BSWPA ENTERTAINS AREA’S VETERANS
The inspiration for Blues is a Healer Tour came from our own Bubs McKeg. A plan to show appreciation to our local veterans began to formulate on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2007. It was met with overwhelming support by the Society and by the local Blues musicians. The first stop on the tour, December 23, took our traveling assortment of players, fans, well-wishers, volunteers, and family members to the Highland Drive VA Medical Center. Izzy and Chris, winners of the acoustic duo category at the West Virginia Blues Challenge, “kicked” off the festivities with their own style of Delta blues. Live band performers included: Bubs McKeg, Ms. Freddye (a finalist in the BSWPA Blues Challenge), Rich Kacin, Jim Fanciscus, and Annie Friedland. The musician volunteers included: John Erskine and Jerry C. on percussion, , Jim Hamel and Bubs McKeg on guitar, Ann Friedland on keyboards, Ken Laminson on bass, and Chris Nacy on Blues harp. Undoubtedly, it was a heartwarming and challenging experience. The evening and its performers were electrically charged with the excitement of helping to ease the pain and suffering of our local Vets during their stay at local hospital facilities. The veterans and their families showered our troupe with appreciation and thanks. The outpouring of love was overwhelming. The musicians provided their own brand of entertainment with their own arrangements and groupings of fellow players. The sound was amazing, the music fulfilling.
Also amazing was the outpouring of donations and time from the local VFW. Refreshments and support were provided to make the evening a truly magical event.
At press time, the tour was making preparations for their second stop, the Aspinwall Veterans Home on December 29, 2007. Refreshments and assistance were again being provided from the Aspinwall VFW.
-- Jonnye Weber
Thursday, December 27, 2007
BLUES IS A HEALER TOUR
BANDS, BSWPA HAS A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!
The Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania has the pleasure to announce that their 4th Annual Blues Challenge will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Cefalo’s in Carnegie, Pa. Why set a date this early, you ask? With respect to our participants, we have set a date far enough in advance so that each band can plan their schedules around that date. At the conclusion of the 2007 IBC, the BSWPA Board met and discussed steps that we could take to improve our competition to make it better than ever. That discussion included devising steps to make the competition better organized with improved publicity. We believe that the improvements that we are making will lead to the 2008 IBC being the best in the history of the BSWPA. We are looking forward to accomplishing that goal.
The 2008 competition will be a one-day event to better accommodate those competing. The entry fee will remain $45. The categories again will include solo/duo and band. The winners from the 2007 competition will not be able to compete in the 2008 event.
The gain that you will realize with your entry will be that your band will get to show its best twenty minutes of work. The benefits that each band will realize are:
- Using your creative talents to develop original material
- Competing with fellow musicians in your field
- Exposure to a new, broader fan base through the competition
- The possibility of going to Memphis, TN to compete in an International Competition
- The possibility of attracting national attention
- Cash prize awarded on day of competition to winning solo/duo and band
Enclosed with this letter is an application. We ask that you complete the application that is included with this letter and return it as soon as possible. Sign up now and clear your schedule for Saturday, April 26, 2008.
Please forward your formal application to your choice of the following:
- Blues Society of Western PA, P.O. Box 97978, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
After receiving your application, our BSWPA liaison will be your contact through out the event process. It is our intention to improve and enhance our communication with the bands. Each band will receive advance notification of the Challenge’s rules that are mandated by the International Blues Foundation in Memphis. Any and all questions will be answered.
We sincerely hope that you accept this challenge as a worthwhile opportunity and join us for a spectacular event.
Jim Hamel,
President
Hollowood Music is Back in McKees Rocks!
Click to see full size image.
COME OUT AND SUPPORT THE BSWPA'S 2ND ANNUAL
"Cure your IRS Blues"
Tired of taxes, the snow, and are battling the winter blahs? The BSWPA has the cure for you. Come out to Moondog's (378 Freeport Rd, Blawnox, PA 15238, Phone: (412) 828-2040) to our second annual concert on April 13, 2008 to listen to the blues and have some fun. Many local musicians are gathering to soothe what ails you. See you there...Stay tuned, more details to follow.
