The dark history of the banjo [Not from Hillbillies]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 30, 2008 at 10:34 PM

It's no secret that the banjo is one sweet instrument. But where did it come from. Well I know but here is an article about the history of the banjo for those who are not obsessed with the evolution of musical instruments.


The dark history of the banjo
Newbury Weekly News Group, UK - Apr 26, 2008
It is the story of black America, and the story of the blues. It has taken unconventional bluesman Otis Taylor, whose inspired musical experiments have ...


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Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac [better than the other kind]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 29, 2008 at 10:05 PM

While I'm on the subject of blues rock here is Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. And people don't believe me when I saw they were once an awesome blues rock band.

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Essential Early Blues-Rock Bands

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 28, 2008 at 4:43 PM

Sweet article on the starters of blues rock, a few of them I have already mentioned.

The wedding of blues music and rock & roll in the evolution of the blues-rock genre did not happen in a vacuum. It was largely the invention of white British...
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The Roadhouse 167

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 4:42 PM

Tony's got a new Roadhouse for us this week, enjoy.

via The Roadhouse by Tony Steidler-Dennison
For this edition of The Roadhouse, I've got an hour of introductions for you – a show full of artists who have never been featured. They're not necessarily new artists, but they're all brand new to The Roadhouse, and they're a good indication of the big broad world of blues lying out there on the [...]
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Album of The Week 4/27 [West Side Strut]

Posted by Dan | Labels: | Posted On Apr 27, 2008 at 9:22 PM

This is the newest album I have yet to review and its a dozy. The album is Alligator's February release of Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater's "West Side Strut". It seems time and time again that I just have to return to the great art form that is Chicago Blues and Eddy is one of its main proponents of it including his peers Magic Slim.

When I mean Chicago I do mean Chicago Blues and Eddy channels the entire genre through his guitar. But of course he is not alone with his good friend Lonnie Brooks stoping by for the track "Too Old To Get Married" and the spectacular blues harp throughout the album is provided by one of my idols Billy Branch.

Yet the album does not only stick to Chicago blues. There are the odd groovy tracks "Hypnotized" and "Rock a Blues Baby". Lets not forget the acoustic cut "Came Up the Hard Way" and the gospel number "A Time for Peace". But lets not forget possibly the most hardcore blues song I've ever heard, the awesome "They Call Me the Chief" which I've listened to several times this week.

I really enjoy this album and I really recommend that you go get this album; you'll really enjoy it.




1.A Good Leavin'
Alone 2. Hypnotized 3. Gotta
Move On 4. Walking
Through the Park 5. Do
Unto Others 6. Blue Over You 7. Trouble,
Trouble 8. Too
Old To Get Married 9. Came Up the Hard
Way 10. They
Call Me the Chief 11. Rock-a-Blues
Baby 12. A Time
For Peace
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Classic Booker White

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 26, 2008 at 11:24 AM

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Free songs from Aligator [Free is Good]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 24, 2008 at 6:42 PM

I've talked before about finding free songs on the Internet that are not illegal downloads and one point I made is that the labels themselves put out a lot of free stuff.



Last time I talked about the fine stuff from Blind Pig but this week it is all about Alligator. If you head on over the the goodies section at the Alligator website you'll find a couple of great cuts available. Artists featured include Eric Lindell, Marcia Ball, Michael Burks, and Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater (I'll have more on him tomorrow)

On thing about Alligator is that the songs available change pretty reguarlly so you have to keep checking for new stuff, or since I'm already doing the checking just look for updates about songs right here at Blues For Life.
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Celebrity Blues [Part One]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 23, 2008 at 11:01 PM

Being a celebrity can be tough and can even give you the blues, so it's not a surprise that some celebs turn to it. Here is the first of a new series by me that focus some famous celebrity who have turned to the blues; first off Mr. Karate the big bad Steven Seagal.

Well if you thought Mr. Seagal was a bad actor you should check out his stage performance. The man is an emotionless rock on stage that is fairly decent on the guitar. But it's not really about how well he plays its about his devotion to the blues, and man is he devoted. He has one of the largest vintage guitar collections in the world including axes owned by Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and even the Flying V Albert King used to record "Born Under a Bad Sign". He's also got a 1950 Broadcaster which even not being owned by someone famous (other than himself) is probably one of the more expensive guitars in the world.

I would say the man is a blues fan who deserves respect.... but I still want my money back for "Half Past Dead".



What celeb will be next? Stay tuned to find out.
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T-Bone Walker

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 22, 2008 at 3:46 PM

When it comes to the electric guitar there is one person that almost every single player imitates, T-Bone Walker. For god sakes he's the guy who wrote Stormy Monday.

