martedì 28 ottobre 2014

MONIQUEA "YES NO MAYBE"

Moniquea was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Pasadena, California. She vividly recalls watching her mother rehearse as a lead singer alongside other relatives and friends in the Pasadena-branded group The Roses. As a youth, she was exposed to countless volumes of 70’s soul and the electrified sounds of 80’s R&B, which shaped her sound immeasurably. Today, she counts a wide range of artists as influences, from Deniece Williams and Etta James to Stevie Nicks. Her voice carries two distinct characteristics that play into each other perfectly – A “so-retro-it’s-actually-new” twang that harks back to Evelyn “Champagne” King; the second, a jazzy vibrato that easily evokes the tender, smoky voice of Erykah Badu or even Billie Holiday. Moniquea is vocally equipped to sing contemporary R&B/soul, go the Amy Winehouse route, or bring back the synthy, dance-friendly sound of 80’s boogie funk – her current musical direction.  MONIQUEA
 

sabato 25 ottobre 2014

LIZ MANDEVILLE "HEART 'O' CHICAGO"

Born and raised into a musical family in Wisconsin, guitarist and singer Liz Mandeville grew up in an arts-filled environment. Her father played guitar and sang folk songs while taking classes at the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI bill. He taught his daughter to paint and sing, and Liz often accompanied her father to art museums, gardens and art galleries, wherever his work took him. Her mother was an actress and she saw to it that her daughter had a proper education in the theater arts as well, something which came in handy many years later when Mandeville decided to pursue a career as a blues singer.Musicians and artists were frequent guests in the Mandeville's home, and the young Mandeville was encouraged to write songs, poetry and short stories. Family vacations around the south exposed young Liz to blues, bluegrass, traditional country and folk music and New Orleans jazz and funk.Her first professional gigs were in coffee houses around Wisconsin, playing songs her father had taught her. She cited as influences on her earliest attempts at music people like James Brown, Muddy Waters and Lightnin' Hopkins.Known previously as Liz Mandeville-Greeson, Mandeville played the bars in and around Chicago for most of the '90s and 2000s, and she made occasional tours to points east — New York City — and West, to California, as well as many cities and towns in between. She spent much of the late '80 touring across the U.S. and Canada by van with her then-band, theSupernaturals. During the 2000s, she worked with a band called the Blue Points.In 1994, she met Chicago bassist Aron Burton and subsequently performed with him at the 1994 Chicago Blues Festival. She recorded two tracks with him on his 1996 album, Aron Burton Live, and that led to her being signed to Michael Frank's Earwig Music Company.Between 1994 and 1999, Mandeville was a frequent sight on stage at the Blue Chicago nightclubs, where she had the chance to work with a short who's-who of Chicago-area musicians, including Willie Kent, Maurice John Vaughn and Michael Coleman. She recorded her first two albums with musicians from that scene,including Burton on bass, Allan Batts, keyboards, and drummer Dave Jefferson.Among her awards and distinctions: she was nominated for Blues songwriter of the year in 2008 by the American Roots Music Association, was named semi-finalist in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition for her composition, "Life Sentence of the Blues," and she received an award in 2005 for Best Songwriter in the USA Songwriting Competition, for her humorous tune, "He Left It in His Other Pants."Her albums, showcasing her spry, sometimes humorous original songs, all for the Chicago-based Earwig Music label, include 2008's Red Top, Back in Love Again (2002), Ready to Cheat (1999) and Look at Me (1996). She has performed on a slew of other albums by Chicago-based blues performers, including Johnny Drummer's 2000 release, Unleaded Blues, Aron Burton's Live from Buddy Guy's Legends and a compilation of Chicago-area women blues singers, Red Hot Mamas for the Blue Chicago label. LIZ MANDEVILLE
 

HARLIS SWEETWATER BAND "PUT IT IN DIRT"

