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Live And CD Reviews -  You can buy some of the CDs/DVDs reviewed by clicking the album covers. For those with no link from the album cover, you can contact info@bluescdstore.com   or call 01296 634991 www.bluescdstore.com

Dani Wilde - Heal My Blues  

This is the debut CD from one of the UK’s brightest young female blues guitarist/vocalists. She is an accomplished guitarist but what really hits you is the strength of her vocal and at only 21 years old, this could just be the beginning of an astounding future in the blues. Guests Ian Parker and his keyboard player Morg Morgan, contribute some fine guitar and organ respectively. 

The opening track, ‘Bring Your Loving Home’, is a strong opener and supplemented with Ian Parker taking the guitar solo. Dani’s voice from the off, is confident and powerful and she takes her voice to another level on the second track, ‘Heal My Blues’. The CD is guitar based blues with nearly as much harp, courtesy of Dani’s brother Will, as guitar but the CD still has a fresh feel. Dynamics are used to good effect and no more evident than on the slow ballad  ‘I Love You More Than I Hate Myself’. Back to up tempo with  ‘I Want Your Lovin’ and once again featuring Ian Parker and some nice underlying organ from Morg Morgan. There are some good original songs on this album and ‘Testify’ is as good as any. There are also some covers; Junior Wells song ‘Little By Little’ with a soaring harp solo and Dani turns to acoustic guitar for a version of John Lee Hooker’s ‘In The Mood’. Acoustic guitar is also used on ‘Slow Coach’ and ‘People Like You’. This an extremely good album, especially as a debut and if Dani Wilde is part of the future of British Blues, then we have no worries.

BluesMix - Bidding My Time

BluesMix are four London based musicians who produce quality blues, mixing blues with a little soul, funk and jazz. ‘Feel So Strong’ is a shuffle which from the start shows the talents of these fine musicians including multi instrumentalist Bob Morgan playing keyboards and sax on this first track. The club feel on  ‘Got My Eye On You’ is very funky and once again the sax shines on this number.

The band show diversity on the slow soulful, jazzy ballad ‘All Gone’ but bring back the funky feel on ‘Do You Know Me’ which weaves in and out of the blues. The remaining 6 tracks are of equal quality and style and you feel the sound of this excellent CD would translate onto the club circuit. I get the feeling, it would be a real treat to see these musicians perform live.

The Dirty Aces – One Good Reason  - Mini Album CD

The Dirty Aces are based in Jersey and have produced this 5 track mini album as a taster of what they have to offer to the world of blues. Their approach is to grind out harp and guitar led blues and they do this straight from the start of this CD with ‘Dollar & A Quarter’, which thumps in with some mean blues harp from Giles Robson. A drum intro brings in the funky blues, self penned, title track ‘One Good Reason and once again the harp is let lose on Been Mistreated. On the fourth track, The Dirty Aces arrange a Sonny Boy Williamson song, ‘You Might Do Without Me’ and guitarist Filip Kozlowski gets a chance to really shine on this slower blues. The last track ‘One Day Soon’, is a foot tappin’ straight forward blues, well played, attempting to create an older feel with retro harp. This CD is approximately 30 minutes of real blues and although not ground breaking, it is very well executed. If you like your blues a little more traditional than blues/rock this may be right up your street.

Buddy Whittington solo CD

There are good CDs, there are excellent CDs in either, style, songs, playing etc. and then there are CDs of quality throughout.  Whether or not you like the songs or style there’s no denying Buddy Whittington’s first solo CD oozing quality and class. In the blues/rock vein, this CD proves you don’t have to be a full on guitar hero type to produce the goods.  The CD starts with ‘Young & Dumb’, a lively number with a nice riff and slide guitar.

The lead guitar lines are a little ZZ Topish in places without being heavy. ‘Pay The Band’ is a slower number grinding along and once again some fine guitar work from Buddy. This song, like several on the album, has lyrics on the humorous side. Another example is ‘Second Banana’, an obvious reference to playing sideman, as Buddy has done with John Mayall for the last 15 years and the clever lyrics in ‘Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone’, a little funky number with Buddy’s voice at full strength. In fact unlike many sidemen that produce a CD and feel they have to do the vocals, Buddy has a great voice and this makes CD even more of an enjoyable listen. We don’t give marks out of 10 but if we did it would have to be a 9.

Chris Barber Presents The Blues Legacy ‘Lost & Found’ Series

Vol 1/Vol 2/Vol 3

This series of three volumes is a superb document of some of the earliest recordings from US blues artists playing in the UK. Chris Barber and his band, a bluesman court up in a jazz band, backs an array of artists from Howlin’ Wolf  to Muddy Waters,  Jimmy Witherspoon to Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee to Louis Jordan.

Also making appearances are Otis Spann, Champion Jack Dupree, Hubert Sumlin, Ottilie Patterson, Ronnie Scott and Humphrey Lyttelton. There are some interesting introductions by Chris Barber setting the scene and although the sound is sometimes more New Orleans than Chicago, there is no doubt that these recordings are a piece of British ‘Live’ Blues history. Coupled with detailed liner notes and pictures, this makes this series a must have, if you are a serious blues collector.

However, The Chris Barber Band did not back the blues artists on all of the tracks. For example, on Volume 1, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee play 12 tracks on their own and this is an absolute peach of its time. On this same CD, Sister Rosetta Tharpe plays solo on several tracks with her haunting strong vocal. On Volume 2 Muddy Waters plays with Otis Spann, playing some of his ‘hits’, for example ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ and ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’. Also on this CD Champion Jack Dupree makes an appearance on three tracks and as Record Collector says about ‘Mother-In-Law Blues’, brilliantly mischievous”.

