The Groove May-Jun 2019

THE

THE BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF CROSSROADS BLUES SOCIETY

MAY-JUNE 2019 EDITION

Editorial

Steve Jones, Editor and CBS President

March and April were amazing months! We got our Head Start and PreSchool BITS started and almost completed; we just have a few cleanup dates left in May to finish off the year. We have a great summary of BITS action inside. It looks like we will have around 137 programs done for almost 12,000 students by the end of this school year. And shows? What great shows we got to enjoy in March and April, too!

March began with Madison’s Hobson’s Choice at the Lyran Club on the 1st. John Primer put on a great show on March 9th at Hope and Anchor with harp ace Steve Bell in support and then Tas Cru was at Mary’s Place for a return visit on the 10th. Then Billy Flynn and Milwaukee Slim were at the Lyran on March 15th.

Things got rolling in April with Chris O’Leary reprising his show at Mary’s Place on April 3rd from last Fall. A big crowd turned out and it was super! Dave Fields and his band returned from NYC on the 5th to the Lyran Club for a fantastic night of music. April 12th saw the return of the Cash Box Kings to Hope and Anchor for another super night of music. Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn tore it up at the Lyran on the 26th to close out April.

May and June portend superb music events and the start of the late spring and summer season of outdoor music. I was asked to book the Burpee Museum Music on the Rock Shows which were expanded to nine; every Wednesday in June and July will have a fantastic band at their amphitheater. They are listed inside the PDF newsletter version along with the blues related Sinnissippi Park shows.

Here are some advanced planning dates to remember for our Crossroads events: • May 4 3 PM Crossroads 25th Anniversary Concert at Timberlake Theater in Mt. Carroll • June 1 2 PM Steve Jones Block Party with Ivy Ford

• • •

June 5 thru July 31 Burpee Music on the Rock June 29 Noon New Glarus Blues, Brews & Food Truck Festival August 24 Noon 10th Annual Crossroads Blues Festival

Our plea for help in planning and executing events has already born fruit. Tom Lombardo is onboard helping to cover events for our newsletter and to review CDs for us– welcome to him! We always need more help and we really want to implement a strong committee structure to make Crossroads viable for the future. Thank you, Tom, for volunteering! What can you, the reader, do to help?

Our festival needs volunteers. A thee hour shift gets you free admission and a tee shirt. The value of that might only be around minimum wage money-wise, but in making our festival a success it means so much more to us. None of us are paid to do this work. Literally thousands of hours go into making the fest a success. We don’t ask much from our members, so asking for a three hour shift at the fest is not much in comparison to the overall work that goes into it. See Bonnie Fox or email her at bonitafx@gmail.com to inquire about opportunities to work our 10th annual blues festival.

Membership is something we have focused on and we will continue to work on. We are well over 200 members and are at the highest level ever. Let’s keep that up with renewals and new memberships; if you are a member ask your family members and friends to join and become part of the Crossroads team! Thank you to all who are members of Crossroads Spring and Summer 2019 will likely go down in the record books as being our best yet! Come on out and support live music in the Rockford area. See inside for all the info on what is happening this summer here in Rockford and all around the Midwest festival scene!

Very blues-ily yours,

Contents Editorial………………………………………..…………….………….………....2 Contents, Board, Local Radio & Application………………………….3 BITS Update…………………………….……………………..………….…....4 John Primer…………………………...………………………………..……….7 Billy Flynn and Milwaukee Slim.………………………………….……..7 25th Anniversary Party………………..……………………..…….……..7 Summer Festival Lineups……………………..……………………...…..8 Dave Fields…………………………………………………………….….…….12 Cash Box Kings…………………………………………………….…….…….13 Weekday Music in Rockford this Summer………………….….…..14 Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn………………………………...………...15 Music Reviews……………………………………...……………....…......16 Karen Howard Scholarship………………………………..…….……...34 November and December Crossroads Photos….………….…...36 Upcoming Shows…………………………………………………...….…..32 Member Update……………………………………..………………........45 Hope and Anchor, Lyran and Ice Hogs Shows………………....45 Burpee and Sinnissippi Shows…………..….….…………….........45 Blues News and Upcoming Events………………………......…....46 Cover photo by Steve Jones The Groove is a bi-monthly publication of the Crossroads Blues Society. The PDF version (typically 32 to 40 or more pages) is emailed to members of Crossroads. Hard copies (12 pages) are sent out to members without email ($5 membership surcharge).

Editor in Chief: Steve Jones Music Reviewers: Rick Davis, John Mitchell, Marty Gunther, Bill Graw, Lynn Hetzler, Mark Nelson, Steve Jones and Mark Thompson.

All un-credited content by Steve Jones

Blues on Local Radio WNIJ - 89.5 FM •

Friday evenings from 9 PM to midnight with Harold Brown

•

Saturday afternoons from 1 to 4 PM with David Rosik

•

Saturday evenings from 9 PM to midnight with David James

•

Rich Gordon fills in regularly

Crossroads Blues Society Officers and Board Members Contact Info President: Steve Jones

sub_insignia@yahoo.com

Vice-President: Bill Graw

williamjgraw@gmail.com

Secretary: Bonnie Fox

bonitafx@gmail.com

Treasurer: Terry Keller

terry@markpack.com

Board of Directors: Denny Barker Rick Davis Bob Haendler Ken Pearson

harkthebark@mchsi.com rick_davis_937@comcast.net rhaendler@comcast.net cntrylivng@aol.com

Rick Hein

mrrickhein@sbcglobal.net

Membership Application

www.CrossroadsBluesSociety.com Yes! I’d love to be a part of the Crossroads Blues Society!

Name_____________________________________________ Street Address___________________________________ City________________ State______ Zip Code________ Phone_____________________________________________ Email Address____________________________________ Date_______________________ This will be a membership for an/a: New -orIndividual ($15),

Returning Member Family ($25),

Band ($25)

$5 extra for newsletter via regular mail Please check all applicable interests: Festival Volunteer

Serve as Officer/Board

BITS Volunteer

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Review CDs

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Other:___________________

Please cut out or copy and mail this form and payment to:

Crossroads Blues Society P.O. Box 840 Byron, IL 61010

Bring this to our next meeting and get a free CD!

Blues in the Schools Update

Billy Flynn and Milwaukee Slim at Barbour

Billy Flynn and Milwaukee Slim at Barbour

BITS in March began with Billy joyed the program.

Flynn returning and this time he had Milwaukee Slim along with On March 22nd we returned to him. Billy handled the guitar Beyer Elementary School in work and did some great harp Rockford. The facility is home to work along with his always imHead Start/Pre-School along with peccable guitar, while Slim took one grade each of First, Third, care of the vocals. The boys did Fourth and Fifth Grades two programs at Barbour Ele(apparently the Second Grade mentary School, the first with teacher left before the school year Middle Schoolers and the second began). Head Start closed the with primary grades. The school Orton Keyes and Rockford Day is a dual language academy in Nursery facilities and this large, Rockford where the students are former school is home to 11 clasexpected to retain their Spanish ses of preschool and 4 elementary language but also use English classes. Wheatbread Johnson, Billy Flynn and Milwaukee Slim at Carlson equally. Over 600 students were along with Bob Haendler and in attendance. That afternoon we returned to Carlson Elementary Steve Jones, did 4 AM and 4 PM programs there for about 250 School, site of our first ever BITS program and home to more BITS students and the kids enjoyed the day immensely. assemblies than any other school we’ve visited. 400 students en-

Beyer with Wheatbread Johnson

Beyer with Wheatbread Johnson

Hand n Hand Day Care with Wheatbread Johnson

Trinity Lutheran Daycare with Wheatbread Johnson

Wheatbread Johnson was also at Hand n Hand Daycare on 4/1/2019 for a Monday AM set of 4 sessions. Some of the kids were very young but they were amazingly into it!

Wheatbread Johnson spent Monday 4/15/2019 at Fairview Childcare Center. He did 9 programs, 5 in the AM and 4 in the PM for the young students. Bill Graw sat in on harp and the dances!

Wheatbread Johnson spent Thursday morning 4/4/2019 at Trinity Lutheran for 5 programs, the first of two days at the facility. The kids ranged from 2 to 4 years old and really enjoyed the shaking and dancing.

Then on Tuesday 4/16/19, Wheatbread Johnson was at the YMCA Daycare for 4 more programs. It was another successful day!

NYC’s Dave Fields returned on 4/5/2019 for two Friday programs for us at Riverdahl ES, our first ever visit there, and two shorter sessions at Whitehead ES. Both schools were on their feet dancing and enjoying the programs immensely. Dave had the kids and teachers wanting more with his three great programs. Dave took the kids from field hollers up to today’s music with stops in the Delta, New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, Motown, Liverpool and more!

Dave Fields at Riverdahl, photo by Rick Davis

We shifted to the Rockford Public Library for Wheatbread Johnson’s next two sessions on Friday 4/19/2019. We went to the Nordlof Center on Good Friday, a school holiday, and held a 10 AM sessions and then a 2 pm session for just over 40 attendees total from the community.

Wheatbread Johnson was back to Trinity Lutheran on Thursday, 4/25/2019 for 5 more programs, much to the delight of the children who were there.

Dave Fields at Whitehead, photo by Rick Davis

Wheatbread Johnson at Fairview Early Childhood Center, with Bill Graw

Wheatbread Johnson at YMCA Daycare

Wheatbread Johnson at Nordlof Center for Blues in the Library

Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn at East HS (above) and Marshall ES (below)

Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn came to town on Friday, 4/26/2019.

Oscar is new to BITS and did a great job with Billy Flynn. They were at east HS in the morning with about 100 kids and spent the afternoon at Thurgood Marshall ES with another 400 students who really got into the blues! Wheatbread Johnson also spent Friday 4/26/2019 morning and afternoon with BITS at the Dennis Early Childhood Facility doing nine great programs.

It was back to Fairview for 10 more programs for Wheatbread Johnson on Monday 4/29/2019.

Wheatbread also did 2 more sessions at East High School in April

Wheatbread Johnson at Fairview Early Childhood Center 2nd Sessions

and finished up with 2 more May, this time with a variety of bilingual students. We will also finish up Wheatbread Johnson’s preschool work on 5/10/2019 with 4 AM and 4 PM sessions that Friday at Summerdale Early Childhood Center. What a great effort!

Wheatbread Johnson at Dennis Early Childhood Center

John Primer at Hope & Anchor

John Primer

Steve Bell

The legendary John Primer and his Real Deal Blues Band gave the crowd at Hope and Anchor on March 9th a classic show featuring a superb blend of original music and timeless classics done as few can. Primer hails back to the days of Muddy Waters and Magic Slim during the heyday of the music and continues to deliver the goods as no one else can.

Joining John were Carey Bell’s son Steve on harp. Bell continues the family legacy of fine, authentic Chicago blues with a bit of an edge and just a fine overall tone. The superb backline is powerful yet reserved, out in front but not overpowering and just

Steve Ditzell

damn good! Also joining Primer for part of the second and what turned out to be all the third set was Rockford’s own Steve Ditzell. Steve and John once again relived their heady days at places like Theresa’s Lounge where they spent many a night and early morning honing their craft.

It was quite a treat for all in attendance and John and the Band will be back for our festival on August 24th closing out the day in our 8 PM time slot. We can’t wait to see them again!

Photos by Rick Davis

Milwaukee Slim joins Billy Flynn at Lyran

WNIJ Saturday Night Blues Host David James with Slim

Billy Flynn

Another Chicago Blues legend graced one of our events. Milwaukee Slim brought his five-plus decades of singing the blues to our BITS Program and to the Friday Night Fish Fry at the Lyran Society on Friday, March 15th. Slim was on a roll as he crooned and belted out song after song. Billy Flynn was on fire on guitar and played a lot of dirty harps to add to the ambiance

MilwaukeeSlim, Rick Davis and Billy Flynn

of the evening. What a fine night! Jimmy Upstairs was on bass and Mark Haynes was on drums and the foursome put on one of the best nights in a long time at the Lyran Club. The tip bucket overflowed as music fans in attendance packed the place and yearned for more!

Photos by Rick Davis

Crossroads 25th Anniversary Party

25 years of Crossroads Blues Society have almost passed. The Society began as a dream in Lanark, Illinois. They had a festival with Patrick Hazell in 1994 and here we are 25 years later we are still bringing the blues to Northern Illinois. From our beginnings in Lanark to our events today with BITS, shows like this one at The Timber Lake Playhouse and our 10th Annual Crossroads Blues Festival at Lyran Park, the quarter century has been a fun and wild ride! We thank Craig Lang, Liz Barnett Lang, Kathleen Webster, Melanie Miller-Wahlen, Greg Tripp, Bob Lowther, Ann Marks, Harvey Wilhelms, Warren Winter and the rest of the crew who had the wherewithal to make Crossroads a reality. We thank you for your efforts and hope to see you at the celebration on May 4th!

Local Music Fest Lineups We begin our summer of blues with the 36th Annual Chicago Blues Festival which is held Friday, June 7th through Sunday, June 9th.

Friday, June 7th Jay Pritzker Pavilion 7:45–9pm - Bobby Rush 6:30–7:30pm - Jimmy Johnson Blues Band 5–6:15pm - Charlie Musselwhite with special guest Billy Boy Arnold Budweiser Crossroads Stage (at South Chase Promenade) 4:15–5:30pm - Bombino 2:45–4pm - Guy King with special guest Chris Cain 1:30–2:30pm - Thornetta Davis 12:15–1:15pm - Benny Turner and Real Blues 11am–12pm - Joanna Connor Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (at North Chase Promenade) 4:15–5:30pm - Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith 3–4pm - Grady Champion 1:45pm–2:45pm - Karen Wolfe 12:30–1:30pm - Keith Johnson “Prince of the Delta Blues" & The Big Muddy Blues Band 11:15am–12:15pm - Jimmy Burns Band Front Porch Stage (at Wrigley Square) 8–9pm - Vance "Guitar" Kelly & The Backstreet Blues Band 6:30–7:30pm - Breezy Rodio 5–6pm - Mzz Reese 3:30–4:30pm - Mojo Morganfield & The Mannish Boyz 2–3pm - Kenny Smith & The House Bumpers 12:30–1:30pm - Bob Stroger 11am–12pm - Blues in the Schools with Katherine Davis, Tim Gant, Tino Cortes, Alan Burroughs and Stone Academy Park Grill Stage 4–4:45pm - Jimmy Nick & Don’t Tell Mama 3–3:45pm - Eric Noden 2–2:45pm - Gerry Hundt’s Legendary One-Man Band Saturday June 8th Jay Pritzker Pavilion 7:45–9pm - Bettye LaVette 6:30–7:30pm - Don Bryant 5:15–6:15pm - Latimore Budweiser Crossroads Stage (at South Chase Promenade) 4:15–5:30pm - Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones 3–4pm - Billy Boy Arnold 1:30–2:45pm - Rico McFarland, Carl Weathersby and Kenneth “Hollywood” Scott 12:15–1:15pm - Marquise Knox 11am–12pm - Melody Angel Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (at North Chase Promenade) 4:15–5:30pm - Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith 3–4pm - O.B. Buchana 1:45pm–2:45pm - John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band 12:30–1:30pm - Super Chikan 11:15am–12:15pm - Jesse “Guitar” Robinson

Front Porch Stage (at Wrigley Square) 8–9pm - Lurrie Bell 6:30–7:30pm - Morry Sochat & The Special 20s 5–6pm - Bridges to the Blues 3:30–4:30pm - Dom Flemons 2–3pm - Chicago Blues Piano Master—A Tribute To Otis Spann 12:30–1:30pm - The Joel Paterson Organ Trio featuring Chris Foreman 11am–12pm - Mary Lane Park Grill Stage 4–4:45pm - Doktu Rhute Muuzic 3–3:45pm - Harmonica Hinds 2–2:45pm - Dom Flemons Sunday, June 9th Jay Pritzker Pavilion 7:45–9pm - Ruthie Foster 6:30–7:30pm - The CONNECTION: Mike Welch & Friends 5:15–6:15pm - Larkin Poe Budweiser Crossroads Stage (at South Chase Promenade) 4:15–5:30pm - Roomful of Blues with special appearance by guest vocalist Lynne Jordan 2:45–4pm - Toronzo Cannon 1:30–2:30pm - The Kinsey Report 12:15–1:15pm - Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band 11am–12pm - Omar Coleman Visit Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (at North Chase Promenade) 4:15–5:30pm - Jam Session with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith 3–4pm - Zac Harmon 1:45pm–2:45pm - Jarekus Singleton 12:30–1:30pm - RL Boyce 11:15am–12:15pm - King Edward Front Porch Stage (at Wrigley Square) 6:30–7:30pm - Mike Wheeler Band 5–6pm - Russ Green 3:30–4:30pm - Ivy Ford Band 2–3pm - Cash Box Kings 12:30–1:30pm - Erwin Helfer 11am–12pm - Willie Buck Park Grill Stage 4–4:45pm - Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings 3–3:45pm - Rick King’s Royal Hustle 2–2:45pm - Chicago Bound Blues Band On Father’s Day Weekend, local Blues Lovers can choose the 23rd Annual Blues on the Fox or The Monroe Balloon and Blues Festival. In Aurora, Blues on the Fox has: Friday, June 14th 5 PM Ana Popovic 7 PM Taj Mahal Quartet Saturday June 15th 3 PM: Jamiah Rogers 5 PM: Ronnie Baker Brooks 7 PM Coco Montoya 9 PM Robert Randolph Band

Up in Monroe, WI, it’s: Friday, June 14th 6:30-8:00pm: Dave Potter Trio featuring Madison Slim on harmonica 8:30-10:00pm: Altered Five Saturday, June 15th 2:30-4:00pm: Birddog Blues Band 4:30-6:00pm: Ivy Ford Band 6:30-8:00pm: Dave Fields 8:30-10:00pm: Brandon Santini Saturday, June 28th it’s the Second Annual New Glarus Blues, Brews & Food Truck Festival. They have 4 great bands and a post fest jam.

Noon: Madtown Mannish Boys 2 PM: The Jimmys 4 PM: Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones 6 PM: Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band 8 PM: Jam at Toffler’s Pub with the Madtown Mannish Boys & more!

On 4th of July weekend it’s the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA. They have a greta lineup this year.

Friday, July 5 Bandshell 5:00 - 6:00pm - Avey/Grouws Band 6:45 - 7:45pm - Heather Gillis 8:15 - 9:30pm - Ronnie Baker Brooks 10:00 - 11:30pm - Samantha Fish Pedigo/Jones Stage 6:00 - 6:45pm - Hal Reed & Mississippi Journey 7:45 - 8:15pm - Blues Rock-It 9:30 - 10:00pm - Blues Rock-It Saturday, July 6 Bandshell 2:00 - 3:00pm - Robert Kimbrough Sr. 3:30 - 4:30pm - Lizzie Neal 5:00 - 6:15pm - Victor Wainwright 7:00 - 8:15pm - Tab Benoit 9:00 - 10:30pm - North Mississippi All-Stars Pedigo/Jones Stage 1:00 - 2:00pm - Grand Avenue Ruckus 3:00 - 3:30pm - Nic Clark 4:30 - 5:00pm - Nic Clark 6:15 - 7:00pm - Joe Marcinek 8:15 - 9:00pm - Joe Marcinek BlueSKool 2019 2:30 – 3:30 -- Ellis Kell Winter Blues All-Stars 4:00 – 5:00 -- David Berntson, Free harmonicas & lessons for the kids!

5:30 – 6:30 -- Nic Clark After Festival Jam - Saturday, July 6 at Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel 11:00pm - 1:30am Hosting by Avey/Grouws Band 22nd Anniversary Prairie Dog Blues Fest is July 26 & 27, 2019 in Prairie du Chien, WI. Friday, July 26th 5:00pm Tas Cru & The Tortured Souls 7:00pm The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band 9:00pm Toronzo Cannon 11:00pm Nikki Hill Friday Beer Tent Ghost Town Blues Band

Saturday, July 27th 12:30pm Tommy Bentz Band 2:30pm Craig Erickson & The Roadhouse Rockers 4:30pm Sarah Grace & The Soul (2018 The Voice Finalist) 6:30pm Eliminator (ZZ Top Tribute Band) 8:30pm Eliza Neals 10:30pm Anthony Gomes Saturday Beer Tent Kris Lager Band Blues on the Chippewa in Durand, Wisconsin is August 2-4, 2019.

Friday 8/3 Main Stage 5:00 Left Wing Bourbon 7:00 Kris Lager Band 8:30 Ghost Town Blues Band Saturday 8/4 Main Stage Noon Avey/Grouws Band 1:45 Ryan McGrath Band 4:00 Deitra Farr 6:15 Katy G & the Girls 8:30 Hamilton Loomis Durand Builders Local Stage 1:15 / 3:30 Ross William Perry Band 5:30 / 7:45 Dee Miller Band Sunday 8/5 Main Stage 11:00 Whyte-Orfield Band 1:15 Javier Matos & the Innocent Sons 3:30 Annie Mack Band 5:45 David Bromberg Quintet Durand Builders Local Stage 12:30 Gopher Tones 2:45 / 5:00 South Farwell

Southern Iowa Blues Society’s 6th Annual Blue Ribbon Blues Fest on August 3rd is in Fairfield, IA. Kevin “B.F.” Burt Ivy Ford Band Altered 5 Blues Band Tony Blew in between acts The 13th Annual Waukesha Rotary BluesFest will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10, 2019.

Friday, August 9, 2019 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm ROCKONSIN 2019 FINALIST 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm DERRINGER 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm DJ AND THE BLUESERS 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm JENNIE DEVOE 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm MAURICE JOHN VAUGHN with guests SHIRLEY JOHNSON, FREDDIE DIXON and JOSEPH MORGANFIELD 8:30 pm to 10:00pm JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Saturday, August 10, 2019 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm PAUL KAYE 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm ANDREW GELLES BAND 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm THE INCORRUPTIBLES 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm ALEX WILSON 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm ROBERT KIMBROUGH SR. 8:30 pm to 10:00pm THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS

The Big Bull Falls Blues Fest in Wausau, WI, is August 16-17, 2019 with some cool acts.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 9pm: Albert Castiglia 7pm: Lindsay Beaver 5pm: Big Al Dorn Beer Tent: Dee Miller Band SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 9pm: Southern Hospitality 7pm: Sugaray Rayford 5pm: Blues Beatles 3pm: Nikki Hill 1pm: Kevin Burt Beer Tent: Swinging Johnsons featuring Erin Krebs The 2019 Blues, Brews and BBQ Fest in McHenry, IL, has some great bands August 16th to 18th.

Friday, August 16, 2019 5:00pm-6:45pm John Todd Band brought to you by Adams Auto Body 7:00pm-8:45pm Jimmy Nick & Don't Tell Mama 9:00pm-11:00pm Corey Dennison Band Saturday, August 17, 2019 4:00pm-6:00pm Ivy Ford Band 6:30pm-8:30pm Demetria Taylor Band 9:00pm-11:00pm The Dave Specter Band with special guest Jimmy Johnson Sunday, August 18, 2018 12:00pm-1:45pm Wall of Denial 2:00pm-3:45pm Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners 4:00pm-6:00pm Joanna Connor Band Our 10th Annual Crossroads Blues Festival at Lyran Park is August 24th and we have another great lineup and our Harp Attack!

Noon: Blues Disciples 2 PM: Chris O’Leary Band 4 PM: Westside Andy with Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys 6 PM: Nick Moss Band with Dennis Gruenling 8 PM: John Primer with Steve Bell In between acts in the Pavilion will be lots of great harp playing with Joe Filisko and his harp workshop, Wheatbread Johnson, Justin “Boots” Gates and our own Rick Hein and Bill Graw!

The Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival, formerly known as The Illinois Blues Festival, has been a staple for 30 years. Now in it’s 31st year, their lineup was not available at press time.

The 27th Annual Bowlful of Blues is September 1st in Newton, Iowa. No lineup was available at press time.

Our friends in Chicago are holding the 2nd Annual Windy City Blues Fest Septembers 6th through the 8th in Lyons, IL. FRIDAY - THE MAIN STAGE 5:00 - 5:04 Intro 5:05 - 5:08 Deb Sietz - National Anthem 5:10 - 7:10 North Mississippi Style

Robert Kimbrough Sr. Jessie Cotton Stone Lightnin Malcome "One man Band" 7:30 - 8:40 Amanda Fish 9:00 - 10:30 Brandon Santini/ Jeff Jensen BACKWOODS STAGE 5:35 - 6:20 Opening Band 6:45 - 7:45 Charlie Love & The Silky Smooth Band W/ Jeff Stone 8:05 - 9:05 Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners SATURDAY - MAIN STAGE Noon - 1:00 The Arkansas Brothers 1:15 - 2:05 Vance Kelley 2:35 - 3:15 3:35 - 4:25 Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames 4:40 -5:40 Heather Newman Band Tomiko Dixon and the Grand Blues Band Wayne Baker Brooks BACKWOODS STAGE 11:30 - 12:30 Black Oil Brothers 12:45 - 2:30 Jamiah Rogers & King Biscuit Time 2:50 - 3:40 Eddie Taylor Band 4:00- 5:00 (TRIBUTE) 5:20 - 6:10 TBD 6:30 - 7:20 Lindsy Alexander 7:50 - 9:00 Tawl Paul SUNDAY - THE MAIN STAGE 12:00 - 12:45 -Marty "Big Dog" Mercer (Horns) 1:00 - 1:50 Daren Jay and the Delta Souls 2:10 - 3:00 Dee Tay (for now) 3:20 - 4:50 Bob Corritore Chicago Blues Reunion Featuring Bob Stroger, Billy Flynn, Kenny Smith, Willie Buck, Tail Dragger, Oscar Wilson and MORE 5:15 - 7:30 Wolf Records Showcase: John Primer, Tre & The Black Knights, Vance Kelly & More BACKWOODS STAGE Noon - 7:00pm - The Chicago Blues Challenge The Chain O' Lakes Blues Festival is October 4th and 5th in Waupaca, Wisconsin. That’s the last one of the Midwest year.

Friday, October 4 7:00 pm – The Jay Stulo Band 9:00 pm – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys – featuring Westside Andy Saturday, October 5 2:30 – 9:00 pm – Jonny T-Bird (performing between bands) 3:00 – 4:30 pm – Robert Allen 5:00 – 6:30 pm – Madtown Mannish Boys 7:00 – 8:30 pm – Ivy Ford Band 9:00 – 10:30 pm – Toronzo Cannon

Blues Master Dave Fields Rocks the Midwest Dave Fields is a blues guitarist, pianist, songwriter, and music educator. In 2012, he was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame.

Last Friday, he played two rocking sets in Rockford, IL. The performance was sponsored by the Crossroads Blues Society (CBS), an organization dedicated to promoting the Midwest blues scene. Prior to the show, Dave spent the day with members of the CBS, introducing kids to music through the Blues In The Schools (BITS) program. After a day with school kids, he still managed to have enough energy to put on a great show!

tion on Honky Tonk Women. The most unusual cover was Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog, which Fields played in a funky 12-bar blues style. “Led Zeppelin stole from Willy Dixon, so I’m stealing from them,” he joked. This is one of several times he came out and mingled with the crowd while playing.

Among the songs that he penned, Fields played a passionate Pocket Full of Dust, a rockabilly-inspired Let’s Get Shakin’, and a Deep Purple-esque Child of the World, into which he inserted a few bars of Billy Preston’s Will It Go ‘Round in Circles? We got another taste of his latest album with a driving rendition of Big Block, and Fields showed off his shredding skills with his original Train to My Heart, a song that was later recorded by John Mayall. You may be cool, but are you “John Mayall covered one of my songs”cool? Well, Dave is.

As the second set wound down, Dave closed the show with the familiar Hey Joe and channeled his guitar hero by ending with an instrumental verse of America the Beautiful, a la Hendrix’s version of The Star Spangled Banner.

Dave’s power trio opened the show with the instrumental Anticipating You, which served as a talent overture of sorts, giving each band member a chance to show the crowd what we were in for that evening. The song was laced with hints of prog rock and improv jazz, demonstrating that all forms of American music are rooted in the blues. Fields exhibited his prowess on guitar as well as keyboards, as the band brought the audience to life right away. He seemed to enjoy challenging the rhythm section to keep up with his improvising, which they did quite skillfully.

Dave’s early exposure to music through his father’s recording studio, plus his time as a student in the Berklee College of Music, endowed him with a very eclectic musical style. His solos were original, but he occasionally threw in some licks reminiscent of Chuck Berry, Ritchie Blackmore, B.B. King, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Howe, and Jimi Hendrix. Throughout the show we heard shades of hard rock, jazz, rockabilly, and even some classical – that last one might come in handy if he ever has to compete with the devil’s personal guitarist. (Movie reference – who gets it?

Hint: the movie title is a word that appears more than once in this article. It’s also the name of a famous blues song.)

Fields followed the opener with Force of Will, the title track from his upcoming album. Then he introduced some “New York City blues,” as he called it, with the funky Let’s Go Downtown, followed by another new cut, Why Can’t You Ever Treat Me Right?, a traditional 12/8 song with a Stormy Monday feeling.

If you’re a blues purist, you might not appreciate Fields’ delving into other genres, but I’m always happy to hear musicians breaking the mold and borrowing from different styles. Great artists take the music somewhere it’s never been before, and Dave Fields demonstrates that on stage and in his recordings.

Dave is the son of composer, arranger, and producer Sammy “Forever” Fields, and he spent much of his youth in his father’s recording studio where he met big-name performers from a variety of musical backgrounds. He told us about asking his dad for a guitar, to which the elder Fields replied, “Gotta learn piano first.” So he did; the first song he learned was the Jerry Lee Lewis classic Whole Lotta Shakin’, which he performed for us.

Dave is coming back to the Midwest for the Monroe Balloon and Blues Festival, and we’ll be there! Go to davefields.com to see if he's playing in your neck of the woods.

The evening progressed with a blend of original songs and more covers, including Hard to Handle, Going Down, Mustang Sally, and Johnny B. Goode, and he invited Crossroads Blues Society President Steve Jones on stage to do his Mick Jagger impersona-

Tom Lombardo

This article was originally published on MusicFestFans.com and is reproduced here with permission. View the original at https://musicfestfans.com/blues-dave-fields

Cash Box Kings: Modern Vintage Blues On April 12th we were lucky enough to watch The Cash Box Kings deliver a dose of Chicago-style blues with a modern slant.

Sponsored by the Crossroads Blues Society, the show drew a large crowd to the Hope and Anchor Pub in Loves Park, IL. Lisa and I went early enough to get good seats and have dinner before the show. The two of us ended up at a table for four; shortly before the show started, a gentleman asked if the other two seats – the only empty seats in the house – were taken. I told him the seats were available, and he asked if he and his girlfriend could sit with us. We said, “Sure,” and as they sat down, he added, “My son plays harmonica in the band.” As a result, we got to hear some inside stories and we met most of the band during the set break. (And he bought us a beer!)

The Cash Box Kings are the brainchild of Joe Nosek, whose harmonica playing captures the spirit of legends like Little Walter and James Cotton. Sharing the front-man duties with Nosek is singer and blues musicologist Oscar Wilson, who adds oldschool soul and powerful, gritty vocals to the band’s sound.

Nosek and Wilson form the core of The Cash Box Kings, along with various combinations of guitarists, drummers, bassists, and keyboard players. For this performance, we were treated to the incredible guitar sounds of Billy Flynn, grooving upright bassist John W. Lauler, and noted blues drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith.

Joe Nosek spent his teen years sneaking into clubs in Chicago, listening to Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush, Junior Wells, James Cotton, and other blues legends. At times, he played in a weepy style that reminded me of Little Walter on Muddy Waters’ Standing Around Crying. Much like the old harp masters, Nosek makes his instrument sing, shout, cry – whatever the song calls for.

In 1969, 13-year-old Billy Flynn bought his first electric guitar for one dollar. He also spent a few bucks on blues albums, which he used to teach himself to play. A year later, he formed his own band and in 2016, Flynn was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. According to Joe Nosek, Flynn still likes to play on bargain equipment, showing that the music comes from the soul, not the instrument. Nosek told us, “Some guys pay ten grand for a guitar and amp setup, but they don’t sound half as good as Billy.” I found his guitar style to be laid-back and unassuming.

His talent is obvious, but he doesn’t feel the need to shout about it. Flynn’s skills were highlighted throughout the night, and especially in his excellent tribute that he did to the late surf guitar legend Dick Dale.

