that are entertaining and familiar.

Even Bugs Sing The Blues mc
Even Bugs Sing The Blues zippy

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Mick Kolassa & Friends - Double Standards

Size: 125,1 MB
Time: 53:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Electric Blues, Rockin' Blues
Art: Front

01. 600 Pounds Of Heavenly Joy (Feat. Sugaray Rayford) (3:48)
02. I Just Want To Make Love To You (Feat. Heather Crosse) (3:49)
03. It's Tight Like That (Feat. Victor Wainwright) (3:40)
04. Fever (Feat. Annika Chambers) (4:13)
05. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (Feat. Tas Cru) (4:11)
06. Rock Me Baby (Feat. Tullie Brae) (4:23)
07. Key To The Highway (Feat. Eric Hughes) (2:50)
08. Spoonful (Feat. Erica Brown) (4:53)
09. It Hurts Me Too (Feat. Patti Parks) (4:01)
10. Early In The Morning (Feat. David Dunavent) (2:48)
11. Don't You Lie To Me (Feat. Gracie Curran) (3:43)
12. Outside Woman Blues (Feat. Jeff Jensen) (3:54)
13. Ain't Nobody's Business (Feat. Annika Chambers, Victor Wainwright, Gracie Curran, Sugaray Rayford, Erica Brown & Jeff Jensen) (7:29)

I’ve always enjoyed albums in which one artist explores music with several other artists in order to see what direction that collaboration takes. In my collection are albums of duets featuring Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, among others, and now I’m delighted to add the latest from Mick Kolassa who has teamed up with different friends on a new album of duets, Double Standards.

You might remember that on Kolassa’s previous album, You Can’t Do That, featured a team up with Mark Telesca, turning Beatles classics into acoustic blues numbers. He’s shown that he has no problem taking chances with his music and he’s gathered some very talented musicians and singers to make this a very enjoyable album.

Double Standards is produced by longtime collaborator and all-around guitar wizard Jeff Jensen, who also plays guitar and even adds vocals to one song. Vocalists include Sugaray Rayford, Heather Crosse, Victor Wainwright, Annika Chambers, Tas Cru, Tullie Brae, Eric Hughes, Erica Brown, Patti Parks, David Dunavent, and Gracie Curran.

Aside from Kolassa and Jensen on guitar, musicians include Bill Ruffino on bass; James Cunningham on drums; Chris Stephenson on organ; Eric Hughes adds his harmonica to three songs; Jeremy Powell plays piano on two tracks, Alice Hasan on violin; and Colin John and David Dunavent play guitar on one track each.

The album starts off with a fun Willie Dixon number, 600 Pounds Of Heavenly Joy, which features Sugaray Rayford with Kolassa. The two have great gruff voices and this is a lot of fun to listen to and a great invitation to what must surely be an interesting journey. Jensen’s guitar adds a sweet element to the song.

A second Willie Dixon classic, I Just Want To Make Love To You gives Kolassa a chance to team up with Heather Crosse. Crosse is a strong vocalist, and the way her voice has an edgy low growl makes this song one that catches you right away and won’t let go. Definitely going to be receiving airplay on Time For The Blues, and I suspect many other shows! I don’t have any of Crosse’s other recordings, but you better believe I’m ordering the others right now. Meow…

Victor Wainwright joins Kolassa for a great version of It’s Tight Like That. Originally written and performed by Hudson Whittaker, better known as Tampa Red, this is one of those great songs that features Red’s fun wordplay. This is a great example of Hokum Blues, and I, for one, hope that we will hear more of this style. Wainwright, who has just announced he’s joining the Ruf Records family, is one of the best keyboardists alive, and his vocals rock. Eric Hughes blows a great harp on the number.

One of the most alluring and sensual songs ever recorded, Fever, showcases Annika Chambers’ great voice. This jazzy number is deeply rooted in the blues, and Stephenson’s organ adds a deeper dimension to the song. This is a great late night song to unwind to after a long day, or to hold that certain someone a little closer for an even longer night…

Tas Cru steps up to the microphone for the next song, the powerful Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out. Hasan’s violin gives the song a sweet melancholy introduction before Kolassa’s vocals come in. This version of the song pulls out all the stops and Kolassa and Cru wring every drop of emotion out of the lyrics.

BB King’s Rock Me Baby features a great collaboration between Kolassa and Tullie Brae. Stephenson’s keyboards set up the song and while Kolassa’s vocals are good, Brae takes things higher. This is another song that will be appearing on a number of shows. It’s just plain fun and while it doesn’t try to capture King’s signature guitar sound, it takes on its own soul and remains very true to the spirit of the original.

The iconic Key To The Highway has been covered by just about every blues artist over the years. Now we can add Kolassa and Eric Hughes to that list. Hughes has already added his sweet harp to a couple of previous numbers, and here he brings both his harp and vocals to the song. It’s a good interpretation of a classic tune.

