Lever's Blues

Kelly's Lot - Come To This

2007-03-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest release from Los Angeles based Kelly’s Lot titled Come To This. This recording smokes from the first not to the last.

They open with Train, I neat rockin’ tune with interesting lyrics. I can see a definite Janis Joplin influence in Kelly’s lyrics and style, but maybe a bit more focused. Next is the title track, Come To This. I really enjoyed the lyrics and arrangement of this song. I know of many who could relate to the message in the words here. The music is outstanding. They follow with Woman’s Love, the first really bluesy song on the recording. This is a great showcase of Kelly’s blues style as well as for all the band members to hit their stride. It is a slow shuffle that just smokes. At times Kelly reminds me of Beth Hart, but is far more focused in her approach and delivery of the message in her music. This isn’t fluff music either, Kelly’s Lot delivers a message at all times. From the feeling in a sax solo, guitar or her deeply felt vocals or even the punctuation of a drum. Happy Girl is next, and this is a nice upbeat tune with a great dance beat. The guitar solo in this is very well done. Not flash or show but a nice piece that really fits the mood and flow of the song, as does the sax solo. Only Human follows and is a neat slow number that lyrically explores some of the vulnerabilities of the human spirit. They follow with Take This Heart. I believe this is my personal favorite. They close with Today, a great song that speaks of doing what one must to get through the day. This song has excellent music and great lyrics as with the rest of the recording.

I would also like to commend Kelly’s Lot for their work with various charities and causes. They have done many shows and benefits to help with these organizations:

The American Liver Foundation, American Cancer Society, Millerwood Animal Shelter, Women's Care Cottage, STOP CANCER: The Next Generation, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Team Fierce, Jonnies Charity, Dubnoff Center, Valley Trauma Center, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Phoenix House, Valley Community Clinic, Wellness Community, John Tracy Clinic, Red Cross, Santa Monica Fire Dept's Fund for 9/11, Childrens Hospital, Shriners Burn Center, ...and a friend in need.

Great Job!

Visit Kelly’s Lot at: http://www.KellysLot.com

Try Come To This here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CYX1PESV

Drummer Needed

2007-03-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

I just received word from Anthony Gomes that he has lost his drummer effective immediately and is looking for a qualified individual to join the band on their domestic show dates.

All qualified and interested drummers should contact Anthony at either info@anthonygomes.com or http://www.myspace.com/anthonygomes to set up an audition date and location.

Kevin Phillips & The It Men - Big Chop Suey

2007-02-24T19:27:00.000-05:00

Here is my introduction to a band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada called Kevin Phillips & The It Men. These guys have a sound as smooth as hot butter and left me saying wow. To say I enjoyed this music would be the understatement of the year. These guys have a great sound and should do very well. This cd is titled Big Chop Suey and shows that these cats came to play. They are dishing out awesome music from start to finish.

They open with Gravy Train, a cool slow shuffle type song with very neat lyrics. The piano solo in this song leads to a great sax solo and both are outstanding. Next up is the title track, Big Chop Suey. This song has a beat that could make a corpse dance, just great. New Shoes is next and represents a look at the humor of these guys. Who would have thought a new pair of shoes could walk off the blues? Next they give us a song we can all relate to in Couch Potato Day. This song relates the thoughts of a man who just wants a day to relax and not be bothered with any form of activity, including giving his wife some lovin’. A really neat humorous ditty this one is, set to a slow shuffle rhythm.

Next is D.W.’s Pastiche, a song with a neat rhythm and great groove. The jazz influence on this number is very evident and welcome. Change Me follows and is another modified shuffle sounding tune. It features a medium slow tempo and great lyrics. I really enjoy this next fast medium paced shuffle called Porter. As train songs go this one is great. They give us several time changes and some very neat chord progressions. I found myself listening to this many times as I was struck by the unique arrangement and time changes. Kitchen is next, and shows a neat melding of jazz and blues sounds not seen much since the golden days of the 50’s. This is a very welcome and enjoyable sound. My personal favorite is next and is it is a very tongue in cheek type of song called Headache. Very original lyrics and great sound make this a very entertaining song that is sure to be a favorite. Waiting For Spring is next and says just what I am always thinking at this time of year when snow lies everywhere and the temperature struggles to see 30 degrees. They close the offering with a song called Kick Ass. Surely not one that will gather much radio play but a neat song nonetheless. It should be popular in live shows as it features a great dance beat.

The varied musical influences at work on this band are pretty evident in their music and make for a fresh sound. The writing is excellent and no fault can be found in their arrangement or delivery. These guys are just smokin’ from beginning to end. A special guest helped with this effort and deserves a big thank you for his contribution to a great cd. Thanks for being there Jerome Godboo…

Visit Kevin Phillips & The It Men here: http://www.kevinphillipsandtheitmen.com

Try Big Chop Suey here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=45R8FFXQ

Whiteboy Slim - Aka Whiteboy Slim

2007-02-24T18:23:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest release from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan native Whiteboy Slim titled aka Whiteboy Slim. Slim has produced a set of music that you will either love it or hate it. That is true with much of his music, and the verdict so far has been people love it… If you enjoy lots of original material and a few covers thrown in but performed in a way that makes them his own, you should enjoy this release.

He opens with It Ain’t Art, a neat song written by slim that pokes at the politically correct and out to impress types. Next is another original titled Hey, Hold On Stop. It features some nice harp from Slim and neat lyrics. This is a nice slow shuffle style song. The first of four cover songs is next and is 20% Alcohol written by J.B. Hutto. This song describes an alcoholic woman and the problems her drinking creates. Next is another cover, Too Many Drivers penned by Dave Bartholomew. This is a classic song and receives a slowed new treatment by Slim as he has slowed the tempo of an already slow tune which tends to make it a whole different sound. Blue Murder follows and is another Whiteboy Slim original. It features some neat lyrics and great slide guitar by Slim. Cards On The Table is another original, this was a favorite of mine for the lyrics and music. He offers some nice guitar on this song. Next is I’ve Been Down So Long and was written by Slim. This is a classic blues subject tune. It has some very nice harpwork and a guitar solo that really fit the song well. It’s Strange Out There is another original and couldn’t be more truthful in light of society today. Next is one that has already been very popular with Radio Dj’s and fans I have shared it with, Krispy Kreme Woman. This shuffle has resulted in many comments when I shared it with radio personalities, all positive. Next up is She’s Into Something written by Carl Wright. This song has been covered many times by a whole host of great artists and each has given it a personal touch, Slim is no exception. He has done a fine job on a truly great song. Be Cool Baby is next and is another Slim penned song. He gives a more funky sound on this with an intro on synthesizer. He has employed some neat sound effects to change things up a bit throughout the song. He follows with another original called Tears On My Pillow. I really enjoy this song as it has a beat that just isn’t meant for sitting still. The funniest track he has included is next in You’re Perfect, I Love You, Now Change. The title says it all… He closes with a great old song penned by Taj Mahal called She Caught The Katy And Left Me A Mule To Ride. He has provided a neat musical arrangement for it with song great harmonica to start it off.

Like it or hate it, this is a very solid effort from Whiteboy Slim. He is true to his signature style of pushing the limits of the music he plays. He is no cookie cutter blues artist, as he always manages to come up with a sound all his own whether the music is his or a cover he has chosen.

Visit Whiteboy Slim here: http://www.whiteboy-slim.com

Try aka Whiteboy Slim here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QUU1GM8H

Introducing The Lever Agency

2007-02-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

Due to the overwhelming response from artists featured here I have opened a booking agency.
The Lever Agency was officially launched in late January. I wish to thank the Joe Galea Band, Brian Curran, Those Delta Rhythm Kings, Ralph Bassinger and Whiteboy Slim. If it hadn't been for you The Lever Agency would would not exist. A special thank you to Joe Galea, you were the first to put your trust in me and I hope to make sure you never regret that decision.

The Lever Agency will focus on Blues artists exclusively. I hope by concentration on just one genre of music that I can build the contacts needed to serve these people well.

A special thank you I wish to extend to Sean Bassinger, Sean was the one who designed what I have come to call the Lever Clef and it makes a great logo. Many thanks Sean.......

Lever's Blues will still exist to showcase some of the great talent out there thru the reviews and postings I have been doing for several months. This blog has been a labor of love for me and will continue to feature new artists as long as the artists are submitting their music for review.

The Lever Agency is my commercial venture and I hope it enjoys the success that this page has. I will be working hard to see to it that it is built on honesty, integrity and as always my great love for the blues.

http://www.theleveragency.com

FolknBluesGrass - Folk'n Around At The Focal Point

2007-02-04T20:01:00.000-05:00

This offering from FolknBluesGrass (Brian Curran’s band) was recorded live on the River City Acoustic Program on KDHX Radio on 06/24/06. The first nine tracks were recorded at the Focal Point and the final two tracks were recorded in the KDHX studio with DJ Drea. For those who like acoustic blues you will love this offering.

FolknBluesGrass is:

Brian Curran – National and International Guitars and Vocals

Steve Bauer – Rock Star Mandolins and Vocals

Travis King – Dog House Upright Bass and Vocals

Fred Altiere – Kitchen Sink Percussion, Kazoo and Vocals

This offering opens with the introduction of the band, and each member introduced by Brian Curran. Next is Diddy Wa Diddy/Shouldn’t Do That by Blind Blake & Casey Bill Weldon. I love the original sounds they manage to get from unorthodox instruments in the percussion section. Their sound reminds me of the back porch tunes of the south in the early 1900’s. Next is Let’s Get Drunk Again by Bo Carter. These guys would have made Bo pretty proud at the way they deliver his song as well as the fact that there is someone who is keeping his music alive in a traditional sound. Next up is Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me and is credited to Swanstone-Carvon-Morgan. Brian adds a nod to the Jim Kweskin Jug Band as well. They next tackle the prohibition era song by Tampa Red titled Can’t Get That Stuff No More and do a superb job. Next up is a little ditty called the Saint Louis Rag written by Brian Curran himself. I love these old style ragtime songs and these guys really do an outstanding job in the delivery and show some great harmony as well. Jail House Blues by Robert Wilkins is next. I enjoyed hearing the music of Robert Wilkins covered here as to the best of my knowledge he only released two albums before getting religion and stopped playing blues. Another Brian Curran original is next in The Gambling Man. I enjoy the stories preceding some tracks on this cd as well as the banter between Brian and the other band members. It makes for a fun time. The Hank Garland song Sugar Foot Rag ends the Focal Point portion of this offering and is done in fine style as with the rest of the material covered. Next is the Play’n with Drea at KDHX Studios segment and I found myself laughing at this as Brian and the band show their sense of humor in the interview that precedes the song Street Walkin’ Woman written by Sonny Boy Nelson.

