Arts/Entertainment 3-21-24

The latest album from award winning vocalist and Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2016) Patti Parks is titled Come Sing With Me a ten song collection that was produced by Soul blues legend Johnny Rawls who also shows up on a couple of tracks. Parks was able to grab some of the leading national and local talent besides Rawls to assist her in making Come Sing With Me including renowned pianist Anthony Geraci, Richard Rosenblatt, Kimera Lattimore, Zuri Appleby, Robin Grandin, Anthony Casuccio, Parks’ husband Guy Nirelli, Aaron Blackmon, Aaron Flynt, Tony Cammilleri, Hugh Arthur, Kenny Thomasula, Kenny Parker, John Maguda and Rick Keller. The album was recorded at the state of the art studio at Villa Maria College in Buffalo, NY with three time Grammy nominee Anthony Casuccio recording, mixing and mastering the session. Highlights off Come Sing With Me include the soulful duet with Rawls on “I’m In Love With You Baby” written by Rawls and Nirelli, the piano boogie number “DJ’s Boogie” showcasing Geraci on piano and penned by Nirelli, the churchy blues ballad “One Foot Out The Door”, the feel good Parks/Nirelli composition “Sing Around The World”, the tight groove of “I’m Sorry”, the low down double entendre filled “Hamburger man”, the weeping Nirelli penned blues ballad “Why”, the bold “A Lotta Man”, the soulful Rawls penned “How Much Longer” and the in the pocket LP closer “Good Day For The Blues”. For more information about Patti Parks and her latest album Come Sing With Me go to www.thepattiparksband.com or visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039212592513

Amherst, NY born Grammy winning master songwriter and drummer Tom Hambridge has released a new album titled Blu Ja Vu featuring thirteen tracks of smooth rock and blues. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2001) has written for and worked with the biggest names in the business and he brings along a few of those friends to help out on this album. Hambridge (drums/percussion/vocals) brings along Buddy Guy (guitar/vocals), Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (guitar/vocals), Joe Bonamassa (guitar/vocals), Chuck Leavell (keyboards), the late James Cotton (harmonica), Rob McNelly (guitar), Bob Britt (guitar), Tommy McDonald (bass) and Kevin McKendree (keyboards) to name a few. Choice cuts off Blu Ja Vu include the Memphis style rocker “Ain’t It Just Like Love” with Buddy Guy, the driving “That’s My Home” featuring Bonamassa, the boogie blues rocker “Wear You Out’, the in the pocket shuffle “Blues Don’t Care” with Kingfish, the Honky Tonk rocker “Get Outta Town”, “Johnny Winter”, the high energy “Meet Me In Chicago” and the smooth LP closer “End Of The Line”. To learn more about Tom Hambridge and his new album Blu Ja Vu visit his website at www.hambridgetunes.com or go to www.facebook.com/hambridgetunes

Roots and blues artist Randy Lee Riviere has been making music for nearly twenty years now splitting his time between his Montana farm and another home he keeps in Nashville to be closer to the music business side of things. For his latest album titled Blues Sky he headed to Nashville to record with Grammy winner producer and multi instrumentalist Kevin McKendree and the result is an eleven track collection of gritty swampy rockers. McKendree (electric guitars/keyboards/vocals) put together a stellar ensemble of musicians to assist Riviere (acoustic guitar/vocals) for these sessions including Kenneth Blevins (drums), David Santos (bass) and the McCrary Sisters (backing vocals). Highlights off of Blues Sky include the gritty rocker “American Redoubt”, the tight “You’re So Kind”, the swampy groove of “Do Or Don’t”, the steady as she goes “Needles”, the electrifying “Old Country’s Son”, a searing “What You Know About Pain?”, the hard country rocker “Joseline” and the Gospel ballad and LP closer “Cold Cold River”. If you like hard charging blues and roots rockers Randy Lee Riviere’s latest Blues Sky is right in your wheel house. For more information about Randy Lee Riviere and his latest album Blues Sky head over to www.randyleeriviere.com or go to www.facebook.com/randyleeriviere

