JW-Jones - Midnight Memphis Sun

Crosscut Records/Ruf

http://www.jw-jones.com

12 tracks; 48:34 minutes; Suggested

Styles: Modern Electric Blues, Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul-Blues

What is more important: the song or the singer? Well, which will last longer? Musicians and singers will come and go, but the song will stay with us, maybe forever. For example, sixteen year old Jay Gaunt recorded “Greensleeves” that goes back to 1580.

JW-Jones is also a youthful Blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who always, refreshingly, puts the needs of the song first. Born in Ottawa in 1981, he was only eighteen when he won a hometown competition called the Blues Guitar Riff-Off in 1999.

“Midnight Memphis Sun" is JW-Jones’s sixth album to date and his first for Ruf Records. It consists of twelve enjoyable and varied tracks of which Jones co-wrote eight (with non related partner Tim Wynne-Jones), and the other four cover legends like Lowell Fulson and Jimmy Reed. Technically, there are two CD sets with two different bands here.

Seven tracks were recorded at the famous Memphis Sun Studios, hence the album title. Like Jones’s past CDs which included world-class musicians, three Memphis songs feature guest star Hubert Sumlin (guitar), and two of the Memphis cuts feature Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica). The backup band includes Larry Taylor on bass and Richard Innes on drums. Adding heavy grooves on keyboards for both bands is Jesse Whiteley.

Five songs were recorded at “J-Dub’s House, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada” with Jones’s regular working band: Jeff Asselin (drums) and Martin Régimbald (bass) plus aforementioned Whiteley. Musselwhite’s harp also guests on one of these tracks.

First aired on the “Friends of the Blues Radio Show” was an original, “Born Operator,” with a topic, thankfully, relevant and other than the love and money clichés. Opening with guitar clearly influenced by Magic Sam Maghett, “Born Operator” mentions how greed is actually an addiction as it scolds the likes of Bernie Madoff and their painful and suicide-causing Ponzi schemes. Hubert Sumlin makes his first appearance soloing and trading licks at mid-song. The best pairing of Sumlin and Jones, however, is found in the instrumental “Howlin’ with Hubert” with its title alluding to Sumlin’s long time band leader, Howlin’ Wolf.

Future airings will include Sonny Terry’s and Brownie McGhee’s “Burnt Child” which opens with Charlie Musselwhite’s harp. Charlie’s harp work is not the central focus; it just fits perfectly into this classic Chicago Blues ensemble approach. More of that style is found in Jimmy Reed’s “I Don’t Go for That,” again with Musselwhite.

When pacing calls for a slow Blues number, the Jones’ original “Mean Streak” is perfect. Here, Jones uses his still young sounding vocals to relate the meat of the song and keeps the guitar understated. Even the guitar solo is a plodding series of single notes instead of the typical shredded rave-up at three-quarters in.

An unexpected song is a cover of Bryan Adam’s “Cuts Like A Knife,” originally a pop radio rocker, but here an up tempo shuffle that fits well. For a fine nod to Buddy Guy staccato guitar playing, check Jones’ original “Make a Move.”

Southern California Blues Society - Los Angeles, CA

The Southern California Blues Society presents The Battle of the Blues Divas concert on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Proud Bird, 11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. The show will begin at 7 PM, free parking and excellent food and drinks are available. This is one of seven major events presented each year by the Southern California Blues Society and will benefit Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Featured will be ten amazing blues singers, including Barbara Morrison, world-renown blues, jazz and soul singer, Audrey Madison Turner, hot sassy vocalist and partner of the late Ike Turner, Lady GG, gutbucket blues Diva from south central Los Angeles and seven more outstanding singers. Joe Kincaid and the Soul Brothers Blues Band will backup these Divas. Reserve advanced tickets at: www.socalblues.org or call (714) 209-7347

Crossroads Blues Society - Rockford, IL

Crossroads will be hosting a volunteer recognition party for all of the volunteers, bands and sponsors of their inaugural festival. The party is Sunday, October 17th from 3 PM to 6 PM at Tailgater's Sports Bar at 117 E 2nd Street in Byron, IL. There is no charge and there is free food and beverages for each volunteer and their guest. Barstool Bob Levis and his Blues Band will be playing at the event. for information and volunteer RSVPs call Steve Jones at 779-537-4006.

Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King will be Big Cities Lounge at 905 E State St in Rockford on Thursday night, November 18th at 8 PM. Tickets ar $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Contact Joe G at 815-218-6359 or joeygiii@att.net for tickets and info. This will sell out fast so get your tickets early!

Artale Wines in Rockford at 6876 Spring Creek Rd is running one of their non-profit organization wine tasting fundraisers with Crossroads Blues Society as the beneficiary. Call 815-877-9463 for more information and tickets. The fundraiser is on Friday night, November 19th at 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM with finger foods by Josef Barbados Restaurant. $15 Donation to Crossroads Blues Society. www.crossroadsbluessociety.com

Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society - Minneapolis, MN

Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society presents our 4th annual Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame, "Honoring the Creative Best", Performer; Blues Recording; Blues Song; Blues Art and Literature; and Non-performer supportive of the Blues.

The show is Sunday, October 17th Minnesota Music Cafe, 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul. MN. Doors open at noon. Music starts at 1:00, featuring the 2010 "Performer" inductee, Sweet Paulie T., playing with his band The Blues Blasters. Induction ceremony: 2:45-3:45. Music to follow ceremony include: Jeff Ray and "Hurricane" Harold, this year's IBC solo/duo entrants; and Little Bobby and the Storm. Suggested donation: $7.00  More info at: www.gtcbms.org

The Decatur Blues Society - Decatur, IL

The Decatur Blues Society is holding their 1st annual "Blues Challenge" October 16th at the Bourbon Barrel in Decatur, Illinois. The winner of the band & the solo/duo divisions will receive a slot in the 2011 International Blues Competition in Memphis next February. COmplete information is available at www.decaturblues.org.

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. October 11 - Too Slim & the Taildraggers, October 18 - Reverend Raven & the Chain Smoking Altar Boys, October 25 - Perry Weber & the Devilles. http://icbluesclub.org/

The Friends Of The Blues - Watseka, IL

2010 Friends of the Blues shows - 7 pm , Kankakee Valley Boat Club, October 12, Too Slim & Taildraggers, 7 pm , Kankakee Valley Boat Club, October 26, Perry Weber & DeVilles, 7 pm , Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club. For more info see: http://www.wazfest.com/JW.html 

Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents Davina and the Vagabonds on Sunday October 10 at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA. Showtime is 6:00 p.m., and admission is $10, $8 for MVBS members.

Blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter, bandleader, and educator Billy Branch will be the first of four residency artists for the 11th annual MVBS Blues in the Schools Artists in Residency series. He will be conducting workshops at area schools and free open-to-the-public performances during the week of October 18-22. The Free public performances by Billy Branch are:

Monday October 18, 6:30 p.m.—Davenport Public Library Eastern Ave. Branch
Tuesday October 19, 7:00 p.m.—Borders (53rd St. Davenport)
Wednesday October 20 at 7:00 p.m.—Mojo’s in the River Music Experience (2nd and Main, Davenport)

Also MVBS Presents Chicago's Mississippi Heat on Friday October 29 at The Lodge in Bettendorf! This will be a fundraiser for the MVBS, including a silent auction with signed guitars, posters, photographs, and more. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the music starting at 8. Admission is $20, $15 for MVBS members. The Lodge will be offering stay-over packages.  www.mvbs.org for more info

Windy City Blues Society - Chicago, IL

The Windy City Blues Society (WCBS) is proud to present the 2010 Chicago Blues Challenge (CBC). The winner of this competitions will represent Chicago and WCBS at 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. All proceeds from the CBC events will be used to defray a portion of the cost of sending the winners to Memphis.