Volume 3 features Sonny Boy Williamson with a jazzy version of ‘Help Me’ and on ‘C-Jam Blues’, the blues harp interacts with the horns and it works well. This volume also features Jimmy Witherspoon with his powerful vocals commanding a version of ‘Everyday I Have The Blues’ and there’s a fine trombone solo on the slow blues ‘When I’ve Been Drinking’. One of the many highlights on this volume is Howlin Wolf with his menacing big man vocal and ‘Dust My Broom’ with authentic guitar lines played by Hubert Sumlin.

The recordings are from various live gigs including the Free Trade Hall Manchester in the late 1950s and early 60s and some studio recordings.  The sound quality varies but considering how some of the recordings were originally made, the results are remarkable and full of character. Record Collector recently gave the series a maximum 5 stars and you can’t argue with that.

Storm Warning - Something Real 
 
Distinctive blues rockers Storm Warning are carving out a solid reputation on the UK and European blues circuits. Something Real, the band’s second studio set, builds on the ambitious and fresh approach established on Breaking Out, revealing influences ranging from classic blues, to ZZ Top, Gary Moore and even Pink Floyd. Son Maxwell’s harmonica roots the music firmly in the blues, while drummer Roger Willis and bassman Derek White lend a rock-conscious power to the mix. Bob Moore’s inventive guitar and Ian Salisbury’s sensitive and subtle keyboards complete the band’s dynamic sound.
The eight original tracks include ‘On The Road’ with it’s atmospheric beginning and Pink Floyd style slide guitar; the rocky ‘Hard To Be A Man’; ‘Charlie’s Blues’ with Latin feel, strong harmonica/guitar riff and subtle harmonica solo; and the epic title track, think Gary Moore blues ballad with a touch more class and a little jazz influence in the guitar. All these and the remaining original tracks, demonstrates the critically acclaimed strength of the band’s songwriting. The one featured cover is a dramatic take on Lucky Peterson’s ‘Nothing But Smoke’. A welcome new offering from a band committed to carrying the blues into exciting new territory.
 

Larry Miller - Outlaw Blues

For those of you who know Larry Miller, you have a good idea of what to expect but   those of you who are new to his music and like guitar driven blues rock, you will not be disappointed. The opening track ‘Shame On You’ starts with a solo guitar riff as if  played through a small speaker but wait for it! Out of nowhere comes the band and full on guitar announcing in musical terms this is Larry Miller. This first track is a Strat infused rocker. There’s no let up on the second track ‘Writing’s On The Wall’, apart for the solo guitar and vocal intro. Another foot stompin’ blues rocker but this number steps up the game, with some impressive lead guitar.

But hey, Larry Miller has a soft side to him. ‘Calling All The Angels’ is a slow number with picking guitar and then welcome Matt Empson on the organ. Eventually drums come in with a lazy feel giving Larry the chance to play subtle guitar with feeling and vibrato. Track four Rebekah, is another good foot tappin’ rocking number followed by Storm Comin’, a Hoochie Coochie style riff with slide guitar and keyboard player Matt Empson taking to the blues harp.

The most unpredictable song on the CD is Professor Casanova which although relatively poppy, is catchy and a good song. You can hear several influences in Larry Miller’s playing and song writing from the Rolling Stones on ‘Only One Woman I Want’ to ZZ Top on the wonderful title track ‘Outlaw Blues’. Just when you thought this album will rock out to the end comes ‘Blues Forever’, a slow blues ballad which Larry gives his best vocal performance and once again plays some nice guitar with feeling. Larry Miller is often associated with the passion and the style of Rory Gallagher. He is obviously a big influence and maybe fitting that the last track is an acoustic slide guitar blues called Klondike which would be perfect in a Rory Gallagher set.

This is a well made album of great blues rocking with versatility. Larry Miller has a good band behind him and the addition of keyboards and harmonica embellishes the songs. He is already a popular figure on the live circuit and this album, probably his best to date, can only increase his following and standing. Rock on Larry!    

The Blues Experience with Cash McCall – The Vintage Room 

This CD has the legacy of Willie Dixon behind it as ‘The Vintage Room’ features Alex Dixon, the grandson of Willie. Alex not only plays piano on the CD but also wrote some of the songs and produced the album. The sleeve notes say Alex Dixon thanks his grandfather for teaching him the formula to create blues and this is evident in the final product, a most enjoyable blues CD. Steeped in tradition and the Chicago side of the blues, this CD has feel.

From the opening track ‘Helluva Time’ Cash McCall’s wonderful vocals are rich in the blues and a constant throughout the album along with his traditional blues style of guitar. No over cooked solos just interspersed guitar lines fitting the moment. Another strong feature of the CD is the harmonica playing by Steve Bell which plays a big part on the opening track and with particular strong solos on ‘Slice of Pie’ and ‘Catch Me Before I Go’.

How could the grandson of Willie Dixon not pay homage to his grandfather and here you will find good versions of ‘I Just Wanna Make Love To You’, ‘Bring It On Home’ and ‘I’m Ready’. From track 8 ‘Mama’, the feel of the CD changes with the introduction of upright bass courtesy of Dylan Cooper and drummer Vinnie Threats preferring the brushes. Although a lighter feel is produced this is by no way detrimental to the CD and shows the band can play both styles well. A customer who bought this CD emailed to say ‘Cash McCall CD is a killer!’. Sounds like a good recommendation.

Fred Chapellier & Friends – A Tribute To Roy Buchanan

CHAPELLIER, FRED & FRIENDS - A Tribute to Roy BuchananRoy Buchanan is one of those guitarists that probably never got the recognition he deserved. French guitarist Fred Chapellier was convinced by his incredible guitar skills from an early age and thus has been a big influence on his playing. The CD fuses some great blues guitar work with songs by Roy Bucanhan, Fred Chappelier and other blues standards. Not many could make a telecaster sing the way Roy Buchanan did.

