martedì 27 settembre 2016

MEHMET ALI SANLIKOL & WHATSNEXT? "RESOLUTION"

Its goal is to explore a cosmopolitan view of the world through the lens of a wide range of Turkish traditions, alone and in conversation with the musics of the formerly Ottoman peoples—Greeks, Jews, Armenians, Arabs, Kurds, mystics—as well as with western and other world traditions including Jazz. The DÜNYA collective includes specialists in contemporary composition, jazz, Ottoman music, early European music, Middle Eastern Christian and Jewish music, ethnomusicology and popular music. In DÜNYA projects, research and translation combine with original composition, improvisation and musical experimentation to create lively presentations, recordings and publications aimed at engaging contemporary audiences. DÜNYA seeks to work with a wide range of cultural and religious organizations and relies on no particular political, governmental or religious affiliation or support of any kind. MEHMET ALI SANLIKOL WHATSNEXT?/DUNYA 
 

JIMMY O' CONNEL SIXTET "ARRHYTHMIA"

Originally from the Metro Detroit Area, O'Connell began playing piano at the age of 7 and trombone at the age of 9.  Soon after discovering the trombone, O'Connell joined the Detroit Symphony Civic Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Marcus Belgrave, and later on Rodney Whitaker.O'Connell went on to study at the University of Michigan, and while attending, played with greats such as Geri Allen, Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins and Rodney Whitaker.  After his tenure at Michigan, O'Connell pursued his Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with trombonist Luis Bonilla.  Since moving to NYC, O'Connell has performed with greats such as Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, and Randy Brecker as well as with his own groups and as a sideman at Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Smalls, Fat Cat, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Zinc Bar, Highline Ballroom, Rockwood Music Hall and many others. O'Connell leads his own sextet, and co-leads a two trombone quintet with trombonist Peter Nelson.  He is also involved in a number of other projects including The Steve Feifke Big Band and The Revive Big Band.  He is also involved in non-jazz projects including The Uptown Party Down, Lindsay Dunphy, and does live performance and studio work with Grammy Award Winning producer 88-Keys (Kanye West, Jay-Z).  Currently, he is adjunct faculty at Manhattan College where he directs the pep band and teaches a number of private lessons. JIMMY O' CONNEL SIXTET 
 

TOM BROWNE "LEGACY"

Consider the songs in our hearts that inspire us toward uplifted continence; melodies that ring out in a manner that is soulful ... even funky! Now think of an artist; an artist who George Benson describes as "joy filled in expressiveness" and "believable in any musical style," topping the jazz and adult contemporary / R & B charts with his kickin' trumpet and rich jazz melodies. That artist ... is trumpeter Tom Browne.Browne began to carve a path for his musical future early on, studying via scholarship under Murray Karpilovsky(principal trumpeter with the NBC Orchestra directed by Arturo Toscanini.) A student at the co -joined High School of Music and Art / Performing Arts in New York (renowned courtesy of the motion picture entitled"Fame,") Browne became a regular on the New York jazz scene and had the fortune of learning first hand frommasters like Jimmy Nottingham, Richard Williams, Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard. Browne soon played his first pro level performances as sideman to jazz greats Weldon Irvine and Sonny Fortune for which he earned domestic and international recognition. It was no surprist that Downbeat Magazine would single out his "warm trumpet" during the review of Fortunes' 1976 "Infinity Is" album. TOM BROWNE
 

ANDREAS LOVEN "DISTRICT SIX"

Andreas Loven is a pianist and composer from Oslo, Norway, signed to the acclaimed Norwegian jazz label Losen Records.He departed from his career in engineering, moved to South Africa and ventured into jazz in his early twenties. He has since performed extensively all over South Africa with artists such as Shane Cooper, Mandla Mlangeni, Buddy Wells, Keenan Ahrends, Jonno Sweetman, Nick Williams, Romy Brauteseth, Clement Benny and others.
Recent performances in Europe include Oslo Jazz Festival, Canal Street and the National Jazz Scene.In January 2015, Andreas released his debut album, Nangijala, to high critical acclaim at Losen Records. The album consisted of duos with south african sax-legend and close friend, Buddy Wells and also Spha Mdlalose on vocals.In February 2016 Andreas Loven releases his second album recorded with his south african quartet, rooted in both south african jazz traditions, nordic folk and other inspirations. ANDREAS LOVEN
 

domenica 18 settembre 2016

THE DOG TOWN BLUES BAND "EVERYDAY"

