Eric Johanson – “Nowhere To Go”
YOUTUBE.COM
Let’s start off with a little Eric Johanson. Eric’s climbing back into the gigging saddle. Here he is wailing on one of his original tunes at The Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans. Eric plays and sings so effortlessly! (And that new guitar is definitely eye-candy.)
Buddy Guy Talks Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters Ahead Of Southern California Shows
DAILYNEWS.COM
Buddy Guy, having celebrated his 85th birthday last July 30, remains one of the last pillars of the rich Chicago blues music scene that had the storied Chess Records as a cornerstone with a group of clubs providing a stage for the likes of yesteryear talents like Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Little Walter, Willie Dixon and the aforementioned Mud and Wolf.
The Terraplanes Blues Band – Stepping Stones
THETERRAPLANESBLUESBAND.COM
Stumbled onto another Brit Blues band that’s new to me, The Terraplanes Blues Band. They get a whole lotta sound out of just 4 pieces. And their songs have a live energy that pulls you in. Great harmonica work too. (Blues lovers are gonna dig ’em.)
Fantastic Negrito – “Oh Betty”
YOUTUBE.COM
“Oh Betty” is the video of the 2nd song from Fantastic Negrito’s new album White Jesus Black Problems, out June 3rd. As usual, the artist blends cultural and musical themes together like a master music mixologist. Always something to listen to and think about.
A Guide To Record Cleaning And The Best Entry-Level Methods
THEVINYLFACTORY.COM
While you may have the hi-fi set-up of your dreams, records that are not properly cared for, and cleaned regularly, can hinder the overall sound quality. No matter how well you store your records, elements such as dust, dander, mold, and oil from your fingers can all affect the longevity, and overall quality of even the newest of records.
Ash Grunwald – Shout Into The Noise
ASHGRUNWALD.COM
Here’s an album from Aussie Ash Grunwald that got my attention. Contemporary Blues if you will – Blues sketched across an electronic landscape. The fusion works real well here and this 10-song album feels freshly fresh. (Definitely worth a listen.)
The Black Keys – “Wild Child”
YOUTUBE.COM
Okay, this video should come with a warning label. It’s The Black Keys’ new single, “Wild Child.” The visuals are a little bit like thunderbolts. So much so that I forgot I was listening to a music video. (So caveat emptor Blues fans.)
SXSW Music Spotlight: Jackie Venson
AUSTINCHRONICLE.COM
With the Before Times now verging on hazy, long-gone nostalgia, two years of COVID-19 reset most entertainers. Jackie Venson proved no exception. Only where most musicians postponed releases, the native ATX guitar slinger, multi-instrumentalist, and oftentimes solo show woman dropped two studio LPs of soul-pop/Blues rock. (One of my fave “new” artists.)
The Sully Band – Let’s Straighten It Out
SULLYBAND.COM
I didn’t know I was ready for an album of vintage Blues and R&B, but I smiled my way through The Sully Band’s Let’s Straighten It Out. The band’s fronted by Robert “Sully” Sullivan – investment banker by day rockin’ band leader by night. And this is their debut album and it’s first-rate. (Might be time to quit the day gig?)
ATWB New Blues Playlist
SPOTIFY.COM
Got a wide scope of Blues in the ATWB New Blues Playlist this week. The traditional side’s covered with Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne & Sugaray Rayford. And the contemporary sides covered by Fantastic Negrito & Ash Grunwald. Plus there’s plenty in between. Check them out on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
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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