Arts/Entertainment-1-24-2024

The book release of The Spirit of Buffalo Women: Prominent Women who called WNY their Home will take place on November 15 at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court, Buffalo NY. The event will begin at 6:00 pm and include a special 90-minute talk about the individuals included in the book. Copies of the Spirit of Buffalo Women will be available for purchase before, during and after the presentation. This book release is part of the weekly Buffalo History Museum Wednesday Happy Hour History series.

About the Book
The Spirit of Buffalo Women: Prominent Women who called WNY their Home profiles 60 women who contributed to the development of WNY as social benefactors, community leaders, politicians, educators, entertainers, authors, journalists, artists, philanthropists, business owners and management executives. Their contributions changed the Spirit of WNY and made it a diversified community where individuals of all races, nationalities and sexual orientation work together to make the Buffalo area one of the best places to live in the country.

The Women Profiled Include:
Baez, Ball, Baranski, Bellissimo, Berry, Bethune, Blake, Bozer, Butler, Caldwell, Cary, Cass, Chisholm, Clement, Cleveland, Clifton, Cornell, Davis, DiFranco, Falletta, Fillmore, De Forest, Ganson, Gillette, Goodyear, Green, Hinson, Holmes, Horton, Jemison, Johnson, Jones, Kleinhans, Knox, Lockwood, Lord, Love, Merriweather, Montgomery, Morgana, Mulligan, Nevergold, Oates, Price, Ransom, Reinstein, Reinstein, St. John, Shedd, Stevens, Talbert, Taylor, Thompson, Townsend, Tubman, Wendt, Wendt, Wincenc, Wolfgang and Ziemba. Included in the profiles is information on numerous other women who assisted in making WNY what it is today.
…..and over 200 photos and illustrations

About the Author
Rick Falkowski has been involved in all aspects of WNY entertainment during the past 60 years. He is the founder of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and Buffalo Music Awards, former publisher of Buffalo Backstage Magazine, entertainment coordinator of Tonawanda's Gateway Harbor Concerts, creator of Theatre Alongside the Canal, a UB graduate, USAF Veteran and Time Warner retiree. He presents classes on the History of Buffalo Music & Entertainment and Buffalo History at libraries, community centers, schools and for various organizations. In addition, Rick is the author of History of Buffalo Music & Entertainment (2017), Profiles Volume I: Historic & Influential People from Buffalo & WNY – the 1800s (2019) and Profiles Volume II: Historic & Influential People from Buffalo and WNY – the Early 1900s (2021).

Rick Falkowski – buffalomusichistory.com – rickfalkowski@aol.com – 716-583-0540

-Some Days-
I’ve had the pleasure of watching Davey O. mature into a seasoned performer and songwriter over his music career from his early days with longtime collaborator the late Jeffrey Mikulski to his current troubadour solo style. His latest release a six year in the making endeavor titled Some Days finds Davey touching on life’s milestones and memories with introspective and reflective lyrics filled with longing, doubt and joy sometimes all in the same song. But this is no Debbie Downer wallowing away but a songwriter with stories to tell that we all can relate to in our own life. Tracks of note from Some Days include “The Hand of Doubt” about the guessing game we all play with ourselves, “Travelogue” about the need to sometimes just step away and reset ourselves, “For a Little While” because sometimes we need something if only for a little while, “A New Season” about new beginnings, the tale of youthful days “Texaco Sign” and the beautiful title cut “Some Days” that speaks of past and future times. To find out more about Davey O. and his new release Some Days visit www.daveyo.com or go to www.facebook.com/daveyosongwriter

