Kirris Riviere and The Delta du Bruit - Kirris Riviere and The Delta du Bruit

Bitrate: 320K/s

Year: 2023
Time: 37:40 
Size: 86,7 MB 
Label:Self-Released
Styles: Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Left Me in the Cold (Railroad Tracks) - 2:49
 2. I Just Can't Be Satisfied - 4:03
 3. The Delta du Bruit - 2:39
 4. Take It to the Top (Snakes and Ladders) - 2:30
 5. Loose Cannon (Daisy Jane) - 4:04
 6. Down to the Border - 2:43
 7. I'm Ready - 2:37
 8. Have Mercy Baby - 3:12
 9. I Ain't Got Time (Swamp 'til Morning) - 4:21
10. No Fuss Bus - 2:30
11. Cold Feet (Won't Yo' Feet Thaw?) - 3:32
12. Louisiana - 2:36

New blues band from Bristol to release their debut album in November in what is also a debut release from local indie label Dusk Art Studios.
Following the release of two singles on July 21st and September 15th, Kirris Riviere and The Delta du Bruit will be releasing their self-titled debut album on November 10th, along with a 3rd single on that date.
Emerging from the depths of Easton in Bristol, UK, a family of musical mavericks has risen, armed with a new purpose: to release a work that will captivate you. Within the walls of Dusk Art Studios, amidst the chaos and creative fervour of post pandemic Britain, they have carved a vinyl record like nothing they could previously have imagined.
Rejecting the clinical confines of modern software-based production, they tracked the live rhythm section in a studio whose tatters resemble more the millenium falcon of 1970s Starwars than a neat modern mastering boutique. In a mission to capture the life of a genuine take, over months of rehearsals and two relentless studio sessions of 4days, they worked collaboratively to give breath to their creative communication.
The live tracking was then followed as layer upon layer, they weaved a rich tapestry of sound, seamlessly blending the impassioned vocals of Kirris Riviere, backing harmonies, spooky and innovative percussion and the intoxicating stylings of a myriad of guest musicians.
It is through this painstaking process that the ensemble underwent a transformative rebirth, adopting an ironically Francophile name that pays homage to their lead vocalist’s heritage and offers tribute to the cradle of the blues: New Orleans.
Fuelled by a hunger for authenticity, they drew inspiration from parallel sources. The Severn Delta and the enigmatic Bristol hum are at the core of the name’s meaning. In association with the lyrical french phrase “Ca fait du bruit”, they tread a sonic balance between cacophony and uproar.
Their sound, a potent elixir of groove and rawness, defies easy categorization. They traverse the vast landscape of blues, atmospherically fusing country blues, soul, funk, boogie, gospel, and jump blues. Eight original compositions, birthed from the creative fervour of Evan Newman and co., and the soul-stirring voice of Kirris Riviere, bear witness to their artistic ambitions. But they also pay homage to the legends that paved the way, breathing new life into timeless classics from the likes of Muddy Waters, Percy Mayfield, Willie Dixon, and Billy Ward.
Yet, they promise more. Seeking out their most esteemed friends in the UK blues circuit to join the fray; Enter Jon Amor, the searing guitar virtuoso from The Hoax. And Joe Wilkins, the brooding lead guitar maestro from the Elles Bailey band. Andrew Neil Hayes of Run Logan Run graces their tracks with adept contextual poise on saxophone, while Henry Slim of the Slimline Shufflers weaves a tonal spell with his unique and soulful approach to blues harp.
This is a blues album, born from their ambitious and authentic musical aspirations, but is more than a set of songs. It’s a testament to the unbreakable juju of the blues, born from a world in turmoil. The Delta du bruit is about to take you on an atmospheric ride that’ll echo in your bones long after the last note fades.

S/T

Percy Strother - A Good Woman is Hard to Find

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 1993
Time: 50:40 
Size: 117,2 MB 
Label:Self-Released
Styles: Blues
Art: Front 
Source: Flash

Tracks Listing:
 1. A Good Woman Is Hard To Find - 3:10
 2. Your Fool Done Woke Up - 3:01
 3. Somebody Else Is Steppin' In - 3:32
 4. Made A Good Woman Go Bad - 3:46
 5. If You Don't Love Me When I Want It - 3:10
 6. Givin' It Up For Your Love - 3:18
 7. She Keeps Me Satisfied - 2:47
 8. I'm Falling In Love With You, Baby - 2:55
 9. Can't Let You Go - 3:16
10. Someday I Will Be Over You - 3:51
11. Down Home Blues - 4:42
12. Will You Be My Part-Time Lady? - 2:37
13. Shade Tree Mechanic - 3:13
14. Love Is Growing Cold - 3:47
15. Grits Ain't Groceries - 3:28

Born in a family of six siblings, he grew up in a small farm without electricity. As a child, he saw his father being hanged wrongly accused of killing a white man. His mother never really recovered and died of illness soon after. Orphaned at 14, he left with his younger brother to Jackson. Then, they migrate to North Carolina, Florida and finally Milwaukee. It is there that he formed his first group in 1968. After that, Percy passes four months in Chicago and finally joined Minneapolis in 1969 where he settled permanently. In Minneapolis, he met "Lazy" Bill Lucas, a bluesman from the local scene, and married Roseanna in 1970. While carrying on odd jobs, he published a few singles on his own and ephemeral label PLS in 1981-82. Became a major attraction in the Minneapolis scene, he took under his wing the young harmonicist R.J. Mischo. Moreover, Percy appears in "Ready to go" in 1992, an album of Mischo released by Blue Loon. It is also for Blue Loon that Percy will record his first album : "A good woman is hard to find". Singer with a strong voice, interesting guitarist, he offers here a beautiful brassy soul-blues disc, powerful and energetic which it is hard to resist. Many pieces stand out : "Your fool done woke up", "A good woman is hard to find", "Somebody else is steppin' in" (a beautiful cover from Denise LaSalle), "She keeps me satisfied", "Grits ain't groceries" among others.

P.S.
Many thanks for this album to a man named FLASH! I have been looking for this album for a long time. All thanks to him!

A Good Woman is Hard to Find

The Christopher Dean Band - Need a Friend

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 55:24 
Size: 127,4 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Electric Blues/
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. What Have I Done Wrong - 5:22
 2. Need a Friend - 3:31
 3. It Takes Time - 3:40
 4. Out of Bad Luck - 4:21
 5. Mattie May - 3:31
 6. Call If You Need Me - 4:21
 7. Countryboy Blues - 3:53
 8. Blind Love - 5:14
 9. Cold Winter Day - 3:22
10. Appalachian Women (feat. "Chicago" Carl Snyder) - 3:10
11. Pearly B - 2:55
12. Strange Feeling - 6:39
13. Blue Serenade - 5:19

