New Blues News – 1/19/2019

New Blues News – 1/19/2019

Gaye Adegbalola – The Griot (VizzTone): Long time activist and singer Gaye Adegbalola offers her opinions and wisdom on a variety of topics from government, hypocrisy, sexism and pollution to protest, hope, judgment and freedom on this collection of mostly original songs and three from the past – Doc Pomus and Kenneth Hirsch’s “Hope”; Clarence Williams, Dally Small and Tim Brymn’s “Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl” and Lena Arrant’s “Jelly Bean Blues” (lyrics from Ma Rainey). It’s a challenging treatise on many travesties and inequalities over the years. In addition to Gaye’s singing and guitar and harmonica, accompaniment is provided by Jeff Covert (guitar, drums, percussion, banjo, keys and vocal backing), with Keith Armstead (organ), Roddy Barnes (piano, vocal), John Freund (lead acoustic guitar), Resa Gibbs (chant, backing vocals), Queen Lovelace (tambourine), Jackie Merritt (bones), Chris Sexton (cello), Zack Smith and Davis Smith (trumpets), Steve Patterson (sax) and Dan Haverstock (trombone). Click here and scroll down to click the highlighted titles on the first set to listen to listen to samples of a few songs on this release.

Paulo Franco – The Last Card (Self-produced): “Paulo Franco is a Richmond, Virginia based singer/ songwriter…. Born to Colombian immigrants and raised in Washington D.C., Paulo embraces his heritage as a first generation American and his songs and style reflect that.” (https://peflmusic.com/bio) His early influences include Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, though it is the country influence that is strongest on this disc. He wrote or co-wrote all of the songs and is accompanied by a constantly shifting set of backing musicians including Bob Rupe (bass, guitar), Dusty Ray Simmons (drums, percussion), Daniel Clarke (piano, organ, accordion), Shane Cooley (vocal, guitar), Johnny Hott (drums, percussion), Dan Sessler (lead guitar, 2 songs), Jess Wells (fiddle, 2 songs), Steve McCarthy (lead guitar on 1 song), Charles Arthur (lead guitar 3 songs), Jordan Tarrant (classical guitar) and Roger Carroll (sax, 1 song). Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.

Kentucky Headhunters – Live At The Ramblin’ Man Fair (Alligator): “… the new album from Grammy-winning band The Kentucky Headhunters. The band includes — guitarist/vocalist Richard Young, his brother drummer Fred Young, guitarist Greg Martin and bassist/vocalist Doug Phelps….” (Liner notes) “Substantial, guitar-driven Southern rock…crunching guitars and aggressive percussion.” (Rolling Stone) “One of the best and most influential country rock bands. Seamless harmonies, genre-bending, Clapton-esque guitar work. Potent and unique.” (NPR Music) Or perhaps, too much raunch for just one bunch! Depends on how much you like metal and country and Southern Rock combined. The disc also features three studio tracks with the Headhunters and Johnnie Johnson (pianist with Chuck Berry) and Anthony Kenney (bass). Click here scroll down on the left to listen to the songs on this disc.

Eric Schenkman – Who Shot John? (VizzTone ): Eric Schenkman (composer/guitarist/singer) offers his third release with his trio featuring Shaun Kellerman (bass), Van Romaine (drums) and Cody Dickinson (drums, electric washboard, piano). Schenkman basically says the magic is here because of  the common love all four have for playing live and creating and riding a groove. Certainly, Schenkman’s other band, Spin Doctors, love to catch the groove and everyone in this crew has the same bug! There’s enough jump and funk to rattle the floor and keep everybody screamin’ for more! Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.

Willa Vincitore – Choices (Self-produced): This is singer/songwriter Willa Vincitore’s second release. She was inducted into the New York Blues Hall Of Fame on the basis of her first release (“Better Days”). “Choices” is her second release and all but one song is an original. The supporting musicians are Karl Allweier (guitars), Scott Milici (keys, vocals), Doug Abramson (bass), Lee Falco (drums, percussion, vocals) and Brandon Morrison (additional vocals) with guest appearances by Manuel Quintana (congas, percussion), Art Labriola (digital strings), Chris Vitarello (rhythm guitar), Brandon Morrison (bass) and Jay Collins (sax). Vincitore has a rather talky vocal style which draws attention to the lyrics. The focus is clearly on her. Click here and then click on “Trust” and “Choices” for samples of those two songs which are on this disc.

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop

sponsor

Become a Sponsor

Underwriting WTJU is a way to broadly share information about your business. It’s also a way for your business or organization to gain community-wide recognition for your support of WTJU’s community mission.

Underwrite a Program

Donations

Your gift nourishes our community and helps bring people together through music.

Donate
Underwrite a Program