Favorite CD's
(Blues & Boogie-Woogie-Woogie Harmonica ) "do what 'cha do" "Li'l Ronnie and The Grand Dukes"
"Trust Me Baby Records" 800-306-1302 email TMBRECORDS@aol.com
I have already done 2 cd reviews for "Li'l Ronnie and The Grand Dukes" and they were for "Young and Evil" and "Too fast For Conditions". They are 2 of the best recordings that I ever have had the pleasure of reviewing.This new cd,"do what 'cha do",is in the same groove as the past two but a notch up.Li'l Ronnie is still growing as a musician and band leader that is not satisfied living on past accomplishments."Li'l Ronnie" blows harmonica like a man possessed with the soul of Little Walter and Muddy Waters all rolled up into one human being.Go "here to listen to Lil' Ronnie" and hear for yourself why I am so impressed with this cat and his band.These tracks are from his past two cds but they will have cuts from the new one up soon.Listed below are the songs on this new cd.
Long Distance Lover
Wine headed Woman
Just Like A Woman
Take A Chance
Life Changes
Love Trance
Walk The Talk
Just A Fool
She Wild
Sugar babe
Still Sweatin'
All of the songs are originals by Li'l Ronnie and bandmate Michael Dutton and this new cd is produced by the world famous Anson Funderburgh so you know that this is a topnotch effort."Anson Funderburgh and The Rockets with Sam Meyers" on harmonica have been making some of the best blues music to be had on this planet for many years now and I have an interview with Sam on my website.So what I am saying is that with Anson Funderburgh taking care of the details,"Li'l Ronnie and The Grand Dukes"can concentrate on what they do best,make some some of the best blues and boogie music to be had in this galaxy.
"Li'l Ronnie "is one of the best harmonica players on the music scene today on both the diatonic and chro harps,he has such a swinging style that can only come from pure abandonment and full release of his musical abilities,something that not all musicians can do as well as "Li'l Ronnie ".You will be wowed with slow burning blues as thick as dark molassess and full abandonment swing-jump tunes that will make your heart swell with joy and make you want to get up and dance.
"Li'l Ronnie "has shared the stage with some of the biggest names around such as John Lee Hooker,James Cotton,Taj Mahal,Carey Bell,Anson Funderburgh,Sam meyers,Big Bill Morganfield and many more.Playing guitar for "Li'l Ronnie " is Michale"Peewee"Dutton and he has been with him for six years now.On bass is "Texas" Tommy Hannigan that has been playing with some of the best bands in the Austin and Dallas area.Steve Utt plays keyboard for "Li'l Ronnie "and has also been with him for six years too.Holding down the beat on drums is George Sheppard,former "Modern Drummer Magazine" award winner.George has drummed for jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie and the rock group "The Talking Heads".
Also appearing with "Li'l Ronnie " and his band are the following musicians.
Terry Hummer on tenor sax
Nate Hawks on baritone sax
Rattlesnake Jim on shakers
I give this cd my highest rating of a (7) Harp Salute and "Li'l Ronnie " gets two more awrds that no one has ever recieved in the same review.My highly coveted "Nasty Harp Award" for that sleazy/nasty sounding amplified harp playing that makes the ladies wet.And then there is my "Sweet Harp Award" for making it sound so easy and laid back for when just a little is enuff when it is done right.This review also gets in my "Favorite CD Section ".Hey,enuff of me,go "here to listen to Lil' Ronnie" and I am sure that you will be as blown away as I am!
(Blues/Blues Rock Geetar Supreme!) Eddie Turner "Rise" Northern Blues Music
Click here to listen to soud bites from "Rise" by Eddie Turner.Click on (cds) at top of page and choose "Rise".
Let me tell ya something my little bluz chillins,this was the first time that I had the honor of listening to Eddie Turner and I am as blown away as the first time I heard Jimmy Hendrix or Cream back in the 60s when I was a teenager.Most of the songs on this cd are originals by Eddie but the covers are done so tastefully and better in some ways,even the Hendrix stuff("The Wind Cries Mary" and "Gangster of Love") is so off the chart that I have no words to do it justice!.