IBC Competition…2007
First, I want to thank all the bands that entered and all those who attended the three rounds of the 2007 IBC competition. It was my first IBC and it was both exciting and entertaining. It proved a couple things to me-there is no shortage of blues talent in the area and we do have a following. We did not have a lot of time to put this together and advertise. Our fellow society members in West Virginia were way ahead of us. They had eighteen contestants set up before we started. It was well advertised and they did well. We just had to hope we could attract enough talent to throw a good competition. We did it in three parts: round one at the Thunderbird, round two at Jimmy G’s, and the final at Moondog’s. We had four solo acts with diverse styles and nine bands.
The excitement of seeing these bands play the hottest twenty minutes of music they can, while trying to impress judges and guests alike was just tremendous. As timekeeper, I could feel the pace intensify as each set went on. The judges had a tough job and the voting was so close-every single time.
Congratulations to the winners, Jeff Kelley winner of the Solo Act, and Jill West and Blues Attack winner of the Band Challenge.
For one, I cannot wait for the next IBC competition that we are going to hold all in one day! It will be on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Cefalo's, Carnegie PA. Plan on being there if you are a fan and entering if you have a band.
-- Don Vecchio
Jeff Kelly, Acoustic Blues
The following is a glimpse of the submission to Sonic Bids, that our solo/duo winner, Jeff Kelly, submitted to Memphis for his entry into the International Blues Challenge that starts on January 31, 2008.
Born in 1947, I have been playing the acoustic guitar since 1964. In the middle of the Folk Music Revival of the 60’s, I was quickly drawn to the Piedmont and Delta style acoustic blues artists of the Golden Age of Blues, (the 1920s and 1930s.) In the ‘60s, some of the great acoustic blues artists were still performing, including Son House, Skip James, Reverend Gary Davis, Brownie McGhee, and Mississippi John Hurt. The blues attracted me because it is the most expressive music and has the greatest depth of emotion.
Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, I perform regionally at Arts Festivals, Blues Festivals, Folk Music Societies, and I have a regular engagement at a nearby nightclub. I will be competing as a soloist in the 2008 International Blues Competition as a result of winning a competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania, of which I am member.
In 2006, I released a CD titled, Classic Acoustic Blues, which is a tribute to the great acoustic blues artists. It contains songs by Reverend Gary David, Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, Blind Willie McTell, and Muddy Waters.
Since the release of “Classic Acoustic Blues,” I have been channeling my interest in the Blues into creating my own songs, guided by my interpretations of the Piedmont and Delta blues styles.
…. Jeff Kelly is currently working with the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania to develop a historical blues music program. He has volunteered to offer a music clinic in conjunction with that program for those wanting to learn new skills or hone skills that they already possess.
Columbus Blues Challenge 2007
Mike and Nancy Longo sent back a great report on the Columbus Blues Challenge that was held on October 14, 2007. Their words were…
It was a great day, great music, and a lot of fun. The people from the CBA were very warm and welcoming. We identified ourselves as being part of the BSWPA and they were so happy to have us there. We were admitted to the event at their member price. This is a courtesy they extend to anyone who is a member of any Blues Society anywhere. Their feeling is that you can’t join them all and we’re members together in the love of the blues. Mike and I both agree that it was a great day of the blues. Whiskey Dicks provides the venue every year and it was a really nice place for this event.
We used the programs that we were given to judge each act (Note from the editor: They had enclosed the paperwork. They did a lot of work to report on each band. It was impressive.) We did not always agree, but we did absolutely agree on the choices for the winners in each category. The following is a recap of our thoughts on the winners.
The day began with five solo/duo acts.
The first place winner was Walter Tore’s Spontobeat.
Nancy said: We had no idea what Spontobeat meant. Well, he calls himself Spontobeat because he makes up everything as he goes along. All the words and all of the music completely are spontaneous. He is literally a one-man band. He played guitar, harp, and drums. He was the consummate professional on every level. We loved this guy!
