Blues 195 Items

Texas Alexander was from a small town in Texas called Jewett, in between Dallas and Houston. It was here that he first started to sing on the streets and in church. He started to build a reputation through doing gigs. He is known for his personal and unique tenor voice and hollering style which is very reminiscent of field singing.

Dark cloud approaching – Black Magic Six set to release their fifth album in September!

The title of Black Magic Six’s upcoming album Black Cloud Descending really sums up the mood and thoughts of its creators during the album making process. It tells stories of constant escaping, accepting defeat, destinies of outcasts, failures, and drunks. Tales of the wiser, exaggerated lies, vague rumours, fuzzy states of mind and suspicious circumstances – even the thought in the back of your head about the possibility of redemption while standing on the edge of the cliff right before falling in; it’s all there.

The album’s first single Blood of Babylon is a garage rocking song about Sam Berkowitz’s relationship with Sam Carr’s speaking dog. Lyrical themes of the upcoming album are moving between reality and the imaginary world; remembering the moments at Belo Horizonte, how to use the powder that protects you from the evil eye, how it felt to wonder in the same alleyways with the werewolf of Istanbul or diving to safety to the bottom of a pond in Northern Savo.

Musically the album is on a narrow path. All the sounds heard on Black Cloud Descending are produced by Taskinen and Motherfuckin’ Japa. Sure, there are two exceptions; the gong heard in the end of Werewolf of Istanbul was recorded by Sakke Koivula at his home and the church bells in the outro of Full House Blues are ringed by unknown. Previous albums of BM6 had lots of featured vocalists and other guests playing guitar, percussions, and harmonica. People that one could call actual musicians. These past albums have had a softer, more versatile, and maybe even a livelier touch to them. This time around there’s only the core; the percussionist and the singing guitar player. The result is more raw, rugged, and rougher than before.

Black Cloud Descending is out on September 1st on vinyl, CD and digital platforms. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Mitro Kylliäinen at Kung Fu Audio along with BM6 during 2022-2023. Original art used for the album cover was made by Greger Grönholm. The band will play selected live shows to celebrate the new album in Finland, Germany, Denmark, and Spain. Dates of these gigs will be announced closer to the release date of the album.

Ga-20 is back with a new 45 featuring an eclectic mix of covers. "As much as we love traditional blues music, we also have a soft spot for traditional country and songs that tell a story. These are 2 great storytelling songs," says Matt Stubbs, guitarist in the band. With the ambition to bridge the gap between blues and country in their own, distinctive way, Ga-20 is proud to present their swampy and bluesy take on Dolly Parton's 'Jolene', as well as a western-inspired and mysterious cover of 'Still as The Night'.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of John Lee Hooker’s ‘Boogie Chillen’. Recorded in Detroit in September 1948 by Bernard Besman – who had his own Sensation label – it was licensed to Modern Records in Los Angeles and released on 3rd November. The flip side was ‘Sally May’.

To say that the single caught fire is an understatement. It is believed that ‘Boogie Chillen’’ shifted in the region of a million copies in 1949 placing Hooker on the map as a blues guitarist and singer of the first rank – where he stayed until his death in 2001.

The original was, of course, released as a 78rpm single. In 2020 we issued ‘Boogie Chillen’ with ‘Boogie Chillen’ #2 on the flip as a limited edition of 500 copies that played at 78rpm.

We now present ‘Boogie Chillen’’ and ‘Boogie Chillen’ #2’ as a limited edition 7” single that plays at 45rpm. Despite being 75 years old, this classic recording still sounds so fresh and rhythmically propulsive it is hard to believe that you are listening to one man and his guitar playing live and stomping his feet in a room. Besman caught lightening as it flashed, just like Sam Philips did some years later with Elvis Presley in Sun Studios.

There are classics. There are stone cold classics. And there is ‘Boogie Chillen’’.

Texan country blues kingpin Lightnin’ Hopkins was rated one of the top 100 guitarists of all time by Billboard, and was a notable influence on Stevie Ray Vaughan, among others. Recordings for Aladdin and Gold Star cemented his reputation, and after performing at Carnegie Hall with Pete Seeger and Joan Baez, ‘Mojo Hand’ was a breakthrough hit. The superb 1961 LP Lightnin’ (The Blues of Lightnin’ Hopkins) benefits from the understated presence of King Curtis’ drummer, Belton Evans, and jazz bassist Leonard Gaskin, placing Hopkins’ guitar licks and raspy voice at centre stage, playfully relating heartbreak and woe.

The son of a slave and of part-Native American heritage, Texan blues songster Mance Lipscomb began recording albums in 1960 after the Arhoolie label became aware of his talents, the work coming at the start of the country blues revival, which he became a key part of. The excellent follow-up Trouble In Mind, released by Reprise in 1961, has top-notch renditions of favourites such as ‘Alabama Bound,’ ‘Ballad of the Boll Weevil’ and ‘Motherless Children,’ the latter with great slide guitar work, yet somehow the LP sold poorly, rendering it a sought-after rarity. Definitely one of Mance Lipscomb’s best!

One-off electronic disco project of 1984 for the unmistakable sounds of the Yamaha DX7 - especially the notorious "tubular bells" during the verses - introduced at the end of '83, but which didn't catch on in Italo-Disco until the following year. "Dancing Dode" has the strangest spelling ever. Whoever created this truly amazing super theme barely knew English as the word "dode" does not exist in English. This explains why some Italo-Disco songs have obvious grammatical errors even on the original records. The artist or the authors thought that [du:d] would be written "dode" in English, but in reality it's "dude"... which means a meticulous and elegant man, potentially homosexual, in short a gay type, "King /Queen" of disco dancing like in that film with J.T.. The role of disco in the 80s was a ground for negotiating rights throughout history, so most people didn't care too much about choosing and hating someone's sexual orientation, but dancing, listening to music and this song with a beautiful melody is perhaps the rarest Italo Disco song ever made.

"Stop the World" is another captivating song released in 1984 by Eyes Records, written by three names who certainly need no introduction. Ivana Spagna, Larry Pignagnoli and Ottavio Bacciocchi. However, their artistic depth and their fundamental contribution to Italo-Disco (and not only) in their respective roles should be remembered: Ivana, an excellent lyricist and singer (also for third parties) who became the great pop star still today considered the most graceful in circulation; Larry, who deserves a handful of Grammy Awards for his countless arrangements (but it is enough to mention "Easy Lady" and "Call Me") and finally the modest and precious Ottavio with his excellent Studio Master 33 from Cremona, among the first to find the right sound of Italo-Disco already in the early 80s. Their contribution then married perfectly with the artistic direction curated by Salvy Lauria and Giacomo Danesi. It's worth highlighting the approximately 6 minute instrumental track of "Stop The World", it's a dance floor killer. Giuliano Saglia and Silvio Trisolino are right in wanting to re-propose only and exclusively the two original songs which after 40 years have been perfectly remastered by Dom Scuteri. Best Record is right to carry out all the work of this wonderful jewel, after having already reissued Blue Gas. Future State and Lily Ann, the other praiseworthy productions of the reborn Milanese label. Aficionados do well not to miss this other reissue of an Italo Disco classic from the 80s!!

From mellow crossover soul to furious heavy funk, all the way to sweet ballads, the self titled LP from 1619 Bad Ass Band has it all! We’ve taken Nothing Can Stop My Loving You and Step Out from the LP to cut a seven inch single!

Long considered by crate diggers to be rare even among the ultra rare TSG records, 1619 Bad Ass Band’s self-titled album is like catnip for rare groove collectors! From the mellow crossover soul, furious funk, sweet ballads, and everything in between, we’ve selected mid-tempo dance number “Nothing Can Stop My Loving You” and heavy funk number “Step Out” (famously sampled by DJ Shadow) to be cut on 7 inch 45rpm vinyl!