For this tribute Fred Chapellier explores the guitar legend’s repertoire with the help of some ace musicians.  These include Billy Price, former vocalist with The Buchanan Band and Tom Principato, one of Roy’s jamming buddies plus US guitarist Neal Black.  Jean Alain Roussel, producer of Roy's final album, played keyboards and was in charge of production A sizzling set with blistering guitar solos and some gentler moments that will get accolades from Roy Buchanan buffs of all continents. If you have never listened to Roy Buchanan, here is a good place to start and then work back through Roy’s catalogue of CDs to hear what made Fred Chapellier say  “ The sound of a guitar that grabbed my soul and pieced my heart like nothing I had ever heard before.”

Buck 69 – When She Whispers Your Name

Like Bob Seger meeting Jonny Lang in a juke joint to talk about Eric Clapton. A father and son blues rock band mixing together the old and the new with a bang. With three members over the age of 45 and 5 members under the age of 30, Buck69 is influenced by more than three generations of music.

The use of lead and rhythm guitar is done to a classic drumbeat and vocals that rock the house. This band is there for the music and it's that transparency that makes them uniquely refreshing. If you like to dance, sing and shout, I have a feeling that Buck69 is for you. I danced around my office when I was checking this band out, I could hardly imagine how much fun it would be to see them live. I highly recommend this band to anyone who enjoys rock or blues. Very impressive licks mixed in with a great drumbeat that makes a groove you can't help but listen to. – Guitar Tips

 

LIVE REVIEW

The Hoax at The Chiddingfold Club 5/5/08

 

You never say never in rock and roll. And so it came to pass that after nearly 9 years away from it all The Hoax made an unexpected reunion on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the release of their 'Humdinger' album and the final night of the Chiddingfold Club.

 

In fact it wasn't quite The Hoax as bass player Robin Davey was missing apparently stuck in the States and his place was admirably taken by the former Melt and current Scott McKeon bass man Tom Latham who formed a formidable partnership alongside the redoubtable Mark Barrett on drums.

 

On they strode looking like the most disparate bunch of musicians imaginable. The startling contrast between the white figure of Jesse Davey with his de rigueur LA attire of long hair, goatee beard and flamboyant sunglasses, with the Dr Feelgood style smart suite and tie of fellow guitarist Jon Amor was almost incongruous while the fully bearded mop top of Hugh Coltman looked for all the world like a left bank Parisian poet. Perhaps the three fiercely independent characters had something to prove to each other, because musically they returned at the very peak of their abilities.

 

Much has changed since The Hoax called it a day. SRV may not quite be the same God he was back in the mid 90's and rock has long since been levered into the nether regions of a niche market. But let's not forget that The Hoax had already matured and grown of age with their superb suitably titled 'Humdinger' album before they called it a day. And it was this album that featured heavily on the night being re-issued as a CD with bonus tracks and a DVD apparently charting its creation.

 

Perhaps the biggest surprise was that Hugh played very little harp and spent most of the evening growing in stature as a mighty vocalist. So while messieurs Davey and Amor spent a good deal of the evening embellishing some mighty shuffles with all manner of deep toned accompaniment, Coltman's voice remained steadfast, leading the band through the full range of dynamics and wringing every last nuance from the songs.

Opening with the up tempo 'High Expectations' and the riff driven 'Fistful of Dirt the Hoax quickly upped the ante on Groovebreaker' which actually started in a languid vein before the rhythm section pushed the groove to the limit and the guitars broke through the tension with a mighty Jesse solo followed by Amor in a cooler jazzier mode.

 

In fact it took little more than the opening handful of songs for the band to reach the heights that made them so unique back in the 90's. If anything Hugh seemed reticent to play his harp, finally succumbing on '20 Ton Weight' and then kicking into top gear on the show stopping Lester Butler song 'Automatic'. It may have escaped people's notice but it's also ten years since the Red Devils harp man died. He influenced a generation and especially it seems The Hoax who continue to share the same adulation as the great man did in Holland.

 

A guitar frenzy followed on Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' on which Hugh added a startling banshee like wail, while on the edgy 'Feeding Time' he crouched at the front to sing a verse through his harp mic. Perhaps most impressive of all was the band's reading of their own slow blues 'Don't Shake My Hand' which featured both a guitar cameo from Jesse Davey who leapt into the crowd while the unflappable Amor teased out the most delicate vibrato imaginable despite an amp problem.  But above all this deep blues outing featured Cotlman at his expressive best, confidently giving full range to some emotive phrasing of the highest order.

 

He further impressed with his use of elongated vowels and an ability to hold a note effortlessly as well as taking centre stage to sing a verse without the aid of his mic.

 

If anything this show simply restated The Hoax's collective brilliance. They still sound like the most contemporary blues outfit on the planet and they always seem to be playing within themselves building up numbers incrementally, never wasting notes and always eagerly pursuing fresh possibilities. By the time of the closing monumental shuffle Jon Amor and Jesse Davey dusted down their party piece of each playing the others guitar neck, but even this little piece of theatre was merely a conduit to a climactic outro. The crowd exploded, Amor sent his tie into the front row and the band had just ridden rough shot over the old adage that you should never come back.

 

***** (5/5)

© Review by Pete Feenstra www.getreadytorock.com

 

Johnny Rawls -  Rockin’ In Rockland  DVD & CD

This is the 2nd Juke Joint Video DVD which Blues CD Store is exclusively selling in the UK. This DVD also has a CD in the package which features all the DVD tracks except one and an extra track on the CD that is not on the DVD. The DVD is shot at the Time Out Pub, Rockland, Maine USA with a no frills approach, just the club atmosphere and the music interspersed with interviews with Johnny Rawls.

Johnny Rawls, originally from Mississippi, is probably a new name to most people in the UK although he did record a CD for UK label  JSP records in 1996 called ‘Here We Go’. Rawls began his career playing behind some of the biggest names in the south eventually working with his idol O.V. Wright.  Johnny Rawls plays soul blues and O.V Wright’s influence is evident.

