Join me today for the Ben Vee Roadhouse Blues Nooner 12-2 pm ET on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com. I’ve got new contemporary blues from Johnny Rawls, The Commonheart, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Hall, Thorbjorn Risager & the Black Tornado, Robert Jon & the Wreck, Tedeschi Trucks Band plus two of my favorite live performances by Gov’t Mule and Eric Clapton.
You probably first heard of Jimmy Hall from his recordings with Wet Willie back in the 1970s. Many of those tunes still are getting a lot of airplay on Classic Rock radio. Over the years, Jimmy has sung on stage and played his harmonica with a Who’s Who of the roadhouse blues and put out some great albums including Rendezvous with the Blues in 1996 that is among my personal blues favorites. He still has one of the great voices of his generation and Joe Bonamassa & Josh Smith bring out the best in him as his producers on the new recording, Ready Now. And Jimmy has an all star list of contributors on the album including Warren Haynes, Reese Wynans, Michael Rhodes, Greg Morrow, and Jared James Nichols as well as Joe and Josh.
The title cut for the recording features Warren and is drenched in the sounds that epitomize Jimmy’s southern style. My favorite song on the recording is A Long Goodbye featuring a stellar contribution on guitar by Joe. Jumpin’ for Joy, Girl’s Got Sugar (featuring Josh), and Love For It are also songs that I loved.
Jimmy Hall has stood at the musical crossroads of the blues, soul, R&B, and southern rock all of his life playin’ his harmonica and singin’ his tunes. There are plenty of places to sit and kickback at that junction from where ever you are. Find yourself a spot, relax, and enjoy this album.
Jimmy Hall – Ready Now (KTBA Records 2022)
#blues #modernblues #contemporaryblues
Ben Vee started out spinning songs on terrestrial radio and at nightclubs back in the 1970’s in his home state of Louisiana. After a career in the construction business, he returned to DJing in 2011. He now hosts two shows each week on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com and writes about the blues at http://www.benveeblues.com from his home in Connecticut. He also has a personal 24 hour stream devoted to the Roadhouse Blues… WRHB as well as a Youtube channel.
One of my favorite modern blues groups, Uncle Watson’s Widow, has a brand new single out, Smile Down, for their forthcoming album Fool’s Song and you will get to hear it FIRST during my Roadhouse Blues Nooner on http://www.bluemusicfan.com. Join me today 12-2 pm ET for lots of new contemporary blues by Andre Bisson, Vincent Bloyet, The Texas Horns, and other great artists. The modern blues is chocked full of fabulous artists…..come listen for yourself!!
#blues #bluesrock #roadhouseblues #Unclewatsonswidow
Today, during my Roadhouse Blues show on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com, I will have an interesting mix of contemporary blues from new releases this year by some of the genre’s best artists. Buddy Guy has a heart wrenching new single, Maria Daines belts out a beautiful blues ballad, Ronnie Earl brings us a glimpse back at the 1960’s, and Crystal Shawanda reminds us all of just what a great voice she has. Join me from 12-2 pm ET and listen along.
This is intended playlist:
| ARTIST | TITLE |
| Mike Stevens | Watermelon Pie |
| Blue Moon Marquee | Scream, Holler & Howl |
| Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne | Rock This House |
| The Hogtown Allstars | Real Good Night |
| Maria Daines | Have Mercy |
| Chris Canas | Juke Joint Jive |
| Buddy Guy feat. Jason Isbell | Gunsmoke Blues |
| Al Basile | Uh Huh |
| The Hungry Williams | Oooh Wow |
| Crystal Shawanda | How Bad Do You Want It |
| Anthony Geraci | I Ain’t Going To Ask |
| Ronnie Earl | (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher |
| HOROJO Trio | Hard As I Can |
| Marcus King | Blues Worse Than I Ever Had |
| Tedeschi Trucks Band | Soul Sweet Song |
| Sass Jordan | Still The World Goes Round |
| Uncle Watson’s Widow | Hiding Under Water |
| Derrick Procell | A Tall Glass Of You |
| Dennis Johnson | Lonesome Valley |
| Bywater Call | Remain |
| Todd Sharpville | Brothers From Another Mother (ft. Larry McCray) |
| The Strongman Blues Remedy and Steve Strongman | Fine Young Man (feat. Dawn Tyler Watson) |
| Micki Free | My Big Regret (feat. Steve Stevens) |
| Bennett Matteo Band | Paid & Broke |
| Brad Absher & The Superials | As Hard As I Can |
| Robert Jon & The Wreck | Rescue Train |
| The Commoners | More Than Mistakes |
| The Kenneth Brian Band | You’ve Got to LIve |
Had a nice vacation in southern California with my younger daughter and son in law…..lots of music, food, and tequila! But I am back on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com from 3-5 pm EDT today with the best in contemporary blues. New tunes from The Commoners, Bywater Call, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Robert Jon & the Wreck, Kingfish, Amythyst Kiah, Marcus King…..and that is just to get started!!!
