Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for December 2010

Ho Ho Ho, it's Hambone’s Top Christmas CDs

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.

Kermit Ruffins

Have A Crazy Cool Christmas, Basin Street Records

Direct from New Orleans, Kermit Ruffins has Santa doing “the second-line” in the Big Easy. This release is a mix of classic and original cool Christmas songs.  Kermit’s trumpet and vocals evoke the correct joyous spirit of the season.

Phil Spector

Various Artists

A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, Sony Records

If you can separate legendary rock producer Phil Spector’s recent criminal conviction from his groundbreaking work in a recording studio, then this album is a definite stocking stuffer.  Originally recorded in 1963 on the Phillies Record label, this record had the misfortune of being released the same day as JFK’s assassination.  Since then it has been re-released in 1972, 1991 and 2009. Featured artists include The Ronettes, the Crystals and Darlene Love.  Of course, Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound can be heard throughout the songs.

Various Artists

The Ultimate Motown Christmas Collection, Motown

The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the list goes on. Most of Motown’s artists released Christmas music over the years and the iconic label has just released a two-CD, 51-track compilation that truly is the ultimate collection.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Ultimate Christmas Collection, Surfdog Records

Yet  another ultimate Yuletide collection from big band leader and former Stray Cats guitarist Setzer. This “best of” CD culls a greatest Christmas hits from his previous albums, Boogie Woogie Christmas and Dig That Crazy Christmas. But wait, there’s more. The collection includes two new originals and a DVD of the Orchestra’s exciting live show Christmas Extravangaza that clocks in with 25 songs in nearly two hours of nonstop jump blues, swing, and rock’n’roll fun.

B.B. King

A Christmas Celebration of Hope, MCA

In 2001, the King of the Blues paid tribute to another King with his Grammy-winning Christmas CD.  B.B. King and his Lucille inhabit Yule classics with blues power and emotions that ring true for this wonderful time of the year. B.B. and his swingin’ big band cover “Lonesome Christmas,”  “Back Door Santa,”  “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Merry Christmas Baby,” and “Auld Lang Syne” in their own inimitable style. Proceeds from this CD’s sales go to City of Hope.

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Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for November 2010

James Kinds

Love You From The Top, Delmark

James Kinds lived on Chicago's West Side for over 20 years and was considered one of the young turks on the blues scene. He moved to Dubuque, Iowa in 1993 and has been making a name for himself away from Chicago.  Under-recorded for years, James Kinds has made a splash with his first national release on Delmark.  A guitarist and songwriter with gospel-like vocals, James has put out a straight-ahead Chicago blues album.  Sax man Eddie Shaw is featured on a few cuts.  This CD is tried and true blues.

J.D. McPherson

Signs & Signifiers, Hi-Style Records

This is a swinging classic R&B record from young guitarist J.D. McPherson.  He sounds a bit like Little Richard and he certainly rocks the house.  Produced by Jimmy Sutton (The Mighty Blue Kings and The Four Charms) and recorded in his analogue studio, this album has more energy than anything I have heard in years. The YouTube video of hit single "North Side Girl" is creating a buzz. I will be playing and dancing to this one for a while. 

Rio Bamba

Our Surprise, Rio Records

Local Latin jazz quartet, Rio Bamba plays Bossa Nova like no other. Fronted by dynamic vocalist Maggie Vagle, this band recently played live on my show and knocked me out.  It’s the perfect album to rhythmically warm your soul as the weather turns chilly.

Honey Island Swamp Band

Good To You, Threadhead Records

The Honey Island Swamp Band is made up of young New Orleans musicians who hooked up after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  They play Americana music with a bluesy and Crescent City flavor.  Guitarst Chris Mule and bassman Aaron Wilkinson both played and wrote songs on Eric Lindell's Low on Cash, Rich in Love on Alligator.  These young musicians are making fine original music that restores my faith in mankind!

Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings

That's The Way You Do, Delmark

Local guitarist, harpman and singer/songwriter, Studebaker John has hooked up with drummer/radio host Steve Cushing and guitarist Rick Kreher for a trip to Maxwell Street.  Nothing fancy here, just blues as it was meant to be played and heard.  Maxwell Street is gone, but Studebaker John has not forgotten the sounds of that famous outdoor market. If you close your eyes, you can almost smell the Maxwell Street Polish Hot Dog cooking on your stereo.

Chris Cain

So Many Miles, Blue Rock'It Records

West Coast bluesman Chris Cain teams up with the Robben Ford Band and presents us with an outstanding new CD. His guitar tone is as fat and jazzy as ever, his songwriting skills demonstrate his wit, and his voice has never sounded better.  Every song on this CD is good.  Clearly, it is one of the top releases of the year.  Check out the tune "Interplanetary Jam"; only Chris Cain can write 'em and sing 'em like that. Larry Carlton adds his guitar to an instrumental that will knock you out.  Blues fans have been waiting for Chris to return with a new album, and this one was worth the wait.

Kermit Ruffins

Happy Talk, Basin Street Records. 

New Orleans’s trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins’ new CD celebrates happiness and the spirit of life.  In addition to some original songs, Kermit interprets Broadway show tunes and film song tracks.

 Included are: “Happy Talk” written and composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein, “High Hopes” by Sammy Cahn and “If I Only Had  Brain” by Harold Arlen.  Fresh off his recurring role in HBO’s mini-series Treme, Kermit is in fine form on this new album.  You can’t help but smile when you hear Kermit play and sing. 

Eric Clapton & Various Artists

Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 on DVD, Rhino

For all those who didn’t get a chance to attend this festival last summer at Chicagoland’s Toyota Park, now is a chance to see the highlights of the entire 11-hour guitar crazy show.  For those who were lucky enough to attend the concert, you get to relive the day without the heat and lines of people.  Rhino Records has released DVD and Blu-Ray sets including 4 ½ hours of concert performances, behind the scenes footage and interviews with the performers.  Highlights include: ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, John Mayer and more.

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Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for October 2010

As autumn arrives and the leaves change colors, here are some new CDs with varied and vivid hues.

Kenny Neal

Hooked on Your Love, Blind Pig Records

Kenny Neal’s new release is a deep-grooved soulful display of mid-tempo tunes. Kenny seems to be singing and playing with an inner calmness and spiritual calling.  His fans will dig this new album and those who are unfamiliar with his artistry will be struck by his all around professionalism.

Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters

Spread the Love, Stony Plain Records

Ronnie Earl presents 14 passionate instrumentals on his new release.  This CD contains interesting originals are respectful covers, including Kenny Burrell’s “Chitlins Con Carne”.  Ronnie pays tribute to many of his musical heroes including Duane Allman and Albert Collins.  Ronnie plays with full emotion as he shows his love to his family, friends and fans.

Joe Louis Walker

Blues Conspiracy: Live on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

Stony Plain Records

This live CD, as the title suggests, was recorded on the Rhythm & Blues Cruise.  The release sounds like one big blue jam as over 20 guest musicians join in on the fun, including: Johnny Winter, Tommy Castro, Nick Moss, Curtis Salgado, Tab Benoit, Duke Robillard, Mitch Woods, Kirk Fletcher and Kenny Neal.  JLW appears to be having too much fun sharing licks with his fellow blues artists.  After hearing this CD, I thought, “Man, I got to go on that cruise.”

Tony Joe White

That On The Road Look “Live”, Rhino

This is a live recording from 1971 that Rhino records discovered and just released.  Tony Joe White, “The Swamp Fox,” is best known as the songwriter of classic hits “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.” He’s a laidback performer with Southern charm.  This is a nice little gem.

Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires

Words Are Like Bullets, Blue Edge Records

Out of Kansas City, guitarist Steve Gerard plays swinging, jazzy classic R&B.  Vocalist Dave “Elmo” Bailey is a throwback to big voiced blues shouters with a sense of timing and style.  I have been playing this CD for the past few weeks and it gets better with each listen.  

Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for Sept. 2010

James Cotton

Giant, Alligator Records

"Mr. Superharp" is back with a classic rocking blues album. Cotton was first recorded at Sun Records in 1953.  This new release proves he can still blow down buildings with his high-compression blues harmonica playing.  This CD was recorded with Cotton's road band that features local left-handed Shuffle King, guitarist Tom Holland.  Cotton lives up to his legendary status on this too-true blues record.

Dave Specter

Spectified, Fret 12 Records

With this new release, Dave Specter continues to explore the jazzy and soulful side of the blues with 13 instrumental cuts on his new record label.  With Pete Benson and Brother John Kattke on keyboards and a full horn section, Dave has released a truly tasteful CD.  David Hidalgo from Los Lobos shows up on one track and plays accordion.  This CD was recorded at LOCM (League of Creative Musicians) located in the back of the club SPACE in Evanston, IL.

The Robert Cray Band

Cookin' In Mobile, Nozzle Records

Five-time Grammy winner Robert Cray was filmed and recorded live at the Saenger Theater in Mobile, Alabama.  This DVD/CD release captures Robert at his very best. The audio quality is superb and Robert was definitely "on" the night this was recorded.  Sit back and enjoy this dynamic performer playing the best of his well-known songs.

JJ Grey & Mofro

Georgia Warhorse, Alligator Records

Although more "Americana" than straight blues, JJ Grey is a fine wordsmith and expressive singer. As an added bonus, Reggae’s Toots Hibbert (from the Maytals) shares vocals on "The Sweetest Thing," which is one of the best soul songs I have heard in years. Expand your tastes in styles of music and enjoy this original release.

Duke Robillard

Passport To The Blues, Stony Plain Records

Duke Robillard seems to put out more albums than IHOP puts out pancakes.  This new one is a bit more gritty and dirty than his usual fare.  Surrounded by an all-star band, including Doug James, Duke plays mostly original cuts but has added one Tom Waits tune.  No matter the style of song, Duke's guitar playing is exceptional.  This is a very entertaining and thoroughly satisfying CD.

Mavis Staples

You Are Not Alone, Anti-

I love Mavis Staples.  Fresh off her Lollapalooza performance, Mavis' emotional vocals are spellbinding.  This new release features mostly ballads and gospel tunes, and was produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy.  How cool is that!  Tweedy brings out the best of Mavis and she will never disappoint. Savor this sanctified music that will enrich your soul.

Charlie Musselwhite

The Well, Alligator Records

Charlie Musselwhite returns to Alligator Records with a wonderful straight-ahead blues CD.  Charlie has been playing harmonica and singing for countless years, but he has lost none of his vibrancy.  He is definitely still hip and relative. There is a cool song, “Cook County Blues,” about being arrested in Chicago and spending time at Cook County Jail.

Junior Wells & The Aces

Live in Boston 1966, Delmark Records

Local label Delmark Records has released an interesting live CD by Junior Wells & The Aces.  Caught in a club in Boston in 1966, the harp icon is backed by a top-notch band that lives up to its name, consisting of brothers Louis and Dave Myers on guitars along with Fred Below on drums.  The sound is pretty good, although the vocals are a bit muffled. The CD allows the listener to appreciate the power and style of Wells in his prime.  The “talking” between songs shows Junior’s personality and playfulness.

Gary U.S. Bonds

Let Them Talk, GLA Records

Yes, it’s that Gary U.S. Bonds.  He’s been recording music since the early 1960s and had some Top 10 hits in 1960 and 1961 (“A Quarter to Three”).  He has a swinging R&B band behind him and can still sing really well. From rockers to ballads, it’s nice to hear Gary still putting out music. 

