The title of this album tells you most of what you need to know about San Francisco blues rocker Tommy Castro. His first disc of original material in four years finds him back with the Blind Pig label and expanding his crackling R&B-drenched blues into a more rock-oriented sound. On Soul Shaker, Castro downplays the sizzling guitar that dominated his previous releases and focuses instead on songs and arrangements. The horns that pepper--and often power--tracks such as the frisky "What You Gonna Do Now?" push the soul element even further to the forefront. But it's Castro's gutsy, gritty vocals-- something like a mix of Delbert McClinton and John Mellencamp--and his energetic approach that ignite these tunes. Castro borrows Little Feat's New Orleans stomp for the swampy, slide-driven title... Less

Tributee: T-Bone Walker. Personnel: Duke Robillard (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Duke Robillard; Gordon "Sax" Beadle, Sax Gordon (tenor saxophone); Jesse Williams (double bass); Mark Teixeira (drums); Billy Novick (clarinet, alto saxophone); Doug James (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); John Abrahamsen (trumpet); Al Basile (cornet); Carl Querfurth (trombone); Matt McCabe (piano).Audio Mixer: John Paul Gauthier.Liner Note Author: Duke Robillard. Recording information: Lakewest Recording, West Greenwich, RI.Photographer: Laurene Robillard.Duke Robillard pays homage to T-Bone Walker with this collection of swing, big band and blues songs. The bubbly and bouncy "Lonesome Woman Blues" has a be-bop Count Basie feeling as his supporting players are given brief solos to... Less

This album captures the essence of John Hammond, one of the most popular white blues artists of the past forty years in concert. The album features many of the songs that established his reputation, songs that remain in his repertoire today. Hammond is in this album interpreting the R&B of Bo Diddley, whose songs he has been playing from the earliest days of his career; "Hey Bo Diddley", "I Can Tell" and "Who Do You Love". And songs from a wide spectrum of Blues acts including Otis Rush's "So Many Roads, So Many Trains" , Billy Boy Arnold's "I Wish You Would", Elmore James "Dust My Broom", B.B.King's "Sweet Little Angel and Howlin' Wolf's "Evil".

The title of this album tells you most of what you need to know about San Francisco blues rocker Tommy Castro. His first disc of original material in four years finds him back with the Blind Pig label and expanding his crackling R&B-drenched blues into a more rock-oriented sound. On Soul Shaker, Castro downplays the sizzling guitar that dominated his previous releases and focuses instead on songs and arrangements. The horns that pepper--and often power--tracks such as the frisky "What You Gonna Do Now?" push the soul element even further to the forefront. But it's Castro's gutsy, gritty vocals-- something like a mix of Delbert McClinton and John Mellencamp--and his energetic approach that ignite these tunes. Castro borrows Little Feat's New Orleans stomp for the swampy, slide-driven title... Less

Release Date: 1996-03-12, Audio CD, Hightone Records

With Fast Texas, Steve James pays tribute to the state that has been his home for over 25 years. The Texas experience is chronicled in James' original songs--from the animated title track to the brooding "Freestone County Blues." Also includes adaptations of songs by Lone Star roots regents like Hop Wilson, Milton Brown, and Little Hat Jones.

Personnel: Jerry Ricks (vocals, acoustic guitar).Liner Note Authors: Jerry Ricks; Jim O'Neal.Recording information: Blue Heaven Studios, Salina, KS (01/05/2000- 01/06/2000). Photographer: Jannell Turner.Ricks' second outing continues down the same dirt path as his late-coming 1997 U.S. debut. Ricks' renditions of songs made famous by legendary acoustic bluesmen like Furry Lewis, Skip James, and Mississippi John Hurt testify to his respect for tradition, while his original tunes speak to this era as well as the past. Whether he's picking a syncopated Piedmont-style rag or strumming a soulful minor-key ballad, Ricks' performances are relaxed and true to the songs. His version of "Special Rider Blues" sounds as personal as James' original recording from the '30s. His sprightly takes on... Less

