VA - Ball And Chain [Vinyl]

Source: Vinyl (not clean)
Size: 90.7 MB
Time: 38:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1968
Styles: Blues Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front & Back

A1. Big Mama Thornton - Ball And Chain (4:23)
A2. Big Mama Thornton - Wade In The Water (2:46)
A3. Big Mama Thornton - My Love (4:02)
A4. Larry Williams - So Much Trouble (4:18)
A5. Larry Williams - That's My Girl (2:24)
A6. Larry Williams - I Know You Hear Me Calling (2:51)
B1. Lightnin' Hopkins - Come On Baby (2:19)
B2. Lightnin' Hopkins - Money Taker (3:07)
B3. Lightnin' Hopkins - Prison Blues (3:19)
B4. Lightnin' Hopkins - Mama's Fight (2:32)
B5. Lightnin' Hopkins - My Woman (2:30)
B6. Lightnin' Hopkins - Gabriel (4:05)

In the early 1960s,Thornton recorded several songs for Bay-Tone Records. Two were released on a single, "You Did Me Wrong" and "Big Mama's Blues". According to music writer Gillian Gaar, Thornton also recorded "Ball and Chain" for Bay Tone, although it was never released.

In 1968, Arhoolie Records released "Ball and Chain". An edited version, titled "Ball and Chain Part 1" was recorded in January 1968 and released as a single, ~MuddyLives

Ball And Chain [Vinyl] MP3
Ball And Chain [Vinyl] FLAC 24bit

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Janice Harrington - 80 Years Of International Friendship

Size: 152.0 MB
Time: 66:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Electric Blues
Art: Full

01. Old Age (2:50)
02. Work Your Magic (3:15)
03. Listen To Me (3:41)
04. Seven Days A Week Man Blues (6:39)
05. Telephone Blues (4:19)
06. Wheeler Dealer (4:18)
07. Too Soon To Tell (4:54)
08. The Hex (3:50)
09. Hallelujah I Love Her So (3:39)
10. Learn To Live Without You (4:07)
11. Mud In His Face (3:38)
12. Blues Rocking (3:04)
13. Making Plans (4:12)
14. Norwegian Got Soul (4:40)
15. Mirror Image (4:54)
16. What A Wonderful World (4:19)

Although she is now eighty years old, singer Janice Harrington still remains active. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she began singing gospel with her mother at the choir of the church they both went every week. Despite she was deeply influenced by gospel music, in her teenager days she also discovered other secular genres like blues, jazz, soul or rhythm and blues and her songs fully reflect the influences of all these styles. Along her career Janice has shared stage with artists like Frank Sinatra Jr., Big Jay McNeely, Sammy Davis Jr., Lionel Hampton or Lloyd Bridges, as well as putting her voice to many different big bands. Now she lives in Germany with her husband, trombonist Werner Gürtler.

This album includes sixteen songs that come from some of her old recordings which have now been remastered to digital format, belonging to different periods and groups which, over the years, she has played with. In all songs Janice gives all her power, liveliness and vitality, displaying the bright passionate raw power blues always communicates. Her vocal range is rich in nuances, so the result is a more than satisfactory recording.

Our welcome to a powerful well thought out and firmly structured album, that undoubtedly will please a wide range of listeners.

80 Years Of International Friendship MP3
80 Years Of International Friendship FLAC

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VA - More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 2: Hokus Pokus (KMCD162)

Size: 148.4 MB
Time: 63:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues, Rock, R&B
Art: Front & Back

01 Al Reed - Top Notch Grade A (2:12)
02 Curtis Knight - You're Gonna Be Sorry (2:08)
03 Ben Hughes - Crazy Man (2:20)
04 The Saxons - Rock & Roll Show (1:54)
05 Jackie Wilson - Etcetera (2:24)
06 Bobby Lester - Am I The Man (2:29)
07 Rudy Green - Teeny Weeny Baby (2:24)
08 The Valiants - Good Golly Miss Molly (1:59)
09 Kip Anderson - I Wanna Be The Only One (2:50)
10 Mr. P. T. & The Party-Timers - Aunt Susie (2:06)
11 Jo Jo Williams - Rock 'n' Roll Boogie (1:49)
12 Bunie Fitz - Just A Fool For You (1:42)
13 Ronny Goode - Hokus Pokus (2:03)
14 Clifford Curry - Kiss, Kiss, Kiss (2:13)
15 Bobby Freeman - The Mess Around (2:29)
16 Bobby Adams - I Want My Lovin' (2:21)
17 Big John Greer - Bottle It Up And Go (2:28)
18 Don Covay - Switchin' In The Kitchen (2:29)
19 Bobby Lewis - Yes, Oh Yes, It Did (2:36)
20 Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns - Loop De Loop De Loop (2:24)
21 Bobby Day - Mr. & Mrs. Rock-'N-Roll (2:07)
22 Sammy & The Five Notes - Doodle Bug Twist (2:20)
23 The Majestics - Hard Times (2:09)
24 Dorian Burton - Flyin' Home To My Baby (2:21)
25 Count Ferrell - Wizard Of Ah's (2:23)
26 Jimmy Witherspoon - Move Me Baby (2:33)
27 Willie White & The Bleu Matts - Everybody Dance (2:16)
28 Tommy Brown - Someday, Somewhere (1:49)

As y'all already know, so many similar projects were devoted through the years to white rock and rollers (even the most obscure and unknown) and very little to the people that not only "originated" this music and played it long before white musicians started to fool around with it. They also continued to play it when black Rhythm and Blues music was suddenly re-named "Rock and Roll" to appeal to a wider white audience in segregated America and became a multi-racial genre in the mid-1950s. Once again, some tunes are pretty well-known, but the vast majority are not. Chances are that you never-ever heard a lot of the tracks included here - even if a lot of them were pretty popular in the 1950s among both black and white Rock and Roll fans. Most of the artists in this new series (just like the first one) were actually household names in the "Rock and Roll World" of the '50s and early '60s. When Rock & Roll history was re-written from a strictly white rock standpoint only a few black rockers were included (maybe less than a dozen) when actually back in the day almost every African-American R&B act (maybe a MILLION or more) was actually Rock & Roll and white artists were actually a minority for a long time. So "BLACK" by popular demand here's to you "MORE Boss Black Rockers." DIG IT!

More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 2: Hokus Pokus (KMCD162)

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VA - More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 1: Guitar Pickin' Fool (KMCD161)

Size: 150.5 MB
Time: 64:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues, Rock, R&B
Art: Front & Back

01 Tony Harris - Chicken, Baby, Chicken (2:24)
02 Bobby Brookes - Looka, Looka, Looka (1:47)
03 Otis Riley - Rock And Roll Riley (2:15)
04 Prentice Moorland - Come On Pretty Baby (2:11)
05 Eddie Daniels - Hug Me, Kiss Me (2:36)
06 Neil Darrow With The Quarter Notes - She´s A Fine Chick (1:54)
07 Chuck Grey - Rock And Roll Is On My Soul (1:32)
08 Titus Turner - Hold Your Lovin' (2:37)
09 Don & Dewey - Justine (2:08)
10 Mae Mercer - Great Googa Mooga (2:02)
11 Jackie Wilson - You Better Know It (2:01)
12 Earl Gaines - Now Do You Hear (2:05)
13 Phil Flowers - No Kissing At The Hop (2:19)
14 The Jewels - Goin' Goin' Gone (2:44)
15 H-Bomb Ferguson - Mary Little Mary (2:29)
16 Hannah Dean - Itty Bitty Love (2:14)
17 Little Joe Hinton - Lets Start A Romance (2:23)
18 Roy Wright - No Haps (2:36)
19 Leonard Johnson - The Bug (2:19)
20 Eugene Church - Mind Your Own Business (2:42)
21 Teddy Humphries - Guitar Pickin Fool (2:12)
22 Johnny Johnson - Great Cooga-Mooga (2:15)
23 King Perry - Come Back Baby (2:14)
24 Kenny & Moe - So Long I'm Gone (2:25)
25 The Pyramids - Shakin Fit (2:12)
26 Sammy Taylor - Switchin' In The Kitchen (2:29)
27 Lee Diamond - Hatti Malatti (2:48)
28 Ernie Fields Orchestra - Knocked Out (2:02)