Challenge dates include: Thursday, October 14 at Rosa's Lounge – Band Competition Round 1, Sunday, October 24 at the Heartland Café – Band Competition Round 2, Sunday, November 7 at Buddy Guy’s Legends – CBC Finals

Eden Brent - Ain’t Got No Troubles

Yellow Dog Records

www.edenbrent.com

12 Tracks; 45 minutes 35 seconds

Styles: Piano Blues, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Soul

Produced by Colin Linden. Players: Eden Brent, piano and voice; Colin Linden, guitars; George Porter, Jr., electric bass; Bryan Owings, drums; Tracy Griffin, trumpet; Emile Hall, alto saxophone; Jeff Albert, trombone; Jon Cleary, Hammond B3.

If you loved her debut release ‘Mississippi Number One’, then you’ll definitely want to get your copy of this, her follow up CD. I’m assuming most of you know who Eden Brent is by now or, at least, you’ve known about her since she won the 2006 International Blues Challenge. But did you know she’s a ‘born & bred’ Mississippian, music ‘schooled’, appeared in two tv/documentary productions, got her nickname “Little Boogaloo” from a 16-yr apprentice with MS blues pioneer Boogaloo Ames, has appeared at the Kennedy Center, the Republican National Convention, is a 3-time Blues Music Awards winner and has been compared to the legendary voices of Janis Joplin, Bessie Smith, Sarah Vaughn, Norah Jones and Diana Krall (and can I throw in I heard a hint of Nancy Griffith)?

Eden Brent is the real deal. Her southern roots serve her well in this world of show biz. She’s down to earth, warm, engaging and spirited. Her comfort on stage and in front of a piano--belting out sultry, raspy, husky, silky and sensual vocals--flows right off the stage into your heart and soul, just like it does here on this CD. You can’t help but love her and her music.

And I guess I’ve been asleep at the wheel when it comes to paying attention to Eden’s songwriting skills, being caught up and blown away by her charismatic piano playing and singing. I mean, who else has more fun performing than Eden!? So, take a look at all the tracks she penned in this, her 2nd release—8 of the 12 (tracks 1-3, 6-8, 10, 11). And they’re all clever, catchy jazzy bluesy tunes that’ll stick in your head after just one listen. She’s even included the lyrics in the CD jacket.

Eden’s original, danceable Track 1’s ‘Someone to Love’, lets the men folk know there’s plenty of fish in the sea so they better commit because they’re swimming in a pool of contender fish! Track 2 ‘Ain’t Got No Troubles’ has New Orleans written all over it (and where the album was recorded)—gospel-tinged, happy, upbeat and jazzy. Track 3’s ‘Blues All Over’ is about us ladies missing that special man and is performed in the purist piano blues and stylish vocal way that only Eden does best. Track 6 ‘Leave Me Alone’ is a moving ballad where Eden waxes melancholy over a lost love with resolve of shutting doors to any further communication with him.

Track 7 ‘Let’s Boogie Woogie’ is classic Eden, just like I remember seeing her perform live in the Blues Music Awards Beale Street showcases, as if playing and singing is easier than breathing. How anyone can have that much natural talent is beyond me. She can flat out bang a piano and not miss an instrumental or vocal note, that’s for sure. This is a rockin’ bluesy dance hit that’ll have everyone in the juke a’jumpin’. Slide on into Track 8 ‘My Man’ for more fancy ivory tickling, savory vocals and a shout out to (finally) a good man! The theme continues in Track 10 ‘If I Can’t’ (have you baby, I don’t want nobody else). And the last of her original Tracks (11) is ‘In Love With Your Wallet’. How nice of Eden to remind the Sugar Daddies: “She’s in love with your wallet, not your personality.” Amen, sister.
You’ll also love Eden’s version of the Tom Hambridge, Delbert McClinton, Gary Nicholson tune ‘Ain’t I Got a Right to be Wrong’. The band rocks it out and she belts it out.

Producer Colin Linden penned Track 4 ‘Later Than You Think’. And in case you aren’t familiar with Colin, I took the liberty of stealing this bio bite from his website:

“Linden is a genuine renaissance man of roots music. He’s a singer and songwriter of great skill, an in-demand and prolific record producer ( Bruce Cockburn, Tom Wilson, Colin James), a sideman to the stars as guitarist for the likes of Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris, and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and, for the past decade, a member of the highly successful trio, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. Colin’s songs have been covered by The Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Keb’ Mo’, and Colin James, and his well-stocked trophy case includes seven Juno, multiple Maple Blues Awards, and a Toronto Arts Award. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for the star-studded A Tribute To Howlin’ Wolf CD, and was involved in the ground-breaking O Brother Where Art Thou phenomenon. Linden has a well-deserved reputation as a slide guitar virtuoso of real originality, and his riveting slide work can be heard both on albums from such artists as Cassandra Wilson, The Rankin Family, Whitey Johnson and on his own sizeable solo catalogue.”

