Doc’s Juke Joint

Doc’s Juke Joint – The Best CD’s of 2009 Countdown (Artist & CD title in bold print)

7pm Hour – Opening theme – Little Walter – Juke

Number 25 – Memo Gonzalez & The Bluescasters – Mary Lynn – Dynomite (Crosscut Records) www.memogonzalez.com and www.crosscut.de   Vocalist Memo Gonzalez rips it up with a crack band that gets our Top 25 CD’s off to a great start.

Number 24 – Tommy Castro – Make It Back To Memphis – Hard Believer (Alligator.com) Guitarist and vocalist Tommy Castro’s first release on Alligator, a vetern of the blues scene.  CD features

Number 23 – Omar Kent Dykes – Can’t Judge Nobody – Big Town Playboy (Ruf Records.de) CD featuring Jimmie Vaughan, James Cotton, Lazy Lester, Lou Ann Barton, Gary Clark Jr., formerly know as Omar and the Howlers.  Vocalist Omar Kent Dykes lays it down on some classics like the Ivory Joe Hunter classic, Since I Met You Baby & Eddie Taylor’s – Big Town Playboy.

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Number 22 – Davis Coen – Anna Ann – Magnolia Land (Soundview) daviscoen.com  Vocalist/Guitarist Davis Coen release of tracks recorded in 2007 & 2008 with guest like Jimbo Mathus & Kenny Kimbrough.

Number 21 – David Maxwell & Louisiana Red – Barbara Jean – You Got To Move (Vizztone Records) www.vizztone.com & www.davidmaxwell.com & www.louisiana-red.com  – Recorded in Aug. 2007 but released in 2009 featuring ;ianist David Maxwell and blues legend Louisiana Red on guitar and vocals.  Great loose session of blues recorded in a stripped down raw format.

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Number 20 – Eugene Hideaway Bridges – Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day – Live In San Antonio (Blue Armadillo) www.bluearmadillo.com One Hour and 11 Minutes of great live blues and soul featuring Guitarist/Vocalist Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges.

Number 19 – Joe Louis Walker – Send You Back – Between A Rock And The Blues (Stony Plain Recordings)  www.stonyplainrecords.com * This track features Sugar Ray Norcia on Harp.  CD features Bruce Katz on piano and organ, also guest appearances by Kevin Eubanks and Duke Robillard.  Joe Louis also tops my list of great Rochester performances during 2009 with his recent stop at the Water Street Music Hall.

Number 18 – RJ Spangler’s Blue Four – Piney Brown Blues – You Know I Can’t Refuse – The Bill Heid Sessions (Eastlawn Records) featuring Pianist/Vocalist Bill Heid, drummer RJ Spangler also the Producer, Johnie Bassett makes a guest appearance.  Bill Heid originally from Pittsburgh, lived in Chicago for a number of years and recorded with Koko Taylor, Fenton Robinson and Roy Buchanan.

Number 17 – Bryan Lee – Three Can Play The Game (Earl King Song)- My Lady Don’t Love My Lady (Justin Time Records) www.justin-time.com  Produced by Duke Robillard, featured New Orleans- Vocalist/Guitarist Bryan Lee with a great band: David Maxwell on piano, Buddy Guy, Duke Robillard & Kenny Wayne Shepherd guest star on guitar.  Also featuring Sax Gordon (Gordon Beadle, sax).

Number 16 – Boo Boo Davis – Long Cryin’ Blues – Ain’t Gotta Dime (Black & Tan Records) www.crossroads.nl  Featuring Blues Vocalist/harmonica player – Boo Boo Davis who mainly performs in Europe, Label owner and Guitarist Jan Mittendorp and drummer John Gerritse.  More great stripped down, raw blues basically recorded live in the studio just off of tour with just vocals, guitar and drums.

Number 15 – Missy Andersen – Ace of Spades – Missy Andersen (Main Squeeze Records) Great blues/soul vocalist making her debut out of San Diego, CA.  Missyandersen.com, fantastic CD featuring a nice cover of the Etta James classic – Tell Mama.

Number 14 – Cyril Neville – Shake Your Gumbo – Brand New Blues (MC Records) www.mc-records.com Real nice release from vocalist Cyril Neville of the famous New Orleans music family – the Neville Brothers.  Featuring Art Neville on Organ, Tab Benoit, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone and Waylon Thibodeaux.  Produced and featuring Brian J on most instruments, vocals and writing credit.

