Tag Archives: Rip Cat Records

April 26, 2013

CD Reviews: Ladies Play The Blues III

It’s always good to step aside from the clamor of the masculine mystique in the blues and visit with the ladies. So here is my latest visit to the ‘soft side’ (ha-ha) of the Blues featuring three wonderfully talented artists who surely will make you sit up and take notice of their ample talents.

Lisa Biales: Singing In My Soul

Lisa Biales: Singing In My Soul (Big Song Music)

One of the most quoted idioms in the Blues world is “if you are going to cover a song, make it your own’. Easily said, not so easy to do.

With this release Ms. Lisa Biales (Be-Alice) gives a lesson on how to do it and do it right. One of my all time favorite songs is the Mississippi John Hurt ditty ‘Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me’. With this version Ms. Biales captures a different aide of the tune and make it flighty and more fun than should be allowed. With a voice that rings clear and spot on she adds a not-so-subtle touch of joy that uplifts us in the moment of and carries us right thru to the end.

With a old school rock & roll approach Lisa once again lifts us to the rafters, with her version of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day’. There seems to be a connection back to Ms. Tharpe’s version, with it’s rockin’ gospel treatment, but done in a style that fits Lisa and the Paris Blues Band (yes, they are from Paris, France).

A superb take on the classic doo-wop song ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ allows Ms. Biales to work her ability to sing ballads as well as her more uplifting songs. This works especially well in terms of the arranging and artistry that the bands imparts keeping it on the down low and you can just smell the smoke and taste the extra dry martini’s in the shadow laden club (or studio).

From the doo-wop to the ‘do-how’ we get treated to “You Got To Know How’. Originally penned by the amazing Sippie Wallace, Ms. Biales keeps the historic time period of this track in tact with rolling piano by Cincinnati’s favorite Ricky Nye (who also produced this release) and a down ‘n’ dirty treatment from the Paris Blue Band, dang I swear I hear a tuba on this track, that’s how cool the treatment is.

There is one original tune from Ms. Biales, ‘Magic Garden’ is a tasty walk thru this magic garden of hers that seems to be chock-filled with earthy delights and eternal renewal for everything that resides inside it. It is also worth noting that this track fits in so well with the overall feel and texture of the release, not an easy task to do.

There seems to be a natural fit with Ms. Biales and her band that transposes to the release. I can just see them sitting in the recording room/studio over one mic and sharing, laughing, and making historic music to share with us all.

Ms. Biales can be found at www.lisabiales.com

Lisa Cee: My Turn

Lisa Cee: My Turn (Rip Cat Records)

OK no I am not stuck on ladies named Lisa, tho if I were it would be a good thing when you consider the ample talent these two same named gals have.

Ms. Cee comes out swinging for the fences with her treatment of ‘What Good Am I’. This is a somewhat obscure soul/R&B tune from way back in the 60′s, updated and still funky as it wants to be but rockin’ hard thru the deep rooted soul.

With that barn burner still smoldering we get treated to another form of fire, the slow burning kind. ‘Lost You’ is both a personal statement but also a universal look at the confrontation of pain and loss of a dear friend. Not always easy to express for ourselves but even that more difficult to create something that resonates with everyone who has had to deal with these realities. Some wonderful guitar work only accentuates the deep felt hollowness that one feels in their soul, bravo on this excellent track.

A more familiar riff and subject matter is ‘Good Bye Baby’. With a west coast twist on a Texas shuffle we get a solid, straight ahead hard edged testament to saying good by of another type. Scott Abeyta provides some scorching slide guitar work (as well as mastering and mixing of this release) as we hear the declaration and commitment that it’s over and done with adios mi amigo!

We jump the R&B soul train once again to visit the Staples Singers classic ‘I’ll Take You There’. Well crafted and groove laden with the aptly named Max Bangwell on bongos and some excellent acoustic guitar work by BR Millon gives this familiar, almost revered track new life. Ms. Cee’s vocals are deep and feeling without overstepping the parameters of what she is doing.

The release closes with ‘Already Free’. A stripped down track featuring acoustic guitar, vocals with some added strings to fill it in, it is a touching display of songwriting depth which is an excellent choice to close the album.

Ms. Cee is a fan fav out on the left coast with the blues and roots fans and this release should move her into wider area of recognition. Check this lady out at www.lisacee.com .

