Queens native Little Mike grew up on the very competitive New York City
music scene. He started playing harp at age 14 and took up piano two
years later. His first brush with the blues came while hearing John Lee
Hooker at Carnegie Hall and later listening to a Paul Butterfield
record.After that Little Mike couldn't get enough. If a blues show was in New
York City, Mike was there, especially when the Chicago players came to
town. His favorite was Muddy Waters. "I used to go and see Muddy anytime
he was within 150 miles of New York," he said. "He is easily the
biggest influence on the band and my playing. And if it's not Muddy
himself then it's the great guys he always picked to play with him, like
Pinetop Perkins and Otis Spann on the piano or Little Walter and James
Cotton on harp."Another musician Mike greatly admired was Paul Butterfield, who would
regularly come and see Mike's band perform. He liked their old "Chess
sound" and took Mike under his wing. Mike says, "He helped me become
less of a blues purist, and more of a music purist. Paul opened up my
playing and taught me to put my blues in other music forms, to make it
very personal." Other influences cited include Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley,
the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor, Sonny Boy Williamson, and
Walter Horton.After leading a series of bands as a teenager, Mike formed the Tornadoes
in 1978. At age 22, Mike was leading one of the busiest and toughest
blues bands in New York City. Whenever a visiting blues artist came to
town and needed a band, Little Mike and the Tornadoes usually got the
call, backing artists such as Walter Horton, Otis Rush, Bo Diddley,
Lightning Hopkins, and Big Mama Thornton. Mike's reputation led to the
band's touring as the backing unit for blues legends such as Pinetop
Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmy Rogers.Little Mike and the Tornadoes proudly describe themselves as a "working
class band" that plays blues with a rock 'n' roll edge. "We all come
from working class families and tough, working class neighborhoods,"
says Mike. "Working class people have always been our biggest
supporters." Music luminaries who have sat in with the band include
Robert Cray, Jaco Pastorius, Kim Wilson, Jorma Kaukonen, James Cotton,
Los Lobos' Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Taj
Majal.In 1988, Mike played on and produced Pinetop Perkin's first domestic
release, After Hours. The following year he did the same for Hubert
Sumlin's Heart & Soul. Both recordings are available on Blind Pig.In 1990, Blind Pig released the first solo album by Little Mike and
the Tornadoes, Heart Attack, which Mike also produced. It features all
original songs and guest appearances by Perkins, Sumlin, Butterfield,
Ronnie Earl, and Big Daddy Kinsey. The album thrust the band out into
the spotlight, where they began to tour almost non-stop across North
America and Europe, establishing themselves as true road warriors.Little Mike's success led to a 1992 follow-up release entitled
Payday. The material is once again all original and draws upon Mike's
blue-collar upbringing and experience. Says Little Mike, "It's the best
thing I've ever done. Best writing, best playing, and best producing. I
think I'm finally getting the hang of this." LITTLE MIKE AND THE TORNADOES
Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose
collection of street musicians into a solid ensemble dedicated to
bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the
world. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences—from spirituals to
Depression-era blues, from ragtime to traditional jazz—their sound
evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has
gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their
commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live
performances.
