Martha High & Shaolin Temple Defenders - W.O.M.A.N (2008)

                                                                      Martha High
 Born in Victoria, Virginia, Martha Harvin was a long time vocalist with James Brown who has toured with Lyn Collins, Vicki Anderson, and Marva Whitney as a member of the Original Funky Divas. She began her career in Washington, D.C. and attended the same High School as several other of the Soul fraternity including the Four Jewels and Margie Clarke. She was discovered by The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, at the age of 18 in the mid-1960s while singing with The Four Jewels at the world famous Apollo Theater in New York. They later become The Jewels after Mr. Brown invited them to join him on the road with the James Brown Revue. After the Four Jewels disbanded in the sixties, Martha Harvin was later renamed Martha High by Mr. Brown who also crowned her The Goddess of Soul. She performed with Mr. Brown for 32 years and has the distinction of having worked with him longer than any other singer.

When Martha High sang the high note during the intro of James Brown’s The Payback, she wrote her name indelibly into the pages of Funk and Soul history, much like Merry Clayton's cry “It’s just a shot away!” on the Rolling Stones’ song, Gimme Shelter, wrote her name into the pages of Rock and Roll history. She left James Brown's entourage in 1995 to tour with Maceo Parker.

Amid her success with Mr. Brown, she has joined other legendary artists on stage including Michael Jackson, Bo Diddley, and BB King. She was featured in The Blues Brothers film and the television series, New York Undercover. She performed for audiences around the world in addition to giving special guest performances on over 50 television series featuring world renown hosts like Johnny Carson, Don Cornelius (Soul Train), Jay Leno, David Letterman, Arsenio Hall, Jerry Springer, and Jonathan Ross.

After working with Maceo Parker and his band for 16 years, she has become a highly sought-after performer and currently enjoys a successful solo career. She’s also one of the best live performers in the business and has taken the stage at the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Indianapolis Jazz Festival, and many other live events throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Today, Martha High is an internationally acclaimed performer, author, vocal instructor, radio talk show host, and artist.

320 kbps
127 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. Introducing The Diva 03:20
02. W.O.M.A.N. 07:23
03. Gotta Have A Job (You Don't Work, You Can't Eat) 04:55
04. Crumbs Off The Table 04:55
05. I'd Rather Go Blind 11:33
06. Think 03:24
07. Summertime 12:34
08. Clean Up Woman 04:34
09. I'm A Good Woman 06:05

James Ibold and the Imposters - In The Third Degree (1996)

                                                                     James Ibold
 US blues singer and guitarist who played with pianist Big Joe" Duskin.

128 kbps
113 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. One Take Back 03:52
02. In The Third Degree 06:07
03. She's Ah Back-Stabber 03:58
04. The End of My Rope 06:51
05. Baby, Please Come Home 05:11
06. Call it Stormy Monday 05:05
07. A-Leslie for Lonnie 04:37
08. Lady, My Lady 04:23
09. Walking on a Tight-Rope 05:02
10. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 05:01

West Side Joe & The Men of Soul - Keep On Climbin' (2021)

                                                                   West Side Joe
 Frontman, guitarist and songwriter Joe Schicke had a long history as a sideman in Memphis, but is now based in Colorado and this is the debut release from his new band. West Side Joe & The Men Of Soul is a trio, with Taylor Tesler on bass and Steve Amedee on drums, but the sound is far greater than that as keys appear on most tracks and horns are added to four. The guest musicians include John Magnie, Al Gamble and Brian Keller on keys, Al Chesis on harp, Lionel Young and Vi Wickam on violin, Russick Smith on cello and a three person horn section, Phuong Nguyen on sax, Greta Cornett on trumpet and John Giordanengo on trombone; Saja Butler is on vocals on three tracks and adds banjo to another, Bevin Luna adds vocals to three and Stella Schicke sings on one cut.

