FolkWorld #60 07/2016

CD & DVD Reviews

Smoky Greenwell’s New Orleans Blues Jam "Live at the old U.S. Mint"
Own label, 2014

www.smokygreenwell.com

Michigan born Smoky Greenwell (harmonica, tenor saxophone, vocals) has moved to New Orleans in 1981 and immerged in the local Blues scene. On February 22, 2014 he played a gig with Pete Bradish (drums, vocals), David Hyde (bass), Jack Kolb (guitar) and special guests Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes (accordion, vocals) and Mark Pentone (guitar, vocals) at the old U.S. Mint, the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans.
They recorded 5 of Greenwell’s tracks, 2 by each of his guests and 2 cover versions, starting off with Greenwell’s “Smoke alarm”, an instrumental track featuring his brilliant harmonica playing, fine guitar accompaniment and intoxicating pace. Greenwell sings “My own Blues club” to the shuffling pace of the band, guitar and harmonica play a stunning duet. On Henry Mancini’s “Peter Gunn Theme” Greenwell grabs the sax to perform an awesome jazzy solo, the guitar following up and bass and drums create the jazzy groove. Pentone sings “Jodie” and the band plays a breath-taking up-beat Blues-rock and Barnes adds his exceptional accordion sound to the fine playing together of guitar and sax on “Love’s gone”.
With Greenwell’s “Back to the Boogie” the recording ends after little less than an hour of the finest Blues music. The special deluxe edition is a CD/DVD two disc set.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Breezy Rodio "So close to it"
Own label, 2014

www.breezyrodio.com

Breezy Rodio (guitar, vocals) started his career in New York, but he soon moved to Chicago to immerge into the local Blues scene. With his band, “Ariyo” Sumito Ariyoshi (piano), Light Palone (bass), Lorenzo Francocci (drums), Chris Foreman (organ) and Bill Overton (saxophone), he recorded 8 original songs and 7 cover versions inviting a bunch of special guests.
Quique Gomez plays the harmonica on the title track, a shuffling Blues with Jen Williams singing the background vocals on the slow Blues interlude. “Just about to lose your clown” (J. McRae) is an up-beat Latin-blues with Art Davis on trumpet and Rodio‘s brilliant guitar work, Billy Branch grabs the harmonica for Rodio’s shuffling “Walking with my baby” and Doug Scharf plays trumpet on the slow Blues “Sneakin’ around”. Joe Barr and Carl Weathersby sing the brilliant vocals on the beautiful slow Blues “The day I met you” (P. Galanis/B. Rodio) and “I win some more” includes Lurrie Bell’s vocals and two fine guitar soli, first by Rodio and second by Bell. On the Elvis cover “One broken heart for sale” (O. Blackwell) the guys play an intoxicating Rock’n’Roll featuring Davis on trumpet and Foreman playing a jaunty solo.
Breezy Rodio is an upcoming star on the Chicago Blues scene, he also released a Reggae album, would be interesting to compare.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Delta Moon "Low down"
Jumping Jack Records, 2015

www.deltamoon.com

Atlanta’s 4-piece Blues band Delta Moon featuring Tom Gray (vocals, lap steel, guitar, keyboards, harmonica), Mark Johnson (guitar, backing vocals), Franher Joseph (bass, backing vocals) and Marion Patton (drums, percussion) recorded their 10th album with 9 original songs and 3 cover versions.
Gray’s “Wrong side of the town” is an intoxicating Blues-rock featuring backing vocals of Anna Kramer and Francine Reed, Johnson plays the slide and Gray sings with his throaty voice to the driving pace. On “Mean streak” (Gray/Johnson/Joseph) the guys play some powerful Hard Rock and the title track by Tom Waits is a shuffling Blues-rock with two brilliant guitars and keyboards. They recorded “Hard times killing floor Blues” (Skip James) Live for their previous album,[57] the studio version showcases the brilliant playing together of Dobro and electric slide guitar. Gray’s jaunty Country Rock “Mayfly” is backed by Kramer’s beautiful voice and his “Jelly roll” is a rocking Delta Blues.
Tom Gray and Mark Johnson are two brilliant guitar players and Joseph and Patton deliver the powerful rhythms, some of the finest Blues-rock you can imagine.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Lara & The Bluz Dawgz "Howlin’"
Lock Alley Music, 2015

www.laraandthebluzdawgz.com

Three years after their debut release[57] Nashville TN based combo Lara & The Bluz Dawgz present their sophomore album with 12 new original songs. Never change a winning team, so the line-up didn’t change, singer Lara Germony, her husband Gregg on bass, Al Rowe on guitar, Reggie Murray on saxophone, Daniel Nadasdi on keyboards and Ray Gonzales on drums play the Blues.
“Uh Huh”, Lara sings the Boogie Woogie, drums and bass create the up-beat pace and piano, sax and guitar groove along. The funky Blues-rock “Flat line” features a passionate duel between guitar and sax and Lara mesmerizes on the ballad “I wonder” with soulful singing, while guitar and sax cry along or lustily sings the slow Blues “T-Dawg” while Murray plays a sexy solo. “Love me tonight” has a jazzy touch, Lara’s silky singing is accompanied by some nice soli and the chilling sound of the band. Another favourite is the dark “Shadow groovin’”, a dramatic song with hauntingly beautiful sax passages and Lara’s seductive singing. The final title track brings you back to the surface with his jaunty piano groove.
It took Lara & The Bluz Dawgz 3 years to record their new album, it was worth waiting, one of the best Blues albums of the year.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Notable Exceptions "New Day"
Own label, 2015

www.notableexceptions.com

Judy Coder (vocals, guitar, native flute, penny whistle) from Kansas and Jennifer Epps (vocals, harmonica, shaker) from Washington State are the Notable Exceptions. They met at the annual gatherings of the Western Music Association in Albuquerque NM and started working together. Their debut album features 3 original songs and 9 cover versions, recorded together with Diane Gillenwater on fiddle and guest vocalist Rooster Wills.
They start off with guitar, harmonica and virtuoso yodel, “Mocking bird yodel” (Dude Martin), a Rockabilly from the 50ies. The title song by Fred Koller and Si Kahn is a hauntingly beautiful ballad showcasing their wonderful singing together and Gillenwater wrote the folk song “What Jacob Reilly saw” together with Cally Krallman. The song is about a raid of the Missourians on Lawrence KS a decade before the Civil War and features a breath-taking duet accompanied by great finger-picking. “I didn’t know the gun was loaded” (Hank Fort/Herbert Leventhal) is another classic from the late 40ies, a great laugh brought forward brilliantly. The romantic “Thanksgiving time” was co-written by them and Gillenwater plays the fiddle on the “Cottonwood Waltz” (Ron Meier). My favourite song is Patty Clayton’s “Red buffalo”, the native flute plays the intro before rhythmic finger-picking and an epic duet takes you to the prairie. With Coder’s tender melody “Seed” performed on guitar, harmonica and penny whistle the CD ends.
Notable Exceptions was named 2015 Harmony Duo of the Year by the Western Music Association and in my opinion they deserve it, their album is an extraordinary start for them.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Wendy DeWitt with Kirk Harwood "Getaway"
Wette Music, 2015

