Luther Allison Songs From The Road Ruf 1157    A month before being diagnosed with cancer, which would shortly take his life, Luther Allison's show at the Montreal Jazz Festival was both recorded and videotaped. Songs From The Road is that piece of work. Having seen him perform and having spoken with him on numerous occasions, I have grown to consider him a friend, yet my evaluation of his work is, to the best of my ability, based solely on the quality and intensity of that work. Luther was a kind man who cared deeply for the music and equally deeply for his fans. He was the sort of individual who always gave 100% regardless of circumstances.    Songs From The Road manages to capture the intensity and raw emotional power of not just the one, but each and every performance delivered by Luther after his return home from France. From the beginning of the CD, it is evident that this will be one smoking performance. The disc includes 80 minutes of his 90 minute set from that particular evening. Primarily original material, the performance showcases not only his intensity as a performer but his power as a songwriter. This was Luther at his best, despite the fact that a month later he would be gone. For the uninitiated, Luther Allison's Songs from the Road is a perfect place to get acquainted with the legendary Blues performer.    This piece is immaculately played and manages to capture the power of the evening's performance. As always, Luther played it up close and personal with his audience. When Luther performed, he performed to each and every individual in the audience…and he had the ability to make every man, woman and child in the audience feel as if it was just the two of them in the room and that he was speaking directly to them. That is a gift that few possess.    Moving on to the DVD, which was trimmed to 56 minutes for airing on Canadian TV. It includes 11 songs from the performance as well as a documentary of his life and an interview with Luther. The video footage simply makes it even more evident just how intense Luther was on stage. Sweat pouring from his brow and the ferociousness with which he approached every note make it evident that Luther was giving his all.    To hear the performance is one thing…and a very powerful thing at that, but to see that performance only adds to the experience. If you are a fan of blues, love blues guitar or simply love good music performed exceptionally well, Songs From The Road is guaranteed to cut straight through to your heart and move you like you've seldom if ever been moved before. This one is a definite keeper, destined to be an instant classic. - Bill Wilson Terry Harmonica Bean & the Cornlickers Hill Country Blues with the Big Sound Right Coast Recording Terry stated that "When the Hill Country met the Delta, man it just exploded." Hill Country Blues with the Big Sound is a prime example of what happens when a young man born in the Hill Country makes a life for himself in the Delta. Young Bean learned his lessons well. Growing up listening to his father and his grandfather at home and at house parties and juke joints throughout the South, Terry was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles which blend very nicely here for a sound that is upbeat and danceable while maintaining that hypnotic style so prevalent in the Hill Country. The result is still somewhat hypnotic, easy on the ear and as comfortable as your favorite boots…nice fit, well broken in and as comfortable at the end of the day as they were in the beginning. Bean blends styles that have been with us for ages, maintaining the best elements of each for a sound that is uniquely Terry Bean, making timeless classics his own. His backing bands, The Cornlickers, natives of the Harrisburg, PA area, of all places, nail it as if they were born and raised in Mississippi. These guys have a love for the music that runs deeper than geological boundaries. They love the music with all their heart and soul, and it shows. Once considered local or regional talents who played our area venues frequently and often free, these guys have joined the ranks of the professionals, now officially Big Jack Johnson's band. While I admit that the hypnotic sounds coming from the North Mississippi hill country are not in my favorites list, Terry "Harmonica" Bean hits the nail on the head and drives it home. This, even given the fact that it is a double album, holds strong from beginning to end. Much like Jessie Mae Hemphill, one of my favorites from the region, this one cuts through to the heart. This is one piece I would add to my personal collection by choice, no questions asked. - Bill Wilson Marc Benno and the Nightcrawlers Crawlin' Blue Skunk Music BS-4511 The Music world is a crazy place. Tons of material gets recorded with the hopes of getting that piece that will hit the "sweet spot." When all is done, tons of super material hits the cutting room floor, due to space constraints, money issues or the fickle whims of men and women in suits who for some reason opt not to press certain pieces because sales say that another style will bring better sales. There are a million reasons, but some pieces are destined to spend years in the vaults. Some never resurface. Fortunately for us, The Nightcrawlers', Crawlin' has finally surfaced. The band had recorded the piece, gone on tour with the J. Geils Band and Humble Pie, and were told upon their return that the label did not need another blues/rock based band. A quick look at the list of band members