The DVD opens up with the up beat ‘Watcha Wanna Do’ and then on to ‘You Gotta Change’, a blues with a little soul influence. Johnny Rawls has a laid back style playing cool lead guitar with nice relaxed licks. As the DVD progresses through ‘Feel So Good’ about his home town of Purvis near Hattiesburg, the mood becomes more soulful blues with his best extended guitar work on ‘I Want You Back’.  All songs on this DVD and CD are written by Johnny Rawls and the soulful quality of his voice is a real constant on this DVD with ‘Lucky Man’ being one of the best tracks. The DVD finishes with the more up tempo ‘Give It To Me’. The 74 minute DVD has several clips of interviews with Johnny Rawls and you get a feel of the man who is a real working musician and happy playing around 300 gigs a year keeping the blues alive.

 

The Carvin Jones Band - I'm What You Need 

Carvin Jones is a real live wire of a performer with a showman ability to wow the live audiences but unfortunately his recorded studio works have never lived up to his live shows. However his new CD, 'I'm What You Need ' conveys better than any previous studio CD his ability to produce exciting blues/rock. The CD opens with the title track and it is straight into rocking electric guitar lines. This is a good punchy song. The second track, 'Ya Drive Me Crazy' is a little slower but still in the same rocking vein. Brass enters the third instrumental track 'Strawberry Shortcake and Carvin plays some highly effect influenced guitar, slightly Hendrixesque with piano courtesy of Tim Furkes. The slow blues 'Drowning on Dry Land'  is familiar territory for the blues guys and once again with some trademark Carvin Jones guitar. The album continues with a mix of blues/rock and a little romance with rock 'n' roll especially accentuated by the rolling piano on 'Born To Win' and 'Miss You Baby'. The album closes with a solo guitar piece 'I Need Your Sweet Lovin'.

To sum up the album, it is for the blues/rock fans and the Hendrix influence is evident in the guitar and Peter Green in the voice - not such a bad combination. Delbet Black - Rocking the Blues

I'm What You Need

Little Milton  Live At The North Atlantic Blues Festival “His Last Concert”

This DVD of Little Milton’s last ever concert by Juke Joint Videos captures Little Milton in his twilight hour. Although he was in his 70’s when this was filmed, Little Milton still conveys the warmth and love for music and for performing. Juke Joint Videos have won critical acclaim for their camera work and produce DVDs that feel real. No overdubs or over the top effects, just trying to keep true to the performance.

The concert was filmed at The North Atlantic Blues Festival in 2005 and the DVD opens with an introduction using clips from Little Milton’s world famous blues anthem ‘The Blues Is Alright’, a fitting tribute to a great bluesman. Then straight into seeing Little Milton coming up the back steps of the stage, his band playing him on. This was rather a wet July day in 2005 at The North Atlantic Blues Festival with driving rain, as Little Milton dressed in a green casual suit, starts with ‘Still Some Meat Left On This Bone’. This number swings and Little Milton looks relaxed with mic in hand, not allowing the weather to give him the blues.

The second song ‘Just One Moment’ is a love song and soulful ballad from his album Guitar Man. He performs this song leaving no doubt that he was one of the great soul singers. The DVD continues a little more up tempo with ‘I Don’t Believe in Ghosts’ but still in the soulful vein before moving into a slow blues medley of  Little Milton’s ‘Catch You On Your Way Down’, Annie Mae’s Café,  Into Walking the Backstreets and ‘A Possum in My Tree’.  It is at this point Little Milton picks up the guitar and throughout the medley plays some classic old style blues guitar taking it right down with the camera following his fingers on the fretboard. The DVD shows views of all the band during the concert, using different angles with some nice fades between members of his fine band.

The sun comes out for ‘I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For Your Love’, a slightly funky blues with some more delicate guitar work from Little Milton and once again classic Little Milton vocals. At no point during the performance do the band over play, allowing Little Milton to take the limelight.

Little Milton likes to connect with the audience and asks the audience to listen carefully to the lyrics of ‘My Dog and Me’, which was a big hit for him and then finishes with, as he says “the blues anthem of the world”,  ‘The Blues is Alright’, covered by many.

He puts his guitar down and brings in the audience for some participation. A fitting number and end to a DVD that has good honest video and sound, not over produced and makes you feel that you could have been there. What more do you want from a live performance.

The DVD ends with clips of Little Milton thanking the audience and the credits roll with a reminder this is in memory of Little Campbell Milton 1934 – 2005. He may have left this world but with this DVD you can keep a piece of Little Milton, thanks to the

joint venture between Juke Joint Videos and North Atlantic Productions. - Delbet Black   Available exclusively from Blues CD Store www.bluescdstore.com

 

Review – Hill Town Blues, Colne 2007

Hill Town Blues Colne 2007, is a 3 CD set covering artists and bands appearing at The Great British R&B Festival in Colne, Lancashire over the August bank holiday weekend. This diverse blues triple pack contains tracks from mainly British artists and bands giving a good overview of the British Blues scene. Those who are not British can often be seen on tour in the UK. All tracks have been kindly donated by the artists free of charge for reproduction on this CD. Profits from the CD are going to the Pendleside Hospice.

From the opening rocky Henry McCullough Blues Band to the electric blues of Otis Grand on the second track through to the more rootsy Ian Siegal Band with ‘Drowned In My Sorrows’, makes for a perfect opening three tracks for this ambitious project.  The rest of the first CD features such veterans of British Blues including Nine Below Zero, Nicky Moore and the Animals & Friends. There’s a live version of  the Zombies hit ‘She’s Not There’ by Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, with some great electric piano and organ on this track. A traditional rendition of ‘Marie, Marie’ by The King Earl Boogie Band and a track from US blues singer Dietra Farr, contrasts with a live 8 minute version of ‘Suicide’ from 70’s rock band Stray. This isn’t a blues track but comes from Stray’s blues influenced and dynamic guitarist Del Bromham who has a true blues track on disc three. Other highlights, is the track ‘Cathy’ from the Ariel Bender Band which is a sensitive blues with some wonderful guitar work from Ariel Bender aka Luther Grosvenor. He was originally guitarist with Spooky Tooth and then stepped into Mick Ralphs shoes in Mott The Hoople when Mick left to form Bad Company. A mention must also go to blues rockers ‘Never The Bride’ who donated ‘The Living Tree’ track for the album. This is the track that Dame Shirley Bassey recorded for one of her albums and performed the song at The Royal Variety performance. It is a powerful 007 esque track and must be the only song written by a band on the British Blues scene which has been performed to The Queen.