We are happy to announce that our newest album "Owl Call Blues"
is hot off the press and available to all. Recorded this past January
at home in New Orleans, it has 15 previously unrecorded songs, and
beautiful artwork by Shaye Cohn. Hard copies are available here from The Louisiana Music Factory or at any of our shows. TUBA SKYNNY
Thelonius is a five piece urban jazz band based in Bristol UK performing
a mix of originals, classics from the golden age of hip-hop and some
nasty jazz tunes.Imagine if Mr Monk and A Tribe Called Quest - with J Dilla in tow - all ended up in a small smokey jazz club in Prague. SECOND ALBUM – “Crows on the Beeline” is the title of Thelonius’ new album which has been released worldwide and is available from iTunes. “On behalf of Music Resource Group and our distinguished judging
panelists, it is our pleasure to congratulate Thelonius on winning top
honors in the Jazz EP category for Reminisce in The 12th annual Independent Music Awards.” REMINISCE, the debut EP from urban-jazz band Thelonius, as featured on
the BBC6 Gilles Peterson show and Tom Robinson’s Fresh On The Net, is
now available from a variety of sources including iTunes and Amazon. Bristol-based Thelonius cement the relationship
between jazz and hip-hop through their interpretations of classics from
A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, The Roots, Common, De La Soul, Gang
Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, E.S.T and Robert Glasper as well as a
host of originals that bear that unmistakable mix of strong and interesting beats and instrumental dexterity from the soloists. THELONIUS
Lisa Biales - “Belle of the Blues”. Lisa
Biales’ musical roots run deep. Her love and appreciation of singing
came at an early age as she grew up in a musical family. Lisa started
playing the guitar at the age of eleven, at age thirteen she was playing
for church services, and when Lisa was seventeen, she was singing Jazz
Standards in her parents Dixieland Band.In
2003, Lisa earned a Masters Degree in Theater from Ohio University, her
professors were encouraging her to continue with a PhD. After much soul
searching, Lisa decided she had gone far enough in academia and decided
to quit her day job to give her undivided attention to the music that
had been calling her for so many years. In
2006, Lisa turned her focus to songwriting and recording. She released
an album of original music entitled, "Chasing Away The Blues" which was
produced with Grammy Nominated Celeste Friedman. The album is receiving
international attention on the folk and blues charts and her song “Where
The Buckwheat Blooms” topped the International Folk Play list at #32
that year, right between Bill Monroe and Cat Stevens. . . not bad
company. "A taste of soul, and the blues . . . elements that have
ensured pure musical art." ~ NPR MusicIn
2007, Lisa released “Come To Me” which was recorded with Nashville
producer Gary Scott. "It is very exciting and inspiring to collaborate
with such talent." Scott said. “Come To Me” showcases Lisa’s talent for
writing a song that is perfect for her voice.”In
2008, Lisa released a collection of folk, roots and traditional American
tunes for children called “Yellow Shoes.” John Funnell of 88.9 WYN-FM,
Australia says, “Yellow Shoes just proves that children's songs have a
lot to offer adults, too.”“Hey
There” was also released in 2008. This CD was recorded in mostly one
takes, at home with no fancy footwork or overdubs. “The Norman
Rockwell of songwriters with a crystal pure voice.” - Marc Nolis,
Mazzmuzika, Belgium“Closet Hippie” released in 2010 is Lisa’s
most honest and intimate work to date. As her writing continues to
evolve, her performances are deeply moving and magical as she taps into
the essence of each song. “Lisa’s version of the Jimi Hendrix song
“Little Wing” ranks among those of John Mayer, Sting and Clapton.” ~
Brian O’Donnell, 89.7 WNKU-FM.In 2012, Lisa released “Just Like
Honey” which was produced by EG Kight and Paul Hornsby. The album stayed
on the roots music reports for over a year, and was played on Sirius
XM’s Bluesville extensively. This introduction into the blues was met
with enthusiasm from blues fans, DJ’s, and critics alike. "When I play
your song PEACHES, the phone rings off the hook! - Linda Yohn, DJ WEMU
"Lisa Biales has one of those great voices of our times." - Cascade
Blues AssociationIn 2013, Lisa released “Singing In My Soul”
with Ricky Nye & The Paris Blues Band further garnering her a place
in the blues world. “I wanted to make a record of upbeat, happy early
blues tunes.” All cover tunes with the exception of “Magic Garden,”
showcasing Lisa’s incredible vocals and an uncanny ability to take a
