Bishop is in the higher echelon of performers in the genre now and he tells you why with all the guests that comes on board to help him deliver twelve smoldering tracks of blues-rock.
This is a predominately studio album with a few select live cuts. Warren Haynes, an amazing player from The Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule, stands alongside Bishop and they peel off some amazing slide guitar work. Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds) sings and plays harp as well making the lead off track “The Blues Rolls On” unforgettable. “Struttin’ My Stuff” is equally tantalizing as Allman Bros. band mate Derek Trucks delivers the goods with Haynes again coming in and adding his licks. Now if that wasn’t enough to get your heart pumpin’ then the king of the court B.B. King and his longtime love Lucille step on stage for a short interview conducted by Bishop then the duo launch into “Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket,” a classic blues song that everyone seems to enjoy playing and it never gets old.

Some may say what you get is predictable on a star studded affair such as this however I beg to differ, what you can count on is great music from a lineup anyone would give their right arm to play with. This is an indication of Bishop’s ascendancy to blues royalty. Lord knows the man deserves it; he has been pumping out quality blues and entertaining folks for several decades now.

I especially liked Bishop’s solo flight on “Oklahoma.” He lets you all know he does not need any of the stellar all-star blues support to sound great and like an individual artist. The lyrics are simple and down home with the blues and his guitar playing is scorching hot, yep Elvin still knows how to bend those strings to his liking. His voice is still darn good too.”Send You Back To Georgia” is another barnburner with one of my all time favorites Mr. Bad To The Bone, George Thorogood, another old timer that has paid his dues and can still rock down the house. In addition, you cannot forget to mention the man with the harp James Cotton, there are not too many better than this guy anywhere in the world today. James teams up with Elvin, John Nemeth and veteran blues mama Angela Strehli. The combination proves to be just what the doctor ordered – blues by the truckload and everyone that joins the party is a star.

Now these are just some highlights from a recording that comes filled with them from top to bottom. If you love the blues this is a necessary possession to claim yourself as a true blues fan, so don’t y’ all miss it now!

Artist: Elvin Bishop
Title: The Blues Rolls On
Genre: Blues-Rock
Label: Delta Groove
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. The Blues Rolls On (feat. Warren Haynes & Kim Wilson)
02. Night Time is the Right Time (feat. John Nemeth & Angela Strehli)
03. Yonder’s Wall (feat. Ronnie Baker Brooks & Tommy Castro)
04. Struttin’ My Stuff (feat. Derek Trucks & Warren Haynes)
05. Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket (feat. B.B. King)
06. Who’s the Fool (feat. John Nemeth & Kid Andersen)
07. Black Gal (feat. R.C. Carrier & Andre Thierry)
08. Oklahoma
09. Come On in This House (feat. Homemade Jamz Band)
10. I Found Out (feat. John Nemeth, James Cotton & Angela Strehli)
11. Send You Back to Georgia (feat. George Thorogood)
12. Honest I Do (feat. John Nemeth)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

There is a smart mixture of hip-hop and rock that I found intriguing with this recording. It takes a lot to pull me in if an album has strong elements of hip-hop or rap so I have to give the “hats off” to JP for doing a great job of keeping my interest and flat out fascination with his artistry and clear multitude of talents. This gent did the entire album by himself including production and all the instruments and lyrics. What we have here is a work of brilliance and lyrical cynicism and an interpretation on a gut level that cuts right to the chase. This is my kind of in your face lyrical prose that I just love. Some of the lyrics are so profound.

