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Gaye Adegbalola Without Shame Hot Toddy Music HTM2120 Gaye may well have outdone herself with her latest solo release, Gaye Without Shame. This one, while some of our readers might not find it to their liking, is as strong and straightforward a Blues piece as I have heard in ages. Beautifully orchestrated, with well-written originals, near angelic vocals (the duets are breath taking and the background vocals superb), and a healthy touch of Gaye's trademark humor make for an album that is easy on the ears. Early Blues music gave the world great insight into the plight of Black women of the era…what made them tick, a look into the everyday lives of the common people. In telling her story in song, Gaye carries on a grand tradition. Granted, Gaye does not steer away from controversy, but her strength and honesty are refreshing and compelling. Regardless of whether we agree or disagree, she delivers her message elegantly and powerfully. The musicianship on this disc is superb and the arrangements beautiful. In short, WOW! Finally, a CD with more to offer than just background music for a party…while it offers plenty of that as well. Music, and Blues in particular, has always offered us food for thought. Early music was used to pass on messages in code… it also offered therapy, letting us know that no matter how bad the situation, we are not alone. Music has always had healing qualities. One message that can be taken from this disc is that love conquers all. It is the strongest force in the universe, and that ultimately regardless of race, color, gender, social standing or sexual orientation; we are all in the same boat. If an old dog like me can walk away from this disc with enlightening and greater understanding, perhaps there is something for everyone here. Gaye has done herself and her predecessors proud, giving a voice to those unable to speak for themselves. While a couple of the tunes may be a little "over the top", this is one nice piece of work. About the time you've got Gaye figured out and ready to put in a box she's sure to make a change. Let love rule! - Bill Wilson Billy Boy Arnold Billy Boy Arnold Sings Sonny Boy John Lee Williamson Electro-Fi 3405 Sonny Boy I, John Lee Williamson, was one of the greatest harmonica players ever to draw breath. Over the years he mentored a number of up and coming players. Not the least of these was Billy Boy Arnold. Time has come and Arnold is paying tribute to his teacher. To put is simply, Billy Boy learned his lessons well. An exceptional harp player, guitarist and great vocalist, he has produced a tribute worthy of his mentor. Released on the sixtieth anniversary of his passing in 1948, no greater honor could be bestowed on the master than a tribute album of this magnitude. This one is as good as it gets, with Billy Flynn, Bob Stroger, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Mel Brown and Billy Boy Arnold. Primarily Sonny Boy's tunes, this one also includes three Billy Boy originals. A superb band, in top form, playing to honor a man they all loved and respected, this was a venture of love. I highly recommend that you rush out and buy John Lee Williamson recordings and buy a copy of this while you're out. You will not be disappointed. Sonny Boy, who died at age 34, was easily the most important harmonica player of the pre-war era, John Lee Williamson almost single-handedly made the humble mouth organ a worthy lead instrument for blues bands. Billy Boy Arnold's tribute is a superb gift from student to teacher. It belongs in the library of any Blues lover, particularly fans of harmonica. - Bill Wilson Lurrie Bell Let's Talk About Love Bay Area B.G. Records Lurrie Bell is nothing short of a legendary figure in the Blues world, even at his fairly young age. It would be easy to center on his great loss (the death of his father, Carey Bell, and soul mate Susan Greenberg), but Lurrie, like his father before him, is a survivor and a true Bluesman. With eight solo albums under his belt, not to mention those he played on with his father and others, Bell is a seasoned professional…and it shows. Few would have had the stamina to bounce back at all, but Lurrie Bell does it with style and finesse. The greatest songs have either sprung from the highs of love or the depths of despair associated with loss or love gone bad. Lurrie has deep wells of experience from which to draw. Let's Talk About Love is a masterpiece, dedicated to his father and lost soul mate. With immaculate musicianship, great vocals and full of pure emotional power, this is one CD that I could recommend highly. From soulful ballads to down in the dirt, hardcore Blues, Lurrie Bell is right on target. He's playing what he wants, the way he wants, and the result is a glorious expression of Lurrie Bell, the man. - Bill Wilson Eric Bibb An Evening With MC Records 0059 Eric Bibb is one of the finest acoustic blues players in the world, bar none. With nearly twenty albums to his credit and appearances on countless others, he has been nominated for numerous Blues Music Awards and a Grammy. He