Grammy-winning drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith has the blues in his blood. His father, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, spent nearly two decades as the drummer in Muddy Waters’ band. In fact, Kenny grew up in the Chicago house where Muddy once lived, and throughout his childhood, he was surrounded by Waters and his other bandmates. In addition to his prowess at playing the blues, Kenny added some impressive surfer-style drum-

ming during the Dick Dale medley. Later in the show, Smith showed off his vocal and harp talents too.

The Cash Box Kings are one of the few bands that feature an upright bass, and John W. Lauler is one of the best in the business.

Much like Billy Flynn, Lauler’s playing doesn’t jump out at you, it just keeps a nice steady groove, with occasional fills and slides to add some flair.

Sure, all bands do the clap-along or sing-along thing with the audience, but how many invite people up on stage with them?

During the second set, Nosek brought a few members of the Crossroads Blues Society, as well as one random audience member, on stage to join in their rendition of The Temptations’ “My Girl.” Afterwards, Crossroads President Steve Jones said, “We sounded more like the Mutations than the Temptations!”

At one point, Nosek told us a story about a past relationship that was growing kind of old. His dad gave him some good advice: “Don’t bother packing – just leave now, and anything of value in the house, I’ll pay to replace it.” Joe said, sheepishly, “I took his advice … about a month later.” Then they debuted a song from the band’s upcoming album. “We’re still working this one out,” Nosek said. (I don’t know – it sounded pretty polished to me!)

They also did Fraulein on Paulina, a song that Nosek wrote about a young lady who lived on Paulina Street in Chicago. He encouraged the audience to sing along with the chorus and said, “If you don’t speak German, you can do what Billy does and sing La La La La La La.” Want to hear more from the Cash Box Kings? (Hint: the correct answer is “Yes!”) Check out their website or follow our links to buy some of their music. (We bought their latest, Royal Mint, at the show. It’s great!)

Tom Lombardo This article was originally published on MusicFestFans.com and is reproduced here with permission. View the original at https:// musicfestfans.com/cash-box-kings-vintage-blues/

Weekday Music in Rockford this Summer June 26th: Steepwater Band Rock and Blues Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM July 3rd: Groove Hotel Jazz and Funk Joe Filisko Harmonica Workshop 4:30 PM July 10th: Ivy Ford Band Modern Chicago Blues July 17th: Kevin “B.F” Burt Delta and Traditional Blues Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM July 24th: Ghost Town Blues Band Blues, Southern Rock, and Swing July 31st: Dave Keller Trio Blues and Soul Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM Music in the Park 2019 Free performances - Beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Sinnissippi Park Music Shell 1401 N. Second St. Rockford IL Rain Site: Guilford High School These are the shows of most interest to blues fans Thursday, June 13 Grand Groove Hotel Jump Blues and Swing Music on the Rock 2019 Free performances—Beginning at 5:30 PM VIP Seating and Parking $15 Burpee Museum of Natural History 737 North Main Street Rockford, IL 61103 Rain site indoors at the Museum These shows are all co-sponsored by Crossroads Blues Society

Thursday, June 27 California Guitar Trio Instrumental, Progressive Rock

June 5th: Chris O’Leary Band Blues and Rock

Thursday, July 25 Blooze Brothers Special Appearance by the Bloozemobile “I Love Music in the Park” concert - $5 donation

June 12th: Chicago Blues All Stars Chicago Blues Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM June 19th: John Nemeth Blues, Soul and R&B

Thursday, July 11 Mr. Big Stuff Classic Pop and Funk Thursday, July 18 Mississippi Heat Chicago Blues Delmark Records'

Thursday August 1 Steely Dane Ultimate Steely Dan Tribute Band “I Love Music in the Park” concert - $5 donation Thursday, August 8 Randy Sabien Internationally Recognized Jazz Violinist

Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn at Lyran Club music. The original tunes he writes and sings showcase the blues in today’s culture, with topics that bring what’s happening now alive in his music. The covers give us his take on classics and some lesser known but equally good cuts and show what a master he is of the craft. He winds his way through songs, grabbing the listener with his approach.

The combination of Wilson and Flynn gave us two of today’s best blues men. Few can bring the realism and feel of Chicago Blues from back in the day and still keep the sound fresh and

The crowd was a good one but not what we expected at the Lyran Club. I suspect the folks who were there may have seen the best show of 2019 there and possibly the best in a long time, and we’ve had some great ones there! Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn laid out everything they had for us to enjoy and the attendees were treated to some special stuff. Those who snoozed lost out!

Flynn’s been there before; many times we’ve seen him solo and with bands and Billy is always fantastic. He is the ultimate guitar player with few equals. The depth and breath f his music is astounding and his technique and tone is at the top of the heap.

Every time I listen to him I just am amazed at how good he is.

What made this show even more special was Oscar Wilson. The front man for the Cash Box Kings and one of the truest legacy singers to old school Chicago blues gave us a night to remember.

Pulling out all the stops, Wilson pulled some wonderful stuff out of his repertoire of very cool covers and originals for everyone to savor. It was one great song after another as he belted and crooned and moaned and growled all night long. His approach is old school but he also adds a new and modern touch to his

appealing. Oscar played around on his phone for the cut pictured on the left, playing as if he was wooing his woman to allow him to come back home. It was a marvelous performance and just one of many outstanding ones throughout the night.

We will definitely be bringing these two back for school programs and more evening shows. This was a night to remember and the attendees were treated to something that will only happen once. We’ll have them return, but the magic of each performance with guys like these just become something unique to add to the annals of blues history.

Music Reviews Nick Schnebelen—Crazy All By Myself Vizz Tone Records https://www.nickschnebelenkc.com/ 13 Tracks Kansas City jazz in the 1930s marked the transition from big bands to the bebop influence of the 1940s. The 1979 documentary The Last of the Blue Devils portrays this era with blues tunes like "Piney Brown Blues" by Joe Turner and Jay McShann. This transition to the blues produced jump blues recorded by Pete Johnson as well as Big Joe Turner, providing a foundation for rhythm and blues and later rock and roll gaining popularity in Kansas City.

That long line of Kansas blues legends continue now in the 21st century with Trampled Under Foot, Moreland and Arbuckle, LeVee Town, Samantha Fish, Kelley Hunt, Danielle Nicole, Amanda Fish, Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, Kris Schnebelen, and Nick Schnebelen. Once a part of Trampled Under Foot, Danielle Nicole, Kris Schnebelen, and Nick Schnebelen have started solo careers, forging ahead and establishing a place in that rich Kansas City blues history. For the trio, their roots run deep with parents as professional musicians, grandparents performing during the big band era, and a great grandfather performing as a member in a string band in the 1920's.

Nick continues on the road to success with his new release Crazy All By Myself, calling once again on Tony Braunagel, a producer all to familiar with Nick after producing TUF albums Wrong Side Of The Blues and Badlands. Joining Nick with writing lyrics is Gary Nicholson, Jeff Paris, and Dave Duncan. The opening track "Lil' Death" with it's dark, riveting, and ominous lyrics, features guests Ada Pasternak and Lionel Young on violin. Nick teams up with Melodye Perry on vocals to tell this ghastly, macabre tale with it's haunting guitar licks and it's ending punctuated with an evil hiss. "It Ain't Me" is a high powered tune with Reggie Mcbride laying down a funky bass groove in addition to plenty of electrifying guitar licks. "Ain't Got Time For The Blues" delivers great honky-tonk piano and good ole rock and roll, rivaling Bob Seger's "Katmandu." The title track "Crazy All By Myself," with it's thundering bump and grind, gives Nick the green light to explode on guitar and Mike Finningan adding his expertise on piano. It's Tony Braunagel's turn to rock the place on drums, along with guest Jason Ricci on harp, Mike once again on piano, and the stinging slide guitar of Nick for the spectacular track "Alter Of Love." Beware of Nick's "Bad Disposition With The Blues" for some Southern flavored Delta blues featuring guest Dustin Arbuckle on the harp, with more slide guide guitar to blended with the rhythm guitar of Johnny Lee Schell. Schnebelen, the 2008 IBC "Albert King Award" winner opens "Bad

Dream" with some Albert King style guitar licks, accentuating the deep bass groove established by Hutch Hutchinson. The band changes pace with the R&B tune "Soul Magic," with Heather Newman adding some silky background vocals to a tune as smooth and soulful as Brook Benton's "Rainy Night In Georgia." Prepare to board that Harley Fat Boy for a "softail ride" as Nick takes you down the road with some tasty slide guitar on the tune "I'm A Fatboy." "I Leaned My Heart On You" is a slow, burning, emotional blues tune featuring Davy Knowles on guitar about a relationship gone wrong. "Out Of Luck" combines the piano of Finningan once again with the stellar guitar work of Nick Schnelelen for another ballad about hitting bottom, only to rise again and this time reaching the top. Nick goes to the vaults for "Monkey Around," a 1997 release by Delbert McClinton from "One Of The Fortunate Few," featuring once again Mike Finningan on piano. "Holding On" is the album closer with another R&B number this time paying tribute to the "King Of The Blues" with some B.B. King energy with Nick delivering King's signature style guitar.

Crazy All By Myself is the result of the talents of some of the best blues minds in the business. Nick Schnelelen has made a quantum leap with both his vocals and musicianship, making himself a leader in the blues world today. I think you will enjoy this starstudded lineup joining Nick on this project.

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Brandon Santini—The Longshot American Showplace Music www.brandonsantini.com 11 Tracks Brandon Santini moved from the Piedmont region of North Carolina and relocated in Memphis Tennessee to hone his craft as a singer, songwriter, and harp player.

He got a start in the blues world as the founder of the Blues Music Award nominated Delta Highway band as a the front man on vocals and harmonica in 2003. Once in Memphis he was able to focus on the historical blues culture found on the revitalized Beale Street that rose from the ashes of the Great Depression to become a vibrant blues Mecca once again.

With Beale Street clubs like Rum Boogie, King's Palace, Blue Note Bar and Grill, and Club 152 to name a few, Santini, like his predecessors Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, gained valuable experience on Beale Street before expanding to

other venues in the Midwest and beyond. With albums Songs of Love, Money, and Misery, This Time Another Year, and Live and Extended to his credit, his fourth, The Longshot has just been released.

"Don't Come Around Here" jumps right into some high powered house rockin' boogie with that same driving rhythm heard from the "Boogie King of Maxwell Street" Studebaker John Grimaldi and in particular his tune "Between Life and Death." Brandon does a good job of integrating together Delta and North Mississippi Hill Country blues on "Beggin Baby," with Greg Gumpel making a statement on slide guitar. "One More Day" is very dramatic tune begging for that day of reckoning for those souls who have ever carried a heavy burden throughout their lives. With the deeply emotional lyrics "when that load gets heavy and the sky turns dark," he follows up with "I keep a prayin' lord won't you help me just one more day," getting a call and response reply from guitarist Timo Arthur. Certain tunes reach out and capture your soul and "One More Day" meets that criteria. "Drive You Off My Mind" meets somewhere between Memphis and the Louisiana bayou wrapping you around well written lyrics, hypnotic harp runs, and stinging slide guitar solos. There have been many versions of a tune entitled "Heartbreaker," but none have integrated rock and blues like Brandon Santini's.

I guess you could consider "Broken Bones" front porch Southern blues much like we could hear from The Allman Brothers Band, with it's smooth slide guitar and soulful vocals. On "Back To You" the Memphis based Brandon Santini band once again delivers their own brand of boogie blues. They follow that up with "My Worried Mind," a tune that slowly builds with Brandon taking center stage on harp and ends with an explosive guitar solo.

The time to stand up and get your feet moving has arrived with "Going Home," a song opening with acoustic guitar and continuing with an infectious groove from the rhythm section and high powered harp and guitar solos. The band takes the Willie Dixon tune "Evil (Is Going On)" to another level, paying tribute to the late great Howlin' Wolf with a version all their own. On the final track "Somebody's Gotta Go," Brandon once again blends rock with blues to complete what is his finest collection of original work to date.

Santini has taken his songwriting to another level on The Longshot and as one of the premier young blues artists carving out his place in the blues world today, Brandon joins the ranks of the upper echelon of singers, songwriters, and performers. I have been fortunate to see Brandon live and can testify that his stage presence equals his expertise as a studio musician.

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Spencer Mackenzie – Cold November Fontana North www.spencermackenzie.ca/ 10 Tracks/45:25 Spencer Mackenzie is a now 19 year old blues guitarist/singer from Ridgeway, Ontario Canada. His freshman release Infected With The Blues was in 2016, and gathered rave reviews. In 2017 he won the Maple Blues Award for New Artist Of The Year. He returns for his second release with 8 originals and 2 covers. Additional musical support comes from Miles Evans (piano, Hammond organ, and keyboard), Al Duffy (bass), Sean O’Grady (drums), Brant Parker (guitar and lead guitar for 3 tracks), Dave Dunlop (trumpet), Peter Hysen (trombone) and Sharon Riley, Rochelle Harrison, and Camille Harrison (background vocals). There is blues here, and many styles mixed in. Horns will also influence the sound. By the way, this one was released in 2018.

Opening up the CD is “Fine Place To Start”. It is that for this release. This is smart sounding blues tune with a good mix of guitar and the horn section. “Move On Down The Track” hits us with a country tinged blues rocker. It is a faster paced tune with fine slide guitar work by Brant Parker. I like the tune “Shut The Door (Baby Don't Look Back)”. It is a soulful tune (think Robert Cray) with a smooth feel to it. Miles Evans handle the organ very well on this one. “Cold November” is a haunting blues ballad that is a tribute to the Paris attacks in November 2015.

Everything on the tune is full of emotion. This one is a keeper.

The music stays a bit mellow on “Voices Echoing”. I like the jazzy feel to this one.

Things get a taste of funky blues on “Haunt Me”. Mike Evans pushes his organ to really add to the sound. It is a slower tune that will keep your toe tapping. I like the opening on “Your Mama's Crying”. The tune asks you to think about what is important in life. Overall it is a mid tempo blues tune. Things start out swinging and cool on “She Don't Care”. Your fingers will be snapping on this one. Robert Cray wrote “You Move Me”. Mackenzie stays close to the original and it’s fine soul blues feel. The closing cut is a cover of the Gary Clark Jr. tune “Next Door Neighbor Blues”. This one mixes blues and rock, with some slide guitar and a bit of resonator thrown in. It certainly matches up with the fire of the Clark original. I bet this one is a feature in his live show.

Mackenzie shows a fine mix of styles on this release. He can play his guitar, but does not come across as the guitar god or hero.

Certainly he is a young man, but his selections and writings show a maturity. This will be great for him going forward. If you like guitar in your blues go listen to this one. I think you will enjoy it. I hope his touring may bring him near you soon.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Big Al & The Heavyweights – World Full Of Trouble EllerSoul Records www.bigal.net 12 tracks/44 minutes

Vin Mott—Rogue Hunter

Big Al & The Heavyweights was founded by drummer Big Al Lauro and Warren Haynes in 1993 before Warren became part of The Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule.

Since then the band has produced seven albums and continues to mix all types of roots music on their latest – blues, gospel, New Orleans Rn’B, zydeco, even country. The core band is Big Al on drums, Dean Galatas on bass, Destin Thibodeaux on harmonica, Lance Younger on guitar/vocals and Wayne Lohr on keys/vocals; guests include Bob Margolin and John Lisi on guitar, Jason Ricci on harmonica, Lance Ellis on saxophones, Greg Shatz on accordion, Glenn Sears on percussion and Cathy Pace and Donna Slayer (Jezebel’s Chill’n) on backing vocals. The album was recorded at Slidell, Louisiana and produced by George Cureau Jr, Big Al and Wayne; all the material is original with writing credits shared across the band, Al and Wayne being involved in most of the songs.

With his background at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Vin Mott returned to New Jersey in 2013 to start his own band, including some of the area's most talented jazz, blues, and roots musicians. He played many blues venues, establishing a large fan base on the East coast. Today Vin embraces traditional blues roots, which surfaces in his debut album as well as his new release Rouge Hunter.

The title track makes a lively start to the album with Lance and Bob Margolin providing a twin guitar lead that gives the tune an Allmans feel. Wayne sings the next two, the swampy “Fool For Yourself” has John Lisi’s guitar snaking round Destin’s harp and Lance Ellis’ sax before Bob Margolin marks his second appearance with a striking solo on the pleasantly upbeat “Love So Fine” which also has excellent piano from Wayne. Lance is on lead vocals on the next two tracks, a gospel-infused “Testify” which benefits from the churchy backing vocals of Jezebel’s Chill’n and “Bayou Life” which allows the band to get back to its Louisiana roots with accordion and busy, buzzing harp from Jason Ricci.