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Hambone’s Blues Party

 Top Spins for Summer 2010

 June-July-August

Jimmy Dawkins Presents

The Leric Story, Delmark

Legendary fast fingered guitarist Jimmy Dawkins started his own record label in the 1980s called Leric Records.  He cut a number of 45s with unrecorded (at the time) Chicago blues artists: Queen Sylvia Embry, Little Johnny Christian, Nora Jean Wallace, Vance Kelly and Big Mojo Elem among others.  The studio musicians included Willie Kent, Chico Banks and Johnny B. Moore.  This is a rare chance to hear a slice of Chicago blues that hasn’t been heard on record in decades.

Catherine Russell,

Inside this Heart of Mine, World Village

New York female song stylist Catherine Russell has sung backing vocals for everyone from David Bowie to Donald Fagen to Paul Simon.  Her father, Luis Russell was a pioneering composer and Louis Armstrong’s musical director.  She is a genuine throwback to the age where a vocalist could sing all styles of music: jazz, jump, blues, country, pop and soul.  On this new record, produced by Paul Kahn, she covers songs by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Willie Dixon and Wynonie Harris.  She even has Howard Johnson on tuba for a couple of songs.  This is a real treat.

Rob Stone,

Back Around Here, Earwig

Harmonica player and vocalist Rob Stone has released his first record in seven years. Rob presents classic Chicago blues with high energy and nice mix of young and old bluesmen:  Sam Lay, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Willie Hayes, Aaron Moore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn and David Maxwell. The title track will rock you off your seat.  My faith in the future of the blues has been restored by albums like this.   

Chris James/Patrick Rynn

Gonna Boogie Anyway, Earwig

Chris sings and plays guitar, while Patrick plays bass.  They were original members of Rob Stone’s old band The C-Notes.  Now on their own, this release spotlights Chris’ fine fretwork and true blues vocals.  David Maxwell and Henry Gray play piano on a number of cuts.  This is a fine example of young bluesmen playing it straight.

Lee Ritenour

Lee Ritenour’s 6-String Theory, Concord Music Group

It’s been 50 years since Lee Ritenour began playing the guitar.  He has appeared on over 3,000 recording sessions and 40 albums.  On this new record, he is joined by six- string legends George Benson, B.B. King, Pat Martino, Johnny Lang, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray, Vince Gill and Taj Mahal for a wild ride of guitar crazy tunes.  Jazzy, bluesy and in-between, Lee and his guests bend a lot of strings and guitar nuts will love the liner notes which contain amazing details on the instruments used.  Joey DeFrancesco adds a greasy B-3 to a few numbers.  Lee and George Benson do a swingin’ version of “Moon River.” Lee also flexes his muscle with a powerful version of “Freeway Jam.”  If you like guitar players, you will love this CD.  It’s one of the best releases of 2010.

Chris Harper

Four Aces & A Harp, Swississippi Records

Harp player and singer Chris Harper, along with former Buddy Guy's Legends' soundboard man Dave Katzman started a new blues label out of Chicago called Swississippi Records.  All of the major bluesmen in town came out to support this new project.  The disc features Jimmy Burns, John Primer, Robert Stroger, Willie Smith, Marty Sammon and Felix Reyes. It’s a fantastic debut CD on a new record label.

Peaches Staten

Live at Legends, Swississippi Records.

Peaches Staten is a dynamic singer and entertainer who has been under-recorded in her career of nearly three decades.  This live performance, recorded on May 23, 2010, is the last live recording made at the original Buddy Guy's Legends. Peaches' soul and energy comes through on this recording and it makes the listener feel as if you are sitting in the front row. This album was recorded, mixed, pressed and released within three weeks, demonstrating that not a second should be lost in capturing Peaches' energetic performance.

