Rough Dried Woman

Written by Administrator Friday, 23 October 2009 19:57

Magic Slim & The Teardrops

Wolf Records

    European label Wolf Records focuses heavily on recordings of blues artists, primarily those from Chicago and the Delta; many who do not see the type of attention they probably deserve in their own country. Magic Slim & The Teardrops certainly have seen their share of American releases that have garnered attention, but they have also had numerous sessions working with Wolf that have generated some exceptional tracks as well. This latest release featuring Magic Slim collects many of the finest selections from the band offered by that label. And as is expected with Slim and the guys, it includes stunning guitar work and some of the best ensemble work Chicago’s modern day players has to offer.
    All of these tracks involve what may have been Slim’s all-time best band that included his late brother, bass player Nick Holt and a superb guitarist in his own right John Primer, with drums filled in by Jerry Porter, Nathan Applewhite, Michael Scott or Earl Howell, depending on which session is involved. Even Wolf notes this, by placing right on the sleeve the statement “The best blues band on the planet.” Hefty words, but arguably it may just be a fact.
    Selections on the CD are almost completely covers, with the lone exception being Slim’s “Tell Me What Make A Woman Treat A Good Man So Bad.” But in the hands of Magic Slim, these sometimes all too familiar numbers breathe sparks that will ignite even the most die-hard blues purist. It seems that everybody may have recorded “Match Box Blues,” “You Can’t Lose What You Never Had” or “Mama Talk To Your Daughter,” for example, but Slim captures them as they were meant to be. There is nothing in a Magic Slim performance that is going to find him jumping around the stage with all kinds of hysterics and antics. It’s just pure blues. Guitar and band at it’s utmost collective best. And that is precisely what you’ll find on any of his recordings. But if you’re after a sampling of what Magic Slim & The Teardrops is all about, you certainly cannot go wrong with Rough Dried Woman. Guaranteed pure Chicago blues worthy of a long life on your player!

Total Time: 70:32
Rough Dried Woman / Match Box Blues / Tell Me What Make A Woman Treat A Good Man So Bad / Spider In My Stew / I’m Good / Bad Avenue / Mama Talk To Your Daughter / Ain’t It Nice / Before You Accuse Me / You Can’t Lose What You Never Had / Bad Boy / Blues At Sunrise / Stranded On The Highway / Hard Luck Blues

Corn Flakes & Gin

Written by Administrator Friday, 23 October 2009 19:52

David Brothers

Self-Produced

 

Corn Flakes and Gin is the latest self-produced release by Portland guitarist David Brothers. A former recipient of the Cascade Blues Association’s Christopher Mesi Scholarship who has also studied directly under the guidance of both Robbie Laws and Terry Robb as well as being a member of the band H.B. Groove. He is an outstanding young player who is certainly coming into his own, which this fine recording bears witness to that fact immensely.

The guitar work is masterful and precise. Songwriting is brilliant with almost all of the tracks having Brothers’ hand in their penning, and his flair for arranging displayed on all. Two of the tracks included were previously available on Brothers’ 2006 release November’s Mistress ( “Dishpan Hands” and the title cut “Corn Flakes & Gin”), but fit in nicely again here. The traditional number “In Christ There Is No East Or West” David Brothers captures the song’s beauty to perfection, sounding a lot like Leo Kottke or John Fahey in the presentation. No matter which direction he takes on the selections, whether as a blues number, a jazzy bouncing riff, or a classical guitar approach, Brothers handles each with grace and inspiration.

Terry Robb helmed the production of this release at Falcon Studios and he also accompanies Brothers on four of the tracks. Other outstanding local artists who appear include keyboardists Janice Scroggins and Mario Carboni, guitarist Chazz Hamilton, rhythm section Dave Captein on bass and Kaci Anderson on drums, and nice mandolin work by Josh Cole.

In a city filled with exceptional acoustic guitar players, David Brothers can stand amongst the finest and is a name that should be watched closely, because we should be hearing quite a bit of accolades for this exceptional musician. Deservedly so!

