Mon, 01 Sep 2008

Billy Bragg - There Is Power In A Union

This song was recommended by your neighbor for Labor Day. Billy Bragg is a British folk singer taking up the Union cause. A modern day Joe Hill.

more...

For those of you, like me, who haven't heard of Billy Bragg here's his website.

He's got an audio player with five songs loaded including "Mr. Love And Justice", title song of his new CD, so click Billy Bragg above to hear what he does.

Here's a link to a video he's featuring on his website.

Bragg has been involved with grassroots political movements, and this is often reflected in his lyrics. Bragg backed the 1984 miners' strike, and the following year he formed the left-wing group Red Wedge, which promoted the Labour Party and discouraged young people from voting for the Conservative Party in the 1987 general election. Following the defeat of the Labour Party and the repeated victory of Margaret Thatcher and her Conservative government, Bragg joined Charter88 to push for a total reform of the British political system.

- wikipedia

And here's his MySpace.

I would like to request any Billy Bragg fans to fill in more details and post more songs in the comments.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

discuss this article here http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/1/102141/4214/335/581407

archive.org

Hi,

http://archive.org
http://jamendo.com

and of course

http://deltaboogie.com/radio

Delta Boogie Radio

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

Where can i download music?

Please post your favorite sites.
Thanx!

Enjoy the Music Forum during the server brownout

Hi,

Well the forum is working anyway. I've opened up the Music Forum so you can register and post immediately. Read the Sticky if you want to be able to post always.

It took about two hours for the forum to get all spammed up again. If you want to post, register and then send me your username in an email. Send it to

hairylarry@deltaboogie.com

This way only real people post and not spambots.

Lot of good stuff in here. Browse around and enjoy.

Here's a couple of links.

http://blueshalloffame.com/

http://www.mikedollins.biz/

Thanks for your patience.

Hairy Larry

Music News Nashville - Newsletter For January 7, 2008

Music News Nashville - Newsletter For January 7, 2008

Welcome. This is the first issue of the New Year and we hope to make it better each time to keep providing you with the information about the music industry in and of Nashville. We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with friends and family, enjoying the best the holidays had to offer.

Make sure to check out MNN later in the week when we'll be posting more photos, more interviews, more article and more CD reviews. And check out the LATEST NEWS section daily for what's happening in the music industry in Nashville.

Also, please visit our MySpace page at www.MySpace.com/musicnewsnashville. We'd love to have you as one of our friends.

Here's what's new this week...

http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/newsletter/current.htm

Click on through for articles, photos, CD reviews, and interviews.

Mon, 02 Jun 2008

RIP Bo Diddley 12/30/1928-6/2/2008

This sad news just in: Blues and Rock 'N Roll pioneer Bo Diddley passed away today of heart failure at his home in Florida. He was 79. Bo had various health issues in the last year, which rendered him unable to perform live concerts. Bo was born Ellas Bates in McComb, Mississippi on December 30, 1928. He moved to Chicago at age seven, and got his musical start playing blues on the Maxwell Street market. There are many stories about his stage name, one being that he used to play a homemade instrument called the Diddley Bow, and the other that he adapted a name of a comical character that he happened upon.

He lived to say the name served him well; and his early recordings for Chess were instant hits. Songs such as “Bo Diddley”, “Bring It To Jerome”, “I’m A Man”, “Diddy Wah Diddy”, “Diddley Daddy”, "Who Do You Love", "Mona", "Before You Accuse Me", and countless others presented a new sound that was steeped in blues, yet so danceable and rhythmic that it is considered the bedrock of early Rock ‘N Roll. The “Bo Diddley Beat”, taken from the "shave and a haircut" rhythm, was so popular and influential that numerous other hits by other artists adapted this beat.

He maintained public attention through high-profile appearances such as John Lennon’s Live Peace In Toronto concert, playing an acting role in the Dan Akroyd/Eddie Murphy hit Trading Places, a memorable pool hall scene in the music video of George Thorogood’s "Bad To The Bone" (based on a Bo Diddley guitar hook), and a Rock ‘N Roll star/basketball star comparison for Nike remembered fondly by the catch phrase “Bo Knows”. He played a characteristic rectangular guitar which became his trademark. He was inducted in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987. Bo remained active musically his whole life until stricken by a stroke in 2007. His passing today leaves an unfillable void, as he is one of the undisputed founders of Rock ‘N Roll.

For his complete biography, discography, and wonderful website, click here; to see a photo tribute page to Bo Diddley on Bob Corritore’s website, click here; and to read the Associated Press article regarding his passing, click here. Bob feels privileged to have known, performed with, and recorded with Bo Diddley. Bo was a great man whose music brought joy to multitudes of people. May this musical icon rest in peace.

Bob has many great links with this release. To follow the links go here:

http://bobcorritore.com/WhatsNew.html

Rock-A-Billy by Billy Weir

Rock-A-Billy by Billy Weir
A Slice Of Rock 'n Roll History & More

Billy Weir contacted me through Delta Boogie when researching this book. Although it is entirely autobiographical he was trying to make sure all the facts were right. Although I wasn't very much help to him he still sent me a copy of the book when it came out.

Billy Weir played with Harold Jenkins before he bacame Conway Twitty. After his tour with Jenkins he continued playing in and around Memphis in a variety of bands including the Thomas Wayne band that promoted his hit "Tragedy". That band had Scotty Moore on guitar and Joe Lee on saxophone.

The book is a quick breezy read. Weir writes well occasionally flashing back to a pertinent reminisce while telling a story but always returning to the story after the reader has benefitted from his recollection.

My favorite part is when he was touring with Jenkins. These were young all American boys playing music and having fun. He said since they didn't smoke, drink, or gamble that left them plenty of time to meet girls.

Imagine my surprise when I turned the page and there was a picture of my friend, Joe Lee, signing autographs with Scotty Moore. There is also a picture of the whole Thomas Wayne band rocking out. You can't see Joe's face in this picture but you can tell he's rocking on a sax solo leaning way back with the bell of the saxophone high in the air.

Since then Weir has learned to play guitar and bass. (He learned guitar from Scotty Moore!) He has been in a number of country and vocal harmony bands. Now he runs Gumball Studio in Hickory Withe, Tennessee. This back cover text says it all.

"Billy grabbed a piece of history in the early days of Rock n Roll, and is not content to let go, even today. He still ripples the water, but now it's with new, and old artists that want to make their own history."

If you're interested in the early days of Rock n Roll, or if you're a fan of Conway Twitty or the Memphis Sound, then you will enjoy this book. Billy Weir was there when it happened playing his part and playing it well.

http://gumballstudio.com/

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

Blewzz Reviews Charles Big Daddy Stallings

CHARLES "BIG DADDY" STALLINGS
"BLUES EVOLUTION"
TAI JERIA RECORD COMPANY
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © DECEMBER 2007


CHARLES "BIG DADDY" STALLINGS is one heck of an interesting musician. Although there's no questioning his musical talent, nor his ability to sing and play the blues, his eccentric style seems to create a genre of it's own. I discovered this charismatic character back in 2005, when he blew me away with his first release, "ONE NIGHT LOVER". Now he's back, doing the same non-concentric work on fifteen songs with equally as many different styles.