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Blues fans are the most reckless drivers [Pedal to the metal baby!]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 3:26 PM

Here is you interesting news for the week. In the UK it turns out that blues fans like up are the fastest and most reckless drivers on the road. Now some of you might be like me and completely doubt this observation's relevance in correlation between music and automobile driving. Well good luck to the UK blues fans; or just drive slower.

on 4/22/08
Saga Motor Insurance finds blues fans are the most reckless
Money News, UK - 3 hours ago
Saga Motor Insurance has found that drivers who listen to blues music in their car are the most likely to be caught speeding, with 49 per cent of them ...
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Youngest Band Ever [to Debut On Major Blues Label]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 21, 2008 at 10:01 PM

Here is a sweet article that ought to give you some hope for the future of blues.


Youngest Band Ever to Debut On Major Blues Label, BB King Says ...
Emediawire (press release), WA - Apr 9, 2008
The collection of songs offers the listener a snapshot of a raw, organic and youthful perspective of blues music. It captures passion over digitalism, raw talent over mechanics, and presents the same unadulterated sounds of the siblings astounding ...

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Album of the Week 4/20 [Back to Bogalusa]

Posted by Dan | Labels: | Posted On Apr 20, 2008 at 6:58 PM

We're going down south for this album of the week and it comes from one of the old southern greats, the late great Clarence "Gatemouth' Brown. Now first we have to remember that Gatemouth was everything southern; his sound was blues, zydeco, country, and Jazz all topped off with a Texas cowboy hat. And he was around for a long time and in that time he substituted for T-Bone Walker, recorded with Professor Longhair, and directly influenced just about every south musician no matter the genera. Frank Zappa was a huge fan of Gatemouth naming him his all time favorite guitarist.

Now the album I'm review is his second to last album Back to Bogalusa and it is in fact a testament to how wide Gatemouth's influence spreads because the album itself is a wide spread. It's got blues, jump blues, zydeco, country, and funk; all on one album! Every cut is spectacular. Personally I can't not think about driving back down south when I listen to "Breaux Bridge Rag" (definitely one of my all time favorite songs). This album is one of those things that gets you excited for the summer time; sitting on the back porch watchin' the sunset through the tree while swapping mosquitoes. But "Grape Jelly" a funky jazz number is possibly the coolest thing on the album; in that it is completely unexpected and groovy to boot. I really can't sum this album up any better than to say that if I was stranded on a deserted Island with only three things I would be fine if this album and a stereo would be two of them. So do yourself a favor and listen to this album (and trust me, you will buy afterwards)


1.Folks Back Home


2.It All Comes Back


3.Same Old Blues


4.Going Back To Louisiana


5.Breaux Bridge Rag


6.Why Are People Like That


7.Grape Jelly


8.Bogalusa Boogie Man


9.Louisian'


10.Dixie Chicken


11.Lie No Better


12.Slap It


13.Dangerous Critter
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The Roadhouse 166

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 19, 2008 at 11:02 PM

New Roadhouse with a tribute to Sean Constello for this week.

via The Roadhouse by Tony Steidler-Dennison on 4/19/08
The 166th Roadhouse is a mess o' blues. It's pretty heavy on guitar and harp. It features youngsters and veterans, artists previously featured in The Roadhouse, and some new to the show. Sue Foley, Jason Ricci, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Sugar Blue, and a moving track from the final Sean Costello CD. It's an hour packed [...]
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Beware the Boogie Man [John Lee Hooker]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 17, 2008 at 10:34 PM

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Susan Tedeschi

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 16, 2008 at 10:06 PM

Here is an article for today on Susan Tedeschi. I don't want to say it's a battle between her and Bonnie Rait but I don't know who my favorite female guitar player is.


She's compared to Janis Joplin, but Susan Tedeschi is more like ...
PopMatters, IL - 8 hours ago
by Walter Tunis As a guitarist, songwriter and, especially, vocalist, she helms a band that draws from blues, soul and gospel inspirations absorbed in her youth.
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Sean Costello April 16, 1979 - April 15, 2008

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 15, 2008 at 11:37 PM

One of the younger lights of the blues has passed away earlier today, Sean Costello. I don't have any details right now but his myspace is lists it and has turned into the place for condolences, so drop by and share a few words.

It was only yesterday that I just listened to him on the newest edition of the Roadhouse. Its just so weird that he died the next day.

He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
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Leadbelly [Folk more than blues]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 14, 2008 at 1:05 PM

Whether you call him blues are by his preferred tile folk player Leadbelly has had an incredible influence on American Music. Whether it's country, rock, or even the evil that is grudge Leadbelly's influence can be found in just about everything. Not bad for someone who spend most of his life in prison.