Personnel: Dave Thompson (guitar, vocals); Lawrence Blackwell (guitar); Allen Hite (bass); Anthony B. Evans (drums).Recorded at Jimmy's Auto Care, Oxford, Mississippi on Febryary 19, 1995. Includes liner notes by Robert Palmer. Personnel: Dave Thompson (vocals, guitar); Lawrence Blackwell (guitar); Anthony B. Evans (drums).Audio Remixer: Robbie Norris.Liner Note Authors: Matt Johnson ; Robert Palmer .Recording information: Jimmy's Auto Care, Oxford, MS (02/19/1995); Oxford, MS (02/19/1995). Photographer: Ron Keith.Robert Palmer's notes declaring Dave Thompson a "thoroughly original" bluesman "without a veneer of irony or posturing" sound downright ludicrous after actually listening to the music. While he insists that Thompson's songs are "[not] stylistically indebted to any obvious... Less

Back To The River is Susan Tedeschi's 2008 album, her second recording for Verve Forecast. Susan writes, sings and plays on a hard-driving collection of new songs that offer an emotionally honest look at love and life. Produced by George Drakoulias (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Black Crowes, Jayhawks) it also features performances by Derek Trucks (who also produced 1 track), Gary Louris and Doyle Bramhall II. Tedeschi's Verve Forecast debut, Hope and Desire, focused on her amazing vocal talents as an interpreter of other's songs. This time out she turns her pen, guitar and powerful voice to her own work having written or co-written all but one song.

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With Fast Texas, Steve James pays tribute to the state that has been his home for over 25 years. The Texas experience is chronicled in James' original songs--from the animated title track to the brooding "Freestone County Blues." Also includes adaptations of songs by Lone Star roots regents like Hop Wilson, Milton Brown, and Little Hat Jones.

Walker delivers 11 prime cuts of funky, down-to-earth blues on this easygoing release. He is backed by some fine musicians, including guitarist Derek O' Brian and grunting saxman Mark Kazanoff. The songs are well crafted; "My Name Is Misery" is as down and out as it gets, the title cut takes Walker back to his roots with lots of brooding guitar and passionate lyrics, and "I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled and Crazy" is about that dreadful heartbreak we've all felt. Then there's "Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time," a New Orleans style rocker in the best sense with a little added social commentary thrown in for good measure. This is groove oriented music. It's not about flashiness, it's about telling it as Mr. Walker sees it and he sees it as it is. --Lars Gandil

Mark Lemhouse’s debut album, Big Lonesome Radio, breathed fresh air into the traditional blues world, earning a pair of Handy award nominations including "Best New Artist Debut." But like the great roots innovators who inspired him, Mark Lemhouse is a restless spirit who can’t be confined to any one corner of the Americana landscape. His highly- anticipated follow-up, The Great American Yard Sale, finds the genre-defying guitarist plugging in and heading out to the Great Wide Open, armed with banjo and electric lap steel as well as his deftly fingerpicked National guitar. The "Yard Sale" of the album’s title suggests the diversity of the album’s musical mix, which simultaneously reflects and upends influences ranging from Dock Boggs to Johnny Cash to Tom Waits. For Mark Lemhouse, it’s... Less

Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, Motivational Speaker offers a window into the musical soul of Alvin Youngblood Hart. Kicking off with "Big Mama's Door (Might Return)," Alvin reprises the title track from his all-acoustic debut, heavier and a whole lot louder, joined by his pal Audley Freed (Cry of Love, Black Crowes). "Motivational Speaker" is a James Gang/Led Zeppelin- flavored nod to the garage band spirit, followed by "Stomp Dance," which was inspired by a Creek Indian theme. There are seven Alvin Youngblood Hart originals on the new CD, plus a rock spiritual, a prison lament, an obscure Free B-side, and songs originally performed by Otis Redding, Doug Sahm, and Johnny Paycheck--pretty much everything except acoustic blues. Why? Because Alvin played acoustic blues on his last record,... Less

Personnel: Tinsley Ellis (guitar, vocals), Stutz Wimmer (saxophone), Oliver Wells (organ, piano, trumpet), Ralph Mattarochia (keyboards), Ricky Keller (bass, keyboards), Wayne Burdette (bass), Guy Locke (drums), Yonrico Scott (drums, percussion), Pat Buchanan, Terry Simpson (background vocals).Recorded at Southern Tracks and Sound Living Studios, Atlanta, Georgia.All songs written or co-written by Tinsley Ellis except "Leavin' Here" (Holland/Dozier/H olland), "Deaf, Dumb, Crippled & Blind" (Newell/Carter) and "Dangling By A Thread" (Kashmar). Fanning the Flames is an erratic but impressive set from Tinsley Ellis. While his basic sound is indebted to Stevie Ray Vaughan, the guitarist borrows from every other major blues artist. Furthermore, he has a tendency to overplay his licks, giving... Less

