Robert Finley Age Don’t Mean A Thing Big Legal Mess Records/Fat Possum Records Robert Finley was born in Bernice Louisiana. At the age of eleven his father gave him money to buy a new pair of shoes and he purchased a guitar instead. He joined the Army at the age of 17 as a helicopter […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Based out of Dallas-TX, “Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch” is a high-energy trio that blends jump blues, hard-hitting rock, vintage soul/r&b, and traces of 60’s country into a unique-but-familiar sound that always maintains the essence of the blues while simultaneously offering a fresh take on the genre. The band is comprised […]
Sugar Ray & The Bluetones Seeing is Believing Severn Records Sugar Ray & The Bluetones have been nominated for numerous Blues Music Awards. In 2016 they were nominated for Band of The Year for the third time; they were previously nominated for this award in both 2012 and 2015. This is the Bluetones seventh record for […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Raised on a turpentine farm among nine brothers and three sisters, Gitlo Lee’s passion for the blues as a youngster was repressed by his devout Christian parents. Nonetheless, he sneaked around juke joints to listen to what some called the “devilish” sound of the blues. He even built himself a primitive […]
The Joey Gilmore band Respect The Blues Mosher St. Records In a fifty year career Joey Gilmore has shared the stage with Bobby “Blue” Bland, Etta James, James Brown, Little Milton and Little Johnny Taylor. He was born in Ocala, Florida and released his self-titled first album in 1977. His next recording was 1989’s“So Good […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Hard Swimmin’ Fish is an ensemble deeply rooted in the traditions of American music. Our down home roots sound pilfers from the best that early American music has to offer including blues, jazz, funk and swing, and churn it all up into a spicy brew that is familiar yet uniquely our […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE 2015 BLUES BLAST MUSIC AWARD NOMINEE SEAN COSTELLO RISING STAR AWARD! LET IT RAIN – 2016 GRAMMY BALLOT FOR BEST BLUES ALBUM! Born outside Chicago, Deb began appearing on stage as a young teen at her step father’s famous nightclub The Topanga Corral, where she opened for such blues legends as […]
Deb Ryder Grit, Grease and Tears The elements needed for a great Blues song, or album are fairly straight forward; a solid rhythm section, hot lead guitar, smooth keys, a punctuating horn section, hot harmonica and scorching, soulful vocals singing about hard times, heartache, and fond memories. Deb Ryder boldly declares it also requires three […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Considered a true rising star in the blues world ever since her debut album, Allow Me to Confess, brought her world-wide acclaim in 2007, Gina manages to raise the bar even further with The Alabama Sessions, which she recorded and produced in legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and where she throws down […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE The roots of the McKee Bros. project go back to 70s Ann Arbor and Detroit, where Ralph McKee, inspired by his college roommate, guitarist Bob Doezema (now a Berklee professor who tours with Al Kooper), bought a cheap bass and a Silvertone amp and started to teach himself to play. After […]
Lurrie Bell Can’t Shake This Feeling Delmark Records Lurrie Bell was born in Chicago in 1958. As a youngster he was surrounded by Blues music as his father was the renowned harmonica player Carey Bell. The younger Bell first picked up the guitar at the age of six and polished his playing skills with Big […]
“All Things Must Pass” The rise and fall of Tower Records (96 minute DVD) www.MVDb2b.com – MVDvisual The death of Tower Records was a major blow for many of us who grew up purchasing vinyl LP’s, seven inch forty-fives and CD’, laser discs, and DVD’s. This triumphant and reflective DVD “All Things Must Pass,” is […]
Matthew Skoller Blues Immigrant Tongue ‘n Groove Records Harmonica player and vocalist Matthew Skoller was born and raised in New York City. He relocated to Chicago in 1987 and began apprenticing with Jimmy Rogers, Big Daddy Kinsey, Big Time Sarah, and Dietra Farr. Skoller’s first recording was 1996’s “Bone to Pick With You”. He followed […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Lex Grey has mesmerized music lovers since she came thundering onto the scene like Mae West on a motorcycle. Rising to the status of a cult rock diva, this multiple ASCAP Songwriting Award-winner delivers a repertoire that blends the tortured soul of the blues with bawdy burlesque and Brooklyn attitude. Born in the back room […]
Liz Mandeville The Stars Motel Blue Kitty Records Liz Mandeville moved to Chicago in 1979. Four years after first hearing Luther Allison and Koko Taylor she began to front her own band. The winner of many songwriter awards Mandeville recorded her first four albums for Earwig Records. In 2012 she released “Clarksdale” on her own […]
Bob Lanza Blues Band “It’s Time To Let Go” Connor Ray Music Bob Lanza was a member of the New Jersey blues scene for quite some time before receiving recognition. He learned by apprenticing as he played guitar with pianist Floyd Phillips (of the Johnny Copeland Band), James Cotton and Dave Perkins. Lanza’s earliest appearance […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Originally from Houston, Texas, Teresa 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 the US and […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE They were a hit at the Kaslo Jazz Fest in 04, where they played as a duo and shared the bill with Juno award winners Colin James and Jeff Healey, The Brubreck Brothers and Ruthie Foster and were also the opening guests for the legendary songwriter, session man, producer, piano man, […]
