Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Adele - 19
Adele is currently one of my favourite contemporary singers - she certainly crosses genres and I look forward to her new album due to be released in January.
BBC
.... This is why it's such a shock that it's a genuinely touching, maturely considered and brilliantly sung opus that belies her titular age. Listening to it for the first time is the aural equivalent of walking into one of those oh-so-quirky little bars that you expect to be filled with bland scenesters and discovering that everyone within is friendly and they're serving the finest soul food to fill you up with.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Live at the Ryman - Jon T. Lang
01 – One Person At A Time
02 – Bump In The Road
03 – Turn Around
04 – Give Me Up Again
05 – A Quitter Never Wins
06 – Red Light (Band Intros)
07 – Red Light
08 – Don’t Stop (For Anything)
09 – Thankful
10 – I Am
11 – Breakin’ Me
12 – Lie To Me
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Blues for a Hip King - Abdullah Ibrahim 1998
Blues for a Hip King is a Jazz album by South African artist Abdullah Ibrahim.
1. "Ornette's Cornet" - 5:23
2. "All Day & All Night Long" - 5:28
3. "Sweet Basil Blues" - 6:21
4. "Blue Monk" (Monk) - 6:06
5. "Tsakwe Here Comes the Postman" - 11:45
6. "Blues for a Hip King" - 9:47
7. "Blues for B" - 3:27
8. "Mysterioso" (Monk) - 4:41
9. "Just You, Just Me" (Greer, Klages) - 4:59
10. "Eclipse at Dawn" - 4:02
11. "King Kong" (Todd Matshikiza) - 5:24
12. "Khumbula Jane" - 5:55
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Busted Broken & Blue - 24 Pesos
Good stuff, just listen
bluesinthenorthwest.com
Here’s a great album from four-piece London band, 24Pesos – 11 tracks that straddle many genres – a heady mix of blues, funk and soul, with a touch of hip-hop thrown in – all-in-all a very modern blues album, with some ‘old school’ influences on board, and all self-penned by Julian Burdock, who features on vocals, guitar and harmonica.
In Our Time... Live - Snowy White Blues Project
Snowy White is an English guitarist, known for having played with Thin Lizzy (permanent member from 1979 to 1981) and with Pink Floyd (as a back-up player; he was first invited to tour with the band through Europe and the United States, in 1977, and during The Wall shows in 1980) and, more recently, for Roger Waters' band.
Bluesinthenorthwest
Definitely one for the guitar fans . . . over 70 minutes of quality blues, sometimes with a rocky edge, all of top quality, delivered by four very fine musicians.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Coltrane Plays the Blues - John Coltrane
Coltrane Plays the Blues is an album by jazz musician John Coltrane. It was released in 1962 by Atlantic Records
1. "Blues To Elvin"
2. "Blues To Bechet"
3. "Blues To You"
4. "Mr. Day"
5. "Mr. Syms"
6. "Mr. Knight"
7. "Untitled Original" ("Exotica")
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Various Artists — Wang Dang Doodle
Neither Willie Dixon or Howlin' liked it - but we all know it
We gonna to break out all of the windows,
we gonna kick down all the doors
We gonna pitch a wang dang doodle all night long
All night long, All night long, All night long
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Bob Dylan — Must Be Santa
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Genuine Negro Jig - Carolina Chocolate Drops
One of my favourite albums of 2010
BBC
Carolina Chocolate Drops are one of the last exponents of Piedmont string’n’jug band music, an African-American rural style dating back to the early 20th century from the Piedmont Plateau, essentially the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Patty Griffin – Top of the World
I wished I was smarter
Wished I was stronger
I wished I loved Jesus
The way the my wife does
I wished it'd been easier
Instead of any longer
I wished I could've stood
Where you would've been proud
That won't happen now
That won't happen now
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Omar Sosa - Ceremony 2010
Wikipedia
Sosa began studying marimba at age eight, then switched to piano at the Escuela Nacional de Musica in Havana, where he studied jazz. Sosa moved to Quito, Ecuador in 1993, then San Francisco, California in 1995. In San Francisco he became deeply involved in the local Latin jazz scene and began a long collaboration with percussionist John Santos.