Brian tells me that both himself and the band are ready to hit the road and play for people wherever and whenever. If you know of a place that would like to host either Brian solo or with FolknBluesGrass please let me know and we will do our best to get him there.

Visit FolknBluesGrass here:

http://www.folknbluesgrass.com

Try FolknBluesGrass here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G2RGF15S

RX Blues - I Hate My Boss

2007-02-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

Here is an excellent release from St. Louis based RX Blues. This offering showcases the outstanding talent of this group both in their performance and songwriting. All thirteen tracks were penned by either Dr. Jose Diaz (lead/rhythm guitar) or Jeff Davis (lead/rhythm guitar). This cd was released in 2001 and recorded at Music Masters in St. Louis, Missouri. I found these original tracks to be well written and delivered. The current band lineup is:

Jose Diaz - Lead Guitar
Joe Kennedy - Bass and Vocals
Tim Compton - Saxophone, Keyboards, & Vocals

They open with I hate My Boss, a swinging shuffle that makes you start moving from the start. This is followed by Problems No More. Here again they come at you with a beat to get you moving, and the lead guitar smokes. Next is Memphis, Beale Street, The Blues And Me, here is a great swingin tune that you just can’t sit still to. They follow with a great song and one of my personal favorites from this cd titled Sad Bad Lovin’ Blues. It is a bit of a funky style tune that just stuck a chord with me. The sax on this song is really great too. Next they deliver another shuffle in the St. Louis Shuffle, a great tune with a 50’s shuffle swing sound. Eat Good Eat Bad is next, and as with the rest will keep you moving. A well written and arranged song I enjoyed very much. Neon Jungle is next and is a pretty neat set of lyrics. It seems to Describe the club scene pretty well in my opinion. Big Daddy is next and shows us a more conventional blues sound. It is written and delivered as as slow shuffle. Hit It Twice is next and continues the dance beat very well. We are treated some nice horns and a great bass to anchor the song as well as some real nice lead riffs from the guitar. I really enjoyed the way the bass and drums work with each other which will make or break a great song. Blacklisted is next and is a return to a slow shuffle in true blues form. The vocal work on this entire cd is just great as well. Next is another favorite of mine in The Wolf Is At Your Door. This is a set of lyrics that everyone can relate to. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t felt that the wolf was at the door at one point. The organ on this is outstanding also. This next song I could hear all night and is titled Middle Of The Road. It is a slow song which I think is just great. For me it is one of those songs that if heard once just stays in your head all day for some reason. They close out this offering with Empty Pockets, a really nice bit of slide guitar combined with great lyrics.

I understand after hearing this music why they have been fortunate enough to open for some top acts, including:

Long John Hunter
Little Charlie And The Nightcats
Tommy Castro
Chuck Berry
Buddy Miles (Legendary Drummer For Jimi Hendrix)

Tab Benoit

James Solberg

Visit their web site at:

http://www.rxblues.com

Try I Hate My Boss here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TBK14ADY

Brian Curran - Made Myself Lonesome

2007-01-11T18:24:00.000-05:00

This latest offering from St. Louis’s Brian Curran is a delight to hear. I enjoyed this cd from beginning to end as I have always loved the old traditional delta blues songs and rags. For such a young man Brian has an astounding understanding of this music and great ability in delivering it in an authentic style.

Brian opens with a self penned tune called Tuesday Night At Venice, This is a neat instrumental showing us some great finger picking and slide work in true delta fashion. He next moves into a wonderful cover of an old Mississippi John Hurt song called Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight. His finger picking is nearly mesmerizing; he has obviously used his nearly 20 years as a guitar picker well. Next he tackles an old favorite of mine called Mind Your Own Business, written by Hank Williams. I have spent many hours listening to this and enjoyed every one of them. He follows with another original called Made Myself Lonesome, the title track. This is a tune I could relate to unfortunately, and I just love his guitar work on this slow shuffle. Next he treats us to a Sonny Boy Nelson song called Street Walkin Woman. This tune bemoans having a woman who runs around all night and spends his money but neglects him at home. This is an old favorite of mine. We next get his treatment of the old standard Statesboro Blues penned by Blind Willie McTell. He has set these great lyrics to a great piece of guitar work. He next tackles Robert Johnson’s Walkin Blues and does so in a manner that would have left Johnson proud. Next is another of Brian’s originals, an instrumental called Who Gives This Bride. This tune is an absolutely beautiful instrumental. Brian follows this with Avalon Blues by Mississippi John Hurt. He next gives us a taste of vacation misery with a true story set to music in tongue in cheek fashion called Talkin Homestead. The next song is a Mississippi John Hurt song that Brian claims is both his favorite and the first song he ever performed at a gig, called Pay Day. I just love his guitar playing on this one.

Next up is My First Love and it is another song penned by Brian. It is a neat song and very fun listen. He rocks for us just once on this cd and it is on this next song called Who Do You Love by Ellis McDaniel. He gives this song a neat Bo Dildley treatment. Brian dedicates the next song to his grandmother. It is an instrumental version of Amazing Grace which is just beautiful. He follows with another spiritual called This Train and uses an arrangement by Big Bill Broonzy. He closes the offering with a neat session in which he and Sharon Foehner were messin’ around in the studio. It came out great.

Appearing on this cd with Brian are the following artists and friends.

Sandy Weltman on bones

Mike Graham on Bass

Bennet Schaeffer on drums

Eric McSpadden on harmonica

John Wolf on euphonium

Garry Curran on washboard

Jon Erblich on harmonica

Sharon Foehner on guitar

Matt Murdick on piano

Bill Murphy on piano, Billy Engel, Dan Randant, Kari Liston on background vocals

Visit Brian at: www.briantcurran.com

Try Made Myself Lonesome here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T2G9NM1G

Billy Jones - Prime Suspect For The Blues

2006-12-21T18:04:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest from North Little Rock; Arkansas’s Billy Jones titled Prime Suspect For The Blues. I found Billy’s music to be very entertaining. His use of soul, R&B and Blues to create a wonderful mix is truly outstanding.

This cd sizzles from the opening track I’m Gonna Marry My Mother In Law all the way through Breakdown which closes the cd. You will be treated to great vocals, smokin’ Hammond B3 organ and great guitar playing along the way. Billy has assembled a great group of musicians to back him and the results show a very tight arrangement.

He opens with I’m Gonna Marry My Mother In Law, a very cleverly written song of a mother in law who treats her son in law better than his roaming wife. This song has great guitar, awesome Hammond B3 solos and a very smooth sound. Next is Slip Away, a more R&B sounding song with tons of soul. He follows with Come Back Tonight. This has an R&B sound with a soul feel, the combination is dynamite. I found myself listening to this track many times. Next up is Doin’ Alright Again and is one of my personal favorites. This is a true blues sound as is the first track. Billy has a great sound and feel for blues music. This little shuffle is awesome. Let’s Straighten It Out is next, and is a very soulful blues number. He has achieved a perfect melding of Blues and Soul here. Ain’t Good Lookin’ follows and is a funky song with the same tight sound arrangement we have come to expect by now. Next up is Her Daddy’s Alligator Farm. This is another straight up shuffle in true delta style. The One For Me is next and is another soul/R&B number with a great sound. Be Your Man follows and is another shuffle at a slightly faster tempo. Next is Don’t Answer The Door. Another straight up blues song in fine style. I think Billy really shines on these shuffle blues numbers as he has a sound that works very well in this context. The piano here is a great addition too. Anything You Say is next and is another shuffle. This song made me do a double take as I could have swore I was hearing Roomful Of Blues. A higher compliment cannot be made. The Rumor is next and is a great R&B number. Make Love Tonight is next and is a great shuffle with an old style sound that works well. Next up is Barnyard Love. I laughed at this title when I read it but the song wasn’t a joke. This is another awesome blues number. It features some neat lyrics that elicit a smile but this is as blues as blues gets. He leaves us with Breakdown, a neat funky rhythm with more great organ. I found this offering to be one of the best I have had the opportunity to listen to.

This cd is a great one for anyone who likes Blues, R&B and Soul music. It travels well in any setting from intimate to the dance club. My hats off to Black & Tan records for seeing what I see in Billy Jones, a very bright future for blues music. This isn’t your granddad’s blues for sure, but this is a great new sound with delta charm. I have never heard a cd that has the potential that this one has for drawing new fans to blues music and for crossover success.

Visit Billy Jones’s web site at: http://www.billy-jones.com/

Try Prime Suspect For The Blues at: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CISRBDTV

Homesick James Passes

2006-12-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

It is truly sad the number of blues greats we have lost this year. We now must add Homesick James to that long list.

Homesick James died December 13, 2006. He was in his mid 90's and said to have been resting comfortably at home in Springfield, Missouri. I will reprint the biographical information from the Blueswax article as it is about the best available.

"Born in Somerville, Tennessee, he began playing guitar at around age ten and soon ran away from home, eventually becoming the last of the Delta players who made their way from Mississippi via Memphis to Chicago, and transformed the sound of post-war Blues. His slide guitar was the sound of Maxwell Street in its heyday. He gave various birthdates, but April 30, 1910, is generally accepted; some sources give his real name as James A. Williamson, others as James (or John) William Henderson. He was said to be a cousin of Sonny Boy Williamson, and claimed to be a cousin of Elmore James, to whom he was very close and who was certainly a major influence. He was also acquainted with Robert Johnson.

He played with virtually everybody, often as a sideman. He made his own first recordings for RCA Victor in 1937 and acquired his nickname from his classic "Homesick," recorded for Chance Records in 1952-53, said to be among his finest sessions. He recorded for many labels, including an album for Prestige in 1964, four tracks for an anthology on Vanguard in 1965, and as recently as 2004 on Fedora.

The funeral will take place on December 23 in Covington, Tennessee; and then an era will be well and truly over."

Rest in peace Homesick.

Tina Mayfield Passes

2006-12-21T12:09:00.000-05:00

This appeared in Blueswax today and I felt deserving of mention.

Tina Mayfield died this week in California of cancer. She was the widow of Percy Mayfield (1920-84), and also looked after Lowell Fulson (1921-99) after Fulson's wife Sadie passed on. Blues wives don't get enough credit for everything they do, and Tina was one of the greats. She will be missed.