On “Killing You Alive” he sings…

One foot deep is how we all start off

Two feet deep is just breaking the law

Three feet deep is half way to hell (trying every escape
someone’s got for sale)

Four feet deep slightly ahead of the pack

Five feet deep slightly addicted to crack

Six feet deep, with one more in the hand, put it away or put it all to an end

And he speaks very loud and proud on “M16s & AK47s” by saying…

Liberated by the hated so they want to forget

That their cities were burning, death was served and if it
wasn’t for Americans they’d all be speaking German

Look, I love the people of the world who don’t hate me

So, don’t take this as a rebel with his poison ink

For some, its hard to see its World War number three and every battle ends in victory by defeat
The lyrics have to be prolific for me to quote entire passagesand this is some “to the bone” stuff that you must hear and process.The musicianship needs mention as well, throughout this recording it is exceptional along with strong vocals. When you get right down to it, String Theory is a treat for the ears and senses all the way around, it cannot miss.

Artist: Circle Syndicate
Title: String Theory
Genre: Hip Hop-Rock-Blues
Label: Independent
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Lovedrug
02. Miss Jane
03. Profit
04. Stupid
05. Rage
06. Psycho Lovers
07. Throw Me A Dollar
08. Killing You Alive
09. M16s & AK47s
10. X-Ray Vision
11. Heroine

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

On Wednesday August 6th, the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation hosted “The Night Of The Living Legends.” The event was a delicious dinner, performances and tributes to the 2008 Jus’ Blues Music Awards Honorees. A special highlight was the tribute to Grammy Award winning, legendary Blues and Soul singer Joe Simon with the 2008 Jus’ Blues Music Lifetime Achievement Award. The music veteran was responsible for many hits in the 1970’s and is very active in his community works. The Honorees are listed below:

2008 Jus’ Blues Music Awards Honorees

Jus’ Blues Music Lifetime Achievement Award
(Outstanding Lifetime Achievements in the African-American Community and in Blues and Soul Music)
Joe Simon
Lowell Fulson Lifetime Achievement Award (Outstanding Career Achievements twenty plus years)
Theodis Ealey
Denise LaSalle Award for Recording Excellence
(Outstanding Recording Excellence Award)
Roy C
Percy Mayfield Award for Writing Excellence
(Outstanding Written Compositions in Blues and Soul Music)
Latimore
Jack “The Rapper” Gibson Radio Pioneer Award
(Outstanding Contributions to Blues and Soul Music in the Radio Industry)
James Wolfe
James Brown Heritage Award
(Outstanding Blues and Soul Music Live Performer)
Mel Waiters
Johnnie Taylor Newcomer Award
(Outstanding New Blues and Soul Music Artist or Group)
Floyd Taylor
Willie Mitchell Producer’s Award
(Outstanding Blues and Soul Music Productions)
Leon Haywood
Jus’ Blues Music Legends Award
(Outstanding Contributions to Blues and Soul Music)
Millie Jackson
Jus’ Blues Music President’s Award
(Outstanding Contributions to the Business of Blues and Soul Music)
Al Bell, Alpine Records
Aaron T-Bone Walker Award
(Outstanding Guitar Musicianship in Blues and Soul Music)
Preston Shannon

On Thursday August 7th at Kings Palace on Beale Street, the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation coordinated its First Annual Technology Conference covering the broad topic, “How To Use The Net As Your Best Bet For Promoting, Marketing and Driving Sales for Music Projects.” Allen Johnston, The Music Specialist, served as moderator to a distinquished host of panelists: Ralph Sutton, Chairman, Producers and Engineers Wing of the Memphis MusicCommission, Harold Conover, Editor, Chitlin’ Circuit Magazine, Aric Berquist, Founder,SyncLive, Gregory Lane, COO, GMOTION.com, and Tom Davis, Owner, LoveRadio.com.

Thursday evening kicked off the 2008 Jus’ Blues Music Awards with stellar performances by Latimore, Kenny Neal, Floyd Taylor (son of the legendary Johnnie Taylor), Trudy Lynn, Zac Harmon, Pat Wilder, Zakira Hooker (daughter of John Lee Hooker), the fabulous Toni Green, Willie Hill, Sweet Angel and others. Lil’ Ray Neal orchestrateda tribute to “Little Milton” Campbell that brought the house down.