The music ranges widely, the first four tracks showing the versatility of the band. The title track “Keep On Climbin’” bounces along with gospel harmonies and excellent slide guitar as Joe sets out his positive attitude to life; “Vacate My Heart” is a full-tilt rocker with thrilling guitar work over a busy first appearance from the horn section who stay on board for “Found You”, a Memphis soul tune in which Joe pays tribute to the love of his life, whilst “Easier Than You Think” is R&B with a strong bass line. Saja Butler takes the lead vocals on “Come Thru”, leaving Joe to play some delicate guitar fills and “Man Down” builds into a statement of female empowerment aided by the female vocalists who tear it up on the outro. On “Raindrop Don’t Care” it’s Stella Schicke on lead, a ballad with more fine accompaniment on guitar and keys. The attractive ballad “Give Love For Free” has fine horns (particularly the trombone) and an engaging guitar solo, the whole having something of a Tedeschi-Trucks feel to these ears.

After that run of gentler tracks we get right back to the blues with “Colorado Mama”, the classic Elmore James slide riff present and correct and harmonica further upping the blues quotient on a tribute to the person who brought Joe to his adopted state. Joe’s short, semi-acoustic, country-tinged “I Got A Letter” precedes the rolling Rn’B of “When You Get The Chance” which has a New Orleans feel from the horns and Joe’s Earl King style guitar work. The album closes with a classic slow blues in “I Can’t Lose”, six minutes long and plenty of space for Joe’s stylish guitar work, this time more in a BB King style.

This is a very impressive debut album, good songs, well produced and plenty of variety to enjoy, so no surprise that it is one of the nominations for New Artist Debut in this year’s Blues Blast Music Awards. Definitely one to look out for!

320 kbps
111 Megabytes

Credits:

Taylor Tesler (American Idol's Casey Abrams) - Bass, Vocals 
"West Side" Joe Schicke - Guitar Vocals
Steve Amedee - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Taylor Tesler - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals

Tracklist:

01. Keep On Climbin' 04:26
02. Vacate My Heart 03:18
03. Found You 03:52
04. Come Thru 04:09
05. Easier Than You Think 03:56
06. Man Down 04:29
07. Raindrop Don't Care 04:19
08. Give Love For Free 04:13
09. Colorado Mama 03:37
10. I Got A Letter 02:32
11. When You Get The Chance 03:53
12. I Can't Lose 06:08

Fatih Kesimal - Studio Sessions (2023)

                                                                   Fatih Kesimal
 Fatih Kesimal is a Turkish blues rock guitarist.

320 kbps
93 Megabytes

Tracklist:
 
01. Bringing It Back (Live in Studio) 07:40
02. Caz Aski - Take 1 (Live in Studio) 03:01
03. Taksiciye Dayilandim (Live in Studio) 07:32
04. Hollywood Lights (Live in Studio) 05:17
05. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Live in Studio) 03:42
06. Caz Aski - Take 2 (Live in Studio) 02:58
07. Let Her Fade (Live in Studio) 10:21

Noah Kesselman - Come My Way! (2021)

Noah Kesselman

 Noah Kesselman is a Nashville based Blues, Rock, and Soul guitarist and singer songwriter.  His smooth, but grainy voice perfectly compliments his aggressive approach to the guitar.  Born and raised in Hamden Connecticut, he was exposed to many of the greats like, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix.  Over the past few years, Noah Kesselman has attended Berklee College of Music and will be releasing his Debut album “Come My Way” in January, 2021.