After such a successful run that was the first album series of ‘Boss Black Rockers’, Koko Mojo with the guiding hand of The Mojo Man (aka Little Victor Mac) sets up another series under the heading ‘More Boss Black Rockers: Guitar Pickin’ Fool’. Providing much information via tracks and liner notes presented in a trifold digipak bearing in mind current environmental concerns, ‘More Boss Black Rockers: Guitar Pickin’ Fool’ basically continues where series one left off. In other words, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it because more often than not the twenty-eight-track list offered a delightful and seriously high-octane rush of rock ‘n’ roll from the original rock ‘n’ rollers (i.e., The Black artists either overlooked or simply given less coverage). Therefore, inside information gets Volume One off to a flyer via Tony Harris and song ‘Chicken, Baby, Chicken’ with powerhouse vocals and a punchy rhythm section. The wildness continues with Bobby Brookes resembling a not-too-distant relation of Jackie Wilson during the mighty fine ‘Looka, Looka, Looka’, to next in line Otis Riley including a touch of the personal to ‘Rock And Roll Riley’. If series one of ‘Boss Black Rockers’ proved not only an irresistible pull due to high level of rock ‘n’ roll on display, then ‘More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 1’ will not disappoint for the same reasons, but also for the inclusion of many lesser known or less-featured artists or songs that are a touch harder to find when it comes to other similar compilations. For instant memories, then press play to tracks by H-Bomb Ferguson ‘Mary Little Mary’ where his vocals alone is enough to convince of the greatness here, to fast and frantic tempo of ‘Goin’ Goin’ Gone’ from vocal group The Jewels, before landing at the doorstep of wheeling rhythm and blues/rock ‘n’ roll of terrific ‘No Haps’ by Roy Wright. Ooh! We are in the land of rock ‘n’ roll goodness when it comes to the second instalment of album series of ‘More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 1: Guitar Pickin’ Fool’, and that is fact!

More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 1: Guitar Pickin' Fool (KMCD161)

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Hot Roux - In A Groove

Size: 100.6 MB
Time: 42:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Louisiana Blues
Art: Front

01. Boy Scout Knot (3:21)
02. Wanted (3:37)
03. Modern Day Jezebel (3:18)
04. Get In A Groove (4:31)
05. Wasting Time (3:48)
06. After The Happy Ends (3:01)
07. A Little Too Late (3:23)
08. My Bird (3:37)
09. 88 On The 99 (3:46)
10. Hard Times (3:37)
11. Meat And Three (3:17)
12. Blow, Rumble, Shout (3:38)

HOT ROUX is a fresh, energetic original band with a sound and genre all their own. A nice sized portion of Lou’sianna blues meets swampy rock n’roll and always rooted in rhythm and harmony. Drummer and lead singer Jerry McWorter has penned all their original tunes along with bassist and vocalist Brent Harding. HOT ROUX features equally powerful guitar work of Ed Berghoff and/or Kyle Jester. Both players have a unique stamp of originality and style.

Hot Roux hails from Ventura, CA, and has been a local favorite for the last several years. The band meets the expectations of its moniker: in Louisiana parlance a roux is a base sauce made of spices, flour and butter. These musicians serve up a tangy smorgasbord ranging from straight blues to rockabilly to swampy Cajun flavor rock n’roll.

Hot Roux’s first record, “Strangers Blues”, was released in July 2015 sparking national and international attention and radio airplay. June 2017 the band released their second CD, “Hometown Blues”, once again on Hi Hat Records and is garnering rave reviews. Hot Roux keeps a very active west coast tour schedule playing all the best blues venues and hot spots such as Biscuits and Blues (San Francisco), Poor House Bistro (San Jose), The Torch Club (Sacramento), Canyon Club (Agoura Hills), Club Fox (Redwood City), Howie’s (Medford OR, The Saloon (San Francisco)… and many more. The band has provided a strong groovin’ rhythm section backing such famed blues performers as Kenny Neal, Kim Wilson, James Harman, Mitch Kashmar, guitarist Albert Lee and more. For years, Hot Roux has worked closely with the Santa Barbara Blues Society as a backing band to their many high profile events and award winning artists.

In A Groove MP3
In A Groove FLAC

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Mick Kolassa - For The Feral Heart

Size: 107.3 MB
Time: 45:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues, Rock, Jazz
Art: Full

01. Running To You (2:45)
02. Elegant Angel (3:58)
03. Feeling Alright (6:11)
04. Love Ain't Supposed To Make You Cry (4:48)
05. Easy To Love (4:03)
06. I Keep Looking (3:10)
07. I Left My Heart In Birmingham (3:50)
08. Love In My Size (4:24)
09. Forever Sometimes (3:48)
10. Hold On (3:06)
11. Run Away With Me (3:04)
12. As Time Goes By (1:59)

Mick Kolassa needs no further introduction. Just two months ago we discussed his twelfth album ' They Call Me Uncle Mick!' and now there is already 'For The Feral Heart'. An album full of love songs. Mick kicks off with the smooth blues rocker 'Running to You', which is followed by the jazzy sounding 'Elegant Angel', on which guitarist Mario Monterosso plays a wonderful solo. Dave Mason's 'Feeling Alright', the first cover on this album, has been thoroughly overhauled by Mick Kolassa, his arrangement grooves wonderfully. On the atmospherically played minor slow blues 'Love Ain't Supposed To Make You Cry' we can once again enjoy the tasteful guitar playing of Mario Monterosso. After two relaxed jazzy blues tracks, Mick Kolassa abruptly changes course halfway through the album and America and roots-related songs follow (I Left My Heart In Birmingham, Love In My Size, Run Away With Me) on which we see the beautiful violin playing of Alice Hasen. find. But also reggae (Forever Sometimes) and calypso (Hold On) have inspired Mick Kolassa to write love songs. A short version of the much covered 'As Times Goes By' by Herman Hupfeld, known from the 1941 film Casablanca, concludes Mick's twelfth album in a jazzy way. And with that our blues bard is suddenly on a completely different track than we are used to from him. But his powerful, warm voice also comes into its own in this work. And with that our blues bard is suddenly on a completely different track than we are used to from him. But his powerful, warm voice also comes into its own in this work. And with that our blues bard is suddenly on a completely different track than we are used to from him. But his powerful, warm voice also comes into its own in this work.