Once again, CHARLES is surrounded by quite an entourage of talent on "BLUES EVOLUTION". On guitar and vocals, and having written, produced and arranged all the tracks, CHARLES "BIG DADDY" STALLINGS is joined by: BILL PRATT on drums, keyboards, organ, strings and background vocals; TOMMY GUN & RON JENKINS on drums; GLENN WORKMAN on piano and organ; RONALD BLAND on bass and guitar solo; GAIL PARRISH on bass; JOE "E FLAT" THOMAS on sax; KELVIN ONEAL on trumpet and background vocals; MARK WENNER, RICH SAMPSON & STEVE LEVINE on harp; STERLING PETTERSON on guitar solo; JOE THOMAS, ALEYSHIA STALLINGS & QUESSE STALLINGS on background vocals; DEBORAH BROWN & MILVIA BRUNEL as the "female voices". Gee, that's about as many people as you'll see at Camden Yards for an Orioles home game.

"BLUES EVOLUTION", as eluded to earlier, contains fifteen original tracks that range from full blown horn blowin' boogie to good ol' harp blowin' down home blues, from the sounds of Soul Train to the sounds of futuristic funk, from disco dance songs to cowboy dance songs and from instrumental concertos to booty slappin' rap. You think I'm kiddin? Come along and listen..........

After a short intro, the blues party kicks off with "LET'S BOOGIE". This is a smokin', four and a half minute instrumental that eventually gets around to featuring each and every instrument in the band. And as you'd expect, everyone's peaking. An absolutely perfect way to start things off.

"GOING DOWN SOUTH" also goes down a few decibels......quite a few. It's a bluesy track which features some sharp harp work by MARK WENNER and great rhythm by GAIL & RON. The lyrics on this one, aside from being very well sung, are totally bizarre....I'm not even going to attempt to explain them.

"HARD TIMES / GOOD TIMES" is pretty much the best down home blues track on the disc. Once again, along with some smooth piano by GLENN, MARK'S harp is the highlight on this one.

All of us who have been working hard at keeping the blues alive will be happy to know that it's survived to the year "2999". The very clever lyrics on this one are about some very disappointed Martians who greet a bunch of earthlings arriving on their planet - but they didn't bring any blues music with them. It seems these Martians are blues fans and were hoping to hear Jimmy Reed, B B King and others. Great song!

"CHA CHA 3000" is an outstanding instrumental. The contrast, or dare I say the clashing of instruments on this track is amazing. At times, the piano and organ playing of GLENN and BILL make you think you're listening to the soundtrack of a 1940's Oscar winning movie, then the harp of STEVE LEVINE blatantly takes over and completely changes the sound, but yet things remain constant. This all happens while the rhythm section of GAIL and RON make you feel like you're watching Ricky Ricardo at the Copa Cabana. If none of that made sense to you, you need to hear this track.

Some of CHARLES' best vocals and guitar work can be heard on "STRANGE THINGS". This one is good ol' straight up, in your face, it don't get any better than this, Chicago Blues.

Other tracks, which you'll no doubt enjoy but I just don't have the space to cover are: "BLUES TRAIN EXPRESS", "BLUES LINE DANCE", "BLUES COWBOY", "HOBBSVILLE # 2", "BOOTY SLAPPIN", "HAND DANCIN", "HOLA SENIORITA" and "THANK-YOU BOOGIE".

If you've yet to discover CHARLES "BIG DADDY" STALLINGS, it's time you have. This cat is a little bizarre, a little humorous, a little delirious, a little facetious, a little farcical, but when you get right down to it, CHARLES "BIG DADDY" STALLINGS is a lot entertaining.

Check him out at www.bigdaddystallings.com. While you're there, tell him you heard the Blewzzman talkin' 'bout him and grab yourself a few CD's as well.

This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com

Blewzz Reviews Bluehouse Band

BLUEHOUSE BAND
"WHO'S IN THE HOUSE"?
BEKAM RECORDS
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © DECEMBER 2007

Lead Guitar, Bass and Drums - it just doesn't get any more basic than that -there you have your fundamental three piece blues band. However, when that three piece blues band is the BLUEHOUSE BAND, the words basic and fundamental seem to take on whole new meanings.

The BLUEHOUSE BAND consists of ROBBIE ALTAR on Lead Guitar and Vocals, RICHIE GOLDMAN on Bass Guitar, Bass Fiddle and Vocals and BOBBY "BBG" GOLDMAN on Drums and Spoons. Special guests on individual tracks of "WHO'S IN THE HOUSE?" are: HOLLY DOHERTY on Vocals, BRYAN BASSETT on Slide Guitar, MICHAEL MARCIANO on Harp and the MOUNT BETHEL MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR.

Local three piece bands, especially those who's members all have successful day jobs - as ALTAR, RICHIE and BBG do - are usually content with playing covers from the slew of artists available. Not these guys. On "WHO'S IN THE HOUSE?", their debut release, all thirteen tracks, except for the 40 seconds of "Over the Rainbow" used as the intro on "BLUESMAN TIM", are band originals.

"WHO'S IN THE HOUSE" opens with a dynamite track appropriately titled "DYNOMITE". It's a total all out, no holds barred jam, in which the guys waste no time letting you know they can kick some musical ass. It's pretty much what you should expect to hear lots more of on the next dozen tracks - and that's a good thing.

BLUEHOUSE gets into more of a traditional mode on "MAYBE SOMEDAY". With RICHIE and BBG locked into a smooth groove on bass and drums, ALTAR (as he likes to be called) cuts it loose with lots of sharp blues guitar highlights and excellent vocal work.

To say that "BANG, BANG, BANG" totally rips is extremely understating it. This one's like "Helter Skelter" taking a ride in a "Hot Rod Lincoln". It features some of the best, and certainly the most furious rhythm on the track, it's got MICHAEL blowing some ferocious wind into the harp and ALTAR at his discs best on vocals. WARNING: Listening to this track while driving may result in speeding citations - do so at your own risk!

The title says it all on "JUMPIN", and unless you're in a coma, that's exactly what this track will have you doin'. No further explanation necessary for this one.

If you've ever traveled Highway I-95, there's absolutely no doubt in my mind that you've been in some type of horrific situation that made you think "There's got to be a blues song in here somewhere". Well, BLUEHOUSE wrote it - "I-95" - and the lyrics could not have been more perfect.

Some of the discs best harmony can be heard on "GIMME THE NEWS", which features HOLLY DOHERTY on vocals and backup vocals. Unfortunately, the song is short and it's HOLLY'S only appearance. However, if she impresses you as much as she did me, you'll hit replay at least 4-5 times. HOLLY'S, sharp, strong and sure vocals highlight this one.

Having known the person that the next song is dedicated to - "BLUESMAN TIM" - makes it a bit special. Before moving on to that Big Blues Club in the sky, TIM pretty much never missed a live BLUEHOUSE show . And, if ALTAR, RICHIE and BBG have anything to say about it, he never will. The guys wrote this song in his memory and play it at every gig making sure, that even if it's in spirit only, TIM will always be at their shows. This hot Gospel Blues track is highlighted by ALTAR'S vocals and guitar, the back up vocals of the MOUNT BETHEL MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR and smokin' rhythm that I'm sure will have you throwin' your hands in the air for TIM.

Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of being at many of this bands live performances. From experience, let me tell you that the BLUEHOUSE BAND is a powerhouse trio that will rock your house.

Stop by www.bluehouseband.com and tell the guys that their friend the Blewzzman sent you. Of course, while your there, I'd recommend you add a copy of "WHO'S IN THE HOUSE?" to your CD collection.

This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com

Music News Nashville - Oct. 15, 2007

Music News Nashville (http://www.musicnewsnashville.com)

October 15, 2007

Volume 2, Issue 18

Welcome...

The new issue of the Music News Nashville newsletter is waiting for
you at http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/newsletter/current.htm.

How does an Asian tour make you Delirious? LeAnn and Family...
Hitting the streets. Are The Wreckers wrecked? To answer these
questions and more, visit the newsletter link above or check out the
main magazine pages at http://www.musicnewsnashville.com.

We have a number of new contests and giveaways, including a Bahamas
Cruise and Stay, an iPod from Faith Hill and an iPhone from Dolly
Parton.

There are new articles, CD reviews, interviews, photos and more on
the magazine website. Make sure to bookmark
http://www.musicnewsnashville.com and visit it daily for the latest in
country music news.

What to know what's going on in Nashville and Atlanta? Visit the
SHOWCASES AND EVENTS page, along with the THIS WEEK IN NASHVILLE and
THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA under the EVENTS button on the magazine website
to find out where to go for hot music in Nashville and Atlanta.

Also, check out our MySpace page at
http://www.myspace.com/musicnewsnashville. We'd love to have you as
one of our friends.

All our best...

Dan and Sue Harr

Matt Lucas working with Don Meehan

Hi,

We are having fun and im writing songs/ blues for the Don Meehans Doucadrama 99 years about his nephew that is serving time in a Texas Prison, 99 years (Hes been in 10 years already)

We drive up to Strawberry Az. today till mon afternoon then back here to Mesa. The weather here in not bad but it will be a lot cooler up north in Strawberry.

Don has retired after getting 22 gold records in his 45 years at Columbia/ Sony stuidos in NYC recording acts like Bob Dylan, Striesand, Tony Bennett, Bruce Springsteen and and the other big acts..

Thinking of you ,

Love,
Matt & Barb

Matt Lucas
http://www.rockabillyeurope.com?reviews/mattlucassaddle.htm
http://tenonine.com./
http://deltaboogie.com/bandpages/bandpage.php?band=mattlucas
http://www.deltaboogie.com/mattsnotes/index.htm
http://www.artisthosting.net/Matt%20Lucas/
http://members.aol.com/Zeeuw1/lucas.htm
http://www.deltaboogie.com/mattlucas
http://www.rockabilly.nl/artists/mattlucas.htm
http://www.bluepower.com
http://members.aol.com/Zeeuw4/LucasDisc.htm
http://www.jerryosborne.com/9-16-02.htm
http://widmarcs.com/slhf/Certificates/Matt%20Lucas.htm
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/MattLucas.html

Tue, 27 May 2008

Bob Corritore Newsletter May 27, 2008

Tomcat Courtney CD Release Party this Friday at the Rhythm Room: Tomcat Courtney, though relatively unknown to the mainstream, is one of the great national treasures of traditional blues. At 79 years young, Tomcat is a contemporary of Lightnin' Hopkins, Lil' Son Jackson, and Smokey Hogg, and he carries forth the blues tradition of his native home of Texas. Tomcat possesses one of he greatest voices in country blues around today, and has a stirring, down-home guitar style. He will be appearing Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Rhythm Room for a CD release party. His new CD, Downsville Blues on Blue Witch Records, is his first national release. The CD came out on May 20, 2008, and is already receiving worldwide radio airplay and critical applause from reviewers (click here to see some of these reviews). Backing Tomcat Courtney will be Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, and Bob Corritore, who are Tomcat's band on the CD. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $8. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.

Blueswax to feature a Bob Corritore interview this Thursday: Perhaps the greatest online blues magazine, Blueswax is a brilliant source for a wide overview of blues news. Their weekly news email comes out each Thursday to a huge list of subscribers from around the world. This week, Blueswax will feature an interview with Bob Corritore by New York Blues kingpin Bob Putignano. To sign up for the email blast and to see the Blueswax website, click here. Thank you, Blueswax!

Janiva Magness Interview this Sunday on Bob's Radio Show: Janiva Magness will appear on Bob's radio show this Sunday for an interview and a preview of her forthcoming CD on Alligator Records. Janiva is simply a great blues singer, and we cheered her on over the years as she has risen to stardom in the blues world. She is now a 2-time Blues Music Award winner in the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year category, and is a national spokesperson for Casey Family Programs for Foster Care children. Janiva will be in Phoenix to sing the National Anthem at the Arizona Diamondbacks game on May 31, 2008 (May is National Foster Care Month), and will be able to stop in at Bob's radio show. Look for an hour (or so) interview starting around 6:30pm. Janiva is scheduled for a Rhythm Room appearance on Friday, June 13, 2008. Listeners may hear Bob Corritore’s KBA-Award-winning radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 98.9 in Tucson, and 99.1 in Kingman.

Chicago Blues Festival, Bob's Gigs in Chicago: Next week, Bob will make his annual visit to his hometown of Chicago during the Chicago Blues Festival. This festival always presents some of the city's greatest talent, combined with great national acts. Appearing at the fest this year will be B.B. King, James Cotton, Little Willie Littlefield, Pinetop Perkins, Louisiana Red, Lurrie Bell, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, Barbara Lynn, and many others. For a complete list of the fest lineup, click here. While in Chicago, Bob Corritore will have two scheduled performances and likely a few impromptu sit-ins. Bob's scheduled appearances will be:

Thursday, June 5, 2008 - Louisiana Red at Buddy Guy's Legends. Bob Corritore will appear with Louisiana Red from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at Buddy Guy's Legends, 754 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago IL 60605. Louisiana Red's backup band will include Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Eddie Kobek.

Saturday, June 7, 2008 - American Blues Legends Management Showcase at Reggie's, This great showcase will include Elmore James, Jr. (who will celebrate his new release Daddy Gave Me The Blues on JSP Records), Byther Smith, Eddie C. Campbell, Tail Dragger, The Hayes Brothers, Cadillac Zack, Rick Kreher, Scott Dirks, Bob Corritore, and Donna Oxford. Bob will be making a guest appearance backing his old boss Tail Dragger on this show; Bob's set will be at approximately 11:15pm. Show time is 9pm; cover charge is $15. Party alert: there will be a free shuttle service to the show leaving from the corner of Columbus and Monroe at the following times: 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. American Blues Legends Management is a booking and management organization founded by guitarist/producer Cadillac Zack, and its primary focus is advancing the cause of traditional blues. Reggie's is located at 2105 S. State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616. To see a flier for this event, click here. For more information about this show, call (323)377-5291.

As always, Chicago is a real blues treat, and the festival serves as a great center point for a spectacular gathering of blues people. Also, while in town, check out Honeyboy Edwards' annual birthday bash on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at a new venue (managed by Dave Specter) called Society for the Preservation of Arts and Culture in Evanston (S.P.A.C.E.). This event is being called Blues On The North Shore, and is produced by Lynn Orman. Also included in the show's lineup are Eddie Clearwater, Barrelhouse Chuck, and Katherine Davis. For more information, click here.