Just back from a long weekend in southern California with my younger daughter and her husband. We had a blast…..lots of music, food, friends and tequila! Here are three new recording that I enjoyed listening to on the plane trip there and back.
The Commoners – Find a Better Way (Gypsy Soul Records 2022)
The debut album, Find a Better Way, by The Commoners out of Toronto Canada is downright badass southern style music. The group is fronted by Chris Medhurst, who’s voice reminds me of another Canadian star, Burton Cummings. Melodious wafts of the sounds of The Black Crowes, the Eagles, and the Allman Brothers also drift through the music. The first video single of the recording, Fill My Cup, should give you a good feel for the talent of the band that includes Ross Hayes Citrullo (lead guitar), Ben Spiller (bass/piano), Adam Cannon (drums) and long time friend Miles Evans-Branagh (organ). Kevin Shirley (of Joe Bonamassa fame) even helps a bit producing the title cut. Overall the album has some mighty fine tunes…..give it a listen!!
Favorite cut: More Than Mistakes
Derrick Procell – Hello Mojo (Catfood Records 2022)
Derrick Procell is another of those great talents of the modern blues that you probably haven’t heard of though he was been writing, singing, and performing for well over 40 years. His latest album, Hello Mojo!, is a showcase for his soulful voice and harmonica playing. He has a video out for the first cut from the recording, Skin In the Game, that is contemporary blues at its best.
Though you may not know who Derrick Procell is, my bet is that you have heard his music on True Blood, The Office, Boston Legal, The Americans, or King of the Hill television shows over the years. He has even won a songwriting award at the annual Billboard Magazine get together. And, closer to my heart, he has written music for American Cancer Society events. (As some of you know, I do a fundraiser of my own and participate in the Second Life Relay for Life event for the American Cancer Society each year.)
Overall this album grades out high enough to receive serious consideration for Contemporary Blues Album of the year awards. If you listen to the recording, leave your own comments below. I’d love to know what you think!
Favorite cut: The Contender
The Hungry Williams – Let’s Go (Rochelle Records 2022)
Out this Friday September 9th, on my birthday, The Hungry Williams will be releasing their second album, Let’s Go. When I heard their debut recording in 2019, Brand New Thing, I thought for sure they were from my hometown of New Orleans. Now after listening to the new tunes, I can say confidently that they are a Big Easy R&B band, regardless of their claims to be from Milwaukee!!
The songs on the recording have a largely “back in the day” sound from the 1950’s. There are tunes originally done by Lavern Baker, Big Maybelle, and Fats Domino guitarist Roy Montrell as well as a number of fabulous originals. The band consists of Kelli Gonzalez (lead vocals), Joe Vent (guitar and vocals), Jack Stewart (keyboards), Mike Sieger (bass), John Carr (founder, drums), and a horn section of Jason Goldsmith, Casimir Riley, and Lech Wierzynski.
This past February, they released the first video for the album, Mardi Gras Day in time for the Crescent City holiday. I encourage you to give it a listen. I love good time music that makes you feel good; it’s what the concept of the roadhouse blues is all about!! The Hungry Williams kick out music that is fun and captures the magic of New Orleans….well worth your time!
Favorite cut: Oooh Wow!
#blues #modernblues #contemporaryblues
Ben Vee started out spinning songs on terrestrial radio and at nightclubs back in the 1970’s in his home state of Louisiana. After a career in the construction business, he returned to DJing in 2011. He now hosts two shows each week on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com and writes about the blues at http://www.benveeblues.com from his home in Connecticut. He also has a personal 24 hour stream devoted to the Roadhouse Blues… WRHB as well as a Youtube channel.
2022 is rollin’ along with some great modern blues being released by groups like GA-20, Jack Broadbent, Al Basile, the Bennett Matteo Band, Dana Fuchs, Wild Ox Moan, Kat Riggins, and Kirk Fletcher, to name just a few! Join me today from 12 to 2 pm ET on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com and have a listen to the sounds of the 2022 modern roadhouse blues!
