Your Complete Guide to the Chicago Blues Scene
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Your Complete Guide to the Chicago Blues Scene |
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Hambone’s Blues Party Top Christmas Spins for December 2008:
Allen Toussaint & Friends
A
New Orleans Christmas, NYNO Music
Legendary New Orleans composer and producer Allen Toussaint takes us
down to The Big Easy for a unique Christmas CD.
James Andrews’
version of “Christmas in New Orleans” is played every year at Hambone’s
house. The New Birth Brass
Band’s “Santa’s Second Line” will have you dancing around the
Christmas tree.
Various Artists
Savoy Jazz Christmas Album:
Christmas Blues,
Savoy Jazz
A hip album from Savoy Jazz artists. If you can find this CD, it is
worth it for the following three cuts:
Jimmy Butler’s “Trim
Your Tree,” Debbie Dabney’s
“I Want to Spend Christmas With Elvis” and
Johnny Guarnieri’s “Santa’s
Secret”. This last song reveals the secret to Santa’s smile (just don’t
let the kids hear it).
Various Artists
Blue Yule:
Christmas Blues and R&B Classics,
Rhino
This hard-to-find holiday CD features cuts from classic R&B artists like
Louis Jordan,
Roy Milton and
Jimmy Liggins.
It also features Eddie C.
Campbell’s holiday hit, “Santa’s Messin’ With the Kid”.
Los Strait Jackets
13 Rockin’ Christmas Instrumentals,
Yep Rock Records
A truly rockin’ release from those masked marvels of surf music.
You will never view Christmas music as boring after hearing this
CD.
Chris Cain
Christmas Cain: Blues for the Holidays,
CCM
West Coast bluesman put out this EP ten years ago. Chris Cain’s musical
talents shine on this disc which contains mostly original songs
regarding holiday issues.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Whatchu’ Want for Christmas,
Big Bad Records
West Coast Swing Band BBVD, made this EP for kicks.
It contains some swingin’ Christmas tunes including their cover
of “Zat You Santa Claus”.
The hidden gem on this release, however, is “I Wanna Be Just Like You”
(the monkey song) from the classic Disney movie
The Jungle Book. ###
Hambone’s Blues Party
is broadcast from the back seat of Hambone’s Cadillac, parked on the
corner of Jazz Avenue and Blues Boulevard. His radio show can be heard
on WDCB 90.9FM and simulcast
at
www.wdcb.org
every Thursday night from
10 pm to midnight CST.
Hambone features the best of contemporary blues and classic R&B and
soul. He plays blues with some rhythm, blues with some jump and
blues with some soul.
Top 5 Spins for November:
Live: Hope At The Hideout,
ANTI- Records Chicago’s own living legend Mavis Staples recorded a live set at the funky Hideout club in summer 2008. Mavis’ voice is in fine form and her band, led by Rick Holmstrom on guitar, never oversteps its bounds. I have seen Mavis a number of times; performing in front of an appreciative audience always brings out the best in her. Top songs from this set include: This Little Light, Why Am I Treated So Bad and Down in Mississippi. From spirituals to R&B to Civil Rights protest songs, no one brings the depth of experience and emotion to a tune as does Mavis. This is truly an uplifting and sanctified album.
55 Years of Blues,
Delmark Records, CD & DVD
Bob Koester founded Delmark Records over 55 years ago.
This release contains a CD of various blues artists that have
recorded for Delmark over the decades.
From Big Joe Williams
to Otis Rush to
Magic Sam to
Syl Johnson, this album
demonstrates the history of the blues.
As an added bonus, this package also contains a DVD of live
performances. Your blues experience is enhanced when you can watch
bluesmen like Jimmy Burns, Byther Smith, Dave Specter, Tail Dragger and
the late Little Arthur Duncan, perform on the DVD.
Witness To The Blues,
Stony Plain Records Joe Louis Walker has been powerful force in the blues for over 20 years. He is a triple threat: guitarist, singer and songwriter. His new CD, which was produced by Duke Robillard, bears witness to his life as a bluesman. JLW tackles all styles of blues in this release. There is a smoking and scintillating duet with Shemekia Copeland on the cut Lover’s Holiday. You will enjoy this one a lot.
Shiny and New,
Indie Release This Chicago band is hard to categorize: part alt-country, part blues. Simply put, they play great Americana music. Sarah Potenza has a huge, throaty voice. This album features mostly original songs with an excellent backing band. They played live in the radio studio last week on my show and I was impressed with their performance and material.
