Hey there. I love surprises. Especially musical ones. That’s what I got this past week when I took Jackie Venson’s latest album, Love Transcends, for a spin.
The tracks just sort of jumped off the album and went straight to my head. Almost like a set of Kamikaze shooters do! I got a musical buzz and I really wasn’t expecting that.
On the other hand, maybe I shouldn’t be too surprised. After all, Jackie’s a Berklee College of Music grad so she’s got some serious schooling underlining her work. Plus, she’s a gifted guitarist and vocalist.
But there’s also an animation and an enthusiasm to this album that goes beyond the book-learning. You can feel the energy from the first track. You want it to keep going, and … it does. I think this is her best album to date.
So I guess now I’m a Jackie Venson fanboy. Cool. But take a listen to Love Transcends and see if you don’t end up in that same camp. And maybe with a little warm-and-fuzzy feeling too. Just be careful. Because after you listen to a few tracks you probably shouldn’t try to operate any heavy machinery.
Online Corner
Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash
I’m always on the lookout for interesting stuff. Sometimes that takes me to the edges of the Internet. But not to worry. I always leave a trail of digital bread crumbs behind so I can find my way back by Monday.
Here’s what’s in the goodie bag this week.
Videos
- Gov’t Mule: In-Studio version of “Snatch It Back And Hold It” with a true blue Gov’t-Mule-Style jam in the middle.
- Eric Clapton: Can’t go wrong with a new acoustic version of “After Midnight” can you? (Waistcoat sweater included.)
- Joe Bonamassa: The buzz is beginning for his new album. Here’s the first video (of the title track), “Time Clocks.”
- Davy Knowles: His broken heart is burning like fire so there’s going to be “Hell To Pay.” (Love the Chicago scenes.)
Articles
- Stevie Ray Vaughan: A short read about Stevie Ray’s love of Jimi Hendrix and how it shaped his playing.
- The Happy Bluesman: For you budding guitar shredders out there – “5 Techniques To Spice Up Your Blues Guitar Solos.”
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Gibson Guitars: A deep dive into all the price changes across the entire Gibson line. (Remember Christmas is coming.)
- International Blues Challenge: It’s coming back to Beale Street in January 2022. Maybe it’s time to think about tickets?
New Blues Albums
I sifted through more than a baker’s dozen of albums this week to bring you the good stuff. Each one has its own kind of deliciousness (with a couple being extra sweet). Don’t worry, you can’t gain any weight from listening – only satisfaction.
Out Now
- Jackie Venson: Love Transcends …This album shimmers with energy and really grabbed me. (Been playing it all week.)
- Izzo Blues Coalition: Take It Or Leave It …Contemporary Bluesy with some strong songwriting and variety. (I dug it.)
- Chris “Bad News” Barnes: Bad News Rising …Solid grooves & tongue-in-cheek lyric work from this comedian/ Bluesman.
- Big Llou Johnson: Bigman …Got a lot of Bluesy gravitas coming out of Big Llou bass voice on this one.
Coming Soon
- Carolyn Wonderland: Tempting Fate (Oct 8th)
- Buffalo Nichols: Buffalo Nichols (Oct 15th)
- Sue Foley: Pinky’s Blues (Oct 22nd)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Annie Theby on Unsplash
It takes time to put together your own special playlist doesn’t it? Well here’s a time-saver. Play mine!
Every week I snap together the newest Blues tunes I dig into my Blue-Ribbon, 100%-Fresh ATWB: New Blues Playlist.
So why not let me do the heavy lifting? Just sit back, plug in, and enjoy
You’ll find my list on Spotify, — and please remember Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Gary Moore & Albert Collins
So here we are at the 1990 Montreaux Jazz Festival.
It’s Gary Moore’s Saturday night set. Mostly just Gary and his band, but he invited Albert Collins to join him for 3 songs. This is “Cold Cold Feeling,” recorded by T-Bone Walker in the early 60’s,
A complete difference in styles between these two great Bluesmen. And a real treat for that crazy-for-Blues Euro audience.
Of course I don’t think Gary or Albert noticed the audience much. They were just playing for each other.
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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