By Marty Gunther
Red Hot ’n Blues Reviews for August 2024
Billy Price – Person of Interest
Little Village Foundation LVF 1065
A giant in the music world since a three-year spell fronting Roy Buchanan’s band in the ’70s and a frequent BMA honoree, Pittsburgh-based tenor Billy Price possesses one of the silkiest, smoothest tenors in the business. And he simply hits it out of the park with this set -- 13 original songs that sparkle throughout.
Recorded by Johnny Lee Schell at Ultratone Studios in California and produced by Grammy-winning percussionist Tony Braunagel, Billy’s backed by an all-star cast that includes bassist Larry Fulcher and keyboard player Jim Pugh and a special guest appearance by Joe Bonamassa, too.
Choice cuts abound. You’ll love “Inside That Box,” “Song I Never Heard Before,” “She Checks All the Boxes,” “Person of Interest,” “Change Your Mind,” “A Certain Something,” “The Gift,” “Crying at the Stoplight,” “I Lose It” and “Damage Control.”
Sierra Green & the Giants – Here We Are
Big Radio/Righteous Path Records
Known as the Queen of Frenchman Street, Sierra Green has gone from street singer to one of the most popular acts at top clubs in the Big Easy. But New Orleans’ secret is out of the bag in a big way with this powerhouse debut release, which will have you dancing the night away.
Sierra’s Giants are led by keyboard players Dave Torkanowsky, a former member of Luther Kent’s Trick Bag who’s served as bandleader for Dianne Reeves and worked with Zigaboo Modeliste, Ellis Marsalis and other top talents contribute, too. He and Sierra are surrounded by several of the best talent the city has to offer.
You’ll be hooked from the opening notes of “Can You Get to That.” And give a listen to “Come to Mama,” “Girls Can’t Do What Guys Do,” “Dreams,” “This Is a Man’s World,” “He Called Me Baby,” “Get Low Down” and a fresh take on Magic Sam’s “Same Old Blues.”
Damon Fowler – Barnyard Smile
Landslide Records
Florida has always been a hotbed of talent across the music spectrum, and there’s no better practitioner in the blues world right now than Tampa-based Damon Fowler. A honeyed vocalist, gifted guitar slinger and songwriter, too, he’ll knock your socks off with this laid-back, soulful treat.
Produced in partnership with George Harris, a consistent hitmaker in rock, Damon delivers a sound that’s squarely at the crossroads of swamp blues, Big Bend soul, country and more. It’s a tremendous follow-up to his Alfalfa Moon, which debuted in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart.
You’re sure to enjoy “That Ain’t Love,” “These Games We Play,” “My Brother,” “Grab My Hand,” “Outskirts of Town,” “Fruita,” “Fast Driving Woman,” “Catch You Crying” and “Misery Loves Company.”
John Lee Hooker – Burning Hell
Craft Recordings CR00657
Here’s a treat for vinyl lovers: There was no more important label in the blues in the early ‘60s than Riverside Records, and Craft Recordings is celebrating its legacy in a big way starting with the release, one of the seminal early LPs from John Lee Hooker. A 60th-anniversary release, but it’s in the forefront of Craft’s efforts to bring the essential music to a new generation of fans.
A founding father of modern blues whose B-side “Boogie Chillen” revolutionized music in the ‘40s, John Lee was at his absolute best in the razor-sharp grooves here. The disc features the original liner notes penned by Briton Alan Bates, one of the most important jazz and blues scholars of the era.
Give a fresh listen to “Burning Hell,” “Graveyard Blues,” “You Live Your Life and I’ll Live Mine,” “Smokestack Lightning,” “How Do You Do It?,” “I Don’t Want No Woman If Her Hair Ain’t No Longer Than Mine,” “I Rolled and Turned and Cried the Whole Night Long,” “Blues for My Baby” and “Natchez Fire.”
Cactus – Temple of Blues: Influences and Friends
Cleopatra Records
Key cogs in the rock world since their creation in 1969, Cactus has recently reconfigured under the leadership of founding members Carmine Appice and Jim McCarty, and they dive headfirst into their blues roots here. It’s a star-studded effort that takes no prisoners and delivers a heaping helping of azure in each of its 15 intense cuts.
Members of Gov’t Mule, Vanilla Fudge and Living Colour are in a lineup that also includes Joe Bonamassa, Pat Travers, Dee Snider, Ted Nugent and others as they put a modern spin on what blues-rock used to be.