Harlis Sweetwater, as a singer /guitarist/ songwriter and frontman, has share the stage with everyone from Jimmie Vaughan, Everlast, Chris Shifflet (Foo Fighters), ZZ Top, Los Lobos and Brian Setzer to R&B/Blues legends Etta James, James Cotton, and Wilson Pickett to name a few.He has been called "the best singer in any genre" by music critic Robert Kinsler of the OC Register, While SugarBuzz Magazine had this to say: "From the heart, Harlis Sweetwater,you know instantly the real deal is upon you. This man knows the blues."Harlis Formed the band earlier this year to get back to the Blues/Soul music he loves. He enlisted fellow musicians Jimmy Sena on Drums and Jason Holser playing Bass; both with extensive recording and performing experience, to lay down a solid fountaion of groove for His wild, bluesy & intense guitar playing and broad, gravely soulful voice.The groups chemistry makes for high energy performances that both entertain and mesmerize, and often times the party on stage, rivals the one in the audience, making the Harlis Sweetwater Band one of the more fun and enjoyable bands to see live.The group recently released it's album "Lights Goin' Down" in Oct. 2012, and is already garnering great reviews. Gary Schwind of the Examiner.com stated "This Album Is Brilliant." while Blues Rock Review Magazine had this to say: "the Harlis Sweetwater Band gives a nod to blues history while forging forward with their own hard blues style." and Incognito Magazine wrote in its review of the album "If you want some music you can feel and not just hear, check out this band." HARLIS SWEETWATER BAND 
 

BJ BLOCK DAWN PEMBERTON "THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE"

BJ Block and Dawn Pemberton are a powerful musical force, who have masterfully crafted songs rooted in soul, jazz, R&B, and funk. The duo's newest release entitled "II", is the result of a unique collaboration between the two accomplished musicians and is a potent follow up to their 2010 release, "The Land of Make Believe" which was nominated for a 2011 Western Canadian Music Award. "II" explores the grit and the goodness of life lived and loved and reflects a deeper lyrical and musical evolution.Learning 40 tunes in two days for a four hour set in a club with no air conditioning in the middle of a record heat wave.   Debuting new songs at a gritty east side club more accustomed to hard rock and than soul.  Surviving jazz school and attempting to find a voice that will be heard through the cluttered maze of the music industry.  These are just some of the experiences that would provide the context and inspiration for this unique collaboration.In the Spring of 2010 BJ Block began work on a follow up to his debut instrumental album 'Glitterball'.  This next record was to be another instrumental album with the addition of an occasional background vocal for ambiance.  After playing a number of gigs together around the city it seemed only natural to recruit Dawn Pemberton, a staple of the Vancouver RnB, Funk and Jazz scene, to provide the vocals.  Dawn agreed and the two would meet a few months down the road to collaborate once the tunes were mapped out. The album was nearly finished when the two ventured on an experiment; there was one song in particular that had potential for lyrics throughout, so for the fun of it and with no expectations in mind, the two began writing together, with Dawn taking on the task of writing melodies and lyrics to the track.  After only one writing session, the two met a week later and effortlessly played the song from beginning to end.  This first draft would remain unedited and became "Just Be", the first single off the debut album.  Initially approached as a children's album for grown-ups, "The Land of Make Believe" explored adult challenges through the eyes of a child.  Rooted in Soul, Rn'B, Jazz and Funk, the album is uplifting, playful and thoughtful,  showcasing musicianship developed from years of playing, practicing and touring. The duo's newest release entitled "II", is the result of a unique collaboration between the two accomplished musicians and is a potent follow up to their 2010 release. DAWN PEMBERTON
 

RYAN KEBERLE & CATHARSIS "INTO THE ZONE"

Few musicians have managed to navigate the richly varied avenues of New York City’s abundant music scene with the same passion and adaptability as trombonist and composer Ryan Keberle. Since his arrival in 1999, Keberle’s diverse talents have earned him a place alongside a staggering array of legends, superstars, and up-and-coming innovators.Leading his pianoless quartet Catharsis or arranging for the little big band setting of his Double Quartet, Keberle draws upon lessons learned playing alongside masters of a multitude of forms, from jazz legends to indie rock ground-breakers, R&B superstars to classical virtuosos. That includes playing with jazz greats including Maria Schneider and Wynton Marsalis; hip-hop and R&B superstars like Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Alicia Keys; Latin jazz leaders like Pedro Giraudo and Ivan Lins; indie rock ground-breakers such as Sufjan Stevens; or playing in the house band at Saturday Night Live, on the soundtrack of a Woody Allen film, or in the pit for a Tony-winning Broadway musical. RYAN KEBERLE & CATHARSIS
 

JOELLE LURIE "TAKE ME HERE"