On to disc two and if you thought the quality of the music and the diversity of the blues would not be sustained throughout the 3 CD set, you would be mistaken. British stalwart of the vocals, Frankie Miller and his Full House represent British funky blues on the first track and relative new boy on the block Matt Schofield and his Trio swing electric guitar blues as good as anyone. Stark contrast comes on track three with Eddie Martin’s ‘Living For The Weekend’, nice harp and slide and with boogie piano led Al’s Boogie by The Revolutionaries.  Back to the blues/rock with ‘Last Man Standing’ by the well travelled Danny Bryant and his Redeyeband and the rocking ‘The Woman? Or The Blues’ by Storm Warning. Veterans of the blues are represented on disc two by Eric Bell, one time guitarist with the first phase of Thin Lizzy plus Chris Farlowe with a Ray Charles song ‘Piece Of Mind’ and a live version of Milk & Alcohol by Dr Feelgood. Female vocal is represented by Zora Young with ‘Til The Fat Lady Sings’, great funky blues and Hamish Stuart band funk it up on ‘What’cha Gonna Do For Me’. The Convulsions offer a raw blues/rock style as do The Stumble with a Houndog Taylor song ‘’Give Me Back My Wig’. Lastly Richie Milton & the Lowdown offer their Latin infused blues on ‘Get Naked’ and Cliff Stocker’s Legendary Slack Alice rock out on the last and 17th track on disc two with ‘Mean Slick City Machine’.

Disc three starts with a more gentle feel demonstrating acoustic folk /blues with the wonderful Tom Doughty followed in a similar vein by The Blues Band bassman Gary Fletcher, showing why he is deservedly being recognised as a song writer and musician in his own right. Taking it up a notch is probably the best young female blues vocalist around, Kyla Brox,  with a blues ballad called ‘Gone’ which is full of feeling. If it’s rocking blues guitar you like, take a listen to a previously unreleased live instrumental track from Saiichi Sugiyama called ‘Sneakin’ n Snipin’. It’s very funky blues with some great full on guitar and vamping organ. There are three more folky/blues acoustic tracks from Ian Alveston, John Williamson & Mike Bowden and a live track from Claude Bourbon. Keeping up the diversity and the more laid back approach of CD three, is Grana Louise in acapella mode followed by the cajun blues from Chris Jagger. There’s more acoustic blues including Del Bromham with the title track from his album Devil’s Highway, conveying perfectly a spooky feel using the slide to great effect. Norman Beaker Band takes up the electric mantle with a melodic blues called ‘When The Fat Lady Sings’ and Pete Barton who normally tours with The Animals and Friends closes the 3 CD set gently with ‘Cotton and Coal’.

The fact that not every track has been mentioned by no way means these are the lesser tracks but the fact that so many have, just shows what a good compilation this is. This CD doesn’t represent all British Blues but it does represent a good cross section. If there was a prize for compilation of the year this would win hands down. It could also win a prize for best value with an amazing 51 tracks at a cost of less that 30p a track. You don’t have to buy this because all the profits go to the Pendleside Hospice, although that is a good enough reason in itself but buy it because there is so much good British blues amassed on one album and with a limited run of only 2,000 this could become a collectors item. If you want to make sure of getting a copy, don’t wait for the festival but visit The Great British R&B Festival website at www.bluesfestival.co.uk   or www.bluescdstore.com who are handling the online sales for the CD.  - Delbet Black

Derrin Nauendorf - 'The Rattling Wheel' - CD Review

Austarlian Derrin Nauendorf, has produce a cd of quality songs in the area of  folk/contemporary singer songwriter/acoustic blues influenced music. Although Derrin plays blues clubs in the UK, don't expect blues on this album. However, if you appreciate well crafted acoustic based music, this cd could be for you.

RattlingWheelCD_WEB

From the opening song 'Universe Demands', the whole feel is uplifting and happy, folky and catchy with a strong acoustic riff. The second track is 'Shipwrecked' with Derrin's great vocals showing feeling and commitment to his music. With this track as with others the double bass slides nicely up and down the fingerboard. 'I  Won't Turn My Back' has an Eric Bibb style about it which is followed by the very folky  'Where Two Men Go Tonight' and the upbeat Queensland. Derrin is a very talented acoustic player and this shows on many of the tracks and especially 'My Hurricane' which builds with some frantic, excellent guitar playing and the wonderful 'Long Road Home'.

It says in the liner notes written by Derrin Neauendorf ,"This was the easiest and most relaxed studio recording I have ever been involved in" and this does come across and sounds like Derrin and the band  enjoyed it. Maybe he should be aiming more at the in vogue contemporary singer/songwriter market and he just could be a big star.

Review  by Delbert Black – Rocking the Blues. Buy this album at;  www.bluescdstore.com

 

Mitch Woods - Big Easy Boogie' - CD Review

The latest album by one of the real masters of boogie and rock n roll. Pianist and vocalist Mitch Woods, brings together on this album original Fats Domino band members and those who have played with Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Richie Valens, Eddie Cochran and Everly Brothers. All the tracks are Mitch Woods originals and as authentic rock n roll and boogie New Orleans style as you can get.

The album features a bonus DVD and the cd features a cast of special guests including Maria Muldaur, John Mooney, and Charmaine Neville. If you've never been to Mississippi to experience the blues, just buy this top notch album.

