Hey there. This week I’m focused on a simple little album, but as the saying goes, I think you’ll be amused with its presumption. It’s Trio In Tokyo from Rob Stone, Elena Kato, and Hiroshi Eguchi.
As advertised, the instrumentation here is all trio — piano, bass, and harmonica. (Not counting Rob’s vocals.) But don’t think you’re getting short-changed because these folks are good. We don’t need anyone else.
Hiroshi is a machine of a bass player. Elena’s musical ideas at the piano are stunning. And Rob plays his harmonica like he’s playing lead guitar. I don’t know how long they rehearsed for this album but man, they are some kinda tight! Check out this video to see what I mean.
A good trio creates a sound that’s crisp, clean, and uncomplicated. A great trio takes that sound and turns it into something musically greater than the sum of its parts. And that’s what we get here. This is a boldly simple Blues experience that’s easy on the ear and satisfying to the soul.
Music doesn’t have to be complicated to be terrific. Case in point: Trio In Tokyo.
Online Corner
This week’s latest crop.
Videos
- Marcus King is stretching out a bit on “Wildflowers And Wine” with his brand new Gibson Signature Model ES-345
- Damon Fowler is singing about his troubles with the “Taxman” (something we can all relate to, yes?)
- Jed Potts & The Hillman Hunters wonder “How am I meant to love you when you’re gonna stay out all night long?”
- Rob Stone’s sure the romance is over and says so in “Got To Get You Off My Mind”
Audios
- ElectroBluesSociety takes the Blues into the Electro-Pop universe with “Ain’t No Love”
- Rob Stone really wants to warn you about the dangers of falling for a “Money Hustlin’ Woman”
Articles
- Eddie 9V (AKA Eddie 9-Volt) sits down with Atlanta’s WABE to discuss his path to the Blues
- Guitar World is bragging they can show you the secrets of Blues Rock masters in 4 simple lessons
Podcasts/Livestreams
- The Blues Rock Show has a nice interview with the 22 year-old (future superstar) Quinn Sullivan
- The Blues Kitchen Radio does its usual eclectic dive into the Blues – you can’t help but learn something new with Liam & Gaz
Spotlight: The Blues Music Awards
The Blues Music Awards (BMA’s) have been in existence now for 42 years. (The first ones were presented in 1980.) They are, to the Blues community, what the Academy Awards are to the Motion Picture industry.
There are no less than 25 different categories within the awards. There are individual Instrumentalist awards, Artist awards, Album and Song awards, and the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award. So every possible Blues Base is covered.
This year’s ceremony is again online. And you can livestream it this Sunday, June 6th. Purchase tickets here.
New Blues Albums
This week’s collection.
Out Now
- Eddie 9V: Little Black Flies
- Patti Parks: Whole Nother World
- Dust Radio: Shotgun Shack
- Mike Ross: The Clovis Limit Tennessee Transition
- Cat Clyde & Jeremie Albino: Blue Blue Blue
- Tommy Z: Plug In And Play
- Luca Giordano: Let’s Talk About It
Coming Soon
- Eric Johanson: Covered Tracks: Vol. 2 (Jun 4th)
- Quinn Sullivan: Wide Awake (Jun 4th)
- Joe Bonamassa: Now Serving: Royal Tea From The Ryman (Jun 11th)
- Deb Ryder: Memphis Moonlight (Jun 11th)
- Alligator Records: 50 Years Of Genuine Houserockin’ Music (Jun 18th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
This week on the ATWB: New Blues Playlist the new songs are coming from The Black Keys, Lauren Anderson, Eddie 9V, and more. There’s even a little live-something from the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
The Playlist is updated each week with the songs I enjoyed the most.
Check them out on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
Photo by Kaeli Hearn, on Unspash
I’ll Leave You With: Some Tom Petty
This is Tom Petty from The Very Special Christmas 2000 Special. This was one of several shows that were put together to benefit the Special Olympics back in the 80’s and 90’s.
Like many Blues musicians, Tom takes a little liberty with the original lyrics. So Tom’s Rooster wakes him up on “Christmas Day,” etc. (In keeping with the season.)
Tom shared the stage that night with lots of other stars – B.B. King, Sheryl Crow, and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. Here’s the complete list. (A good time for a good cause.)
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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