Hey there. Everybody should have at least a little bit of good in their day.
When I need a bit of good, I turn to music and especially the Blues, to rock me into a good mood. It’s an addiction I know. But it’s a good kind of addiction – and I’m keeping it.
This week: I’ve got a Spotlight on a relatively new group. Well, new in album-years but not musician-years. (You’ll see.)
And then in Short Licks, there’s a Presidential announcement, a top 10 list, and some other knick knacks to keep your Blues palette pleased.
Spotlight – The Proven Ones
How Can a Band So New Sound So Good Together?
Sorry, that’s a trick question. The answer is actually sort of simple. They sound so good together because they have years and years of experience behind every note. Each musician in this 5-member crew has been gigging, recording, and practicing their craft for years.
Who Are These Guys?
Introductions are in order. Left-to-right in the picture above are: Jimi Bott (drums), Brian Templeton (vocals), Anthony Geraci (keyboards), Kid Ramos (guitar), and Willie J. Campbell (bass). In the last 20 years, they’ve combined to receive over 40 Blues Music Award nominations. That makes for quite the resume.
And they’ve crossed paths before too. Over most of those years they mixed and matched together in different bands and on different recording projects. All except Brian that is. He’s the baby of the band, coming on board with the first album. But as Willie J. Campbell put it, “Brian was the missing link we all wanted.”
So What’s Their Musical Deal?
On their latest album, “You Ain’t Done,” they get to exercise their musical muscles – writing and recording their own material. Their previous work was on projects mostly produced and directed by others. But now the music is all theirs.
Their Blues credentials are top notch but this isn’t a simple Blues album. Oh, the new album is Blues-Rock leaning for sure, but it definitely crosses into other genre’s too. And what stands out to me across all that is the tightness of the playing. All the musical pieces snap into place.
Bass and drums play together almost like they’re one instrument. Guitar, keyboards, and vocals all have their own space, complementing each other, supporting each other. Of course all bands strive for this kind of cohesive magic, but few get this good at it. It’s really enjoyable to listen to.
The Outro
It’s pretty cheeky to call yourselves “The Proven Ones.” But I’m guessing it’s a little easier when you’ve played and hung out together for years.
By my reckoning they have a combined 100-plus years experience in writing, recording, and touring. And they’ve used that experience to make a musical fit as tight as a racing glove.
No more proof needed.
Here’s just a taste from their new album “You Ain’t Done.”
Short Licks
Photo by Jefferson Santos, Unsplash
And the New President is?
Oh, did you think I meant in Washington? Nope. I meant in Memphis. There’s a new President of the Blues Foundation, Patricia Wilson Aden. And she’s gonna hit the ground running. That’s because she’s been the Executive Director of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the President & CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Women in charge get things done (that’s what my Mrs. always tells me)
Patricia Wilson Aden named new President of the Blues Foundation
If We Can’t Play, Let’s Vote
“Live Nation is working with local officials to use more than 100 Live Nation venues across the country as polling places. Already confirmed to be used as polling sites are The Wiltern and Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, Emo’s in Austin and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.” They’re working out the kinks with communities all around the U.S. to take these mostly empty venues and turn them into Democracy generators. It’s a good time to be a Blues citizen.
100-Plus Live Nation Venues Being Explored As Polling Places
Hart To Heart
I don’t usually put together top 10 lists of this-or-thats. For my listening pleasure, I’m more into sets that remind me of live shows. (Remember those?) But I have to say, If I just wanted to bathe myself in Beth Hart songs, this list from Bob Gersztyn at Blues Rock Review works for me. She’s so cool.
Music’s Role in Difficult Times
“Music has always been a vehicle to express social concerns and political concerns and I think right now more than ever you’re seeing a large amount of social commentary by musicians; probably more than ever in recent memory.” Dave Specter and Billy Branch got together to discuss how they used their own Blues talent to keep that social commentary moving with a moving song.
Dave Specter and Billy Branch on “The Ballad of George Floyd”
Tracking Your Music DNA
Trying to keep track of your favorite artists & bands? (Tell me about it.) One of the tools I use is BandsInTown. Fans can use the website or app to track their favorite artists. To learn when they’re touring nearby or releasing another livestream. Artists can use the tool to keep in touch with their fans too. It’s free and the email notifications you get aren’t spammy.
The Fans Speaketh
The 13th annual Blues Blast Music Awards. Peep, glance, or dart your eyes over this list of Blues artists and you’ll find several Blues veterans you probably know. But you’ll also see some newbies you don’t. If you want to exercise your Blues muscles, take the time to listen to every one of these artists, That’s what I’m gonna do. (It’s my job man.)
I’ll Leave You With…
“Lie To Me” by Jonnie Lang
(This song just kicks butt.)
Thanks for reading,
Jon
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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