O.K., now,who the hell is Eddie Turner ?Mr. Eddie "deviboy" Turner strummed the guitar for the first time when he was 12 years old.Eddie was born in Cuba and raised in Chicago and attended the University of Colorado as a ruse he says to keep his parents sending the checks.Into music more than the academic scene,Eddie dove head first into the local music circles and some stints with notable acts ensued.Next came playing with the regions first punk/r&b band The Immortal Flames,then with Grammy nominees Tracy Nelson,Mother Earth,and the 4-nikators which became known for their unique mix of soul,Motown, and rock.His time in the big lights came when Colorado compadre Tommy Bolin left his band Zephyr to form The James Gang and Deep Purple.Eddie jumped at the chance to join the hard rock,psychedelic blues band as a guitarist,singer and songwriter.Unfortunately tragedy struck with the sudden death of Zephyr lead singer,Candy Givens.Eddie was so shaken that he took a hiatus from music,decided to "Grow Up" and become a realtor in Denver.
Ten years later Eddie jumped at the chance to join the Ron Miles Electric Band led by one of the country's best trumpeteers.In 1995 he rounded out the Otis Taylor Band adding what Guitar Player magazine describes as "otherworldly atmospherics which lend a decidedly cosmic ambience to Taylor's sound".Eddie recorded 5 cds and toured the US and Europe extensively.
"Rise" is Eddie's first sole cd effort and it is one of the best blues/rock cds that I HAVE EVER LISTENED TO!Eddie in my mind's ear is one of the most provacative-pioneering guitar players on the scene today.I instantly give Eddie a (7) Harp Salute for his new cd "Rise" and my newly appointed "I Met The Devil At The Crossroads Award" for he plays like someone with supernatural powers not of this earth.
Eddie can play both acoustic and electric guitar as good as anyone I have had the pleasure of hearing,it is like Jimmy Hendrix/Stevie Ray Vaughn/Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton all rolled up into one man.PLEASE go here and listen to some sound bytes from "Rise" and let his guitar do the talking instead of me!This is possibly my most highly recommended blues/rock guitar cd that I have ever put my approval on,get down Eddie Turner cause you can baby!!!!!!!
(Blues/Latin Jazz Harmonica) Carlos del Junco "Blues Mongrel" "Click here for Carlos del Junco's website"
Click here to listen to soud bites from "Blues Mongrel".Click on (cds) at top of page and choose "Blues Mongrel".
Please check out " Northern Blues Music" who put out Carlos's latest cd,"Blues Mongrel" as well as having other great artist worth checking out.
Carlos del Junco is one MONSTER of a harmonica player that you must give a listen to ! Carlos as well as the whole band are playing music that is absolutely groundbreaking with different ways of interacting with each other that is other worldly sounding and frankly I love it.Now as most of my readers know I am a harp player too and only play by ear,so it may be a little hard to explain but Carlos and the whole band have a way of coming in to play their particular parts in a song that is different than anyone I have ever heard and the first tune (Blues With A Feeling ) on his new cd is the perfect example .Carlos has that big fat tone like Kim Wilson and maybe even better and he uses overblows that he learned directly from Howard Levy,the person that pioneered this inovative technique on the diatonic harmonica.
Carlos del Junco was born in Havana,Cuba and relocated with his family to Canada when he was one year old. He started bending notes on the harp at 14 years of age and graduated from the Ontario College of Art and then went on to start his visual arts career as a sculpter.As already mentioned,Carlos can play the ten hole diatonic chromactically by using the "Overblow" method which gives him the ability to add more complex textures to his playing.Using this technique Carlos plays blues/Latin rythms/rockabilly/ and a jazz-ska mixture that will intoxicate your mind and body on this new release. Even if you are a straight ahead blues lover you will not miss a beat on any of the tunes on this cd,carlos has a way of making any style of music that he plays impossible not to lose yourself in and appreciate.It is people like Carlos del Junco that enable the listener to take their musical taste to yet even a higher level.So in a way I would liken Carlos to a "Musical Guru",you will walk away from listening to this cd an elightened traveler in the musical web of life.
I give Carlos del Junco a hard thrown (7) Harp Salute for this new effort,"Blues Mongrel" on the " Northern Blues Music" label .Carlos is plowing new ground in the harmonica music world,this cat is one of the very best on the planet earth and possibly in our galaxy.
This reviw is approved by the "Intergalatic Blues Harp Council of The Universe" (President/Barry Faust with Deb Faust as Secretary ).
(Blues/Boogie Harmonica) The Mama's Boys "The Black Album" " The Mama's Boys"
Around 12 years ago in the oldest blues club in Los Angeles,"Babe's and Ricky's", Johnny Mastro (who plays harmonica and vocals) ended up playing in a blues band called the " The Mama's Boys" . Ms. Laura-Mae "Mama" Gross who is the proprietor of the club since it's beginnings back in 1957, is the bands namesake and inspiration for the band.Johnny Mastro has built a following that comes back week after week and his chops are awesome and the whole band is super tight.The band was soon playing their gut bucket/on the edge blues all over Souther California clubs.
" The Mama's Boys" have been playing 250 plus gigs each year for over ten years now. And you can only imagine how that much playing on a regular basis causes you to become a better musician. These fellas sound like Muddy Waters/Little Walter if by some chance they were reincarnated in todays world and made the blues current for today's taste.I have done reviews of all the cds that " The Mama's Boys" have released and they ONLY get better.As you all know,I am a fanantic about the blues harmonica but every member of this band is at the top of their game.Go to this link to listen to the Mama's Boys sound clip
" The Mama's Boys sound samples" .
These fallas play with an abandonment that gives me chill bumps everytime I listen to them." The Mama's Boys" are in my "Top Ten Most Listened To Blues Bands" list and and I have couple of thousand cds. Johnny Mastro always has new chops-runs and licks-chugging patterns for every new release.He is still growing as a musicain and has the most raw and intense style of any harmonica player that I have ever heard.This band is the real deal and is blazing new territory in the blues/boogie music world.I give " The Mama's Boys" a rock sold (7) Harp Salute as well as giving Johnny Mastro my coveted "Nasty Harp Award" for making that harp growl and spit pure hog fat.
Please go to " The Mama's Boys sound samples" website and give this band a listen,you will be hooked like me!
(Blues Guitar and Harmonica) Reverend Raven Featuring Madison Slim "Live At The Blues On Grand" Reverend Raven Website
This cd is by far the best one that I have listened to so far this year and August 2004 is going by fast.Reverend Raven has another cd out before this one done with another harp player named Cadillac Pete and he is one of the best out there.It was a very well produced cd that got my highest rating but there is something about this new cd,"Live At The Blues On Grand" ,that is a couple of notches better.This new one was recorded live and Madison Slim (on harmonica ) just brings out something primeval about the Reverend Raven and His Chain Smoking Alter Boys.
Madison Slim is now my FAVORITE harmonica player walking the planet earth and the nearest two solar systems.Really,Madison Slim has got the best chops and TONE of any living or dead harp player anywhere!!!!!!I have not been able to find a website for him but below is some info that I was able to find out about him.
Madison Slim is a world renowned harmonica player and singer who has been shaking the shack since the early days at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE with the Heart Murmurs. He went on to perform with and record four albums with the Muddy Water's Legendary Blues Band, featuring Willie Big Eyes Smith, Smokey Smothers, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and Billy Flynn. He got the call from Jimmy Rogers and spent over eight years touring around the world with Jimmy. He opened the show and warmed up the crowd for Jimmy and has performed with all the greats in the blues world. He's appeared on the Conan O'Brien Show and the David Letterman Show. He can be currently heard on Honeyboy Edwards two recent CDs.
Please go to Reverend Raven's Website
and click onto "Listen to Tracks" and check out both of his cds but especially the new one,"Live At Blues On Grand",and check out these cuts. The Reverend and Madison Slim are absolutely getting down and dirty digging in the dirt.In my opinion Madison Slim can blow the socks off of Kim Wilson,enuff said damn it!It has been many a moon since I have heard of a harp player that just really grabed me by the throat and demanded my attention and admiration.
This is as a good of a combination as Muddy Waters and Little Walter,the Reverend and Madison Slim bring out the best in each other and I apologize to the Reverend for writing so much about the Madison Slim because it is the Reverend that makes Madison what he is on here.For comparison I will use the Beatles,together they were the best here,seperately good but not the same.I feel that this could be the case with the Reverend and Madison Slim,we NEED to here more of these two together along with the Chain Smoking Alter Boys.
I give this cd , Reverend Raven Featuring Madison Slim "Live At The Blues On Grand" Reverend Raven Website,my highest rating of (7) harps and is my favorite cd so far this year.I give The Reverend Raven my "Muddy Waters Torch Carrier Award" and to Madison Slim my coveted "Nasty harp Award " for being so NASTY SOUNDING,oh yeah!!
One reason this is the best cd so far this year is because every tune is a keeper and worth listening to over and over and over............!The Reverend Raven is playing the best guitar of his life and the same can be said for Madison Slim,they are at the pinnacle of their craft but are ready to jump into the abyss and take us to another dimension altogether.I do hope they make more music for us,please go to Reverend Raven's Website and order these two cds and you will become one with the Bluz Side as recommended by the Intergalactic BluzHarp Council of The Universe.
(Harmonica Jam-A-Long cd) The Ultimate Blues Jam "Harmonica Edition" by Pete Schmidt
For those of you that are in the need of some serious blues and boogie-woogie music to jam along to,well,here is your salvation.Pete Schmidt is from Canada and is a world class musician that not only puts out blues music of his own,he makes play along cds that are a life saver.As a matter of fact,his 2 previous cds,"The
Ultimate Blues Jam" Authentic Blues Practice Tracks for
guitar/harmonica/vocals/etc. (Volume 1 and 2 are now available for purchase at
Pete Schmidthttp://www.peteschmidt.com/) were at the top of my list for best cds of 2003 and the reviews can be seen at Favorite CDs of 2003
I use his first 2 cds in a solo act were I play the cds thru my small PA system and use a small 5 watt "Tophat" tube amp to play amplified harp thru.This works well at coffee houses and small venues were sound level and space is a issue.Were as the first two cds were for using a number of different instruments to play along to this cd,"The Ultmate Blues Jam"Harmonica Edition",was designed around using the harmonica !Listed below are the tunes and song keys.
Rockin' Boogie in E
Quick 2 Feel in A
Slow Minor in D
Marching Shuffle in F
One Chord Groove in G
West Coast Swing in D
Slow Blues in E
Funky in G
Medium Shuffle in E
Quick Swing in C
And here I thought his first 2 cds were a gift from God for playing the harmonica along to,this new cd,"The Ultimate Blues Jam-Harmonica Edition",is just as good as Pete Schmidt's previous efforts.What I like about this cd is that it is so valuable as a learning tool in many ways.By being able to jam-a-long in private,the harp player can stretch out and take chances without being in front of people and experiment.Also,by being able to play for several minute in a row,the player is forced to come up with new leads,fills and rhythms to keep from repeating yourself over and over.
Not everyone has access to a live band to play with and by having Pete Schmidt's harmonica jam-a-long cd to practice with,it is hard to place a value on how important these cds are to not only the beginng to intermediate student,but also to the performing pros as well.I give this new cd,"The Ultimate Blues Jam=Harmonica Edition",a well deserved (7) Harp Salute,and it gets in my Favorite CDs of 2004 also.To order a copy of Pete Schmidt's new cd or one of the 2 originals,go to "Order Info" and get these cds for yourself.Highlt recommended!
(Bluz/Boogie Woogie Harmonica Supreme!) "Sonny Boy" Terry "Breakfast Dance" www.docbluesrecords.com
"SonnyBoy"Terry for those of you that have not heard of him, happens to be one of the Top 20 harmonica players alive today.I never had the pleasure of hearing "Sonny Boy" until I got some email from a fella down in Texas that insisted I needed to do a review on him.Well,to make a long story short,I got 2 cds in the mail and the rest is history.I did a review on his latest release,"Live At Miss Ann's Playpen",in my June 2004 CD Reviews section. "SonnyBoy"Terry is an absolute wildman playing that amplified harp of his.He gets my coveted "Nasty Harp Award" for that big/fat/greasy toned harmonica that gives ya chill bumps all over your body and makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck with every note that he bends."Sonny Boy" impressed me so much that he ended up in my "BluzHarp's Favorite Cds of 2004"section when I reviewed his last cd and the same is going to happen for this one as well.