has toured worldwide, never failing to leave his audiences satisfied. An Evening With Eric Bibb is his first live album, and one of the best live recordings I've heard to date. This one captures the excitement of the moment. The magic of the evening was captured, to the point where even those who did not share that particular evening feel that they were a part of it. Bibb is an exceptional guitarist, great songwriter and has a powerful, dynamic voice, but above all, he is a master storyteller, bringing his music to life in the minds and hearts of his audience by painting indelible pictures that leave a lasting impression. An Evening With Eric Bibb is more than an album…it is an experience. This one is fun, soothing and thought provoking, dealing with relevant social issues, taking the listener through a wide range of emotions. If you have not yet had the pleasure of hearing Eric perform, this is the next best thing. For those who have had the experience, An Evening With Eric Bibb will have even greater impact. This one is highly recommended. - Bill Wilson Black-N-Blues Black-N-Blues Green Valley Recording This was an exceptionally hard piece to review for personal reasons, but out of fairness to the band I will do my best to be objective. The musicianship on this piece was flawless, the arrangements were great and six of the nine tunes on the disc were original numbers penned by McMinn and Farley…each well written. Once again Green Valley Recording has done a great job from a technical aspect. In short, Black-N-Blues is well worth owning. This is another case of local talent stepping up and not only doing the job, but doing it well. By all means, buy this disc. Local talent should be supported. The Billtown Blue Notes has ALWAYS stood on that principal. Buddy Guy and B.B. King, while I love them dearly, do not need your $5 cover. Few Blues musicians enjoy that status. For local, regional and most touring musicians your attendance and support could make a serious difference. Blues is a labor of love and it is evident in this recording that this band does love the music. In all honesty I would like to have heard more from Sean Farley, but the CD is well worth more than one good listen nonetheless. - Bill Wilson Eden Brent Mississippi Number One Yellow Dog Records YDR 1616 Comparisons have been made to everyone from Diana Krall and Dinah Washington to Norah Jones, Sarah Vaughn, Bessie Smith and, even Janis Joplin…each has definite merit. To sum it up, Mississippi Number One has a sound and feel that is timeless. This could just as easily been done in the 1920s as last month. I'm just happy that the world will have the opportunity to hear Eden Brent. Far too often, especially in "out of the way" areas, artists are only heard in their hometowns and, if lucky, the surrounding counties. This was the most refreshing piece to cross my desk in a while. Born into a musically talented family, Brent has a distinct style and a voice that could easily draw the previously mentioned comparisons and more. A wide range, dynamic style and emotionally charged vocals make Mississippi Number One well worth more than one good listen. In fact, I am fairly certain that, much like the potato chip advertisement, "No one can eat just one," one listen left me craving more. The musicianship on this piece is delightful…running the gambit from fairly simple and minimalist to intricate and sophisticated. Eden Brent is anything but short on style and class. This is one of the finest pieces I've heard in quite some time. I'd put this lady up against Norah Jones any day of the week. (No offence to Norah, I enjoy her work immensely.) If you have not yet heard Eden Brent, you're in for a real treat. Her originals sound timeless and the spin she puts on her covers is delightful. - Bill Wilson Nappy Brown Long Time Coming Blind Pig 5119 This Nappy Brown release has truly been a long time coming. Brown was a major force to be reckoned with through the 50s, has fallen in and out of public view over the years, but with Long Time Coming shows that he is back with a vengeance. Nappy Brown and company not only bring us the sounds, feelings and soul of the golden age of R&B…the audience feels as if they've been transported through time to that era. This CD is THAT powerful. Blame some of that on an exceptionally good supporting cast which includes Mookie Brill on Bass, Big Joe Maher on drums, Sean Costello, Junior Watson and Bob Margolin on guitars and many more. I have always stated that an artist can only be as good as his supporting cast, but the opposite is equally true. Nappy Brown leaves no stone unturned in his attempts to thrill his audience. Long Time Coming is a masterpiece, Brown shows that the legend is alive and well and time travel, as it were, is once more proven, at least a strong possibility. At age 77, Nappy Brown is performing stronger than ever. Long live the Kings! Brown and his band will be performing at the 19th Annual Billtown Blues Festival on June 8, 2008. Join us and capture a piece of history. - Bill Wilson Michael Burks Iron Man Alligator Records 4923 Michael