 

Total Time: 42:16

My Old Man / Middle of the Afternoon / Better Days / I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight / Corn Flakes & Gin / Sunny & The Wine-O / Betty / In Christ There is No East Or West / Miles Behind Me / Wednesday Blues / Friday Night / Playa Del Rey / Dishpan Hands

Sean’s Blues

Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 19:31

Sean Costello

Landslide Records

    Without doubt, I would have to say one of the hardest hits to modern blues in the past couple of years had to be the premature death of Sean Costello. A young man starting to break out on to a larger scale of recognition for his incredible talents, yet haunted by his own personal demons brought on by his bi-polar condition, something that only a handful of people were knowledgable of (rightfully so as a private issue) until his passing.

    Sean Costello had broken into awareness for many when he won the Beale Street Blues Society’s blues talent contest in 1994, which allowed him to compete in the International Blues Challenge at the age of 15. He turned a lot of heads, including another competitor by the name of Susan Tedeschi who later hired Sean and his band to back her. That partnership found Sean playing lead guitar on the mega-hit album Just Won’t Burn by Tedeschi in 1997. Before that epic album, Sean recorded his first solo project for the Landslide label when he was 16. His debut was titled Call The Cops, with exceptional guitar work and songwriting by the young prodigy.

    Costello went on to release a trio of albums for Landslide (the other two being Cuttin’ In and Moanin’ For Molasses), that featured his core band of drummer Terrence Prather, Melvin Zachary on bass and harp player Paul Linden. This new release from Landslide, Sean’s Blues, offers tracks from all three and is not only a testament to Sean’s skills, but offer nice recognition to the band as well, especially Linden’s harmonica playing.

    Not simply just a greatest hits package, Sean’s Blues also collects twelve tracks previously unreleased. These are incredible numbers, including a trio of live pieces from a couple shows in Chicago and Marquette, Michigan, highlighted by a burning take of Otis Rush’s “All Your Love (I Miss Loving).” Other outstanding selections heard here for the first time include Robert Johnson’s “Walking Blues” with vocals from Susan Tedeschi, which along with her playing rhythm guitar on Bob Wills’ “Big Beaver” is a fine sampling of how well they worked together. Two more CDs followed, picked up by larger labels, the self-titled Sean Costello on Tone Cool and his final release We Can Get Together from Delta Groove. This disc closes with two numbers that were later re-recorded for those labels, heard here in their original form, “Feel Like I Ain’t Got A Home” and “She Changed My Mind,” a harbinger for the highly polished soulful vocals he became known for alongside his guitar playing.

Read more: Sean’s Blues

Playing The Game

Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 18:56

Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes

Self Produced

When Kevin Selfe moved to Portland from Virginia back in January 2007, he quickly went about finding the right individuals to form a West Coast version of the band he had left behind, The Tornadoes. And those parts he filled to perfection with longtime Portland drummer Don Shultz and New York transplant Allen Markel on bass. This is not your typical run-of-the-mill bar band; they’re actually quite the ensemble. And by ensemble I mean that with the highest respect, because only those bands who know how to completely mesh and compliment one another while on stage deserve to be called such. Muddy Waters’ various bands are the ideal example of an ensemble. Each individual piece plays a major factor and perhaps the sound would just not come across quite right if somebody else were to be thrown into the mix. That is the kind of sense of feeling that I note when watching Kevin, Don and Allen play together. It almost seems like its second nature to them. Like those long-time couples who’ve been around one another so long that one can finish a statement started by the other without missing a beat. Even more important with The Tornadoes, they’re obviously having a good time.

Now they have finally come out with a recording of this band, which is way overdue and has been highly anticipated by their faithful followers who seem to grow constantly. Playing The Game packs thirteen original numbers that we have come to love from their live shows and a couple surprises here and there. But throughout it is quite apparent just how well these guys work together, whether they’re offering a jumping dance tune or a slow burning down in the gutter style blues. Kevin Selfe has a natural feel for songwriting catchy and well thought out tunes.