Listed below is a list of the tunes on "Breakfast Dance"
1. I Live Where The Action Is
2. I'll Be Your Fool
3. Pressure Cookin'
4. Jangle Jangle (Down Mexico Way)
5. Business Man
6. Moody Blues
7. Take Your Time
8. Hey Zydeco
9. Railroad Tracks
10. Laundromat Blues
11. Holman & Dowling
12. Screwdriver
Bonus Track:
Pack Fair And Square
Please go to the following website to hear samples of music from "Sonny Boy" Terry's music
"Sonny Boy" Terry is one of the hottest players on the scene today with a sound that is something of a cross between William Clarke,Rod Piazza and James Harman.I give this 2003 release a soild (7) Harp Salute as well as my "Nasty Harp Award" for being on the forefront of modern amplified harmonica playing.This is a must have cd.Please go to the following page to read "Sonny Boy" Terry's Bio
(Blues Harmonica Cd) Paul Harrington "Harmonica Soul Serenade" Seduction Records
All I can say about Mr. Paul Harrington on my first listening of his new cd,"Harmonica Soul Serenade",is my God what an awesome harmonica player with class and a completely NEW style that is mind-blowing!A lot of my reviews come from my website readers that email me and let me know of a harp player in their hometown or that they know of and that I should do a review on.And that is exactly how this review came about.
Paul Harrington is an endorsee for Hohner Harmonicas and looks to be in his maybe late forties which means that he has been paying his dues and in my mind's eye is what really brings music playing to full fruitation.It appears that Paul is quite a collector of vintage mics and you can hear it in his playing.I would like to also say what a fantastic vocalist Paul is,his voice sounds like a well tuned set of harmonica reeds,I have noticed this in a few harp players in the last 20 years or so,and it makes for very interesting listening.
One reason in particular that I am heavily endorsing this cd is because Paul Harringtonis one of the very best harp players that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing blow a harp.His tone is what players would sell their soul to the devil for and never blink an eye.Paul's playing in diatonic-chromatic and bass harmonica mode are unequaled by anyone I know.Please stay tuned for an update to this review,I plan on finding out Paul's gear setup and history and will put it on my Pro Players Page.As a matter of fact,Paul's bass harp playing swings more than some diatonic player's playing,this cat has got a serious mojo bag in his pocket somewhere.
Listed below are the songs on this cd and how to order.
Paul Harrington "Harmonica Soul Serenade"
Send: $14.95 plus $2.00 Shipping and Handling to:
Seduction Records
P.O. Box 177228
Irving Tx, 75017-7228
Phone: 972-254-8161
Fax: 972-259-1716
1. Soul Serenade
2. Chicken Shack
3. Why Work
4. Two Harmonica's...
5. Big Noise From Winnetka
6. JT's Blues
7. Canadian Sunset
8. Mercy Mercy Mercy
9. In II Blue
10. Swamp Thang
11. Hard Times
12. Hush Hush/Bright Lights Big City
13. Take Out Some Insurance
14. Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone
Please go to this site to hear samples from each song and to order.Click to hear songs and order
Paul has command of his harmonica from one end to the other and uses his expertise to give an even flow to each and every song,be it a slow blues burner,boogie-woogie or a jazz flavored tempo tune.Seriously,Paul Harrington is now possibly my favortie harmonica player since William Clarke passed away,and for those of you that know me and how I loved Bill's playing,you will know that this is a high honor.All I ask is that you go to following site and listen to Paul's sound clipsClick to hear songs and orderand hear for yourself who our next blues harmonica icon is going to be!!!!
I give Paul Harrington's new cd,"Harmonica Soul Serenade",my highest rating of (7) Harps as well as my coveted "Nasty Harp Award" for giving me chill bumps and making the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up when he blows that harp,not to mention making the lady's panty's go into meltdown.So far this year I rate this cd by Paul Harrington as the very best so far,this fella is a monster player that needs our attention to help spur him on to even greater heights.Go to his website Paul Harrington and order his new cd and either email or phone him and let Paul know how much you like his playing.