Number 13 – Eric Lindell – Country Livin’ – Gulf Coast Highway (Alligator Records) www.alligator.com  Former New Orleans resident now living in Nashville, with one of his strongest releases yet.  Eric Lindell on guitar and vocals and writting credit on most songs.  Eric does a very interesting version of the Buck Owens classic – Crying Time.

Number 12 – John Nemeth – My Troubled Mind – Love Me Tonight (Blind Pig Records) Soul singer John Nemeth returns with a great new CD on Blind Pig Records and also was one of 2009’s best performances with his visit to the Dinosaur BBQ.  www.blindpigrecords.com

Number 11 – Big Pete Pearson – Mastermind – Finger In Your Eye (Blue Witch Records) Vetern Vocalist & Blues song writter; Big Pete Pearson featuring the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn and Brian Fahey).  Also featuring guests: Pinetop Perkins, Duke Robillard, Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, Eddie Taylor, Jr. and Doug James.

Number 10 – Memphis Gold – Can’t Get Enough -  Gator Gon’ Bitechu! (Stackhouse Recording Company) www.bluesoterica.com  www.memphisgoldprod.net  Memphis Gold (Chet Chandler) is making one heck of a comeback as he is now recovering from a near fatal accident.  He now resides in Washington, D.C. where he played the Presidential inaugeral ball in 2009.  Vocalist/guitarist Memphis Gold also hit the cover of Living Blues Magazine in the Feb. 09 edition.

Number 9 – Rick Estrin and the Nightcats – Back From The Dead – Twisted (Alligator Records) www.alligator.com Vocalist/harp players Rick Estrin steps into the role of now having his name on the marquee as guitarist Little Charlie Baty went into retirement.  A blues vetern of over 30 years Rick Estrin and his new verision of the Nightcats featuring guitarist Kid Andersen, also had one of the best Blues performances of 2009 with their performance in Geneva, NY.

Number 8 - Ray Bailey – Did You (Bailey composition)- Resurrection (Tonedef) www.raybaileyblues.com  Recorded Live June 2009 at Babe’s & Ricky’s Inn, Los Angeles, CA.  Guitarist/Vocalist Ray Bailey lets it be known that he is back and better than ever.  11 tracks of great live blues and some real guitar solos that beg the question, “Where has this guy been? And when is he coming to my town?”

Number 7 – Bobby Jones – Two Headed Woman – Comin’ Back Hard (Delta Groove) www.deltagroovemusic.com Vocalist Bobby Jones featuring the Mannish Boys, recorded during the Mannish Boys sessions that gave us one of the best of 2008.

Number 6 – Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens – What Is This – What Have You Done My Brother? (Daptone Records) From the same Brooklyn, NY record label that brings us Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, the gospel sounds of Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens envoke the memories of the gospel great Dorothy Love Coates with a great modern collection of straight forward gospel gems.  Cliff Driver, Musical director and organist needs to be commended for his fine performance and arrangements here.  When in NYC look Naomi up, she does perform there.  www.daptonerecords.com

Number 5 – John Primer – Keep On Lovin’ The Blues – All Original (Blues House Productions) www.blueshouseproductions.com Guitarist/vocalist and Chicago Blues mainstay John Primer returns with a fantastic pure blues release of all originals on his own label in 2009.  It’s number 5 what more can I say.  Great blues here from the former Magic Slim sideman.

Number 4 – Linsey Alexander – I’m In Love With A Woman – My Days Are So Long (Hoochieman Music) www.linseyalexander.com Vocalist/Guitarist Linsey Alexander turns in a great independent release of solid blues and funk.  The liner notes mention that Linsey has been playing the blues for over 30 years.  Featuring Chico Banks on guitar, Carlor Shower on guitar, Janet Kramer on drums and Andre Howard on bass guitar.  Linsey was definitely one of the great surprises and favorites of 2009.

Number 3 – Shirley Johnson – My Baby Played Me For A Fool – Blues Attack (Delmark Records) www.delmark.com  Blues vocalist Shirley Johnson returns on Delmark records with a collection of blues and soul that will knock your socks off.  14 tracks of getting it done sounds of pure Chicago blues will make a nice edition to your collection.  Look no further.