Long Tall Deb: Raise Your Hands

Long Tall Deb: Raise Your Hands (Vizztone)

No, not another artist named Lisa, I am opting for Deb, as in Long Tall Deb. Now this is some powerful blues that is as gritty as it is real. Ms. Landolt enlisted a who’s who of artists on this release and the final product is one that you will play till your CD player burns out.

Right out of the box we get posed the musical question, ‘What Would A Good Woman Do’ strutting, fun and featuring Roomful of Blues vocalist Phil Pemberton on vocals we are put on notice that this is going to be a straight ahead force of nature release that is strong and long on talent (as in Deb).

Changing it up from funky stepping to country rail riding we hear ‘Train To Tucson’. A musical story of the travels out to Arizona complete with stinging guitar by Colin John, accentuated by the thump-a-thump drumming of Jan Roll creates a aural travelogue that Amtrak would be good to adapt.

‘The Last Time’ showcases Ms. Landolt’s ability to express the deep soul-fullness contained within her vocal prowess. Presenting a stark and dark reality that exists for many folks in their work-a-day desperate lives, we hear the stated resolve to make that change and break the cycle of longing and uselessness only to hear the alarm clock go off and resume the gerbil like life style on the ever familiar tread mill of a life unfulfilled.

The choice of covers is ever important when pairing them with such strong originals as we have here. The selection of Ian Moore’s ‘Muddy Jesus’ is a well thought out addition. Featuring such luminaries as Chris Peet, Damon Fowler, Chuck Riley, JP Soars and Victor Wainwright – otherwise known as Southern Hospitality – this is as good of a cover of this tune as you will get. With a solid strut to it, and the excellent work by the band creates a wonderful backdrop for Ms. Deb’s vocals.

‘Finally Forgot Your Name’ features the amazing horn section from Roomful of Blues. Mark Earley, Rich Lataille & Doug Woolverton provide syncopated rhythms and fills to elevate this track to another level. The epiphany of finally forgetting the name of an unfaithful lover is treated with a soul gospel view that we can all testify to. The moment of clarity and release is both satisfying and still painful, but once it is realized the healing begins. I love the ending trumpet work by Mr. Woolverton, as it bring to musical recognition the whole emotional enchilada in just a few notes.

Once again I must cite the amazing list of other artists who contributed their time on this release. If I left ya out it is only cause my editor says it ran too long, but Jimmy Thackery, Bart Walker. Matt O’Ree, Reese Wynans, Shaun Booker, Big Llou Sean Carney and more have added their exemplar talents to creating this fine collection of music.

Like your blues powerful, with a soul and gospel feel check out Long Tall Deb at www.longtalldeb.com

Love, Peace & Chicken Grease

chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2013
Where Blues Thrives
Photos: Courtesy of artists

Share on Facebook

CD Reviews: A Seasonal Mix of Music

Fall is almost upon us and time to start to stock pile the good music to keep us going thru the long winter ahead of us. Here are three sweet releases that I am sure will make the house and home warmer in many ways.

The Blasters – Fun On A Saturday Night
(Rip Cat Records)

This Southern California-based band has been one of the leading exponents of American Roots Music for over thirty-three years. There was a time back in the day when they were unrivaled in making music that combined Delta & Chicago Blues, R&B, Memphis grit and Bob Wills styled country music into a melange of good time music that resonated with audiences around the nation.

Welcome back boys!!!

Right off they start rocking out with Tiny Bradshaw’s ‘Well Oh Well’ a jump-blues western swing jumper that sets us up in line with the albums title “Fun On A Saturday Night”. Keith Wyatt tears up the six strings as he throws down some of the finest leads on the release right off the bat. Get yer dancin’ shoes on folks we going to have some real fun.

Interesting cover of ‘Jackson’ featuring the band X’s singer Exene Cervenka taking the female lead (once done by Nancy Sinatra) to Phil Alvin’s male counterpoint )as done by Lee Hazelwood). Tasty, rich and it contains all the power of a runaway freight train running into Saturday night. Originally penned in 1963 by Jerry Leiber and Billy Edd Wheeler it has been covered by such diverse artists as Johnny Cash and Miss Piggy, Warren Zevon in his Spring 200 tour and even Dave Alvin (original member of The Blasters and Phil’s brother) did a version Mojo Nixon and the Pleasure Barons in 1993.

Title track ‘Fun On A Saturday Night’ pushes the peddle to the metal captures the feel of some of the Blues shouters of the past with it’s fast pace and hard edged rhythm.

