CD Reviews

CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Slam Allen Feel These Blues

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer April 13, 2015

Slam Allen Feel These Blues American Showplace Music Raised in Alabama, Slam Allen played drums in his families soul band “The Allen Brothers”, led by his father and uncles. Therefore Allen was schooled in the music of Otis Redding, Albert King, B.B. King, James Brown and Wilson Pickett. It wasn’t long before Allen picked up […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Bobby Messano just keeps getting better: “Love and Money”

Rhetta Akamatsu blues, blues-rock, Bobby Messano, Love and Money April 13, 2015

Bobby Messano lives on the road. Music is the one constant in what can be best described as a turbulent life. He’s been playing for decades and even did a stint as Steve Winwood’s guitar player and music director. He is an amazing guitar player and a passionate and powerful vocalist. With every album he […]

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CD Reviews Americana

Classic American Ballads Smithsonian Folkways

Richard Ludmerer americana, folkways April 11, 2015

Classic American Ballads Various Smithsonian Folkways This is the twenty-fourth installment in the Smithsonian Folkways award winning Classic series which began in 2002. The old English traditions of “broadside” ballads were adapted by American musicians as they carried the news of the day in the form of narratives. These songs were written between 1836 and […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Moondog Medicine Show Let It Go

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer April 9, 2015

Moondog Medicine Show Let It Go Independent This is Moondog Medicine Show’s second cd. Their first cd “Elixir” was released in 2013. The band is fronted by Lana Spence. Spence is one of a dozen Janis Joplin type replacement singers used by Big Brother and The Holding Company from 1987 – 1997 and again between 2008 […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Gaye Adegbalola and The Wild Rutz – “Is it Still Good to Ya?

Rhetta Akamatsu a capella music, blues music, Gaye Adegbalola, The Wild Rutz April 7, 2015

For all of the legions of fans who have missed Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women since they split in 209, you will be happy to know that former member Gaye Adegbalola is still making the same sort of smart, honest, usually sassy but sometimes profound music that she made with that group, only now with three […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews Jam Band/ Uncategorized

The Best of the Grateful Dead (2 CD’s)

Richard L'Hommedieu Bob Putignano, grateful dead, jam band April 6, 2015

The Best of the Grateful Dead (2 CD’s) www.Dead.net – www.Rhino.com Issued as part of the Dead’s fiftieth anniversary, their “long strange trips” will (supposedly) conclude over the Fourth of July weekend (2015) with three shows titled “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating Fifty Years of the Grateful Dead” at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Previously there have only […]

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Book Reviews/ INDIE Blues Scene

Book review: “In Tune: Charley Patton, Jimmie Rodgers and The Roots of American Music” by Ben Wynne

Rhetta Akamatsu American music, blues, Charley Patton, Country, Jimmie Rogers, roots music March 31, 2015

In  In Tune: Charley Patton, Jimmie Rodgers and The Roots of American Music, Ben Wynne has written an important book that supplies a great deal of information about two key figures in American popular music and the blues, country and rock ‘n roll music they fostered. The book is well-researched and for the most part […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Eight O’Five Jive Too Many Men

Richard Ludmerer .blues, Eight O'Five Jive, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer March 30, 2015

Eight O’Five Jive Too Many Men Red Rudy Too Tunes Eight O’Five Jive were the winners of the 2014 Nashville Independent Music Award for “Best Live Blues Performers”. This 12 song jump blues “operetta”, as they humorously call their debut album, is a set culled from vintage Rhythm and Blues recordings. The band is led […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Doug MacLeod Exactly Like This

Richard Ludmerer blues, blues music award, bma, doug macleod, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer March 30, 2015

Doug MacLeod Exactly Like This Reference Recordings Doug MacLeod has been nominated for thirteen Blues Music Awards. He finally won in 2014 for both Acoustic Album of the Year, “There’s a Time”; and more importantly as Acoustic Artist of the Year.  His song “The Entitled Few”, from that album, also received a 2014 nomination as […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Indie Rock

Jerry Williams “Gone”

