Jason Robert -- "The Death Of Stone Stanley"

This is supposed to be a review of Jason Robert's album "The Death Of Stone Stanley" but it will have to also include musings from another, earlier, album "The Mudstomp Tapes" by the band Stone Stanley; which had as their baritone singer, songwriter, drummer and guitarist Jason Robert. Both albums have much to recommend--so even though I will try to contain my remarks to the "Death" album, I hope that you dear reader will buy them both.

I first heard the "Mudstomp" album, and it blew me away. It has a unique sound and a unique style. On the "Mudstomp" album, the band is Jason Robert: drums, guitars, vocals and percussion. Scott Longnecker: bass. Ralph Gilbert: guitar. Dan Stevens :percussion. Jim McComas: Engineer, guitar (track 11). My favorite song here is "Be With Me," with an interesting middle section of the "Grinnin' In Your Face." guitar solo on "John The Revelator" which is by Jim McCormack. 

Jason Robert seems particularly attached to Blind Willie Johnson. He covers both "John The Revelator and "The Soul Of A Man"on the "Death" album. Both covers are striking. His cover of "Moonshiner" illumines his intentions here--the guitar is dark, his voice is dark and plain, the drums are behind the beat but clear, and the entire execution of the song seems to want to resurrect the original song.

""Mr Bell" is a song Robert describes it as “A dark folk tune about the villain Lester F Bell from Bodie California's most haunted mining camps.“ and as he sings he seems to suck all the light out of the room." Andy Snipper wrote that on the MusicNews.com and he seems to have it exactly right.    

The "Death" album is an excellent follow-up. The band on this album is Jason Robert: guitar, vocals,

drums, kalimba. Scott Longnecker: bass. Jim McComas: guitar on tracks # 5 and # 10, harmonica on # 5. My favorite song here is "Moonshiner."

 

Both albums are clearly the personal vision of Jason Robert, and that vision is one that blues music needs, especially in these days. I look forward to whatever he is going to release next.




 

Best Blues Releases Of 2018 ("The Best 18 of 18")

Last year was a great year for blues music--there was a lot of new music, and a lot of the new music was really good. The following releases are a joy to hear, and a celebration to share with you.

18.  Keith Stone with Red Gravy -- "Blues With A Taste Of New Orleans" (Indy)  Follow up to the very good 2016 release "The Prodigal Returns." The review in Making A Scene by Richard Ludmerer put it well: "Keith Stone with Red Gravy is a tasty mixture of blues and New Orleans R n’ B. They are one of the best new bands to come out of The Crescent City."

17.  The Little Red Rooster Blues Band -- "Lock Up The Liquor" (Indy)  This band has been playing in and around Philadelphia for 30 years. The core band is Kevin McCann, guitar and vocals; Dave Holtzman, harmonica and vocals (two tracks); Jeff Michael, bass; and drummer Bob Holden. Here they are joined by guests Anthony Geraci on piano and Steve Guyger on harp.

16.  Sean Chambers -- "Welcome To My Blues" (Bear Family Records)  This is Chambers' 7th album, and his best record so far. Follow up to 2017's "Trouble And Whiskey," which made my "Best Of" list and contained his wonderful cover of "Bullfrog Blues." Strong blues rock with attitude.

15.  Colin James -- "Miles To Go" (True North Records)  Strong follow up to 2016's "Blue Highway," this release continues James' effort to lift up great artists and songs which went before. The band includes James, guitar and vocals; Jesse O’Brien, piano and Wurlitzer; Simon Kendall, B-3; Steve Pelletier, bass; Geoff Hicks, drums and percussion; Steve Marriner, harmonica; and the horn section of Steve Hilliam, tenor sax; Jerry Cook, baritone sax; and Rod Murray, trombone. Background vocalists include The Sojourners and Colleen Rennison.  Number 34 on The Roots Music Report year-end list.

14.  Geoff Achison -- "Sovereign Town" (Jupiter 2 Records) Australian guitarist and singer/songwriter, Achison's 15th release is a sparkling set. The band is Achison, guitar and vocals; Andrew Fry, upright bass; Dave Clark, drums; and Liam Kealy, organ. If you love guitar played with passion and huge chops Achison is one of the very best. Don't take my word for it--The Times of London called him, One of the most gifted musicians to arrive on the scene ... his playing verges on the miraculous."

13.  Danielle Nicole -- "Cry No More" (Concord Records)  Danielle Nicole is a great singer, and this is a stand-out set. Production is by Tony Braunagel, who also plays drums; Johnny Lee Schell, guitar; Brandon Miller, guitar; and Danielle Nicole, bass. Guests include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Luther Dickinson, Walter Trout, Sonny Landreth and more. The title track in a song of the year candidate. Number 8 on The Roots Music Report.

12.  Victor Wainwright & The Train -- "Victor Wainwright & The Train" (Ruf Records)  Twelve original songs by the multi-award winning pianist. New band, new record label and all the great songwriting and energy Victor Wainwright is known for. His best release yet. Roots Music Report rates this one # 2. They may be right--I may have this one too low.

11.  Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling -- "The High Cost Of Low Living" (Alligator) This is one strong album. I've been a fan of Nick Moss for the last 10 plus years, and he keeps doing what he has always done--playing Chicago blues guitar and singing. Dennis Gruenling is a harmonica monster. One of the best bands around anywhere to see live.

10.  Marcia Ball -- "Shine Bright" (Alligator)  This is the best record Marcia Ball has made in her 50 year career.  Here she is political, and at the same time this is a great party record. Her piano is suffused with energy and joy and passion. Produced by Steve Berlin, of Los Lobos, who also plays sax on several tracks. Roots Music Report # 4.      

9.  Dana Fuchs -- "Love Lives On" (Get A Long Records) This has been one of my favorites to play on the radio show. Great singing, great songwriting, great playing. Fuchs explains: “It’s a new beginning for me in every way, as I have started my own label and left New York to go to the root of the music that inspired me to follow my passion,” she explains. “The Southern soul of Stax/Volt, Hi Records and Sun Studios. From Otis Redding to Al Green to Johnny Cash. All huge influences.”
 