www.wendydewitt.com

Northern California raised Boogie Woogie pianist Wendy DeWitt (also vocals, Hammond organ) teamed up with Kirk Harwood (vocals, drums) to record a new album with 8 original songs by DeWitt and 3 cover versions. Steve Freund on guitar, Steve Evans on bass, Mike Rinta on trombone, Keith Crossan on tenor sax and Tom Poole on trumpet complete the line-up.
Boogie Woogie piano starts Wendy’s rocking homesick call “Sonoma County”, Rinta arranged the powerful horn arrangements and Wendy goes wild on the piano. On the melancholic “Sometimes I wonder” Wendy sings a passionate and powerful Blues ballad and cool Georgia Blues with Freund’s nice guitar solo can be enjoyed on “Feel so Bad” by Chuck Willis. Freund added the shuffling folky piano Blues “Folks like you“ (R.T. Bucy/S. Freund) and Wendy’s “Never be too much” is an intoxicating Blues-rock with stunning piano sounds and a brilliant up-beat drum pace.
Kirk Harwood’s excellent drum pace and Wendy DeWitts powerful and virtuoso singing and playing is backed up by a bunch of great musicians, Blues, Boogie Woogie and Rock’n’Roll have a date.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Sugaray Rayford "Southside"
Own label, 2015

www.sugarayblues.com

Blues singer Sugaray Rayford recorded his third solo album with a brand new band featuring co-writer Ralph Carter on bass, Gino Matteo on guitar, Lavell Jones on drums, Allan Walker on tenor sax, Gary Bivona on trumpet and Leo Bombecki on keyboards. Guest appearances by John Thomas (keyboards), Bob Corritore (harp), George Pandis (trumpet), Bill Bixler (baritone sax) and the back-up vocals by Jade Bennett, Zara Davis and Rachele Quiogue complete the line-up.
Rayford sings the blues on “Southside of town”, keys, horns, bass and drums play the cool groove, backup vocals join in and Bombecki plays a solo, finally Matteo lets his guitar cry, a breath-taking performance. The guys rock the Blues on “Miss Thang” and Rayford’s solo composition „Texas Bluesman“ is a shuffling Blues-rock with nice guitar licks, powerful bass-drum pace and Sugaray’s soaring Blues singing. “Take it to the bank” is a brilliant Blues jam session by Rayford, Matteo and Corritore and finally they groove in “Slow motion” with hauntingly beautiful singing, fine guitar playing, beautiful horn blows, background keys, pulsating bass and fine drum pace.
The only musician who already played on his former CD Dangerous[53] is Matteo, Sugaray Rayford has again gathered a bunch of excellent musicians to record 9 original songs. Check him out sugarayblues.com!
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Andy & Judy "Follow your dream"
Own label, 2015

www.andyjudysing.com

Andy (guitar, percussion, harmonica, vocals) and Judy Daigle (guitar, mandolin, piano, synthesizer) are a Boston MA based folk duo. Together with bassist Eric “Snake” Gulliksen and Greg Daigle (bass, guitar, synthesizer) and a guest appearance by Jesse Parent on accordion they recorded 10 original songs.
Judy wrote and sings most of the songs like the rollicking title track accompanied by two guitars and Eric’s driving bass pace. Andy’s story of the “Souther Tide Mill” in Quincy MA tells about the hardships of working there in 1800s, his lead vocals are backed by Judy who adds the mandolin, Eric on bass, Greg on lead guitar and Jesse on accordion complete the line-up. “Potter’s Field” is a sad Americana telling about the graveyard on Hart Island NYC for the poor and Judy mesmerizes with the melancholic piano ballad “Won’t say goodbye”, Greg adds bass and synthesizer. “Walk with me forever” is an up-beat ¾ time ode to a new love and the album ends with a breath-taking a Capella performance by the two brilliant singers on “Never goin’ back”, recorded live in New Hampshire.
Andy & Judy present their third self-produced album, their songs are beautifully crafted and performed, check them out @ www.andyjudysing.com!
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Henry Gray / Bob Corritore Sessions "Blues won’t let me take my rest"
Delta Groove Music, 2015

www.bobcorritore.com

Louisiana native Blues pianist and singer Henry Gray looks back at 7 decades of music business and 19 years of collaboration with Chicago harp player Bob Corritore. They published an album featuring 12 different sessions done since 1996.
They start off with Little Frank on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass and backing vocals and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on drums and backing vocals, Gray sings “Let’s get high” (Grant Jones) and plays a virtuoso Boogie piano and Corritore adds his brilliant harp playing. The shuffling title track by Gray has been recorded with Bob Margolin and Johnny Rapp on guitars, Paul Thomas on bass and Chico Chism on drums. The King of the Delta Blues Robert Johnson wrote “Ramblin’ on my mind”, the late Bluesman Robert Lockwood Jr. from Arkansas sings and plays guitar, accompanied by piano, harp, Rapp on second guitar, Chism on drums and Mario Moreno on bass. The late South Carolina Blues singer Nappy Brown sings the “Worried life Blues” (Big Maceo Merriweather), Rapp and Kid Ramos on guitar, Kedar Roy on bass and June Core on drums complete the line-up. Detroit’s Blues guitar player Dave Riley sings “Ride with your daddy tonight” (Scott Moore), Gray, Corritore, Chris James on second guitar, Yahni Riley on bass and Eddie Kobek on drums create the intoxicating Blues-rock pace. Another historical recording is John Brim’s “That ain’t right”, passed away in 2003 his brilliant guitar and his singing can still be heard on the album. Gray and Tail Dragger (James Y. Jones) sing the “Boogie Woogie Ball”, an up-beat performance with stunning playing together of piano, harp and guitars by Kirk Fletcher and Chris James and driven by Patrick Rynn on bass and Brian Fahey on drums.
At the age of 90 Henry Gray still plays the Blues that won’t let him take his rest, the compilation features great Blues musicians, some of them sadly passed away before the CD launch.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Corté "Seasoned Soul"
Own label, 2015

www.corte.global

Seasoned Soul is the new project of Al Corté (vocals, congas, hand percussion), together with producer Jerry Bone (guitar, bass, harp, horn patches, organ) he picked some great musicians and recorded 10 classic Blues songs. Bone’s son Lennon treats the drums, Ron Miller on piano and strings, Charlie Chalmers on saxophone and Sarah Jo Roark’s backing vocals complete the line-up.
They start off with Little Milton Campbell’s funky “That’s what love will make you do”, an intoxicating mix of Blues, Rock and Soul. Following up the fast paced shuffle “I’m tore down” (Sonny Thompson) or Otis Rush’s laid-back minor key Chicago Blues “All your love” with Corté’s pleading vocals and Bone playing some stunning guitar soli. The rocking “Unchain my heart” (Otis Clyde/Sanford Bill) showcases beautiful vocal performances by Corté and Roark and Chalmers brilliant sax playing. Other highlights are Otis Redding’s R&B song “Any ole way” or Delbert McClinton’s melancholic ballad “I want to love you”.
Al Corté is a soulful singer with a powerful voice, he makes the classic songs revive and he’s backed by excellent musicians. The recordings were all done live in studio without overdubs, a never ending amount of inspirational energy and creativity (Al Corté).
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


David Michael Miller "Same Soul"
Food For The Soul Records, 2015

www.davemillermusic.com

Buffalo NY based Blues musician David Michael Miller (vocals, guitar, piano, percussion) teamed up with co-producer Mike Brown (drums, percussion, mandolin, tenor banjo, B3), keyboard wizard Jim Ehinger and a bunch of Buffalo’s best musicians on drums, bass, harmonica and saxophone to record 11 original songs.
Starting off with the shuffling “All the Blues to you” featuring Brown on drums and mandolin, Ehinger on e-piano and Tom Vayo on bass they accelerate the pace for the rocking “Got them Blues” with Carlton Campbell on drums, Richii Valentino on bass and Ehinger on piano and B3. Shannon Street on drums and Robert “Freightrain” Parker on bass play the tender rhythm for the beautiful slow Blues “Friend of mine”, Miller on guitar and Jason Moynihan on saxophone mesmerize with brilliant playing together and Ehinger adds Keys and B3. Barry Arbogast plays the sax on the Blues-rock “Shoes to shine”, Josh Miller on drums and Nick Peterson on bass play the funky rhythm and Miller rocks with powerful soli. Miller, Ehinger, Street and Parker are joined by Jeremy Keyes on harmonica for “Too early in the morning”, starting as a laid back piano Boogie the track accelerates to an up-beat Rock’n’Roll. The final “Man’s got things to do” is dedicated to Myron Miller and is brought forward by Miller on acoustic guitar and piano, Brown on drums and B3 and John Kibler on upright bass.
David Michael Miller’s second album proves his brilliant song writing, singing and musicianship, and he’s accompanied by great local musicians.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Kern Pratt "Broken Chains"
Gigtime Records, 2015