For The Feral Heart MP3
For The Feral Heart FLAC

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Lulu & The Broadsides (Dayna Kurtz) - Lulu & The Broadsides / Sampler

Album: Lulu & The Broadsides
Size: 107.4 MB
Time: 45:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues, Country, Folk, Americana
Art: Front

01. That's A Pretty Good Love (2:57)
02. A-Grade (3:00)
03. How Do I Stop (4:22)
04. I Need Somebody (6:05)
05. Ice Cream Man (3:42)
06. Razorburn Blues (2:36)
07. You're Trouble (4:43)
08. Bigger In Texas (3:05)
09. Take My Advice (4:33)
10. Into My Arms (6:30)
11. Magical Spell (4:07)

For more than two decades, over the course of a career that took her around the world and back again, singer-songwriter Dayna Kurtz circled back to New Orleans constantly, building a musical community and a fan base until finally, in 2013 she was able to put down roots in the city and make it her home base. And what blossomed from those roots is one of New Orleans – and maybe the world’s – best-kept secrets. For decades, to those in the know, she’s been admired as a writer’s writer and a singer’s singer, and with the Broadsides she’s backed by what can only be called a supergroup of New Orleans aces – James Singleton on bass, (James Booker, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Astral Project) Carlo Nuccio on drums, (Dr. John, Tori Amos) Glenn Hartman (New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars) on keys and Robert Maché (Continental Drifters, Steve Wynn) on guitar. Dayna’s already carved out a name for herself with a side interest of collecting a repertoire of obscure soul and R&B gems, as well as originals that could have been unearthed from the same record hound’s favorite crypt. Lulu and the Broadsides is where she decides to sizzle, slinging made-for-dancing sets of vintage rhythm and blues with the emphasis on rhythm. Formed in part to respond to demand from New Orleans’ hip, thriving underground dance scene, the band has already been invited to slots at both the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, plus club residencies that dependably pack the dance floor. This is heart-thumping, pulse-pounding blues for both body and spirit, for joy and desire – scorching ballads for slow grinds side-by-side with red-hot movers to jump and jive to, with a nasty beat and a wild guitar. ~Alison Fensterstock

Lulu & The Broadsides MP3
Lulu & The Broadsides FLAC

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Album: Sampler
Size: 76.1 MB
Time: 32:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues, Soul, R&B, Rock
Art: Front

01. He's A King (3:46)
02. Cindy Lou (3:38)
03. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (6:05)
04. You're Trouble (4:48)
05. A-Grade (3:15)
06. Anytime (2:27)
07. One Night (3:58)
08. Dear Rachel Carson (If We Lose New Orleans) (Live) (4:29)

Personnel:
Dayna Kurtz: Vocals
James Singleton: Bass
Robert Mache: Guitar
Carlo Nuccio: Drums
Glenn Hartman: Keyboards

Sampler MP3
Sampler FLAC

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Tab Benoit - Wetlands

Album: Wetlands
Size: 132,1 MB
Time: 56:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2002
Styles: Blues, Louisiana blues
Art: Full

1. Fast And Free (3:11)
2. Stackolina (4:08)
3. I Got Loaded (4:28)
4. Muddy Bottom Blues (4:22)
5. When A Cajun Man Gets The Blues (4:21)
6. Too Sweet For Me (3:07)
7. Down In The Swamp (4:49)
8. These Arms Of Mine (4:17)
9. Dog Hill (3:44)
10. Her Mind Is Gone (3:43)
11. Loves Lips (3:13)
12. Let Love Take Control (5:46)
13. Georgia (7:43)

Recorded during a month in Louisiana and sounding it, Tab Benoit's sixth album is a swampy example of the best of that state's music. Rocking, bluesy, and filled with soul, guitarist/vocalist Benoit keeps his sound stripped down to just a three-piece, giving his voice and greasy guitar plenty of room to maneuver. From obscure Professor Longhair second-line tunes ("Her Mind Is Gone") to a cover from zydeco king Boozoo Chavis ("Dog Hill") to a version of Otis Redding's "These Arms of Mine" that makes it seem like a lost New Orleans classic, Benoit traverses a lot of territory over this hour of music. Like his influences, Benoit never overdoes his approach, preferring to keep the focus on his gritty voice, lean guitar, and stark accompaniment of his backing duo. This is music caught between rootsy rock, funk, R&B, and blues, but far from sounding schizoid, it revels in its multiple inspirations.

Benoit is in wonderful voice and spirits throughout, sounding loose yet in control regardless of what style he's playing. His guitar solos are taut and succinct, capturing the essence of the atmosphere without reverting to needless showboating. This is music from the heart, played with class, subtlety, and a reverence for its past squeezed into every spirited groove. Thirteen songs and not a misstep, Wetlands is not only Tab Benoit's best album, it's the one most representative of his upbringing and style. Like the autobiographical "Down in the Swamp," those who have never made it to Louisiana need only play this to understand how the area -- and Benoit -- oozes with the ambience of the muggy air, rich food, and spirits of musicians who have passed. /Hal Horowitz, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

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Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa - Don't Explain

Album: Don't Explain
Size: 125,8 MB
Time: 54:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Blues/Soul/Rock mix
Art: Full

1. Sinner's Prayer (4:28)
2. Chocolate Jesus (2:40)
3. Your Heart Is As Black As Night (5:00)
4. For My Friends (4:11)
5. Don't Explain (4:34)
6. I'd Rather Go Blind (8:06)
7. Something's Got A Hold On Me (6:05)
8. I'll Take Care Of You (5:13)
9. Well, Well (3:42)
10. Ain't No Way (6:50)
11. I'll Take Care Of You (Radio Edit) (3:19)

Fans of guitar master Joe Bonamassa will be delighted that 2011 was such a prolific year in his career. First came the fine, rootsy Dust Bowl, then 2, the second chapter in his Black Country Communion project's catalog. Don't Explain, a collection of soul, blues, and jazz-oriented covers in collaboration with vocal firebrand Beth Hart marks his third entry this year. The ten-song set of blues and soul is a logical extension of her vocal contribution to "No Love on the Street" from Dust Bowl.

Opening is a thoroughly raucous contemporary blues reading of Ray Charles' "Sinner's Prayer," followed by a quirky version of Tom Waits' "Chocolate Jesus," and an unusual cover of contemporary jazz-pop singer/songwriter Melody Gardot's "You Heart Is as Black as Night." On this cut, a string orchestra adds a touch of perversity; it offers the impression of a femme fatale singing a Brecht-Weill number in a smoky cabaret in front of a moody string orchestra, buoyed by a brooding electric blues quintet. "For My Friends," a Bill Withers' tune, is a big, nasty, jagged blues number that keeps the funky groove intact. The title track, a number closely associated with Billie Holiday, falls flat. Hart tries too hard to employ Holiday's phrasing, the string orchestrations are overblown, and Bonamassa's crew is too reverent. This formula also mars the remake of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way" that closes the set.

Far better are readings of Etta James' signatories "I'd Rather Go Blind," and "Something's Got a Hold on Me." Hart's emotive, throaty delivery is perfectly suited to both songs, and she resists trying to ape James' phrasing. Since they follow one another directly, the musical difference between them also showcase's Hart's diverse abilities. The former is a soul burner, the latter a gospel blues. Bonamassa and band accent her every phrase with requisite rowdiness, sting, and grit.