is all it would take to sell the recording. Marc Benno, who recorded two albums with Leon Russell as The Asylum Choir, Doyall Bramhall, and the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan are but the tip of the iceberg. As for the recording, while it may feel a bit dated, is immaculately played, beautifully written and arranged. Fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan are in for a real treat, as are fans of classic blues/rock. All of the material is original and the playing; everything one would expect from this stellar line-up. It would be hard to find a reason not to purchase this album. Need I say more? - Bill Wilson Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters Spread The Love Stony Plain SPCD1347 There appears to be a rise in the number of instrumental releases lately. Ronnie Earl's Spread the Love is a prime example. Done with his regular touring band, The Broadcasters, currently together for the past eleven years, Spread The Love is a flawless piece from an instrumental standpoint. Every note is well-placed and each is powerful and soulful. Ronnie is one of the finest guitarists in the world and this piece drives that point home with tremendous force. I would consider this one a must for lovers of blues guitar or for up and coming guitarists. This is a great piece to put on while spending some quality time with a loved one or during dinner. Ronnie and company have done it again. Spread The Love is a real masterpiece. In closing his liner notes, Ronnie states: "Be Kind. We need more love and forgiveness. Don't give up hope before the miracle happens." Spread the Love would be a great piece to put on if you want to meditate or to contemplate which direction to go next. A lot of music grabs you by the butt and takes you on a journey or tells a story, often helping us to see right where we are. This disc sets the mood, frees up the mind and allows us to see clearly, allowing us to make the choice for ourselves. Music is often used as a tool in meditation. Ronnie Earl's work is not only good for that, it is entertaining, enlightening a pure joy to the ears. Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters are masterful musicians. Regardless of what you might use this disc for, be it quiet meditation, background music for dinner or a party or simply for your love of the music, it is sure to bring you hours of pleasure and to make repeated trips to your player. This one is sure to hit the spot regardless of your personal preferences. It is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day! I recommend it highly. - Bill Wilson Dave Fields All Wound Up FMI Records 0034 While I admittedly like my blues a bit more on the traditional side, Dave Fields' All Wound Up is a fine piece of work to be sure. A strong blues/rock piece, this one was well enough grounded in the blues to hold my interest throughout. The band is solid. I particularly liked the addition of Billy Gibson on harmonica. Readers should note that the duo will be playing together at the upcoming Billtown Blues Festival, scheduled to do a set on the main stage and a set in the acoustic tent. That out of the way, I'll get back to business. Fields is as solid a guitarist as I've heard anywhere and the band was tight as the blocks on the pyramid. This band is guaranteed to bring any crowd to its feet, filling the dance floor. As for style, it was as diverse as it gets, moving effortlessly from hardcore blues/rock reminiscent of the Beatles to swing and even a bit of more traditional blues. There was even a slow ballad thrown in for good measure. This is one of those bands that cannot be pigeonholed. About the time you get them figured out, they change up the whole deal. The band is rock solid…the kind of band that makes a supporting musician's job considerably easier, giving them room to play and Fields takes advantage of it to be sure. I have always said that a bandleader can be no better than the band he has supporting him. Fields has all the room in the world. This is first class musicianship all the way. They will be a great addition to our festival. - Bill Wilson David Gerald Hell and Back Self Produced A combination of five studio originals and five well known live tunes, Hell and Back is straight ahead blues, solid as the day is long. The cover tunes are great, respectful of the originals without trying to copy note for note the work of the legends. Gerald has, in essence, made them his own. I found the originals of particular interest. Anyone can do a decent cover, but the originals show me what a man is made of, and David Gerald has what it takes to go all the way should he chose to do so and get a decent break. Much of this business is being in the right place at the right time and being heard by that one individual who has the ability to make it happen. Gerald has the talent to be sure. His originals are well written, straight from the heart and emotionally powerful enough to touch that spot in the listener that makes him (or her) relate. When the audience relates, a star is born. David Gerald has that "star" quality. An excellent guitarist, this one would be a good choice for addition to the collection of any guitar lover. His vocals drip with soul, his songwriting and arrangements are great and the backing band is right on the money. With this piece, it's hard to go wrong. This is a great package any way you slice it. David Gerald is one of the better artists I've heard in the realm of electric contemporary blues. This