A sabre sharp electric guitar kicks in followed by a singing voice of the highest order (Christopher Dean himself) that soon crosses the boundaries between Soul filled Blues and late night Jazz that totally reinvents Magic Sam’s What Have I Done Wrong? …. more like this, please! This is followed by the slinky Need a Friend; originally by Memphis Minnie and here it gets a fresh lick of paint and introduces us to piano player extraordinaire ‘Chicago’ Carl Snyder who adds a certain je ne sais quois to proceedings on piano alongside some bewitching guitar from (probably) Mike McMillan; and both continue to do right through to the very end.Everyone here and especially Dean and Snyder have been treading the boards for decades which certainly comes out in the way the band come together on the melodies across each and every song here; even when Dean sings or Snyder adds his magic on the piano; you just feel that they are integral pieces in a musical jigsaw; they need a tight rhythm section as much as Walter Jarrett (bass) and Dave Hollingsworth (drums) need the stars strutting their stuff out front in the spotlight.That said; playing that good still needs extraordinary songs to capture the listeners’ attention; and that certainly applies here.Most songs here are ‘covers/classics’ from way back when, yet I didn’t recognise a single one even though I do have Buddy Guys Strange Feeling on a VA album, but it doesn’t sound much like this tale of woe which features Steve Lombardelli taking the lead on sax, with the band performing a steamy shuffle in the background.As I said earlier, the first time I played this album was via my favourite speakers and the volume turned to 7 and the result was amazing; even though the songs themselves are pretty much from the laid back zone; especially another Magic Sam tale; Out Of Bad Luck which sent a shiver down my spine and later Strange Feeling (Buddy Guy again) sounds like a super-smooth Johnny Winter on vocals and guitar.While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this complete album on a number of occasions now; and it’s certainly worth listening to on headphones; choosing a single Favourite has been as difficult as ever.Chris Dean’s self penned duet with Nate Myers, the raucous toe-tapper Appalachian Women certainly has its merits; as does the effortlessly beautiful reworking of Snooks Eaglin’s Country Boy in New Orleans which seamlessly fits in some wondrous Hammond from Snyder and sax from Lombardelli that is seriously worthy of Clarence Clemmons. With a deep breath I’m going left of centre; selecting Cold Winters Day, a Blind Willie McTell song, because it slickly combines soul stirring slide guitar with some of the finest piano playing I’ve heard this side of Dr John or Jools Holland; and Christopher Deans vocals are just the extra sparkles on the cake.While it’s apparent everyone here has and continues to make a living from music; but I still have a feeling that they should all be a damn sight more famous.There’s quality across every song and note here that many Grammy Winners dream of possessing, but the power of the corporations get them on the Top Table every year; while the likes of The Christopher Dean Ban and Carl Snyder are performing the cabaret at a club full to bursting with afficionados of the Blues, further on down the street.

Need a Friend

Monti Amundson - Prove Me Wrong

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2000
Time: 47:14 
Size: 108,7 MB 
Label: Coolbuzz Records
Styles: Blues/Modern Electric Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. So Fine - 3:39
 2. Prove Me Wrong - 5:01
 3. Calculatin' Woman Blues - 3:54
 4. Standing Next To You - 3:27
 5. Meg Darlin' - 3:29
 6. Needs More Baby - 4:38
 7. Landlady Came By - 5:49
 8. Strike That Match - 4:19
 9. What's So Special 'Bout Love - 3:46
10. Hey Now - 4:11
11. Our Day Of The Week - 4:55

Musicians:
Monti Amundson - guitar and vocals
Boyd Small - drums and vocals
Jasper Mortier - bass
Kim Snelton - harp on tracks 6,7,8,11
Mischa Den Haring - guitar on tracks 6,7,

I flew to Amsterdam on 9-9-99 with the intention of staying in Europe for a year or so. Boyd Small had started a new record company and they wanted me on their roster. As part of the deal I was given an entire month to record the CD. "Prove Me Wrong " is certainly the most consistent sounding record that I've made up to this point. I wasn't drinking and my voice was strong. There was a relaxed feeling throughout the entire process with solid performances all around.
But bookings were down. Blues and roots-rock had become a tough sell. My booking agency still managed to book me into some cool festivals but the club scene was pretty much dried up. I was still making good money when I did perform, but there were sometimes weeks between gigs.I spent my off-time walking Amsterdam. Since my early twenties I've walked as an exercise and as a meditation. But I could not walk enough to fend off some of the deepest loneliness I have ever felt in my life. I could butcher a few languages by then and most everyone speaks a little English, but I missed the ability to be subtle or funny. I have a lot of friends in Amsterdam and I enjoy my life in Europe, but I began to feel like it was time to move on.In October of 2000 I returned to Portland. I set out almost ten years earlier to have a better life and to enjoy myself, and I certainly have done that. But I failed to make my European success translate to an American record deal.-Big Monti

Prove Me Wrong

Guns For Hire - Thow It To The Wall...See If It Sticks

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 44:27 
Size: 101,9 MB 
Label: Tonghit Records
Styles: Rock/Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Moonshine - 3:30
 2. Small Town Memories - 3:48
 3. You Ain't Shit To Me - 4:46
 4. Come Home - 5:23
 5. Snake In The Grass - 4:32
 6. Gasoline - 5:09
 7. Without A Trace - 4:19
 8. Run Away - 4:56
 9. Gunpowder And Lead - 4:11
10. Death Row - 3:49

Musicians:
Shawn Leslie - Vocals
Brandon Hall - Guitars
Josh Maynard - Bass
Tommy Oney - Guitars
Matt Oney - Drums

We are releasing our Debut album “Throw It To The Wall…See If It Sticks”. We guarantee you won't be disappointed and we may even have a few surprises in ..

Link

Bert Hillesheim - A Couple of Blues Songs

Bitrate: 320K/s

Year: 2023
Time: 49:58 
Size: 114,9 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock/Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Always on the Run - 4:00
 2. Let Things Slide - 4:48
 3. A Man Like Me - 4:19
 4. What Can I Do ? - 6:48
 5. Now Is the Time - 3:50
 6. I Will Always Pay the Bill - 4:37
 7. Last Week - 3:46
 8. Come and Tell Me Why - 4:05
 9. Keep Your Distance - 4:48
10. Southbound - 3:02
11. It Seems to Be - 5:52

Back to the roots. A blues album with 11 original compositions. Recorded, mixed and mastered in the in-house studio in the summer of 2020 and 2023.

A Couple of Blues Songs

Rosie's Smokehouse Deluxe - Welcome To The Smokehouse

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 29:32 
Size: 68,3 MB 
Label: 4198411 Records DK
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Welcome To The Smokehouse - 3:53
 2. Please, Please Me - 4:15
 3. Walkin' - 3:14
 4. Run Like The Wind - 5:06
 5. Sunday Mournin' - 3:55
 6. Gypsy Lady - 3:13
 7. Is It True - 3:55
 8. Someday - 1:59

Musicians:
David G. Rose - Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals
Tony Moretta - Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Gabor Szepesi - Keyboards
Terry Martell - Drums & Percussion

"Welcome To The Smokehouse" the debut album by Canadian Blues Rockers "Rosie's Smokehouse Deluxe" has finally arrived and it delivers some incredible hard driving R&B infused Blues Rock. The band was formed by vocalist / bass guitarist David G. Rose, aka: Rosie. After over four decades of touring and recording throughout the US and Canada, the bass man himself has stepped into the spotlight with his brand new band and is looking forward to the road ahead. Joining him on this journey are Tony Moretta on guitar and backing vocals, Gabor Szepesi on keyboards and Terry Martell on drums and percussion. 

Link

Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown - LIVE From '79

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 35:38 
Size: 82,0 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Southern Rock/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. House On Fire - 4:20
 2. On To The Next - 4:32
 3. Born Rockin' - 4:50
 4. Ain't None Watered Down - 4:20
 5. Midnight Oil - 5:45
 6. Shackles - 6:14
 7. Weak & Weepin' - 5:34

Musicians:
Tyler Bryant – guitar/vocals
Caleb Crosby – drums
Graham Whitford – guitar
Ryan Fitzgerald- bass

Vibrant Nashville roots rockers, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown are releasing a very special live record — ‘LIVE From ’79’‘ — that will be only be released on vinyl, and when they say live, they surely mean it: this record was cut, mixed, mastered directly to a vinyl lacquer in front of a live studio audience.
The group have played hundreds upon hundreds of shows with countless venerable icons, such as AC/DC, Jeff Beck, Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper, ZZ Top, Clutch, and Blackberry Smoke, just to name a few.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a live band,” says Tyler, “We dig when rock n roll is raw, when flaws are embraced, and humanity is amplified. When Universal Audio asked us if we’d consider recording an album direct to disk at Welcome To 1979, it was a no-brainer.”
This album was recorded, mixed, and mastered LIVE in front of a studio audience as the vinyl lacquer was being cut. No stopping, editing, or polishing!
“We started Rattle Shake Records (their independent label that allows them a direct line of communication with their fans) so we could create and share moments like this with you,” say the band.
“We’re excited for TBSD supporters around the world to be able to come together and experience what we consider to be a perfectly reckless snapshot of us doing exactly what we love to do,“ say Tyler and the band.