The pair's only vocal collaboration is a burning read of Delaney & Bonnie's "Well, Well." With Anton Fig's breaks and rim shots underscoring Arlan Scheirbaum's electric piano fills, Bonamassa's burning leads, the chunky, rhythmic foundation from guitarist Blondie Chaplin, and Carmine Rojas' bassline, Hart and the lead guitarist trade whip-smart call and response vocals with enough raw country-soul to bring the song to a new audience. While not a perfect recording, Don't Explain is a good one, whose strengths are numerous enough to warrant a second go round. /Thom Jurek, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

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Tab Benoit - Voice Of The Wetlands

Album: Voice Of The Wetlands
Size: 126,2 MB
Time: 54:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2005
Styles: Blues, Louisiana blues
Art: Full

1. Bayou Breeze (4:29)
2. Louisiana Sunshine (5:47)
3. Clear Water (4:42)
4. Lightning And Thunder (8:25)
5. Kiddin' Me (4:19)
6. Heart Of Stone (5:56)
7. We Ain't Gonna Lose No More (5:24)
8. Weary Silent Night (2:44)
9. We Make A Good Gumbo (3:28)
10. Louisiana Man (2:58)
11. Me Donkey Want Water (6:18)

Bayou bluesman Tab Benoit set up VOW (Voice of the Wetlands), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping preserve Louisiana's wetlands and culture, in 2003, and this album was originally intended as a benefit release to raise funds for the cause. Recorded during the first week of January 2005 in New Orleans with an all-star cast of Louisiana musicians, including Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Dr. John, Cyril Neville, bluesman Anders Osborne, the Meters rhythm section of George Porter, Jr. and Johnny Vidacovich, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, and ace Cajun fiddler Wayne Thibodeaux, the album was at the pressing plant eight months later when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf, underscoring the vital importance of the wetlands, which in a pristine condition might have absorbed a good part of the storm surge that ended up devastating New Orleans.

The aftermath of Katrina gives several of the songs here an added poignancy, especially the opener, "Bayou Breeze," with its chorus of "don't let the water/wash us away," and Dr. John's angry "We Ain't Gonna Lose No More (Without a Fight)," which could be interpreted with hindsight as a retort to FEMA and the Bush administration response to the disaster. The overall tone of the set is more joyous than despondent, though, as befits the ebullient spirit of New Orleans, and the album itself is a decent introduction to contemporary bayou music. Thibodeaux's fiddle-driven version of fellow fiddler Doug Kershaw's classic "Louisiana Man" is a particular delight, as is Monk Boudreaux's rendition of the Afro-Caribbean folk calypso "Hold 'Em Joe," here called "Me Donkey Want Water" in a customized bayou version that closes the set.

Despite its title and agenda, Voice of the Wetlands isn't over-preachy, but wisely lets the wonderful music do the talking. Katrina underscored the immense value of the Louisiana wetlands and the culture it supports, and one hopes that this album is a small step toward the strong re-emergence of both. /Steve Leggett, AllMusic

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Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa - Seesaw

Album: Seesaw
Size: 113,7 MB
Time: 49:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Blues/Soul/Rock mix
Art: Full

1. Them There Eyes (2:32)
2. Close To My Fire (5:14)
3. Nutbush City Limits (3:36)
4. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know (7:05)
5. Can't Let Go (4:03)
6. Miss Lady (4:56)
7. If I Tell You I Love You (3:38)
8. Rhymes (5:05)
9. A Sunday Kind Of Love (3:57)
10. See Saw (3:27)
11. Strange Fruit (5:47)

Singer/songwriter Beth Hart continues to explore her blues and soul roots via 11 cover versions of her favorite tracks on Seesaw, her second album with blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa. Following the same path as their first collaboration, the 2011 all-covers release Don't Explain, the pair hooked up again with producer Kevin Shirley, who has previously worked with Led Zeppelin, Journey, Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa, and numerous others. The 11 tunes kick off with a jump blues rendition of "Them There Eyes," a rock blues take on Ike & Tina Turner's "Nutbush City Limits"; punchy horns accentuate the Buddy Miles penned "Miss Lady," and they give a straightforward soul treatment to the Don Covay/Steve Cropper tune "See Saw" recorded by Aretha Franklin in 1968.

The influence of Janis Joplin and Etta James is evident on the powerful ballads "If I Tell You I Love You" and "A Sunday Kind of Love." The album closes with an eerie version of the anti-lynching poem from 1937 associated with Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit." Also returning from the Don't Explain album are Bonamassa's assembled backing band: Anton Fig (drums and percussion), Blondie Chaplin (guitar), Carmine Rojas (bass), Arlan Schierbaum (keyboards), Lenny Castro (percussion), and Michael Rhodes (bass on "I'll Love You More Than You'll Ever Know"). /Al Campbell, AllMusic

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Lightnin' Hopkins - Mojo Hand [Vinyl]

Size: 91.5 MB
Time: 38:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1962/2018
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Texas Blues
Art: Front & Back

01. Mojo Hand (2:56)
02. Coffee For Mama (3:27)
03. Awful Dream (4:49)
04. Black Mare Trot (3:52)
05. Have You Ever Loved A Woman (2:36)
06. Black Cadillac (Bonus Track) (3:36)
07. Glory Bee (4:22)
08. Sometimes She Will (2:28)
09. Shine On, Moon (4:19)
10. Santa (3:42)
11. Good Morning Little School Girl (Bonus Track) (2:45)

Personnel:
SAM “LIGHTNIN’” HOPKINS: vocals and guitar, plus Delmar Donnell (drums), and unknown (bass).

Recorded in New York, November 1960.

Bonus Tracks:
Track 6: Lightnin’ Hopkins (voc & g), Spider Kilpatrick (d).
Probably recorded at Gold Star Studio, Houston, Texas, February 17, 1962.

Track 11: Lightnin’ Hopkins (voC & g).
Recorded in Houston, Texas, July 13, 1961.

This essential LP edition presents one of Hopkins’ finest albums, "Mojo Hand", which was originally issued in 1962 on Bobby Robinson’s label, Fire Records. (The LP would be retitled Lightnin’ Hopkins just two years later for the Sphere Sounds imprint re-release, featuring a different cover-sleeve.) Mojo Hand is widely regarded as one of the true masterpieces from Hopkins’ catalog. The material ranges from classic blues to R&B-flavored numbers. There’s even a charming novelty Christmas blues, titled “Santa.” These are moody and powerful performances. Despite the variety, the album is remarkably cohesive because Hopkins’ amalgamation of styles can be heard within each song.

Mojo Hand [Vinyl] MP3
Mojo Hand [Vinyl] FLAC

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Fabrizio Poggi - Basement Blues

Size: 127.7 MB
Time: 55:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Harmonica Blues
Art: Front

01. Precious Lord (3:17)
02. Little Red Rooster (Feat. Guy Davis) (3:03)
03. Midnight Train (5:14)
04. John The Revelator (Feat. Garth Hudson) (4:51)
05. Your Light (Feat. Ronnie Earle) (2:29)
06. Black Coffee (Feat. Guy Davis) (6:53)
07. The Soul Of A Man (3:53)
08. Blues For Charlie (4:00)
09. Up Above My Head (Feat. Ronnie Earle) (2:59)
10. Boogie For John Lee Hooker (4:37)
11. See That My Grave Is Kept Clean (Feat. Guy Davis) (4:47)
12. I'm On The Road Again (5:08)
13. Hole In Your Soul (3:50)

Fabrizio Poggi singer, Hohner Award harmonica player, traveller, musicologist, writer, journalist and amazing performer began to give birth, with music and words, to his musical inspiration: the blues and the amazing folk music of the Southern United States. From the delta blues of Mississippi to gospel and spirituals, to american folk ballads, his musical future was easily decided. Today that dream is not only still alive and well but is being loved by audiences in Italy, Europe and America.