There are always great ladies behind the men, and Tina was an exceptionally great lady.

Erick Hovey - Prairie Dance Music

2006-12-13T17:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest offering from Fort Dodge Iowa’s Erick Hovey titled Prairie Dance Music. Erick is a 5^th generation farmer who obviously didn’t spend all his time in the fields. He offers some great sounds and excellent songwriting here. This cd should appeal to a wide range of audiences from the soft rock to diehard blues fan. Erick is a very skilled singer/songwriter as is evidenced by the selection of tracks he wrote for this cd. He opens with Blues And Love, a mild blues rock tune I found to be a well written song with a rhythm that sticks with you. He picks up the pace slightly on Gonna Tell, a shuffle at a medium fast tempo. He takes us Down The River Of Love next. This is another shuffle with a soft blues rock sound featuring some nice keyboards in the breaks. Fool Like Me follows and is a swingin’ number with great lyrics and guitar. Next he serves up a neat song titled Fatalistic Blues. This is another swinging song about all the things the doctors say are bad for us. Turn Up The Sky follows and is a great tune. My personal favorite is next in Devil In My Pocket, A super tune that speaks of the difficulty in doing the right thing. She’s Alright is next and is a nice swinging song about his love. Bondo Mondo follows and is a very entertaining song lyrically as well as musically. I enjoy the creativity shown here as rusted out cars are not the normal blues song subjects. Mamma’s Little Baby follows and is a cool slow swinging shuffle. Food is next and is a fast paced number with funny lyrics and great organ playing. He closes out the offering with Love Me Baby, a song with great lyrics and rhythm. This cd offers a collection of an even dozen songs all perfect for dancing without a dud in the bunch.

Visit Erick Hovey on the web at: www.erickhovey.com

Try Prairie Dance Music here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UG7KCFXS

Pete "Big Dog" Fetters - Deep

2006-12-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a truly great offering from Detroit artist Pete “Big Dog” Fetters titled Deep. This is some of the best acoustic slide playing to be founds anywhere. Pete has several impressive accomplishments to his credit. He was the winner of the 2006 Detroit Blues Society Blues Challenge and represented Detoit in the International Blues Challenge.

Pete has had a 20 year career playing throughout the Midwest and Canada. He has opened for the likes of Leon Russell, B.B. King and Delbert McClinton.

Pete brings us some of the best acoustic blues outside the Mississippi Delta. He opens the cd with Who’s That Knockin’. A great blues tune that sounds like it came straight out of the delta itself. He shows great skill on slide guitar and leave the impression he is playing an elastic guitar the slides are so smooth. Next is Cornfield Cadillac, a neat trucking song with a taste of Pete’s harp skills as well. When I Turn 85 follows and is a well written tune with song cute tongue in cheek lyrics. One of my personal favorites is next in The Blue Highway. This song has great lyrics, a memorable melody and great slide as in every song on this cd. Midnight Walkin’ Blues is next, and is a song we would expect from the likes of Robert Johnson if he were still with us. Does Your Mama Know follows and has a truly great slide intro. It is clear that Pete was heavily influenced by the great delta bluesmen of old. Midnight Train opens with a great bit of harp and slide into. I could see this as a song Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee song as the style fits what they often did. This is a great feat for one man alone. If I Can’t is next and is a slightly different approach. I enjoy his guitar mimicking his lyrics. I Won’t Tell follows and is a straight ahead slide shuffle. I liked how he livened up a simple shuffle with his great slide work. Like You Do Follows and is another in the true delta tradition. He closes the cd with the only cover song included, a nice rendition of the old standard Oh, Suzanna.

This was a great and entertaining listen from start to finish. It is worthy of any blues lover’s collection.

Visit Pete “Big Dog” Fetters on the web at: www.petebigdog.com

Try Deep here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D33K7WGL

Little Pink Anderson Is Ill, Needs Help:

2006-12-07T16:14:00.001-05:00

Alvin “Little Pink” Anderson has recovered from a stroke, but has now been diagnosed with diabetes, as well as other problems. He could use some help now; his meds alone are about $500 a month. He was born in 1954 in Spartanville, South Carolina, and began his career tap-dancing at the age of three as his father played for medicine shows. (The senior Pink Anderson [1900-74], and Floyd Council [1911-76], were legendary Piedmont Bluesmen whose names were swiped by Pink Floyd.)

You can buy copies of Little Pink's CDs Carolina Bluesman and Sittin Here Singin the Blues, as well as his father’s CDs Carolina Bluesman, Ballad and Folksinger, and Medicine Show Man, directly from him. The CDs are $15 each plus $3 per disc shipping in the U.S.A. or buy all five and pay no shipping. Cash donations would also be greatly appreciated, but Pink would rather sell his music and earn the cash. Place your order by mail (certified checks or money orders please) to Alvin Anderson, 807 Cottage Avenue #30, Vermillion SD 57069.

Curtis Salgado Doing Well But Still Needs Help

2006-12-07T15:56:00.001-05:00

Curtis Salgado Doing Well But Still Needs Help:

Curtis Salgado, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in March and received a liver transplant on September 30, has spent the past two months at The Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and his recovery is going well. There were post-op issues, which have been resolved, and doctors say that his liver function is normal and that he should be home in Portland by the end of the year.

Fundraising continues to be important. Two substantial loans had to be secured for the transplant, plus future expenses including medications, follow-up medical care, and travel expenses. All merchandise available at www.curtissalgado.com will help with the expenses and donations to the Curtis Salgado Fund can be made at any U.S. Bank or can be mailed to U.S. Bankcorp, 2550 NW 188 Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

**as peported in BluesWax Dec 7, 2006

Lever's Blues Chat Room

2006-12-04T20:07:00.000-05:00

Lever's Blues is active on the Paltalk network.

Just download and install Paltalk Messenger from:
http://www.paltalk.com/en/start_chatting.shtml

Then click rooms, music, blues and select Levers Blues.

We have built a friendly music community where we play our favorite blues, discuss blues and blues artists and occasionally get a visit from some of the bands featured here.

Come join us!!!

Wordie Perkins Passes

2006-12-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I bring this announcement from Inside Sounds in Memphis, TN.
I am reprinting with permission the notice on the passing of Wordie Perkins. My thanks to Inside Sounds. I thank Kieth Soltys and Eddie Dattel for keeping me informed and allowing me to share the information.

"

Wordie Perkins, one of the great Memphis blues guitar players of all time, passed away November 24, 2006. Featured as Will Roy Sanders’ foil in the fabulous Fieldstones since 1974, Perkins and Sanders’ two guitar attack created legions of blues fans from every country in the world, who either saw the Fieldstones on their infrequent tours of Australia and South America or came to hear them play in Memphis’ wildest area juke joints like J&J’s Lounge, Green’s Lounge, and, most recently, the Blue Worm.

Perkins died due to heart failure after a year of various operations. While the operations and sickness slowed him down and made him weak, the potential for one final European tour kept Perkins’ ebullient spirit going through difficult times. Always a prankster with a quip, Perkins constantly had a smile on his face and tune ready in his guitar.

Growing up near Senatobia where he learned to play guitar as a youngster, Perkins moved to Memphis in 1950, joining the Thrillers in 1960. Soon thereafter, he began playing with Leroy Hodges, Sr’s. band, the Funky Four, from 1962 until 1974, when the Fieldstones formed out of the remnants of Hodges’ band (Hodges became the conduit that connected all future Fieldstone band members). Perkins sharp guitar style created some of the Fieldstones’ most memorable dance songs like “The Thing,” “The Squeeze,” and “Let’s Do It.” He also recently wrote the Memphis River Kings’ theme song, “River Kings Rock.” His total discography includes 2 full length cds and 2 45s with the Fieldstones as well as the cd single for the River Kings. Perkins amazing guitar playing, cool composure, and positive spirit is already missed by blues fans everywhere.

The family requests that any memorial donations be made to the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Memphis, TN 38114."

**I removed the funeral information as it took place Decmber 1, 2006.

Rest in Peace Wordie, you will be missed...

Randy Dawson - D'Nile Blues

2006-12-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

Here is the most recent release from Canadian artist Randy Dawson titled D’Nile Blues.

This release consists of ten tracks, nine of which are Randy Dawson originals. The cd fits into the blues rock category and is a good effort. The musicianship is great, the vocals clear, and songs well written.

Randy opens with Shiver, a song with a great beat and nice guitar work. Next is Randy’s Blues, a really nice bit of guitar throughout. This song is a nice showcase of his skills on guitar and some of his best vocals I thought. He follows with Singing 4U, the first slower temp tune. This was the song I enjoyed the most. Randy seems to really excel on ballad type songs in my opinion. I really enjoyed the minimalist approach used on the guitar solo as it held the continuity of the rest of the piece well. Randy shows he has nice vocal skills here as well. Benefit Blues is next a song with a great beat as he laments about not being treated well or respected. These Shoes is next and was my least favorite I am sorry to say. The lyrics are cute and the beat reminds me of an Irish folk song type. Irish Queen follows and is a beautiful ballad. He follows with Half A World Away. I really enjoyed the lyrics to this song. Next is the only cover tune on the cd and is a very good cover of Standing On Shaky Ground written by Bowen/Boyd and Hazel. Maniac Insomniac follows and is an interesting song lyrically. The music is very good as well. He closes the offering with the title track D’Nile Blues. A nice shuffle beat with nice guitar solos behind a combination of spoken story and a chorus which is sung. A very interesting combination.

Randy Dawson – Vocals & Guitar

Bob Bilton – Bass

Tom Bona – Drums

Art Wanders – Keyboards & Percussion

This recording has an interesting dedication. Interesting enough in it’s originality I decided to include it here.

“This record is dedicated to the deer with big antlers on the side of the road who decided not to kill us of himself on hwy. 10 while on our way home from our final recording session.

God bless all that is nature and God bless Canada

P.S. I could have sworn I saw that young buck grinning at me.”

Visit Randy Dawson’s web site at: http://www3.sympatico.ca/randy.dawson

Try D’Nile Blues here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=X4HTOZ6M

Advertising Policy

2006-12-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

I have been reciving many advertisements lately which have no relation to the theme or contnent of this blog.

I will review a request to place an ad on the blog only if the ad and all pertinent information regarding the source, intent and business interest are sent to me in advance thru the email me link in my profile.