Richard L'Hommedieu blues, Bob Putignano, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene March 30, 2015

Jerry Williams “Gone” www.RealGoneMusic.com Jerry Williams (AKA Jerry Lynn Williams) is more known as a songwriter than solo artist. From this recording Delbert McClinton covered and notched a hit with Williams’ “Givin’ It Up for Your Love.” From later Williams’ albums; Eric Clapton covered “Forever Man,” “Pretending” and “Running on Faith,” with millions of copies […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Ghost Town Blues Band Hard Road to Hoe

Richard Ludmerer blues, ghost town blues band, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, memphis, richard ludmerer March 27, 2015

 Ghost Town Blues Band Hard Road to Hoe Independent The Ghost Town Blues Band represented the Memphis Blues Society in both 2013 and 2014 at The International Blues Challenge. A finalist in 2013 they took 2nd place in 2014. It seems that with time this band just gets better and better. This is the bands third […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Tad Robinson Day into Night

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Tad Robinson March 27, 2015

Tad Robinson Day into Night Severn Records As a fan of Memphis styled music there are few singers that affect me the way Otis Redding and Al Green did way back in the late sixties and early seventies. One of them is Tad Robinson. Robinson is a blue eyed soul singer. This is his sixth […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Indie Rock/ CD Reviews Jam Band

The Return of Vanilla Fudge with the “Spirit of ’67”

Rhetta Akamatsu classic rock, psychedelic rock, Spirit of '67, Vanilla Fudge March 25, 2015

Vanilla Fudge was one of the most interesting groups of the late ’60s, with a sound that was definitely psychedelic but also heavy enough to verge on the later heavy metal.  Amazingly, almost 50 years later they still have the same sound! Not only that, but all but one of the original members are recording […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews R&B

Betty LaVette “Child of the Seventies”

Richard L'Hommedieu betty Lavette, blues, Bob Putignano, Indie B, indie Blues, soul March 22, 2015

Betty LaVette “Child of the Seventies” www.RealGoneMusic.com It has taken nearly forty years to have Betty LaVette’s “Child of the Seventies” unearthed, but the wait was worth it as this lost gem has aged like a fine bottle of wine. Soon to be seventy years young – the youthful soul diva had several brushes with […]

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CD Reviews Americana

Rev. Peyton and His Big Damn Band are “So Delicious”

Rhetta Akamatsu americana, country blues, punk, Rev. Peyton and His Big Damn Band, So Delicious March 19, 2015

I remember seeing Rev. Peyton and His Big Damn Band open for Flogging Molly in 2008.  I was completely befuddled: “What is this?” But by the end of the kinetic set I was loving it.  That has not changed with the release of “So Delicious.’ Rev, Peyton’s Big Damn Band is not like any other […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jam Band

Grateful Dead “Dave’s Picks Vol. 13”

Richard L'Hommedieu .blues, Bob Putignano, dave's picks vol 13, grateful dead, Indie B, indie Blues, jam band March 16, 2015

Grateful Dead “Dave’s Picks Vol. 13” 2/24/74 (3 CD’s) www.Dead.net – www.Rhino.com The bottomless Dave’s Picks series presents handpicked Grateful Dead performances from over four decades of thousands of gigs. Volume thirteen unearths the entire three-set performance from the final night of their three-night run at San Francisco’s legendary (previously an ice-skating rink) Winterland Ballroom/Arena. […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Barbara Blue Memphis Blue: Sweet, Strong and Tight

Richard Ludmerer Barbara BLue, blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, Memphis Blue, richard ludmerer, Sweet strong and TIght March 16, 2015

Barbara Blue Memphis Blue: Sweet, Strong and Tight Big Blue Records Barbara Blue was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. She moved to Memphis in 1997 and has been performing there ever since. She has been named “The Queen of Beale Street” and on Friday May 8, after the ribbon is cut on the brand new […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jazz

Dave Stryker Messin With Mister T

Richard Ludmerer blues, Dave Stryker, Indie B, indie Blues, jazz, making a Scene, richard ludmerer March 12, 2015