Fabrizio Poggi during his long career has played at the most prestigious clubs and festivals in Italy, Europe and USA (Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana) performing on stage or on his own recordings with legendary artists as: Garth Hudson of THE BAND and Bob Dylan (who appears on "Mercy" cd), Eric Bibb, Zachary Richard (who appears on "Heroes & Friends" cd), Guy Davis, Jerry Jeff Walker (who appears on "Nuther World" cd), Otis Taylor, Ponty Bone of Joe Ely Band (who appears on "Mercy" and "Nuther World" cds), Bob Brozman, Mitch Woods, Eric Andersen, Richard Thompson, Merel Bregante of Loggins & Messina (who appears on "Nuther World" cd), Tom Russell, Jimmy LaFave (who appears on "Nuther World" cd), John Inmon of Omar & The Howlers (who appears on "Nuther World" cd), The Original Blues Brothers Band, Steve Cropper, Eddie Floyd, Lou Marini, Alan Rubin, Rob Paparozzi of Blood, Sweat & Tears (who appears on "Mercy" cd), Seth Walker (who appears on "Mercy" cd), Bill "Howl ‘n' Madd" Perry, Johnny Drummer, James Wheeler, Sonny "Sunshine" Payne of King Biscuit Time (who appears on "The breath of soul" cd), Tony McPhee of The Groundogs, Bill Abel, Lightnin' Malcom, Robert Belfour and many others.

Fabrizio Poggi has recorded twelve albums and has written two great books about blues and folk harmonica history. His latest works, a cd titled "Mercy" and a book titled "Il soffio dell'anima: armoniche e armonicisti blues" (The breath of soul: harmonica and blues harmonica players) have enjoyed tremendous critical acclaim all around the world.

On the folk music side, Fabrizio Poggi, after a period of sickness, as he did for the American music, started the meticulous and passionate research of words of songs, lyrics, old books and records almost lost and forgotten. Fabrizio Poggi discovered the magical world of the Lombard folklore: the rice weeders songs and the troubadors repertoire. He recorded with the band named Turututela three cds, "Canzoni popolari", "Il violino dei poveri", "La storia si canta". He wrote also a book about folk harmonica history in his country, that was a best seller in Italy.

Basement Blues MP3
Basement Blues FLAC

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Kai Strauss - Night Shift

Size: 124.3 MB
Time: 53:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Stand Strong Together (5:04)
02. The Future And The Past (5:41)
03. I Done Got Over You (4:46)
04. Bottom Of The Barrel (4:00)
05. Storming In Chicago (3:44)
06. Bad Loser (4:33)
07. Ride With Me (3:17)
08. Icebound (5:36)
09. You Sure Drive A Hard Bargain (4:09)
10. It Ain't Where You Been (4:59)
11. Night Shift Blues (7:30)

After well over 25 years on the scene Kai Strauss is no longer "just another guitar player from Europe". First as musical mastermind in Memo Gonzalez' Bluescasters and later under his own name, Kai has built himself a reputation of a purveyor of authentic blues traditions. He gets his inspirations from all the great players and does not restrict himself to just one type of blues. His versatility does not get in the way from consistency in style and quality. And after receiving many awards for his previous releases we dare say that "Night Shift" is yet another step up in his already impressive body of work.

Kai Strauss is a subtle and sophisticated bluesman who has it all-he can deliver a lyric vocally, create an interesting and unusually structured blues song, and he plays very "grown up" guitar. He is one of those guitar players who understands what the important notes are, and chooses to tell an emotional story with his solos, rather than just filling up the songs with lots of unnecessary notes. Kai's new album, "Night Shift" features two guest appearances by one of the blues fastest-rising stars-Chicago's Toronzo Cannon. Toronzo had great fun recording these vocals and solos, because of how interesting and unusual Kai's arrangements were. Clearly, the two guitarists inspired each other. It's a pleasure to listen to them together.

Night Shift MP3
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Lightnin’ Hopkins - Mojo Hand: The Complete Fire Sessions (Deluxe Edition)

Size: 177 MB
Time: 1:16:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Texas Blues
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Mojo Hand (Remastered) (3:02)
02. Coffee For Mama (Remastered) (3:35)
03. Awful Dream (Remastered) (4:59)
04. Black Mare Trot (Remastered) (4:02)
05. Have You Ever Loved A Woman? (Remastered) (2:43)
06. Glory Be (Remastered) (4:31)
07. Sometimes She Will (Remastered) (2:31)
08. Shine On Moon! (Remastered) (4:28)
09. Santa (Remastered) (3:47)

CD 2:
01. How Long Has That Train Been Gone? (Remastered) (3:36)
02. Bring Me My Shotgun (Remastered) (3:49)
03. Shake That Thing (Remastered) (4:04)
04. Last Night (Remastered) (5:12)
05. Walk A Long Time (Remastered) (5:28)
06. I'm Leaving You Now (Remastered) (3:53)
07. Houston Bound (Remastered) (4:58)
08. Just Pickin' (Remastered) (1:28)
09. Baby I Don't Care (Remastered) (5:11)
10. Mojo Hand (Live Remastered) (4:42)

Newly Remastered From The Analog Tapes; Limited Edition with Bonus Tracks. Lightnin’ Hopkins is widely considered one of the great popular architects of the blues style that came be known as “country blues” and which proved to be huge influence on the future development of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “Mojo Hand” was one of Hopkins‘ signature tunes. Mixing his own style with Louisiana Creole and voodoo culture, the song ripples with an occult energy.This album, recorded for Fire Records, is especially interesting because it casts Hopkins in a more R&B-flavored environment. This obvious effort to get a hit takes for some excellent blues; moody and powerful performances play throughout. The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings wrote that ""Lightnin' is focussed and businesslike and delivers a strong and varied sequence of songs; the bassist and drummer unobtrusive but very much there”.

Mojo Hand: The Complete Fire Sessions (Deluxe Edition) MP3
Mojo Hand: The Complete Fire Sessions (Deluxe Edition) FLAC

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Pat Hall And The Fat Guys Band - Heart Of The Blues

Size: 164,2 MB
Time: 71:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Blues
Art: Front, tray, note

1. Chicken Shack ( 6:51)
2. Heart Of The Blues (12:18)
3. I Got My Mojo Workin' ( 9:14)
4. Mercury Blues ( 5:32)
5. Big Fat Waitress ( 9:53)
6. Has My Car Been Towed? ( 8:06)
7. Apolitical Blues ( 8:35)
8. Bad, Bad Feelin' (11:09)

Pat Hall and the fat guys band OverviewTracksAlbumsPhotosSimilar ArtistsEventsBiography(current section)TagsShoutsListeners Biography Pat Hall passed on to the great gig in the sky on January 24, 2010. Jim Wiggins on Pat Hall… I first met Pat Hall about thirty years ago at the Old Vic Theatre on Chicago's north side, recently converted from movies to stage shows. A bunch of Chicago performers were there to do a benefit show for a very sick kid and his family, and the honor of doing the first show into the rehabbed venue… Under the stage, in the new Green Room, there was gathered some of the finest blues players in the city, and me, a stand up comedian. The odor of pot was thick, the mood was quick, we all looked slick, ready to jam for a little boy who was sick, a blues song lookin' for a site… Right in the center of the room sat one guy holding court, like a squat, hairy king. Black beret, black vest over a black 't', camo cargo pants, boots, and a very large smirk on his beardy face. He looked like a terrorist, and indeed he was… I went directly to him, stuck out my hand and said,,, "Hi,,, my name is wiggins an' I'm doin' the comedy act!!!" This guy looked me over, sniffed me, and said,,, "Who gives a fuck???" Then he leaned back, roared out a giant laugh quite loud and long and dared me to be funny… I knew at that very moment I had just met and made friends with the human version of a junk yard dog!!! Junk Yard Dog, Junk Yard Dog, Everybody Fears a Junk Yard Dog… Over the following years I discovered Pat Hall feasted often on other peoples flesh,,, get too close an' he'd bite you simply to see if you could take it, no matter if you bled. Pat Hall was most comfortable when he could make you feel uncomfortable. Pat Hall protected the privacy of his life by building fences that kept you out, but all they did was keep Pat Hall in, chained up by his own choice.