Joelle Lurie’s bright voice and talented band has made her a first pick for high-profile events including the recent James Beard Awards at Lincoln Center. Originally from Boston, the New Yorker studied jazz and opera and brings that training to her distinctive “jazzed up pop/popped up jazz” modern style on Take Me There (September 30), her debut self-release of standards, originals and pop covers.Produced and arranged by longtime bassist and bandmate, Ben Gallina (Amy Lynn and the Gunshow, Anthony D’Amato, Honey Honey), Take Me There showcases Joelle’s tight band of five years, The Pinehurst Trio. The trio is named for the quaint street in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. All millennial kids, the trio is influenced by many musical styles including pop, Motown, folk and jazz and have performed around the world.Recorded at The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, the CD engages from the opening track, the jazz standard “All or Nothing At All” done with a hip hop feel. Joelle calls on her contemporary pop influences with the Tears for Fears song that follows, “Head Over Heels.” She welcomes special guest vocalist and pianist Matt Kanelos on the next two moving songs, “Should We” and the title track. Kanelos has been featured on the ABC TV show “Private Practice”, on Nickelodeon’s “Degrassi” and on NPR’s Song of the Day. Joelle returns on a sauntering version of Ric Ocasek’s “Just What I Needed.”  She, Gallina and Anna Marquardt wrote the next track, “What We Have Is Better,” featuring a funky throwback soul sound.  The haunting 17 century secular folk song “Hares On The Mountain” is given a jazz waltz treatment. Acknowledging her musical theater roots, Joelle includes the Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim song, “Somewhere,” which is followed by the standard “Almost Like Being in Love,” which marries an uptempo swing with the groove from “Can’t Hurry Love.” Next is “Three States Away,” a Burt Bacharach inspired original with lyrics from a poem by Craig Crist-Evans entitled “What The Heart Thinks.” “The Man I Love” by the Gershwins is reimagined as an upbeat homage to Stevie Wonder. The closing song, the classic “Detour Ahead,” is approached with a lush, orchestral studio sound. JOELLE LURIE
 

JR CLARK AND ALL STAR BLUES MOB "WHEN IT ALL COMES DOWN"

J R Clark and Willie Styles have joined forces with Legendary Bass Player and Alligator Records recording artist- Johnny B. Gayden from "Albert Collins and the Ice Breakers" and Jerry "Bam Bam" Porter-drummer who toured with  Buddy Guy for 14 years, toured with Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and currently fresh off tour with The James Cotton Band to put out a big sound of house rockin' blues, soul and southern rock! Just about 7 months into this version of the group, the guys are starting to click. Performing at several festivals like South Bend Blues and Ribs festival at Coveleski Stadium, Kalamazoo Blues Festival, and many regional venues in IN and MI. the guys are rollin' and have just released their latest album titled "When It All Comes Down". A high energy band with national talent that will put a smile on your face and a groove in your step! JR CLARK AND ALL STAR BLUES MOB

sabato 18 ottobre 2014

JANE BUNNETT AND MAQUEQUE "JANE BUNNETT AND MAQUEQUE"

The celebrated Canadian soprano saxophonist is embracing voices again. But these voices are of a slightly different sort. The Creole Choir of Cuba is long gone to other things but Ms. Bunnett is back with an exquisite new ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists named “Maqueque”, which means, as Ms. Bunnett’s short note on the CD sleeve points out, “the spirit of a young girl, in the ancient Afro-Cuban dialect.” Much of the stellar reputation of Canadian jazz and world music heroine Jane Bunnett has been based on her passionate and adventurous explorations of the treasure trove that is Cuban music. She returns to the island with well-received new project Maqueque. This pairs the veteran composer/bandleader/multi-instrumentalist with six talented young female Cuban musicians and singers.Four-time JUNO Award winner, two-time Grammy nominee, and Officer of the Order of Canada, soprano saxophonist/flautist Jane Bunnett has been chosen as a finalist for the Ontario 2014 Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. The award, through Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, recognizes extraordinary achievements of the province’s artists and arts organizations JANE BUNNETT AND MAQUEQUE
 

MATTHEW RYAN "BOXERS"

This record is a bruising and beautiful Rock n Roll record. It was produced by Kevin Salem and has Kevin Salem and Brian Fallon (of The Gaslight Anthem) playing electric guitar with me throughout. My best friend Brian Bequette is playing bass, and the amazing Joe Magistro is playing drums. More details and news very soon! Matthew Ryan releases his pure, honest and moving album Boxers today. Recorded last winter at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY with producer and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Salem, The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon on guitar, longtime collaborator Brian Bequette on bass, Joe Magistro (The Black Crowes, Rich Robinson) on drums, and of course, Ryan himself on vocals and guitars. “It was a beautiful brotherhood,” Ryan says of the recording process.The title track, “Boxers” immediately grabs you with its’ melody and the stellar production while “The First Heartbreak” tells a distressing story with upbeat musical backdrop. Boxers also tells tales of the working poor in “Suffer No More,” the callous culture of capitalists in “We Are Libertines,” and the two together in “Heaven’s Hill.”From the silvery burst of feedback that opens the record, to the dissolving vérité of the last notes of the final song, Ryan writes songs that make you think and delivers them with an emotion that makes you feel. I’m honored to have been a part of his newest record!” Says The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon. MATTHEW RYAN
 