cover tune and make it fresh and new. "Lisa Biales has one of those
great voices of our times." - Cascade Blues Association.In 2014,
Lisa releases “Belle Of The Blues” a fitting moniker for someone who has
spent her career making great music. Featuring seven songs from the EG
Kight songbook. Kight and Paul Hornsby produce this CD with Tommy Talton
on acoustic guitar, dobro and electric slide, Randall Bramblett on
Hammond B3, Hornsby on Piano. The disc features a duet with Kight. The
title cut was written by Kight and long time writing partner Tom Horner
for the project. Tracks from Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie and a co-write
with Biales, Kight and Horner is sure to put a smile on your face. LISA BIALES
From an old steel mill city once described as “hell with the lid off”
comes a singer/songwriter with red-hot fire in her soul. Melinda is her
name, and this Pittsburgh-born artist could well be described as the
belle of blues-infused rock. She’s been raising roofs for years, from
Boston to Los Angeles, with her four alarm voice and earthy stage
presence. No gimmicks, no girl-pop. Just full-tilt rock and roll.Melinda is one of those rare artists who found their calling at a young
age. She picked up an electric guitar at 13 and began soaking up the
sounds and styles that would influence her singing and inspire her
writing: the desperate blues wail of Etta James, the swampy growl of
Janis Joplin, the searing guitar licks of Jimi Hendrix, the raw
intensity of The Rolling Stones.By 15 she was sharing the stage with notable Pittsburgh musicians who
recognized her inborn passion for rock and blues music. She paid her
dues in every conceivable venue – from ballrooms to ballparks to brick
alley bars – honing her skills and developing a style all her own.The toil and sweat paid off. Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of
Music awarded her the World Tour Scholarship, as well as the Aerosmith
Endowment Award for outstanding achievement in music. She went on to
co-found a Boston-area all-girl rock band, Mass Ave, that wowed
audiences and piqued the interest of major record labels.But Melinda knew she was destined to make her mark as a solo artist. She
keeps on rolling – on stages and studios around the country – and is
poised to become a bona fide presence in the rock world. Her 2010 EP
“Don’t Be Sweet” received favorable reviews and considerable air play.
She wrote or co-wrote four of the disc’s five songs, collaborating with
Grammy Award winning singer, guitarist, producer Kevin Bowe on “The Hard
Way.” Billboard’s World Song Contest recognized her for the EP’s title
track. Next up is a full length CD, scheduled for release in early 2014. MELINDA
Amber Sweeney is an accomplished soul/rock singer, songwriter, and
recording artist who recently signed with Seattle based record label,
London Tone Music, to release a single as part of their 52x52: A Year In
Your Ear project. Her single “Lone Sailor,” produced by Geoff Ott, is
due to release later this year. In 2013, Amber released two E.P.s: The Starting Line (April 16) and
Christmas Time (November 28). Both were released worldwide through CD
Baby and are available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Spotify, Pandora
Radio and more.
Upon release of The Starting Line, Antimusic said, “In an age of
auto-tuned so-called singers, a truly gifted singer like roots rocker
Amber Sweeney is a breath of much needed fresh air.” Amber’s voice, musical talent, and songwriting have also been featured
in two CW television series: One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected (Flying
Machine, Girl In The Moon, Quicksand, Maybe, Stars, Feel This - written
by Jonathan Jackson of Enation) while one half of the duo known as
Everly. Her voice has also been featured in Stephen King’s film
adaptation of Riding The Bullet, while bass player and back up singer
for the rock band Enation. She can also be heard on another northwest
band’s album, The Alleged Album by One From Many (Tears We Cry Alone and
Shape Of Your Heart). Amber has been privileged to play at a variety of venues over the years,
including: Bossanova Ballroom (Portland, OR), Genghis Cohen’s (Los
Angeles, CA), The Corn Palace (Mitchell, SD), The Whiskey A Go-Go (Los
Angeles, CA), The Troubador (Los Angeles, CA) The Rutledge - Tin Pan
South (Nashville, TN), Moulton Falls Winery (Yacolt, WA), to name a few.
She is also scheduled to play Maryhill Winery (Goldendale, WA), and
Clark County Fair (Ridgefield, WA) as part of her summer dates for 2014.
She is known for being engaging and truly entertaining during her live
performances.