I will by policy reject any and all ads that are posted as a comment to one of my blog articles. I will not accept any ad from an annonymous source.

For any ads deemed acceptable here I will create a link and special advertising link section.

Thank You.

Robert Lockwood Jr. 1915 - 2006

2006-11-23T18:49:00.000-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of blues legend Robert Lockwood Jr. Robert passed away tuesday November 21, 2006 at the age of 91. Robert had been hospitalized for the better part of a month.

Robert's legacy is his music, a style which melded jazz and blues. Robert was the most direct link to Robert Johnson. It was while Robert was 13 that Robert Johnson taught him to play guitar. A short time later the world lost Robert Johnson, in 1937.

Robert Lockwood Jr. worked with all of the greats in blues and jazz. His first band was comprised of all jazz musicians. This helped to shape the style that was to become his legacy. While he learned from the jazzmen they learned blues. Eventually the styles melded into the Robert Lockwood sound.

Robert played on recordings by Doctor Clayton, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddie Boyd, Sunnyland Slim, and Otis Spann. He also spent time in the Muddy Waters Band. He once tried to teach both Muddy Waters and Big Bill Broonzy his style but they were more comfortable with what they knew.

Robert will be missed by those of us who love his music and his legacy in music will last for eternity.

Rest in Peace Robert....

Reuploaded dead files

2006-11-20T18:54:00.000-05:00

I discovered today that there were five items which were unavailable due to innactivity. I have reuploaded all five so they are once again available.

The five items were:
Harpdog Brown & The Bloodhounds - Once In A Howlin' Moon
Harpdog Brown Videos
Those Delta Rhythm Kings - Just The Way We Like It
Those Delta Rhythm KIngs - Every Night And Every Day
Mike Elrington - Too Good To Be True

My apologies to both the artists and anyone who attempted to get these and was unable to.

If anyone finds an item is unavailabe in the future, please leave me a note in the comment section for that item and I will correct it right away.

Watermelon Slim & The Workers

2006-11-18T18:49:00.000-05:00

This latest cd offering from Bill “Watermelon Slim” Homans is just what the doctor ordered. This cd gives us great lyrics, awesome slide guitar and great arrangement. The cd was dedicated to Bill’s mother who passed away in May and never got a chance to hear it. I think she would be quite proud. Watermelon Slim & The Workers is put out by the Northern Blues record label. I thank both Watermelon Slim and Northern Blues for the opportunity to hear this great music and present it here.

Watermelon Slim received the Best New Artist Debut nomination at the 2005 W. C. Handy Awards. He has had an active touring schedule in the past two years. He has appeared in the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Canada as well as the USA.

He opens this cd with Hard Times, a song featuring humorous lyrics and some outstanding slide guitar playing. This is traditional southern country blues with an electric edge. Next is his Dumpster Blues, a song many truck drivers will relate to with it’s tale of an overweight load. We are introduced to some nice harp as well as a great beat. He follows with The Big Joe Williams classic, Baby Please Don’t Go. I was impressed with this cover of a well worn but great tune. Next Slim pays homage to the tale of Robert Johnson in a song he co-wrote with Michael Newberry called Devil’s Cadillac. This is a very well done original of an old tale. The bass and drums provide an excellent background from which to carry this tune. Next is a great song that laments a bad check writing woman titled Check Writing Woman. This song has great arrangement and a great dancing beat, it is sure to be a favorite. Next is Possum Hand written by Ike Lamb. This is a very well done instrumental which gives us a taste of the great harp skills of Watermelon Slim. Set to a lazy beat it turns out to be a great showcase of his talents. The guitar solo is a nice minimalist solo that mates well with the rest of the song. Fred McDowell’s Frisco Line is next and is one of the greatest train songs of all time. I enjoyed this cover very much for its simplicity and style. Ash Tray is next and may be my personal favorite. With its great beat, slide work and lyrics, this should be a hit with blues radio everywhere. Mack Truck is next and provides another great beat to get moving to. Bad Sinner follows and is a great slow shuffle with great lyrics. Folding Money Blues is next and is a neat tune in which Watermelon Slim pours out his complaints to the dead presidents found on the many dollar bill denominations is US circulation. This is a nice solo effort having just Slim and his slide for his accompaniment. A true Delta style song in the old style of the greats of the past. Juke Joint Woman is next and has another good beat. I enjoyed the drums carrying the beat and the piano in the background as he sings of a woman who is clubbing every night. Hard Labor is next and is another slow shuffle type that laments the toll hard labor has on his body. Eau De Boue brings the cd to a close and is a tribute to the greats who came before and a commitment to sing the blues til his time on earth has come to an end.

This is truly one of the best bands so surface recently. A must have cd.

Visit Watermelon Slim’s web site at: www.WatermelonSlim.com

Try Watermelon Slim & The Workers here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U81ZBJC0

The Daddy Mack Blues Band - Bluestones

2006-11-05T20:36:00.000-05:00

This cd was my introduction to Daddy Mack Orr and the Daddy Mack Blues Band. Thanks to Inside Sounds for making the introduction. Auto repair shop owner Daddy Mack Orr comes out swinging with Shade Tree Mechanic. This number got my attention quick with it’s great sounds, lyrics and awesome fretwork. He follows this up with Plain Man, a neat song speaking of the simple life. It’s Gonna Be A Good Day is next and is a nice shuffle. Love his guitar playing here. Next is an instrumental number called Slim Jenkin’s Joint. The guitar playing by Daddy Mack is truly wonderful to listen to. His approach has the sound of someone who is not only in command of his instrument but also comfortable with what he is doing. No flash just pure blues guitar. Savin’ My Love is next and is a nice slower tempo song. This is the first of four songs on this cd written by Daddy Mack himself and shows he can not only play and sing but is a talented songwriter as well. Next is Razor Blade and is another song penned by Daddy Mack. This is pure blues and offerings like this will insure Daddy Mack Orr is know by future generations of fans as one of the legends from this millennium. He follows with another great song penned by James Bonner called Stop Givin’ My Love Away. Royal Shade Of Blues is next and was written by Eddie Dattel & Sandy Carroll. He follows up with a song written by himself with Billy Gibson titled A Real Good One and is titled perfectly as it is a real good one. Another instrumental is next in Stone Blues also written by Daddy Mack. A great Sam Cook song is next in That’s Where It’s At. Daddy Mack does justice to this great old song. He finishes the cd with the old classic song Feliz Navidad. This is a timely release and just over a month before Christmas is upon us.

I really enjoyed this introduction to Daddy Mack Orr and look forward to future releases from him.

Daddy Mack Orr booking information is here: http://www.herschelfreemanagency.com/dmbb.html

Try Daddy Mack Blues Band here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=L7952MG8

The Billy Gibson Band - Southern Livin'

2006-11-05T20:23:00.001-05:00

This latest offering from Memphis artist Billy Gibson titled Southern Livin’ is a great piece of work. From the opening track to the end, it is great songwriting and musicianship. The cd opens with Fireman, an upbeat number that makes you move. Next is Mississippi, a nod to Billy’s roots and his native state. I’m Single follows and is a nice shuffle number. This was one of my personal favorites. Too Many Times is a slow tempo blues number. Billy’s opening narrative makes a nice touch on a truly great song. He follows with More, a boogie number that dance fans should enjoy. Hey, Hey Pretty Baby is next and is a great shuffle featuring some nice horns as well as harp. I Got A Thing For The Voodoo Woman is next and is a fun song with a great beat and lyrics. He follows with another shuffle in Slowly But Surely, Once again showing us great songwriting and style on a song penned by his label mate Charlie Wood. Hip Hug-Her is next. This is a great showcase of harp. Billy takes it home with Sex Appeal, another great boogie shuffle written by Willie Dixon. This cd was produced by Billy and recorded at Studio Daddy-O in Memphis, Tn by Charlie Wood. Billy was voted the Beale Street Entertainer of the year in 2005 and is known as a harp player virtuoso. Backing Billy on this offering are former Albert King band members David Bowen on guitar, James Jackson on bass, Cedric Keel on drums and Charlie Wood on keys. Some solos are featuring Preston Shannon and Daddy Mack Orr as well.

I have loved Billy Gibson’s music since I first heard him and think he has topped all offerings to date with Southern Livin’.

Visit Billy Gibson’s web site at: www.billygibson.com

Try Southern Livin’ here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EK2BVOEH

Charlie Wood - Lucky

2006-11-05T20:23:00.000-05:00

Charlie Wood is a veteran key man who spent a year in Albert King’s band playing keys at the age of 23. He opens a great cd with Can’t Teach That Stuff . He follows with a Percy Mayfield tune called The River’s Invitation. Next is Charlie’s Tribute to the people and spirit of New Orleans in Never Gonna Stop New Orleans. Next is What’s It Gonna Take, a great boogie number that could make a corpse move. Now’s The Time is next and is a slower number showcasing his talent as a key man. My personal favorite is next in Lonely Avenue. I liked this song from the first few notes. It was written by Doc Pomus. Lucky is next and is the title track. I am impressed with Charlie Wood’s vocals as well as his skill on keys. Ear Candy is next and is just that. Sneaky follows and is a funky number with awesome Hammond. One Of These Days is next and was penned by Mose Allison. It is a slow number with several time changes to keep it fresh. Next is Television and is a like a shuffle with some good lyrics. If It Makes Me A Dollar is next and is a boogie shuffle style song. Charlie closes the cd with the W.C. Handy tune Beale Street Blues.

This cd is even more impressive when I learned in the liner notes that Charlie plays almost all the instruments and wrote all songs except The River’s Invitation, Lonely Avenue, One Of These Days and Beale Street Blues. Charlie had the help of the following people on this cd:
Kirk Smothers – tenor & baritone sax
Billy Gibson – Harmonica and guest vocals on Beale Street Blues
Lucy Hathcote – Background Vocals

Visit Charlie Wood at: www.charliewood.us
www.myspace.com/charliewoodmemphis

Try Lucky here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G6JFEO8E

Beaucoup Blue

2006-09-03T01:15:00.000-04:00

Here is an offering in the acoustic blues style from Boucoup Blue titled Hearts At Home. Beaucoup Blues is:
Adrian Mowry on vocals, six and twelve string guitar
David Mowry on vocals, six string, slide and Dobro guitar
Jim Salamone on drums, percussion and harmonica

Beaucoup Blues is a Philadelphia based father and son duo of David and Adrian Mowry. They give us some great acoustic blues with eight of the thirteen tracks having been penned by one of the Mowry’s.