Read more: Playing The Game

Right Here Right Now

Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 18:21

Big James and the Chicago Playboys

Blind Pig

    Ask yourself a few questions. Do you like blues fueled by high energy horns? Do you like soulful vocals with a tinge of funk and a whole lot of groove? Do you like songs that make you want to move? If you answered yes to all of these, then I suggest you run on out and pick up a copy of Big James and the Chicago Playboys latest release Right Here Right Now. This without doubt is one of the finest examples of pure soul blues of recent years and has intensity and drive that cannot be ignored.

    Big James Montgomery is no newcomer to the blues scene. He has worked in bands behind masters like Little Milton, Buddy Guy and Albert King, always adding a distinct touch of class and taste to the music of anyone he has accompanied. Now leading the Chicago Playboys, the trombonist and vocalist has people getting out of their seats and taking notice. He’s no longer in the background, but front and center where somebody of his talent deserves to be. A superb songwriter, he wrote all but four of the eleven tracks on the CD, with covers of artists like Bobby Bland, Tyrone Davis and The O’Jays completing the disc.

    These are songs that are memorable. There are cuts that are kicking and there are others that can make you fall in love. Topical issues and good times are covered. Big James Montgomery is the full package when it comes to entertainment; something that if you’re fortunate to see the band in a live setting comes across just as strong on stage as on disc. Check these guys out. Right Here Right Now should be heard right here, right now!!

Total Time: 47:10
Right Here Right Now / A Mama Like Mine / Love To See You Smile / On The Grind / Expect The Best / I Love ‘Em / A Little Attention / The Goose / Help (Somebody Please) / Without You In My Life / Worry

Bone-A-Fied

Written by Greg Johnson Thursday, 01 October 2009 00:00

Boogie Bone

Self-Produced

It has been said, “The blues had a baby and they named it rock & roll.” But sometimes, that child does not stray too far from its mother’s bosom. That is where Boogie Bone is quite at home. Blues with an edge. Riding on the brink of rock & roll. With guitar riffs that burn. A solid rhythm section that drives directly from the pocket and keeps everything directly focused and on pace. Vocals that tear at one’s soul and can soar in a manner that cannot be ignored. Then there’s this other guy, who fills all the extra necessary needs that without the band just wouldn’t be the same. It’s that extra piece that brings everything home, blending with a power surge that makes the band unique.
For their sophomore effort, Boogie Bone took their time, making certain that everything was just right. That lengthy wait between their debut and this second disc, “Bone-A-Fied,” was more than well worth it. As fantastic as that first record was, this one takes it to another level. Kind of like Spinal Tap’s “eleven” volume amps, you just know it’s one better. Songwriting, performance and group comradery; it’s the full package!

Read more: Bone-A-Fied

Essential Montreux

Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 16 September 2009 20:20

Gary Moore

Eagle Records

    Okay all of you blues-rock guitar fanatics. This may be a boxed collection you are going to want to pick up and enjoy right away. When it comes to the European masters of this genre, perhaps many will agree that Gary Moore is amongst the absolute best. Having proven himself as a jazz-fusion artist with Colosseum II and then a spell turning heads with his rockin’ prowess with Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore found his calling toward the blues as the 1990s approached. And it was in ’90 that he made his first of several appearances at the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.
    This boxed set collects all five of Moore’s sets at Montreux, beginning in 1990 and running through the years until 2001. It also is a fine display of his growth in the sound and presentation of his blues.
    The first set in 1990 found Moore running through a number of blues standards and offerings from his outstanding Still Got The Blues album. But it’s perhaps the appearance of guest Albert Collins that really makes this first show indispensable, as the pair trade licks with the latter providing vocals on “Cold, Cold Feeling.” The second show took place in 1995, which saw samplings from one of Moore’s premier releases, his tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, Blues For Greeny. Of these, the highlights are definitely his takes on “Long Grey Mare” and “The Stumble.” His set in 1997 was more a rock-based performance, but still offered nice takes on numbers such as Jimmy Rogers’ “Walking By Myself” and his own classic guitar workout “Parisienne Walkways.”
    To my ears, the peak performance of this collection comes with disc number four. It is a barn-burning set of blues from the get go. It includes all of the blues pieces he is best known for and they are right on target in this live setting. Covers of Elmore James, Willie Cobbs, Freddie King and Jimi Hendrix sound right at home alongside his own originals. This disc is worth the purchase price alone. The final disc is from 2001, opening with BB King’s “You Upset Me” and running through songs from his then current Back To The Blues CD. Gary Moore often strays between his love for the blues and straight-ahead rock, but his guitar playing is always phenomenal and if that is something you crave, you cannot go wrong with picking up this amazing live collection.