320 kbps
78 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. Bluebird 03:38
02. In This Life 03:54
03. I Can't Take It 03:21
04. Emily 03:51
05. Breakin' My Heart 04:48
06. Come My Way! 04:05
07. Give Me One Reason 05:21
08. All I Need 05:16

Justin Lavash Trio - E Train (2022)

                                                                  Justin Lavash Trio
 "Justin Lavash is a searingly powerful performer. All raw nerve, sinew, and soulful fire!
His flinty poetic lyrics are full of insight and biting wit. His is the unflinching eye that watches the controlling hypocrites amidst the roiling cauldron of hell on Earth and reports back to the proletariat in order to wake them from their opiated dream. His guitar playing harkens back to the first wave of hallowed bluesmen as he passionately thrashes the instrument, deconstructing the twelve bar form until it is transformed into something stark and other.
Now backed by a highly accomplished band, his music has evolved once again. Prepare to be slayed!" David J

320 kbps
110 Megabytes

Credits:

Roman Lomtadze - Drums  
Robert Vašícek - Keys  
Justin Lavash - Guitar, Vocals  

Tracklist:

01. Brick By Brick 02:52
02. Easy Train 03:51
03. Fox and Hounds 04:23
04. Avalanche 05:17
05. Blow out the Candle 05:38
06. Dirty Money 04:48
07. Harder and Harder 04:48
08. Groove Total (2021) 03:37
09. Lock me Down 03:23
10. Slide 04:42
11. Animal 04:28

Don P. & The Blue Jags - Texas Blues (2008)

                                                            Don P. & The Blue Jags
 A straw hat, sunglasses and the Fender Telecaster are the trademarks of the Lucerne guitarist, singer and songwriter Don P. He plays a virtuosic and melodic blues rock guitar with references to driving Texas blues and English blues rock. His powerful songs make every live show an intense experience!
Don P. writes varied, emotionally charged songs. The sound is energetic, intense and played with great passion. The common thread of his blues-rock guitar plays across the repertoire and immediately gets under your skin.
DON P. & THE BLUE JAGS delivers a rousing show with pure enthusiasm that gets you going and always surprises with well-arranged songs.
The DON P. & THE BLUE JAGS sound has a great recognition value and definitely claims a place in modern, contemporary blues rock. The independent, fresh songwriting with elements of rock, funk, jazz, soul or blues inspires.

320 kbps
55 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. Pride And Joy 04:02
02. Palace Of The King 03:47
03. Mary Had A Little Lamb 04:04
04. Empty Arms 04:29
05. You Upset Me Baby 03:35
06. Left Overs 03:09
07. Love Struck Baby 02:23

James Ibold's Imposters And The Bold Face Horns – James Ibold's Imposters And The Bold Face Horns (1992)

                                                                   James Ibold
 US blues singer and guitarist who played with pianist Big Joe" Duskin.

128 kbps
107 Megabytes


Credits:

Mike Bany - Bass   
Phil Neighbors - Drums   
James Ibold - Guitar, Vocals  
Cincinnati Slim - Harmonica   
Rick Bankemper - Piano  
Doug Quadrano - Tenor Saxophone  
Bill Gwynne - Trombone 
Richard 'Rush' Griffith - Trumpet   

Tracklist:

01. Ibold Frottement de Pieds A la Ville de Fleuve 03:54
02. Smokin' Bridge 04:30
03. Rule Of Thumb 04:18
04. Halfway 03:54
05. Election Day 04:15
06. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood 03:20
07. Off The Cuff Blues 06:20
08. Tornado Drunk 05:20
09. Roses In The Morning Dew 05:00
10. It's Goin' To Come Back On You 03:20

JB5 - Blues and Beyond (2023)

                                                                           JB5
 The blues band JB5 offers us an album made up of several classics.

320 kbps
149 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. Stormy Monday Blues 06:10
02. The Thrill Is Gone 05:25
03. Come Together 03:35
04. Black Magic Woman 05:54
05. Hound Dog 03:54
06. On Broadway 05:02
07. Red House 05:37
08. Kansas City 04:05
09. Ain't No Sunshine 04:38
10. Moondance 05:34
11. Honky Tonk Woman 04:56
12. What's Going On 05:17
13. Georgia On My Mind 05:21

Emanuel Casablanca - It's Getting Strange (EP) (2019)

                                                               Emanuel Casablanca
 With this debut album 'Blood On My Hands', Emanuel Casablanca, who comes from Brooklyn, NY, immediately comes into the spotlight. It is the successor to the EP 'It's Getting Strange' from 2019. Kevin Jenkins, the bassist of blues singer Shemekia Copeland, became his mentor. Emanuel began writing songs, and a chance meeting with Rolling Stone Ron Wood in his Soho studio led to an invitation to attend a Bernard Fowler concert. Meeting Fowler's manager broadened his musical horizons. He soon found himself in the company of Eric Gales, Doug Wimbish and other professional musicians who were among the leading lights of New York City's thriving music community. Emanuel's reputation grew rapidly, both in New York and in West Germany, where he spent a lot of time with his family. Casablanca is a talented singer-songwriter/instrumentalist who is now promoting an expressive set of sixteen songs. In addition to drummer Theodore Augustin and bassist Maximillian Sebastian, Emanuel gathered an exceptional cast of artists around him, including guitar greats Eric Gales, Paul Gilbert, Albert Castiglia, saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter and singer Kat Riggins. The blues-rocking title track is a reflection of an exciting time and place in his life. The song material varies from penetrating sounds and modifications. 'In Blood' has a soul vibe that originated in the Delta blues and songs like 'Shaky Tables', 'Afraid of Blood', 'Testify' and the melancholy 'Devil's Blood' diverge with compelling blues tracks like 'Bloodshot Eyes' and ' Annabel'. Just like the acoustic ballad 'Like A Pulse' is about the love for his girlfriend Natalija. The release has the rhythm and syncopation that evokes nostalgia for that classic soul-blues rock sound. Good looking! Philip Verhaege

320 kbps
46 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. It's Getting Strange 04:36
02. I Can See It In Your Eyes 02:54
03. Woman Made Of Gold 04:40
04. Signs Of Love 04:40
05. Give Me Peace 03:18

Gabe Morales & Friends - Gabe Morales & Friends (2014)

                                                                    Gabe Morales
 Gabriel Morales is a guitarist, vocalist, composer, and producer based in New York, NY.

As an instrumentalist, Gabriel has performed and recorded with numerous internationally acclaimed musicians and bands such as Snarky Puppy, Michael League, Kassa Overall, Cory Henry, Ben Williams, Lil’ John Roberts (George Benson, Janet Jackson), Robert “Sput” Searight, Jamey Haddad, Jay Ashby, Lucy Woodward, Carla Canales, Becca Stevens, Nathan Schram, The Jamie McLean Band, Banda Magda, Darrell Scott, Matt Schofield, and Arun Ramamurthy, among others. 

Given influences ranging from blues and rock to jazz and contemporary composition to Latin-American folk, the music Gabriel creates as a solo artist rejects strict categorization. His writing is rooted in the blues, while exploring a wider harmonic and rhythmic palette paired with modern songwriting sensibilities. Going in hand with these aesthetic choices, his lyrics convey themes of identity, change, and perception.

Gabriel has performed at venues ranging from the Jefferson Center and the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia to Rockwood Music Hall in New York, NY to Finney Chapel in Oberlin, Ohio. He has also opened for artists such as Robert Cray and The Wooten Brothers.

In 2023, Gabriel worked as an instrumentalist with artists such as Butterfly Black (Ben Williams, Syndee Winters, along with BIGYUKI and Jharis Yokley), Kassa Overall, and SIRINTIP.

