Regular readers of TheGuitarBuzz.com know that I am a long time follower of Ronnie Earl’s music. Ronnie is a no frills, no flash, passionate and soulful blues guitarist…one of the best I have ever had the opportunity to hear.

Ronnie Earl - Spread The Love CD

Ronnie Earl’s 20th release is available now from Stony Plain Records and “Spread the Love” qualifies as an all-instrumental religious experience in the blues.

Ronnie has the ability of a pentecostal evangelist to reach deep inside someone’s soul and move them emotionally. The difference is that he does it without saying or singing a single word. He does all of his “preaching” with the strings of his Stratocaster.

Ronnie resides in the Boston area and while he does not generally play venues that are more than a few hours from home, he still gets out and “Spreads The Love” by playing the message of the blues that’s ingrained into his soul.

And we are so blessed that he does.

Earl’s influences run parallel with many blues guitar aficionado’s — with the likes of Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner and Otis Rush leading the way. “Spread the Love” includes a powerful step in the direction of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert Collins and Duane Allman. With that breadth of impression, “Spread the Love” is 14 tracks of instrumental blues that could double as a lifetime achievement award and a masterclass study — all in one.

Ronnie’s band “The Broadcasters” include: Dave Limina (Piano, Hammond B3), Jim Mouradian (Bass), Lorne Entress (Drums) and are as tight as you could imagine. Their execution is flawless.

It’s next to impossible to pick a favorite track. This is a 14-for-14 home run performance.

“Skyman” is Earl’s southern blues tribute to the memory of Duane Allman. “Backstroke” is Ronnie’s take on an Albert Collins cover that proves that the blues does not require over-playing or wasting notes. There is a just enough touch of jazzy blues on the cover of “Chitlin’s Con Carne” to make it fresh. “Blues for Donna” plays tribute to his loving wife and re-invents the phrase “slow blues” with eloquence. “Cristo Redentor” is the perfect example of a slow blues song where every note has a defined purpose and feeling. Remember, this is a masterclass study.

Ronnie Earl is one of my hero’s. He has conquered alcohol addiction, cocaine abuse and mental depression all throughout his brilliant musical career. While he is clean and sober today (for nearly 20 years) the life of addiction was hard on Ronnie.

I am convinced that there is a deep well of gladness and gratitude inside of Ronnie Earl, a spiritual source that he reaches for whenever he plays, whether it is at a concert, in the studio, at a church or at a local shelter. This endless reservoir of hope fuels his belief that things can always get better and that miracles can and do happen! -Rev. Deborah J. Blanchard

Ronnie is known for writing and dedicating songs to people who are important to him.  Some are by influence, many are in spirit and a select few are personal friends who stood by his side throughout the hardest times… like Tommy Hazeltine, Ronnie’s tour manager.  I met Tommy a couple of years ago before Ronnie’s concert at the Regent Theater in Arlington, MA, after I snuck into the building during Ronnie’s sound check (I really did!).  I explained to Tommy that I had traveled from Arizona to Boston to see Ronnie play live. Tommy made arrangements for me to meet Ronnie backstage — an encounter I will always remember.

The concert that night went well past midnight. I wonder if that was the origin to this song…

[Listen to "Tommy's Midnight Blues"]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Bottom line, you can’t afford to miss this release!

Crossroads 2010 DVD

The ultimate Eric Clapton collaboration took place earlier this year at the “CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL 2010” on June 26 at Chicago’s Toyota Park.

For one day only, Clapton gathered the past, present, and future of guitar music onto one stage for an incredible all-day musical event in front of a crowd of over 27,000.

The third Crossroads Guitar Festival was a sold out, 11-hour tour de force with all profits benefiting The Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and education facility founded by Clapton for chemically dependent persons.

Rhino Entertainment captured every epic note from that blistering summer day in Chicago and will release over 4 hours in High Definition on “CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL 2010.” Fans around the world will have a chance to experience many of the festival’s greatest moments including performances by Clapton, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, John Mayer, Bill Murray, and many others as well as behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews with the performers.

CLICK HERE to preview Eric Clapton & Sonny Landreth performing PROMISED LAND.

Pre-Order for the DVD is available through Amazon.com. Click below:

I picked up a new DVD from a desperate ebay seller…well worth the $15.00!

In this DVD, Eric shares his 10 “must know” musical concepts in an intimate one-on-one format in his recording studio.

Eric covers his unique perspectives on improvisation, chords, lead guitar, songwriting, and much more. The second part of the DVD features a full band performance as Eric, Chris Maresh (bass) and Tommy Taylor (drums) take you on a musical journey through eight never-heard-before songs! The fantastic audio and widescreen multi-camera visuals bring you right into the creative realm and mind of one of the world’s top guitar talents!

Here is a clip:

Stevie Ray Vaughan

On August 26, 1990, a sold out concert of 30,000 at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin, featured an encore jam with Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Robert Cray.

On August 27, shortly before 1 a.m., a helicopter carrying Vaughan en route to Chicago, Illinois crashed within seconds after takeoff.

Stevie Ray Vaughan died on August 27, 1990.