For over 20 years, the Paladins have been a leading force in rockin' Blues and Rockabilly. Their versatile approach to the songs they play (both originals and covers) and the consistent quality of their album releases have assured a large following on both sides of the Atlantic. This concert, recorded at Nijmegen's Kids 'n' Billies Festival, brings you the original line-up at its best. Bryan Fahey, Thomas Yearsley and Dave Gonzalez had a ball that day at the open air stage of the Goffert Theatre and it shows. Live in Holland. Roune. 2007.

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Personnel: Calvin Owens (vocals, trumpet); Leonard Brown (vocals, guitar); Gloria Edwards (vocals, background vocals); Trudy Lynn (vocals); Cory Stoot (guitar); Jennifer Algar, Lauri Lewis (violin); Cornelia Watkins (viola, cello); Diedra Lawrence (viola); Barry Aillis, Barry Aills (cello); Don Slocomb, Jr. (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Gene Kelly , Johnny Gonzales, John Gonzales, Horace Alexander Young (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Grady Gaines (tenor saxophone); Nelson Mills (trumpet, background vocals); Kitt Reid, James Williams , James Kimo Williams, Ed Lewis, James Page (trumpet); Edmond Lowe (trombone); Ron Cole (electric piano); Peter Van Bogart (organ); Victor Martinez (congas, percussion); Robert Allen Berry, Barb Anderson (background... Less

Blues singer/guitarist John Hammond needs no introduction. Sooner or Later is his second Atlantic LP originally released in 1968. Ten songs of electric blues boogie with a rocking band featuring songs written by Chester Burnett, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Willie Dixon and Sonny Boy Williamson. Remastered and available for the first time on CD. 2002.

Mark Lemhouse’s debut album, Big Lonesome Radio, breathed fresh air into the traditional blues world, earning a pair of Handy award nominations including "Best New Artist Debut." But like the great roots innovators who inspired him, Mark Lemhouse is a restless spirit who can’t be confined to any one corner of the Americana landscape. His highly- anticipated follow-up, The Great American Yard Sale, finds the genre-defying guitarist plugging in and heading out to the Great Wide Open, armed with banjo and electric lap steel as well as his deftly fingerpicked National guitar. The "Yard Sale" of the album’s title suggests the diversity of the album’s musical mix, which simultaneously reflects and upends influences ranging from Dock Boggs to Johnny Cash to Tom Waits. For Mark Lemhouse, it’s... Less

Liner Note Author: Jeff Hannusch. Recording information: 1963-1965.As a sequel to the first volume of THE FIRST KING OF ROCK AND ROLL, this 27-track, nearly 80-minute set steers clear of all Fats Domino's biggest hits. That makes it an ideal second purchase for the new fan who already has classics like "Blueberry Hill" and "Walkin' To New Orleans" but wants to explore further. Gathered from Domino's prime period, his 1949-62 tenure at Imperial Records, THE FIRST KING OF ROCK AND ROLL VOLUME 2 includes pop ballads, New Orleans funk, and plenty of Domino's easy-rolling, good-time R&B. Highlights include his sly cover of the torch song standard "Why Don't You Do Right" and the rollicking "If I Get Rich."

After 40 years of playing traditional blues, John Hammond reinvented himself at age 59 and began his current winning streak by trading his acoustic guitars for an armful of Tom Waits songs, resulting in 2001's exceptional Wicked Grin. Hammond stays plugged-in on Ready for Love, but taps a diverse group of songwriters that includes Waits, Willie Dixon, Los Lobos's David Hidalgo, George Jones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and country crooner Freddie Hart. His voice--as full of character as weathered tarpaper on a Delta shack roof--does wonders with numbers like Hart's "Easy Lovin'," Billie Holiday's "Comes Love," and a slow, creep-show take on Dixon's "Same Thing" with a Hammond guitar solo that's deliberate perfection. The CD kicks off with "Crown Vic," a John Lee Hooker-inspired... Less

2009 collection from the Canadian-born artist who moved down to Texas in the late '80s. She recorded a number of albums for the legendary Antones label in the early '90s, the best of which is compiled here. Her strong lead guitar playing makes her stand out from other contemporary female Blues players. Floating World.

