Reviews

Out TODAY – Blood Brothers Album Featuring Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia

Two of the most talented artists of the contemporary blues have joined forces as Blood Brothers and produced an incredible album that releases today, March 17, 2023! Albert Castiglia is a powerhouse of the roadhouse blues with an engaging on stage presence, a distinctive voice, and a unique funk tinged blues guitar sound. Mike Zito is the proverbial Renaissance man of the blues. He sings, plays an incredible guitar, writes memorable lyrics, has produced music for others including Samantha Fish ….AND….is co-owner of Gulf Coast Records which has a slew of talented blues artists recording on the label!

Back in 2011, two other artists combined their talents to produce an album that catapulted their respective careers to hypersonic status in the contemporary blues: Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa. I believe that Blood Brothers can do the same for Albert and Mike. The chemistry on the recording between the two is authentic and complimentary! And I can’t wait to see them together when they come to StageOne in Fairfield, CT on April 7th.

The new record is produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith and contains 11 tunes. The recording also features members of their individual bands: Douglas Byrkit (bass), Lewis Stephens (guitars), and the dual drumming talents of Lewis Stephens and a personal favorite of mine, Ephraim Lowell!

My favorite song on Blood Brothers is In My Soul. It is a Zito penned tune that starts out with acoustic riffs and then slowly unleashes a wave of beautiful blues rock sounds accompanied by some haunting guitar licks. Mike wrote the song after finding out his wife had cancer during the summer of 2022 and his vocals are a heart felt prayer for understanding and love.

Another favorite on the recording is the Castiglia penned ballad A Thousand Heartaches. It is the perfect platform for Albert’s incredible and unique voice. Featuring Joe Bonamassa on guitar, it is a mellow love song with hints of Bob Seger in his delivery. I also love a tune that Albert sings that the great Tinsley Ellis penned for the band, Tooth And Nail. It is the perfect meshing of blues rock and southern rock and I can’t wait to hear the live version of it on April 7th. Another tune I can’t wait to see performed live is the instrumental Hill Country Jam. The dual guitars of Albert and Mike on the same stage!!! Oh yeah!!!

Both Albert and Mike are known for the kind of up tempo contemporary blues and blues rock that populates a lot of my radio playlists: Hey Sweet Mama, Bag Me/Tag Me/Take Me Away, and My Business fit the bill to a T! I also enjoyed listening to One Step Ahead of the Blues and No Good Woman….perfect roadhouse blues tunes!!

Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia have over 45 combined years in the music business. As individual artists they have won awards and accolades for their talent. Blending their styles on Blood Brothers with the help of Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, and a great supporting cast has yielded a recording that is certainly one of the great roadhouse blues recordings of 2023 and will translate easily to the live stage. I can’t wait to see them from row three SOON!!!

#blues #bluesmusic #bluesrock #benveeroadhouseblues #bluesnews

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.

Paul Buchanan’s Voodoo Preachers bluzin’ on Down Selling Lane

For many Americans, myself included, Australia is a tantalizing and mystical place; friendly confident people with a disarming “Hey mate” greeting, the siren call of the didgeridoo, kangaroos on the move, and the enormity of the desert Outback with scattered small pockets of proud indigenous people that hail back to the very beginning of the human experience can fire the imagination. AND it is also home to some world class roadhouse blues! I have been a fan of Paul Buchanan, particularly his songwriting, for a number of years. Some artists write great lyrics. Truly great artists tell vivid and vibrant stories in song. Paul is one of them.