5 discs ~ 60 tracks

Big Blues For Little Bill: A Tribute To The Music Of Little Bill Engelhart

Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:26

Various Artists

Delta Records

    If you were to sit back and think about just which blues musicians of the Pacific Northwest that may be considered icons, one name should always come up: Little Bill Engelhart. A mainstay of the Puget Sound blues scene and one of the region’s most beloved artists for more than 50 years. He recorded a version of Richard Berry’s “Louie Louie” before either The Kingsmen or Paul Revere & The Raiders and struck a hit single with his song “I Love An Angel”. Though he never reached that same plateau again nationally, he has produced outstanding music time and again ever since.
    A former member of Little Bill & The Blue Notes, Randy Oxford came up with the idea to piece together a tribute CD to the music of Little Bill. Working with the South Sound Blues Association, he gathered many of the best performers of the Northwest to each sing a song of their choosing of Bill’s. Proceeds from the sales of this CD will benefit the Dystonia Foundation, a disease close to Bill as his own son suffers from it.
    The tracks on this disc are outstanding, as one could only imagine when dealing with superb musicians and music. There are other so-called icons of Northwest music included, such as Alice Stuart and Merilee Rush, both whose careers have lasted almost as long as Bill’s own. Other artists include amazing female vocalists like Patti Allen, Polly O’Keary, Leanne Trevalyn and Duffy Bishop. Guitar masters like Henry Cooper, Mark Riley and Rod Cook. And just downright fun acts like Jr. Cadillac, Billy Roy Danger & The Rectifiers and Bump Kitchen. More than 60 musicians altogether! Songs expound on Little Bill’s entire career and show just how diverse in his songwriting the man can be.
    The disc opens with a burning version of Polly O’Keary taking on “Step Right Up,” followed by selections like “Another Rainy Day” featuring Randy Oxford with Patti Allen. The Immanuel Presbyterian Blues Vespers All Stars deliver a rousing “Thangs Gone By” and Dick Powell with Billy Stapelton present a fine take of “Wine & Whiskey.” Little Bill’s music is commanding and well-displayed throughout this outstanding collection. But of course, nobody could finish the recording better than Little Bill himself, along with The Blue Notes and vocalist Heather Mueller offering a new take of his classic, “I Love An Angel.”
    If you place this CD into your computer, there is also a short video of an interview with Little Bill Engelhart. It is a nice showing of just how humble a person he actually is and how honored he was that somebody felt compelled enough to do a tribute to him in the first place. Thank you Randy Oxford for pushing this project through. To all the wonderful musicians who took part. And mostly to Little Bill, for his creativity that brought this all about to begin with. A true Northwest blues treasure!

Total Time: 63:16
Step Right Up / When I First Get Up / Another Rainy Day / What I’m Doin’ Wrong / Texas / Thangs Gone By / Cute / Wine & Whiskey / Better Things To Do / Comin’ Home Again / What It Shall Be / Sweet Cucumber / Simply Over / Never Been To Mississippi / I Love An Angel