Little Arthur Health Update: Here is the latest information about Chicago Blues harmonica ace Little Arthur Duncan, who was hospitalized on April 11, 2008 and had surgery for a brain tumor. This news from Rick Kreher, his guitar player:

"I stopped by to check on Little Arthur yesterday at his new hospital, Advocate Bethany Specialty Hospital, at 3435 W. Van Buren. The hospital is very nice and easy to get to, off the Eisenhower Expressway. That is about the only good news. Arthur is once again hooked up to a battery of machines, and the nurse that was attending to him said that he 'had a lot going on'. I think he knew who I was, and tried to talk, but he would then fade away for a few minutes. His main problem (among many others) is still his breathing, which is still assisted by a ventilator. It's sad, because if he does know what's going on, it has to be very depressing at this point. If any of you are in the area, stop by; because if he does know what's happening, a visit might help his spirits. The hospital is on Van Buren just west of Homan (Kimball); enter from those directions as the streets run weird around there. There is parking right in front. I wish there was better news to report."

Mojo Buford Heath Update: As reported in the newsletter of May 14, 2008, longtime Muddy Waters harmonica player Mojo Buford was hospitalized on May 12, 2008 with diabetic shock and heart complications. Good news came our way via Mojo's drummer and manager, Doug McMinn, who reports: "Mojo is doing great. He is back home. His strength is almost back up. He is planning a November tour to replace the one he had to cancel." Thank you, Doug, for this good news!

Bob has many great links with this release. To follow the links go here:

http://bobcorritore.com/WhatsNew.html

Music News Nashville

Music News Nashville (http://www.musicnewsnashville.com)

September 17, 2007

Volume 2, Issue 16

Welcome...

The new issue of the Music News Nashville newsletter is waiting for
you at http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/newsletter/current.htm.

Who is Keith Stegall and what does he love? Should music have
boundaries? Where does Lee Gibson want to be? To answer these
questions, visit Music News Nashville's latest issue.

Make sure to check out the new link for GAC's Top Twenty Countdown on
the front page (left). Watch GAC's top twenty videos for the week. We
are also working to bring you additional videos, so stay tuned...

There are new articles, CD reviews, interviews, photos and more on
the magazine website. Make sure to bookmark
http://www.musicnewsnashville.com and visit it daily for the latest in
country music news.

Make sure to visit the SHOWCASES AND EVENTS page, along with the THIS
WEEK IN NASHVILLE and THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA under the EVENTS button on
the magazine website to find out where to go for hot music in
Nashville and Atlanta.

Also, check out our MySpace page at
http://www.myspace.com/musicnewsnashville. We'd love to have you as
one of our friends.

All our best...

Dan and Sue Harr

Blewzz Reviews Tommy Keys - Side Street Boogie

TOMMY KEYS
"SIDE STREET BOOGIE"
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © JULY 2007

Naming his newest release "SIDE STREET BOOGIE", is TOMMY KEYS' way of paying tribute to all of the so called "off the beaten path" nightclubs, juke joints, barrelhouses and theaters. The ones you find down the side streets and alleyways of the inner city. There, is where TOMMY feels art and music are at their raw best.

Interestingly enough, I was able to relate to TOMMY'S thoughts on that matter as I listened to the boogie woogie music on the opening track. I was immediately reminded of a day, many years ago, when I was exploring the side streets in New Orleans. It was down one of those alleyways where I discovered an obscure "hole in the wall" where the Legendary "Al Broussard" was working his magic on no more than a hand full of very happy listeners. That afternoon turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip, and recalling it makes me understand exactly how TOMMY feels.

On "SIDE STREET BOOGIE", TOMMY KEYS plays the piano, harmonica, bass, drums and percussion, and he sings all the songs, of which half of them are TOMMY KEYS originals. Damn Tommy, make a guy envious - why dontcha? On three tracks he's joined by KEN "THE ROCKET" KORB on harmonica, AL HENNEBORN on drums, MIRANDA GATEWOOD on bass, and MIKE DE LUCA on pedal steel.

On "RUM BOOGIE WOOGIE", you can forget about all those other things TOMMY'S playin' - this one's all about him and his piano. If large doses of robust barrelhouse blues get you moving, then clear the dance floor 'cause here you come. On this track, TOMMY'S puttin' out some of his best stuff.....vocally and instrumentally.

TOMMY'S expertise on the harp has "SINGING THE BLUES" sounding like some good ole Chicago Blues. One of TOMMY'S inspirations - Pinetop Perkins - is clearly in his thoughts on this one. This is the one and only track that features AL HENNEBORN and MIRANDA GATEWOOD, and they provide an excellent groove on rhythm.

"LAZY DAY BLUES", and "BLUE MOON RIVER" are two tracks that are pure listening pleasure. The first one being an instrumental which just kinda pushes you back in your chair, makes you close your eyes and before you know it, you're seeing TOMMY'S hands softly and precisely pressing every key. The second one has a very similar effect with the extra added pleasure of hearing TOMMY'S exceptional voice perfectly sing this song.

A disc of this nature just couldn't have been produced without including "WHEN THE SAINT'S COME MARCHING IN". You can actually hear the fun you know TOMMY's having playing this one.

Another very well done ballad is "A SONG FOR YOU" which once again features TOMMY'S amazing voice. Adding to this one's highlights are the wonderful sound that MIKE DE LUCA produces on the pedal steel. Hearing more of MIKE could make me a fan of an instrument I've never quite been all that fond of. This is good stuff.

Other tracks on "SIDE STREET BOOGIE" include "HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE", "OH MARIE", "BOOGIE MAN", "ALL MY LIFE", "FOUR UNTIL LATE" and "EARLY IN THE MORNING".

New Yorkers and Long Islanders - or as those of us from there may say, "Nu Yawkers and Lawng Eyelanders" - are more likely to see TOMMY than the rest of the world, but you can all check him out at www.tommykeys.com. While you're there, make yourself happy and pick up a copy of "SIDE STREET BOOGIE". Make me happy as well by telling TOMMY that Pete the Blewzzman - from Hicksville L. I. sent ya.

This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at http://www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com

Blewzz Reviews Charles Burton - I Wouldn't Lie To You

THE CHARLES BURTON BLUES BAND
"I WOULDN'T LIE TO YOU"
CHARLES BURTON MUSIC
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © JULY 2007


Although this is the first review of a CHARLES BURTON release, regular and attentive readers of Mary4Music.com reviews may recall having heard his name mentioned here before. CHARLES appeared as a guest guitarist on Michele Lundeen's 2005 release, "Song Inside Me", reviewed here back in 2005. Back then, I only got to hear him on 2-3 tracks, now I get to appreciate him even more.

On "I WOULDN'T LIE TO YOU", an all originals disc, CHARLES BURTON, on vocals and guitar, is joined by EDUARDO SABOGAL on drums and RICK NASH and STEVE WELLS on bass.

The disc opens with the title track, "I WOULDN'T LIE TO YOU". Now I don't know about you, but whenever I hear that line, I can't help but think it's a lie in itself. As a matter of fact, that line should be right up there with the two other biggest lies in the world....."the check is in the mail" and .......oh never mind, you get my drift. On this track CHARLES appears to be telling some hot babe the many different ways that her boyfriend is mistreating her - in hopes that she'll go home with him instead. Wait a minute.....who's the real snake here? Great rhythm from STEVE and EDUARDO behind some great guitar highlights by CHARLES already have me thinking this may be one of the best tracks on the disc.