Horns are added to “Big Rusty Car”, Wayne’s tribute to his ‘get me home’ vehicle which may not look much but continues to provide a service and the alto sax lends a jazzy feel to “Spanish Moss”. Dwight Breinad’s steel guitar provides a country feel to the amusing and entertaining “Mother Trucker” which Lance sings in a deep country voice. Wayne leads on “Millionaire Baby” which combines delicate guitar by John Lisi, some fine harp from Jason Ricci and a solid horn arrangement, making it one of the outstanding tracks here. On the bouncing shuffle “Crazy About You” Jason and Destin share harp duties and Destin also deps on bass (presumably not at the same time!). Lance Younger sings “Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right”, a swinging number with jazzy guitar, swirling organ and harp and the album concludes with a soulful, horn-driven ballad from Wayne, “Something Got To Change”.

12 Tracks

The album opens with "Car Troubles Made Me A Good Blues Singer," a display of his affinity for harmonica and his signature tone that sets him apart from other artists. We can all relate to the ballad about a long line of lemons tied to early car ownership. He follows with the snappy shuffle "Give Me Cornbread," a side dish fit for any meal and the "way to any blues man's heart." Rouge Hunter" is a nostalgia driven tune traced back to Bo Diddley's "Road Runner with the authentic Mississippi Delta slide guitar style of the "king of the slide guitar," Elmore James, featuring Dean Shot on guitar. On "Ice Cold Beer," Dean Shot delivers a rockabilly guitar groove reminiscent of the guitar duo of John Tichy and Bill Kirchen from Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen. Vin gets plenty call and response from the band in his quest for that "Ice Cold Beer." That familiar electric guitar style of Jimmy Reed and melodic harp tones loom close on the slow tempo track "Honey." Combine a little jug band, some 1954 Elmore James "Can't Stop Lovin'," and a strong shot of R.L. Burnside & Johnny Woods and you have a recipe for the next track "Whistlin' By The Graveyard." In the melancholy depiction of a town in despair, "Paterson Is Crumblin" opens with stinging harp tones and gritty, emotional vocals to describe a town of desolation. Blues on my mind has been an age old line for artists from the 1959 jazz tune "Blues On My Mind" by Blue Mitchell to Vin Mott's blues shuffle "I Got The Blues On My Mind," making the tune a standard for this rhythm and blues band. The band weaves a Jimmy Reed groove into "Counting On Them Chickens," as Vin warns that the end may me near. When I listen to "Fire To Your Flame," it takes me back to the 50's and the vocals of the Everly Brothers. Mott's deepest darkest feelings prevail and he temps the devil in "Please, Mr. Devil." With a slippery harp performance, Vin blends his harp tone with some 60's rock and roll guitar riffs reminiscent of Link Wray's "Rumble," wrapping up his second album with this spectacular instrumental.

This is an eclectic album with something for everyone. Well written songs delivered by two solid vocalists, well supported by a good band and willing volunteers giving a helping hand – definitely a keeper!

With solid harp skills and soulful vocals, Vin Mott is on the road to stardom as his second album reflects both his songwriting abilities and knowledge of roots music. The 12 original tracks on "Rogue Hunter" were composed and arranged by Mott, with strong support from his band consisting of Dean Shot on guitar, Steve "Pretty Boy" Kirsty on bass, and Matt Niedbalski on drums.

Reviewed by John Mitchell

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Atomic Road Kings—Clean Up The Blood Bigtone Records 12 Tracks The West Coast blues originated when Texas blues artists relocated to California in the 1940s, with a new blues style influenced by jazz, jump blues, and jazzy guitar solos, all blended with strong piano dominated sounds.

The West Coast blues seemed to spawn some of the hottest blues band member combinations assembled in the blues world. The list is endless with artists like T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton, and Lowell Fulson making their contributions, followed by Floyd Dixon, William Clarke, The Paladins, Rod Piazza, George "Harmonica" Smith, Hollywood Fats, and James Harman. For blues fans, that rich West Coast Blues history continues today with groups like The 44s, Mitch Kashmar, Kid Ramos, Junior Watson, and the Mighty Mojo Prophets, all assembling experienced band members.

Another name to add to that list is Big John Atkinson. His latest project is the group Atomic Road Kings. The individual bands members were not just selected at random but carefully hand picked for that magical West Coast sound and arranged for their new release Clean Up The Blood. With Big Jon Atkinson on guitar and vocals, Eric Von Herzen on harmonica, Robert Welsh on piano, Malachi Johnson on drums, Danny Michel, Tony Delgado, and Scot Smart also on guitar, and Bill Stuve on bass, this band seems to deliver that signature style that defines West Coast blues.

With four guitarists sharing the lead, you can hear a wide range of guitar styles on the 12 tracks. Clean Up The Blood opens with "I've Got Time" featuring Danny Michael on lead guitar and the raw honey tone vocals of Big Jon Atkinson, taking me back to the streets of Memphis with Willie Nix on vocals, Willie Johnson on Guitar, and that 1952 old school sound. Tony Delgado takes over with sizzling guitar leads on "Rumors" and Danny Michael drifts in with some Jimmy Page style rhythm guitar, not to overshadow the superb harp performance from Eric Von Herzen and deeply emotional vocals of Atkinson. Scot Smart takes the guitar lead on "In Arms Reach" for a completely different style, as Atkinson's desperately pleading vocals rival Ray Sharp's at times, sharing a dominant role with the harmonica of Eric Von Herzen. Big Jon Atkinson's West Coast guitar leads take over on the next thee tracks. Atkinson has that ability to vary his vocals which sound smoother this time on "Have Your Way." His vocals on "My Way Back Home" remind me this time of the authentic Louisiana legend Slim Harpo, laying down riffs on acoustic guitar with Eric establishing that soothing groove on harp. On the title track "Clean Up The Blood," there is haunting reverb on the lead guitar with a hypnotic Delta swamp sound pulling you deeper and deeper into the music. The shuffle "Candy Man" makes that same

connection to the Delta blues as does Slim Harpo's 1957 "I'm a King Bee" or his sideman Lightnin Slim and his tune "Mean Ole Lonesome Train" with Scot Smart back on lead guitar. Danny Michel takes the guitar leads once again on "Ain't For Me" and "Vibrations." Jon's gritty soulful vocals loom heavy over the studio on "Ain't For Me." Atkinson is featured for the final time on lead guitar as he issues his warning "You've Got To Change" the title of the next track. Eric Von Herzen is the driving force behind "Two Sided Story," defining the smooth vocals of Atkinson on this, the only traditional track on the CD. "Vibrations" is a slow blues tune that struts with an air of confidence, featuring Robert Welch on piano delivered throughout the track. Bill Stuve gets things started on bass, followed up strong harp, as the group draws to a close with the last original tune "Back Down South."

This vintage sounding debut album gives you an authentic deep roots CD straight from Big Jon's Bigtone Studios, recorded with vintage analog equipment, giving it that fifties signature style.

None of the band members overshadow each other, but work as a team to deliver elements of Chicago. Memphis, Delta, and West Coast blues. I would have to label this band another super-group on the cutting edge of modern day blues merged with deep roots style.

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Laurie Jane and The 45s – Late Last Night- The Elixir Of Sara Martin Down In The Alley Records https:// www.lauriejaneandthe45s.com/ 12 Tracks /41:33 Louisville, KY is the home of Laurie Jane and The 45s. Their band sound is a melting pot of 1950's big city electric blues with the high energy sounds of early rockabilly and soul. Laurie Jane Duggins sings with this band. Her husband Cort plays guitar and piano. They are joined by Jason Embrey (bass), Scott Dugdale (drums), Screamin’ John Hawkins (guitar), Eric Snyder (trumpet) and Brian ‘Boss’ Hogg (sax). This is their 3rd overall release. It is dedicated to the music of Sara Martin a hometown blues singer from the 1920’s. Martin recorded over 100 sides for Okeh, and wrote quite a few of them. Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith were the big stars, but Evans was a great talent. Her performances were lavish with bright costumes and diamonds in her teeth. As the depression hit she as did many performers turned to other occupations. Evans ran a nursing home and sang at her church. Some of the cuts are done old style and some get a more modern interpretation.

The opening cut is “Late Last Night”. It is a toe-tapper and full of energy with great sax work by Hogg. “Achin' Hearted Blues” gets a soul blues make-over by the band from it’s piano based original. I like the ballad “Blind Man Blues”. Laurie Jane shows

off her pipes and keeps some of the oldie feel to it. On “Strange Lovin' Blues” we get a scratchy old record sound to the recording. The singing and old time guitar work work well on this slow blues tune.

taken his show to local stages from coast to coast as well as international blues concerts. One of his professional career highlights was opening for "The King of The Blues" B.B. King in 2001 and 2002, joining King for the evening finale.

A modern rockin’ blues adaption of “Sugar Blues” is next. The band really gets this one rockin’ with piano and horns. “My Man Blues” certainly has lyrics from back in the day. It has a jazzy feel with fine guitar pickin’ and piano working together with the fine voice of Laurie Jane. The ending is very cool. “Joe Turner Blues” really rocks out at the start. This one was made famous by W. C. Handy. I like the country blues/rockabilly remake of “Can't Find Nobody To Do Like My Daddy Do”. This one will get people up and dancing.

His new release Killin' It Live stays true to each and every live performance he has given since the mid 1990's. He opens by taking a wild trip back to Memphis, with Castro laying down some ferocious Chuck Berry guitar riffs, not to be out done by piano extraordinaire Mike Emerson and his high powered, pulsating rhythm section of Bowen Brown on drums and long time band partner Randy McDonald on bass. "Make It Back To Memphis" opens with Castro's announcement "party time; it's Saturday night everybody," as he lays out all his upcoming vices as he rolls down highway 61 in Ray's Cadillac, with lady luck aboard. He travels back in time for the second number, selecting the heart stopping tune from his second album "Can't Keep A Good Man Down." After hearing his fiery guitar solos, it is obvious why he was selected as Blues Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year by the Blues Foundation in 2010. He continues with a funky version of the Sleepy John Estes classic "Leaving Trunk," that he also covered during the Six Strings Down Tour in 2014 with Tab Benoit as they went head to head on an explosive guitar solo. The next track on the set list, Tommy describes as "the low down funky blues," a tune co-written with Joe Lewis Walker entitled "Lose Lose." Emerson's keyboard expertise keeps pace with Castro's note bending guitar performance on this one, which turns into a crowd pleaser. The band turns the shuffle "Calling San Francisco" into a no holes bared, over the top, extravaganza with guitar solos that would raise the dead. From the Guilty Of Love album, Bowen Brown starts things off on drums as the band rocks the house on Shakin' The Hard Times Lose," with keyboards replacing the sax of Keith Crossan on the studio album. It would not be a Tommy Castro concert without the soulful vocals of Castro ringing out over the crowd with a selection taken from the Soul Shaker album "Anytime Soon." Castro's guitar echoes out once again as the back line establishes a funky groove for a rousing performance of "She Wanted To Give It To Me" from the recent album The Devil You Know. The live version of "Two Hearts" takes me back to the early album Right As Rain, and in particular "Chairman Of The Board" with all the musical similarities of the two numbers. In the grand finale Mike Emerson does a superb job of substituting the keyboards for the horn section originally heard in Buddy Miles tune "Them Changes." This nearly eight minute version features an electrifying solo by Emerson, showcases Bowen Brown on drums, and turns Randy McDonald lose to "tighten up" on bass with this the funkiest live guitar performance on 2019 live collection.

Laurie Jane’s voice is highlighted on the tune “Pleading Blues”.

The tune is done the old way with just guitar and vocals.

“Atlanta Blues” starts out old time scratchy with piano accompanying vocals. It certainly has blues and and a good feel. The piano maybe drowns out the vocals more than I would have preferred. There is lots of slide guitar on “I'm Gonna Be A Lovin' Old Soul”. It is a nice blues number. This is another dancing number. Closing things out is old time classic “'Tain't Nobody's Bus'ness If I Do”. Fats Waller played on the original way back in 1922. The recording starts out with the scratchy feel but fads into a modern sounding feel. All the players are here on this one, including piano and horns. This was a great choice for the closing tune. Toe-tapping and dancing is recommended with this song.

This is a very good tribute and a very nice release. Tribute is paid to the past, yet at times it is more contemporary sound. It is wonderful to pay tribute to a local gem of the past. I have some of Sara Martin’s recordings and they are the old scratchy sound, but she could sing. There are a few compilations out there for her, including the Document Records Series In Chronological Order. You may want to keep an eye open for those. This is a solid band, with a really good voice up front to lead the way.

Let’s hope we get some new material from them again soon.

Thanks to the band for a fitting tribute release.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers— Killin' It Live Alligator Records http://tommycastro.com/ 10 Tracks

I have had the pleasure of seeing many live performances of Tommy Castro and The Painkillers. I can't think of another blues artist who can bring audiences to their feet like Tommy Castro. With his charisma, stage presence, and overwhelming enthusiasm for performing the blues, proof of his popularity came in 2008 when he won the 2008 Blues Music Award for Entertainer of the Year. He has

This Alligator Records recording Killin' It Live characterizes one of the finest California band leaders, guitarists, singer/ songwriters since the mid 90's. His blend of funky soul, traditional blues, and raw vocals are captured on this album of live performances since the release of the 2000 Live At The Fillmore.

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Rockin’ Johnny Burgin & Quiqué Gomez – Dos Hombres Wanted VizzTone Label Group www.rockinjohnnyburgin.com www.quiquegomez.com 14 songs – 65 minutes Guitarist Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and Spanish-born harmonica player Quiqué Gomez have both made names for themselves internationally through the years, but hook up for the first time here to produce a disc certain to please anyone with a love for Chicago blues.

It’s truly the meeting of two worlds. With a pedigree that includes seven successful albums on the Delmark label, Like Elvin Bishop before him, Bergin arrived in the Windy City as a student at the University Of Chicago, but quickly became deeply involved with blues. A fixture in the Windy City for two decades before relocating to San Francisco, he cut his teeth touring with Taildragger, Pinetop Perkins and Say Lay before launching his own band, a unit that frequently featured Jimmy Burns on vocals. A proponent of the West Side sound, he also plays solo and duo shows, must recently a West Coast Meets Chicago act with India-born harp master Aki Kumar.

Hailing from Madrid and deeply imbued with the Windy City sound, Gomez also plays guitar and mandolin. He formed his first band, Juan Bourbon Juan Scoth & Juan Beer, at age 20 and has been a fixture on both sides of the Atlantic since 2008. With a dozen CDs to his credit, he splits his time between Europe, where he fronts his quintet, The Vipers, and the U.S., where he’s worked with John Primer, Eddie C. Campbell, Bob Stroger and Willie Buck, among others. In his spare time, he also sings Sinatra tunes with a Spanish band and swing with the New York-based Bob Sands Big Band.

Recorded at Alnico Studio in Austin and Casa De Madera in Toledo, Spain, and mixed and mastered by Kid Andersen at Greaseland Studios in California, Burgin and Gomez are backed by Eric Przygocki (bass) and Stephen Dougherty (drums) for most of the outing with guest appearances by guitarist Josh Fulero, harp player Greg Izor, keyboard player Christian Dozzler and trombonist Faris Jarrah. David Salvador Fructuoso (bass) and Pablo Baréz Del Cueto (drums) handle rhythm for three cuts captured in Spain.

A collection of 12 originals and two covers, the disc opens with “Your Charm Won’t Help You,” a percussive shuffle driven by Johnny’s stinging guitar and vocals and Quiqué laying down harp runs that would make the masters smile. Gomez takes the mike for “Take It Like It Is,” a plea to his lady to stop her bitching or he’s leaving for good, and the jump blues, “You Can’t Steal My Sugar,” which warns that it doesn’t matter how much money you have, you’ll never take his gal.

Burgin’s in command for the haunting “The Jinx,” which reeks of the Delta, before giving way to Quiqué a stylish, slow-paced cover of Robert Jr. Lockwood’s “Funny But True.” The sound shifts slightly toward New Orleans with Dozzler on accordion for “Ain’t No High Roller” before “Everybody Loves My Baby,” delivered with a true Windy City feel. It flows into the slow-and-steady “Coffee Can Blues,” which bemoans a life of struggle after saving every penny for a woman who cheated before she ran, a theme that continues with the six-minute “Livin’ Day To Day.” The sprightly, Spanish language “Otro Hombre” – translated

“Another Man” – follows before the funky “Step It Up Bro” comes across with a ‘30s feel. Two more originals — “The Right To Hurt Me” and “Are You Ever” – follow before a tasty cover of Tampa Red’s “Don’t Blame Shorty.”

Bergin and Gomez work together throughout with hand-and-glove precision, effortlessly sharing the spotlight. The material’s fresh and swings from the jump, but would also fit comfortably in an earlier era. If you’re a traditionalist like me, you’ll love it.

Reviewed by Marty Gunther Colin Linden, Luther Dickinson & The Tennessee Valentines – Amour Stony Plain 10 tracks/45 minutes Recorded in Nashville, this collaboration between two champions of the blues and roots world finds Colin Linden (Blackie & The Rodeo Kings) and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All Stars) backed by ‘The Tennessee Valentines’ - Kevin McKendree on keys, Fats Kaplan on violin and accordion, Dominic Davis on bass and Bryan Owings on drums. Colin and Luther play the guitars (Colin mainly on dobro, Luther on electric and acoustic) while the vocals are handled by guests Rachael Davis, Ruby Amanfu, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson and Billy Swan. Colin produced the album which consists of well-known songs from folk, country, rock and roll and blues which have as a common them romantic love (hence the album title).

The title track is clearly central to the theme and appears in two versions, an instrumental opener and a vocal arrangement with Rachael’s sultry vocal underpinned by violin and beautifully poised guitars.

Rachael also features on a relaxed run through Jimmy Reed’s ‘Honest I Do’ (with both guitarists on echoey electric) and shares vocal duties with Ruby on a great version of Jesse Stone’s ‘Don’t Let Go’ which is one of two tracks where Colin also sings. This is one of the most uptempo tunes here with Kevin’s piano to the fore and it really gets the toes tapping! ‘Crazy Arms’ is played in unhurried fashion with Sam’s country-tinged vocal particularly suiting the old-fashioned country weepie, Rachael adding harmony vocals.

The band takes its time on Kris Kristofferson’s ‘For The Good Times’ with Ruby’s breathy vocal drawing the listener in but the version is simply too long at over seven minutes, given that musically not a lot happens. Ruby’s second lead vocal is ‘What Am I Living For?’ (Art Harris/Fred Jay), originally recorded in 1958 by Chuck Willis and subsequently covered many times, including by Clyde McPhatter, Percy Sledge, Ray Charles, Tom Jones, The Animals, Taj Mahal and The Everly Brothers. Billy Swan sings on his own ‘Lover Please’, a gently rocking tune with Fats’ accordion adding a border feel. Colin sings rather roughly on Bo Diddley’s ‘Dearest Darling’ before a very strange finale of ‘I Forgot To Remember To Forget’, a song recorded by both Elvis and Johnny Cash, though they would probably not recognise the song from this version with Jonathan Jackson intoning the words over spacey guitars from Colin and Luther.

Overall rather a mixed bag for this reviewer with some tunes that really worked well and others that might require the skip button on future plays.

Reviewed by John Mitchell

Cara Being Blue – Grit

“Grit” is the perfect word for Cara Lippman of Cara Being Blue, who has got just the right musical grit to really grab some traction. Her first fulllength album, Grit, presents a powerful set of songs with a purpose: it is dedicated to all strong women, but especially to two close friends who passed away from cancer, despite fighting with integrity and grace. This album isn’t just for strong women, though, as it has a bone-thumping blues/rock fortitude that will appeal to almost every audience.

Lippman is native to Boston, and was honored to be a student of and friend to Boston’s Regal Queen of the Blues, the great Shirley Lewis. Cara later moved to Nashville, where she honed her live performance skills and nurtured her unique-yet-familiar sound.

The work paid off – Cara and her band earned four consecutive nominations for Best Live Blues Band (Best Blues Artist) by the Nashville Industry Music Awards (NIMA). In 2016, Tennessee Rhythm and Blues Society honored Lippman for her contribution to blues music in Middle Tennessee. Cara created and hosts Tuesday Pro Blues Jam at the Local Nashville each week.

Cara assembled an impressive group of musicians to play on her first effort, which features ten original tunes. Val Lupescu joins Cara for the first track, “Grit,” which is an anthem for strong women everywhere. New York Blues Hall of Famer Dave Fields plays guitar on “Crocodile Man,” a cautionary tale about a “hoodoo man” who’s going to “spin you around, drag you down.” Music City legend, Tim Gonzalez, joins in on the harp.

Cara laments an uncaring lover in “You Don’t Wanna,” backed up by Jack Pearson on guitar. Jack Pearson appears on guitar as Cara bemoans an uncaring lover in the minor-key blues of “You Don’t Wanna.”

Cara’s big personality is matched only by her big voice, which she can tame to slow and sultry lilts at will. Cara sparks a 5alarm fire in “Leave Me In Flames,” a hard-rocking tune that really turns up the heat. Cara looks forward to “One Day,” when she can shake off a bad lover and simply disappear. “You Don’t Wanna,”“Skippin’ Stone” and “Old Feelin’” are hardcore blues with deep guitar riffs.

“Kind Kinda Man” swings by with horns and keys, followed by a funky little tune about “My Doggie” who is always “chasing other kitties in town.” Cara puts a dash of Nashville into the final track, “Some Fun,” an open invitation for strong women with grit to let their hair down and go out partying on a Friday night.

Reviewed by Lynn Hetzler

Eric Rice – Devil’s Nursery

Devil’s Nursery by Eric Rice is hardrocking blues thrill ride with lyrics that tell stories with honesty, wisdom and conviction.

Eric Rice is active in the Northwest blues and rock scene. Rice has opened for many national bands and rock acts. His electric live performances and masterful guitar work wows audiences.

Released in June of 2016, Devil’s Nursery is the third album produced by Rice. Eric takes control of lead vocals and slide guitar, backed up by Best of the Blues award winners Scotty Harris on bass and Andrew Cloutier on drums. Mitch Pumpian hits the harp, Chris Leighton works out percussion and Julie Mains provides fantastic backup vocals and voices on “Devil’s Nursery.”

The album kicks off with “I’m Alive,” an original mid-western blues/rock tune with a heaping helping of positive thinking. “No Time” is a tongue twister with a busy groove and funky upbeat.

The title track, a rock and roll rebuke of video addiction and other societal problems facing kids today, is thick and serious.

Rice adds another original song, “Roaming Bones” to the set before adding a few cover songs. Written by Spokane guitarist, Cary Fly, “Nobody But You” lightens the beat. “Goin’ to Build Me a Playhouse” is an easy and fun solo acoustic cover of the Delta blues classic. Rice channels his inner Charley Patton in his original song, “Whiskey Stop,” adding lyrical gravel and growl to some hardcore slide guitar licks. Rice and company take the classic “Long Black Veil” (Wilkins/Dill) to new, amazing heights with beautiful arrangements and vocals that complement the earnest lyrics.

“Bonus Round” has a decidedly country flavor (was that a cowbell?) with peppy, yet dark lyrics. Rice and company hit pure blues bliss with “7th Shot of Whiskey.” The LP features extended versions of “Devil’s Nursery” and “Long Black Veil.” These extended versions make the LP one of the most enjoyable CDs you’ll hear all year.

Reviewed by Lynn Hetzler

Glen Clark – You Tell Me

You Tell Me is an entertaining blend of blues, honky-tonk, soul, gospel, country and rock and roll from songwriter, Glen Clark. The album has a hard-driving, yet easy and familiar feeling, and for good reason – Glen Clark has written signature songs for and toured with some of the biggest names in music.

Born in Texas, the piano man moved to Los Angeles and found success as a songwriter and soundtrack composer. In those early days, Clark hooked up with Delbert McClinton to cofound the southern rock group “Delbert and Glen.” Together, they wrote several songs that became great hits for other singers. Clark wrote “Sugar Daddy,” for example, which Bonnie Raitt later turned into one of her signature songs, “Sugar Mama.”

You Tell Me is only Glen Clark’s second solo recording, with the first having come out way back in 1994. In the years between the two albums, Clark has been busy writing for and collaborating with superstars, such as Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson.

The newest album features nine songs written or co-written by Clark. The effort features Clark on keyboards, guitar and vocals.

Sam Swank joins him on guitar, along with the former member of Anson Funderburgh and The Rockets bassist, Jim Milan. The album also includes John Bryant, who worked with Ray Charles, on drums. Additional musicians include James Pennebacker on guitar, Grammy winner Jeff Silbar on acoustic guitar, Jim Foster on trumpet, and Ron Jones manning the sax. Clark and Bryan coproduced the album, and recorded it at The Fort Worth Ranch House.

The title track, “You Tell Me,” seamlessly combines blues with country music. It is the first of six songs from Clark and Silbar.

Several of the songs are all Clark, though, such as “Dreamer.”

On this album, Clark performs many of his favorite originals covered by other artists. You might recognize the second song “Accept My Love” from Ronnie Milsap’s 2006 studio album, My Life. This song features Clark on the organ blending with Foster and Jones on horns.

Shemekia Copeland recored “Walk On” in her 2002 album, Talking to Strangers. Clark co-wrote “When the Time is Right,” covered by Buddy Guy in 1998, with Steve Cropper. He co-wrote “I Can Tell by Looking” with guitarist Stephen Bruton, who played with Kristofferson and produced albums for Kristofferson, Marcia Ball and other heavy hitters.

Katarina Pejak – Roads That Cross Ruf Records https://katarinapejak.wixsite.com/ katarina-pejak 11 Tracks 43:22 Hailing from Belgrade in Serbia, Katarina Pejak came to Texas to make her 4th overall CD. This release is her first for Ruf Records, and is produced by Mike Zito. Pejak sings and handles keyboards. She wrote or co-wrote 9 of the 11 tracks.

Other supporting musicians are Laura Chavez (guitar), Lonnie Trevino Jr. (bass) and Damien Llanes (drums). She graduated from Berklee College Of Music in 2014. She has lived in Boston and Nashville but is based in her home country now. Her music is American Roots Music, flavored with her Balkan heritage and classical training. Pejak took part in Ruf’s Blues Caravan in 2019.

“Nature Of My Blues” is the opening track. It is a danceable tune with the music written by Zito. This one has a bit of surf music to it, and would have fit into the New Wave rock music era. Joni Mitchell wrote “Sex Kills” for her 1994 release Turbulent Indigo.

It is covered here with a bit more blues feel to it. I like “Cool Drifter”. The song has a great piano intro, and Pejak’s voice sounds so sweet. There is a bit of pop in this tune. “Moonlight Rider” is a mid tempo blues rock tune. Chavez shows off her guitar licks on this one. There is some southern country/soul in the next tune called “ Old Pain”. It is a slow one with the keys and guitars giving Pejak’s vocals a place to land on.

The band really steps it up on “Chasing Summer”. Chavez does a fine job on guitar. It might be Pajek’s best vocal performance also. Janis Joplin wrote “Turtle Blues”. This cover of it is the blues on the release. It has a great Texas feel, with Pajak banging on the piano to excite the tune. I like “Down With Me”. The tune has a bit of Lucinda Williams feel to it. It is a bit heavier than most of the tunes on this release. There is a Latin feel to “She's Coming After You”. It is danceable, with a bit of sassiness in Pejak’s voice. The tune “Roads That Cross” is a bit sparse on instrumentation, with a bit of country, and a Texas feel to it. It is a slower tune but not quite a ballad. I like the drumming by Llanes. The closing cut is “The Harder You Kick”. The tune features Pejak solo on vocals and electric keyboards. It is slow tune and is very cool.

Overall a pretty good release. It is not a straight blues CD, but has enough to excite the ear of a blues fan. The Texas recording site shows through enough to be important. As a first release with major US. distribution, Pejak will draw attention in the upcoming year. Hopefully we will get a chance to see her perform across the states. It is not a top 10 annual release, but it is a solid one. Let’s hear more from her in the future.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Reviewed by Lynn Hetzler

Detonics—Raise Your Bet

11 Tracks The year was 1937 and the swing era was dominating America from coast to coast as the sound of big band jazz rang out in every ballroom where dances like the jitterbug and Lindy Hop took the public by storm.

Benny Goodman’s blockbuster recording of "Sing, Sing, Sing" was very popular during the swing era and has become an iconic reminder of that era in the decades that followed the initial release in 1937 on Victor Records.

As the 30s and 40s swing era changed the course of American music, in 1989 there was swing revival in Southern California and from the ashes of the 1937 big bands and swing, emerged Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and their 1994 hit "King Of Swing." Inspired by the explosive West Coast blues, swing, and boogie, we fast forward to 2018 and introduce to the world the new release by The Detonics and that same energy heard in American big band jazz during the swing era. This time we travel to the Netherlands as The Detonics open their new album, Raise Your Bet, with their blistering tribute to the swing era entitled "Swing King." If you are being introduced to swing for the first time, you will understand why tunes like this one have changed the course of time.

With the dynamic vocals of singer Kars van Nus, the fiery guitar solos of Jeremy Aussems, the driving rhythm from Mathijs Roks on drums and Rene Leijtens on bass, and the powerful keys of Raimond de Nijs, this tune will send you straight to the dance floor. The Detonics prove that they can deliver the blues with the same expertise that they cover swing with the next track "Out Of Sight." With superb guitar solo phasing, Jeremy Aussems reminds me of the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan on this tune. The West Coast blues elements come alive on "Butter Side Up," as The Detonics resurrect that energetic vibe that we heard from "Rock This House," released in 1993 by the supreme Hollywood Fats West coast band. The rhythm section opens with an international Latin-American rhythm on "She Is In Command," as Kars taps into the emotion of the tune with his vocals.

Raimond de Nijs rekindles some of that boogie-woogie piano from 1940s blues artists like Albert Clifton Ammons on "Can't Get Enough," simmered with vocals and harp this time from Kars, only to be joined with Jeremy Aussems for some Chuck Berry style guitar. The scene gets serious with darkness and gloom prevailing as the desperate Kars van Nus pours all his emotion into his vocals with "Bullet Through My Heard," building to a powerful crescendo added on the keyboards. The band leads listeners to the Delta for some Louisiana swamp blues with strong Cajun ingredients for some Southern hospitality on the tune "My Dad Taught Me To Rock." With ghost riders in the sky, the lonely ballad "Route 101" begins with a rugged journey from San Francisco to New Orleans to rendezvous with the "girl he loves the most." With the rhythm section setting that galloping

rhythm of a spaghetti Western on this track, the anticipation on the voice of Kars rings out over the echoing twang of Jeremy's guitar leads. Jump blues can be heard once again with Jeremy Aussems taking center stage on guitar with "The Rat." The tune "Mr. Barber" lays down some rockabilly tracks with Kars van Nus taking control on vocals and a short harmonica performance. They end the album with the R&B ballad "I Still Remember" as Kars sings with expressive, soulful vocals that reach your soul, combined with both stellar piano and organ solos.

It is quite obvious that all these musicians have studied American roots music and have traced its origins to be this versatile and knowledgeable of blues and all the genres that followed.

Blues music is truly a universal language, especially when it comes from the heart and "that is what this music is all about."

Raise Your Bet establishes The Detonics as one of the premier blues bands in Europe today.

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Ally Venable – Texas Honey Ruf Records http://www.allyvenableband.com/ 11 Tracks 37:59 The great state of Texas has always had blues guitar players. Ally Venable is another in that long line, hailing from Kilgore, Texas. This is her 5th release, and the first on the Ruf Label.

Venable sings and plays guitar. She wrote or co-wrote 8 of the 11 cuts here. She is joined by Bobby Wallace (bass), Elijah Owings (Drums) and guest contributor Lewis Stephens (piano/wurlitzer).

There are a few other guest appearances that will be mentioned later. Tours take the group to Europe and across the United States so keep an eye open for an appearance in your area. Venable also toured with the 2019 Ruf Blues Caravan. The music is powerful blues rock, with some touch to it. All of this is a big deal for someone who just turned 20.

The opening cut is “Nowhere To Hide”. This tune really jumps out of your speakers with the guitar work and the vocals. It has a live feel to it. On “Broken” is a lost love tune, with a sharp rock guitar intro. It is a tune about love that is being lost. The title cut is a rough and tumble Texas blues tune. “Texas Honey” is a strong cut, with fiery guitar work and good vocals. “Blind To Bad Love” is a slower tune, with fine drumming a wicked guitar solo by Zito. The heat picks back up on “Come And Take It”.

The great Eric Gales adds vocals and trades guitar licks with Venable on this one.

“Love Struck Baby” is a classic Texas Stevie Ray Vaughan tune.

Venable and the band hit the mark with a strong cover of the classic. Relationships are a big parts of the blues. “One Sided Misunderstanding” is a slower, but powerful tune. Mike Zito

adds his guitar to this one. I like it!! The 8th tune is “White Flag”. It is an all out guitar assault. The power chords are all hear for this one. Blues rock fans will rejoice. “Long Way Home” is another strong Texas rock tune with a bit of blues tossed in. I like the guitar work on this one. “Running After You” is a strong track, with Wallace’s bass line providing the jumping off point for Venable’s strong guitar work. This one is a good for the ears, though maybe more rock than blues to some ears. The release closes out with the old standard “Careless Love”. This one traces back to Bessie Smith recording it. Orwings really bangs his drum kit to push the tune along. It is a well paced tune and a strong way to finish this set of tunes.

She writes, she sings, and plays a pretty good guitar. There is certainly an upside to Ally Venable’s career path. This one should put her firmly on the map. Look for her to get added to festival listings. I think she can make it in the blues rock arena.

Time will tell for sure. Her respect for the past bodes well for her future.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Vegas Strip Kings—Jackpot Gutbukit Records www.vegasstripkings.com/ 12 Tracks With the release of their debut album, Back Porch Dogma in 2012, the eclectic group Contino, based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, delivered roots music on the Blind Pig label. The group's music consisting of blues, Americana, rockabilly, and zydeco was instrumental in building a fan base in North America and Europe. Resurrecting the group once again, three of the original members reunited recently to form the new band Vegas Strip Kings.

With Billy Truitt on keyboards, accordion, and vocals, Al Ek on guitar, vocals and harmonica, Rob Edwards on upright bass from the original group Contino, Vegas Strip Kings have added Justin Truitt on drums and percussion, along with Jimmy Carpenter on saxophone and vocals to the group, keeping that same lively and distinctive mixture of blues, Americana, rockabilly, and zydeco, releasing their new debut album Jackpot.

In 1958 he roared into Ashville, sometimes Memphis town as sounds of thunder came from "Thunder Road." The legend as told by Robert Mitchum describes the mountain boy who made his last moonshine run as he left the road at 90 on that fateful day. With his T-bird pointed towards Tennessee, Al Ek gives us of a modern day version of running moonshine, this time with the hard driving ballad "Rotgut Run." With Al once again on guitar, harp, and vocals, Billy Truitt on keys, Rob Edwards on a thunderous upright bass, Justin Truitt on drums, and Jimmy Car-

penter wailing on sax, the band takes us down that same moonshine highway from their original Contino album. With an uptempo sax driven opening, the band jumps into overdrive with the stage rockin' track "It Ain't" with plenty of slide guitar, sax, piano and a red hot groove from the rhythm section. "Jesus On The Dash" takes us South of the border with Billy Truitt on accordion for some of the best beer drinkin' Tejano music on the planet since The Hometown Boys. That age old blues ballad filled with excuses lays the foundation for "Lately" "things ain't been going well for me." The "King of Latin Music," Tito Puente, gave us a world of dance-oriented mambo and Latin jazz compositions over his 50-year career. Together with Carlos Santana, Tito introduced "Oye Coma Va" to a world wide audience with his 1963 arrangement only to be delivered as Latin-Rock in 1970 by Carlos with flawless musicianship by both artists. That same brilliance in arrangement can be heard by the Vegas Strip Kings and their powerful recording of "Screeching Halt."

They return to the blues with a blistering rendition of the Willie Love's "Take It Easy," mixing the authenticity of the 1951 original with a modern day twist. The party continues with a zydeco track "Back To You," more festive than Rockin' Sydney's 1985 "My Toot Toot." The added accordion from Billy Truitt gives the Willie Love tune "V8 Ford" a Louisiana swamp flavor to punctuate the superb sax and lap steel solos on this classic, also covered originally by Willie, James Cotton, and Moose Allison. The tradeoff between harp and sax on "Hold On" enhance the keyboard performance and added percussion groove. Picture yourself on Bourbon Street for a celebration of jazz and zydeco, New Orleans style as you listen to "Pawnbroker." The band blends their Americana and blues roots to deliver some Western swing & country lap steel guitar from Al Ek, Speedy West style on the next track, "Life Of Me." "Same Thing" takes me back to the West side Chicago blues clubs from 1956 to 1959 and the Cobra Records era with Magic Sam and "All Your Love." They finish the album with the track "Sharp As a Razor," this time adding rockabilly, delivering a tune that could be straight from the Sun Records recording studio.

If you are a blues fan or not, Jackpot has something to offer every music fan. The variety of genres is very impressive and for me there was not a weak track on the entire album.

Reviewed by Rick Davis

Terry Robb - Confessin' My Dues NiaSounds www.terryrobb.com 13 Tracks, ~ 41 minutes If you're a fan of acoustic blues, then you'll love Terry Robb's fifteenth CD, Confessin' My Dues. If you're not a fan of acoustic blues, give it a listen anyway - you might change your mind. Robb has been on the music scene for four decades, building quite a resume with his own work and the people he's performed with - a veritable Who's Who in music. Confessin' My Dues features thirteen original songs, eight of which Robb performs solo - just a man and his guitar. Five songs include Dave Captein on upright bass and Gary Hobbs on drums; Adam Scramstad and Stuart add electric rhythm guitar and backing vocals, respectively, on one track.

I was hooked on this album from the first measure of the first song, "Butch Holler Stomp." The word "ragtime" typically conjures up images of a piano, but this song makes me think that if Scott Joplin had played guitar, we might associate a different instrument with the musical style he spawned. "Still on 101" is another instrumental that Robb plays solo, and in spite of the fact that it's a relatively straightforward 12-bar blues with three chords, he packs in the bass notes, rhythm, and leads, making the listener think that there are three musicians performing. That's true of all the songs he plays solo, but it really stands out in this one.

After the two opening instrumentals, Robb expresses a few thoughts vocally by telling us all the things he'd do just to know "How a Free Man Feels." (We'd all like to know that feeling, Terry.) Spoiler: he won't rob and steal. "It Might Get Sweaty" is an instrumental performed by Robb's trio; it features a funky bassline and such a captivating beat that I find myself playing air drums when I listen to it. Things slow down a bit for "Heart Made of Steel," which features a spicy guitar solo.

When he wrote "Now Vestapole," I suspect Robb was inspired by Steve Howe's performance of "The Clap" - it has a similar feel to it, with a touch of ragtime and a slow interlude sandwiched between the fingerpicking sections. Robb then takes us down the "Darkest Road I'm Told" with a slow and steady blues rhythm, haunting lyrics, and challenging leads.

Perhaps the most interesting song on the disc, "Three Times the Blues," alternates back and forth between fast-moving rock and slow 12/8 blues, with a cool upright bass solo during one of the mellow parts. Just when you settle into one tempo, the song switches. I found that quite amusing. The ninth song is the album's title track, a fast blues shuffle that talks a lot about church bells ringing. (I get the impression that he's not going.)

"Death of Blind Arthur" is an instrumental that starts out sounding like Hot Tuna's version of "Death Don't Have No Mercy," springs to life with some ragtime, slows down again, and finishes

with a few measures of playful fingerpicking. "High Desert Everywhere" highlights Robb's use of a resonator and slide on a lively piece. The fast shuffle "Keep Your Judgments," the only track with five musicians, seems appropriate, since he's already confessing his own dues. The disc winds down and wraps up with a medium tempo, solo acoustic "Blood Red Moon."

Confessin' My Dues will get a lot of listening in our house and I'll be checking out his earlier music as well. I'm bummed that his touring seems to be focused on the West Coast, but if I get an opportunity to see Terry Robb, I'll go.

Reviewed by Tom Lombardo

Josh Hyde - Into the Soul JHR Records http://www.joshhyde.com 11 Tracks/36 minutes Louisiana native Josh Hyde started playing guitar at the age of ten and started writing songs shortly after that. At eleven, he wrote the song "Mississippi Bridge," which is featured on his first album. By the time he turned fifteen, he was playing at a blues club on jam nights.

Hyde's second album is a departure from his first recording, which was heavier on the blues. While Into the Soul has a blues influence, it probably fits better in the pop genre. The first time I listened to it, I had it playing in the background while I cooked dinner. When I sat down to write this review, a more careful listen revealed subtleties that I missed the first time.

Hyde wrote and sung all the songs as well as playing guitar and vibraphone. Other musicians include Joe V. McMahan (guitar and vibraphone), Ron Eoff (bass), Derrek Phillips (drums and percussion), Jimmy Wallace (keyboard) and Chris Lippincott (pedal steel). Hyde went old school with the recording and mixing equipment, shunning digital technology in favor of a 24-track analog apparatus, resulting in a more organic sound.

Into the Soul opens with the bluesy, "Rocking Chair," basically an extended pick-up line ("I'll rock you one good time in my rocking chair") that features a cool piano riff and some nice slide guitar work. A jazzy piano solo takes the music in a slightly different direction, adding extra flavor to it. This is my favorite track on the album. Hyde maintains the tempo with the upbeat "Smile," a pop song with a hint of the blues. I like the tight interplay between the keyboard, bass, and drums on the main riff.

The Hammond organ in the background gives the song an element of classic rock.

Into the Soul takes a mellow turn with the somber "For You I Ache," featuring acoustic rhythm guitar and piano, and an interesting addition of reverb to the electric guitar. The album picks up again with "Lover's Curse," which brings the aforementioned Hammond organ to the forefront on the keyboard solo. "The Edge of Love" reminds me of Anders Osborne, with its countryblues flavor and laid-back guitar solo. The melody is similar to "I'm Finding It Harder to Be a Gentleman" by The White Stripes.

"Can't Let Go" is a catchy pop tune, as is "The Key," a song about hoping for a second chance with a lost lover. "Down on Bourbon Street" evokes memories of a brief Mardi Gras romance, featuring a spacey feel, a haunting voice, and a weepy guitar. "All You Need Is Soul" alternates between slow verses and a lively chorus, with lyrics that remind the listener that music is made for the working class.

Picking up the pace with a blues-rock shuffle, "Call My Name" is yet another song about lost love, this time with a countrysounding pedal steel nicely complementing the acoustic blues rhythm guitar. The album wraps up with the ballad, "Reasons Why," which maintains the recurring break-up theme, this time with the protagonist searching for the cause.

Into the Soul is more pop than blues, and the casual listener will find it approachable and not too challenging. If you're looking for something to keep you awake on a long drive, this isn't going to do the trick. It is, however, quite nice for a relaxing evening at home, with or without company.

Reviewed by Tom Lombardo

Tony Holiday – Porch Sessions VizzTone Label Group https://tonyholidaymusic.com 13 Tracks/57:38 If you like blues harmonica, this is the album for you. Recorded in informal settings across the country,Tony Holiday and his traveling companion, guitarist Landon Stone, made various stops to play with a number of celebrated blues artists, with Holiday being one of the nine harmonica players featured on the project. Holiday has honing his talents over hundreds of live performances in recent years, cutting several releases with his band, the Velvetones.

James Harman gets things started with his usual fine vocal on “Pick-Pocket Fingers,” a lively song that certainly sounds like one of his originals, but the notes to the disc lack songwriter credits for the program. The presence of Kid Ramos on guitar is an added bonus but Stone takes the guitar solo, with Harman shouting out encouragement. While the notes state that Holiday is on every track, Harman is the lone harp player on this cut.

Two other tracks feature Harman and Ramos. “Special Friend” finds Harman bemoaning his bad luck with women, then Holiday and Ramos give their musical responses to the singer’s situation. Harman undoubtedly had a hand in writing”Goin’ To Court,” a swinging track pushed along by Holiday’s hard blowing.

“They Call Me John Primer” is a grinding shuffle with the celebrated Chicago bluesman’s gruff vocal framed by his frequent associate, Bob Corritore, who once again displays his mastery of amplified harp tradition. The pace picks up considerably on “Tell Me Baby,” thanks to Joel Meza Jr. on drums. The music shifts back and forth between the twin pairings of amplified guitars and harps. The standard “That’s Alright” has Kid Andersen on upright bass and Alex Pettersen on drums, backing Charlie Musselwhite and Aki Kumar, with Rockin’ Johnny Burgin on guitar. Kumar takes the lead vocal on the longest track on the project, giving everyone a moment in the spotlight.

Little Sonny’s “Woman Named Trouble” gets a funky backbeat compliments of Danny Banks on drums, joined by fellow Blue Dreamer Matthew Wilson on guitar, Their boss, John Nemeth, shares the vocal slot with Jake Friel, a fine player of a younger generation, and both men have plenty to say on their harps.

Nemeth is back for “Blues Hit Big Town,” sending out a brief tribute to Junior Wells, one of the main influences on his career.

Mitch Kashmar takes over on “Becky Ann,” using a gritty vocal tone to pledge his love, then trading gripping harp lines with Ronnie Shellist. The duo go it alone on “Hip To It,” a primer on how to effectively play blues harmonica.

Singer William G. Kidd may be unknown to many discerning blues fans, which will certainly change once they hear his compelling rendition of “This Time I’m Gone For Good”. Shellist makes an unaccredited appearance, his smooth tones a perfect

contrast to Kidd’s pleading voice. Holiday takes over on lead vocal on two tracks. His rough-edged effort is a fine match for Harman’s “Three Way Party, “ as Kashmar and Shellist are back one more unaccredited time, adding stellar harp embellishments.

The addition of a booklet with song credits, the order of solos, and accurate listing of contributions would have greatly enhanced this project. Burgin’s guitar messes perfectly with Andersen’s bass, giving Holiday a secure foundation to showcase his command of the vocal and harmonica on “Coin Operated Woman”.

The title of this release might lead prospective buyers to think that this is batch of laid-back performances. Despite the scaled down accompaniment, many of the tracks pack a punch. No matter who is up to the plate, the music never falters. Thanks to Tony Holiday for a seductive sampling of the current state of blues harmonica. This is one that will get repeated listens.

Reviewed by Mark Thompson Here are links to some videos of the sessions: Musselwhite & Kumar: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=FoZvhSf_beo Harman & Ramos; https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=WzR96B4BMBA Holiday, Kashmar, & Shellist: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=tsMBVoNIPQ0

Matt Andersen – Halfway Home By Morning True North Records http://www.stubbyfingers.ca/ 13 Tracks 52:09 Matt Andersen has been a fixture in the Canadian blues community over the last few decades from his base in New Brunswick. This is his 10th regular release, with a few live releases and a holiday CD on top of that. This one was recorded in Nashville, live in the studio. The release has an Americana feel to it, culling from soul, country, blues, folk and R&B. Matt wrote or co-wrote all of the tunes here. He is joined by fellow Canadian Steve Dawson (guitar, pump organ, steel guitar and mandolin), Mike Farrington (bass), Jake Bellerose (drums), Chris Gestrin (organ, piano, mellotron). Additionally Amy Helm & the McGrary Sisters add vocals. Horns were arranged and performed by Jim Hoke (sax), Charles Rose (trombone) and Steve Hermann (trumpet). Andersen will tour Europe in March/April 2019 supporting this disc. On to the music!

The opening cut is “What Would Your Mama Say”. It is a easy going tune with a very soulful feel. This is a well produced track with lots of intricate parts. “Free Man” reminds me a bit of a Mavis Staples tune with the background vocals and instrumental

feel. I like the organ solo about ¾ of the way through the song.

Amy Helm joins with her vocals on “Something To Lose”. This slow tune has a great duet vocal. The band adds nice supporting sound by the brass section and the pedal steel guitar. The song leans toward more of a country tune. I like the acoustic guitar work from Dawson and Andersen on “The Bed I Made”. It is a song about no regrets from past decisions, and living with what has been done. There is a lot of soul in “Give Me Some Light”.

The opening is soul with a taste of gospel to it. The overall tune is a slower tune with what I would guess a great deal of personal feeling for Andersen.

On “Better Than You Want” I like the production work on this great tune. The horns coming out of one side of the speakers and the backing vocals the other. This is a cool tune. It reminds me a bit of Luther Kent out of New Orleans. Things heat up on “Gasoline”. The opening drumming by Bellerose and the horns flying in of top quality. The whole band shines on this one. “Over Me” is another soulful/gospel tune. The 9th tune is “Help Your Self” It is another fine mid tempo tune. There is a nice guitar solo past the middle of the tune. The horns fit in perfectly.