128 kbps
64 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. You Walked Out That Door (feat. Jamie McLean Band) 04:18
02. Long Road (feat. Jamie McLean Band) 03:36
03. Born Under A Bad Sign (feat. Fat Daddy Band) 07:04
04. Crazy 'Bout a Woman (feat. Fat Daddy Band) 03:36
05. As Sweet As Can Be (feat. Talk Is Cheap) 04:09
06. Walking To Nowhere 03:31
07. Goin' Down 03:46

Sarah & The Tall Boys - A Lifetime Worth Of Sin (2010)

                                                               Sarah & The Tall Boys
 In 2008, Sarah Potenza & The Tall Boys released their debut album, "Shiny & New", a powerful collection of original songs that drew attention from venues and festival producers nationwide. Within that year, the band was performing at festivals and sharing bills with acts like Joss Stone, Bonnie Raitt and the legendary Stevie Wonder. In 2010, the group released its second full-length album, "A Lifetime Worth of Sin". A collection of Americana music, derived from blues, bluegrass, and alternative-country, all songs were written and produced by Sarah and the band, with the exception of one cover of Lucinda Williams. This CD features a talented list of notable guest musicians from such groups as The Hen House Prowlers, The Hoyle Brothers, and The Congregation. To capture a warmer and more authentic sound, the entire album was recorded on two inch analogue tape with a Studer track tape machine at StrobeRecording Studio in Humbolt Park, Chicago. Since the release of "A Lifetime Worth of Sin", the album has reached #17 on the Freeform American Roots Radio Charts. Sarah & The Tall Boys have been touring nationally, playing an average of over 200 shows a year. Nate Dow of the Boston Herald, remarks, "It has been said that Lucinda Williams can blow the chrome off her streamline trailer. If that's true, Potenza can blow the trailer right out of the lot." Sarah Potenza & The Tall Boys have played both for inmates at both the Cook Country Department of Corrections and make multiple appearances at large, national outdoor festivals and venues. "Had Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Cash Shared DNA, the results would produce Sarah Potenza" - Kansas City Blues Society cure your country blues.

228 kbps
110 Megabytes

Credits:

Ben Wright – Banjo   
Jay St. Germain – Baritone Saxophone   
Bryan Sansom – Drums, Percussion   
Ian Crossman – Electric Bass, Double Bass   
Ryan Hinshaw – Fiddle   
Ryan Suzuka – Harmonica   
Monica Del Castillo – Harmony Vocals   
Dan Allen – Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Harmony Vocals   
Sarah Potenza – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar   
Gabriel Stutz – Pedal Steel Guitar   
Paul Rau – Piano, Organ   
Brian Crane – Trombone   
Nick Nottoli – Trumpet   
Trevor McSpadden – Vocals (tracks: 12)

Tracklist:

01. Put On That Record 03:40
02. Texas 05:11
03. Impossible Love 04:40
04. My Last Two Dollars 03:04
05. Sharp Cutting Wings 04:11
06. Everybody's Somebody 03:25
07. The Answer 04:01
08. Most Days 04:53
09. Jonesin For Little Rhody 03:54
10. Don't Make Your Heart Easy To Break 03:42
11. Get Liquored Up With Me 03:59
12. Big Ol' Crazy World 03:50

Carlos Segarra - Segarra Inn Blues (2022)

                                                                   Carlos Segarra
 Our restless (to put it in a kind way) friend Carlos Segarra, in view of the musical poverty that surrounds us lately, has decided to recover his parallel group to Rebeldes “Segarra Inn Blues”.

During the early seventies Carlos grew up listening to blues rock, glam rock and a lot of songs (yes... songs!!) that marked his life.

The Barcelona stations woke him up in the mornings with Suzie Quatro, T.Rex, The Doors, C.C.R (for you the creedence), Van Morrison, Eric Burdon etc...

There he collected the first baggage for a long journey. And later, before “the happy eighties”, Dr.Feelgood, Mink de Ville, J.Geils Band or George Thorogood among other classics such as B.B.King, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry or John Lee Hooker did the rest.

After having enjoyed solvent festivals such as Cazorla, Puente Genil, Ondarribia, Béjar, Rock n Blues de Don Benito (Badajoz) among others and after 5 years with this project parked in the garage, together with Jesús Martínez Girona on drums and Jero Martínez Abarca on bass and double bass, have developed a locomotive of rhythm and Blues.