RVL music and Richard Lubovitch (aka Loob) are proud to announce the release of the new CD, by The DogTown Blues Band, Everyday. This new CD, comprised of 10 tracks, 43:20 in length, is “Loob's” impressions of his 30 years in Chicago listening to, and playing with, the great Chicago Blues Masters that he saw throughout his time there, in the clubs, and during his many years of going to Maxwell Street to hear the legends of that time. It offers 5 standards and 5 original compositions, and featured, are the amazing vocals of Barbara Morrison, who'svocal interpretations of Everyday I have The Blues, Easy Baby, Ain't Nobody's Business and Same Old Blues, are something special to hear. “Having Ms. Morrison on this project, has allowed us to do original and traditional arrangements of standards with a DogTown twist, so as to feature her accomplished vocal interpretations of these songs. Check out Ain't Nobody's Business, arranged as a late 1950s blues, with a slight stroll feel, or her complete re-invention of Easy Baby, as sung by a female, coupled with the emotional joy and pain she brings to Same Old Blues and the upbeat happiness of Everyday I Have The Blues. The CD also features Hohner Harmonica Master Bill Barrett, who is featured throughout, with attention to his fantastic playing on the original compositions Shrimp Walk and All the Way Down…The two Harmonica songs on the project. Bill has also added a wonderful vocal track to Doc's Boogie. Producer, guitarist Lubovitch gives us a myriad of energetic standards peppered with five originals, including Boxcar 4468, where he plays lazily thru the head, building up to a raucous solo section, with attention to a high energy organ solo by Wayne Peet then Loob and Marcus Watkins on Slide guitar trading a few choruses. THE DOG TOWN BLUES BAND
 

JAMES BUDDY ROGERS "BY MY SIDE"

Most blues musicians can proudly recall their age and stage in life when they received their introduction to blues music. It is a coming of age in a sense – before the blues and after the blues. For Vancouver’s James ‘Buddy’ Rogers, life as he knew it was inherently different after discovering the blues.James ‘Buddy’ Rogers learned to love the blues close to home. His dad, Bud worked for the railroad and often brought home records and a guitar and by the time little Buddy was 10 he was lifting licks. By 11 he’d formed a band and started gigging. Within two years he was a regular at local blues clubs. At 15 his band Texas Storm was being booked by Canada’s top agency for opening concert slots. “My dad went to the liquor control board and got a license that he would take to bars so I could legally play there. I began playing shows sitting in with all the great blues guys around Vancouver back then. The ones that really stand out, who took me under their wing, so to speak were the late Muddy Fraser, Tom and Jack Lavin, Jim Byrnes, Wailin’ Al Walker and Russell Jackson. These guys always invited me out to play with them and open for them.” Rogers recalls.At the age of 19 Rogers teamed up with former B.B. King bassist Russell Jackson and began a tour that lasted five years. Based in Kansas City, they played an endless string of clubs, concerts and festivals sharing the bill with Canned Heat, Sam Taylor, The Holmes Brothers, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Neal, Katie Webster and countless others. In 2000 Buddy started his own band and played blues clubs across Canada and Europe. When he wasn’t working under his own name he appeared on US tours and recordings with many other blues acts.Rogers new CD 'By My Side' is an 11 song CD which includes ten originals by Rogers and one cover made famous by Freddie King ‘Goin’ Down’. Rogers is backed by long time band mates Mike Wedge on bass and James Badger on drums. Joining the CD on piano, B3 and wurly is Texas native Lewis Stephens who is known for his work with Freddie King, Delbert McClinton and Mike Zito. Lewis recently appeared on Gary Clark Jr’s CD ‘The Story of Sonny Boy Slim’.James ‘Buddy’ Rogers’ main influences on guitar – Johnny Watson, Jimmie Vaughan and the three Kings – plus years of being a blues road warrior have helped shape him into a well-seasoned blues guitarist. By My Side showcases a guitar and voice forged by a life in the blues. James ‘Buddy’ Rogers; his music is here to stay. JAMES BUDDY ROGERS
 

venerdì 16 settembre 2016

THE BLUES REBELS "VOODOO LAND"

