Doc’s Juke Joint

JAZZ 90.1 FM WGMC (SUNDAY NIGHTS)
Mail Address: 613 Westchester Ave. Rochester NY 14609

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Honorable Mentions:

Warren Haynes/Benefit Concert Vol 8/Evilteen

Toby Walker/Just Rolled In/Toby Walker

Sarah Borges/Diamonds In The Dark/Sugarhill Records

Doug MacLeod/The Utrecht Sessions/Black & Tan Records

Scrapomatic/Sidewalk Ceasars/Landslide Records

JW Jones/Bluelisted/Northern Blues

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

I would like to thank you all for attending “Hot Blues For The Homeless (II) – A Tribute to Son House.” Like last year, the event was a huge success and we raised lots of support for the Francis Center. I would also like to thank all of our spectacular performers: Gordon Munding, Curtis Waterman, Washboard Dave, Ryan Griffith, Fred Vine, Brian Williams, Steve Grills and The Roadmasters, Steve Freund, Joe Beard and The Blues Union, John Mooney & our guest speaker – Dick Waterman (former Son House manager).

Thank you Armand and all the other sponsors and participants. We are already starting to work on “Hot Blues For The Homeless III.” See you then.

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