Hey there. So my first run-through of Robert Jon & The Wreck’s new album, Shine A Light On Me Brother, made me shake my head.
I thought, “man, every song here is a hit. How’s that possible?”
Well, it’s not only possible, it’s 100% true. This is a terrific album.
On every song, Robert Jon (Burrison’s) vocals take off like a runway jet, daring the rest of the band to keep up. (Which they do – oh yeah, they sure do.)
The arrangements are multi-layered – so many moving parts – yet they all fit seamlessly together. No mean feat! I particularly loved the extra scoops of backing vocals (my personal soft spot).
Still, it’s the songwriting that really shines here. The songs are sharp, varied, and every one will hook you in.
Take a listen to Shine A Light On Me Brother. It will wreck you in a good way and make you smile.
Online Corner
Photo by Davide Boscolo on Unsplash
Armed with only my trusty pen knife (and several hundred dollars worth of electronic equipment) I wrestle with the Internet each week to find stuff that makes me go “huh!” Here’s what I found this week.
Alastair Greene was looking cool in a “show up, play, go home” kinda video. It’s always good to listen to B.B. King tell his stories. And Joanne Shaw Taylor is cranking up the marketing machine on her upcoming album. And more.
Videos
- Alastair Greene: Nice in-studio performance of “Lies And Fears.” (Just another day at the office for Alastair.)
- Robert Jon And The Wreck: Bikes, buds, & brewskis. Regular folks hanging out – queue the band. (“Everyday”)
- Mississippi MacDonald: Let his baby walk out that door. Now he’s begging het to come back with “I Was Wrong.”
- Avey Grouws Band: Sometimes you just wanna dance. Well, this tune will get those feet moving. (“Love Raining Down)
- JD Simo: A little Delta-Bluesy number (“Know It All”) straight from the garage to you. (Hope you like strobe lights.)
Articles
- B.B. King: This is a great 1996 interview Terry Gross did on NPR Fresh Air with the Blues great.(Read or just listen in.)
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: A little behind-the-scenes coverage of her studio work on her upcoming The Blues Album album.
- Joanne Shaw Taylor 2: They’re teasing out the new album (due 09-24) a little teensy bit at a time. (Should be a good one.)
- Curtis Salgado: A long interview with Curtis. He’s got a zillion stories (including that one about Belushi).
New Blues Albums
I found some nice new stuff for you to fit into your album surfing this week.
Robert Jon & The Wreck put together some of the best songwriting I’ve heard this year. Altered Five Blues Band wasn’t that far behind. Tas Cru (AKA Richard Bates) reminded me that less can be more. And Ghost Hounds surprised me. (I’m gonna need to see these guys live.)
My music taste buds have been well and fully satisfied.
Out Now
- Robert Jon & The Wreck: Shine A Light On Me Brother …Impressive Blues/Southern Rock album. Loved the songwriting.
- Altered Five Blues Band: Holler If You Can Hear Me …A great collection of original, straight-ahead, electric Blues tunes.
- Tas Cru: Broke Down Busted Up …Blues & Americana with nice, tasty arrangements. Proving again that simple works!
- Ghost Hounds: A Little Calamity …This album is taylor-made for a long drive when you want Blues Rock riding shotgun.
Coming Soon
- Samantha Fish: Faster (Sep 10th)
- Eric Bibb: Dear America (Sep 10th)
- Ronnie Wood: Mr. Luck – A Tribute To Jimmy Reed (Sep 17th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
So much new music to pick from. It’s a wonder I get anything done.
This week the ATWB: New Blues Playlist has some additions from the new albums just out, plus some sprinkles of Mississippi MacDonald, Mike Younger, and Hector Anchondo on top.
All in all, a tasty treat of new Blues.
Play them on Spotify, — and please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Gary Moore
This is the great Gary Moore back in 2004.
The event is The Strat Pack: Live In Concert. The song is Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House.”
Gary is in complete command here. His Strat is more like an extension of his body than it is a musical instrument. And in this 9+ minute video I swear he makes it talk.
A real virtuoso performance.
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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