Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Live! in Chicago

Many thanks to Loud & Proud for giving me access to “Live! in Chicago” before it’s official release on September 28th.

First of all, I have to say that this is one of the slickest CD covers I have seen in a long while. So much of today’s album artwork is thick on abstract but thin on communicating the artist and the heartbeat of the music. The cover of “Live in Chicago” gives you an instant visual of what you’ll get when you load this CD on you iPod.

It’s full of blistering, hard-driving, electric blues guitar.  ‘Nuff said.

I had my first taste of Kenny Wayne Shepherd live in Phoenix a few months ago when he shared the stage with a dozen other six-string icons during the “Experience Hendrix” tour.

The 4-hour marathon show included about a hour of Kenny across 3 different sets which were clearly the highlight for me.

This CD was recorded at Chicago’s House of Blues.  Shepherd and vocalist Noah Hunt combine five original songs with nine cover tunes to give blues lovers a fourteen track compilation of ripping blues excellence.

In addition to his regular touring band (which includes two members of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble) Shepherd is joined on stage by legendary bluesmen Bryan Lee (who gave Kenny a break at age 13 by allowing him to share the stage), Buddy Flett, Howlin’ Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and the amazing keyboard playing of Riley Osborne.

The concert starts off with a lively version of “Someday, Somewhere, Someway“, a song that pulls you to the edge of your seat in anticipation for what lies ahead. Shepherd nails the Louisiana rocker “King’s Highway” and the the entire band gets involved to blast “True Lies” with equal blending of gritty blues and hard rock.

It’s a one-two-three opening punch that grabs you and screams “Wake up and listen…this is gonna be good”!

[Listen to "Somehow, Somewhere, Someway" to see what I mean...]

“Deja Voodoo” is a track where Kenny bares his soul and shows his love for down and dirty bluesy rock.  It’s my favorite track.

B.B. King’s “Sell My Monkey” sounds like it is straight from the jukebox in 1957. It’s bouncy and fun…as you would expect.  Shepherd plays a slide-heavy version of Buddy Flett’s “Dance for Me Girl” that drips with emotion. There is an excellent cover of Jimmy Reed’s “Baby, Don’t Say that No More“.

Next up is a slow blues take of Ronnie Earls “Eye to Eye” which includes some great harmonica work. “How Many More Years” is a Howlin’ Wolf cover that rocks the 12-bar blues with KWS playing the signature lead licks.  “Sick and Tired” has a traditional R&B vibe that has been KWS’d to the max. I found it impossible to sit still while this one was playing.

Kenny plays tribute to some early blues in Hubert Sumlin style with his electrifying versions of “Feed Me” and “Rockin’ Daddy.”  Then comes the thick and heavy “Blue on Black“. This one will blow you away.  I found my head nodding with the beat as Kenny played his solo and before I realized it…my whole body was shaking.

The album closes with a hard driving cover of Slim Harpo’s “I’m a King Bee” which is definitely “blues rock in your face”. It’s very powerful and meant to be played loud — as if you are there in the front row.

Live! In Chicago is a must-have release for Kenny Wayne Shepherd fans and will serve as a quality introduction for the unfortunate few who have not yet heard his dynamic chops. And for everyone in between…this should push them over the edge to become serious KWS fans!

In Kenny’s own words: “Usually a live record is just live versions of all of your old stuff, but this collection is a diverse combination for the fans.”

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Live in Chicago

Recorded in Chicago’s House of Blues during the critically acclaimed 10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads tour, Live in Chicago showcases Kenny and his band, Noah Hunt, Chris Layton, Scott Nelson and Riley Osbourn, along with special guests Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Buddy Flett, Bryan Lee and Tommy Shannon (of Double Trouble).

Though an illness nearly kept Kenny from performing that night, his heartfelt commitment to the music (and quite a lot of adrenaline) ensured that he took the stage, sharing with the audience one of the most spectacular performances of his career, and one that fans can now hear on Live in Chicago.

A genuine guitar hero, Kenny has been playing since childhood, when he learned Muddy Waters licks by listening to his father’s record collection. By 16, Kenny had a deal with Giant Records, and recorded his first album while still in high school. Since then, Kenny has enjoyed two platinum and one gold albums, six Top 10 singles, and his album Trouble Is holds the distinction of being the longest running album on the Billboard Blues Charts, hitting the 2 year mark. Over the course of his storied career, Kenny has amassed four Grammy nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, two Orville H. Gibson Awards, the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” award and a Blues Music Award.

Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records will release Live in Chicago on 9/28/10.

Eric was quoted to say: “This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all. It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map—and I like it so much because if it’s a surprise to the fans, that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.”

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"]

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:

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:

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"]

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.

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.

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

Black Country Communion Debut Album

Black Country Communion’s Self-Titled Debut Album Available For Pre-Order On Aug. 9, 2010!

Los Angeles, CA, August 9, 2010: Black Country Communion – the English-American rock supergroup featuring 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 – will make their self-titled, 12-track debut album available for pre-order starting August 9 on the band’s website by CLICKING HERE.

Download The Brand New Single “One Last Soul” For Free!

Black Country Communion will also guest on the nationally syndicated radio show “Rockline” with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with the band by calling 1-800-344-ROCK(7625).

The album will be officially released and available in stores in the UK and Europe through Mascot Records on Monday, September 20 followed by a North America release on Tuesday, September 21 through Bonamassa’s own J&R Adventures Label. The album was produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin), and mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig. It was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu in early 2010.

All songs are sung by Glenn Hughes, with the exception of “Song Of Yesterday” and “The Revolution In Me”, which are both sung by Joe Bonamassa. Hughes and Bonamassa share lead vocals on “Sista Jane” and “Too Late For The Sun”. Also included is a new version of “Medusa”, the rock classic Hughes originally recorded with his first band Trapeze.

The seed for Black Country Communion was planted when Shirley saw Hughes and Bonamassa combine forces on stage in Los Angeles in Nov. 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event. Shirley then recruited Bonham and Sherinian for the project, which is named after the industrial area in the British Midlands where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised.

Black Country Communion is planning a tour in 2011.

Gary Hoey - UTOPIA Album Release

World renowned rock guitarist Gary Hoey takes his talents to the next level with his new album, “Utopia” on Wazoo Music Group.

The CD is set to be released on August 24th, 2010.

With a collection of 16 albums and five top 20 Billboard hits, itʼs no wonder Gary Hoey is listed in the top 100 greatest guitar players of all time.

His popular Ho! Ho! Hoey series of Christmas CDs and on-air station visits have become a staple at hundreds of radio stations nationwide. His live rock and roll Christmas show continues to grow new fans each year. HALLMARKʼS musical greeting cards feature two Ho Ho Hoey classics.

Hoey has toured and traded licks with the likes of Brian May (Queen), Ted Nugent, Foreigner, Joe Satriani, The Doobie Bros, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, Rick Derringer and Deep Purple.”

Check out Gary on this LIVE video version of “Pipeline”: