bluesinthenorthwest.com

http://youtu.be/bI1aLWHIsEg

This is nice . . . The Red Lotus Revue from San Diego at this year’s Doheny Blues Festival in California.

The Hamilton Loomis Band at Garston Royal British Legion, Liverpool – 22.5.2013

Hamilton Loomis returned to Liverpool after a gap of two and a half years to be warmly greeted by a very substantial gathering of his loyal fans. On this occasion, he was backed by a new ensemble that comprised fellow Americans, Fabian Hernandez on sax and keyboards and Armando Aussenac on drums, and one of Britain’s finest bass guitarists, Roger Inniss.

After a typically funky opening instrumental, the band delivered the whimsical “(Something Wrong With) My Pen”, a tongue-in-cheek lament of songwriter’s block, before introducing “She’s Had Enough”, the first of many numbers from their brand new album, Give It Back. For the title song of the album, Fabian Hernandez switched to keyboards, while Roger Inniss provided some intricate bass work on “Stuck In A Rut”.

The upbeat rocker, “Eternally”, had more than a hint of Stevie Wonder about it and a very tasty sax solo. The highly popular “No, No, No” represented the band’s “Live In England” album before “Partner In Crime” afforded Armando Aussenac the opportunity to display his very considerable mastery of the percussive art. The set closed with an energetic performance of “Bow Wow”, with Hamilton enthralling the audience with a customary walkabout and table-top stances as he delivered a brilliant, extended guitar solo.

The second set exploded into life with “Workin’ Real Hard”, which featured another cracking saxophone solo. The Latin-rhythmed “One More Take” occasioned a return to the new album and was followed by the funky “”Where We Started”, which was superbly driven by the magical rhythm section and incorporated a phenomenal bass solo. “What It Is” bore witness to Hamilton Loomis’s harmonica skills before the magnificent set was brought to a close with the excellent “Slow Lover”, which wandered in and out of a boogie beat and delivered yet more guitar-based artistry.

The loudly-demanded encore , “Get My Blues On”, provided a fitting climax to a fantastic evening’s entertainment, which saw four consummate professionals at the very top of their individual and collective game.

LIONEL ROSS

www.hamiltonloomis.com

www.johnnysbluesclub.co.uk

Martin Harley Band will be playing The Ironworks, Oswestry on Sunday, 16th June.

Support comes from local talent Mark Morgan who will be playing his first gig at The Ironworks this yearr and we are also pleased that Dave O’Grady (who was support for Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes) will be returning to grace the stage.

Last time the gig sold out. Since then Martin has been recording and touring the US which included supporting Paloma Faith.

Buy your tickets by following this link

http://www.seetickets.com/artist/the-martin-harley-band/216256

Dave Arcari & The Hellsinki Hellraisers – Whisky In My Blood

(Blue North Records)

Scottish ‘rabble-rouser’ and all-round good guy Dave Arcari has teamed his ‘take no prisoners’ guitar and vocals with two Finnish musicians on this latest release, “Whisky In My Blood”, on the Finnish record lace, Blue North. He is accompanied on all tracks, bar one, by The Hellsinki Hellraisers – namely Juuso Haapasalo (upright & electric bass) and Honey Aaltonen (snare drum, cymbal, and rub-board).

As ever Dave’s roaring, growling vocals and his flailing National steel guitar are to the fore on the 11 orginals and three covers, but two standout tracks – “Still Friends” and “Third Time Lucky” see a switch to banjo. “Tell Me” has definite rockabilly flavours, and another gem is the driving blues, “Get Outta My Way”.

The Finnish musicians contribute fully to the glorious sound throughout the album, complementing Dave Arcari’s input. The three cover versions present are a brace of Robert Johnson classics, “Walkin’ Blues” and “Preachin’ Blues” – both given a ‘good kicking’ here, as is the oft-recorded “Jitterbug Swing”, from the pen of Bukka White, with the aforementioned ‘swing’ of the title firmly in place!

The raucous title cut “Whisky In My Blood”, is an ode to the ‘fire water’ itself; “Wherever I Go” is another highlight and swaggers along in its own sweet way! The whole collection was recorded live in the studio in Helsinki, and gives the album a great feel . . . with the mixing done in Arcari’s native Glasgow, and mastered in Chicago.

It’s easy to see why Dave Arcari is never off the road, with his never less than 100% commitment and energy to the music and performances he’s certainly the ‘real deal’ . . . . catch him on the road near you somewhere soon I’m sure!

GRAHAME RHODES

www.davearcari.com

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are one of the hardest working bands on the UK roots music circuit and have built a sizeable fan base following numerous tours and big festival appearances.