With a repertoire that combines old Rebeldes songs in the blues style, adaptations of classics of the genre in Spanish and a few good versions in their original language, you can have a very good night if you go to the “Hotel Segarra”

320 kbps
105 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. I’m Talking About You 02:31 
02. Dimpless 02:36 
03. Eso Es Blues (Y No Lo Que Cantas Tú) 03:40 
04. Six Days on the Road 03:33 
05. Gangster of Love 03:10 
06. Room to Move 02:31 
07. Matchbox 02:39 
08. Un Viejo Blues 03:52 
09. Tell Mama 03:01 
10. Shame Shame Shame 03:50 
11. El Rey de los Bolos 04:33 
12. Madison Blues 02:57 
13. El Club del Motor 03:24 
14. You Gotta Move 03:37 

Miguel Montalban And The Southern Vultures - Live in Birmingham (2023)

                                                                   Miguel Montalban
 There are good guitar players and there are those who stop you in your tracks; listening to new album Live in Birmingham will leave you in no doubt as to which camp Miguel Montalban falls into. An ideal introduction to a guitarist who offers more than just incredible virtuosity, this sprawling live album is surprisingly accessible. Admittedly, if lengthy instrumentals and extended guitar solos make you recoil, you’ll need a little more convincing, so allow me to do my best. 

Take the aptly named ‘Electrifying’; Montalban’s playing is so expressive, so melodic, you might almost forget you’re listening to a 10-minute instrumental. Bruno Pint’s pulsing bass underpins a solid riff interspersed with memorable guitar motifs that develop, change and grow. There’s a wonderful moment around the six-minute mark, a change of pace that surprises in the best possible way. It’s epic stuff, and does plenty to justify Miguel’s status as ‘one of the greatest young guitarists around’ (just ask Zakk Wylde!). 


If you need some vocals and a singalong chorus, ‘Wander’ has you covered. Released as the debut single by the band, the funky riff and insistent groove will have you hooked. But these Southern Vultures are anything but predictable, and even the more concise tracks have a tendency towards the progressive; ‘Wander’ temporarily drops away to something more delicate, restrained, before that riff returns to thrill once again. If you prefer your rock a little more direct, ‘Go Off the Rails’ is as close as it gets, upbeat and enjoyable, the infectious sound of a band having a good time. ‘Let’s Try’ is another belter, there’s a real sense of drama in the choruses that seemingly rise with increasing intensity. 


A cover of ‘Tobacco Road’ leads the set into harder, bluesier territory, where it remains through the Southern Vultures own ‘True Lies’ and ‘Last Chance’; the latter conjuring the spirit of Gary Moore with wailing guitar punctuating Montalban’s vocal laments. Though, like perhaps not the strongest singer, Chilean born Miguel has a unique character to his voice and the passion in his delivery is evident. He is warm and likeable in his interactions with the audience and even attempts a bit of call and response during ‘Baby That’s Alright’. This track also provides an opportunity for each of the Southern Vultures to take the spotlight; Credit to drummer Edoardo Marriotti, bassist Bruno Pint and rhythm guitarist Marc Hayward who provide the foundations that allow Montalban’s guitar mastery to really soar. 


The Hendrix comparison is an obvious one to make, but Montalban is clearly happy to embrace it, featuring a cover of ‘Hey Joe’ in this live set. The track, while never light in subject matter, seems somehow darker still, the menacing introduction leading into an extensive version of this much-loved classic. The mood continues into Disorder, an aggressive yet atmospheric rocker that serves as the grand finale, again taking the listener on a journey which rises and falls but is never anything less than exciting. 


It’s wonderful to hear Miguel Montalban and the Southern Vultures taking flight, finding confidence in their own material and putting on a show that sounds like a whole lot of fun. Show your support by checking out this album and be sure to catch them at Maid of Stone Festival this summer, where they headline the Maiden stage. 