-THC-
Buffalo based outfit The Haze Corporation has released a new album titled THC an eclectic eleven song mix of modern, alternative, along with classic rock and blues. The band features Eric Kacz (vocals/guitar/keyboards), Rich Cervo (guitar/vocals), Mike Giezycki (drums) and Bill Root (bass). Sadly Root passed away before the album was released. His band mates have dedicated this release to him. Treasures among the tracks on THC include the galloping out of the gate lead off track “They’ll Try”, the brooding bluesy rocker “Games That You Play”, the gentle rolling “We Are One”, the unabashed love song “Come Along Mary”, the soulful “Your Help”, the jangly “Full Steam Ahead”, the roots rocker “Damn You, Time” and their own spin of The Cars classic “You’re All I Got Tonight”. The band made their live debut at the 2023 Music is Art Festival playing selections from this album and others before a large and appreciative crowd. To find out more about The Haze Corporation, where to catch them live around town and how get your own copy of their new album THC head on over to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063702104572

- (single)-
Western New York’s psychedelic Reggae punk power trio Daze Ago (Tj Cutajar - vocals/guitar, Erik Robinson – drums and Bryce Malluma-Kopp - bass) have dropped a new single titled “Wasted Time”. The melodic alternative punk song starts with an almost laid back and dreamy country opening before upping the volume and energy. For some odd reason the juxtaposition of these two seemingly different musical styles makes the song work better than if either style dominated the entire song. The band has a multitude of influences that creates a unique and diverse aspect to their sound. They continue to perform live in Buffalo and the surrounding Western New York scenes. They have also traveled to Baltimore, MD for a slot on the Frozen Harbour Music Festival, shows in Akron, OH and other regional areas as they expand their fan base. You can find out more information about Daze Ago by going to www.facebook.com/Dazeago To give “Wasted Time” a listen click on the link www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCC2QPg0LCA

-Third Degree Gravity-
Salt Lake City blues guitarist Eric Heideman has released a new album titled Third Degree Gravity that is sure to be his break out release. The ten songs feature a mix of blues, soul, rock and roots and showcases Heideman’s impressive guitar work and vocals. Already in his young career he has played with some of the current top notch artists in the blues and roots genre so he called in a few to help on this record including JW-Jones (guitar/vocals/producer), Victor Wainwright (keyboards/vocals/producer) and Dave Gross (organ/percussion/engineer) others assisting on this recording are Michael Bram (drums) and Matt Raymond (bass). Highlights off of Third Degree Gravity include the Boogie Woogie barrelhouse rocker featuring Wainwright “I Didn’t Do It”, the gritty blues rocker “Money Man”, “You’re Pushin’ Me” with Jones, the slinky and funky “Where Has the Love Gone”, the haunting “Howlin’ Wind”, the excellent blues rocker “Never Felt This Way Before”, the high energy “Leavin’ Today” and the weeping slide blues ballad “Turn Out Fine”. Eric Heideman’s latest Third Degree Gravity is sure to make an impression on all who give it a listen. To find out more about Eric Heideman and his new record Third Degree Gravity check out his website at www.ericheideman.com or go to www.facebook.com/ericheidemanmusic

-Songs From Muddy Hollow-
Canadian acoustic blues and roots outfit Badger’s Caravan have released a new album titled Songs from Muddy Hollow. Consisting of members Bill Monroe (bass), Brian Froese (vocals/guitar/keyboards), George Trainor (drums) and special guest Mookie Williams Foster (Saxophone) the eleven tracks are unique as individual songs but mesh together as an album as well for a cohesive listening experience. Tracks of note include the jazz blues opener “Hot Tub of Horrors”, the sweet piano ballad “(Love Is A…) Hound From Hell”, the spritely tale about a jealous relationship “Cut Me Some Slack”, the joie de vivre of “I’m So Happy”, the brooding “Warrior at Heart”, the easy going instrumental “Certains de Moi”, the country tinged “True Blue Fool”, and the rocking album closer “Top of the Heap”. For more information about Badger’s Caravan and their latest release Songs From Muddy Hollow head over to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086056351660