one gets a big "thumbs up." If you're a fan of blues guitar you will, without a doubt, love Hell and Back, strong enough for the younger crowd who like it with a hard edge without losing that raw emotional power that wins over the likes of old timers like me. - Bill Wilson Billy Gibson Live at the North Atlantic Blues Festival Juke Joint Video In the end of January 2008, Juke Joint Video released a DVD performance of Billy Gibson, "The Prince of Beale Street" Live at the North Atlantic Blues Festival. Gibson is one of the most dynamic harp players on the contemporary blues scene. This piece is sixty minutes of high energy, nonstop action, featuring Gibson backed by an incredibly tight band. I know that artists tend to pull an hour of their finest work for festival sets but this DVD demonstrates a harmonica master doing what he loves most. Widely and wildly diverse, this piece features everything from slow moving emotionally charged ballads to pieces that will either blow your socks off or send your hairpiece soaring like a Frisbee. I do like video footage as not only do you get the benefit of sound, you get to see masterful musicians doing their thing…up close and personal. In essence you get the total concert experience. Blues fans will love this piece without question. Fans of blues harmonica will find themselves going back to it countless times. Dynamic and powerful, Gibson has what it takes to bring the crowd to its feet and keep them there. Put it in your player and enjoy. You will not be disappointed. The great thing about video is that you can relive the experience whenever you'd like. - Bill Wilson Zakiya Hooker Keeping It Real Boogie With The Hook Records I cried for a solid week when I heard that John Lee Hooker passed on to that great jam session in the sky. I still feel the loss, but feel much better now. It appears that the Hook's offspring inherited more than just his name and a great legacy. Listeners will be happy to hear that the disc includes a duet with the man himself. One listen to daughter Zakiya and it is clear that John Lee Hooker is not rolling over in his grave. If anything, there's quite a dance party going on. Keeping It Real is her fourth recording and proof positive that this woman is much more than a flash in the pan. Zakiya has done anything but rest on her father's reputation. She has carved her own niche, choosing to make her own way. The result is nothing short of spectacular. She brings her own set of special talents to the table, smooth as silk, tender and giving rest to the weary. Distinctly different in style from her iconic father, yet, in many respects no less powerful. Zakiya Hooker is proof positive that the apple does not fall far from the tree. This one flows like water and is as refreshing as a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day. This is the real deal and about as good as it gets. Yet another Hooker makes waves in blues circles. The musicianship on this disc is stellar and the vocals are spectacular. Papa would be proud to be sure. I used to get a laugh every time I reviewed one of his discs. The computer's spell checker would flag his name and suggest substituting prostitute for Hooker. I have since corrected the problem, but always figured that the great one himself would get a laugh as well. Many Bluesmen like prostitutes but all of them love Hooker. Zakiya is no exception. This is the real deal and as good as it gets. - Bill Wilson Steve Howell Since I Saw You Last Out Of The Past Music OOTP5 Singer/guitarist Steve Howell has been honing his skills for over forty years, a fact that is obvious from the opening notes of Since I Saw You Last. This is one of those releases that is so warm and inviting that it feels like I've been listening to it my whole life and has always been among my favorites. If you're a fan of Americana and like that laid back down home feel, this release is right up your alley. If I had to describe this release in just two words, they would be "absolutely beautiful." The 12 tunes on the disc include country blues, rockabilly, folk and r&b that flow seamlessly from the guitar of a man who is a masterful player to say the least. Warm, powerful and with a sound and feel that is reminiscent of the old masters, Since I Saw You Last is one of those things you could easily put on replay, listen to it throughout the day and still not tire of it. Whether solo acoustic or enlisting the accompaniment of a band, Howell sings and plays from deep wells of experience, giving each and every number that feeling that he has experienced it all and allowing the listener to believe every word. Steve Howell is the real deal. I would recommend this piece highly. It is one of the better pieces I've heard since I began writing reviews some 15 years ago. It has an honest warmth and down-home feel that will leave you wishing for more. - Bill Wilson Jeff Jensen Band I'm Coming Home Swing Suit Records JJM2009002 The Jeff Jensen Band will lift your spirits on the gloomiest day. Exceptional musicianship, great arrangements and tight as Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas this is some of the finest stuff I've heard in ages. The band is very diverse, playing everything from swing to blues/rock and straight up blues with a major leaning toward swing…and they do it exceptionally well. I've heard many a modern "swing" band, but Jensen and company leave them sitting in the dust. This is the real deal, reminiscent of Louis Prima and Louis Jordan. A great mix of