WARREN WOLF "REINCARNATION"

Attraverso le sue tre precedenti uscite del Mack Avenue Music Group e il suo lavoro che ha attirato l'attenzione con artisti del calibro di Christian McBride, Bobby Watson, Karriem Riggins, Jeremy Pelt e il Collettivo SFJAZZ, Warren Wolf si è affermato come il primo vibrafonista diretto del suo generazione, un bop torchbearer ben equipaggiato per trasportare il manto di antenati come Bobby Hutcherson e Milt Jackson.Nel suo ultimo album, Warren Wolf rivela un lato completamente diverso rispetto ai suoi talenti dalle mille sfaccettature. Come suggerisce il titolo, Reincarnation rappresenta una sorta di rinascita per il vibrafonista di Baltimora. In parte, libera Wolf a indulgere nel suo amore per l'R & B e le hit soul che sono servite da colonna sonora per i suoi anni formativi negli anni '90. È anche una celebrazione di un nuovo contratto di locazione sulla vita, una felicità e una contentezza che ha scoperto attraverso un nuovo matrimonio e i suoi cinque amati figli. Il vibrafonista nato a Baltimora guarda sia al suo passato che al presente, rendendo omaggio alla musica R&B che ha ascoltato mentre cresceva negli anni '90 e celebrava i suoi cari. Un'introduzione e un'uscita in stile Quiet Storm con i toni morbidi della personalità della radio jazz di Baltimora Marcellus "Bassman" Shepard, l'album e le tracce - un mix di melodie vocali e strumentali - scorrono come un set radiofonico ben programmato che offre temi consistenza ma molta varietà.Wolf mette il suo timbro su una copertina delicatamente oscillante di "For the Love of You" degli Isley Brothers, con la giovane cantante Imani-Grace Cooper (un talento da guardare), che canta con sentimento e profondità. Cooper e Shepard si uniscono per la vivace ballata boudoir anni '70 "In the Heat of the Night", con il primo cantante e il secondo che forniscono interiezioni in stile Barry White. La coppia si unisce nuovamente per "Sebastian e Zoë", un dolce e amorevole San Valentino per i due figli più piccoli di Wolf. Quella traccia è una delle tante sulla reincarnazione in onore dei membri della famiglia; il vibrafonista componeva l'elegante valzer jazz "Vieni e balla con me" per sua moglie, una ballerina e insegnante, e il vivace, adorabile "For Ma" è dedicato alla sua defunta madre Celeste Wolf.A questo punto della mia carriera, volevo solo dimostrare che posso essere versatile ed esprimermi in molti stili diversi. Ho intenzione di continuare a crescere e suonare tutta la musica meravigliosa che mi ha plasmato come musicista». WARREN WOLF

Warren Wolf · Reincarnation

ARTHUR ADAMS "HERE TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD"

Arthur Adams (nato il 25 dicembre 1943) è un musicista blues americano di Medon, nel Tennessee. Ispirato da B.B. King e altri artisti degli anni '50, ha suonato musica gospel prima di frequentare il college. Si trasferisce a Los Angeles e negli anni '60 e '70 pubblica album da solista e lavora come musicista di sessione. Nel 1985 è stato scelto per andare in tournée con il basso con Nina Simone.La leggenda del blues Arthur Adams porta il meglio di sé in questo fantastico nuovo album di blues soul,con tracce straordinarie tra cui "Tear The House Down", "Sweet Spot" e altri.La sua recente apparizione al Topanga Blues Festival di quest'anno,mostra che questa leggenda può ancora stupire il pubblico con la sua voce inconfondibile e la chitarra accecante! ARTHUR ADAMS

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
 

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
 

NICO DUPORTAL AND HIS RHYTHM DUDES "GUITAR PLAYER"

“ Nico Duportal capture the swing and Sounds reminiscent of Teddy Bunn, Tiny Grimes, T.bone Walker, Gatemouth Brown and many others” (Lynwood Slim, Los Angeles - California. 2007, singer/producer for Kid ramos, Junior Watson, R.L Burnside, The mighty blue Kings, Rosebud Blue sauce, Clarence gatemouth Brown, …). “ Fantastic Swingin’Blues and R&B !!!” (BBC-England). The American Blues scene has undoubtedly encountered its share of adversity in recent years. wheneverI begin to doubt the uncertainty of where this Music’s headed, along comes someone like Nico Duportal to reassure me that everything’s gonna be just fine; Jeff Scott Fleenor – Delta Groove Music (USA). “Nico Duportal sings and plays red hot guitar in a non stop trip into the early roots of Rock’n’roll and R&B … this makes for the most Swinging, the most rockin’ and definitely the most Jumpin’& rhythm dance party sounds! the dance floor will be rammed for Mr Duportal (Mark Hislop—Glasgow Rhythm & Blues festival). Nico Duportal a hot guitarist and Rhythm & Blues exponent, has turned out a top class recording with his Rhythm Dudes providing exquisite backing !!! recommended for Rockers, Strollers, Jiver and YOU … (A. Smith – UK R’n’R Magazine). NICO DUPORTAL AND HIS RHYTHM DUDES
 

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

MORGAN HERITAGE "STRICTLY ROOTS"

The legacy of reggae vocalist Denroy Morgan has been passed on to his sons, who have performed as Morgan Heritage since 1991. While its mellow, R&B-influenced vocals and Rastafarian lyrics have been compared to Garnett Silk, the group has continued to pave its own musical path. The band's many hits include "Let's Make Up," "Tell Me How Come," "Set Yourself Free," "Mama and Papa," and "Protect Us Jah." Initially an octet featuring eight of Morgan's 29 children, Morgan Heritage began recording in the early '90s. Although they attended school in Springfield,
Massachusetts, they spent their weekends in their father's recording studio in Brooklyn. Their debut single, "Wonderful World," was produced by their father and released in 1991. An album, Growing Up, followed shortly afterward. The first break for Morgan Heritage came the following year when they performed at Reggae Sunsplash. Their performance was so impressive that MCA offered a recording contract almost as quickly as they were off the stage. Their first album for MCA, Miracle, released in 1994, was a major disappointment as the album clung to mass market reggae formulas. Touring the Ivory Coast in 1995, Morgan Heritage rediscovered their musical roots. Toward the end of the year, the group traveled to Jamaica to record their next album. Recording during the day with Lloyd "King Jammy" James and at night with Bobby "Digital" Dixon, the group took a major leap forward. Shortly after releasing their second album, Protect Us Jah, in 1997, Morgan Heritage were reduced to a five-piece. In addition to Una Morgan (born 1973), the group included keyboardist/vocalists Peter Morgan (born 1977) and Roy "Gramps" Morgan (born 1975), rhythm guitarist Nakhamyah "Lukes" Morgan (born 1977), and percussionist Memmalatel "Mojo" Morgan (born 1981). Don't Haffi Dread from 1999 and More Teachings from 2001 continued to carry the roots reggae torch while Three in One from 2003 broadened their sound a bit with a guest appearance from the alt-rock band Good Charlotte. Full Circle from 2005 featured the massive Jamaican hit "Tell Me How Come" and was followed a year later by the live album Live: Another Rockaz Moment. Mission in Progress arrived in 2008 with the singles "Raid Rootz Dance" and "Love You Right." The 2009 compilation The Journey Thus Far rounded up their hits, while their 2013 effort Here Come the Kings featured the single "Perfect Love Song" along with a guest appearance from Shaggy. Shaggy returned for 2015's Strictly Roots which was released by the band's own label CTBC (Cool to Be Conscious). The album also featured appearances from J. Boog, Chronixx, Bobby Lee of SOJA, plus solo artist and son of Gramps, Jemere Morgan. MORGAN HERITAGE  
 

JACKIE VENSON "THE LIGHT IN ME"

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Venson further proves her endurance on her latest set, The Light In Me, which bursts with traditional blues aesthetics but upholds melodic soul for a rich blend that is tailor-fit for her spunky and witty style. As a fellow South Texan myself, she's pretty much kinfolk as she's knows that everything is in fact bigger here, and her sound reflects it in pounds as numbers such as the pew-stomping "Always Free," horn-peppered sway of "Best For Last" and her single "The Love I Give," are bold and infallible entries. And if it's subdued that you want, then Venson can whisper loving poetics this side of "Beauty Of Your Love" and the cushy acoustic title track to place you in the calm of her storm. Though there are many vibrant voices that come our way daily, a lot don't get to stand on a table and shout out loud, but Venson, on the other hand, has the boisterous attitude as well as the creative drive to create tunes her way without bending to any so-called rules, and those elements will spark and have her elbow her way to the front of the line without a misstep. JACKIE VENSON
 