RONNIE EARL AND THE BROADCASTERS "GOOD NEWS"

On Good News Ronnie Earl is joined by The Broadcasters, his band of over 25 years, to create a mostly instrumental album of spellbinding intensity and deep soul that will satisfy his growing legion of fans. Earl’s eighth album for Stony Plain Records shows, once again, the deep respect and knowledge he has for his peers and mentors. Along with a majority of original tunes, he is honored to record “Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke, “Blues for Henry” co written with Hubert Sumlin, and the Junior Wells composition “In the Wee Hours.” “Runnin’ In Peace,” which closes the album, features suppliant lyrics written by Ilana Katz Katz, who was near the finish line of the Boston Marathon when the first bomb exploded on April 15, 2013. A Brief History Legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Earl was born Ronald Horvath, in Queens, New York, on March 10, 1953. He didn’t pick up his first guitar until twenty years later, beginning a musical journey that took him to the sides of some of the most respected and talented blues musicians in the world. Inspired by Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Freddie King, Otis Rush, Big Walter Horton and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Ronnie quickly developed his six-string skills, playing with an intensity that hasn’t cooled in more than 35 years of playing. RONNIE EARL AND THE BROADCASTERS
 

BRANDON MILLER BAND "SLOW TRAIN"

The Brandon Miller Band is an exploration into the blues spectrum. This rock-powered trio are in the midst of creating and writing their own music and tailoring select blues gems for substantial 2014 shows. We invite you to experience a truly explosive celebration of music. Brandon Miller has been very popular in the Kansas City area now for several years. This young guitarist plays with the finesse and skill of a player twice his age. While being influenced by many other great blues musicians, his interpretation and style of blues will hit you with a sense of emotion . . . and he will mean every note of it. Let the tones soak into your heart as you listen and enjoy his heavy blues-influenced style."These times they are a changin' and it is thanks to great rock artists like Brandon Miller that the blues can live on. Soulful playing with clear influence from artists including Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan and more give The Brandon Miller Band an unforgettable sound. The ten-track "Slow Train" album (2014) is filled with great blues rock tunes, and artwork like no other. Despite his age, Brandon Miller is working with incredible artists Danielle Schnebelen of Trampled Under Foot (one of the first bands to join AMS, and the 2008 IBC winners). If you haven't heard Miller sing the blues, take a trip to Kansas City just to hear him sing and play. You won't regret it! This is one album that I'll be listening to for a VERY long time!" - AMS Entertainment BRANDON MILLER BAND
 

MARKEY BLUE "HEY HEY"

Markey Blue is "Blues to the Next Level" according to fans.- Reeves Guitars. An amazing group of talent brought together in the studio and on stage, creating there own unique sound of music. "its not like any blues or R&B I've heard out there. It opens the doors to several genera's. Peter Fleming- Airplay Direct. There first Cd is due out this fall and is already creating a buzz through out the music industry. The Markey Band's resume is and outstanding eclectic mix of the who's who in both touring and recording. Markey has had the honor of performing for three past presidents, and has opened for and performed with the likes of Bobby Blue Bland, Candy Kayne, Taj Mahal, Steve Cropper,Anson Funderburg, Guitar Shorty, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Frankie Valley, Andy Williams, Michael Fienstein, Robert Goulet, Maureen McGovern, Jack Jones, Micky Rooney, Phillis Diller, Sammy Kershaw, Kevin Sharp, The Osmonds, The Smothers Brothers and many more. Markey was recently awarded one of the top five song writers for Georgia's Songwriter Showcase Award Show, and ESPN just featured one of Markey's songs for one of their program specials. Markey has already seen success on a couple different music charts as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. She recently won Best Female Blues Vocalist for Nashville 2011. MARKEY BLUE
 

mercoledì 15 ottobre 2014

THE HOT SARDINES "LIVE AT JOE'S PUB"

