Eric Johanson – Riverbend Sessions Ep. 1 (Feat. Eric McFadden) – “4 in the Morning”
YOUTUBE.COM
It looks like Eric Johanson’s trying to steal the title of “Busiest Bluesman in the Biz” away from Joe Bonamassa. Eric’s starting to crop up everywhere. Here he is with buddy Eric McFadden on a barber shop bench laying down some tunes. And this is just Ep. 1. (Who cares about car noise?)
Xander And The Peace Pirates – Order Out Of Chaos
XANDERANDTHEPEACEPIRATES.COM
I spun this album up first thing on a Saturday morning and it put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. This is easy-listening Blues Rock with rhythms straight out of the 70’s. But the lyrics are built for today. Great musicianship throughout too. Xander And The Peace Pirates really delivered on this one.
43rd Blues Music Awards
BLUES.ORG
The Renasant Convention Center was packed with Blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 5th, anxious to see who would be the winners at the 43rd Annual Blues Music Awards. Besides awarding honors in 25 categories, the BMAs, as is its tradition, featured performances from many nominees, with the gala ending in a jubilant all-star jam.
Hank Williams Jr. – “Georgia Women”
YOUTUBE.COM
God bless him. Hank Williams Jr. always seems to have a good time no matter what he’s doing. Here he is, having one of those times, with Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) and the boys. This is “Georgia Women.” Another teaser from his upcoming June album, Rich White Honky Blues. (Love to spend an evening with Jr.)
The Hogtown Allstars – Hog Wild
STONYPLIANRECORDS.COM
The players in The Hogtown Allstars have so much experience between them, I’d need the whole newsletter just to list it all. Suffice it to say these folks are true “Allstars.” And what we get from all this Blues Power is great songwriting, great playing, and 10 great Blusey tracks of an album. (A real good listen.)
“We Try to Swoop In And Help Where We Can”: Joe Bonamassa On Keeping the Blues Alive
GUITARPLAYER.COM
Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive label certainly lives up to its name. Not only has it brought neglected figures such as Larry McCray and Eric Gales back into the spotlight but it’s helped raise more than one million dollars to support struggling musicians and fund Blues education programs.
Ellis Mano Band – “Long Road”
YOUTUBE.COM
Sometimes you just need a little change of pace. So let’s call this a Blues Rock ballad. From my favorite Swiss Blues-Rock band, Ellis Mano Band. Chris Ellis has one of those gritty voices that just signs, seals, and delivers it too.
Rich Chorné – Bringin’ in the Blues
RICHCHORNE.COM
Here’s a little Blues album a bit too delightful to pass by. It’s from Rich Chorné. Rich is out of Southwest New Mexico now, but he’s got some Blues miles on him. And they serve him well on this album. It’s no nonsense, straight-ahead, good stuff. Better than a lot of big-label releases. (Will the big boys give it a spin?)
Kingfish To The Mainstream?
YOUTUBE.COM
Interesting short discussion about Christone “Kingfish” Ingram’s “mainstream” attention. He just won a Grammy and he just made an appearance on CBS Saturday Morning. Maybe he’s got some momentum? Maybe that momentum can attract some newer fans to the Blues? (And maybe the next Blues Grammy winner won’t have to sit in the last row of the theatre?)
ATWB New Blues Playlist
SPOTIFY.COM
Updates to the ATWB New Blues Playlist are in. Enjoy some new Sass Jordan, The Black Keys, Robin Trower, and so on and so on. (I even snuck in some Trombone Shorty.) Check em’ 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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