www.kernpratt.com

Mississippi Delta native Bluesman Kern Pratt III (vocals, guitar) has teamed up with Denise Owen (vocals, percussion), David Hyde (bass, horn arrangements), Nelson Blanchard (drums, keyboards, vocals), Sam Brady (B3), background singer Elaine Foster and a 4 piece horn ensemble featuring Lacy Blackledge (trumpet), Bob Henderson (tenor & alto sax), Pete Verbois (baritone sax), Chris Belleau (trombone, washboard) to record 5 original and 7 covered tracks.
Wes Lee can be heard on resonator guitar on two short instrumental sketches by Pratt, the introducing “Delta mourn’” and the final title track. Eden Brent joins on piano for Pratt’s “Greenville Mississippi Blues”, an up-beat song with powerful horns and virtuoso soli by Pratt and Brent. Other highlights of Pratt’s compositions are “Cotton pickin’”, an instrumental Blues-rock showcasing a brilliant duel of horns and guitar, and the rocking “Don’t leave me baby”, featuring Baton Rouge’s Kenny Neal on second guitar and powerful Soul horn arrangements. Pratt shows some nice finger-picking on the acoustic Blues “It hurts me too” (Mel London) and Luc Borms adds the lamenting harp. Owen sings the beautiful lead vocals on “Smokin’ gun” (Robin Blakeney), her powerful alto voice, Pratt’s crying guitar licks and the laid down rhythm make this song my favourite. Myra Smith and Margaret Lewis wrote the rollicking Blues-rock “Soulshake”, Pratt and Owens share the vocals driven by the band’s intoxicating groove.
Kern Pratt III is a brilliant guitar player and his hoarse voice is backed up by 2 beautiful female singers, he chose some excellent musicians and recorded a great album.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Mike Laureanno "Road Signs"
Own label, 2015

mikelaureanno.weebly.com

Mike Laureanno (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, accordion), singer songwriter from Rhode Island, recorded his second album with 11 original songs, accompanied by Tom Duval (lead guitar), Cathy Clasper-Torch (fiddle), Chris Farias (mandolin), Frank (bass, harmony vocals) and Tom Laureanno (Cajon drum, harmony vocals).
Together with his lyrical co-writer Roy Champagne Laureanno crafted the first 4 tracks, the rhythmic title song, a Country with a nice guitar solo by Duval, the melancholic ballad “The field” with beautiful harmonica and fiddle melodies or the up-beat Country-rock “Let it ride”. “Sweeter than any Valentine” is a romantic song with mesmerizing fiddle sounds, “The dog you left at home” a funny rhythmic song with bluesy guitar licks and rollicking pace and on the sea shanty “Heave away” Mike plays the accordion.
Mike Laureanno sings beautiful Country songs, sometimes Mainstream, but brought forward authentically.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Mississippi Fever "300 Miles to Memphis"
Own label, 2015

www.mississippifever.com

Mississippi Fever is a St. Louis MO based trio featuring Brent Barker (guitar, vocals), Ted May (bass) and Tom May (drums). For their second album they recorded together with special guests on keyboards and harmonica 8 original songs and 2 cover versions.
Brent treats the wah pedal for the funky “I feel like superman”, Steve Grimes adds the keyboard and the brethren May create the intoxicating pace. Brent commands Robert Johnson's shuffling “Traveling riverside Blues” with brilliant guitar licks and his powerful vocals and “Downtown train” is a heavy Blues-rock providing powerful guitar riffs, pulsating bass and stunning drum beats. “Out all night” is a beautiful slow Blues showcasing Brent’s versatility as singer as well as guitar player while his two buddies create the dramatic pace. Memphis TN based harmonica player Brandon Santini joins in for the up-beat title track, referencing the mileage between St. Louis and Memphis, and Rick Steff plays the fluid electric keyboard lines on the ZZ Top song “Jesus just left Chicago”, Brent plays a beautiful intro and makes his Stratocaster scream while the band plays the Blues.
The new album of Mississippi Fever offers pure authentic Blues-rock, founded in 2009 the three top musicians have only published two albums, hopefully there will be more to come.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Brad Vickers & his Vestapolitans "That’s what they say"
ManHatTone, 2015

www.bradvickers.com

Brad Vickers (guitars, bottleneck, vocals, up-right bass) produced his new album with 13 original songs by him and Margey Peters (bass, 2nd fiddle, vocals), a traditional and a covered song, recorded, mixed and mastered by Dave Gross (upright-bass, banjo, mandolin, percussion, piano).
Vickers is the scion of a musical family from Virginia and he pays tribute to his ancestors with Hudson Whittaker’s (Tampa Red) “Seminole Blues”, Bill Rankin on drums and Peters on bass create the intoxicating pace, Vickers plays the bottleneck and sings. Matt Cowan on baritone sax and Jim Davis on clarinet join in for the traditional southern Blues “Don’t you love your daddy no more”, Gross plays up-right bass and mandolin, Rankin on drums and Vickers’ soaring bottleneck complete the line-up. “Everything about you is blue” (B. Vickers) is a melancholic Country Blues featuring Charles Burnham on fiddle and the shuffling title song by Vickers and Peters is brought forward by them with Rankin on two acoustic guitars and drums. Peters wrote and sings the lead vocals on “Fightin’”, a Capella gospel with Mikey Junior and Vickers delivering background vocals and handclaps and Gross beating time, my favourite. Vickers sings and plays guitar on his up-beat Blues-rock “Don’t you change a thing”, accompanied by Peters on fiddle, Gross on bass and Rankin on drums. Another highlight is the final slow Blues “In for a penny” by Peters, who sings together with Christine Santelli and Gina Sicilia accompanied by Gross on acoustic guitar, drums and mandolin and Vickers on bottleneck and up-right bass.
Brad Vickers has delivered a stunning collection of roots music, from Blues to Rock’n’Roll and from Country to Rag, check him out!
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Rebecca Lappa "Tattered Rose"
Own label, 2015

Artist Video

www.rebeccalappa.com

Singer/songwriter Rebecca Lappa (vocals, classical guitar, banjo) from Edmonton, Alberta, recorded her fifth album with 7 original songs with Gord Matthews (guitars, mandola, sitar), Maria Dunn (accordion, whistle), Christine Hanson (cello), John Taylor (bass), Keri Lynn Zwicker (Celtic harp) and Jamie Cooper (percussion).
She sings the rhythmic “Anchor tattoo” to the pace of the drums, bass and banjo, whistle, accordion and mandola accompany her hauntingly beautiful singing. The banjo driven folk ballad “Brother John” was inspired by the classic murder poem The cruel brother and is a perfect showcase for her powerful voice. The sitar caresses her words on “Rose coloured lenses” and “Tastes this good” is an up-beat Folk-rock song. For the final “Piece of me” she is joined by Matty McKay on guitar, Justin Kudding on bass and Spencer Cheyne on drums, Lappa sings about her past celebrating the future accompanied by the rocking groove of the guys.
Owing to her beautiful song writing and her breath-taking voice Rebecca Lappa has been nominated and won several Canadian music awards, assure yourself and listen to some samples.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Jimmys "Hot Dish"
Brown Cow Productions, 2015