Take a blustery brass lineup, layer it over a rhythm section led by a Fats Waller-style stride-piano virtuoso, and tie the whole thing together with a magnetic, one-of-the-boys frontwoman whose voice recalls another era, and you have the Hot Sardines, an NYC outfit (with a tap dancer) that’s been called “consistently electrifying live” (Popmatters). The Sardine sound – wartime Paris via New Orleans, or the other way around – is steeped in the kind of music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Waller used to make: Straight-up, foot-stomping jazz. Pianist-bandleader Evan “Bibs” Palazzo and Paris-born singer Miz Elizabeth (who owe their collaboration to meeting via Craigslist) describe their band as “born in the 1920s, but raised in the ’00s,” reflecting a philosophy that hot jazz, dixieland and Tin Pan Alley tunes are all pop music, not historical artifact to be handled with kid gloves.The Sardines started 2013 headlining the TCM Classic Cruise, kick off a bi-monthly residency at Joe’s Pub in April, are slated to play the Great GoogaMooga Festival, the Spiegeltent and the Blue Note Jazz festival, and continue to turn regular haunt The Standard Hotel into a “saloon in the sky” (The Wall Street Journal).THE HOT SARDINES
 

DAVE FIELDS "ALL IN"

Dave grew up in New York City the son of a noted gifted composer arranger producer Sammy “Forever” Fields. From the time Dave was a young child he grew up in his father’s recording studio being exposed to the likes of Sammy Kahn, Rupert Holmes and Stevie Wonder. Being raised by nanny who was from Waycross Georgia, an eclectic dash of southern culture was mixed into Dave’s persona. In a strange twist of fate, his sister Launa a gifted musician in her own right, lost her hearing by the time she was 14. Witnessing his sister’s struggles in a hearing world profoundly affected Dave. “After seeing my sister’s agony from being discriminated against for her condition I was determined to never let that kind of injustice happen again in my presence. I always felt that one of my missions in life was to be able to communicate with people and to listen to them. It’s one of the beautiful things about being a human being. We all want to connect with one another”. Nowhere is that feeling more evident than in Dave’s music. His gift of making his guitar talk combined with his uncanny way of weaving many different styles of music together is an example of how we as humans are a fabric of many different cultures and walks of life. Dave, “growing up in NYC I was exposed to so many different foods, music, cultures… It was truly a melting pot of humanity. I believe I am the kind of artist that reflects what I see and what I’m exposed to. As a musician I was put on this this earth to spread joy, love and life to everyone. I try to do that what every note I play, with every lyric I write and sing. If I do anything less than that I feel like I’m letting the listener down”. Dave’s musical path has been quite a journey, after attending Berklee College of music, Dave was immersed in the NYC music scene as a first call guitarist and multi instrumentalist. Dave, “ My Father made sure that I could play a lot of different instruments and styles so I could make a living. Unlike many blues musicians, I was raised to be a musical “hit man”. I got to do sessions with many famous musicians and producers like Tommy James & Ahmed Ertegen (to name a few) and even was on staff of one of the top five jingle companies in NY LOOK MUSIC”. But Dave was more than just a craftsman, his passion for music could not be satisfied with just being a writer for hire. Dave, “ I made the decision in 2006 that I was going to make a stand in my life. That I was going to do what was really important to me. Honestly…. I was too scared in my younger days! LOL! So I set out on m new career path, being Dave Fields the artist. Another thing was I had backed up and produced so many other artists and one day it dawned on me, why am I doing this for everyone else? Why can’t I do it FOR ME!”. DAVE FIELDS
 

NORA FRANCESCA GERMAIN "LITTLE DIPPER"

Ms. Germain is an accomplished violinist that we will be hearing a lot about going forward. Check out her playful yet precise interpretations on her Latest Album “Little Dipper” . Sassy vocalist conjures up some fun on “How about you” ! Whats next ? This record rocks!! Nora did a fantastic job bringing violin back into the jazz scene. From her Gershwin rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me,” to the original fiddle tune “Tommy,” this record is full of beautiful tunes! Oh and her voice on “How About You” is just lovely! Fantastic job, Nora! 23 year-old jazz violinist Nora Francesca Germain is the first ever violinist to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the renowned USC Thornton School of Music. An alumna of the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy High School in southern California, Germain was given the "Inspirational Jazz Student" Award at the age of 17 by her mentor and fellow collaborator Marshall Hawkins, former bassist for Miles Davis and Shirley Horn. She was also the first jazz violin graduate of Idyllwild Arts Academy. Her parents and grandmother were all strings players (two were violinists, one a cellist) in the Madison Symphony, her mother becoming a violin teacher and her father becoming a violin luthier. Introduced to the violin at age 2, Germain was raised in Madison, Wisconsin and studied classical violin. At age 10, she was already performing and improvising with bands and venturing outside of her classical training. NORA FRANCESCA GERMAIN
 

venerdì 10 ottobre 2014

BEES DELUXE "TROUBLE IN PARADISE"

