#728 > Frank Bey - Peace (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2025 – Nola Blue Records

By Phillip Smith; Feb. 1, 2025

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

It has been nearly five years since the passing of multi-award-winning Philadelphia-based blues artist Frank Bey (January 17, 1946 – June 7, 2020). To commemorate his life and shine a light on some of his lesser-known work, Nola Blue Records has released a fabulous, new compilation called Peace. There’s certainly not a better message than this to put out into the world.

The record opens up with a cover of Little Milton’s “That’s What Love Will Make You Do”, featuring The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra. From the opening licks of Paule’s B.B. King-inspired guitar licks to the vibrant punch of horns, this track absolutely shines. A funky keyboard riff from Doug Travis drives “Midnight & Day” as Bey’s soulful vocals throw down some real-deal blues. I love the simmering original “If You Want Me”. Kevin Frieson’s buttery bassline and Brian Wolfe’s delicate beat join forces amid swirling keys make a perfect backdrop for Bey’s suave vocals. Jeff Monjack steps into the spotlight as he unleashes a guitar performance which is totally off the chain. As soon as I hear Bey’s voice sing the opening words of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”, a wave of emotion washes over me. This is a such a beautiful and meaningful song, and this version is gorgeous. This album ends with a cover of John Lennon’s 1971 classic “Imagine”. Fully immersed in the blues, this track features an amazing lineup of Kid Andersen on guitar, Jim Pugh on organ, Nancy Wright on saxophone and Derrick “D’mar” Martin on drums. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

Frank Bey’s Peace is a timeless collection of his work, and an album that everyone should give a listen to.  

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  Available on BandCamp

#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