Number 2 – Various Artists - Night Watchman Blues (1941 William Broonzy) & Hoodoo Man Blues (1965 Junior Wells)- Chicago Blues A Living History (Raisin Music) www.raisinmusic.com Featuring: Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch and Lurrie Bell. Wow a collection of some of the best blues songs ever recorded, remade by some of the best blues performers on todays scene.  Every track is a gem and the treatments of these songs are real special.  The collection contains two CDs and there isn’t a bad one in the bunch.  The collection starts back in 1940 with John Lee Williamson’s “My Little Machine” and works its way through the Chicago Blues vaults to 1991 and Buddy Guy’s “Damn Right, I’ve Got The Blues.”

Number 1 – Louisiana Red & Little Victor’s Juke Joint- Too Poor To Die – Back To The Black Bayou (Bluestown Records/Ruf Records) Yes, I have a soft spot for the older guys, but they are they blues.  Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter – Louisiana Red makes his 2nd appearance on my top 25 CDs of the year with his own release from early in 2009.  Produced by Little Victor who also plays guitar and harmonica on this 12 track release.  Guests include: Kim Wilson, Dave Maxwell and Bob Corritore.  Like the liner notes say, I guess why this CD is so good, it sounds like it was recorded 40/50 years ago.  Classic new blues from a living blues legend, enjoy!.

Top Reissues or Releases of Older Never Before Released Material

Muddy Waters – Forty Days And Forty Night – Authorized Bootleg/Live/Filmore Auditorium-San Francisco, CA Nov. 1966 -(Chess/Geffen/Universal)

Mark Hummel’s Chicago Blues Party – Red Light (Featuring Eddie Taylor) – Mark Hummel’s Chicago Blues Party (Recorded Live! 1980-1992 – Mountain Top Records) www.westcoastblues.com Disc features Harmonica player Mark Hummel backing Chicago Blues Legends: Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Rogers, Johnny Waters and Luther Tucker

Mark Hummel – Jump With You Baby – Odds & Ends (Rockinitis Records) www.markhummel.com Vocalist and Harmonica player Mark Hummel collection of tracks recorded throughout his career.  Guests include: Sue Foley, Paris Slim, Charles Brown, Ron Thompson and Kid Anderson.

Sean Costello – Take Me Back – Sean’s Blues (Landslide Records) www.landsliderecords.com Collection of music from the late guitarist/vocalist that died way to young.  Live tracks and studio outtakes.

Phil Guy – Good Thing  - It’s A Real Mutha (JSP Records) Phil Guy on vocals/guitar (Buddy Guy’s brother)  Great CD on rock solid blues recorded back in 1985 & 1986.

Rev. Gary Davis – You Got To Move – Live At Gerde’s Folk City (Stefan Grossman’s Guitar Workshop) Blues legend and Preacher Rev. Gary Davis recorded live by Stefan Grossman in February 1962 in New York City at Gerde’s Folk City.  3 CD Set of Essential Blues History.

B.B. King – How Blue Can You Get – The Rolling Stones “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out 40th Anniversary Boxset (ABKCO Records) New unreleased live material from B.B. King, The Rolling Stones and Ike and Tina Turner. Man)

Thanks for listening!!!  Doc

Pocono Blues Festival 2009

The spirits of Chicago Blues Legends were circling the Tent Stage at the 18th annual Pocono Blues Festival at the Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony, PA.  Paul Oscher, former Muddy Water’s sideman, was given the task to start another edition of the Northeast’s most anticipated Blues Festivals of the season.

Sitting in a chair all by himself Paul looked right at home with his winter hat in place and his guitar and harp ready to roll.  Oscher used some sort of wireless harp microphone unit that I had not seen before.  Whatever he was using on his harp, it worked and then some.  Oscher treated us to some great solo Chicago Blues.  Paul also treated us to some great stories of his days with the late Muddy Waters, Otis Spann and his experiences with Little Walter.

Later in the set Oscher traded in his guitar for some keyboards and the one man band continued to please the growing Friday night crowd.  During the encore part of his set, the lightning started to move in.  Luckily Paul was able to finish up his set and get the full weekend of blues off to a great start.

After the rains came down, James Armstrong took the stage to what I heard was a great set.  Armstrong was followed by Eddie Turner.  Guitarist/Vocalist Turner turned in a hard rocking’ set which featured a power trio lineup, complete with a top notch rhythm section.  Compared to Oscher, Turner was a lot more rock and a little less blues but very much in line for the crowd that is looking for this type performance.