Big Mama Thornton
Hound Dog/The Peacock Recordings,
MCA
Hambone thought it would be nice to hop into the Way-Back Machine
and listen to some classic female R&B. Discovered in Houston by
legendary entrepreneur Don Robey in 1951, Big Mama Thornton is best
known for recording the original version of Hound Dog in 1952.
Elvis would top the charts with his cover in 1956. Big, brassy
and ball-bustin’, Big Mama took grief from no one. Unfortunately, she
never received the accolades she deserved. If you like raucous, rockin’,
blues-shouting R&B, you’ll dig this.
Hambone’s Blues Party
is broadcast from the back seat of Hambone’s Cadillac, parked on the
corner of Jazz Avenue and Blues Boulevard. His radio show can be heard
on WDCB 90.9FM and simulcast
at
www.wdcb.org
every Thursday night from
10 pm to midnight CST.
Hambone features the best of contemporary blues and classic R&B and
soul. He plays blues with some rhythm, blues with some jump and
blues with some soul.
Hambone’s Blues Party Top 5 Spins for October:
Midnight
Blues, Blind Pig Records
Magic Slim’s new album is nothing but
true, straight-ahead, raw and intense blues.
He gives this release a different texture by adding horns and
special guests Gene Barge, Lil’ Ed, Otis Clay and Lonnie Brooks.
Magic Slim is 70 years young and is one of the last living “true”
bluesmen who journeyed up from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1950s.
Nothing fancy, just real-deal Chicago blues.
Taj Mahal
Maestro, Heads Up
International
Taj Mahal has been a musical maestro
for over 40 years. His
musical style is as diverse as can be.
This new CD features Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley, Ben Harper and Jack
Johnson among others. Each
song is a musical treasure that gets better with each listening.
Treat your ears and soul to a beautiful, eclectic release from
Taj.
Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers
Inside
Tracks, Telarc Blues
I used to hear Jimmy play guitar for
The Nighthawks in the 1970s during my college days in Washington, D.C.
Since that time he has developed into a fine triple-threat.
He’s a well-respected singer, creative songwriter and incendiary
guitarist. His new CD is full of original compositions.
If guitar is your thing, give a listen to Jimmy Thackery’s new
recording.
Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm
2 Man
Wrecking Crew, Delta Groove Music
Cedric is the grandson of the late
Mississippi blues legend R.L. Burnside.
He and his musical partner Lightnin’ Malcolm have teamed together
to re-define North Mississippi Country Blues.
This CD has a hypnotic feel and irresistible groove.
Rory Block
Blues
Walkin’ Like a Man, Stony Plain
Rory Block has long been recognized as
one of the top acoustic blues artists.
On her new CD, she pays tribute to Son House.
From Jinx Blues to
Death Letter, Rory does Son House proud.
Hambone’s
Blues Party Top 5 Spins for September:
Full Tilt,
Alligator Records
Lil’ Ed’s newest CD on Alligator Records celebrates his reputation as
the best houserocking bluesman in the land.
Lil’ Ed’s slide guitar, singing and songwriting have matured with
each of his albums. This
one is sure to please his fans, Ed Heads, and make new fans, too.
As the title suggests, it’s pedal-to-the-metal and balls-
to-the-wall good-time party music that has an irresistible groove.
Chris James & Patrick Rynn
Stop And Think About It,
Earwig Records
Guitarist Chris James is from San Diego and bass man Patrick Quinn hails
from Toledo, but together they have put out a real-deal Chicago blues
album. Backed by a tight, veteran band including Sam Lay, Chris and
Patrick play old-school, Post-War Chicago Blues.
It’s hard to believe that these young cats can bring forth such
authenticity and feeling to their playlist, but they do, in spades, with
spirit and conviction.
Johnny Rawls
Red Cadillac,
Catfood Records
Johnny Rawls has put out a string of great soulful albums over the past
few years. This new release is one of his best. His formula works every
time: good lyrics,
inventive songwriting and soulful production.
Take a soulful ride with Johnny Rawls in his Red Cadillac.
Curtis Salgado
Clean Getaway,
Shanachie Records
Curtis Salgado allegedly was the inspiration to John Belushi for his
Blues Brothers’ persona.
After a recent battle with some medical problems, Curtis has come back
with a fabulous new CD. He
has one of the sweetest voices in blues and soul. There is not a bad cut
on this entire CD. I
consider this one of the best releases of the year.
James Hinkle
Some Day,
Blue Lights Music
James is a Fort Worth bluesman.