Bees Deluxe is a full-tilt, acid blues/funk/rock collective comprised of Boston-based musicians. Their unique repertoire includes over three sets of originals and 60s, 70s, and 80s covers from Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Charles Mingus, B.B. King, Kenny Burrell, Freddie King, Herbie Hancock, Albert King, Etta James, Muddy Waters, The Meters, Little Feat, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Buchanan, Curtis Mayfield, The Butterfield Blues Band, Derek Trucks, Donny Hathaway, Amy Winehouse, Steely Dan, Etta James, ZZ Top, Robben Ford, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, SoulLive, Derek and the Dominoes, Robert Cray, Edgar Winter, Amy Winehouse, among many others. Taking the road less traveled, they discover and share off-the-beaten songs and instrumentals and fuse them into their own original works. They dare to be risk-takers on stage, digging deep into the vaults of blues/jazz antiquity. The result is an effortless take no-prisoners-approach that wittingly captures the audience's hearts. Among their favorite venues, they've played the Foundation Room at the House of Blues in Boston, Smoken' Joe's in Brighton, Johnny D's in Somerville, the Newport Blues Café, the Grog in Newburyport, Salvatore's in Medford, Jake's Dixie Roadhouse in Waltham, the Chicken Bone in Framingham, Tres Gatos in Jamaica Plain, Stella Blu in Nashua, Bull McCabe's in Somerville, Fat Boy Bill's in Milford, Frankie Dee's in Kingston, the Honey Fitz in Malden, the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, Firefly's in Marlboro, The Burren in Davis Square, Glory in Andover, Thirty One Main in Ayer, and Stella Blu in Nashua. They've hosted the Weekly Sunday Blues Jam at the Loft in Harvard Square, (the venue formerly know as The House of Blues), and at Johnny D's in Somerville. They have played at MIT and Northeastern University, public non-profit benefits, private, and corporate bookings. BEES DELUXE
 

EUFORQUESTRA "FIRE"

Eufórquestra (pronounced yoo-FOHR-keh-struh, think euphoria+orchestra) is energy and rhythm personified. An ever-evolving sound that has been influenced by music from all over the world with an emphasis on funk, pocket and groove. For over a decade the band has been igniting dance floors across the country, blending the roots of funk, soul, afrobeat, reggae and dub to create a sound that “explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss"Eufórquestra’s fifth full-length record, FIRE, was produced by Kyle Hollingsworth (of The String Cheese Incident) and captures the passion and musical maturing of these road warriors. Over the course of 14 tracks, the band takes you on an hour-long adventure that will touch your heart and mind, and keep your fingers and toes tapping. A handful of special guests, including Elliot Martin (John Brown’s Body), Gabriel Mervine and Kim Dawson (The Motet) and Mr. Hollingsworth himself, put their own touches on the band’s already cohesive sound that is “tight and engineered to a fine, funky precision.” (Jeremy Frazier; Chicago Jam Scene) The result is a record that is distinctly modern, maintaining one foot in the future and firmly planting in the musical roots traditions of the past. With almost 1,000 shows under their belt, Eufórquestra shows no sign of stopping. A perpetually heavy tour schedule keeps the band and fans happy, as performing live in front of an audience has always been the band’s top priority. As noted in a live show review by Grateful Web, “...the boys seem to play like the apocalypse will happen at any second and they want to die doing what they do best...” EUFORQUESTRA
 

SKYLA BURRELL BAND "BLUES SCARS"

The Skyla Burrell Band is a full time, hardworking traveling blues band. With co-founder Mark Tomlinson on lead guitar and Skyla Burrell on vocals/lead guitar, the band's live show consists of all original high energy electric blues.The band released their debut studio CD, "Working Girl Blues" in 2004, containing 12 original songs. Several of the cuts topped the charts on independent music websites and internet radio stations and received local, national and international airplay on blues and mainstream radio. "Working Girl Blues" was selected by WTMD 93.7 as one of the top 5 blues releases in 2004 and Mark Tomlinson received an Honorable Mention for his track  "Bad Dream" in the 14th Annual Billboard Songwriting Contest. In 2005 the band was a semi-finalist in the 22nd Annual International Blues Challenge. In 2006 the band recorded and toured in Europe, and released their sophomore effort, "Livin' Day to Day" which again received local, national and international air play on mainstream and blues radio and was featured on cable television's Rockin' Cookin' Kitchen show as well as being named one of the top 50 blues CD's released worldwide by Delta Art and one of top 10 Blues CD's by WTMD FM.  The band played 240 shows in 2006 and secured the #1 Top Booked Band slot on Sonicbids.The band kept up their busy schedule (between 2006 and 2007 playing a total of 465 shows) and expanding their tour radius to include the Mid-West and New England and in the late summer shot of 2007 filmed a live DVD with the Digital Cafe Tour in NYC at the Baggott Inn. In the fall the band went back into the studio to begin work on their 3rd studio CD. In 2008 the Skyla Burrell Band signed with Blues Boys & Divas Talent and released their third CD of all original material, "Tough Luck" . Cuts off of "Tough Luck" received airplay on over 150 blues stations in the US and abroad. In 2009 the band kept up their busy touring schedule covering the Mid-West, South-East and North-East regions of the US all the while writing tunes for a new studio CD. The band sold a track from "Tough Luck" to the producers of the CBS/CBC drama "The Bridge, which aired over the spring in Canada and was the #1 rated drama, and made its US debut in the late summer. Skyla traveled to Toronto to record vocals for 4 cover tunes which were also featured on the show. The band also filmed a commercial for the Lazy Dog Cafe and a segment for the "The Straight Ahead Guitar Show." The band kept up their hard working schedule of touring and started work on writing tunes for their next CD in 2010. "Real Love" the band's 4th studio CD was released in the early Fall of 2011 containing 14 new original tracks and saw the band touring extensively and working hard.   With 2012 came more tours up and down the East Coast and recognition within the Blues Industry with an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame representing Pennsylvania. 2013 was a busy year of touring with several high profile Festivals including the Bonita Blues Festival, The Western Maryland Blues Fest, and the Winchester Blues House Festival. SKYLA BURRELL BAND
 

THE RIGHTEOUS BLUES BAND "THE RIGHTEOUS BLUES BAND"

Christian Blues Band formed in Jan 2012. We plan to use our music to help spread the message of The Gospel of Jesus and bring glory to God while having a great time playing some good music.“Thought I would take a minute to review the CD I recently purchased from The Righteous Blues Band. I won’t lie, I am a die hard rock fan, but I like a smattering of all genres of music. I really liked the praise music on this CD. Having been raised catholic with a father who loved old time gospel music I am familiar with many hymns, but my favorite (and my father’s) has always been “Amazing Grace”. The Righteous Blues Band’s rendition of this song is hauntingly beautiful. Other favorites of mine from the CD are the “Righteous Shuffle” and “Water Grave”. All of the music is great, and I can’t wait to see what the band will put out next time. Great job guys!” “This is an absolutely EXCELLENT Believer’s Blues album! I’ve heard a lot of Christian Blues music that had the title but only a couple of songs that really had the substance. These guys got it NAILED! Very Good Christ-centered messages, excellent guitar playing, good vocal work, rockin’ rhythm section, and NO cheesy electronic keyboards like what most Christian music is dominated by! I find it difficult to choose a favorite….Go Straightway to their site & order your copy, I Highly recommend it!”  THE RIGHTEOUS BLUES BAND
 

G'S WAY "PATCHWORK"

Almost 3 years after the release of his first album "Seventy Seven" G's Way is back with his new album entitled "Patchwork". It is with the same ingredients that G's Way comes to light: a powerful rhythm section, served by a heavy brass section and talented soloists from the international scene. Always influenced by his mentors like Fania all stars, Deodato, or Fela Kuti and Grover Wahington Junior, "Patchwork" offers us a journey from funk to Latin music, through jazz and afro-beat. But this time, "G's Way" has invited 3 rappers to complete this musical revolution, marking a major change compared to Seventy Seven .. With this touch of Hip-hop, "Patchwork" finally lives up to its name, and bring G's Way in another dimension ... I hope you like it! G'S WAY
 

sabato 4 ottobre 2014

THE HEAVY CHEVY BAND "OPEN UP"

MUD MORGANFIELD & KIM WILSON "FOR POPS" "A TRIBUTE TO MUDDY WATERS"

