#718 > Big Earl's Electric Witness - Get Up Off The Ground (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Dick Earl Erickson

By Phillip Smith; Dec. 7, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

I find a genuine affinity to the intoxicating sounds of Get Up Off the Ground, the second release from Utah-based blues-rockers Dick Earl’s Electric Witness. Taking third place at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, this family-centric band certainly grabbed my attention with their masterfully crafted songs, smooth vocals, searing harmonica licks, and tight rhythm section. With Dick Earl Ericksen at the helm on guitar, banjo, harmonica, jaw harp, and vocals, he is joined by his son Isaac Ericksen (co-producer/bass guitar), his wife Alice Ericksen (co-producer/backing vocalist), Mari Ericksen (drums/percussion/backing vocals), Zoe Ericksen (backing vocals) Thomas Anderson (guitars/kalimba/charango/backing vocals), and Matt Green (organ/keys).

The album opens with title track “Get Up Off The Ground” which emits a very cool spaghetti-western/down-at-the-crossroads vibe. Topped with deliciously twangy guitar and a fiery harp performance, this is an absolute treat. Following up right behind is an ode to hitting the open road “Black Lines and White Crosses”. This call-back to the trucker songs of the Seventies has an infectious hook and strikes me with an instant familiarity. The Electric Witness serves up a big fluffy platter of funky blues with “Eggs”. I love the jam-band friendly approach they take with this track. It reminds me of one of my all-time favorite bands Phish. A thick groove, a pounding beat and thick bass guitar opens up the Latin-infused “Vinyard” for Dick to deliver a bone-crushing dose of scorching harp. This one is a downright amazing pozole of sound. Dick delicately balances his troubadour vocals and extraordinary harmonica prowess on “On Her Heart”. It’s a wonderful track.

Get Up Off the Ground hits like a classic Steve Miller Band record, as blues, rock, western, and Latin sounds merge together for big sound. Dick Earl’s Electric Witness has sure won me over with this record.

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For more information about Dick Earl’s Electric Witness, visit the website @  https://dickearlselectricwitness.com/

 

Find Dick Earl’s Electric Witness on Bandcamp too.

#679 : Lightnin' Charlie - Life (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Blue Chip Records

By Phillip Smith; April 30, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

There’s a vintage Fifties sound that ties everything together in Lightnin’ Charlie’s latest album Life. Featuring eleven tracks, five of which are originals, Life was recorded at Woz Studios in Hamilton, Ontario and The Hit Pit in Johnson City, Tennessee. With Lightnin’ Charlie on guitar, piano, organ, clavinova, and vocals, the album features seventeen other musicians stepping in for various accompaniment.

Beginning with a really nice cover of Danny O’Keefe’s “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues”, Charlie sings this smooth and warm with a lonesome cowboy approach. It’s a great song to break the album open with. With “American Eulogy”, Charlie takes a hard look at the state of the country today. I like the slight Johnny Horton vibe to this ballad topped with pedal steel. The guitar runs on “I Ain’t Playin’” really shine. I love the cover of “Everyone’s Talkin”. Originally written by Fred Neil the song was later recorded by Harry Neilson for the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. Like a suave troubadour, Lightnin’ Charlie performs “Yours (Quiereme Mucho)”. His mastery of guitar and flawless voice take front seat on this one.

Lightnin’ Charlie’s Life is an interesting mix of songs with a really clean sound. It’s more than obvious, there’s a bounty of love and talent poured into this recording.   

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For more information about Lightnin’ Charlie, visit the website at https://lightnincharlie.com/  

 

Available on Bandcamp

 

#677 : Deb Ryder - Live and Havin' Fun (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

Deb Ryder

Live and Havin’ Fun

2024 – Vizztone Label Group

By Phillip Smith; April 27, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Live and Havin’ Fun, Deb Ryder’s first live album and sixth overall, embraces the Blues and captivates me with her unbridled vocal performances. Written and produced by Deb Ryder and her husband and bass guitarist Ric W. Ryder, this fourteen-track album was recorded at The Mint in Los Angeles. It features all original material with two brand new songs which have not been previously recorded. Backing Ryder is Johnny Lee Schell, Tony Braunagel, Jim Pugh, Ric W. Ryder, Tex Nakamura, Alan Maggini, Lon Price and Paul Litteral. Special guests include Albert Lee, Joe Sublett, Joey Delgado, Artur Menezes and Big Liou Johnson.