Some are looking for gold or oil and others are passionately looking for forgotten treasures of music! Those who can be described as "sound gold diggers" criss cross record shops or confidential places to unearth musical nuggets previously kept in the dark. This practice began with sampling in the 80s and has now become a way of safeguarding the world"s musical heritage. With "Diggin" Collection" we invite you to discover Soul, Funk or Disco gems from the 70s and the 80s available in four volumes for your pleasure.Following the success of previous volumes of the Diggin" collection, discover groovy gems with Groove Diggin" : Barbara Mason, Cortex, Maxayn...

Lyra Valenza set the tone for their first full-length album ‘Low Gear No Pressure’ with an idyllic ambience, which then tumbles into feisty, heartfelt dance workouts. Across eight tracks, the Danish duo explore the pixellated euphoria of their previous ‘Scan, Deliver’ and ‘Nightshade Edition’ EPs with a more focused sensitivity. At the start of 2020, Lyra Valenza had been freshly nominated by music platform Shape. With the pandemic in hand, however, plans changed: instead of playing a slew of festivals, the duo spent weeks in a summer house in rural Sjælland, right at Denmark’s North Eastern coast, making early versions of the tracks in this album. ‘Low Gear No Pressure’ refers to the unusual calmness of that time, away from music industry stress and burnout; inspired by friendship. More than previous EPs, the album is shaped by the duo’s live set, which they’ve been performing in Denmark and Europe for many years now. The album breezes through different modes with confidence and ease, tracks morphing fluidly into one another to create a cohesive listening experience. A cool, expansive breakbeat on track two, ‘True Computer’, hints at the psychoactive journey to follow. ‘Truthwork’ plays with arps over a half time groove: subtle synths which reach their final form in ‘Joy Divided’. These agile swells and drops recall peers-in-precision Minor Science and 96 Back. On the flip, ‘Gameshow’ looks back over one shoulder to eurodance, while ‘Life on the Line’ goes out to the soulful junglists, but with a touches of trance in the samplework. On ‘Who Might Win’, the album’s ecstatic hyperactiveness melts into a slo-mo heartbeat, reminding us there’s a chillout room somewhere in the building. And just when we think it’s time to go home, the album gifts us with “one more tune”, and the soaring pop vocals of featured artist Saltmother on ‘Stretch Your Arms’.

This album sound like a top of then line country music record for one reason only: The Countyry Side Of Harmonica Sam play their music that way. Harlan Howard famously stated that "all you need write a country song is three chords and the truth". Although he said that right, I believe that delivering the song also takes personality, musicanship, style, and other traits of that nature. In the case of these five Swedish honky-tonk heroes, they have it all. This band is bringing quality back in style, and I don't know about you, but I sure have missed it. Their work is characterized by the high standarts that used to be the very essence of recordings made for Decca Records in Nashville, or Capitol in California, but that somehow got more and more scarce as country music's path went on. I'm sure you will agree that these guys really have a way with a sad song. Their music rings with the sound of heartache, loneliness, and love. It is the kind of love that, whether it is faded, unrequited, or burning with desire, can make one lose his mind and stay out late wandering the streets after closing time. After listening to this record, you might catch youself thinking that being blue might be the most beautiful feeling in the world. Or at least it is when you have such a fine soundtrack to cry along to. Harmonica Sam and his team might be on the "Country Side", but they can't seem to shake off that lonesome feeling called the blues. Theo Lawrence

The VinylChill Collection is back with a new volume dedicated to Nu SoulAn elegant colllection with an original vinyl to relax in a cosy and warm musical atmosphere.Featuring Jazzanova, Quantic Soul Orchestra, Kimberose, Terry Callier...

Being back in the prairies after decades away opened up boxes of tightly wrapped insanity, delicate stuff, and bizarre things. The joy and sorrow of the place drives me into the Blues studio to make more art for you. It's made with big heart from way out West, to keep you alive and virile.”

