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JW-Jones Blues Band
Bogart's Bounce
(NorthernBlues Music, 2002 NBM0010)
by Tim Holek
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In a genre where it is still considered 'young' to be 45 years old, how does a youthful band of 20-somethings get taken seriously? Answer, they release a CD as exuberant as Bogart's Bounce. Jones' debut CD was impressive but this sophomore release proves he and his band are ready to play with the big boys. In fact, thanks to special guests Kim Wilson and Gene Taylor of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, they do just that. The 62 minute, 14 track, all original disc is one of maturity. Everything about it spurts growth. Obvious influences from T-Bone Walker, Charlie Baty, Junior Watson and Rusty Zinn are present on many cuts. JW handles all guitars, most vocals and production. Southside Steve Marriner delivers well-timed classic harp and occasional vocals. The 2 comprise the band's core while Nathan Morris (upright bass) and Matt Sobb (drums) round out the rhythm section.
Artistic partnerships such as Little Charlie/Rick Estrin and Rick Holmstrom/Rod Piazza bring certain musical images to mind. Following closely in their footsteps is Jones/Marriner. Individually they are incredible but as a team they phenomenally create fun music with plenty of good time shuffles. Kim Wilson has nothing but superlatives and praise for JW and his band. Wilson states in the liner notes, 'JW has the potential to be as good as anybody … JW and Steve show that blues can be a music of youth.'
For CDs, booking and information, contact: NorthernBlues Music, 225 Sterling Road, Unit 19, Toronto, ON Canada M6R 2B2 Tel (416) 536-4892 or (866) 540-0003 E-mail: info@northernblues.com Website: www.northernblues.com Artist website: www.jw-jones.com
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Various Artists
Hey Bo Diddley - A Tribute!
(Evidence Music, 2002 ECD 26124-2)
by Tim Holek
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Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer, Bo Diddley, found his identity early in his career and didn't hesitate to flaunt it. On this 15 track, 60 minute CD you hear plenty of the infamous and easily-identifiable Bo Diddley beat. Evidence has brought together today's most popular blues artists to pay homage to the classic repertoire (1955-1962) of the Father of Rock and Roll as produced by Carla Olson. Each track retains the beat, humor and menace that resulted in Bo being revered by numerous generations. All numbers are performed with the drive and stamina of a teen playing to a wild teenage audience. The tunes feature: Taj Mahal, Walter Trout, Eric Sardinas, Tommy Castro, Coco Montoya, Sugar Blue, Otis Rush, Charlie Musselwhite, Guitar Shorty, Son Seals, Joe Louis Walker, Corey Harris, Kris Wiley, Michael Burks and Roy Gaines.
Minimally, this retrospective disc (made to resemble a well worn 45" single) will force listeners to conclude that Bo has rightfully been acknowledged as one of Rock and Roll's forefathers. Ideally, this contemporary disc will convert a few listeners to the blues. Truly, this modern-day flashback disc is sure to turn some new people onto Bo by bringing yesterday to tomorrow.
For further information, contact: Evidence Music Inc., 1110 E. Hector Street, Suite 392, Conshohocken, PA 19428 USA Tel: (610) 832-0844 Email: evidencemusic@aol.com
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Joe Louis Walker/Otis Grand
Guitar Brothers
(JSP Records, 2002 JSPCD2153)
by Tim Holek
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North American audiences will be very familiar with singer/songwriter/guitarist Joe Louis Walker but what about Otis Grand? My first encounter with Otis Grand took place at this year's Ottawa Bluesfest. There, his captivating guitar playing completely blew me away. My second encounter was this riveting 50 minute disc. The cohesion felt on this disc comes from the long history Walker/Grand have with each other.
Walker/Grand produced this stylistic disc. It's iridescent tracks share an equal distribution of originals written by them. Everything about the CD appears to be a partnership. Everything except the cover, liner and backcover. On all 3, Walker is flaunted over Grand -- perhaps in an attempt to lure American listeners. Whatever the case, fans of pure blues guitar played precisely and succulently will love this release.
For CDs and information, contact: JSP Records, PO Box 1584, London N3 3NW, England, United Kingdom e-mail: john@jsprecords.com Artist website: www.otisgrand.com
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NorthernBlues Gospel Allstars
Saved!
(NorthernBlues Music, 2002 NBM0013)
by Tim Holek
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Realizing that blues comes from the spiritual, NorthernBlues label president, Fred Litwin, demonstrates his deep understanding and passion for roots music with this ethereal release of Canadian gospel music. He cleverly brought together 3 of Canada’s biggest and most promising gospel vocalists (Hiram Joseph, Amoy Levy, Danny Brooks) and combined them with former Torontoian John Finley, added a phenomenal backing band and capped things off with legendary producer Frazier Mohawk. The finished product features 12 songs (5 are original) lasting a glorious 45 minutes. The rustic church pictured on the cover (and throughout the liner and jewel case) sets the evangelical mood and is a reminder to all where roots music began.
Out of all the proficient musicians on the disc, the brilliance of Michael Fonfara illuminates the most. His emotional B3, rippling piano, compelling musical arrangements and enticing co-production are simply supreme. Track after track it proves the human voice is the greatest instrument. So you think authentic gospel music can only be performed in the southern U.S. and that it has nothing to do with the blues? Experience this reverent CD and you will be Saved!