BOBBY HURRICANE SPENCER "HURRICANE UNLEASHED"

Vocalist, saxophonist and songwriter/arranger, bluesman Bobby Hurricane Spencer started his musical career in Oakland but now calls Los Angeles home. He cut his teeth in the Chitlin’ Circuit of the Bay Area, anchored dead center in the horn section of the funk bands of Johnny Tolbert and De Thangs and Marvin Holmes and the Uptights.Spencer played in such historic 7th Street soul pumping clubs as Al's House of Smiles, the Showcase, the Sportsman, Ester's Orbit Room and the Continental Club.  Later came the Shalamar and Troyce Key's famous Eli's Mile  High Club.One night on the bandstand, after a particularly hot sax solo, J.J. Bad Boy Jones turned to the tenor man and said, "Bob, you the Hurricane!". It stuck and that’s what he’s been called ever since.His trademark sound can be found on records by Timex Social Club, Sonny Rhodes, JJ Bad Boy Jones, Jimmy McCracklin, just to name a few and his original music appears on the Grammy nominated Force of Nature album by Koko Taylor.When not busy as a session player in Oakland, recording for Fantasy Records’ Ray Shanklin with Little Johnny Taylor, Rodger Collins and others, you could find Spencer playing behind such legends as Etta James, the Whispers, Carla Thomas, Lowell Fulsom, and ZZ Hill and opening for musicians like Bobby Blue Bland, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. A little known fact, Rolling Stone magazine recently revealed that an early festival where Spencer performed was an historic event as documented in the Untold and Deeply Stoned Story of the First U.S. Rock Festival where the Doors, Byrds and nearly 30 other bands made history at Fantasy Fair & Magic Mountain on Mt. Tamalpais. BOBBY HURRICANE SPENCER
 

Learn how to get a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

EMMA DONOVAN & THE PUTBACKS "DAWN"

Acclaimed indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The PutBacks come together to bring you Dawn, an LP of hard hitting and heartfelt soul songs telling stories of grief, struggle and redemption. Dawn is a gritty, uniquely Australian record, simultaneously classic and contemporary. The songwriting is in turns optimistic, angry and melancholic, and on occasions bruisingly honest. The music is fluid, live and raw, recorded in one room on eight channels of analog tape and the electric connection between Emma and the band comes through in every beat.The PutBacks have established themselves as one of the premier funk outfits in Australia. In their career they have opened for The Bamboos, Electric Empire and Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes, as well as international funk and soul icons The Menahan Street Band featuring Charles Bradley, and Booker T Jones. In May 2012 The PutBacks were chosen as the house band for the infamous Prince after party at the Hi Fi Bar. The PutBacks were also house band for Arts Centre Melbourne’s 2011 and 2012 Big Notes production, featuring the likes of Emma Donovan and Mantra. EMMA DONOVAN & THE PUTBACKS
 

LARRY GRIFFITH "HARD AS IT GETS"

Larry was brought up in the inner city of Cincinnati, Ohio by a single parent along with nine other siblings. The dilapidated three tiered tenement literally shook with the radio and vinyl record sounds of everything from blues, gospel, and soul, to jazz. It was in this fertile, eclectic musical environment that 9 year old Larry first picked up a pen and copied the lyrics of Willie Dixon, Bob Dylan, Laura Nero, Billy Strayhorn and countless others. Larry marveled at these wonderful storytellers and it eventually led him to write his own stories. Two brothers returning from the military armed with funds from the GI Bill allowed the Griffith family to upgrade to the Walnut Hills section of Cincinnati, which housed the legendary King Records. Seeing great artists in the neighborhood like Freddie King, Bill Doggett, Hank Ballard, Ivory Joe Hunter and even the Godfather of Soul himself James Brown was an ordinary occurrence. As a matter of fact it was Wesley Hargrove of Hank Ballard’s Midnighters who first took 16 year old Larry into Federal Records recording studio to drum on several demos. This led to stints as a session drummer, weekend touring and a bird’s eyes view of the not so pretty side of the business all while still in his teens. Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys had a profound effect on Larry because of the way Jimi married sonic sounds with futuristic, introspective lyrics. It was also around this time that he fell in lifelong love with the lyrical phasing of John Coltrane. Relocating to Atlanta, Georgia in the 1990s, Larry discovered then quickly became immersed in the thriving Atlanta blues scene. It was here he had finally found a musical genre wide enough to accommodate his eclectic tastes. Still, it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that “the dream” turned everything on its ear. While staying at a backwoods motel in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Larry who previously had no designs on or inclinations toward guitar experienced the same dream three nights in a row. In “the dream”, he was onstage ripping it up on guitar like a man possessed, working the deep delta juke joint crowd into a sweet, sweaty frenzy. Fully awakened, Larry came back to Atlanta and told his friend and bandmate, Chicago Joe Jones of his strange dream. It was Joe who then gave Larry his first guitar, a no-name something or other that he had found at a garage sale for a $1. From these humble beginnings and equipped with the visual of the Mississippi delta dream, Larry strapped on, plugged in, turned up and began chipping away. LARRY GRIFFITH
 

Free Electronic Press Kits template from ReverbNation.com

THE MIGHTY SOUL DRIVERS "QUALIFIED !"

The Mighty Soul Drivers bring the classic Soul sounds of Memphis, Muscle Shoals and points South to the hills of New England. The Mighty Soul Drivers take their inspiration from the giants of Southern Soul - O.V. Wright, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding and more and combine that with contemporary tunes written in the classic style. The Mighty Soul Drivers turn every venue they play into a Soul dance party!Bob Orsi - Vocals, Guitar, Veteran front man Bob Orsi's dramatic vocals have driven the success of bands from CT's legendary Scratch Band to the award-winning D. Smith Blues Band. Although perhaps better known to the public for his harmonica skills, Bob is also an accomplished rhythm guitarist who brings an extra dimension to several of the songs. And of course it is his impassioned vocals that are at the core of The Mighty Soul Drivers' sound. River City Slim - Drums, Vocals After singing and playing harp as the front man for The Blues Blasters throughout the 90's, Slim has led The Zydeco Hogs as they brought the sound of Louisiana Zydeco and Blues to the Northeast. Slim has been spreading the Soul, Blues and R&B gospel over the air for years as a DJ on WWUH and WAPJ. The idea for The Mighty Soul Drivers had been kicking around in the back of his mind for a while when a chance meeting with Bob at a CT Blues Society jam session in early 2012 finally put the wheels in motion. Larry Willey - Guitar, Vocals Crowd-pleasing guitarist Larry Willey has led Blues and R&B bands for years, including The Working Band and The Blues Talkers. After witnessing the excitement of the Blues and R&B pioneers at the legendary Shaboo Inn in its 1970's heyday, Larry cut his musical teeth with CT Blues pioneers The Albert Otis Band, and has been a fixture on the CT Blues and R&B scene ever since. Andy Karlok - Bass, Vocals Andy came off the road with nationally-known Blues artist Luther 'Guitar Jr.' Johnson to join River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs as they barnstormed their way throughout the Northeast. Andy has also held down the bottom for Dr. Ya Ya's Gumbo Party, a New England band specializing in New Orleans R&B. Steve Donovan - Keyboards. THE MIGHTY SOUL DRIVERS
 

Learn how to get your song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

FLOW TRIBE "ALLIGATOR WHITE"

Music lovers across the globe have discovered the secret that music is easily enjoyed with our ears, but completely experienced when our bodies are moving in total accord with the surroundings. New Orleans’s own Flow Tribe aims to prove this truth in their own style every time they take the stage. Growing up in the dive bars and neighborhood venues in the city’s dimmest corners, this six-piece ensemble captures the passion of
the Crescent City, bending genres into their own brand of "backbone-cracking music.” Rooted in the tradition of New Orleans R&B and funk, spiced with Cuban flair, and dipped in rock and hip-hop, these musicians invite their audiences to groove their hips until they sweat as they jump from rhythm to rhythm each and every night. FLOW TRIBE
 

PAUL THORN "TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED"