A hot seven-piece featuring guitars, mandolin, harmonica, accordion, trumpet, double bass and percussion, they’re more eclectic than most, mixing Western Swing, Gypsy Jazz, Hokum Blues, Ragtime, Cajun, and Roots-of-Country.

Tue 02 July – Ironbridge, Shropshire – Eighty Six’d Café

Thu 04 July – Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire – SpArC Theatre

Fri 05 July – Liverpool – The Kazimier

 http://youtu.be/g-KC_Dr6dGc

www.teapadorchestra.co.uk

Review: Albany Down – Not Over Yet

Albany Down comprises Paul Muir on vocals, Paul Turley on guitar, Damien Campbell on drums and Billy Dedman on bass. The album comprises twelve original compositions and everything about it exudes quality: the songwriting, the singing, the musicianship, the production and the publicity material.

After a somewhat unconnected Indian-oriented opening, the first track, “Back Again”, develops into a meaty, hard-driven rocker, the mood of which is extended by “You’d Better Run”, which delivers some superb guitar playing. “Take The Town” increases the tempo before “”Man Like Me” eases the tension with a slightly lighter touch. The title song then bounces relentless along and takes the vocals and guitar work into overdrive.

“My Lucky Streak” adds a boogie beat to the mix while the bluesy ballad “You Ain’t Coming Home” is brilliantly sung by Paul Muir and embellished by Paul Turley with some Bonamassa-like artistry. “She’s The Light” reintroduces an Indian ambience, which, unlike the opening track, very effectively permeates the rest of the number.

“You Wanna Be My Baby” is a lively foot-tapper, “Travelling Blues” an upbeat, funky-edged rocker and “Who Do You Think You Are” a heavier, more insistent number featuring another helping of terrific vocals. The album closes with “The Working Man”, another excellent, slow, bluesy ballad.

Whilst categorisation can often be pedantic and unhelpful, it must be said that this album stands unequivocally at the rock end of the blues-rock spectrum – its full sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and Whitesnake. On the other hand, the blues circuit would deny itself considerable pleasure if it eschewed this magnificent quartet, which combines the exceptional frontline talents of Muir and Turley with the top notch rhythm section of Campbell and Dedman. Highly recommended.

LIONEL ROSS

www.albanydown.com

http://youtu.be/5XWQrt00_NM

It would be amiss of us not to mark the passing of The Doors founder member and keyboard player Ray Manzarek, at the age of 74. He was possibly the member whose contribution to the band defined their sound musically.  Here’s the great “Roadhouse Blues”, with very fine piano work indeed. RIP Ray.

Thursday, 16th May, 2013

This four piece band from the Merseyside district gave a full-on fabulous performance, taking us back to the 70s with the Canvey Island R& B music scene, deep into Dr Feelgood and The Pirates territory. The band with their razor sharp delivery and a cracking sound won the packed crowd over from the very start.

Front man Mark Evans on lead vocals, harp, and slide guitar, was just terrific – he was enjoying every minute and connected instantly with the audience. The rhythm section was just brilliant – on a stonking Rickenbacker bass guitar and backing vocals was ‘Little Miss Nitro’ Joan Bimson – you couldn’t take your eyes off her, a great presence she was rockin’ – and on drums and percussion Mark Prescott, a fantastic drummer- his pace was just spot on; and lastly on lead guitar, a veteran of the Liverpool music scene for some 50 years was Dave Woods. His rendition of the classic “Moonchild” was outstanding.

The Extras have been into the studio and cut an EP entitled “Atlantic Corner” with four tracks on it – two of these originals penned by Mark Evan,s “Errol Flynn” and “Last Number and Back Again”, the two covers were “99 And A Half” and “(A Big) Hunk of Love”.

With other memorable r&b classic covers from the band, “Wind Up”, “Sugar Shaker”,”Down At The Doctors”, “Rumble In Brighton” and “Gear Jammer” and many more fantastic tunes, the place was banging, a good time was had by one and all. Seriously good music from a seriously talented band.

KEITH BLACKLEDGE

National & International Music Reviewer

www.theextras.co.uk   

Taken from the new album, “This River” – out in the UK on 24th June – the excellent JJ Grey & Mofro with “99 Shades Of Crazy”

http://youtu.be/mNk4Rj-d8JA

An early shout-out for this years Colne festival, the 24th Great British R&B Festival, to be held over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Still quite a lot of slots to be confirmed – here’s the official website:

www.bluesfestival.co.uk

John Primer And Bob Corritore – Knockin’ Around These Blues

(Delta Groove Music: DGPCD159)

Here’s an essential purchase for those who like their Chicago blues served up with no frills, but with some inspired song choices and a marvellous cast of musicians helping out John Primer (guitar and vocals) and Bob Corritore (harmonica) . . . . whose paths first crossed when a young Corritore would watch Primer ply  his trade whilst a member of Junior Wells band at Theresa’s on Chicago’s South Side.