Bobby Rush Porcupine Meat Rounder Records Emmit Ellis Jr. better known as Bobby Rush was born in Homer, Louisiana in November of 1933. The family moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas and as a youngster he befriended Elmore James. Rush eventually formed his own band. When he was twenty the family moved to Chicago; Rush met […]
Bobby Rush “Porcupine Meat” Rounder Records www.Rounder.com At eighty-two years old the seemingly forever youthful Bobby Rush would not be on anyone’s shortlist for signing a new major label contract and kicking off what seems to be a new page for his already lengthy and successful career. Add to the mix “Porcupine Meat” producer Scott […]
Bruce Katz Band Out From The Center American Showplace Music Bruce Katz is able to coax soulful tones out of his keyboards. Katz appears on albums by Ronnie Earl, Mighty Sam McClain, Delbert McClinton, Greg Allman, and countless other artists. This is Katz’s eighth album in his own name. His last recording was 2014’s “Homecoming”, […]
Vaneese Thomas The Long Journey Home Segue Records Memphis born Vaneese Thomas is the daughter of Rufus Thomas (“Walking The Dog”) and the sister of Carla Thomas (“Gee Whiz”). She released her first album “Vaneese” in 1987. Her last album “Blues for My Father” garnered Thomas three Blues Music Award nominations including Female Soul Blues […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Well-established as a top Blues sax sideman for more than 30 years, Nancy Wright released a new blues/roots CD in early 2015, adding vocal and songwriting dimensions to her artistry. “Putting Down Roots” consists of twelve blues/roots originals (six instrumentals and six vocals) spanning blues, R&B, New Orleans, funk, and gospel […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Mary Jo Curry is an electrifying, engaging, entertaining, powerhouse blues vocalist based in Central Illinois. Legendary, BMA nominated, international recording artist, James Armstrong, said that “Mary Jo has a voice, confidence, and stage presence that is hard to find these days.” Mary Jo has just completed recording her first CD, simply […]
Deb Ryder Grit Grease & Tears Bejeb Music Deb Ryder was born in Chicago and influenced by the Blues and Jazz she heard there. While in her teens the family moved to Los Angeles where she would often perform at her step-father’s nightclub “The Topanga Corral”. She opened for her friend and neighbor Bob Hite, […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Most musicians can proudly recall their age and stage in life when they received their introduction to blues music. It is a coming of age in a sense – before the blues and after the blues. For Vancouver’s James ‘Buddy’ Rogers, life as he knew it was inherently different after discovering […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Queens native Little Mike grew up on the very competitive New York City music scene. He started playing harp at age 14 and took up piano two years later. His first brush with the blues came while hearing John Lee Hooker at Carnegie Hall and later listening to a Paul Butterfield […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE “If there’s a place for musical perfection, it’s wherever you’ll find Eric Sommer – A blistering acoustic style plus a variety of slide and open tuning formats will knock you for a loop…” wrote Studdie Burns, Melody Hut UK in 2013. “How one guy can do this so well is remarkable, […]
Israeli blues-rockers The Blues Rebels released their second album earlier this year, and it is a solid success. Produced by Blues Hall of Famer Joe Louis Walker, it consists of 12 original numbers by vocalist and harmonica player Dov Hammers and guitarist Andy Watts. With the reset of the group, Amos Springer on bass, Avi […]
The Meters “A Message from the Meters” The Complete Josie, Reprise & Warner Bros. Singles 1968-1977 (2CD’s) www.RealGoneMusic.com This wouldn’t be the first time a label released a two-disc set on The Meters. Previously (1995) Rhino issued “Funkify Your Life: The Meters Anthology” that covered forty-three songs. Roll forward to 2016: Real Gone Music has […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Vaneese is the daughter of Rufus Thomas, whose legendary career as a musician and entertainer began in Vaudeville and spanned more than half a century in rhythm-and-blues recording and radio. Her older siblings are the hit recording artist “Memphis Queen” Carla Thomas and the highly respected keyboardist […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Jeffrey Lynn Fulks Jr. now known as JL Fulks was born in Greenville, South Carolina in 1990. At age 13, he began playing guitar, after being inspired by his father’s love for the blues. JL’s immediate prowess with the instrument led to him joining The Praise Band at a local Christian […]
Duke Robillard Band Blues Full Circle Stony Plain Records Duke Robillard formed Roomful of Blues in 1967. Since 1992 he has performed as the Duke Robillard Band accumulating 22 Blues Music Award nominations and winning 6 times. He won four times as Best Instrumentalist – Guitar and once as Traditional Male Artist of Year; and […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bob Lanza from the wilds of north New Jersey leaves no doubt as to motivation with a scorching second release following his debut Things Ain’t So Bad (2009). Years with Floyd Phillips and the Mudflaps and backing legends like James Cotton prepared his audition as a new […]