The blazing “Parchman Farm” sets the tone before the band settles into a groove. Top cuts include “Brother Bill,” “Evil,” “Alaska,” “No Need to Worry,” “Oleo,” “Big Mama Boogie,” “Can’t Judge a Book,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Guiltless Glider.”
Chris Cain – Good Intentions Gone Bad
Big Alligator Records ALCD5021
True success has managed to escape Chris Cain since the ’80s despite being one of the most emotive singers and best guitarists in the world. But the Bay Area great should finally earn his rightful place at the forefront of the blues world with this release, his second on the Alligator imprint.
It’s an all-original effort chockful of passionate, potent lyrics that go from serious to humorous in a heartbeat and searing six-string runs that drew the highest praise from even B.B. King. Produced by Kid Andersen at Greaseland Studios, it’s a winner on all counts.
Don’t miss “Too Little Too Late,” “Fear Is My New Roommate,” “Good Intentions,” “I Was Wrong,” “Still Drinking Straight Tequila,” “Bad Dream,” “Had About All I Can Take,” “Blues for My Dad,” “Never Let You Break My Heart” and “Thankful.”
Rory Block – Positively 4th Street
Stony Plain Records SPCD1493
Growing up in Greenwich Village in the ’60s, where she frequently saw him walking down the street, Rory Block has an enduring love for Bob Dylan, and the acoustic blues giant delivers a special tribute with this disc. She turns back the clock and puts an azure spin on several of the early hits of the man who’s been called “The Voice of a Generation.”
Rory provides all of the six-string and percussion here except for one baritone guitar solo delivered by Austin legend Cindy Cashdollar. Don’t be surprised if you’ll be singing along to this warm and familiar set.
You’re certain to enjoy “Everything Is Broken,” “Ring Them Bells,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Positively 4th St.,” “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” “Mother of Muses” and “Murder Most Foul.”
The Name Droppers – Starshine
Horizon Music Group
An all-star group based out of Connecticut, The Name Droppers have been delivering the best of soul-infused blues since forming in 2019, and they’re destined for future honors with this stellar set of mostly original, contemporary tunes that’ll have you boppin’ throughout.
This group consists of Johnny Winter’s former Grammy-winning rhythm section – bassist Scott Spray and drummer Bobby “T” Torello – and guitarist/songwriter Rafe Klein and keyboard player Ron Rifkin, who for years played alongside Constitution State legend Charlie Karp. They joined forces after their bandleaders’ passing and have been delivering sounds that have enthralled listeners ever since.
Give a spin to “Starshine,” “Whiskey,” “Shades of Blue,” “I Died, You Cried,” “Can’t Take It with You,” “Rotten Person,” “Red Sea Blues” and “Joy, Pain, Sky.”
Daniel Eriksen – Live at Cudrio Recording
Cudrio Recordings
An acoustic slide guitarist who finished second in the solo/duo competition of the 2018 International Blues Challenge, Daniel Eriksen delivers a masterclass in picking on his latest CD, which was recorded in his hometown of Langesund, Norway, at the onset of the pandemic.
Daniel’s a true student of the instrument, delivering a sound that would be welcome in any Delta juke, where he’s toiled in partnership with Lazy Lester and other giants. This live-in-studio set was recorded on the same day the pandemic kept him from playing to a sold-out audience in Barcelona, Spain.
Hypnotic throughout, you’ll enjoy “Squeeze This Trigger,” “I Want My Clown,” “Baby You’re a Star,” “Blind Fiddler/I’m Going to See the King,” “Refugee Camp Moan,” “Wrecked by Snooks,” “Old Tim’s Marking Stone,” “Summertime in Langesund” and “Arctic Slide/Take Five.”
Karen Lawrence – The Blues Is Back
Hostel Records
A force-of-nature who was a rock star with the L.A. Jets and Blue by Nature in the ’80s and ’90s, Karen Lawrence has been content to write hits for Jeff Beck and for the movies, including Eyes of Laura Mars, but returns to the blues in style with this self-produced, all azure treasure.
Featuring the same dynamic, powerhouse vocals that made her a star and doubling on guitar and keys, too, Karen is still at the top of her game. The set was engineered by multi-instrumentalist Tony Saracene, whose handiwork graces the grooves throughout. Guitarist Celso Salim and organist Max Butler guest, too.