Primer was later recruited by Muddy Waters, while Corritore had relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where he has become a major figure on the blues scene, not just as a player, but also club owner, DJ and record producer. Here they unite on an affectionate tribute to the ‘Windy City’ blues, with also on board Barrelhouse Chuck (piano), Billy Flynn (guitar), Chris James (guitar), Bob Stroger (bass), Patrick Rynn (bass), Kenny ‘Beedy’ Eyes Smith (drums) and Brian Fahey (drums) . . . a ‘heavyweight’ gathering indeed!

The ten songs on “Knockin’ Around These Blues” include some always associated with Chicago, penned by the likes of Little Walter, Willie Dixon and Robert Lockwood Jr., as well as a Bob Corritore and John Primer original and a Lightnin’ Hopkins number. The music gets off to a fine start with Jimmy Reed’s “The Clock”, with that instantly recognisable laid back groove that grabs you straight away. Next up is a lengthy work out on Little Walter’s “Blue And Lonesome”, that gives all a chance to stretch out . . . fine harmonica here from Corritore with Primer’s vocals of the highest quality, and sterling support from the whole band.

Primer’s “When I Get Lonely” is a standout, with some superb piano from Barrelhouse Chuck; the whole ensemble are grooving nicely on the Chicago shuffle of “Cairo Blues”, and Bob Corritore gets a showcase on his self-explanatory instrumental “Harmonica Joyride” . . . .the tune incorporating echoes of the Chicago harmonica legends such as Little Walter, Junior Wells and James Cotton. The slow blues of Robert Lockwood Jr’s “Little Boy Blue” is another gem – again giving all a chance to stretch out.

Best of all is possibly the closing Lightnin’ Hopkins tune, “Going Back Home”, which weighs in at a hefty 7:54, but with again some fine work all round, with mention for the playing of Chris James, Patrick Rynn and Brian Fahey, with Barrelhouse Chuck’s piano again of the highest calibre.

For those who love the Chicago blues of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Junior Wells and more . . . no frills, just great music and playing!

GRAHAME RHODES

www.johnprimerblues.com

www.bobcorritore.com

www.deltagroovemusic.com

Sunday, 12th May, 2013

This premier venue, a shrine to the blues genre, in the heart of Newton-Le-Willows attracts great bands from all over Great Britain and the U S of A. Talking of great bands step forward, The Ryan McGarvey band. without a doubt this young talented guitar player is about to become a household name such are the skills of this young man from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ryan and his band; on bass guitar Justin McLauchlin – who has been with Ryan for about two year;s and on the drums Logan Miles Nix – a brilliant find who joined Ryan for this UK and European tour. They are carrying the flag for a new generation of talent from ‘across the pond’. Ryan’s musical agenda is leaning toward what is described as a soft rock, guitar powered blues, with echoes of other blues genres which were around him at the time when Ryan was growing up and being influenced by such music.

Ryan has had many an accolade laid at his feet in recent times but he backs this up in spades with an awesome display of guitar work that rocked me, no question at all. His intricate subtle playing was amazing, using the electric as they say to a crescendo of controlled sound bursting at the seams, but not your ears, with exceptional guitar and lap steel work.

The band played numbers off Ryan’s current cd entitled “Redefined”, cut in 2012, with 11 tracks on it, all written by Ryan, and a follow up to his first album “Forward In Reverse”, back in 2007. Ryan has stamped his mark on this exciting brand of the blues and I have to say he has nailed it perfectly, he is a massive talent. I had the pleasure of seeing a rising contemporary guitarist in the making – bravo Ryan and the best of luck in all that you do. You have been blessed my friend.

KEITH BLACKLEDGE

National and International music reviewer

There will be no Worthenbury Festival this year, however the good news is that the Worthenbury team have lined up a superb bill of summer gigs for the village hall.

• Sat 15th June – Dave Kelly
• Fri 12th Jul – Rory Ellis
• Fri 30 Aug – Li’l Jimmy Reed

Please note the mistake in the poster below. Dave Kelly is Sat 15th.