The second album by The Blues Rebels, produced by Blues hall-of-fame artist Joe Louis Walker! We are proud to present to you "Voodoo land", the new album by The Blues Rebels. For this album, the band decided to re-connect with Blues hall-of-fame member Joe Louis Walker, who had played several shows with them in 2013. Walker returned to Israel in the winter of 2016 to produce the album, which contains 12 new compositions by Dov Hammer and Andy Watts, featuring the bands signature sound, incorporating Blues, rock and funk, and includes a special guest appearance by Joe Louis Walker himself. Check out track 13, an electronic remix of "Well run dry" - Blues meets electronic music! The Blues Rebels began in 2012 as a one-time friendly jam between two veteran Blues artists – guitarist Andy Watts and singer/harmonica player Dov Hammer (who had previously played also with Zora Young, Deitra Farr, Billy Branch, Paul deLay, "King" Earnest Baker and many other American Blues artists) . The immediate chemistry between the two and the powerful stage show that resulted was undeniable. The Blues Rebels soon became one of the hottest Blues bands on the Israeli scene, playing with world-class Blues artists such as Joe Louis Walker, Lucky Peterson and Bernard Allison. The band was also chosen to open for the legendary Johnny Winter, who told the band how impressed he was by their performance. In March 2015 the band released its first self produced album "Open road" which received much praise from many Blues publications in Europe and the USA, as well as plenty of radio play in Europe and Israel. We hope you enjoy "Voodoo land"! The critics RAVE!! "Energizing musicianship and spot-on songwriting …Hammer and his fellow Rebels make magic in Voodoo land!" – Rainey Wetnight, "Blues Blast" magazine (USA) "Dov Hammer and Andy Watts know how to write a Blues tune. Songs like the title track, "Good enough", "Well run dry" and "Everybody loves my baby" (which features Joe Louis Walker) grab you the first time around. The band are good and the harmonica playing is of the highest order" – Stuart Hamilton "The Rocker" (UK) "A top notch CD. The band brings a mix of Chicago blues, rock, soul and jazz. They play well together, the texts are clear and musically their stuff is varied and is well put together. .. A great album that can also lead to The Blues Rebels towards being better known internationally." – Eric Kampfens "Blueszine NL" (Holland) THE BLUES REBELS
 

domenica 11 settembre 2016

ARI EREV "FLOW"

The music of pianist and composer Ari Erev blends a deep classical touch, producing an intimate, delicate and emotional style which is inspired by pianists such as Bill Evans, Kenny Barron and Fred Hersch, with an energetic, latin-oriented and rhythmic drive, such as those found with pianists Michel Camilo and Michell Petrucciani, to produce a mature voice of his own.One is a stream of water that is directional and repetitive.
However, the repetitiveness is not even and comprises a wide variety of large and small streams, colliding, converging and splitting again. I see resemblance between Flow and Music. Similarly to a flow, music consists of numerous different streams that have the same general direction and – especially with improvisation – never exactly repeat themselves. Another meaning is a state of mind during which one is immersed in a continuous act of doing something, such as learning or creating, usually with great enjoyment and complete focus, without even noticing the passage of time. It is as if the time becomes suspended and the perception of reality is blurred by the unconscious. Some people may regard this as the embodiment of Happiness itself... I feel extremely fortunate to have experienced such emotions while composing and arranging some of the tunes for this album."Flow" is a personal and artistically-performed album which combines percussive Latin rhythms and rich harmonies of post-bop Jazz with gentle and expressive piano touch."excellent new material,... a remarkable performance from a gifted artist whose expressive playing style and clever compositions, elevate him as one of the finest pianists on the international jazz scene today."Edward Blanco, All About Jazz . ARI EREV
 

JASPER HØIBY "FELLOW CREATURES"