The opening of “Long Rider” reminds me of the country tune “I Love a Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt. The tune retains a bit of that feel throughout with country vibes and a bit of gospel feel.

“Take Me Back” is another relationship tune. It is mid tempo, with the vocals reminding me of Marc Cohn. “Been My Last” breaks from the soulfulness of many tracks and is a country ballad.

The pedal steel by Steve Dawson is superb. Closing things out is an acoustic country blues tune called “Quarter On The Ground (A Song For Uncle Joe)”. Certainly a personal tune by Andersen, I really like it as is shows his vocals and guitar skills.

Soul fans will love this one. There is some blues and country. It is a melting pot of genres. It is a very well produced and executed set of tunes. It delivers as a whole more than as individual songs.

Set up time to listen to all of it as one setting. Play it a bit loud to catch all the music that is packed into this release. Enjoy it!

Reviewed by Mark Nelson Arlen Roth – Tele Masters Aquinnah Records https://www.arlenroth.com/ 16 Tracks 70:35 This release is another in a series of guitar hero collaborations from the “Master of The Telecaster” Arlen Roth.

Overall Roth has released 16 albums.

New York City was his starting point and he has moved up to Woodstock. Instructional books and videos along with writing columns on guitars are part of Roth’s contribution to music. There have been 2 other collaboration projects and songbook releases of Dylan, Rolling Stones and Simon & Garfunkel. The release was mostly made In Nashville, so there some country flavor to it. Playing with Roth include such names as Steve Cropper, Joe Bonamassa, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and Cindy Cashdollar to name a few. Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy) pro-

duced and played drums on the session. Tommy MacDonald (bass) and Billy Panda (acoustic guitar) help to fill in the sound.

With 16 tracks your ears will be filled with the music.

The opener is a fast moving western swing tune ‘Remington Ride’.

Steve Wariner & Cindy Cashdollar adding their instruments. This is old school music, with a fast Allman Brothers Band pace that is hard to keep up with. The classic blues of Big Bill Broonzy is next with “Keys To The Highway”. Guitarist Jack Pearson (Allman Brothers Band 1997-1999) sings and plays his 6 string on this cut.

It is a bit slower than some versions of this classic tune, and is pretty good too. The great guitarist from the Stax era Steve Cropper co-wrote (with Hambridge) the fine tune ‘’White Lightning’’.

There is a bit of twang in this one, with Cropper’s gravelly voice fitting right in. Roth wrote the next tune ‘’Bunky’’ with Brad Paisley adding guitar to this fast paced country instrumental These two really picked this one well. Up next is the guitar instrumental classic “Rumble’’. Will Ray adds his playing to this classic from Link Wray. Ray is a fine session player, and a member of the group Hellecasters. Ray and Roth share the fine guitar work on this Link Wray masterpiece.

The fine guitarist Albert Lee joins for the late 60’s classic ‘’Mrs. Robinson ‘’. As in other tracks the country influences shows thru on this one. This one was an instrumental at a much faster pace then the Simon & Garfunkel original. Country star and guitarist Vince Gill joins Roth on the 7th tune ‘’Satisfied Mind’’. It is a slower instrumental with a country rock feel to it. “Road Worthy” is the next track. The track is an older Roth penned instrumental.

Brent Mason joins Roth and they set fire to their strings. Guitar lovers will eat this track up. Jack Pearson is back again for “I Can Fix It”. He handles the vocals and helps out on guitar on this more southern rock tune. Lexi Roth, Arlen’s daughter, tackles the vocals on the traditional “Tennessee Waltz“. It is a pretty country ballad and is well done.

“Joe's Blues” with Joe Bonamassa guesting on guitar is a modern blues tune. I like the slower tune with Roth and Joe making their guitars sing. The blues stay alive with “Funky Mama”. Johnny Hiland guests on guitar on this wicked tribute to Danny Gatton.

This one too, is a treat. Cindy Cashdollar is back with her steel guitar for an interesting version of “Ghost Riders In The Sky”.

This is quality southern rock stuff. Austin’s own Bill Kirchen grabs his guitar and joins in on a Roth original called “Tuff Tele”.

This one has a Texas feel, and strong guitar work. You cannot talk guitar without Chuck Berry. “Promised Land” rocks out with Jerry Donahue. I had not heard this tune in awhile, and it sounds good. It had more of a country feel then Chuck’s original version.

The closing tune is “A Minor Thing”. This is a Roth original with Redd Voikaert playing guitar on this jazzy tune. It is soft and subtle tune with good guitar playing.

This one was a marathon with twice the music of many releases.

Guitar fans, get ready to enjoy this one. There is blues here, but not enough to make this a Blues recording. It is a strong guitar recording that should be enjoyed.. Thank you Mr. Roth for the results here.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Mary Lane – Travelin’ Woman Women Of The Blues Records www.icanonlybemarylane.com/ 10 Tracks 38:55 At 84 years young Mary Lane is one of the last survivors from the great migration to Chicago. She is still sings around town, and has been a local legend for years. She is a member of the Chicago Blues Hall Of Fame. Although she has made some singles and appeared in compilation releases, this is only her second full release in all these years. A film has been made about her and the making of this CD. We should all check it out. Grammy Award winner Jim Tullio produced this and played guitars and bass. Mary Lane wrote or co-wrote the material. There is a bevy of musicians involved, with Travis Bernard (drums) & Larry Beers (keys & organ). Other guests include Corky Siegel, Billy Branch, Gene Barge, Eddie Shaw, Colin Linden & Dave Specter. On to the music.

The title cut “Travelin' Woman” opens up the release. I can see this one fitting into her performances in the Chicago clubs. It is a well paced rolling soulful blues tune. Gene Barge handles the sax on this one with Don Tenuto blowing his trumpet. The great Eddie Shaw contributes harmonica on the next tune called “Ain't Gonna Cry No More”. This is fine Chicago blues, with an easy going rocking feel to it. There is a more modern blues feel to “Leave That Wine Alone”. I like the faster pace of the tune. Larry Miller puts some good slide guitar on the recording. The 4th cut is “Some People Say I'm Crazy”. Corky Siegel brings his harmonica, doing battle with Johnny Grey on the piano to propel this tune forward. I like this one!! The fun continues on “Raining In My Heart”. Curtis ‘Hambone’ Cameron handles the 88’s with Phil Miller manning the slide guitar.

Things slow down and get soulful on the next tune “Let Me Into Your Heart”. I like the broken heart tune. The pace picks back up on “Ain't Nobody Else”. The great Billy Branch smokes things with his harmonica on this one. I like the easy going “Blues Give Me A Feeling”. Your toes will be tapping when you listen to this one. “Bad Luck And Trouble” is a great blues song title. It is a pretty good tune too. The great Dave Specter sits in on guitar on this one. This tune has a nice pace, and is a fun one.

The closing number is a real change of pace. It is a slower acoustic blues tune with Colin Linden playing acoustic slide dobro and Mary Lane singing. This is a tribute to the old ways of blues.

This one is a treat. Mary Lane should have more records. It makes this one even more special. All blues fans should have this one. We should all go see the movie too. Get out and see her whenever you can. There are recent tracks from Mary Lane on the Earwig release Angels Sing The Blues and the West Tone Records release Chicago: The Blues Legends Today!.

Susan Williams And the Wright Groove Band – It’s About Time Two Bass Publishing Company susanwilliamsandthewrightgroove.com/ 11 Tracks 48:53 This is a Chicago area blues release, and a first one for this group of musicians together. Susan Williams has been doing blues for over 30 years. She sings, and plays bass. Lead Bass is also played by Darryl Wright. That is correct, two bass players!!. Also in the band are Mike Gallemore (guitars, vocals), Rob Davis (drums) and Michael Cruze (keyboards). The group represented at the IBC in 2018, and had a nomination for "Best Self-Produced CD" in 2019. The played for people around the world at the Chicago Blues Festival Rosa’s stage in 2018. Williams wrote 9 of the tunes, with Gallemore providing the other two cuts. The music is blues with a little rock tossed in.

The opening tune is “Tell Me You Love Me”. It is a love breaking up tune which highlights the vocals, musicianship and production of this band. This one is a soulful tune with a solid pace to it. Love gets positive on the fine blues rocker “I Love What You Do”. Gallemore plays some fine guitar here. There is a vintage blues sound to “Loving You From A Distance”. It is a slower blues tune with great vocals. As a lover she prefers long distance to none at all. I like the faster blues shuffle called “Shame on You”. It is a clearly produced tune.

“I'm Sorry” opens with a soulful Robert Cray type riff. Overall the tune is another love song, the really feels good. There is quality to the soulful blues tune “Meet Me in the Middle”. Love remains the topic, trying to mediate a solution. Cruze’s organ is quite nice as is the guitar solo by Gallemore. “You've Got Another Think Coming” has a bit of old school blues, but a modern guitar riff. It is another very good tune.

“One Way Street” is the 8th tune of the release. It is an easy going blues rock tune. The bass work here is strong. “Please Come Back to Me” is written by Mike Gallemore. It has a bit of Texas blues feel to it. Marcia Ball could have written this one. The other Gallemore penned tune is “Keep Moving On”. It is more of a softer blues rock tune, with solid lyrics. Closing things out is “Too Little, Too Late”. It is a good tune, with a slower blues feel to it.

This one exceeded my expectations. It is well played. Hats of to Engineer Rick Sadowski for his work. The dual bass lineup worked well. I will keep an eye open for when this band plays.

Dates seem to be in far south suburbs and central Illinois. If you get a chance check them out and pick up a copy of this very good release. I hope for a less relationship tunes on the next release. A bit more straight blues would be interesting to hear too. Let’s hear more soon.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson Reviewed by Mark Nelson

The Kate Lush Band - Headline Self-Released www.katelush.com 11 tracks

soul and funky approach delivered by a woman with a passionate voce and a band ready to back her to the max, then look no further. I enjoyed the CD and look forward t hearing more from Kate and her band again!

Kate Lush and her band deliver 11 new tracks with a full sound from down under. Spirited and soulful R&B and funkiness abound as Lush shows her stuff in this well made CD. The horn section appears on four tracks and add a lot of depth to the sound, but Lush and the main players hold their own throughout. Aussie guitar legend Dave Hole also stops by for a couple of well-done solos.

Reviewed by Steve Jones

Eric Jerardi - Occupied Niche Records https://www.ericjerardi.com/ 7 Tracks/27:38

The title tracks begins the set. It's got an R&B pop tune sound. Lush sings with authority and the horn section and piano led band do their job to round out the sound. The electric piano gets the funk going from the start as Lush delivers a cool and funky cut in "If You Don't Like It." Everyone joins in the fun and several of the band members get into the vocals. Piano and trombone give thoughtful solos, too. Lush then takes us up to the Hill Country for the acoustic start to "Jackson." The band comes in to build things up and then we gets some hauntingly cool howls to give the tune authenticity. Dave Hole delivers a stratospheric slide guitar solo mid way through that is quite cool. "Goodbye to the Rain" is a nice little ballad where Lush sings her lover perhaps will miss her when she's gone.

Eric Jerardi is a soul/blues singer/ guitar player based in Dayton, OH. He got a start winning a Battle of the Bands at Ohio University in 1989. He eventually landed a spot with MTV’s Best Unsigned Bands. This is his 8th national release. Of the 7 tunes on the release, 6 are originals. The music is blues and blues rock. David Z produced this set of recordings. The music was made at Nutthouse Recording Studios in Sheffield, AL. Players from the Muscle Shoals fame appear on this release including Clayton Ivey (keys), David Hood (bass), Milton Sledge (drums) and Kevin Holley (rhythm guitar), Additionally there are appearances by Muscle Shoals Horn section Charles Rose (trombone), Doug Moffet (sax), Steve Herman (trumpet) with Cindy Walker & Marie Lewey (backing vocals).

"Rock That Won't Roll" is a midtempo funky cut that picks up the pace a bit. The band does a little response to her call. The song builds well in intensity as it goes along. "Weakness" is a song with funk and attitude. Lush sings about the weakness she has the guitar in her man's hands in this driving cut. Guess who returns for another huge slide solo? Hole nails another one and blows the roof off again. "You Already Knew" is a slick funky tune where Lush again shows us some attitude. Matt Roberts gets a cool guitar solo here.

The horn section give a soulful intro on the initial tune “Do Right

By Him”. This is a soul ballad with a nice mix putting Jerardi’ voice right up front. It is a pretty tune. On “Whole Again” Jerardi lyrics are about picking yourself up after being down.

This is a mid-tempo soul tune. Jeff Healey & Jerry Lynn Williams wrote “Don’t Take It Personally”. It has a blues rock feel to it, and stays strong throughout the tune.

The horns section returns with some sweet sounds from their layoff after the first two tracks for ""Fall Down Seven Times." Lush sings that she may fall down with adversity but always stands up one more time that she gets knocked down. Next is "One Heart to Break," another well done ballad where Lush emotes so well. "How Will I Hold Out" is a midtempo sort of country rocker where Roberts' guitar gets aired out a little backing Lush. The concluding track brings the horns back for a full and very cool sound. Lush sings in this soulful R&B production entitled "Sanctuary."

Lush received 2 IAMA Songwriting awards and she has also won Best Female & Best International in U.S. IAMA & SAW Awards.

Her band is Matt on guitar, Tim Wilson on bass, Tony Boyd on drums and Wes Harder on keyboards. Jason Bruer on sax, Mike Raper on trombone and Adrian Beale on trumpet are Lush's horn section and really do a fine job, too.

“Occupied” is the title track. I like the soulful ballad with sweet guitar and wonderful organ. I also like “Never Let The Old Man In”. It all works on this one, vocals, horns and rhythm. “Deaf Lead The Blind” is a slow kinda mysterious tune. This one seems a bit more rock than the soul heard in many of the prior songs. The final track is “In My Life”. This is another slow ballad, and is a pretty song. It is a life song, about maybe making change to move forward.

There are no really knock it out of the park tunes here. It is a diverse, and well put together short set of tunes. Considering where it was recorded and with whom, the music lives up to those credentials. This is a solid local/regional blues man. His guitar work and vocals are fine and fit the music here. Fans of his blues rock may not cross over to this soul drenched tunes.

Give this a listen as your ear leads you. It might just be worth it no matter what your main musical interests are.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

If you are looking for straight up Chicago blues this is not what you are looking for. But if you like modern blues with an R&B,

Harpdog Brown – For Love & Money Dog House Records www.HarpdogBrown.com 13 tracks If you take one part Louis Prima, one part Louis Armstrong, one part Louis Jordan and one part Sonny Boy Williamson you get the vocal sound and overall feel of Harpdog Brown. How can that be bad?

The British Columbian harp playing Brown has released a gem of a new CD featuring jump-blues that swing from Chicago down to New Orleans. The CD is produced by fellow Canadian Steve Dawson; Steve’s talents at both production and guitar are awesome. I’ve only seen him live once and was further hooked on his stuff that his CDs introduced me to. Here with Harpdog he’s produced a winner.

Brown ‘s gravelly and greasy vocals and harp ooze authenticity. The sound is just oh-so-cool. Coupled with that is an awesome backing band led by David Webb on piano and Hammond B3 organ. That jump-blues sound revolves around his keyboard work and Brown’s vocals. William Joseph Abbott is on clarinet and alto sax, Skye Lambourne is on trombone and Jerry Cook is on baritone and tenor sax. The horn section is also an essential part of the swingingly cool sound. Jeremy Holmes on bass and Robert Vail Grant on drums are a fine back line. And, of course, Steve Dawson does a superb job on all the guitar tracks.

“No Eyes For Me” is an original and gets things off to a rousing start with horns and organ. Brown shouts out the lead vocals with emotion, a great hook to get the listener interested. The horns respond to Harpdog’s call and then the B3 gives us an sweet little solo. We also get an alto sax solo a little later for fun.