Once the horns hit that driving R&B rhythm full-blast on “Fun Never Hurt No One”, I am totally onboard for the listen. The track certainly harkens back to that Sixties soul sound. Following up with “Enjoy the Ride”, Ryder keeps the timeline moving on to the later Sixties, when psychedelia and music melded together. It’s fabulous the way the harp dances with the keys and guitar licks on that pulsing beat and bassline. Her vocals are smooth as silk on the sultry and timeless “You Might Just Get Lucky”. I dig the funky “Get Ready” with its revolutionary message of love. I very much enjoy when Ryder slows it down for “Guilty as Sin”. The song is topped with a smokin’ platter of harp and is definitely baptized in the blues. The sound of horns adds a nice degree of brightness to “Coming Home”. They surely add to the sense of happiness and positive energy which freely flows off it. Blues and drinking songs have gone hand in hand for many years. Ryder has is all summed up in “Any Bottle on the Shelf”. As a bonus, Albert Lee steps in on guitar along with Johnny Lee,

Listening to Deb Ryder’s Live and Havin’ Fun is like having a mini blues party wherever you are.  It’s recorded live and it sure is fun.

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 For more information about Deb Ryder, visit her website at https://www.debryder.com/ 

#656 : GeminiiDragon - 3 (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2024 – Lighting in a Bottle Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 20, 2024

Release Date : Feb 1, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Louisiana-based GeminiiDragon has been on a roll for the past couple of years.  She released her first two albums in 2022, both of which grabbed my attention in a most positive way.  Her third and latest album, appropriately titled 3, continues to keep me tuned-in and turned-on with eleven all-original power-blues-rock tracks.  Jessica Harper aka GeminiiDragon and guitarist Christian Simeon share writing credits on every song.  The rhythm section behind GeminiiDragon and Simeon is comprised of bassist Douglas Varnado Jr., drummer Eric Sasser and Malaysia Lewis on vibraphone.  The record also features special appearances by Chad Rupp on harmonica and TJ Wong on guitar.

An infectious opening riff on “I Wanna Know” effortlessly pulls me right in to a powerful guitar-laced anthem where the chords seem to hang in mid-air.  In an amazing way, it creates a magical wave of sound for GeminiiDragon’s vocals to surf atop.  I love how Simeon turns the energy up to eleven on the front-end of “Clowns” as he delivers a Collective Soul-friendly axe-groove.  GeminiiDragon dives into Tina Turner mode with her voice as it melds with the Simeon’s sonic tones on “Wasted Time”.  “Cherokee” draws me in with its pop-punk center and southern-rock- flavored musical snippets.  The Seventies rock foundation Simeon pours for “A Fool For You” makes for a solid as hell track.  The song momentarily takes a dip into a pocket of psychedelia and fills me with delight.  “Last Train to Thibodaux” is a track I listen to repeatedly.  Its ethereal melody brings the blues into the world of emo.  It sounds new and sounds great.

GeminiiDragon’s 3 is an album that has tremendous appeal and hits all the right notes.  I like this one a lot. 

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For more information about this artist, visit https://geminiidragon.bandcamp.com/music

This album available to purchase on Bandcamp.

Check out other PhillyCheeze review for GeminiiDragon : https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Geminiidragon

#636: Blackburn Brothers - SoulFunkn'BLUES (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – Electro-Fi Records

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 23, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

SoulFunkin’BLUES, the latest album from the Canadian multi-award-winning blues band Blackburn Brothers, is one of the most exciting releases of the year.  Brothers Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals), Cory (drums, harmony vocals), and Robert (guitar, harmony vocals), along with cousin Nathan (bass guitar) have crafted a powerful album of funk and soul which is garnering huge attention from the music community.    