originals and cover tunes, I'm Coming Home is a fine showcase for a band that obviously loves the music, understands it and has the talent to pull it off with style and finesse worthy of the masters from whom they got their inspiration. The original tunes were great, with the feel of the masters and the cover tunes were done in such a way that left the band's indelible stamp while maintaining the utmost respect for the originals. Many bands have tried this; the Jeff Jensen Band has succeeded. Rather than copy work of the masters they have taken the lessons they learned and incorporated elements from the masters into their own unique style. Even pieces so widely known and covered as Muddy Waters' "Nineteen Years Old" and Maceo Merriweather's "Worried Life Blues" take on new lives with the Jensen signature. This piece comes highly recommended especially to those with a thing for swing. - Bill Wilson Peter Karp & Sue Foley He Said She Said Blind Pig 5132 He Said She Said was culled from the correspondence between these two artists over a period of years. The two shared their feelings of love for their families, the pain of separation the loneliness of being on the road and their love for the music. The result is an emotionally powerful piece that touches something in the heart of everyone who hears it. Immaculately played and beautifully arranged, this disc expresses those things we have all felt at one time or another but never found the words to express. He Said She Said gives voice to the common man. Easy on the ear and packed with emotional power this one will appeal to anyone who has ever felt the pangs of love lost, if only for the moment. It is honest to a fault, touching that deepest of all places in the hearts of us all. If you have a heart, this disc will appeal to you on some level. If that heart has been badly crushed and things seem hopeless, this one might just help put things in perspective. Give it a listen. You might just like what you hear. - Bill Wilson Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King Have Blues Will Travel Alligator Records 4937 With over a dozen releases to their credit, this smokin' combo is hotter than ever. Two of the blue's hottest guitarists, each playing different styles that complement each other beautifully deliver a sound that is unique and, like peanut butter and jelly could not come closer to a perfect accompaniment. Superb musicians and vocalists, this disc also highlights their phenomenal songwriting capabilities…each tune written, or co-written by the duo. Each pulling from deep wells of experience, Have Blues Will Travel is not only technically flawless, it is emotionally powerful, giving it that ability to cut straight through to the heart of the listener. Well versed in the old ways, Kubek & King have the ability to bring it into the 21st century as well, giving then yet another edge. This duo has the ability to bring the crowd to their feet on the dance floor of to have every one of us crying in our beer over some long ago "used to be." Their band is tight as a band could possibly get making them one combo that is hard to beat. Any way you slice it, Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King are in peak form and show no sign of slowing down. Their diverse styles and dynamic range make them one of those acts not to miss. Somehow, their presence in this world makes it a better place to be. They make clear the hardship of the age but are sure to show us a hope for the future. I recommend this piece highly. - Bill Wilson Cathy Lemons & Johnny Ace Lemonace VizzTone VTLA001 Lemonace has a great feel, in places, not at all unlike some of the material that was coming out of the Psychedelic scene earlier on. This is just one aspect of the playing on this disc. It also combines good old fashioned rock and roll, hardcore blues with all the bite and power of the old masters and just about anything else you can think of to make the piece a success. Lemons and Ace use the tools they have at their disposal to give the listeners a well-rounded album that has got something for just about everybody. The band is about as tight as a band can possibly get, playing with passion and a power that can only come through a deep love for the music. This is a powerful piece of work done by musicians who give it all they've got. Add to that the fact that the band gets an assist from Kid Anderson, David Maxwell, Tommy Castro, Paul Oscher and Ron Thompson, some of the heaviest hitters in the business. All but two of the disc's tunes were written or co-written by Lemons and Ace, highlighting the fact that not only are they exceptional musicians, they are formidable songwriters vocalists and seasoned performers who know how to read their audience and how to deliver what it takes to make them happy. The more I listen to this piece, the more I am impressed. This is one beautiful piece of work. - Bill Wilson Mr. Keith Little Take It Off and Get Loose With It Blue Skunk Music BS4515 Blue Skunk Records advertise themselves as "The best in Blues, R&B and Soul." If Keith Little is any indication, they are pretty much right on the money with their observation. Take It Off & Get Loose With It is a great piece of classic soul, steeped heavily in the blues and dripping with pure raw emotional power. Known as Cincinnati's "King of the Blues," Little has been sharing his love of the music for over 35 years. The disc features all original material, culled from his years of experience with many of the world's best