DAVE WELD & THE IMPERIAL FLAMES "SLIP INTO A DREAM"

Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, an authentic blues band with versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving blues. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are revitalized with striking three part vocal harmony, three vocal stylists, blues diva and Rami winner Monica Myhre, Legendary Saxman, Abb Locke, passionate guitar schooled from the masters(J.B. Hutto), and tight, rock solid rythm section.From l Chicago Blues fest, to Buddy Guy's new Legends, the Meridien Hotel (Paris), Canada, Japan, Spain, Holland, Caribbean, Germany, Belgium, France, Sweden, England, North, South, East and West in the USA. Here is what they say about Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames:"We along with our guest are thrilled to see the interaction you have with the audience...your performances have set the standard for consistency, quality and entertainment...your flexibility demonstrates your dependability...Jacques D'Rovencourt, Director of Food and Beverage, The Palmer House Hilton"You guys are great, fantastic, I loved it!!.....Bonnie Raitt"Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames were excellent, particularly Dave Weld, who came offstage to play and give individual attention...myclients have commented how great the band played!"....Vivian Liddell, Area Sales Director, Le Meridien Hotel"On behalf of House of Blues-Chicago, we highly recommend Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames for venue bookings thanks to there consistently high level of talent, dedication, and cooperation........Virginia Jones, House of Blues, Chicago"Using a metal slide, the guitarist draws on lessons from the great JB Hutto and makes his emanations of power and energy ever so purposeful"Frank-John Hadly, Downbeat Magazine September, 2010"this is a killer veteran all-star, real deal Chicago blues band at its house rockin' best... one of the hardest working, longest running, and most talented, cohesive, Chicago blues bands around".......Kevin Johnson, Delmark records, Aug 2010"Dave Weld is one of the friendliest, easiest guys in the music business to work with...never seen a crowd the didn't love him..he put together a peformance that was exactly tailored to the event... I would recommend him highly...an evening with Dave Weld is an evening well spent.....Lois Roewade , Event Makers. DAVE WELD THE IMPERIAL FLAMES
 

ROB BARRON "WHAT'S IN STORE...."

London Jazz pianist Rob Barron presents his debut album "What's in Store..."Deeply rooted in the jazz tradition the album focuses on fresh new arrangements of classic jazz songs drawing influence from the modern New York straight ahead groups and the great pianists of Wyton Kelly, Cedar Walton and Hank Jones. Featuring some of the finest players on the London jazz scence including Colin Oxley on guitar, Jeremy Brown on bass and Josh Morrison on drums. "What's In Store" is a collection of exquisite original arrangements of timeless songs from the American songbook as well as one original blues composition by the leader.Drawing influence from players such as Cedar Walton, Wynton Kelly and Hank Jones as well as more modern piano players from the New York scene such as Mike Ledonne and David Hazeltine, "What's in Store" is a record full of swing and love for the American tradition. ROB BARRON
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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

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
 

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
 

KENNY NEAL "BLOOD LINE"

Kenny Neal, born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge, began playing music at a young age. Learning the basics from his father, singer and Blues harmonica master, Raful Neal. Kenny is known as a modern swamp-blues master and multi-instrumentalist, that draws musically from the sizzling sounds of his native Louisiana. The new album casts that potent Neal spell of deep grooves and deep feelings that put him where he is today. With tunes like swampy Louisiana look-back “Down In The Swamp,” the funky shuffle of Memphis in his take on “Blind Crippled Or Crazy,” or the soul searching blues of “Bitter With The Sweet,” Hooked On Your Love extends the spirit of his acclaimed Let Life Flow. Take a listen and prepare to be hooked. KENNY NEAL
 

MINGS AND CRAIG "DAY BY DAY"