Here is the intended playlist:
| ARTIST | TITLE |
| Chicken Shack | Horde And Cart |
| Dawn Tyler Watson | The River |
| Brad Absher & The Superials | Be The Luv |
| Jack Broadbent | Ride |
| The Milkmen | Don’t Forget It |
| Bennett Matteo Band | Shiny Creatures |
| GA-20 | One Night Man |
| When Rivers Meet | Tomorrow |
| Al Basile | Uh Huh |
| G. Love & Special Sauce | If My Mind Don’t Change (feat. Sharde Thomas) |
| The Wildroots | Lazy Little Daisy (feat. Anthony “Packrat” Thompson) |
| Ghost Hounds | Willie Brown Blues |
| The Strongman Blues Remedy and Steve Strongman | I Like To Ride (feat. Harrison Kennedy) |
| Kurt Crandall | Bull Headed Woman |
| Karl Stoll and The Danger Zone | Meet Me in New Orleans |
| Nik Clovsky | Mama |
| Emma Wilson | Wish Her Well |
| Wild Ox Moan | Work |
| Dana Fuchs | Save Me |
| Kat Riggins | Cross the Line |
| Kirk Fletcher | Wrapped up, Tangled up in the Blues |
| Markey Blue Ric Latina Project | Red Room |
| Bluesman | Backdoor Man |
| Albert Cummings | Need Somebody |
| Holzscheit | Rollin’ and Tumblin’ |
| Professor Louie & The Crowmatix | Chain Shot Cannon Ball |
| Kayla Medlen, Grooveanaut | Leftovers |
| Walk That Walk | Gone Fishing |
Within the pantheon of recognized stars of the contemporary roadhouse blues, there is one and only one cornet horn player that comes to mind. His name is Al Basile and he hails from Rhode Island. Al got his start with Roomful of Blues back in the seventies, played with Duke Robillard in the 80’s, and went out on his own in the nineties. He sings in a classic jazzy blues style and often writes songs in an introspective style observing himself and the world around him and the man can play that cornet!!
Besides being a singer, musician and performer, Al is also a published poet with three released books of poetry to his credit. AND, what I have always found most intriguing about Al is that up until 2005 he balanced a blues career with teaching high school!! Bluesman by night and teacher of English, music, and physics during the day. He had to have been the coolest teacher on campus!! On his latest recording released on August 19th of this year, Through with Cool, Al foreswears cool on the title track but I don’t buy it. One does not give up being cool on your own; I find it to be the observation of others about you (like a nickname) and Al, to put it in roadhouse blues vernacular, is still pretty badass.
For the Through With Cool recording, Al invites along several friends and musicians that have played with him on other recordings. Kid Andersen does a fabulous job on guitars, Mark Teixeira beats out the rhythm on drums, Brad Hallen is on bass, Bruce Bears plays the ivories, Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse is on trumpet, and a horn player I really like by the name of Doug James is on saxophone and clarinet. They produce a very tight laid back blues sound that is the very definition of jazzy blues cool!
There are 14 tracks on the new recording, these are my favorite three:
In the liner notes for the recording, Al posits whether there is such a thing as “eternal cool”. I answer in the affirmative and encourage him to keep looking at the world and himself and letting us know what he thinks in song and verse. For not matter what he says…..Al Basile will always be pretty cool!
Al Basile – Through With Cool (Sweetspot Records 2022)
#blues #roadhouseblues #music
Ben Vee started out spinning songs on terrestrial radio and at nightclubs back in the 1970’s in his home state of Louisiana. After a career in the construction business, he returned to DJing in 2011. He now hosts two shows each week on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com and writes about the blues at http://www.benveeblues.com from his home in Connecticut. He also has a personal 24 hour stream devoted to the Roadhouse Blues… WRHB as well as a Youtube channel.
Over FIFTY major roadhouse blues artists will be appearing at blues festivals in Europe, Canada, and three locations in the United States this weekend. In Belgium (Swing…Blues for the People Festival), Canada (Edmonton Blues Festival), New Hampshire (White Mountain Boogie and Blues Festival), New York (Chenango Blues Festival), & Indiana (Madison Ribberfest), people will be on the road today headed for a weekend of family, friends, food, and some badass music.
I will be spinning songs by some of the artists appearing at the festivals during my Roadhouse blues show from 3-5 pm ET on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com. I plan on squeezing in as many tunes as I can from Keb’ Mo’, Samantha Fish, Walter Trout, Jimmie Vaughan, Popa Chubby, Sue Foley, Ghalia Volt, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Angel Forrest, Ana Popovic, the Altered Five Blues Band, Joyann Parker, G-20, Mud Morganfield, and the other fabulous acts that will be on stage.
For a complete listing of all the artists, checkout my video on the Ben Vee Youtube channel!
Join me for my Roadhouse Blues Nooner on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com from 12-2 pm ET today. I have contemporary blues from Jimmy Hall, Laura Evans, Larkin Poe, Tommy Castro, Dave Thomas, Derrick Procell, Karen Somerville, Nick Andrea, and much more.
Hope ya have time to chill with us from home or on your phone!!
Ben Vee Blues 