performers. It blends blues, soul, r&b and, funk for a sound that is uniquely his own…strong, powerful and soulful enough to bring back visions of the all-time greats of the genre. Bottom line, if you like soul with that touch of funk and that quality that brings couples to the dance floor for a bit of good old-fashioned "belly rubbin" Mr. Keith Little is just what you're lookin' for. The musicianship on this disc is immaculate, the arrangements are right on the money and the vocals drip with raw emotional power. This is soul the way it was meant to be heard. If you like classic soul, this is the piece for you. - Bill Wilson Hamilton Loomis Live In England Ham-Bone Records HBR106 What's soulful, smooth as silk, yet more powerful than a locomotive with a full head of steam? Is it Superman? Try Hamilton Loomis on for size. A first-rate soul/blues artist and a top-notch performer, Loomis' live recording, recorded in Oxford and Liverpool with absolutely no overdubs, is one of the best, most powerful live recording I've heard in ages. Loomis gets directly to the heart of the matter, great orchestration with strong horns, immaculate guitar work, a rhythm section tighter than Fort Knox and a handle on the situation the common man finds himself in. Loomis gets the job done with power, authority and more than just a touch of class. This band is having fun with what they're doing, and it shows. Hamilton Loomis Live In England manages to capture the energy of the night, unlike so many live recordings that capture the show note for note but leave the listener just short of that feeling of actually being there. Loomis is an incredible guitarist, harp player, vocalist, writer and overall performer. If you can't get out to see the band perform live and in person, this one is a great place to start your listening experience. While, admittedly, I prefer my blues a bit more on the "primitive" side…that is to say rough, raw and down in the gutter, this one has what it takes to grab even my attention. Hamilton Loomis is the real deal, a craftsman with all the tools he needs and the experience to use them properly…the sort of artist who would do well regardless of the task at hand. - Bill Wilson Little Joe McLerran Believe I'll Make A Change Root Blues Reborn Records When you say roots, you've about covered this one. This is old school, done extremely well by a band that knows the music and loves it heart and soul. This one is reminiscent of the jug band era and is frankly one of the finest pieces to cross my desk in a while. Being a small operation, we don't get tremendous coverage. Joe McLerran is a rare gem, worth far more than whatever price they might ask. Hearkening back to a simpler day, Believe I'll Make A Change is easy on the ear…Blues in its purest form. The playing is meticulous, the vocals are strong and the overall effect is about as close to time travel as we're about to come in this day and age. If you like your blues with a traditional flavor this disc is a must have for your collection. Whether it be the beautiful covers or the original pieces that manage to capture the spirit of the time extremely well, this disc is a keeper. McLerran and company are the real deal and comes highly recommended. This is a sound that takes the listener back to the 20s, not only capturing the sound but the spirit of the era…the real deal from the opening notes to the close. I've heard nothing finer in some time. - Bill Wilson Coco Montoya I Want It All Back RUF 153 When it comes to guitar work, Coco Montoya is one of the smoothest players on the market. Mentored by Albert Collins and honing his skills with John Mayall for a good ten years, Montoya has more than paid his dues. I Want It All Back is a diverse disc that leans heavily on the soul/blues side. The musicianship here is flawless from a technical standpoint and the music is heavily emotionally charged. Add to that some incredible arrangements and you've got the best of all possible worlds. This is one of those pieces deserving of a Handy. Forgive me if I show my age, but the Handy (BMA) has been the standard in blues for as long as I can remember. This is soul like I remember soul. This unit is totally professional…like a well-oiled machine, each member doing his part. The result is smooth as silk; easy on the ears and sounding like it did when the Masters ruled the scene. James Brown, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett are smiling, knowing that they have not been forgotten…good old-fashioned soul lives on and has never sounded better. This one has all the spit and polish of their predecessors in the field…and they are some mighty big shoes to fill. Adding the icing to the cake, Montoya gets an assist from Keb Mo and Jeff Paris who produced the piece plus Rod Piazza and more. This is one sweet piece of work, worthy of a spot in any collection, regardless of your personal likes or dislikes. Give it a listen. You won't be disappointed. - Bill Wilson Big Bill Morganfield Born Lover Black Shuck 001 Big Bill Morganfield, son of blues legend, Muddy Waters, has produced yet another album of strong, traditional Chicago blues, varied in style and quite reminiscent of his father's work. Born Lover is the work of a man who has grown into a fully mature bluesman, worthy of all the early praise heaped upon the son of a blues god. Morganfield is here to stay, has a lot to say, and the ability to get those things across loud and clear. Big Bill has developed a style that, while similar to that of his father, has qualities that are uniquely his own. A good guitarist, great songwriter and soulful vocalist, Morganfield also surrounds himself with performers who are exceptional in their own right. Born Lover features the work of Mookie Brill on bass, Brian Bisesi and Bob Margolin on guitars, Steve Guyger on harp and more. With back-up like this it is hard to go wrong. The album features a number of blues classics and three of Big Bill's originals…the pieces that ultimately sold me on the album. Anyone can do a good cover, but his originals, without the aid of the liner notes, were indistinguishable from the works of the masters. Call me an easy sell, but I was impressed. Big Bill Morganfield is here to stay. - Bill Wilson The Nighthawks Last Train To Bluesville Rip Bang Records 003 With some 35 years in the business The Nighthawks have seen and done about all there is to do. Considered worldwide to be "the best bar band in the business," The Nighthawks know what it takes to please an audience. Borrowing from blues, country, rock, r&b, soul, jazz and whatever else they can find to put their unique stamp on, they have pulled good music from every corner of the music world and made it their own. Their latest venture, Last Train To Bluesville, features the band performing acoustically. While some might think that something would be lost, quite the opposite is true. Last Train To Bluesville is as powerful as anything I've heard. Distinctly different, yet distinctly The Nighthawks, this release shows the band as a versatile unit that is capable of keeping it fresh over the years. Having had considerable experience at a record store, I can tell you that, while The Nighthawks may not sell a million copies overnight, twenty years down the road, the album will still be selling strong. Last Train is no exception. Among their best work to date, The Nighthawks may have found another audience. This is as good as it gets, bar none. Hard as it might be to imagine, this might well be their most powerful disc to date. A great collection of their greatest hits done in a way their audience has seldom, if ever heard…this one is timeless. The Nighthawks are doing exceptionally well and all is right with the world. Thirty-five years working worldwide and as fresh as the day the band was formed. Few can make that claim. This one is a keeper to be sure. - Bill Wilson Ana Popovic Blind For Love Eclecto Groove EGRCD507 Ana Popovic is one of the hottest performers on the Contemporary blues scene in more respects than the obvious. Aside from being an exceptional guitarist, a phenomenal songwriter and a stellar vocalist, she's one hell of a performer. Put mildly, she's just about as perfect a package deal as you'll find anywhere. Searing guitar licks, a great voice and a really tight band make this a perfect piece for lovers of blues guitar. A master of her instrument, Popovic knows not only what and when to play, she knows when not to. Blind For Love runs the from hard rocking blues/rock to ballads seamlessly. Diverse and very well done, Blind For Love is both technically flawless and emotionally charged…not an easy tightrope to walk. Every song on this disc was written (or co-written) by Ana…as the title suggests, love songs, written from the heart and from the depths of her experience…making it one powerful piece of work. If blues guitar is your thing, Blind For Love is sure to trip your trigger. Any way you slice it Ana Popovic is a great performer. - Bill Wilson Duke Robillard Passport To The Blues Stony Plain 134939 Duke Robillard has been one of the finest guitarists in the business for as long as I can remember. His down and dirty, gritty tone applies not only to his guitar work but to his vocals, making him a festival favorite worldwide. Passport to the Blues is a delightful piece, highlighting his many talents from musician and vocalist to songwriter. With the exception of one tune penned by Tom Waits and one co-written with the aid of Doc Pomus, all tunes were written by Robillard. Exceptional at everything he lays his hand to, Duke's one of those unique artists who has the ability to not only play flawlessly but with incredible levels of emotional power. Not afraid to speak his mind, Duke Robillard is a great storyteller who draws upon deep wells of experience, one of the things that gives his music that incredible level of power. He is also one of those players who understands that "good" does not necessarily mean loud or incredibly fast…understanding that more often than not, "less is more." This guy plays with style and finesse, able, if need be, to "cut the head" of the hottest guitar slinger out there. Passport To The Blues is one of those pieces that belongs in the library of every lover of guitar, regardless of the style you might prefer. This one should come with a "money back" guarantee. If this one doesn't float your boat, it might be a good idea to check your pulse. Nuff Said! - Bill Wilson Mark Robinson Quit Your Job - Play Guitar Blind Chihuahua 001 While I would not recommend this course of action for everyone, Robinson has hit on the winning ticket. This is hard-hitting, emotionally charged music that strikes the heart. Well written originals and well chosen covers… immaculately played, well orchestrated and as warm and comforting as Mom's homemade apple pie, this one is a winner. The addition of Bill Wilson's "Payday Giveaway" was an unexpected treat. Robinson has a great guitar style, having learned the musician's most important