The new Paul Buchanan’s Voodoo Preachers album Down Selling Lane contains a dozen songs; ten originals and two interesting covers of Fats Domino’s Hello Josephine and Hop Wilson’s Black Cat Bone. The album starts out in true roadhouse blues fashion with Paul’s growling vocals on Bad Luck & Trouble. The tone on Marc Leyshan’s guitar is menacing and matched by the fuzzed out insistence of John Werner’s bass on the tune. The second song, Blues Man’s Shoes, is reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival and features a really cool howl by Paul that bears comparison with Howlin’ Wolf in his prime. The third tune, Blues Harp & a Bloody Mary, introduces the harmonica mastery of Phil Coyne and the breezy Spanish guitar of Ning Hopkins on another of Paul’s delightful story songs. I also really enjoyed drummer Stuart Anderson’s tight pocket and the guitar solo on Gotta Stop Thinkin’…mhmm…good stuff! The last song, Oh Mercy, is a clarion call to understand and help those that “are drinking from a different cup”. As he writes in the song “some people see everything just in black and white…there are colors everywhere…they need to see the light”. And Paul is voodoo preachin’ to a roadhouse blues beat that will have you movin’ your hips and wantin’ to hit a dance floor!!

The highlight of the album is the tune Roadhouse. I have to admit I have a bias towards this song; Paul mentions me in the lyrics!!! Paul has been a regular listener of my roadhouse blues shows on BluesMusic Fan Radio and my 24 hour personal music stream . About a year ago, he sent me a text stating that listening had fired him up and he was gonna write a song about a roadhouse. I laughed and said COOL!! About six months later, I got another text asking me if it was okay to use my name in the roadhouse song. My reply was HELL YEAH! Then I didn’t hear anything for a number of months. I assumed, as often happens in songwriting, that he just couldn’t get it to work the way he wanted. Then lo and behold, I get another text several weeks ago asking me if I had gotten the album yet? I checked the BluesMusicFan Radio directory where DJs can see the new albums sent to the station and there it was…..track #7….Roadhouse. It is a fantastic catchy tune, a story song, and Paul Buchanan’s Voodoo Preachers at their best. Give it a listen and decide for yourself. As I stated I am a bit prejudiced but I think you will agree that it is a badass tune!!

Overall, Down Selling Lane, is contemporary blues and blues rock at its very best; distinctive vocals, fabulous harmonica playing with stellar guitars and driving bass riffs and drums. And most of all memorable lyrics that reinforce the magic and mystery of the land down under….and the talent of Paul Buchanan.

#blues #bluesrock #bluesmusic #bluesnews #benveeroadhouseblues

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.

Bonnie’s Grammy Award upsets the Pop Culture

This past Sunday, Bonnie Raitt won the Best Song Award at the Grammys for the title cut of her album Just Like That…! The song is a heartfelt ballad inspired by the passing of her lifelong friend and fellow artist John Prine and it is about an organ donation. The tune beat out songs by some fantastic artists including Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Adele, and Harry Sykes! However, instead of honoring her, some publications and social media have been abuzz with denunciations.

Probably the most astounding pronouncement was from the Daily Mail in the UK. This well known newspaper actually had a headline that read “Unknown Blues Artist Wins Grammy…” I guess it is indicative of the times where journalists don’t do any research or have any real knowledge of the subject they are covering: Bonnie has won a total of 13 Grammy Awards and sold millions of albums! A pundit from the San Francisco area was befuddled that a song that was not on the Hot 100 Billboard chart had garnered the award. Another stated the song hadn’t sold well during 2022 and therefore should not have been considered at all. And from the trolling social media community, there were any number of disparaging comments that I won’t repeat.

I commend the Grammy board and voters for having the courage to award a song for it’s beauty, message, and delivery. Bonnie pours her heart into the recording and it has touched the hearts of the millions who have listened to it. AND the overall album is a great roots/blues mix for which Bonnie has always been known. She is arguably the greatest crossover music artist ever to identify with the blues. While sales is an element for consideration in the event of a “tie”, I believe the award should always go to the song/album/artist based on creativity, artistry, production values, AND the soul that goes into it. It appears the Grammy used the same criteria. Kudos to them. As far as the critics, let’s kill them with kindness and hope the more serious ones that are actually involved in the music business will give blues artists at least a listen in the future before worshipping at the Pop music altar.

#bluesmusicnews #blues #bonnieraitt #benveeroadhouseblues

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.