They start with a John Lee Hooker song titled Little Wheel. This song had my toes tapping almost from the first note. On My Way is next and is an Adrian Mowry original. It features some nice lyrics and great vocals and instrumentation. This is followed by Arthur Johnson’s Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor. Another Adrian Mowry original is next in Lonesome Blues. Benny Goodman’s Stompin’ At The Savoy is next. This is followed by Tony Joe White’s Rainy Night In Georgia. This is a great cover of a wonderful song. On The Corner is another Adrian Mowry original, and is a very well written and arranged slow shuffle. They follow with I heard Gabriel Singing, a David Mowry original. Another David Mowry song follows titled Four In The Morning with lyrics by George C. Remaily. The Elmore James classic It Hurts Me Too is next. Heartache On Horizon is next and is another Adrian Mowry original. Next is I Surrender and is another David Mowry original. The cd ends with the title track Hearts At Home penned by Adrian Mowry.

This is a solid offering with great cover song, wonderful originals and features great vocals instrumentation and harmonies. I am happy to have had the opportunity to hear this great music. As a lover of acoustic blues both old and new, I think there may be some new classics here from the Mowry’s.

Beaucoup Blue has traveled the east coast bringing their acoustic blues based folk music everywhere they stop, make a point of catching these guys if they are every within reach.

Visit their web site at:
www.beaucoupblue.com

Get Hearts At Home here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W7VFH3C2

The Paul Speidel Band

2006-09-03T00:16:00.000-04:00

Just in is the newest release from The Paul Speidel Band titled Guitar Bass Drums. This cd should appeal to many whether they are a traditional blues lover or even a guitar lover. Paul and his partners Steve Skop on bass and Brendan Byrnes on drums have produced a truly wonderful set of music. I was surprised when I first popped the cd in to find it consisted of all instrumentals, a lack of lyrics on a cd is a rarity that only the most secure will attempt. These guys have pulled it off as very few can. The playing is tight, concise and fluid. Paul’s mastery of guitar makes for a very pleasing experience. The rhythm section keeps the music on a great track. The opening track Doggin’ The Walk, is a great lesson in blues guitar. It has a heavy Chicago sounding influence and reminds me of the playing of Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter. Next is Dirty Mudflaps, which comes out sounding like something we would have expected from Stevie Ray Vaughan had he still been among us. I also hear some Chuck Berry in the riffs. Burnslide is next and is an awesome bluesy number. This song is pure feeling and pure blues. A slow shuffle to get lost in, Texas style and featuring some very nice slide playing. He follows this with 3-Way Wiggle. This is a great boogie number that comes out reminding me of Hand Jive. He seems too meld blues and jazz to perfection here while keeping a pure blues feel. Beautiful In Blue follows and is correctly named. This is a wonderful song. It has a distinct jazz feel and is truly beautiful. Another boogie follows in The Bounce. A great name for this song as you gotta be dead not to move to this one. TX is next and has an almost early ZZ Top feel while having a sound it’s own. It is definitely a Texas style guitar song. Solar Winds is next and shows us once again the depth of Paul’s range of expression on guitar. Next we are treated to Dirty Mudflaps (Reprise), as Paul expands a bit on the version we heard earlier in the cd. He closes the cd with Only Three Bars Around, a slow shuffle which is the only one I felt would have been better with lyrics.
Overall this is a great product and a definite keeper. The voicings, timings and rhythms were superb throughout.
If you are in or plan to be in the Boston area, these guys are a must see.

Visit Paul’s web site at:
www.PaulSpeidelBand.com

Get Guitar Bass Drums here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OWTRT80Z

Harpdog Brown videos

2006-08-24T20:04:00.000-04:00

Harpdog Brown sent me some videos from the 1994 Waterfront Festival in Portland Oregon. He said he wanted me to share them here if I would, so here they are. I hope you enjoy them.

Get the videos here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=M382QGXJ

Jessie Austin Orr

2006-08-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

Here is the first offering of 24 year old Jessie Austin Orr of Arkansas. This cd is a great listen and showcase of the talents Jessie has to offer. All songs were written, arranged and produced by Jessie. Add to this that Jessie plays all the instruments as well as handling the vocals makes this a truly impressive project.
He opens the cd with No Doubt In My Mind. A mild blues rock song with a great feel. Boogie Man follows and is a slower mid tempo song. It is well arranged and written. Sun Goes Down follows and is a slow tempo song which works as a soft rock song as well as blues. All In follows and is a jazzy blues sounding instrumental song. It features some real nice guitar playing. Keep The Faith is next and is a favorite of mine. It is a simple blues with nice lyrics at a slow tempo. Heart Of Stone follows and is a slow to mid tempo song with a great sound. Next is Straight From The Soul and is a nice boogie beat and is a very relaxing listen. A well written tune and great instrumentation. Take Me Back Home follows and is another slow tempo song with a nice beat and lyrics. He closes the cd with Trade Winds, a nice nearly instrumental song.
This cd is a nice listen. It is a great showcase of the talents of this young man. His skills in writing, engineering, composing as well as his versatility on several instruments is well documented by this offering.

Contact Jessie at:
rrossej@yahoo.com

Get Jessie Austin Orr here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W6WAJQIF

Lou DeAdder

2006-08-23T19:03:00.000-04:00

Lou Deadder is a Canadian artist who has created a rather unique musical offering with this cd titled Slow Down. He has written and arranged all of the tracks on this cd. What is unique is that he has managed to combine elements of rock, blues, jazz and country into each track. This makes it hard to say with any real accuracy what genre the music fits into.
The cd opens with Ain’t Got Two Nickels. A nice mid tempo number which should be familiar to many in it’s lament. Next is the title track Slow Down and, a slightly slower mid tempo song about the fast pace of life, written about Brett Piekarz. Piekarz plays bass on the cd and also engineered the recording. Next up is Chills, a slower tempo song that is almost a ballad. This is followed by Wobbly Pop. This song is an instrumental with nice guitar and a driving bass to anchor the song and is about the closest he gets to traditional blues. The next song is Searchin’ For My Baby, another mid tempo song. Comin’ Home follows and is a slow tune which is very jazzy while also being reminiscent of early 70's soft rock. Goin’ Down To Texas follows and is a mid tempo song, which again defies any particular genre, while it speaks of playing blues. Believe is next and is in the soft rock vein. This is followed by Without You, which has a nice boogie rhythm. He closes the cd with The Funky Strudel. A nice jazzy type boogie song.
The musicianship on the cd is superb and the songs well written. This is the type of cd which should play well in several genres as it has incorporated many into it. I found it a nice listen so long as I didn’t try to think about what style the music fit. This would play well in any Las Vegas night club. Lou’s intent seems to have been to write a full cd of multi-genre songs, and in this he has succeeded.

Visit his web site at:
www.loudeadder.com

Get Slow Down here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5DZIU2Y0

Jordan Lunardini & The Bad Beat

2006-08-15T12:25:00.000-04:00

Jordan Lunardini and the Bad Beat is an awesome new band based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The have surprising depth for artists this young. I was fortunate enough to catch their performance at the Eaton Rapids Blues Festival this past weekend and was very impressed, not only with their music but their entertaining skills as well. They had the crowd in their palm for the entire performance. It certainly didn’t hurt when guitar player Frankie Ballard wandered the crowd several times throughout their performance leaving each person there with a personal performance to remember. Their new cd titled Moonshine Gospel is a great offering and falls in the blues rock category.

It opens with Glorify, a rockin’ blues song with faith based tones. The amazing guitar work and vocals are tight and fresh. Next is Can’t Unwind, featuring an opening of searing guitar and moving to some wonderful lyrics. Next is the only cover song on the cd, and is a nice version of John Lee Hooker’s It Serves Me Right To Suffer. They have rocked it up a bit and provided a feast for guitar lovers as it has plenty of amazing guitar playing. Jordan’s vocals are great and filled with all the emotion the blues requires. A mid Tempo song is next in Burning Paul and begins with a funky groove. Matt Reinhardt does a great job of anchoring the rhythm on bass. The first really stand alone blues number is next and is titled Whiskey and Wine. This is one of my personal favorites and shows that these guys can definitely handle a slower blues song while still adding their electric touch. Put Me Down follows and picks up the pace again. This rockin’ blues song would be right at home on a blues show or a rock station’s programming as would most of the material. New School Of The Blues is a neat song that is wonderfully written and pays homage to many of the great bluesmen, naming a few and their influence upon his music. Living Water is next and is a slower tempo song with some great riffs and lyrics. The pace again picks up for Holy Ground. Using a rhythm made famous by John Lee Hooker, Jordan has created a new masterpiece. Soul Man follows and is another well written song sure to appeal to the blues rocker and traditional rocker alike. Jordan closes this offering with Coming On Home, one of the best songs on the entire cd and sure to leave you wanting more. This song returns to traditional blues flavor and is sure to become a favorite.
I commend Jordan for having written ten of the eleven tracks on this cd and remaining true to his faith and style throughout.

Jordan Lunardini and the Bad Beat are:
Jordan Lunardini – Guitar, Vocals
Matt Reinhardt – Bass
Frankie Ballard – Guitar
Tim Cowert – Drums
Special guest on Hammond C3 organ – John Ford (Out of Favor Boys)

Visit Jordan Lunardini’s web site at:
http://www.jordanlunardini.com/

Get Moonshine Gospel here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QTUKUIWI

EB Davis - I Write The Checks

2006-07-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Here is one outstanding offering from Elaine, Arkansas native EB Davis. I had not heard of Eb Davis before finding him listed on a web site for unsigned blues artists. I didn’t know what I was missing, as he is a great vocalist.

The very first track on this cd had my attention. It’s called The Weaker Sex, and is a fun song written by James Wheeler, bemoaning the alimony payments made by the subject. The next track, Glamour Girl, was penned by Aaron T. Walker, and is a slow number with some very nice guitar riffs in the intro and wonderful piano. Eb’s vocals are perfect on this song. He next covers a traditional blues song called Come Back Baby. He gives this cover a great old time sound and swing feel. We are treated to an original song from Eb next in Havin’ Myself A Ball. This is a shuffle at a slow tempo. Drivin’ Wheel written be Riley “B.B.” King is the next song covered, and features the sweet notes on guitar that B.B. King is famous for. Eb next tackles Jimmy Witherspoon’s Ain’t Nobody’s Business. For a song that has been covered by nearly everyone, Eb makes this song fresh with his treatment. Herman Lew’s Night Time Is The Right Time is next. I liked his treatment of this tune as well. He gives it that 50’s band era feel and carries the song along the beat wonderfully. The piano and sax are nice on this song as well as many others on this cd. He closes the cd with B.B. King’s Woke Up This Morning. This track is a live cut with a boogie rhythm. This cd was produced in the Czech and Eb is backed by Jan Korinek & Groove.

Eb was awarded best vocalist awards at the 2005 King Biscuit Festival in Helena, Arkansas. He now resides in Berlin, Germany with his lovely wife and keyboard player Nina T. Davis

Visit Eb’s website at: www.ebdavis.com

Get I Write The Checks here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TOJLV9SL

Maurice Richard Libby (Whiteboy Slim)

2006-07-22T17:52:00.000-04:00

Just got this in from Maurice Richard Libby and what a treat.
Maurice is heavily influenced by the sounds of Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong and early on was popular for filling venues such as the El Mocambo, The Silver Dollar Saloon and Black Swan with his band Automatic Slim. Maurice studied Jazz and Composition at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He formed a solo career when Automatic Slim disband.

Maurice is scheduled to play the Mid Point Music Festival in Cincinnati in September.

This cd, his first as a solo act, Homemade was released in 2003 and shows he has some great talent.
From the opening song Slow Down’s nostalgic sound, we hear some great stuff. A boogie number is next in Hey Babe. This sounds like a great tune to see him do live. I Found A Woman is next and is a shuffle. His jump blues sound is great. He moves into Flesh & Blood next, which is another shuffle type. He has a refreshing sound like the greats of old. He follows this up with I Never Lied To You Baby, Which is a great song. The heavily gospel influenced Sing Hallelujah is next and has a nostalgic blues sound with modern twist. Waiting For The Sun is next and features his skill on harp. Into the Wind is up next and opens with a great bit of harp before taking us thru another modern old type tune. Reasons You Need (To Sing The Blues) follows and features a unique style and sound that mixes modern music with blues. It’s Strange is next and it is aptly named. I found it an odd arrangement, but he makes it work if you stay with it. He closes the offering with Bad Timing and I had to agree. I didn’t want to see it end so soon.

Maurice Richard Libby aka Whiteboy Slim is a great artist and songwriter. He will be sure to carve out a place of his own in the world of blues with more offerings such as this. His new cd will be released in August 2006.

Visit him on the web at:
http://www.whiteboy-slim.com

Get Homemade here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BP6KO4A7

The Crossroads Band

2006-07-21T23:44:00.000-04:00

Here is a great band from Washington Falls, NY. They play a style which is considered blues rock with an R&B flavor. I have liked this band since I first heard them a few years ago when a friend played their music for me. This band features some very talented musicians and the vocals are smooth as silk.

This is their Debut cd from 2002 and is titled simply Crossroads. It features ten tracks and begins with Free Man.This song is a favorite of mine for it’s great rhythm and clean sound. I can’t dance but can’t help moving to this rhythm. That is followed by I’m So Glad. A slower tempo tune, which is sure to be a favorite. The pace lifts a shade for Stranded. Another Slower Ballad type follows with Oh, Mama. Nice harmony and great vocals. They follow with Higher Ground. This, as do many others on the cd have a 70’s feel with a modern sound. They pick up the pace for a nice fast shuffle in You Broke Me Baby. The pace drops again for Time Slips Away. A song that speaks of how fast time passes. A slow rock song featuring great harmonies follows in Better. One Night follows and is a true ballad. This is the only cover song on the entire cd and was penned by Bartholomew/King. It has a 50’s blues ballad feel and sound, and is a great job. They close the cd with More Than I can say. It is another slow ballad type song and is, as with the rest of the songs featured, a very well written piece of musical art.

This cd is a definite keeper. Ladies will love it for a bit of music to snuggle up to. It is beyond me why these guys haven’t gotten more attention from the industry. Their sound and style makes them a shoe in for crossover hits.

Visit The Crossroads Band at:
http://www.crossrdsband.com/main.htm

Get Crossroads here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BR9CJOFO

Mike Elrington - Too Good To Be True

2006-07-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

I received this cd from Mike the other day and have been listening to it for two days. This is a very hard one to review, but has nothing to do with the quality of the music. Mike is a great vocalist and the band is awesome.

This cd from 2003 is titled To Good To Be True and indeed it sounds it. These guys are for real however.

They open the cd with the title track Too Good To Be True. A great blues rock song. This will get your blood moving. Next is a slower song staying in the blues rock genre called Better Days. Pretentious Ways follows and is blues rock number with a funky edge. Great tune. A slow song is next called Wipe Your Eyes. Here Mike shows that his great vocals extend to ballad type songs as well. A bogie number is next in There She Was. It sounds kind of like a boogie shuffle rhythm and is great. It get rockin in short order however. Watch The Rise is next and is the hardest to describe. It is a nice song but has a couple spots where he uses language not suitable for small children. This song gets rockin pretty good. Destiny follows and is a real rockin number. A slower tune is next in Find My Lover Someday, A nice ballad type song with great sound. What’s A Man Gotta Do is next and is a great rockin number. He closes the cd out with Stars. This song I find hard to descried as it’s style and sound are different from the norm but pretty good. It is a slow song sung over piano. Mike has shown on this recording effort that he has great skills and talent.

The cd didn’t show me as much blues flavor as I had expected but in terms of hearing great music it didn’t disappoint. All tracks were written by Mike Elrington, which shows he is a very talented songwriter as well.

Visit Mike Elrington’s web site at:
http://www.mikeelrington.com/

Get Too Good To Be True Here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YANVIOHP

Harpdog Brown & The Bloodhounds - Once In A Howlin' Moon

2006-07-20T04:22:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to be able to introduce you to another friend of mine, the very talented Harpdog Brown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a very fine harp player. He has come a long way from his beginnings, where he played guitar and sang as an opening act for comics at a Comedy Supper club in downtown Edmonton in 1980. Harpdog brown has become one of the finest harp players active today. His latest release Once In A Howlin’ Moon was released in 2001 and recorded live at The Vat in Red Deer, Alberta on Friday the 13th of October, 2000.

This cd shows Harpdog having a great time entertaining the crowd as he mesmerizes us with truly excellent harp playing. From the opening instrumental/introduction called Relaxin, we get a taste of the great harp playing to come. He next tackles Everything’s Gonna Be Alright by Little Walter Jacobs and shows us he is a talented vocalist as well. He has a voice and style tailor made for blues. We get treated next to James Cotton’s Soul Survivor. This is a very good cover of this great tune. He next takes us thru a Sonnyboy Williamson song called 9 Below Zero. This old shuffle is a great song and Harpdog does a very good job on it. A boogie number follows called Flip Flop Bop. This song features some really nice piano and is a great dance tune. Blue Light is a nice slow blues that takes you down into the depth of mournful blues. The harp seems to moan its notes throughout this great song. A slow boogie follows in Pink Champagne and features some decent harmony reminiscent of the 50’s. Harpdog gives a great rendition of Next Time You See Me next. A Harpdog Original is next called How Come? The boogie number shows that Harpdog can write a good song as well as play. He seems to really have a good time with this one. T-Bone Walker’s Evenin’ follows. This song is a great song and has been done justice by the treatment Harpdog gives it. Baby What Do You Want Me To Do by Jimmy Reed is next. I always liked this song and I like how Harpdog does his cover. It seems he just gets better as the show progresses. He closes the show with Farmer John. This live recording gives us a chance to see how good a show he puts on. This man is a must see.

Visit Harpdog’s website at:
http://www.harpdogbrown.com/

Get Once In A Howlin’ Moon here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AF6C17PB

Nobody's Bizness

2006-07-16T15:45:00.000-04:00

Nobody’s Bizness

Lever’s Blues welcomes Nobody’s Bizness. This is a great new band from Lisbon, Portugal. Their music is true Delta Blues from it’s roots. Take a journey back in time and experience covers of some great music.

This cd is only available as a net release on the You Are Not Stealing Records label. This is the first effort by an extraordinary new group. The cd opens with the best cover of Nobody’s Business by Robert Johnson that I have heard in many years. Petra has a voice that is perfect in this style of music. Next she tackles the great song Come On In My Kitchen with a sound and style this song truly deserves. A great job is done next on Down In The Dumps. This music is straight from the delta in classic style. We are next treated to a truly great cover of Sittin’ On Top Of The World. Next we get the sultry treatment on their cover of Smack Dab In The Middle. This band sounds as if they have been at this for decades. A true delight for the ears. Another slow number follows in The Same Thing and features the first male lead vocals on the set. A voice that sounds straight from the cotton fields. Woman Be Wise follows and Petra once again delivers a perfect set of vocals for the music. They close the set with When The Lights Go Out. This is another nice treatment of an old song. Nobody’s Bizness is a perfect fit for their choice of material.

Nobody’s Bizness is:
Petra ( Vocals ) / Luis Ferreira ( Guitars ) / Catman ( Vocals & Harmonica & Piano ) / Pedro Ferreira ( Guitars & Back Voices ) / Luís Oliveira ( Bass & Back Vocals ) / Isaac Achega ( Drums & Percussion)

Visit their site at: www.myspace.com/nobodysbiznessband

Get Nobody’s Bizness here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E3DCIWL5

Travis Haddix - Winners Never Quit

2006-07-15T14:18:00.000-04:00

Travis Haddix – Winners Never Quit

I decided to go with this cd out of the ones Travis sent as it is truly an outstanding musical accomplishment for him. All tracks on the cd are Travis Haddix originals and are truly amazing.

He opens with Homeslice, a great song which reminds me of others who have done this style and made it great. He has a sound that reminds me of Artie Blues Boy White, which is a great compliment as I have been an Artie White fan for years. Next up is Bag Lady, and opens with some fine harp work and nice rhythm. Travis shows on cd why he is an awesome live entertainer. She’s Not That Kind Of Girl follows and is a nice tune with a calypso backbeat, written in the style of Jimmy Buffett. Better Than Nothing is next up is a nice song which reminds me of songs done by the late Albert Collins. The title track is next, Winners Never Quit. This is a nice slow blues number with a soul edge reminiscent of Smoky Robinson. We get a funky number in Something In The Milk Ain’t Clean. This is followed by pure traditional blues in Beggin’ Business. This is a great slow shuffle that is sure to become a standard. He speeds thing up a touch on Abused, a nice number with another great beat to get you moving while delivering a message. Someone To Love follows and is a slow tune and very well written. He closes the cd with I’m Mean, a nice boogie rhythm in the style of Albert Collins again.

This entire cd is awesome as I couldn’t find a weak song on it. Quite an accomplishment when compared to corporate artist’s offerings. This is one of the best cds I have had the pleasure of listening to in a while.

Visit Travis on the web at: www.travishaddix.net

Get Winners Never Quit here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Q9D3YIUK

The Barnburners - My Lonely Heart

2006-07-15T12:20:00.000-04:00

The Barnburners - My Lonely Heart

This recording was my introduction to The Barnburners of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. I was impressed with their sound and style. Thisc d features some very good musical talent.

They open the cd with a song called the title track My Lonely Heart. This is a nice slow blues number with a nice beat and good harp. Next up is Going To The Big Town, which picks up the pace a little. This is a very danceable tune and well written. Next is Watch Your Back, another great dance tune. I really enjoy the members playing just what is needed. There is no flashy fill here, just great blues that fits the song and great rhythms. The next song is Lucy and is an up-tempo number with great rhythm and some very fine harp playing. Amrap is next and once again shows the great rhythms these guys produce. They next slow it down for a slow blues shuffle called You Ain't Got No Right To Hate Me. I really enjoyed the lyrics and music to this song. This is a new classic blues tune in my opinion. Watering Hole is next and opens with a nice guitar intro and harp over the drums. This is a boogie number that makes you want to move. The cd closes with Manos Vacias (Empty Hands), a song in Spanish. It is a nice boogie number which should appeal to Latinos and anyone who speaks Spanish.

Over all this cd is solid blues. I am impressed with the style and rhythms these guys are able to achieve. The cd is scheduled for release in September 2006 on their own Big Towne Records label.

Visit The Barnburners website at: www.barnburnersblues.com

Get The Barnburners - My Lonely Heart here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I3RBGQ3L

Big Harmonica Bob - Straight From The Harp

2006-07-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

This will be a feast for the harp enthusiasts. Big Harmonica Bob is one awesome harp player. Bob is from Long Beach, California and has been honored with a number one cd on www.mp3tunes in July, 2005. This cd is still in the top five which speaks very well of his talent indeed.

He starts the cd with a song called Big Harmonica Bob’s Boogie and wails away from there. We are treated to not only great harp, but he is backed by some very fine musicians as well. Next he goes into Lookie Here, another great boogie number. He really cuts lose on a true blues number called Blow You Out Blues. The harp is joined by some great guitar playing as well. Bob takes us next into a song he calls Harp Battle Mambo, and he really cuts loose on that harp. We are treated to an original in the form of I like It with vocals by Becky Cano who also wrote the song. This is a well written number and performed well. Bob is next joined by J.J. “Bad Boy" Jones on a song he wrote called The Bad Boy Shuffle. Another shuffle follows in the form of Beach Fest Shuffle, An uptempo number that gets you moving. This is followed by a Rough Cut of Big Bob’s Shuffle and the final song Fifty Bucks. This is a neat tune that gave me fits trying to classify. The rhythm is hard to pin down to a style of playing.

This cd is a definite keeper if you like harp. Big Harmonica Bob delivers a great harp experience. Bob is also active in many community events and fundraisers. He has played for the Cancer Walk, Earth Day and brings blues to the Whites Point Elementary School, bringing blues to kids and their families.

Visit Big Harmonica Bob’s website at: http:www.bigharmonicabob.org

Get big Harmonica Bob – Straight From The Harp here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JAXLSX57

Breakaway date

2006-07-14T18:08:00.000-04:00

This just arrived from Breakaway.

Downstate NY Blues Assoc. is having their anual Luke Alvino Blues & Brews BBQ
Sunday, July 23, 2006 at Eisenhower West Lindens Parking Field 6A. Festivities begin at 1- 1:15 and beer is free. BBQ pits will be set up for more info go to www.downststenyblues.org

Don't miss breakaway along with many other fine blues bands at this event.

Joe Galea Band - Midnight In New Orleans

2006-07-13T18:35:00.000-04:00

Just arrived is Joe Galea’s Midnight In New Orleans cd. I enjoyed this cd very much as He covers some great tunes. From the first track this cd lets you know why Joe Galea has been invited to play all over the place. This includes his time spent entertaining troops in Viet Nam. In fact Joe was among the last to leave at the fall of Saigon.

This recording shows him to be not only a veteran musician but a master of the style. He opens with a cover of the Denise LaSalle tune Wild Thing (all night long). Next is a great tune I wasn’t familiar with called Ain’t Got No Home penned by C. Henry. A very danceable number to get you moving. He then launches into a Joe Galea / Robert Davie original called Wash My Hands. Nice shuffle tune with lots of brass treatment. He then moves to a cover of Delbert Mc Clinton’s Why Me. Joe really does a great job on these shuffle type songs, but he is no slouch on the faster stuff either. He launches into a Jules Taub/ Rosco Gordon number called No More Doggin and gives us a great rendition in true Galea style. We next find him slowing it down a bit for Who’s Fooling Who. Next we hear his rendition of Stay With Me by Pierre Lacocque. This song has a bit of a zydeco feel to it and he does a great job. Next is a great cover of the Willie Dixon song I’m Ready. He next does a cover of Blue Monday by A. Domino and does this great tune justice as not many do. Joe speeds it up and gives us a very interesting rendition of Sonny Landreth’s Congo Square. Another shuffle number follows as the title track Midnight In New Orleans. This song made me wonder if he wasn’t a New Orleans native who transplanted to Australia. This cover is that good. He next takes us thru Steve Cropper’s 6345789 and gives it a mixture of blues and soul for a new sounding old song. He closes the cd with a great cover of Stagger Lee. So many people do a good cover of this song that is gets old. This one is refreshing from the piano intro right thru the entire number.

I understand why he has been so popular in Australia. He is a class act. I look forward to his pending US tour in the summer of 2007. I am sure he will delight the fans here as much as those he plays to at home.

More from Joe Galea is available at: http://www.joegaleaband.com/

Get Midnight In New Orleans here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SZFZHOA2

Mr. Downchild retires

2006-07-10T19:48:00.000-04:00

I received word from Steve Brazier aka Mr. Downchild that he has left the music business. This is sad news for his fans. Steve's wife Marilyn passed away on September 1, 2005. Steve says she was the biggest part of his show and has decided at least for the time being to leave the music business. Our best wishes go out to Steve and his family.

Steve told me he will contact me if he decides to return to his career.

Steve's fans can contact him thru his web site.

http://www.mrdownchild.net/

PLease Help Omar

2006-07-07T21:08:00.000-04:00

Omar's wife Lyn has lost her long battle against pancreatic cancer. The health insurance does not
cover the costs for the medical care, so please help and support Omar and his young son Jake.
Donate to receive an exclusive homemade Omar LiveCD-R from Gabi in Germany.
Omar & The Howlers

http://www.drfeelgood.de/omar/index.htm

It is never easy to lose a loved one and Omar and his son Jake could use our help. Please be generous. If you are familiar with Omar & The Howlers music, think of the enjoyment he has given when you give back.

Any contributions can be sent to:

Lyn Dykes' Fund
PO BOX 162045
Austin TX 78716
USA

Breakaway - Live At The Viking

2006-07-04T11:40:00.000-04:00

Lever's Blues welcomes Breakaway to our midst with their newest cd
Live At The Viking. This Long Island, New York band will appeal to the
traditional electric blues crowd as well as the die hard blues
rockers.

Breakaway is:
Lou Carrollo - Guitar and Vocals
Howie Haber - Guitar and Vocals
Evan Davis - Harp and Vocals
Dustin Hickey - Bass
A. Michael Canon - Drums and Vocals

The cd opens with a nice slow tempo number called Everybody's
Talkin'that is pure blues and rhythm. Wonderful guitar riffs float
over the solid rhythm section. The next tune is a shuffle rhythm
called Crescent Street Blues, and gives us a taste of the great
harpwork to follow. They pick up the tempo a bit for Down The Line.
This song is pure blues rock and continues their trend of playing only
what fits at a given time instead of overdoing it with flash. The
solos are awesome and made me remember some great Jimmy Page solos.
The band is joined by Patty Haber on background vocals for Get Out And
Love Somebody. A slow number featuring excellent guitar riffs. The
band members are introduced in track 5. Track 6 is Look Around, a mid
tempo number with a beat that gets your feet tapping and some very
good harp playing by Evan Davis. Track 7 is The Bottle: A rockin
number with shades of hendrix evident. The cd comes to a close with
Gambling Man On A Killing Floor, the only song which is not an
original composition. A nice shuffle in true blues fashion.

New York has been keeping a secret. These guys can really play.
Visit their web site at www.breakawaygroup.com

Breakaway was a finalist in the 2005 International Blues Challenge in Mempis, TN.
They will be appearing in the Downstate New York Blues Societies A Day Of Wine & Blues Festival on Saturday August 19, 2006. Admission is $12 and you can get tickets and information at http://www.downstatenyblues.org/

Support Live Blues!

Get Breakaway - Live at The Viking here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3USQFJ2Q

Update

2006-06-30T13:35:00.000-04:00

I thought I would write an update while I wait for several CD's to arrive by mail for reviews. I am pleased to announce that in the near future the following artists will be feature here:
Cheryl Arena
Maurice Richard "Whiteboy Slim" Libby
Big Daddy & The Accelerators
Nelson Adelard
Crossroads Blues Band
Mike Elrington
Lou DeAdder
Alex Gomez
Pat Garvey
E.B. Davis
Jimmy Bowskill (Jimmy will send his new cd this fall as he is currently working on it).

I look forward to the arrival of their material and the posts I will make concerning their cd's.

Stay tuned as I recieve replies from artists daily and will make them available as soon as I am able.

Thanks for your support.

Big Mike & The Booty Papas - Keep Your Hand Out Of My Pocket

2006-06-28T14:23:00.000-04:00

Lever's Blues welcomes Big Mike & The Booty Papas.
Big Mike & The Booty Papas are one of my favorite acts and a listen to
their music tells why. These guys offer a solid blues cd on every
effort. For ten years now big mike has been entertaining audiences
from Indiana to Key West, Florida. They have opened for the likes of
Johnny Winter, Jr. Walker, Government Mule, Warren Haynes, Steve
Morse, Les Dudeck and even Dr. Hook.