Paul Thorn's new album "Too Blessed To Be Stressed" stakes out new territory for the popular roots-rock songwriter and performer. "In the past, I've told stories that were mostly inspired by my own life," the former prizefighter and literal son of a preacher man offers. "This time, I've written 10 songs that express more universal truths, and I've done it with a purpose: to make people feel good."That's really Thorn's mission for Too Blessed To Be Stressed, which can be heard as a running conversation about life between Thorn and listeners - a conversation leavened with gentle insights, small inspirations, and plenty of cheer. "I wrote these songs hoping they might put people in a positive mindset and encourage them to count their own blessings, like I count mine," Thorn observes. "There's no higher goal I could set for myself than to help other people find some happiness and gratitude in their lives." PAUL THORN
 

SAM-ONE "BAD BOY OF THE BLUES"

Sam-One is a Blues Guitarist from the San Francisco Bay Area. Born in Memphis, Tenn. July 10th, 1951. He began playing the guitar at the age of eight years old. He also is a vocalist, songwriter, composer and producer. Sam-One broke into the Southern Soul Market in 2009. With the release of his CD titled ( You Ain't Right ). "Let's Make Love Tonight " made it in the top twenty. Southern Soul RnB Songs of 2010. Puts Sam-One up there among the best. " You Ain't Right " the title track. Is a favorite among Southern Soul DJ's. His unique style is what made Sam-One stand out as a respected artist of today. Listen to the way he hit those Blues Licks that make you sit up and take notice. Sam-One is destined to be one of the premier Blues Artist around. Although he only has one CD on the market Sam-One is a seasoned musician who has played with the best and held his own. There is more to come from Sam-One who is currently becoming a household name in the music industry. His skills as an arranger is evident on his CD. The way he put together his CD the man knows his business. Sam-One is an artist you need to follow. To purchase his CD go to CD Baby.com. you will not be disappointed. SAM-ONE
 

Free music player widget at ReverbNation.com

LIZ MANDEVILLE "HEART 'O' CHICAGO"

Born and raised into a musical family in Wisconsin, guitarist and singer Liz Mandeville grew up in an arts-filled environment. Her father played guitar and sang folk songs while taking classes at the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI bill. He taught his daughter to paint and sing, and Liz often accompanied her father to art museums, gardens and art galleries, wherever his work took him. Her mother was an actress and she saw to it that her daughter had a proper education in the theater arts as well, something which came in handy many years later when Mandeville decided to pursue a career as a blues singer.Musicians and artists were frequent guests in the Mandeville's home, and the young Mandeville was encouraged to write songs, poetry and short stories. Family vacations around the south exposed young Liz to blues, bluegrass, traditional country and folk music and New Orleans jazz and funk.Her first professional gigs were in coffee houses around Wisconsin, playing songs her father had taught her. She cited as influences on her earliest attempts at music people like James Brown, Muddy Waters and Lightnin' Hopkins.Known previously as Liz Mandeville-Greeson, Mandeville played the bars in and around Chicago for most of the '90s and 2000s, and she made occasional tours to points east — New York City — and West, to California, as well as many cities and towns in between. She spent much of the late '80 touring across the U.S. and Canada by van with her then-band, theSupernaturals. During the 2000s, she worked with a band called the Blue Points.In 1994, she met Chicago bassist Aron Burton and subsequently performed with him at the 1994 Chicago Blues Festival. She recorded two tracks with him on his 1996 album, Aron Burton Live, and that led to her being signed to Michael Frank's Earwig Music Company.Between 1994 and 1999, Mandeville was a frequent sight on stage at the Blue Chicago nightclubs, where she had the chance to work with a short who's-who of Chicago-area musicians, including Willie Kent, Maurice John Vaughn and Michael Coleman. She recorded her first two albums with musicians from that scene,including Burton on bass, Allan Batts, keyboards, and drummer Dave Jefferson.Among her awards and distinctions: she was nominated for Blues songwriter of the year in 2008 by the American Roots Music Association, was named semi-finalist in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition for her composition, "Life Sentence of the Blues," and she received an award in 2005 for Best Songwriter in the USA Songwriting Competition, for her humorous tune, "He Left It in His Other Pants."Her albums, showcasing her spry, sometimes humorous original songs, all for the Chicago-based Earwig Music label, include 2008's Red Top, Back in Love Again (2002), Ready to Cheat (1999) and Look at Me (1996). She has performed on a slew of other albums by Chicago-based blues performers, including Johnny Drummer's 2000 release, Unleaded Blues, Aron Burton's Live from Buddy Guy's Legends and a compilation of Chicago-area women blues singers, Red Hot Mamas for the Blue Chicago label. LIZ MANDEVILLE
 