Dave Stryker Messin With Mister T Strikezone Records In 1980 guitarist Dave Stryker left Nebraska and moved to New York City. He joined Jack McDuff’s band and toured with him from 1984 to 1985. From 1986 thru 1995 and again from 1998 thru 2000 Stryker toured with tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Today bandleader Stryker leads […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Neil Barnes – Hyde and Seek

Richard Ludmerer blues, Hyde and Seek, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, Neal Barnes, richard ludmerer March 11, 2015

Hyde and Seek Featuring: Earl Thomas, Lady Bianca, Rev. Paul Smith, & Ron Thompson Neil Barnes Music Producer Neil Barnes put together this gospel blues ensemble because he finds this music especially moving. He hand picked the first few participants and the rest of the project just fell into place. All of the band members […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Bernard Allison Group In The Mix

Richard Ludmerer bernard allison, blues, in the mix, Indie B, indie Blues, luther allison, making a Scene, richard ludmerer March 5, 2015

Bernard Allison Group In The Mix Jazzhaus Records This is a new more lyrical and improved Bernard Allison. Allison’s guitar is further back in the mix on most of the tracks and his vocals the best of his career. He sounds more relaxed and without a need to prove his guitar prowess. This is less […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

The Mike Henderson Band If You Think It’s Hot Here…

Richard Ludmerer .blues, if you think it's hot here, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, Mike Henderson, richard ludmerer March 5, 2015

The Mike Henderson Band If You Think It’s Hot Here… Eller Soul Records Mike Henderson has been a member of the Bel Airs who recorded for Blind Pig Records in 1984. In 1988 The Fabulous Thunderbirds recorded his song “Powerful Stuff” which he had written for The Kingsnakes of which he was also a member. In […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Brandon Santini Live & Extended!

Richard Ludmerer blues, Brandon Santini, Indie B, indie Blues, live and extended, making a Scene March 5, 2015

Brandon Santini Live & Extended! Vizztone Label Group Brandon Santini grew up in North Carolina but moved to Memphis in 2003. Brandon played all the Beale Street Blues clubs and for seven years fronted the Delta Highway Band who received a 2009 Blues Music Award nomination as Best New Artist for their debut recording “The […]

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CD Reviews Acoustic/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jam Band

Gregor Hilden In Phase

Richard L'Hommedieu blues, gregor Hilden, in phase, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene March 2, 2015

 Gregor Hilden “In Phase” www.acoustic-music.de From Germany guitarist Gregor Hilden’s all instrumental “In Phase” recording is a joy from beginning to its almost sixty minutes end. Thirteen tracks are included, ten authored by Hilden and three are fairly well-known covers. Setting the tone; Ralph MacDonald’s forever classic “Mr. Magic” (made enormously famous by Grover Washington […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Brad Hatfield For A Change

Richard Ludmerer blues, Brad Hatfield, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer March 2, 2015

Brad Hatfield For A Change Independent Coming back from a construction accident is not an easy thing to do. Left partially paralyzed ex-guitarist Brad Hatfield picked up the harp. Hatfield is a soulful singer and is “often compared to the likes of …Bobby Bland and Joe Cocker”. Hatfield’s 2012 debut “Uphill From Anywhere”, received him a […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Jeff Jensen Morose Elephant

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, Jeff Jensen, making a Scene, morose Elephant, richard ludmerer February 26, 2015

Jeff Jensen Morose Elephant Swing Suit Records The Jeff Jensen Band was formed in 2004 and performed at The International Blues Challenge in 2005 and 2007. Their self-titled first album was also released in 2007. In 2011 Jensen moved to Memphis and there found work with harmonica ace Brandon Santini. In 2013 Jensen released his […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Benny Turner Journey

Richard Ludmerer Benny Turner, blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer February 23, 2015

Benny Turner Journey Nola Blue Benny Turner and his older brother Freddie grew up in Gilmer, Texas where they were exposed to country blues and the music of T-Bone Walker. Once the family moved to Chicago’s West Side his brother began to make a name for himself as Freddie King. While Freddie became a guitar […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jam Band