8.  Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite -- "No Mercy In This Land" (Anti Records)  I probably don't have to say too much about this one--just look at who is playing on it. Two blues masters. Follow up to 2013's "Get Up!" This record is like that one but even better.

7.  Breezy Rodio -- "Sometimes The Blues Got Me" (Delmark Records)  Breezy Rodio is an Italian guitar player who plays Chicago blues. Here he brings us 17 tracks--11 originals, six covers from B B King and Albert King, among others--in a full band setting, including a 4 piece horn section. At times this sounds like Eric Clapton on guitar and Dr John on piano, with great horns! (I intend that as a high compliment.) Billy Branch guests on harmonica. "The Power Of The Blues" is a song of the year candidate.

6.  Tas Cru -- "Memphis Song" (Subcat Records)  Tas' third album, after 2014's "You Take The Money" and 2016's "Simmered And Stewed." This one is a doozy. A dozen original songs by Cru. Well-written, well played. The band includes Cru, guitar and vocals; Dick Earl Ericksen, harmonica; Bob Purdy, bass; Andy Rudy, piano; Guy Nirelli and Billy Barry, Hammond organ; Ron K, Sonny Rock, and Andy Hearn, all on drums. Guests include Victor Wainwright, Pat Harrington and Mary Ann Casale.

5.  Bernard Allison -- "Let It Go" (Ruf Records) Bernard Allison is a great blues artist, and a great singer/guitarist. Every thing he does is terrific--the first time I heard the first song here "Cruisin For A Bluesin" I was hooked. And there is no drop off after that. This release is so good that it--or any of the other top 5 in my list--could arguably be the best of the year. Jim Gaines produced, and the band is Bernard, vocals, guitars and B-3; John T. McGhee, rhythm guitar; George Moye, bass; and Mario Dawson, drums, percussion and backing vocal. There are eight original songs by Allison, and he covers two songs by his father Luther Allison.

4.  Buddy Guy -- "The Blues Is Alive And Well" (RCA)  Buddy Guy is a contender for Greatest Guitar Player That Ever Lived. He has been making music for over 60 years, and this one is among the top 4 or 5. Go buy it if you haven't. Go see him live if you can.

3.  Shemekia Copeland -- American Child (Alligator)  This is Shemekia's ninth album, and it is not really blues. It's more than that. Here she digs in--great voice, great songs, great musicians--and makes a great MUSIC album. Blues, Americana, Country--it's all here. Will Kimbrough produces and plays guitar. Steve Cropper, John Prine, Emmylou Harris and Rhiannon Giddens all guest.

2.  Anthony Geraci -- "Why Did You Have To Go" (Blue Duchess/Shining Stone Records) Geraci is a monster piano and organist. He makes great blues music--he has 6 Blues Music Award nominations, along with one Grammy nomination. This album is a large-scale collaborative affair, with a list of players that is super-impressive: Sugar Ray Norcia and Michelle “Evil Gal” Wilson, vocals; Monster Mike Welch, guitar; Michael “Mudcat” Ward, bass; and Neil Gouvin and Marty Richards, drums. Also featured are guests Sugaray Rayford, Brian Templeton, Dennis Brennan, and Willie J. Laws, vocals; Ronnie Earl, Kid Ramos, and Troy Gonyea, guitar; Willie J. Campbell, bass; Jimi Bott, drums; and the horn section of Sax Gordon and Doug Woolverton. The album is produced by Geraci, and Geraci also wrote all the songs.    

1.  Joe Louis Walker/Bruce Katz/Giles Robson -- "Journeys To The Heart Of The Blues" ( Munich Records)  The first day I heard this cd, I knew it was going to be in the top 2 or 3, no matter what else came out during the rest of the year.  It is simply wonderful, with three talented and inventive artists playing every song with joy and style and taste. Joe Louis Walker, vocals and guitar; Bruce Katz, piano; Giles Robson, harmonica. Each one of them is tops at their craft, and they make this great acoustic blues music TOGETHER. The twelve songs are divided between 6 originals and 6 covers, by Sonny Boy Williamson, Jazz Gillum, Blind Willie McTell, Smiley Lewis, Papa Lightfoot and Big Maceo. If this had come out any of the past 2 or 3 years it would still be my top choice.

So there you have it. One thing yet to write--my # 1 Blues Song of the year 2018 is: "Memphis Song" by Tas Cru.

Victoria Ginty and Ladyhawke -- Unfinished Business

Victoria Ginty and her Ladyhawke band have made a strong album which comes out of years of experience. As a signed recording artist with BMG before the contraction of the recording industry, Victoria had a number #1 record on worldwide charts for thirteen weeks and was nominated for "Singer Songwriter of the Year" and "Video of the Year" by the Academy of Independent Recording Artists. But then she stepped back from the music business for family reasons, and this album is a new start.

"Unfinished Business" was recorded at GCR Audio Studios in Buffalo New York. It features eleven tracks, eight of them originals. The originals are all written by Ginty and her writing partner Mike Ivey, with the exceptions of "Hard To Move On," written by Ginty/Mike Ivey/Grace Lougen; and "Water," written by Ginty and Mike Ward. The covers include Earl Bud Lee's "Lying (In Each Other's Arms)," Terrance Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name," and Jimmy McCracklin's "Every Night And Every Day." The covers are each changed significantly from their original form.

The band includes Tim Costello on guitar, Wayne Cornelius on sax, along with Chuck Weirich on trumpet, and Nick Lauro on drums.

This is a big band blues record with lots to recommend it. Ginty's vocals are strong and expressive. The band makes every song fly, and who doesn't love a blues band with horns? I play songs from this album on my radio show, The Mo' Blues Show, at www.caldoniascrossroad.com/ and Ginty and Ladyhawke sound great.