Four days later, funeral services were held at Laurel Land Memorial Park in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas, with over 1,500 people attending and 3,000 more outside the chapel.  Brother Jimmie, mother Martha, and girlfriend Janna were in attendance. Among the mourners were Stevie Wonder, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Nile Rodgers.

Rest in Peace S.R.V.

We miss you every day.

This is a follow up post to my announcement about receiving a promotional copy of Black Country Communion’s self-titled CD last weekend.

If you missed that post CLICK HERE.
To read more about Black Country Communion, CLICK HERE.

I have listened to the CD many times and while I certainly have my favorite songs, every track is a solid rocker that will stand on it’s own.  So here we go…track by track:

1.) “Black Country” was the original name of the band (before they added the “Communion” part) and now it’s the name of the opening track. The base line thumps and Glenn strongly states: ”I am a messenger, this is my prophecy. I’m going back to the Black Country” and just like that you are sucked into the swell of a guitar and drum combination that has your chest pounding. It’s a strong statement and the very genesis of BCC.

2.) “One Last Soul” has been getting a lot of airtime because of the viral YouTube video where the band played together after a Bonamassa concert. Glenn takes the vocal lead and slaps out a compelling base line with Jason adding drums a-la perfection. The band really gels on this one. I call it classic rock — totally reborn.

3.) Beautifully melodic and inviting, “The Great Divide” drives you the the next level of rock and blues mastery. Glen combines his superb vocals with a bit of screaming (he is the Voice of Rock!) but it all works well on the ears. Joe lays down a sizzling solo with genius phrasing and tone while Derek scoops everybody up and sets up the next lap. After three tracks, you are hooked.

4.) “Down Again” is a somewhat simplistic and slightly predictable blues rocker. Not to worry though…as the song has an addicting nature. Then just when you think you have it figured out, everything slows dramatically and ushers you back in you seat to revel in the moment.

5.) “Beggarman” opens with a welcoming riff that has a definitive Hendrix accent. The lyrics are very simple ”I won’t be no beggar man…”, and that is the weakest point of the track — perhaps the entire CD.  Yet still, it’s a rocking tune and a catchy vibe.

6.) The opening riff to “Song of Yesterday” gently leads you on a stairway to a new kind of heaven. The deliberate beginning gains momentum and breadth and soon explodes into a blues rocker with enough significance to climb the charts. Joe sings the lead and Glen provides strong support. Joe rips off a steaming signature solo midway through the song that is pure Bonna-madness. The song closes with Joe and Glen harmonizing together like a duo that has been together for years instead of days.

[LISTEN TO "SONG OF YESTERDAY"]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

7.) My guess is that “No Time” gave Jason Bonham flashbacks. After all, what’s rock n’ roll without a tiny bit of Zepplinesque? It’s 4 minutes of pounding drums and a bass line that drills deep into your ears. Glen’s vocals are passionate and convincing.

8.) “Medusa” is a remake from Glenn’s days with Trapeze from 1970. He says he was “just a lad” and to that I say that the additional years between recordings have added a maturity to his voice that provide tremendous emotion and feeling. Musically, the song closely mirrors the 1070′s version. Another example of how BCC has delivered classic rock to the modern day.

9.) “The Revolution In Me” is my favorite track. Joe carry’s the vocals effortlessly on this hard driving blues rocker — the kind we have become used to hearing from Bonamassa. We finally get to hear Derek play the Hammond.

10.) “Stand (at the Burning Tree)” gives all of the band members a change to shine. Bonamassa hammers out another riff, Glenn adds some way cool vibes to the lyrics and Derek gets to blend much more Hammond into this mix. We are treated to more blistering Bonamassa solo work at just the right times. Lots and lots of everything to go around on this one.

11.) Glenn and Joe team up to share vocal leads on “Sista Jane” — a real rocker that grabs you by the neck and drags you along for the ride. Glenn & Joe pull off some serious vocal magic and just when you think the song will slow down Joe heats up and leads the band with a massive jam that showcase why he is a modern day “Blues God”. He is about to be promoted to “Rock God”.

12.) The closing track, “Too Late for the Sun“, is an eleven-minute-plus jam with Joe and Glenn swapping the vocal lead. While somewhat methodical, this is a great closing effort to an amazing debut album.

It’s hard to believe these guys never really played together (Derek had never heard Joe Bonamassa play until they were together in the studio!) and after seven days huddled with Kevin Shirley, an album with this synergistic quality could be produced. -GuitarDaddy

This CD has not been formally released and my thirst is soaking wet for the next one.

If you love “Jamming the Blues”, be sure to visit www.GuitarNoize.com and enter to win a PRS 25th Anniversary SE Custom 24 Guitar!

To enter first download the backing track from this Jamtrackcentral LINK.

[Click below to hear a preview of the track:]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Once you have the backing track, record your solo and upload your video to YouTube as a video response.

The amazing prize pool is as follows:

• 1st Prize: A PRS 25th Anniversary SE Custom 24, Dunlop Max Grip Picks and a BMF Leather Strap
• 2nd Prize: An Electro-harmonix POG2, an Electro-harmonix Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker, Dunlop Max Grip Picks and a BMF Leather Strap.
• 3rd Prize: Suhr Riot pedal, Dunlop Max Grip Picks, a BMF Leather Strap

All of the top 20 will also receive 3 sets of strings from Rotosound.