Gov’t Mule Featuring John Scofield Sco-Mule

Richard Ludmerer .blues, Gov't Mule, Indie B, indie Blues, jam band, John Scofield, Sco-mule, warren haynes February 19, 2015

Gov’t Mule Featuring John Scofield Sco-Mule Evil Teen Records In 1994 Gov’t Mule was formed as a side project by Allman Brothers Band members Warren Haynes, guitar; and Allen Woody, bass. Joining them was Matt Abts who had formerly played drums in The Dickey Betts Band. Gov’t Mule has ten studio albums and numerous live […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jam Band

JP Blues Dazzles on digital-only “Live at Darwin’s”

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta live musc, Darwin's Blues Club, Indie B, indie Blues, JP Blues, making a Scene February 17, 2015

JP Blues recently released a digital only live recording from a show at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues in Marietta, GA. JP is a favorte there and the crowd was thrilled to see him and his band. Reviewing an earlier show at Darwin’s, I wrote, It’s a cliche’ to speak of musicians making a guitar “sing” […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Honey Island Swamp Band Cane Sugar

Richard Ludmerer americana, blues, Honey Island Swamp Band, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer February 17, 2015

Honey Island Swamp Band Cane Sugar Louisiana Red Hot Records When hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005 many residents found themselves stranded and unable to go home. Such was the case with Aaron Wilkinson (acoustic guitar, mandolin) and Chris Mule (electric guitar). Also in San Francisco at the time were evacuees Sam Price (bass) and […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Indie Country

Tony Joe White “The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings”

Richard L'Hommedieu blues, Bob Putignano, Country, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, robert putignano, songwriter, Tony Joe WHite February 17, 2015

Tony Joe White “The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings” www.RealGoneMusic.com Tony Joe White’s late sixties signing to Monument Records took-off with a series of hits starting with “Polk Salad Annie.” The Real Gone label focuses on his subsequent early seventies output for this double disc compilation of the LP’s he made for Warner Brothers. Three albums […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Linsey Alexander Come Back Baby

Richard Ludmerer blues, come back baby, Indie B, indie Blues, Linsey alexander, making a Scene, richard ludmerer February 17, 2015

Linsey Alexander Come Back Baby Delmark Records Linsey Alexander was born in Holly Springs, Ms. on July 23rd, 1942. Alexander has lived in both Memphis, and in Chicago where he has been part of the North Side’s blues scene for the last two decades. Alexander’s debut recording 2004’s “Someone’s Cookin’ in My Kitchen” included a […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Lead Belly The Smithsonian Folkways Collection Box Set

Richard Ludmerer lead belly, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Smithsonian February 13, 2015

Lead Belly The Smithsonian Folkways Collection Box Set Smithsonian Folkways Lead Belly, born Huddie Ledbetter in 1889, was incarcerated three times. The first time he was on a chain gang but escaped. In 1918 he was imprisoned because he killed a man in a fight over a woman. He was released in 1925 after writing […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Indie Rock

Chris Spedding Joyland

Richard Ludmerer blues, chris spedding, Indie B, indie Blues, Indie Rock, joyland, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Rock February 10, 2015

Chris Spedding Joyland Cleopatra Records Chris Spedding is a British guitarist who has been on the music scene some fifty years. In 1975 he scored big with the hit single “Motorbikin’”. He has worked with The Sex Pistols, Jack Bruce, John Cale, Paul McCartney, Robert Gordon, Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry, and King Mob with […]

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CD Reviews Jam Band

Grateful Dead “Dick’s Picks Volume 13” Nassau Coliseum 5/6/81

Richard L'Hommedieu dicks picks 13, grateful dead, jam band, making a Scene, robert putignano, Uniondale February 9, 2015

Grateful Dead “Dick’s Picks Volume 13” Nassau Coliseum 5/6/81 www.RealGoneMusic.com This is only the second of the (than) thirteen Dick’s Picks series that Dick Latvala selected from the eighties. Latvala kept no secrets about his preferences for early seventies sets, and was quoted “the eighties are a challenge for anyone.” I concur with Latvala as […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Dana Fuchs Songs From The Road