Those familiar with Van Morrison’s ever mercurial muse could hardly have been surprised when he turned up on the artistically centered, avant-country label Lost Highway to pay tribute to a era-spanning slate of country icons on the Nashville imprint's ‘06 collection, Pay the Devil. But while the ensuing years were dominated by several rich anthologies of Morrison’s work, he’s returned here to masterfully show his love of country was no passing fancy. As the title suggests, Morrison’s self-produced approach to the genre is both musically and emotionally elemental, a no frills approach that fits him like a well-worn pair of Tony Llamas. Indeed, even as he’s addressing matters of musical style and substance in an unusually introspective way on "That’s Entertainment" and "Soul," the... Less

Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: Keb' Mo'This title is manufactured "on demand" when ordered from Amazon.com, using recordable media as authorized by the rights holder. Powered by CreateSpace, this on-demand program makes thousands of titles available that were previously unavailable. For reissued products, packaging may differ from original artwork. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply.

Personnel includes: Robert Cage (vocals, acoustic guitar).Recorded at Money Shot, Oxford, Mississippi. Recording information: Money Shot, Oxford, MS.Praise be to Fat Possum Records for enlivening the blues tradition almost single-handedly in the '90s. Flagship artists R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, with their jagged, raw sound, are the templates for most Fat Possum releases. Like many of his labelmates, Robert Cage is a senior citizen hailing from Mississippi, who kept the blues flame burning throughout a lifetime of day jobs and poverty. Cage is as unadorned and authentic a singer/guitarist as Burnside or Kimbrough, equally at home with the barnburning electric guitar-and-drums approach of "Get Outta Here" or the fingerpicked folk-blues of "Goodnight Irene." Occasionally, Cage... Less

His distinctively raspy-sweet voice suggests the deepest blues and the sultriest soul, while his lilting melodies and strummy guitar style are pure pop and folk. Singer- songwriter Ted Hawkins, who divided his time between busking for passers-by in Venice Beach and playing sold-out concerts in Europe, was a unique talent who recorded very little during his lifetime. Thankfully, this Rounder compilation gathers the best of his originals and covers. It is an excellent introduction for new fans.

Personnel: Chris Cain (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Dave Rampley (guitar), Mark Whitney (tenor & baritone saxophones), Noel Catura (tenor saxophone), Ron Torbensen (bass), Robert Higgins (drums).Recorded at Music Annex, Menlo Park, California in August, 1990. Includes liner notes by Sammy Cohen.All songs written by Chris Cain.Personnel: Chris Cain (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Mark Whitney (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Noel Catura (tenor saxophone); Robert Higgins (drums). Recording information: Music Annex Recording Studios, Menlo Park, CA (08/1990). Arranger: Chris Cain .This is a wonderful, big-voiced, contemporary West Coast bluesman and superb guitar player. There are several horns in the band, giving it a great, huge sound. Even better things will be coming. ~ Niles J. Frantz

That the trio recorded this stunning, spiritual-minded collaboration in the town of Unity, Maine, is one of life's fortuitous coincidences. Although their voices are dissimilar, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb, and Rory Block share roots in folk, gospel, and blues. Brought together, along with a three-piece backing band, in a barn-turned-record ing-studio by producer Randy Labbe, the trio cooks up a feisty musical feast that sounds so comfortable and joyous, it seems they were lost soulmates finally joined in song. Bibb's smooth Keb' Mo'-style vocals join Muldaur's huskier, sassy approach and Block's deep blues on a combination of originals and covers that showcase each artist's strengths, both solo and in tandem with the others. From contemporary classics such as Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody"... Less

Racin' The Devil is Lee Rocker's most diverse album yet, and a roots music fan's dream come true. The CD features twelve songs of scorching rockabilly, roadhouse romps and straight-ahead, old-school rock 'n' roll, highlighted by nine originals that are by far the strongest of his career. And his reinventions of The Stray Cats mega-hit "Rock This Town" and his first post-Cats band Phantom, Rocker & Slick's "Running From The Hounds" are foot-stomping and ecstatic statements of pure joy Racin' The Devil is full of terrific songwriting, great playing and super-energized performances. Anyone who loves raw, rocking music, be it blues, rockabilly, or straight ahead rock 'n' roll has got to love this album. From garage rockers and deeply textured roots anthems to the rockabilly sounds he... Less