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Any Place I'm Going [Album of the Week]

Posted by Dan | Labels: | Posted On Apr 12, 2008 at 9:47 PM

Today I've picked a very fine album for this week, Otis Rush's Any Place I'm Going Released in 1998 this was the last CD that Otis Rush actully worked on (his next album from 2006 was a live album fro the 1990s). One thing that anyone can get from this CD is just how awesome West Side Chicago blues really is. It can go from raw and biting, too smooth and sweet; yet always conveying the perfect emotion.

This album is going to be the simnal example for Otis Rush's legacy. Unfortunatly his retirement has taken him out of the circit and the industry all together; but his body of work will by influecing people for years to come just has it already has for others such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck. If you do not have an Otis Ruch album GET THIS ALBUM! You will not regret it.


1. You Fired Yourself
2. Keep On Lovin' Me Baby
3. Part Time Love
4. I've Got The Blues
5. Right Time, The
6. Looking Back
7. Any Place I'm Going (Beats Any Place I've Been)
8. Laughin' And Clownin'
9. Pride And Joy
10. Have You Ever Had The Blues
11. Walkin' The Backstreets And Crying

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The Roadhouse 165

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 7:28 PM

Tony's got us a new roadhouse for this week. Listen and enjoy.

by Tony Steidler-Dennison on 4/12/08
After a week away, The 165th Roadhouse starts at the beginning, runs through the middle, and ends at the end. It's a puzzle of blues that fell together seemingly on its own, including King Biscuit Boy, Sean Costello, Marcia Ball, Eric Bibb, and Cold Blue Steel. Those are just the milemarkers, though, in an hour-long [...]
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Luther Allison [licks his guitar]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 11:39 AM

Here is an excellent video of Luther Allison get all kinds of funky. I've got to see his son Bernard last summer at the Chesapeake Blues Fest, and I must say his legacy is in excellent hand.

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B.B. King Buys Historic Hometown Juke Joint [sweet]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 11, 2008 at 11:39 PM

BB King has bought an historic hometown juke joint to add to his collection of restaurants. Now that I think about it I really have to get to one of his restaurants one of theses days.

Further information below.

on 3/24/08
Associated Press reports that blues legend B.B. King has purchased the historic Club Ebony in his hometown of Indianola, Mississippi. Over the past 45 years, the famous Delta juke joint...
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Eddy "The Cheif" Clearwater [Cool as ice]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 10, 2008 at 3:12 PM

If you have been listeining to the Roadhouse podcast lately than you've been hearing a bunch of songs from Eddy The Chief Clearwater's new album West Side Strut. Now I've been dying to have this album, but money for new music is short and I'm not into this illigall download thing that much; but if you head on over to the "Goodies" section at good old Alligator Records you can pick up a free cut from the album.

I'm really excited about the man and can't wait to try and catch him live but untill then I'll just post a cool article about him.

on 4/10/08

After 50 years, blues great Clearwater is still smoking
phillyBurbs.com, PA - 5 hours ago
Fourteen live or studio albums have followed, including 2003's Grammy-nominated (for best traditional blues album) "Rock 'N' Roll City.

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James Hunter, Tampa Bay Blues Fest swing into St. Petersburg - Tampabay.com

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 9, 2008 at 5:51 PM

Here is a cool article on soul man James Hunter, who I had the privilege of seeing live last summer opening for Robert Cray. He was the opening act but honestly I'd pay just to see him, let alone Robert Cray. I also have James Hunter's CD People Gonna Talk and it is one of my favorite albums; its just real solid soul (which I love).


on 4/9/08

James Hunter, Tampa Bay Blues Fest swing into St. Petersburg
Tampabay.com, FL - 3 hours ago
He was raised in a trailer in the middle of an onion field and worked as a railroad laborer in Colchester, England, before music (barely) paid the bills. In the '80s, he first performed under the moniker Howlin' Wilf, and the blues riff wasn't such a ...
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Archive

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 2:23 PM

Got something you're looking for? Well you can bet you can find it here.



Or if you cannot remember when something was posted you can always search for it here.
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Links

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 2:21 PM

Here are some fellow blues sited from accros the web.

12 Bar Art
Not only does it have a clever title (it did take me awhile to catch it though) but the site is a great place to find all sorts of blues folk art. I'm looking forward to when they have poster prints of Stevie Ray Vaughan available.


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About Me

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 2:18 PM

Currently under construction
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Bo Diddley [The Originator]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 7, 2008 at 10:20 PM

Today lets view one of the men who bridged the gap between the Blues and Rock n' Roll.