www.thejimmys.net

The Jimmys are a seven piece Blues Band from Madison WI formed by Jimmy Voegeli (piano, Hammond organ, vocals) in 2008. Together with guitar player Perry Weber and drummer Mauro Magellan he has produced his third album with 12 original songs. John Wartenweiler on electric and stand-up bass and a three piece horn section with Mike Boman (trumpet), Peterson Ross (tenor and alto saxophones) and Darren Sterud (trumpet, trombone, vocals) complete the line-up.
They serve funky up-beat (nearly 175 beats per minute) Blues-rock with mighty horns and virtuoso piano playing on the opening track “Lose that woman” (Voegeli). Then they slow down keeping the fire burning for “Freight train” (Voegeli/Magellan), a shuffling Blues with nice guitar licks and Faith Ulwelling’s background vocals. Alison Margaret sings the backing vocals on the swinging “I wonder” (Voegeli) and Magellan’s brilliant drum pace kicks off the instrumental “Funk Schway” (Voegeli) brimmed with Hammond organ, horn blasts and guitar riffs. “What gives” (Weber) is a laid back jazzy Blues featuring some stunning horn sketches and nice guitar licks driven by the stand-up bass. Other highlights are Voegeli’s pleading piano Blues “Saddest man”, Weber’s rocking and rolling “She’s wild” and the epic reprise of “Freight train”.
The Jimmys serve a hot dish with 13 courses for your party, play it loud and dance along.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Whileaways "Saltwater Kisses"
Own label, 2015

Artist Video

www.thewhileawaysmusic.com

Noriana Kennedy (5-string banjo, banjo-ukulele, guitar), Nicola Joyce (baritone ukulele) and Noelie McDonnell (guitars) are the Irish vocal ensemble The Whileaways, together with Éimhín Cradock (drums), Trevor Hutchinson (double bass), Eamon Brady (guitar, banjo) and Liam Caffrey (guitar) they recorded their new album with 11 original songs.
Noelie wrote the smooth love song “Run to your lover”, he sings lead vocals and plays guitar accompanied by Hutchinson on bass, Brady on banjo and the mesmerizing choir singing of Noriana and Nicola. Noriana accelerates the pace on “Hi Lo Rag”, banjo ukulele, drums and bass create the up-beat rhythm and Noriana thrills the listener with her crystal clear voice. Then she sings “Wake up sleepy head”, a beautiful folk song with 5 string banjo and Nicola’s backing vocals. Noelie’s jaunty whistling kicks off “Worries no more”, Nicola adds lead vocals and baritone ukulele and Noriana backing vocals and banjo ukulele, an intoxicating song. Noelie sings the Blues on “Summer rain”, the two ladies join in and Brady plays some stunning finger-picking, while Nicola takes the lead on the romantic folk pop song “You’re home”, accompanied by acoustic guitar, e-guitar and Noriana’s background vocals.
Each of them contributed their original songs singing the lead vocals, the others join in with their hauntingly beautiful singing. The arrangements are simple but brilliant, exactly what it needs to put their voices in true light.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Jim Stubblefield "Encantado"
Natural Elements Records, 2015

www.jimstubblefield.com

Jim Stubblefield (guitars, synthesizer) is a Latin-style guitar player from Pasadena CA working with the group Incendio as well as on his solo career as a world fusion composer. On his latest solo album he presents 10 new instrumental tracks, recorded with Ramon Yslas (drums, percussion), Randy Tico (bass), Novi Novog (violin, viola), Moksha Sommer (wordless vocals) and guest appearances of two Spanish guitar players.
He starts off with “Beyond the horizon”, an oriental influenced tune with driving rhythm, Sommer’s beautiful vocal performance and Stubblefield’s stunning guitar playing. Eric Hansen plays the Spanish guitar on “Puesta del sol”, a fiery Nuevo Flamenco tune, and “Highland dreams” is a chill out tune influenced by Celtic music. Mark Barnwell adds his Spanish guitar on “Phrygian Suite, Op.1”, an homage to Stubblefield’s love of progressive Rock, and “Terra e sole” is a neo classical track with Novog playing the lead.
Jim Stubblefield is a gifted guitar player, his compositions are beautiful but somehow mainstream, a nice album to chill out in the sun.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Carbe and Durand "A bridge between"
Strangetree Productions, 2016

www.carbeanddurand.com

Los Angeles based guitar duo Liza Carbe and Jean-Pierre Durand are musical partners as well as a married couple. Together they recorded 3 original tunes and 10 instrumental cover versions for their new album.
The self-penned title track is a laid-back beautifully arranged tune followed by their tender but virtuoso rendition of Cindy Lauper’s 1983 hit “Time after time”. The two fine guitar players tackle the traditional folk tune “Scarborough Fair” as well as the two main musical hit producers of the 60ies, the Rolling Stones song “Paint it black” received a touch of Flamenco while the Beatles cover “Blackbird” was arranged as a finger-style piece. It took them 20 years to record their first co-written tune, “Mountain song” is a melancholic and rocky track. On the final Ozzy Osbourne hit “Crazy train” (1980) they rock their acoustic guitars. For their original tunes they used steel string guitars while the cover versions were all recorded with nylon string guitars.
Carbe and Durand are part of Jim Stubblefield’s band Incendio and similar to Stubblefield’s last solo album they make instrumental music, in their case pure acoustic.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Keith Stone "The Prodigal Returns"
Own label, 2015

www.keithstonemusic.com

New Orleans native Blues guitarist Keith Stone (vocals, guitar) released a solo album with 9 original songs, 2 traditionals and an instrumental track by David Hyde (bass, horn arrangements), recorded with Nelson Blanchard (drums, percussion, keyboards, background vocals), Lacy Blackledge (trumpet), Mike Broussard (tenor & baritone sax), background singer Elaine Foster and a bunch of brilliant guest musicians.
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes plays a stunning accordion on “Cindi Leigh”, a southern Blues featuring a great three piece horn section joined by Bobby Henderson on alto sax. Henderson also takes part in the intoxicating Blues-rock “Time to move on”, brilliant guitar licks, organ and the three horns create a funky Soul sound. “Make me feel alright” is an up-beat Rock’n’Roll performed by Stone, Hyde, Blanchard and Henderson on tenor sax and Hyde’s “Buster’s place” adds a cool jazzy touch to the Blues. Fosters beautiful background vocals match perfectly with Stone’s powerful Blues voice on the rocking title song and the playing together of guitar and sax is awesome. The final traditional slow Blues “Just a closer walk with thee” is a perfect showcase for New Orleans piano icon Dr. John, Doug Belote on drums, Joe Krown on organ, Tim Stambaugh on sousaphone, Kevin Clarke on trumpet, David Phy on trombone and Cale Pellick on alto sax join in and accompany the gospel singing of Stone and Foster.
Keith Stone is an excellent guitar player, singer and songwriter, saturated by the sound of his hometown, which has virtually influenced every form of American roots music.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Old Man Luedecke "Domestic Eccentric"
True North Records, 2015