Choice cuts include “Made to Move,” “Easy,” “True Love,” “I’m Comin’ Home,” “The Blues Is Back,” “Heaven’s Masterpiece,” “Way Way Down” and “Hold on to Me.”
Jake Leg Jug Band – Some Glad Morning
Bullet Records GB 2401
If you love blues-drenched Southern gospel of the ‘40s and ‘50s, you’ll love this CD. Britain’s three-piece Jake Leg Jug Band turns back the clock in style as they deliver fresh, acoustic takes on a dozen of the most popular spirituals of all time.
Composed of bassist/mandolin player Duane Wilcox, harp/jug/washboard/saw/Jew’s harp player Liam Ward and guitarist/banjo player Warren James – all of whom handle vocals, this trio we lift you up and put a smile on your face, too. They’re joined by sax, clarinet, trombone, violin, dobro and accordion players, all of whom contribute to the traditional sound.
No matter your beliefs, you’ll love “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Just Got Over at Last,” “I Belong to the Band Hallelujah,” “Down by the Riverside” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”
The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Struck Down
Stony Plain Records SPCD1495
It’s hard enough for any band to stick together for 50 years, but it’s even harder to remain contemporary after so long a time. But that’s exactly what Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds do with this powerful CD. They’re as fresh and powerful here as the day they were born.
It’s a heavyweight-laden effort that includes appearances from Steve Strongman, Terrance Simien, Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Mick Fleetwood, Billy Gibbons, Elvin Bishop and more, and it comes with the true roadhouse feel the band’s always been noted for.
“Struck Down by the Blues” sets the tone. But don’t miss “Don’t Make No Sense,” “Payback Time,” “Nothing in Rambling,” “The Hard Way,” “Whatcha Do to Me,” “I’ve Got Eyes,” “That’s Cold” and “Sideline.”
Frenchie Moe & Scott Perro – Bread Ties & Pantyhose
Self-produced CD
Born in France but based in New Orleans, guitarist/vocalist Frenchie Moe didn’t waste any time following up on Soul Full Tonight, her successful full-band 2023 release. She teams with veteran Big Easy multi-instrumentalist Scott Perro for this acoustic pleaser loaded with barrelhouse appeal.
A two-fisted treasure on the keys, Scott’s powerful left hand features prominently in the mix here in perfect support of Frenchie, whose emotive soprano floats above the action as she delivers six-string runs with a bite, too.
Give a listen to “You Got Busted,” “Zydeco Mardi Gras,” “I Ain’t Got Nothing But the Blues,” “Sick and Tired,” the instrumental “New Orleans Red Light District,” “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” and “Only You.”
Fiona Boyes – Ramblified
Blue Empress Records
A powerhouse picker and vocalist, too, Fiona Boyes may be based out of Australia, but she has a better grasp of the essence of the blues than of her American peers, something she’s proven time and time again. And she’s at top form on this CD, which is all-original but borrows a line from Son House for its title.
This album serves as Fiona’s celebration of the end of COVID and the return of her ability to ramble the globe, and she gets a helping hand from Watermelon Slim on harp and a Down Under band that includes Phill “Phillybilly” Jenkins on tuba.
Mellow but deep, you’ll enjoy “Devil Made My Day,” “Ramblified,” “One Day Late,” “About Time Business Took Care of Me,” “Joy Is Back in Style,” “Good Lord Made You So,” “Love Changing Blues,” “Turnip Patch” and “Blues Ain’t Hard to Find.”
Curtis Salgado – Fine by Me
Little Village Foundation LVF 1066
With a career that includes the Robert Cray Band, Roomful of Blues and more honors than most folks see in a lifetime, it’s hard to conceive that Curtis Salgado can top himself. But the singer/harp player simply outdoes himself with this spectacular musical roux. It’s a blend of blues, gospel, R&B and more, and the heat’s on high from the jump.
An all-original set that encompasses Curtis’ influences from his youth, the effort was recorded in eight different West Coast studios with a lineup that includes Cray, Kid Andersen, Derrick “D’Mar” Martin, Jerry Jemmott, Jim Pugh, Tony Braunagel, Teresa James, Ben Rice and a host of others.
An album for the ages, you’ll dig “My Girl’s a Nut,” “Better Things to Lie About,” “Gonna Forget About You,” “Fine by Me,” “Hear the Lonely Hearts,” “Safe at Home,” “The Big Chagrin,” “Cheap Stuff,” “You Give the Blues a Bad Name” and “Under New Management.”
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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 Ohio, 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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