Saturday started just like the weatherman promised.  Guitarist/Vocalist Melvin Taylor took the stage around 11:30am to an already large crowd.  The sun was shining and the full festival atmosphere was in play as Melvin decided to tackle Carlos Santana’s “Black Magic Woman.”  Other highlights of the guitarist’s set included Albert King’s “I Play the Blues for You.”

The much anticipated duo of drummer Cedric Burnside and guitarist Lighnin’ Malcolm was slotted to open the Tent Stage.  The Hill Country Jams were very much alive and fitting as the powerful team drove their sound up Big Boulder Mountain.  You couldn’t help but move as Burnside and Malcolm played in perfect unison.  No need for a keyboard player, bass player or horn section; these guys flat out lay it down.  Cedric performed his tribute to his late grandfather/bluesman R.L. Burnside, which can be found on the latest release appropriately titled “2 Man Wrecking Crew” on Delta Groove Music.    If these two guys are indicative of where blues is headed, then it’s on the right path.

Next on the main stage was the Bonedog Record Review featuring artists: Tommy Brown, Git Shorty & Stephanie Wellans.  Guitarist/Vocalist Git Shorty got things rolling dressed in his bright red sport coat and his total command of the crowd’s attention.  Shorty was backed by a great band which included a full horn section and a great organ player.   Next up Git Shorty brought out vocalist Stephanie Wellans to perform a couple of numbers.  Stephanie sounded good and brought with her a favorite of mine “You Don’t Know Nothing About Love, “which you might remember from the CD Marcia Ball, Tracey Nelson & Irma Thomas did together.

Next joining the review was the one and only Atlanta blues legend since 1945, Tommy Brown.   Tommy is not only a blues shouter from way back but also a comedian.  Tommy told the audience that he was celebrating his 72nd year in the music business and just celebrated his 78^th birthday.  Tommy also entertained the crowd in between songs with some jokes and stories.  Early in his set, Brown asked the crowd if they wanted to see a one legged golfer and then proceeded to do a fall off the 4 foot high stage to enhance the effect of his joke.  Back up Brown came and the music continued, including his 1947 hit “Weepin’ & Cryin.’”   If you are a fan of Big Joe Turner you would have loved the sounds of Tommy singing over the Bonedog Review band.

Trombone Shorty Andrews was just hitting Stage 2 with his very young band.  Shorty did a cover of the old classic rock song “American Woman.”  Not a surprise to hear Andrews doing this one since I know he spent time touring with Lenny Kravitz who also covered that song.   Shorty then took it back to New Orleans and sounds a whole lot more at home with “You Got The Same Thing On.”  They call Troy Andrews “Trombone Shorty” but he is just as comfortable and impressive when he plays the trumpet.

Back to the tent stage it was time for Melvin Taylor’s second set.  Melvin mentioned that they were just getting warmed up with their late morning set and were really bringing it all together in this second set.  Taylor is an impressive guitar player and was called back for an encore, which surprised everyone when they broke out a very original sounding version of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in The Wall.”

Following Melvin Taylor in the tent was the 2^nd set of Cedric Burnside and Lighnin’ Malcolm.  The groove and the grind of straight forward Mississippi Hill Country Blues once again filled the tent.  Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside covers followed and Cedric and Lightnin’ took it to another level.

As the set finished up I just had time to catch some of Shemekia Copeland’s 2^nd set.  Earlier Shemekia performed a tribute to her late father, Johhny “Clyde” Copeland in the tent stage.  Shemekia sounded in great form as she finished her set with her hit “It’s 2 AM.”   Shemekia is currently on tour in support of her new CD “Never Going Back (Telarc Records).”

Back up on Stage 2 Bernard Allison was laying down “40 Days and 40 Night.”  Decked out in his Jerome Bettis – Steelers jersey, Bernard was in true form fronting his top notch band.  I was most impressed by the sax player and keyboard player that were on the road with Allison.

Back over at the tent stage, a late fill in for the festival guitarist Zac Harmon was taking the crowd to Mississippi.  With a powerful new drummer and covers of Muddy Waters, Al Green and James Brown, Zac put together one of the best sets of the festival.

I think Trombone Shorty and his band were just getting warmed up earlier.  The second set of Shorty’s band which was under the tent now really picked up the crowd and took them to New Orleans.

Trombone Shorty

Shorty played trombone, trumpet and keyboards during this set.  I was told that he ended the set with a 2^nd encore of “When The Saints Go Marchin’ In” with his entire band fronting the stage.

