Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for May-June 2011

Demetria Taylor

 Bad Girl, Delmark

This is singer Demetria's debut CD on Delmark Records.  She won the blues diva contest last year at B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted and is the daughter of the late, great Chicago bluesman Eddie Taylor.  This release is nothing but straight ahead Chicago blues:  "Wang Dang Doodle," "Little Red Rooster," and "Voodoo Woman."  She is backed by some of Chicago's most valued players, including blues veterans Billy Branch on harmonica and Eddie Shaw on sax, whose skilled techniques on their respective instruments add a hefty punch to young Demetria's powerful vocals.

Tab Benoit

Medicine, Telarc

Tab's latest release is just the right medicine for what ails you. Whether you need a Bayou stomper to get you dancin' or a dreamy Cajun ballad to aid in your meditation techniques, Dr. Tab has the perfect prescription for you.

The addition of Anders Osborne on second guitar pushes Tab to new and higher limits. Beausoleil’s Michael Doucet on fiddle gives the music an authentic Cajun/Creole flavor. Not a bad song in the bunch.

Elvin Bishop & Guests

Elvin Bishop's Raisin’ Hell Revue, Delta Groove Music

Elvin seems to put out a couple of albums every year.  He was mentored in Chicago by Little Smokey Smothers and was a founding member of Paul Butterfield's Blues Band.  His good-natured and sharp-witted personality come shining through on this album that features Finis Tasby and John Nemeth on vocals and Terry Hanck on sax.  Recorded on the 2010 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Elvin acts as the ring master while various musicians take the stage.  That boy ain't good lookin', but he sure can play!

Warren Haynes

Man in Motion, Concord Music/Stax

Warren Haynes's new release is a tribute to Memphis and New Orleans soul music.  Recorded on tape with tube microphones and everyone in the same room, this is a truly emotional album from the singer/guitarist/songwriter.  Ivan Neville, George Porter and Ruthie Foster are featured throughout the album with a full horn section, too.  Fans will dig this one.

Hadden Sayers

Hard Dollar, Blue Corn

Texan Hadden Sayers has put out a great album of all original music.  His single "Back to the Blues" is a classic hit that showcases Ruthie Foster's vocals. This is one of the best songs I have heard in over a decade. It is good to hear fine music from musicians that are unknown in Chicago.

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Revelator, Sony Music

Susan Tedeschi and husband Derek Trucks have released their first record together.  Featuring Derek's mean slide guitar and his backing band, along with Susan's tender and tough vocals, this is a "can't miss" album. The CD contains mostly mid-tempo tunes that provide a slow burn.  I like this one a lot.

Roy Roberts

 Strange Love, Ocean Beach Records

Southern Soul Man Roy Roberts always puts out excellent albums and this is no exception.  His soulful guitar playing and vocals were formed backing Solomon Burke, Eddie Floyd and Otis Redding.  He often accompanies Johnny Rawls (as he did last year at the Chicago Blues Festival). All original tunes, with soulful expression.  If you have not had the pleasure of hearing this true modern day soul man, check this one out.

Shawn Pittman

Edge of The World, Delta Groove Records

I had Texas bluesman Shawn Pittman play live on my show a few months ago. He's a young turk on the blues scene with a keen sense of humor and respect for blues history.  Shawn writes his own music, has a fine voice and stinging guitar.  On this new album, he plays all the instruments except saxophone (Jonathan Doyle).  It's a good one!

Various Artists

Chicago Blues: A Living History, The (R)evolution Continues

Raisin’ Music

Larry Skoller produced the first "Living History" blues album and it was nominated for a Grammy.  This is the follow up double-disc release that uses the same successful formula:  classic blues songs played by all-star Chicago musicians including: Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, Carlos Johnson, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Zora Young. Sit back and enjoy the blues lesson.

Head Honchos

 Head Honchos

Self-Release

This local band is led by vocalist and guitarist Rocco Calipari, Sr. (Howard & The White Boys).  Rocco is joined by his son Rocco, Jr. on guitar.  This quartet plays driving, hard rocking blues.  Their self-produced, self-titled CD is fast and furious.

Tommy Castro & Guests

Tommy Castro Presents: The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, Live, Alligator Records

Tommy Castro started this project on the R&B Cruise.  His Revue band includes: Rick Estrin, Debbie Davies, Joe Louis Walker, Janiva Magness, Michael Burks and more. The CD contains all live recordings from the various venues and the cruise.  Everyone seems to be having a blast and the music rings true as the musicians play to the live audiences. 

Richard Ray Farrell

I Sing Blues Electric, Blue Beat.

This latest release includes all original songs from guitarist/vocalist Richard Ray Farrell.  The CD was produced by Dennis Walker, who won Grammys and fame for his work with Robert Cray.  All types of styles are covered and this is a most enjoyable album.

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Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for April 2011

Marcia Ball

Roadside Attraction, Alligator

Marcia Ball has released another swamp-boogie-rocking record for Alligator.  This album, produced by Garry Nicholson, showcases Marcia’s lovely voice and fierce piano playing. It’s also the first CD on which she’s penned all the songs.  It’s a great party record and I especially dig the tune “Look Before You Leap.”  If you have never heard Marcia before, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy her music.  If you are already a fan, you will be overwhelmed with musical happiness.

Johnny Rawls

Memphis Still Got Soul, Catfood Records

Johnny Rawls is one of the best soul-blues artists around.  This new CD epitomizes his soulful stylings.  Original tunes, nice production and a groove that will not quit.  I saw Johnny last year at the Chicago Blues Festival and I’m still knocked out.

Solomon Burke and De Dijk

Hold On Tight, Universal Music

Solomon Burke, the King of Rock and Soul, recently passed away after more than 50 years in the music business. Musician, Mortician and Preacher,  this is Solomon’s last recording, made with a Dutch Rock and Soul band called De Dijk.  Recorded in Brussels in October 2009, this album contains mostly ballads or mid-tempo tunes. You know Solomon is leading the choir up in Heaven.

Ivas John Band

Street Music, self-produced

Ivas John is the leader of a band from downstate Illinois.  I had never heard him until I emceed a show last week.  He impressed me with his vocals and songwriting skill. This guy can sing! This CD is a few years old, but well worth listening to.  It is really nice to hear someone play original stuff without trying to copy someone else’s style. Now if we can just get him to move from downstate….

Donald Ray Johnson

It’s Time, Mar Visa Records

Vocalist Donald Ray Johnson is back with another nice record.  Some jumping numbers, some ballads and some in-between numbers.  Backed by a full band with horns, Donald Ray can sing it all.

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Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for March 2011

Grana’ Louise

Getting Kinda Rough, Delmark Records

Local blues diva Grana’ (rhymes with Rene’) Louise displays her emotive and powerful voice on her new Delmark release.  Guitarist Tom Holland, who accompanies Grana’ on Monday nights at Blue Chicago, lends his tasty fretwork to this album.    Chicago blues at its finest.

Lucky Peterson

You Can Always Turn Around, Dreyfus Records

Lucky Peterson reaches down into the roots of blues and also offers some modern sounds on his new CD.  Lucky plays a resonator guitar for many of the classic blues hits including “Dust My Broom”, “Statesboro Blues”, and “Death Don’t Have No Mercy.”  The real gems on this release are his covers of Ray Lamontagne’s “Trouble” and Lucinda Williams’ “Atonement.” The former child prodigy and multi-instrumentalist sounds great on all the cuts.

Magic Sam Blues Band

West Side Soul, Delmark Records

Delmark has re-issued this 1967 classic album often called one of the greatest blues recordings of all times.  Magic Sam died way too early but left a legacy of West Side styled blues music.  You must have this CD in your collection.

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan

In Session, Stax

Stax has re-issued this 12/6/83 recording made in Hamilton, Ontario.  This CD set includes a DVD of Albert and SRV sharing licks. It was an interesting idea to have the two play together for a recording.  It seems a little forced but a nice piece of history in any event.

The Congregation

Not For Sleepin’, Self-Release

Local “garage soul” band The Congregation was recently picked by the Chicago Tribune to be one of the bands to watch in 2011.  They played my show last month and knocked me out.  They are headed down to SxSW to play Reggie’s showcase event.  This self-produced EP demonstrates their bold and brassy soulful sounds.

Various Artists

Alligator 40th Anniversary CD, Alligator Records.

Chicago-based record label Alligator has released a two-disc collection of the blues artists that have recorded for that label over the years.  Their roster of musicians need no last names since they are so well known. Koko, Coco, Luther, Hound Dog, Mavis, Lonnie, Lil Ed, Son and Albert are just some of the musicians featured on the compilation.  Here’s to another 40 years of houserockin’ music!!!!

Rich DelGrosso & Jonn Del Toro Richardson

Time Slips By, Mandolin Blues Records

Rich DelGrosso is one of the few bluesmen who play Mandolin.  He is joined by guitarist and vocalist Jonn Del Toro Richardson along with “Kaz” Kazonoff’s Texas Horns.  They present a nice mixture of blues styles.  This is really nice recording that gets better with each listen.

