Doc’s Juke Joint

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

It is great to see that there are several blues societies in Upstate New York that not only bring in bands for occasional club shows but are also willing to take on the difficult task of planning and pulling off a full fledged blues festival. The Mohawk Valley Blues Society was founded in March of 2005. Since being founded they have put together two full one day blues festivals and also brought numerous high profile blues and zydeco acts to Upstate New York. Mohawk Valley Blues Festival I in 2007 featured: Sugar Blue, Jimmy Thackery, Roxanne Potvin & Carl Weathersby to name a few.

Year number two brought on another full slate of National Blues Acts. On August 2, 2009 the Mohawk Valley Blues Festival II was held at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, NY. Opening the festival under cloudy skies was roots blues rocker Jeremy Wallace and his trio from Montclair, New Jersey. I would describe Jeremy as Teddy Morgan with a raspy voice. Jeremy after a quick amp change went straight to work on mainly original songs taken from his three releases. Wallace did reach into the Chess Blues vault with a nice and interesting version of the Willie Dixon classic, Back Door Man. Self billed on his website as “Americana with a Bite,” I really liked the guitar sound that Jeremy had to offer. Sometimes keeping it simple with just guitar, bass and drums can really give an original songwriter the ability to more easily tell his stories. Look for the Jeremy Wallace Trio touring mainly throughout the Northeast.

Guitarist Clarence Spady was up next on the main stage. Clarence is out promoting his new cd “Just Between Us” (Severn Records). With a last minute fill in bass player Clarence stuck to the standards. He opened with the Willie Dixon penned “Built for Comfort.” His second song was described as a song his dad used to play, Otis Rush’s standard “Some Many Roads.”  Clarence showed off his own Otis like riffs and then proceeded into Hendrix’s “Hey Joe.” Unfortunately by this time the rain started to fall harder then it did during Monsignor’s round in the movie Caddyshack. The weather made it unsafe and the Clarence Spady set had to come to a premature end.

After a good 20-30 minute break the sun came back out and so did the music. Saginaw, Michigan vocalist, Sharrie Williams was next on the main stage. Sharrie’s latest offering is “I’m Here To Stay” (Electro-Fi Records). Fresh off her performance at the Pocono Blues Festival the week before, the Wiseguys (Sharrie’s band) were laying down some tight blues grooves and gospel stomps. Sharrie’s live version of “I’m Here To Stay” revived the soaked crowd and put life back into the Mohawk Valley faithful. The long line of fans looking for CDs after her set told the story of how the crowd felt about her appearance. Besides Sharrie’s latest release I would also recommend these two releases by Sharrie Williams & The Wise Guys. Both releases are on CrossCut Records out of Germany, look for the studio release “Hard Drivin’ Woman” (2004) and the live disc “Live At Bay-Car Blues Festival” (2007).

Vocalist and harp player Darrell Nulisch kept up the consistency of fantastic blues acts booked for this festival. Darrell takes a very traditional blues approach and treats old classics with new life and respect. Darrell’s lastest cd is “Going Back To Dallas” (Severn Records). Darrell was backed by a great supporting band featuring his writing partner and bass player Steve Gomes. Nulisch knocked out classics by James “Thunderbird” Davis, Magic Sam, Sonny Boy Williamson and James Carr.

Magic Slim & The Teardrops were appropriately placed as the headliner for this great day of music. The “Real Deal” & “Tough As Nails” are two expressions that are often spoken when referring to this Chicago Blues Legend. Up in years, Magic Slim now mounts a stool for his entire set. He still straps on the Gibson Les Paul and turns up the volume. The old sounds of Magic Slim were still there, reminiscing back to the Zoo Bar Session days of some of the finest live blues ever put on cd. At times Slim struggled with the guitar, but his voice remained as strong as ever. A group of middle aged ladies danced up front and flirted with Slim as he rocked through a great set of Chicago Blues. One of the most over covered song of all time is probably Wilson Picket’s “Mustang Sally.”  When Magic Slim plays the Picket classic he makes it his own and knocks it down with his own guitar extras that will leave you and Steve Cropper smiling. He’s still Magic Slim and he’s still the reining king of Chicago Blues. Magic Slim & The Teardrops‘ latest release on Blind Pig Records, “Midnight Blues,” just shipped this week. Look for a review soon on this cd.

Besides the acts on the main stage the festival also featured some fine regional acts between sets. Featured on the regional stage was: Lomeo Brothers, Blueprints, Tom Towsley and Tas Cru & the Slow Happy Boys. Workshops by various artists and blues historians covered the history of the blues and in depth looks at blues guitar and harmonica playing. The workshops also included a drum circle and session on the diddly bow. Many happy attendees walked away with complementary harmonica’s and homemade diddly bows.

My hats off to the Mohawk Valley Blues Society on a quality blues festival and to their continued success in the years to come.

The 17th Annual Pocono Blues Festival avoided the threatening thunderstorms and provided visitors with some of the best of the blues. Friday, July 25th began with a triple threat of serious blues acts that would normally warrant their own festival. Root Doctor, a veteran combo from Michigan kicked things off with a great Juke Joint dinner set. The fried chicken was going down and the blues was covering the mountains of the Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony, PA. Root Doctor rocked the tent stage with originals and familiar favorites. The Temptations Motown classic, “I Can’t Get Next To You” put an exclamation point on a set that opened the festival with fun and funk.

The middle act on Friday night was the daughter of the late blues legend, Tommy Tucker. Teeny Tucker has surely made her own name in the business over the last few years. Supporting her new CD, “Two Big M’s,” a tribute to Big Mama Thornton and Big Maybelle. Teeny opened her set with a great rendition of the Big Mama Thornton standard, “Hound Dog.” What followed was more of Teeny’s powerful voice. Tucker doesn’t work alone, she has a good supporting cast, great backup singers and a top notch band that worked through standards like “Whole Lotta Shakin’” and Dylan’s “You Got To Serve Somebody.” The only problem with Ms. Tucker’s set was that it was too short.

Closing out Friday’s festivities was the veteran power trio of Lil’ Dave Thompson. Lil’ Dave rocked the enthusiastic crowd until after midnight. Look for a new cd soon from Lil’ Dave on the Electro-Fi label.

In addition to the music, the setting for the Pocono Blues Festival is just relaxing. Small friendly lakes surround your drive in and all three stages are at the bottom of the various ski hills that Big Boulder possesses.

Blues guitarist Joey Gilmore opened the Saturday lineup. Joey opened with “I’m A Bluesman” which he certainly looks and sounds the part. Again a top notch band backed the star. The sax and keyboard player really stood out as drivers behind the Joey Gilmore sound. As a usual part of his set, Joey got the crowd moving with his rendition of the Johnny Taylor classic “Last Two Dollars.”

Michael Roach & Johnny Mars

From the main stage to a quick dash to the tent stage where the acoustic sounds of guitarist Michael Roach and harp player Johnny Mars were just starting to kick in. The Guest MC and voice of the blues tent, I believe for all 17 years of the festival, Dave “Muskie” Moskal got them on their way. Stagger Lee and some familiar favorites followed, they took us to Chicago, then to St. Louis (Honky Tonk Blues) and then they took us to church. It’s a shame but perfectly understandable that this combo spends most of their time entertaining the crowds in Europe instead of the U.S. It was great to hear them create the sounds of Washboard Sam and the many blues greats of the past. Sometimes stripped down and all acoustic is the best way to hear the blues.

The opposite of stripped down is probably the Kinsey Report. The Kinsey’s are the offspring of the late blues legend, Big Daddy Kinsey. Back in the 80′s the Kinsey’s recorded for Alligator records and toured with their father. I was surprised but very happy to see their name on the bill for this years festival. The Kinsey’s laid it down on the big stage including some “Jammin’” borrowed from the late Bob Marley. The Reggae covers came as no surprise since they had crossed paths with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley and their bandmates through the years. Though I was only able to catch a few of their tunes at the festival, I was fortunate enough to catch some of their late night lodge set echoing across the lake to where I was staying.

Next up came Chicago Blues guitarist Byther Smith. Byther was backed by the Jim Kohler Band, a Long Island group that backed Son Seals in his later days. Byther and his band tore it down from the moment they hit the stage. Byther ground down some Chicago sounds reminiscent of the Wolf’s “Killing Floor.” Smith’s raw guitar sound also reminded me of the lively rock riffs of Chuck Berry. Byther told me he wanted to retire five years ago, I’m surely glad he didn’t. You can check out his new live release on Delmark Records entitled “Blues on The Moon.” I found Byther’s performance at the Pocono Festival to be even more rockin’ than on his latest release. “Running to New Orleans” was probably one of my favorite tunes that he played. Unfortunately Hubert (Sumlin) wasn’t there this year, but thankfully for us another Chicago guitar legend was.

Kenny Neal has returned to the big stage after fighting a long illness. Kenny is supporting his new release on Blind Pig records, entitled “Let Life Flow.” Kenny was just how I remembered him almost 20 years ago. Highlights of his set included his version of Guitar Slim’s “The Things That I Used to Do” medley into Ivory Joe Hunter’s “Since I Met You Baby.” Kenny also took it down to Louisiana with his versions of “My Toot Toot”& “When The Saints Go Marching In.”

Choices have to be made at these festivals and they are never easy. Unfortunately I was unable to catch guitarist Michael Burks supporting his new effort on Alligator Records entitled “Iron Man.” I also missed out on Sharrie Williams and Terrance Simien. I heard all three of these acts were great from people that I spoke to over the weekend. I’m not surprised, they are all top notch performers.

Lurrie Bell

They call them headliners for a reason, and Saturday nights did not disappoint. Legendary writer and keyboardist who began his career in the 1940′s, Jimmy McCracklin warmed up the crowd for Sugar Pie DeSanto. Jimmy laid down favorites like “the Walk” & “Think” before he gave up the stage for Sugar Pie. At 70 plus, Sugar Pie DeSanto has it all going on. She worked her way through an incredible set of hard driving blues and a few ballads including an emotional show stopper- “Hello, San Francisco” dedicated to her late husband. Sugar then kicked it up a notch, it was time for her shoes to come off, some high kicks and even a back roll on the stage. Sugar Pie worked her old classic “Down In The Basement” with full force. Back in the day (1966) Sugar Pie recorded this song with Etta James for Chess Records. Sugar wrapped up her set by inviting an unsuspecting gentleman on stage to join her for some dancing which turned into the return of the Lindy Hop. The crowd roared and the band rocked on as Sugar Pie straddled the surprised volunteer like a mechanical bull. All that and still one more day to go.There is nothing more fitting than waking up Sunday morning and beginning your day with the gospel & blues sounds of Virginia’s Holmes Brothers. The Holmes Brothers sound as great as always. The Sunday set opened with a fitting and insprirational version of Amazing Grace which seemed to chase away the threatening thunder storms. Other favorites in the Holmes Brothers set included: Close the Door and Walk Away, Let It Roll, Gasoline Drawers, Whole Lotta Shakin’ medley with Jenny Jenny and Please Don’t Hurt Me. Jesus On the Mainline and a fitting May God Be With You rounded out the early afternoon set by the blues world’s finest harmonizing trio. The Holmes Brothers latest release is “State of Grace” (Alligator Records).Lurrie Bell rocked the other main stage with some of the most intense guitar playing I’ve seen. I was fortunate to see Lurrie twice in one month, since he made a rare Upstate NY appearance in Geneva NY on July 17th with Nick Moss. Lurrie worked the blues like a true Chicago veteran dishing out Chicken Shack, Five Long Years and I’m Ready. Lurrie Bell’s last release is entitled “Let’s Talk About Love.”

Meanwhile over at the tent stage Eric Bibb & two guest musicians were playing to a packed house. Eric has been traveling the globe in support of his new release on Telarc entitled “Get Onboard.” Following Eric was the legend and headliner of the entire festival Mr. Bobby Rush. Mr. Rush was scheduled for two performances at the festival, one under the blues tent solo and the other on the main stage closing out the fest at 6:30pm.

Boby Rush

Bobby Rush is really the ambassador of the blues. Everywhere he goes he always has time to meet, greet, sign autographs, take pictures and speak with who ever wants to see the legend up close. During a time where performers like to jump in a limo and dash away from a performance it is great to see a performer actually end his performance off the stage in the middle of the crowd. Away from the social side of Bobby Rush, the music is still rock solid. During the solo performance Bobby alternated between playing electric guitar and his blues harp.

Bobby Rush’s solo set included: Night Fishin’, Good Morning Little School Girl, Bony Maronie and other blues classics. Bobby sang about the garbage man and gave a shout out to Muddy, Elmore, Wolf & Little Walter. Bobby also paid tribue to the preachers in his life, including his Daddy with a great rendition of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. With Bobby Rush the stories in between songs are just as good as the music. Unfortunately I had to boogie on back to Rochester early, but I’m guessing the night set included the full Bobby Rush band complete with shake dancers. One of my favorite Bobby lines was: “I had the blues when my woman left me, but I also had the blues when she stayed too long.”

Before I left the festival there was time for one more act. Soul singer Trudy Lynn hit the stage and belted out some real hits to shake the mountain. The rockin’ sounds of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love To You” brought Trudy to the stage. After knocking down the Chess Classic Lynn performed: Everyday I Have The Blues, Steal Away, Just A Little Bit, Hound Dog and 634-5789 (Soulsvile, U.S.A.). It was my first time seeing Trudy Lynn, I’ll definitely have her circled for a must see when she comes around next time.

So as you can see my first trip to the Pocono Blues Festival was a good one, now I need to make sure I don’t wait another 17 years.  For more info. on this years Pocono Blues Festival also check the Big Road Blues website.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre

If Mojo Nixon had a brother and he had a new blues release, it might be Big Joe Shelton. The similarities to Mojo stop at the singing voice. Big Joe is no novelty act, he is a straight forward southern juke joint rocker. Vocalist/Harp player Big Joe Shelton’s new release “Black Prairie Blues” (Alt 45 Records) is a journey down to the northeast part of Mississippi known by the same name. Big Joe was raised surrounded by the blues. Early influences include a fortunate relationship with blues legend Big Joe Williams. In the mid seventies Shelton moved to Chicago and experienced the electric blues scene first hand. While in Chicago Big Joe was able to see the likes of Muddy Water, Howlin’ Wolf and Buddy Guy.

Big Joe really rocks the harp or as he likes to call it – his “Mississippi Saxophone.” Guitarist Willie King makes a guest appearance on the title track (“Black Prairie Blues”) which is a great tribute to Bukka White and the many other blues musicians of this region. Other favorites include “Ribs and Cat Whisky,” “Chitlin’ Lovin’ Man,” “One’s Too Many” and “Cat Fish Alley.” If you like your blues to rock-a-little or just have fun, take a trip down to Mississippi with Big Joe Shelton. Greg “Doc” Lefebre

I have to admit, I didn’t know who Gary Allegretto was when his cd landed on my doorstep. What I do know is that I will now never forget his name. “Many Shades of Blue” (Big Fiore Records) is the title of the new disc by vocalist/harp player Gary Allegretto. 14 solid tracks of pure electric and acoustic blues, is how I would describe Gary’s new cd. Allegretto wrote 12 of the 14 tracks and chose to cover two of the greatest songwriters ever (Chuck Berry “Back To Memphis” & Hank Williams “Mind Your Own Business”). Gary was inspired by the Piedmont Bluesman John Jackson at a very young age. One of the many guests on this new release is John Cephas (a contemporary and close friend of John Jackson). Other guests on “Many Shades of Blue” include Ivan Neville, Doug Macleod, Rich Delgrosso and vocalist Janiva Magness.

Gary is one of the great sideman on todays blues scene. He is also the founder and director of Harmonikids which is a 501(c)3 non profit charitable organization that provides music therapy with harmonicas and lessons to special needs children internationally. Allegretto has provided aid to special needs children from the Tsunami refugee camps of North Sumatra, Indonesia to the Katrina evacuee trailer villages of Louisiana and many points in between. Harmonikids has recieved widespread acclaim in the media including The Today Show, Blues Revue, and Living Blues Magazines. For more information about his unique charitable work visit www.harmonikids.org and see You Tube video.

Sometimes the sideman needs to step into the spotlight to really shine. This one shines all the way through. I hope Mr. Allegretto finds Rochester, NY on his GPS soon.

On a side note, you can catch the legendary harp player John Cephas with his partner Phil Wiggins (Cephas And Wiggins) at the Chenango Blues Festival, August 15 & 16th in Norwich, NY.     Greg “Doc” Lefebre

The folks at Blues Witch Records have brought us a new blues artist. At 79 years old, its hard to be called “new,” but Tomcat Courtney is really new to most blues fans. Originally from Texas, Tomcat moved around and then settled on playing the blues in San Diego in the early 70′s. Playing as much as four nights a week for 35 years will help hone the skill of any blues musician. Tomcat also married into the blues. He married the niece of prolific bluesman Smokey Hogg in 1951. Courtney played with both Smokey and his cousin, guitarist John Hogg. Tomcat credits John Hogg with showing him how to play like T-Bone.

Tomcat Courtney’s new release is entitled “Downsville Blues” (Blue Witch Records). From its opening track, “Cook My Breakfast” to its closer “Railroad Avenue” I was immediately hooked into the serious blues sounds of vocalist/guitarist Tomcat Courtney. This is real Texas blues that make me think of Lightnin’ Hopkins with smoother voice. The album gets its title from the town where Tomcat originally grew up (Downsville, Texas). Courtney recently paid a visit to Downsville and didn’t exactly like what had become of his former playground. Many great originals are contained in “Downville Blues” including the title track and “Disaster Blues,” a song inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tomcat penned an impressive 9 of 14 tracks on “Downsville Blues.” The Tampa Red classic “Cryin’ Won’t Help You” helps round out one of my most favorite discs of the year. Tomcat breathes new life into the well covered “Bottle Up and Go” and lays down a nice version of the Mance Lipscomb classic, “Meet Me In The Bottom.”

Producer Bob Corritore who also takes on the harmonica duties on the disc, assembled a great cast of players to give Tomcat’s first national release the right sound. Former Muddy Waters’ skin beater and fantastic solo artist Willie “Big Eyes” Smith played drums on three tracks, Brian Fahey picked up the sticks on the rest. Long time Tomcat sidemen Chris James joined Courtney on guitar, while Patrick Rynn lays down some solid bass work.

Its amazing what 79 years of living will inspire.      Greg “Doc” Lefebre

We all know the old expression, “the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Fortunately for us this acorn finally came around and sprouted at the age of 69 years old. Born in 1939, and named Earnest Johnson, he’s the son of the late great blues legend Elmore James (1918-1963). Back in the 1960′s, Willie Dixon urged this budding performer to change his name from ‘Earnest Jr. – Mr. Soul’ to the more eye catching and rightful stage name of Elmore James, Jr. Obviously there will never be another performer as great and as important as the original Elmore James. Elmore James, Jr.’s “Daddy Gave Me The Blues” on JSP Records is a great blues record. Forget about the name of the performer, this album, recorded in August of 2007, is a down and dirty grind of Chicago club blues. Tracks like “Tore Down” and “Oh Baby” will keep you moving and looking for more. The ‘broomdusting’ style of Jr.’s daddy is well preserved and so is the hard rocking sound of his daddy. “Daddy Gave Me the Blues” is a good reminder that Elmore James was really the glue between the blues of the Delta and the Chicago electric blues sounds that became Rock N’ Roll.