Since we are somewhat Blues leaning I have to mention the great Chicago Blues man Magic Sam’s ‘Love Me With A Feeling’. Now this is re-done, polished and shined up just so purty that ya might not recognize it. Yet it is covers like this that I applaud because these cats have taken it to heart and made it their own. Check this baby out. ‘I Don’t Want Cha’ is more of a traditional Blues shuffle that speaks eloquently of a bad relationship and it’s dissolve.

There is more than enough super tunes on this 12 cut release to ‘Please Please Please’ everyone. Fun, quality musicianship and a true feel for the songs they cover or created makes it a must for the open-minded Blues fans that we all are.

Visit them here for more info: http://www.blastersnewsletter.com/

John Lee Hooker Jr. – All Hooked Up
(Steppin’ Stone Records)

John Lee Hooker Jr, was weaned on the Blues. Son of legend John Lee Hooker, has been everywhere – up, very down, and back again stronger than ever. Keeping the grit and urban voice alive and well inside the Blues Mr. Hooker gives us a sterling new release.

A neglected wife who has done all the suburban, time consuming but ultimately empty things that leave one with a hole in their soul is the featured object in ‘Tired Of Being A Housewife’. Funky, gritty as the inside of a free range oyster’s shell, JLH Jr. depicts her escape from the hum-drum to the walk on the wild side with such poignancy that it almost hurts to listen to.

Mr. Lucky Peterson sits in on ‘You Be My Hero’ and bringing with him some electrifying guitar work. A tribute to all the men and women of the armed forces it is a genuine, heart felt song that is funky as it is real. Excellent horn work through out the release by the Hot Sauce Horns arranged by Larry Batiste and featuring such luminaries as Tom Poole, Doug Rowan and Ric ‘Mighty Bone’ Feliciano and others.

Some New Orleans second line gets the Hooker treatment in “Listen To The Music’ a sing along chorus nails it down and he even gives us a “how-how/bow-wow”. If ya gotta ask then ya just don’t know, but when you hear it you will get it.

A very special appearance by ‘The Cleanup Woman’, Ms. Betty Wright on the track track ‘I Surrender’. Together they capture the feel of those classic days of soul. Ms. Wright’s saucy vocals and Mr. Hooker’s gritty intonations combine in a dynamic song that had me chair dancing till I realized that people could see me thru the window – so I got up and shook that thing.

For the ‘purists’ out there ‘Hard Times’ and “Let Me Be’ will make you very comfortable in your corner of the room. On the former we are treated to some incendiary guitar work by John Garcia and stellar harp work that recalls Little Walter by Dave Barrette. ‘Hard Times’ is so stunning and real that it shakes the foundation of life’s simple structure – Mr. Hooker’s lyrics are truthful, painful and pull no punches. All I can say is that I am glad you are here for us and not where you were headed.

Since I mentioned it ‘Let Me Be’ is a super funky plea to do just that. Mr. Hooker’s vocals have a certain ‘old school’ quality to them they remind me of Lou Rawls at times and that’s not a bad thing. Listen to this cut (as well as ‘Pay The Rent’) and see if ya hear what I hear.

The title track ‘All Hooked Up’ is the most autobiographical of tracks. The trials and tribulations that he experienced as the son of such an iconic blues man is presented here in a direct point making song with a funky dance groove that is at once sad but ultimately redeeming. Mr. Hooker gives testimony, praise and thanks to the all powerful one yet we also see how the title has several applications in his life.

This is a stunning release one that I believe should garner serious consideration for Grammy’s and Blues Music Awards. To learn more about Mr. Hooker please visit http://www.johnleehookerjr.com/

Paula Harris – Turning On The Naughty
(self released)

Ms. Harris made it into the finals of the 2012 International Blues Competition, and in doing so walked away with third place for the Band competition. That’s no small task, cause the talent at this event is off the charts – it is a blues lovers bucket list item, ’nuff said.

‘Turning On The Naughty’ is the title track and it reeks with the promise of steamy sex, nylons and just good old doing the wild thing. “can you feel me on your sheets, just like a cat in heat’ pretty much sums it up. No subtle innuendos here, for the naughty is turned on and the naughty will not be ignored.

Ms. Harris has a voice that harkens back to the days of Big Band thumpers. Full of brash, throaty, unbridled passion at all levels and styles. On ‘Damn Your Eyes’ she starts out singing almost to herself as she begins the crescendo of sound that tears into the heart and bears for all the vulnerability that exists at the core of this burner.