Artist Video

www.oldmanluedecke.ca

Banjo player and singer/songwriter Chris “Old Man” Luedecke from Nova Scotia and multi-instrumentalist Tim O’Brien from Nashville TN teamed up to record 14 new songs by Luedecke. The recordings took place in Luedecke’s cabin featuring Samson Grisman on bass and the voices of Jennah Barry and Nick Halley (also percussion).
As a prologue Luedecke sings “Yodelady”, an up-beat yodel love song accompanied by banjo and mandolin. O’Brien takes the violin for the romantic Country “The girl in the pearl earring” and “The early days” is a beautiful ballad about the first years of a child with guitar, bass and banjo. My favourite song is “Wait a while”, a brilliant Blues driven by percussion, bass, guitar and banjo. Other highlights are the intoxicating banjo driven Bluegrass “Chester boat song”, O’Brien on mandolin, or “Happy ever after”, a shuffling Blues with drums, bass, e-guitar and banjo.
Luedecke’s seventh album presents a stunning performance by the two experienced musicians, the songs are well crafted, brought forward without tricks and the lyrics are beautifully personal.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Riffriders "Hit the Road"
Power Waggin’ Records, 2015

www.theriffriders.com

The Riffriders, a 5-piece Blues-rock band from Erie PA, have recorded their debut album with 12 original songs. Singer Amy “Shally” Shallenberger and guitar player Sean Seth composed the basic framework, Otis James (harmonica), Tony LaPaglia (Fender bass) and Joe Caprara (drums) added their musical prowess for the final cut.
The up-beat title track invites the listener to jump in Amy’s Jeep, pictured on the box sleeve, brilliant guitar work interwoven with the sound of the harmonica are driven by drums and Fender while Amy sings with her powerful Blues voice. “Back door Kenny” is a rollicking Rockabilly showcasing awesome Fender bass lines and an intoxicating rhythm guitar. Then Amy sings the Blues, “Cut me down (12.5 bar Blues)”, Sean lets his guitar cry, Otis does the same with the harmonica and bass and drums create the smooth pace. Amy certainly makes the stage burn when singing “Rumours” live, hot and spicy like a good chili with a sexy groove. The phat growl of a 1965 Harley Davidson kicks off “My ‘65”, another bouncy Rockabilly song, and on “Rollin’” the guys pull you down in the midst of the Delta, Sean on cigar box guitar and Amy growling, crying and purring seduces the listener.
The Riffriders have released one of the best Blues albums of last year, and it’s just the beginning, watch out for them.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


JJ Appleton & Jason Ricci "Dirty Memory"
Old Boy Network, 2015

www.jjappleton.com
www.mooncat.org

Blues guitarist JJ Appleton from Vermont teamed up with harmonica player Jason Ricci from Maine to revive the Piedmont tradition of the acoustic Blues duo featuring guitar and harmonica. Together with bass players Tim Lefebre and Neal Heidler they recorded 8 original songs and 3 cover versions.
Appleton wrote 5 songs and they start off with his “Leaning Blues”, Heidler‘s fine bass lines are added to Appleton’s virtuoso Resonator guitar and Ricci’s soaring harmonica. “Nobody’s fault but mine” by Texas Bluesman Blind Willie Johnson is an up-beat Blues with a touch of Delta and Gospel. Then we hear 2 of the 3 tracks by Ricci, the autobiographical “New man” with Lefebre playing bass, Appleton adding his jazzy guitar and Ricci letting his harmonica sound as cool as his singing, and following up the breath-taking harp performance on “Jason solo”. Other highlights are Appleton’s intoxicating Blues-rock “At the wheel again” or the Rolling Stones cover “Black limousine” with a brilliant touch of Delta.
The tradition of Piedmont Blues stretches all over the east coast though originate from the wavy coast region between Richmond VA and Atlanta GA. Nevertheless those two north-east coast guys honour the style with a great album.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Kevin Sekhani "Day ain’t done"
Louisiana Red Hot Records, 2015

www.kevinsekhani.com

Kevin Sekhani was raised in Lafayette LA moved to Austin TX where he was an important part of the local music scene for 20 years and came back to his hometown to start a solo career. Together with an unmentioned but brilliant bunch of musicians he recorded 12 original songs for his second album.
The title track is a brilliant Cajun song featuring accordion, violin, resonator guitar and the typical up-beat pace. Following up are the beautiful Country ballad “Carol Ann” or “Wrong direction”, a Country rock driven by an intoxicating pace. “Oilfield tan”, a twostep featuring soaring vocals, violin and mandolin, is regularly played on local radio stations in Louisiana and Texas. “Ballad of a lonely clown” is a melancholic Country blues and the final “Sumner Street” a rocking song with Sekhani’s great tenor singing.
Kevin Sekhani’s music is a rural mix of Americana, Cajun, Country, Blues and Rock, brought forward by some great musicians.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Pinetop Perkins & Jimmy Rogers "Genuine Blues Legends"
Elrob Records, 2015

www.pinetopperkins.com

Joe Willie Pinetop Perkins (piano, vocals) and Jimmy Rogers (guitar, vocals), both from the Mississippi area, teamed up with NYC harmonica player Michael Markowitz and his band to play a gig at The Grand Auditorium, Ellsworth ME on May 21, 1988. 27 years later the recording is released on Elrob Records to remember these two great Blues musicians.
They started off with Larry Blackmon’s ”Kidney stew”, a classic Blues-rock with Tony O’Melio on guitar, Brad Vickers on bass, Michael Anderson on drums, Markovitz and Perkins sharing the stage with their brilliant playing. The same line-up played a terrific Chicago Blues on “Had my fun” (J. Odom). Then Jimmy Rogers joined in for “Big boss man” by the late Mississippi Blues musician Jimmy Reed, Rogers’ singing and guitar was driven by the intoxicating Blues pace created by the band. The slow Blues “All in my sleep” by Rogers was a perfect showcase for his fine guitar playing, Perkins adding his virtuoso piano and Markowitz the soaring harmonica. Perkins rocked the auditorium with his “Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie” and they finished with the up-beat “Pine and Jimmy’s jump”, a co-composition of the two Blues men.
A brilliant concert by two unfortunately passed away musicians accompanied by Little Mike and the Tornados.[55]
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Jay Gordon and Blues Venom "Woodchoppers Ball"
Shuttle Music, 2015

www.bluesvenom.com

Chicago born and now California based Blues guitarist Jay Gordon (lead guitar, slide guitar, Dobro, vocals) has recorded a new album with 9 original tracks and 3 cover versions. He was joined by his band featuring Sharon Butcher (bass, vocals), Rich Wenzel (Hammond B3, piano), Rich Gordon Lambert (drums), Mario Ramirez (harmonica) and a few guest musicians.
Rick Daly grabs the drum sticks for “Hobo Hilton” (B. Campbell/J. Gordon), a shuffling Blues with virtuoso B3, pulsating bass, powerful guitar riffs and Gordon’s raw vocals, or on Gordon’s up-beat rocking “Chainsaw Boogie”. “Travelin Riverside Blues” (Robert Johnson) is a brilliant Delta Blues performed by Gordon solo on slide guitar, my favourite song. Russ Greene on bass and Butch Black on drums join Gordon for the instrumental track “Message to Collins”, a perfect showcase for his awesome guitar playing. “Blues Venom” is one of the songs with the original line-up including a stunning performance by Ramirez on the Mississippi saxophone, virtuoso guitar licks and Gordon’s tremendous Blues voice. On the final slow Blues “Original sin” Gordon is accompanied by John Schayer on bass and Lee Davis on drums.
The music of Jay Gordon is brutal, heavy and raw, his virtuosity on guitar is remarkable and his band amazing.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The JC Smith Band "Love Mechanic"
Cozmik Records, 2015