lesson…sometimes a few well-placed soulfully played notes speak more than volumes of high speed explosive guitar that leaves your head spinning. Mark can hold his own against anyone on the scene and does it with class and a timeless style that flows as naturally as young love. While styles vary widely, all great music has that feeling that it flows naturally and effortlessly. The fact that he is backed by a number of the finest players in the business didn't hurt matters. Quit Your Job - Play Guitar has that special quality. This one melds blues, rock, soul, country and more for a sound that is fresh as a spring breeze. Give this one a listen. You won't be disappointed. Normally I find a few weak spots on a recording or just a little something that could use work. In this case, I was spellbound from beginning to end. - Bill Wilson Robin Rogers Treat Me Right Blind Pig 5123 Robin Rogers has one powerful voice…the kind that can sooth the heart of the savage beast, yet powerful as a mama lion protecting her cubs. In other words, she's got one hell of a range. One thing does not change, whether we see the fierceness of the lion or the tenderness of the kitten, Robin's voice cuts straight through to the heart. Robin will be performing at the 2010 Billtown Blues Festival, accompanying Debbie Davies. This is one show not to be missed. Back to the matter at heart, Treat Me Right is a dynamic piece of work. It is well orchestrated, the musicianship is right on the money and Robin's vocals are as strong as anything I've heard. Often, performers like to pattern their styles after heroes (or "sheroes") as the case may be. Too many Janis Joplin and Etta James clones out there. Not that there's any problem with either one of those artists, but if I wanted to hear Janis, I'd buy her recordings. Rogers has a style that is distinctly her own…a real treat to the ears. To quote a good friend who is quite a wordsmith, it's downright "eargasmic." Treat Me Right is powerful, dynamic and not afraid to ruffle some feathers if the need should arise. - Bill Wilson Catherine Russell Inside This Heart of Mine World Village 468092 Catherine Russell has gathered together thirteen tunes that have held a special place in her heart for years. She presents them here in an album that will win your heart from the first listen. With a style and voice reminiscent of Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie and backed by a band that nails the musical style of the era, Russell breathes new life into classics as well as some nearly forgotten covers. This is a wonderful piece of work. Call it jazz, call it blues, whatever label you prefer to use, this is one of those pieces that aims straight for the heart and hits its mark. This one can transport the listener through time if only for a short time. One thing is certain…you will come away wanting more. Like sunshine after a long rain, Catherine Russell will warm you through and through. Inside This Heart Of Mine could just as well have been recorded in the 1920s or 30s if you'd care to add a little crackle to give it that vintage sound. I found it absolutely delightful. It's one of those pieces that is destined to be in my player for some time to come. You will not be disappointed. - Bill Wilson Ron Spencer Band Roller Coaster Blues Real Gone Records 102 Based out of Liverpool, New York, the Ron Spencer Band are a great bar band. Reminiscent of The Nighthawks (high praise indeed, as they are among my favorite band and considered by more than a few to be the best bar band in the business), the Ron Spencer Band are diverse, rocking it out one minute and doing a soulful ballad the next. The disc is comprised entirely of original tunes…another point in their favor. The real deal, the Ron Spencer Band moves from rock & roll to r&b, rockabilly and blues without missing a beat. Over the course of their careers they have opened for and or played with many of the best in the business, including Charlie Musselwhite, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Kenny Neal, Son Seals and Little Charlie & the Nightcats. Highlights of Spencer's career include touring with Big Time Sarah, playing in the house band for the First Annual harmonica Blow-off and backing Jimmy Cavallo on the Handy Award nominated "House Rocker" CD, released in 2003. Nuff said, these guys have been around the block a time or two and are in it for the long haul. This release has a bit of something for everybody, regardless of their preference of style. Immaculately performed, well written and smooth as a good single malt scotch, Roller Coaster Blues is well worth more than just a casual listen. This one's a keeper. - Bill Wilson Sugar Blue Threshold Beeble Music BB802 Having heard Sugar Blue at the Pocono Blues Festival some years ago I was amazed by the man who could blow the roof off an outdoor venue. Threshold takes things in a whole new direction…no less powerful but, perhaps more refined. This one is heavy on the side of soul with traces of jazz, but does get into some rather heavy blues. Sugar Blue has tapped into the emotional state that is common to us all and is playing off of that. The musicianship on this one is no less than immaculate with Sugar's vocal and harp work being more refined than ever. While some blues enthusiasts might find it a bit disappointing, I see a more mature performer who has found a new direction in which to channel his energies, an action I applaud and enjoyed immensely. Somewhat reminiscent although perhaps a bit more