Review  by Delbert Black – Rocking the Blues. Buy this album at;  www.bluescdstore.com

 

Walter Trout and the Radicals  - Aylesbury Civic Centre 9/10/2006

Walter Trout came on to the Aylesbury Civic Centre stage like he meant business from the start firing off on all cylinders with an old standard ‘Dust My Broom’ in unmistakable Walter Trout fashion. On the second number Walter invited to the stage his guitar roadie Andrew Elt to share some of the vocals on ‘You Need A Helping Hand’ and this was followed by a slow blues but there’s no way Walter Trout was going to play a slow guitar solo. This number had some nice soloing interplay between Walter’s guitar and Sammy Avila’s keyboard.

All the songs featured Walter Trout, most of the time at break neck speed and many of the songs featured some great organ keyboard solos from Sammy Avila. Solid bass lines were courtesy of Radicals new boy Rick Knapp who replaced Jimmy Trapp who unfortunately died recently.  On drums was Joey Pafumi who juggles with his drum sticks through out the set, throwing them up and catching them.  Eyes of the audiences were on Joey as much as Walter to see if he was going to drop a drumstick.

 'Working Overtime’ was the first number from the new album ‘Full Circle’. On the album Jeff Healey plays some of the fine solos but Walter stepped in to take the spotlight once again although it was touch and go with Sammy’s solo, slapping away at the keyboard.  This number passed straight into another slow blues. Subtle isn’t in Walter Trout’s dictionary and it wasn’t long before he was up to speed on the guitar solo.

 'Baby I’m Long Gone’ brought a slight changed to the feel with a jazz tinged blues led by Sammy Avila on vocals. Then for the next number roadie Andrew Elt took to the stage on lead vocals, Gillian-esque style. As the night went on, the enthusiastic crowd just wanted more and more guitar and they got that alright including Walter playing some guitar ‘violin’ notes and harmonics. Down hill to the end  and Rick Knapp treated the audience to a bass solo and this was followed by a drum solo from Joey Pafumi, with more drum sticks flying about then ever before. Then the crowd got what they were watching for – Joey dropped a stick but picked up another without losing the solo. To be honest not many noticed it and he was given a rousing applause. Walter and Sammy came back to the stage to finish off the set which had the crowd cheering for more.

Walter Trout came back to the stage to give Aylesbury some more full on blues rock with a great version of  ‘Going Down’ with Walter, Sammy and Andrew on vocals and ended the night with a slow blues to leave the crowd wanting more. Many of the crowd did get a lot more by queuing up at the merchandise stall in the foyer and Walter Trout came out to chat and sign albums. What ever blues is your bag, you can’t deny Walter Trout’s passion for the music and his fans.

 

Walter Trout and Friends  -  Full Circle

 This album by Walter Trout is his first studio album for 5 years and is long overdue for his army of loyal fans. Full Circle features friends and guests playing the songs live in the studio and Walter has tried to get a little of his live performance in to this cd. This album shows his passion for playing is as live in the studio, as when he’s on tour.

Full Circle opens with a slow blues ‘She Takes More Than She Gives’ which features Walter’s former band leader John Mayall on harmonica and sharing some of the vocals. Walter Trout from the beginning stamps his mark with  great trademark guitar soloing. This is followed by ‘Workin’ Overtime’ which has a Hendrix-esque type feel to it and some lovely guitar from Jeff Healey. Walter Trout gives space in the songs for his guests to shine but he’s never far behind with some dazzling and competitive solos.

The album isn’t  all full on Trout all the way through and the electric guitar gives way to the acoustic guitar on ‘Firehouse Mama’ with Eric Sardinas and stand up bass is featured on a couple of tracks. Even a jazzy feel is apparent on After Hours featuring Deacon Jones,  “one of the best Hammond B3 players on the planet” - quoting from Walter’s sleeve notes.

However the feature, apart from the guests, of this album is full ‘going for it’ guitar solos which will please Walter’s many fans even though not all of the solos are Mr Trout himself. The songs in themselves are not particularly remarkable but the playing is from the top drawer and compensates one hundred per cent. The stand out tracks for me are Luther Allison’s ‘When Will It Ever Change’ featuring Bernard Allison, ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’ with Guitar Shorty and ‘Clouds On The Horizon’ where full on blues/rock guitar hero’s Walter Trout and the young Joe Bonamassa go head to head.

It’s all about the passion and Full Cirlce brings you guitar based blues/ rock ecstasy.

Review  by Delbert Black – Rocking the Blues.  Buy this album at;  www.bluescdstore.com

3AM  - Live at Red Lion High Wycombe  www.3am.uk.com
Helen Turner-Vocals, Tim Renton-Guitar, Iain Black-Guitar, Chris Parren-Keyboards, Trevor Turley-Bass, Andy Renton-Drums.
On very rare occasions you are lucky enough to see a band play that really makes you go WOW, this was one of those nights. The main reason for this was the absolutely stunning vocal performance from Helen Turner, she has a voice blessed with incredible power but also feeling and control and she puts real emotion into her performance. With a set containing a mix of material, with several numbers we don't normally get such as Janis Joplin 'Move Over', Stone The Crows 'Good Time Girl', Vinegar Joe 'I'd Rather Go Blind', Helen really got to show what she can do. Although Helen has a stunning voice it shouldn't distract from the rest of the band who also played their hearts out and seemed to really enjoy themselves with great versions of 'Handbags And Gladrags', 'Walkin The Dog', 'Need Your Love So Bad'. Tim and Iain both worked hard on guitar with some great interplay between them, with Chris, Trevor and Andy filling out the sound and keeping things driving along. The encores of Carole Kings 'Natural Woman' followed by a storming version of 'Shake Your Money Maker', which saw the whole band really going for it, rounded off the night superbly. The reception that the band received said it all, with massive applause from all those present. If you weren't there then you really did miss a stunning performance, be sure to see them on their return. By permission of Red Lion Website.

