Tag Archives: Mary Flower

So with this, our second annual tribute to the releases that we have received at Blues411, and other stuff as deemed appropriate, we salute those artists, friends and fans who have made our second year better than I ever expected. Thank you all.

Last year we sat back and poured a Jameson’s, this year we are kicking back with a pitcher of our newest favorite Martini, “The Gingerbread Housewrecker” a tempestuous concoction consisting of Irish Cream, Coffee Liquor, plain Svedka Vodka, Gingerbread syrup, served chilled in a martini glass with a graham cracker crust rim ! Ahhh prosit !

Category winners are BOLD

Nuthin’ like live music to get the party started . . .
Best Live Release:
Sean Costello – At His Best – LIVE !
Tommy Castro, et al – Presents Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue Live !
Sean Chambers – Live from the Long Island Blues Warehouse
Louisiana Red & Little Victor – Memphis Mojo

There is something organic and basic to non-electrified music. . .
Acoustic Blues (Guitar):
Mary Flower – Misery Loves Company
Doug MacLeod – Brand New Eyes
Fiona Boyes – Blues For Hard Times
K.K. Martin – Naked Blues Vol. II

If we are going down the alley, let’s go with the best of the best. . .
Soul, R&B Blues:
Diunna Greenleaf – Trying To Hold On
Bobby Rush – Show You A Good Time
Soul of John Black – Good Thang
Jackie Johnson – Memphis Jewel
Grady Champion – Dreamin’
Sista Monica Parker – Living In The Danger Zone

While we are here in the alley look who came back . . .
Welcome Back Release:
Satan & Adam – Back In The Game
Johnny Winter – Roots
George Thorogood & The Destroyers – 2120 South Michigan Avenue
Savoy Brown – Voodoo Moon
Bobby Radcliff – Freaking Me Out

Still in that alley there were some great newbies to the scene. . .
Best New Debut Release:
Grace Askew & The Black Market Goods – self titled
Samantha Fish – Runaway
Peter Novelli – self titled
Paxton Norris – Something’s Gotta Give
Keith Patterson – Stone Cold & Blue
Davina & The Vagabonds – Black Cloud

Ladies singin’ the Blues is always so good. . .
Female Vocalist:
E.G. Kight – Lip Service
Gina Sicilia – Can’t Control Myself 
Cassie Taylor – Blue
Davina Sowers – Black Cloud
Maria Muldaur – Steady Love
Alexis P. Suter – Two Sides
Once again a very tough choice, rock, scissor paper double elimination decided the winner.

I need to freshen up my martini, be right back . . . .ahhh. . . . .

Slamming metal, screaming electric Blues ain’t just for men so here we go . . .
Guitar Hero (Electric):
JP Soars
Matt Schofield
Eric Sardinas
Samantha Fish
Ana Popovic
Laura Chavez
(it’s a tie or one from each – however ya like it to be)

If there’s a guitar, there’s usually a bass. . .
Badass Bass:
Scot Sutherland
Cassie Taylor
Johnny Ace
Biscuit Miller
Patrick Rynn

Those 88′s have been radiating like mad this year. . .
Piano Player:
Lee Pons
Ron Tanski
Victor Wainwright
David Maxwell 
Scottie ‘Bones’ Miller

Harmonica Player:
Johnny Sansone
Billy Branch
Charlie Musselwhite
Rod Piazza 
Gary Allegretto

Outstanding Combo (either recorded or live). . .
JP Soars & Jimmy Thackery
Rich DelGrosso & Jonn Richardson 
Watermelon Slim & Super Chikan
Chris O’Leary & Vincent Hayes
Laurie Morvan & Big Head Todd Mohr

 I need to get back to basics here. . .
Traditional Release:
Ben Prestage – One Crow Murder
April Mae & The June Bugs – self titled
Super Chikan & Watermelon Slim -  Okiesippi
Toby Walker – Shake Shake Mama
Brad Vickers & The Vestopolitans – Travelling Fool
Spencer Bohren – Black Water Music

Let’s not forget how the Blues is really an International art form, so . . .
International Release of the Year:
Ana Popovic – Unconditional
Sunday Wilde – What Man ? Oh That Man! ! !
Ian Siegal & The Youngest Sons – The Skinny
Carolyn Fe – Original Sin
Shelley Hardinge- Reclaim Your Land
Todd Sharpeville – Porchlight

Just cos the music has been so good this year let’s name a…
Song of The Year:
The Lord Is Waiting and The Devil Is Too – Johnny Sansone
Savior – Alexis P. Suter Band
The Ballard of Ray & Ruby – Ben Prestage
Facebook Mama – Greg Nagy
John Lee Hooker For President – Ry Cooder
Back To The Blues – Hadden Sayers w/Ruthie Foster

what a great selection of songs here, you folks have outdone yourselves- just stunning musical artistry….

So with that said, I’ve decided to name an album of the year. . .
Album of the Year:
The Lord Is Waiting And The Devil Is Too – Johnny Sansone
Lit Up – Victor Wainwright
Sister Vagabond – Candye Kane featuring Laura Chavez
Show You A Good Time – Bobby Rush
Hard Dollar – Hadden Sayers
Alexis P. Suter Band – Two Sides
loved every one of these releases, each of you artists are winners here, thank you so much for your music.

Where is it all going, the future is now and these artists have made the move to digital press releases, downloads and  more…
22^st Century Distribution Channel Award:
Lee Pons
Lubriphonic
Nick Moss/Blue Bella Records
The Revelations featuring Tre’ Williams

Outstanding Fan of Blues411…
Cee Cee James
Sidney Earl Long
Dale Rates
Friends of the Blues
Randy Oxford
Pete Enright
Wendy Schumer

So another year shot to hell, what a great year it was.  Festivals, cruises, shows, travel and the common thread that runs thru it all – the music !

I cannot thank the artists enough for the time they shared with us, their music and their love of what they do.

Here’s to another sterling year for 2012 and let’s take a moment and remember those who have passed…….

Until next time, Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2011
photos: Courtesy of artists

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