Artist Video

www.jcsmithband.com

JC Smith (guitar, vocals), an award winning Blues musician from the San Francisco Bay area, has recorded his latest album with Robert Green (bass), Abraham Vasquez and David Sanchez (sax), Tommy Maitland (trumpet), Gene Reynolds (trombone, vocals), Todd Reid (keys), Donnie Green (drums), and a few guest musicians.
They start off with Smith’s “Jump for Joy”, an up-beat Jive with Richard Palmer on keys, nice guitar and sax soli. Following up a stunning James Brown cover, Smith’s singing on “Cold sweat” comes pretty close to the original. The title track is Soul Rock with mighty horns, funky keys and a soaring guitar solo, driven by the intoxicating pace and “Bad, bad feeling” a rhythmic Country Blues with Jeannine O’Neal on rhythm guitar, both original songs. “Last Night” (W. Jacobs) is a beautiful Slow Blues brought forward with much power and “Talk to me baby” (E. James) a driving Jive featuring Chris Cain on lead guitar.
JC Smith and his band are excellent musicians, they play Funk, Rock, Country, Swing and Chicago Blues, but in the first place they are Blues men.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Sun Soul Orchestra "What matters most"
Gumbo Child Productions, 2015

www.sunsoulorchestra.com

Chicago born cellist Ginger Murphy and Stevo Théard (vocals, drums, percussion, keyboards, programming) from the New Orleans area teamed up to form the Sun Soul Orchestra. Together with some fine studio musicians on guitars, bass, keyboards, trumpet, tenor sax, flugelhorn, flute, violins and viola as well as 3 singers they recorded 5 original tracks and 6 cover versions for their laid back debut album.
Théard sings his rhythmic pop song “Can’t deny it” with his warm and tender tenor voice accompanied by beautiful string arrangements and a nice sax solo by Rastine Calhoun. Following up Jessica Vautor sings with her angelic soprano a song by The Mary Jane Girls partly translated in French by her, “In my house”. They also recorded 3 instrumental tracks composed by Murphy and Théard, “Gingerly” is a beautiful instrumental ballad with a beautiful rendition of the theme by violinist Liza Piccadilly and Michael Hunter playing a terrific flugelhorn part and “Is what it is” a funky and light-hearted track allowing the musicians to go wild, Chris Woods on strings, Greg “Gee Mack” Dalton on guitar and James Manning creating the intoxicating groove on bass. TJ Gibson sings the romantic Commodores song “Zoom” and Shannon Pearson mesmerizes with her sexy voice on “Pillow talk” (Burton/Robinson), a song made popular by American singer Sylvia Robinson.
The music of the Sun Soul Orchestra is perfect to chill out on a sunny afternoon or to accompany a nice dinner with your loved one, perfect arrangements, great musicians and beautiful melodies.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Georgie Bonds "Hit it hard"
Roadhouse Redemption Records, 2015

www.georgiebonds.com

Philadelphia’s Blues singer/songwriter Georgie Bonds recorded his latest album together with producer and songwriter Neil Taylor (guitar, vocals), Buddy Cleveland (harmonica, vocals), Andy Haley (drums), Rick Prince (bass), Walter Runge (organ, piano, Wurlitzer), Dave Renz (tenor sax) and Vanessa Collier (Alto sax, vocals).
They start off with a tribute to Georgie’s mentor Sonny Rhodes, “Pickin’ your bones” (Bob Greenlee/C.E. Smith) is an up-beat rocking Blues featuring Cleveland’s soaring harmonica. Taylor’s “Let’s get down” features the two saxophones and the backing vocals of Taylor, Cleveland, Collier and Paul Matecki as well as Corey Paternoster and Mike Bardzik on percussion creating an intoxicating pace. Then they slow down for Cleveland’s wailing “Sentenced to the Blues”. Bonds’ rendition of Blind Willie Johnson’s Gospel Blues “Soul of a man” is awesome, Runge on Wurlitzer, Taylor’s guitar solo and Cleveland’s harmonica accompany his pleading vocals. “Paid vacation” (Taylor/Bonds) is a slow Blues showcasing a stunning interplay of guitar, harmonica and vocals and the final “Another year” is the first song Bonds ever wrote during his stint in federal prison as a young man.
Due to recovering from multiple hip surgeries Bonds couldn’t start recording before summer 2015, three months later he released his third album and again hits it hard.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Guy Buttery "Guy Buttery"
Own label, 2015

www.guybuttery.co.za

Guy Buttery is one of South Africa‘s finest fingerstyle guitarists, he was raised in a small coastal town in the north east and influenced by the local Zulu tribesman playing Maskanda music, the sounds of sitar and tabla from the Indian Hindu temples and modern rock music being played around his house. All this is captured on his sixth solo album with 11 original instrumental tracks spiced with some wordless vocals.
Besides the acoustic guitar Buttery also plays the mbira (African thumb piano) on “Floop”, a simple but beautiful groove loop piece in the key of F, featuring Gareth Gale on drums and Chris Letcher on Wurlitzer and organ. “To Goulimine” is inspired by a journey from Kashmir to Morocco as well as by the song Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, Nibs van der Spuy on acoustic and electric guitar, Lorenzo Mantovani on sarangi (bowed string instrument from India), Gale on drums and Buttery on acoustic guitar. The virtuoso playing together of drums and acoustic guitar are mesmerized by the voices of Vusi Mahlasela and Piers Faccini on “The upper reaches”, a rhythmic tune probably referring to Buttery’s second love, bird watching from platforms built among the tree-tops. “Two chords and the truth” has been inspired by West African kora players, but is brought forward by Shane Cooper on upright bass, van der Spuy on cuatro (a small guitar from Latin America), Gale on drums and Buttery on guitar. Will Ackerman plays a second acoustic guitar on “A piece for Rudolf Fritsch”, a very quiet and ruminant track with moderate drum pace. The final “3/4 in the morning” is a tune Buttery plays on acoustic guitar accompanied by South African jazz legend Shane Cooper on upright bass.
Guy Buttery has delivered an inspiring and innovative album, hosting brilliant musicians from all over the world.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Jeb Barry "Milltown"
Dolly Rocker Recordings, 2015

www.jebbarry.com

Singer/songwriter Jeb Barry is based in Adams MA where he also recorded his second solo album with 15 original songs together with The Pawn Shop Saints, Mike O’Neill (vocals, guitar, dobro), Heather Austin (vocals), Ernie Barufa (uke bass, percussion) and Pat Powers (banjo, harmonica).
Most of the songs tell about the hard times, despair and tragedy living in a small town like “Milltown #2”. He sings melancholic songs accompanied by at least one acoustic guitar, O’Neill adds a second voice and the wailing sound of the Dobro on “$10 girl” or a second guitar on “Shoot out the moon”. Powers plays banjo, Barufa the uke bass and Austin sings the second voice on my favourite song, “Hard times come around again”. Barry ends the CD with the desperate “No way out of this town”.
Jeb Barry’s songs have simple arrangements and are mostly recorded live at Summer Road Studios.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Knickerbocker All-Stars "Go back home to the Blues"
JP Cadillac Records, 2015

The Knickerbocker Café is a music club in Westerly RI, built shortly after Prohibition, and today home of the Knickerbocker Music Center which sponsored this recording featuring musicians who called the Knick their home over the years: Mark Teixeira (drums), Brad Hallen (bass), Al Copley (piano), Monster Mike Welch (guitar), Doug James (baritone- tenor sax), Sax Gordon Beadle (tenor sax), Rich Lataille (alto- tenor sax), Doc Chanonhouse (trumpet) and four brilliant Blues voices.
There’s musical director Al Basile who wrote 4 original songs for the recording, he sings and plays the cornet on “Don’t you ever get tired of being right?”, an up-beat song driven by piano, bass and drums. He also is author of the title track, a brilliant Blues in moderate pace sung by Brian Templeton featuring mighty horn arrangements and a fine guitar solo. In addition to the 4 original songs, they perform 9 classic Blues and R&B tracks starting off with the former Texas music producer Deadric Malone’s “36-22-36” featuring Sugar Ray Norcia’s powerful Blues voice and guest trombonist Carl Querfurth. Templeton sings the fast paced “Cadillac baby” by Michigan’s Blues man Fontaine Brown and Willie J Laws takes the lead vocals on the slow Blues “Something to remember you by” by the legendary Eddie Guitar Slim Jones from New Orleans. The late music producer Willie Mitchell from Memphis wrote “Hokin’”, an instrumental Blues showcasing some awesome horn improvisations.
The second record of The Knickerbocker All-Stars celebrates veterans and contemporary masters of the Blues, brought forward by the deep pool of New England Blues talent.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Randy McAllister and the Scrappiest Band in the Motherland "Gristle to Gold"
Reaction Records, 2015