 LIVE From '79

Darnell Cole & The Vibe - LIVE Church House Sheffield UK, 2022

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 86:37 
Size: 198,8 MB 
Label:DCM 
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Intro LIVE (Live) -  0:22
 2. Like A Stone LIVE (Live) -  3:56
 3. Who You Foolin LIVE (Live) -  5:05
 4. Pretty Faces, Ugly Soul LIVE (Live) -  8:33
 5. Bossman LIVE (Live) -  4:24
 6. Make Love LIVE (Live) -  7:00
 7. On My Own LIVE (Live) -  4:47
 8. Songbird LIVE (Live) -  6:54
 9. Warm Days, Hot Nights LIVE (Live) -  8:24
10. Sleeping Beauties LIVE (Live) - 10:11
11. Light On LIVE (Live) -  6:11
12. Thank You LIVE (Live) -  1:52
13. Hold On For Tomorrow Live (Live) - 11:44
14. Hey Joe LIVE (Live) -  7:09

Darnell Cole, considers himself an American Soul artist from Southern California. Having Travelled the world and Performed with the likes of Walter Trout and Iron Butterfly, his bluesy Hendrix-esque guitar solos, Melted with the soul of Otis Redding Define music with feel, better experienced than heard/

Live

Stefan Hauk - Homecoming (Live At The Gov)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 99:28 
Size: 228,1 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Waitin' For The Bus (Live) -  3:38
 2. Jesus Just Left Chicago (Live) -  5:00
 3. The Doctor (Live) -  4:48
 4. Soul's On Fire (Live) -  6:54
 5. Gold (Live) -  3:44
 6. Bridge Of Sighs (Live) -  8:08
 7. Empty Arms (Live) -  7:06
 8. Comes To Pass (Live) -  5:41
 9. The Sky Is Crying (feat. Zkye) (Live) - 11:50
10. How We Get Through (Live) -  7:41
11. All I Have (Live) -  5:32
12. Truth (Live) -  4:08
13. Stratus (Live) - 15:05
14. Little Wing (Live) - 10:06

Stefan Hauk is one of Australia's brightest young Blues Rock artists.
In September 2017, Stefan released his debut album Long Road to much acclaim.  In August 2020 Stefan released a single ‘Truth’ featuring the legendary Ian Paice of Deep Purple on drums and Lachy Doley on organ. In October 2023, Stefan released his second album, Heavy Handed.You may have previously seen Stefan play with viral YouTube bands The Hindley Street Country Club (HSCC) & Sing It Live.

 Live At The Gov

53 Across - Right Is Right

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2016
Time: 44:10 
Size: 101,7 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Modern Electric Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Right Is Right - 4:02
 2. Don't Tell Me the Blues Are Dead - 4:15
 3. Bang the Black Widow - 4:46
 4. Cookie Blues - 4:26
 5. Hey Baby - 4:28
 6. His Amp - 3:34
 7. River - 4:09
 8. Petting a Porcupine - 3:44
 9. Sneakin' - 3:24
10. When the Night Falls - 5:04
11. 69 Chevy - 2:13

“For my 477th review I am proud to announce the album Right Is Right by rock/blues band 53 Across from New Mexico consisting of Garrett Hobson and Eduardo Barraza. I was told the band’s name came about with the original band members were born in 1953. This album caught my attention on the very first track Right Is Right. Other tracks that I felt good about are Cookie Blues, His Amp, When The Night Falls and much more. The track 69 Chevy has a bluegrass sound that really surprised me for a band from New Mexico/

Right Is Right

Jon Butcher - Positively The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 1995
Time: 45:13 
Size: 108,0 MB 
Label:Blues Bureau International 
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Full

Tracks Listing:
 1. Cadillac Limousine - 2:54
 2. Clean-Up Time - 6:52
 3. Taxman Blues - 3:39
 4. Union Hall - 2:19
 5. Honey Bee - 3:47
 6. Here I Am - 2:54
 7. 20 Years - 3:47
 8. I Hate Myself - 3:00
 9. At The Feet of the Master - 5:53
10. Two Penny Nail - 4:13
11. High Heel Shoes - 4:07
12. Sail On - 1:44

After contributing to two Blues Bureau compilations, Jon Butcher signed with the Mike Varney-led specialty label in 1995 and released Positively the Blues. As usual, Butcher sings and plays with supreme confidence and conviction on this, his first full-length foray into the blues genre. Energetic Chicago- and Texas-style numbers like the opener, "Cadillac Limousine," have a distinctive rock sheen that fans of Butcher's earlier work will recognize and enjoy. The swinging "Union Hall" almost matches the soul and dexterity of blues godhead Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Hendrix/Vaughan-influenced "At the Feet of the Master" is probably the standout cut on Positively the Blues, as the track features some of Butcher's most incendiary guitar work on record.

Positively The Blues

John Stephan Band - 99 Degrees

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2003
Time: 42:23 
Size: 98,1 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Electric Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Ride Two Horses - 3:12
 2. Restless - 4:13
 3. Fat Tuesday Blues - 4:01
 4. Spoonful - 4:27
 5. Bobby's Rock - 3:55
 6. Nothing Wrong With Love - 3:29
 7. Red Light Green Light - 2:32
 8. Big House - 5:32
 9. Call My Job - 3:46
10. Peace In The Northwest - 4:11
11. Tom's place - 3:00

The John Stephan Band plays original, contemporary, and traditional blues; featuring dynamic vocals, guitar, keyboards, and a very danceable rhythm section. Formed in 2000, the group has become a regular on the Seattle area blues scene; delivering fresh material and a crowd - pleasing show. The group released it's debut album, 99 Degrees, in 2002, which is featured on many NW radio stations.John Stephan performs vocals and guitar, as well as writing most of the group's original material. A regular on the Seattle blues circuit since the mid- 1970's, he has worked extensively with Albert Collins, Isaac Scott, and JB Hutto, as well as many of the greatest names in Seattle blues. Stephan recently recorded an album in Berkeley, Ca, with former Alaskan friends, John Lee ,Seattle vocalist and bassist ,and John "Johnny Nocturne" Firmin, Bay Area Saxophonist, as The 3 J's (Blue Bucket Records).Tom Roesch, bassist for The John Stephan Band, is the prime mover for the rhythm section; and also provides much direction for promotion and booking; as well as some songwriting. As quoted by Diane Wells, Canadian music critic, " Tom keeps things tight". Andrew Larsen, well known Seattle keyboardist, currently holds that position in the group. Stuart Nyren and Kevin Cook alternately provide the great drumming the band is known for.

 99 Degrees

Anthony Rosano and The Conqueroos - ROO'D Awakening (Live)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2016
Time: 47:25 
Size: 109,0 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues Rock/Rock 
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. The Bottom - 6:39
 2. Mercury Blues - 5:49
 3. Flash That Smile - 7:12
 4. Love Got A Hold On Me - 4:08
 5. Feel Worse - 5:40
 6. Devils Hand - 4:30
 7. Love At The Crossroads - 4:26
 8. Maureen - 8:58

Rosano, a New York native, resides in Virginia where the band formed in 2012 and quickly built a local following. Within months of forming, they made the Semi Finals at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Get ROOD, the band’s debut album was released in 2014. Touring followed with the band playing festivals, standalone shows, and openers in venues large and small. They shared the stage with Tab Benoit, Hamilton Loomis, Trampled under Foot, and Albert Castiglia, as well as more traditional blues artists like Rick Estrin and the Nightcats and Big Joe and the Dyna Flows. ROO’D Awakening, a live album, was released 2016. More prominence came their way in 2017 with the band’s sophomore release, the self-titled (and self-released) Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos. It debuted at #9 on Billboard blues and made #1 on the iTunes blues chart. Produced by Mike Zito, it features performances by Zito, Anders Osborne, and Johnny Sansone. This deserves a listen in its own right. More touring saw the band open for artists like Samantha Fish, Bob Seger, ZZ Top, and Gov’t Mule.