-His-Story-
Usually when I write a review I try not to compare the artist I am reviewing to another for fear of giving the wrong idea of the artist’s music. But in the case of Philadelphia blues guitarist Greg Sover the comparisons are hard to miss. Sover has undoubtedly been influenced by guitar great Jimi Hendrix. But he is not just following in the master’s fret work but giving it a fresh contemporary sound on his new album titled His-Story. He even brings in Hendirx’s Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox for two Hendrix covers along with special guests bass player Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Rick Derringer, Billy Idol, Joan Jett and others) and drummer David Uosikkinen (Hooters) to the session. Highlights among the ten tracks include the two Hendrix covers “Manic Depression” and “Remember” the latter a somewhat rare Jimi cut, the mysterious “Dark House”, the sonic assault of “Freedom Part 2”, the heavy bottom blues thumper “Temptation”, the slow blues love song “Tonight”, the riff-tastic rocker “Living on the Edge”, the grunge blues blaster “Song 28” and the pleading blues moaner “Stuck in the Rain”. You can find out more about Greg Sover and his latest album His-Story by going to his website www.gregsover.com or visit www.facebook.com/GregSover

-Voyages & Other Stories-
Quebec harmonica ace Guy Belanger has released his seventh solo album titled Voyages & Other Stories an eleven song collection of originals and well chosen cover tunes. Belanger has been plying his trade for nearly fifty years now and has toured with everyone from Celine Dion to Folk-Blues master Doug McLeod. For Voyages & Other Stories he is supported by a strong cast of musicians including Rob MacDonald (guitar), Marc-Andre Drouin (bass), Alec McElcheran (bass/vocals), Michel Dufour (drums), Bruce Cameron (keyboards) and Claude Fradette (guitars). Highlights from Voyages & Other Stories include the instrumental harp workout “Bayou’s Ride”, the shimmering “Nieve”, a lively cover of Jimmy Hall’s “Duck Soup”, the rocking “How Do You Do It” featuring McElcheran, a soothing cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, the straight old school blues cover of Slim Harpo’s “King Bee”, “Au Bout Du Chemin” featuring special guest Nanette Workman, the laid back beautiful love song “No One Else” with Belanger handling vocals, and a sultry and exquisite cover of Nina Simone’s “Do I Move You” featuring Sylvie Desgroseilliers. For more information about Guy Belanger and his latest album Voyages & Other Stories go to www.guybelangermusic.com or visit www.facebook.com/guybelangerharmonica

The LH Express

-Painting Stars-
Canadian blues band The LH Express have released a new album titled Painting Stars. This is a new direction for the band formally known as The Lucas Haneman Express as they have rebranded the name to reflect the sound with powerhouse vocalist Megan Laurence featured on half the songs. Haneman still focuses on his guitar playing and song writing while longtime bassist Martin Newman and new drummer Valera Negovora handle the rhythm section. The ten songs on Painting Stars show a renewed passion and energy for the band as they were eager to create music after the pandemic. Outstanding cuts include the country blues rocker “Getaway”, the slinky groove of “Not Today”, the pandemic inspired “Cabin Fever”, the revved up “Hot Minute”, the funky and soulful “When I’m With Her” and three outstanding tracks featuring Laurence the sweet blues ballad “Being Strong”, “These Walls” and the country tinged album closer and title cut “Painting Stars”. For more information about The LH Express and their new album Painting Stars go to their website www.lhexpress.ca or go to www.facebook.com/LucasHaneman

-Nosy Neighbors-
The latest album from Paul Boddy &the Slidewinder Blues Band titled Nosy Neighbors is a swinging mix of Texas and Chicago style blues spread out over twelve stellar tracks. The band (Paul Boddy-guitar /lead vocals, Glenn “The Wizard” Hale-keyboards, Chuck Hearne-bass and Dave Hollingsworth-drums) are staples on the Philadelphia and Jersey Shore blues scenes and have won numerous awards and accolades including induction into the Pennsylvania Blues Hall of Fame. They kick things off with the piano and slide guitar workout “Trouble Finds Me Everyday” that sets the tone for the rest of the album including the funky “Hurts Me Too”, the tight and soulful “Hanky Panky Blues”, the Honky Tonk blues rocker “Baby Let’s Try Again”, the Crescent City flavored title cut “Nosy Neighbors”, the horn soaked rave up “Jam It In”, a cover of Leon Russell’s classic “Delta Lady” and the LP closing “Trashcan Head” which lets all the musicians stretch out and show their chops. To find out more information about Paul Boddy & the Slidewinder Blues Band head over to their website www.slidewinderbluesband.com or visit them at www.facebook.com/Slidewinderbluesband