Burks is among the greatest guitar heroes on the contemporary Blues scene. Iron Man is his third release for Alligator Records, and his best work to date. The guitar work on this one is hot enough to make the Devil ask for iced tea. Recorded with his touring band rather than the studio musicians, Iron Man captures Michael at his best. This is as close to the fire and fury of a live performance as you're going to get without going out to catch his show. Michael got his first guitar at the age of two and has been making it work for him since that time. I have often stated that a bandleader can only be as good as his backing musicians. Michael is surrounded by the best…guys who are giving it their all. This album is technically perfect and, at the same time, burning with passion. Burks has learned to walk that fine line, something few manage to do. Normally guitarists lean toward technicality or "playing from the heart." Thank God it is possible to do both simultaneously…and Michael Burks is a master. This is as powerful as it gets. Burks is also developed into quite a vocalist, able to pull off soulful ballads and pure raw emotional power. He is also developed as quite a songwriter, writing, or co-writing seven of the disc's twelve tunes. It is easy to see why Burks has hardcore dedicated fans worldwide. Iron Man is a modern masterpiece to be sure. Frankly, I haven't heard this much passion since Luther Allison. Can't wait to see where the band goes from here. I recommend this disc very highly. This one should come with money back guarantee. It is truly that good. - Bill Wilson Honeyboy Edwards Roamin' and Ramblin' Earwig 4953 The list of true living Blues legends, with connections to the early days of the music is growing short, to be sure. One of the names on that ever-shortening list is David "Honeyboy" Edwards, and he has just released a new CD on Earwig Records. Born on June 28, 1915, in Sunflower County, Mississippi there is no doubt that Honeyboy Edwards is among the genres eldest players and definitely the real deal. Edwards was taken under the wing of Big Joe Williams in 1932. It was not until Alan Lomax caught up with him in 1942 that he was first recorded for the Library of Congress. Edwards jokingly comments that the record companies couldn't find him because of his constant touring…a statement probably closer to the truth than not. Partly because he never stayed in one place for very long, he did not record again until 1951. Well-versed on both guitar and harmonica, Honeyboy played and recorded with nearly everyone. A lot of his recordings included the work of other harmonica players. Michael Frank, at Earwig Records wanted to recapture some of the magic of those duets on this recording. To say he accomplished his goal is a massive understatement…Roamin' and Ramblin' is a delightful piece of work. The release offers fresh takes on some old gems, some new material and some previously unreleased old takes, plus a few short "Blues tales." Weave it all together and you've got pure magic. From beginning to end, Roamin' and Ramblin' is one gem after another. The combination of guitar and harmonica is one of the most beautiful sounds in heaven and earth and these are some of the most beautiful examples I've heard. This disc covers the time period from 1942 to the present…and David "Honeyboy" Edwards is right on the money. For any lover of Blues, from traditional classic to contemporary, this disc should be considered essential listening. This one's a keeper. - Bill Wilson Dave Gross Take The Gamble SwingNation 388006 This CD is Dave Gross' sophomore effort and if the first was anything like this it is stellar. Dave Gross has all sorts of influences but the one thing he does is swing. His voice is warm; the guitar playing is impeccable. Except for the album opener, "Gatemouth" Brown's "She Walks Right In," T-Bone Walker's "I Know Your Wig Is Gone" and "Hot Lips" Page's "Walkin' In A Daze" all compositions are by Gross. Production is by the great Duke Robillard who also sits in on guitar on three tracks. The interplay between Gross and Robillard is very smooth. Dave Gross has written explanatory liner notes for each song. Apparently he really enjoys what he is doing. His notes have an enthusiasm that's reflected in the music he makes. A true highlight is the instrumental "Swingin' On All Six." A strong Charlie Christian influence is here as is a touch of Django Reinhardt. Mr. Gross comes out swinging hard. If you like your Blues slick and jumping Take The Gamble is just the gamble to take. -Smokin' Joe Miklos Homemade Jamz Blues Band Pay Me No Mind NorthernBlues Music 0048 As a general rule, when I hear of the child prodigy or young band situations, I tend to steer clear. Far too many have won acclaim based on cuteness rather than actual, God-given talent and hard work. Northern Blues Music, on the other hand has been producing some great material, so I figured it couldn't hurt to listen. I was more than pleasantly surprised…I was blown away. This band is GOOD…and I'm not saying "good for their ages", just downright good. I'd put this band