Hey there. My interest piqued big-time when I heard that Joanne Shaw Taylor was recording a new album.
First time recording with Joe Bonamassa as producer. First time recording a complete album of other people’s songs. A brassy title (The Blues Album). It all sounded like Joanne might be sending a message to the music world.
I was right.
Joanne’s guitar work sounds better than ever. Her solo ideas are so melodic they’re almost like another voice singing. And that unique voice of her’s leans into every tune as if they were her own. In fact, if you didn’t know better, you’d think they were.
This is an excellent album from an artist who’s in complete control of her craft and looking to claim a larger audience.
Now the question is, will the album get that “Bonamassa Bounce?” If it does, then Joanne’s music will reach that larger audience. And that would be a good thing because I think she deserves it. (Fanboy alert!)
We read you loud and clear Joanne. The Blues Album, message received!
Online Corner
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash
Fall has officially arrived and I’m starting to consider wearing long pants again. It’s getting a little chilly in the mornings when I surf the web for goodies. But don’t worry. A little nip in the air won’t deter me from my appointed Internet rounds – finding the stuff that begs a second look.
Videos
- Black Stone Cherry: This is a great cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason.” (Love the in-studio vibe.)
- Selwyn Birchwood: Selwyn’s latest video, “Searching For My Tribe,” Makes the case for staying true to self.
- Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown: Tyler’s still a young man (only 30), but he’s been guitar-slinging it for a long time.
Articles
- John Mayall Retirement: The “Godfather” of British Blues is hanging up his long-distance walking shoes.
- Joe Bonamassa (Cognac King): Now he’s spiking coffee with brandy. (I finally know why the man never sleeps.)
- Sunburst Turntable?: A turntable to match your Fender (Cherry) Sunburst. With a price tag to make you weep.
Podcasts/Livestreams
- The Blues Rock Show: They’re celebrating their one year anniversary and reminiscing a teansy bit. Here’s to year #2.
- Live From Nerdville: This episode features Billy F. Gibbons. Two great guitarists definitely going deep with the nerding.
New Blues Albums
Just as our bodies need nutritional support, so do our souls. That’s where New Blues Albums come into play. They provide the musical vitamins and minerals we need to stay in tune with our lives. Here are the supplements I’m taking this week.
Out Now
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: The Blues Album …This album really shows off Joanne’s guitar prowess and her one-of-a-kind voice.
- Big Daddy Wilson: Hard Time Blues …A very personal album – all originals. Nice production. The lyrics fly free on this one.
- Avey Grouws Band: Tell Tale Heart …Blues Rocky but with a fair share of Pop. Jennifer Grouws’ vocals can handle it all.
- Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps: Rose-Colored Glasses, Vol. 1 …Teresa’s voice + beaucoup guest stars = good time.
- Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado: Best Of …My all-time favorite Danish Blues Rocker. Kickin’ it on every song.
Coming Soon
- Carolyn Wonderland: Tempting Fate (Oct 8th)
- Buffalo Nichols: Buffalo Nichols (Oct 15th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Are you a Blues lover but don’t have time to peruse the charts and build your own munchable playlist? Well, ATWB to the rescue!
This week I’ve added a new set of 10 songs to the top of my ATWB: New Blues Playlist so you can be free of worry and full of Blues fullness.
Find them on Spotify, — and don’t forget to Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
So here we are in the good old days. (You know, 2017.)
Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ were making a marketing stop at Paste Magazine in NYC to promote their 2017 album TajMo. So they spun up a few tunes for free.
This tune is “Diving Duck Blues” by Sleepy John Estes. And you just gotta love how laid back the whole performance is. Almost like they’d been doing this sort of thing for a long time or something.
There’s a longer video of the whole visit. (See It Here.) It’s 28 minutes long and includes some of their insight on the nature of live performance and Blues music in general. Catch it if you can.
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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