Mings and Craig is a jazz guitar duo consisting of Jim Mings and Monty Craig. They are based in South Carolina and have self-released their first CD Day By Day. The album includes classics such as “Day By Day,” “Till There Was You,” “Nature Boy,” “Emily,” “I Thought About You,” “’Round Midnight,” and others. This project is the culmination of 28 years of musical and personal friendship. The album unfolds as a thoughtful musical conversation between two people who deeply listen to each other and share mutual respect.Jim and Monty’s unique gift is to create beautiful melodic music that speaks directly to the heart. Their style is peaceful, uncluttered, straight-ahead, and swinging! In Day by Day, they chose songs that tell stories. These songs appeal to all people, no matter what type of music they like. Because Monty and Jim are grounded in their shared goal of taking the listeners to happy destinations, there is plenty of room for joyful exploration and improvisation during the journey. MINGS AND CRAIG 
 

IN BUSINESS "COP SHOW"

The Business is an original funk band from New Orleans, Louisiana. Formed in 2012, the band forged its sound playing in clubs along Frenchmen Street, home turf to some of the finest young funk and jazz musicians in the nation. With such high level of talent on the scene, the Business had to work hard to set themselves apart.The resulting sound is rooted in a rhythm section that slides from slinky New Orleans grooves to ultra-tight west coast funk to "rocking your face off," and the transitions are seamless. On top of that, they add their "sax attack," an all saxophone horn section hailing from a town where brass is king. Last but not least, soulful and searing vocals complete the sound. IN BUSINESS
 

CYRUS CHESTNUT TRIO "JOURNEYS"

Cyrus Chestnut (born January 17, 1963) is an American jazz pianist, composer and producer. In 2006, Josh Tyrangiel, music critic for Time Magazine, wrote: "Whatmakes Chestnut the best jazz pianist of his generation is a willingness to abandon notes and play space.Chestnut enjoys mixing styles and resists being typecast in any one niche, though his gospel sound is apparent on a number of his recordings.Cyrus Chestnut was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1963, son of McDonald (a retired post-office employee and church organist) and Flossie (a city social services worker and church choir director). Chestnut started his musical career at the age of six, playing piano at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in his hometown. By the age of nine, he was studying classical music at the Peabody Institute. In 1985, Chestnut earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging from Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music.While at Berklee, Chestnut was awarded the Eubie Blake Fellowship (1982), the Quincy Jones Scholarship (1983), and the Oscar Peterson Scholarship (1984). CYRUS CHESTNUT TRIO
 

TODD HUNTER TRIO "EAT , DRINK , PLAY"

Greenwich Village became Todd's new school, the Village Vanguard his classroom, with Ahmad Jamal, Joe Henderson, Mel Lewis and Tommy Flannigan among his many great professors. After that solid tutorial, Todd chose Los Angeles as the stage from which to launch his career. Los Angeles, with its rich and diverse music scene, provided Todd with the opportunity to try different sounds and styles - Salsa, Samba, South African and R & B. His fifteen years as resident keyboardist for O.C. Smith's City Of Angels church has also added gospel to his musical influences.Hunter considers himself an experienced "road warrior," having traveled virtually all over the world. His tour with the Brian Setzer Orchestra opened the House of Blues in Hollywood and made an appearance on the David Letterman show. More recently he has performed with Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole and Dionne Warwick on their Soul Divas tour. Todd is currently working with Ms. Warwick on her worldwide tour, which has included several shows in Brazil performing with the popular Brazilian artists Ivan Lins, Emilio Santiago, Gal Costa, Jorge Ben and Teo Lima.Todd has also shared the stage with such music greats as Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osborne, Gladys Knight, Kashif, Olivia Newton John, The Spinners and Thom Bell, Gloria Estafan, Smokey Robinson and Billy Preston. In the jazz idiom, he has played with some of the best in the biz, including: Nancy Wilson, Billy Higgins, Kenny Burrell, Buddy Collette, Les McCann, Diane Shuur, Diane Reeves, Gerald Albright, Ndugu Chancler and Ronny Laws.TODD HUNTER TRIO
 