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed studio album Blood Brothers, Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia have returned with their latest collaboration titled Blood Brothers Live in Canada featuring twelve tracks recorded live at Blue Frog Studios in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada on May 19th and 20th, 2023. The album features ten tracks from the studio album performed live. Backing Zito (guitar/vocals) and Castiglia (guitar/vocals) for both nights of the recordings are Doug Byrkit (bass), Matt Johnson (drums/percussion), Ephraim Lowell (drums/percussion) and Lewis Stephens (piano/organ). Highlights from the album include the raucous house rocker “Hey Sweet Mama”, the Tinsley Ellis’ penned “Tooth and Nail”, the soaring blues number “In My Soul”, the blues ballad “A Thousand Heartaches”, the twin guitar instrumental “Hill Country Jam” on which everyone in the band gets to stretch out and solo, the sinister vengeful love song “You’re Gonna Burn” , a cover of John Hiatt’s “My Business” turned into an extended slide guitar jam, the soulful “Gone to Texas” and a cover of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World”. Batman and Robin may have been known as the Dynamic Duo but Zito and Castiglia make a case for the rights to that moniker. To find out more about Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia and their new album Blood Brothers Live in Canada visit www.bloodbrothersband.com or go to www.facebook.com/BloodBrothersGulfCoast

If the name Paul Reed Smith sounds familiar it is probably because his name graces the headstock of some of the finest guitars anywhere. But the world renowned guitar maker is also an extraordinary musician and guitar player as well so for his latest album titled Eightlock-Lions Roaring in Quicksand Smith brought together eight musician friends of his and they “locked” in on a unique musical brew steeped in Baltimore funk, DC go-go, and New Orleans swing. Eightlock is comprised of Smith (guitars), the outstanding Mia Samone (vocals), Gary Grainger (bass/synth bass/vocals), Gregory Grainger (drums/percussion/vocals), Dennis Chambers (drums), Juju House (drums/percussion), Mike Ault (guitars) and Bill Nelson (guitars/vocals). Guests stopping by to lend their talents include Chuck Brown (vocals), Benjie Perecki (keyboards), Sugar Bear Elliott (vocals) and Gregg Erwin (slide guitar). Highlights among the fourteen tracks on Lions Roaring in Quicksand consist of the Jazzy and percussive “Sarah”, the positive message of “Never Give Up On Livin’”, the funky workout “Man in the Moon”, the bluesy “Drivin’ At Night”, the dark and mysterious “Look At The Moon”, an English version of the hit “Ay, Doctor” originally done by the Grammy winning Mexican rock band Mana and the funky rave up “He’s the One”. Also of note are nice covers of the Al Green classic “Love and Happiness” and Edwin Starr’s “War”. For more information about Paul Reed Smith and his latest project Eightlock and their album Lions Roaring in Quicksand visit www.eightlockband.com or go to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063641798882

Beloved Canadian artist Sylvia Tyson has returned after a ten year hiatus of recording on her own to unfortunately record her final album titled At the End of the Day. She was part of the groundbreaking duo Ian & Sylvia that were one of the most influential artists on the burgeoning Greenwich Village folk scene of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. They championed Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot by recording those artist songs before they became household names. At 83 years old life on the road no longer beckons to her though her musical instincts are sharp as ever as evidenced on the new album. Musicians assisting Tyson on this album are Davide DiRenzo on drums, Charles James on bass, Jason Fowler on guitar, John Sheard on piano, Drew Jurecka on violin/mandolin and Denis Keldie and Mark LaLama both on accordion and Hammond B3 organ. The twelve tracks of folk country musings on At the End of the Day are filled with lilting melodies and exquisite instrumentation highlighted by the sweet melancholy tale of love “Sweet Agony”, the Honky Tonkin’ blues number “Now Tell Me you Got The Blues”, the jaunty “Cynical Little Love Song”, the title track “At the End of the Day”, the beautiful instrumental album closer “Janet’s Garden” and the lamentable “I Never Got Over You”. For more information about Sylvia Tyson and her extraordinary new and final album At the End of the Day visit www.stonyplainrecords.com

The Scooches, formally known as Banjo Nick & Western Scooches, have released a new album titled Lift You Up featuring twelve tracks of socially conscious and positive message music. Led by vocalist and guitarist Betina Hershey and multi instrumentalist Nick Russo they are backed here by a world class group of musicians too numerous to mention individually. Mixing elements of World Folk, roots, Reggae, New Orleans and ‘20’s Jazz they somehow arrive with a timeless and readily accessible sound. Highlights from Lift You Up include the good time break up song “I Broke The Egg”, “Spread Your Wings And Fly” about how everyone can make a difference through positive change, the Reggae folk title cut “Lift You Up”, the relevant protest call to arms “Stop This Climate Change” with spoken word verse from guest Ra$h Ca$h, the Bossa Nova feel of “Open A Door” the funky “Give It To Me Real” with Miles Griffith on vocals and the traditional protest song “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” presented in two versions the first version a jubilant celebration while the second version a Gullah Geechee honoring the Civil Rights Movement is raw and powerful and features Drumfolk Riddim performer Dr. David Pleasant. The Scooches new album Lift You Up is a joyous affair and a testament to the power of music. For more information about The Scooches and their latest album Lift You Up head over to www.thescooches.com or visit www.facebook.com/thescooches

