Hey there. I’ve got an 8-song, debut album under the microscope this week, Buffalo Nichols‘ self-titled, Buffalo Nichols.
At first blush, 8 songs seems a little short for an album, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in depth. That’s because Nichols is telling his own stories. It’s all observational, dusted with bits of anger and pain. Nothing shallow here.
I was struck by the lyric richness on this album. It’s a little Dylan-esque in that way. The lyrics don’t invite you to listen so much as insist that you do.
And because the album’s mostly acoustic, very little gets in your way. Well done.
Buffalo Nichols is an impressive debut album. But don’t just listen to the words. Go deeper and hear the complete message.
Online Corner
Photo by Ivana Cajina On Unsplash
You don’t know the heights I go to in order to find the best online Blues Action.
The Internets don’t exactly give it up for free folks – you gotta go get it. But I’m happy to do so because it keeps me in shape and you in the know. I’m happy to serve.
Here’s the stuff I hauled back to base camp this week.
Videos
- Dion: Here’s his new single, “Angels In The Alleyways.” (With a teeny-tiny assist from Mr. & Mrs. Springsteen.)
- Ally Venable: Ally’s singing Bessie Smith. All her love’s been abused and that’s why she’s got those “Hateful Blues.”
- Santana & Chris Stapleton: New single from Santana’s upcoming album, “Joy.” (It’s hard to resist Santana.)
Articles
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: Only 22 but ready to lay down the law on the state of Blues music today.
- Muddy Waters: A small piece in Far Out magazine about a little known time in Muddy’s life.
- Mediterranean Blues Cruise: Keeping the Blues Alive II. Set for August 2022. Check out the artist list.
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Blues And World Report: A brand new podcast. From Matthew Skoller interviewing the “Stars and Sidemen” of the Blues.
- Sue Foley: More Blues guitar tips & tricks. Here she is giving you half a dozen different ways to play the same E shuffle.
New Blues Albums
When I find a new Blues album, I take it for a spin.
There’s always a little feeling of excitement. Will I like it, will I love it, or will I just feel meh? The ones that move me the most, end up here.
Here are this week’s albums worth a spin or two.
Out Now
- Buffalo Nichols: Buffalo Nichols …A lyrically rich, contemporary Blues, 8-song debut album. (Active listening required.)
- Sugar Queen And The Straight Blues Band: Better Days …Expressive, evocative, torch singing. (Great backup band too.)
- Kristin Dahl: Freedom Comes …Contemporary Bluesy with a side of Soul. And a voice that’s easy on the ears.
- Robbin Kapsalis And Vintage #18: Soul Shaker …It’s been a real good week for sultry, sexy, female singers.
- Santana: Blessings And Miracles …Not really a Blues album but a Santana album is always worthy of note. (So sue me.)
Coming Soon
- Sue Foley: Pinky’s Blues (Oct 22nd)
- Davy Knowles: What Happens Next (Oct 22nd)
- Joe Bonamassa: Time Clocks (Oct 29th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
One of the fun parts of this gig is hunting down the newest Blues tunes and chaining them together into a playlist.
Every week I add 10 or so songs to the top of the ATWB: New Blues Playlist and retire the oldest ones. That way, the list stays fresh and crisp. And you get a taste of what’s new – when you have a headphone moment or two.
They’re all on Spotify, — and remember to please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Jimmy Reed & Eddie Taylor
(Best Guess.) Here we are in Cologne, Germany, at TV station WDR (Studio L). The year is 1968.
Jimmy Reed and Eddie Taylor were part of the American Folk Blues Festival that year and here they are performing one of Jimmy’s hits from the early 60’s, “Big Boss Man.”
Spoiler alert! The camera direction on this video is crazy-bad! It might induce a stroke if you watch it too closely. So beware!
But this might be the only video on the web that gives you a real flavor for Jimmy’s performance style (and Eddie’s backing style).
Despite the lack of video footage of Jimmy, his music (and Eddie’s playing) influenced a whole generation of Blues players. Case in point, Ronnie Wood’s recent album Mr. Luck-A Tribute To Jimmy Reed: Live At The Albert Hall.
Enjoy. (But keep the Tylenol close by, just in case.)
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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