ROO'D Awakening (Live)

Robert Jon & The Wreck - Fire Started

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2011
Time: 47:03 
Size: 110,3 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Southern Rock/Country Rock/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Won't Let You Down - 3:21
 2. Fragrance of a Flower - 3:45
 3. Rushing Waters - 3:24
 4. Throw It In the Fire - 4:17
 5. You Can Stay - 3:56
 6. Run Away - 3:21
 7. Look In Your Eyes - 5:11
 8. Love Roulette - 5:06
 9. Down The Line - 2:57
10. I Will Tear You Down - 3:43
11. Say It Again - 5:35
12. Come Down Children - 2:21

Musicians:
Bass - Derrick Wong
Drums - Andrew Espantman
Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals - Kyle Michael Neal
Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Acoustic Guitar - Robert Jon Burrison
Piano/Rhodes/Backing Vocals - Steve Maggiora
Organ - Dallas Kruse

The debut album from Robert Jon & The Wreck. Self-produced, this quintet definitely brought the heat with this album and their first tour, self-booking throughout the continental United States for an over 60-show run! "Fire Started" serves as the birth record of Robert Jon & The Wreck. Produced by RJTW's very own Andrew Espantman, this collection of songs is what gave the band their start, propelling them into extensive DIY touring across the continental United States mere months after forming the band. Robert Jon & The Wreck are a double shot of southern rock with a blues chaser. Roots rock jams, whiskey drenched lyrics and fervent stage shows only scratch the surface of what makes RJ&TW one of the best live bands to emerge from Southern California in years. With a growing discography and billings alongside the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Sturgill Simpson, and Peter Frampton, the quintet is poised for their greatest work yet. Based in Orange County, CA with a vibe straight out of the south, Robert Jon & The Wreck are blazing a path into 2020 with a new album and international tour.

Fire Started

Arthur James & Northbound - A Guitar Player, a Bassist & a Drummer Walk into a Studio...

Bitrate: 320K/s

Year: 2022
Time: 61:40 
Size: 145,3 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock/Electric Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Art's Thang - 3:55
 2. Rollin' - 2:35
 3. Blues, Blues, Blues - 3:22
 4. Things Ain't No Better - 4:07
 5. Long Black Road - 5:26
 6. I Get the Blues Every Time I Think About You - 2:10
 7. That Ain't Right - 2:57
 8. Aug 27, 1990 - 6:14
 9. Ooh Yeah! - 2:50
10. Forgotten Youth - 3:58
11. Drownin' on Dry Land - 5:24
12. Things Ain't No Better (Live Version) - 3:44
13. I Get the Blues Every Time I Think About You (Live Version) - 1:56
14. I'm Mad - 2:51
15. Coy Roy - 3:30
16. C - Spot - 2:31
17. Art's Thang (Alt. Take) - 3:50
18. Sigh - 0:11

Arthur James has the old soul of a blues man. Arthur James plays numerous kinds of blues licks while slathering the lyrics of his blues originals with his hearty New England rasp. His recent release of his Arthur James & Northbound album A Guitar Player, A Bassist & A Drummer Walk Into A Studio is a must have for any local area blues fan. It offers 18 remixed and remastered versions of songs from his previous Arthur James album.

Link

Selwyn Birchwood - Fl Boy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2011
Time: 30:06 
Size: 70,0 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. The Way You Wiggle - 3:10
 2. Fl Boy - 3:14
 3. Lazarus - 5:48
 4. Found Love Today - 3:59
 5. Old Salty - 3:00
 6. Signs Of The Times - 4:21
 7. Dollar To My Name - 2:20
 8. Black Widow - 4:10

Selwyn Birchwood was born in 1985 in Orlando, Florida to a father from Tobago and a mother from the UK. He picked up the guitar at age 13 and was soon able to copy the music he heard on the radio. Unmoved by the rock and rap of that era, young Selwyn gravitated to the music of Jimi Hendrix. In Jimi, he found the larger-than-life hero he needed to show him the way. He also saw the one-and-only Buddy Guy during this period, who was an influence on Hendrix, and knew he was destined for a life in the blues.Birchwood self-released his first record FL Boy in 2011, won the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and leveled-up to the big leagues in 2014 with his Alligator Records debut Don’t Call No Ambulance. The set won both the Living Blues Award and the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. He now tours the world relentlessly, rocking stages at festivals and concerts in the US, Europe, and Mexico. Birchwood is on the vanguard of contemporary blues and packs an originality that virtually eliminates any competition/

Fl Boy

Robert Jon & the Wreck - Last Light On The Highway

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2020
Time: 43:48 
Size: 101,3 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles:Southern Rock/Blues Rock/Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Oh Miss Carolina - 4:12
 2. Work It Out - 4:30
 3. Can't Stand It - 3:09
 4. Tired of Drinking Alone - 3:42
 5. Do You Remember - 3:39
 6. This Time Around - 3:37
 7. Don't Let Me Go - 3:23
 8. One Last Time - 4:03
 9. Gold - 4:57
10. Last Light on the Highway, Pt. 1 - 2:28
11. Last Light on the Highway, Pt. 2 - 6:04

Since the band’s inception in 2011, Robert Jon and the Wreck have been one of the most consistent bands in blues rock turning out solid records on a near year to year basis. The group fronted by Robert Jon Burrison has experienced some lineup changes over the years, but the quality has not deterred. While Robert Jon and the Wreck landed on Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2015 and 2016, the band deserves more attention. Momentum is building and that should continue with Last Light on the Highway.The album starts off with the southern rock of “Oh Miss Carolina,” which is the first single. “We’ve all been in a relationship that ended and imagined, what if things would have gone differently,” Burrison says about the track. “Work It Out” follows, which adds horns to the mix and backing vocals in the chorus. “Can’t Stand It” features a catchy chorus and a cool guitar harmony. Robert Jon and the Wreck do a great job of making their music accessible without compromising. “Tired of Drinking Alone” is a radio-friendly tune with a memorable and lifting chorus featuring tasteful slide guitar throughout.  “Do You Remember” is a song about reminiscing and another album standout. The theme of Last Light on the Highway is relationships and that continues on “This Time Around.” “Don’t Let Me Go” features a gritty riff from Henry James and more strong hooks.Robert Jon and the Wreck definitely take some different directions on the album, too. “One Last Time” prominently features Steve Maggiora’s keys and is a song about reflection and living in the moment. Henry James gets a chance to shine here as well with a great guitar solo. “Gold” is a ballad about a bad breakup. The album closes with the title track, which comes in two parts. “Part 1” is a stripped down, intimate performance while “Part 2” turns into an epic jam, which will play out great in a live setting.Robert Jon and the Wreck delivers its best album to date with Last Light on the Highway. Considering the strength of the band’s catalog that’s saying something. Last Light on the Highway is filled with memorable hooks and will be in the conversation for year end awards. It’s a highly recommended album from start to finish.