For CDs, booking and information, contact: NorthernBlues Music, 225 Sterling Road, Unit 19, Toronto, ON Canada M6R 2B2 Tel (416) 536-4892 or (866) 540-0003 E-mail: info@northernblues.com Website: www.northernblues.com
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Maurice John Vaughn
Dangerous Road
(Blue Suit Records, 2001 BS-116D)
by Tim Holek
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Here is an innovative artist who hasn’t got his just reward. Dangerous Roads is his first full length release in 8 years. This high class, Vaughn-produced, 50 minute disc contains 13 tunes with only 1 cover. Throughout the disc, B.J. Emery magically blows marvels with his mighty trombone. Each track blends right into the next with no time to catch your breath. Don’t let the cover misguide you as this is not a blues guitar release. Rather, the melodies are laid back and abounding at the same time. Roads lead to adventure and ultimately freedom. Along the way, there are many risky avenues to choose and pursue. If you long for the sanctuary of versatile rhythms with hints of funk, R&B and lots of brass, get cruising this Dangerous Road.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: Blue Suit Records, PO Box 352707, Toledo, OH USA 43635-2707 website: www.blue-suit.com
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Bernard Allison
Storms Of Life
(Tone Cool 1135)
by Tim Holek
Simply click on the CD cover to order this CD NOW!
Chicago-born Bernard Allison apprenticed under blues heavyweights Koko Taylor and Willie Dixon before relocating to Paris. Bernard is contemporary blues’ best crossover artist. On this disc he will appeal to a rock audience while not completely distancing himself from the blues purists. The 52 minute CD carries 13 songs and is instinctively unique. With only 2 originals, Bernard proves to be a more proficient musician (guitar/vocals) than songwriter. He covers/performs a diverse range of music written by Luther Allison, Rico McFarland, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top and Leon Russell. Rock and roll is definitely in this man’s blood.
Bernard Allison now stands on his own as an artist. Listeners will enjoy how Bernard expands the blues to be hip and cool. In countless interviews, he has been quoted, ‘I tell everyone I'm not a bluesman I'm a musician’. On Storms Of Life, Bernard Allison is widely appealing due to his unobtrusive yet highly commanding vocals and his precisely timed guitar solos which are skillfully orchestrated.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: Tone-Cool Records, PO Box 81034, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481-0001 USA E-mail: info@tonecool.com Website: www.tonecool.com Artist website: www.bernardallison.com
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The following "best of" reviews (continued on part 7 & 8) are from Mark E. Gallo.
Lazy Lester
Blues Stop Knockin'
(Antones)
by Mark E. Gallo
Simply click on the CD cover to order this CD NOW!
Lester has been a blues fixture for decades, but it's been a long time since he's released anything this potent, this dynamic. Both harp and vocals are captivating. The innovator of swamp blues is pushing 70 with more than 50 years of music making under his belt. While some may have written him off, guest artists Jimmie Vaughan, Derek O'Brien, Gene Taylor, Sue Foley and a handful of others were obviously not among that company. Lester isn't bursting with flashy chops, but he brings more heart to the table on this gem than anyone I've heard this year.
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Alice Stuart
Can't Find No Heaven
(Burnside)
by Mark E. Gallo
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Stuart apparently had a recording career going on as far back as the 1960s. Though I didn't hear her name or voice until this dynamic disc was released, both are permanently etched there now. It's easy to draw comparisons with Bonnie Raitt. She has that same powerfully raspy voice and razor sharp guitar style, though this is a woman who clearly stands well above any simple contrasts. Her opening take on "Big Boss Man" is completely transmogrified into a loping electric country blues, and her versions of tunes by Fred McDowell, Mance Lipscomb, Skip James and a killer version of Furry Lewis' "Turn Your Money Green" are superbly executed. Her "Blues In The Bottle" is as impressive as any of the masters' material.
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Various Artists
Motor City Rhythm & Blues Pioneers
(Blue Suit)
by Mark E. Gallo
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Drummer/producer RJ Spangler is a musical archeologist. He's got a knack for helping to resurrect the careers of some extraordinarily talented folks. Alberta Adams and Johnnie Bassett top that list. He had a hand in vocalist extraordinaire Joe Weaver's finding his way back to the limelight a few years ago, as well. Then Joe invited RJ to a backyard barbecue in Detroit and introduced him to his friends Kenny Martin and Stanley Mitchell. Kenny had a hit in 1958 with "I'm Sorry" on Federal. Stan had a popular number around the same time with "Four O'clock in the Morning." Both those songs are reprised here along with a stack of newer songs that are every bit as impressive. Having been fortunate enough to have spent a day during the recording of this gem at Zeta Recording outside Toledo, I'm here to tell you these guys were having a blast when they cut this. These pioneers were cool before Motown and they're cooler now than they ever were.
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Alvin Youngblood Hart
Down in the Alley
(Memphis International)
by Mark E. Gallo
Simply click on the CD cover to order this CD NOW!
This is hands down the most authentic and haunting recording of roots blues released in '02. Hart would have scared Legba away from the crossroads, deals be damned. He covers Leadbelly, Son House, Sleepy John Estes, Skip James (one of the finest versions of "Devil Got My Woman" ever recorded), Odetta, and Charlie Patton and offers spine-tingling versions of a half dozen songs credited to "traditional." The songs are older than the hills and he plays them as if he were settled between a still and a wood burning stove playing the strings off his guitar, mandolin and banjo and singing like a man in complete possession of the mojo.
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