British rhythm and blues singer Emma Wilson has released her sophomore album titled Memphis Calling a tribute to the legendary Memphis soul sound. While getting ready to record her second album Wilson ran in to Johnny Phillips in Memphis who told her that the family owned Sam Phillips Recording Studio had just acquired the original Stax recording console and offered her use of the studio and console to record her next album. Being influenced by the Memphis soul sound it was a no brainer for Wilson. The album has an authentic sound with many of the Memphis session cats lending Wilson a hand in the recording including Charles Hodge (Hammond B3), Leroy Hodges (bass), Steve Potts (drums), Archie “Hubbie” Turner (keyboards), Joe Restivo (guitars), Kirk Smothers (Saxophones), Marc Franklin (trumpet) and Don Bryant (vocals). Highlights off Memphis Calling include the Wilson/Gary Burr penned slice of Memphis soul “A Small World”, a cover of Steve Cropper’s and Eddie Floyd’s “Water”, the soul blues weeper “I Still Love You”, a cover of Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Mama”, another Wilson/Burr original “Watching You Leave”, a duet with Bryant on “What Kind of Love” and a smoky take on the classic “Since I Fell For You”. Emma Wilson’s latest album Memphis Calling is a British woman’s take on Memphis soul with winning results. To find out more about Emma Wilson and her new album Memphis Calling visit www.emmawilson.net or go to www.facebook.com/emmawilsonmusicuk

Nashville based recording artist Afton Wolfe has released a new album titled The Harvest a seven song collection of songs written by veteran Nashville songwriter (and Wolfe’s Father-in-Law) L.H. Halliburton. For these sessions Wolfe is joined by Seth Fox (Sax/flute), Madison George (drums), Erik Mendez (bass), Ilya Portnov (harmonica), Anthony Saddic (keys), Mark Robinson (guitar), Anna Eyink (violin), Robin Wolfe and Courtney Santana (vocals) and Will Hammond (shredding). Highlights off The Harvest include the edgy and sinister sounding “New Orleans Going Down”, the gentle “Lost Prayers”, the full throttle rocker “Til the River No Longer Flows”, the sweet roots number “Harvest”, the Doo Wop blues of “Mississippi” and the piano and vocal ballad “Here to Stay”. With his comforting husky vocals and deft musicianship Afton Wolfe latest album The Harvest is a pleaser on all fronts. For more information about Afton Wolfe and his new album The Harvest go to his web page at www.aftonwolfe.com or head over to www.facebook.com/aftonwolfemusic

In November of 2022 blues singer songwriter and guitarist Dave Keller left his Vermont home and convened with his band to a remote cabin in the Adirondack Mountains ten miles south of the Canadian border to record his latest album titled It’s Time to Shine featuring twelve tracks of high energy blues rock. Tired of the sometimes stale environment and confines of a proper studio Keller decided to try something different. So they brought a Subaru full of recording gear to the cabin and for a week they hung out, shared meals, played pool and recorded some incredible music. Keller who handles guitar and vocals is joined by Ira Friedman on keyboards, Jay Gleason on drums and percussion and Alex Budney on bass. Guests Mark Earley on Saxophones along with Tom Palance on trumpet and Annika Chambers-Deslauriers on backing vocals stop by to lend their talents as well. Highlights from It’s Time to Shine include the organ soaked rocker “Waiting For The Sunrise”, the driving “The Truth Of The Blues”, the soulful “789-0133”, the Southern soul number “I Wanna Go Back To Memphis”, the powerful title cut “It’s Time to Shine”, the churchy blues ballad “The First Time With You”, the sinister guitar riff on “Mayor of Memory” and the oh so true “Something ‘Bout a Sad Song”. For more information about Dave Keller and his new album It’s Time to Shine go to www.davekeller.com or you can visit www.facebook.com/davekellerband