Welcome back. Where's the party at? Son Of Dave's 11th album kicks off with homecoming outbursts. After 26 years in London UK he's back in the Canadian Prairies demanding as much attention as always. Themes of flat Midwest cities, classic-rock lovin' truckers, and a weird call for More Mayonnaise will keep his multitude of international fans chuckling. The usual Son Of Dave bag of tricks colours the album: Blues-harmonica, beat-box, cheap electric guitar, and that voice that shouts and croons his own brand of Blues infused old-school R&B.

As always, he messes with different rhythms: Funk, Boogaloo, Rock-Steady, or Techno, always doing it his own way. How do you categorize a Son of Dave album? He's become his own style, loved and shared by millions of fans worldwide. That's why you'll find his music in the Breaking Bad soundtrack and many more. You'll hear it on college radio or boomer generation blues radio programs from Switzerland to Argentina. A true maverick Bluesman.

Most of the record is done completely himself. All writing, instruments, editing, recording, mixing and artwork. You're welcome. Three exceptions are “Where's The Party At” , produced by long-time collaborator Tim Gordine in London, and two recorded on Vancouver Island by Zac Cohen at lovely Woodshop Studios, “Yahoos” and “I Told You All I Know”. The album will be released on July 12th. Four singles will lead up. Plenty of videos and fun coming. Shows and tours forthcoming.

The SuperSoul Brothers is the most active soul-funk group in the South-West of France and returns with their new album "By The Way". This is the group"s third album. "By The Way" is a more mature album that explores themes of introspection, loss, sharing, joys, and the passage of time. Each track paints a picture of the group"s journey through life, filled with both moments of happiness and difficulties. This new opus features 12 tracks oscillating between Rock "n" Soul and Nola Funk. Each song is an event in itself, creating its own universe. This combo is a true band, united around their lead, vibrating and composing together. The SuperSoul Brothers formed in Pau at the end of 2015 and since 2021 have been propelled onto stages in France and around the world with the help of the legendary Dixiefrog Records label.

Long Live started in 1997 in Thessaloniki based on an idea by Giorgos Symeonidis of the legendary Thessaloniki metal group Sarissa and continues to this day, having given more than 3000 lives with Greek and foreign artists such as B. Papakonstantinou, F. Pliatsikas, T. Panoussis , Nazareth, Glenn Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, Dr Feelgood, Eric Sardinas and others. The original line-up of Long Live included Giorgos Symeonidis voice, Laki Ragaza guitars, Stelios Tzioumerkas bass, Vangelis Notopoulos bass and Alexandros Dimarelli drums, who can be heard on the recordings of side 1 while later the line-up consisted of Giorgos Symeonidis voice, Laki Ragaza guitars , Stelio Tzioumerka bass and Giorgos Motesnitsa drums, who can be heard on the 2nd side of the vinyl. Since 1997, Long Live has been playing hard / heavy rock, which they recorded on 2 cd-ep's in 2000 and 2005. B-otherSide records together with Vinylmania Records presents the whole of Long Live's recordings in a edition of 200 numbered vinyls, which contain a four-page insert with photos of the group from the Giorgos Symeonidis archive and song lyrics. The master was taken over by the very experienced Yiannis Kyris, while the cover was created based on an idea by Giorgos Symeonidis.

"Who am I to myself? Just one of my impressions." by F. PessoaThe new album of the Polski Piach trio is titled Anomalia (Anomaly) and is the band"s third album.After Poludnie and Pólnoc (South/Noon and North/Midnight - thematically referring to the time of day and night as well as geographical directions), the band recorded a fully acoustic album, raw but brighter than Pólnoc. The songs contain the title anomalies and are narrative, even cinematic. They flow. The music of Polski Piach is a journey, both through the listener"s imagination and musical styles.The album was recorded live in Piotr Zabrodzki"s analog studio. The music was recorded on tape and mixed in analogue way.The cover was designed by Pawel Ryzko using drawings by Patryk Zakrocki.