Richard Ludmerer accross the Universe, blues, dana fuchs, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Ruf Records, songs from the road February 9, 2015

Dana Fuchs Songs From The Road Ruf Records Back in April of 2001, the off-broadway production of “Love Janis” opened at The Village Theater. Dana Fuchs was one of several singer/actresses who alternated in the role of Janis Joplin. The performance included many of Joplin’s more familiar songs including “Piece of My Heart”, “Me and […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Igor Prado Band & Delta Groove All Stars Way Down South

Richard Ludmerer delta groove, igor prado Band, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, way down south February 6, 2015

 Igor Prado Band & Delta Groove All Stars Way Down South Delta Groove Records As a left handed youngster Brazilian Igor Prado taught himself the guitar. In 2007 (after recording three albums under the name The Prado Blues Band) Igor released his first album as The Igor Prado Band and called it “Upside Down”. He […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Jeff Jensen: ‘Morose Elephant’

Rhetta Akamatsu blues, Indie B, indie Blues, Jeff Jensen, making a Scene, morose Elephant February 3, 2015

Jeff Jensen has just released his 4th studio album, Morose Elephant, and it is a real treat. The project consists of seven original songs and four fantastic covers. My absolute favorite cut is Jensen’s duet with Victor Wainwright, “What’s the Matter With the Mill,” which is a traditional song. It is just bursting with joy […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Shaun Murphy Loretta

Richard Ludmerer Indie B, indie Blues, Loretta, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Shaun Murphy February 2, 2015

Shaun Murphy Loretta Vision Wall Records Shaun Murphy became a full time member of Little Feat in 1993. In 2009, after sixteen years with them, and after appearing on 16 Little Feat albums, Murphy made the brave decision to leave. She decided to concentrate on her passion for the Blues. This is Murphy’s sixth album […]

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CD Review Funk/ CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jazz

Raphael Wressnig “Soul Gumbo” Pepper Cake

Richard L'Hommedieu Funk, indie Blues, jazz, making a Scene, Pepper Cake, Raphael Wressnig, robert putignano, soul, Soul Gumbo February 2, 2015

 – www.RaphaelWressnig.com The young Wressnig’s previous recording “Soul Gift” was successful, and if you enjoyed that disc you should definitely appreciate his latest “Soul Gumbo.” Veteran players (many from around The Big Easy) are featured: Walter “Wolfman” Washington, George Porter Jr., Larry Garner, Stanton Moore, with longtime Crescent City pianist Jon Cleary. Added to the […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Indie Country

Robert Gordon & Chris Spedding Elvis Birthday Celebration

Richard Ludmerer Chris Spredding, Elvis Birthday, Live at BB Kings, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Robert Gordon February 2, 2015

Live At BB King’s Blues Club, NYC Robert Gordon & Chris Spedding Elvis Birthday Celebration 1/7/2009 A re-print by Richard Ludmerer Actually Elvis’s birthday is 1/8 but it was celebrated last night at BB King’s Blues Club. Featured was the rockabilly great Robert Gordon. An ex-member of the New York band The Tuff Darts he […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews R&B

Allan Harris Black Bar Jukebox

Richard Ludmerer allan harris, blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, r&B, richard ludmerer January 29, 2015

Allan Harris Black Bar Jukebox Love Productions Records Allan Harris is a Brooklyn born Harlem based vocalist, guitarist, bandleader and composer. He has ten recordings in his own name. Harris has been compared to Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. He has played Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and the 2012 London Olympics. […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King Fat Man’s Shine Parlor

Richard Ludmerer blues, bnois king, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, smokin joe kubek January 29, 2015

Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King Fat Man’s Shine Parlor Blind Pig Records This band is one of few that are built around a two guitar attack; however Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King may be opposites in their individual approaches to the guitar. Kubek played rhythm guitar in Freddie King’s band until his death, […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Tinsley Ellis Tough Love