Popmatters 8/10
Once again, Omar Sosa has produced a distinct take on world jazz while renewing his own exploratory project, all within the carefully orchestrated confines of ritual space and time-honored practice.
Jazztimes
The Cuban pianist-composer realizes a personal dream in this collaboration with his quartet and Germany’s 18-piece NDR Big Band. Sosa’s moving compositions organically blend Afro-Cuban sensibilities with jazz while Jaques Morelenbaum’s intricate arrangements augment the material (previously recorded on Sosa’s 1999 outing Spirit of the Roots) with elegance and lavishness.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Bloomfield
Here's a few pieces featuring the late Mike Bloomfield. The first one is The Electric Flag.
And with Junior Wells...
And from a great record called Super Session from 1968, with Stephen Stills and Al Kooper.
Finally with a very electric Bob Dylan at Newport in 65.
Wow.
So sad that Bloomfield checked out so early of a drug overdose. He didn't even make 40.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Aretha Franklin - Best Wishes
I am affected and upset by the news of Aretha's pancreatic cancer - I wish her the best of luck.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 09, 2010
His Best (Chess 50th Anniversary Collection) Little Walter
Everyone who fancies themselves a blues harmonica player should have this one in their collection as a textbook instructional tool, while the rest of us can just bask in the glow of his genius. "Essential first purchase" doesn't even begin to describe it.
- "Juke"
- "Can't Hold Out Much Longer"
- "Mean Old World"
- "Sad Hours" Instrumental
- "Tell Me Mama"
- "Off the Wall" Instrumental
- "Blues with a Feeling"
- "You're So Fine"
- "Too Late" (Willie Dixon)
- "Last Night"
- "Mellow Down Easy" (Dixon)
- "My Babe" (Dixon)
- "Roller Coaster" (Ellas McDaniel) Instrumental
- "Hate to See You Go"
- "It Ain't Right"
- "Boom, Boom Out Goes the Light" (Stan Lewis)
- "Confessin' the Blues"
- "Key to the Highway" (Big Bill Broonzy)
- "Everything Gonna Be Alright"
- "Just Your Fool"
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Robben Ford - Live From The Archive
Official website
Robben Ford is one of the premiere electric guitarists today, particularly known for his blues playing as well as his ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical contexts. A five-time Grammy nominee, he has played with artists as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt, Claus Ogerman, Michael McDonald, Bob Dylan, John Mayall, Greg Allman and many others
.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Jimmy Rushing — Goin’ To Chicago
Jimmy Rushing, Count Basie, Ben Webster et al - what more do you want?
Blue Alert - Anjani
Amazon.com
Read the full review
Honolulu-born singer-songwriter Anjani's story is the stuff of great fiction. After playing the New York jazz club circuit for years, she was introduced to celebrated Canadian poet, author, and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Immediately drawn to her talents, he brought her onboard as a keyboardist and vocalist, where she provided some background work on a number of his CDs. After finding a few lines of Cohen's handwritten lyrics lying on his desk one day (specifically "there's perfume burning in the air/bits of beauty everywhere"),..... Fans of the legendary Canadian writer will likely be charmed by these minimalist numbers, and enjoy this new extension of his artistic reach. --Denise Sheppard
- "Blue Alert" – 5:39
- "Innermost Door" – 3:16
- "The Golden Gate" – 3:08
- "Half the Perfect World" – 4:06
- "Nightingale" – 3:00
- "No One After You" – 4:09
- "Never Got to Love You" – 4:36
- "The Mist" – 3:08
- "Crazy to Love You" – 4:51
- "Thanks for the Dance" – 4:38
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Betty Harris - Soul Queen of New Orleans
I've been listening to Soul the last few days so you'll have to excuse me if I indulge my delight in one or two really good singers.
Wikipedia says
Betty ..... is an American Soul Singer. Her recording career in the 1960s produced three hit records that made the Billboard R&B and pop charts: "Cry to Me" (1963), "His Kiss" (1964) and "Nearer to You" (1967). However, her reputation among soul music connoisseurs far exceeds her commercial success of the 1960s, and her recordings for the Jubilee and Sansu record labels are highly sought after in the 2000s by fans of Northern Soul and Deep Soul.
