New Blues News – 6/25/2019
By Dave Rogers
New Blues News – 6/25/2019
Grady Champion – Steppin’ In: A Tribute To ZZ Hill (Malaco): Grady Champion offers a tribute to the late Z.Z. Hill with a set that honors both the style and tone that Hill established so many years ago. Champion is in fine form on songs such as “Down Home Blues”, “Shade Tree Mechanic” and “Everybody Knows About My Good Thing” and it’s obviously a labor of love in memory of Champion’s mother who was a major fan as well as Champion’s homage to the man himself. In addition to Champion’s singing and harp playing, supporting musicians include Eddie Cotton and Will Wesley (guitar), Frederick Demby Sr (bass), Sam Brady (organ, piano, keys), and Edward Rayshad Smith (drums, backing vocal) with Jewel Bass and Lahlah Devine (backing vocals) and horns by Kimble Funchess and David N. Ware (trumpets), Dr. Jessie Primer III (tenor sax), Dr. Jessie Primer III (tenor sax) and Steve Kincaid (bari sax). Click here to listen to samples of two songs on this release.
Michele D’Amour & The Love Dealers – Heart Of Memphis (Blues Kitty): “Winner: LA Music Critic’s Best Blues Band – January 2019!” Their latest release was mostly recorded in Memphis and their sound is more of a classic style with Michele D’Amour McDaniel as the rather easy going blues singer on the lead. She also wrote or co-wrote all but one song and that is the most instrumental “Memphis Soul Stew”. The band includes Patrick McDanel (bass), Jeff Cornell (guitar), Dave Delzotto (drums), Brian Olendorf (keys) and Noel Barnes (tenor sax) with guests Rae Gordon, Sheila Kelly and Kristi Miller (backing vocals), Greg Lyons (trumpet) and Greg Schroeder (trombone). D’Amour has a laid back, almost matter of fact style much of the time. This appears to be their fifth release. Click here to listen to the opening song.
The Forty Fours – Twist The Knife (Rip Cat): This is the Forty Fours’ second release, coming seven years since the first. Leader Johnny Main (guitar, vocals) is the remaining original with new players Eric Von Herzen (harmonica), Mike Hightower (bass), Gary Ferguson (drums) and Junior Watson (guitar). The opening song, “Cuttin’ Deep”, is the only original and it’s a great way to start the set. The flow is very reminiscent as some of the bar bands from the 70s and 80s before the blues became blues ROCK. The covers include Howlin’ Wolf’s “Howlin’”, Muddy Waters’ “Champagne And Reefer”, T-Bone Walker’s “44’s Shuffle” and a solid take on Richard Berry’s “Sweet Sugar You”. Newer songs are Doyle Bramhall II’s “Rosie” and James Harman’s “Helsinki Blues”. If you like that straight-up, few frills but solid blues, check this out! Click here to listen to a sample of “44’s Shuffle”.
Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers – Pay The Price (Self-produced): Singer/guitarist/songwriter Ray Fuller has been playing professionally for 45 years with a style of blues blended with rock with the emphasis on a blues base. Eight of the 14 songs are originals and the covers include Lightnin’ Hopkins’ “Mojo Hand”, Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ And Tumblin’” and John Lee Hooker’s “My Father Was A Jockey” among others. Fuller is accompanied by Tutu Jumper (drums), Doc Malone (harmonica) and Manny Manuel (bass). This would be a good act to dance to and could appeal to many with its straight ahead rocking blues style. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith & The House Bumpers – Drop The Hammer (Big Eye): “Kenny Smith was unquestionably born into blues royalty. He grew up in the same house where Muddy Waters once lived in Chicago, the home of the blues. Throughout his childhood, Kenny was surrounded by Muddy and his friends, which included his own father, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (1936-2011).” (https://beedyeyes.com/testimonials/) He constantly draws praise from a legion of blues players and connoisseurs. Here’s one sample: “Kenny Smith is a member of the Royal Blues Family and Keeper of the Blues Flame. Groove Master in the 1st Degree.” (Big Bill Morganfield) Smith made his initial recordings as a singer and later became an essential drummer in the blues world. This is his first release as an adult and it demonstrates his blues chops while creating sounds which represent the connections between blues and jazz and other blended styles. He composed all songs on this disc. The musicians on this disc include Greg Guy (Buddy’s son, guitar), Billy Flynn, Guy King, Nelson Strange and Ari Seder (guitar), Sugar Blue (harmonica), Felton Crews (bass), Luca Chiellini (keys), Omar Coleman (harmonica) with back-up singers Andrea Miologos, Dana Gordon and Kim Johnson. This is truly a breakthrough recording – new ground in the blues world. A certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid of Cracks!” Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
