By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ‘n Blues Reviews for July 2024
Gerald McClendon – Down at the Juke Joint
Delta Roots Records DR-1005
The style of soul blues that dominated Chicago’s South Side in the ’70s is all but a lost art, but it’s in good hands with Gerald “The Soul Keeper” McClendon, the silky-smooth vocalist who delivers it as good as it used to be. And the Windy City native is at the absolute top of his game on this disc, which delivers powerful, yet tender emotion in every track.
It’s the latest effort from producer/drummer/multi-instrumentalist Twist Turner, who kept the beat behind many of the earlier legends. He penned all of the material here, which incorporates old-school feel and timeless messages that are massaged into the perfect package. Additional backing includes appearances from a handful of Windy City greats, including vocalist Mary Lane, keyboard player Tony Llorens, guitarist Maurice John Vaughn and bassist Harlan Terson.
An album that will be in your constant rotation for years, don’t miss “Back Where You Belong,” “It’s Too Late, She’s Gone,” “Down at the Juke Joint,” “Talkin’ Smack,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “She’s Tryin’ to Drive Me Crazy,” “Cryin’ Time Again,” “You Make Me Happy,” “I’ll Be in Your Corner” and “You’re So Fine.”
Bobby Christina’s Caravan – True Blues Brother: The Legacy of Matt “Guitar” Murphy
Nola Blue Records NBR 026
This two-CD set seems only to be a tribute, But it’s far more than that. A national treasure, guitarist Matt Murphy started out in the bands of Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner and Memphis Slim in the ‘50s before hitting a mainstream audience with the Blues Brothers in the ‘80s. And he was working on this project with friend/producer/drummer Bobby Christina at the time of his death in 2018.
Christina has finally brought the project to fruition after assembling musicians who’ve either worked with or been influenced by Matt in their careers. In addition to Murphy, Billy Boy Arnold, Joe Beard, Fran Christina & the Original Roomful of Blues, Steve Cropper, Ronnie Earl, Sax Gordon, Tom Hambridge, Chuck Leavell, Bob Margolin, James Montgomery, Tracy Nelson, Johnny Nicholas, Lee Oskar, Jerry Portnoy, Duke Robillard, Toni Lynn Washington and more all make appearances.
An 83-minute treat that delivers a surprise in each cut, there are too many high points to mention here. But one thing’s for sure: You won’t want to miss this one!
Markey Blue Ric Latina Project – Blue Eyed Soul
SoulOSound Records SOSR105
The husband/wife team composed of honeyed vocalist Markey Blue and guitarist Ric Latina have been making waves out of Nashville for a decade, producing several chart-topping CDs in the past decade and songs that appear frequently in the soundtracks of TV shows and movies. And they simply hit it out of the park in a different manner with this romantic, laid-back CD.
Backing includes guest appearances from fret master Steve Cropper, sax player Dana Robbins, multiple BMA nominee vocalist Shaun Murphy and a lineup that includes more than two dozen of the best players Music City has to offer.
Grab your honey and swing and sway to “Crazy Without You,” “Raining Down on Me (Ooh Lat Da Da),” “So Much,” “Yes I Do,” “Baby I’m Cryin’,” “Set My Heart Free,” “Can’t Let You Go,” “Come On,” “With You” and “What Am I Gonna Do.”
Guitar Bo’ – Old Boxer
Blue Empress Records
Based out of the tourist mecca of Venice, Italy, Anthony Toffoli – aka Guitar Bo’ – is a self-taught guitarist who studied the styles of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan in his youth, spent time in Chicago and Texas, and has been releasing well-received, self-produced albums since 2001. He celebrates his return to the studio in style after a nine-year absence with this disc.
Bo’ possesses a warm, smoky baritone voice, sings in English and delivers crisp, single-note runs in this masterful set of driving contemporary blues that’s infused with soul elements throughout. His backing band would be a comfortable fit in the U.S. and gives him plenty of space to workout.
Give a listen to “Black Crows,” “Nobody Is Free,” “Streets of My Life,” “Old Boxer,” “Captain of Your Soul,” “Sweetie Girl” and “Ancamassa Blues.”
Steve Howell & the Mighty Men – 99½ Won’t Do
Out of the Past Music
A Texas-born guitarist who walks the tightrope between first-generation bluesmen and jazz masters like Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, Steve Howell and his Mighty Men have a knack for interpreting past hits in ways they’ve never been heard before. That’s exactly what they do on this laid back, but funky set – ten terrific cuts that will have you craving for more.
Seasoned veterans from Louisiana and Arkansas who’ve worked together for decades, the Mighty Men include bassist Chris Michaels, percussionist Dave Hoffpauir and guitarist/organist/producer Jason Weinheimer. They team to make several familiar tunes sound brand new.
Give a listen to “I’m a Little Mixed Up,” “99 1/2,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “Talk to Me, Talk to Me,” “Who Will the Next Fool Be,” “Stone Pony Blues,” “Walk Away Renee” and “Apache.”