up against any band playing. I'm certainly not saying they could win in a head-cutting contest with B.B. King or Buddy Guy, but they would most assuredly hold their own. With the exception of the final cut written by John Lee Hooker, all songs on the CD were written by their father, Renaud…an exceptional songwriter. He also plays harp on four of the eleven tracks. One could factor in the fact that Ryan (on guitar) is 15, Kyle (on bass) is 13 and Taya (on drums) is 9, but it should be remembered that many of the greatest players of all time began playing at an early age. Having a major recording deal at such an early age is another story, but then again the early masters did not have the convenience of being able to record at home. All that aside, the Home Jamz Blues Band is well worth more than one good listen. Solid guitar licks and vocals and a rhythm section that keeps better time than my old Timex make for a band that is solid at any age. I have been listening to Blues since about age 10 and hear major possibilities. These kids already sound like seasoned veterans. With age and experience yet to come the possibilities are endless. They have their own distinct style, class, major showmanship and some guitars that have to be seen to be believed. - Bill Wilson Samuel James Songs Famed for Sorrow & Joy Northern Blues Music NBM0043 Songs Famed for Sorrow & Joy is James' second release, his debut release for NorthernBlues Music. An acoustic piece reminiscent of recordings done in the 20s and 30s, this one was refreshing…quite a change from the "fluff" that floats across my desk, recorded by those with ambitions of being the next Stevie Ray Vaughan or Jimi Hendrix. The disc's thirteen tunes were all written by Samuel James, but sound as if they could have been done by the old masters. An exceptional guitarist and songwriter, James has a way with words seldom heard in this day and age. He is a storyteller, believing that the music should tell a story that people can relate to. Blues legend Johnny Winter, with whom he toured, stated: "Fantastic! Great voice and a great playing style! Traditional Blues done with a hip twist." I concur. If you're looking for the standard, run-of-the-mill classic Blues number, this may not be the one for you. If, on the other hand, your taste runs deep and to the eclectic…by all means, buy this disc. You'll not be disappointed. - Bill Wilson Big Jack Johnson Juke Joint Saturday Night Self-Produced Recorded in March 2008, at Red's Blues Club, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Juke Joint Saturday Night is just that…a good time in the Delta, at a genuine Juke Joint on one given Saturday night. Jack Johnson a.k.a "the Oil Man" has been a part of Clarksdale, Mississippi's Blues scene since well before it became popular. Backed here by players from our own region, the Cornlickers, the band delivers a rousing set of blues that, most certainly brought the crowd to its feet. Produced by Dale Wise, co-founder of Krypton City Blues Revue, with Big Mitch Ivanoff, the band delivers a rousing set of standards and originals typical of a Saturday night when Blues really was King. This is one of those pieces that wraps itself around the listener like a warm blanket on a cold night. The Blues really is alright…at least for now. Jack is an accomplished performer, recognized worldwide for his prowess on guitar and his ability to take an audience home, regardless of where home might be. Jack has played everywhere, from major concert venues to those joints that were "enter at your own risk" and proved himself the entire way. The supporting band, while not born and raised in the Delta, is well versed in the music and the lifestyle. Add to this the fact that they are each accomplished musicians who know what it takes to get the job done and you have a winning combination. At 68 Jack is going strong as ever. With nearly a dozen albums to his credit, including his work with the Jelly Roll Kings, Jack is a master at reading the crowd and giving them exactly what they need. I have seen him change course in midstream and take his show in a totally different direction based on the face of the crowd. Juke Joint Saturday Night may not win "Album of the Year," but it is certainly well worth the price and then some. A few minor technical difficulties do not distract from the fact that this is a master of contemporary Delta Blues, backed by a tight band. Big Jack Johnson is here to stay. -Bill Wilson Ann Kerstetter Band Classics Self-Produced Ann has teamed up with some of the area's finest musicians for this most recent release, Greg Burgess, on piano, Andy Seal on bass, Steve Mitchell on drums, and Sean Farley on guitar. This disc is all that it implies…Classics, written and originally performed by the best performers in the business. The covers performed here are exceptionally well done. The musicianship on this disc is flawless, the arrangements are impeccable and the vocals are strong, powerful and emotionally charged. Frankly, it gets no better than this. Based on this alone I would recommend buying the disc. Add to that the