Ben Vee’s Roadhouse Blues News – Buddy Guy Farewell Tour and a bunch of new Blues album releases

Buddy Guy Farewell Tour begins February 11

At the age of 86 and still at the top of his form, Buddy Guy will be doing his farewell tour during 2023. He starts it in Mumbai, India on February 11, begins the North American leg on February 17th in Rockford, Illinois, and literally crisscrosses the country into the fall. He will also fit in appearances in Australia and a number of places in Europe as he does his final live performances in a career that has spanned over 60 years. Buddy is equally at home with Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix and puts on a show that includes playing in the crowd, playing the guitar with his teeth and behind his back, and regaling the audience with little stories about the songs he performs and the life he has lived. I have seen him three times and they were incredible shows. If you haven’t heard him live, check the tour dates on his website and make plans now. I don’t think the tickets will be available for long! AND I have a feeling that a lot of well known blues artists will be popping up on stage with him to say their final farewells to the reigning King of the Blues.

New Roadhouse Blues Releases Out Now

Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition – That’s What’s Happening Here : Vibrant blues and R&B sound out of New Orleans!

Eddie 9V – Capricorn : May be the reincarnation of Lowell George, Leon Russell, & Duane Allman!! He is only 27!

Teresa James – With a Little Help From Her Friends : Teresa bluzin’ the Beatles…well worth a ticket to ride!!

The 2:19 – We Will Get Through This : From Ireland, they kick out some badass rockin’ blues!

Planned Roadhouse Blues Releases in February 2023

Savoy Brown – Blues All Around (Feb 17th) : Kim Simmonds knew he had cancer and just kept recording right up to his death late in 2022..RIP

The Gayle Harrod Band – Temptation (Feb 24th) : Awesome voice and blues from this talent out of Baltimore!

Planned Releases in March 2023

Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia – Blood Brothers (March 17th)

Ally Venable – Real Gone (March 24th)

Eric Bibb – Ridin’ (March 24th)

#blues #bluesmusic #bluesrock #benveeroadhouseblues

Joe Bonamassa Leaves Social Media Platform

When is enough enough?  As we all have experienced on social media, people free of any filter can state outrageous, false, misleading, hurtful, and downright mean things with no fear of repercussions hidden behind a fake log in name.  Well, Joe Bonamassa has had enough on Instagram. Around Thanksgiving of 2022 (late November) while getting ready to go onstage, Joe passed the time by perusing Instagram where he often interacted with the users. (Which is pretty cool!)  What he saw were a series of insulting comments including one about how he looks and his receding hairline!

His reported response (by Ultimate Guitar) the next morning was:

“So, after sleeping on this I have come to a conclusion. Last night I allowed a few clowns @rich_tones being one of them to cause me to go onstage angry. That is not fair to you the fans.

Also, This isn’t what I signed up for 8 years ago. Social media has become such a distraction for me. This place feels like it has the maturity of high school and I fear I am gonna be provoked one day into saying something i might regret.

So I’m leaving this wonderful place to the influencers and good looking. Enjoy it before it destroys your soul. I will see you in real life somewhere down the road and in Riverside tonight.

Any posts on this page going forward will not be from me. Thanks for the 8 years. 😎👍”

As I stated when it happened to Adele on social media over her weight, I don’t care whether an artist is tall or short, big or small, what their sexual orientation is, their race, or where they are from.  I judge a roadhouse blues artist on how their music impacts me personally.  Do they bring passion to their vocal and stage performances, is the musicianship engaging, do the lyrics resonate with me now or from some point in my life to date?  In short do they move me to sing, dance, sway to the beat in my chair, party, drink, smoke, or recall some event or time in my life?  That is what great music does! It can change your life, your way of thinking, and, in very special cases, impact a generation of listeners.

It is unclear to me whether Joe’s announcement applies to only his interactions on Instagram or social media in general.  I hope it is only Instagram.  During the Covid lockdown, Joe did a series of social media interview shows that were very entertaining.  Joe is a guitar nerd at heart and it was fun to watch him discuss guitars and amps, as well as music, with a stellar list of blues and rock stars. He doesn’t come across as a blues super star but as just a guy who loves music and enjoys what he does best.

