It Was Almost Two Years Ago

that I stumbled upon Joanne Shaw Taylor’s debut release White Sugar. It was the first weekend of Spring 2009 and I was getting ready to take my family on a country excursion for a few days. Impressed with what I heard, (and convinced my family would agree) I loaded Taylor’s White Sugar onto my MP3 player and plugged it into the car stereo. The tunes we heard set the tone for our early spring drive up the winding snow-filled highway…

Writing was always one of those things that helped me relax. So later that evening I sat by the fire, and thought about the awesome music we heard on the way up to the cabin. That night I wrote a post called Joanne Shaw Taylor: Time Has Come With Debut Release White Sugar. Today that post is one of the top 10 articles I’ve written as The Blues Blogger. The article goes into more biographical detail, so I will avoid being repetitive here. If you’re curious I’ve included a link to the article above.

Diamonds in the Dirt

When Taylor’s latest album Diamonds in the Dirt was released last November, I really liked what I heard. Joined once again with producer Jim Gaines, the album is edgier and more of an accurate depiction of where Joanne’s music stands today. I continue to be amazed with this young rock ‘n’ soul blues artists’ talent.

Unfortunately because of a hectic schedule last winter, I wasn’t able to do a second article. With the popularity of the first post, I regretted not doing a follow up with her second release. So this time around I decided to do something a little different.

I have long considered including guest podcasts. It’s tough when you write a music blog that’s as personal as The Blues Blogger, because you are inviting people into a space and vibe that many of you have grown attached to. But as we know the blues is about the sharing of life’s experiences, so why shouldn’t we hear from Joanne Shaw Taylor in her own words?

So I asked Mark Wade from A1Blues.com if I could include a podcast he did with Joanne just before Christmas in my latest blog post. Mark’s down to earth style has a way of drawing the artist’s feelings out. I really enjoy listening to his shows, and I think you will too. His line-up of blues interviews is quite impressive. You really should go to his site A1Blues.com and see for yourself.

Enjoy the podcast.

The Joanne Shaw Taylor Podcast With Host Mark Wade

Joanne Shaw Taylor Upcoming Tour Dates

February 2011

11) The State Theater, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
17) Route 33 Rhythm & Brews, Wapakoneta, OH, USA
18) Rosa’s Lounge, Chicago, IL, USA
19) Rosa’s Lounge, Chicago, IL, USA
22) Dinosaur Barbeque, Rochester, NY, USA
23) Dinosaur Barbeque, Syracuse, NY, USA
24) Dinosaur Barbeque, Troy, NY, USA
26) The Turning Point, Piermont, NY, USA

March 2011

01) Treasure Lake Ski Lodge, Dubois, PA, USA
03) Cabin Fever Blues Bash, Hagerstown, MD, USA
05) private event, Martinsville, VA, USA
11) Bonita Blues Festival, Bonita Springs, FL, USA
12) Aces, Brandenton, FL, USA
23) private event, Chicago, IL, USA
26) Rothschild Pavillion, Rothschild, WI, USA

April 2011

02) Springing The Blues, Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA
03) Earls Hideaway, Sebastian, FL, USA
08) TBA, Landstuhl, GERMANY
09) TBA, Cloppenburg, GERMANY
10) Schwarzer Adler, Rheinberg, GERMANY
13) Lowen, Eschenbach, SWITZERLAND
14) Galery, Pratteln, SWITZERLAND
15) Flamingo, Oberentfelden, SWITZERLAND
16) Wimsener Muhle, Hayingen, GERMANY
27) Oslo Bluesklubb at Buckleys, Oslo, NORWAY
28) Bergenfest, Bergen, NORWAY
29) Nidaros Bluesfestival, Nidaros, NORWAY
30) Nidaros Bluesfestival, Nidaros, NORWAY

For tour updates and info you can go directly to Joanne’s site by clicking here

What are your thoughts regarding the impressive journey of Joanne Shaw Taylor. Have you listened to her latest record Diamonds in the Dirt or her debut release White Sugar? Are you going to be checking out any of the shows listed above? What did you think of Mark’s podcast with Joanne?

Please leave your comments in the area below. I’d love to hear from you.