The Groove Krewe is a recording group from Louisiana formed by Rex Pearce, Nelson Blanchard and Dale Murray whose music has been featured in motion pictures, television and on the radio. They surround themselves with the best and hottest of session musicians to complement their sound and to showcase other Louisiana artists. For their latest EP titled Blues From The Bayou they feature guitarist and vocalist Jonathon Boogie Long a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and a regular at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Over the five tracks Long displays his dynamic voice and incredible guitar chops. The band jumps right out of the gate with the swinging blues number “Ain’t No If About It” followed by “Lightnin’ Done Struck Again”. The funky horn soaked “Dangerous Curves” and the rolling and tumbling blues track “Empty Pocket Blues” feature honey dipped backing vocals from Elaine Foster before the final track the howling blues number “Eclipsed By Love”. The latest from The Groove Krewe, Blues from The Bayou featuring Jonathon Boogie Long, is the perfect soundtrack for your next Big Easy, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras party. For more information about The Groove Krewe head over to www.thegroovekrewe.hearnow.com

Canadian blues and roots artist Andre Bisson has released his tenth album titled Latchford an eleven song set dealing with perspectives, empathy and observations. Bisson (vocals/guitars/harmonica/tambourine) is helped here by Jesse O’Brien (piano/organ), Mike Rowell (bass) and Keagan Early (drums) along with Pat Carey (Saxophones), Shawn Moody (trumpet), Loretta Hale (trumpet/cello), Rob Somerville (trombone), Paul Barna (violin/viola), Quisha Wint (vocals), Selena Evangeline (vocals) and Dan Rodrigues (piano). Bisson is a masterful songwriter (always the key) as shown on the tracks “The Reformed Deceiver” a soulful mix of horns and strings, the rootsy title cut “Latchford”, the steady rocking blues number “Echo Mountain”, the amazing country tinged tale of regrets “Dusty Albums”, the sunny horn fused blues “Smile Time”, the up tempo blues rocker “Enough”, the funky “Sticks And Stones”, the hard hitting rhythm and blues/ roots mix “Tail Wags The Dog’ and the Gospel fueled rocker “The Bring Down”. For more information about Andre Bisson and his latest release Latchford visit www.andrebisson.ca or you can go to www.facebook.com/andrebissonband

British guitarist, composer, arranger and vocalist Richard Rozze has released a new album titled Lion that showcases his blues and rock guitar skills over ten tracks. The blues power trio consists of Rozze on guitar and vocals, Jonathon Noyce (Jethro Tull/Gary Moore) on bass and Simon Lea (Ronnie Wood/Dionne Warwick) on drums. Tracks of note off Lion include the swampy blues rocker “The River”, the shimmering “Forgotten”, the steady sounding title track “Lion”, the smooth jazz blues instrumental “Sovereign”, the slow eight minute blues ballad “Go It Alone”, another instrumental “Prana” and the album closer “Voice Of The Wind”. Rozze’s new album Lion is a nod to the past British blues guitar greats while keeping his vision on the future. For more information about Richard Rozze and his new album Lion visit www.richardrozze.com or head over to www.facebook.com/richardrozze

Shakura S’Aida has been a globetrotting and award winning performer for over two decades. She is an integral figure in the Toronto music scene and is renowned for her stage work as the creator and star of The Nina Project, a tribute to Nina Simone, and on television as Lena one of the “Jazzagals” on Schitt’s Creek and as Cora Lewis mother of Batwoman in the DC Comics series of the same name. But music has always been her passion. So after ten years she has returned with a new album titled Hold On To Love a twelve song mix of contemporary root and blues. S’Aida also brought along guests Keb’ Mo’, Eric Gales and Lee Oskar to name a few. Highlights from Hold On To Love include the funky “Glad For Today”, the bluesy country vibe of “(Taste Like) Honey” featuring Oskar on harmonica, the horn soaked slow blues number “Too Late”, “Complicated” with Gales on guitar, the slinky title cut “Hold On To Love”, the gospel tribal blues track “Clap Yo Hands and moan” co written with and produced by Keb’ Mo’, a powerful cover of The Doobie Brothers’ “Takin’ It To The Streets” stripped of its pop sheen and with the message of the lyrics front and center, the outstanding churchy blues ballad “Don’t Wait For Me” and a fine cover of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold”. Shakura S’Adia’s new album Hold On To Love is a welcome return from this talented artist. To find out more about Shakura S’Aida and her latest album Hold On To Love visit www.shakurasaida.com or go to www.facebook.com/shakurasaidamusic