www.randymcallister.com

Texas Blues man Randy Mc Allister (vocals, harmonica) recorded his 11th album together with Rob Dewan on guitar and Matt Higgins on bass and a bunch of excellent guest musicians and singers. The 12 songs are all written and arranged by the man himself.
He starts off with a rocking roadhouse Soul, “The kid with the really old soul” featuring the backing vocals of Andrea Wallace, Maya van Nuys on fiddle, brilliant harp sounds and guitar work driven by Kevin Shermerhorn’s drum pace. Carson Wagner joins on organ for the slow Blues “I’m like a boomerang”, Rich Stanmyre plays bass, Sean McUrley grabs the drum sticks, Mike Morgan adds a second guitar and Benita Arterberry-Burns sings the backing vocals. “You lit the dynamite” is a heavy Blues-rock featuring great vocals by Wallace and McAllister, Morgan on bass and Eric Smith on drums. Then McAllister sings the beautiful Blues ballad “Someone’s been there” accompanied by piano and guitar. Steve Howard on trumpet and Jeff Robbins on saxophone give some mighty blows on “Glass half full”, Dewan plays an awesome guitar and McUrley creates the moderate Blues rhythm, while the final “Ninja bout cha” is a funky mix of Blues, Rock and Soul driven by his intoxicating pace.
Starting as a drummer from a very young age, McAllister learned to play the harmonica during his service for the US Army in his 20ies, today he is one of the best Blues musicians in Texas.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Benny Turner "When she’s gone"
Nola Blue Inc., 2015

www.bennyturner.com

East Texas born bluesman Benny Turner (vocals, bass, guitar) released his new album with 6 re-released original songs and 4 cover versions. The recordings where made in California and Louisiana with various line-ups featuring a duet with his late partner Marva Wright, Dr. John and Bob Margolin on guitar as well as probably the last recording of Texan piano player Charles Brown before he died in 1999.
Turner starts with 3 original songs, he sings “I can’t leave” accompanied by Samuel “The Bishop” Berfect on keys, Alonzo Johnson on bass, Jeffery “Jellybean” Alexander on drums and the background vocals of Diane Lotny and Yvonne Washington. The brilliant duet with Marva Wright on “Pity on this lovesick fool” has been recorded before her passing away, the intoxicating Soul Groove is delivered by Turner on bass, Berfect on piano, Davell Crawford on keys, Marc Adams on clavinet and Herman Ernest III on drums. Dr. John joins on the Blues ballad “Because of you”, Berfect, Johnson and Ernest III complete the line-up, while Turner and Tanya Jarvis mesmerize with their beautiful singing. Bill Withers’ legendary R&B song “Ain’t no sunshine” has been morphed into a Soul Blues showcasing Bob Margolin on lead and Derwin “Big D” Perkins on rhythm guitar, Turner on bass, Alexander on drums and Keiko Komaki on keys. On the classic Jimmy Rogers song “That’s alright” Turner sings and plays bass as well as lead guitar and on the final “Black night” by Jessie Mae Robinson Charles Brown gave testimony of his virtuoso piano playing, backed up by organ, rhythm guitar, bass, drums and Jason Mingledorff on sax and Barney Floyd on trumpet.
Benny Turner is an excellent singer and musician, his songs as well as his covers are deeply incited by classic southern Blues.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Joyann Parker & Sweat Tea "On the rocks"
Own label, 2015

www.sweetteaband.net

Minneapolis based 4-piece band Sweat Tea, founded in 2012, teamed up with Joyann Parker (vocals, guitar, piano), who has been active in Twin Cities’ music scene for more than 10 years. Mark Lamoine (guitar, vocals), David Harris (bass), Mick Zampogna (keyboards, accordion) and Nick Zwack (drums) serve the sweat tea on the rocks.
Joyann sings “You” with her powerful alto voice, Mark delivers awesome guitar riffs, Mick lays the dramatic background and David and Nick create the rocking pace, 0-100 in a few seconds. A lively piano tune starts off “Ain’t got time to cry”, bass and drums create an intoxicating dance rhythm and accordion and guitar accompany Joyann’s passionate singing. On “What happened to me” the guys are playing a stunning up-beat Boogie and “Hit me like a train” is a fast paced Rock song urging your body to move. Special guest JR Hartley plays the bass on “Jigsaw heart”, a soulful ballad featuring a hauntingly beautiful duet by Joyann’s mesmerizing vocals and Mark’s fine guitar sounds. Driving bass lines initiate the great Blues-rock “Fool for you” and “Evil hearted” is an inspiring slow Blues, showcasing Joyann’s breath-taking voice and the band’s brilliant musicianship.
Joyann Parker & Sweat Tea are a perfect example for Twin Cities’ fame as the leading city of rock music, I’m crazy about their splendid mix of Rock, Soul, Blues and Funk.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Brad Wilson "Blues Thunder"
Cali Bee Music Inc., 2015

Brad Wilson "Power Blues Guitar live"
Cali Bee Music Inc., 2016

www.bradwilsonlive.com

Last year Californian Blues singer/songwriter Brad Wilson (vocals, guitar) has released his sophomore album with 12 original songs and this year he recorded 3 songs from his two albums and 9 covers of Blues standards for his follow-up live album.
At the studio he was accompanied by Kirk Nelson on keyboards, Brian Beal on bass, Amrik Sandhu on drums and Tumbleweed Mooney on harmonica. Wilson sings melancholic Blues ballads like “Blue shadow” with beautiful playing together of bass, piano and guitar as well as heavy Blues-rock on “Step by step” featuring a virtuoso duet by harmonica and guitar. The title track is an up-beat Rock song driven by Adam Gust’s intoxicating drum beat and showcasing some awesome guitar work and “Let’s go barefootin’ it” a song with great playing together of harmonica and organ. “Cool runnin’” is a laid-back song in moderate pace with nice guitar licks and “Black coffee at sunrise” a fast paced Rock’n’Roll.
The live album includes Nelson on keyboards, Oscar Huguet on bass, Thaxter Daggs and Kofi Baker on drums and Joe Robb on sax. They start off with an up-beat version of Muddy Waters’ “Got my mojo working” and Wilson treating his guitar expertly. “All kinds of a fool” is a Rock song from his first album with an intoxicating pace while on Albert King’s “Born under a bad sign” Wilson sings and plays the Blues. “Sweet home Chicago” has been first recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936, Wilson rocks with e-guitar driven by drums and bass. Willie Dixon’s slow Blues “I just want to make love to you” is hallmarked by heavy guitar riffs and brilliant improvisations and T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday” is a passionate Blues lament.
I prefer the much more powerful live recording to his latest studio album, which is more relaxed and smooth.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Charm City Junction "Charm City Junction"
Patuxent Music, 2015