Shorty had some tough competition for the headlining spot since two Chicago Blues legends were on the main stage.  Guitarist Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater and Harpist James Cotton played a great living legends set backed by Cotton’s band.  Decked out in his zebra designed hat, the lanky Clearwater can still sling his left handed guitar and belt out some classic Chicago blues.  After a bout with cancer a few years back, Cotton no longer sings but can still belt out some of the best blues harp sounds you will ever hear.

Back and forth Clearwater and Cotton played off of each other’s licks and looked like they were having the time of their lives up there.  Just before the rain came down harder the duo was able to play “My Babe” and “Rocket 88″ to wrap up their set.

Eddy Clearwater

I love the way the Pocono Blues festival gets Sunday, Day 3, off to a great gospel start.   The Pittsburgh Gospel Lights opened to a growing crowd and light rain.  Their lead singer and drummer was really the force behind this outfit with versions of “Mary Don’t You Weep” and “Glory Alleluia.”

The tent stage opened with two solo sets that would merge into a duo.  Electro-Fi recording artist Fruteland Jackson took the stage first with a great version of his acapella tune, “Blues 2.0.” Fruteland then sat down and pull out the guitar and entertained the growing crowd with his blues number about growing old “Pencil Don’t Write No More.”

Next up was Harrison Kennedy, formerly of the group the Chairman of the Board.  You might remember this group from their hit “Gimme Just A Little More Time.”  Harrison also started his set by performing an acapella number about an old “Chain Gang Holler.”  Harrison then sat down and broke out the slide on his guitar and also brought down the house with a great song accompanied by some old time spoon playing.   After Harrison finished up his solo set he brought Fruteland Jackson back up and the guitar duo took it from there.  Fruteland and Harrison traded licks and vocals while performing some blues classics like “Key to The Highway.”  Look for a new CD from Harrison Kennedy on Electro-Fi Records in the Fall of 2009.

Fruteland Jackson

Guitarist/Vocalist Texas Johnny Brown kicked off Stage 2 after being presented with a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.  Texas Johnny has been around since the late 40’s.  Johnny is out of Houston, Texas where he began his carrer with Amos Milburn.  Besides playing with Milburn, Texas Johnny also played on Ruth Brown’s first Atlantic recordings.  Johnny also toured with Bobby “Blue” Bland and Junior Parker during the 1950’s & 1960’s.  A highlight of his set was his very own composition and blues classic “Two Steps from the Blues.”

Actor/Guitarist/Keyboardist/Vocalist Chris Thomas King was up next on the Tent Stage.  King appeared as a three piece band which consisted of himself on guitar/keyboards and a young bass guitar, drums combo backing him.  Fittingly the bass player wore a Reggie Bush New Orleans Saints jersey.  Much of King’s set focused on New Orleans and the state it is still in so many years now after hurricane Katrina.  Chris focused on material off his digital downloadable EP just released in May entitled “Nawlins is Callin’.”  An emotional song about New Orleans with the chorus “Flow Mississippi Flow” really touched the audience and brought the scenes and aftermath of Katrina right back into everyone’s awareness.  Thomas even brought with him a version of the New Orleans classic “St. James Infirmary.”

Chris Thoma King

Breaking away from the New Orleans sound, King brought out some Elmore James like Chicago blues licks followed up by a version of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads.” After switching to keyboards, King discussed his opportunity to be in the movie “Ray”, portraying blues legend Lowell Fulson.  King then kicked out a version of Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman” and rocked the tent like an old time church revival.   King’s other acting credits include his portrayal of blues legend Tommy Johnson in the movie “Brother Where Art Thou.”  King finished his set with an acoustic track from the soundtrack of that movie.

Back over at the main stage, I was able to get my second opportunity to catch the very talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Ruthie Foster.  Ruthie had the crowd in the palm of her hand as she told stories about her visits with Jessie Mae Hemphill and her love for Mississippi John Hurt. After this she broke into a great version of Hurt’s “Richland Woman’s Blues.”  Ruthie dedicated this version to Jessie Mae.

Saffire, The Uppity Blues Women were set to take the Pocono stage for their last time.  Long time Alligator recording artist Saffire is making their final go round during their farewell tour together.  The group opened with Ann Rabson laying down some serious boogie woogie piano and hard driving vocals about Rampart Street (“Haste Makes Waste”).  It didn’t take much before the tent was rocking and the front of the stage was packed with their long time fans.  Ann Rabson demonstrated why she is such an in demand solo act and will hopefully continue to perform after Saffire is done.  Gaye Adegbalola guitarist/vocalist in the group also has a long solo career; she took over the vocals on a song about “Steel Ovaries” that had the crowd laughing and dancing.  Andra Faye is the third member of Saffire.  Andra holds down the bass, mandolin, guitar, fiddle and also vocal duties that round out the great sound that has been Saffire for over twenty years.  It’s very sad to see The Uppity Blues Women go.  Their last performance together is schedule for November 7^th of this year.  Their final record on Alligator Records released this year is entitled “Havin’ The Last Word.”

After Saffire it was time to gas up the bus and head back to Rochester.  Such a great festival and I really like the idea behind the multiple sets of some artists.  If you are willing to do a little speed walking you can pretty much catch almost every act at this long-time festival.  I am already looking forward to number 19.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre, host of Doc’s Juke Joint, heard every Sunday night on Jazz 90.1FM, www.jazz901.org streaming live on the internet.  Look for photos of this years Pocono Blues Festival on our Facebook Page.

Eric Lindell continues to find his groove.  Alligator Records has found a real talented artist that bridges the gap between the young jam band fans and the good old fans of New Orleans funk grooves.  Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist  Eric Lindell’s latest offering Gulf Coast Highway (Alligator Records) is just hitting the stores nationwide.  The new CD builds and grows throughout each track concluding with a fantastic New Orleans funky instrumental called “Raw Doggin’” featuring Chris Dejohn on drums and Marc Adams on the B3.   Other favorite tracks on Eric’s latest include: “It’s A Drag” featuring Sean Carey on harmonica.  “The Look” captures the old R&B days of NOLA that reminded me of the late Tommy Ridgley.   The Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson penned “I Can Get Off On You” has some great rolling piano licks provided by Marc Adams and solid New Orleans shuffling drum rolls by Chris Dejohn.  This song is about not needing drugs or alcohol to get high, just his woman’s love.  “Country Livin’” is another favorite, featuring New Orleans drummer Stanton Moore and a great solo on the baritone sax by Jimmy Carpenter.

“I’ll be Around” rounds out my favorite Lindell compostions on the new CD.  When you listen to this track just close your eyes and your there, where else – New Orleans.  Some other great covers also help make this new Eric Lindell CD really shine.  Eric does a great job with a funky version of the Buck Owens country classic “Cryin’ Time” and a real nice version of Delbert McClinton’s “Here Come the Blues Again.”  Here comes another great CD by Eric Lindell.  Eric’s third on Alligator Records isn’t my favorite yet but I’m guessing after one more listen and it will be.

What if you could find a singer that can sound like B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and Bobby “Blue” Bland? Delta Groove Music has found one and it looks like they are going to keep him around for awhile.  Bobby Jones has been singing the blues since he hit the Chicago Blues scene in 1959.  Fresh out of the Army Bobby hit the Windy City in search of fame, fortune and fun like so many other Louisiana farm boys who were attracted to the new electric sound.  Bobby Jones found success right away as he replaced Junior Wells in the legendary band The Aces, featuring the founders/guitarists Dave and Louis Myers.  Well the story starts out good but like so many Chicago Blues Musician fame doesn’t come to all.

Fortunately for us and for Bobby he was rediscovered in February 2007 and began recording as part of The Mannish Boys.  While recording his 2nd CD with The Mannish Boys, Jones laid down a solid 11 tracks of his own featuring the same musicians that were working on one of 2008’s best releases, The Mannish Boys “Lowdown Feelin.”  The new solo release by singer Bobby Jones is entitled “Comin’ Back Hard”(Delta Groove Music).  Just like the Mannish Boys release of 2008, every track is rock solid.  I could pretty much name them all but my favorite tracks are: Two Headed Woman (Willie Dixon, LP Weaver), Come In Out of The Rain (Tom Leavey), Three Handed Woman (Ben Raleigh, Hilda Taylor) and How Long Will It Last (Ike Turner).