-Smoke Burst-
Brazilian singer and guitarist Mario Rossi has released his third album titled Smoke Burst. Since arriving on the international blues scene in 2013 the youngster has been a critical darling with his fusion of traditional blues with an edgy rock sound. The band consists of Rossi on guitar and vocals along with Ede Boy on keyboards, Marcelo Rocha on bass and Rafael Cacavallo on drums. Special guests for these sessions include Lu Vitti on vocals, Steve Bell on harmonica and Richard Fermino on horns. Highlights among the eight tracks on Smoke Burst include the incendiary blues rocker “Leavin’ for a Walk”, the rocking “Don’t Tell Me What to Do”, two instrumental tracks the title cut “Smoke/Burst” and the ode to the master “Jammin’ for Jimi”, the blues Gospel rave up with Bell “There’s No Hope for Willie Brown”, the horn soaked and soulful “Cold Lonely Nights” and the outstanding slow blues moaner “It Means Blues” with Vitti on vocals. To find out more about this upcoming guitarist and the Mario Rossi Band’s new album Smoke Burst visit www.mariorossiband.com or go to www.facebook.com/mariorossiband

-Walking Heart Attack-
Soul blues legend Johnny Rawls has released a new album titled Walking Heart Attack a ten song collection of smooth soulful blues. Rawls career spans over fifty years and his list of awards, songwriting credits, hits, bands, tours and other artists he has performed with is too long to list here. For this album Rawls (vocals/guitar), is joined by his long time recording outfit The Rays featuring Johnny McGhee (guitar), Bob Trenchard (bass), Richy Puga (drums), Dan Ferguson (keyboards), Andy Roman (Sax solos), Mike Middleton (trumpet), Nick Flood (Sax), Frank Otero (trombone), Jon Olazabal (percussion) and Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston (backing vocals). Tracks of note off Walking Heart Attack include the funky and soulful title cut, a cover of “Trying To Live My Life Without You” previously done by Otis Clay and Delbert McClinton, a couple of Rawls penned cuts “Tell Me The Truth” about a couple’s demise and the soulful “One More Sin”, a reworking of Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” into a Southern soul ballad and the outstanding LP closer “Mississippi Nights” about longing and finding a sense of place. You can find out more about the legendary Johnny Rawls and his new album Walking Heart Attack by going to www.johnnyrawlsblues.com or visiting www.facebook.com/johnny.rawls2

-In The Key Of Sorry-
Singer songwriter and keyboardist Pat McDougall has released an outstanding collection of songs on his new album titled In The Key Of Sorry. McDougall is joined by his Tall Static band mates on this one, Whit Draper (guitar), Ed Pierce (drums), and Jim Solberg (bass) along with special guests Kid Anderson (guitar) and Jimi Bott (drums/engineer/mix/producer) and a host of others. Highlights among the thirteen tracks on In The Key Of Sorry include the swinging title cut, the funky kiss off “(I Think I Need) Another Lover”, the slinky blues number “Don’t Ask A Boy (To Do A Man’s Job)”,the tale of a mismatched relationship “Hot Soup And Ice Cream”, the churchy mid tempo blues ballad “How You Gonna” with exquisite harmony vocals from Lisa Mann, the rollicking piano and horn based blues jam “Love Won’t Let Me Down”, the tearful relationship ending blues ballad “Action Speaks Louder Than Words”, the slow Midnight blues of “Well-Acquainted With The Blues” and the big, bold and boastful album closer “I’m That Guy”. You can find out more about Pat McDougall and his fine new album in The Key Of Sorry by heading over to his website www.patmcdougall.com or by going to www.facebook.com/patmcdougallmusic

-27 Stitches-
Croatian blues rock outfit Sunnysiders have released their fifth album titled 27 stitches a twelve song collection of their truly unique exploration and interpretation of the blues. Consisting of Antonija Vrgoc Rola (vocals/percussion), Boris Hrepic Hrepa (vocals/acoustic guitar/bass/harp), Luka Banic Bane (electric guitar), Mihael Vlah Miha (drums) and Tomislav Novak Tomi (upright bass/fretless bass/Dobro) the band has won the Croatian Blues Challenge and were semi finalists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Highlights off 27 Stitches include the driving horn soaked “Shake and Shiver”, the stinging guitar riffs on “Who Stole the Rainbow”, the dark title cut “27 Stitches”, the rocking ode to a friend’s culinary skills “Soup”, the tender love ballad “Love You at All”, the frenzied New Wave style rocker “Love Remote”, the outstanding country, Gospel and soul number “What About You”, the Ethnic Folk vibe of “Devil’s Loan” and the trippy album closer “Highway To Blues”. You can find out more about Sunnysiders and their new album 27 Stitches by going to www.sunnysiders.com or by heading over to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063575562545

-Tejas Motel-
Texas based blues rock band Ole Lonesome have released a new album titled Tejas Motel a ten song collection of gritty blue collar rock anthems. The band, Zachary Feemster (vocals/guitar), J. Wesley Hardin (bass), Gregory Mosley (keyboards), Jimmy Devers (drums/percussion) and Greg Achord (guitar) has an old school approach to their style of blues, roots and rock but with an ear to the current state of music affairs. Nuggets from Tejas Motel include the low down dirty greasy blues number “Yvette”, the heavy bottom blues rocker “Gold Chevy”, the brooding “Steady Mistreater”, the big crunchy rocker “Momma’s Worry”, the fuzzed out rocker “Lo Key” featuring special guest guitar ace Mike Zito, the slow blues jam “Ain’t No Good”, the thumping “Natural Fact” and the trippy and satisfying title cut “Tejas Motel”. If you like you’re blues greasy, swampy, gritty and blue collar in nature then Ole Lonesome’s Tejas Motel is for you. Check out Ole Lonesome and their album Tejas Motel by going to www.olelonesome.com or by visiting www.facebook.com/olelonesome

-Wooden Music-
I love when I come across something new and fresh sounding in the pile of music I’m sent to review. Such is the case with the latest from blues and roots artist Mick Kolassa and his new album titled Wooden Music. For this album Kolassa had the idea to record with only acoustic instruments to prove that you can have a full and big sound using said wooden instruments. Helping to achieve that vision are Jeff Jensen (guitar), Carl Casperson (upright bass), Tom Lonardo (drums), Rick Steff (piano/accordion), and special guests Eric Hughes, Bob Corritore and Vince Johnson (harmonica), Tas Cru (guitar), Libby Rae Watson (vocals) and Reba Russell and Susan Marshall (backing vocals). Highlights among the eleven original and one cover tracks on Wooden Music include the freewheeling Honky Tonkin’ “Educated by the Blues”, the working man’s blues number “You Gotta Pay the Price”, the breezy and pleasing “Sugar in Your Grits”, a cover of Guy Clark’s “Baby Took a Limo to Memphis” featuring Libby Rae Watson on vocals, the tight and funky “If I Told You”, the take it to church ballad “Hurt People”, the comforting “Memphis Wood”, the speak the truth lyrical content on “If Life Was Fair”, the jaunty “Over My Shoulder”, the ode to an aging stoner “One Hit Wonder” and the light hearted LP closer “Gas Station Sushi”. The latest from Mick Kolassa Wooden Music is a fine slab of music that bears repeated listening. To find out more about Mick Kolassa his latest album Wooden Music visit www.mimsmick.com or go to www.facebook.com/MickKolassaBlues