Tas Cru Band – Live
Subcat Records SC002-24
One of the hardest working groups on the East Coast, the upstate New York-based Tas Cru Band hit the ground running and kick the party into high gear with their latest release, an in-your-face, recorded-in-studio live set that celebrates the band’s freedom after being confined to home during the pandemic.
The beats run deep throughout this one with Tas on vocals and guitar as bassist Tom Terry (Jason Ricci/Chris O’Leary), drummer Phil Diiorio and keyboard player Scott Ebner team to deliver fresh tunes that were hits on their 2023 tour. Vocalist Mia Casale is in the mix, too, and the good times definitely roll again.
All original and a lot of fun, tune in to “Dat Maybe,” “Stand Up,” “Brown Liquor Woman,” “Take Me Back to Tulsa,” “Grizzle n’ Bone,” “One Eyed Jack,” “You Keep the Money,” “Drunk Half the Time” and “Heal My Soul.”
Jesse Dayton – The Hard Way Blues
Blue Élan Records
A star in the world of outlaw country, guitar hero/road warrior Jesse Dayton grew up in Southeast Texas with influences that included Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb, and he takes the blues on head on with his latest work. It’s a potent mix of the powerful rhythms and guitar lines he’s known for – and they’re packed with plenty of azure appeal.
Dayton’s recorded in support of Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell, and he regularly hits the top of Americana charts. This disc was produced with a heaping helping of in-your-face crossover appeal by Grammy winner Shooter Jennings.
Top cuts include “The Hard Way,” “Night Brain,” “Talkin’ Company Man Blues,” “Baby’s Long Gone,” “Navasota,” “Ballad of Boyd Elder,” “Angel in My Pocket,” “Esther Pearl” and “God Ain’t Makin’ No More of It.”
Eden Brent – Getaway Blues
Yellow Dog Records YDR 2716
Based out of Greenville, Miss., keyboard player Eden Brent has consistently been piling up awards in the past decade without the benefit of a CD, but she returns to the studio the absolute top of her game here, delivering a set that’s as warm and breezy as a hot summer’s day in the Deep South.
A powerful vocalist, Eden recorded this one in London, where it was co-produced with her hubby, Briton Bob Dowell, who handles bass and contributes a pair of songs in this all-original set. They’re joined by Dowell’s former bandmates: guitarist Rob Updegraff and drummer Pat Levett.
Mostly unhurried and including occasional tips-of-the-hat to the Big Easy, you’ll enjoy “Getaway Blues,” “Watch the World Go By,” “You on My Mind,” “He Talks About You,” “Just Because I Love You,” “Mississippi River Got Me Crying,” “Rust” and “Gas Pumping Man.”
Red’s Blues – Old Diamonds & Uncut Gems
Self-produced CD
Led by RW Grigsby, the longtime bassist in longtime Mark Hummel’s award-winning Blues Survivors, and his flame-haired vocalist wife, Beth, Red’s Blues are Sacramento (Calif.) Blues Hall of Famers in their own right. And they show why in this 15-track live set.
Recorded at Sactown’s The Starlet Room, the heat’s on high throughout with the Grisbys often singing in unison with backing from guitarist/harp player Doug Crumpacker and drummer Tim Wilbur providing stellar support. Mastered at Greaseland Studios by Kid Andersen, keyboard player Sid Morris sits in on keys for more than half the tracks, and several guests lend their talents, too.
A family affair you’re sure to enjoy, dial in “Broke Down in the Fast Lane,” “Looking for a Hustle,” “Road Scholar,” “Putting My Foot Down,” “Black-Eyed Sally’s,” “Forty Years of Trouble,” “Stonebroke,” “Lizzie’s Blues,” “Sally Lou” and “San Francisco Blues.”
Sam Joyner – Come What May (I’ll Always Love You)
Self-produced CD
Hailing from the southeast suburbs of Chicago and the son of a preacher, keyboard player Sam Joyner is a captivating storyteller who fuses big-city grit with the sounds of the Delta. And he’s all that and more here as he recounts life experiences and heaps love on his musical peers.
Possessing a pleasant, road-worn voice, Sam’s joined here by musicians from both the Windy City and Gulf Coast, including Lil Ray Neal, Jellybean Alexander, The Saint Anthony, Guitar Slim Jr., Mark Stone, Seizo Shibayama, Mayumi Shara and others.
Choice cuts include “It’s That Mojo That Makes Me Stay,” “Teddy’s Juke Joint,” “Come What May (I’ll Always Love You),” “(If I Could) Thank You for Leaving Me,” “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Feels Like I Can’t Go On,” “Too Many Cooks,” “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Holmez Boogie.”
Noé Socha – Simplebluesboy
Self-produced CD
Born in Italy, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a multi-instrumentalist who was a Jimi Hendrix Award winner as the best guitarist at Berklee College of Music, Noé Socha shows off his prowess on harmonica, too. He mixes straight-ahead blues, Big Easy second-line beats, jazz and more into a pleasant roux on this star-studded, all-instrumental disc.