Here he is Bo Diddley. Lets hope that he recovers from his stroke well to get back on stage, though expectations must be realistic considering he did have a stroke. Either way he is still so cool he is permafrost.

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Hindi and Blues music together? [Whaa!?]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 6, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Now I have tastes other than the blues and Hindi music is one of them (except Bollywood) I do like to listen to Ravi Shankra at times, though I'm not a hippie. Well now someone has merge Hindi and Blues traditions together to forum a cool conglomerate. Check him out at the link below.

on 4/5/08

Boston Globe
Debashish Bhattacharya merges the Hindustani and blues traditions
Boston Globe, United States - 17 hours ago
In American music, slide guitar is indelibly linked to the blues, and the technique's vocal inflections are commonly used for searing, extroverted effect.
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Album of the Week 4/4 Muddy and the Wolf

Posted by Dan | Labels: | Posted On Apr 4, 2008 at 10:08 PM

As it is Muddy Waters's birthday I'm going to pick one of my Muddy albums for album of the week. Well I found that the best recordings I have were actually not from Muddy album per say but instead from a joint album. The album is Muddy & the Wolf, a collection featuring Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. What is particularly funny to any blues fan who knows their history is that Muddy and Howlin' Wolf were netorious rivals who would never play together more are less record an album.

It turns out that this is a combonation album from the two albums, Muddy's Fathers and Sons (which I hear is exalent) and Howlin' Wolf's London Sessions (which has Eric Clapton on it). So it's a CD made up of other CDs to get us to by the same material over again. Well when Chess released it in 1974 the idea of ripping people makes perfect sense seeing as the company was facing distruction. Chess needed money fast and it relied on two of the people who built it's foundation to do it. This album is one that marks the fall of Chess, but hey it's got me wanting to buy the other two albums so I guess it's done it's job.

The album sounds great and the cuts are hot but I recommend to just buy the two albums that make it Fathers and Sons and The London Sessions.



1. All Aboard (2:50) Composed by Muddy Waters
2. Blow Wind Blow (3:35) Composed by Muddy Waters
3. Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had (3:03) Composed by Muddy Waters
4. Walkin' Thru the Park (3:07) Composed by Muddy Waters
5. I'm Ready (3:33) Composed by Willie Dixon
6. Long Distance Call (6:35) Composed by Muddy Waters
7. Rockin' Daddy (3:43) Composed by Howlin' Wolf
8. What a Woman! (3:02) Composed by James Burke Oden
9. Who's Been Talking? (3:03) Composed by Howlin' Wolf
10. The Red Rooster (Rehearsal) (1:58) Composed by Willie Dixon
11. The Red Rooster (3:47) Composed by Willie Dixon
12. Highway 49 (2:47) Composed by Howlin' Wolf
13. Do the Do (2:20) Composed by Willie Dixon

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Happy Birthday Muddy Waters

Posted by Dan | | Posted On at 9:38 PM

He is one of the first blues artist that many people, including myself were exposed to and now we get to celebrate what would have been his 95th birthday. So on this day we tribute the man who did so much for blues, Happy Birthday Muddy Waters.
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Bluesman Tinsley Ellis returns - Connect Savannah.com

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 3, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Quick post for tonight, Here is a cool article talking about how much of an awesome guitar player Tinsley Ellis. I would agree with him on this because I am quite a fan of Tinsley Ellis. I was given his new CD last Christmas and man is it hot. Though he does loose points for playing an occasional Les Paul. (I will have more on my distaste for the LP guitar later)

on 4/1/08

Connect Savannah.com
Bluesman Tinsley Ellis returns
Connect Savannah.com, GA - Apr 1, 2008
With the talent, drive and bare-knuckled determination to forge an enviable career for himself in the often cutthroat world of contemporary blues music, Ellis hasn't had to resort to punching a clock or showing up suit-and-tied at a straightlaced ...
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Lightnin' Strikes

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 2, 2008 at 1:09 PM

Now here is a really treat, Lightnin' Hopkins talking and playing the blues. Man have I got to get more of his albums.
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Lets go back [Lonnie Johnson]

Posted by Dan | | Posted On Apr 1, 2008 at 3:42 PM

Here is a great article about Lonnie Johnson and his influence in the early blues era.


Lonnie Johnson's Shades of Blues
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA - Mar 27, 2008
Here's a guy who was playing rural blues music in the 1920s, who also played in the Duke Ellington Orchestra." Born in the Crescent City in 1899, Johnson was a sophisticated musician who learned violin before picking up a guitar.
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