Russell 'Hitman' Alexander The Running Horse

You knew it was going to be another one of the classic nights at the Runner from his first number - a low turnout inspired The Hitman to take and play his guitar on to Alfreton Road and stop the traffic, get nearly knocked down by a bus in an effort to get more punters in. Fortunately he returned and played a superb set. He seemed to have everything excellent guitarist and vocals, good tracks written by himself and a captivating presence on stage being very much a showman without detracting from the performance. The support band Storm Warning were good in their own right as well as being excellent as the Hired Guns when the Hitman took the stage - it was their last session backing him on this tour and it was not going to be made easy for them as the Hitman insisted for a bit of fun to play something they did'nt know or as he put it 'They know it but they don't know that they know it'. From his web diary he seemed to really enjoy the gig and looking forward to playing the Runner again - that will be a night not to be missed.

Bernard Gallimore   Taken from the Running Horse website

Joe Bonamassa at Beard's Blues, Tooting , London  

Let's start by doctoring the immortal phrase, ‘He came, he saw, (he blinked twice, took a deep breath), and conquered"! Joe Bonamassa and his gifted band took their first tentative steps into South London , and after an eventful anxious few minutes as the power supply vacillated, the band swept all before them to convert every single person in the venue, to the merits of the Joe Bonamassa band.

Let it be said that in the age of cheap quotes and media hype, Joe Bonamassa is a breath of fresh air. Not only does the guy play stunningly well, he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre he plays. Joe is totally at ease with his tone colours, he has a rare feel for dynamics, he belts out the blues with passion, and he pushes himself and his band to the limit.

On top of all that Joe has the simple but all too rare ability to communicate with his crowd, giving his extraordinary ability a meaningful context.

On this his first London show, Joe opened up on solo acoustic guitar. And after reducing an expectant capacity crowd to reverential silence, he proceeded to construct a mesmerising set that encompassed layer upon layer of imaginative solos, and hard driving rock blues. The set was punctuated by judicious use of vibrato, sustain, speedy note flurries, and an underlying intuitive feel for the blues. Joe's rhythm section of bass player Eric Czar and drummer Kenny Kramme read him like a book, and unlike far to many bands they don't follow their leader, but push him to play to the best of his ability.

Underpinning the inspired band interplay and sunning solos, is Joe's penchant for the British golden age of Rock/Blues. Tull's "New Day Yesterday" for example has been re-arranged to become something altogether tougher and more durable than the original. Asked what Ian Anderson thought about Joe covering the song, Joe says, that Ian gave him his blessing to play the song if he could name the guitarist who played on the original. I'd hazard a guess that Joe could probably tell you the colour of socks that Martin Barre was wearing at the time!

Joking apart, it is Joe's real feel and enthusiasm for both playing and exploring the outer fringes of Rock Blues that makes him different, and a cut above the rest of his contemporaries. The closing Hendrix/Grateful Dead jam incorporated everything in his guitar playing arsenal, and above all he teased out the kernel of an elongated West Coast jam. This was a sumptuous ending to a memorable show that left me with a head full of slide guitar runs, jangling riffs, and the fanciful notion that there surely must have been more than a trio on stage.

As I said, in an age when hype and style too often triumph over substance, Joe Bonamassa casts a beam of bright light over the often predictable and downright mundane Rock Blues genre. I'd venture that Joe's biggest career obstacle will lie in keeping his chops vibrant, his passion alive, and finding musical outlets for his imaginative guitar playing. For right now Joe Bonamassa is on fire, and to be honest the rock blues mantle could not be in more talented hands. - Pete Feenstra

Rocking the Blues at the Limelight - Mick Abrahams Band + Storm Warning

The first night of  ‘Rocking the Blues' at the Limelight’ was full to capacity. Local people in Aylesbury, have been starved of live blues recently and a chance to see this Storm Warning and The Mick Abrahams Band in one night, was something not to be missed.

Storm Warning supporting Mick Abrahams Band, provided the night with some classy blues which started with John Mayall’s ‘Pieces and Parts’ and Robert Cray’s ‘Won the Battle’. They got a rousing  applause on Keb Mo’s ‘Dangerous Mood’ and they played an original acoustic number ‘Big Man’ which involved acoustic guitar and acoustic bass, blazing harmonica and three time signature changes. Other numbers included Muddy Waters ‘She Moves Me’ which got guitarist Bob Mad Dog Moore a huge applause after his solo midway through the song. Two Delbert McClinton songs followed, lifting the tempo and pace with 'New York City' and the funky 'Lie No Better'.

Storm Warning finished with Robben Ford’s Prison of Love and unexpectedly, for a support band, got such a reaction, they had to come back and do one more number, which was an unplanned, funky version of  Lucky Peterson ‘Sea of Love’.

The Mick Abrahams Band launched into ‘You Got It Wrong’ followed by the title track from the Mick Abrahams Band ‘Lies’ cd. This three piece band packs a punch, with Mick’s Gordon Smith guitar biting the air, in yer face style. Mick Abrahams is fond of using traditional  songs and re arranging them, and making them his own, as on ‘Jesus on the Mainline’ and ‘Billy the Kid’ from the ‘All Said And Done’ album.

Mick had the audience in laughing fits with his anecdotes, particularly about his recent operation. On a serious note he paid tribute to Alexis Korner and his Mum, who had recently past away, and played some lovely moving guitar lines on ‘I Wonder Who’.

One of Mick Abrahams strengths is his ability to mix blues, jazz, country and rock guitar together and he showed how he can rock it up on the traditional instrumental Cat’s Squirrel, from Jethro Tull’s ‘This Was’ album. The set continued with ‘Deadmans Hill’, again from the ‘Lies’ cd and ‘Trouble in Mind’ with great passion from the guitar and immaculate drumming from Graham Walker.  On bass, was the well travelled Jim Rodford, standing in without any rehearsal for John ‘Guinness’ Gordon, and he played the part superbly.