Their latest cd Keep Your Hand Out Of My Pocket is another great
offering. It features eleven top notch tracks. This cd covers the full range of subjects for blues tunes. From the cheatin' songs I can Tell and You Can't Do That to an excellent cover of Whipping Post. They slow it down for Keep Your Hands Out Of My Pocket in true blues fashion. Next up is an outstandingly well written song called No Use Crying. Sensing they may have lowered the mood too much they rebound with a fun uptempo piece called Hey Willie and his love for big women. They slow it down again for Macon Blues, the song of drinkin away the blues and contemplating what he has done wrong. They pick it up again with the fun and toe tapping Look At That Booty, if this song doesn't make you move you had better check your pulse. They slow it down again with a change of view in I'm In Love they then turn do a slow number which has a great rhythm, Struttin' With Taj and round out the offering with a great medley rendition of Mellow Down Easy/ Shake Your Money Maker.

I enjoyed this entire cd and don't feel there is a weak track on it
which is suprising when compared with the corporate artist's recent
offerings.

Big Mike & The Booty Papas are:
Michael "Big Mike" Ventimiglia - Guitar and Vocals
Hal Register - Guitar and Vocals
Glenn "Cuzz" Hutchison - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Jerome "J.T." Thomas - Drums
Tony Cooper - Keyboards

They are a very active blues band playing 260 - 300 shows a year and
are twice nominated for Grammy Awards in 1998.
If they haven't made your area yet, let your local venues know they
are a show worth having.

A special thanks to Wild Bean Studios in Macon, GA and Michael "Goose"
Goodrich for a fine job on this recording.

Visit Big Mike & The Booty Papas web site at:
www.redhotbluez.com

Be sure to sign the guestbook and let them know you appreciate their
hard work. Leave a comment here also as the bands check our progress.
Help support the blues and the great atrists who are keeping it alive.

Get Big Mike & The Booty Papas here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O6HUXU77

Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies - The L.A.B. Results

2006-06-28T08:47:00.000-04:00

Lever's Blues welcomes Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies aboard.

This is a very talented blues band from the state Of Washington featuring powerful vocal, great guitar and sizzling harp. Becki Sue began singing in kareoke bars for fun and now entertains crowds everywhere with her own music. It has been unfortunate that such a talented group has mainly been held to western Washington. Due to their still relying on day jobs to survive their touring has been limited, but they will make a couple of noteworthy appearances in the coming months. They will be in Arkansas in October for the festival formerly known as the "King Biscuit" and Memphis Tennessee in February for the International Blues Challenge.

Knock em dead Becki!!

This CD: The L.A.B. Results was recorded live at the Seattle Drum School's Little Auditorium in the Back (LAB) on February 13, 2005. It is an awesome showcase of a new band which is going to turn heads for some time. Their success is truly amazing having received many awards over the past few years including winning a spot in the International Blues Challenge.

Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies are:

Becki Sue - Vocals
Tom Boyle - Guitar
Jim King - tenor sax, Blues harp and vocals
Les White - Upright Bass and vocals
Jeff Hayes - Drums

If you enjoy Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies, please leave a comment so they see it. When visiting their web site, leave them a message also in the guestbook.

Visit their web site for further information, shows and CD's.
http://bigrockindaddies.com/

Try The L.A.B. Results:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MJ93R4JU

Request

2006-06-24T15:44:00.000-04:00

As I intended to review blues bands from all over the world who are unsigned by a record label, I need your help. If you know of a band that is unsigned in your country, please let me know the name and how to contact them (web site address).

I will make contact and try to obtain their permission to review and share their cd on this page. I have little trouble getting help in the USA with bands to contact but am at a disadvantage when it comes to bands in other countries. Please help me to make this work for all.

I want to thank Those Delta Rhythm Kings and Mojo Phoenix for their support of this endeavor and hope that it works for them. I have contacted three other artists for permission and await their replies. I hope to feature them here soon.

Mojo Phoenix - Can We Talk

2006-06-23T13:05:00.000-04:00

Here is another truly outstanding local blues band. I recently became aquainted with this exceptional band at the Jackson Michigan Budweiser Blues Festival where i saw them perform on june 1 and 2, 2006.

Worth noting is that Tom Fuller (electric bass, acoustic bass, baritone sax, vocals) and his wife Cindy Hayden (vocals, harmonica) were the promoters of this festival. Their festival celebrated it's 5th year this year and attendance was awesome.

Mojo Phoenix is a dynamite band to listen to and truly shines in live performances. Cindy has mastered the art of connecting with an audience which insures a fun time for everyone. I told Cindy that their sound reminded me of a mixture of Candye Kane and Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women. She took this compliment in the manner in which it was offered as this was a very high compliment.

Mojo Phoenix has opened for some great acts including: Larry McCray, EC SCott, Mark Hummel, Thornetta Davis, Alberta Adams, Nick Moss & The Flip Tops and Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones. Tom & Cindy are so busy in and out of the band that I wonder when they sleep. Aside from their full booking scchedule of play dates Tom & Cindy are very active in their community promoting the blues. Among their activities are their promotion company Slipped Disc Productions - a privately owned company that strives to enrich and strengthen the community in which it operates. Several Blues festivals they plan run and perform in including fests in Jackson, MI, Adrian Bluescamp Festival and The Maple City Festival. This isn't enough for this duo however, they also have these projects running: * Blues in the Schools program
* Blues Adventure Nights
/Harmonica Hounds Program
* Dewey Decimals Blues and harmonica instruction local Libraries
* The Chronic Harmonics – therapeutic harmonica lessons for
patients with compromised breathing difficulties
* Various free concerts for underprivileged and/or handicapped children
* Private lessons on guitar, bass, harmonica & music theory
* Afterschool Neon Program for at risk children (music performance and practical applications)

This schedule of community service and service to the future of Blues has earned my admiration.

Mojo Phoenix is a band that will go anywhere for a gig. If you would like to see them in your area and know of a place that would like to have them contact:

Cindy Hayden
e-mail: mojophoenixbluesband@yahoo.com

or

Tom Fuller Promotions) at:

e-mail: jazzThug@yahoo.com

Please visit their web site at mojophoenix.com for more great music and info.

I spoke with Cindy about the lack of a guestbook on their site and she

says they prefer to recive your comments by email, so let them know what

you think of them.

Enjoy this truly outstanding Ambassador of the Blues.....

Track List:

1. I Need a Sugar Daddy (Cindy Hayden)
2. Zydeco Hum (Tom Fuller)
3. You Upset Me (B.B. King)
4. Juke (Marion "Little Walter" Jacobs)
5. Queensize Bed (E.C. Scott)
6. My Gnu Celebrity (B.Dearie/Tom Fuller)
7. Buttcheek Boogie (Tom Fuller)
8. Big Fat Daddy (Irene Reid)
9. Seven Nights to Rock (Mark Hummel)
10. My Baby Just Cares For Me (Nina Simone)
11. Flip Flop Fly (Charles Calhoun)
12. Doin My Own Thing (E.C. Scott)
13. Hard Drivin Mama (Helen Humes)
14. Cherries (composer unknown)
15. Meet Me Midnight (Manilow/Sussman)
16. Big Ten Inch (Bullmoose Jackson)
17. Ain't That Fine (Ray Charles)
18. My Name is Cindy (Cindy Hayden)
19. Get Some

Get Can We Talk Here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KXY7XDY2

Those Delta Rhythm Kings - Just The Way We Like It

2006-06-19T15:55:00.000-04:00

Here is the most recent release from Those Delta Rhythm Kings titled Just The Way We Like It. The band has added a new member since the release of Every Night & Every Day. The new member is Janell Christie on alto sax. Janell is classically trained and is near receiving her doctorate - thus her nickname, "Doc". She is a highly skilled, precise technician, a master of her instrument, and invaluable when it comes to transcribing and arranging. She's also great at catching someone even slightly out of tune. The Kings are helping her to play with more drunken abandon. Her influences include her parents, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson. Janell's dubious claim to fame is the taming of the notorious Beale Street Flipper. She's descended from a long line of talented musicians and is married to Chad - which is both her blessing and her curse.

Also appearing on this recording as a guest is Mike Lynch on organ and accordian.
His "regular" gigs are with the great Larry McCray and with Lansing's own Zydecrunch, among others. With the Kings whenever he has an open date, Mike is a consumate sideman and a musician's musician - able to blend with and make stronger any unit he plays with. He is welcomed on stage with bands of many styles. Mike is overjoyed to be a struggling, full-time musician, and TDRK is happy to help him maintain that lifestyle. Mike's favorite past-times seem to be hangin' with friends and facilitating good times for all.

Track Listing:
1. Smack Dab In The Middle
2. Money's Gettin' Cheaper
3. After The Lights Go Down Low
4. Moanin'
5. I Want A Little Girl
6. I Don't Believe It
7. Don't You Lie To Me
8. Mother's Kitchen
9. Wind Chill
10. Please Don't Leave Me
11. Walkin' Slow Behind You
12. Gumbo Blues

Get Just The Way We Like It Here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7DCZDGEP

See all the band has to offer at http:www.rhythmkings.net
Be sure to sign the guestbook.

Those Delta Rhythm Kings - Every Night & Every Day

2006-06-19T14:28:00.000-04:00

This group of guys are close personal friends of mine and damn fine musicians. Based out of Lansing, Michigan they have been performing together for about 15 years. They have been nominated twice to represent Michigan in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Both times reaching the final ten.
They have been looked at by Alligator Records, but unfortunately did not get signed. They have frequently worked with James Harman and opened for several national acts including Carl Weathersby, Roomful Of Blues, Junior Watson, Bobby Rush, Gary Primich, Larry McCray and The Iguanas.
They are a fun band and put on a dynamite show. Day jobs and the expense of travel has kept them confined to Michigan, Indiana and occasionally venturing into Canada.

I am always looking for new venues for these guys to play. If you know of a place which features blues and may be interested in having this band play their establishment, leave me a message and we will try to get em there.

Track List:
1. Strollin' With Bones
2. You Upset Me Baby
3. Mary Ann
4. Lollipop Mama
5. Black Diamond
6. Every Night And Every Day
7. Three Hundred Pounds Of Joy
8. Safronia B
9. The Crunch
10. Mickey Walks In (interlude)
11. Let's Do It Like Monkeys
12. You Don't Love Me

Get Every Night &Every Day here:
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