The competition will close Monday 13 September.

Here are a few of my favorites so far…

Here is a LINK to the entire entry catalog.  NOTE : At the time of this posting, there are 144 entries!  Be prepared to listed to a LOT of BLUES!!  IF SO, CLICK HERE!

A promotional copy of Black Country Communion’s CD arrived in my mailbox on Saturday.

Black Country Communion Promo CD

After completing my first listen-through, I have to say that this is one kick-ass rock-n-roll collaboration of some great musical talent!

Black Country Communion is comprised of legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

“Black Country Communion is a devastating head-on collision between American and British rock influences-a true supergroup that delivers a titanic rock experience greater than the sum of its supremely talented parts.”

Black Country Communion Track List

Black Country Communion is the brainchild of producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin). The band initially came to fruition when Shirley saw Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa join forces on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event. Shirley then recruited Bonham and Sherinian to complete the group.

Named after the industrial area in Britain where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised, BCC began rehearsing and recording tracks written by both Bonamassa and Hughes at Shangri¬La Studios with producer Kevin Shirley in early 2010.

The result is a recording masterpiece with 12 tracks of superbly mixed rock n’ roll that includes enough bluesy grit to rip your ears off!

[CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN TO A PREVIEW OF: "THE REVOLUTION IN ME"]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

“It sounds simple really. Make a record of the type of music you love to listen to. But after almost thirty busy, passionate years making records, there are only a handful I love.

My first loves are those that I, like so many, grew up with -Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Bad Company (I actually didn’t hear Free until much later) – so when I heard Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa tearing through an impromptu jam on Glenn’s song “Medusa”, a light bulb went off. Joe’s manager, Roy Weisman, was standing next to me at the House Of Blues in Hollywood, grinning like a stoned Cheshire Cat. saying “we got something here” – so I said “lets go!

Imagine putting together YOUR dream band! Here’s mine … ”

-Kevin Shirley, Producer

The official release date is September 21, 2010.

Eric Clapton's New CD Cover Art

Eric Clapton’s discography is a work of art. And now, at age 65, he is adding yet another masterpiece.

Clapton’s new 14-track studio album, titled “Clapton”, will be released on September 27 in the U.K. and the following day in the United States.

Although Clapton has varied his musical style throughout his career, it has always remained grounded in the blues.

Despite this focus, he is credited as an innovator in a wide variety of genres. The new release is made up of a varied mix of new material and cover tunes.

Several songs, like “Rocking Chair” and “When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful,” will be familiar to concert-goers as Eric and his band have been performing them on stage.

Click below to listen to “Diamonds Made From Rain” which had its’ world-wide premiere on BBC Radio yesterday.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Here is the complete track list:

01. Travelin’ Alone
02. Rocking Chair
03. River Runs Deep
04. Judgment Day
05. How Deep Is The Ocean
06. My Very Good Friend The Milkman
07. Can’t Hold Out Much Longer
08. That’s No Way To Get Along
09. Everything Will Be Alright
10. Diamonds Made From Rain
11. When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful
12. Hard Times Blues
13. Run Back To Your Side
14. Autumn Leaves

Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson was born August 17, 1954.

Eric is best known for his ability to incorporate jazz, fusion, new age and rock into his recordings.

Guitar Player magazine called Johnson “One of the most respected guitarists on the planet.”

In 1990 he recorded the single “Cliffs of Dover,” which won him the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

The latest news on Eric is that he just finished a new studio album, and has scheduled 4 Texas shows with his Alien Love Child band. This is from the official post on Johnson’s web site:

“Johnson will now be giving various tracks to three of the top engineers in contemporary music to mix: George Massenberg, Gary Paczosa and Andy Johns. “I’ve spent the last year and a half in the studio, and I really want to get up on stage and do some playing,” says Johnson. After a recent one-off Alien Love Child show in Dallas, “the band was sounding better than ever, so I want to keep that going.”

Guest artists on the new release will include Sonny Landreth, Jimmy Vaughan, and Steve Miller.

Visit Eric’s official web site by clicking HERE.

Happy 56th Birthday Eric Johnson!

Stevie Ray Vaughan was not yet a star when his wife, Lenora “Lenny” Vaughan, gave him a worn 1965 Stratocaster® guitar on his 26th birthday, October 3, 1980.

Vaughan first spotted the guitar in a pawnshop about a year after he and Lenora were married.

It was originally a three-color sunburst model, it had been refurnished at some point, and now it had a dark natural finish and an elaborate design behind the bridge. At $350, he couldn’t afford it. Lenora, however, enlisted seven friends with $50 each, and bought the guitar for her husband for his birthday. That very night, as Lenora slept, Vaughan wrote a beautiful song for her, “Lenny.”

Years after Stevie Ray Vaughan’s tragic death in 1990, and at older brother Jimmie Vaughan’s behest, Lenny became the only guitar from his estate to be made available to the public.

At a historic June 24, 2004, Christie’s auction in New York, Lenny sold for $623,500.