Hokie Joint - Taking the Blues to the Masses
Band Web Site
"Best Band" Category Winners - Digital Blues Awards 2009/2010
"A promising blueprint for the future" - Tony Russell, MOJO Magazine, 2010
"A British quintet that brings throbbing/roaring groovy neo blues." - MG, Guitarist Magazine (NL), 2009
Saturday, December 04, 2010
John's Idea
I stumbled across this interview with John Hammond - not the blues singer, but his father, the producer and "catalytic agent" of the swing era. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Friday, December 03, 2010
True Blood: Music From the HBO Original Series 2
1. Howlin' For My Baby - Ward, M.
2. Evil (Is Going On) - Everett, Jace & C.C. Adcock
3. Bad Blood - Beck
4. How To Become Clairvoyant - Robertson, Robbie
5. Shake And Fingerpop - Jr. Walker & The All Stars
6. Frenzy - Hawkins, Screamin' Jay
7. Kiss Like Your Kiss - Williams, Lucinda & Elvis Costello
8. Gasoline And Matches - Miller, Buddy & Julie
9. You Did (Bomp Shooby Dooby Bomp) - Prophet, Chuck
10. You're Gonna Miss Me - 13th Floor Elevators
11. Fresh Blood - Eels
12. Forgotten People - Thievery Corporation
13. New World In My View - King Britt & Sister Gertude Morgan
14. Beyond Here Lies Nothin' - Dylan, Bob
Hum!
Fun
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Mable John - Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That
An American blues vocalist who was the first female to be signed by Berry Gordy to Motown's Tamla label.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Amos Lee - Last Days at the Lodge 2008
1. "Listen"
2. "Won't Let Me Go"
3. "Baby I Want You"
4. "Truth"
5. "What's Been Going On"
6. "Street Corner Preacher"
7. "It Started to Rain"
8. "Jails and Bombs"
9. "Kid"
10. "Ease Back"
11. "Better Days"
A nice sound - folksy/jazz
Monday, November 29, 2010
Black Country Communion
LastFM
Black Country Communion (originally Black Country) is a band with both American and British rock influences. The seed for BCC was planted when frontman and bass guitarist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze, Iommi) and blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa combined on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Francine Reed - Wild women don't get the blues
Francine has appeared with Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, and The Crusaders, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. She has also appeared on recordings by Delbert McClinton, Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison.
Francine is perhaps best known for her performances of the classic blues song "Wild Women (Don't Get the Blues)," written in 1924 by Ida Cox
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women
LastFM
They are indeed the torchbearers for the original classic uppity blues women like Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace and Victoria Spivey.
From Web Site
On November 7, 2009, Saffire played its final concert. This concert celebrated 25 years of creating and sharing the music we love. We want to thank our fans, media, and our extended family for the love and support over the years. While Saffire, the group, has retired, please note that the individual members (Ann, Andra, & Gaye) will continue performing solo and with other groups.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Oli Brown - Heads I Win Tails You Lose 2010
BRITISH BLUES AWARDS
Male Vocalist Of The Year 2010
Young Artist Of The Year 2010
One for my Christmas stocking and a New Year resolution to see him
Blues in the North West - an informative and comprehensive review
.... the legendary Mike Vernon, who has produced this album for Ruf Records. The excellent backing band comprises Dave Lennox on keys, Jamie Little on drums and Gary Rackham on bass. Ten of the twelve tracks on the CD are original compositions by Oli Brown (two in acknowledged collaboration with Mike Vernon).LastFM
Heads I Win Tails You Lose features that unique Oli Brown sound; clean guitar, great riffs and a vocal honed by two years of touring that squeezes every emotion from the lyrics. This album shows the quality of Oli’s song writing with tracks tracks like Evil Soul and Speechless, yet he refuses to shy away from adapting his own favourite classics such as Fever and No Diggity.
Cassandra Wilson - Silver Pony 2010
Silver Pony has an autobiographical spin, mixes the singer's familiar fascination for the blues with Lennon/McCartney, Stevie Wonder and three originals, and includes a duet with John Legend as the finale.BBC
Wilson’s vein of excellent form continues with this fine live set.