The Blues Blogger

Joanne at Seventeen Years Old

“This record’s one of the things that’s held me together… Because when I woke up in the hospital from this incredibly big surgery, I held on to the idea that, hey man, you’ve got a record in the can!”~ Gregg Allman

Music Is a Healer

Throughout this blog’s journey one the central themes you’ll find in many of the articles is the healing power of music. It was while recovering from a heart attack in the fall of 2007 that I created The Blues Blogger as a therapeutic means to help through a difficult time. I reflected on aspects of my life; weaving online articles along with the music which surrounded the scenes I was reflecting upon. I discovered firsthand that through the sharing of each other’s life experiences, the blues had a way of generating positive energy. So when you hear a good thing, especially one that motivates you, I believe it’s important to share the information.

Low Country Blues

Last week when I heard Gregg Allman’s first solo release in fourteen years Low Country Blues, I was totally knocked out. I even made a quick comment on my Twitter and Facebook accounts mentioning how hooked I was. The songs, musicianship, production and back story moved me and forced me out of my shell.

Named for the coastal Georgia area Allman calls home, Low Country Blues acknowledges the blues titans that originally inspired Allman’s music as a solo performer and as a continued member of The Allman Brothers Band. The choice of tracks (all covers with the exception Just Another Rider) is heartfelt and extremely tasteful.

For the recording, producer T-Bone Burnett brought in extraordinary musicians, which include Jay Bellerose on drums, Dennis Crouch on upright bass, Doyle Bramhall II on guitar and Allman’s old friend Dr John on piano.

While listening to the wonderful selection of tunes, it was difficult to find the appropriate words for a review because my mind was viewing images and scenes, not prose. Right from the opening track “Floating Bridge,” a Sleepy John Estes treasure, you’re taken on a cool trip down a reflective blues entrenched path.

Along the way my visions were placed in more of a screenplay format. I drifted through old memories of blues masters, American history and the vibe surrounding the hardships and successes of an era too often forgotten.

Gregg Allman

As the record progresses we hear the Mel London tune “Little by Little” made popular by Junior Wells. Allman’s voice is robust and supple; showing a deep bond for the music he’s cherished for the past 50 years.

Some of my favorite songs that required several listens were “Tears, Tears, Tears,” “Blind Man,” “I Can’t be Satisfied” and the Allman and Haynes original “Just Another Rider.”

Gregg Allman and T-Bone Burnett’s choice of tunes are right on the money. The retrospective raw and earthy production with the horn sections add weight to the arrangements and capture the overall experience magnificently.

Here’s a complete list of all the tracks:

1. Floating Bridge – Sleepy John Estes
2. Little by Little – Junior Wells
3. Devil Got my Woman- Skip James
4. I Can’t Be Satisfied – Muddy Waters
5. Blind Man – Bobby Bland
6. Just Another Rider – Gregg Allman & Warren Haynes
7. Please Accept My Love – B.B. King & Sam Ling
8. I Believe I’ll Go Back Home – John Lee Hooker
9. Tears, Tears, Tears – Amos Milburn
10. My Love Is Your Love – Magic Sam
11. Checking On My Baby – Otis Rush
12. Rolling Stone – New Arrangement by Gregg Allman & T Bone Burnett

Suffering from chronic Hepatitis C, Allman was on a waiting list for two years for a liver donor. The album was recorded just 6 months before his transplant, and is proof that music is an extremely powerful source of positive energy. Allman is unquestionably an experienced natural interpreter of the blues genre and a survivor having endured several of life’s tragedies.

On Low Country Blues Allman utilizes his experience and the positive energy of the blues to generate an enriching landscape. The whole vibe and story centering on this new release is very motivating indeed. You’ll want to check this record out for sure; it’s definitely food for the soul.

As a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, the group continues to perform and are still one of the most electrifying live bands to witness. The Allman Brothers band has inspired music lovers worldwide for the last 42 years, and their debut album back in 1969 set the tone for that famous southern rock sound.

With Gregg Allman’s career now in its sixth decade, it’s impossible to cover everything in one article. But that’s where you come in. What are some of your favorite Allman tunes? Have you heard his latest release Low Country Blues? What are your thoughts on his collaboration with producer T-Bone Burnett? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you’re curious, here is a link to the CBS interview last week where you can hear Gregg talk about his life, recent surgery and thoughts for his first solo release in 14 years.

I hope this new post finds you well.

The Blues Blogger

It’s impossible to play a run with as much feeling as a single note. I’ve never been so much into runs as making single notes cry.
~ Robin Trower

It’s been a while since we touched base, and it seems that for the first time in the three year history of The Blues Blogger I’m having trouble with what to say… Much has happened in the past year; some things have been sad and others so very sweet… So I apologize if I sound a little awkward.

You see, last spring I accepted a new offline day gig. This was a challenging and rewarding opportunity to help support my family. It’s very technical and requires significant left brain thinking; or as I refer to as the logical scrooge side. As a result, there’s been an unfamiliar stillness in the air. People walk by me curiously; rolling their eyes as I go about exercising my silent left brain affairs.

In the meantime, E-mails from concerned readers of my blog and continuous requests to publish material online made me ponder how to get back on track. Like I said in my first post of the year, Blues 2010: Still Got the Groove, TBB is a one man show.

Then I overheard some music that my wife TBBW was listening to upstairs… I’ve heard that mesmerizing sound so many times before; especially in my youth. But this time around it really got me thinking. Then I recalled a phone conversation I had several weeks back where Robin Trower’s name came up.

Suddenly my hiatus was over. And for the moment, my study room this past weekend was once again filled with that awesome rush of sounds and the feelings the music brings.

For the past three years The Blues Blogger has not only been known as a destination for blues/jazz and classic rock music fans, but also as a unique blog where the guitar is a central focus. Listening to the latest release of Robin Trower’s new album The Playful Heart gave me the chance to not only feature an important guitar icon, but also provided me with the unexpected right turn I needed.

ROBIN TROWER

His name may not come up in conversation as often as his colleagues Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page or Jeff Beck, but make no mistake about it; Trower has done his share in bringing a distinctive tone and inventive vision to audiences worldwide.

After leaving Procol Harum in 1972, he began a solo career and formed The Robin Trower Band. His 1973 debut album Twice Removed From Yesterday got attention for its brilliant mix of psychedelic-rock and blues. But it was his landmark second release Bridge Of Sighs that would be his signature LP. The album would rise to #7 on Billboard magazine’s top 200 charts, and also established the guitarist as an admired rock headliner.

Robin Talks About The Playful Heart

Several records in the seventies and an ensuing live LP, all earned him gold album awards. However, towards the end of the seventies Trower began to waft from his signature sound in an attempt to capture a funkier harder rock flavor.

In the early-1980s, Trower teamed up with one of my favorite bass players and former Cream bassist Jack Bruce for a pair of albums. Now out of my teenage daze, it was 1981′s B.L.T (Bruce Lordan & Trower) with its superb blend of rock, blues, and soul that had a multitude of spins on my turntable way back then.

With 1997’ s release of Someday Blues, Trower once again changed his propensity in favor of a raw blues-rock sound, which continued on 2004′s Living Out Of Time and 2005′s Another Days Blues. Trower would re-unite with Jack Bruce in 2008 for the album Seven Moons and resulting Seven Moons Live DVD in 2009.

Later in 2009, he released another solo effort What Lies Beneath, and for the first time stepped in front of the microphone to sing his own material.

Robin On Recording The Playful Heart

Like so many of his peers, Trower continues to perform and record to considerable praise. With his new release The Playful Heart we see a more reflective sounding Robin Trower. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started listening to this album, but was quite drawn by the catchy riffs and emotional playing alongside that characteristic Trower tone. It was certainly the right prescription to snap me out of my commonsensical left sided thought waves.

There are several highlights here from the rockin’ “The Turning,” to the catchy “Dressed in Gold,” and melodic “Camille.” The album covers the gamut from rock/blues, jazzy textures with funky grooves all wrapped in a wistful vibe. It was recorded with his touring band: vocalist Davey Pattison, drummer Pete Thompson and bassist Glenn Letsch. The album was produced by Livingston Brown who has worked in the past as a touring and session musician with artists such as Tina Turner, Bryan Ferry and Sting.

On The Playful Heart Trower comes out with an album that is sure to please not only his long times fans, but hopefully a new generation of guitar aficionados who may not be as familiar.

So now I want to turn this post over to you. Are you a Robin Trower fan? Any highlights from his illustrious career that stand out for you? Have you ever seen, or will you be seeing Robin and his band as they pass through your town in the New Year? I’d love to hear your thoughts. So please leave your comments in the section below.

Thank you for your support! I wish you all a very safe and festive holiday season.

The Blues Blogger

I tell you the truth, it really hurts. The only thing that keeps me from crying is knowing the joy that he brought to us. I can see his smile right now, him sitting there with his Mexican hat on, going, “Hey, it’s all right…” ~B.B. King

October 3rd 2010

marks what would have been Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 56th birthday. So I loaded up some SRV tunes and dedicated my weekend to listening to that sweet awesome sound…

Now I really wasn’t sure what I could say that wasn’t expressed by so many others before me. A lot of the performers I’ve featured on The Blues Blogger for the past 3 years credit Stevie Ray Vaughan as a huge influence. One thing’s for sure, even though its been 20 years since his death, his musical spirit continues to inspire and shine through the hearts and souls of so many great musicians; new and veterans alike.

Third Anniversary Book Giveaway — Giveaway Now Closed –

As I typically do in the month of October I like to change things up a bit by offering a few giveaways to celebrate my site`s anniversary. So instead of writing some biographical information that most SRV fans are already familiar with, I’ve decided to giveaway away one copy of a recently re-released book about Stevie Ray Vaughan by Craig Hopkins called Day by Day, Night After Night. In the book you`ll find interviews, photos and in depth information that will impress even the most avid fan.

Day by Day, Night After Night – Book Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed… Congratulations to Cliff Kapitsky.

Here are the Rules:

You will need to CLICK ON THIS LINK HERE, or on the book cover to the right. It will take you to a contact form where you must fill in your name and e-mail address.

On the subject line please put:

SRV Book Giveaway Entry

You can enter any additional information in the message box if you wish. But if you prefer you can also put your thoughts on the comments section below. This will further enhance the post by allowing you to share your memories of Stevie`s music with everyone who reads this. And if you do add your comments, I will put an extra entry in the random draw for a total of two entries for the book.

Unfortunately I can only offer this giveaway for readers of my blog in the United States and Canada only…

The giveaway will close Sunday October 31st 11:00 pm eastern time in the United States. One winner will randomly be picked from all entries and they will have 24 hours to respond. Otherwise, a new name will be drawn.

Day by Day, Night After Night was originally released in 2008 as one volume with only 3200 copies printed. The book is now being re-released by Backbeat Books (Hal Leonard Corporation) as a two volume set. Author Craig Hopkins was the 2009 winner of the Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Award for literature. The first volume in his new edition covers Stevie Ray Vaughan’s early years from 1954 -1982. It tells the story of Stevie’s life and career through a series of interviews with over a hundred family members, friends, band members, girlfriends, manager’s agents, and roadies. The book is filled with quotes and molded together to shape a story that is explained with thousands of additional facts and illustrations.

Sample of Book Embedded Below

The second volume which covers 1983 – to the present will be released in the Fall of 2011.

It’s difficult to pick a favorite Stevie Ray Vaughan song. Sometimes it can vary depending on your mood and the time of day. But as for this past weekend while remembering him on his 56th birthday, the two songs that come to mind are “Life Without You,” and always one of my favorites “Lenny.”

How about you? What songs or time come to mind when you think about the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan? Share your thoughts by commenting below. I’d love to see this post grow. So let’s hear from you!!!

And good luck to all who enter the draw.

All the Best,

The Blues Blogger

“This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all. It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map… If it’s a surprise to the fans, that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” ~Eric Clapton

Worldwide CD Giveaway – THIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED –

(Congratulations to Ron Grande & Tim Null who’ve both won a copy of the disc. Your new Clapton CD is now on the way to you… You’re gonna love it!!!)

Next month it’s The Blues Blogger’s 3rd Anniversary. However, to coincide with Eric Clapton’s upcoming 19th solo album “Clapton” later this month, I thought it might be fun to give away 2 copies of the CD and announce the winners on the day of the release… Your opportunity to win could not be simpler. In fact many of you reading this are already entered. I will explain shortly…

First

I Have a Question for You

If somebody asked you, “what song in your past acts likes a soundtrack to your youth?” Would you know right away? If you had to think about it, what song would play in your mind? I know what song that would be for me. And I’ve mentioned it many times from my very first post Electric Blues Masters, to Joe Bonamassa Live at The Royal Albert Hall and of course Freddie King I Am a Blues Master. That song is John Mayall & The Blues Breakers featuring Eric Clapton’s version of Freddie King’s Hideaway. It’s the first audible groove I vividly recall my brother playing along to on his guitar on the bunk bed below in the room we shared while growing up.

For Eric Clapton

some of the tunes that make him reminisce about his childhood, he got the opportunity to record on his upcoming album. These selections are gems which were passed down to Eric from his grandparents. It’s an assortment of songs by such noted composers as Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. Clapton covers everything from old brass bands to obscure country blues, in addition to brand-new originals. The result is tranquil, reflective, and quite different from anything he’s done in the past.

Working with guitarist and producer Doyle Bramhall II, Clapton brings together an impressive range of talent to back him on this self-titled release. Musicians and guests include drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond. Also featured on this eclectic offering is JJ Cale, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Steve Winwood, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks.

You can preview four complete songs, including the new single “Diamonds Made From Rain” from the Clapton album here on the widget below:

Clapton has also announced several live dates in 2011 including 4 nights at The Royal Albert Hall. And has assembled a remarkable band for the 2011 tour which will consist of long-time touring partners: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) along with Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists…

For more details you can go to Eric Clapton’s site by clicking here

While many of my long time readers are familiar with my posts, what many of you may not know was how Clapton inadvertently influenced the idea for me to create this blog three years ago.

Time has passed quickly since I succeeded in freaking my entire family out with the news of my heart attack 36 months ago. It forced me into a situation where I had a lot of time to think. When my brother heard the news and realized I would be alright, he told my wife TBBW on the phone to get me Clapton’s recently released autobiography. A hard cover copy of the book would be at my bedside when I opened my eyes one morning in the hospital. While reading that book and recovering at home, I got the idea of creating a music blog where I could combine my appreciation for music and my long time desire to write.

That desire to write started when I first heard Hideaway when I was a kid, but I never really concentrated too much on it until after I read Eric’s biography three years ago. The book made me reminisce about my own life and the music that surrounded me when I was young. The blog then became a therapeutic canvas for me. It would also be a place where lovers of blues, jazz, and fans of some good old rock n roll could come together and share their thoughts; past and present.

For these past three years The Blues Blogger site has grown in an extremely profound way, and as a result so have I. I’m truly very humbled by all your kind words and overwhelming support…

And Now…

Do You Want To Win a Copy of Eric Clapton’s Upcoming CD?

The Rules Are Simple – THIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED -

All email subscribers of The Blues Blogger anywhere in the world will get the opportunity to win 2 possible copies of Eric’s 19th solo album “Clapton” in a random draw giveaway.

(All current Blues Blogger subscribers are automatically entered.)

You will need to subscribe to my e-mail list at the top of the page where it says “Receive Updates by Email.” Enter your email address and press click here. When you submit the form, you will receive a verification message in your e-mail in-box. Once you respond to this message you are subscribed. That’s it! I promise no spam and you can always unsubscribe at anytime…

This random prize giveaway will end September 26th, 2010 at 11:00 pm eastern time in the U.S. When the winners are notified, they’ll have 12 hours to respond or a new name will be drawn.

But now if I could, I’d like to get back to my original question - Do you have a favorite tune that plays in your mind from the past? Are there any songs or performances from Eric Clapton from your youth that you’d like to share?

As an extra added bonus, if you comment on this post as well as being an active subscriber, I will put an additional ballot in the draw to increase your chances of winning. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and a terrific memorable record to gain.

I’d love to hear from you.

Good luck,

The Blues Blogger