Jazz, and blues fans alike, will appreciate the instrumental track titled "CUBA". This one's all about CHARLES and his guitar. It's four and a half minutes of absolute skillful mastery over an instrument.

Very sharp drum work by EDUARDO leads the band in several tight grooves on "YOU CAN'T TREAT ME THAT WAY", "BIG EYES", "THIS LITTLE NUMBER" and "I HAD TO PULL HER OVER". These tracks pretty much emulate what this band is all about. You've got three very talented musicians doing what they do best- laying down tight rhythm, putting on virtuoso guitar performances and singing perfect sounding vocals. No trickery necessary!

If you think that a title like "MY BABY DON'T LOVE ME" might be some low down dirty blues song, then we think alike. Happily, that's exactly what it is - the kind of stuff that lights my blues flame. CHARLES nails the mood with the vocal tempo and the blues licks on guitar are the best on the disc. This is good stuff.

Another instrumental, this one titled "SWING", has me very impressed. As proficient as this band is musically, I find myself uncharacteristically thinking I could easily enjoy many more of these instrumentals. Not since Ronnie Earl has a guitar player impressed me as much as CHARLES BURTON is now doing.

Other tracks on "I WOULDN'T LIE TO YOU" include "HOW WE DO IT DOWNTOWN", "BLOCK PARTY", "SEE MY BABY and "I'D LIKE TO KNOW".

I've said this before and I'll say it again. if you're going to make it as a three piece band, you better be damn good, and THE CHARLES BURTON BLUES BAND is damn good. Check them out at http://www.charlesburton.com and tell them the Blewzzman is talkin' 'bout 'em.

This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at http://www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com

Blewzz Reviews Julie Black - Call Me Angel for Blues

JULIE BLACK
"CALL ME ANGEL FOR BLUES"

BOJA RECORDS
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © JUNE 2007


Recordings like this are not only a pleasure to listen to, but they're a pleasure to write about as well. It's so easy for the thoughts to flow and the words to come when your listening to sheer perfection. The need for creativity doesn't exist - that's all been taken care of by the artist.

My love affair with the ladies of song started out at a very young age, as I grew up listening to my father playing his Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald records, and it's continued through the decades right up to my current attraction for gals - who are all better than the guys - on American Idol. Now that blues is my passion, it seems the passion is still there for the ladies - enter JULIE BLACK.

On her debut CD, "CALL ME ANGEL FOR BLUES", JULIE BLACK is absolutely flawless. The confidence she has in her own vocal ability, the emotions with which those vocals are delivered and the talent she has for songwriting, are incomparable. Add to that the versatility to sing soulful, country, rock, jazz, Gospel and down home styles of blues with equally masterful results, and you've got the total package.

On "CALL ME ANGEL FOR BLUES", JULIE BLACK on vocals, is joined by: MICHAEL JOHNN on keyboards; DAVE EICHENBERGER on electric guitar; BILL SPICUGLIA on bass; MIKE THOMAS on drums and tambourine; MARK MURRAY on acoustic, electric slide and bass guitars; D. W. GILL on harmonica and saxophone; DENNIS MCCARTHY on drums and acoustic guitar; THOMAS J. HAMILTON on bass and bongos; HERMAN ANDERSON on electric guitar; DONNY KURYLIW on back up vocals.

"BIGGER FOOL FOR ME" opens the disc and JULIE'S voice immediately impresses you. Her range, on this somewhat of a country blues track, is very impressive. The electric guitar and funky bass playing by MARK and the blowing of the harp by D. W. also highlight the track.

JULIE'S smooth and sassy delivery of "FEELIN' STRANGE" gives the impression that, rather than listening to a young, up and coming starlet, you might just be listening to a seasoned jazz lounge singer. The soft and very tight sound the bands putting out behind her helps paint the picture.

When "MY DOGGIE DON'T" starts playing, if after 3 seconds you aren't snapping your fingers or tapping your toes - call a doctor. Man this one's hot. I'm sure the replay buttons gonna get some hits before this paragraph's done. On this jazzed up tune, JULIE is exquisite. The combination of D. W. and MICHAEL on sax and piano, the hot rhythm of BILL and MIKE and the great guitar work by HERMAN and DAVE help make this one of the discs very best tracks.

"BLUES LIKE ME" stopped me in my tracks. Since you can't type while tapping both feet and snapping fingers on both hands, I just gave up, sat back and thoroughly enjoyed another magnificent track.

MICHAEL and DAVE are at their peak on guitar and piano on a track that called have easily been called "The Gospel according to Jules". On this track JULIE'S gonna "set you free' and 'liberate your soul" as she goes about her business of "SPREADING THE BLUES". Great range by JULIE and great back up vocals by DONNY on this, another smoking track.

It's all about the vocals and the piano, one equally as sultry as the other on the very sexy "LOVE THIS MAMA". As a matter of fact, if I were to love this mama - this is what I'd want to be listening to as I did so.

"LEAN IN ON ME" is another slow, steamy ballad. She writes them as good as she sings them. This is more of the above with some hot saxophone added.

Other tracks not covered on "CALL ME ANGEL FOR BLUES", but outstanding nevertheless, are "CALL THE CARDS", "HURT MY BABY", "DEVILS CHILD", "BROKEN HEARTED BABY" and "GO AND GET HER".

While visiting JULIE BLACK'S website, I discovered something that excited me as much as "CALL ME ANGEL FOR BLUES" did. That's the fact that in just four weeks, she'll be playing at a nearby club. Needless to say, my reservations are already made. I recommend you take a peek at www.angelforblues.com and do the same. While you're there, tell JULIE she's got the Blewzzman sayin' "WOW!"

Blewzzman Reviews Blue Voodoo - Hot wire (My Heart)

BLUE VOODOO
"HOT WIRE (MY HEART)"
PURE AIR MUSIC
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © JUNE 2007

BLUE VOODOO joins the fast growing list of bands that are on their second go around here at www.Mary4Music.com reviews. Here it is just thirteen months after enjoying their release called "THE STORM", and this tightly tuned band is once again getting my wires hot with their new release....."HOT WIRE (MY HEART)".

Musician wise, the 2007 version of the band bears only one change. Joining BJ ALLEN who is absolutely outstanding on the vocals are: JERRY FULLER on guitar, piano and organ; JP HURD on bass and harp; and newcomer DAVID DANIELS on drums. Additional guests include JOYCE CARNES and HEATHER SMITH on background vocals and DEREK DANIELS on percussion.

As with their previous release, the band once again succeeds by capitalizing on their strengths.....very well written originals (all twelve tracks), BJ'S very powerful, yet never overpowering voice and the band habitually locking into tight grooves.

"DOIN' SOMEBODY" serves as a great opening track by pretty much featuring all of the band. It's a great taste of what's ahead. JP and DEREK are great together with the rhythm, JERRY'S guitar solos are sharp, the gals on background are meticulously melodic and BJ, as she does on every song, belts her heart out on the vocals.

Some of the best guitar work on "HOT WIRE (MY HEART)" can be heard right here on the title track. This one's all about JP and BJ. He's doin' his damndest to bust some strings while she's wailing out some gut bustin' blues.