Last Light On The Highway

John Salem & The Macy Brothers Band - Get Your Blue On (The Blackbird Sessions)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 51:40 
Size: 118,8 MB 
Label: Village Rocket Records
Styles: Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Dangerous Mood - 5:06
 2. Quittin' Time - 3:23
 3. Down And Dirty - 4:20
 4. High Off The Hog - 4:53
 5. Good Shape - 4:05
 6. Lean Meat - 5:49
 7. Old Weakness - 2:57
 8. Eat AT Joe's - 3:07
 9. Have I told You Lately - 5:57
10. Remedy - 4:09
11. Rita - 4:16
12. Dreamin' - 3:32

is a painstaking, riff-driven examination of the unshakable throes of depression. While there are moments of positivity, this isn’t the sound of triumph. This is music about survival.

Link

Beige Fish - Best Of

Bitrate: 320K/s

Year: 2020
Time: 53:24 
Size: 122,8 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Lady Luck ‘n Trouble - 4:28
 2. Why Don’t You Dance It with Me - 4:20
 3. Voodoo Love - 3:25
 4. She Bought Me a Guitar - 1:39
 5. Alyssa May - 3:28
 6. Hang Fire - 4:30
 7. Chain Gang - 4:13
 8. Midnightmare - 3:41
 9. No Bad Guys Here - 2:58
10. Sugar Hill - 3:22
11. Bootleg Booze - 2:43
12. Welcome to the Roxy - 3:55
13. Constant Current - 2:59
14. Memory Lane - 4:11
15. Twenty Beers Ago - 3:25

How does one describe a man, who can't be filed under any single category; whose immense talent really defies description in ordinary language; and whose artistic achievements are far, far too many for one tiny text box?! The man behind the music of Vanilla Moon, Beige Fish and Holland Avenue …John H. Schiessler, of Hungarian descent, was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in 1956.
He received his musical calling at the age of twelve, while listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash …. his flash of light! At that point he decided to become a musician and learned to play guitar, piano and drums simultaneously! He was fourteen years old when he joined his first band, singing and playing the drums. The band was called Earthquake. "I guess we made some terrible noise," he laughs!
"Terrible noise" or not, he has never looked back. He has played and sung in many bands; written and performed chart-topping songs in Germany and Denmark; written scores for many German films (including "Der Grosse Bellheim", "Atomdorf" and "Gluecksritter"); worked as musical director for the dance theatre "Letters from Tentland" by Helena Waldman (which is still performing all over the world); not to mention over two decades experience, working as a professional photographer. Each project defining more and more the master of all forms of art, he has now become. From the life experience of this incredible man, one of the greatest musical talents in the world has emerged.

Best Of

Paul Steward - World Champion

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2022
Time: 36:42 
Size: 84,5 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Electric Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. World Champion - 3:06
 2. Doin' My Thing - 3:45
 3. Come on Girl - 3:37
 4. That's Where You Are - 5:03
 5. Myanik Xe (Beautiful Music) [Remix] - 2:36
 6. If You Gotta Love Somebody - 6:09
 7. Send My Baby Back - 4:31
 8. Grenade - 4:27
 9. Seasons - 3:24

“I was born on a Thursday, December 20th, 1984 in Wine Country California; raised on Elem Indian Colony Sulphur Bank Rancheria. Moved to Santa Rosa, CA as a teenager. I love music! Been singing and playing my whole life. My dad gave me the gift of music, got me a toy piano when I was little, taught me to play guitar at 13. We traveled all over America sharing that music.”
Paul’s bio goes on to tell us of his achievements and accomplishments. His love of music is rooted in family and he and his Dad Richard have a duo band (Twice As Good) and won the 2010 Native American Music Awards Blues Album of the Year. More albums and the 2021 launch of Steward’s solo career was followed by the release of this album a year later. Mixing blues, funk, soul, R&B, tribal music, and even some pop, it’s a fun cacophony of fine sounds and music. It even features the first ever commercial release of a Southeastern dialect Pomo language song, “Myanik Xe (Beautiful Music).” This California wine country-based artist is a great singer, songwriter and musician.
The title track is first up and there is a heavy, funky groove going on and Steward sings emotively and plays with ferocity. “Doin’ My Thing” follows, which starts out slow and soft and then  breaks into a driving and rocking blues. This and the next cut were penned by Paul. “Come On Girl” is a soulful piece with another sweet groove and funky vocals. Next is “That’s Where You Are,” is a slower soul blues with pretty guitar and powerful vocals. OAul’s Pomo cut is the next track and features chants, shouts, rhythms and a clapper stick.  It’s pretty darn cool and well done.
Jimmy Dawkins “If You Gotta Love Somebody” is classic Chicago blues with a soulful delivery. Freddie Hughes’ “Send My Baby Back” is a big soul number that Steward nails. Exceptional vocals and a slow and sultry delivery make this a winner. Next is Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” and Steward makes it his own.  Funky and cool, he blends and mixes musical styles into a cool pop/hip hop/blues and works well. He finishes up with Ras K’dee’s rap “Seasons,” transforming the cut into a powerful, slow R&B cut with tasteful vocals and guitar.
Steward is an exceptional artist with a great new, solo record.  He’s toured the US and globe and is someone whom I hope to get to hear live soon. He’s a fantastic singer and guitarist and his songs and performances blend soul and blues and everything else into a delightful sound that grabs the listener. Highly recommended!

World Champion

Ralli Rock & The Moan Of The Sky - To Bring To Light

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2017
Time: 36:19 
Size: 83,6 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Rock/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Healer - 3:58
 2. Walk On Water Again - 4:23
 3. Swallow The Bait - 4:59
 4. 2nd Soul - 6:07
 5. The Blues Within - 4:31
 6. Black Hole Blues - 4:44
 7. Let A Little Light Shine In - 7:34

"To Bring to Light is typical old sounding 70’s rock and blues rock album with edges, like I use to say. If you like the Black Hole Raven album, especially for those bluesy and classic 70’s rock moments, then you probably like this one, too.My solo stuff tends to be a bit more melodic…and when I drank enough Whisky even a little bit more melodramatic"
"To Bring to Light" has its roots in the 70's where guitar solos, strong singers and NOT overproduced albums were "en vogue". It has also a good portion of drity Blues moments.
Mr Rock is doing almost everything alone and you might know him for his great work with BLACK HOLE RAVEN, where he sings and plays guitar and writes the songs. Their debut in early 2016 surprised a lot of people out there and they received great feedback from around the world.
"To Bring to Light" is a little bit more melodic, with deeper or lets say occasionally different song structures, though you can immediately here similarities between both bands. Well, just listen to these god damn guitar solos or the track "Black Hole Blues". People who love solos will be more than pleased. No doubts. And Mr. Rocks voice is also very unique and stands out like his guitar playing style.This album has been recorded a couple of weeks before the sessions of Black Hole Ravens debut.Two other songs have been recorded one year later and after a while the album is finally finished and released by German underground label "ContraMusikProduktion", who has released Black Hole Raven's debut, too.Produced again by Underground "hero" Ralf Rabendorn, who is some kind of twin to Mr. Ralli Rock.