MARKEY BLUE "THE BLUES ARE KNOCKIN'"

The Nashville based duo of Markey and Ric Latina have a combined performing/touring history that reads like a “who’s who” in the entertainment industry.  In late 2012 while both performing with other artists as “side men”, they found themselves booked on the same show at a small theater in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  After the show Latina reached out to Markey and suggested they join forces and possibly write a few songs for an EP to sell at venues.  The Ric Latina Trio consisted of several different “top of the list” touring musicians and Markey jumped at the chance to work with such accomplished performers.Soon it was apparent this was fast becoming more than a weekend project and the Markey Blue band was formed. The duo soon landed a small booking agent and started to gather a local following.  It was when Latina and Markey started to write their first song, they knew they were on to something.  Markey says, “It’s a rare thing to find, but the writing process comes so easily for us.  The ideas just flow.” And they kept flowing until Markey and Latina completed the raw material for their first album Hey Hey.  Randy Chortkoff, CEO of Delta Groove Records, signed Markey Blue as its first project to their new artist promotion department.Hey Hey was released at #1 on the Debut Blues Chart, reached #1 on both the Tennessee Roots Music Chart and Blues 411, held Top 10 on National Roots Music Chart and Top 25 on the Living Blues Chart.  The band was named one of the Top 10 Emerging Blues Artists to Watch in 2015; Markey was named One of the Top 10 Blues Women to Soar in 2014.  The album was nominated for the Blues Blast Awards Best Blues Debut Artist, the NIMA Awards Best Blues Artist and Best Live Performance, and was featured in blues/roots magazines world-wide.  The Duo was signed to both a national booking agency, Blues Pros Talent, and signed a TV/Multimedia Publishing deal for song placement in movies and television. MARKEY BLUE

ZACH LARMER ELECTRIC BAND "INNER CIRCLE"

"In listening to Inner Circle, one is struck immediately by the originality of guitarist Zach Larmer’s tone and style. Leading his Electric Band on this CD, Larmer performs music that ranges from fusion to post bop jazz without ever sounding like any of his predecessors. The Miami-based guitarist heads a group that includes keyboardist Tal Cohen, Juan Pablo Diaz and Jermaine Walden on bass, and Rodolfo Zuniga as well as David Chiverton on drums. Along the way trumpeter Brian Lynch, saxophonist Aldo Salvent and John Daversa (on EVI and trumpet) make important appearances, but the focus is primarily on the guitarist and his core quartet. The set begins with “On The Dock” which has a funky bass line, tricky rhythmic accents, some EVI, and plenty of fresh ideas from the guitarist. Larmer plays quite lyrically on “Garden Of Eden.” The piece evolves gradually while retaining its opening mood, becoming high-quality fusion with the sound of rock and the improvising of jazz blending together naturally. “Same As It Ever Was” is a wistful piece that is a bit mournful, featuring excellent playing by Larmer and Salvent on tenor. The bluish “Inner Circle” is both catchy and complex, highlighted by some rollicking moments. Zach Larmer is heard at his most passionate on “I Left It Bayou” which finds him pushed and inspired by the bass patterns. Larmer’s explorative solo, one of his best of the set, is particularly individual and creative. “Friedrichshain” has Larmer sharing the spotlight with Brian Lynch. The solos and tradeoffs between guitar and trumpet are quite colorful and heated. Inner Circle concludes with a lengthy version of the set’s lone standard, “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise.” At a tempo that is much slower for this song than usual, Larmer really gets to stretch out, sounding both relaxed and spontaneous. ZACH LARMER ELECTRIC BAND
 

HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND "SHARPENER"