Frolicking romps, thigh-slappin’ boogie-woogie, juke-joint-jumping, soulful blues ballads, clever original tunes and another hit record. Yep, folks, that’s what you get when you buy “Ain’t Got No Troubles”. I give a strong ‘thumbs up’ to this one, blues friends. And I have a feeling more Blues Music Awards are well on their way for Eden and this album.

Reviewer Belinda Foster is a Web-TV Host for www.greenvillehd.com, a Columnist and Contributing Writer for Greenville SC Magazine “Industry Mag” and former manager of Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues. She is a devoted promoter and support of live blues root music and history, making frequent trips to Clarksdale MS and the Delta Region. Her column “The Upstate Blues Report can be found on line at www.mega-scene.com.

Lucky Peterson - You Can Always Turn Around

Dreyfus Jazz

www.myspace.com/luckypeterson

11 tracks/

Only forty-five years old, the multi-talented Lucky Peterson has a career that has already spanned four decades. He grew up in his father’s music club and was tutored by organist Bill Doggett and other touring musicians that played the club. He had a hit record at the ripe old age of six, produced by the legendary Willie Dixon, which led to several high-profile TV appearances including one on the Tonight Show. Peterson also served lengthy stints in the bands of Bobby “Blue” Bland and Little Milton. His subsequent solo career features his talents on a variety of big labels including Alligator, Verve and JSP. In 1996, he recorded a critically acclaimed tribute album to Mahalia Jackson with Peterson on keyboards and Mavis Staples on the lead vocals.

Peterson plays guitar, piano and Hammond organ at a virtuoso level and is an accomplished vocalist with a strong gospel background. His latest release offers two dramatically different slices of his artistry. Half of the eleven tracks are devoted to new renditions of classic blues songs. The disc opens with Peterson’s booming voice shouting out a spirited run-through of “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” with Lucky playing acoustic slide on a duolian resonator guitar. Support comes from Dylan sideman Larry Campbell on a variety of stringed instruments, Scott Petito on bass and Gary Burke on drums. “Statesboro Blues” gets a rousing treatment with another fine vocal from the leader. Peterson dips into the Rev. Gary Davis songbook for a solemn take on “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” with some slashing slide guitar licks. “Why Are People Like That” finds Peterson snarling and screaming for an explanation of world’s ills. The disc closes with a gentle, luxurious acoustic version of Percy Mayfield’s “Think” with Campbell on the pedal steel guitar.

The other half of the disc is devoted to tunes from some of the best contemporary songwriters. One highlight is “Trouble”, with Peterson on piano and taking listeners to church with a powerful performance on Ray LaMontagne’s tale of love’s redemptive power. Lucky breaks out his electric guitar on Lucinda Williams’ “Atonement”, unleashing several blistering solos to support his raging vocal. Peterson’s wife, Tamara, joins him on “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free” and quickly proves to be as talented a vocalist as her husband. The half-spoken vocal on the folksy “I’m New Here” doesn’t play to Peterson’s strength and his wordless, middle-Eastern vocalizing on Tom Waits’ “Trampled Rose” fails to connect. The lone Peterson original is “Four Little Boys” that tells the story of passing of an ancestor, who gets her husband to promise to keep the children and care for them before she dies.

Some might wonder if we need another version of songs like “Statesboro Blues”. Peterson certainly settles that discussion by going to the acoustic format and then injecting plenty of life into the songs with his potent vocals. There are enough strong performances on this one to satisfy long-time fans and exceptional tracks like “Trouble” are sure to catch the attention of anyone that takes the time to check out this worthy recording.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Kenny Neal - Hooked On Your Love

Blind Pig Records

www.kennyneal.net

12 tracks

Kenny Neal is an amazing artist. Approaching his 53rd birthday in October, he is truly the master of his craft. Neal has toured since age 17 (he was Buddy Guy’s bass man) and was in his Dad’s band four years prior to that. He’s been singing, strumming, blowing or keying since he was three years old. He has a number of great CDs, but his first recording for Blind Pig was musically and emotionally stupendous. In my mind and in the minds of many others his “Let Life Flow” CD was the pinnacle of his recording career. Well, there is a new peak in the mountain range of Neal’s successes; “Hooked On Your Love” has surpassed “Let Life Flow” and easily ranks among the year’s best albums!

Swamp boogie. Cajun blues. Gospel gumbo. Zydeco swing. This music is an amalgamation of everything Neal has ever heard blended into a smooth and flowing 21st century groove. The blues are alive and kicking hard in this guy’s mind and he expresses his musical sensibilities as no one else can. Since his illness in 2005 he has rebounded with the best music of his career over these last two albums.

Vocally, Neal gives us a rich roux of sound, oozing with butter, lard and bacon drippings. His Louisiana upbringing is evident in his soulful and expressive vocals. His lead guitar is clean and equally delicious, as is Vasti Jackson on rhythm guitar backing him up. Darnell Neal provides the bass while Kenny Jr, Bryan Morris and Tony Coleman share the drums. Lots of other support comes in song to song, and the effort overall is fantastic, coordinated and musically superb.

Neal opens with the title track. Vocals and guitars flow and swing back and forth and set the bar high. He follows that up with a very soulful “Bitter With the Sweet”; both originals that showcase he can write hit songs with the best of them. He then switches gears to Creole pop styled cut entitled “Down in the Swamp” for a change of pace a a little dirty harp sound. The first cover is O.V. Wright’s “Blind, Crippled and Crazy,” which was also covered by the Derek Trucks Band a few years ago. Neal gives us a gritty and bouncy take on this classic. Lucky Peterson nicely joins the fray here (and on several more tracks) on organ, too. He follows that with Little Milton’s “If Walls Could Talk” and gives us some finger picking in Milton’s style of play. “Things Have Got to Change” slows down the pace and gives us the sound of a big horn section delivered well along with some smooth keys by Peterson.

“New Lease on Life” is a greasy blues tune followed by the last two covers: Bobby Bland’s “Ain’t Nothing You Can Do” and Spencer Wiggins’ “Old Friend”. Real down and dirty numbers in styles he’s been familiar with for his entire life. He slows it back down for “Tell Me Why”, a haunting and mellow number where he and Peterson shine. On “Voodoo Mama” we get the big New Orleans marching band sound of the brass and horns mixed in beautifully; one can almost feel a parade starting. The CD closes with “You Don’t Love Me” (not the Willie Cobb number the Allman Brothers have covered countless times) is a jumpy and catchy original rocking R&B cut with a swinging guitar solo.

Joe Pitts - Ten Shades of Blue

Kijam Records

www.joepitts.com

Guitarist/vocalist Joe Pitts gets to pay tribute to various musical influences on his latest release Ten Shades Of Blue.

Though there is no original material it wont matter. Choosing to cover obscure tunes is an excellent decision Joe makes as the tonal variation on songs makes for an interesting package of electric blues.

From laid-back roadhouse grind on "Crosseyed Cat," to the Albert Collins inflections on "Put The Shoe On The Other Foot," Pitts wears the influences on his sleeve that have been constitutional on his musical journey.

Although it is not what you call blistering blues rock, it doesn't mean its tame. You cant say that on Joe's rendition of Eric Gales' "Freedom From My Demons" which cruises on auto-pilot due to Pitts' Gibson smoked blues lines. Very few musicians cover Walter Trout and Joe's take on "Clouds On The Horizon" is just as dark with its slow sinister groove.

Elmore James' "I'm Worried" resembles a second cousin to "Statesboro Blues." It's not hard to see why. Joe's slide bears the imprints of the late Duane Allman. Guest guitarist Terry Bradley guests on John Mayall's "Walkin On Sunset" with slide licks that are an inbreed of Skydog, Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes.