Tag Archives: Dion

December 10, 2012

The Blues411 Annual ‘Jimi Awards’ 2012 Edition

This is the third edition of the Blues411 Annual Awards, somehow they seem to have taken on the name of ‘The Jimi’s“ which is fine with me. Yet whatever we call them, they serve as a vehicle to pay tribute to all the fine musicians and friends that have come into contact with Blues411 this past year. Remember only releases which have been received at our headquarters are eligible for an award, so if ya wanna get one of these babies then get your stuff to us for review.

This third year has seen many changes, new look for site, a 200+ fold of readers, fancy-schmanzy email campaign, regular appearances on Music On The Couch, festival and media partnerships, Tier1 Supporters and so on. It has been unbelieveable to me the growth and success of this venture, thank you all.

The Special Drink of 2012:
Two years we sat back and poured a straight Jameson, last year we were kicking back with a pitcher of The Gingerbread Housewrecker - this year we are imbibing with a classic cocktail ‘The Manhattan‘. This is mostly due to the fact that it was my departed brother Emil’s long standing favorite. We now raise a glass to him whenever we get together. . So here’s to you ‘old man’ rest well. For info (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_(cocktail).

….and away we go (winners in Bold)!

Best Live Recording:
Colin Linden “Still Live”
Suzie Vinnick: “Live at Bluesville”
Sauce Boss: “LIVE at the Green Parrot”
Harper & The Midwest Kind: “LIVE at the Blues Museum”
Sybil Gage: “NOLA Calling”
there was something inside this recording that captured the soul of Harper and the band.

Acoustic Blues Album:
Steve Strongman: “Natural Fact”
Brandon Isaak: ”Ghost Town”
Rory Block: “I Belong To The Band: A Tribute to the Reverend Gary Davis ”
Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King: “Close To The Bone”
Eric Bibb: “Deeper In The Well”
an absolute stunning release featuring the voice of B’nois King and guitar work of Smokin’ Joe Kubek (who shares my birthday).

Best Soul, R&B Release:
Lady Bianca: “Servin’ Notice”
Dorothy Moore: “Blues Heart”
Johnny Rawls: “Soul Survivor”
John Lee Hooker, Jr.: “All Hooked Up”
Barbara Carr: “Keep The Fire Burning”
Mr. Hooker pulls no punches with this one and beats out some very, very excellent releases.

Best Roots Album:
Paul Thorn: “What The Hell Is Goin’ On?”
Little Joe McLerran: “Facebook Blues”
Peter Novelli: “Louisiana Blues & Roots”
Corey Lueck & Smoke Wagon Blues Band: “It Ain’t Easy”
Tas Cru: “Tired of Bluesmen Cryin’”
Davis Coen: “Hard Luck Cafe”
Davis is a modern day songwriter who covers all his bases with a wide brush and a vocal pallete that is unmistakable.

Best New Debut Release:
Sena Ehrhardt: “Leave The Lights On”
Ron Tanski: “Dragged You Down”
Royal Southern Brotherhood: “Royal Southern Brotherhood”
Tyler Mac: “Already Home”
Little G Weevil: “The Teaser”
Memphis Cradle: “Love, Lies, Burning”
Cassie Taylor: “Blue”
Solid and formidible start to what may be the next ‘super-group’ of the Blues. Lots of good first releases this year.

Female Vocalist:
Ruthie Foster: “Let It Burn”
Dorothy Moore: “Blues Heart”
Janiva Magness: “Stronger For It”
Cee Cee James: “Blood Red Blues”
Lawrence Lebo: “The Best of Don’t Call Her Larry”
All these ladies are deserving of the award, but Ms. Moore brought something just the other side of ‘spot on’ perfection in all her vocal treatments.

Male Vocalist:
Ian Siegal
Mike Finnigan (Phantom Blues Band)
Bnois King
Dion
Freddie Cunningham (Root Doctor)
Dion’s voice has not faltered at all since his younger days, in fact it has mellowed and grown along with his understanding of how to deliver a song.

Guitar Hero (Electric):
Debbie Davies
Jimmy Thackery
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Anders Osborne
Rick Holmstrom
Anthony Gomes
Ms. Davies and Mr. Thackery stand apart from these other worthy folks, I can see no arguement here. Each of these folks brings a new light to the guitar-hero phase of rockin’ blues.

Badass Bass:
Todd Edmunds: Otis Taylor Band
Larry Fulcher: Phantom Blues Band
Joseph Veloz: Mississippi Heat
Lisa Mann: Lisa Mann Band
Mark Bumgarner: Jimmy Thackery Band
This cat can flat out play any style, pace or pattern, a true badass bassist.

Radiating Them 88′s Piano Player:
David Maxwell: “Blues In Other Colors”
Scottie Miller: “Rise Up”
Lee Pons: “Togged To The Bricks”
Joe Fingers: “Tales of Love and Coffee”
Ron Tanski: “Dragged You Down”
Some new, some familiar here, but Mr. Miller showed me much with his versatility and prowess and takes this one home.

Harmonica Player:
Dennis Gruenling
Pierre LaCocque
Sugar Blue
Marco Pandolfi
(Peter) Harper
Mr. Blue still is the most original harp player anywhere on this earth.

Drum Thumper Award:
Eric Selby: Billy Thompson Band
Drum Counselor (Go-Go Ray): Samantha Fish Band
Justin Headley: Sauce Boss/Fatty Waters Band
Larry Thompson: Otis Taylor Band
D’Mar: Paula Harris Band, Chris Gill
His work with Samantha Fish adds such power and feel to her music that he is the rock-solid foundation that all else is built upon.

Instrumentalist Other:
(Peter) Harper: Didgeridoo
Anne Harris: Violin
Phil Parlapiano: Accordian
Harry Manx: Mohan Veena
Chris DiFrancesco: Saxaphone
Ms. Harris has revitalized the violin in blues music restoring it to a place of prominence.

Coolest Release Title:
JR Clark: “Icicles On My Ceiling”
Mighty Sam McClain: “Too Much Jesus (And Not Enough Whiskey)”
Kerry Kearney: “Ghosts of Psychedelta”
Paula Harris: “Turning On The Naughty”
RJ Knapp & Honey Robin: “Don’t Blame The Dynamite…If You Can’t Light The Fuse”
Some great titles here, but gotta go with Mr. McClain’s.

Best Traditional Release:
Liz Mandeville: “Clarksdale”
Guy Davis: “The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed With The Blues”
Mississippi Heat: “Delta Time”
Tim ‘Too Slim’ Langford: “Broken Halo”
Brad Vickers & The Vestapolitans: “Dallas Blues”
A recreation of an old timey songs- done with the perfect feel and sense of timing that deserves the award.

International Release of the Year:
Hans Theessink & Terry Evans: “Delta Time”
Philipp Fankhauser: “Try My Love”
The 24th Street Wailers: “Unshakable”
Ian Siegal: “Candy Store Kid”
Marco Pandolfi: “Close The Bottle When You’re Done”
This was an amazing year for International releases, if I could, I would put them all up for an awards. No shame in not winning but Mr. Frankhauser gets this award for his stunning release.

Song of The Year:
“Turn Off Your TV”: Walter Trout
“Running From The Devil”: Zac Harmon
“Hard Pressed (Wha Da Fuzz?)”: Ian Siegal
“Hard Times”: John Lee Hooker, Jr.
“I Won’t Cry”: Janiva Magness
“Coming Down With The Blues”: Dorothy Moore
“Mind of A Junkie”: Anders Osborne
This sing-song track whose simple structure and catchy beat hides a deep rooted problem, wins in a very tough category.

Album of the Year:
Otis Taylor: “Contraband”
Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps: “Come On Home”
Lady Bianca: “Servin’ Notice”
Anders Osborne: “Black Eye Galaxy”
Zac Harmon: “Music Is Medicine”
John Lee Hooker, Jr. “All Hooked Up”
Overall Mr. Taylor (and band)’s work on this release sets him atop the pinnacle of his career.

22^st Century Distribution Channel Award:
Bea B & The Axxemann: “Born With The Blues”
Franc Robert: “Why Do I Never Win”
Beth McKee: “Next To Nowhere”
- spice packet included in press kit wins it!
Lawrence Lebo: “Don’t Call Her Larry”
Gaye Adegblola: “Blues In All Colors”
Some great new ideas out there, but Ms. McKee wins it with the spice packet and instructions for a god time.

Blues Book of the Year:
When I Left Home: Buddy Guy w/David ritz
Blues Highway Blues: Eyre Price
The Language of The Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu: Debra Devi
The Beautiful Music All Around Us – Field recordings and the Amercian Experience: Stephen Wade
Mr. Price has given us a thriller full of blues, rock and roll and music history complete with rapscallions, thugs, and bad people too!

Outstanding Fan/Supporter of Blues411:
Martin Goettsch
Billy Thompson
Vinny Marini
Pete Enright
Marcia Goodwin Adams
Host of ‘Music On The Couch’ Mr. Marini is live every Monday with Musicians You Should Know, and has found time to feature Blues411 every first Monday of the month.

There were so many great releases and songs this year I am thrilled to have had them in my life. Thanks to Mark Pucci, Frank Roszak, Betsie Brown, Doug Deutsch and all the artists who took the time to feed me the goods so that I may share with all of you.Thank you to my readers and supporters (as well as artists) who make this worth the effort. So until next time, this edition of “The Jimi’s” is signing off, see ya in cyber-space.

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2012
Where Blues Thrives

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Filed under Blues, Blues411, Bluescruise, Contest, Entertainment, Music, Opinion, Performance Review, Rock & Roll

Tagged as American Roots Music, Anders Osborne, Anne Harris, Anthony Gomes, Bea B & The Axxmann, Beth McKee, Betsie Brown, Bill Wax, BJ Knapp, BJ Knapp & Honey Robin, Blind Raccoon, Blues, Blues Music Awards, Blues411, Bnois King, Brad Vickers & Vestapolitans, Brandon Isaak, Cassie Taylor, Cee Cee James, Chefjimi, Chicago, Chris DiFrancesco, Colin Linden, Corey Lueck, David Maxwell, Davis Coen, Debbie Davies, Dennis Gruenling, Dion, Dion Dimucci, Dorothy Moore, Drum Counselor, Entertainment, Eric Bibb, Eric Bolivar, Eric Selby, Franc Robert, Freddie Cunningham, Gaye Adegbalola, Guy Davis, Hans Theessink, Harper, Harry Manx, Honey Robin, Ian Siegal, IBC's, Janiva Magness, Jimmy Thackery, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Joe Fingas, John Lee Hooker jr., Johnny Rawls, Joseph Veloz, JR Clark, JR Clark Band, Justin Headley, Kenny Kearney, Lady Bianca, Larry Fulcher, Larry Thompson, Lawrence Lebo, Lee Pons, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Leslie K. Joseph, Lisa Mann, Little G Weevil, Little Joe McLerran, Liz Mandeville, Marco Pandolfi, Mark Bumgarner, Mark Pucci Media, Memphis, Memphis Cradle, Mighty Sam McClain, Mike Finnigan, Mississippi Heat, Otis Taylor, Paul Thorn, Paula Harris, Peter Novelli, Phil Partipiano, Philipp Fankhauser, Pierre Lacocque, Rick Holmstrom, Rochester, Rock & Roll, Roger Nabor, Ron Tanski, Rory Block, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Ruthie Foster, Sauce Boss, Scottie Miller, Sena Erhardt, Smokin Joe Kubek, Steve Strongman, Sugar Blue, Suzie Vinnick, Sybil Gage, Tas Cru, Teresa James, The 24th Street Wailers, The Blues Foundation, Todd Edmunds, Tony Colter, Too Slim Langford, Tyler Mac, VizzTone Records, Walter Trout, XM 70 Bluesville, Zac Harmon

February 16, 2012

Doctors of Documentation – LRBC Videos

There is an unbelievable array of talent aboard the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise – one just needs to just look at the line ups to know that. But there are also special moments that occur nowhere else, the jams – both scheduled and unscheduled plus collaborations between artists who have just net on the cruise and decide to have at it.

There are an amazing collection of these videos available on YouTube, but I think it is cool that we can share them thru this page and maybe introduce some of you to what happens on the ship, and show why there is a hard-core band of ‘repeat offenders’ who book passage on these one of a kind experiences. There are more folks out there besides the ones featured here but I know these two cats and they do a good job of documenting the events. And yeh, they are both doctors in real life – go figure.