 

The set finished with ‘Going Down Slow’ and applause from an ecstatic audience that could have gone on all night. The band returned for the encore and played ‘Rock Me’, rocking the night away. To say the whole evening went very well would be an understatement, and the crowd went away excited about the next gig.

 

Blues on the Farm 2004

Another successful 4 days down on Pumpbottom Farm with some amazing music and great cider -  wow 7.5%. For a round up of the festival click here

 

Blues on the Farm!

Review of The John O'Leary Band

JOHN O'LEARY BAND at The Back Door Club, Torrington

Its doubtful that any of the of the blues fans attending this gig could have anticipated just how good John O’Leary’s band was going to be. And they were better than good.The crowd appeared to be a mix of Torrington regulars, general blues fans, a gaggle of Savoy Brown fans and the rest it seemed, came courtesy of a radio plug. So much for the marketing analysis and now for the music. With a classic twin guitar attack topped by one of the most impressive harp tones in the capital, The John O’Leary band powered their way through one of the most enjoyable blues sets the old venue has seen in years.

Above all this was a band effort, with German drummer Joachim Greve and the redoubtable  Nick Townsend on bass holding down the bottom end with panache while and John subtly coaxed the best from his two young guitarists Jules Fothergill and Tim O’Sullivan.The band took the stage for an untitled funky instrumental, allowing each member just enough room to blow away the cobwebs, before O’Leary led the ensemble into an original reading of “Born In Chicago”, bolstered by a rhumba beat. In fact both sets were infused with as much Latino rhythms as shuffles. Isaac Scott’s “Let My Baby Ride” for example, offered a full blown rhumba beat with Jules Fothergill teasing out as splendid jazzy guitar run. John added a delicate harp solo to another funky Latino arrangement of his hero Junior Wells’ ”Snatch It Back”, and threw in an emotive vocal line and repeat harp excursion on the nicely understated “Who’s Been Talking”

The second set gave full reign to the band’s virtuoso talents and even the most potentially predictable of songs such as “Black Cat Bone ”, became transformed into a funky workout complete with (don’t laugh) a climatic and humorous drum solo.By the time dived into a raucous encore of “Rock Me Baby” – complete with original Muddy Waters lyrics, and flailing guitars - the audience volume nearly matched that of the band.

In short The John O’Leary band came, saw and beat fresh life into a ragged old genre.

BOOCIGALUPE & THE BAD BOYS at CATFORD BLUES CLUB at The Green Man London SE6

They say the grass is always greener on the other side. Well in the case of Boccigalupe & The Bad Boys the band deliver everything you would expect from a hard working outfit from Asbury Park , New Jersey with not a trace of hype.

Mixing some muscular r&b, with rocking blues and all round good time bar room boogie, this is a band that once seen is never forgotten.

For aside from some mighty playing, cracking solo’s a twin vocal attack, and some great hooks, Boccigalupe is an outfit full of characters

Bocci himself aka Tony Amato, is a diminutive Soprano’s lookalike, and a very busy keyboard playing vocalist. He got his name from Springsteen no less, and the Bruce/Nils Lofgren/Southside Johnny connection runs deep, as Bocci has been a pivotal figure on the Asbury Park scene for three decades or so.

That said, and in spite of some rip roaring covers of "Treat Her Right", and ? this is a band in its own right. The title track of the album "It’s My Turn Now" and the hugely fierce shuffle - simply titled "Hot Blues"- were impressive enough before guitarist Billy "Boy Wonder" Walton and the mighty Rich "The Taz" Taskwitz get to work on the wonderful bluesy ballad "Karma".

In between sets we were treated to a wonderful wordsmith, Mr Bobby Strange, who’s songs make you realise that when it all boils down to it, you can’t beat heartfelt lyrics.

The band slipped on stage to help Bobby out, before the house rocked to a wrapped up, swinging version of "Jump For Joy" on which beefy harp of guest John O’Leary swapped lines with all the front row instruments, with magical results.

If you can remember those dark distant days when a tour band played until they dropped, then Boccigalupe and his boys played it as it used to be. The rhythm section of bass player Kelly Tyrrell and drummer Tim Moss held down a rock steady beat, while the band tore their way through a set of great songs, played with gusto, and rare passion. Here’s to the band’s projected return next November.   - Pete Feenstra

Big Joe Turner at the 'Monday Blues' - Oxford

Big Joe Turner and his Memphis Blues Caravan played the 'Monday Blues' at the Bullingdon, Cowley Road, Oxford Monday 10th Nov. The joint was jumping to some fine blues from the walking and funky blues bass lines of Big Joe and a Memphis Blues Caravan that was on fire all night. There was even a guest appearance from blues singer and former Drifter Clarence 'Tex' Walker.

Not to be confused with the late rock & roller Joe Turner, this gentle giant of the blues boasts a forty year career that has seen him play record, arrange and tour with all the greats from BB King and Albert King to Little Milton, Al Green, Isaac Hayes and many more.

For more info on Big Joe click here and to see more info on 'Monday Blues' gigs in Oxford click here

 

IAN ELLIS BLUES IMPERIALS AT THE TORRINGTON

Band line-up Ian Ellis bass/vox; John O’Leary harp/vox; Tony Morley gtr/bass/vox; Gary Sandford gtr/vox; Alan Savage drums; Peter Terry keyboards

For a review of the gig click here

 

Gwyn Ashton-Fang It CD

To read a review of this CD click here

 

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Popa Chubby - Live at FIP CD  Big in New York, in fact he is big everywhere! Great entertaining guitarist mixing his blues with rock and a little soul and comes over well on this double live CD recorded in France. CD 1 has a fine version of Hey Joe and Hendrix's Fire and CD 2 has the classic Gloria. He mixes  covers with his numbers and sounds alive! alive!  For more info www.popachubby.com        

If you have a review of a CD or gig send it to us for consideration on the Rocking the Blues site.

 

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