Mike scored: Mike scored this band the highest on the scorecard and agreed with the judges.
The second place winner was Damian Knapp.
She said: This guy played a nice slide. He was a good musician and had a nice stage presence. He did mostly original songs. One song was titled “Decay in Our Cities.” I thought that it was very reminiscent of traditional Delta Blues. I thought he was very good.
He scored: Mike’s scorecard had him in fourth place.
The third place winner was Barry Chern.
She said: He had a more traditional style. He was amusing and entertaining. I thought that he talked too much. You only have twenty minutes to get yourself to Memphis and he probably talked five minutes of it away. He had a smooth voice and played guitar well.
He score: Mike had scored him in third on his score sheet.
The Band Challenge soon followed. Seventeen bands took the stage that day.
The first place band winner of the Columbus event was Patrick McLaughlin.
She said: This guy and his rhythm section smoked! They were great! In every song, every note was sharp as a tack. The vocals were good. The guitar playing was great. They deserved to win!
He scored and said: This was the band that Mike picked as his personal tiebreaker before the winners were announced.
The second place band winner was Damn Right.
She said: Nice ensemble. Good Blues attitude. Real good harp player. I would go and see these guys again.
He scored: Mike’s scoring placed them in second place just like the judges did.
The third place band winner was Terry Davidson and the Gears.
She said: Good song selection. Nice energy-decent band but do not think that they were good enough to be top three.
He scored: Mike’s scoring had them in around third place.
This event was very well organized. They never missed a beat of getting people on and off. There were no long breaks or delays. We met some people from the Marietta, Ohio Blues Society. They were very nice people: John, Peg and Steve. They invited all of us to Marietta and to the Lafayette Hotel for their Blues competition on February 15 and 16, 2008. They have the honor of hosting the first competition in the country for the 2009 IBCs. They told us that they also admit anyone who is a member of any Blues Society anywhere for member prices. They will have two days of competitions to accommodate the many, many bands that compete. They also shared some tidbits of information. They went to the Charleston, West Virginia Blues Challenge. Izzy and Chris won the Solo/Duo event and Billy the Kid and the Regulators won the Band segment. Both of those winners will be going to Memphis.
Nancy also very enthusiastically stated that the Longos would see everyone in Memphis!
Thank you Nancy and Mike for being our “Blues reporters at large.”
River City Ohio Blues Competition Weekend
Friday & Saturday
February 15 & 16, 2008
The Lafayette Hotel 101 Front Street,
Marietta OH
Tickets available after December 1, 2007
$10/$15 m/nm Friday Night 8 - 11 PM
$10/$15 m/nm Saturday Afternoon 12 Noon - 6 PM
$10/$15 m/nm Saturday Night 7:30 - 11:30 PM
$25$40 m/nm Weekend Pass
Doors open one hour before show time.
For tickets & information call
Steve Wells (anytime) 304-295-4323
bluesphotog@yahoo.com
Peggy (evenings) 740-376-0222
bolen@bjfm.org
VISA/MasterCard accepted
Traditional Acoustic Blues Festival
Presented by
Columbus Blues Alliance
The 13th annual festival!!
Date: February 23, 2008
Location: Holiday Inn Worthington (Use code "C45" to reserve your room)
7007 N. High St., Worthington Ohio Map of 7007 N High St
(Formerly the Radisson Columbus - SAME LOCATION! NEW NAME! NOW REMODELED!)
Time: 2:30 p.m. (ballroom doors) / 3:00 p.m. (music)
Tickets: $25 (CBA members) / $30 (non-members) 
(Member price available to members of the Blues Foundation and all affiliates)
HEADLINER - David "Honeyboy" Edwards
Featuring: Moreland & Arbuckle, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes,
Cliff Starbuck & Colin John, Sonny Moorman & more!
Two stages, with music from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Jam in the hotel bar @ 11:30 p.m. (jam open to all musicians!)