Blues and Soul music fans from all around the world logged onto the Internet and voted on the web sites of http://www.jusbluesmusic.com and http://www.jusbluesmusicfoundation.org for their favorite Blues Man and Blues Woman, their favorite Soul Man and Soul woman, their favorite DJ, their favorite songs, their favorite juke joints and many other catagories. Thousands of votes had to be tallied to obtain the final results. Listed below are the results:

2008 Jus’ Blue Music Awards Nominee Recipients

Best Traditional Blues Man
Eddie Cotton
Best Traditional Blues Woman
Tia Carroll
Traditional Blues Song Of The Year – Male
Bobby Rush – “What’s Going On”
Traditional Blues Song Of The Year – Female
Trudy Lynn – “Everybody Got A Blues Song To Sing”
Best Blues and Soul Radio Show
(Radio Personality Award)
Rojene Bailey, WALR-FM, Atlanta
Best Blues and Soul Internet Show
http://www.chittlincircuitradio.com
“Little Milton” Campbell Guitar Award
(Outstanding Guitar Player)
Lil’ Ray Neal
Junior Wells Harp Award
(Outstanding Blues Harmonica Performer)
Kenny Neal
Best Juke Joint Award
(Best Blues and Soul Club)
Velma’s Place, San Francisco, CA
Best Blues and Soul Song Of The Year – Male
Latimore – “My Give A Damn”
Best Blues and Soul Song Of The Year – Woman
Denise LaSalle – “Mississippi Woman”
Blues and Soul Man Of The Year
Marvin Sease
Blues and Soul Woman Of The Year
Shirley Brown
Best Blues and Soul Label Award Of The Year
Wilbe Records
Jus’ Blues Music All Star Award – Male
Willie Hill
Jus’ Blues Music All Star Award – Female
B. B. Queen
Jus’Blues Music Artist Of The Year Award
Bobby “Blue” Bland
Best New Southern Soul Artist Of The Year – Male
Fred Bolton – “Must Be Jelly”
Best New Southern Soul Artist Of The Year – Female
Sweet Angel – “Another Man’s Meat On My Plate”

Friday August 8th, the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation in conjunction with the Beale Street Merchants Associationunveiled the “Beale Street Blues Crawl.”

This wonderful weekend night had the clubs jumping with special performances by many of artists involved with the 2008 Jus’ Blues Music Awards. It was a great night for Blues and Soul music fans to be a part of.

On sunny Saturday August 9th,Jus’ Blues Music Week concluded with family festivities at W. C. Handy Performing Arts Park on Beale Street. “The Big Chittlin’ Cook-Off and Blues Fest” showcased many professional and amateur grillers cooking their best BBQ wares. Also featured was the Sista Big Bone Contest. Live Blues and Soul music served as the backdrop. It was a blast for all that attended.

Charles Mitchell, Founder and President of the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation says, “This year’s event was extraordinary! As a result of working closer with the Beale Street Development Corporation, the Beale Street Merchants Association and the Memphis Music Commission, we were able to expand our event and outreach from one evening to four days. We appreciate the support of our sponsors, new foundation members and all the Blues and Soul music fans that attended any of the events. We look forward to doing it again next year, even bigger and better!”

For More Information, Contact
Charles Mitchell
Jus’ Blues Music
Post Office Box 44771
Atlanta, Georgia 30336
Phone:- 1-888-202-2003
Voice Mail Prompts
Press #1 for Sales and Information
Press #2 for Artist Relations
E-mail – jusbluesmusic@aol.com

Allen Johnston
The Music Specialist
P.O. Box 310540
Atlanta, Ga. 31131
Phone: 305 829 9010

Living Down River is a ten track recording encompassing real life situations and feelings all set to a tasteful mix of folk, Americana and blues. Tamara has a clear and thoughtful vocal style that is convincing while very pleasing and inviting regardless of what style of music she is playing. She also writes all of her own material and maintains her independence as an artist with no attachments to any third parties. Ok, I am really starting to like this woman, everything about her is real and original and she is indie – that is the entire package for me, well the music needs to be good too and in this case, it is the icing on the cake.

