Dylan Jack Quartet The Tale of the Twelve-Foot Man Creative Nation Music Last October on these pages we covered the inventive set of covers from the duo, guitarist Eric Hofbrauer and drummer Dylan Jack, entitled Remains of Echoes which has them addressing not only jazz but rock. Any group that puts Miles and Ornette Coleman […]
Louisiana’s Leroux One of Those Days Gulf Coast Records First formed in 1977 the Baton Rouge based band changed its name to Louisiana’s LeRoux “the French term for the thick and hearty gravy base that’s used to make a gumbo” just before releasing their 1978 eponymous debut. The album contained their single “New Orleans Ladies”, […]
Home Page Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mark Telesca! Mark Telesca is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, bassist, band leader and author. He has started off the New Year of 2020 with a new solo acoustic CD titled “ Higher Vibrations” along with a new book titled “Love Music-Hate Cancer” “Higher Vibrations” is […]
Antonio Adolfo BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento AAM Music Last year on these pages we brought you Antonio Adolfo, pianist/composer/arranger, one the founders of Brazilian jazz from the early ‘60s, and his Samba Jazz Alley, a tribute to early bossa nova before it became hugely popular globally. Adolfo is a multi-Latin Grammy winner and Grammy nominee […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Zakiya Hooker Zakiya Hooker was born in the Motor City – Detroit, Michigan – but she was also born into the blues. You could even say she had a front-row seat to the best the genre had to offer, right in her own living room – […]
Dave Bryant Night Visitors SE There are plenty of free jazz, improvisational ensembles that are doing great explorative work yet some, at least for many listeners, are just not quite accessible enough. By now, if you’ve gotten this far, you know that we’ve covered plenty of free, avant-garde material, but you may not realize that […]
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne Go, Just Do It! Stony Plain Records Spokane, Washington’s Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne was born in 1944. His mother instilled in him a love for the music of Nat King Cole, Little Willie John and Fats Domino. He was further influenced by the music he listened to while growing up including […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Corey Lueck of the Smoke Wagon Blues Band! Featuring whisky-stained soul vocals, funky blues harmonica, slick R&B/roots guitar, swinging piano work, soulful organ, riveting saxophone, with a racy, taut rhythm section, The Smoke Wagon Blues Band has been performing on festival stages for over two decades. […]
Jenny Reynolds Any Kind of Angel Self-released New Englander Jenny Reynolds is one of many singer-songwriters who found a musical home in Austin. She fits right in with that defining trait of Texas singer-songwriters – storytelling. And, with this, her fourth album, she’s long earned the respect of some of the city’s best musicians. Those […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Laila Biali! Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali has toured with Chris Botti, Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega and Sting. She has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents including Carnegie Hall. Her accolades include a 2019 JUNO Award for “Vocal Jazz Album of the […]
Azat Bayazitov The Doors Are Open Rainy Days We have touted the merits of the St. Petersburg, Russia-based Rainy Days label more than once on these pages. They consistently bring us great jazz releases. The Doors Are Open is a quintet offering from tenor saxophonist Azat Bayazitov, the follow-up to his debut If You Still […]
Eric Hughes Band Postcard from Beale Street Endless Blues Records Eric Hughes was born and raised in Memphis. He spent weekends across the river in Mississippi where he honed his appreciation for the blues. He attended Mississippi College in Clinton and later joined the Marines. Homesick for some blues he purchased a guitar and spent […]
Swingadelic Bluesville Zoho The content on this site skews towards blues so it’s more than fitting we offer up Swingadelic’s Bluesville. The blues purists will call it jazz. The jazz folks may call it blues. Surely this is a big band that often plays at Swing 46, a dinner/dance venue in NYC’s Broadway theater district […]
Dave Douglas & Elan Mehler If There Are Mountains Newvelle Records Ostensibly this is an album review, but it is also vehicle to inform you about the special treasure, Newvelle Records. So, we’ll keep you in a bit of suspense by describing the album first. Label co-founder Elan Mehler is also a pianist, who for […]
When Rivers Meet The Innocence Of Youth The thing about Aaron and Grace Bond is their genuine warmth and friendliness that hits you right from the moment you meet them. The purpose of our interview was to discuss the eagerly anticipated new EP release,The Innocence Of Youth. Both are keen to tell me how excited they are […]
The Smoke Wagon Blues Band The Ballad of Albert Johnson Independent Canada’s Smoke Wagon Blues Band was formed in 1996. Working out of Hamilton Ontario’s famous Hess Village they released their debut “Smoke Wagon Blues Band Number 36” in 1997. They followed up with 2001’s live “Low Down Righteous Blues”. In 2005 their third album […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jen de la Osa and Henry Beguiristain of Aloud! Some bands you can always recognize–they produce the same sound, even the same song, year after year. But great musicians don’t just keep playing, they constantly evolve. Aloud’s new record, Sprezzatura, is a showcase for a band joyfully […]