Heart Of The Blues MP3

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Mary Washington-Brooks - Rock Your World

Size: 223 MB
Time: 37:41
File: Flac
Released: 2005
Styles: Blues, soul
Art: Front

1. Rock Your World (3:41)
2. Kick the king Off the Throne (3:01)
3. Summertime (4:07)
4. Man Drawing Power (3:37)
5. Need More Baby (3:42)
6. Meet me with your Red Drawers On (4:16)
7. Loving you Rocks (3:43)
8. Unlucky Girl (4:16)
9. Cost of Love is Rising (3:36)
10. I can't be your Booty Call (3:39)

Mary Washington Brooks / Singer, Songwriter Mary Washington Brooks is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was a Nursing Administrator for over 20 years. She has been turning heads for a long time as a former model and singing the blues for more than thirty years. She was seen performing in a club by the president of Emerald Records Cliff Aires, and was flown out to Nashville, TN to record her first Album ” Best Seller”. Mary has recorded three independent CD’s since then , she wrote all the songs on her last CD ” Blues without Walls” which can be heard right now on Pandora music Radio and it’s being played world wide. Mavis Staples opened for her at Sunfest 2009 , She also performed for Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings re-election party in 2016. Just another female singer ” are words never used to describe the unbelievable vocal stylings of singer Mary Washington Brooks. Chancy Mabe of the sun sentinel once called her “a hidden treasure” . The Fort Lauderdale Showtime called her ” The Boss of the Blues” Mary performs Blues ,R&B, Soul, and some jazz standards in a sophisticated styled that leaves you wanting more and more. In the nineties Mary performed on Las olas Blvd in such top rated clubs as Galleria Givoni, Oharas, Mario’s East, Banyans and the French quarters. Mary and her band has more recently performed in Blue jean Blues( Fort Lauderdale) Kelly Brothers Irish pub ( Fort Lauderdale) The Blue Turtle in (Fort Myers), the Barrel Room in (Ft. Myers), The Center bar (For

Rock Your World FLAC

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Cooper Terry - Tribute to the Blues

Size: 305 MB
Time: 62:15
File: Flac
Released: 1992
Styles: Blues
Art: Full

1. is l.a. burning (2:57)
2. tribute to willie dixon (5:09)
3. my daddy (2:57)
4. mafia blues (3:27)
5. don't mess with my cookie (2:41)
6. crossroads (6:37)
7. kinda like wolf (6:02)
8. hiv blues (3:59)
9. milano bound (2:27)
10. it's stinky (3:14)
11. goin to rio (5:46)
12. 32-20 (2:38)
13. i'm evil (3:35)
14. ain't no justice (3:06)
15. raggety and dirty (4:31)
16. african soup bone (3:00)

Cooper was born in San Antonio but he grew up in San Francisco, where he started performing with musicians from the folk blues circuit such as John Lee Hooker and Sonny Terry. In 1972 he moved to Milan, where he recorded his first album, What I Think About America. Over the course of the 1970s, Cooper played a significant role in establishing the Italian blues scene, performing with artists such as Fabio Treves, Franco Cerri, Ronnie Jones (singer) and Carey Bell. In 1980 Cooper married vocalist Aida Castignola. Together they recorded the album Feelin' Good (1983). In 1991 Cooper formed the Nite Life Band with Lillo Rogati (bass), Marco Limido (guitar) and Davide Ravioli (drums). Together they recorded two albums, Stormy Desert (1991) and Tribute to the Blues (1992). Cooper returned to San Francisco in 1993 where he died following a short illness.

Tribute to the Blues FLAC

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Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated - R&B From The Marquee

Album: R&B From The Marquee
Size: 81,7 MB
Time: 35:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1962/2004
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. Gotta Move (2:32)
2. Rain Is Such A Lonesome Sound (2:53)
3. I Got My Brand On You (3:49)
4. Spooky But Nice (3:00)
5. Keep Your Hands Off (2:32)
6. I Wanna Put A Tiger In Your Tank (2:55)
7. I Got My Mojo Working (3:12)
8. Finkle's Cafe (2:47)
9. (I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man (3:05)
10. Downtown (3:01)
11. How Long Blues (3:02)
12. I Thought I Heard That Train Whistle Blow (2:20)

Its title notwithstanding, R&B from the Marquee was not a live album, nor was it cut at the Marquee: it was actually done at Decca Records' London studio, albeit in one long day's work and effectively live-in-the-studio. It was also the place where British blues began, at least as a recording proposition. Blues played by Britons had been part of the underground music scene since the mid-'50s, and Blues Incorporated had been a going concern in one form or another, initially guitarist Alexis Korner and harpist/singer Cyril Davies (actually, maybe the first two Britons to play blues); but by this time, the group also included Dick Heckstall-Smith (tenor sax, backing vocals), Keith Scott (piano), Spike Heatley (upright bass), and Graham Burbridge (drums), with Long John Baldry handling some lead vocals.

For this record, Big Jim Sullivan also sang backup, and Teddy Wadmore provides a key cameo appearance for the electric bass guitar (then a new and alien instrument in this music). The sound here is mostly out of late-'40s and early-'50s Chicago blues; in later years Blues Incorporated would embrace more diverse branches of the music in their performances and the outfit swings with a surprising degree of authenticity; they're somewhat stiffer than any actual Chicago outfit would be, but in England in 1962, this was as down-and-dirty as any homegrown outfit ever sounded.

Korner's guitar leads things off with his own "Gotta Move," an instrumental that showcases the whole outfit, including a bracing duet between Davies' harmonica and Heckstall-Smith's sax: they give each give plenty of space to work around the other, here and also on Davies' own "Spooky But Nice," and it's easy to see why the two got along so well despite Davies' well-known antipathy to reed instruments and horns. Blues Incorporated was at its peak during the time this album was done, with its best and most powerful lineup, and never stronger in the vocal department - Baldry has more flexibility, and is more a potential star (which he became) for his singing, while Davies is a pure, raw bluesman, with no concessions to pop music, and he sounds uncannily like Muddy Waters on "I Got My Brand on You."

And this band swings, but it also rocks. "I Wanna Put a Tiger in Your Tank" is a forceful blues workout for its time, and when Wadmore's electric bass shows up on "Got My Mojo Working," you can hear the first recorded manifestation of what would become blues-rock in the hands of Blues Incorporated member/acolytes the Rolling Stones and the Pretty Things. Spike Heatley gets the spotlight briefly on the instrumental "Down Town," and lest anyone think that Alexis Korner is only a supporting player in his own band, nothing could be farther from the truth: his guitar, acoustic and mostly unamplified, helps drive everything here, and "Finkle's Café" and "Hoochie Coochie Man," among other tracks, give him the spotlight. /Bruce Eder, AllMusic

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T.J. Fowler & His Band - Early Detroit R&B

Album: Early Detroit R&B
Size: 97,4 MB
Time: 41:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1989
Styles: R&B, jump blues
Art: LP front & back

1. T.J. Boogie (2:51)
2. What's The Matter Now (2:24)
3. Midnight Clipper (Pt. 1) (2:42)
4. Midnight Clipper (Pt. 2) (2:35)
5. Harmony Grits (2:40)
6. Red Hot Blues (2:28)
7. Hot Sauce (2:49)
8. Blue Lullaby (2:31)
9. Night Crawler (3:03)
10. Fowler's Boogie (2:10)
11. Back Biter (2:33)
12. Wine Cooler (2:21)
13. Camel Walk (2:24)
14. Gold Rush (2:29)
15. The Queen (2:46)
16. Tell Me What's The Matter (2:55)

Detroit pianist T.J. Fowler (that was his full name, the initials didn’t stand for anything) started his jump band in 1947. They backed Paul Williams in his early Savoy sessions, then recorded on their own account from 1948 onwards, firstly for Paradise, then for National and Sensation. In 1952-53 they recorded several sessions for Savoy, before moving to States at the end of 1953.