Along with recording and performing, Amber has also launched a
production company called In The Rounds Productions, is a member of
ASCAP, and is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts
and Sciences, better known as the Grammys. AMBER SWEENEY
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
Mammal Hands are a trio of like-minded musicians: Nick Smart piano,
Jesse Barrett drums and percussion, and Jordan Smart saxophones. Drawing
on influences from Steve Reich to Bonobo and Pharoah Sanders to The
Cinematic Orchestra, alongside elements of North Indian and African
music, they produce their own beautiful, inimitable music – at times
wistful and melancholic and others raucous and catchy. They evoke a
range of moods, from delicate and subtle to explosive and frantic,
blending thoughtful compositions with spontaneity and interplay. On the
road they have been wooing audiences from the Norwich Arts Centre to
Mostly Jazz Festival Birmingham, King’s Place London, Band On The Wall
Manchester and most recently Love Supreme Festival Glynde. Indeed it was
at Mostly Jazz that the band were heard by Gondwana Records recording
artists GoGo Penguin’s bassist Nick Blacka, who liking the band’s unique
sound brought them to the attention of label boss Matthew Halsall, who
immediately signed them to the label and has now produced their sublime
debut album, Animalia, which is released on 15th September.
Mammal Hands met in April 2012, while busking in Norwich. They gelled
quickly, drawn to each other’s open approach to music making. The
brothers Nick and Jordan were already playing together as an electronica
duo but with drummer Jesse joining the band they developed a
distinctive sound drawing on their love of electronic, contemporary
classical, world and jazz music. Drummer Jesse’s knowledge and
understanding of Indian Classical music brings a unique/distinctive
approach to the rhythmic framework of the band’s tunes. His disciplined
study with tabla maestro Sirishkumar has allowed him to develop the
ability to explore intricate and complex rhythmic patterns and the
freedom to explore time signatures and rhythmic patterns less commonly
heard in the western world. Jordan brings a love of DJ culture as well
as the influence of Pharoah Sanders to his playing whilst pianist Nick
brings a knowledge of classical Jazz harmonies but also a deep interest
in the minimalist composers (Terry Riley, Steve Reich) which has
influenced his compositional approach, striving to create hypnotic,
rhythmic patterns that can provide a foundation for Jordan and Jesse to
build on. It is this unique combination of influences and their unusual
baseless line-up that makes Mammal Hands’ sound so distinctive.
MAMMAL HANDS
The first time you hear Andrea Motis you will be amazed. Many of her videos have more than 200,000 views on YouTube. This young vibrant artist sings with a maturity and personality well beyond her 17 years, oh and she also plays the saxophone and trumpet brilliantly. Her mentor and teacher Joan Chamorro is responsible for her exceedingly rapid development. But not only this, together with Joan Chamorro, a musician with a successful background, has also revealed herself as an excellent singer who manages to thrill to every note that comes from within.Now, under the leadership of Joan Chamorro, an album has been published where the young star Andrea Motis protagonists a good demonstration of the new Catalan jazz talents. With the name Joan Chamorro presenta Andrea Motis.The selection of songs chosen includes over an hour of classic jazz of the first half of the twentieth century, although there are forays into bossa nova. In this recording of standards, among others accompany, there are Ignasi Terraza, Bobby Gordon and David Mengual.The Quintet is accompanied by the guitarist Josep Traver, pianist Ignasi Terraza and Esteve Pi on drums. Joan Chamorro & Andrea Motis Group has performed at several festivals in France, Switzerland, in Brazil and have collaborated and recorded with some of the top musicians including: Dick Oatts, Scott Hamilton, Ken Peploski, Scott Robinson, Terell Staford, Wycliffe Gordon, Jesse Davis, Bobby Gordon and others. Do not lose the opportunity to follow them, especially Andrea Motis, who promises to be very successful at the jazz scene. Many people have compared her voice to Norah Jones. Discover them! JOAN CHAMORRO ANDREA MOTIS GROUP