-Rock The Yacht-
Legendary rock guitarist Rick Derringer and his wife Jenda have released a new album titled Rock The Yacht in their continuing series of projects reinterpreting various music and genres ranging from The Beatles to inspirational to this current one album of Yacht Rock style songs. The album features eight original tracks written by the husband and wife team and one they penned with Alice Cooper and Bernie Taupin. The couple handles all the vocals and Rick adds his signature guitar sound to every track in addition to bass on all tracks and drums on a couple of other tracks. Others stopping by to help the Derringer’s on Rock The Yacht include Carmen Appice, Frank Starchak, Rob Manual and Dave and Ron Reinhardt. Tracks of note off Rock The Yacht include the soaring ballad “First Time”, the smooth and dreamy “Summertime Delights”, the carefree good time vibes of “Florida Siesta”, “If I Weren’t So Romantic” written with Cooper and Taupin, this one lets Jenda show off her vocal prowess, the sensual “Hot & Cool”, the smitten lover’s duet “Good To Go” and the patriotic blast to the country they love “United States” featuring the thunderous drumming of Appice. For more information about Rick & Jenda Derringer’s latest release Rock The Yacht visit them at www.rickderringer.com or go to www.facebook.com/rickderringerofficial

-Feeling Good Is Good enough-
Nick Wade comes from a musical family. His grandfather Johnny, a professional jazz musician, performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and many others. Wade took his first music lesson from his grandfather at the age of five but it wasn’t until his twenties that he discovered the music of Robert Johnson and he dedicated himself to country blues and spiritual music. That is evident on his latest release tilted Feeling Good Is Good Enough a twelve song mix of authentic acoustic blues all recorded in the studio or outdoors live to tape. The recording features just Wade and his guitar which could lapse into repetitiveness but he keeps it fresh with innovative riffs and vocal phrasings. Highlights from Feeling Good Is Good Enough include “Sky Line Drive”; the outstanding dirge blues number “Sing With The Angels”, “Broke And Busted” about the essence of the blues and bluesman, the lively instrumental “Ragamuffin”, “The Broken Hearted Man” and “Crucifixion”. With deft guitar playing and an authentic blues man’s voice Nick Wade’s new album Feeling Good Is Good Enough will cure what ails you. For more information about Nick Wade and his new album Feeling Good Is Good enough head over to his website www.nickwademusic.com or go to www.facebook.com/RealBlues777

-Behind the Veil-
Harmonica master Jason Ricci has seen many highs and lows in his music career. He is a multi award winning artist, an in demand session player and a constantly on tour musician. He has developed his own harmonica line and is an established music teacher. However at time drugs and alcohol have derailed his career momentum. Now clean and sober he has formed a new band The Bad Kind and together they have released a new album titled Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind-Behind the Veil a twelve song mix of blues and rock with a New Orleans vibe. The Bad Kind members include Ricci on vocals and harmonica, his wife Kaitlin Dibble on vocals, Brent Johnson on guitar, Jack Joshua handles bass and vocals along with John Perkins on drums and special guests Joe Krown on keyboards, Joanna Connor on guitar and Lauren Mitchell on backing vocals. Tracks of note from Behind the Veil include the jazzy, spooky and mysterious “Casco Bay”, the heavy rocking cover of Bobby Rush’s “Ain’t She Fine”, the classic New Orleans number “St. James Infirmary”, a cover of Booker T & The MG’s “Hip Hug-Her”, a trio of songs with Dibble on vocals the smoky jazzy and blue “Wrong Kind of Easy/Nobody But You”, “5-10-15” and the greasy rocker “No Way” and the fun, funky and percolating duet between Ricci and Dibble on “No Way”. For More information about Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind’s new album visit www.mooncat.org or go to www.facebook.com/TheBadKind