One more Willie Dixon number, Spoonful, features Kolassa and Erica Brown. They turn the song jazzy with Stephenson’s keys taking the lead. Kolassa has chosen his songs wisely, mixing some of the better known works by Dixon and Tampa Red with others that are great, but perhaps not as well known. Listen for Jensen’s guitar break and they way he trades off with Stephenson. Very nice interpretation.

Patti Parks joins Kolassa on a great cover of Hudson Whittaker’s It Hurts Me Too. This is one of Tampa Red’s most covered songs and one that resonates deeply with most audiences. It’s one of those songs where the singer just bares his or her heart and pours out the emotion. A truly wonderful gem of a song, and a great interpretation.

Early In The Morning features David Dunavent on guitar and vocals. This is a rocking blues number that will be showing up on my show, and I suspect many others as well. For those who like their blues with a bit of an edge, this is the one for you!

Another number from Hudson Whittaker, aka Tampa Red, Don’t You Lie To Me (Evil), brings Gracie Curran and Kolassa together. More great keys work from Stephenson overlaid with some funky guitar and Curran’s vocals are sweet and soulful at the same time.

Jensen teams up with his old friend on their version of Outside Woman Blues. Whenever they team up there are bound to be a few surprises, in this case a more rocking number than most of the previous tracks. Jensen is one of those guitar slingers who always turns in a great performance, and once you hear him, you’re always looking for his next release.

All of the previous vocalists join Kolassa on a fun, seven-minute version of Ain’t Nobody’s Business to close out the album. Everyone seems to be having a great time and it sounds like the recording of the album was a great party and a wonderful excuse for friends to get together. Wish I could have been a fly on the wall for this one!

Mick Kolassa may not be a household name, but within the blues world he is a well respected musician. He keeps that old school sound alive and isn’t shy about sharing the spotlight with his friends and colleagues. Since discovering his talents a few albums back, I have become a big fan of his work, and Double Standards will have a welcome place in my collection. ~Professor John

Double Standards

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Tas Cru - Simmered & Stewed

Size: 108,2 MB
Time: 45:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

01. Dat Maybe (2:29)
02. Grizzle N' Bone (3:45)
03. Feel I'm Falling (4:33)
04. Time And Time (5:02)
05. Road To My Obsession (5:23)
06. Biscuit (3:07)
07. Cover My Love (3:39)
08. Woman Won't You Love Me (4:11)
09. Just Let It Happen (3:18)
10. Tired Of Bluesmen Cryin' (4:29)
11. Higher And Higher (5:56)

Raucous, rowdy, gentle, sweet, eccentric, quirky, and outright irreverent are all words that fittingly describe Tas Cru's songs and testify to his reputation as one of the most unique bluesmen plying his trade today.

Cru has received wide praise for his songwriting. As Downbeat magazine notes, "His songs are blues poetry - crafted with rare verbal flair, and his ability to cast a memorable hook is magical!" Live, these songs are performed with power and passion; as observed by Living Blues magazine, "The vivacity and sheer joy with which Cru plays is intoxicating!"

His brand new album, SIMMERED AND STEWED ( VizzTone label group), consists of eleven songs flavored in most part by resonator, cigar box, and acoustic guitar. The album features harmonica, honky-tonk piano, Hammond B3 organ, and rich backing vocals.

Simmered & Stewed

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Tas Cru - Doggone Blues

Size: 111,4 MB
Time: 48:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

01. My Dog (4:59)
02. Ears Are Draggin' (3:46)
03. Cover My Fur (4:04)
04. Give Me A Biscuit (3:09)
05. Can't Stand The Cat (4:20)
06. Throw Me That Ball (3:50)
07. Bad Dog Bubba (6:22)
08. Maybe (1:58)
09. Won't Let You Make A Fool Of Me (2:33)
10. Mama Won't You Feed Me (4:47)
11. Break My Chain (4:30)
12. Sleepy Time (4:05)

Do dogs get the blues? How do we know? What gives them the blues?
Dogs are simply some of the finest people I know. They are always willing to listen, give comfort and best of all, keep our secrets! The older I get, the less I (Tas Cru) worry about what people think. But I do care what dogs think of me! As I have often said, I am blessed that dogs and kids seem to like me (other adults . . . well? . . . I do try.) So, with this album I get to do something to return their love - an album about dogs, for kids (of all ages) and I get to play the blues doing it – how great is that?
Ok, let’s get down to business. So . . . do dogs get the blues? Contrary to what animal behavior experts argue, my fans and I believe they do indeed. Prior to releasing this album I conducted a through and totally accurate and unbiased survey by way of Facebook. The 350+ likes and 100+ comments show conclusively that these experts must never actually have owned a dog! Like many people today who seem to value and trust people’s opinions over science, we therefore (you fans + me) proudly proclaim that dogs do indeed get the blues! Check out the fun insert to read about the many ways that dogs show that they do! We hope you enjoy listening to the twelve songs that explore some of these – desire for food and treats, need for longer walks and more playtime, battles with fleas and cats, and simply being misunderstood.