Silent auction, Blues photo display & sale (featuring JT Lotozo, Eric Popp &
Dusty Scott)
50/50 raffle & door prizes
HERITAGE MUSIC BLUESFEST 08
ANNOUNCES CONFIRMED ACTS
JUST ANNOUNCED:
Ana Popovic
Deanna Bogart
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:
Johnny Winter & James Cotton
The Delta Guitarslingers with
Michael Burks, Larry McCray & Carl Weathersby
The Mannish Boys
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
Sugar Blue
Watermelon Slim & the Workers
Blue Bella Revue with
Nick Moss and the Flip Tops,
Bill Lupkin, & Kilborn Alley
Tinsley Ellis
Seth Walker
Barbara Blue
More artists will be announced
as they are confirmed
For more info see the artist page
8/8/08 - 8/10/08
Heritage Music Blues Fest 08
Heritage Port Amphitheater, Wheeling, WV
Another year of Award Winning
MEMBERS SURVEY
Hi all!
We would like to get some feedback from you to better help serve you better in 2008. We hope that we helped make 2007 a little better for you.
- What is your favorite venue to watch blues music (bar name)?
- Do you have a favorite local band?
- How long have you been a member of BSWPA
- Did you attend any of the blues fests this year (PGH Blues Fest, Wheeling (Heritage), or Carnegie? If so, which one(s)?
- Did you visit our booth to meet us? (We would love to meet all of you and hope that everyone stops to see us again…except the guy who wiped his face with the t-shirt…you know who you are...heh, heh!)
- Did you attend the IBCs? If you did not, …why not?
Ok, that is it for now. Please mail your responses to me at d.vecchio@bswpa.org
or mail them to our new address:
BLUES SOCIETY
c/o Don Vecchio
P.O. BOX 97978
PITTSBURGH, PA. 15227
Thank you … Love to hear from all of you
Austin …The Real Story … or so she said
Antone’s was our first stop. As the doorman took my hand and ran me across the street, I looked up at Antone’s marquee in disbelief. The sign said, “JONNYE AND JIM APPEARING WITH…” It lit up the dark skies for all to see… Earlier in the evening we had first enjoyed the scenic view of Austin and its busy streets. We then approached the large, square building that houses Antone’s. Its many windows were covered with just as many posters. We soon learned that Greg, the doorman, had spent a year and a half in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. We bonded instantly. He told us that there was two alternative bands, The Greyhounds and Moving Matter, scheduled that evening. Even though it was not our taste in music, we were game and hung around. Inside, I scanned the large, rectangular room with the raised stage, the dark green walls, concrete floors, and the long bars that covered the length of one wall. Blazing lights riveted my attention to the two walls near the entrance that were heavily covered with merchandise that consisted of the usual display of t-shirts, CDs, posters, and other assorted memorabilia. It was quite impressive. (To my chagrin, I later learned that the shirts were cheaper at the airport.) Greg generously gave us VIP passes that gave us Carte Blanc access to all facets of the famous landmark. Without waiting, I sprang into action and began poking around the inner workings of Antone’s. A small room off the main room got my attention. The worn sectional sofas and metal chairs told the story that many had been there and many more bands would hope to be there. The room was also dotted with 50’s lamps and strings of lights. It was reminiscent of Elvis’s 50’s décor. Again, the walls were painted black. I then made my way slowly up the narrow staircase to the VIP section. There I was given a sideways view of the performance below. There were remains of an earlier party with leftover paper plates and cups. As I poked around the small room, I felt that the walls held many secrets that made my imagination run rampant. …. Girls, the ladies room was covered with galvanized steel. 
The next evening our travels included a stop at the Continental Club on South Congress Avenue (the SoCo district). The area was a mini-Shadyside. The old club was sandwiched into an older, tired part of Austin that included a mix of eclectic and quirky shops. The Continental Club, named after the Lincoln Continental, sported an ancient cigarette machine, old glass show cases, posters, pictures of Lincolns, paddle fans, red walls and black linoleum floors. The Blues Specialists took the stage of a packed house at 6:30 P.M. on a Friday. The crowd again was older but very “into” the music.