This CD is solid in every way, the production is good, the musicianship exemplary – all of the most important aspects are in focus so we have ourselves a captivating group of songs to listen to. I have no doubt after reading about the life of this artist that she truly is living the songs performed.

When you hear “Better Day”, it echoes with emotion and the feeling of someone that has gone through, experienced, and endured some hardships only to come out the other side and step into the light then be able to share that experience with someone that needs some inspiration to do the same. “Big City Blues” is my favorite, which comes as no surprise because I do love the blues and it is a very upbeat track. Tamara and her friends really strut their stuff on this one.

I think a prerequisite to listening to this music and understanding it is to be in a reflective and somewhat serious mood but also lighthearted enough to enjoy the warmth and sunshine it can put in your heart because of all the hope and emotion that comes down the river, just as the title and closing track says. It is a bluesy number with a harmonica that is longing for a friend. A perfect closer to these stories told so well. “That Leavin’ Sound” is a lament to a relationship getting ready to end as the singer anticipates a break up by that sound of leaving in the person’s voice. These particular songs made a noticeable impact on me musically and emotionally.

To relate to music is to know it, and to know it is to understand the artist presenting it. I think I connected on Living Down River.

Artist: Tamara Lewis
Title: Living Down River
Genre: Folk-Americana-Blues
Label: Independent
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01.I’ll Come Home
02.Better Day
03.Love Song To The Midwest
04.Don’t Look At The Mountain
05.That Leavin’ Sound
06.Big City Blues
07.With My Eyes
08.Cold Coffee, Warm Beer
09.Key of Lonely
10.Living Down River

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

For those of you unfortunate souls that have not discovered this band the lineup is Gig Michaels (lead vocals & acoustic guitar); David Lee (drums); Michael Hough (guitar & vocals); Keith Inman (guitar); Mike Huffman (keyboards, B3 & vocals); and Cody Bennett (bass).

This EP CD is a precursor to the future and it is sure exciting. The band sounds like they are on fire! The first track “Dance” has a risqué video up on You Tube now and surely, it will get its share of plays. The song itself is Swampdawamp at their very best. Again, I heard all the pinpoint guitar licks, the thumping rhythm section and the whiskey soaked vocals of Gig Michaels taking it all to top without a breath in between. “Fire In The Hole” and “Shoebox” keep the Swampdawamp train rollin’ down the tracks with more straight up southern flavored rock with plenty of blues licks in the mix to keep it real. The thing I have always enjoyed about this band is that when they get things warmed up they never let up, it just keeps coming at you full bore. The only thing I did not like about this is that I only heard three tracks and I wanted it to keep going, so I suppose that is a good thing from the band’s perspective. If these three tracks are any indication of what we should expect on the next album then we are in for a treat. They sound like they have kicked it up another notch.

I enjoyed the interview, it got me a little closer to the band and I found out a bit more about their attitude and goals. They believe in themselves and the people that listen to their music. What they have adopted is a grass roots following similar to what bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet had prior to their meteoric rise to popularity. So watch out, Swamdawamp may be the next big thing coming out the south for all of you rock fans that have kinship to that music.

I look forward to hearing the complete album.

Artist: Swampdawamp
Title: 2.0
Genre: Southern Rock-Blues
Label: Big Penny Entertainment
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
1.Dance
2.Fire In The Hole
3.Shoebox
4.Interview with Gig Michaels & Mike “Scooby” Huffman
5.Interview with David Lee & Dave Cline
6.Live At Rehearsal
© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

