ZZ Top – “Tube Snake Boogie”
YOUTUBE.COM
Here’s a new video of an old ZZ Top tune, “Tube Snake Boogie.” It always amazes me how much sound these 3 guys can pump into a room. And they’re soooo laid back and cool. Half a century of boogie can do that. (RIP Dusty.)
The Rolling Stones – Live At The El Mocambo
ROLLINGSTONES.COM
This album’s a new collector’s item. It’s The Rolling Stones from 1977. A couple of surprise live shows from Toronto’s 300-seat El Mocambo club. The mix on these 23 (often bootlegged) tunes is great. You get their hits but you also get a bunch of Blues tunes that remind you just what got these guys lifted the runway in the first place. (Plus Mick’s audience patter <chef’s kiss>.)
2022 UK Blues Awards
UKBLUES.ORG
One of the youngsters of Blues Awards, the UK Blues Awards has only been around since 2017. So they’re not doing their awards show from Royal Albert Hall (yet). But that doesn’t mean they don’t have some very special talent to honor. Here are the recent 2022 winners. (Every one deserves a listen.)
Dennis Johnson – “Going Down”
YOUTUBE.COM
Listen to the fierce Blues rock slide guitar song “Going Down” from the upcoming Dennis Johnson studio album Revelation. This new music recording features legendary drummer Anton Fig, phenomenal keyboardist Bob Fridzema, groovin’ bassist Jonathan Stoyanoff, and of course, Dennis.
Blue Fever – We Are Young
APPLE MUSIC
A brand new group for me – Blue Fever. They’re French (best guess). And their album kicks butt. Some extra choice Blues Rock with band harmonies straight out of the 70’s. There’s also some of the best harmonica I’ve heard in a long time. (Was that a theremin?). This one deserves multiple spins.
The Life-Changing First Time Bob Dylan Heard Robert Johnson
FAROUTMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Just a short reminder that like a pebble dropped in a pool of water, Robert Johnson’s music had a rippling effect on many musicians. Even Bob Dylan felt its power. Here’s a short take on what discovering Johnson’s music meant to 20-year-old Dylan and his later artistic success.
Joanne Shaw Taylor – “Can’t You See What You’re Doing To Me” (Live) – ft. Kenny Wayne Shepherd
YOUTUBE.COM
If this video’s any indication, Joanne Shaw Taylor’s upcoming live album is gonna be terrific. Sign me up right now! I’m also guessing there will be more videos like this one coming down the pike before the June release. Joanne can hold the stage with anyone. And with 2 albums out in less than 12 months, I think this is gonna be a mighty fine year for Ms. Shaw Taylor.
Anthony Geraci – Blues Called My Name
ANTHONYGERACIBLUE.COM
If you like your Blues piano-driven, you won’t find a better driver than Anthony Geraci. Anthony’s got the Berklee pedigree and the Blues Music Awards to get you where you’re going. Plus his long career guarantees enough first-call guest artists to make the trip sweet. (Keyboard players, attention please.)
Larkin Poe – “Bad Spell”
YOUTUBE.COM
Larkin Poe (AKA The Lovell Sisters) are busy touring in Europe right now. But they’re already getting the marketing machine rolling for their next album – coming this November (Blood Harmony). I do believe they’re gonna break big this year. Check out this video and tell me I’m wrong. (Go ahead, I dare you.)
Kenny Neal – Straight From The Heart
KENNYNEAL.NET
The last time Kenny Neal popped an album out (6 years ago), he got a Grammy nomination for it. His latest work, Straight From The Heart, shows he hasn’t lost a step. He handles everything well. From R&B to Zydeco. Just what you’d expect from a New Orleans-born Bluesman. (Real tasty horns on this album too!)
ATWB New Blues Playlist
SPOTIFY.COM
I found a bunch of ear-worthy tunes this week for the ATWB New Blues Playlist. Tunes from Blue Fever (my new discovery), Larkin Poe, Ghost Hounds, The Black Keys, Anthony Geraci, and I a little Delbert McClinton (I couldn’t resist). 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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