fact that they are local players and that proceeds from album sales will help to send the band to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge, I would recommend buying several and getting the Christmas shopping done early. The disc is well worth the price and as smooth as it gets. The disc was recorded and mixed locally at Green Valley Recording. Do your part, do it often and do it 'til it hurts. There is nothing more important than supporting live local music… and when it's this good, there's no excuse. - Bill Wilson EG Kight It's Hot In Here MC Records 0062 EG Kight is a natural…a woman with a voice that can capture and hold an audience indefinitely and enough charm to charm the robes off the Pope. Bottom line, this is a winning combination. Add to that some great material, a killer band and some great work in the studio, and you can't lose. It's Hot In Here has all the earmarks of a classic…one of those pieces that will withstand the tests of time. Coming up with a country background, EG's roots are showing less and less with each release. It does take more than donning a nice pair of sunglasses to turn the Georgia Songbird into a true blueswoman. That, however, is a real nice touch. What is not diminished is that natural Southern charm. That comes through in abundance, making it easy for audiences to fall in love with the woman behind the voice. The album is incredibly diverse and well orchestrated...perhaps her best album to date. The disc uses elements of every band she performs with, from her Southern Band to her Northern Band, Canadian Band and her German Band, showing her for the international sensation that she is. The Billtown Blue Notes are proud to note the inclusion of local talents Sean Farley on guitar, Andy Seal on bass, Doug McMinn on clarinet, and Richard and Allison Rupert on vocals. We were also happy to see Bob Margolin and Greg Piccolo. With a line-up like this, how can you go wrong? - Bill Wilson Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King Blood Brothers Alligator Records 4920 Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King have a dozen CDs and a DVD to their credit, but this is their debut on Alligator Records. Still Texas blues to the bone, Kubek and King continue to deliver the goods as only they can. Maybe it's the change of label, maybe a case of new vision, newfound freedom or just a change of scene, but Blood Brothers is fresh, full of life, even exciting. Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King have never sounded stronger. With styles as different as night and day the melding of those styles is something to behold indeed. The CD really manages to showcase the multitudes of their talent. With thirteen of the disc's fourteen tracks either written or co-written by the duo, it is evident that their songwriting abilities are incredible. Musically the disc is rock solid and the vocals are strong as ever. The band has been satisfying audiences worldwide for nearly twenty years and is not showing any signs of wanting to stop now. This is a "must have" for all the fans of the guitar heroes. - Bill Wilson Bob Margolin In North Carolina Steady Rollin' Records 001 Bob Margolin is one of a small handful of musicians for which I have nothing but respect. He has spent a lifetime studying at the feet of the masters, to this day backing them whenever the opportunity arises. This was then and is now, a labor of love. Where Bob is concerned it is all about the music, as well it should be. Known primarily for his work in Chicago Blues, Bob is a unique artist with extremely diverse tastes. In concert, he is likely to pull tunes from any number of styles, each receiving his own unique spin. In short, Bob Margolin is an exceptional musician, who knows how to read his audience and what it will take to get the job done. I have yet to see him when he does not accomplish that goal. Now to the task at hand. In North Carolina features Bob Margolin…front, center and alone. Bob plays all instruments (acoustic and electric guitars, slide guitar, bass and some drums), does all vocals and provided most of the photos for the CD cover. A hauntingly beautiful piece of work, In North Carolina showcases Bob's talents, showing the veteran Bluesman, at times, in a whole new light. An exceptional musician, compelling vocalist and superb songwriter, Margolin does it all with a certain flair that is uniquely his own. Opening with a straight-ahead Chicago blues tune from Muddy Waters, Bob goes into a haunting original (the title track) that is one of the most beautiful pieces I've heard to date. "In North Carolina" is followed by "You Rascal You", perhaps most notably remembered by Louis Armstrong. The more I listen to this CD, the more I like it. Of particular interest are the seven original tunes. Anyone can do a cover…most can do a fairly decent cover if the song tickles their fancy. Bob Margolin is the real deal. One of my favorite tunes on the CD is "Bring Me Your Blues," a Margolin original that, quite frankly, rubbed me the wrong way when I first heard it. The haunting vocals and the overall tenderness of this number caught me off balance, to say the least. Closing out the disc is a spoken word piece that Bob wrote for Blues Revue Magazine a while back, showcasing his storytelling ability. Take the time to give this a good listen. In short, Bob has done it again…left this fan with a smile on his face. - Bill Wilson John-Alex Mason Town and Country Naked Jaybird Music 006 John-Alex Mason is an "odd duck" to be sure, but one well worth more than one good listen. Town And Country is solid, and fairly basic…one could say primitive. While there are no bells and whistles here, it is by no means simplistic. This is Blues of the deepest order…the way it would have been heard in the jukes of old. A man and his instruments, alone, against the world…no gimmicks, no explosions, and no special effects, just the pure unadulterated truth. No, this one is not for everyone, but Mason is most assuredly the "real deal." The musicianship is impeccable; the vocals are strong and heartfelt. The overall result is powerful and emotionally charged. What worked for the lone minstrels of the 20s, 30s and beyond works equally well for the sophisticated folks of the 21st century! Mason accomplishes more, single-handedly, than many full-sized bands with all the bells, whistles and high tech gadgetry. In the early days of the 20th century mankind listened to music without the use of even electricity…and we say we've made great advances. Town and Country is another great example of "back to the future." - Bill Wilson Nate Myers and the Aces Persist Merc Ace 13 Music Originally hailing from the Billtown area, there are many who will always consider Nate to be hometown talent. It was in our streets, at our clubs and in our homes that he honed his considerable talents. Much akin to Rod Piazza in many respects, including his dynamic flair, Nate Myers has a way of grabbing the audience's attention from the opening notes. Once more I found the musicianship flawless, the arrangements wonderful and the vocals quite good, what impressed me most was the songwriting. Eleven of the tunes were penned by Nate, and were heartwarming, full of insight and very personal. This is Blues in its purest and most powerful form. Of the two remaining songs, both equally impressive, one was written by Chris Purcell, the other co-written by Nate and Pete Netznik. Any band can copy a tune, to write an all-original album is impressive…and these tunes are noteworthy. More than just a couple of "pretty faces,' this band has what it takes to make it. While easy to listen to, this band shows a depth that says they're not just a one-trick pony. They are not only entertaining, they have something to say…and they say it quite well. Nate and company work hard, it shows, and is bound to get noticed…but in this ever-toughening business in which to get a break, your guess is as good as mine as to the time frame. No one deserves that break more. This is one fine piece of work! - Bill Wilson Pinetop Perkins Pinetop Perkins And Friends Telarc 53650 The word legend gets thrown around quite easily in this business where many have been working thanklessly for decades. In the case of Pinetop Perkins the title of Living Legend fits and has been earned many times over. Pinetop Perkins and Friends is a tribute to that larger than life legendary figure. His life story is the stuff of legends, bordering, at times, on the unbelievable. How many people do you know who have been hit by a train and continues to play? Paring down the list of individuals who would have given all to play on this disc was no easy task. Pinetop has touched us all, winning hearts at every turn. Those who have contributed to the making of this disc, just from a performing aspect include B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Willie Kent, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bob Stroger, Jimmie Vaughan, Bill Willis, Nora Jean Brusco, Eric Sardinas and more. At age 95, Pine is going strong. While it could be said that the CD is full of Blues classics it must also be said that those classics have never sounded better. Pinetop has performed on countless albums, backing everyone from Muddy Waters to Johnny Winter, Robert Nighthawk, Koko Taylor, the Nighthawks, Carey Bell and countless others…and had a memorable solo career of his own. Needless to say, Pinetop Perkins and Friends is an essential addition to the collection of any Blues lover. From beginning to end, this one is an absolute joy to listen to. - Bill Wilson Jason Ricci & New Blood Rocket Number 9 Eclecto Groove EGRCD502 With a style this widely varied, it is hard to put Jason Ricci in a box of any size or shape. His style is varied and his influences are far reaching, spanning through countless musical genres including blues, jazz, funk, rock, punk and even drawing inspiration from the current crop of jam bands, all while still retaining the stamp of his own style. The best I can do would be to say eclectic…extremely so. The band is tight as the proverbial gnat's backside and can change directions on a dime. Ricci is one hot harmonica player vocalist and songwriter. He