New Blues & Soul News – 10/27/2016
New Blues & Soul News – 10/26/2016
David Bromberg Band – The Blues, The Whole Blues and Nothing But The Blues (Red House): Singer/songwriter/guitarist David Bromberg has been releasing recordings since 1971 and he’s still going strong. His voice shows the road wear, but given his comedic and/or talking style, that doesn’t interfere with his performance much. His playing still shines. Bromberg is supported by Butch Amiot (bass) and Mark Cosgrove (guitar, mandolin). The good times feeling is still at the heart of this disc, but Bromberg also dusts off a few of his old gems and some blues standards. A good time and a welcome return. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Dr John – The Musical Mojo Of Dr. John (Concord): This tribute concert to honor Dr. John was held about two years ago and it features Bruce Springsteen, Jason Isbell, Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Bill Kreutzmann, Aaron Neville, Charles Neville, George Porter, Jr, Zigaboo Modeliste, Irma Thomas, Tab Benoit, Allen Toussait, Dave Malone, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Widespread Panic, The Dirty Dozens Brass Band, Warren Haynes, Chuck Level John Boutte, Mavis Staples, John Fogerty, Terence Blanchard, and Sarah Morrow behind an all-star band. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful musician, who when asked if he was nervous replied, “I just tried to treat it like a regular gig.” The breadth of the guest musicians certainly testifies to the respect he has earned. Click here for an introduction.
Mitch Kashmar – West Coast Toast (Delta Groove): West Coast harp blower Mitch Kasmar has a direct, straight ahead blues harp style and a taste for a number of blowing styles. He composed half of the songs on this disc. Kashmar’s singing style is basically unadorned. It is certainly his playing that demands attention. The band on this release includes Junior Watson (guitar), Fred Kaplan (keyboards), Bill Stuve (bass), and Marty Dodson (drums). Click here to listen to a song from this disc.
Rev. Billy C Wirtz – Full Circle (EllerSoul): The Reverend returns with a new disc that is partly live, partly old rockin’ favorites, and a combination of old and new musical sermons from the man himself. New songs include “Too Old”, “One Point Five”, “Daddy Passed Away”, “Who Dat” and a desperate “I’m A Senior”. Supporting musicians include Bob Driver (guitar), Steve Riggs (bass, backing vocals), Lil’ Ronnie Owens (harmonica, backing vocals) and Mark Wenner (harmonica), Mark Stutso (drums), Johnny Castle (bass) and Paul Bell (guitar) of the NIghthawks. It’s the Reverend ready to h-e-a-l whoever will sing and play along. Click here to listen to the opening track.
New Soul Adds:
Melissa Etheridge – Memphis Rock And Roll (Stax): Melissa Etheridge (vocal, guitar) went back to Memphis to the Royal Studio in Memphis (formerly run by Willie Mitchell and currently by his son Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell) to pay tribute to the classic soul music from Stax. Her supporting musicians include Rev. Charles Hodges, Sr (organ), Archie “Hubbie” Turner (keyboards), Leroy Hodges Jr (bass), James “JRob” Robertson (drums), Sharisse Norman, Candace Rayburn-Marshall, and Stefanie Bolton (backing vocals), Lannie McMillan Jr (sax), Kirk Smothers (bari sax), Jim Spake (tenor sax), Mark Franklin (trumpet), Jessie Munson and Jennifer Correia (violins), Beth Luscombe (viola), Jonathan Kirkscey (cello) and special guest John Mayer (guitar on “Rock Me Baby” and “Born Under A Bad Sign”. Check out this introduction from Melissa Etheridge herself to catch her feelings about the importance of the classic Memphis sound. Click here.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
