The BluesKings & Herbie Blues - Say Hi

Album: Say Hi
Size: 116,1 MB
Time: 49:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2025
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Front

1. Say Hi (5:37)
2. Jungle Call (2:55)
3. Sweet Desire (3:37)
4. Blackbird (1:50)
5. Down The Line (3:41)
6. Fat Wallet (3:27)
7. Resurrector (3:23)
8. Convict Michael J (3:18)
9. Be On Time (2:48)
10. Goin' Home (4:11)
11. Evil Eye (2:49)
12. Golden Coffin (2:52)
13. Rollercoaster (3:32)
14. Like A Child (2:53)
15. Hitman (2:49)

After a decade of silence, The BluesKings are back in full force. Although the band was on hiatus, the idea of reuniting with Herbie and Jan-Joris never went away. Now, with the fresh energy of newcomers Harm van Essen and Fred Bonthuis, the spark has been rekindled. All the songs on Say Hi are original, written by Herbie with co-writers Harm and Jan-Joris, and performed in that unmistakable BluesKings style. Recorded live, with only a few overdubs to keep the raw edge intact.

The BluesKings draw their inspiration from life on the road and perform a lot of their own material. Guitarist Harm van Essen (of La Ratte, among others) provides that unmistakable old-school vibe. Drummer Fred Bonthuis has been playing rock 'n' roll since the '70s. Jan-Joris Sportel on bass lays down a wonderfully relaxed groove. Herbie provides vocals and harmonica, with a generous dose of creativity and spontaneity. /Blues Magazine

Personnel: Harbert Grezel (vocals, harmonica); Harm van Essen (guitar, backing vocals, percussion); Jan-Joris Sportel (bass, backing vocals); Fred Bonthuis (drums, backing vocals, percussion).

Say Hi mc
Say Hi gofile

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The BluesKings - Money Lover

Year: 2009
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:41
Size: 117,4 MB
Styles: Electric blues, harmonica blues
Scans: Full

1. Money Lover (5:28)
2. Lookin' For Trouble (4:14)
3. Hide & Seek (4:01)
4. One Day (2:39)
5. Guilty (5:10)
6. Big Road Blues (3:45)
7. Let Me In (4:10)
8. I'm Going Down (3:55)
9. Goin' Up The Country (4:17)
10. Army Blues (4:02)
11. Work Song (5:16)
12. Worried Mind Blues (3:40)

Dutch bluesband with a rather unique sound. Take their harmonica-driven blues, ad some southern rock 'n' roll beat and a few Texas style shuffles. Then you'll get a vague idea of how they are sounding: deep, mighty sounds. Rough and dirty with that special guitar twang, here and there. All but two songs are originals. Recommended.

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

Money Lover mc
Money Lover zippy

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The BluesKings - Big Road Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 27:23
Size: 62.7 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:50] 1. Automobile
[3:45] 2. Be My Girl
[2:54] 3. Callgirl
[3:01] 4. No Dime
[2:53] 5. Ford Fairlane
[3:49] 6. I'm In Love
[3:51] 7. Come Home
[3:16] 8. Hangin' Song

Although they shouldn't be, the Blues Kings are something of a rarity today: a band that plays authentic traditional electric blues - and they do it very well. Their style ranges from straight ahead Chicago (the Chess sound of the 1950's) to Louisiana swamp blues to west coast jump blues. But what makes them authentic?

Start with the foundation: Jack Taylor (bass) and Dave Larson (drums) are long time fixtures on the Twin Cities blues scene. They have played in more bands than we can list here, and they both know a thing or two about blues. Namely, when to play and when not to play. They have mastered the art of "keeping it simple," never overplaying like many less seasoned players will do.

Add to this foundation a front man who is a triple threat (voice, harmonica, song writing). Jay W. Wilkins is also a veteran of the Minneapolis/St. Paul blues scene. His harp stylings can stand up to just about anybody in an overcrowded field of talented blues harmonica players. His fat amplified tone is reminiscent of the late Big Walter Horton, or modern masters such as Kim Wilson. In modern blues music there are many good instrumentalists, but good singers are in short supply. Jay's vocals are convincing and strong and his songs are well crafted, with great lyrics and heavy on the groove.

Rounding out this foursome is guitarist Jeff Hester. Experience has taught him that having the licks is important, but without good tone its all just noise. His equipment of choice is crucial to his tone formula: mostly old Fender tube amps and vintage hollow body guitars. But vintage gear and tone are only part of what makes a great blues guitarist. The rest is a combination of talent, years of hard work, and a passion for the music. One listen tells you that Hester has all of these.

So there you have it. The formula for an authentic traditional electric blues band. Within the beautiful confines of this art form known as traditional blues, don't be surprised if the Blues Kings start a few traditions of their own. ~Paul Rossez

Big Road Blues mc
Big Road Blues zippy

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