To Bring To Light

Sweet Bourbon - Slippery Slopes (Live)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2022
Time: 40:30 
Size: 93,2 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock/Modern Electric Blues/Rock 
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Kicked Me Out - 3:29
 2. Cool Down - 4:55
 3. 2nd Wallstreet - 4:24
 4. Asked You A Question - 4:04
 5. Muddy Footprints - 5:02
 6. Born A Rebel - 2:56
 7. Swan - 6:22
 8. Just A Silly Dream - 4:56
 9. Texas Women - 4:17

Live albums can bring out some of the fire and heat in the Blues. Live documents can show the true spirit of a musician and, when the crowd is right, be a testament to the electric connection between artist and audience. Countless bootlegs and poor quality albums exist from some of our favorite artists. But, when a musician plans out a live recording and makes a high quality artifact capturing their unique magical abilities live it can be pure bliss. Buddy Guy’s Live: The Real Deal, Albert King’s Live Wire/Blues Power, Albert Collins Frozen Alive! or any of Robert Cray’s consistently excellent live albums are just a few examples. Dutch Blues Rock band Sweet Bourbon has made their career off the strength of their live recordings. Making their recording debut in 2015 with Live at Trianon, Sweet Bourbon have released their 3rd live installment in Slippery Slope. Recorded in September of 2021, Slippery Slope finds the band roughly swinging through a series of Rock flecked Blues and R&B.Sweet Bourbon is at its core Chris Janssen on guitars, Rene Van Onna on vocals and Willem Van der Schoof on keys. Rounded with a sensitive rumble and roll is Ruben Ramirez on drums and Roeland Van Laer on bass. Always incorporating excellent backing vocals, on Slippery Slope Suzan Wattimena and Henny Oudesluijs support with nicely tuned vocal arrangements.The performances on this set are solid. This is a tight band that is well rehearsed and has great interplay. Janssen in particular shines with a nicely crafted distortion tone and well executed lead playing. Van Onna and the background singers work well together to help bring out the sung-in-English lyrics. There is a nice hint of their Dutch accent which this reviewer always prefers to singers trying to pretend they have an American accent. It just sounds more real and natural and brings a deeper dynamic to the singing. The band works through hard charging bar Rock, syncopated NOLA inspired marching and some good 70’s styled Blues Funk. There are even a couple nice acoustic moments to offer an audio palet cleanser from the hyped up Blues Rock.Sweet Bourbon is a really good band and clearly has some great music waiting to come out of it. Slippery Slope is performed well, but there is a little bit of fire missing. The music feels almost too restrained or distant at times. It could simply be the audio quality, which is good but gives a lot of room space. It could also be that the band was a little less loose knowing they were recording. Regardless, Sweet Bourbon rocks the Blues with style and Slippery Slope is a fun listen.

Live

The Fat James Band - Mountains in the Sky

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2022
Time: 70:39 
Size: 162,4 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front+Back 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Good to You -  4:02
 2. Mountains in the Sky -  4:23
 3. Witness -  5:42
 4. I'll Remember You -  3:43
 5. Ask Me to Leave -  6:04
 6. On the Move -  3:39
 7. Should've Gone Left -  4:53
 8. Tell Me Why -  4:39
 9. Sweet Dreamer -  6:12
10. For the Love of a Woman -  3:51
11. Try a Little Tenderness (Live) -  5:18
12. We Both Got Lucky (Live) -  4:01
13. She Really Likes Me (Live) -  2:27
14. Little Wing (Live) - 11:38

The decades long awaited album of the Fat James Band’s original material, originally recorded in 1998 and 1999, “Mountains in the Sky”, was released on July 13, 2022.

Mountains in the Sky

The Wayne Riker Gathering - Blues Lightning (Live)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2020
Time: 22:59 
Size: 53,0 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Everyday I Have the Blues (Live) - 3:29
 2. W-O-M-A-N (Live) - 3:23
 3. Rock Me Baby (Live) - 3:18
 4. That's Why I'm Crying (Live) - 4:57
 5. Tore Down (Live) - 4:25
 6. If You Love Me Like You Say (Live) - 3:24

Bronx-born, San Diego-based guitarist Wayne Riker strikes blues-rock gold with his 2020 CD, Blues Lightning. Spotlighting The Wayne Riker Gathering, the Blues Lightning CD may contain only six tracks yet, start to finish it’s packed with loads of solid blues-rock action with each of the tracks spotlighting Wayne’s sizzling lead guitar work and his band-leading skills. Key to the album is the six different lead singers that take the vocal spotlight on each of their respective tunes. With the vocalists taking turns on their different tracks, Wayne’s core band features some excellent players, including Doug Kvandal (organ), Mackenzie Leighton (bass) and Walt Riker (drums). A live-in-the-studio album, Blues Lightning offers both a close-up view of Wayne's live band in action as well as a studio recording that makes the most of an intimate set performed live in front of an appreciative audience. A multi-tasking guitarist that has been performing and teaching since 1973, Wayne has also released ten guitar instruction books and he’s also been an instructional guitar columnist since 1998. You can pick up on Wayne's story via his 2017 autobiography 50 Years, 50 Bands, 50 Bucks. Having released three solo albums and ten group recordings under his own name, Blues Lightning is a very cool album to pick up on the white-hot, blues-rock sound of Wayne Riker.

Blues Lightning (Live)

Frenchie Moe - Soul Full Tonight

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 37:54 
Size: 87,1 MB 
Label: 3440193 Records DK
Styles: Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Fight You Like A Man - 4:42
 2. Backup Plan (feat. Bruce Sunpie Barnes) - 4:39
 3. Girlfriend - 3:58
 4. Crawfish Heads - 4:41
 5. Furry Slippers - 3:06
 6. Slow Down - 4:59
 7. I'm Into Something - 4:18
 8. Gator Bags A Beaver - 3:26
 9. Invisible Man - 4:02

Frenchie Moe came to the States from her native France in 2011 and eventually settled in New Orleans where this album was recorded. Along the way Frenchie has been mentored by several notable bluesmen, including Victor Brox in the UK, Creighton Holley and Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington. On this disc Frenchie handles vocals and guitar, with Bruce Elsensohn on keys, Andres Villafarra or Adam Crochet on bass and Keith Hawkins or Ian Petillo on drums; Sunpie Barnes guests on accordion and vocal on one track. Frenchie produced the album with studio engineer Lewis D’Aubin. The material is all covers drawn from a wide range of artists, plus one original. Frenchie’s voice is forceful but quite high-pitched and her distinctive style takes a little getting used to; as a guitarist she avoids excess in her solos and keeps the rhythm going well on an album which is definitely on the funky side of things. Larry Williams’ “Slow Down” is transformed from Rn’R into mid-paced funk with Frenchie’s jagged guitar work set over the popping rhythm section. Two tracks are re-titled from their originals: Muddy Waters recorded “She’s Into Something” (Carl Wright) in 1959 and Frenchie calls it “I’m Into Something”, probably the closest to a straight blues here with fine piano and guitar; perhaps Frenchie thought “Crawfish Heads” was a better fit for Louisiana than Bobby Rush’s original “Chicken Heads”! Frenchie also heads to Chicago for “Fight You Like A Man” (Morris Dollison), originally recorded by Koko Taylor on her 1985 Alligator release Queen Of The Blues, and Zora Young’s “Girlfriend”. Elsewhere Sunpie Barnes joins Frenchie for an impressive duet on Tommy Castro and Rick Estrin’s “Backup Plan” and the funk continues with Serabee’s “Invisible Man”. The sole original is the strange title “Gator Bags A Beaver” which has some solid guitar work and buzzes along over the funky rhythm though the meaning of the lyrics evaded this reviewer. “Furry Slippers” comes from jazz organist Tony Monaco and is placed as a mid-album instrumental, swinging along with Bruce’s organ weaving patterns over Frenchie’s rhythm guitar.If you enjoy the funky rhythms of New Orleans you may want to check out Frenchie Moe and her bandmates on this album. 