Promote your mixtape at ReverbNation.com

BJ BLOCK DAWN PEMBERTON "THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE"

BJ Block and Dawn Pemberton are a powerful musical force, who have masterfully crafted songs rooted in soul, jazz, R&B, and funk. The duo's newest release entitled "II", is the result of a unique collaboration between the two accomplished musicians and is a potent follow up to their 2010 release, "The Land of Make Believe" which was nominated for a 2011 Western Canadian Music Award. "II" explores the grit and the goodness of life lived and loved and reflects a deeper lyrical and musical evolution.Learning 40 tunes in two days for a four hour set in a club with no air conditioning in the middle of a record heat wave.   Debuting new songs at a gritty east side club more accustomed to hard rock and than soul.  Surviving jazz school and attempting to find a voice that will be heard through the cluttered maze of the music industry.  These are just some of the experiences that would provide the context and inspiration for this unique collaboration.In the Spring of 2010 BJ Block began work on a follow up to his debut instrumental album 'Glitterball'.  This next record was to be another instrumental album with the addition of an occasional background vocal for ambiance.  After playing a number of gigs together around the city it seemed only natural to recruit Dawn Pemberton, a staple of the Vancouver RnB, Funk and Jazz scene, to provide the vocals.  Dawn agreed and the two would meet a few months down the road to collaborate once the tunes were mapped out. The album was nearly finished when the two ventured on an experiment; there was one song in particular that had potential for lyrics throughout, so for the fun of it and with no expectations in mind, the two began writing together, with Dawn taking on the task of writing melodies and lyrics to the track.  After only one writing session, the two met a week later and effortlessly played the song from beginning to end.  This first draft would remain unedited and became "Just Be", the first single off the debut album.  Initially approached as a children's album for grown-ups, "The Land of Make Believe" explored adult challenges through the eyes of a child.  Rooted in Soul, Rn'B, Jazz and Funk, the album is uplifting, playful and thoughtful,  showcasing musicianship developed from years of playing, practicing and touring. The duo's newest release entitled "II", is the result of a unique collaboration between the two accomplished musicians and is a potent follow up to their 2010 release. DAWN PEMBERTON
 

Learn how to make a free Electronic Press Kit

MARKEY BLUE "HEY HEY"

Markey Blue is "Blues to the Next Level" according to fans.- Reeves Guitars. An amazing group of talent brought together in the studio and on stage, creating there own unique sound of music. "its not like any blues or R&B I've heard out there. It opens the doors to several genera's. Peter Fleming- Airplay Direct. There first Cd is due out this fall and is already creating a buzz through out the music industry. The Markey Band's resume is and outstanding eclectic mix of the who's who in both touring and recording. Markey has had the honor of performing for three past presidents, and has opened for and performed with the likes of Bobby Blue Bland, Candy Kayne, Taj Mahal, Steve Cropper,Anson Funderburg, Guitar Shorty, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Frankie Valley, Andy Williams, Michael Fienstein, Robert Goulet, Maureen McGovern, Jack Jones, Micky Rooney, Phillis Diller, Sammy Kershaw, Kevin Sharp, The Osmonds, The Smothers Brothers and many more. Markey was recently awarded one of the top five song writers for Georgia's Songwriter Showcase Award Show, and ESPN just featured one of Markey's songs for one of their program specials. Markey has already seen success on a couple different music charts as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. She recently won Best Female Blues Vocalist for Nashville 2011. MARKEY BLUE
 

Free embed music player from ReverbNation.com

KELLEY HUNT "THE BEAUTIFUL BONES"