From Dr. Chris:

Dion DiMucci & Debbie Davies jamming to“Runaround Sue” – Dion & Debbie joined forces for a one time collaboration featuring his songs from his current release ‘Tank Full Of Blues’ plus some of his greatest hits.
http://youtu.be/n8B7h1j7mzY?hd=1

and to see how amazing his new work is “Holly Brown” off his new release http://youtu.be/athOy3-jcy4?hd=1

Lowrider Band doing their original tune “Lowrider” Yes, this is the band that made these songs, what’s in a name, great groove.
http://youtu.be/G_5pMcJ0W20?hd=1

Shemekia Copeland, Kenny Neal(v/h), Chris Cain(g), Bill Sims Jr. (g), Byron Cage (d), Patrick Wilson (b) and many more in a late night jam this is the stuff you won’t see anywhere else.
http://youtu.be/Qp6l0XgUNWU?hd=1

Kenny Wayne Shepard doing classic “King Bee” – hard rockin’ electric blues.
http://youtu.be/VU30qkFvsIA?hd=1

from Dr. Howard:

Theodis Ealey w/LRBC Revue “Stand Up In It”
http://youtu.be/wYikI30V-wI

Nick Moss & Rick Estrin doing a collaboration that was unscheduled but given a time slot – this is great !
http://youtu.be/Y3S2ouhat8E

Philipp Fankhauser there are also bands that wwe may not know but man they turn out to be some of the best we never heard of, here is an example of such -”Members Only’
http://youtu.be/jzceRNRQ4Rw

I wish to thank everyone connected to this in any way, shape or form and as we all know deep in our hearts ‘we are framily’ !
for my personal recollection of LRBC #18 visit this page http://blues411.com/?p=3270

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2012
videos courtesy: Dr. Chris

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Cruisin’ The High Seas: LRBC Review

Hello again everyone, man what a week or so. Starting out at a fabulous pre-cruise party put on by the South Florida Blues Society featuring super bands and great party vibes just setting us up for the seven days at sea. WHOA !

I am not gonna get complex or deep here, since I need to be in Memphis tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. I am forced by time to be somewhat compact in my offerings. So here goes some highlights for me……

In no particular order . . .

Betteye LaVette’s set in the big auditorium (Showroom at Sea) freakin’ stunning. One could hear a pin drop as she interpreted many different songs in her own fascinating way. The arrangements were fantastic (by Al Hill) and guitar work by Brett Lucas was timely, effective and stunning. No there was no dancing. One had to listen and confront this special artist on a level many are not used to. Her version of The Who’s ‘Reign O’er Me’ was killer.

Chris Cain – every show, every song, every note was wrenched from his soul. He is so joyful, his guitar playing so good. There is a touch of B.B. King in his voice, others said it was Albert – his fingers recalled Freddy King - so the vote is in- - the Three Kings of the Blues were present in his form this cruise. His band is excellent, featuring long time bassist Steve Evans and Greg Rahn on keys, not to forget Mick Mestek on drums just filled it out.

Drums were the big one on this cruise. Featuring such legendary pocket rockets as Chris Layton (KWS), Tony Braunagel (playing with Phantom Blues Band & Coco Montoya band), Harold Brown (Lowrider band), Dave Kida (Rod Piazza), Rick Carter (Latimore). Paired with talented young guns such as Adam Gust (Cafe R&B), Patrick Seals (Nick Moss), Taya Perry (Homemade Jamz Blues Band) Byron Cage (Tommy Castro) and Ronnie Smith (Joe Louis Walker) plus every other mutha drummer on the boat – it was truly an educational good time. They topped it off with a drum showcase wherein they explained drumming from a historic point of view and then added different beats and time signatures to show us what goes on back there. Thank you all very much.

Dion DiMucci offered songs from his latest release ‘Tank Full of Blues’ and shared the stage with Debbie Davies which was a highlight for many of us. Dion is most gracious with his time and his songs still ring of truth and reflect a lifelong journey with the blues do check his blues releases out.

Joe Louis Walker was on the ship with a slightly new configuration – using Keith Crossan and Tom Poole on horns and his daughter Lena and Sari Posner on vocals had an energy level unmatched as they debuted his new release on Alligator Records ‘Hellfire’.

KWS was his ‘en fuego’ self, with Noah boasting large on the vocals, but Buddy Flett was theone people came away talking about.

Not just electric out on the water, there was some grounding of the current with Bill Sims, Jr & Mark LaVoie who gave us acoustic blues at it’s best, a man with his guitar and a man and his harp – simply said it was beautiful. Plus Bill’s version of ‘Catfish Blues’ will go down in history as one of the dirtiest ones ever – with Shemekia Copeland in the audience laughing at the punch line - – Jook Joint Alert !

Last years IBC winners, Georg Schroeter & Marc Breitfelder brought the Blues from Germany to us in intimate settings that showcased their immense talents and a unique fashion sense.

International blues were well represented as Switzerland’s Philipp Fankhauser joined the cruise as a relative unknown and left with rave reviews and sold out CD sales. Surprise hit of the ship.

One man, his guitar and his voice – Matt Andersen ’nuff said.

Mississippi was holding down the US side of the plate with Super Chikan and the Fighting Cocks making it all good for everyone as they worked their way thru good old down home stories and tasty music. Supe was also the commemorative artist for this cruise and had special hand made guitars for all to see.

Tupelo, MS gave us The Homemade Jamz Blues Band featuring Ryan, Kyle and Taya all under twenty years of age playing and entertaining the crowds both indoors and out. These young artists have been at it for quite awhile and they are improving and adding more and more to their repertoire every time we see them. Plus they did an event for Blues In The Schools on St. Croix that was like a Beatles concert complete with screaming girls and dancing in the aisles. Great job !

Chicagos’ Nick Moss and the Flip Tops were just plain out great. Featuring Nick on guitar and Michael Ledbetter on vocals and guitars they were tighter than a mosquitoes tweeter and just as funky. Michael is an exceptional vocalist and Nick does a great job featuring him – thank you Nick. As an added treat they brought along legendary Jimmy Johnson who was full of spirit and great tunes that he shared with us all.

The power of soul was represented by Latimore who was in fine voice and gets the lyric of the week which will go unprinted here but damn it was a funny reference to feminine hygiene and cheating and how one helps reveal the other ! HAH Cafe R&B, featuring Roach on vocals and gymnastics were hi-energy straight ahead rockin’/funky blues, stunning visually and sweet sounding they are a band to see. Let’s not overlook The Lowrider Band – as great as ever these ‘old guys’ keep the spirit and love alive with every song and engage the audiance like no other.

Two other ladies who held sway were Shemekia Copeland and her fine band who’s set in the Queens Lounge was intimate and powerful. Sans mic, Ms. Copeland belted out some of the old time religion to the enthralled crowd ending in a standing ovation. PHEW.

The other lady was more visceral, Ms. Shaukura S’Aida and her band teased, challenged, invoked and satisfied the crowd with powerful singing and scorching guitar work from Donna Grantis – their music was like a full contact drill in footbal – pads and all – just hitting hard and take no prisoners approach that was stunning to be part of.

The Phantom Blues Band were showcased with their new release ‘Inside Out’ and then backed the legendary Taj Mahal as they have often done. Slick, concise and straight up blues was their trademark wherever they played. On the beach Kenny Neal and the family just made it the perfect spot to be in if only we could hold onto that moment just a little longer. A versatile performer. Kenny played guitar, harp, and lap steel while grinding out his vocals over a rhythm section that juiced up island time just a tad.

Coco Montoya on the last night of the cruise just put it all out there for us to see and hear. While not the flashiest guitar player he wastes no notes and makes every one of them ring true down to the soul. This may have been his best show that I have seen of recent years.

The West Coast Swing of Rod Piazza and band had them dancing in the pool – with water in it !

The final act of the Tommy Castro band as we know it had the last notes on the ship. An outdoors venue with the moon watching and the winds carrying the sounds of new musical directions to the distant shores it was a bittersweet affair. With Keith, Tom, Tony and Scot headed elsewhere they all for that one moment reminded us of what they had and were capable of doing, and we will see or hear no more….

and that ends my story…….

for over 750 photos of the cruise got to:
http://blues411.com/gallery/index.php?album=lrbc2012-small-camera

see ya in Memphis.

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Filed under Blues, Blues411, Entertainment, Festivals, Music, Performance Review, Rock & Roll

Tagged as American Roots Music, Bettye LaVette, Blues, Blues Music Awards, Blues411, Cafe R&B, CD Reviews, Chefjimi, Chicago, Debbie Davies, Dion, Dion Dimucci, Entertainment, Harold Brown, Homemade Jamz Blues Band, IBC's, Joe Louis Walker, Kate Moss, Keith Crossan, Kenny Neal, Latimore, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Leslie K. Joseph, Lowrider Band, Memphis, Nick Moss, Philipp Fankhauser, Rock & Roll, Roger Nabor, Ryan Perry, Scot Sutherland, Tom Poole, Tommy Castro