Interviews and Features on Indie Blues Artists
An Exclusive Interview with JoyAnn Parker! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud JOYANN PARKER – LEAD VOCALS / GUITAR/PIANO A professionally trained vocalist, pianist and songwriter, Joyann has been performing for over 20 years. Her dynamic and soulful vocals are instantly recognized the moment she takes the stage, adding the necessary sugar to make Sweet Tea. […]
AN Exclusive interview with Jason Vivione! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud “The spirit of ‘Big’ Joe Turner is alive and well enjoying life in the shape and form of one Kansas born and bred Jason Vivone; his vim, verve and simple lust for life takes musical shape in the delicious merging of hill country and […]
AN Exclusive interview with Steve Howell by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud When Steve Howell first heard Mississippi John Hurt’s happy style of fingerpicking country blues in 1965 at the age of thirteen, he immediately knew that the tame, folky style of strumming the guitar was a thing of the past for him. This revelation opened […]
An Intimate conversation with Benny Turner by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud A veteran musician of more than fifty years, Benny Turner has played everywhere from the Chitlin’ Circuit, to Europe, Japan, Australia, and all points in between. Content to be a sideman in support of the many giants he has worked with, in 2010 the […]
An Exclusive interview with Tommy Z by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Tommy Z is a contemporary blues guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer who has been described as a “blues treasure” by legendary 97 Rock/WBFO DJ Jim Santella (WBFO), and “one of WNY’s best kept secrets” by Sarah French, Blues Matters Magazine. Though he is a guitar-driven electric blues-based stylist […]
An Exclusive Interview with Karen Lovely by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Karen Lovely shot onto the blues scene out of the Pacific Northwest like Stack O’ Lee’s .44 placing 2nd at the 2010 International Blues Challenge followed by three 2011 Blues Music Award Nominations for BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES FEMALE ARTIST, BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES ALBUM and […]
An Exclusive Interview with Keith Stone! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud KEITH STONE IS A NEW ORLEANS GUITARIST/SINGER AND SONG WRITER WHOSE GUITAR VERSATILITY COMBINED WITH HIS SOULFUL BLUESY VOICE QUICKLY REVEAL HIS NEW ORLEANS ROOTS. Since his birth in uptown New Orleans in 1965 he’s been saturated with the sounds of the land from […]
An Exclusive interview with Tim Williams by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Tim Williams’ career began in the coffee houses of Southern California in the mid-1960s and continues today around the world from his home base on the Canadian Prairies. Tim has played festivals, folk clubs, concert halls and roadhouses from Rabat, Morocco, to Melbourne, Australia, […]
Making a Scene talks with Mike Zito by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud BEAUMONT, TX – On “The Road Never Ends,” the second track of Mike Zito’s new June 11 CD, Gone to Texas, he cranks things into the stratosphere with a sonic blast of electric slide guitar and blistering vocals, accompanied on vocals and harmonica […]
An Exclusive Interview with Ebony Jo-Ann by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Multiple award-winning theatre, film and television actress, Ebony Jo-Ann releases her new Blues CD, Please Save Your Love for Me on her independent label, Blackgold Production on Friday, September 18th. Ebony will kick-off the promotions for the album at this year’s National Black Theatre […]
An Exclusive interview with Bob Margolin by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud “MY ROAD” brings a fresh focus for Margolin – both musically and lyrically. “‘My Road’ reveals who I am today, musically and very personally. Each song takes a surprising turn from the others and my previous music. This breakthrough for me is informed by […]
An Exclusive interview with Shannon from the Stone Foxes by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud The Stone Foxes are San Francisco’s rock band. They bear the torch of their predecessors with the knowledge that rock ‘n roll can move a new generation. They’ve played in front of thousands at festivals like Outside Lands and Voodoo Fest, […]
An Exclusive interview with Larry Ganer by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Larry Garner was comfortable in the 9-to-5 routine of commuting to his day job, and making a good salary working for Dow Chemical. On his drive home one night, he was forced to take an alternate route. “There was an accident on the interstate, […]
An Exclusive Interview with Hurricane Ruth LaMaster! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Critics and fans hail their shows as powerful, raw, emotional and dynamic. The band’s contagious energy is evident in their live shows. The center of this energy is Hurricane Ruth LaMaster herself. Ruth is a captivating performer, who will grab your attention from […]
An Exclusive Interview with Jonn Del Toro Richardson by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Jonn Del Toro Richardson got his start at an early age, having grown up in a musical family. His grandmother and her siblings played in a touring mariachi band playing regionally through the Southeast and Southwest. After watching his uncles play at […]
An Exclusive interview with Randy McAllister by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Randy McAllister is one of the premier singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist to emerge from Texas. Heartbreak, humor, high hair and tall Texas tales all play a part in the song writing of Randy McAllister. His music has been hailed as some of the most original […]