The son of legendary bluesman Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield and Fabulous Thunderbird frontman Kim Wilson come together for this tribute release. FOR POPS (A TRIBUTE TO MUDDY WATERS) represents some of Mud’s favorite songs from his father including the iconic “I Just Want to Make Love to You” plus “Blow Wind Blow” and “Just to Be With You”. When you hear Mud belt out his version of the classic “My Dog Can't Bark” it’s clear that the apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree. Kim Wilson lives up to his reputation as the finest purveyor of the "Little Walter" harmonica style by laying down some of his best work to date. Backing them is the crack team of Billy Flynn and Rusty Zinn (guitars), Barrelhouse Chuck (Piano), Steve Gomes (bass) and Robb Stupka (drums). FOR POPS only scratches the surface of the impressive catalog left by the master bluesman, but this collection is a must for Blues fans everywhere. We’re certain “Pops” is proud of his boy. MUD MORGANFIELD
 

giovedì 2 ottobre 2014

ADAM MECKLER ORCHESTRA "WHEN THE CLOUDS LOOK LIKE THIS"

Adam Meckler is a trumpet player, composer and educator living in Saint Paul, MN. He holds a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Lawrence University, and a M.M in Trumpet Performance from the University of Minnesota. Adam has toured with Youngblood Brass Band, The Jana Nyberg Group, Lulu's Playground, the Jack Brass Band, and Todd Clouser's A Love Electric. He also plays regularly with Nooky Jones, The Graydon Peterson Quartet, The Brass Barn Polka Band, The Good The Bad The Funky and The Pete Whitman X-Tet.Meckler was the 2014 recipient of MacPhail Center for Music's Artist Development Grant resulting in When the Clouds Look Like This, a full length album of original music for Jazz Orchestra composed and directed by Meckler.Meckler holds Faculty positions in trumpet and Jazz at McNally Smith College of Music, and MacPhail Center for Music. He is also one of three founders of SoKillingMan.com, a site dedicated to transcription and analysis of jazz solos. He is an active educator/clinician maintaining a trumpet studio in the Twin Cities and performing clinics and workshops all over the US. ADAM MECKLER 
 

mercoledì 1 ottobre 2014

KELLEY HUNT "THE BEAUTIFUL BONES"

In some ways Roots R&B/Americana singer/songwriter/piano player/guitarist KELLEY HUNT is a rarity and a challenge to the music industry's penchant for easy artist definitions -- a woman who has muscled her way onto the scene on her own terms with an identity steeped in blues/roots/gospel traditions and a refreshing originality. She makes music with it's righteous roots intact that also crosses boundaries, has an open-minded, exploratory attitude and takes on social and political issues. Together with a commanding, passionate stage presence and superior vocal, keyboard and songwriting skills she has earned the respect of critics and fans across North America and Europe.Born in Kansas City, Hunt’s love for her craft was ignited listening to early blues, R&B, roots rock, jazz and Gospel influences -- artists like Ruth Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, Ann Peebles, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Charles Brown, Wanda Jackson and a crossection of the New Orleans/St. Louis/KC piano traditions of Professor Longhair, Toots Washington, Johnnie Johnson and Kansas City masters Jay McShann and Mary Lou Williams among others. Before that came the sound of her mother singing jazz and blues - her first musical memories - and the influence of her New Orleans Gospel singer grandmother. Reminders of these very traditional influences are evident in Kelley’s live performances and recordings but the lyrics, soul and passion are all her own. Her career path so far has been a story of fierce independence, incredible will, unassailable cred as a blistering live performer and hard-won accomplishment. That narrative includes 1500+ performances with appearances on a long list of premier North American and International festival stages, six times on American Public Media's 'A Prairie Home Companion', nearly 150,000 indie units sold on her own label and critical praise reflecting her conviction from the outset to make her path in the roots music world not just as a performer, but as a forward-thinking songwriter as well.Hunt's world has not been short on substantive, impressive critical praise, including a fresh swell of kudos for the new generation of music first unveiled on her 2008 88 RECORDS release MERCY (EER0804, her 4th commercial release): "Kelley Hunt resides among those bluesy, soulful piano players who write great songs." "...the main attraction here is Hunt, whose rich, soulful voice is an instrument in and of itself, with a toughness that shines on cuts like "You Got To Be The Vessel." "Her piano playing and songwriting also function at the highest levels." "Emerald City" is a brilliant political statement…” -VINTAGE GUITAR. “… Her fourth release "MERCY" shifts the focus to her songwriting skills and immense voice." "...a superb live performer, immediately drawing you to the power of her music and her voice... " -ELMORE. "Surprises don't often crop up on the well-trodden blues circuit. So welcome Kelley Hunt. This Kansan is a full-blown phenomenon: Powerhouse singer, hardboogieing pianist, polished songwriter…” -MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE. “…the freshest slant on classic R&B you're likely to hear these days. She's a tough woman who makes a hip and burly sound." - WESTWORD Denver. KELLEY HUNT