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Tinsley Ellis, tough love January 26, 2015

Tinsley Ellis Tough Love Heartfixer Music Tinsley Ellis was born in Atlanta and discovered the guitar at a young age. While listening to The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones, he soon discovered B.B. King, Albert King and Freddie King. Ellis’ first band the Alley Cats also included Preston Hubbard who later played […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Vaneese Thomas Blues For My Father

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, vaneese Thomas January 20, 2015

Vaneese Thomas Blues For My Father Segue Records Vaneese Thomas is as close to Blues royalty as you can get. Thomas grew up in Memphis the daughter of Rufus Thomas, a rhythm and blues singer, whose career spanned a half century. Rufus Thomas recorded for both Sun Records and Stax Records; his 1963 hit “Walking […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues/ CD Reviews Jazz

John Tropea “Gotcha Rhythm Right Here”

Richard L'Hommedieu blues, Gotcha Rhythm Right Here, Indie B, indie Blues, jazz, John Tropea, making a Scene January 19, 2015

John Tropea “Gotcha Rhythm Right Here” STP Records www.JohnTropea.com If you are not already familiar with his name, you’ve probably heard John Tropea’s guitar on famous recordings by Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Paul Simon, Laura Nyro, Van Morrison, Phoebe Snow, Lyle Lovett, James Brown, David Ruffin, Chaka Kahn, Roberta Flack, Donny […]

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CD Reviews Americana

Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas, Rob Ickes Three Bells

Richard Ludmerer americana, dobro, jerry douglas, making a Scene, mike auldridge, richard ludmerer, rob ickes, three bells January 13, 2015

Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas, Rob Ickes Three Bells Rounder Records Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas, and Rob Ickes are the three premier resophonic guitar or Dobro players of our time. These tracks were recorded between May and September of 2012. Mike Auldridge was a founding member of The Seldom Scene. He formed the Seldom Scene in […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Brad Absher & Swamp Royale Lucky Dog

Richard Ludmerer blues, Brad Absher and Swap Royale, Indie B, indie Blues, Lucky Dog, making a Scene, richard ludmerer January 11, 2015

Brad Absher & Swamp Royale Lucky Dog Montrose Records Brad Absher is from Lake Charles, Louisiana but now makes Houston his home. Absher has released five previous albums the most recent being 2010’s “Big Shugga”. He calls his band “Swamp Royale” because he was influenced by the Louisiana music he heard when he was growing […]

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Grateful Dead Dick’s Picks Vol. 14

Richard L'Hommedieu dicks picks, grateful dead January 11, 2015

Grateful Dead “Dick’s Picks Vol. 14” Boston Music Hall 11/30 & 12/2/1973 (4 CD’s) www.RealGoneMusic.com The deceased Grateful Dead tape archivist Dick Latvala selected the concerts for the Dick’s Picks series, “Dick’s Picks 14” is culled from their three-night run (only two nights are offered here) at the intimate Boston Music Hall, Latvala presents edited […]

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CD Reviews Americana/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Rory Block Hard Luck Child

Richard Ludmerer acoustic blues, americana, blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, rory block January 7, 2015

Rory Block Hard Luck Child: A Tribute to Skip James Stony Plain Records Rory Block’s picture hangs in the entrance to the offices of the Martin Guitar Co. They have a Martin OM-40 Signature Edition guitar named after her. Block is one of our greatest exponents of Country blues guitar. This is her fifth recording in her […]

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CD Reviews INDIE Blues

Tas Cru You Keep The Money

Richard Ludmerer blues, Indie B, indie Blues, making a Scene, richard ludmerer, Tas Cru January 7, 2015

Tas Cru You Keep The Money Crustee Tees Records Tas Cru now lives in Chaumont, N.Y. His first album “Biscuit” was released in 2006. Cru states his unusual stage name was bestowed on him “by a Quebecois fan”.  In 2008 he followed up with “gravi-Tas”. His other recordings are 2009’s “Grizzle n’ Bone”, 2010’s “Jus’ Desserts”, […]

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