Soul Full Tonight

The Wayne Riker Gathering - Alphabetical Blues Bash, Vol. 2

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 42:29 
Size: 98,1 MB 
Label:  Fretfull
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front

Tracks Listing:
 1. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out (feat. Sandi King) - 2:33
 2. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer (feat. Stacy Antonel) - 3:38
 3. Parchman Farm Blues (feat. Steve Gouveia) - 2:06
 4. Quarter To Three (feat. Shelle Blue) - 2:42
 5. Rollin' and Tumblin' - 2:29
 6. Still Can Boogie - 4:06
 7. That's What The Blues Is All About (feat. Joshua Taylor) - 4:31
 8. Unchain My Heart (feat. Rebecca Jade) - 3:21
 9. Ventilator Blues (feat. Deanna Haala) - 3:03
10. Walking Blues (feat. Roni Lee) - 3:52
11. X - 2:28
12. Your Time Is Gonna Come (feat. Lauren Leigh) - 3:54
13. Zeitgeist (feat. Nathan Raney) - 3:40

Since 1967, guitarist Wayne Riker has played just about every musical style, and in an array of musical settings — house parties, coffeehouses, nightclubs, musical theater, cruise ships, arena rock concerts, and stadium festivals.
“I moved to San Diego County in 1980. My playing career started in my hometown of New York City in 1967, in various eclectic groups, beginning in clubs in Greenwich Village, through the heyday of the
Jersey Shore, before moving to the midwest in 1974, playing in the Kansas City area through 1978, and in the Minneapolis area in 1979, before taking a year off to study guitar at the Guitar Institute of
Technology in Los Angeles in 1979 and 1980.”
As a member of the Guitar Institute, Riker has cohosted workshops around the world with A-list jazz and blues cats such as Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Marty Friedman, Dave Grissom, and Duke Robillard.
“In my 32 years in San Diego County, I’ve played in 35 groups, including big band, musical theater, cruise ship and musical duos, along with the more obvious aggregations of top 40, country, funk,
jazz, rock, R&B, and blues groups.” Concurrently, Riker has also taught private guitar lessons, in the North Park area from 1980 through 2010 and at Rick’s Guitar Shop.
“Nowadays, I’m reinventing myself in the solo acoustic world,” says Riker, “after many decades of primarily electric-guitar gigs and projects. It gets me out of the house more often.”

 Vol. 2

The Wayne Riker Gathering - Alphabetical Blues Bash, Vol. 1

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2022
Time: 42:15 
Size: 97,2 MB 
Label: Fretfull
Styles: Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. All Your Love - 3:55
 2. Baby Please Don't Go - 2:07
 3. Checkin' up on My Baby - 3:27
 4. Dust My Broom - 2:38
 5. Eyes Like a Cat - 3:55
 6. Fever - 3:43
 7. Going Down - 3:22
 8. Honky Tonk - 3:17
 9. I'm Willing to Be Your Friend - 3:25
10. Jailhouse Blues - 2:53
11. Killing Floor - 2:36
12. Little Red Rooster - 4:43
13. Move It on Over - 2:09

Not much can add to the praise already given San Diego guitar maestro Wayne Riker, but much of that bears repeating with vigor, if only for the benefit of music lovers unfamiliar with the magnificence he applies to the blues. In recent memory Riker has released a scintillating slew of top-tier blues guitar efforts, two records especially. The first, 2018’s Blues Breakout, is a hard power-trio effort with a surfeit of the guitarist’s quick-witted licks. Wayne fills all the empty spaces and enters a rapture with his long improvisations overrun with slinky, sleek, and slicing ideas, one atop the other. The second, 2020’s Blues Lightning, a pulsing session with swift riffs, a well-greased rhythm section, and a series of guest vocals by an assemblage of the best blues singers available. Punchy, rocking, the guitarist, the band, and his guest singers show a proficiency in feeling and finesse for a variety of R&B categories. His latest album, Alphabetical Blues Bash Volume l, has a new edition of the Wayne Riker Gathering with bassist Oliver Shirly lll drummer Marty Dodson and a familiar cast of grit-worthy guest vocalists: Shelle Blue, Lauren Leigh, Billy Watson, Janet Hammer, Deanna Haala, Debora Galan, Ron Houston, Michele Lundeen, Liz Ajuzie, Rebecca Jade, and Ron Christopher Jones. The strategy of the record is an alphabetical, A through M, gathering of diverse blues classics, famous and obscure, highlighting the quality tones of the respective vocalists and highlighting the range of Riker’s understanding of blues guitar styles. An additional pleasure of ABB Vol l are the instrumental pieces, brief impromptus sans vocals where the guitarist’s virtuoso sense of touch is on full exhibit. Eschewing the alphabetical order, a tune that grabbed that grabbed me straight away was a funky version of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Checking Up on My Baby.” Riker and company jack-up the pace, with Wayne’s guitar work popping and punching in rhythmic precision, and his solos add a cutting series of blues licks against the rock-steady backbeat. Lauren Leigh’s vocal is hot spice and fire, strong and brassy with a bit of Aretha coming through as she soars on the high notes. Scintillating as well is the instrumental rendition on the Robert Johnson-Elmore James work horse “Dust My Broom.” Hewing to the traditional arrangement, Riker’s slide guitar states the swooping introductory riff with a smooth, glistening tone and touch as he coaxes, cajoles, and caresses a gallantly melodic improvisation that simulates a singer’s expression of wonder and woe. Riker’s configurations swoop and loop over and around the foundation. His taste in short fills, quick riffs, roiling accents in the high registers are applied with a painter’s sense of how to fill space. The classic Peggy Lee hit “Fever” (written by Eddie Cooley and John Davenport) receives a sultry interpretation by Janet Hammer, a performance that does well with the low-key arrangement as her whispery phrasing works intoxicatingly with Riker’s subdued chord work. This is the sound of seduction.; the guitar solo, spare and framed by exquisitely cresting blues bends and shadings, is the textbook example of creating musical tension and then releasing. Rocking harder is the take on Don Nix’s “Going Down,” a blues rock standard that’s had pulverizing iterations by Freddie King, and Jeff Beck, among others. Wayne Riker takes up the tune and refuses to take a back seat. His guitar work soars, stings and wails down the descending progression, mischievously teasing the edges of Deanna Haala’s in-your-face lead vocal. Especially bracing, in a pleasant way, is the revival of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor,” pushed hard by Michele Lundeen’s rust-coated vocal. The band digs in hard on the changes, with bandleader Wayne unleashing a glorious and bittersweet solo, every note hitting the target dead square. I recommend paying special attention to the two other guitar displays on this fine blues outing, Bill Doggett’s “Honkey Tonk” and Hank Williams’ “Move It Over.” Wayne Riker performs with the feeling and a virtuoso’s ease of play. He is simply wonderful at finding the spirit, emotion, the vibe, and verve of a song and then bringing it out with his guitar in wonderful, atypical ways.

Vol. 1

Layla Zoe - Back To The Spirit Of 66

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2023
Time: 49:25 + 42:25
Size: 113,6 MB + 97,4 MB  
Label: Cable Car Records
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock/Rock 
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
Disc 1
 1. Golden Slumber - 1:57
 2. Dark Heart - 5:00
 3. The World Could Change - 6:08
 4. Praying Kind - 6:35
 5. Leave You For Good - 8:03
 6. Susan  - 8:25
 7. Weakness - 6:40
 8. Ghost Train - 6:33
Disc2
 1. Roses And Lavender - 10:02
 2. Watch What You're Doing -  5:53
 3. Brother - 13:40
 4. We're All The Same -  6:41
 5. He Loves Me -  6:07

Layla Zoe is a Canadian blues and blues rock singer/songwriter. Since 2006, she has released a number of albums, both studio and live recordings, and has performed in North America and most of Western Europe. Zoe is influenced by Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Muddy Waters and Janis Joplin. Her vocal style has been compared to Joplin by several journalists and commentators. Although she hails from British Columbia, Canada, she has lived in various parts of Europe in recent years.From her biography: Give Layla Zoe a stage and she will show you magic. In a world of choreography and autotune, this is an artist who does it the old-fashioned way, digging deep, summoning a smoke-and-whiskey voice, leaving it all on stage and sending breathless fans into the night to spread the music. “For me,” says Layla, “there is nothing more satisfying than standing on stage with my band and giving my heart to the fans, through music. I like writing songs and being in the studio, but the live shows are the reason I love my job so much.” Her new live double album 'Back To The Spirit Of 66' was recorded earlier this year during 'The World Could Change Tour' in the famous concert hall Spirit Of 66 in Verviers, Belgium. Layla says: “This is one of my best live albums to date and I am so proud of the music that my bandmates Krissy Matthews (guitar), Paul Jobson (bass and keys), Felix Dehmel (drums) and I put together. made the stage. 30 concerts in two months in six countries ending in one of my favorite venues in Europe provided the perfect atmosphere, dynamics and sound quality on stage for this double album. Recorded, mixed and mastered by the incredible Martin Meinschaefer and featuring beautiful live versions of songs from some of my best albums 'Gemini', 'Breaking Free' and 'The World Could Change', this album is something I am extremely proud of and I can't wait to share it with you all!” It was now the seventeenth time that Krissy performed in this hall and she regularly showed that she enjoyed playing there. In 2014 she also recorded a live album in the same location, entitled 'Live At Spirit 66'.
To be honest, I don't hear much of Janis Joplin in her singing, but she definitely has a great singing voice and masters various styles. The performance opens with an a cappella version of the Beatles classic Golden Slumbers and otherwise it is mainly blues and blues rock that she plays with her great accompanists. With a beautiful and sometimes dazzling guitar solo, then an organ solo or beautiful piano work. All supported by an excellent drummer, who especially shows this in Ghost Train, the closing track of disc 1. The second disc contains mainly long songs and opens with a wonderfully long version of Roses & Lavender, enjoying more than nine minutes with a great guitar solo on a bed of wonderful Hammond sounds! It lasts over thirteen minutes with beautiful organ accompaniment to the song Brother.Goosebumps! If you like nice solid blues rock and nice slow blues then this live album is highly recommended!

Back To The Spirit Of 66

Gregg Giarelis - Five Years Of Trouble

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2012
Time: 29:44 
Size: 68,5 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Modern Electric Blues
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Got To Funk Me A Woman - 4:52
 2. Mean Woman Blues - 3:52
 3. Five Years Of Trouble - 6:23
 4. Six O'clock Shuffle - 6:46
 5. A Fool No More - 3:32
 6. Raindrops On My Window - 4:18

Gregg Giarelis is a singer/songwriter and guitar player born in Athens, Greece.Early recordings of Chicago bluesmen heard around the house and a deep fascination towards the guitars hanging in the living room was what triggered Gregg's interest in guitar playing and led to a further involvement with blues.Over the years he intensified his relationship with the guitar and singing. His playing was influenced by great blues artists such as Otis Rush, Albert king, Albert Collins, Ronnie Earl, Colin James and Buddy Wittington.Gregg's been performing frequently since 2004 as a solo artist or in the context of blues bands and has shared the stage with great blues artists like Lucky Peterson and Michael Dotson.

 Five Years Of Trouble

Five Bluesmen - Five Seasons Of Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s

Year: 2018

Time: 41:51 

Size: 96,3 MB 

Label:Self-Released 

Styles:Blues/Blues Rock 

Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:

 1. Springtime - 3:40

 2. Five Seasons 0f Blues - 4:05

 3. Rain Through The Window - 6:39

 4. War - 4:41

 5. Little Marie - 4:18

 6. The Queen And The Ace - 3:13

 7. Come Home - 5:25

 8. Bleecker Street - 3:41

 9. Mississippi River - 6:05

Founded in 2010 under the impulse of Ray Perelli, "Five Bluesmen" is composed of musicians from very different musical backgrounds.In 2022, Ray PERELLI (vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica) Elvis CHAMBREY (lead guitar) François MOUROT (bass, mandolin) are joined by Eric FLYCASSE on drums, for a new line up. 

Five Seasons of Blues

32/20 Blues Band - What Might Happen

Bitrate: 320K/s
Year: 2021
Time: 39:30 
Size: 91,9 MB 
Label: Kawumm Records
Styles: Blues/Electric Blues/Blues Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Eastend - 5:01
 2. Dead Tired - 2:52
 3. Smartest Player - 3:48
 4. 9 To 5 - 3:40
 5. Save Me - 4:16
 6. My River - 3:44
 7. Chances - 3:21
 8. Nobodys Shakin Hands No More - 6:10
 9. What Might Happen - 4:05
10. On The Road - 2:28

The 32/20 blues band, which has been active in the blues business for twenty-one years, only released their fifth album "What Might Happen". This band around Thomas Neukirch / All pieces were written by Thomas Neukirch and the music by Heiko Wilhelmus. The ten songs were recorded in the Kreisrockminister Studio. Heiko Wilhelmus produced the current album there.The 32/20 Blues Band is a kind of guarantee for good, entertaining blues/blues rock.
The quartet knows how to win over the listener from the first to the last note of "What Might Happen" and it is recommended to enjoy all the songs in one go.The guest keyboardist Thomas Bracht fits perfectly with the whole hustle and bustle of the 32/20 Blues Band twelve-beats. Whether it concerns wonderfully knotted sound carpets with his Hammond.Lovers of boogie/blues or blues rock will get their money's worth with the quartet.
It should be noted once again that bassist Ingo Neukirch and Benjamin Krämer are just as sensitive to their work as Thomas Neukirch and Heiko Wilhelmus.For this record it is completely appropriate to say hands up and enjoy this record.
Guests:
Markus Stoll (trumpet)
Carlos Wagner (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone)
Thomas Bracht (Hammond organ, piano)

 What Might Happen

Morgan Giosa - Feelin' Fine Today

Bitrate: 320K/s

Year: 2023
Time: 38:29 
Size: 88,7 MB 
Label: Self-Released
Styles: Blues Rock/Blues/Rock
Art: Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Hapless Blues - 4:01
 2. Feelin' Fine Today - 3:46
 3. Citylit Blue - 6:11
 4. Battlefield Of The Mind - 5:16
 5. Mr. Big Bucks - 4:18
 6. Cerulean Sunrise - 5:51
 7. Quack Doctor - 5:33
 8. You Said Goodbye - 3:30

Morgan Giosa is a web developer, blues guitarist, photographer, and visual artist from Windsor, Connecticut. From an early age, Morgan was raised around music and the arts. His brother Alex is a professional drummer and a skilled visual artist. Many of Morgan's friends and peers are gigging musicians. As such, Morgan has naturally discovered his own passion in blues guitar and the visual arts through this frequent exposure to creativity. A self described "old soul", Morgan feels his music is most rooted in inspiration from the electric psychedelic blues of the 1960s (artists such as Michael Bloomfield and Jimi Hendrix are among his favorites), as well as influenced by the greatest electric bluesmen of all time (particularly B.B. King and Albert King, two of his favorite musicians). Morgan's music and visual art ultimately come to him spontaneously from his unique and unconventional intuition and emotions and life experiences. As a web developer, Morgan has worked with with the content management framework Drupal for over 8 years to successfully deliver websites to local businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations. Morgan operates the website Tempera Solutions (formerly MG Web Design) to showcase select accomplishments in this field. Morgan has also worked as a contractor for established web development firms. He also studies computer science under Dr. Mark A. Friedman, a former college professor who has taught at Trinity College and Central Connecticut State University. Morgan is on the autism spectrum, and has completed a documentary with his local public access TV station, Win-TV, about the trials and triumphs experienced in his unique life, with an overwhelming emphasis on and showcase of Morgan's music, art, and achievements with technology. More information on this film can be found at the following links: outsidetheboxdocumentary.com or www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxdocumentary/ Morgan has been composing original music with the guidance and collaborative input of his mentor and friend and guitar teacher, Frank Varela. The two, alongside drummer Alex Giosa and bassist Rudi Weeks, recorded Morgan's latest album, "Feelin' Fine Today", scheduled to be released on November 10th, 2023 via all major streaming outlets.

Feelin' Fine Today