Infused with the smooth sounds of Neil Brathwaite on tenor sax and Ted Peters on trombone, “Bobby’s Blues” leads the record off with a bowlful of buttery soul-blues.  The song perfectly sets the stage for the music which follows.  The gravitational force of “Soul Brother” pulls me right in with its funky Seventies groove.  Topped with Funkadelic-inspired vocal treats and references which would make Curtis Mayfield smile, the song dazzles me at every turn.  The brothers lay down a bit of Texas blues with “Won’t You Let Me Go”.  I dig the Stevie Ray Vaughn vibe which courses through the song’s veins.  “Freedom Train” arrives at the station loaded down with a shipment of funk.  Fortified with a bit of talk-box, this extraordinary track has a ton of bounce to the ounce and brings back wonderful memories of listening to Roger Troutman and Zapp.  There is a definite callback to Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” in Blackburn Brothers’ “Little Sister”.  It’s a great song.

Albums like SoulFunkn’BLUES don’t come around very often.  It’s fantastic from beginning to end.  I highly recommend it. 

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For more information about the artist, visit this website : http://www.blackburnbrothersmusic.com/

#629: Mario Rossi Band - Smoke Burst (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

Mario Rossi Band

Smoke Burst

2023 – Mario Rossi Band

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 19, 2023

Release Date : July 16, 2023

 

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist Mario Rossi discovered his deep passion for blues in 2013 while joining John Primer’s touring band across Brazil.  Since then, he has blazed a trail that has caught the eyes and ears of many fans.  Smoke Burst, his fourth and most recent album is a fantastic recording of all original tunes loaded with hot guitar licks and infectious riffs.  With Rossi on guitar and vocals, his band is comprised of Edê Boy on keyboards, Marcelo Rocha on bass, and Rafael Cacavallo on drums.

Kicking open the gates with his title-track instrumental “Smoke/Burst”, Rossi’s impressive guitar performance is a smoldering wonderment.  I love the slow goodness of “It Means Blues”.  Every note is delivered with feeling as guest Lu Vitti lends her voice to give the song an extraordinary soulful touch.  Harmonica in hand, Steve Bell (son of Carey Bell) joins the Mario Rossi Band along with a gospel choir comprised of Magally Farias, Je Farias, Lu Vitti, and Edê Boy for “There’s No Hope For Willie Brown”.  Guided with a driving second-line cadence, this spirited homage to the legendary blues pioneer embraces the music of the Mississippi Delta, down to the Big Easy.  The psychedelic blues-rock vibe is strong with “Don’t Tell Me What To Do”.  Rossi draws deeply from his Hendrix influence for a delectable cut.  This is positively lightning-in-a-bottle.  He then continues to channel that Hendrix energy for a cosmic instrumental “Jammin’ for Jimi”.  I am filled with awe with every listen.

I can’t get enough of this new album from Mario Rossi Band.  Smoke Burst is a recording I am going to highly recommend for blues fans and guitar aficionados.  It’s spectacular.    

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For more information about Mario Rossi Band visit the website at :  https://www.mariorossiband.com

#628: Chickenbone Slim - Damn Good and Ready (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Vizztone Label Group

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 12, 2023

 Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

San Diego-based musician Larry Teves aka Chickenbone Slim has returned to Greaseland Studios to record his fifth release Damn Good and Ready.  The album is a cocktail of all-original blues and rockabilly with a cool-as-hell vintage sound.   It is quite obvious why he was awarded the 2022 San Diego Music Award for “Best Jazz/Blues Recording”.  With Christoffer “Kid” Anderson engineering, mixing, and mastering this twelve-track recording, Chickenbone Slim is joined by Laura Chavez (2023 Blues Music Award winner for Best Blues Guitarist) on guitar, Marty Dodson on drums/percussion, Justice Guevara on electric and stand-up bass, and Kid Anderson on everything else.

Loaded with a fistful of musical badassery and a searing blues riff, Teves’ homage to the wonderous lifeforce H2O has me hooked with “Drink Me”.  “Rather Be Up” follows up with sweet twangy tones and a western delivery.  It’s a beautiful song, and draws me in tight.  From the first smokin’ guitar lick Chavez drops, title-track “Damn Good and Ready” is pure unadulterated blues, and sounds absolutely wonderful.  With a fearless vocal delivery, Slim belts out “Ice in My Whiskey”.  Chavez truly shines on this favorite track.  It is songs like “Ty Cobb’s Chiclets” which put a spotlight on Teves’ songwriting mastery.  This suspenseful tale of a baseball legend and his false teeth unfolds with a splash of surf guitar, and I dig it immensely.

Chickenbone Slim’s Damn Good and Ready is a one-of-a-kind album and I highly recommend it. 