You can buy this cd at: http://www.victoriagintyandladyhawke.com/

Best Blues cds of 2017

My Best Blues of 2017 Listing

2017 was a wonderful year for blues, and I think these cds were the best. Looking at the list, a few highlights stand out. This could easily be called The Samantha Fish year. Her two cds were both chock-full of great music, and I don't even want to get into the arguments about whether the music is blues or not. The Kim Wilson cd is a tremendous release. The Taj Mahal-Keb Mo collaboration was WAY better than I expected. Before this year I never heard of Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, and now I wonder how I got along without them. It was also a year of surprises--I was glad to get another Omar & the Howlers cd--I've been a fan since 1978 and I thought that part of my life was over. The Cash Box Kings made their best cd ever. Hurricane Ruth has been on this list since last April.  I loved the Sean Chambers cd from the first time I listened to it. I have never done one of these lists without having an Albert Castiglia cd on it, and Up All Night is the best thing he has ever made. This is the tenth year of my little blog, and while I could always write more often, I think the quality of the music I have lifted up here has been pretty damn good.

A big thanks to the artists, the promotions people, and the Caldonia's Crossroad Radio listeners.

Texas Blues--in no particular order:

Kim Wilson -- Blues & Boogie Vol 1 

Ruthie Foster -- Joy Comes Back 

Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos -- self titled

Milligan Vaughan -- MVP 

Andy T Band with Alabama Mike -- Double Strike

Omar & The Howlers -- Zoltar's Walk 

Rocky Athas -- Shakin' The Dust

Benny Turner -- My Brother's Blues

Jeffrey Halford & The Healers -- Lo Fi Dreams (see review 6/19/17)

Non Texas Blues--in no particular order:

Samantha Fish -- Chills & Fever AND Belle Of The West

Taj Mahal & Keb Mo -- Tajmo

Sean Chambers -- Trouble And Whiskey (see review 6/27/17)

The Cash Box Kings -- The Royal Mint

Hurricane Ruth -- Ain't Ready For The Grave (see review 6/26/17)

Ronnie Baker Brooks -- Times Have Changed

Albert Castiglia -- Up All Night

Karen Lovely -- Fish Outta Water

The Altered Five Blues Band -- Charmed & Dangerous

Peter Parcek -- Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven

Paradise Kings -- Controlled Burn (see review 8/22/17)

And doiwn here at the end of the list, my choice for song of the year: There were several contenders:

The Cash Box Kings' "House Party," Ruthie Foster's "Joy Comes Back," Sean Chambers' "Bullfrog Blues," Kim Wilson's "Bonus Boogie," Samantha Fish (& Lightnin' Malcolm) "Poor Black Maddie." But my song of the year is Hurricane Ruth's "Far From The Cradle."    

R. D. Olson -- "Keep Walking Woman"

R.D. Olson and his band have made a very good album, Keep Walking Woman. Olson is originally from Minnesota and currently resides in Prescott, AZ. He won the 2014 Arizona Blues Challenge and the 2015 Northern Arizona Blues Challenge, advancing to the famed IBCs in Memphis each year. He was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2015 and is currently the Vice President of the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. The players include R. D. on harp and vocals, Darryl Porras on guitar, Jamie Waldron on stand up bass, Robert Sellani on drums, and Eric Williams on piano. The playing is crisp and fresh, blues with an eye towards both the future and the past, with a touch of jazzy flavor here and there, and the singing and the songwriting are spot on. R. D.'s vocals and harp remind me in several places of Charlie Musselwhite, which in my own mind is high praise. I enjoy every song on this disc. But I have been playing "Baby Boomer Blues" on my Mo' Blues Show--it is a driving number which exhibits the talents of everybody in the band. Another personal favorite is "I Miss New Orleans," a slower song on which Porras and Williams shine, and where Olson's harmonica is shades of Kim Wilson or Big Walter Horton.
    

Nothing I can write will "explain" this music better than  this quote by Joseph Timmons in a review for IndiePulse Music:

"Keep Walking Woman by R.D. Olson whisks you away to a place known only by real blues troubadours, the dark and smokey whiskey joints and beer halls, back alleys of the French quarter the Texas oil fields, the lonely plantations and the high line boudoirs.  With Harmonica and Slide Guitar, channeling influences like Muddy Waters, Thorpe, Leadbelly and those that invented a music that bears the soul for all to see." 

Re-read that a couple of times and you will get the idea. Go buy this cd, and listen to it a couple of times, and it will soon become a favorite. Wonderful work.

Buy this release at http://soundcloud.com/r-d-olson 

 

The Paradise Kings -- "Controlled Burn"

Controlled Burn is a really good release by a band from Southern California. These folks have been playing in and around Santa Barbara for many years. Members are Henry Garrett and Jan Ingram on vocals, Jeff Gring on guitar, Michael Robertson on bass, Chris Ulep on keyboards and George Lambert on drums.

There are eight tracks on Controlled Burn, all but one written by George Lambert. The other song, "Three Strikes," is written by Gordon Jennings. The first seven songs on the release were recorded at Santa Barbara's Orange Whip Studios, and the band brings the goods--lots of energy and fire. I have been playing the opening track "69 Chevy"on my shows at www.caldoniascrossroad.com/ It is a rousing rockabilly number. And the rest of the album just continues to build on that smoking beginning. And then track eight, the aforementioned "Three Strikes," is a track recorded live one night at the Soho Music Club in Santa Barbara. Consider that just a little taste of how good these guys must be in a live setting.


The only drawback on this release is the length of it--less than 40 minutes total. Only eight songs. But it's all killer, no filler. All of the songs feature great vocals, killer guitar and keys and a rock solid rhythm section. They deliver style, humor and some really good songs. My favorites are "Butter Me Up" (with lead vocals by Jan Ingram) and "Poor Me, Poor Me, Pour Me Another Drink" with Henry Garrett's vocals and Jeff Gring's TWO guitar solos pushing this one nearly into J Geils Band territory. I really like this release. Be sure to give it a listen--you'll enjoy it, I guar-an-tee! (in the immortal words of the late but great Justin Wilson.) 

You can buy this cd at the band's website or at
www.cdbaby.com/   

Collins Drive -- "Collins Drive"

This self-titled release is from a band based in Atlanta, a trio of my friends. Their music is really good folk-rock, with touches of blues, and I think they make good music. 

The band is made up of Don De Leaumont, guitar and harmonica, lead vocals; Allison Shockley, bass and background vocals; and Michael Satterlee, drums. Production of this release is by Tim Delaney and Collins Drive. 