A tour de force of trumpets, trombones, saxes, sousaphone, marching percussion and electronics, the band are as inspired by contemporary rock and electronica as they are New Orleans marching bands and the traditional British brass bands to which their name pays homage. Formed in 2008 out of a desire to play music that appealed to the feet as much as to the ears, the band has rapidly gained an army of loyal supporters, including radio support from Lauren Laverne, Gilles Peterson, Craig Charles, Huey Morgan, Jamie Cullum, Rob Da Bank and John Kennedy. Since the release of their eponymous debut in 2011, the 9-piece have blown their way into the public consciousness with their energetic and passionate live shows, amassing fans worldwide and reinventing the brass band sound for the modern age. New LP Sharpener shows the band on fine form and more confident than ever, with powerful new electronic elements and a dance floor sensibility adding to the jazz, rock and soul for which they are known. Building on the strength of their critically-acclaimed original writing, Sharpener has a powerful set of originals at its core, alongside a trio of leftfield covers in the shape of Nirvana’s Heart-Shaped Box, Kwabs’ Wrong or Right and Three Trapped Tigers’ Cramm. It’s a record that resounds with humour, charm and the hum of the glorious variety of musical genres that emanate from their hometown. Album opener Jump Then Run echoes the sound of the legendary Moondog, while Gather Your Wits is a roof-raising rumble of brass and rebellious behaviour. Wrong or Right, a soulful version of London soul star Kwabs’ great tune, comes to life with juicy menace before The Morning, an uplifting anthemic arrangement, builds into joyous hedonism. When You Know gives space to the band’s superb jazz chops, while album title track Sharpener is a big, bold, brassy and utterly mesmerising affair. It’s perhaps the band’s outstanding arrangements which sets them apart. From the intricacies of Timelapse to the introspection of Reawake, from the punky rock groove of It’s Normally Bigger (based on a true story) to the rave jazz of Bread and Circuses, the arrangements throughout showcase writers Olly Blackman, Luke Christie and Steve Pretty’s contrasting styles, able to switch from screaming energy to moody introspection, from cutting-edge jazz to dancefloor rave, and proving that Hackney Colliery Band is not just another party brass band blowing through the usual pop covers. Alongside their critically-acclaimed releases, Hackney Colliery Band have really stormed the live circuit, selling out two-night runs at Wilton’s Music Hall and the Jazz Café in London, playing main stages of festivals including Field Day, Love Supreme, Wilderness, Cheltenham Jazz Festival and many more, and even performing a 45-minute set in the Olympic stadium as part of the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. On the international circuit they’ve performed in clubs and festivals from Sziget in Hungary to G! Festival in the Faroe Islands, and in countries including Slovenia, Montenegro, Italy, Kosovo, France, Austria, Holland, Germany and Ireland. But the band are never content to rest on their laurels or to keep things simple, and are keen collaborators. Over the years they’ve run a series of experimental music nights at Ronnie Scott’s, a weekly new material night in venues across London, and worked with collaborators including Amy Winehouse, Fyfe Dangerfield, Eliza Doolittle, Jamie Cullum, Andreya Triana, Williams Fairey Band, Rhodes and DJ Yoda. More leftfield collaborations have even included working with a sausage maker on the ‘Hackney Colliery Banger’ and with legendary London brewery Truman’s on their own hugely popular ale ‘Bold as Brass’! They have performed live sessions on Radio 2 and Jazz FM and their performances have been featured on BBC Two (The Culture Show), Sky Arts (Brass Band Wonderland) and live at the BRIT, Mercury and MOBO awards. With Sharpener their most exciting work to date, a tour taking in more venues than ever before and a collaborative EP out in the autumn, 2016 looks set to be a huge year for Hackney Colliery Band. HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND
 