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Note: 

I caught Chickenbone Slim live in Memphis this past May performing at Rum Boogie Café on Beale Street for the Vizztone Blues Music Award Showcase, and had the opportunity to speak with him a bit while we were waiting for Uber rides at the end of the evening.  That was very cool.  The next evening, I attended the Blues Music Awards where Laura Chavez was awarded Guitarist of the Year.  Being the first female to be honored with that prestigious award in the forty-four years they have been held, will hopefully begin a new trend.  It was a special moment, and I am very happy she won.   

         

Visit Chickenbone Slim’s webpage at https//chickenboneslim.com to purchase Damn Good and Ready.

#625: Scottie Miller - Carnival Cocoon (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2022 – Scottie Miller

By Phillip Smith; July 29, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

Carnival Cocoon, the latest release from Minnesota poet/pianist Scottie Miller, has me gob-smacked with amazement and delight.  This companion set features an eighty-three-page book of poetry coupled with a twenty-three track album featuring those poems eloquently set to music with a classic beat-inspired delivery.  Miller, a three-time inductee of the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame has toured with Bo Diddley and currently tours with Ruthie Foster.  With Miller on vocals and piano, he is joined by JT Bates on drums, Jeff Bailey on electric and double bass, Cierra Alise Hill on violin 1, Bex Gaunt on violin 2, Jesse Kellerman on viola, Greg Byers on cello, and double bass.  As a bonus, there is a special appearance by Ruthie Foster.

The album opens with a flowing beat as Miller recites “Ah, New York”, a fast-passed from-the-street lyrical treat from which the title Carnival Cocoon is birthed.  I can smell the smells and hear the sounds of traffic, automotive and pedestrian both.  With “Whiskey, Coffee”, my thoughts effortlessly drift toward Tom Waits.  This track swims among my favorites.  As ear-worms go, this is the most welcome.  Hearing Miller reminisce about his days at “Berklee” certainly bring back college-days memories of my own.  “Adrenalina” lives up to its name, breaking through with staggering words and a surging riff.  The Bukowski-esque “Bleecker Street” paints a bleak vision of homeless folks and hopeless alcoholics lining the street in Greenwich Village.  An air of somberness hovers over “A Better Way to Cope” while it rings out like a long-lost Bob Dylan song.  Ruthie Foster joins along for “Stay” an anthem against injustice.  Miller vocalizes this one with a cadence reminiscent of Eminem, and tops it with a chill beat and smooth R&B hook.  “Beggar, Banker, Fisherman Pay” is nested in a Celtic tradition and beautifully performed.  The recording comes to its end suited up in full gonzo attire with “24 Hours in Mexico”.  Miller condenses a day’s worth of debauchery in Puerto Vallarta into eight minutes of freewheeling fun. 

Carnival Cocoon is an unexpected masterpiece.  It is unlike anything I have ever read or heard.  I will certainly be revisiting this one for a very long time.                       

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 For more information about Scottie Miller or to purchase Carnival Cocoon, visit his website at:  https://www.scottiemiller.com/

 

#624: Soulful Femme - Attitude (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Skydog Studios

By Phillip Smith; July 22, 2023

 

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Funk, soul, and blues form a magical convergence with the sounds of Soulful Femme.  Comprised of lead vocalist Stevee Wellons and guitarist Cheryl Rinovato, Soulful Femme was formed shortly after the two women met at a blues society event in 2014.  Attitude, the follow up album to their 2021 release It Is Well With My Soul, is produced by Albert Castiglia and features him on guitar for three tracks.  The backing musicians include drummer Michael Bram, bassist Matt Reynol, Dave Gross on Hammond organ and tambourine, Doug Woolverton on trumpet, and Mark Earley on tenor saxophone.  Special guests on this record include Tommy Castro and Kevin Burt.

The funky, infectious rhythm of title-track “Attitude” leads the way with Castiglia joining in on guitar.  The bassline is thick as Wellons’ vocals ring out with a striking fearlessness.  I absolutely love their cover with Kevin Burt which breathes new life into the 1968 Willie Dixon/Koko Taylor duet “Insane Asylum”.  Burt and Wellons sing this heartbreaker with pure emotion as they stick the landing for a stellar performance.  Reminiscent of the lovely sounds of Sade, “Breathe Again” rolls in on a crisp wave of fresh air.  Rinovato digs in deep with a George Benson-like approach on guitar and it sounds fabulous.  Tommy Castro joins in the fun on the bodacious cover of James Brown’s “Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing”.  This funkdafied track is one I really enjoy.

The musical chemistry between Wellons and Rinovato extends beyond their performance and into their song-writing.  Soulful Femme’s “Attitude” is an album soul-blues fans will surely want to hear.  They are definitely an act to keep one’s eyes and ears on.

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For more information about Soulful Femme visit the website :  https://www.soulfulfemme.com

 

#618 : Leonard "Lowdown" Brown - Blues is Calling Me (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Music Maker Foundation

By Phillip Smith; June 10, 2023

Release Date : June 23, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

Born in Arkansas and raised in Indiana, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown has been surrounded by music most of his life.  In 1980 he moved to Houston, Texas for his work with General Electric and became in involved in the local music scene.  In 1988, he acquired his moniker “Lowdown” from the organizers of the Benson and Hedges Blues Festival, and the name has stuck with him since.  He has opened for music-greats Sister Sledge, ZZ Hill, Johnny Taylor and Bobby Bland.  At seventy years old, Brown is just now releasing his debut album Blues is Calling Me.  It is a soulful ten-track serving of original blues.  With Brown on vocals and Fender Jazzmaster guitar, his backing band is comprised of producer/drummer Ardie Dean, guitarist Microwave Dave Galaher, bassist Tony Grady and Dan Hochter on keys and bass.

With a hint of rasp in his voice, Brown gets the record started with a sweet and tangy platter of real-deal blues in “Juke Joint”.  I love the tone he coaxes out of his guitar as he sings about good times, dancing, and eating barbeque.  Baptized in Memphis soul, “Find a Bridge” follows next.  I find this response to Hurricane Katrina very relatable and inspiring.  Brown takes me to church with “Blues Makes Me Feel Good”.  This instant classic features warm soulful vocals, lush organ sounds, and a guitar performance played with finesse.  Delivered atop a tasty funky rhythm alongside a cool horn accompaniment, title-track “Blues is Calling Me” bears a thick Stax influence.  It is undoubtedly a splendid number.

Blues is Calling Me has a classic sound akin to the music released during the blues revival of the Sixties, and I absolutely dig it.  It is artists like Leonard “Lowdown” Brown that are keeping this music alive. 

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For more information about Leonard “Lowdown” Brown visit :  https://musicmaker.org/artist/leonard-lowdown-brown

 

 

*          Special thanks go out to Music Maker Foundation for their work in helping blues musicians who otherwise may not have an opportunity to get their music heard.

#617 : Jan James - Time Bomb (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – Blue Palace Records

By Phillip Smith; June 3, 2023

Release Date : June 16, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

It has been over thirty years since Jan James released her first album Last Train. That record gained her a rather large fanbase in Europe.  With creative partner guitarist Craig Calvert by her side, her latest and twelfth release Time Bomb is drenched with feeling and soul.  James’ musical-wheelhouse is centered in American roots, and embraces each petal: R&B, Soul, Country, Rock, and Blues.   Produced by Calvert, the album features thirteen original tracks cowritten by James and Calvert.  With James on vocals and Calvert on guitar, the band consists of David Serman on harmonica, Bob Long on keyboards, Jake Loomis on drums/keyboards, and Brian Gephart on saxophone.  Also appearing are backing vocalists Cheryl Wilson and Joyce Faison.

From the time the play button is pressed, I’m soaking up the feel-good vibrations of the Motown-esque “Swingin in the Sweet Sunshine”.  This one surely takes me back to the classic female-driven vocal classics of the Sixties, and I absolutely love it.  The bouncy rhythm on title-track “Time Bomb” quickly lures me in for brilliant track focused on a Miami street-walker.  This song surely brings to my mind classics “Delta Dawn” and “Roxanne”.  Serman throws down some serious harp to kick off “Blood on Your Hands”.  I feel a strong Rolling Stones influence on this ripping track.  It’s plumb terrific.  “Love is the Answer” rolls in on a gentle wave, as James sings this with a soft and delicate approach.  The blissful guitar solo from Calvert sounds amazing alongside Bart Kemp’s warm bassline.                  

James stated in the bio of her website www.janjames.com, “All of the songs from Time Bomb are inspired by the times we are living in.  Writing these melodies and lyrics gives my soul comfort amidst this awful mess our society has created.”  I can sure feel the comforting energy she poured in to this.  It brings joy to me with each listen.     

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#614 : Lil' Jimmy Reed with Ben Levin - Back to Baton Rouge (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Nola Blue Records

By Phillip Smith; May 20, 2023

Release Date : May 19, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

At eighty-five years old, Leon Atkins aka Lil’ Jimmy Reed has released a new album with twenty-three-year-old blues pianist extraordinaire Ben Levin, and it is fantastic.  The record is called Back to Baton Rouge and was recorded with guitarist Aron Levin (father of Ben Levin), bassist Walter Cash Jr., and drummers Ricky Nye and Miss Shorty Starr.  Atkins, who cut his teeth in the music world while playing the Chitlin Circuit during the Fifties, keeps the blues-torch burning from that era as he injects that essence into his writing and performances.  It was during that time, Atkins was asked to fill in for Jimmy Reed and play with Reed’s band on a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Reed had reportedly drunk a bit too much and was unable to perform.  Atkins covered for Reed, and the show went very well.  Soon after Atkins became known as Lil’ Jimmy Reed.    

The album starts off with an attention-grabbing cover of Jimmy Reed’s “Down in Virginia”.  Akins’ smokey vocals sound great as he plays this one bright and clean.  Levin’s piano accompaniment is a delight too.  This is one of my favorite cuts on this record.  Two other Jimmy Reed gems are covered back-to back: “I’m the Man Down There” and “A String to Your Heart”.  They surely make an honorable tribute to the blues-great.  

“Wish You Wouldn’t”, is a terrific piano-centric blues original written by Ben and Aron Levin.  The guitar licks Lil’ Jimmy perfectly injects into the song sound great as he sings about his lady drinking too much, chewing tobacco, and fighting.  A strong Howlin’ Wolf vibe woos me over with the steady-rolling original “Engine Light”.   The ominous feeling Atkins projects on this tale of a possible breakdown digs in deep to the bone.  A luscious cover of Slim Harpo’s “Mailbox Blues” brings the album to a close.

Back to Baton Rouge packs ten outstanding traditional blues tracks into one fabulous album.  I hope to hear more collaborations between Lil’ Jimmy Reed and Ben Levin in the future.

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I had a special opportunity last week to see Lil’ Jimmy Reed and Ben Levin perform together in Memphis as part of the BratGirlmedia Blues Music Awards Showcase at the Rum Boogie Café.  It was a glorious night for music. Below are a couple of photos I captured of Lil’ Jimmy and Ben that evening.   

 

Lil' Jimmy Reed , Ben Levin

Rodd Bland, Jon Hay, Lil' Jimmy Reed

 

 

 

This album available on Bandcamp

#612 : Robert Connely Farr - Cherry Ball (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Robert Connely Farr

By Phillip Smith; May 7, 2023

Release Date : April 14, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Robert Connely Farr’s name is planted on my list of favorite blues artists these days.  I’ve been hooked on his music since hearing his 2019 release Dirty South Blues.  Hailing from Bolton, Mississippi and now residing in Vancouver, B.C., Farr was mentored by Grammy-nominated Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes, cementing his style in Bentonia Blues.  For this recording, Farr selected a baker’s dozen of his coolest tracks and taped them live at Fox Cabaret in Vancouver with bandmembers Jay Bundy Johnson and Tom Hillifer.

The set begins with a splendid, dark performance of the 1929 Charlie Patton side “Screaming & Hollering” which also appears on Farr’s 2022 Shake It album.  He delivers the hard-driving Jack Owens-penned song “Cherry Ball” with fearless abandon down a steamy groove fueled by Johnson and Hillifer.  The bassline digs deep into the marrow of my bones as he wonderfully takes on Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes’ “Going Away to Leave You”.  If one is playing Bentonia blues, there’s going to have to be some Skip James in the mix.  Farr pleads for just one more chance as he delivers a brilliant and unsettling rendition of James’ “Devil Got My Woman” taught to him by Holmes.            

Farr’s original songs truly resonate and are comparable to the those from the delta greats.  “Going Down South”, with its timelessness and infectious hook, pulls me right in.  “Lefty” on the other hand, clocks in with a two-and-a-quarter minute long hellacious serving of high-octane blues.  They are both great songs.

Cherry Ball is a terrific listen from beginning to end.  For those who have not listened to Farr’s work, this album is an excellent gateway recording to introduce yourself to his work. 

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TRACK LISTINGS

 

1. Screaming & Hollering (live) 03:22

2. Buddy Brown (live) 02:27 video

3. Cherry Ball (live) 02:40 video

4. Going Away To Leave You (live) 02:23

5. Going Down South (live) 02:46

6. Devil Got My Woman (live) 02:41

7. Go Cat Go (live) 02:48

8. Lefty (live) 02:14

9. Ain't No Other Way (live) 02:42 video

10. Trouble (live) 03:21

11. Knock On Wood (live) 02:49

12. Shake It (live) 02:57

13. Girl In The Holler (live) 02:34

 

 

Check out other PhillyCheeze reviews for Robert Connely Farr at :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Robert+Connely+Farr

 

 

 

 

Available on Bandcamp

#602 : Dyer Davis - Dog Bites Back (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – WildRoots Records

By Phillip Smith; March 25, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

There is a new favorite blues-rocker on the block, and his name is Dyer Davis.  This twenty-three-year-old from Florida is a master of guitar and hosts a tremendously soulful voice.  A sense of comfort flows through me knowing the future of this treasured genre is in very good hands.  Davis’ songs are soaked in blues and delivered with a punch.  His debut album Dog Bites Back is co-produced by Stephen Dees and Billy Chapin.  With Davis on vocals and guitars, the record features David Weatherspoon on drums, and Jacob Barone on bass.  Also appearing on the record are guests Victor Wainwright on piano and vocals, Stephen Dees on bass guitar, Billy Chapin on guitars and organ, Patricia Ann Dees on tenor sax, flute and vocals, and Billy Dean on drums.

In true rock and roll fashion, Davis boldly kicks the record off with a smashing cover of Jeff Beck’s “Let Me Love You”.  The groove is dirty and funky with Dean keeping a furious beat on drums.  “Walk Away My Blues’ follows up immediately afterwards for a tasty serving of slow blues written by Dees and Wainwright.  Wainwright pounds the hell out of the keys as Davis unleashes a searing guitar performance.  It sounds fantastic.  “Water into Wine” is a beautiful ballad constructed with religious imagery topped with an infectious hook which sports a strong Larkin Poe vibe.  As Davis switches into crooner mode, he pours his whole self into “Cryin’ Shame”.  Bursts of brass load the track with a gob of delicious Stax-flavored nougat.  Wainwright steps in on mic and keys for the spectacular southern-rocker “Long Way to Go”.  The slide guitar Chapin brings to the song adds a swampy texture.  I slip into a hypnotic state when title-track “Dog Bites Back” kicks in.  Davis sings the song with absolute fearlessness as it unfolds in a way which reminds me of a favorite band of mine Whiskey Myers.  It sounds so damn good.

Dog Bites Back is rock solid from start to finish.   Dyer Davis is an artist to keep your eyes and ears on.   He’s going to move up the ladder fast.

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Track List

1. Let Me Love You 4:35

[Jeff Beck/Rod Stewart]

2. Walk Away My Blues 5:27

[Stephen Dees/Victor Wainwright]

3. Water Into Wine 3:58

[Dyer Davis]

4. Cryin’ Shame 4:48

[Billy Chapin/Stephen Dees/Dyer

Davis]

5. Train Wreck 2:58

[Billy Chapin/Stephen Dees/Dyer

Davis]

6. Lifting Up My Soul 3:27

[Stephen Dees]

7. Long Way to Go (feat. Vic[1]tor Wainwright) 4:37

[Stephen Dees]

8. Wind is Gonna Change 4:45

[Dyer Davis]

9. Dog Bites Back 3:56

[Stephen Dees/Billy Chapin]

10. Angels Get the Blues 5:19

[Stan Lynch/Billy Chapin/Stephen

Dees]

11. These Walls 4:03

[Dyer Davis]

12. Don’t Tell My Mother 3:52

[Dyer Davis]

13. AKA 4:44

[Stephen Dees/Dyer Davis]

 

For more information about Dyer Davis, visit his website at :  https://dyerdavismusic.com