Hey there. Hound Dog Taylor, Alligator Records very first recording artist, only recorded 2 albums before his death in 1975. But despite that short discography, “Hound Dog” influenced many a Blues musician. Case in point, the band GA-20.
This Boston-based band’s new album, Try It…You Might Like It!, is composed entirely of Hound Dog Taylor songs. You’d be tempted to call it a tribute album but it comes across much more like a celebration of this “houserocking” music.
Listen to this album and you can picture being in one of those little Blues clubs on Chicago’s South Side in the late 60’s – early 70’s. Boy, it had to be tough to stay in your seat when this music was playing! You know, sometimes, you really just gotta dance!
The album was recorded live (in-studio) with vintage equipment and a vintage mind set. So it captures that ferocious, live show feel. The only thing missing is the applause.
GA-20’s done an interesting thing here. They’ve reached back into the past for inspiration. And then they brought it forward, made it way-fresh, and still remained true to the original. Well done!
Try It…You Might Like It! I did. And I Liked it!
Online Corner
Photo by Leon Seibert on Unsplash
The Internet’s job is to hide all the good stuff within a forest of click-bait and pop-ups. But my job is to defeat the Internet and bring the good stuff to you. So here it is.
GA-20’s making a statement with their brand new album. If you like learning the backstories about great albums, the Tedeschi Trucks & Friends article will satisfy that jones. And I think there might be a glimpse of Samantha Fish in there somewhere. (Always worth a peek.)
Videos
- GA-20: Their new album is all Hound Dog Taylor songs. “Hound Dog” was the artist that launched Alligator Records.
- Dion & Boz Scaggs: Dion’s next album is in the works. Here’s the first single (with Boz Scaggs) “I’ve Got To Get To You.”
- Samantha Fish: September 10th is the date for her new album (Faster). Here’s a taste to wet your whistle.
Articles
- Tedeschi Trucks & Friends: The complete backstory of how the album (Layla Revisited (Live at LOCKN’)) came to be.
- Billy F. Gibbons: Nice interview here. Billy spills on some favorite tools and thoughts. (With some added music videos.)
- Guitar Geeks Only: Here’s a deep dive article on the best pickups to use in a Telecaster. (Hey, I told you it was geeky.)
Podcasts/Livestreams
- The Blues Rock Show: Nice interview with Eddie 9V. He’s only 24, but he sounds like he has an old Blues soul.
New Blues Albums
It’s been a good week for the Blues.
GA-20 reached back into the past and made it fresh again. Johnny Tucker gave me a Blues singing lesson. Dwayne Dopsie made my feet tap. And Urban Ladder Society made me think.
Variety is the spice of life.
Out Now
- GA-20: Try It…You Might Like It …The album’s an homage to Hound Dog Taylor’s musical legacy – and they nailed it!
- Johnny Tucker And The All Stars: 75 And Alive …Actually MORE than alive. Johnny can still < blankin’ > sing. (Fun!)
- Dwayne Dopsie: Set Me Free …Zydeco with a touch of swamp from the Grammy nominee. I dare you not to tap your foot.
- Urban Ladder Society: The Summit …Contemporary. Hip Hop lyrics surrounded by a definite Blues turn of mind.
- Tony Stevens’ Slow Ride: Re-Vamped …Foghat-style Blues Rock with a side of Pop. (Hmmm, and I liked it.)
- Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival: Nothing Holding Me Down …7-song EP. Short on tunes but long on potential.
Coming Soon
- Robben Ford: Pure (Aug 27th)
- Southern Avenue: Be The Love You Want (Aug 27th)
- Altered Five Blues Band: Holler If You Hear Me (Sep 3rd)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash
Feeling a little overwhelmed looking for New Blues Music?
No worries. I’ve got you covered.
This week I’ve added a little of this and a little of that to the ATWB: New Blues Playlist. In all, it’s 49 minutes and 39 seconds worth of new Blues tunes.
No sensory overload, just good music.
Crank ’em on Spotify, — and please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Muddy Waters (& Friends)
So here we are at the Checkerboard lounge in Chicago, circa 1981.
Muddy Waters and his band are playing. Then who pops in? None other than the Rolling Stones. And soon, it’s jam time.
I’m sure Muddy knew the Stones were coming. (Empty front table seats and the camera crew give it away.) But it’s still cool to see stars jamming together in a crowded, smokey little club.
There’s a longer video of the rest of their jam. (See It Here.) And It’s 44 minutes of fun. All from back in the day when drinks were a buck and everyone wanted to play.
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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