(Blues Harmonica & Guitar Too!) Healy and Reed"Mojo Madness" www.mojomadness.com Phone # (650) 341-3282
You can order cds directly from James Reed himself at this address=
James Reed
1310 S. Claremont Street,San Mateo,California,94402
$15.00 per cd and $1.25 for Shipping.
You have James "Loose" Reed on harmonica and vocals with Joe Healy on guitars and vocals as well.James looks to be about my age(52) and Joe is really young looking but is perhaps one of the top ten best blues guitar players that I have ever heard.Hell no,Joe is not Stevie Ray Vaughn(that is one reason I like him-he is himself!) and he plays tastefull but hard-driving at the same time.He plays well beyond his years in technique and mostly in the feeling that he projects.
And then you have James "Loose" Reed on harmonica and I will say that he can blow the doors off a tractor and trailer rig with that bigger than Texas tone that is dripping out of his harp.James is one of the most happening players I have ever heard and I am apologetic in saying that I have never heard of him but that is going to change.I am going to his website and try to find EVERTRHING that he has done and GET it.
The music that these two cats put dwon is so refreshing in this blues world of copy cats,they are completely original in their style and approach.On this cd you have some acoustic material that delivers the goods better than most amplified blues bands,and man,when they plug in you had better get ready for a ride that will rival the Space Shuttle(two fisted hanging on).helping out these fellas are the musicians listed below.
Paul Revelli on drums
Tim Wagar on electric bass
Dave Mathews on B-3 organ
Steve Lucky on piano
Vance Ehlers on acoustic bass
Dave Wellhausen on harmonica on cut #7
Tom Poole on trumpet
Michael Peloquin on sax
Keith Crossan on sax
The tunes are listed below.
Something To Remember You By
Sump'n Sump'n
If This Is Love
It Ain't Right
Time For A Change
Loe Down Dirty Shame
Wee Baby Blues
If You Don't Want Me Baby
Frosty
Just A Feelin'
Ridin' In The Moonlight
Please Don't Go
I Wish You Could See Me Now
Woke Up This Morning
Love My baby
I Don't Play
Mona
I give this cd my highest rating of (7) Harps and James "Loose" Reed gets my coveted "Nasty Harp Award" for making the ladies underwear melt and making the hair all over my body stand straight up.And Joe Healy gets my newly appointed" Muddy Waters Would Be Proud" award for carrying on the blues guitar tradition for REAL!This is one of the Top Ten Cds that I have gotten in the last two years,buy it now at www.mojomadness.com Phone # (650) 341-3282 or
James Reed
1310 S. Claremont Street,San Mateo,California,94402
$15.00 per cd and $1.25 for Shipping.
This cd also gets into my "BluzHarp's Favorite Cds of 2004" section as well,these cats kick ass!
(Blues/Swing Harmonica!) Walter T. Higgs "Just A Few Miles To Go" www.docbluesrecords.com
I know,I know,whenever I say this is one of the best cds that I have ever had the honor of listening to you may say that I have gone off the harpend again.But seriously folks,this Cat,Walter T. Higgs,may be just the man to step in and take the place of William Clarke whom I dearly miss since he passed on.And I think that this is the first time that I have made this statement,I like Walter's voice as much as I do his harmonica playing.
Walter's harp playing is full of that Swing/Jump/Jazz kinda feel to it,his music-harp playing and singing just gets inside you and takes a hold,this fella has got some serious MOJO going down.I beg of you to go to this website Listen to Walter here! and check out the tune "I Have A Dream" and "Too Many Women Knockin'" and I am sure you will be convinced just how hard these guys can swing and jump.And for some dangerous blues my little Bluz Chillins you have got to buy this cd and listen to the tune "Is That A Teardrop?",it will carry you away!
Listed below are the musicians in the band.
Walter Higgs on vocals and harmonica
George Rains on drums
Larry Fulcher on bass
Derek O'Brien on guitar
Riley Osburn on piano
Johnny Moeller on guitar
Mark Kazanov on saxophone
Les Izmore on baritone saxophone
James Fenner on congas
Bradly Williams on rub board
Listed below are the songs.
1. Just a Few Miles To Go
2. I Have A Dream
3. Too Many Women Knockin
4. Shake Shuffle Shimmy
5. Don't Be Afraid
6. Is That A Teardrop?
7. Just How Bad I Feel
8. See Ya Real Soon
9. Chipped Off
10. Blues and the Gospel
11. Kiss Your Shoes
12. Keep It Going On
If you want to know a bit more about Walter T. Higgs go here History of Walter Higgs and get some background info.But what I am concerned about is that you know how important it is to get this cd and see and hear for yourself what Walter and his band have got going down,it's not just Walter,every member of the band is at the top of their form and are smoking!Go on back and give them another listen and then buy this thang.Listen To Higgs
Yes this one goes in my "BluzHarp's Favorite Cds of 2004" section as well.This is my most highly recommended cd so far this year because the cd is so consistant in that every song is worth listening to,ya don't get tired of hearing it repeated times.There is a good flow to this effort in that there are various tempos and types of music but they are in a order that is seamless,pure blues/swing boogie heaven.
Walter T. Higgs gets a solid (7) Harp Salute from ol' Big Daddy BluzHarp and I now appoint the title of "Sir Swing" to Walter for taking his chosen art form to the highest degree there is!
(Blues Harmonica) Sonny Boy Terry with Little Ray Ybarra "Live At Miss Ann's Playpen" (Houston,TX) www.docbluesrecords.com
I have been getting email for months from harp lovers saying that I need to checkout a cat named Sonny Boy Terry based outa Houston,Texas.When I first put this cd on I was completely spellbound by the complete mastery that Sonny Boy has on the diatonic and chromatic harps.This cat rocks like a cross between R.J. Mischo/Rod Piazza and William Clarke,I mean this fella can rock like a mountain landslide.His amplified tone is absolutley to die for,just the right amount of overdrive to give ya those chill bumps and make the hair on the back of ya neck and arms stand straight up(that is how I feel music that is really good).
On the side Sonny Boy teaches harmonica to everyone from housewives to retirees to highschoolers.He picked up the harmonica more than 23 years ago while growing up in Ohio after his father gave him one as a gift.Back then most of his friends were in garage bands playing guitars, bass and drums but he was concentrating on the harmonica and picking up gigs.Sonny had thought about moving to Chicago and hitting the blues scene but with the recession he decided to move down to Texas and get in with the blues scene there.Sonny Boy was a sideman until 1995 when he put together his own band with guitarist Bill Anderson.He has since recorded 2 albums,2000's Breakfast Dance and a live recording at Houston‚s fabled Third Ward juke joint, Miss Ann‚s Playpen.
Listed below are the tunes on "Live At Miss Ann's Playpen".
1. Let's All Go To Miss Ann's Playpen
2. Have A Good Time
3. Too Late
4. PhD Of The Blues
5. Holman & Dowling
6. Tight Dress
7. Rats And Roaches
8. I'll Be Your Fool
9. Take Your Time
Bonus Track:
Stop Breakin' Down
Please go here Listen to Sonny Boy to check out some sound clips from this cd for yourself!
The musicians are as follows=
Benny Brasket on bass
Samantha Banks on drums
Little Ray Ybarra on guitar
Sonny Boy Terry on harmonica and vocals
Special guest=Jeffery P. Ross guitar on tracks 5 and 6
Band intro by Bobby Lewis
This is one of the tightest bands that I have heard in a very long time,Little Ray Ybarra can absolutely set his guitar on fire with such soulfull playing that it is uncanny.The whole band is PERFECT,I am in awe at what they are doing,I would go into more detail but as I pointed out above, Listen to Sonny Boy,go to the website and listen for yourself at what Sonny Boy Terry and his band are putting down.
I am giving Sonny and his band my highest rating of a (7) Harp Salute and Sonny Boy Terry Gets my "Nasty Harp Award" as well for making that harmonica sound like it is alive and breathing pure fire.I am also putting this release in my "BluzHarp's Favorite Cds of 2004" section as well.This is my most highly recommended cd so far this year!
(Blues Harmonica) Tim Gonzalez & Friends "Straight From The Heart" Tim Gonzalez
Cds can be purchased by going to Tim Gonzalez's website or at CD Baby
Every now and then I get a cd and from the first few seconds you know that you have a cd that is miles above the average run of the mill music.And Tim Gonzalez ,is a harmonica player that will make the hair on your arms and the back of your neck stand straight up every time he hits a note.Tim is a play from the gut muscian that has so much soul you would think that the ghost of a hundred old Mississippi Delta Bluzmen were dwelling in his body.I am talking some serious mojo people.He plays both some acoustic and amplified harp here on this new cd,"Straight From The Heart",the acoustic is spellbounding but the amplified harp playing is like pure bombastic exploding supernovas,no bullsh#*!This cat has chops that would make Kim Wilson,William Clarke(if Bill was still with us),and Little Walker envious.I do not claim to be the know all of the harmonica world by any means because I still devote a lot of time to my family/work/and my own music making,but damn,I must be in a shell lately to not know of this cat.
Tim Gonzalez has been playing the harmonica since he was 14 years old .He grew up in Brownsville,Texas and some of his influences where George"Harmonica"Smith,Little Walter,Charlie Musselwhite,Paul Butterfield and Lee Oskar.His pro career started at the age of 18 playing around Texas with other Texas roots players.Tim moved to Nasville in 1992 where he performed and recorded with Ronnie Milsap,Doug Stone,Toby Keith, and Pam Tillis.And the same opportunity came with the following blues artist,Burton Gaar,Mark Selby,Larry MacRea,Chubby Carrier,and Anthony Gomes.Below is the list of songs on Tim's new cd,"Straight From The Heart".
Murdered By Love(My favorite)
Groove Thang
Voodoo Moon
Straight From The Heart
Summertime
Greyhound Driver
Walkin' Blues
Can't Hold Out
For Mona's Sake
Mississippi Blues
Tim Gonzalez's new cd,"Straight From The Heart",gets my highest rating of (7) Harps plus my coveted and seldom given,"Nasty Harp Award",that's right my little bluz chillin',this is dangerous pure 100% get down in the dirt and dig blues harmonica that is not for the faint of heart.Juke Joint stuff that would be played if a witch doctor was trying to bring John Lee Hooker back to life,get the idea!So seldom do I have the chance to review such great blues and boogie harmonica music,this cd is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED personally by me,"Big Daddy BluzHarp".
(Blues-Rock Guitar) Bobby Messano "Holdin' Ground" Fishhead Records
Please also visit Bobby Messano's personal website at Bobby Messano
What a joy it was when I first put this cd in my player,I could tell from the first few seconds that Bobby Messano was the real deal.He is a very seasoned and polished musician but not in the vein that many of the cookie-cutter players come from today.Just stop reading this for a second and listen to the song,"Dominion Roads", at this website Click here to listen to Bobby Messano and listen for yourself at what a topself player he is.On this tune he is a cross between Robin Trower,Jimmy Hendrix with a touch of Stevie Ray.His extented solos are mind-blowing in that he does not repeat himself and KEEPS on reaching into new territory!To read about Bobby's bio and past history please go here Bobby Messano's bio and be enlightened.
Here are the songs on Bobby Messano's "Holdin' Ground".
Holdin' Ground
Hard World
Get Up And Dance
Dominion Roads
In The Depths Of Love
Guess Life Always Works That Way
I Will Try
Sea Of Hope
One Way Lover
The Way Things Use To Be
In true form with a top-notch release,Bobby does not barn burn all the way thru,there are very well placed tempo songs that flow and makes listening very smooth.For instance,right after the song,"Dominion Roads", that blisters the paint off the wall and jams more than the Gratefull dead ever thought of,you have a slow blues gut wrencher,"The Depths Of Love",that will have you thinking about all the good ones that got away or hurt you.Seriously,Bobby Messano,is one one of the very BEST blues/rock, player/singers that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing and I will be actively looking for his other releases to review.
I give Bobby Messano a (7) Harp Salute for this release and he also gets into my "BluzHarp's Favorite Cds of 2004" section as well!Messano is one of the very best blues/rock guitarist that I have ever heard!