Unfortunately the West Coast based Bobby Jones & The Mannish Boys haven’t hit the East Coast lately.  I keep hoping we see a nice summer tour from Bobby Jones and The Mannish Boys.  I hope someone is listening!!!  In the meantime we have these great releases to listen to.  Greg “Doc” Lefebre  Doc’s Juke Joint

What happens when you mix an experienced Texas crooner with a solid line-up of Europe’s best blues performers?  Answer, Memo Gonzalez & The Bluescasters new CD ‘Dynomite,’ that’s what you get.  Since the mid-nineteen-nineties, Memo Gonzalez & The Bluescasters have been laying down the blues raw and rock-in.’  The new effort (Dynomite) on CrossCut Records concentrates on new originals co-written by Memo and the German born guitarist Kai Stauss.’  This is the Bluescasters 2nd disc on CrossCut Records.  In 2006 they released ‘Live In The UK.’

Some Cd’s stand above others because of their production or their originality.  This CD scores big in both departments.  Guistarist, Strauss lays it down whether he’s doing Duane Eddy or Elmore James.  Memo fills in all the gaps with his great Texas vocals and some nice harp playing.  My favorite tracks include: “Bad Luck,” “One Day, One Kiss,” “Strange Kind of Feeling,” “Mary Lynn, ” “What’s In A Name” and a nice cover of one of my all-time favorites “Double-Eyed Whammy” (Freddie King/Thomas Rizby).  Go on out and find Memo, you won’t be disappointed.   Greg “Doc” Lefebre  – Doc’s Juke Joint

Looking for some Holiday Fun?  Ecko Records has released It’s Christmas Baby!, a full collection of non-traditional blues and Southern Soul originals.  Most of the entire Ecko roster helped put together this fun collection of comedic and thought provoking jams.  Barbara Carr sings “I Need A Man Down My Chimney,” while Ms. Jody rocks out “It’s Christmas, Baby.”  The sweet soul sounds of O.B. Buchana brings us a new and original version of  “Santa Bring My Baby Back.”   O.B. also gives us “It’s Christmas” with some nice lines reminding us about the true spirit of the holidays.  Lee Shot Williams wraps up the disc with “I Ate To Much Over The Holidays.”

Also, just in time for the holidays, Ecko Records has also just released The Love Maker by David Brinston and Southern Soul Country Boy by O.B. Buchana.

Buddy Guy will be back in Rochester, NY this month in support of his best release in years entitled “Skin Deep” on Silvertone/Zomba records. The guest stars are all here on this new release: Eric Clapton, Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. The headliner clearly controls and steals the show on this very hot new blues recording. At the age of 72 Buddy Guy can still make his guitar rock and sing like the best of them. Hats off to Tom Hambridge who produced, wrote and performed on Buddy’s latest. The Guy/Hambridge number “Best Damn Fool” opens the CD with some nice rockin’ wha-wha that Hendrix would have surely dug. “Too Many Tears” features the sweet vocals of Susan Tedeschi which play nicely off the road tough vocals of Buddy himself. Susan’s husband Derek Trucks adds some real nice slide work on this same track.

“Everytime I Sing The Blues” featuring Eric Clapton is a seven minute plus duet that takes a trip down the blues highway. Mr. Sacred Steel, Robert Randolf, guest stars on a track about getting back to the bayou country entitled “Out In The Woods.” Nathan Williams is also featured on this track on accordion. I could not think of a better track to be on this disc than “Who’s Gonna Fill Those Shoes,” featuring Quinn Sullivan on guitar. Buddy sounds like he’s inviting, just as much as challenging, the players of today to carry on the rich tradition of playing the blues.

After more than 45 years of playing the blues it’s great to see artists like Buddy Guy still putting out great releases and keeping the blues alive every night. Your chance to see Mr. Buddy Guy, five-time Grammy winner and blues legend is Monday, November 24th at the Water Street Music Hall.  Check out this Buddy Guy download, featuring Eric Clapton (Link Here).

If you like screaming slide guitar that invokes the spirit of the late Elmore James, then you probably already know all about Lil’ Ed Williams. Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Lil’ Ed Williams is back with a new release on his long time label Alligator Records. Full Tilt is the latest offering from Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials. Like its title this one cooks from its opening tune “Hold That Train” to its conclusion with the Hound Dog Taylor penned “Take Five.” Born in Chicago in 1955, Lil’ Ed came up through the blues with some help from his late uncle and blues legend, J.B. Hutto. Some blues bands are tighter than others. The Blues Imperials are both veterans of the road and the studio and have been playing with Lil’ Ed for twenty years. The Imperials can rock out the blues and also slow it down. Bass player, James “Pookie” Young penned “Every Man Needs A Good Woman” and Lil’ Ed himself added the playful “Check My Baby’s Oil.” “Don’t Call Me” is a great new song with lyrics about being flooded by too much communication – no email, no faxes or phones. Sounds pretty good come to think about it and so does this new release. For a great interview with Lil’ Ed check out this (link). If you want to see Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials in person, head over to Buffalo on November 8th, when they will be performing at the Tralf.