-Too Much Blues-
Keeping alive the tradition of funky Texas blues is Willie J. Laws Jr. and his latest release titled Too Much Blues featuring a twelve song mix of exactly what the title says funky Texas blues. Helping Laws (vocals/guitars) on Too Much Blues are Dave Johnson (bass), Brooks Milgate (keyboards) and Justin Blackburn (drums/percussion). Highlights off the album include the opening track “Regl’ Ol’ Blues” in which Laws names checks his blues mentors and give a tutorial about the blues, the percolating blues rap “Stuck In Traffic”, “Sorry Charlie” with special guests harp ace Jerry Portnoy and slide guitarist Paul Nelson, the title cut “Too Much Blues”, the stinging rebuke to a former lover “You Don’t Love Me” and a cover of The Isley Brothers’ “Who’s That Lady?”. Laws isn’t afraid to speak his mind either with three spot on songs and social commentary “Getcha’ Knee Off My Neck”, “Ain’t Going To Texas” and “The Right” all tour de force pieces. For more information about Willie J. Laws Jr. and his latest album Too Much Blues visit www.williejlawsband.com or go to www.facebook.com/WillieJLawsBand

-Roots-
Roots and blues artist Joyann Parker has released a new album titled Roots featuring thirteen original songs. The Wisconsin native who handles vocals, guitar, and keyboards is backed by her band Mark Lemoine on guitar and backing vocals, Tim Wick on piano and organ, Saxophonist Scott Graves and Chris Bates and Bill Golden on bass and drums respectively. Nuggets to choose from on Roots include “Faintly Optimistic” a joyous horn sweetened rocker, “Wash It Away” a Gospel infused ballad, the title cut “Roots” a soulful rocker with a crunchy guitar riff, “Closing Someone Else’s Blinds” a smooth tale of a lover’s betrayal, the driving rocker “What’s Good For You”, the Roots Reggae number “Juxtaposition”, the country Bluegrass work out “Miss Evangeline”, “Old Flame” with its bright tropical feel and heartbreaking story, the boozy and brassy tale of many women “Stay Home Mama” and the ode to her Wisconsin roots “Sconnie Girl”. For more information about Joyann Parker and her new album Roots head over to www.joyannparker.com or go to www.facebook.com/joyannparker

-At Christmas-
For her eleventh album singer songwriter Lisa Biales decided it was time for her to make a Christmas album. The result is At Christmas featuring nine newly penned songs by Biales and her band mates and a remake of a Louis Prima classic. Backed by an ace group of players including album producer and drummer Tony Braunagel (Robert Cray/Bonnie Raitt/Taj Mahal), keyboardist Jeff Paris, guitarist Johnny Lee Schell, Chuck Berghofer and David J. Carpenter on bass and others they mix elements of blues, soul, swing and more into instant holiday classics. Highlights off At Christmas include the funky New Orleans style title cut “At Christmas”, Louis Prima’s “Shake Hands with Santa Claus” with a great horn arrangement from Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg, the swinging “That’s What I Like About Christmas”, the melancholy “When the Snowflakes Fall”, the light hearted ode to a pooch “Lulu Magoo”, the flirtatious love song to the man in red “I Like You Mister Claus” and the slinky Christmas groove of “Christmas Cheer”. For more information about Lisa Biales and her new album At Christmas go to www.lisabiales.com or visit www.instagram.com/BialesLisa

-The Devil Won’t Get You-
Chad Rupp & The Sugar Roots has dropped a new album titled The Devil Won’t Get You featuring eleven original rock and blues tunes. Hailing from the rich blues scene in Portland, OR Rupp (vocals/guitar) and his band the formidable Jimi Bott (drums), Peter Dammann (guitar), Brady T. Goss (keyboards), Louis Pain (organ), Scott Franklin (Saxophone) and Joe-Mack McCarthy (trumpet) along with many special guests most notable Johnny Wheels from my new favorite band Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys who adds harmonica and vocals and vocalist Lloyd Jones. Remarkable selections off of The Devil Won’t Get You include the energetic “Even Money” the horn laced “I Got You”, the slow soul soaked blues duet with Valyria Arnold “I’ve Been Thinking”, the jumping ode to a long gone Portland blues club “At The Candlelight Room”, the Memphis soul style title cut “The Devil Won’t Get You”, the take it to church testifying blues ballad “You’re Not My baby” and the raucous rave up “Tighten It Up”. Two other tracks of note include the harp howling 420 intergalactic boogie blues “Blues Men In Black” and the funky Latin cha cha cha number “Don’t Bite The Hand-Rule #3” both featuring the outstanding Johnny Wheels. To find out more about Chad Rupp &The Sugar Roots and their great new album The Devil Won’t Get You head over to www.lightninginabottlerecords.com or go to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067983258691