After years of toiling as an in demand audio engineer and production manager for some notable names in the music business Cassius King had to either chase his dream as a musician or stick with the status quo. He decided to follow his dream and the result is his debut album Cassius King and The Downtown Rulers-Last Call For The Blues. The Downtown Rulers, Chalo Ortiz-guitar, Chris White-bass and J.R. Lozano-drums, are of some of the hottest West Coast musicians and add powerful backing for King who handles keyboards and vocals. The four members wrote four of the five tracks here and recorded the album at Sonic Rock Studio in Fallbrook, CA with Grammy Award winning producer Dave Darling. Highlights from Last Call For The Blues include the soulful tale of no regrets “Do It All Again”, the funky percolating “Feel Good Music”, the heavy bottom blues rocker “Better Man Blues”, the slow blues moan title cut “Last Call For The Blues” and a greasy cover of Johnny Taylor’s “If You Love Me’. Cassius King and The Downtown Rulers debut album Last Call For The Blues is sure to be the first of many from this top notch group. To find out more about Cassius King and The Downtown Rulers go to www.thedowntownrulers.com or visit www.facebook.com/CassiusKingandtheDowntownRulers

Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band have released a new album titled Tommy Lee’s Jonesin’ a twelve song selection of down home blues. Hailing from Ft Myers, FL the band are regulars at Cook’s Buckingham Blues Bar and recorded the album at Downtown Buckingham Studios. Cook who handles guitar and vocals is backed by his Buckingham Blues Band featuring Rex Bongo on guitar and backing vocals, Harry Cassano on keys and backing vocals, Scott Kamener on guitar, Arne England on slide guitar, Tbone Funk on drums and percussion and Andrei Koribanics on drums. Guests stopping by to pay a visit include Bobby Capps on piano, Rick Rourke on Sax and Justin Richey on slide guitar. Choice cuts off the album include the thick and greasy “Birds and Bees”, the spoken word intro “Gimme My Money Mister” that segues into a organ drenched slow blues cover of Willie Mae Brown’s “Turpentine” but done in the JJ Grey version of the song, the haunting piano and mournful Sax on the study of lost romance “Let It Rain”, the in the pocket title cut “Tommy Lee’s Jonesin’”, the piano tinkling “Funky Shoes”, the outstanding soulful and churchy “Consequences” and a rollicking cover of Cross Canadian Ragweed’s “The Boys from Oklahoma” reworked here into “The Boys from Buckingham”. Tommy Lee Cook’s vocals are steeped in a Southern drawl while the music on Tommy Lee’s Jonesin’ oozes like a thick, humid, sticky day in Florida. Good stuff. For more information about Tommy Lee Jones and his new release Tommy Lee’s Jonesin’ head over to http://www.buckinghambar.com/NewMerch1.html or go to www.facebook.com/BuckyTheMule

The latest release from the modern blues outfit The Hitman Blues Band titled Hey, Can you Guys Play…is a ten song set all done in their unique style. The compilation features covers of popular blues and rock tunes all given an updated spin with nine previously released tracks and a new cut thrown in to boot. The band is fronted by Russell “Hitman” Alexander on guitars and vocals, Kevin Bents on keyboards, Kevn Rymer also on keyboards, Mike Porter on bass and backing vocals, Guy LaFountaine, Ed “The Hat” D’Alessio and Jay Sharkey all behind the drum kit, Mikey Vitale on alto Sax, John Kelly on tenor Sax, Nick Clifford on baritone Sax and Eric Altarac on trumpet. Guest artists include Mike Katzman on organ, Joanna Alexander and Nancy Hampton on backing vocals and Bob Stander on tambourine, hand claps and the producer’s chair. Highlights from Hey, Can You Guys Play… include a horn driven rocking “Hoochie Coochie Man”, a transformation of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” in to a Southern Soul rave up, a previously unreleased version of Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” done all bluesy and boozy, another Gospel Soul raver “John The Revelator”, the 20’s Jazz blues standard “Who Put The Benzedrine In Mrs. Murphy’s Ovaltine” the driving “Death Letter” and a live version of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom”. For more information about The Hitman Blues Band and their exciting new album Hey, Can You Guys Play… visit their website at www.hitmanbluesband.com or head over to www.facebook.com/hitmanbluesband

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