"SOUNDS LIKE "L" is a smooth instrumental featuring a nice blend of funk and jazz. It's a completely relaxing number with lots of great rhythm and percussion. It doesn't get any tighter than this.

As the title might indicate, "BLUE AS BLUES CAN GET", is a burning ballad, featuring BJ at her best. JERRY'S soft piano intro, along with JOYCE and HEATHER'S backup vocals, add to this one's highlights. This is the kind of stuff that packs the dance floors.

"NOOSE AROUND YOUR NECK" is fast and funky. As you'd expect, JP and DAVID are on fire and DEREK'S fanning those flames with some furious beating of the congas. On this one BJ's telling her hound dog of a boyfriend that he'd better put a ring on her finger or he's gonna find a noose around his neck. Hmmm, hearing it said that way certainly gives new meaning to choosing the lesser of the two evils.

Other tracks include: "YOUR BLUES ARE MY BLUES NOW", "GYPSY WOMAN", "TOO MUCH TO DO", "PUDDLE OF MUD", "WRITTEN ON MY HEART", "DEEP VALLEY" and "NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY".

Once again, BLUE VOODOO comes through with another very impressive release. This is the kind of consistency that's absolutely necessary for a band to take it to the next level, and I believe BLUE VOODOO'S got it within reach. Check out BJ and the guys at www.BlueVoodooBlues.com and let her know that she's got the Blewzzman "HOT WIRED"..

This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com

Pete Mitchell's DRIVE Band - New Video 'Outside Looking In'

Hi Larry, my best wishes from the UK, to you and Vivian, and all the folk and musicians at Delta Boogie. Im back on the road with my 'DRIVE' Band, and I thought you might like to see the new video. Here are a couple of links to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6walVfVFhA

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2dctx_pete-mitchells-drive-band-outside-l

The track 'Outside Looking In' is off the CD (Cutting The Mustard) Sincerely hope you enjoy, 'What would we do without our music'??? Kindest Regards, Pete. www.stratmaster.co.uk/drive.htm

Thu, 15 May 2008

Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter - Weekend Gigs, Mojo Buford Hospitalized, BMA/Delta Groove Recap

bobcorritore@yahoo.com Wed, May 14, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Reply-To: bobcorritore@yahoo.com
To: hairylarry@deltaboogie.com

May 14, 2008

* Gigs this weekend & Chris's Birthday: On Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, 2008, Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with The Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, and Patrick Rynn. The All-Stars will also celebrate Chris James's birthday on Friday night. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $7. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at these events. These nights will be patio smoking only events; no indoor smoking will be permitted.

* Mojo Buford Hospitalized: Mojo Buford's Manager Doug McMinn reports that Mojo Buford has been hospitalized in Minneapolis, and has had to postpone a European tour that would have started today. "It is with a sad heart that I inform you that Mojo Buford had to be rushed to the hospital last night (May 12, 2008). He was in diabetic shock, and was having trouble breathing. It turns out that he is suffering from congestive heart failure, and that’s why he was having trouble breathing. Because of some new medicine he was prescribed, he was forgetting to take other medicines, like his insulin; and that’s what threw him into diabetic shock. Mojo is doing better today, as the hospital balances his medications." Mojo Buford is best known to blues fans as the long time harmonica player in the Muddy Waters Band, but Mojo is a great blues artist in his own right with a beautiful voice, great harmonica sound, and a wonderful repertoire. Thanks to Michel Hofkens from Belgium, who first made us aware of this.
* BMA/Delta Groove Recap: As I begin to catch up after three days of non-stop blues activity, my reflections turn to the Blues Music Awards gathering, which included a pre-party, the big night of the Blues Music Awards, and the 3rd Annual Delta Groove Showcase at Ground Zero. At this point, many lists of the winners have been posted and emailed, but for the full list of 2008 BMA winners, click here. Big congratulations to all the winners and nominees! Please note that this recap will cover only my tiny perspective of this huge event, in which every attendee had their own great moments filled with interactions unique to their experience. When you put together an event that draws all aspects of the blues community/industry, there is a tremendous amount of mutual interest, camaraderie, and just plain love going around. Unique combinations of people, introductions, networking, and acknowledgment of both veteran masters and new talent abounded. Each year we all feel a special joy and privilege to a part of this big family of the blues. This year was very special for me, because I was a nominee for the first time for my collaboration with Dave Riley; Travelin' The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records was up for Best Acoustic Blues Album. A number of CDs that I have played on or produced were up for awards before, but this was the first time that my name specifically was on the ballot. This was a great thrill for me to be recognized this way, and it was a dream come true to be asked to perform at the event.

Our journey began on Wednesday morning as Kim and I caught our plane from Phoenix to Memphis. Big Pete Pearson, who landed a little before us on a different airline, greeted us upon arrival. We ran into Paul Benjamin (Blues Foundation president) and his wife at the airport, and so it began: the wonderful non-stop greetings of blues friends that would not cease until we would board our flight home three days later. We rented a car, and Kim, Big Pete, and I drove down Highway 61 to the Grand Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, where the BMAs were being held for the first time away from Memphis. The scenic ride was filled with Big Pete's great stories of touring the south during the 50s, and the memories jogged by various landmarks. When we arrived at the Grand Casino's Veranda Hotel, we said hello to Sam Lay, Nick and Kate Moss, Gaye Adegbalola, Andra Farr, and many others.

Kim and I had just enough time to check in and freshen up for a moment before the 5:30 bus left for a riverboat pre-party before the Hall of Fame Dinner. Before catching the bus, we met up in the lobby with Dave Riley and his wife Tanja, and Dale Baich and Beth Lipham of Blue Witch Records, as well as a large crowd headed to the event. Getting on the bus, I realized that it was filled with friends: Hubert Sumlin in the front row, followed by Nappy Brown, followed by Magic Slim, Scott Cable, and the list goes on. When Kim and I arrived at the Tunica River Park to board the Tunica Queen Riverboat, everyone took a photo next to a life preserver bearing the boat's name. Great appetizers were served below deck, and the socializing began as we talked with Bob Koester, Art Tipaldi (who I had last seen in Lucerne), Jimmy McCracklin (my first time meeting this legendary blues singer), Blues Foundation Director Jay Sieleman and his lovely wife Priscilla Hernandez, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (who introduced me to the young Kenny Wayne Shepherd), Janiva Magness, Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records, Mark Hoffman and James Segrest (co-authors of the Howlin' Wolf bio, Moanin' At Midnight), Bill Wax of XM Satellite Radio and his lovely wife Sheila, Bob Porter of WBGO and Music Choice and his lovely wife Linda, Big George Brock, Fruteland Jackson, Gina Sicilia, Dave Gross, Richard Rosenblatt of Vizztone, and many others. The scenic view of the "Big Muddy" and its river banks was spectacular.

Upon landing, we headed to the adjacent meeting area at the Tunica River Park where the dinner and awards would take place. There we said hello to Bob Stroger, David Maxwell, Bobby Rush, Denise LaSalle, Diunna Greenleaf, Nora Jean Bruso, Pinetop Perkins, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, John Németh, Pat Morgan, Duke Robillard, Bob and Pamela Margolin, Hugh Southard of Blue Mountain Artists, Joe Whitmer from The Blues Foundation, Michael Cloeren, Sharrie Williams, Steve Simon, and many others. The dinner and company were great, and set the stage for the Hall of Fame Awards, which inducted great recordings, literature, producers, and musicians in the blues. For a complete list of this year's Hall of Fame inductees, click here. Bill Wax and Bob Porter were excellent hosts as they alternated in presenting the awards. When Big Joe Williams' Piney Woods Blues was announced, it was accepted by the great Bob Koester of Delmark Records, who told heartwarming stories of Big Joe and the recording session. Bob Koester noted how the blues LP album was a relatively new and unique thing at that time. When Moanin' At Midnight: The Life And Times Of Howlin' Wolf was announced, authors James Segrest and Mark Hoffman related their passion for this project, and told stories of their years of research. An inspiring reflection of the life of record producer icon John Hammond, Sr. was told by Sony/BMG Senior Vice President/A&R Man Steve Berkowitz. The Legendary Hubert Sumlin was enthusiastically cheered as they announced his induction into the Hall of Fame. Hubert was escorted to the podium by the youthful rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who awkwardly gave the majority of Hubert's acceptance speech for him. The legendary blues hit maker Jimmy McCracklin also was inducted, and gave a riveting acceptance speech. On the bus ride home, Big George Brock started playing gospel classics on harmonica, which lead to a beautifully enthusiastic chorus of numerous singers switching off on the lead vocal and support roles. We arrived at the hotel to see Evan Caleb (Candye Kane's son and fine drummer) as well as Jerry Del Giudice and Edward Chmelewski from Blind Pig Records and Scott Allen and Jen Taylor of Vivid Pix. Mark Hoffman then introduced me to Vera L. Johnson-Collins, the niece of Mississippi Blues legend Tommy Johnson (how cool is that!). She has started a foundation in her uncle's name; the website can be accessed by clicking here. The day was completed with a conversation by my dear friend Sam Lay before retiring to the room.

The next day started with a 12:15pm sound check for Dave Riley and I, who would perform later that night as a duo. Dave's son, Dave Riley, Jr., and I drove to the casino, and we met up with Big Pete Pearson and Patrick Rynn there. The room at the venue was very nice, and had a good sound to it. They were running a little late, which allowed conversations with Bob Margolin, Dale Baich, Michael Cloeren, and others. We got to hear the sound checks of Sharrie Williams, Gina Sicilia (with Dave Gross and David Maxwell) and the John Németh Band (with Junior Watson) before Dave and I breezed through our stage settings. Then back to the hotel, where I had plans to meet Charlie Hussey, host of the Dublin, Ireland blues radio show Blues Train, who did a 45 minute interview with me, and will edit it, combine it with songs, and broadcast it at a later date. We then went looking for Tomcat Courtney, who had arrived the night before with Chris James and Patrick Rynn. Upon finding Tomcat he and Charlie went off to do a second interview as I stayed in the lobby, saying hello to Chris James, Ronnie James, Debbie Davies, German Blues DJ and photographer Horst-Dieter Fischer, Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent who introduced me to his new artist signing Samuel James, Lurrie Bell, Scott Dirks, and others. Then it was time to catch a moment in the room before Kim and I would get ready for the awards night. My beautiful Kim looked stunning, as always, as we headed down to the lobby where the next 10 hours would be wonderfully filled with well-dressed blues musicians and fans, greetings, introductions, photo ops, and of course, the Blues Music Awards! As we arrived at the venue, we gathered at an outdoor pre-party where we heard Lionel Young followed by Trampled Under Foot (both were IBC winners this year). To see some photos from this pre-party and to get a second account of the event, check out Lew Jetton's blog recap by clicking here.

We walked into the venue, and were greeted by the spellbinding Mississippi blues of Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, whose brilliant CD on Broke & Hungry Records was up for an award. We sat at a table with Charles and Lori Ragsdell, with Dale Baich and Beth Lipham sitting next to us and Dave, Tanja, and Dave Riley, Jr. as well as photographer Donovan Allen (some great company). Koko Taylor was at the next table, and our other table was also close by, and included Big Pete Pearson, Tomcat Courtney, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Judy Marut of Blue Witch Records. Also in attendance were Robert Jr. Whitall and Shirley Mae Owens of Big City Blues Magazine, Chip Eagle, Dar, Randy Chortkoff and his lovely girlfriend Kelly, Michael Frank of Earwig Music, Frank Roszak and Josh Tempkin of Delta Groove, Arnie Goodman, Don Crow, Rick Booth and Jake Lankheit from Intrepid Artists, Onnie Heaney, Patricia Morgan, Derek O'Brien, Pamela Taylor, Fred Litwin of Northern Blues, David Earl of Severn Records, David Berntson of Crossroads Learning Experience, Mr. and Mrs. "V", who host of Houston's Blues On The Move on 90.1FM KPFT, Amanda Gresham, Dave Wright of Champaign, Illinois' Dave's Blues on 90.1FM WEFT, Carol Marble of Mississippi Delta Blues, Inc, any many other blues VIPs. The night proceeded with numerous awards and performances, and included a greeting by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. Some highlights for us included watching our dear friends and musical associates Sam Lay, Bob Stroger, Koko Taylor, Diunna Greenleaf, and Bob Margolin receive BMAs, and great performances by Lurrie Bell, Big George Brock, Diunna Greenleaf, The Holmes Brothers, and more. The unquestionable performance highlight was Nappy Brown's explosive version of "Night Time Is The Right Time". Nappy had recorded this song before Ray Charles, and Ray's version closely mimics Nappy's original. Nappy's performance was complete with whoops and hollers, rolling around on the stage, waving his legs in the air, and stalking the crowd in search of woman to sing to (Nappy appeared to have a special attraction to Jen Taylor of Vivid Pix!). Nappy combined his show stopping stage antics with his amazingly rich and versatile voice, and the audience was beside themselves with his performance. It was so great to perform at this event, and Dave and I felt good about our duet performances of "Travelin' The Dirt Road" (a Dave Riley composition), "Jelly Roll King" (written by Frank Frost) and "Sharecropper's Blues" (written by John Weston), which were aired live on XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station, along with all performances and acceptance speeches of the night. Though none of the four CDs I played on won, I felt very privileged to be nominated and belong to this great musical family of the blues. We heard that the event went on until 3am, so we missed the last hour, as Kim and I visited with friends in the lobby before heading back to the room to get a little rest before the next day's activity. We enjoyed seeing Tommy Castro, photographer Aigars Lapsa from Latvia (who presented me with beautiful photos that he took at the Lucerne Blues Festival), Mookie Brill, and Nappy Brown. We went back to the hotel with Nappy Brown, as he and I caught up on some of our mutual friends. Nappy and Tomcat Courtney settled in the hotel lobby and stayed up till the early morning swapping stories, while Dale and Beth of Blue Witch and Chris and Patrick of The Rhythm Room All-Stars watched on.

Friday was the 3rd Annual Delta Groove Showcase at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, which for the last three years has been the prime after-party for the BMAs. Label chief Randy Chortkoff is legendary in his ability to throw some of the most elaborate musical events in the blues. Many of us in the Southwest fondly remember Randy's amazing annual Little Walter festivals of the 90s. Randy's gracious hosting and star-packed lineups were certainly part of this year’s event. In addition to being a stunning showcase for his Delta Groove label, Randy included a number of artists from other labels on the bill, including a Blue Witch Showcase. When we arrived at around 1:30pm, the place was already packed with a who's who of blues people. After sets by Lionel Young and Bill Sims (with Mark LaVoie on harmonica), it was time for our showcase. Randy gave a great introduction, and then turned it over to me to announce the set and call all the featured artists to the spotlight. The core band for our set was The Rhythm Room All-Stars with Chris James (guitar), Patrick Rynn (bass), and myself on harmonica, and we switched drummers between Tony Braunagel of the Phantom Blues Band and Evan Caleb, Candye Kane's son and drummer (both are great drummers). We began the set with Italian harmonica great Marco Pandolfi, who did a jumpin' instrumental. Then I took over on harmonica as the All-Stars spotlighted singers Chris James, Dave Riley, Tomcat Courtney, and Big Pete Pearson (in that order). We felt great about the set, and everyone shined. From there, Kid Ramos's side project Los Fabulocos did a great set of Tex-Mex and roots-rock songs. In the parking lot, there was a stage set up with the great Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm, who served as core band and kept a spontaneous jam going all through the day with many special guests. To the side of the jam stage was Deak Harp, who, in between jam sets, played great amplified harp and foot-driven drums for a wild and wonderful sound. The Insomniacs did an inspired set, as did the amazing Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band, before the West Coast's pride The Mannish Boys hit the stage and brought the night to new level of energy. With The Mannish Boys' great lineup of talent, they alternated singers, harp players, and guitarists to the stationary solid rhythm section of Richard Innes and Ronnie James. We were treated to features by Franck Goldwasser, Randy Chortkoff, Kirk Fletcher, Kid Ramos, Junior Watson, Bobby Jones, Johnny Dyer, and Finis Tasby, as well as special guest appearances by Phillip Walker, Debbie Davies, and Mikey Junior. The entire set was stunning, but the true highlight for me was Johnny Dyer's spectacular take on Little Walter's "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". After The Mannish Boys set, we heard a few by Mike Zito before calling it a long, great day. A few of the many high points of that day:

-Art Tipaldi's expressed enthusiasm after hearing Tomcat Courtney's CD Downsville Blues for the first time on his car ride that day to Clarksdale

-Hanging out with cinema movers and shakers Mars Callahan and David Hughes on the front porch of Ground Zero

-Meeting Holger Peterson of Stony Plain Records and hearing stories of Robert Nighthawk's performances and recording session in Canada

-Connecting with Cam Hayden and his wife Carrol Deen of the Edmonton Labatt Blues Festival in Canada; Cam also hosts the Friday Night Blues Party radio show on CKUA

-Eating spectacular catfish with Kim, Big Pete Pearson, and Judy Marut at the Delta Amusement Cafe

-Stopping by the Gimme Gumbo Gallery and having artists John M. Fekes and Ilse Jouette personally show Kim and I their blues art

-Spending time in the backstage green room with my dear friend and harp mentor Johnny Dyer

-Taking a break from the showcase and going to the upstairs hotel at Ground Zero to Kid Ramos and his wife Linda's room while Kid and members of Los Fabulocos casually played beautiful Mexican songs on accordion and guitar

-Playing a great set of blues with my favorite musicians on the stage as part of an amazing lineup of talent, while people I admire in the blues listened with approval to our performance. In attendance during our set were Bruce Iglauer, Duke Robillard, Doug James (a fine harmonica player as well as a legendary saxophonist), Bob and Linda Porter, DJ Gary Miller, Bill Wax, Steve Simon (who had never heard me play live before), Roger Naber of The Legendary Blues Cruise, Randy Chortkoff, and many others

Thanks, Randy, for allowing us to be a part of your great event!

All in all, an amazing three days of nonstop activity. If you have never been to the BMAs, I would encourage you to make plans for next year. Simply the greatest blues gathering around! It's an event that brings together encouragement, friendship, reflection, and recognition in the blues!

-Bob Corritore

Bob has many great links with this release. To follow the links go here:

http://bobcorritore.com/WhatsNew.html

Blewzz Reviews A G Weinberger - Nashville Calling

A G WEINBERGER
"NASHVILLE CALLING"
BIGFOOT RECORDS
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO, COPYRIGHT 2007


Anyone out there remember a singer - and I use the term loosely - by the name of Bobby Pickett? Here's a hint - the bands name was Bobby "Boris" Pickett & the Crypt Kicker Five. Well back in 1962, and every Halloween since then, he had a hit with a song called "THE MONSTER MASH" - the dance that irked Dracula for replacing his "Transylvania Twist".

Well, they're still dancing in Transylvania, but A G WEINBERGER - "The Transylvanian Bluesman" now has them doing the boogie-woogie to the blues. Apparently, over the last few years, the blues have taken Romania by storm. After listening to "NASHVILLE CALLING", my bets on A G having a lot to do with that.

During his twenty plus years as a musician, singer, song writer, radio host and producer, A G has certainly been involved in his share of musical projects. On his latest effort, "NASHVILLE CALLING" , A G WEINBERGER, on vocals and lead and rhythm guitars is joined by: PAT BUCHANAN on guitars; TONY HARRELL on Hamond B3 and piano; TOMMY MCDONALD on bass; GLEN WORF on upright bass; TOM HAMBRIDGE on drums; DARREN MOTAMEDY on alto and tenor sax; RAY BALDWIN on trumpet and flugelhorn; JACQUIE WARD and MARGO WILLIAMS on background vocals. All twelve very well written tracks are a mix of A G WEINGERGER and TOM ( two time Grammy Nominee) HAMBRIDGE originals. Now lets listen to some of them................

The opening track is an all out jam that quickly gives you an earful of all the talented musicians on the disc. It's a fast paced number called "YOUR GOOD MAN'S GONE" that features everyone. The rhythm is awesome, the horns are hot and in addition to outstanding vocals. A G smokes on guitar. At under three minutes, the track left me wanting a lot more. But, that's Ok, because there certainly is lots more.

"BREAK THE MAN" is a completely opposite track. It's a slow soulful ballad which establishes A G's versatility. Not only can he sing 'em rough and from the gut while wailing on guitar, but he can be soft and soulful while finessing his way around his instrument as well.

Whenever he wants to fill the dance floor, "DON'T KILL THE MELODY IN ME" has got to be A G's go to song. This is one of those oh so slow and sexy kinda songs. TONY'S Hammond playing and A G's soft jazzy guitar are a hit together.

"NOT NO MORE" features A G a la Elvis. It's good ol' rockin' gospel blues that don't get any better than this. The background vocals are masterful and TOM is kickin' it on the drums.

"THE PAIN OF LOSING YOU" is perhaps the most down and dirty blues track on "NASHVILLE CALLING. Saying that is also saying it's unquestionably one of this listener's favorite tracks as well. The guitar work, the vocals and the emotion with which they're delivered astounded me. I'm sure this one will give many replay buttons a workout.

If everything I listen to is as good as "NASHVILLE CALLING" - my first review of 2007 - I'm going to be one happy writer. Check out A G WEINBERGER at www.agweinberger.com and tell Attila that you heard his music's been Blewzz Approved.

Hairy Larry blogs internet video and audio at MixRemix
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Copyright by Larry Heyl and Vivian Heyl