320 kbps
240 Megabytes

Tracklist:

01. Intro (Live in Birmingham) 01:25
02. Wander (Live in Birmingham) 05:23
03. Electrifying (Slight Return) (Live in Birmingham) 10:27
04. Go Off The Rails (Live in Birmingham) 04:48
05. Tobacco Road (Live in Birmingham) 04:48
06. True Lies (Live in Birmingham) 05:09
07. Last Chance (Live in Birmingham) 07:47
08. The House (Live in Birmingham) 05:17
09. Let's Try (Live in Birmingham) 07:48
10. Baby That's Alright (Live in Birmingham) 15:02
11. Awaken (Live in Birmingham) 02:52
12. Fell in Love (Live in Birmingham) 07:36
13. Hey Joe (Live in Birmingham) 13:02
14. Disorder (Live in Birmingham) 13:37

Big James & The Chicago Playboys - The Big Payback (2012) reposted

                                                                      Big James
 Big James and the Chicago Playboys‘ album The Big Payback, due out tomorrow through the prolific Blind Pig label is a full helping of horn-driven funk and blues. “I been around the world… goin’ from town to town singin’ these funky blues and I love it!” bellows Big James on the first track, live from Paris, France. The band is tight, the music is hot, and the horns are heavy.

The band boldly titles the album after a James Brown track, “The Big Payback”, which makes a statement about the strength of the band’s funk abilities. Fortunately, the title track doesn’t disappoint as the Playboys dish out a serious helping of funk. “All Your Love”, a track pend and made famous by the late, great Magic Sam, is a great Chicago shuffle, and Big James’ vocals are wonderfully suited to the track. “Low Down Dirty Blues” is one of two original songs penned by James. “Dirty Blues” lays down the blues as only a Chicago band can. The end track, an instrumental cover of “Smoke on the Water” was a bit of a shock in the soul, blues, and funk-driven record. The band quickly owns it as Mike “Money” Wheeler’s stinging guitar, followed by the powering horn section. It was a fitting chance for the band to have some fun and give a two and a half minute showcase, though it was in slightly odd company with the rest of the tracks. However, the way the crowd exploded when they played the first seven notes might speak otherwise.

Overall, this album is a great an energetic performance, showing the well-honed band’s skills and bringing a unique blend of fine entertaining music. The Chicago Playboys are a horn-based, soul-driven funk band in the truest sense of the word, with trombone, trumpet, and bass guitar taking front-and-center stage. The soul styling of Money Wheeler on the guitar helps out round out the soul, and Big James’ smokey vocals brings the blues. James on trombone with Charles “Richard” Pryor on trumpet create a tight, hot brass section. Larry “L-Dub” Williams is a skilled funk bassist — arguably one of the most important factors in a successful funk band. Joe “Goldie” Blocker takes the keyboards and Cleo Cole tears up the skins. The band is the perfect size — just large enough to sound fat and just small enough to keep from sounding too busy. By Matt Marshall

320 kbps
110 Megabytes

Credits:

Big James - Trombone, Vocals
Joe Blocker - Keyboards
Cleo Cole - Drums
Charles "Richard" Pryor - Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Mike Wheeler - Guitar
Larry "L-Dub" Williams - Bass

Tracklist:

01. The Blues Will Never Die 04:51  
02. Big Payback 05:28  
03. Coldest Man I Ever Knew 04:26
04. All Your Love 04:19
05. Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone 05:26  
06. That’s Why I’m Crying 05:17
07. Trying To Live My Life Without You 03:48  
08. I’ll Stay 06:37
09. Low Down Dirty Blues 05:18  
10. Smoke On The Water 02:24

I went back!

 Hey guys! I would like to say that I am fine, just a little discouraged with life. I'm happy that people ask for me and access the blog even though I haven't posted anything. I'm sorry for not responding to requests and comments. I intend to post again eventually as I don’t want the blog to end. I ask you to have a little patience with me. A hug to everyone and stay with God.