What a fantastic new CD from these class blues/funk guys. The album is so well produced … it was put together by award winning producer Pete Brown … it really shows what a great band FORTY4 really are. Check out the sampler tracks on the website http://www.forty4music.com/forty4-music/

FORTY4

Forty4 hail from the Liverpool area and have been playing together since 2007. The album features Neil Partington on guitar and all vocals. Neil has been active in writing many of the numbers for the album. On guitar  is Paul Starkey – a fine musician in the school of Clapton. On bass for the album, is Steve Brown one of the original members of Forty4, he has sadly had to leave the band due to illness and has now been replaced by Bill Price. On keyboard is Glen Lewis, a class musician who also runs his own music school. Last but by no means least is Nick Lauro, a seasoned drummer who is affectionately known as ‘The Drum Doctor’.

The first track, ‘Pack It Up’ brings together a bit of jazz, a bit of funk with that New Orleans feel, some great guitar work from the guys and superb vocals from Neil.

Track 2, ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor’ provides funky rhythms in a great bluesy number.

The next track ‘Loving By The Truck Load’, a Forty4′s own number, is the classic ‘Rhythm and Groove’, with an R&B flavour, there is some great piano work from Glen.

Love this blues boogie number ‘Just Good Cause’ , another self penned track, again some great guitar work and Hammond keyboard.

‘Feels so Good’ is pure ‘funk’ and written in the individual style of Forty4.

Like a blast from the past, although written by the guys, ‘Keep The Meter Running’ provides a great funky feel with some ace drum work from Nick

The guys make this classic ‘Black Cat Bone’ their own … blues with a funky edge. A great Hammond sound again from Glen

A cool blues with jazzy overtones, ‘A Man For Good Loving’, is in the style of swing with great jazz piano from Glen, and is yet another Forty4 number.

Now for a bit of ‘rock n’ roll’, ‘Taking My Love’ is an up tempo good old R&B number, although put together by Forty4, with a great guitar solo by Paul

The band’s name sake, the classic Howlin Wolf number ‘Forty-Four’, is brilliantly performed in their own style.

The album is a brilliant mix of styles and definitely is the height of ‘rhythm and groove’!!! Take a listen and see what you think!!

Rosy Greer (Lancashire Blues Archive) http://www.facebook.com/lancsbluesarchive

(Pic: Ian Williams)

Here’s  a list of forthcoming gigs in the Kings Head in Carlisle on Thursday nights this coming summer.

There are loads of excellent artists coming up and combined with excellent beer in the venue that equals a good time.

• 23 May 2013 – Jon Amor
• 30 May 2013 – TBC
• 06 June 2013 – Bowden and Williamson
• 13 June 2013 – Dale Storr Trio
• 20 June 2013 – Simon McBride
• 27 June 2013 – Kent Duchaine
• 04 July 2013 – Grainne Duffy
• 11 July 2013 – Marcus Bonfanti
• 18 July 2013 – Olly Alcock
• 25 July 2013 – Wooden Horse
• 01 August 2013 – TBC
• 08 August 2013 – Ian Parker
• 15 August 2013 – TBC

http://www.kingsheadcarlisle.co.uk/about-us/live-music/

Thursday, 9th May, 2013

It was a party atmosphere at The Hop Pocket when Cry Baby & The Hoochie Coochie boys were live at BJ’s Rock in the Blues Show. This six piece band from the Stoke-on-Trent area are talented musicians of the highest order – I see them as often as I can, such is the magnetism of the band, and always a good vibrant show.

“Mr G” Graham Sells on guitar and lead vocal is a gentle giant and a brilliant front man, has a unique vocal range, guttural, powerful just what a blues/and r&b man needs, it is said he gargles with rusty razor blades and nails and the odd guitar string as a starter, whatever the recipe it is very effective indeed. “Cry Baby” alias Rob Wilkinson on harp and vocals was born with his harmonica strapped to his bib – he is a wonderful player and has a box of harps to choose from liken to a baby’s toy cupboard with his favourites hid inside – just brilliant.

The rhythm section is just top notch on drums is Andy “Motor” Carr – his repertoire as a drummer is vast and can turn his hands to anything you throw at him, and on a rocking bass guitar is Trevor “Roll Up” Pinson, a perfect executor and another fine musician. Vince “The Gov” Cutliffe on lead/slide guitar and mandolin, a superb musician and he raises the bar of contempary guitar playing; and finally on keyboards is Mark Hargreaves, sharing the lead at times and his solos were spot on. Mark plays with an uncomplicated style from the school of Stevie Winwood.

The band gave us a mix of blues and r&b as well as several original numbers by the band from their album entitled “Sweet Thing” from 2011. A guest appearance by Colin Black on lead guitar from The Stumble” graced the stage for one number and he is a good friend of the band.

KEITH BLACKLEDGE

National & International music reviewer