SwampDaWamp (pronounced swamp duh wamp) is the creation of singer-songwriter-guitarist Gig Michaels. Hailing from Charlotte, NC, SwampDaWamp is the powerful and creative collaboration of six talented and seasoned musicians: Gig Michaels (lead vocals & acoustic guitar); David Lee (drums); Michael Hough (guitar & vocals); Keith Inman (guitar); Mike Huffman (keyboards, B3 & vocals); and Cody Bennett (bass).After their successful run with a critically acclaimed self-titled debut Swampdawamp is ready get those fires burning again with 2.0. Gig Michaels is back with his from the gut vocals and he comes to the table with a full deck ready to deal on rocking blues tracks like “Fire In The Hole” and “Shoebox.” The Swampdawamp train just keeps rolling down the tracks with straight up southern flavored rock and plenty of blues licks in the mix to keep fans with many tastes interested. The band mixes an appealing blend of rock, blues and country that has no age barriers or demands a musical preference on their listeners. Currently there is a pre-release edition of 2.0 on the Big Penny Entertainment label that includes interviews and a studio rehearsal session. Music fans and collectors will be snagging this edition up quickly as most certainly it is destined to become a collector’s item once the inventory runs out and the full-length edition is released later this year.

While known for their free-spirited get down and boogie live shows, SwampDaWamp has accumulated a vast and rapidly growing fan base that will surely be pleased with their new studio effort. Their music touches people of all ages and backgrounds proving that the contagious and original SwampDaWamp sound is universally engaging and down to earth just like the band members that produce it.

Visit the Swampdawamp website of updates, download, pictures and more.

Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Address: 6622 Delongpre Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel: 323-806-0400
Fax: 323-462-0829
Swampdawamp Website
Source Link

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For more news and information you can also check his fan site in America FSH.com and The Bands official MySpace.

For some reviews:

John Rhys Eddins of Blue-Power and his take on Fredrik and the Band BluePower review

Tor Ottesen of Blues World his take on and interview with Fredrik Halland 2006 interview

Previous posts: HiHat Presents Fredrik Strand Halland takes Europe by Storm!

Lattimore has a smooth voice reminiscent of the velvety Luther Vandross. The first few listens I found it difficult to find focus on the fine musicianship of this recording, instead I was listening to how incredibly warm and inviting this vocalist was. This is the kind of music that forces you to stop life for a moment-turn the lights down low, relax, and spend some time with the one you love. It is important to take the time to share the joy of the music and let the spontaneity of conversation take you somewhere else. That does not sound all that complicated but in today’s busy world and our fast moving lives, how often do we stop to smell the roses? I can honestly say not nearly enough for this listener. Music from people like Alex Lattimore make me reevaluate things and force me to relax and take it all in.

The process of making such an appealing blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, and blues must be similar. The task of creating the music then making the right interpretation in words must take every ounce of energy an artist has to offer. Stopping to enjoy the moment and be a part of the process is a key factor. Lattimore has recorded an excellent album and surely dug down deep to pull out his very best creative juices to make such a consistent and enjoyable album.

Of the 10 tracks on this CD, I cannot seem to come up with a true favorite or pinpoint any one outstanding thing and the reason is that I thought the entire effort was excellent. One track seemingly melted right into the next, never giving way to any weaknesses with the arrangements, recording quality or musicianship. “Jazzman Blues” deserves some attention because it did catch my ear and it has a nice ring to it. It sounds like something that would be a choice single for airplay.

If you enjoy smooth jazz, R & B or soul…this is an album you need to check out. Alex Lattimore is not a household name yet, he is not a superstar, but that is not a prerequisite for the true music lover looking to discover new talented artist. This would be a good CD to start your journey if you have been looking for the latest indie artist on the rise in this genre of music, I Promise.

Artist: Alex Lattimore
Title: Promise
Genre: R & B-Jazz-Blues
Label: Independent
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Kissing You
02. Bernadette
03. Lullabye
04. Promise
05. Jazzman Blues
06. Sunlight in My Rain
07. Windows
08. Keep Risin’ to the Top
09. A Million Ways
10. In Your Eyes

© MuzikReviews.com

Grissom has some well-known performers on Loud Music such as Pat Mastelotto and Chris Layton on drums, names that would ring a bell with anyone that has a good knowledge of recorded music.