His new album presents fresh sounding and well-crafted songs.
His style is hard to categorize since it’s not straight blues.
I would call it good music!!
Hambone’s Blues Party
is broadcast from the back seat of Hambone’s Cadillac, parked on the
corner of Jazz Avenue and Blues Boulevard. His radio show can be heard
on WDCB 90.9FM and simulcast
at
www.wdcb.org
every Thursday night from
10 pm to midnight CST.
Hambone features the best of contemporary blues and classic R&B and
soul. He plays blues with some rhythm, blues with some jump and
blues with some soul.
Hambone’s Blues Party
Top
5 Spins
for AUGUST:
Liz Mandeville
Red Top,
Earwig Records
Chicago blues diva Liz Mandeville is sassy and sultry.
Many have called her the "Bette Midler of the Blues."
Her new album displays her tenderness, her toughness and her
ability to rock.
Backed by a top-notch Chicago band, Liz blasts through original material
with a humorous zest for life.
Her songs "Spanky Butt" and "Guilty of Rockin' All Night" will
have you dancing in your living room.
Los Fabulocos
Los Fabulocos,
Delta Groove Records.
Veterans of Southern California Chicano music scene team up with former
Fabulous Thunderbirds' guitarist Kid Ramos for a rocking and smoking
release. The music is
defined as "Cali-Mex" and is the perfect summertime companion.
With some songs in English, others in Spanish, this CD has an
irresistible groove.
Freddie Hughes
I Know It’s Hard But It’s Fair,
Blues Express Records.
West
Coast vocalist Freddie Hughes mixes gospel, doo-wop, soul and blues for
a “throwback, old-school” sound.
Singing and harmonizing is a lost art, but Freddie’s vocals are
outstanding. His take on
Johnny Taylor’s “What About My Love” is a knockout.
Jackie Payne/Steve Edmonson Band
Overnight Sensation,
Delta Groove
Jackie Payne is an old-school vocalist and Steve Edmonson is a young
incendiary guitarist.
Together they have put out some fine records for Delta Groove.
This new CD features covers of classic R&B songs “Your Good Thing
(Is About To Come To An End)” and “I’ve Never Found A Girl.”
This album displays a full band, nice choice of songs and
Jackie’s voice is in fine form. You love this one, I guarantee.
Robin Rogers
Treat Me Right,
Blind Pig Records
Robin Rogers’ new CD on Blind Pig showcases her vocal range.
She’s a powerful singer and displays a great range on this
well-produced CD. I enjoyed this one a lot.
Hambone’s Blues Party
is broadcast from the back seat of Hambone’s Cadillac, parked on the
corner of Jazz Avenue and Blues Boulevard. His radio show can be heard
on WDCB 90.9FM and simulcast
at
www.wdcb.org
every Thursday night from
10 pm to midnight CST.
Hambone features the best of contemporary blues and classic R&B and
soul. He plays blues with some rhythm, blues with some jump and
blues with some soul.
Hambone’s Blues Party
Top
5 Spins
for JULY
2008:
Janiva Magness
What Love Will Do,
Alligator Records
Janiva’s new CD on Alligator is her official coming out party.
She’s a refreshing song stylist who can sing all types of blues.
Her career is about to take off and this new CD showcases her
strong yet supple voice. This album features an excellent mix of styles
and is really well produced.
Wiley & The Checkmates
We
Call It Soul,
Rabbit Factory Records
Herbert Wiley has been playing soulful blues in Oxford, Mississippi for
over 40 years. A cobbler by
trade, he works on soles during the day and plays Southern soul at
night. He does a funky
version of “Ode to Billy Joe” and there’s not a false note on this
record. This is one of my
favorite albums of the year.
Dave Herrero
Austin to Chicago,
Ferey Records/ Hero Music Group
Dave
Herrero joins forces with Felix Reyes to produce an exciting new CD.
Dave’s guitar work and emotive vocals will knock your blues socks
off. Mixing Texas feelings
with Chicago blues, Dave is one of the young turks of the local blues
scene that will soon be in the spotlight.
Some songs are tender, others are rough & tumble. Dave Herrero
brings a maturity to his music that belies his age.
Patrick Green
Popcorn Man,
Across the Border Records
Houston’s Patrick Green, a.k.a. The PG Man, played one of the most
entertaining sets that I have ever seen at this year’s Chicago Blues
Festival. The PG Man is a
confident vocalist and true showman.
He’s soulful, funky and fun.