We were soon tooling back towards Austin. We took a short side trip to Artz on South Lamar for an authentic award-winning BBQ. Our next stop was at Central Park on North Lamar. “An Evening in the Park” was an outdoor event featuring the Texas Eastside Kings. As the sun started setting, children were romping and the adults were sipping their coffee and enjoying dessert. It was an enjoyable family-like atmosphere and the old-timers in the band were personable with their mix of old style blues, jazz, and country style blues.The night was only beginning. We stopped once more at the 311 club at 311 Sixth Street.. The staff was friendly but the band was stumbling along.
Nuno’s at 422 Fifth Street was next on our list. “Mojo working” was being played at we entered. It was a clean, nuevo blues bar. It was austere and sparsely furnished. Palm trees warmed the inner depths of the club. A large, American flag was draped on the walls behind the stage. Old benches from what seemed like a shoeshine stand lined the walls. The bathroom, again, were galvanized. The large crowd was older but totally focused on the music of Hosea Hargrove and Jabo and the Old Dogs. Kevin, the doorman, stated that Nuno’s was listed as the “only” all-blues bar in Austin.
The State of the Blues in Austin, Texas
Austin is a town of 680,000 with a metropolitan population of 1,500,000. On any given night, a minimum of 150 live music venues are available to fans within the city. Pittsburgh, however, has a metro population of 2,300,000. I personally doubt if 150 bands play in a whole week in the ‘burg. It must be noted that the University of Texas is located in downtown Austin. The University has 50,00 students and 20,000 faculty.
I considered Antone’s to be a MUST stop. I was very disappointed. There is almost no blues shows left at Antone’s. It is now geared to a young college crowd. The little blues that were found at Antone’s were on the t-shirts and posters that they sell. I learned that there was only one club, Nuno’s, that played the blues exclusively. I had missed Wes Jeans by only one day. Most clubs have three or four bands each day and will throw in a blues band occasionally. The Continental Club was only about fifty percent blues. Until recently it had hosted Tony Price every Tuesday. The show was free and packed the place. Tony Price has since moved to California. The bands play for free in about half of the clubs. The tip jar was passed around on a regular basis.
The BEST SHOW that I saw was at the Saxon Pub. Omar and the Howlers opened for Bugs Henderson. The show went out live on a local blues radio program. It was a packed, enthusiastic house. Yours truly was front row center. In conclusion, the blues is there in Austin. I just had to look for it a little harder than I thought.
-- Jim Weber
Dis is it!!
The logo for the Slippery Noodle Inn (Indy’s finest blues bar) says it all. When it comes to blues in Naptown, dis is it!
Located on the near south side of Indianapolis, the Slippery Noodle Inn is also the oldest continually operated bar in the original building (est. 1850 as a roadhouse named the Tremont House) in the state of Indiana. It is walking distance from Conseco Fieldhouse, the Convention Center and the RCA Dome, as well as many other downtown Indianapolis establishments. Known by many names over the years (it once housed a bordello up until 1953), it was a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil war and portions of the back were used during prohibition by public enemy number 1 John Dillinger for target practice.
On December 13 (a Friday) 1963, Harold and Lorean Yeagy purchased the property and the Slippery Noodle Inn was born. It has remained in the Yeagy family since. Upon the death of his father in 1985, Hal Yeagy began his stint and has turned the once one room lunch hall into the finest blues joint in Indy.
Seven nights a week, blues can be heard at the corner of South and Meridian streets. Wednesday nights are the open blues jam with other weeknights featuring regional and national traveling bands. Weekends usually feature two bands (one on the front stage and one in the back) and have some of the areas finest blues bands playing until 2 am. Sunday nights usually feature acoustic blues on the front stage. The Noodle also features a full menu until 11 pm each night.