Since 2013, Collins Drive has two releases: the acoustic EP The Sound of Broken Hearts and the Smell of Home Cookin’ (2016) and this, their debut LP (2017). Collins Drive has earned a steadily growing fan base due to their live performances at such renowned Atlanta venues as Red Light Café, Moonshadow Tavern, and Smith’s Olde Bar. From Don de Leaumont’s heartfelt and soulful singing and performances of songs such as “Sailor’s Progress”, “I Drive”, and “Ghost Town”, a Collins Drive live performance is something that every lover of good live music can appreciate.

There are nine songs in this release. Don is the principal songwriter. "Cemetery Angel" starts things off with a ripping good story of a woman waiting at a bus stop next to the cemetery. "Drunk On Sunday" contains the wonderful lyric "I'm drunk again on Sunday, all alone and hanging 'round." The next song "Rest Stop For The Weary" is a De Leaumont original from 2009--I call it "the Waffle House song." The full band treatment makes this a much stronger song, with wonderful harmonica. "Prison Story," like all good prison songs, has a touch of Merle Haggard in it, but that is a good thing. Good guitar, and Allison's harmony vocals here add a welcome depth. The next song, "The Devil Is You," may be lyrically the weakest song here, but it still has plenty of charm--strong vocals, good electric guitar and an early Steve Earle outtake feel to it. The next song, "Lying In Our Bed," shows that the band has absorbed the lessons of good folk rock music-making. Lyrics are strong, good guitar and a rock solid rhythm section move this one right along. Reminds me of a Three Dog Night outtake. "I Drive" is another De Leaumont original from his old solo folk-singer days, but like "Rest Stop For The Weary" it comes across better in the band context. "Sailor's Progress" is a wonderful closer--more strong harmonica and Michael's deeply sympathetic drumming and great harmony vocals from Allison. My favorite song on the cd. The last song here is "Ghost Town," a nostalgic look back with strong guitar from Don and another killer harmony vocal from Allison. 

Musically,  Collins Drive is not a complicated band--they just want to bring their favorite kinds of music into one place and create a sound and songs that everyone can connect with. Collins Drive’s songs tell stories and paint pictures of Southern living. There’s nothing complex and there’s no deep, hidden meanings to these songs. They are just little slices of life put into songs that are easy to connect with. 

Good music. And I'm glad to point you, blog-readers, in the direction of good music. You can buy this cd at http://collinsdrive.com/ 

Another bit of good news about Collins Drive--the band, not the cd: Collins Drive has been invited to be a part of Kevn Kinney’s Rocket Shop and Travel Show From the Neighborhood by Kevn Kinney himself. A wonderful honor!!   

    


   

Sean Chambers -- "Trouble & Whiskey"

Sean Chambers is a guitar player/singer/songwriter. I have enjoyed his work back to 2009's "Ten Til Midnight." I saw  growth between that promising beginning and his next release, 2011's "Live From The Long Island Roadhouse." It appeared on BB King’s Bluesville XM/Sirius Blues Charts as a “Pick to Click” for 6 weeks in a row, as well as 15 weeks on the RMR Weekly Blues Roots Chart and 11 weeks on the House of Blues Radio Chart. The album was voted “Best Live Blues Album of 2011” by Canada’s Blues Underground Network and ranked as one of the Top 3 Live CD’s in Germany by the magazine Wasser Prawda.  In addition it was nominated for a Jimi Award for “Best Live Blues Album of 2011.” Guitar Player Magazine did a full page feature story on Sean in February, 2012, and the same month Vintage Guitar Magazine ran a two page feature story.

There was another leap forward with his next release, 2013's "The Rock House Sessions." on Blue Heat Records. The album received great reviews and was also nominated for a Blues Blast Music Award in 2014 for “Best Blues Rock Album of the year”.  The album was recorded at Rock House Studios owned by acclaimed keyboardist Kevin McKendree (Delbert McClinton Band) –  hence the album name.

In all those albums, Chambers was digging in a familiar vein--there was a clear connection between his start as guitarist and band leader for Hubert Sumlin in 1998-2003 and the solo albums. Well, with this release Chambers has raised his game yet another leap forward--more fire, more passion, more consistency, just lots of more better stuff! The core band on the album is Sean on lead vocals and lead guitar, Michael Hensley on Hammond B3 & keyboards, Todd Cook on bass and Kris Schnebelen  on drums. Special guests include Jimmy Bennett on guitar on track #8, John Ginty on Hammond B3 on track #4, and Andrei Koribaniks on percussion on tracks #1 and #7. Trouble & Whiskey features 7 new original Sean Chambers compositions, and 3 well chosen covers including “Bullfrog Blues” by Rory Gallagher, ‘Cut Off My Right Arm” by Johnny Copeland and “Be Careful With A Fool” by Riley B. King/Joe Bihari. My favorite songs here are the title track and "Bottle Keeps Staring At Me." The title track recalls the style and fire of Johnny Winter--and "Bottle" is, in my opinion, perhaps the best blues rock song of the year so far. And I must confess a soft spot for anybody who covers "Bullfrog Blues" well. Sean's version is, dare I say it, touching on Rory Gallagher territory. Top Ten album of the year candidate.

"Guitarist Chambers achieves the distinctly American blues/soul/country/rock sound that the Stones used to aspire to long ago." - Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

You can buy this cd at http://www.seanchambers.com/ or at i-tunes.com/
 

Hurricane Ruth -- "Ain't Ready For The Grave"

Hurricane Ruth LeMasters was raised in the blues. Her father owned the Glendale Tavern in Beardstown Illinois. Her love of the blues led to a life singing the blues--and that life has now resulted in this release "Ain't Ready For The Grave." Ruth enlisted Tom Hambridge, mega hit-man producer, songwriter, drumming master and Grammy winner, to work his magic on 12 tracks, recorded in Nashville with a group of A-list players; Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan) on keys, Michael Rhodes (Joe Bonamassa) on bass, guitarists Pat Buchanan (Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney) and Rob McNelley (Delbert McClinton), who all together make a deep and wide pocket for Ruth's vocal artistry.