Copenhagen-born bassist Jasper Høiby moved to London in 2000 to attend the Royal Academy of Music. In 2005 he created the trio Phronesis which has toured extensively in Europe and North America and won awards for ‘Jazz Album of the Year’ inJazzwise and MOJO Magazines 2010 (Alive, Edition 2010) as well as a London Jazz Award for the trio's Pitch Black performance at Brecon Jazz festival 2012. Phronesis was also chosen for the IJFO's (International Jazz Festival Organisation) new talent support programme, which resulted in performances at eleven IJFO festivals between 2012 and 2014. Høiby has also performed / recorded with a number of original artists, including Mark Guiliana, Django Bates, Shai Maestro, Julian Joseph, Kurt Elling, Antonio Loureiro, Tom Arthurs, Mark Lockheart, Liam Noble, Julia Biel, Marius Neset, Kairos 4tet, Jim Hart and Ivo Neame. He has appeared at jazz clubs, concert halls and festivals across the world and in 2012 won the Copenhagen Jazz Festival's 'Young Spririt Award' alongside honorary award winners Jack DeJohnette and Palle Mikkelborg. JASPER HØIBY

ALLY VENABLE BAND "NO GLASS SHOES"

The 17 year old sensation from Texas, Ally Venable says “I think No Glass Shoes really shows the musicianship of my band as well as the guest artists that performed on this album,” Ally says about the new disc. “The songs on this CD really mesh well together and correspond differently in their own way. My goal for this album is to really connect with people and to let them know it’s okay to feel a certain way. I really cannot express enough gratitude to everyone that contributed to making this album possible.”Ally Venable wrote all of the songs on No Glass Shoes, with the exception of the Junior Wells classic, “Messin’ with the Kid,” and the Bonnie Raitt hit, “Love Me Like a Man,” written by Chris Smither. Ally also composed new music to go with the lyrics of the Alberta Hunter chestnut, “Downhearted Blues.”Houston-based Ally Venable and her band have been racking up critical accolades, including winning the East Texas Music Award last year for Blues Band and Ally for Female Guitarist of the Year. She also placed in the Top 10 of the under 20 years-old category at the 2015 and 2016 Dallas International Guitar Festivals.As leader of the powerhouse Ally Venable Band, she’s ignited tremendous excitement for her musicianship and live performances on the local Houston music scene, with touring now expanded into the southwest region. Ally Venable started singing at an early age in church and in recent years picked up the guitar and found her true passion. She was also voted the 2014 and 2015 East Texas Female Guitarist of the Year. Each of Ally’s bandmates excels on their respective instruments, too. Lead guitarist and keyboards player Bobby Wallace is a master at his craft and his years of experience enhance the band. Bassist Zach Terry brings his passion and energetic flair to every show. Self-taught drummer Elijah Owings brings a steady and dynamic sound to the band. He is the backbone of the Aly Venable Band’s rockin’ blues sound. ALLY VENABLE BAND
 

JON JOHNSON "DAYDREAMER"

Jon Johnson is a U.S. solo guitar artist, songwriter and producer with a flare for the melodic and groovy.Hear the infectious melodies on the new debut full length album titled"Daydreamer. "Daydreamer" is a melodious Electric Guitar Adventure featuring 10 infectious tracks from hard hitting pop rock to soothing, sultry blues. A mix of modern and classic rhythmic soundscapes, grand piano melodies, and dramatic orchestration compliment the charming melodies of Jon Johnson's six-string mind. "Daydreamer" is destined to become the soundtrack to YOUR Daydreams.All Guitars, drum, bass and synth programming by Jon Johnson JON JOHNSON 
 

SUNDAY WILDE "BLUEBERRIES & GRITS"

This is the sixth release from award winning blues and roots artist, Sunday wilde from Northern Ontario. This album was recorded in Memphis and Clarksdale, produced by 2 time Grammy nominee Gary Vincent , and is the result of two major trips from Northern Ontario to the Delta. Sunday retains the theme of “men” in her sixth release with her prayer to god to “Show Me A Man” with the list of things that she wanted to find in the perfect man and “That Man Drives Me Mad” her take on a complicated relationship. She also covers a Willie Dixon tune “John the Conquer Root” twisting the meaning of the original into what a woman can do to get by in the world and changing the mood to be an eerie tale. She also does a Ruth Brown Cover called Daddy Daddy, a soft and sultry cover bringing back the feel of Mississippi John Hurt into the tune, as well as a sexy sad duet with Reno Jack called “One of These Days”. All the songs retain her distinctive delivery and vocals with an array of emotions. The album contains ten songs, with all acoustic instruments including a 1857 cottage pump organ played by Grammy winner Billy Earheart from the Amazing Rhythm Aces, trumpet by Roger Reupert, upright bass by Reno Jack, Dobro by Sturgis Nikides, drums by Rickey “Quicksand” Martin, washboard by April Mae, other guitar tracks by Dave Fecca, Johnny Cass, Robert Hughes, and backup vocals by Watermelon Slim and Mandy Lemons. “With each release she has furthered her position as one of the top singer songwriters within the blues world. Truly the voice of the people, she captures everyday life and trials in an unique and truly memorable fashion. She has elevated her game with this release.” ChefJimi, Blues411 “This album is solid on all fronts, Wilde nails it on vocals and piano and proves that she has the chops to stand amoung today’s great women of the blues” M. McChristie, The Walleye Magazine nday has won numerous awards with her past releases including 2x win of the Independent Music Awards Voters Choice Best Blues Song, 2 x win for the Best International Blues Release by Blues 411, Honorable Mention for Blues (the only Canadian artist in 2015) for the International Song writing competition, hit #1 on Siriusxm Radio on BB King’s Bluesville and has been played worldwide on roots and blues radio stations, while some of her releases remain on the Roots Music Report charts for months. She is from Northern Ontario Canada and lives in a remote town on Hwy 11. SUNDAY WILDE
 

THE JIMMYS "HOT DISH"

Marcia Ball says: "Wow! I love this record! It’s funky and rambunctious and I was dancing from the first note. Soul music for the 21st Century. If you like Delbert and the Phantom Blues Band, you’ll love this “Hot Dish”. Tinsley Ellis says: The Jimmy's have mined pure R&B gold with "Hot Dish". From the opening hit of the Ray Charles influenced "Lose That Woman" to the sultry swagger of "Freight Train" , "Hot Dish" is a winner from top to bottom. Try to not dance when listening to "Funk Schway". It simply can't be done! And the Jimmy's are a great live act as well. Look for them on tour soon as they hit the road to support this album of great music. "Hot Dish" indeed! So deserving of this continent's attention! If you like keys (Jimmy), horn and great guitar (Perry Webber) this band is chock full of soul and boogie, get you some JImmy's, and I recommend starting with Wrecking Ball on this album. Then when you've downloaded this album and the earlier one, get on the website, find out where to catch these guys live esp at an outdoor fest all over Wisconsin and the surrounds,and you will have the best of great ear candy. Watch Jimmy pull in with his big red band wagon and the goose bumps start coming just thinking about how near you are to gettin that sound and watching Jimmy bounce those converse tennies and jump around. Thanks for this musical treat fellows! THE JIMMYS
 

giovedì 8 settembre 2016

MELANGE "VIA MARIS"

Melange seamlessly blend music from North Africa, the Middle East and Mediterranean, incorporating elements of jazz improvisation and dynamic arrangements. The group was formed by cellist Shirley Smart on returning to London after 10 years living and working in Jerusalem with several of the different traditions there – Moroccan, Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish and Persian, as well as jazz.The group now performs a mixture of traditional and original material, drawing its inspiration from the above traditions while also reflecting their links also to western music. They combine also traditional and modern improvisation, including both maqam and jazz. Melange is a true reflection of modern cosmopolitanism, comprising musicians from Greece, Spain, Morocco, Iraq, Italy and the UK. MELANGE
 

SEAN FORAN "FRAME OF REFERENCE"

Acclaimed Australian pianist, Sean Foran, steps away from his work with the progressive piano trio Trichotomy, to release an album with a brand new ensemble of cutting edge British players. Featuring a collection of original works by Foran for the inventive line up of piano/Rhodes, guitar, saxophone, cello anddrums.Award winning pianist/composer“Lyrical expression in the manner of pianists John Taylor or Bobo Stenson” - BBC Online“a gifted pianist with abundant ideas and the technique to go with them - Irish Times“Foran's compositions are always interesting using restraint and intricate subtlety, incorporating classical ideas into a jazz-format” - The Australian.He has been the recipient of the prestigious Brisbane City Councils Lord Mayor’s Artist Fellowship in 2007, which together with funding from the Ian Potter Cultural Trust enabled him to complete his MA with distinction, studying with artists such as John Taylor, Lars Jansson, Tord Gustavsen and Matthew Bourne around Britain and Europe. SEAN FORAN

martedì 6 settembre 2016

URBAN HILL "THE REAL DEAL"