John Craigie Asterisk the Universe Zabriskie Point John Craigie is the modern-day troubadour who has knack for drawing listeners to his articulate cons filled with dry wit and unexpected twists. He has spent more than a decade on the road honing his storytelling skills, brought to the fore once again with his latest project, Asterisk […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mick Hayes Mick Hayes began his career at age seven. When he was given his first guitar by his parents, who were both accomplished musicians in their own right. Largely self taught by accompanying his families diverse record collection Mick developed a love for the blues and […]
Tony Holiday Soul Service Vizztone Label Group Salt Lake City’s Tony Holiday used to play guitar and front his band the Velvetones. When he switched to harmonica he recruited the young prodigy Landon Stone as the band’s guitarist. The band was named 2016’s “Best Blues Band” by the Salt Lake City Music Awards. After relocating […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jose Ramirez At 32 years old, Jose Ramirez is Costa Rica’s premier blues artist and has played with some of the biggest names in the blues industry. These artists include Buddy Guy, Anson Funderburgh, Janiva Magness, Mark Hummel and Bryan Lee, to name a few. The […]
Going to the Sun Love Letters from the Western Gate Mountainsize Music Minneapolis has been in the news, most for the wrong reasons lately, although reforms are beginning to take shape. Out of that darkness and anger bursts forth a group that’s been together for a while now and as their name suggests, theirs is […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Michael Mills The Michael Mills Band have developed their sound from a mixture of Blues/Soul/Funk and R&B. MMB influences are too many to mention but to try to name a few…..Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, The Delgado Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks and of course SRV. I am leaving hundreds […]
Madre Vaca Winterreise Madre Vaca Seeing the name of Austrian composer Franz Shubert on the cover led me to believe this was some slight twist on classical music by jazz musicians. (and not the kind of music we would cover on these pages). Obviously, I was wrong. As the album unfolded it was stirring modern […]
Dion Blues With Friends Keeping The Blues Alive Records Dion DeMucci better known as Dion was one of the first musicians that formulated my musical preferences. As part of the post doo-wop group Dion & The Belmonts, this Bronx soul, mesmerized myself and my peers with singles like “I Wonder Why”; “A Teenager in Love”; […]
John Minnock (with Dave Liebman) Herring Cove Dot Time This is the second collaboration between vocalist John Minnock and NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Dave Liebman, who also serves as executive producer. It’s Minnock’s third release as a leader, and his first for the label. The album pairs Minnock’s signature no-holds-barred wit with introspective lyrics to paint a compelling […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jim Odom of Louisiana’s LeRoux Their 1978 Capitol press release read, “LeRoux takes its name from the Cajun French term for the thick and hearty gravy base that’s used to make a gumbo.” LeRoux’s eponymous first album was a musical gumbo that blended various instruments and music […]
Gerald McClendon Can’t Nobody Stop Me Now Delta Roots Records Born and raised in Chicago Gerald McClendon is one of the more versatile artists weaned on the Masters of R n’ B: Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding. He embraces many genre’s and is an interpreter of classic rock, soul, blues, country and jazz. […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Scott Ellison A talented singer-songwriter, guitarist, and blues-rocker, Scott Ellison was born on June13, 1954, in Tulsa, OK. By the ’70s, Tulsa had become an unexpected hotbed of blues-based rock bands as proven by both Eric Clapton and Freddie King’s backing bands hailing from the area. […]
Jeff Reed Look for the Light Stricker Street Look for the Light is the debut for jazz bassist Jeff Reed as bandleader who brings a collection of originals and jazz standards performed by a quintet. Let’s first share some information on Reed before getting to some of the remarkable stories that are the foundation for […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Tony Holiday There are many young players on the current international blues scene and Tony Holiday is one that stands out among the finest! Tony Holiday, a Vocalist and Harmonica player hailing from Memphis TN has been recognized by peers such as Charlie Musselwhite and James […]
Cathlene Pineda Rainbow Baby Orenda This is the third album, and by far the most personal, for pianist/composer Cathlene Pineda, who leads a quartet on Rainbow Baby. The theme comprises four years of motherhood, pregnancy. Loss, and ultimately love. She was thriving at the time of her second album, Passing: A California Suite, which was […]