Joe Bonamassa is without a doubt a superstar of contemporary blues rock. And he has largely done it his way. He doesn’t use promoters; he books his own concert venues, takes the risks, and reaps the rewards. He has his own record label and now has established another non profit label, Keep the Blues Alive, to help give opportunity and visibility to other lesser known stars of the blues.

Joe has also always had a large number of detractors.  They say “he doesn’t have soul in his music”, “he really doesn’t play the blues”, “he doesn’t looks like a bluesman” and “he drives up the prices of collectible guitars because he buys so many”…..to highlight just a few. And, over the years, Joe Bonamassa has largely been ignored by the Grammy Awards (a couple of nominations) and the Blues Music Foundation (a couple of awards).

In spite of it all, Joe continues to turn out some stellar blues and blues rock music. He is giving back to the blues community through his support of the Blues In the Schools initiative and now the KTBA record label. But when it comes to social media, enough is enough. Can’t say that I blame him.  When it impacts your on stage performance, it’s time to move on!

Let me know what you think in the comments section. Is Joe being thin skinned? What would you do as an artist in a similar situation?

#bluesmusic #blues #benveeroadhouseblues #bluesnews

Best Blues of 2022 – Notable Live and Compilation Roadhouse Blues Releases

ZZ Top – RAW (That Little Ol’ Band From Texas Original Soundtrack) (2022 Shelter Records/BMG)

Recorded in 2019 as part of the documentary “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas“, this legendary trio retreated to their garage rock roots by renting the oldest dance hall in Texas, the Gruene Hall, and then crankin’ out versions of a dozen of their classic tunes. There were no crowds; just the band and recording staff. Dusty Hill was magical on the bass, Frank Beard kept a tight pocket with an insistent beat, and Billy Gibbons provided his signature guitar licks and raw vocals. With the death of Dusty, the magic that was ZZ Top will never pass this way again. And as the last recording of the group, it stands as a mighty testament to their fusion of rock and blues. It is well worth every nickel you pay for the download or the vinyl.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – At the Royal Albert Hall April 14, 1970 (2022 Craft Records)

Recorded by the BBC during Creedence Clearwater Revival’s first tour of Europe in 1970, this music was never released because of the never ending battles between the band and their original label, Fantasy Records. Now, after 52 years, you get to hear CCR at their finest with John Fogerty on vocals and guitars, his older brother Tim Fogerty on rhythm guitars, Stu Cook on bass and Doug ‘Cosmo’ Clifford on drums.

CCR sprang to fame in 1968 with a cover of Dale Hawkin’s Suzy Q, burned brightly as a true super group for 4 years and then they were gone; the victim of internal band strife and business battles. But on this spring night in 1970, they were in top musical form for the 13 songs on the recording kicking out what I have always referred to as swamp blues rock. For me, this was a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of music. For those of you who may have never have heard CCR live, this recording is well worth a listen and representative of the talent of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Joan Osborne – Radio Waves (2022 Womanly Hips Records)

Joan Osborne is one of those artists that I have always included in the pantheon of Roadhouse Blues artists because her music and songwriting are an outpouring of her soul; to me the essence of the blues. She got her start singing at blues mic open nights at clubs in New York City in the 1980’s. She had a mega hit with One of Us in the 1990’s but I have never felt the song was representative of her body of work which is much more blues, soul and R&B influenced. In fact, she was nominated for a Grammy for the best blues album of 2013, Bring It On Home.

Her newest recording, Radio Waves, is an interesting compilation of 13 songs that she recorded at radio stations between 1995 and 2012. Normally these type recordings are done as part of a promotional tour and have more of a live feel to them which is a strong suit for Joan. Give Shake Your Hips, Only You and I Know, and My Love Is Alive a listen They should help remind you of the talent of this gifted songwriter and singer.