Doggone Blues

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Tas Cru - Even Bugs Sing The Blues

Size: 103,4 MB
Time: 40:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues, Kids
Label: Crustee Tees Records
Art: Front

01. Can't Chirp (3:21)
02. Spider Won't You Play (4:08)
03. Honeybee Put a Hurtin' On Me (3:43)
04. Grouchy-Mean Old Lady (5:17)
05. Voracious, Hungry Python (3:03)
06. I'm A Hungry Caterpiller (2:56)
07. Cham-E-Le-On (3:47)
08. Silly Turtle (5:37)
09. Clyde The Clod (3:35)
10. A Firefly Lullaby (4:47)

The album is a whimsical take on the blues genre telling the plights of lovable critters overcoming nature's challenges. They have the blues!

"Even Bugs Sing the Blues ...and some reptiles do too!" is a related work loosely based on children's stories by Eric Carle (e.g. The Very Hungry Caterpillar). Tas Cru is an an accomplished performer and songwriter well known to the blues world and is the recipient of the Blues Foundation's prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive Award in 2014 for blues education. This album is an entertaining way to introduce a new generation to the uniquely American music genre that is the blues with stories that are entertaining and familiar.

Even Bugs Sing The Blues

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Tas Cru - You Keep The Money

Released: 2015
Size: 129.4 MB
Time: 56:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Front

1. You Keep The Money [4:26]
2. A Month Of Somedays [5:22]
3. Half The Time [3:57]
4. La Belle Poutine [4:49]
5. Heart Trouble [4:00]
6. A Little More Time [5:52]
7. One Bad Habit [3:00]
8. Take Me Back To Tulsa [5:26]
9. Count On Me [5:14]
10. Holding On To You [4:59]
11. Bringing Out The Beast [4:24]
12. Thinking How To Tell Me Goodbye [4:56]

It's been said before but it bears repeating: one of the great things about writing about music is the opportunity to hear music you wouldn't hear otherwise. For instance, even if you are a big fan of the blues, it's distinctly possible that you wouldn't hear about Tas Cru unless someone directly introduced you to his music.

The album begins with the title track, which is just a complete blues song. In this tune, you'll hear a rhythm that will get your legs moving. That, however, is only one good part of the song. This song also features some great harmonica and guitar. this is the perfect song for a Sunday afternoon in a place that has live blues. It would definitely get the crowd moving and would help them forget that they have work the following day. Speaking of songs that will get you moving, "Half the Time" is another one that will do just that - even if you're in your living room or cubicle. If you like great harmonica, you will love this song that features an amazing solo.

Tas Cru is just as good at lowdown blues as he is at upbeat blues tunes. "A Month of Somedays" is a good example. This is a song about being left by your lover and dealing with the aftermath. This one will get you stomping your feet and reaching for the nearest bottle of whiskey, which is the perfect beverage to accompany this tune. That's not the only song that would go perfect with whiskey. "A Little More Time" is another slow burner that you feel as much as hear. In addition to the guitar and organ that drive the song, this one is accented nicely by some beautiful backing vocals that bring to mind some of the great old soul singers.

You Keep The Money

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Tas Cru - 2 albums: Tired Of Bluesmen Cryin' / Jus' Desserts

It is not for nothing Tas Cru has been called "the master of the triple entendre." His songs are blues poetry - telltale life lessons crafted with rare verbal flair and delivered with a power and passion the heights of which only the seasoned concert entertainer can reach. Rawcuss, rowdy, gentle, sweet, eccentric, quirky, and outright irreverent are all words that fittingly describe Tas Cru's songs and testify to his reputation as a one of the most unique of bluesmen plying his trade today!

Album: Tired Of Bluesmen Cryin'
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:14
Size: 119.6 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:29] 1. Tired Of Bluesmen Cryin'
[3:38] 2. Changin' My Ways
[5:55] 3. One More Time
[5:35] 4. Road To My Obsession
[5:18] 5. Try, Oh I Try!
[4:03] 6. That Lovin' Thang
[4:03] 7. Every Word You Say
[4:11] 8. Sure Do (Want To Fool Around)
[4:57] 9. Story Time
[5:27] 10. Heal My Misery
[4:31] 11. Dark Side Of The Mountain

Tired Of Bluesmen Cryin'

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Album: Jus' Desserts
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 47:08
Size: 107.9 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[4:16] 1. Just Let It Happen
[3:41] 2. Glad To Be Alive
[4:53] 3. The Real Deal
[6:37] 4. Time And Time
[2:29] 5. Dat Maybe
[5:50] 6. My Gps Mama
[5:06] 7. Eau De 'Nother Man
[3:25] 8. Kinda' Mess
[3:32] 9. Swing Doctor
[4:55] 10. Jus' Desserts
[2:19] 11. The Lucky Ones

Jus' Desserts

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