I can't describe the album any better, song by song, than Rick J Bowen does on Ruth's website:

The album kicks off with the good time blues ‘Barrelhouse Joe’s’ setting the scene of Friday night at a juke joint just like her old man’s place. Ruth then lays out her modus operandi as self-described ‘Hard Rockin’ Woman,’ with gritty vocals over a driving four on the floor house rockin’ blues. The album title comes from a line in the low-down blues ‘Far From The Cradle,’ with Ruth delivering testimony to her musical mission. Ruth chastises a young woman for messing with a married man on the smoking hot ‘Estilene.’ Hambridge lays down a fat boogaloo beat for the playful dance track ‘Beekeeper’ and Wynans tickles the ivories ramping up the drama of the classic slow blues ‘My Heart Aches For You.’ An ice-pickin’ groove and razor sharp vocals are featured on the tight track ‘Cheating Blues.’ The crew then goes for broke, taking on an AC/DC classic ‘Whole Lotta Rosie,’ delivering it with fury and southern rock sizzle. Some blistering slide guitar and swampy drums punctuate the provocative ‘For A Change,’ and the double shuffle, ‘Let Me Be The One,’ feels like one of the top ten hits Hambridge wrote for Susan Tedeschi. The legendary McCrary Sisters join Ruth for the saucy soul rocker ‘Good Stuff’ and the album’s gospel encore ‘Yes I Know,’ adding pure joy to the Sunday go-to-meeting revival.

Suffice to say this is the best album of Ruth's career, and clearly a Top Ten Of 2017 nominee. On every song here Ruth and the band take your ears and your soul for a joyful ride. When you finish listening to this one, you'll want to hear it again.

You can buy this cd at: https://hurricaneruth.com/

Jeffrey Halford & The Healers -- "Lo Fi Dreams"

Jeffrey Halford & The Healers burst onto my radar back in 2015 when I became hooked by their album "Rainmaker." I didn't know then that Jeffrey Halford had made 6 albums before that one, and I didn't know anything about his background. All I knew was that the music on Rainmaker sounded authentic. That was enough for me--I made room in my life for a real good band. Well, here comes a new release from these guys. Lo Fi Dreams is all I have come to expect and even more.

The band here is Halford on vocals and guitar, Bill Macbeath on bass, and Adam Rossi on keys and drums. Guests include Jimmy Dewrance on harp on two songs, and Tom Heyman on steel and guitar on two tracks. The album was recorded in San Francisco.

Let me say this up front: This is a real good album. The songwriting is top-notch, and the guitar work, while sometimes a bit less flashy than it could be, is very solid. While this music may not be textbook blues-- i-tunes even calls it country--the music here strikes my ears as an example of "Cosmic American Music", a hybrid of country, rhythm and blues, soul, folk, and rock, a phrase used by the late and great musician Gram Parson. The feel of Lo Fi Dreams, like Rainmaker before it, is similar to music made by Tony Jo White, or Ray Wylie Hubbard, or early John Hiatt. It contains stories told with honest and sparse musical accompaniment. My favorite song here is Two Jacksons, a tale of a thrift store jacket.

I am going to give the final word to Paul Liberatore, who writes for the Marin Independent Journal:

"With this album, Halford stays the course he’s set as a troubadour of truth, writing songs in the tradition of the American storytellers who used their voices and their guitars to elevate ordinary people and comment on the human condition."

He got it exactly right.

You can buy this cd at i-tunes or at your favorite music outlet.

Bert Wray Blues -- "Gutbucket Radio"

Bert Wray Blues came to me on a tip from a friend. Don de Leaumont, who has been my friend since 2009 when we met at an Emory University seminar about the music of Bob Dylan, told me one day that I needed to hear this blues album by his friend in Charlotte North Carolina. Because of our friendship I told him to hook me up with it. Don sent me "Gutbucket Radio" that same day, and I listened to the first three songs.....which was all the time I had. The next day my brain was full of other chores and other music and it wasn't for another 6 days that I remembered and listened to the rest of the album. But at least there was one bit of good news--that second day I listened to it from the beginning! The first three songs sounded even stronger than they had the first time, and there was no letdown as I heard the rest of it.
 

Bert Wray is the leader of this band. He wrote the seven songs, sings and plays guitar and harmonica. Filling out the band are Dave Wall, on bass; and Mitch Cooper, on drums. They play a tight, yet loose-limbed music together that is blues, and folk, and rock 'n roll and country all at once. It is also utterly captivating. There are no weak songs here, no lame-o guitar wanking, nothing that makes me reach for the remote to hit "skip." Just fine music, honestly made by real human musicians who love to play.   

It really reminds me of another album I was given by a friend in about 2013: The Mojo Roots, from Columbia MO, were a fine bunch of guys and they made a really fine album they made called "What Kind Of Fool." I was knocked out. That album very rarely left my cd player for the next 18 months, even though The Mojo Roots broke up after the cd was out for about a year. 

I have played the Bert Wray Blues song "Like Johnny Winter Did" on my Mo' Blues Show at www.caldoniascrossroad.com at least a couple of times, and every time I play it I have to get up and dance around a little bit in the studio. The same thing happens with the song "Got The Tennessee Blues" or "Midwood Blues" or "Whiskey In My Coffee Cup" or "Little Highway Girl".... every song here can be shuffled into a pile with your other favorite cds and it will keep things "MOVIN!      

You can buy this cd at I-Tunes, and you can follow Bert Wray Blues at their Facebook page. If you are ever near Charlotte North Carolina check them out--you will be glad that you did! 

Brody Buster -- Brody Buster's One Man Band

Brody Buster is still pretty young--he's 32--but his music is advanced far beyond those years. Originally a harp prodigy from Paola Kansas, Brody played on The Tonight Show and played several times with BB King, but he didn't really actively pursue his music--it was just for fun. Things began to take a more serious turn away from Blues Rock in late 2015 when Brody began developing himself as a One Man Band (solo voice, drums, guitar and harp) at a weekly gig at the Westport Saloon in Kansas City. After that effort earned him a second finish at the 2016 IBC in the solo/duo competition, and Brody won "Best Harmonica" honors, he released this One Man Band cd last July.

At the outset I want to say that I liked this release. There are eight tracks here, three originals and five covers. The originals are "Into The Wind," "Working For The Devil," and "2029." These are all interesting, and feature strong harp and guitar work, along with generally good singing. At times Brody seems to hurry through the lyrics to get to the next guitar part or the next harp part. I liked "Into The Wind" the best of the originals. The covers include four non-blues songs--"I'm On Fire" (Bruce Springsteen), "New Speedway Boogie" (Grateful Dead), "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Prince), and "Get Back" (The Beatles). The sole bluesy cover is "Get Out Of My Life" (Eugene Smiley Sr). The Beatles and Springsteen covers are sweet but lightweight, and the Prince cover is ok, but the Grateful Dead song is strong and the Eugene Smiley Sr song is quite good--IMO the best on the cd.

Brody Buster has created an interesting artistic turn with this release, and I think he has a huge upside ahead doing this One Man Band style. He also continues to perform around Kansas City in the Brody Buster Band. What is sure is that he can sure play harp and guitar and drums, and his singing and songwriting will continue to develop.       

You can buy this cd from Brody's website: http://www.brodybuster.com/

Michael Hornbuckle -- "SoulRepo"

Michael Hornbuckle is a blues lifer. He started playing drums behind his father, the legendary Denver bluesman Bobby Hornbuckle, at the age of 13. After Bobby passed Michael picked up his Gibson guitar and carried on in the family business, developing over the years into a fine songwriter, an even better vocalist, and a pretty terrific guitarist. The triple threat! The music on SoulRepo is brought to life by Michael Hornbuckle on guitar and vocals, Andras Csapo on harp, Jeff Andrews on bass, and Desmond Washington on drums. Dave Fox plays drums on "Backseat" and Sarah Snead appears on backing vocals.

What I like best about SoulRepo is the way the songs are all well-written, well-played, and intelligent. Hornbuckle doesn't go for the too easy riff, or the ridiculous over the top guitar solo. Every song is presented on its own, and it gets whatever backing or solo or instrumentation it needs. As a result, this is blues music for grownups, with taste and style in abundance. It starts with "Sweat," a blues rocker. "Me And Melody" gets your attention with a nice drum riff and a strong melody hook. "Risin Sun" is the song I have been playing on my Mo' Blues shows--it has really good guitar work and a soulful vocal. "Candle For Mary" is another soulful blues rocker. "Angel" will be the next single for my show--it is an excellent soul song with a lot of swing and a great groove. "Backseat" closes things down with an easy blues shuffle. A very solid release.

Every few weeks, it seems, we hear of another blues artist passing on. That is sad, and those artists will be certainly missed. I still miss BB King and Johnny Winter. But there are a few up and coming folks out there who know how to keep the blues going, and they are doing it the right way. Michael Hornbuckle is one of those, and his music deserves your time and attention. Pick up SoulRepo.

Best releases of 2016 (Better late than never!)

I've been writing this blog since 2007, and in all that time I have never had so much trouble writing a post. Normally the annual "Best Of" post starts nearly writing itself in October-November, and I touch it up a bit in December and there you are. I might polish it a couple more times, but the hardest part is done long before I post it. But two things--first, this year I took a class from early September until January 11, and there just hasn't been the free time I am accustomed to. That's not just an excuse, but it's the truth. And this year I have been doing 8 hours live DJ-ing per week at http://www.caldoniascrossroad.com/ (Unabashed plug: Two hours of blues music on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-4:00pm eastern time, Mondays 8:00am-noon, also eastern time.)

Anyway, here's my top fifteen for the year...

15.) Trudy Lynn -- I'll Sing The Blues For You (Connor Ray Music) The veteran Houston native has brought forth an excellent album. From the first notes of "Alright Baby" to the last notes of "Down On Bended Knee" Lynn displays a great R&B sensibility and class and style.

14.) Frank Bang & The Cook County Kings -- The Blues Don't Care (Cleopatra Blues) I loved this one. The first blues release by Frank Bang after spending 25 years with Buddy Guy--with strong songs, strong playing and singing. He said "I have been waiting to make this record my whole life."

13.) Sari Schorr & The Engine Room -- A Force Of Nature (Manhaton Records) This came out in September, and it has all the feel of a debut--it seemed to me that they were going for broke with every note. When I first heard it I was exhausted before the end of the first song. There's a lot of energy here--vocal power, great guitar work, interesting songs. They have a world of promise ahead of them.

12.) Diana Rein -- Long Road (Self) This release took Diana eighteen months to create--she wrote everything, plays all the guitars, bass and sings all the vocals. The result was worth every bit of that effort. She channels a bit of Stevie Ray. The title track was the most played song on my Texas Blues Show in 2016.

11.) The Fabulous Thunderbirds -- Strong Like That (Severn Records) See review 1-4-17.

10.) Lex Grey & The Urban Pioneers -- Heal My Soul (Self)  See review 11-19-16.

9.) Lurrie Bell -- Can't Shake This Feeling (Delmark) See review 1-1-17.

8.) The Lucky Losers -- In Any Town (Self) Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz and Kid Andersen and a top-notch rhythm section equalled a terrific release. Great songs, great singing, and great music.

7.) The Joey Gilmore Band -- Respect The Blues (Park Lane Productions Inc) This band of veterans made another very strong album. The best thing about this cd are the covers, especially "Night Time Is The Right Time" with lead vocals by the seriously talented Edlene Hart. In my mind Joey's vocals on this cd push this one just barely ahead of Biscuit Miller's Wishbone at the top of the Band category.

6.) Tweed Funk -- Come Together (Tweed Tone Records) One terrific high-powered horn driven ensemble from Milwaukee. This is their best release so far, although everything they have made since 2010 has been worthwhile. This was the feel bad/feel good story of the year with vocalist Joseph "Smokey" Holman's cancer scare--but with things looking up for the band in this new year, I toast Tweed Funk's strength and resilience.  

5.) Toronzo Cannon -- The Chicago Way (Alligator) For one of the few times, I agree with the rest of the blues world. This is a terrific release. That first vocal "Woooooo" in the song "Walk It Off" makes it Bruce's Song Of The Year.

4.) Guy King -- Truth (Delmark) Wonderful jazz-influenced blues. Guitar and vocals to enjoy in any mood or occasion. Would have almost made this list for the opening track along, the Ray Charles song "The Same Thing That Makes You Laugh (Can Make You Cry)." In my mind, this release stood out as the antidote this year to losing B B King.