has surrounded himself with musicians who are equally talented and diverse. What I can say is that Ricci and company take the music in directions I could never have imagined…and I consider myself to have diversified tastes and a fairly active imagination. Whatever he is blending blends seamlessly. They consider themselves a jam band, and I would certainly not disagree. Your best bet…get out and see the band. Unless you are extremely closed-minded, you will be impressed. While this may not be your cup of tea, it certainly cannot and should not be overlooked. Jason Ricci & New Blood are in it for the long haul…incredibly talented musicians with a message that will be heard, one way or another. While extremely skeptical at first, they won me over…no easy task for a man who cut his teeth on the Blues classics. - Bill Wilson Tom Rosencrans & Nate Myers Sit Back, Relax Self-Produced More than once I have expressed the sheer elegance and beauty of the simple pairing of guitar and harmonica. Throughout the ages, Blues musicians have used this particular grouping. With the addition of electricity, harmonica remained an integral part of the music, somehow possessing an ability to reach straight to the soul. Harmonica can be much like the lonesome howl of a coyote in the darkness of the night or the whisper of a lover, longing to be reunited with that long lost loved one. Played properly, there is an emotional quality that cuts through the fog like a beacon. Tom Rosencrans and Nate Myers possess the ability to touch the soul. A homegrown unit, Tom & Nate have been part of Billtown's Blues scene for ages. Both exceptional vocalists and superior musicians, this duo has the ability to write their own tickets…if heard by the right people. A nice mix of covers and original tunes, Sit Back, Relax is an easy listen. This is one piece that will not soon be left on the shelf to gather dust. While Tom and Nate don't record together often, they will be here for ages to come. Their message, as old as time itself…Sit back and relax The duo get an assist from Gina Rosencrans on "Jesus On The Mainline" (vocals and hand claps) and from Kimbo Reichley on "Jesus On The Mainline" (vocals) and "Boogie Woogie Dance" (double bass). Sit Back, Relax deserves a slot on the shelf with the likes of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Roy Rogers and Norton Buffalo, Chicken Wilson & Skeeter Hinton, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells and more. In other words, this one's a keeper! - Bill Wilson Bobby Rush Raw Deep Rush Records 1003 Bobby Rush, perhaps best known now for his full-blown soul revue, has taken us home with this one. Raw is a rootsy, acoustic piece that is solid as anything I've heard. I loved Live At Ground Zero, playing the DVD or CD on a regular basis, but Raw is something I've been waiting for, for some time. This one shows off his musicianship quite well. Bobby is a great songwriter, exceptional vocalist, fine guitarist and one of the best harp players on the contemporary Blues music scene. He is also a consummate performer and one of the nicest guys on the planet. Should the need arise, Bobby Rush could charm the habits off a nun. I have yet to leave a Bobby Rush show without a smile on my face. I feel the same way about his current CD…Raw. This, while perhaps not what the fans expected, may be his finest work to date. Bobby has broken from his mold and shown the world that there is another side. You can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. Rush is one of a small handful of artists I respect wholeheartedly. Over the years he has earned that respect. His love for the music is without measure and he will go to the ends of the earth to make a fan happy. Who could ask for anything more? Raw is good stuff…the real deal, just like it's performer. - Bill Wilson Catherine Russell Sentimental Streak World Village Catherine Russell is a classic example of the overnight success…a good twenty years in the making. As with wine and many other fine beverages, some things get better with time. While I cannot definitively say that time played so large a part, the experience has most certainly done no harm. Sentimental Streak, while just recently recorded, has the sound and feel of recordings done in the 20s and 30s…with all the advantages of modern recording technology. Having always been a fan of female vocalists from that era, especially when it pertains to Blues, I was more than mildly surprised. This one both swings and has some "slow burners" that will put anyone with blood running through their veins "in the mood." Few modern purveyors of the genre can come close to the work done by Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Alberta Hunter and the lot. While I've heard it done by the likes of Gaye Adegbalola and a very few others, most either roar like a mama lion or purr like a kitten, settling into a style and staying there. "If it works, don't fix it." Catherine Russell has what it takes to do justice to her predecessors. Sentimental Streak is about as good as it gets without blowing the dust off those 78s