Dr. John Ske-Dat-De-Dat/The Spirit of Satch The Last Music Co This weekend marks the first anniversary of the passing of Mac Rebennack better known as Dr. John. In order to commemorate the event The Last Music Co. is re-issuing the six time Grammy Award winner’s 2013 album in a limited edition vinyl format. Dr. John […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Steve Howell Steve Howell was thirteen when he first heard Mississippi John Hurt fingerpicking country blues. The year was 1965, and the experience became a revelation that opened the door to a new musical universe. Steve knew immediately that tame, folky strumming of the guitar was […]
Eddie 9V Way Down the Alley Many of us have been craving live music these days when we can’t safely gather, so it is lovely to hear Way Down the Alley. Close your eyes and imagine you are at Atlanta’s famous Blind Willie’s Blues Club, where it was recorded, listening to Eddie 9V (pronounced 9 […]
Alexa Tarantino Clarity Posi Tone Alexa Tarantino is a woodwind virtuoso who has a fluid, swinging style with remarkable tone. In that sense, the album title is fitting. Clarity is her second release as a bandleader following last year’s Posi tone Winds of Change. She is also a composer and educator. Tarantino is the principal […]
Duffy Bishop I’m Gonna Do What I Want! ‘Lil Spinner Records Born in Redding, Ca. Duffy Bishop began performing in rock bands when she was sixteen. Roadside Attraction, Toulouse Lautrec and The Rhythm Dogs were but a few. In 1975 she moved to Los Angeles, and later to Seattle. She first formed the Duffy Bishop […]
John Scofield Swallow Tales ECM Master bassist Steve Swallow will turn 80 this coming October and remains highly vital whether as a member of his wife, Carla Bley’s Trio, or as a sideman. Many acknowledge Swallow as one of jazz’s best bassists, but this recording shines a light on his compositional skills as well. More […]
Kenny Carr Hard Jazz Self-released There’s a subtle clue in the title Hard Jazz that refers to guitarist Kenny Carr’s spot in Ray Charles’ band for over ten years. Yes, “Hard Times,” the title of one of Brother Ray’s biggest songs and a term this writer has heard others exclaim in the context of blues […]
Holy Hive Float Back to You Big Crown The expectations for this debut release from Holy Hive and their self-described “folk soul” were rather high following a string of live shows, singles, and their Harping EP. It’s fair to say the trio delivered on them as well with their retro mashup of folk and ‘60s soul. It’s, […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with John Primer John Primer has undisputedly helped build the sound and style of Chicago blues as we know it today. The echos of tradition bellowing from the birthplaces he played such as: Maxwell Street, Theresa’s, Checkerboard and Rosa’s Lounges, pulse from every chord in his fingers […]
Gina Sicilia Love Me Madly Blue Elan Records The Philadelphia born Gina Sicilia released her debut recording “Allow Me To Confess” in 2007. That well received album earned her a Blues Music Award nomination as “Best New Artist”. Three more studio albums followed before Sicilia relocated to Nashville, a songwriter’s city. Newly inspired she signed […]
Lorena Leigh Water Theory Cowgirl-Mermaid Records This morning I started my day listening to a CD I received in the mail the other day by an independent artist from Fort Worth, Texas that mixes pop with a little of island and folk sound. The artist is Lorena Leigh and the album is Water Theory released […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Sonny Charles of the Backtrack Blues Band The Backtrack Blues Band hails from the Tampa Bay region of Florida and has been performing original blues music since 1980. As one of Florida’s longest running blues acts, Backtrack has performed with many blues legends – Stevie Ray […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with a Pro! Musician, DJ, Producer, Writer and Venue Owner Bob Corritore Bob Corritore is one of the most active and highly regarded blues harmonica players on the scene today. His style passionately carries forward the old school of playing that Corritore learned as a young man […]
Mayita Dinos The Garden Is my Stage Dash Hoffman Maybe this writer is just a bit biased toward landscape designers. After all, my wife is one of them. However, she doesn’t have dual talents of being vocalist like Mayita Dinos, who is making her debut as singer, with songs naturally themed on nature and gardens. […]
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 […]
Ex Norwegian Something Unreal: The Best Of Think Like A Key Records The other day I received the 20 September 2019 signed vinyl album by Ex Norwegian called Something Unreal: The Best Of on the Think Like A Key Records label. Ex Norwegian consists of Roger Houdaille playing most of the instruments on this album […]
G.F. Patrick One Town Over Need to Know This is the debut for Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter G.F. Patrick. Patrick brings us 14 originals backed by tight unit that features Billy Conway (Morphine, Jeffrey Foucault) on drums to form an Americana sound backed in guitars and keyboards from Mark Blasquez while co-producer Frank Swatt handles the bass. […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Rusty Ends Rusty Ends is the real deal, a true link between the rock and blues of the 50’s and 60’s and the 21st century. Rusty learned his craft as a teenager playing in the bars and taverns up and down Dixie Highway between Louisville and […]
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