60 GRIT BAND "SELF-TITLED"

A small town group with big city talent, the 60 Grit Band has been transcending generes and expectations throughout Southern California since 2011. Breaking the boundaries of traditional blues, the band draws a heavy infulence from classic and modern rock, rhythm and blues, old time soul, and reggae.Singer and rhythm guitarist David Ferguson has a dynamic range and entertaining presence on the stage. Frank Orecchio, on lead guitar, plays with spirit and a swagger matched by no other. On bass, Brian Haringa plays from his soul and is the backbone of the band. A true showman on harmonica, Jeremiah Kiser plays imaginative leads and subtle rhythms. And Nick Coffey plays the drums with relentless energy and unwavering timing. Together, they play with passion and an element of "grit" that truly sets them apart from other blues/rock acts, and because they leave their hearts on the stage every show, you will never regret attending one.The 60 Grit Band's debut, self-titled album is an eclectic and energetic blend of genres and styles. Though it's rooted in the blues, the album has a fresh and soulful sound that is appreciated by audiences of all ages, and one that you can just let play from front to back. The album is available on iTunes and all the major online music retailers, and also on our website. 60 GRIT BAND
 

CHRIS HOLM "OH THESE HARD TIMES"

Chris Holm is a solo acoustic folk blues artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chris plays guitar, banjo and harmonica and writes many of his own songs in addition to performing old blues, country, folk, and gospel songs. Chris is also the bass player of The 4onthefloor and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of The Fattenin' Frogs.This collection of songs goes out to all the stops along the way I've encountered in my travels over the past year; the people, the places, the experiences that only come with being out on the road. These songs were composed such places as state parks, rest areas, beaches, parking lots, and mountaintops all across the United States. For me, without the road, there are no songs.All songs written by Chris Holm. Engineered, mixed and mastered by Jeremy Johnson, Barking Jack Studio, North Saint Paul, Minnesota. Cover photo by Carrie Haugan Photography. CHRIS HOLM
 

EARL T AND THE TATTERED HEARTS "DEUCE"

Earl T and the Tattered Hearts started out as solo project to write, record and distribute original blues based material. It quickly ended up being a lot more...Before the first album was released, the band was put together and was playing the Houston club scene. Comprised of Earl T on guitar and vocals, Don Whitt (Artimus Pyle) guitar and vocals, Quentin Calva (Milton Hopkins) on bass and Mike Lawson (Billy Joe Shaver) on drums, these guys haven't looked back.Their first release "Daddy's Home" in 2015 began receiving airplay as soon as released and the title cut quickly became a crowd and radio favorite. Full of great songs, "Daddy's Home" established the Tattered Heart sound: killer grooves, great guitar hooks and intelligent (and often humorous) lyrics.Almost immediately, they began working on a second album while performing through the first part of 2016. The second album "Deuce" was completed in May of 2016 and builds on the concept of excellent original blues based songs but expands into Mussel Shoals styled R&B flavors, acoustic country blues and upbeat rockers.EARL T AND THE TATTERED HEARTS
 

SCOTT BRADLEE'S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX "PMJ AND CHILL"

Postmodern Jukebox, also widely known by the acronym PMJ, is a rotating music collective founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011. PMJ is known for reworking popular modern music into different vintage genres, especially early 20th century forms such as swing and jazz. In its first few years of existence, Postmodern Jukebox has amassed over 500 million YouTube views and 2 million subscribers.Each week, Postmodern Jukebox puts out a new video on YouTube, most of which are filmed casually in Bradlee's living room. The band has covered songs by artists ranging from Lady Gaga and The Strokes to Katy Perry and the White Stripes. Since their beginnings as a small group of friends making music in a basement in Queens, New York, Postmodern Jukebox has gone on to feature 70 different performers and tour four continents.The origins of Postmodern Jukebox came when Bradlee began shooting videos with his close friends from college in his small basement apartment in Astoria, Queens.Bradlee struggled post-college as a jazz musician in the New York City area for years before hitting it big with his first viral video in 2009 – “a medley of ‘80s songs done ragtime style.” A tweet from famed author Neil Gaiman was the beginning of his eventual online viral popularity. SCOTT BRADLEE'S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