we all have packed away in the attic. Russell breathes new life into some great classics and delivers a few fine originals worthy of the company. Give this one a listen. If this one doesn't blow your socks off, you're already barefoot. This old man is hoping that there is more of the same to follow. - Bill Wilson Son Seals A Journey Through The Blues Sagebrush Productions (DVD) The story of Son Seals is more than the story of a Blues player. It is a story of living victoriously through events and situations that would have killed lesser men…or at least killed their spirits. Son Seals pressed on, incorporating his experiences into his music, turning devastation into victory, emerging from the other end stronger than ever. This video, the only official video biographical piece on his life, incorporates interviews with friends, family and coworkers to paint a picture. Best of all was the footage of the man himself. Included as bonus footage are performance videos of Son Seals and his band. Nothing tells the story better than that! Born in Arkansas in 1942, the son of a juke joint owner, Frank "Son" Seals was surrounded by music from his birth. He began playing drums behind Robert Nighthawk, at the club, at age 13. By the time he was 18, Son Seals turned his talents to guitar and began fronting his own band in Little Rock. He honed his skills to razor sharpness before signing with Alligator Records. His debut release on the label was in 1973. A Journey Through The Blues: The Son Seals Story tells the tale beautifully, leaving the watcher with a near intimate knowledge of the life and times of the true Blues legend. I recommend it highly. - Bill Wilson Gina Sicilia Allow Me To Confess SwingNation Records 388007 Gina Sicilia is truly a force to be reckoned with. Much more than just a pretty face, Gina Sicilia has a voice that is powerful and dynamic, and knows how to use the tools at her disposal. She is also a dynamic songwriter, penning eight of the eleven tunes on the CD. Over all, this one is the total package. She's a great performer, has a powerful, dynamic voice, is a great songwriter and looks great doing it. Add to that one killer band, and you've got a no-lose situation. Admittedly not normally of younger female vocalists, I found myself held spellbound. Gina Sicilia is a woman with a gift, who has obviously done her homework and puts it all on the line…every time she takes the stage. The work on Allow Me To Confess is reminiscent of the works of the early masters…the arrangements are meticulous and the performances flawless. The covers done here were well chosen and very respectful of the original artists. Allow Me To Confess is a real masterpiece…well orchestrated, beautifully played and a delight to the ears. One could only hope that there is more where this one came from. I recommend it highly! -- Bill Wilson Alexis P. Suter Live at the Midnight Ramble If I had to choose a word to describe Alexis P. Suter, that word would be powerful. Suter steps on stage and delivers 100%…100% of the time. Strong R&B, heavily tinged with blues and gospel reach straight through to the heart and do not let go until the performance is over. When Suter is performing, there is an electrical charge in the air that is undeniable. Besides her powerful, emotionally charged vocals and her expertise as a songwriter, this is a woman who has had enough experience to read her audience and to give them what they need. Then too, there is the issue of the band. This band is tight, making Suter's job that much easier and her performance that much more exciting. She has, to the best of my knowledge, two CDs to her credit…Suga Fix, on Hipbone Records (2005) and, most recently Live at The Midnight Ramble, a production of Levon Helm, which includes a DVD for your viewing pleasure. If you're going to see this band in concert, and I highly recommend it, wear your dancing shoes and be prepared to fall in love. - Bill Wilson Jimmy Thackery The Essential Blind Pig 8008 Thackery's latest release, on the Blind Pig label, is a greatest hits package. While I seldom agree with what the "experts" would consider the best of the best, there are some real gems here. God knows, there was a lot to choose from. Eight previous releases are represented here, each a real treasure that can stand on its own quite well. Empty Arms Motel, Sideways in Paradise (with John Mooney), Trouble Man, Wild Night Out, Drive To Survive, Switching Gears, Sinner Street and Guitar are all strong and all well worth owning. The Essential gives the listener a small taste of each and is a nice piece to throw in the player if you're looking for some sweet guitar work. The disk also includes some great special guests…most notably Lonnie Brooks, Duke Robillard, Reba Russell and John Mooney. All in all, this one's well worth owning…even if you already own the previous eight Blind Pig recordings. If you're not yet familiar with Thackery's work, this is a great place to start. Almost without a doubt, this will not be your only Jimmy Thackery purchase. - Bill Wilson  |
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