New Blues News – 8/18/2020
By Dave Rogers
New Blues News – 8/18/2020
John “Papa” Gros – Central City (Funky Krewe): “Under normal circumstances, John “Papa” Gros wrote on his website, he would have been celebrating the release of “Central City,” his third solo album, at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and French Quarter Festival. Still, Gros went live on Facebook in April for a listening party and to talk about the making of the 10-track album. The release party may not have been exactly what Gros wanted, but “Central City” is the kind of feel-good record that New Orleanians could put to use during a pandemic.“Central City” is all upbeat rhythm and blues originals and covers — including two Alex McMurray songs, Lloyd Price’s “Personality,” the Allen Toussaint-penned Irma Thomas-staple “It’s Raining” and a trad jazz-esque spin on John Prine’s “Please Don’t Bury Me,” which sinks in a little differently now that the songwriter has died. “Central City is a departure from my other records in that it’s a return to my roots,” Gros says. “This is the tradition of New Orleans and the sounds I heard at every family celebration as a kid.” Along with Gros behind the Steinway piano, “Central City” features bassist George Porter Jr., drummer Herlin Riley and trumpeter Mark Braud along with several other musicians on various songs. (JAKE CLAPP) (https://www.nola.com/gambit/music/article_8d0c4610-a132-11ea-a1cd-6b8349e4b538.html) Click here to listen to a song from this disc.
Kat Riggins – Cry Out (Gulf Coast): “Inspired by the variety and abundance of music in her parents’ collection, it makes sense that her own music is peppered with hints of R&B, soul, country, gospel, hip-hop, and rock-n-roll. Make no mistake; however, Kat Riggins is undeniably a BLUES WOMAN! She travels the world with the sole mission of keeping the blues alive…. What is a “Blues Revival” anyway? According to Kat, it is a musical revolution that aims to awaken the masses and introduce them to the sincerity behind blues music. “It’s about the raw emotion in every note”, exclaims Kat Riggins as she attempts to describe her love of the genre…. She has been vocally compared to Koko Taylor, Etta James and Tina Turner to name a few. While obviously influenced by those icons, Mrs. Riggins has a voice and delivery all her own.” (https://www.katriggins.com/bio) This is a certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid Of Cracks”! Now click here and scroll down until you see a listing for “Cry Out” one song from this disc and listen to that song!
The Downchild Blues Band – Live At The Toronto Blues Festival (Diesel Management): This is the Downchild Blues Band’s 50th anniversary and they’re still swinging their laid back blues. Dan Aykroyd is a special guest, keeping the Blues Brothers attachment to the group and he joins the group on “Soul Man”, “I Got Everything I Need (Almost)” and “Flip Flop and Fly” and other special guests include Paul Shaffer, David Wilcox, Kenny Neal, Gene Taylor and Erja Lyytinen. The heart of the disc is their laid back blues filled shuffle. It’s not quite as energetic as it once was, but they always were pretty laid back and they’ll put a grin on your face. Click here to join the celebration of the 50th and check out “I Got Everything (Almost)” a Downchild original.
The North Mississippi Osborne – Freedom & Dance (NMO Records): Anders Osbourne and the North Mississippi Allstars have merged into The North Mississippi Osbourne. The combination is a bit more toned down and almost feels like a set on the porch (well, studio). The lyrics are the centerpiece and the instrumentation fits well throughout. In fact, this release presents terrific songs and music. It’s a celebration of both the individual and combined strengths. Laid back, thoughtful and right on target! This is a certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid Of Cracks”! Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
The Subdudes – Lickskillet (Self-produced): “Over the course of 30+ years and eleven albums, the subdudes have quietly become one of America’s national music treasures. The New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant cauldron of sounds that stirs together meaty grooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock ‘n’ roll attitude and folky social consciousness — not to mention some of the sharpest musicianship and ensemble playing you’ll ever hear from any four musicians. Led by singer/guitarist Tommy Malone and accordionist, John Magnie, the subdudes draw most of their inspiration from the sounds of their native New Orleans, blending blues, gospel, funk, and R&B with their own harmony vocals; their sound is also notable for the band’s substitution of a tambourine player, Steve Amedée, for a drummer. Tim Cook rounds out the band on bass.” (https://www.isrbx.net/3137744235-the-subdudes-lickskillet-2019.html) Click here to listen to samples of some songs on this disc.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