Article: Banjo Night @ The Hamilton

www.charmcityjunction.com

Charm City Junction is an exciting new band from Baltimore MD featuring Patrick McAvinue (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Brad Kolodner (banjo, vocals), Alex Lacquement (bass, vocals) and Sean McComiskey (accordion). Their debut release features traditional and covered songs and tunes from the States and Ireland.
“Frog on a lily pad” is a tune by Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass, and a perfect showcase for the brilliant musicianship of the 4 guys, the bass giving the steady pace, banjo, fiddle and accordion play the lively tune virtuoso. “Train on the island” is an up-beat old time song and “Joe Bane’s barndance” an Irish tune with changing rhythm. Alex gives the pace with brilliant vibe the guys join in adding some breath-taking improvisations to “Greasy coat”, an old time tune from West Virginia. “I’ve got a woman” is a melancholic song with a jumpy beat by Anders Osbourne Dahlqvist and “I’m troubled” a fast paced traditional Irish song. Another highlight is “Cousin Sally Brown”, another intoxicating old time tune from North Carolina, brought forward with awe inspiring creativeness.
Charm City Junction have delivered a brilliant debut, they will certainly hit a mark with it. Looking forward to hear more.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Paul Cowley "Rural"
Lou B Music, 2015

www.paulcowleymusic.com

Paul Cowley (vocals, guitar, percussion) was born in Birmingham UK, settled in Wales and ended up in Brittany France, where he recorded his latest album with 4 original songs and 8 stripped down classic Country Blues together with Pascal Ferrari on bass and cajon and a guest appearance of Patrice Mauvieux on lead guitar.
Fred McDowell from Tennessee wrote “Write me a few of your lines”, Cowley performs it solo on acoustic guitar, though coming from the hill country McDowell’s music was labelled as Delta Blues. Cowley chose most of the covers from legendary Delta Blues singers like the “Jitterbug Swing” by Bukka White from Mississippi. Ferrari and Mauvieux join in for “Not what they seem”, an original slow Blues featuring solo e-guitar and fine finger picking. Other highlights are Mississippi John Hurt’s “Pay day”, “Candyman” by South Carolina gospel singer Rev Gary Davis, both brought forward solo again, or “Death letter” by Delta Blues legend Son House featuring Ferrari on bass. Cowley sings his tender Blues ballad “At the end of the day” before he accelerates the pace for the final Muddy Waters’ song “I can’t be satisfied”, driven by his fine rhythm and slide guitar and Ferrari’s bass line.
Paul Cowley revives those long passed away legends of American Blues and lets it sound as if recorded in the original background.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Andy Santana and the Westcoast Playboys "Watch your step!"
Delta Groove Music, 2015

www.westcoastplayboys.com

After 3 independent releases Californian singer/songwriter Andy Santana (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) has recorded his latest album with 4 original songs and 9 cover versions for Delta Groove Music. The line-up varies from song to song, 5 additional guitars, 3 bass players, 4 keyboarders, 3 drummers, 3 sax players, trumpet and a bunch of back-up vocals accompany him.
„Knock knock“ (Carol Fran/Jerry West) it sounds, Santana sings and the guys start with a moderate Rock’n’Roll pace, Kid Andersen on acoustic bass, Anthony Paule on rhythm guitar, Bob Welsh on piano, Robi Bean on drums and Frankie Ramos on tenor sax. Santana rocks on the title song by Bobby Parker on lead guitar, Kid Andersen on baritone guitar, Rusty Zinn on rhythm guitar, Nate Ginsberg on keys, Mike Phillips on e-bass and D’mar on drums create the rocking groove. Santana adds the harmonica on Dave Bartholomew’s Blues-rock “Playgirl”, Andersen on rhythm guitar, Welsh on piano, Mike McCurdy on bass and Bean on drums accompany him. “One way love affair” (Arzell Hill) is a slow Blues featuring the guitars of Santana, Andersen and Zinn, Ginsberg on keys, Phillips on bass, D’mar on drums, Eric Spaulding on tenor sax, Jack Sanford on baritone sax and Manny Angel on trumpet. My favourite original songs are the Blues-rock “Greaseland” showcasing Santana, Andersen, Paule, Welsh and Mighty Mike Schermer alternatively on lead guitar, Phillips and Core creating the intoxicating pace and the up-beat Rock’n’Roll “What’s wrong?” featuring Lorenzo Farrell on organ and Hammond B3, Welsh on piano and Anderson on baritone guitar.
In California Andy Santana is already an admired and much sought-after live musician, now by releasing on a mayor label he spreads his wings to cross over the High Sierras.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Jeff Jensen "The River City Sessions Live"
Own label, 2016

www.jeffjensenband.com

On December 12, 2015 the Jeff Jensen Trio, Jeff Jenson (vocals, guitar), Bill Ruffino (bass) and Robinson Bridgeforth (drums), recorded their gig at Ardent Studios in Memphis TE, a more than an hour lasting passionate Blues performance.
After a fiery announcement by Leo Geoff the guys start off with T-Bone Walker’s “T-Bone shuffle”, Jensen accelerating from 0-100 in a few seconds supported by the bands steady shuffle. C’mon everybody Boogie time, “JJ Boogie” (Jensen /Ruffino) is an up-beat instrumental track going silent to restart again with even more power Jensen treating his guitar devilish. Following up Jensen’s beautiful slow Blues “Find myself all alone”, Jensen showcasing fine guitar licks as well as breath-taking riffs. “Elephant blue” (Jensen /Ruffino /Bridgeforth) is another fast paced instrumental track driven by great bass lines and drumming, Jensen performing magical guitar work and Ruffino playing a stunning solo. The Rock ballad “Ash and bone” starts with a tenderly played introduction before constantly accelerating the pace and the guitar howling out loud. My favourite is the final “All along the watchtower”, Dylan’s great hymn gets stretched to a more than 9 minutes long showcase. Jensen’s raw voice matches perfectly and his guitar playing is virtuoso cheered by the brilliant rhythm guys.
Jeff Jensen and his friends create a powerful sound, you need not more than three guys to play the Blues. Check them out www.jeffjensenband.com!
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Johnny Rawls "Tiger in a Cage"
Catfood Records, 2016

www.johnnyrawlsblues.com

Mississippi born and raised Blues singer/songwriter Johnny Rawls has recorded his latest album at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo TX together with The Rays, co-composer Bob Trenchard on bass, Johnny McGhee on guitar, Richy Puga on drums, Dan Ferguson on keyboards and accordion and the 4 horns of Mike Middleton (trumpet), Robert Claiborne (trombone), Andy Roman (alto and tenor sax) and Nick Flood (baritone sax). The album features 9 original songs and three covers as well as guest singers and strings.
The title track by Trenchard and Rawls is a hypnotizing mix of Soul and Blues, brilliant soul singers The Iveys, steady pace and fine guitar, horns and keyboards sound, followed by their commitment “Born to the Blues”, a powerful performance. My favourite song is their brilliant Country Blues “Southern honey”, Johnny sings a duet with Eden Brent, Norma Martinez on cello and Tommy Sheen on violin create the Country sound and the guys play the Blues. They cover Californian Blues singer Sam Cooke’s happy song “Having a party” and the Rolling Stones song “Beast of burden” featuring powerful horns, soulful singing and funky groove. They finish with “I would be nothing”, a melancholic love song by Rawls from 1996.
Johnny Rawls has a beautiful voice, he is a fine songwriter and the arrangements are perfect, Soul and Blues fuse to a nice mix.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Tommy Z "Blizzard of Blues"
South Blossom Records, 2016

www.tommyzband.com

Tommy Z is a Buffalo NY based blues singer/songwriter, musician, producer and engineer, he recorded his last album together with drummer Damone Jackson, bass players Stanley Swampski, Walter Riggo and Jerry Livingstone, organist Kevin Urso and a guest appearance of harmonica player Jeremy Keyes.
Tommy Z and Keyes start off “Lovergirl”, Swampski and Jackson create the shuffling rhythm and they go rocking the Blues. Riggo on bass joins Tommy Z and Jackson for the up-beat Rock’n’Roll “Going to a party” and Urso adds his organ on the title track, a heavy Blues-rock and perfect showcase for Tommy Z’s virtuoso guitar work. “Miracle” is a beautiful bluesy ballad featuring Livingstone on bass, organ, drums, guitar and Tommy Z’s soulful singing and the brilliant funky cover of the Muddy Waters classic “My eyes” (Herbert Walker) was performed by the same line-up. The final instrumental Blues “Al’s groove” is my favourite track, the organ lays the sound carpet on the moderate Blues pace and Tommy Z creates a fine melody on it and they groove along.
Tommy Z is one of Western New York’s most exciting Blues musicians, an excellent songwriter, singer and guitar player he has delivered a great CD.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup



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