An exclusive interview with Christina Vierra of Mississippi Bigfoot! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Christina grew up in a family of nine in Boston, where she started singing in clubs at the age of 14. Her early schooling in Blues and Rock helped her jump right into the scene when she moved to L.A. where […]
https://www.mickebjorklof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/bluestrip An Exclusive interview with Micke Bjorkolf by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Bandleader and singer Micke Bjorklof founded Blue Strip with bass player Seppo Nuolikoski in 1991. After a few changes at the very start the line up has been the same for over fifteen years. They started as an acoustic blues/rock cover band […]
An Exclusive interview with Shari Puorto of the Shari Puorto Band by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Shari Puorto Band is a Blues/Rock/Roots Band with a whole lotta soul who have been touring together for many years, sharing the stage with the likes of, Tab Benoit, Jimmy Vivino, Tommy Castro, Joe Bonamassa, Dickey Betts, Johnny Winter, […]
An Exclusive Interview with Whelan by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Sid Whelan Guitarist /Singer /Songwriter/Bandleader A blues-influenced Americana guitarist and songwriter, Sid Whelan cut his teeth on rock & roll and charted on Midwestern indie college radio in the mid ‘80’s with his song “NY Taxi.” Early in his career, Whelan was lead guitarists with […]
An Exclusive Interview with Tommy Castro by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Night after night, Tommy Castro, a fierce and fiery road warrior, fervently delivers his driving, blues-soaked, soul-baring music to fans all over the world. The road is where he honed his guitar playing to a razor’s edge. It’s where he learned how to captivate […]
An Exclusive Interview with Wendy Dewitt! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Throughout a career that included touring the United States and Europe with rhythm-and-blues legend Hank Ballard and nearly a quarter century at the helm of a powerhouse blues combo called Blue Saloon, boogie woogie and blues pianist and vocalist Wendy DeWitt always worked with […]
An Exclusive interview with Martin Barre by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Martin Barre has been the guitarist of Jethro Tull for 43 years, his sound and playing having been a major factor in their success. Album sales have exceeded 60 million units and they continue to be played worldwide, representing an important part of classic […]
An interview with Chris Beard!! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Guitarist, singer and songwriter Chris Beard is the son of Rochester-area blues guitarist Joe Beard. He has been patiently paying his dues on the club circuit around the Northeast for the last 20 years. Beard, who goes by the nickname “Prince of the Blues,” is […]
Exclusive Interview with Kail Baxley by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud On his second album A Light That Never Dies which will be released in North America on June 2, 2015 via Forty Below Records (MRI/RED), KaiL Baxley has returned with a hard hitting, lush and beautifully haunting collection of songs. Co-produced with Producer/Engineer Eric Corne […]
AN exclusive interview with Bob Lanza by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud There is only one way to play the blues: From the heart with ferocity as if your life depends on it. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bob Lanza from the wilds of north New Jersey leaves no doubt as to motivation with a scorching second […]
AN Exclusive interview with Trudy Lynn by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Trudy Lynn: International Blues Vocalist Blues singer Trudy Lynn remembers her parents’ collection of 78 rpm records being both fragile and durable. She recalls their brittle quality: “You got a whupping back in those days if you’d break one of them,” she says. “They […]
An Exclusive interview with Linsey Alexander by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Chicago is the blues capital of the world. If recent popularity is any kind of benchmark, Linsey Alexander just might be the hottest sound in town right now. Born in Mississippi and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Linsey Alexander discovered a down to earth city […]
An Exclusive Interview with Jimmy Burns by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Jimmy Burns is a contemporary bluesman who combines his Delta roots with R&B and soul to come up with a sound uniquely his own. Burns is a charismatic performer with an expressive, soulful, voice and a melodic guitar style to […]
An Exclusive interview with Laura Rain! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Motor City Soul-Blues-R&B dynamos Laura Rain and the Caesars are set to release their 3rd record entitled “Gold.” A collection of 12 original songs penned by vocalist Laura Rain and guitarist/producer George Friend, “Gold” harkens back to the golden age of soul, funk and […]
An Exclusive Interview with Dave Weld! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Born in Chicago in 1952, Dave was first influenced as a child when he found an old Victrola in the basement and wore out the blues 78’s. In high school the Stones, Clapton and Mayall first came out but Dave traded those records for […]
An Exclusive Interview with Georgie Bonds! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud The average person would be content with fulfilling just one dream, but not Georgie Bonds. He has managed two. Having once been a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s storied Black Cowboys organization, hard work and a twist of fate has brought Georgie to the heart […]
An Exclusive interview with DL Duncan by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud D.L. Duncan’s new self-titled CD places him right in the middle of today’s Blues & Americana groundswell. Recorded in Lafayette, Louisiana & Nashville, Tennessee, this 2015 release shows Duncan at his best. Upbeat & positive, humorous and sincere, the music jumps out of the […]