Hundred Seventy Split – The Story So Far (2022 Repertoire Records )

Formed in 2010, this blues rock trio features the legendary Leo Lyons of Ten Years After on bass, Joe Gooch on vocals and guitars, and Damon Sawyer on drums. They are a fabulous band and this recording features songs from five of their recordings over the past decade. Joe on guitar is a fantastic replacement for the late great Alvin Lee. Take a listen to Going Home to see what I mean. Devil To Pay is some straight up badass blues rock and I Grew Up on Muddy Waters is a live tribute to the man who is the father of the electric Roadhouse Blues. This compilation recordings should serve as a great introduction to the many of you that are not yet familiar with this great British roadhouse blues group!!

Ben Vee Roadhouse Blues News – Starting out November with Great New Releases

After pent up years in their homes (and make shift studios in garages and basements for most), blues artists have been releasing albums at what has turned out to be a prolific rate in 2022. I have been literally swamped with new recordings from artists all over the globe. Here are several that have come out recently that you need to give a listen!!

Joe Bonamassa – Road to Redemption (EP)

The digital release of Road to Redemption came as a surprise to all of us. There was no pre publicity; it simply dropped on October 21st! It has six songs on the recording; three are curated versions of popular songs from the 2018 Redemption album and three are never before released digital versions of songs that were only available previously on a Target store special edition CD and vinyl copy of the album. Black Roses, which is also being released as a video, is vintage Joe B blues rock as is Somewhere Down the Road. Stronger Now in Broken Places is a pretty tune that highlights Joe’s voice and has some exquisite guitar licks.

Overall it is a great EP and issued just in time for the start of Joe’s next tour. It begins tonight in Springfield, Missouri and over the next month he will be doing 22 dates in the central and western sections of the United States.

Joanne Shaw Taylor – Nobody’s Fool

Joanne Shaw Taylor is one of the world’s preeminent blues rockers with few rivals on the guitar and a fabulous husky R&B voice. What makes this album, Nobody’s Fool, interesting to me is that, though it is produced by fellow blues rocker Joe Bonamassa (and released on his KTBA label), it is actually a contemporary blues release with softer edges that focus more on her voice than her guitar. The title cut, Nobody’s Fool, opens with some Claptonesque licks and proceeds to set the tone for this generally laid back recording. I love Fade Away and Just No Getting Over You. I also enjoyed the cut she does with Joe, Won’t Be Fooled Again. An interesting cut on the recording is a version of Missionary Man she does with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Dave was an early and consistent supporter of Joanne and I believe her cover of the song is a loving tribute to Dave’s encouragement.

Joanne will be doing a dozen or so dates in the United States this month starting with a concert in Carmel, Indiana tonight.

Jeremiah Johnson – Hi-Fi Drive By

Jeremiah Johnson‘s new album, Hi-Fi Drive By is just straight up badass feel good blues. The album opens with ’68 Coupe Deville, a Jerry Lee Lewis style blues rocker, and jets on from there. Jeremiah is from St. Louis and has spent years touring in the United States and Europe kickin’ out jams that will have you movin’ your head and hips. The album has lots of horns, harmonica, and backing vocals that will remind you of “back in the day R&B” that perfectly compliments Jeremiah’s talent on the guitar. My initial rating puts this recording in album of the year territory. I love the songs Ball & Chain, Young And Blind, and the sultry The Squeeze.

Jeremiah will be on the road this month with concert dates around Missouri as well as stops in Indiana and Texas.

#blues #modernblues #contemporaryblues #roadhouseblues #benvee

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.

A Southern Treasure, Jimmy Hall, releases a new album READY NOW

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.

Roadhouse Music Reviews – The Commoners, Derrick Procell, and The Hungry Williams

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.

Butter cake at Nick’s in Laguna Beach with Amanda

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.

Al Basile – Through With Cool

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:

  • Uh Huh is a catchy tune that showcases the band’s talents. Al’s solo on the cornet as well as Kid Anderson’s riffs are tasty. I believe the song should get a lot of airplay on blues stations. It certainly will during my roadhouse blues shows.
  • My Hero captures Al’s style in a nutshell; easy accessible jazzy blues with adult observations on life. I like it!!
  • On We Lie On Your Grave, Al’s cornet and Kid’s guitar once again steal the show but they have to compete with some rather unusual mental visualizations on a tune that only Al could write.

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.