-Live at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC-
Blues guitar slinger Ted Horowitz better known as Popa Chubby has released a new album titled Popa Chubby and the Beast Band-Live at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC a two disc set recorded live over two days in October 2022 before a handpicked crowd of twenty five people for an intimate setting and recording. Chubby has always been a force to be reckoned with in his live performances and that magic is finally captured on this expansive release featuring a generous mix of nineteen tracks of Chubby originals and well chosen cover songs. Backed by his all-star Beast Band consisting of Mike Merritt (bass), Mike Dimeo (keyboards) and Stefano Giudici (drums), Popa Chubby (guitar/vocals) shows off his big muscular playing that has earned him a legion of fans throughout the world. Highlights off the first disc include a revved up version of the Neil Young chestnut “Motorcycle Mama”, a run through the “Theme from The Godfather” and five epic extended jams “Hey Joe”, a cover of Buffalo’s own Harold Arlen’s classic “Over the Rainbow” and three Chubby penned originals “Dirty Lie”, “69 Dollars” and the nearly fourteen minute long “Grown Man Crying Blues”. Disc two highlights include the bluesy ballad “Embee’s Song”, a couple of Chubby originals “I Don’t Want Nobody” and “I Can’t See The Light of Day” and great covers of Leonard Cohan’s classic opus “Hallelujah”, Tom Wait’s “Heart Attack and Vine” and “Nobody Wants You When You’re Down And Out” famously done by Derek and The Dominoes and a mash up of The Stones “Sympathy For the Devil” and his own “Chubby’s Story”. Popa Cubby and the Beast Band’s new album Live at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC has perfectly captured a band hitting on all cylinders. For more information about Popa Chubby and the Beast Band and their new album Live at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC head over to www.popachubby.com or visit www.facebook.com/ted.horowitz

-B’s Time-
To say that Al Basile has been prolific over the last twenty five years is an understatement. Over that period he has released an amazing twenty albums all of superior and consistent quality. So for his latest album titled B’s Time he has gathered seventeen of his favorite tracks from over two hundred to choose for a career retrospective. Basile a master coronet player and vocalists offers a multitude of styles from jazz to blues to rock, roots, Reggae, Gospel and more. His smooth storytelling vocal style and wordplay are unsurpassed as evident on this album. Basile has always surrounded himself with the titans of music including his former boss in Roomful of Blues Duke Robillard, “Monster” Mike Welch, Mark Teixeira, Bruce Bears, Bruce Katz, Marty Ballou, Brad Hallen, Doug James, Rich Latille, Carl Querfurth, Jerry Portnoy, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Sista Monica Parker and numerous others on this release. Nuggets among these already outstanding tracks on B’s Time include the one take “I Really Miss You” with Robillard’s signature guitar, the short story song “Jimmy & Johnny”, “Can I Trust You With a Kiss?”, “Make a Little Heaven” a searing duet with Sista Monica Parker, the story of how some people treat others “Hooray For Me (and to Hell with You)”, the Reggae one drop number “Causing Joy”, the humorous “Tickle My Mule” and the heartbreaking “You Don’t Know Lonesome”. If you are new to the music of Al Basile his latest release B’s Time is a great place to immerse yourself in this musical master. For more information about Al Basile, his latest release B’s Time or any others albums in his vast catalog check out www.albasile.com or head over to www.facebook.com/albasile66