Since my first trip there to see John Mayall in the early 90’s, the Noodle has become the favorite fix for my blues addiction. Many of the finest musicians in the Blues world have graced the stage at the Noodle, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Gatemouth Brown, Albert Collins, Luther Allison, Indy’s own Yank Rachell, the list just goes on and on. The past few years have seen Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, Kenny Neal, Duke Robillard, Studebaker John, Tinsley Ellis, Watermelon Slim, Mike Morgan and the Crawl, whoever gets out on the road usually ends up blasting the back stage at the Noodle. But don’t think that traveling bands are the only ones to see here. Indy has some fine bands that play here regularly as well. Some of Indiana’s finest include Tad Robinson, Gene Deer, Gordon Bonham, Benito Debartoli and Black Vodoo, WT Feaster, Tony Cheesbourough, Governor Davis, we got a lot of Blues talent floating around the great state of Indiana and they all come thorough the Noodle regularly. And if you are in town when Chico Banks or Reverand Raven and the Chain Smoking Alter Boys are playing, you definitely have to check them out. Each put on great shows every time the come to Indy.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Slippery Noodle in 1993, Hal and the gang recorded “Live at the Slippery Noodle Inn, Vol 1”, which was the birth of Slippery Noodle Sound recording label. Since that time, Vols 2 and 3 have been released as well as recordings from Gene Deer, Dave Morgan, Gordon Bonham, the Cooler Kings, Big Lou and the Accusations, Jimmy Ley, and Indiana’s legendary blues man Yank Rachel.
So if you find yourself in Indy and you got some time for the Blues, trip on in to the Noodle. If you get there early enough maybe Marty or one of the staff can take you on a guided tour through one of the most historic buildings in Indy with one of the most checkered pasts and now home of the finest in Blues in Indiana.
Like their log says, Dis Is It!!!
Visit the Noodle’s website at http://www.slipperynoodleinn.com/ for their schedule and while there check out Slippery Noodle Sound for CD’s from Indy’s premier blues joint.
-- By Randy Jones Noblesville, IN
CD REVIEWS
If your band has a new CD and you want it reviewed in our
newsletter please send copy and all info to:
Jim Weber
79 Linmar Homes
Aliquippa, PA - 15001
CD Review - Mahajebee (Self Titled)
This is a hot five-piece Blues band. They consist of Tim Ambrass on bass, Lonny Holdby on guitar and bass, Chazz Kramer on guitar and vocals, Brent McConnell on drums, and Pat Tevis on harp, keys, and vocals.
There are two statements on their website, (a great website to check out), that summarize this band pretty good. First, they describe themselves as playing, “not your mama’s blues.” Brent then explains, “It started on a whim, we just decided to pound some beers and play. Then somebody got the crazy idea to take it on the road…that’s Mahajibee.” They are serious musicians who have fun at what they are doing! It shows not only in their CD but at their live shows, also.
They have been around since 2000 and have released two live CD’s at the Hard Rock and Rosebud and more recently a sampler. I think it was wise to test the waters as they did. They were able to draw from all three. Their patience paid off for this CD. This is their first studio release and their preliminary work really paid off!!
The CD starts off with a political statement, “Who’s Standin’ Up for the Little Man?” This is a great start with top-notch lyrics and guitar work. The rhythm section not only shines here but throughout the CD. (Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody in Washington would actually pay attention?) Nine of the twelve songs are original. They stay in the Blues throughout…. even on “Funkified Blues,” where Lonny takes a turn on the bass. It is funky but still true to the twelve bar Blues form. This is the part of their live show where all the ladies get up on the dance floor and strut their stuff. Lonny shines!!! “Blues Guitar” is just sensational. It is a beautiful, slow ballad. This is the song at their live shows that “us” guys grab our ladies and head to the dance floor. The guitar solo on “Find your Way Home” is searingly beautiful, the kind of thing that keeps this guitar fan coming back for more.
Mahajibee is a tight band and this CD shows that. See them live, too. You will not be disappointed. Blues lovers…the front and back covers of their CD depict a big chunk of blues history in Mississippi.