refined to an early John Popper, Threshold is an easy listen after getting over the shock that this is indeed Sugar Blue. Blues, soul, r&b, and jazz meld for an album with something for everyone. Sugar Blue is a complicated individual, filled with unique ideas. Fortunately he's got the talent to back it all up. While I have mixed feelings about Threshold, it is well orchestrated, extremely well played well worth more than one good listen. There's a surprise around every corner. This one has grown on me considerably in the short time I've had it in my possession. No matter what your likes, whether you go for hardcore blues or soulful ballads, this one has something for everyone. I am still amazed and believe he's still got what it takes to blow the roof off an outdoor venue. - Bill Wilson Watermelon Slim Ringer NorthernBlues Music 0059 If there is one word to best describe Watermelon Slim, that word might be "diverse." After numerous albums, Slim has done what only a small handful of the very best have managed…he has kept it fresh. Granted, Ringer may not be a straight-ahead blues release, but it is bluesy enough to satisfy and old codger like me and it, like his other releases, has a timeless quality that will be as fresh a hundred years from now as it is today. Ringer has a country flavor that is warm as your favorite denim jacket and as relevant to the plight of the common man as anything I've heard. From a musical standpoint, Watermelon Slim has carved a niche for himself that leaves him in a class of his own. Again, surrounded by some of the best musicians in the business, Slim has released another instant classic. Bill Homans (Watermelon Slim) is a man who could well have done anything he chose and been quite successful. He chose a life in music and the world is a better place for it. He gives a voice to the average man on the street and makes his point with power and authority. While we have yet to meet, I consider him a friend and feel that friendship reciprocated. Like the masters of old, Slim pours heart and soul into everything he does and it shows. His work is played masterfully and is full of emotional power. With eight releases to his credit it is safe to say that he will continue amazing us until he feels it is time to move on. Long live the minstrel who, while perhaps rough around the edges, raises his voice on behalf of us all regardless of our financial or social status. May he live long and prosper. This is another album that belongs in each of our collections. Buy numerous copies and give them to your friends. You will not be disappointed and neither will they. - Bill Wilson Charles Wilson Troubled Child Severn Records 0048 This is r&b and traditional soul, well polished and easy on the ear. While not particularly my favorite style, Wilson does such a fine job that even I felt the urge to dance. This is the disc you put on when you've got your favorite lady friend by your side and are looking to set just the right mood. Troubled Child is smooth as silk, funky enough to get James Brown's attention and as polished as your grandma's silver on Thanksgiving Day. With better than a dozen releases to his credit and backed by the Severn house band with guitar work compliments of Monster Mike Welch, Wilson delivers pieces reminiscent of Little Milton, Z.Z. Hill and Tyrone Davis, to mention just a few. This is soul at its best. Perhaps the fact that he has been performing in public from about the age of seven might have something to do with that. This one has a timeless quality, sung from the heart and powerful enough to cut straight through to the heart of the listener. If you're a fan of r&b with that smooth polished sound, Charles Wilson's Troubled Child might just be the thing you're looking for. It is immaculately played and the vocals are as good as it gets short of travelling back through time. - Bill Wilson Tim Woods The Blues Sessions Earwig Music 4962 Bear in mind that while Woods has been playing for better than 25 years, this is his debut CD…a tribute to the blues and to the legends of the genre. The line-up on this recording set my head spinning to say the least. Between the undeniable living legends like David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Big Jack Johnson and Bob Stroger and more, to those regional artists who have achieved similar status on a regional level this one had a good head start right out of the chute. Add Aaron Moore, John Primer, Kenny Smith, Michael Frank, Terry "Big T" Williams, Lee Williams and more and a review is nearly senseless. It is hard to think of a reason not to buy this disc. Except for the fact that Tim Woods plays on every track, this could be a various artist collection. They are by far, for me, the most difficult to review as they are so diverse. Bottom line, I love The Blues Sessions. While the styles vary so widely, the musicianship here is incredible. Willie Dixon's "It Don't Make Sense You Can't Make Peace" is not only extremely timely, it is hauntingly beautiful. In all honesty the same could be said for so many of the tunes here. While so many numbers are old covers, this crew breathes new life into every tune. There is a strength and vitality here that is infectious. Not only are the listeners introduced to some artists they might not have known before, the arrangements are mind-blowing. This is another of those pieces I may well buy multiple copies of to give as gifts. - Bill Wilson Return to top of page

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