Grissom has a great bluesy country voice that I found very engaging. He made me feel like I was the living out the story with him as he sang while playing his guitar. I was starting to feel the whole thing was in chorus with my rhythm and he totally rocked my socks off. This guy can kick out the jams!

As the opening track, “Lonesome Dave” (perhaps a tribute to Foghat’s deceased Lonesome Dave Peverett) kicks off this barnburner of an album…all I could think of was SRV and Double Trouble so maybe Chris Layton should have stepped behind the drum kit for this one. Grissom’s guitar work is extraordinary-He draws from the deep wells of the blues, country, and rock to create his masterpieces of raw energy filled with swift guitar licks on primarily instrumental voyages of delight. I was reminded of incredible players like Danny Gatton and the trio from The Hellecaster’s, who seemed to have all that lightning captured in a bottle…the ability to blend three different genres into one powerful ear catching toe tapping tune that you cannot resist.

There are only three tracks with vocals, the title track “Loud Music” and “Sake and Venom,” both are smokin’ hot numbers and the closer “Midnight Drive,” a blues-country ballad featuring a different side of the artist with some softer vocals and some wicked slide guitar (think Allman Brothers in their prime). “Lucy G” was one of my favorite instrumentals. It starts with a dog barking and you hear it one more time around the middle of track, which gives it that backcountry feel. Although all of the tracks displays Grissom as an outstanding virtuoso it was this one that really made my ears perk up more than any other.

Loud Music is a great album and one that I have found very difficult to keep out my stereo. It is a great thing to see an artist step out from behind the shadows of others to show what they can do when left to using just their own original talents without having to pay attention to what someone else wants. In this case, it worked out very well and I hope to hear more solo work from this cat very soon, he is on fire!

Artist: David Grissom
Title: Loud Music
Genre: Rock-Country-Blues
Label: Wide Lode Records
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Lonesome Dave
02. Loud Music
03. Wide Lode
04 Hi-Tex
05. Sake And Venom
06. Nothin’ Makes A Man Go Crazy
07. Whiskey Cryin’
08. Boots Likes To Boogie
09. Lucy G
10. Mister Quincy
11. Midnight Drive

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Zito looks very intense on the cover and when you give the CD a spin, you find where that intensity is coming from; you can see it in his eyes and feel it all over his music.

Zito gets your attention and hangs on from start to finish on the album and some of the industries veterans like Benmont Tench (keyboards) and Hutch Hutchinson (bass) are right there beside him every step of the way.

Every track crackles with energy and hot-blooded emotion and Zito’s voice has just the right gravely tone to make it all sound like blues-rock should. An interesting version of the Prince hit “Little Red Corvette” makes you put on the brakes for a while but if you listen a few times, you can tell that he did his best to make the song his own and not imitate the originator in any way. Because of that, I respected Zito and he does do a nice job with it even if it sounds like an entirely different song.

The songs that come at you drenched in emotional sweat are “Holding Out For Love,” “Deep Down In Love” and the lead off smoker, “Love Like This.” Every track has the word love in the title and they all burn with the fire that only relationships can fuel comes as no surprise.

Zito has a commanding vocal style and he plays his guitar as if it was a weapon, some kind of sharp shooting messenger that fires at will with each note. He is clearly an accomplished musician that has finely honed his voice to play out the words to each song as if he is living it all right before you. This is blues-rock at its finest and no doubt one of Mike Zito’s best hours.

Artist: Mike Zito
Title: Today
Genre: Blues-Rock
Label: Eclecto Groove Records
Website
ECard

Tracks:
01. Love Like This
02. Superman
03. Holding Out For Love
04. Little Red Corvette
05. Universe
06. Blinded
07. Slow It Down
08. Today
09. No Big City
10. Deep Down In Love
11. Dirty Things
12. Hollywood
13. Time To Go Home

© MuzikReviews.com
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck