Marcia Ball Shine Bright Alligator Records Marcia Ball was born in Vinton, Louisiana, on the Texas borderline. As a child she began playing piano but it wasn’t until she witnessed a live performance by Irma Thomas that she discovered the power of soul music. She soon enrolled at Louisiana State University where she began her […]
Marcia Ball Shine Bright Alligator It’s hard to believe that the hard-working, effervescent Marcia Ball is now fifty years into her career. Surely, she’s been honored and recognized. There are not many who can claim this kind of resume: ten Blues Music Awards, ten Living Blues Awards, five Grammy nominations, and induction into the Gulf […]
Marcia Ball The Tattooed Lady and The Alligator Man Alligator Records Marcia Ball is a Texas and Louisiana roots music icon. This new album is her fifth for Alligator Records and seventeenth album overall. Ball has been nominated for 42 Blues Music Awards and has won nine times. She has been “Piano Player of The […]
Marcia Ball is a romping, stomping boogie-woogie piano player with a voice made for expressing strong emotions and for singing party songs and telling raucous stories. It’s not a subtle voice or piano style. It’s made for straight-out fun and that is what you will have with The Tattooed Lady and the Alligator Man. Ball […]
Tinsley Ellis Naked Truth Alligator Records Atlanta’s Tinsley Ellis Offers Making a Scene Some Peeks Behind the Scenes of Naked Truth, His First All Acoustic Album “I still have that string!” The excitement Tinsley Ellis felt as a 15-year-old when B.B. King handed him his broken string from the stage resonates as if 51 years […]
Mitch Woods Friends Along the Way Club 88 When one views this double-CD project from pianist and vocalist Mitch Woods, with its abundance of blues artists, the immediate reaction is that this must be a career accumulation of sessions, as the title says, “along the way” and that it seems like an artifact of the […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mudslide Charley Mudslide Charley is a Missoula, Montana-born band that plays gutbucket blues and house rockin’ roots rock. We draw inspiration from a more antiquated era when Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker first fused the rough and rural vibes of Southern acoustic blues with modern electric […]
The Contenders The Contenders Southern Moon Sometimes an album, even one that’s been out of print for some time, just refuses to die. Such is the case for The Contenders, an immensely talented group of Carolinian singer-songwriters with eclectic tastes that merged in the late’70s in Nashville. The scene was ripe and burgeoning at the […]
Tracy Nelson Life Don’t Miss Nobody BMG Ms. “Mother Earth” may have taken a long break, but she sure hasn’t missed a beat. Tracy Nelson celebrates her calling with Life Don’t Miss Nobody, her first new album since 2011’s Victim of the Blues. Nelson began recording acoustic blues in 1965 in her hometown Madison, […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Teresa James Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps are on quite a roll. Her persuasive pipes slathered in honey and soaked in Texas-bred sass, keyboardist Teresa James and her band, the Rhythm Tramps, have long reigned as one of Los Angeles’ leading contemporary blues outfits, even […]
Johnny Nicholas A Tribute to Moon Mullican, Volumes 1 & 2 Valcour Records Aubrey Wilson “Moon” Mullican (1909-1967) is considered by many to have been the king of honky-tonk pianists during the 1930s and ‘40s. None other than Jerry Lee Lewis covered several of Mullican’s songs and sang his praises for the ways he bridged […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an interview with Barbara Blue Pittsburgh, PA native Barbara Blue doesn’t remember life without music. Her answer to the question “When did you start singing?” will always be “since the day I was born and my plan is to exit this life the same way”. Early childhood years were spent singing […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey’s Interview with Cros! “As a presenter of a music show I’m constantly on the look out for something new that really excites me . It’s always something special when you make a discovery like this. You get goosebumps it makes you realize why you love music […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Angela Strehli Husky-voiced blues and soul singer Angela Strehli has often been called the “First Lady of Texas Blues.” Indeed, her contributions both on and off stage have done much to propel the Austin blues scene toward international prominence. Whether recording with such friends as […]
Angela Strehli Ace of Blues New West Records Angela Strehli “Ace of Blues” is Strehli’s first album in 17 years co-produced by her and her husband Bob Brown. Many will remember her 1990 album “Dreams Come True” with Marcia Ball and Lou Ann Barton and as part 2009’s Blues Broads also featuring Tracy Nelson. Strehli’s […]
Making a Scene Presents an Interview with “The Texas Horns” The Texas Horns, widely recognized as the preeminent hard-blowing three-piece blues, soul, and roots music horn section, bring 25 years of stellar live performances, acclaimed session work, and solid album production to their every effort. Based in Texas in Austin and San Antonio, The Texas […]
The Texas Horns Everybody Let’s Roll Blue Heart Everybody Let’s Roll is the third album for the vaunted three=piece horn section, The Texas Horns –Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff (tenor saxophone, harmonica, vocals), John Mills (baritone saxophone), and Al Gomez (trumpet). Each of these members pens originals, together making up eleven of the thirteen tracks. You’ve likely […]
Carolyn Wonderland Tempting Fate Texas blues sensation Carolyn Wonderland has certainly been on the fast-track these past few years. After holding a highly-coveted spot as guitarist in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, a position previously held by legends such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor, Wonderland signed to the beloved Alligator Records label. That just does not happen by chance. This kind of positioning only happens with talent, and […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Teresa James of Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps Her persuasive pipes slathered in honey and soaked in Texas-bred sass, keyboardist Teresa James and her band, the Rhythm Tramps, have long reigned as one of Los Angeles’ leading contemporary blues outfits, even though their uncommonly imaginative […]
HOME PAGE LINDSAY BEAVER HOME PAGE BRAD STIVERS Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lindsay Beaver and Brad Stivers Lindsay Beaver When blues-rocking, soul-singing drummer, songwriter and bandleader Lindsay Beaver takes the stage, she makes an immediate and unforgettable impression. Standing front and center at her kit, singing every song from the depths of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Emily Duff Emily Duff’s small batch brand of SWEET & SOUR ROCK AND ROLL WITH A GREAT BIG HIT OF COUNTRY SOUL, digs deep, weaving a patchwork of sin, tragedy, romance and regret that lies at your feet begging to be mended. A dark optimist, Emily […]
Making a Scene Presents the 2021 Independent Blues Awards! Congratulations to all the nominees! The 2021 Independent Blues Awards nominations are now in and ready for you to vote on. We do things a bit different than other awards in that we give you the opportunity to explore and experience artists and music […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Veronica Lewis Veronica Lewis is an exciting, emerging talent in the Blues & Roots world. A mesmerizing live performer with serious piano chops, soaring vocals, and songs that boogie away your blues. She’s a seasoned pro at 17, rocking the piano and electrifying audiences with music that’s exciting […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lloyd Jones Portland, Oregon roots artist Lloyd Jones has recorded six critically acclaimed albums, toured internationally, and racked up dozens of major awards and accolades. He’s a relentless road dog, hitting festival stages, Delbert’s annual Sandy Beaches Cruises (he’s been a regular on six winter cruises), […]
Veronica Lewis You Ain’t Unlucky Blue Heart Records/Nola Blue Veronica Lewis hails from Haverhill, Ma. located thirty-five miles north of Boston on the New Hampshire border. Encouraged by her mother (and manager) Nancy Leotta she began playing piano when she was 6 years old. The performer has been honing her rhythmically complex piano chops and […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Emily Duff NYC based songwriter, Emily Duff is at it again. Almost exactly one year after the release of her Muscle Shoals FAME gang gospel album, Hallelujah Hello, Emily returns with Born on the Ground, Nine “love” songs that capture nine different relationship break-ups from her past. Produced […]
Ruthie Foster Big Band Live At The Paramount Blue Corn Music The sensational Ruthie Foster has a total of twelve Blues Music Award nominations. She won her first BMA for Contemporary Blues Female Artist in 2010; but between 2011 and 2019 she won The Traditional Blues Female Artist Award a.k.a. The Koko Taylor Award seven […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jack Licitra! Jack’s Waterfall is the musical adventure of singer/songwriter and musician, Jack Licitra. Pop, blues, jazz, folk, gospel and global music all meet at The Waterfall, a place of healing and learning. Sometimes Jack performs solo and other times with a group, but there is […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Betty Fox With an extensive background in gospel and a lifelong passion for soul music, Betty Fox has come a long way from her southern roots to headlining festivals and captivating thousands with her raw swagger and unwavering talent. Once the 2015 representative of the Suncoast […]
Whitney Shay Stand Up! Ruf Records Whitney Shay began fronting a band and singing blues and jazz in 2009. In 2012 she released her debut recording “Soul Tonic”. She performs over 200 dates a year and is a four-time winner at the San Diego Music Awards. She released her follow-up album 2018’s “A Woman Rules […]
The Jimmys Gotta Have It Brown Cow Productions The Jimmys are an R n’ B band formed by Jimmy Voegeli in 2008. By day the Wisconsin native works on his family’s fifth generation dairy farm with 200 Brown Swiss dairy cows. At night Voegeli is an award winning musician. In the liner notes Voegeli thanks […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with Doug Duffey Multi award-winning Doug Duffey and BADD are a North Louisiana-based quartet specializing in 100% original ‘Bayou Funk’, ‘Swampadelic’, Bluesiana and Delta Soul music. Influenced by old school 70’s funk and soul classics, as well as their native regional New Orleans funk, Memphis Soul, Louisiana […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Teresa James Teresa James was born and raised in Houston, Texas where she was introduced to music at an early age by her father and grandfather, both guitar players in the old tradition. She started playing piano at five and hasn’t stopped since. Teresa has been […]
The Results are in for the Making a Scene 2019 Independent Blues Awards! We at Making A Scene are excited because this year we had a fantastic diverse selection of nominees. Now, of course we have to do things a little different than any of the other “Awards” out there. We want to celebrate not […]
The Texas Horns Get Here Quick Severn Records Tenor saxophonist Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff has played on approximately 200 recording sessions starting out in the 1980’s on Blacktop Records. He appears on albums by Earl King, Marcia Ball, Anson Funderburgh, Ronnie Earl, and many others. He played on 1999’s “Lone Star Shootout” with guitarists, Lonnie Brooks, […]
Mighty Mike Schermer Bad Tattoo Firedog Records/Vizztone Label Group As a youngster Mike Schermer played guitar, trumpet and clarinet. He played in school and in various bands. Then one night in 1984 he saw Albert Collins and it was a life changer. Schermer soon expanded his influences to include T-Bone Walker, Howlin’ Wolf, Ray Charles, […]
Glen Clark You Tell Me Glenco Records In the early nineteen seventies Glen Clark formed a duo with fellow Texan Delbert McClinton. They released the album “Delbert & Glen” and a year later followed up with “Subject To Change”. The duo blended blues with country, soul and rock. The two albums helped established both of […]
The Staff at LIVE from the Midnight Circus and Making a Scene want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As our gift to you we present our Christmas podcast as well as a very special EXTENDED Christmas Spotify Playlist for you to enjoy as you prepare for your […]
Making a Scene Presents Richard Ludmerer’s Top 40 Indie Blues Recordings of 2018 (In no particular order) Richard Ludmerer was the first writer that believed in what we were doing here at Making a Scene! He has become a valuable partner and a big reason we have become successful! He is unarguably one of the most […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Rachelle Coba! Rachelle has consistently brought the house down to cheering audiences around the world by bringing her own high-powered brand of Blues; from soul, to country, to uptown, onto the stage. Rachelle’s take on the blues is unexpectedly honest and mesmerizing. With her […]
THE BLUES FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE RECIPIENTS OF 2019’s PRESTIGIOUS “KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE” AWARDS The eleven honorees will be feted at the KBA Awards event to be held during the 35th International Blues Challenge taking place in Memphis January 22-26, 2019. ________________________________________ MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Friday, January 25, 2019, The Blues Foundation will honor 11 individuals and organizations […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Making a Scene presents an interview with Indie Blues Artist Barbara Blue! Born and raised in Pittsburgh Pa, Barbara has had the blues since the day she was born. She has been performing on Beale Street 21+ years ( June 7, 1997) 5 nights a week. (Always check her schedule page before planning […]
Lindsay Beaver Tough as Love Alligator Records Lindsay Beaver is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She grew up in a working class family. Her parents loved soul music and as a child she used to sing around the house. At age 11 she fell in love with hip, hop which led her back to blues and […]
With their recent signing to Nola Blue Records and the release of “Premonition of Love” on April 13, 2018, along with the successful 2017 release of “Let’s Do This Thing”, Kathy Murray and her band, the electrifying Kilowatts, reassert their place in the blues pantheon that helps Austin, TX keep its reputation as the Live […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Originally from Houston, Texas, indie blues artist Teresa James is based in Los Angeles where she has assembled a group of some of the top LA based touring and session musicians in her band, The Rhythm Tramps. They have been working in the LA area and at blues festivals and clubs throughout […]
What a great weekend for Indie Blues and Blues! We have Ms. Beverly Watkins’ birthday party, Sugar Ray Rayford,, Marcia Ball, Markey Blue and Ric Latina, Big Bill Morganfield and so much more blues! Just check the list below! Friday Sugar Ray Rayford comes to the Vista Room in Decatur. Houserocker Johnson & The Shadows are at Blind […]
It’s the first of the month and the news is a little scarce. For instance, I don’t yet know who is at Fat Matt’s and only one night for Blind Willie’s. Still, these shows give you some choices and by the weekend I will know more. If your favorite club is not listed, call them directly […]
Laurie Morvan Gravity Screaming Lizard Laurie Morvan’s sixth and most polished release, continues to move away from an angry blues rock attack to a smoother, more strictly blues-based guitar accompanying her songs and lyrics, which now have more of the focus than on her earlier efforts. And yes, she is becoming a stronger songwriter. Don’t […]
Mitch Woods Friends Along The Way Entertainment One Mitch Woods was born in Brooklyn, NY and classically trained at the State University in Buffalo. Woods fell in love with boogie-woogie piano and began his recording career on the west coast when he released 1984’s “Steady Date with Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88’s” on the […]
HOME PAGE FACE BOOK PAGE It has been said that the sum is always greater than the parts. The parts can be good but together they are exceptional and that holds true in the case of MVP. The Milligan Vaughan Project or MVP is a musical partnership between Austin’s highly acclaimed vocalist Malford Milligan – […]