Karen Carroll

Talk to the Hand, Delmark

Delmark has re-released blues diva Karen Carroll's popular, out-of-print CD from 1997, which  demonstrates her strong pipes and unique sense of style.  Backed by Sir Walter Scott, The Madhatter, and Vamp Samuels, Karen runs through a series of slow and mid-tempo blues.  Her song "Neked J Blues" is a nine-minute monologue that will make you laugh so hard that you will cry.  Willie Henderson leads the all-star horn section of Kenny Anderson, Hank Ford and Sonny Seals.

Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith

Joined at the Hip, Telarc Records

These two living legends of the blues met when Pinetop replaced Otis Spann in Muddy Waters’ band in 1969.  Pinetop still can tickle the 88's and Big Eyes plays harp and sings.  They are joined by Bob Stroger, John Primer and Kenny Smith.  This is a true lesson in classic Chicago blues.

Morry Sochat & The Special 20's

Eating Dirt, Galaxic Records

Morry Sochat mixes West Coast sophisticated swing with down-home Chicago Blues.  Morry is one fine harp player and superb vocalist.  This recording was produced by Jimmy Sutton and features guest appearances by Billy Flynn, Dave Herrero, Brother John and Marty Binder.  Mostly original material, this is a fine effort by some young turks of the blues.

Mississippi Heat

Let's Live It Up!, Delmark

Harp man Pierre Lacocque has once again assembled a top-notch band to form this year's version of Mississippi Heat.  Guests include guitarists Carl Weathersby and John Primer.  Christopher "Hambone" Cameron (no relation to me) plays a funky and greasy B-3.  One song, co-written and sung by Inetta Visor,  "Died From a Broken Heart" is a classic. 

Cee Cee James

Seriously Raw: Live at Sunbanks, FWG Records.

Cee Cee James is a female blues singer who sounds remarkably like Janis Joplin.  She definitely plays up the comparison by covering songs made famous by Janis.  Whether this turns out to be a blessing or a curse remains to be seen, but this lady can certainly belt out the blues.

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Hambone’s Blues Party  Top Spins for March 2010   Guitar Shorty Bare Knuckle, Alligator Records David Kearney, better known as Guitar Shorty, has been playing hard charging blues for over 30 years. This is his best record to date. His guitar playing is incendiary and he furiously attacks every note with passion and drive.  Whether playing slow burning blues or in your face rockers, Guitar Shorty brings it straight with no chaser.  This one will be spinning on the home Hi-Fi for months to come. The Holmes Brothers Feed My Soul, Alligator Records The Holmes Brothers' new release is a classic blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B and country rock.  Produced by their friend Joan Osborne, the Holmes Brothers once again demonstrate their spiritual vocal harmonies and inspired musicianship.  This is true Americana music.  The Holmes Brothers will feed your soul for hours on end with this dynamic album.   Blues Buddha I Like It A Lot, Stoopid Daddy Records Led by vocalist Tommy Dudley, Blues Buddha is a New York based blues band.  Their new CD is full of originals tunes.  The band is tight, the production is first-rate and it’s good to see blues music being played in my former Long Island neighborhood.   Nick Moss Privileged, Blue Bella Records Nick Moss reaches new heights with this recording.  Produced at his Rancho de Rhythm Studios, Nick expands his musical direction with some funk, rock and a cool cover of Cream's classic "Politician."  Nick continues to pay respect to old school blues while keeping one eye and ear on the future evolution of music.  Sit back and enjoy Nick as he takes us on his musical journey.   Kilborn Alley Blues Band Better Off Now, Blue Bella Records Nick Moss' label mates, Kilborn Alley Blues Band have produced a surprising soulful blues album.  The title track features local keyboard player Eric Michaels laying down some sanctified B-3 grooves as lead singer, Andrew Duncanson bares his heart and soul. They feature a lot of different styles on this record and the band's versatility is their strength.  Pick this one up, you will dig it. ### Hambone & Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater at WDCB studios 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.

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