3.) Dave Keller -- Rick Back Atcha (Self) This one has been in my cd player an awful lot last year, mostly just for the joy of Dave Keller's voice. Tied with Guy King for best vocals of 2016. Special shout out to the Mo' Sax Horns--I love horns on a blues album.

2.) Albert Castiglia -- Big Dog (Ruf) This one came out at # 3 in the annual Roots Music Report, behind only Tedeschi Trucks Band's "Let Me Get By" and Janiva Magness' "Love Wins Again." I liked Albert's cd better than both of those. This cd is the best work Albert has done so far. Cudos to Mike Zito for helping Albert achieve just that little bit extra. My pick for best blues-rock cd of the year.

1.) Deb Ryder -- Grit Grease & Tears (Bejab Music) Deb Ryder's wonderful vocals and a cast of terrific guest artists make this a stellar release. "Prisoner Of War" is my favorite song here, but they're all simply excellent. 

The Fabulous Thunderbirds -- Strong Like That

The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been around for over 30 years now, which in musical terms is a very long time; and, in my humble opinion, they have never sounded better than now.

For this new cd, the focus seems to be a mix of blues and old-time soul music--Motown and Stax--and this combination works really well.  The band is just wonderful, tight where they need to be tight, smooth where they need to be smooth, and loose enough to dance to. The key is, of course, Kim Wilson, who shows again on this outing why he must be counted among the very best singers, harp players and band leaders anywhere. The band is Kim Wilson (vocals and harmonica) Johnny Moeller (guitars) Kevin Anker (keyboards) Steve Gomes (bass) and Robb Stupka (drums). Special guests include Aason Funderburgh (lead guitar on "Don't Burn Me") Roosevelt Collier (steel guitar on "I Know (I'm Losing You)") Wes Watkins (drums on "I Know (I'm Losing You)") and Sara Mia (background vocals on "I Know (I'm Losing You)" and Christal Rheams and Caleb Green (background vocals on "Don't Burn Me," "Somebody's Getting It," "Where's Your Love Been" and "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)".

Every song here is worth your time, your money, and more importantly, the investment of your ears.
You can buy this cd at all your usual cd outlets.  

Tracklist:
01 – (I Know) I’m Losing You (Feat. Roosevelt Collier & Wes Watkins)
02 – Don’t Burn Me (Feat. Anson Funderburgh)
03 – You’re Gonna Miss Me
04 – Drowning On Dry Land
05 – Smooth
06 – Somebody’s Getting It
07 – Meet Me On The Corner
08 – Where’s Your Love Been
09 – I’ve Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
10 – Strong Like That

Lurrie Bell -- "Can't Shake This Feeling"

Lurrie Bell is one of the greats of Chicago Blues. The son of the great Carey Bell, he began playing guitar at the age of five. Now, many years later, this new release is a shining gem.  This Delmark Records cd features Lurrie on vocals and guitar and his regular band: Willie Hayes on drums and Melvin Smith on bass, writing partner Matthew Skoller on harmonica, and the great Roosevelt Purifoy on piano, organ and Rhodes.
Six of the thirteen songs are originals, along with "Drifting" by Eddie Boyd, "I Get So Weary" by T Bone Walker, "One Eyed Woman" by Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis, "Sit Down Baby" by Willie Dixon, "Hold me Tight" by Little Milton-Oliver Sain Jr, "Sinners Prayer" by Lowell Fulson-Lloyd C Glenn, "Born With The Blues" by Buster Benton, "Do You Hear" by Carey Bell, and "Hidden Charms" by Willie Dixon. I print out the names of these covers to illustrate one point--Lurrie pretty much covers the waterfront--they are all great songs brought forward and played with reverence and respect.The originals fit in well with the covers--Lurrie is a veteran bluesman now. His singing and guitar work are both personal and warm, and his songwriting is an extra special bonus.

This is a really good cd, pure Chicago blues by some of the best musicians out there. Belongs in any 2016 Top Ten list. Any time you are shopping for blues music--if you see the name Lurrie Bell on something, go ahead and buy it. You will never be disappointed.

You can buy this cd at www.delmark.com/

Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers -- "Heal My Soul"

Let me state right at the beginning that I love this cd! It is by turns old-timey, un-traditional and post-modern blues and rock. This is their sixth album, with ten terrific songs, nine of which are originals.

The band includes Lex Grey on vocals, Vic Mix on guitars and production, Kaia Updike on Hammond organ violin and accordion, Leo Binetti and Adam Price on bass and John Holland and Matt Messenger on drums. Walter Tates Jr guests on saxophone. Anthony Michael guests on clarinet. Adam Price guests on violin and bass. Brian Dewan guests on zither, auto harp, toy piano, and theremin. "Piano" Pete Mttei guests on piano. Greg "Hornhog" Holt guests on fiddle.

The feel of the album is similar, style-wise, to the last two or three albums from Sunday Wilde, who mines the rural Canadian blues tradition. But Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers are bringing forth music from the urban folk-blues rock stew. A New York version of an eclectic band not dissimilar to Jason Vivone & The Billy Bats here in Kansas City. The singing and playing here is uniformly excellent and there is plenty of stylistic variety to please a listener. All the songs here are blues radio-worthy. I especially enjoy the songs "Factory" and "Ghost." I could imagine "Ghost" being an outtake from an early Jefferson Airplane session. "Survive" is also quite good, with an Amy Winehouse style vocal wrapped around an old Steppenwolf guitar track. The title track. "Heal My Soul," is a 7+ minute jam and everybody seems to really let loose. While I was writing this review I have been  listening to a lot of Leon Russell and The Shelter People from 1970-1973, and I can readily imagine Mr Russell smiling from the side of the studio at this song. It is all by itself worth the price of the set.  
Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers are a group you and I need to get more familiar with, especially their back catalog. Highly recommended. You can buy this cd at www.cdbaby.com or on I-tunes.  