“Blue Light Boogie” takes the tempo down a notch and some neat piano and harp work accompany the vocals nicely. Brown really shows us his stuff on the Mississippi saxophone here in this old school boogie by Jessie Mae Robinson. “The Comeback” is a Memphis Slim song with a nice midtempo groove. The B3 and band support Harpdog well as he gives his woman pleas to return. The alto sax is also again featured and then the tenor gives us a nice taste, too. “Reefer Lovin’ Woman” is another original and it’s quite cool. Webb tinkles the piano and the trombone then comes in with cup in hand to intro this striding cut. I love this song, it’s just fun and cool. The clarinet gets it’s first feature with the old licorice stick helping set the mood. The trombone then solos and Brown also gives us a sweet harp solo after another vocal verse & chorus. “A New Day Is Dawning” is a song by Wayne Berezan, “Dog’s old guitar player. This original is lamentful and slow, with some nicely done clarinet work that sets a somber mood with s a beautiful solo. Brown moans out the vocals and sings with great emotion and band backs him with some good sounds.

as Brown jumps and jives with the vocals. There is also a nice tenor solo, too, and then Brown closes with a well done harp solo. “I’ll Make It Up To You” was written by fellow BC musician Brandon Isaak. Brown’s version is not built on guitar and features piano and trombone and then some of his harp work. He turns it into a Louis Armstrong sort of tune where Isaak’s version is different and has even more amped up harp. Both takes on the song are quite cool. “One Step Forward” is another Berezan original. Done in the Louis Jordan style, Brown calls and the band responds to the lines of the verses. His harp stings here, and they play the same call and response with the band to his harp, too. The band all chimes in for an instrumental chorus. As things close, the band repeatedly chimes in singing the title to take us out with the piano. Sweetly done. Brown wrote “Stiff,” a song he growls out the vocals about being broken, broke but somehow maintaining. The clarinet gets the first solo here, then the trombone gets his turn and it’s once again just well done.

Keyboardist Webb wrote the title track, a song about playing on the road to make a live. Nice piano work here along with Brown’s ever-effective vocal work. He squeezes out some succulent harp for us, too. The band keeps a nice measured pace and all contribute to the sound. “Buzzard Love” is an old Wynonie Harris cut. Brown gives us the lyrics with guts and Webb gives us some sweet B3 to lead into the big harp solo and then takes us home with his harp, too. “Thinkin’ and Drinkin'” is another song popularized by Amos Milburn. Piano and alto sax are out front in this one, and then we get some more great harp work to boot. Things close with the original “Sasha’s Lullaby.” Written by Harpdog’s trombone player, it’s a sweet little lullaby with piano tinkling and trombone in support of Brown’s vocals. The band plays in back with restraint to help set the lullaby tone. It’s sweet and cool and just a nice close to a wonderful set of tunes. The tenor solo and horn work adds nice effect and then the piano delivers us to Brown’s final lyrics to close things out.

I never mentioned anything on Dawson’s guitar work. He’s not there to take the limelight, and fills with the rest of the band to make a great sound that emulates the bands of the 1940’s and 1950’s who created swing and had North America and the world dancing. This album it such a great throwback to that era.

We’ve got 8 great originals here along with 5 well-done covers. Harpdog Brown is a master at these jump blues and has surrounded himself with a bunch of old and young musicians who do a truly spectacular job. I got this and played it immediately and listened to it repeatedly over the weekend. I’ve been listening to a lot of new music this month and this one’s among the best. It will garner some attention at awards time for surethis Canadian artist, his band and producer have turned out a wonderful album that I most highly recommend. If you want to swing and have a good time, this one’s for you!

Reviewed by Steve Jones

“Vicious Vodka” is an old Amos Milburn song. Brown does a super job with this one, a song that would be appropriate in any great old honky tonk joint. The piano sets a bit of the tone here

Tiffany Pollack & Eric Johanson – Blues In My Blood NOLA Blue https://ericjohanson.bandcamp.com 11 tracks/47 minutes

Willie Buck – Willie Buck Way Delmark Records https://www.facebook.com/ officialwilliebuck 17 tracks/69 minutes

New Orleans jazz singer Tiffany Pollack and Eric Johanson (formerly Cyril Neville’s guitarist) met when Tiffany found her biological family at age 25 and discovered that she and Eric were cousins and both members of a musical family. This debut collaboration finds the pair sharing vocals and writing credits on seven originals and four well-chosen covers and was recorded and produced by Jack Miele who helped write four of the duo’s songs as well as playing bass on half the tracks. The other musicians involved are Phil Wang on bass, Brentt Arcement on drums (he adds keys to some songs also) and John Gros on keyboards; Johnny Sansone (harp), Sean Carey (B/V’s) and the 504 Horns (brass) appear on one cut each.

Veteran Willie Buck is now 82, has been around the Chicago blues scene since the 1950s and has led a band in the city for over 50 years. However, it is only in recent years that he has been properly recorded, Delmark issuing a rerelease of his 1982 debut recording in 2010 and an album of new material Cell Phone Man in 2012. Now we have another disc with a fine cast of musicians to support Willie’s Muddyesque vocals on a collection of 12 originals and 5 covers of Muddy, Leroy Carr, one traditional song and a Billy Flynn original. The core band is Willie on vocals, Bob Stroger on bass, Jimmi Mayes on drums, Johnny Iguana on piano, Scott Dirks on harmonica and Billy Flynn and Thaddeus Krolicki on guitars; in addition Harmonica Hinds plays harp on two cuts and Big Spider Beck plays harp on three and piano on two. Willie, Thaddeus and Dirk produced the sessions at Joyride Studios, all recorded over just two days of studio time, testimony to how well these guys know how to play down the line Chicago blues.

The title track finds Tiffany sharing the anguish she faced in finding that she had been adopted. Eric’s searing slide and Tiffany’s passionate vocals give an ominous feel to a gospel-inspired piece that hits hard lyrically and musically, making an impressive start to the album, one that gets stronger on repeated listens. Eric sings ‘Memories To Forget’, a slow tune with Johnny Sansone’s menacing harp that suits the lyrics - “I was searching for excuses I had already used up. As I tried to find the words, she said don’t even waste your breath. You just keep making memories to forget”. To these ears Eric sounds a lot like Joe Bonamassa vocally and that suits the song well. ‘Keep It Simple’ lightens the mood with a catchy beat though Tiffany still sounds like she is having problems with her guy! - Eric’s slide work again impresses. Another song full of angst and gloom, ‘Michael’ opens with Eric’s slide and Tiffany’s vocals but builds from that acoustic opening into a big production number with the brass adding a NO funeral dimension to the later part of the song. Eric sings ‘Diamonds On The Crown’ which is more of a rocker with plenty of swirling organ backing Eric’s slide interjections, over a pounding beat.

‘No Expectations’ first appeared on Beggars Banquet and The Stones always had a country blues side to their music and it is that element that comes out particularly on this version with Eric’s world-weary vocal and weeping slide. ‘Do I Move You’ is often covered and it is always hard to match Nina Simone’s original but Tiffany gives it a good go with a sultry delivery over smooth keyboards and Eric’s elegant guitar work. Back to the originals with the contrast between ‘Slave Of Tomorrow’ with tough slide work and a rockier feel and the soulful ballad ‘Get Lost With Me’ which has traces of Ray Charles in style, a fine solo from Eric and nice harmonies from Tiffany on the chorus. The album closes on two more covers, very different in style.

‘River’ is played pretty straight and Tiffany’s vocal delivery sounds uncannily close to Joni Mitchell’s but ‘If I Had A Hammer’ is radically transformed from Pete Seeger’s original into a slowed-down version with the duo sharing the verses. It works well and really emphasises the real meaning of the familiar song (better than the Trini Lopez version), Eric’s soaring guitar a final treat on this excellent album.

It is hard to see any blues fan not finding something to enjoy here. It is certainly a very fine debut disc that may well figure on the end of year nominations for awards in the blues. Recommended!

Reviewed by John Mitchell

First a word about the covers. Billy Flynn takes the lead guitar role on his composition ‘Can’t Say Something Good About Me’, a classic rolling blues with Spider’s harp underlining the vocals and Johnny’s powerful piano adding to the rhythm section pulse; the version of ‘Crawlin’ King Snake’ is credited as ‘Traditional’ and differs from the John Lee Hooker song we all know and love with slightly different lyrics and a jaunty Chicago rhythm; Leroy Carr’s ‘Blues Before Sunrise’ is beautifully played with Billy’s slide guitar and Scott’s harp both able to take their time on the extended track. The two Muddy tracks appear together and are both from the parts of Muddy’s repertoire less often visited: ‘How Deep Is The Ocean’ is the title printed on the CD but it is in fact ‘Look What You Done’, recorded by Muddy in 1960 and covered by the Stones in 1965, a fast-paced tune, while ‘Please Have Mercy’ is a slow blues from 1952. Both are very well covered here.

Willie shows us his writing abilities on the rest of the album. Nothing startlingly novel but solidly done. ‘Twenty-Four Seven’ describes the love of his life and what this lady has done to give him a stable home life, a stripped-back acoustic track with Harmonica Hinds to the fore; ‘Bottom Of The Hill’ pounds along in classic Chi-Town shuffle mode, ‘There’s A Woman’ sounds so much like Muddy that it’s uncanny, while the rhythm on ‘I Give So Much To You’ recalls Jimmy Reed and ‘I’d Rather Love You’ brings to mind Sam Myers. On one of the acoustic tracks Willie wants to tell his girl some serious stuff, but when he got there ‘My Mind Froze Up’ and the autobiographical title track is one of the best songs here as Willie tells us about his life and career, Johnny taking a great solo, but frankly you can metaphorically ‘drop the needle’ anywhere here and find music that is sure to please everyone who enjoys traditional electric Chicago blues.

Reviewed by John Mitchell

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Karen Howard Scholarship The 2019 Karen Howard Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to Mallory Leininger from Rochelle Township High School on Monday, May 6th at their awards night. Mallory was the top selection and will received a certificate and a $500 scholarship from Crossroads Blues Society in honor of Karen Howard, the long time director of Charlotte’s Web and a force in the Rockford Music Scene for over 30 years, Congratulations to Mallory and than you to everyone who submitted an application for the scholarship.

The scholarship began in 2018. Karen passed away in 2017. She worked as an Arts presenter with Charlotte's Web in Rockford for more than 3 decades. Karen was active in many organizations in the community including: RAAC, Mendelssohn Club, NAT, The Muses of Rockford, Black Theater Ensemble, Uncommon Lives, ArtsPlace, On The Waterfront, First Night Rockford, Y2k, The Farm House, Hononegah PAC, RAMI, and Cabin Fever Jamboree; many of which she was a founding member. She was also active in arts and social justice organizations at Northwestern University.

Karen and Bill Howard

Tailgaters welcomes...

Thursday May 23, 2019 Tailgaters Sports Bar 431 W Boughton Rd Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440 Show starts at 8pm. doors open at 7pm.

You must be 21+ to enter.

There is limited seating - General Admission (standing Room Only) $14 - VIP Seats (closest to stage, seat, table & waitress service) $18 Seating for our events are on a first come first served basis within your section; the earlier you are here, the better seats you will get. Sorry, but we cannot seat incomplete parties. Some performances are only partially or even non-seated, so please arrive early and call the venue for additional information. All of our seating is cabaret style; you may be seated at a table with other guests. Seats will only be held until 10:30 or 10 minutes after the Headliner starts, whichever comes first.

Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com and search for Guitar Shorty

March and April Crossroads Shows

Hobson’s Choice at the Lyran Society

John Primer at the Hope and Anchor

Tas Cru at Mary’s Place

Billy Flynn & Milwaukee Slim at the Lyran Society

Chris O’Leary at Mary’s Place; Rick Davis photo Dave Fields at the Lyran Society; Rick Davis photo

The Cash Bix Kings at Hope and Anchor Billy Flynn, Rick Davis and Oscar Wilson after the Lyran Show

The Groove - Crossroads Blues Society Newsletter

Weekdays This Summer

Membership News

Burpee Museum Music on the Rock Free performances 5:30-8:30 PM VIP Seating and Parking $15 June 5th: Chris O’Leary Band June 12th: Chicago Blues All Stars & Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM June 19th: John Nemeth June 26th: Steepwater Band & Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM July 3rd: Groove Hotel& Joe Filisko Harmonica Workshop 4:30 PM July 10th: Ivy Ford Band July 17th: Kevin “B.F” Burt & Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM July 24th: Ghost Town Blues Band July 31st: Dave Keller Trio & Wheatbread Johnson Blues School 4:30 PM

We continue to grow with new members and renewals continuing! Thank you for supporting live music and helping to keep the blues alive to all our new and returning members!

Sinnissippi Park Music in the Park Free performances at 7:00 p.m.

These are the shows of most interest to blues fans: Thursday, June 13 Grand Groove Hotel Thursday, June 27 California Guitar Trio Thursday, July 11 Mr. Big Stuff Thursday, July 18 Mississippi Heat Thursday, July 25 Blooze Brothers Thursday August 1 Steely Dane Thursday, August 8 Randy Sabien

New members: Paul Hayenga Thomas Lombardo David Meridith John Retacco & Char Donnell Raymone Roberts Renewing Members: Gary Ainsworth Jim & Jaime Deming Rosemary Edwards Beth Fridley Dixie Ferguson Rick & Pam Hein Richard Kubly, Jr. Ted Lawrence Allyson Misevich & David Stine Skip & Sylvia Richardson (2 years) New members get a CD upon joining and new family members get two CDS. If you did not get any please let us know the next time we see you! The Email newsletter averages about 40 pages an issue and is in full color, delivered as a PDF to members. Mail newsletters are 12 pages and printed in greyscale. Mail members have a $5 surcharge to help with printing and postage costs. We produce six newsletters a year with about 30 reviews and all sorts of other great information related to the Society and our events. Again, we thank our members for their support and helping us to keep the blues alive! See the membership form on page 3 of this newsletter to sign up. It’s a great way to help keep the blues alive!

www.bluesblastmagazine.com

Hope and Anchor English Pub Second Saturday Blues The Hope and Anchor Second Saturday Blues is a fun monthly event at a super restaurant and pub! Shows are from 8 to 11:30 PM. There is a $5 cover charge. Featuring fine English pub fare, the Hope and Anchor is a great spot for dinner, craft beers and liquors, and great live music!

Located at 5040 N 2nd Street, Loves Park IL, USA, phone 815-633-2552 for info!

6/8/19 Dave Hansen & The Blues Hawks 7/13/19 Ivy Ford Band 8/10/19 Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames 9/14/19 Blues Blast Awards Post Party 10/12/18 The Jimmys 11/9/18 Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys featuring Westside Andy Linderman 12/14/19 Ivy Ford Band

Lyran Society First and Third Friday Blues (Once a Month June-September) The Lyran Society featured blues, a fish fry, other great food, and a lot of fun. The Lyran Club has great shows twice a month outside of summer. Located half a block east of 7th Street at 1115 4th Ave, Rockford, IL 61104, you can call (815) 9640511 for info. There is no cover charge, it’s a free show. Open to our members and friends, all ages are welcome! Shows are 7 to 10 PM. 4/5/19 Dave Fields 4/19/19 Oscar Wilson and Joel Patterson 5/3/19 Olivia Dvorak 5/17/19 Studebaker John 6/21/19 Steve Ditzell 7/19/19 Wheatbread Johnson CD Release Party 8/16/19 Brother Dave Kaye

Crossroads Blues Society P.O. Box 840 Byron, IL 61010 On the web at: crossroadsbluessociety.com/ Crossroads Blues Festival at Lyran Park: www.crossroadsbluesfestival.com Email us at: sub_insignia@yahoo.com Call us at: (779) 537-4006

THE

THE BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF CROSSROADS BLUES SOCIETY

Keeping the Blues Alive Since 1994 2014 Blues Foundation Keeping the Blues Alive Affiliate Award Recipient 2014 Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee 2005 Rockford Area Music Award Winner– Musical Outreach Organization

Mail to:

Award Winner

Blues News and Upcoming Events Our third annual Head Start and Pre-School BITS programs are wrapping up after beginning 3/15 at Beyer Elementary School in Rockford. They conclude May 10th at Summerdale Early Education Facility which will make for 75 programs in March, April and May. We’ll have conducted 132 programs this year for over 11,000 students by then plus we have 4 Wheatbread Johnson Blues Schools at the Burpee Museum along with a Joe Filisko harp workshop this summer!

May Blues begins with our 25th Anniversary Party on the 4th at the Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll, IL. See inside on page 8 for more info!

At the Lyran Society we have Guy Meets Girl, Studebaker John, and Steve Ditzell for May and June. Over at Hope and Anchor we have Corey Dennison and his band and Dave Hanson and the Blues Hawks.

See inside the back cover for the complete schedules through summer and beyond.

We are having a picnic for CBS members at Steve Jones’ house with the Ivy Ford Band on Saturday June 1st. Bring a dish to pass and your favorite beverage. Hot dogs and brats will be on the grill and more!

May and June will be a lot of fun and will serve as a great introduction to the summer. See inside for info on what’s in store in our area for blues fans!