In early February 2016, Postmodern Jukebox covered the late David Bowie’s classic song "Heroes" in honor of World Cancer Day – featuring vocals by Nicole Atkins. The track was sold on iTunes to earn money for the Cancer Research Institute.[39] At the same time, PMJ launched a program called "Reboxed," consisting of new versions of songs that had already been covered by PMJ. The first Reboxed song was Niemietz (and the Sole Sisters) singing "Bad Romance" which had previously been sung by Ariana Savalas (feat. Sarah Reich tap dancing). PostmodernJukebox

DENNIS JONES "BOTH SIDES OF THE TRACK"

High-energy stage performance. Sizzling hot guitar solos. Smooth and soulful vocals. Backed by a rhythm section that is second to none, this IS Dennis Jones. Check out a live show, and you’ll instantly agree, this band ROCKS the blues like NO other! Dennis's feet are firmly rooted in the past, yet his heart and soul are connected to the present. He writes songs that seamlessly blend the best of both worlds, presenting a unique and contemporary style of American rock and blues. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and now based in Los Angeles, California, Jones continues to pursue his musical ambition of becoming a top entertainer in his field. With four well-regarded CD releases to date, and a fifth to be released in January 2016, Jones' vision has never been clearer. Dennis also writes songs for other notable artists, e.g. he wrote the song Temporary Man for Guitar Shorty’s 2010 Alligator release, Bare Knuckle. Since 2003, Dennis has released four successful albums on his own label, Blue Rock Records. Each and every one of these CDs has met with rave reviews. Many of his songs and CDs have hit the top 10 on the Blues Charts, including when his 3rd CD, Pleasure & Pain, ranked #2 of best blues CD releases of the year, by the Canadian-based, Real Blues Magazine. He's latest release, My Kinda Blues, features legendary guest musicians, Kenny Neal, and Guitar Shorty. Dennis is no stranger to film either. Deep Blues from his first CD, Falling Up, was featured in a 2006 Lions Gate movie, Sea of Fear. The title track of Dennis’s 2nd CD, Passion for the Blues, is featured in the 2013 independent film, How We Got Away With It. Finally, Dennis is one of several artists featured in the documentary film Babe’s & Ricky’s Inn, a movie about one of the oldest blues clubs in Los Angeles, and its adored owner. The blues music industry is taking note. In May 2012, Dennis was honored to present the Awards for BB King Entertainer of the Year, to Tab Benoit, and Album of the Year, to the Tedeschi Trucks Band, for Revelator, at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee. Dennis and his band continue to work hard to achieve the next level of musical success. Increased touring opportunities and greater exposure to new fans will undoubtedly make this band a household name. So if the same old blues has got you down, then it’s time to check out the Dennis Jones Band! DENNIS JONES BAND

THE CLAUDETTES "NO HOTEL"

Chicago and New Orleans piano blues get a shot in the arm and Tin Pan Alley gets the hot-rod treatment, while ’60s pop-soul and French Yé-Yé make ravishing returns on the Claudettes’ second Yellow Dog Records album NO HOTEL. Chicago piano crusher Johnny Iguana (who has pounded keys for Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and rock cult heroes oh my god) and absolute wacko Michael Caskey (who has drummed with giddy glee for everyone from Chuck Mangione to Balkan fusion band Eastern Blok) make even bigger waves with the bravura instrumentals on NO HOTEL than they did with their 2013 debut Infernal Piano Plot…HATCHED! (“Like Keith Moon chasing a crazed, punked-up Little Richard”—Blues Music Magazine). Piano licks inspired by Otis Spann, Mose Allison, Ray Charles and Bobby Timmons meet Minutemen’s “jam econo” ethos and Meat Puppets’ trippy echo as the band packs 16 tracks into the sonic whirlwind that is NO HOTEL. And at the eye of the hurricane: a mid-album set of sultry vocal songs sung in English and French by the band’s mesmerizing new member, Yana. Though just 24, Nigerian-American vocalist Yana recalls Josephine Baker and Eartha Kitt. An alluring singer/dancer on stage, decked out in stunning dresses, jewelry and head wraps, Yana brings her seductive powers to the studio here. She casts a spell with the throwback ’60s pop-soul (punctuated by a grinding blues-rock bridge) of She’s So Imaginary, then puts her own authoritative stamp on hand-picked ’60s French Yé-Yé classics. THE CLAUDETTES
 