Besides sons of legends, grand babies are now getting into the act and the results are also positive. The blues must live on and pianist/producer Alex Dixon has something to say about it. Alex Dixon is the grandson of the late Chess Blues writer, arranger and bassist Willie Dixon. Guitarist, vocalist and former Chess sideman Cash McCall was brought in by Alex to revive and compliment the old Chess Blues sound. The album is billed as The Blues Experience with Cash McCall, entitled “The Vintage Room” (Dixon Landing Music). The end result is a great collection of Muddy grinders and dance floor blues rockers. The 67 year old McCall sounds great as they open the album with “Helluva Time” a Wang-Dang- Doodle inspired tribute to the artists of the past. Willie is definitely smiling as he looks down and listens to this one from Blues Heaven. The rest of the supporting cast on this very impressive album include: Steve Bell (Carey Bell’s son – yet another acorn has fallen) on harmonica, Brady Wills on bass, Alex Dixon on piano, Vinnie Threats on drums, Dylan Cooper on upright bass, Bill “Young Blood” Learned and Katy J. on rhythm guitar. The Willie Dixon penned Chess classics reinvented on this release are: “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” “I’m Ready” and “Bring It On Home.” Alex Dixon makes his mark by not only producing this release but penning six very impressive blues numbers. I’m not only glad to see that there is another Dixon to carry on the tradition, but another blues man named Cash McCall to call one of my new favorites.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre

Alligator Records have been busy with two great new releases from the ladies of the blues. Marcia Ball has returned with her first studio release in four years entitled, “Peace Love & BBQ.” Marcia rattles the keys and lays down some great Gulf Coast blues that will keep you entertained, but also make you think. Highlights include: Watermelon Time, Married Life & My Heart and Soul. Dr. John, Wayne Toups & Terrance Simien all stop by to make Marcia’s latest a great return. Marcia, please don’t stay away so long next time.

With 30 years of performing and seven solo recordings under her belt, vocalist Janiva Magness is back with her first Alligator records release entitled “What Love Will Do.” I caught Janiva last year at the Chenango Blues Festival and she torn the place apart. Janiva really brings it on her new disc, which contains covers of tracks from Al Green, Ike Turner and Annie Lennox. Janiva Magness has been the winner of the 2007 & 2006 Blues Music Award for Contemporary Female Artist Of the Year. I think 2008′s award is also on the way to Ms. Magness. Run don’t walk is my recommendation on your trip to the local record store to find this one.

Are you ready for the return of Satan And Adam? I wish I was going to tell you that they have a new studio release out, but I’m not. The good news is they have a new release of a NYC street performance entitled, “Word on the Street: Harlem Recordings, 1989.” Sterling Magee and Adam Gussow, otherwise known at Satan And Adam have been out of the blues scene as a team for almost a decade. Magee (guitar, vocalist) and Gussow(harmonica) first met in Harlem in 1987. “Word On the Street” is the first live album and first new release for Satan And Adam in twelve years. The release is for download only and contains over two hours of music and interviews. The sound quality is not great, but the realness of a Maxwell Street feel and raw power of two fine blues musicians out weighs the crowd noises and muddy mix. Adam describes the new CD as, “A real look into the true sound that the duo had acquired before even stepping into a recording studio.” The release is available through ModernBluesHarmonica.com. Look for a few select reunion dates as Satan and Adam are going to be on the road promoting this release this summer. Look for a documentary out on these two soon, click here for a sample.

As I’ve mentioned on the air, my mail man has been busy. The new releases have been pouring in. When I see a new disc full of the same old Blues standards I am tempted to slip the disc to the bottom of my listening stack. I’m glad that I kept and open mind and tossed M.T. Leon’s self titled debut album into my discman. Back Door Man, Farther On Up the Road, I Smell Trouble, I’m A King Bee, I’ll Play The Blues For You, Love Her With a Feelin’, they are all here, but in a fresh style that is all Mr. Leon’s own. I really enjoyed this disc. An interesting cover on this CD was M.T.’s take on the Johnny Cash classic, “Folsom Prison Blues.” What’s wrong with the same old blues covers, nothing, when M. T. Leon is on top of them. M.T. Leon “M.T. Leon” on Armed & Dangerous Records features a great supporting cast, my favorite is Robert “Night-Hawk” Tooms on the B3 with some help from former Muddy Water’s bassist Mac Arnold. This is a great debut disc and I look forward to what the future holds for Mr. M.T. Leon.

Greg “Doc” Lefebre