I haven't found any videos yet but her voice is sublime
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Spider John Koerner - American guitar
an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as a guitarist and vocalist for the blues trio Koerner, Ray & Glover, which included Dave Ray and Tony Glover. He has also made albums as a solo performer and with collaborator Willie Murphy.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Albert King - In Session 2010
I look forward to this - being released at the end of November
Disc: 1 |
---|
1. Call It Stormy Monday |
2. Old Times |
3. Pride and Joy |
4. Ask Me No Questions |
5. Pep Talk |
6. Blues At Sunrise |
7. Turn It Over |
8. Overall Junction |
9. Match Box Blues |
10. Who Is Stevie? |
11. Don't Lie To Me |
Disc: 2 |
1. Introduction |
2. Texas Flood |
3. Call It Stormy Monday |
4. Matchbox Blues |
5. Pep Talk |
6. Don't Lie To Me |
7. Who Is Stevie? |
8. Pride and Joy |
9. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts of Town |
10. Outro |
Stevie Ray Vaughan Albert King
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Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
John Scofield & The Piety Street Band
Since that time he has prominently led his own groups in the international Jazz scene, recorded over 30 albums as a leader (many already classics) including collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano and Phil Lesh. He’s played and recorded with Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Terumasa Hino among many jazz legends.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pine Grove Blues
This bit of film is from rural Louisiana in the mid-70s. It features a great Cajun accordionist, Nathan Abshire playing Pine Grove Blues. Be patient for the first moment or so until they get into the tune...it's well worth it. We often hear blues the same way, with the same instrumentation, styles, looks and so on. Check out what Mr. Abshire does to the blues.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Burglar - Freddie King 2001
Track listings
1. Pack It Up
2. My Credit Didn't Go Through
3. I Got The Same Old Blues
4. Only Getting Second Best
5. Texas Flyer
6. Pulp Wood
7. She's A Burglar
8. Sugar Sweet
9. I Had A Dream
10. Let The Good Times Roll
A very enjoyable album - originally recorded in 1974.
Monday, November 08, 2010
His Best 1947 To 1955 - Muddy Waters
Paraphrasing the Amazon introduction -
One of the best recordings in Chess Records' 50th Anniverary series. Probably when Muddy was at his peak. Lots of bottleneck slide guitar work and electric Chicago blues. Remasterings of "I Can't Be Satisfied", "Rollin' and Tumblin'," "I'm Ready", and "Mannish Boy". With simple bass accompaniment from Ernest "Big" Crawford, Waters's bottleneck tracks are spare and hauntingWhat is there not to like?
This is a version with Rory Gallagher
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Muddy Waters - i can't be satisfied
The first masterpiece of Chicago Blues?
Rory Gallagher - Can't Be Satisfied
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Saturday, November 06, 2010
Leonard & Phil Chess
The Wikipedia entry shows how important to Chicago Blues these guys were. Arguably the two brothers were prototypical cigar-chomping old-fashioned record men who took a chance on music they didn't really understand. (They were Jewish immigrants from Poland)
Powerhouse Of Blues (A Wagner Brothers Production) from Wagner Brothers on Vimeo.
James Cotton - Giant 2010
- Buried Alive In The Blues
- Heard You're Getting Married
- Find Yourself Another Fool
- Sad Sad Day
- Change
- How Blue Can You Get?
- With The Quickness
- Since I Met You, Baby
- Going Down Main Street
- That's All Right
- Let Yourself Go
- Blues For Koko
If ever there was an Album worthy of my Highly Rating of 5*****, "Giant" is it. Highly Recommended for any fan of the Blues, especially those that love the good old Blues Harp...
Friday, November 05, 2010
Magic Slim and The Teardrops— Raising The Bar
It's no wonder that Magic Slim and the Teardrops, considered by many to be "the last real Chicago blues band," have become one of the busiest and best-loved blues bands around. ... an outstanding collection of older and newer songs culled from Slim's vast repertoire. From R&B gems like "Breaking Up Somebody's Home" and Little Milton's "4:59 A.M." to Roosevelt Sykes' "Sunny Road Blues" and J.B. Lenoir's "Mama Talk To Your Daughter" to his own perennial crowd favorite, "Shame",