Jesse Dayton The Revealer (Blue Elan records) There is much debate these days as to what is “Real Country music,” but there is no doubt when you hear Texas guitarist, singer/songwriter Jesse Dayton on his new album, The Revealer, released in September of 2016 that he is “The Real Deal.” Dayton won his bonafide stature […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE For Immediate Release! Liz Mandeville has been named to the List “40 Great Indie Musicians To Watch!” by the Alternative Root Magazine! After a record year in 2015 that saw Liz set personal bests for CD sales and festival performances (despite having a broken right foot!) Liz has spent every spare moment […]
Sari Schorr is just the sort of powerful and passionate female blues-rock singer that this reporter loves best. She has the power of Joan Jett or Pat Benetar when she rocks out and the passion of Janis Joplin with the subtlety and ability to convey emotion of the great Bessie Smith when she slows it […]
Annika Chambers Wild & Free Under The Radar Music Group Annika Chambers was born and raised in the Houston, Tx. area. Influenced by Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, and Dottie Peoples she began singing gospel. While serving eight years in the Army, with tours in Kosovo and Iraq, she began to develop an appreciation for the […]
by Rhetta Akamatsu Little G Weevil has a new album out, Three Chords Too Many, and it is very special, as Weevil’s albums always are. It was hard to imagine he could equal Moving and the albums that came before it, but it does. Sticking to the acoustic, traditional blues he loves, this album gives Weevil […]
Grateful Dead “Dave’s Picks Vol. 19” Honolulu, HI – 1/23/1970 (3CD’s) www.Dead.net – www.Rhino.com Even though the front cover states (Honolulu Civic Auditorium, Honolulu, HI: 1/23/70,) this three CD box-set collects (on discs one and two) performances from Jan. 23rd. But disc three is entirely dedicated to the second Honolulu performance on Jan 24th at […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Mississippi-based, Grammy Award winning songwriter, entertainer/musician, Grady Champion has been captivating audiences for more than two decades. The singer/harp player/guitarist/songwriter/producer signed to Malaco Records, headquartered in nearby Jackson, MS, in 2013; his first full-length release with the legendary blues label was released the following year. His album, Bootleg Whiskey, named for […]
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Strong Like That Severn Records Formed in 1974 by Kim Wilson, Jimmie Vaughan, Keith Ferguson and Mike Buck The Fabulous Thunderbirds have just released their fourteenth album. They had a top ten hit in 1986 with “Tuff Enuff” which helped insure their longevity. That same year they won The Blues Music Award […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE The beautiful and talented Annika Chambers hails from Houston, Texas. As a child, she always wanted to sing, but her dreams of enlisting in the Army and attaining a degree in radio and TV broadcasting took her on a slight detour.Since completing her 7 1/2 year term with the US Army, […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Harpdog Brown is a gifted singer and an imaginative harmonica player that has been a strong force in Canada’s Blues scene since 1982. Born in Edmonton, Alberta and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, he’s crossed tens of thousands of miles playing club dates and festivals in Canada, North Western United States […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Bruce Katz is a four time (2008, 2009, 2010, 2015) Nominee for the Blues Music Award (W.C. Handy Award) for “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year”, selected by the Blues Foundation of Memphis, TN. While Blues is a very important part of his music, Bruce’s music has more angles and […]
Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters Maxwell Street Stony Plain Records Ronnie Earl formed The Broadcasters twenty-five years ago and is a three time Blues Music Award winning guitarist. Earl dedicates this new album “Maxwell Street” to both David Maxwell, his friend and soul brother, and to that famed Chicago location where musicians gathered to play […]
New Orleans Suspects Kaleidoscoped Louisiana Red Hot Records This band first played together in 2009 at The Maple Leaf Bar; they called themselves The Unusual Suspects. They decided to tour in 2011 and renamed themselves The New Orleans Suspects. That same year they released their self-titled first album. They followed up with 2012’s “Caught Live […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Born in South Florida and raised in N.Y.C., Lee’s earliest influence to be a musician was when his dad took him to see a Pete Seeger Concert on a pier on Staten Island. Shortly thereafter Delray saw Elvis Presley for the first time. It was a broadcast of his “69 Comeback” […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK Smoky Greenwell was born in Michigan on the 4th of July 1951, reared in Delaware, and schooled in Spain and Tennessee. Greenwell learned harmonica in earnest in the mid-1970’s by sitting in with the venerable blues masters Furry Lewis, Piano Red and Mose Vincent. Greenwell’s career as a first-call sessions player began […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Mixing R&B, funk, Motown, and soul with strong blues and gospel vocals, and tossing in ska and reggae rhythms for occasional seasoning, JJ Thames has a powerful stage presence, and more than enough talent to back it up as a songwriter and as a performer. Her story reads like a classic […]