LATHAN "Pudgee" HILL: guitar and vocals, has been knocking around in music for 50 years, playing with or opening shows with Candi Staton, King Floyd, Mel and Tim, Phyllis Hyman, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Luther Alison, Kenny Neal and others. His influences include jazz guitarist Eric Gale, David T. Walker, and Grant Green. PAUL URBAN: guitar and vocals, has been playing up and down the East coast for over 40 years. He counts among his main influences Muddy Waters, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman and Johnny Winter. DENNIS LIVRERI: drums, has been playing drums intermittently since the age of 12 and started playing seriously in 2006. His playing leans heavily towards jazz and blues. He counts among his main influences Joe Morello and Gene Krupa. KEVIN YODER: bass guitar, has been playing music all of his life. He is a self taught acoustic guitarist, having switched to bass guitar about 15 years ago. He has played locally in the Tidewater area with the Duchess Wilder Band and several others. Currently he plays bass in a couple of bands including his church worship team and orchestra. He counts among his influences Stanley Clarke, John Entwistle and Jaco Pastorius. URBAN HILL
 

giovedì 1 settembre 2016

SAO PAULO SKA JAZZ "GRINGO"

From the Satellites, Jazz Jamaica and Western Standard Time to Rotterdam Ska-Foundation, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Toulouse Skanking Foundation and dozens of other bands big and small, there’s a lot of jazz-flavored ska out there. And if it’s ska-jazz with more than a hint of bossa-nova, salsa, funk and rock you’re dancing to, it may well be, Sao Paulo Ska-Jazz. This 8-piece band out of Brazil first caught the world’s ear with their self-titled 2009 debut, and with their latest release, Gringo, they’ve refined their already excellent sound and brought in a couple of surprise guest musicians.Here you can find track previews from release Gringo by artist Sao Paulo Ska Jazz. This album was released 06.05.2016 and containing 10 tracks. Listen online Sao Paulo Ska Jazz - Gringo previews (30 seconds length) is free and don't require registration. For buy album Sao Paulo Ska Jazz - Gringo please follow to music stores. If we have other releases and albums Sao Paulo Ska Jazz you can see it on this page. All music content by Sao Paulo Ska Jazz is presented for reference only. SAO PAULO SKA JAZZ
 

CARA BEING BLUE "FULL THROTTLE"

Cara Being Blue has entertained crowds of thousands at festivals and hundreds at night spots all over Metro Nashville and Middle Tennessee for several years with high energy Blues and Classic Rock originals and covers. This dynamic and engaging band is fronted by native Bostonian, Cara Lippman, a student of the late great Shirley Lewis, Regal Queen of the Blues of Boston. Cara relocated to Nashville to hone her band leading and live performance skills in Music City. In two short years in the local Blues scene, she has been bestowed the titles of “Jam Queen,” “Nashville Blues Society Jambassador,” “Empress of the Blues,” and has been nominated Best Blues Artist two years in a row by the Nashvillle Industry Music Awards (NIMA). Her studio and acoustic cuts are being played on internet radio all across the U.S. and overseas; her active fan base covers the globe. She hit #1 on for Blues music in Nashville on popular share-site ReverbNation, three times in 2015 and maintains a top ten spot to this day. She has won the hearts and respect of the local industry, her peers and fans with the way she lights up a stage and values her listeners. Watch out! Her personality arrives ten minutes before she does! Backed by some of the top most talented musicians in Nashville, Cara and her band know how to draw and energize an audience! CARA BEING BLUE
 

THE MICK CLARKE BAND "RUFF'N' ROAR - LIVE AT SCRATCHERS"

The Three Lions is thought to be the oldest public house in the Surrey village of Farncombe, and has stood there since at least the beginning of the eighteenth century. For many years the landlord held an annual fair each Easter Monday in an adjoining field with stalls of gingerbread, toys and other amusements such as ‘climbing the pole’, badger baiting and even bare knuckle fighting. Fortunately the amount of bare knuckle fighting has decreased in recent years, and the pub has found a new identity as Scratchers, an excellent venue for rocking blues bands from across the land. On a warm evening in June 2015 the three piece MC Band assembled for an evening of straght ahead rocking blues - Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor and a few MC originals. It is indeed rough and raw and what you you hear is what went down. Thanks to all those who attended and to the staff and crew who pitched in so readily to help make this recording possible. THE MICK CLARKE BAND