Possessing a thoroughly original style that will captivate you from the first cut, Socha’s joined here by keyboard giant Jon Cleary, percussionists Tony Braunagel, Lenny Castro and Jay Bellarose, bassist Sean Hurley, guitarist Adam Levy and others in a set that swings from the hip.
Don’t miss “4th Ave. Party,” “Noé’s Shuffle,” “NYC Boogie,” “Jules Bistro,” “Walking Stick Blues,” “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” “Train Blues,” “Prime Rib,” “Funky Elephant,” “Yellow” and “Sweetness.”
Cole & Ward – Blues & Other Truths
Rawtone/Green Bullet Records RTRGBR2401
A partnership formed by multi-instrumentalists Mark Cole, leader of the popular British blues ensemble, Sons of the Delta, and countryman Liam Ward, the duo Cole & Ward hit the ground running with this debut set, an all-original exploration of all music that’s both American and blue.
Cole’s a guitarist and a world-class harmonica player who’s been at the forefront of British music scene since forming the long-running Maxwell Street band in the early ‘80s. One of the busiest musicians in the UK, Ward’s in five groups and is an in-demand frequent sessions player. They deliver a full-band sound here by teaming with talented bandmates.
High-spirited and pleasant from the jump, you’ll enjoy “Deep Blood Moon,” “Ma Jolie Fille,” “Midnight Motorway Blues,” “The More You Drink,” “Be Still My Soul,” “Who What Where When Why,” “Mr. Big Shot,” “Darling, Please” and “Honey’s Coming Home.”
Lightnin’ Hopkins – Live from the Ash Grove…Plus!
Liberation Hall LIB-5140
It’s been more than 40 years since songster guitarist Lightnin’ Hopkins joined his first-generation peers in blues heaven, but he gets to live and play for a new generation of fans thanks to this 20-track extravaganza from the good folks at Liberation Hall.
Lightnin’ was a frequent headliner at the legendary Ash Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. This warm, intimate set was captured there in sessions recorded in 1965 and 1970 and also includes selections from an an appearance at In Your Ear in Palo Alto, Calif., a year later. A master entertainer, Hopkins’ comments between songs are just as precious as the tunes themselves.
Turn back the clock and enjoy “Couldn’t Be Satisfied,” “Questionnaire Blues,” “Ain’t It Crazy,” “Don’t the Moon Look Pretty,” “Lightnin’s Boogie,” “What’d I Say,” “Black Cadillac,” “Coffee House Blues,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” and “Hardly Trying.”
Glenn Marais & the Mojo Train – Red, Hot and Blue
Self-produced CD
Formed by Juno Award nominee guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Glenn Marais and bassist Manny DeGrandis because of their love of ‘60s blues-rock, this hard-driving quartet has been delivering an intense, funk-infused mix across Canada for decades. And they hold nothing back on this pulse-pounding set.
Mojo Train represented the Grand River Blues Society and south-central Ontario in this year’s IBCs, making it to the semi-finals. Anchored by drummer Jeff Saulnier and keyboard player Jesse Karwat, they also operate MusicCan, a non-profit that provides instruments to disadvantaged youth.
The heat’s on high for “That’s Where My Mojo’s At.” Other pleasers include “Superfunk,” “Love Denied,” “Red, Hot and Blue,” “Love Sweet Love,” “Hold Me High,” “Pink Lemonade,” “Can You See” and “Professor Day.”
Johnny Burgin – Ramblin’ from Coast to Coast
Straight Shooter Records SHOT 045
An inveterate road warrior who’s one of the hardest working artists in the business, guitarist Johnny Burgin fell in love with the blues while a student at the University of Chicago in the ‘80s, and he’s been circling the world and producing high-quality music ever since. He celebrates his latest travels with this all-star laden disc that’s definitely worth of place of prominence in your collection.
Captured in Rochester, N.Y., Cincinnati, Memphis and Dallas, Johnny’s joined here by a revolving cast that includes John Blues Boyd, Rae Gordon, Ben Levin, Hanna PK, John Hay, Dylan Bishop, Mike Morgan and 13 more stars, all of whom combine to deliver some of the deepest, true-blue tunes you’ll hear this year.
Belly up to the bar and give a listen to “Ramblin’ from Coast to Coast,” “Gettin’ My Blues On,” “I Need Something Sweet,” “Silent Suffering,” “Stepladder Blues,” “Fresno Woman,” “I’m Playing Straight,” “Older and Wiser,” “I Was Right for the First Time” and “Never Tried to Get Ahead.”
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About the Author: The blues came calling for Marty Gunther in the 1960s, when he witnessed Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt, B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf perform at the Newport festivals in his native Rhode Island. A longtime Chicagoan who's now based out of Mason, OH, he's a professional journalist and harp player who studied under Sugar Blue before co-founding the Nucklebusters, a band that's filled clubs in south Florida since the '80s.
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