The music on this collection is arranged in chronological order, with the first 8 tracks being from National and Sensation sessions and the remaining tracks being from Savoy and States. The music is mostly instrumental R&B, moving from jump to early rock ‘n’ roll in some of the 1952-1953 tracks.

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B. Sharp - Here Comes The Blues Again

Album: Here Comes The Blues Again
Size: 175,4 MB
Time: 75:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1991
Styles: Blues
Art: Full

1. Colors Of Love (4:06)
2. Here Comes The Blues Again (4:37)
3. Nothing But Fine (Live) (3:30)
4. What's Going On (Live) (5:05)
5. Wild Eyed And Dangerous (Live) (4:54)
6. Just About Enough (Live) (5:34)
7. Ladies First (Live) (4:06)
8. She's Tuff (Live) (8:41)
9. She Does It Right (Live) (4:25)
10. Harp Breakdown (Live) (8:59)
11. Here Comes The Blues Again (Live) (8:09)
12. Losing Game (Live) (8:46)
13. Big Brown Eyes (4:52)

After being founded in 1979, B. Sharp quickly conquered all the clubs in and around Hamburg. With the release of their first LP in 1982 on the Line label, a series of tours through Germany began. The boys around Henry Heggen, the convincing frontman who sparked the audience from the very first moment, created a considerable fan base from Flensburg to Freiburg. With more than 200 performances a year, B. Sharp not only played their fingers sore, but at the same time in the hearts of many rhythm & blues friends, before the band recorded their 2nd LP in 1983 in Berlin, which was then saturated with German waves. Various TV appearances and radio broadcasts of their concerts carried the message of the toughest and at the same time most likeable rhythm & blues band in this country in all directions.

In April 1984, NDR recorded one of two sold-out concerts at the 'Fabrik' in Hamburg and broadcast it as a radio concert as part of 'Musik Für Junge People'. These recordings then slumbered in the NDR archive for almost 20 years, were then rediscovered by Günther Brackmann and, thanks to Lothar Liebetrau's wonderful commitment, were published in a small edition in 2003 after digital post-processing. In the late summer of 1984, B. Sharp made a change of drummer. From now until the end of the band, Roy Dyke played the drums. The first recordings with Roy Dyke were for the single 'Christmas', an adaptation of the old Phil Spector track 'Baby, Please Come Home'. The back of this single featured B. Sharp's proprietary track 'Alone Tonight'.

In May '91, the band recorded one of their concerts in the sold-out Fabrik/Hamburg to meet the wishes of many fans who were longingly waiting for a live recording. The result was a live CD, which, like the previous recordings, once again showed that B.SHARP was not only able to interpret cover versions excellently, but was also able to extract a modern originality from R&B through their own song material.

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Junior Watson - Live From Outer Space

Size: 154.6 MB
Time: 66:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Electric Blues, Jumping Blues
Art: Full

01. Junior's Bounce (8:27)
02. That's What You Do To Me (3:45)
03. Lonesome Old Feeling (6:17)
04. Special Lesson No. 1 (7:14)
05. The Girl With Emphysema (2:04)
06. If I Had A Genie (4:26)
07. Blues After Hours (7:39)
08. The Pleasure Is All Mine (4:53)
09. Chicago Cha Cha (3:38)
10. Spring Roll (3:13)
11. Wolf Pack (4:29)
12. House Party (4:42)
13. Certainly All (5:27)

Junior Watson’s Live from Outer Space is the third release on the Bluebeat Music label out of Santa Cruz, CA. The album was recorded live at the 2007 Torre Alfina Blues Festival.

Despite playing the role of perennial sideman, often in fine bands that left much to be desired in the visibility department, Mike "Junior" Watson was, and is, one of the most influential blues guitarists of his generation. In fact, following Robben Ford's defection into fusion, Watson was rivaled only by Hollywood Fats as king of the hill in California, and by Jimmie Vaughan anywhere else. While he and Vaughan have radically different approaches, Watson's arch-top-cheapo-through-reverb-tank sound has much in common with Hollywood Fats', as does his ability to nail seemingly every traditional electric blues style. But whereas Fats was a master of mimicry, Watson had a spontaneous, original bent laced with his oddball sense of humor. After starting out with harpist Gary Smith in northern California in the early '70s, he teamed with Rod Piazza's Mighty Flyers (née Flying Sauce Band) for 11 years, where he was instrumental in injecting the Chicago-styled blues band (and countless others in its wake) with ample doses of swing, culling licks from guitarists Bill Jennings, Tiny Grimes, and Billy Butler. Along the way he gigged with Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Rogers, Luther Tucker, and others, eventually joining the '80s edition of Canned Heat, with whom he continued to tour until the late '90s. ~Dan Forte

Live From Outer Space MP3
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Tomislav Goluban - 20 Years On The Road

Size: 120.3 MB
Time: 51:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock, Harmonica Blues
Art: Full

01. Express Ride (Feat. Tobacco Road Blues Band) (2:51)
02. Blow Junkie Boogie (3:37)
03. Searchin' For My Baby (4:44)
04. Party Time Blues (Feat. Mark Cameron) (2:27)
05. Electric Lights (Feat. Malaya Blue) (2:57)
06. No Means No (Feat. Ryan Donohue) (3:32)
07. Hittin' The Road Again (Feat. Kelly Zirbes) (2:43)
08. Disappear For Good (Feat. Gregg Martinez) (4:44)
09. Speedin' Train (Feat. Teresa James) (4:02)
10. I Can't Take It Anymore (Feat. Crooked Eye Tommy) (5:45)
11. Forhill's Boogie (Feat. Skylar Rogers) (3:25)
12. Gambler's Blues (Feat. Mark Cameron) (4:20)
13. Everyday's Fear (Feat. Kelly Zirbes) (3:43)
14. I Love You Baby (2:38)

One of the treasured benefits of traveling the world playing music is that you accumulate a wide circle of friends, like minded souls and collaborators on your journey. Croatian blues singer, songwriter and harmonica player, band leader, blues educator, radio DJ, festival organizer and recording artist, the inexhaustible Tomislav (Tomi) Goluban celebrates his two decades as a performer by bringing some of those friends together for his 14 th studio album, 20 Years On The Road.

The music was recorded live in the studio using three different sets of musicians in Croatia and Austria along with eight international guest vocalists contributing to the originals from Goluban’s catalog, plus a new instrumental, one beloved cover and Goluban’s theme song. "This is my 'best of' album after 20 years in the business. I'm so pleased to have such tremendous guest singers, mainly from my Blue Heart/Nola Blue/Blind Raccoon family, with whom I've collaborated the last few years," says Goluban.

The Tobacco Road Blues Band steps up to help Goluban kick off the party with a ripping instrumental “Express Ride,” featuring the dual guitar attack from Peter Prammerdorfer and Mike Diwald that bolsters Tomi’s heavy duty blues harmonica wail. Goluban confesses his addiction to the blues on the lighthearted “Blow Junkie Boogie,” revisiting the title track of his sixth album and unofficial theme song. Naturally, he picked Chicago Blues scion, Skylar Rogers, to trade call and response choruses with him on the he-done-me-wrong blues “Searchin’ For My Baby,” from his Chicago Rambler album. Charismatic frontman and soulful guitarist, Mark Cameron, beckons us to the dance floor in “Party Time Blues,” from the Memphis Light album that features great slide guitar from Hrvoje Funda. British vocalist, Malaya Blue, demonstrates her range on the contemplative Delta Blues highbred “Electric Lights,” on which Goluban credits Robert Johnson with a portion of the lyrics.