An Exclusive Interview with Mitch Woods!! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Jump blues, rock-a-boogie, boogie-woogie – call it what you like, blues fans and piano lovers will Jump For Joy over the new release by Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s. The San Francisco bluesman, long known for his showmanship and flair onstage, has finally […]
An Exclusive interview with Fiona Boyes by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Australian Blues guitarist and singer, Fiona Boyes, has been variously described by reviewers as a ‘musical anomaly’, ‘Bonnie Raitt’s evil twin’, or simply as ‘scaring the hell out of me’. How did this fair-haired gal, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, of Scottish and […]
An Exclusive Interview with Jack the Radio by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud “Jack the Radio is an indie blues band from Raleigh with a hard edged, bluesy-rock, Southern pop sound. The soulful blues stomp created by these garage twang rockers is a brilliant blend of styles smashed into one band, with sliding, tangling guitar lines and […]
An Exclusive interview with Little Boys Blue by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Little Boys Blue was formed in 1993 by Taylor and Patterson. As a duo, the group played blues clubs, festivals and competitions throughout the southeast. In 1997 they won third place in the International Blues Competition. They have two previous album releases on […]
An Exclusive interview with Josh Smith by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Josh Smith Was Born October 7, 1979 In Middletown, Connecticut. Before He Was 1, His Family Relocated To Florida, Eventually Settling In Pembroke Pines, A Suburb Of Fort Lauderdale. At Age 3, He Received His First Guitar And At 6, He Started Taking Guitar […]
An Exclusive Interview with Reverend FreakChild by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Reverend Freakchild (a.k.a. Billy, Bhoomisparsha, Fordham, Sal Paradise, Swaraj, Floyd Graves) In the tradition of such Blues Reverends as Rev. Gary Davis – such is the irreverent Reverend Freakchild. Like John Hammond Jr. he is a student of the Blues. He has played in […]
An Exclusive Interview with the Beat Daddys! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Formed in 1986, by core members Larry Grisham and Tommy Stillwell, The Beat Daddys have spent almost 30 years bringing the Blues and old school R&B to anyone with a soul that would listen. Nine international CD releases, several film & TV soundtrack […]
An Exclusive interview with Monkey Junk!! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud The 2008 birth of the Ottawa-based band MonkeyJunk came along just when music fans needed them the most. They brought an accessible and refreshing blend of swamp-rock roots and blues to the table and haven’t looked back. In the relatively short time they’ve been […]
An Exclusive interview with Oz Noy! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud “It’s Jazz. It just doesn’t sound like it.” This is how virtuoso guitarist Oz Noy describes his intoxicating blend of jazz, funk, rock, blues, and r&b. Born in Israel, Oz started his professional career at the age of 13 playing jazz, blues, pop and […]
An Exclusive interview with Diane Blue by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Boston’s DIANE BLUE is a soul-stirring vocalist, skillful harmonica player and a crowd-pleasing entertainer. Voted “Outstanding Female Singer” in The Blues Audience 2011 Readers’ Poll, Ms. Blue is a soulful and sassy performer with a strong and energetic delivery, serving up her own spin […]
An Exclusive interview with Danielle Nicole! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud A 2014 Blues Music Award winner, there’s not a time in her life that singer/ bassist/ songwriter Danielle Nicole (born Danielle Nicole Schnebelen) doesn’t remember loving to perform. As a child, she would sing for her family at holidays and took tap, jazz and […]
An Exclusive interview with The Reverend Shawn Amos! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Debut full-length blues album features guest appearances by Grammy winners Blind Boys of Alabama and 2x Grammy nominated Mindi Abair, who also makes debut as album producer. Certified pure blues singer, harmonica player, songwriter and producer, The Reverend Shawn Amos is on […]
https://www.eddiecottonjr.com/ https://www.facebook.com/eddiecottonblues An Exclusive Interview with Eddie Cotton! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Winner of the 2015 International Blues Challenge in Mempis Tn. Eddie Cotton, Jr. is an electric blues guitarist from Clinton, Mississippi. A minister’s son, Eddie Cotton Jr. grew up singing and playing gospel music at church and playing the music of blues […]
An Exclusive Interview with Matt Schofield! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud The Schofield story is exploding internationally; the world is sitting up and taking note. Back from another well-received US tour, Schofield is expanding his borders. The LA Times stated, “In Schofield, the UK has produced the best blues guitarist from any country in decades. […]
An Exclusive interview with Chris O’Leary by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Chris’s musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band The Barnburners. During the 6 years that Chris and Levon played together they toured across the US and Canada […]
An Exclusive Interview with Nick Fishman by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud San Francisco based drummer and bandleader Nick Fishman’s debut album California Fresh brings blues into the modern world with a slickness and big city sophistication currently found nowhere else in the idiom. The album, which features an eight piece band made up of San […]
An Exclusive Interview with Randall Bramblett! by Richard Lhommedieu on Mixcloud Randall Bramblett’s distinguished body of work is defined by a triple threat career as an acclaimed solo artist, an in-demand songwriter and a first call sideman. Among the artists who’ve recorded and performed Bramblett’s songs are Bettye LaVette, Hot Tuna, Delbert McClinton and most […]
