Hey there. You don’t often come across an album that has something for everyone. But Wildroots Sessions Volume 1 is definitely that album.
Something here will hook you in. And then you’ll stay hooked because of the exceptional way each of these 16 songs are crafted.
The musicianship on this record almost makes me cry. The guitar work is excellent. But so is the sax, piano, harmonica, and organ work. Every solo stands out and elevates. I don’t think there’s a single note out of place.
And then there’s the vocal work. Several different lead singers bring these songs to life, with tastefully arranged harmonies and backups to fill out the sonics. All the vocals are up front in the mix too which I loved.
There are too many featured and guest artists on this album to name. But man, are they talented. And somehow all those talents (and egos) were blended together to produce something really special.
This is an all-star album folks. One of great variety and craftsmanship: Wildroots Sessions Volume 1.
Online Corner
- The Black Keys have teased out another single from their next album, “Going Down South” (Music Video)
- More Black Keys this time on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Watch May 14th)
- Vinyl Records Baby are coming back so don’t throw away that turntable just yet (Article)
- Robert Finley shares some of his personal history in his new single “Sharecropper’s Son” (Music Video)
- Eric Johanson absolutely nails “25 or 6 to 4” from his smash album Covered Tracks: Vol 1 (Music Video)
- Layla Revisited is going to be the Tedeshi Trucks Band’s complete (LIVE) remake of the classic album (Article)
- More Layla – a peak at Tedeshi Trucks’ Live album with “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad” (Live Video)
- Misty Blues is laying down some groovable Blues for everyone with “I Can’t Wait” (Live Video)
- The Plunders are making a personal statement with “The High Cost Of Low Life Livin'” (Lyric Video)
Mike Zito Behind The Curtain
Musicians interviewing other musicians can be a lot of fun. Especially when there’s an obvious amount of mutual respect. And that’s what came across in this interview Joe Bonamassa did with Mike Zito.
They discuss Mike’s experiences growing up in Blues-rich St. Louis. The impact of Social Media on the music business (spoiler alert: they’re not fans). And Mike’s battle with alcohol and drugs (very candid).
It’s a little bit like being a fly on the wall, watching two great guitarists shoot the breeze over a cup of coffee. And then finding out they’re not that much different from you. Watch it here.
New Blues Albums
- Jack Biilmann: Full Circle (Out Now)
- Muddy Gurdy: Homecoming (Out Now)
- The Plunders: Speak Easy (Out Now)
- Bad Temper Joe: One Can Wreck It All (Out Now)
- Shawn Pittman: Stompin’ Solo (Out Now)
- Tijuana Hercules: Mudslod and the Singles (Out Now)
- Dexter Allen: Keep Moving On (Out Now)
- Grandaddy Short Leg: Firewater Sessions: Vol. II (EP Out Now)
- Kirk Nelson & Jambalaya West: Lagniappe (Out Now)
- Bob Corritore & Friends: Spider In My Stew (Coming May 14th)
- The Black Keys: Delta Kream (Coming May 14th)
- Robert Finley: Sharecropper’s Son (Coming May 21st)
- The Reverend Shawn Amos: The Cause Of It All (Coming May 21st)
- Big Chief Monk Boudreaux: Bloodstains & Teardrops (Coming May 21st)
- Patti Parks: Whole Nother World (Coming May 28th)
- Joe Bonamassa: Now Serving: Royal Tea From The Ryman (Coming June 11th)
An Evangelist Named Billy
Billy Branch considers himself a lucky man. For not only did he find his passion as a premier Blues harmonica player, he also found his way to becoming a Blues evangelist.
Billy cut his teeth working with some Blues Giants. Most notably Willie Dixon and the Chicago Blues All-Stars in the 1970’s. Fast forward through 100-plus albums, thousands of shows, and numerous awards (including 3 Grammy Nominations), and you’ll find Billy giving back as much as he’s received.
He’s doing it through his Blues in Schools program that’s been in place for the last 30 years. With it, he’s taught children from all over the world to embrace and love the Blues. Here’s a brief introduction to Billy and all the good work he does.
Photo by Karen Keller Doyle, CC BY 2.0
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
This week on the ATWB: New Blues Playlist I’ve got new songs from The Plunders, The Black Keys, Amythyst Kiah, and more.
The list is updated every week with the new tunes I dig.
Check them out on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some John Lee Hooker
In this German TV clip, from 1968, John Lee Hooker was in his early 50’s and had become a regular on the American Folk Blues Festival. (An annual Festival/Show that toured Europe.)
The tour opened up the world’s eyes to some of the greatest American Blues artists of the day. And helped contributed to the boom of British Blues in the 60’s.
Speaking of booms (sorry, couldn’t resist), this video has John performing “Boom Boom” – one of his signature tunes.
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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