The velvet baritone of Ryan Donohue tells the tale of a man trying to avoid trouble on the western swing number, “No Means No,” with a big band arrangement. Southern California singer songwriter Kelly Zirbes and Goluban picked up right where they left off on his last album collaborating on two more songs for this project; first the easy-going celebration of the vagabond life “Hittin’ The Road Again,” and then later in the album the politically charged plea for peace “Everyday’s Fear.” Swamp pop king Gregg “Mac Daddy” Martinez tantalizes with his smooth tenor on the slinky rhumba “Disappear For Good,” another great song from the Memphis Light album.

The Lone Star state lilt of the great Teresa James was a perfect choice to revamp “Speedin’ Train,” by adding more fuel to the furnace of the fast-moving train beat blues. Crooked Eye Tommy throws down whiskey-soaked vocals on the snappy double shuffle “I Can't Take It Anymore.” Rogers returns for the sweet remake of the swinging jump blues anthem “Forhill’s Boogie,” written for the Zagorje Blues Ethno Festival Goluban co-founded in 2014. Cameron also comes back to revamp the first single from 2016’s Blow Junkie album, “Gambler’s Blues,” with a little more muscle. Goluban and the Tobacco Road Blues Band close out the set running down a joyful rendition of “I Love You Baby,” from Sonny Terry, paying tribute to one of his early heroes and inspirations to become a harmonica wielding blues man.

Revisiting some of his favorite songs with new and old friends highlights Goluban’s many talents and confirms his mantra of "think globally - act locally.” ~Rick J Bowen

20 Years On The Road MP3
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Kira Mac - Chaos Is Calling

Size: 84.1 MB
Time: 35:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. One Way Ticket (3:40)
02. Hit Me Again (3:33)
03. Chaos Is Calling (3:21)
04. Back For More (3:55)
05. Imagine What We Could've Been (2:57)
06. Mississippi Swingin' (3:26)
07. Hellfire & Holy Water (4:00)
08. Downfall (3:50)
09. Never Going To Stay (3:20)
10. Dead Man Walking (3:47)

This British Blues Rock band take their name from their statuesque and beautiful frontwoman and lead singer, Kira Mac (a.k.a. Rhiannon Hill) who not only dominates with her husky, soulful voice but also demands attention on stage as possibly one of the tallest women in rock! Their ten track debut album is already receiving a lot of airplay and attention ahead of its release.

The first track, and also first single from the album is `One Way Ticket’. Here, hard hitting crunchy guitars courtesy of Alex Novakovic, groove along with Mac’s smouldering vocal.

Hit Me Again’ with its distorted vocal tone and gloriously heavy, grungy melodic riffs make this track a sure-fire winner that gets under your skin and makes you want to bang your head.

The title track `Chaos Is Calling’, which kicks off with a phone sound clip, has a modern metal edge and takes no prisoners as Mac delivers the song hook and forces the listener into aural submission with a smile on their face.

Back For More’ slows the pace slightly as this Blues rocker snakes along with Mac’s powerhouse voice reigning supreme over the sweet backing vocals and singing guitar parts, briefly breaking down from some handclapping before launching back into the stratosphere.

`Imagine What We Could’ve Been’ has a great fuzzy, deep bass backbone that keeps things locked in tight as the now characteristic drawl of Mac’s voice raps out the lyrics.

Mississippi Swinging’ bares all the hallmarks of a song of a title like that, lyrics about Whiskey, the devil, and freeway driving to New Orleans punctuate an intense southern rock rhythm filled with screaming guitars and a memorable lick that is sure to become an earworm.

`Hell Fire Holy Water’ pounds another infectious riff as more melodies and catchy chorus lines guarantees the success of this track. Heavy power chords ring out as the start of `Downfall’ is announced.

This is a monster of a song that sees the whole band running at full tilt as Mac digs deep to add passion, intensity and attitude her vocal.

`Never Going To Stay’ brings in a lighter, country rock/pop edge as the guitars are smoothed down and harmonies abound. Mac’s vocal here is truly stunning on a track that is perhaps one of the most commercial sounding on the album.

Dead Man Walking’ sees Max Rhead’s drums leading the way as this lead booted, opus smashes its way along. Novakovic’s guitar licks are iron filled demons coming the depths of hell here and underpin Mac’s massive vocal delivery.

Having seen and met Kira Mac at Steelhouse before reviewing this album, I knew what affect the band had on the crowd live. I also know just how tall she is as at 6ft3 myself, I felt small for once! What I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer amount of talent and musicianship found on every track here.

Rhiannon Hill’s voice has elements of Elles Bailey, Samantha Fish and even a little Cher in there. Quite frankly that is one hell of an amazing voice! Surrounded by a set of musicians that clearly are comfortable with each other, I’m hearing flavours of Kris Barras and Jon Bonamassa throughout but with added grit. The product that they have collectively created is sublime.

This is on of my highlights of 2022. Roll on Cornwall Rocks! ~Paul Sabin

Chaos Is Calling MP3
Chaos Is Calling FLAC

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Tab Benoit With Louisiana's Leroux - Power Of The Pontchartrain

Size: 123.3 MB
Time: 52:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Electric Blues, Swamp Blues
Art: Full

01. Don't Make No Sense (4:23)
02. Good To Ya, Baby (4:43)
03. Shelter Me (5:07)
04. Power Of The Pontchartrain (6:07)
05. For What It's Worth (5:19)
06. Midnight And Lonesome (5:06)
07. Sac-Au-Lait Fishing (3:56)
08. Somebody's Got To Go (4:20)
09. I'm Guiltyy Of Lovin' You (4:18)
10. Addicted (5:00)
11. One Foot In The Bayou (4:21)

Louisiana journeyman swamp rocker Tab Benoit has been churning out an album a year since at least 2002, and between them he stays on the road playing every festival, club, and bar that'll have him. It would seem inevitable that the quality of these studio recordings would decline. But, at least as of 2007's Power of the Pontchartrain, that isn't the case. If anything, this might be the best of a very good lot, as Benoit again teams with Louisiana's Le Roux group (who once backed legend Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and helped on Benoit's previous release) for another 52-minute wade through muggy yet taut bayou blues. Part of the reason Benoit's recent albums are so strong is that he doesn't insist on playing original material, instead cherry-picking nuggets rearranged to suit his approach. This works particularly well here since he unearths terrific, often obscure material from writers such as Julie Miller (two tracks), David Egan (two others), and even Stephen Stills (a not entirely necessary "For What It's Worth"). Everything gets run through his deep Southern groove, ultimately sounding like Tab Benoit songs, or at least tunes written with him in mind. Benoit abandons the country twang he successfully experimented with on 2006's Brother to the Blues, digging deeper into straight blues (Lonnie Johnson's "Somebody's Got to Go"), Cajun ("Sac-au-Lait Fishing," Benoit's only original here), and the deep soul ballads ("I'm Guilty of Lovin' You") he has typically included on every album. His whiskey- soaked vocals bring warmth and passion to the songs and when he lets loose on that beat-up Telecaster on the title track, the Buffalo Springfield tune, and "Addicted," he shows another side of his talents. The band stays in the pocket throughout, freeing Benoit to concentrate on singing and playing, with the result that Power of the Pontchartrain is not just another strong entry in Tab Benoit's increasingly thick catalog, but also one of his most defining albums. ~Review by Hal Horowitz

Power Of The Pontchartrain MP3
Power Of The Pontchartrain FLAC

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