A rollicking version of Shep (Purple People Eater) Wooley’s ‘Just Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore’ is a tale all too familiar to many of us these days as the effects of living and aging are taking it’s unrelenting toll on us. What Ms. Harris does with this is pure fun and frolic, undoubtedly bringing a smile to a our group situation.

Ms. Harris’ band is solid collection of top notch artists, featuring Derrick “D’Mar’ Martin on drums whose uncanny sense of rhythm and beats stands alone. Mr. Terry Hiatt brings his reputation as a guitar players player and shows off his full compliment of influences and styles very nicely with the band. Joey Fabian brings aurally animated bass lines to the mix, and Simon Russell filling up the sound with his excellent keyboard work. Dang if any artists need a band to back them up on the west Coast – you should look these cats up.

Slowing things down to true torch level and serious late night blues music we have ‘Some Of My Best Friends Are The Blues’ Mr. Fabian’s work on the upright bass sets the stage as Mr. Russell’s keyboard fills and melody weave a web of desperation and solitude for Ms. Harris to employ her ample vocal gymnastics to full advantage and our delight.

A funky side of the blues is visited thru the ‘Gates Of Hell’ when they are opened. Snappy and a percussion lover’s dream this song lays it straight on the line to the man who done her wrong as the Devil himself is proud of what that man done done to her. Syncopated and pointed this is one of my favorite tracks on the release.

To visit the like of Robert Johnson’s ‘Dust My Broom’ take a whole lot of moxie, and has the chance of turning into a train wreck for many reasons. Doncha worry none here, the moxie is backed by talent and a funky twist that starts at 0:01 of the track. Mr. Hiatt throws down some funky chicken scratchin’ that sets the stage for an assault of the traditional version but in doing so makes it modern and the song a strong vehicle for expression of the lyrics.

Ms. Harris is a superb vocalist, song writer and interpreter of the music she sings. Her ability to take center stage and hold the attention is amazing indeed. Her live performances are heady, slinky and down right sexy, and this release gives us a glimpse of those live events and bodes well for her future in our beloved genre. She mixes Funk, Blues and Jazz with ample attitude and sheer joy, there is no room for disappointment with this lady when she sings the blues.

For more on Ms. Harris visit: http://www.paulaharrismusic.com/

So take a moment to stock up on these staples and your seasons will be warmer and funkier than last years. See these bands of ya get a chance, support live music and be nice to one another, other than that carry on.

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2012
photos: courtesy of artists
Where Blues Thrives

Share on Facebook

1 Comment

Filed under Blues, Blues411, CD Reviews, Entertainment, Music, Rock & Roll

Tagged as American Roots Music, Bill Wax, Blues, Blues Music Awards, Blues411, CD Reviews, Chefjimi, D'Mar, Entertainment, Frank Roszak Promotions, IBC's, John Lee Hooker, Jr. John Lee Hooker, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Leslie K. Joseph, Lucky Peterson, Mark Pucci Media, Memphis, Miss Piggy, Nancy Sinatra, Paula Harris, Phil Alvin, Rip Cat Records, Rochester, Rock & Roll, Roger Nabor, Scott Abeyta, Shep Wooley, The Blasters, Tony Colter, Warren Zevon, XM 70 Bluesville

June 27, 2012

Happy Birthday America, Entertainment Abounds From Sea To Shining Sea

Yesirre ! It is that time again, The Fourth of July, the middle of the summer holidays (Memorial Day early on, ending with Labor Day) and usually there is a heckuva lot going on to tempt and tease us music fans.
Well I have to admit that there are some great things going on at festivals, in the air waves and right her on the internet. So I’m just gonna run down the ones that got some serious import from this bird’s nest.

Festival(s):
This weekend The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Davenport, IA:
Friday: Super Chikan, Liz Mandeville & Donna Herula, Kenny Neal.
Saturday: Preston Shannon, Guitar Shorty, Coco Montoya, Doug MacLeod, Moreland & Arbuckle, Kelley Hunt.
Sunday: Lady Bianca, Trampled Under Foot, Paul Geremia, Johnny Rawls, Brooks Family Dynasty, Bobby Rush plus workshops Saturday & Sunday check it out at: http://mvbs.org/fest/

The Safeway Waterfront Music Festival http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.com/Artists July 4-8th, Portland, OR. So many first rate bands here so here is a quick list:
Elvin Bishop, The California Honeydrops, Cedric Burnside Project, James Cotton, James Hunter, The Mannish Boys, The 44′s, Otis Taylor Band, Marquise Knox, Lisa Mann and Her Really Good Band hell I could go on but y’all get the picture.