Tom Principato

A Part of Me, Powerhouse Records

Guitarist and vocalist Tom Principato has been a part of the Washington, D.C. blues scene for over 40 years.  I saw his old band Powerhouse open up for Muddy Waters at the Cellar Door on M street in 1976.  He is joined by Chuck Leavell, Sonny Landreth and Wayne Jackson (Memphis Horns) on this recording.  Tom hasn’t lost a lick and this CD showcases his many talents.

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Hambone’s Blues Party

Top Spins for February 2011

Damon Fowler

Devil Got His Way, Blind Pig

Young Damon Fowler displays his fine guitar skills and keen vocals on his second Blind Pig release.  There are some dynamic original songs.  For a young cat, he shows a lot of maturity.  Damon is definitely a star on the rise.

Los Fabulocos

Dos, Delta Groove

This West Coast “Cali-Mex” band combines rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, classic R&B, conjunto, zydeco and norteno for a spicy musical mix.  The band includes Kid Ramos on guitar.  They perform a rockin’ version of Little Richard’s “Keep a Knockin’.”  This CD will warm you up for sure.

Lynwood Slim and Igor Prado Band

Brazilian Kicks, Delta Groove

Suave vocalist Lynwood Slim hooked up with a young all-star R&B band from Brazil and recorded this swingin’ album in Sao Paulo.  Slim sounds great and the production on this CD is top notch.  I have been playing this album all month and it gets better with each listen.

Gregg Allman

Low Country Blues, Rounder

Gregg Allman has released his first solo record in over a decade.  Nicely produced by T Bone Burnett, Gregg covers some forgotten classic and obscure blues numbers written by Otis Rush, Magic Sam, B.B. King and Amos Milburn.  Doyle Bramhall II and Dr. John are in the studio band.  Gregg has one of the most expressive voices in rock ‘n’ roll and it’s great to her him sing some blues.  Recovering from a major illness, Gregg seems to breathe life into every note. His Hammond B-3 playing is an extra bonus. Fans have been waiting for this one for some time, and it was definitely worth the wait.  This is a truly well-conceived and performed CD.

Syl Johnson

Complete Mythology, Numero Group

I forgot to put this compilation on my Best CDs list for 2010. It would probably make my list for “Best CDs Ever.” Locally based Numero Group Records has released a 4-CD package with some vinyl albums to boot.  They capture soul-blues man Syl Johnson at his very best.  Many of the songs were originally released on Chicago’s Twinight Record Label.  Hit songs like “Come on Sock it to Me” and “Is it Because I’m Black” are mixed in with lesser known gems that showcase late 1960s soul music at its very best. If you like classic soul music, you must get this compilation and put a little wiggle in your hips.

Joe Moss Band

Drive Time -- Live at Chan’s, Hit Brothers Records

Local blues guitarist and vocalist Joe Moss recorded this live CD in Rhode Island.  His brother Nick also recorded a live album at the same venue.  The sound is great and it’s definitely a live performance.  Most songs clock in at over 7 minutes with extended solos by Joe and the band.  Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Carl Davis

One Foot In, One Foot Out, 212 Records

Chicagoland’s Carl Davis plays blue-collar blues. His new CD showcases his fine guitar work.  Carl has appeared on my show a few times and I am always impressed with his “take nothing for granted, keep working hard and playing the blues approach to life.” This album features some nice, new original songs.

Will Jacobs & Dirty Deal

Self-Titled, Electro Glide

High School senior Will Jacobs has released his first full album.  He’s been going to blues jams since his early teens and obviously plays well beyond his years. Will is best known for his guitar skills, but he also demonstrates his ability on the B-3 on a couple of songs.  It restores my faith in mankind that a suburban high school kid can fall in love with the blues and dedicate himself to this musical art form. 

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Hambone’s Blues Party

 January 2011

 Top 11 CDs for 2010

Before we head into 2011’s new releases, I thought it would be cool to recall my favorite CDs for 2010.  Here are my Top 11 in no particular order.

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.

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. 

Kermit Ruffins

Happy Talk, Basin Street Records.

New Orleans’ 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  A 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.

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 plus 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.

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.

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.

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 Sojourners

The Sojourners, Black Hen Music

From Canada, The Sojourners are a contemporary gospel band featuring three singers who harmonize and praise the Lord.  Fans of soul music will really enjoy this sanctified release.  When many consider “singing” a lost art, it is truly inspiring to hear these gentlemen perform.

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.

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 relevant. There is a cool song, “Cook County Blues,” about being arrested in Chicago and spending time in Cook County jail.

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