His tune, “Got Me on the Lockdown” has been playing in my house
all summer long.
Stevie Wonder
The
Definitive Collection,
Universal
I
saw Stevie Wonder at Taste of Chicago a few weeks ago.
It was the highlight of my summer.
This “best of” collection is a nice retrospective of his long
list of hits. It is truly
amazing how many great songs he has written and recorded since he was
teenager at Motown. If you
haven’t listened to Stevie for a while, do yourself a favor and pick
this one up.
Hambone’s Blues Party
is broadcast from the back seat of Hambone’s Cadillac, parked on the
corner of Jazz Avenue and Blues Boulevard. His radio show can be heard
on WDCB 90.9FM and simulcast
at
www.wdcb.org
every Thursday night from
10 pm to midnight CST.
Hambone features the best of contemporary blues and classic R&B and
soul. He plays blues with some rhythm, blues with some jump and
blues with some soul.
Hambone’s Blues Party
Top
5 Spins for
June 2008:
Dave Specter
Live
in Chicago, Delmark Records
Recorded at Buddy Guy’s Legends and
Dave adds a couple of original instrumentals that showcase his
blues/jazz guitar grooves. This is an extra-fine CD from
first song to last note.
Just
Between Us, Severn Records
From
Kenny Neal
Let
Life Flow, Blind Pig Records
Let Life Flow
is a truly inspirational offering from Kenny Neal. This CD
sounds like Kenny is playing right in your living room. A
nice mixture of soul, blues and classic R&B (“Since I Met You
Baby”), “Let Life Flow” is a personal testament from one of
blues’ true superstars.
Mighty Mike Schermer
Right
Hand Man, Fine Dog Records
Bay Area session guitarist Mighty Mike Schermer backs 13
different singers on this exciting CD. Soulful tunes from
Earl Thomas and Howard Tate are topnotch, along with some fiery
vocals from Angela Strehli. All styles of blues are
covered here and Mighty Mike shows why he’s a top axman.
War
The
Best of War,
Rhino
Hambone pulls out an oldie to help celebrate summer. Songs like
“Low Rider,” “Cisco Kid” and “Spill the Wine” are made to be
played in the hot sun. War’s funky percussion
(“…more cowbell…”) and
great arrangements make their songs stand the test of time.
So roll down your windows and turn up the volume.
Hambone’s Blues
Party
is broadcast from the back seat of Hambone’s Cadillac, parked on
the corner of Jazz Avenue and Blues Boulevard. His radio show
can be heard on WDCB
90.9FM and simulcast at
www.wdcb.org
every Thursday night
from 10 pm to midnight
CST. Hambone features the best of contemporary blues and classic
R&B and soul. He plays blues with some rhythm, blues with
some jump and blues with some soul. Hambone’s Blues Party Top 5 Spins
for May 2008:
West Side Strut,
Alligator Records
Eddy
Clearwater’s new CD is a fine example of West Side Chicago
Blues. Produced by Ronnie Baker Brooks, this release packs
an energetic and powerful punch. Rockin’, groovin’ and soulful. Eric Michaels Organ Trio
Something Blue
This CD,
featuring Eric Michaels on the Hammond organ, blends jazzy riffs
with bluesy emotion. Eric’s B-3 is dripped in grease and
swings hard throughout the CD. His tasteful vocals add to
this straight-ahead, soulful and constantly inspired album. This
CD will certainly please the soul/jazz crowd. Marcia Ball
Peace, Love & BBQ,
Alligator Records
Swamp Boogie
piano player Marcia Ball mixes New Orleans R&B with emotive
ballads on her new CD. Marcia’s high-spirited live
concerts are transcended in these songs. This release will
put a smile on your face and some hep in your step.
Al Basile
The Tinge,
Sweetspot Records
Former Roomful
of Blues horn player Al Basile reunites with producer Duke
Robillard with an album dedicated to the “tinge” style of Jelly
Roll Morton. From the first song to the last note, this
recording offers a tasteful mix of blues, soul and jazz.
Tom Principato Band
Raising The Roof!,
Powerhouse Records Washington, D.C. guitarist Tom Principato has been keeping the blues alive in our nation’s Capitol for over 30 years. A smokin’ guitarist, Tom is also an inventive songwriter. The last song on this CD is entitled: “They Called for ‘Stormy Monday’ (But ‘Mustang Sally’ is just as Bad!).” ### |
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Magic
Slim & The Teardrops
Lil’
Ed & The Blues Imperials
Eddy
“The Chief” Clearwater