Briggs Farm Blues Festival http://briggsfarm.com/?page_id=1788 Nescopek, PA July 6-7th
For those on the East side of town we got a killer line up in store for ya’s; Alexis P. Suter, Eddy ‘The Chief’ Clearwater, Mikey Junior, Bernard Allison, Rory Block, Michael Packer, Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
That should take care of the outdoors portion of the long weekend back to back stuff, if not I am sure you can find more.

Next up are a few things happening on the air waves that might interest y’all and we will call it. . .

Spirit of the Radio:
SiriusXM Bluesville will broadcast their recent interview with Buddy Guy about his new autobiography “When I Left Home: My Story” on Saturday July 7 at 6:30PM, and rebroadcast it on Sunday July 8, at 9:30PM. Bill Wax will talk with Buddy and weave some musical selections through the talk.
The 2012 Blues Music Awards will be re-broadcast on July 1st in it’s entirety starting at 6PM East Side of town, featuring Tab Benoit, Johnny Sansone, Grady Champion, Eric Bibb and many many more outstanding performances and commentary from your favorite Bluesville DJ’s, Bill Wax, Tony Colter, and Big Llou Johnson (with special guests).

Music On The Couch ‘Musicians You Should Know’
July 2, 10:00PM East side of town, Vinny Marini always features two exciting bands who will be taking questions from the audience, this week The Strata-Tones & Sue Palmer.
This week marks the debut of myself and Blues411 as a monthly guest talking about the state of the blues/roots music scene and other interesting things. So tune in, call in and take a seat on the couch.
The direct link for the show is http://goo.gl/NxRnO check it out, I’m excited and only hope I don’t bring the show down with my presence.

Affiliates & Other Navigation
If ya notice those ‘tabs’ across the page with different navigation spots, there is a wealth of linkage and friendly info there for you to call up and use as needed. From The Blues Foundation main site, to B.B. King’s Bluesville for show schedules (plus a separate tab for the Picks to Click) and further on to connection to The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and all they offer. Not to be overlooked are other affiliated friends such as Blues Festival Guide (good thing to have handy for the summer season) D’Mar’s music blog and Cathy Lemons blog about life in the blues, and our good friend Vinny Marini & his “Music On The Couch” site.
All these fine folks and organizations provide superb services in one form or another and support the Blues in so many ways, so get familiar with them.
Yes one of those tabs is for the Tier One Supporters of Blues411. These folks (and others) have chosen to help keep Blues411 alive and kicking on the internet and they do so without any strings maintaining our independent and powerful voice in the arena. Please support them as much as you can.

Further On Down The Road:
Looking past the holiday week we see The NY State Blues Festival http://www.nysbluesfest.com/ coming up July 13- 15, The Bucks County Blues Society R&B Picnic http://www.musicatsnipesfarm.com/2012/03/30th-annual-rb-picnic/ the week after rounding out the month of July on the East side. If we go way up North to Rockland, Maine on July 14 and 15th we can get a dose of John Mayall, Tab Benoit, Royal Southern Brotherhood and a tribute to Koko Taylor at the North Atlantic Blues Festival http://www.northatlanticbluesfestival.com/.
One non-east side festival that you might want to check out is the Tall City Blues Festival, July 26-29, in Midland Texas http://www.tallcitybluesfest.com/ which is looking strong on talent and activities. To round out July we have a big favorite the PA Blues Festival http://www.skibluemt.com/SkiBlue/special-events/pa_blues_fest.aspx July 27-29th camping under the stars and blues music to boot, it don’t get much better than this.

Into August we have The Riverfront Blues Festival in Wilmington, Delaware http://inwilmingtonde.com/festivals/riverfrontbluesfest/ , followed by the 20th Anniversary Chenango Blues Festival in Norwich NY(http://www.chenangobluesfest.org/). Out in Colorado we have the 2nd Annual Blue Star Blues Fest sponsored by the Blue Star Connection Charity which is a great way to help out a great cause and see super bands http://bluestarconnection.org/event/2nd-annual-blue-star-blues-festival.
As I said earlier, there’s so much out there to enjoy and get to – support live music whenever you can and keep it alive and thriving.

Extra Note of Joy:
Speaking of Buddy Guy, please stay tuned to Blues411 for some exciting news concerning him and his new book. I would expect the news to break after the 4th of July holiday. A super opportunity for one lucky fan, plus opportunities for others and guaranteed fun for all involved.