MICKE BJORKLOF & BLUE STRIP "AIN'T BAD YET"

Ain´t Bad Yet is the sixth album by the Finnish Blues Award-winning (for “Best Band”) blues-rock group Micke Bjorklof (pronounced Be-York-Loaf) & Blue Strip. The new album was produced by John Porter, legendary for his productions of Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Santana, and no less than 10 Grammy-winning albums. Last October the band traveled to Rockfield Studios in Wales, which has played host to many of the world’s biggest artists from Black Sabbath to Rush and Oasis, and which in 1975 was the primary studio Queen used for the recording of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “We’re really excited about the new material and about this collaboration with John Porter,” Micke Bjorklof says. “We’d been talking about doing a project together for a couple of years, and I´m glad we finally could make this happen.” MICKE BJORKLOF & BLUE STRIP

FIONA BOYES "BOX & DICE"

Australian Blues guitarist and singer, Fiona Boyes, has been variously described by reviewers as a ‘musical anomaly’, ‘Bonnie Raitt’s evil twin’, or simply as ‘scaring the hell out of me’. How did this fair-haired gal, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, of Scottish and English heritage, become an internationally recognised and awarded recording and touring artist? How did she come to be the first woman and non-American to win the International Blues Challenge in Memphis? Why did some of the great Mississippi Delta and Chicago blues giants, such as the late Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin, choose to describe her as one of the best women guitar players since Memphis Minnie, record on her albums, and share stages with her at international Blues festivals? The answer lays partly in Fiona’s striking and original talent; she writes, sings and plays just about anything in the Blues realm with passion and authenticity. It is also her immersion in the wide musical and historical traditions that make up the Blues and her deep love of the art-form itself.Fiona has been recording and performing internationally for more than 25 years, building a career that has taken her to major festivals and stages in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe. A veteran recording artist with 13 releases, 6 international award winning albums, 4 successive Blues Music Award nominations in 4 different categories, 15 Australian Blues awards, as well as a string of accolades in the folk, jazz, and Americana scene, Fiona has carved out a well deserved reputation as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band leader. Equally at home on acoustic or electric guitars, her repertoire is like a Blues travelogue. Listen to her play and you’ll hear pre-war Delta slide, wailing laments, single chord Mississippi Hills grooves, intricate and beautiful Piedmont finger picking, rollicking New Orleans barrelhouse, greasy Memphis soul, driving classic Chicago sounds, the country stylings of Texas swing, and the uptown sounds of the West Coast.

FIONA BOYES
 

ADVENTURES IN BLUESLAND "THE AMERICAN DREAM"

An explosive and dynamic force of musical nature, Adventures in Bluesland began their journey as an acoustic trio put together in late 2013 by Phil Gammage (vocals, guitar, harmonica, songwriting) to promote and support his most recent solo album. Over the next few months new players were added to the mix and Gammage began to realize that the group had a remarkable chemistry that was something special. The name the group was using “Phil Gammage Trio” was dropped and they were soon renamed after the title of Phil’s solo album Adventures in Bluesland. Soon after that, the group began touring America’s East Coast while garnering significant fan support and critical praise.Adventures in Bluesland’s debut album is The American Dream. It features eleven songs: nine written by Gammage plus the band’s renditions of two early 20th century songs, Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “One Kind Favor” aka “See That My Grave is Kept Clean” and Geeshie Wiley’s “Last Kind Word Blues.” Since coming together, the group has created a sound that is built upon taking traditional roots music and playing it in their own unique style. Their music swings, it rocks, it boogies, and it conjures ghosts of our country’s past like no other music you’ve ever heard. It is about exploring what is at the heart of the American music experience.  ADVENTURES IN BLUESLAND