-- Jim Weber
CD Review: Craig King “The Breakthrough”
This fine release from Bonedog Records once again hits the right chords for Soul music like real Memphis-styled horns, Staxy-rhythm, greasy organ, soulful vocals. Folks, it never gets old and the formula works for newcomer Craig King who reminds me of the under appreciated Earl Thomas. King’s a yearning singer who doesn’t oversing – proven on the fabulous 60’s style ballad “So Much In Love”’ a cut that has the lift-up-your –lighter and sway your arms feel. The bluesy “How Deep Does This Go” gives you more of the same.
A great horn arrangement pushes the loose n’ funky title cut, detailing a man’s inability to connect with his woman. King sings “Next to me/In this bed where we lay/Sometimes it seems a million miles away/Tell me where do you go to?” Ah yes, the mercurial nature of relationships. The moody “This Wasn’t Right” accurately describes the lure and ache of forbidden fruit. Horns once again propel “A Love Like This”, moving in Staxy style, same goes for the gritty “Feelin’ Like A New 45” and the JB-inspired “What’s Right”. Widening out and perhaps reveling a Van Morrison influence (at least by the writer) “The Blues Come A Knock ‘in”, a Jazzy number in “Moondance” mode. You could even say there’s a little Elton John heard in the bouncy “Leave Your Love On”’ then again where did Sir Elton get his influence? Am I stretching it? Perhaps but all good music today stems from Southern Soul & Blues and Bonedog Records is a label that uncompromisingly keeps the classic period alive.
Dylnn Dianna-----Bluescritic.com
LISTEN SAMPLES
A Love Like This
The Blues Come A Knock’in
How Deep Does This Go
CD Review: Blue Razor Band - Blade
If you like your Blues with a rock, sharp edge then Blue Razor is just your kind of band. The band gels together. No frilly edges, just stripped down, hard rockin’ blues. 
Their two covers are, “Fool for your Stockings,” (my all time favorite ZZ Top song) and Eric Clapton’s, “Five Long Years.” The other six cuts are originals. Zack Tyler shares lead guitar with Emil Herby and they compliment each other as few do. Never in Competition but working as a team. The rhythm section of Barry Rowe on bass and Scott Griedel’s drumming is top notch.
The writing is excellent, reminding me of some of the great Southern Rock Bands. It would not be fair to label Blue Razor as a jam band but the extended instrumentals are reminiscent of some of the greats. The finale is a guitar “Tour de Force” and by far my favorite. “Push Down and Turn” is one of those songs that I may never understand what the message is…but, with that kind of playing, I really don’t care.
If you’ve seen them live you know the type of energy they produce. My advice: Keep coming back, because they keep getting’ better.
-- Jim Weber
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CD Review: Tinsley Ellis, “Moment of Truth” - Alligator Records
I was thrilled to receive the first studio Tinsley Ellis CD in three years. As soon as I escaped with the CD, I put it in my car CD player. It was a rainy, cold night and the first tune seemed to match the weather. A hard driving tune, “Say Too Much,” I enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to hear what else he had to offer. The next tune was okay but the third, “Get to the Bottom,” was better. Nice ‘bottom’ to it (no pun intended). It had tough Tinsley-style lyrics, “when you get to the bottom, won’t be nobody by your side’ with some screaming guitar licks.
Next tune was a softer side of Tinsley. It was about how hard it is 
to break up-even if you know it’s best, “You’re Gonna Thank Me.” I love this tune. Good Lyrics, good beat, and some nice guitar work. “Tell the Truth,” is next. It was a good tune but reminds me too much of “Lie to Me.”
Getting to the heart of the CD (for me), tunes seven and eight are what make this a CD I’ll listen to over and over. First is a kick-you-in-the-teeth tune with lyrics to match, “instead of bringing you home the bacon, he’s tearing her meat off the bone.” Easy Tinsley, Whoa, boy! Hey, this is a tune I can listen to over and over…hot guitar (of course), hard vocals, just a typical tough Ellis tune.
On many CD’s there is one song that pulls me to it over and over. Song eight, “Freeway Soul,” is such a song for me. It is bluesier than the other songs on this CD. First, the beat starts to grab you; then the lyrics take over. It’s about building the courage to leave someone you know is losing their love for you. You just want to get as far away as you can. His lyrics are more original than most heartbreak lyrics that you would hear, (“You’re gonna miss me darlin’ when you lose my lovin’ arms”). There are more tunes. I know that Tinsley’s versatility will reach all music fans on one or more songs. I’ve listened to this CD at least a dozen times in a week and I’m not ready to stop. So grab a copy and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear others’ opinions, too. Email me at d.vecchio@bswpa.org. Let me know what you think.
Thank you,
-- Don V.
CD Review: Josh Boyd and the V.I.P. Band
“My Guitar Gently Weeps,” is a well-known song they have taken and made their own. It is heavy, soulful and bluesy all at t he same time. The last four songs on the CD are my personal favorites. I love to listen to this CD on my feet. It makes me want to move. I love this band.
Do not take my word for it…pack your toothbrush, make a road trip. Toledo, Ohio is not out of reach. Go to this website at http://www.superboyd.com/. Get their schedule…go see for yourself. Thank me later.
(This band was an entry in last year’s IBC in Memphis. He created a lot of buzz in the “street.”)
CD Review: The Soul of John Black CD ….The Good Girl Blues - Yellow Dog Records
When I received “The Good Girl Blues” by “The Soul of John Black” from Yellow Dog Records, I had a CD on my player. I used my time reading the liner notes and checking them out on Electric Blues and All Music. There was nothing. The inside jacket listed one DJ Phizz Ed as playing turntables…strike one. Another noted “all lead vocals, all guitars and drums along with all songs written by John A. Bigham, AKA J.B., John Black, Black John…strike two. Nobody needs four different names! 
Only half listening after the CD started, a smile came to me. This guy reminded me of “Blind Willie Johnson,” whom I love…Blues over easy with a side of gospel. Like Willie, he had something to say but was in no hurry…take your time and get the message across. “Down in the Hole” starts and finishes, (the short version), the CD. It reminded me of Blind Willie’s, “John the Revelator.”
J.B. is definitely a player. He does slide, acoustic and electric all with skill and emotion. He has great vocals and range. “One Hit” is way too close to “One Toke over the Line,” in sound except that the drug of choice has changed. I love the dark humor in the lyrics…. ‘Well, I was drivin’ down Santa Monica Way get a little late night snack, pulled up on McKaven Aveune in front of the burrito shack. I got the #1 with rice and beans and hot salsa to make it right. I looked over my shoulder. She was off in the corner makin’ love to a transvestite. One hit too many, my Lord, landed by the side of the road, landed in a pool of her own drool. She ain’t nothing but a heavy load.’
This CD must be taken as a whole. The sound is as old as Blues, itself, but manages to come across as fresh and clean. The mood shifts but never too far…at times, dark but they leave the nightlight on for you.
-- Jim Weber
CD Review: Koko Taylor “Old School” - Alligator Records
When I listen to a Koko Taylor CD for the first time I know two things are going to happen. First, she will put a smile on my face with her lyrics – “I think I’m gonna buy me a mule to take the place of you”. Second, she will get me on my feet dancing. If my wife is around, I’ll grab her for a partner. If she is not there, I belong to the school that promotes, “Dance like nobody’s watching”. The real test comes on “Black Rat” just try to stay in your seat for this one. 
Knowing her physical problems, I wasn’t sure she was up to another CD. We saw her at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival and she was close to 100%. Koko is without question one of the greatest singers in blues. She kicks your butt and pulls at your heartstrings, all while attacking her music like a bulldog. Ms. Taylor is still raw and intense.
The CD is straight out of the Chicago Blues mold. Koko writes five of the songs herself and they match up well with the covers by the likes of Willy Dixon, Sam Maghett, and E. G. Kight. Musicians on this CD include Bob Margolin, Billy Branch, and longtime sidekick Criss Johnson. Johnson’s guitar work on “All Your Love” is superb. Her vocals are as gravely as ever. The “Queen of Blues” is not only back but she is as good as ever.
-- Jim Weber