North Carolina is a hot bed for the blues and blues preservation. The Music Maker Relief Foundation was formed to provide assistance and recognition for struggling and relatively unknown blues musicians. At the of age 79, guitarist/vocalist John Dee Holeman can still pick and jam with the best of them. The new release by John Dee Holeman, entitled “You Got To Lose, You Can’t Win All The Time” (Music Maker), captures the true melodic Piedmont blues sound once covered by Blind Boy Fuller. Holeman demonstrates that he can also capture the Texas blues style of such artists as Lightnin’ Hopkins as he displays on his cover of the Hopkins classic “Mojo Hand.” Other favorites on John Dee’s new recording are: Early Letter Blues, One Black Rat, John Dee Jam and the title track – You Got To Lose, You Can’t Win All The Time.”

Like so many blues artists, it sometimes requires a driving force or younger guiding light to bring out the true essence and talent of a hidden blues treasure. Zeke Hutchins, drummer in Tift Merritt’s alt-country band is the producer, drummer and arranger of this new release. Tift Merrit joins Levon Helm, B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt to name a few as board members of the Music Maker Foundation.

Other musicians influenced by Holeman joined the cast to produce this solid blues recording (Tim Duffy: acoustic guitar, Cool John Ferguson: rhythm electic guitar, Jay Brown: bass & Slewfoot: harmonica). John Dee Holeman was born in Orange County, North Carolina in 1929. As well as being a blues musician he is a storyteller and dancer. Besides this latest release you can also look for “Bull Durham Blues” also on the Music Maker label. Save an artist, support the blues and upgrade your blues collection by bringing home this “winner” today.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre

“Lowdown Feelin’” (Delta Groove Music) is the fourth release by The Mannish Boys and quite possibly the best new cd I’ve had the pleasure to listen to so far this year. “Lowdown Feelin” plays out like a compilation of different artists since The Mannish Boys’ sound comes from so many different vocalists. The Mannish Boys’ sound comes from a great mix of older and younger talents that meet in the middle for a blues sound that is real and true to its roots. Every track on “Lowdown Feelin” is a keeper. Chicago Blues veteran Bobby Jones is a welcomed new vocalist addition to the group and he doesn’t disappoint. Jones knocks down the vocals on seven of the albums seventeen tracks, including my favorite song “The Woodchuck.” Finis Tasby, a mainstay in the group performs his serious vocal stylings on just three tracks including the title track. Vocalist Johnny Dyer is also back and performs the lead vocals on two tracks. Frank “Paris Slim” Goldwasser provides the vocals on one track and brings a mean slide guitar to “Searchin’ Blues.” Other guitar work on “Lowdown Feelin” is handled by Kid Ramos, Kirk “Eli” Fletcher, Fred Scribner and Junior Watson. Randy Chortkoff, the co-producer and driving force behind The Mannish Boys, provides lead vocals and harmonica on “Rude Groove” a seven minute plus blues groove. Its all here, slow ones, fast ones and serious down and dirty blues jams. A guest on the cd is legendary singer/harp man Little Sammie Davis. In the early days Sammie played with guitarist Earl Hooker. More recently Davis has been performing with Levon Helm. Little Sammie still has it and he really shines on his two tracks. Other guests on this blues revue include: Lynwood Slim (harp), Al Blake (harp), Fred Kaplan (piano & B-3), Scott Steen (trumpet), David “Woody” Woodford (tenor & baritone sax), Cynthia Manley (background vocals) and Jessica Williams (background vocals). Rounding out the usual fine backing band that makes up The Mannish Boys’ sound is Richard “Big Foot” Innes (drums), Ronnie James Weber (upright & electric bass) and Tom Leavey (electric bass). For a more in depth look at The Mannish Boys I highly recommend Living Blues Magazine’s Issue #195, which contains a ten page cover story on the band. Run don’t walk to your local record store on this one. Greg “Doc” Lefebre