Diana Rein -- Long Road

"Long Road" is Diana Rein's second release, following 2007's "The Back Room." This time around Diana wrote and recorded and produced everything and she sings and plays all the lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, and EZdrummer. It took her 18 months to complete this project, and I for one am glad she has delivered it--this one is a candidate for "Bruce's Top 10 Releases of 2016," mostly because Diana can really sing, and she's really good on the guitar, and she is a really good songwriter. It's the whole package!

The twelve songs here cover pretty varied territory. Things start out with the title track, which has the singer holding fast to her dream, with a c all-and-response between the vocals and guitar that just pulls you in. "Wild One" is a rocker with top-notch lead guitar work--this is the kind of music I was hoping Joan Jett would grow into, name-checking Stevie Ray Vaughan. "Livin' Loud" slows things down just a bit, but with a 60ish lead guitar, it reminds me of Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac. "Green Light" is an answer song to Doyle Bramhall II's "Green Light Girl" and it has just a splash of surf music in the rhythm guitar. The singing is spot-on too. "Rebel With A Cause" is a meditation on a photo of James Dean with crunchy guitars and a seductive vocal. "The Real Thing" features a funk/rock groove and lyrical sass. "Done Me Dirty" is a tell-off with guitar-venom and maybe the best lyrics of any song on the cd. "Don't Walk Away" is a soulful spin on the lover-take-me-back story with beautiful guitar work. "Come Back Home" is addressed to the singer's dream, and filled with Duane Allman-esque guitar work. "Wicked" is a melancholy song, and the guitar sings of regret and sorrow. Again, the guitar reminds me of early Peter Green or maybe Jeff Beck. "Down Down Down" starts out slow, but it soon becomes a full-tilt rocker. The closing song is "Peace," which was written after the death of Diana's dog Zoe.

Throughout the dozen songs there is nowhere a clunker, nowhere to take a breath, no false steps. All of these songs are radio-ready.  An individual's work filled with talent and passion, a fine fine release.

You can buy this cd at Diana's website: DianaRein.com

 

 

The New Blues Revolution -- "To Hellendale And Back"

The New Blues Revolution kind of snuck up on me. At first, they weren't on my radar--I was plenty happy playing other music. I didn't think these guys from LA had very much to say--but I was seriously wrong, people. This is high quality, very necessary, important blues music for right now. You gotta check this out!

You'll meet Bill Grisolia, the front man, singer, piano player, along with guitarist Chap Copper. They both write the songs here. Roger Beall is the drummer, and Bob Burns is on bass.  No additional players, no mechanical sweetening, nothing but these 5 solid songs.

 Like I said, this cd had to grow on me a while, but soon I got to where Grisolia's bass heavy gravelly voice was exactly what I needed in my cd player. He really is a good singer. Cooper's guitar is a wonderful vehicle for these songs, which is the way I judge guitar players. I have very limited use for guitar-wankers, so for the most part I avoid them. Cooper is more my style--he has got tons of chops, and he can deliver a fill or an idea with economy and style. Beall and Burns have the unenviable task of creating the pocket inside which the vocal and the piano and/or the guitar tell these blues stories. Their playing is solid and rich, rooted in the traditional blues rhythms.

"Souls On Fire" starts things off, and promptly reminded me of equal parts Billy Idol (back when he was good!) and Chris Rea. "Whiskey Town" reminds me of an unreleased song by The Doors, and I mean that as a high compliment. This one wears its' Los Angeles roots well. "Black Widow" might be the best song here--it throws all those influences into a blender and the result is a damn good song. Well written, well sung, well played. "Baby Blue" might be just a tad weak by comparison--but almost anything would have come across that way after "Black Widow." It also might be that title. If they had called this song "Sara's Blues" it might have gotten a fresher hearing. The last song here is "Sunset Psycho Twang," the only song here not written by Cooper/Grisolia. This one is written by Cooper/Resch, and it is a more atmospheric song, an instrumental, recalling perhaps a lost Pink Floyd cut circa 1971. Very beautiful. Whenever I hear this one I want to hear it again.

I've played every one of these songs on my Mo' Blues radio show on the internet radio station Caldonia's Crossroad Radio, (http://www.caldoniascrossroad.com) and this is a strong but brief set.
    
You can buy this cd from the band website: Http://www.NewBluesRevolution.com

 

Jeff Chaz -- "Sounds Like The Blues To Me"

I first became acquainted with the music of Jeff Chaz in 2006, when I was the Sunday night DJ at KJLU 89.5 fm in Jefferson City MO. One week in September I stumbled across his song "Morning Coffee." The thing that hooked me on Jeff Chaz, besides his obvious chops, was his sincerity--listening to him it sounded like he didn't take himself too seriously. "Morning Coffee" sounded great that night in a playlist next to songs by Geoff Achison, Blue Soul, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones and Shemekia Copeland. 

Jeff Chaz has been a blues guitarist for half of his life. Based in New Orleans, he started out playing trumpet and then trombone, but soon switched to guitar. Chaz also sings and writes songs. On this cd, he wrote all the songs, one with Steve Lowry. Everything was recorded at Radionic Studio in Jefferson Louisiana. This time out Chaz sings and plays guitar, joined by Doug Therrien and David Hyde on bass, Doug Belote, Allyn Robinson and Willie Panker on drums, John Autin on Hammond B-3 organ and piano, A J Pittman on trumpet and Ward Smith on saxes. 

In 2013 Chaz released a cd "Chronicles" which revived some of those old songs, including "Morning Coffee." This is the first cd of new music since 2006's "Jeff Chaz In Exile." The guitar work is top notch, as it usually is with Jeff Chaz. The band is tight and loose at the same time. Regular readers here will know I love a band with a horn section, so I like hearing that. But the best thing about this release are the songwriting and vocals. They are what sets Chaz apart from most everybody else. Two examples--there's a song here "I'm Goin' After Moby Dick In A Rowboat" with a line "...and I'm bringing the tartar sauce." He might be setting off on a hopeless mission, but still, if he is successful he will be ready. Another example is in a song "Will You Be Mine" where the lyrics are nothing very special but he sings in the upper part of his range--just a simple thing like that. It communicates the anxiety and fear behind the title question without a doubt. And on both these songs, the guitar is just terrific.

One listen and you'll be glad you bought this cd.

Buy it at http://jeffchazblues.com/music.htm