In some ways Roots R&B/Americana singer/songwriter/piano player/guitarist KELLEY HUNT is a rarity and a challenge to the music industry's penchant for easy artist definitions -- a woman who has muscled her way onto the scene on her own terms with an identity steeped in blues/roots/gospel traditions and a refreshing originality. She makes music with it's righteous roots intact that also crosses boundaries, has an open-minded, exploratory attitude and takes on social and political issues. Together with a commanding, passionate stage presence and superior vocal, keyboard and songwriting skills she has earned the respect of critics and fans across North America and Europe.Born in Kansas City, Hunt’s love for her craft was ignited listening to early blues, R&B, roots rock, jazz and Gospel influences -- artists like Ruth Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, Ann Peebles, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Charles Brown, Wanda Jackson and a crossection of the New Orleans/St. Louis/KC piano traditions of Professor Longhair, Toots Washington, Johnnie Johnson and Kansas City masters Jay McShann and Mary Lou Williams among others. Before that came the sound of her mother singing jazz and blues - her first musical memories - and the influence of her New Orleans Gospel singer grandmother. Reminders of these very traditional influences are evident in Kelley’s live performances and recordings but the lyrics, soul and passion are all her own. Her career path so far has been a story of fierce independence, incredible will, unassailable cred as a blistering live performer and hard-won accomplishment. That narrative includes 1500+ performances with appearances on a long list of premier North American and International festival stages, six times on American Public Media's 'A Prairie Home Companion', nearly 150,000 indie units sold on her own label and critical praise reflecting her conviction from the outset to make her path in the roots music world not just as a performer, but as a forward-thinking songwriter as well.Hunt's world has not been short on substantive, impressive critical praise, including a fresh swell of kudos for the new generation of music first unveiled on her 2008 88 RECORDS release MERCY (EER0804, her 4th commercial release): "Kelley Hunt resides among those bluesy, soulful piano players who write great songs." "...the main attraction here is Hunt, whose rich, soulful voice is an instrument in and of itself, with a toughness that shines on cuts like "You Got To Be The Vessel." "Her piano playing and songwriting also function at the highest levels." "Emerald City" is a brilliant political statement…” -VINTAGE GUITAR. “… Her fourth release "MERCY" shifts the focus to her songwriting skills and immense voice." "...a superb live performer, immediately drawing you to the power of her music and her voice... " -ELMORE. "Surprises don't often crop up on the well-trodden blues circuit. So welcome Kelley Hunt. This Kansan is a full-blown phenomenon: Powerhouse singer, hardboogieing pianist, polished songwriter…” -MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE. “…the freshest slant on classic R&B you're likely to hear these days. She's a tough woman who makes a hip and burly sound." - WESTWORD Denver. KELLEY HUNT
 

NICK MOSS BAND "TIME AIN'T FREE"

Nick Moss and his band have been featured performers at blues festivals across the globe but it's at home in Chicago – the capital city of the blues – where he and his band get the ultimate stamp of approval from one Hall of Famer and blues icon Buddy Guy. Music fans the world over come to his famous club where they'll often find Moss playing that prestigious stage, booked by the icon himself because "Nick is a favorite at my club, Legends. He always works hard to please the audience." Other luminaries are equally effusive in their praise, rare in the competitive world of guitar gods, as none other than former Roomful of Blues bandleader and distinguished solo artist Ronnie Earl declares "Nick Moss is my favorite guitarist," high praise from one of the greatest practitioners of the instrument. It's that ability to please, entertain, and amaze audiences with his staggering guitar skills that make the 16-time Blues Music Award nominee one of the top draws on the blues circuit and most exciting, dynamic performers working today. Noted author and historian Bill Dahl has praised Nick's "mastery of the classic Chicago sound" and declared him "a prolific songwriter, and the most exciting blues guitarist we have around here." That's quite an accolade from a man who has interviewed icons like Bo Diddley, written liner notes and overseen massive retrospectives of giants like Freddie King and Sam Phillips' historic Sun Records label, and written a respected book about the history of Motown.Nick Moss demonstrates his mastery of the classic Chicago sound and so much more onstage — and has also been recognized by the International Songwriting Competition for his ability to add amazing new songs to the venerable blues canon. His creativity, which has advanced his sound to incorporate new styles and ideas, has made an impression on blues master Jimmy Thackery, who says, "Nick is at it again, pushing the evolution of his music, stylistically as well as sonically." NICK MOSS BAND

Free embed music player from ReverbNation.com