People, Hell and Angels - Jimi Hendrix - New Release Review - Guest review - Ellisjames

The bottom line is ‘Is it real and does it make you happy?’ To me, the answer is a decidedly “Yes” to both. The bottom line is ‘Is it real and does it make you happy?’ To me, the answer is a decidedly enthusiastic, ‘Yes’, to both. I was shopping locally at a music store and was taken aback at how few new and used Blues LPs were in stock when compared to the vast number LPs of Rock, Rap, Jazz and other genres. Yeah, OK, I get it. The demise of physical format music continues to be predicted. Purchase of listening rights to “cloud” and down-load content continues to grow. With that said, if vinyl is outdated and only making a somewhat of a comeback in a small segment of the music fan market, I simply ask, where in the hell are the Blues records, CDs and other media that no one seems to want? A brief conversation with an employee reminded me that I resided in Phoenix, AZ rather than NYC, Chicago, Memphis, Saint Louis or other more likely markets. None the less, I heard a noise that piqued my interest. Was he attempting to up-sell me? What was this Blues that I heard? Why did I not recognize it? Upon inquiry I learned that what I heard was the Elmore James song, ‘Bleeding Heart’ from the ‘new’ Hendrix release, ‘People, Hell and Angels’. After purchase, listening and review I can flatly say that I like it! This release pleases me in as much as it contains stripped-down Hendrix with hints of the Blues and tracks which have been heard before in less honest or truncated fashion. I do not pretend to be nor present myself as the know-it-all Hendrix aficionado yet trust myself when I hear things that I like. This CD makes me happy. Other reviewers have disparaged and dissected this release and have concluded that it is not a must have addition to any collection is not a five-star effort. I agree that it is not as polished and over produced as ‘Building the Perfect Beast’ nor as complicated as Miles Davis’s ‘Live at the Fillmore East.’ Maybe those are two reasons why I like it. Perhaps we have become so tainted and self-righteous that we have forgotten just where much of our current influences have come. ‘Hear My Train A Comin’ has been criticized as having been previously released yet stands proud just as presented in this set. The lyrical content within Bleeding Heart touches me as much does the playing. Blues, you want to talk blues? ‘Rhythm and Blues’ blended with soulful saxophone in addition to guitar performance that would be, and is, naturally found in just about any Buddy Guy, Mike Bloomfield (and Buddy Miles) or Stevie Ray Vaughn release. I heard one friend complain that ‘other people’ are singing in these Hendrix songs. Lonnie Youngblood adds soul and flavor to the mix (Let Me Move You) as does Albert Allen (Mojo Man) with Billy Cox in backup on ‘Earth Blues’. Complaining that Jimi shared the mic bothers me as much as knowing that Carlos Santana hires singers and sticks to playing his instrument. ‘Easy Blues’ is anything but, exhibiting the more typical driving Hendrix dental drill picking style countered and complimented by pleasing Jazz-like runs. This cut is a lesson in the Bass and drums providing foundation and holding the cut together. ‘Crash Landing’ is admittedly easy to skip given multiple listenings based more on the lyrical content and my personal preference than the instrumental performance. ‘Inside Out’ and ‘Hey Gypsy Boy’ have their moments but don’t overly excite this tainted and spoiled reviewer. We are reminded that these recordings were captured in 1968-69, not last week. I feel like I am criticizing the choice of stone for Moses’ tablets. Speaking of stone, ‘Mojo Man’ shows hints of bedrock influence on the Memphis horn and soul fusion genre yet to come. The Buddy Miles drumming connection to Mike Bloomfield is not forgotten. Definite Electric Flag and sniffs of Doctor John reside. ‘Villanova Junction Blues,’ to me, remains a knock out. This cut remains classic Hendrix no matter how often you have heard it before in other releases. Stevie Ray Vaughn’s later releases are absolutely derived from this mother lode. Is this collection real? Yes. Does this collection make me happy? Absolutely! Will this CD change my life or determine my future? No, I’m a realist. I’ve learned to enjoy things for what they are. Come on people, this is Hendrix without posthumous over-dubs and session players! With respect to the family, I suggest this release as a recommended buy.

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Sumpin' Jumpin - Bumps Blackwell

Robert "Bumps" Blackwell (May 23, 1918 – March 9, 1985) was an American songwriter, arranger, and record producer, best known for his work overseeing the early hits of Little Richard, as well as grooming Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Lloyd Price, Sam Cooke, Herb Alpert, Larry Williams, and Sly and the Family Stone at the start of their music careers. He should not be confused with another songwriter: Otis Blackwell. Born Robert Alexander Blackwell in Seattle, Washington, he led a jazz group in the late 1940s that included pianist Ray Charles and trumpeter Quincy Jones. He moved to Hollywood, California to continue studying composition, but he instead took a job at Art Rupe's Specialty Records as an arranger and producer. He worked with Sam Cooke, Larry Williams, Lloyd Price and Guitar Slim, as well as producing Little Richard's rise to stardom in 1955. In addition to producing Little Richard's breakthrough hit "Tutti Frutti" following hearing him sing the song in the studio, Blackwell also produced Little Richard's other mid-50s hits, co-writing some as them as well, including: "Long Tall Sally"; "Good Golly Miss Molly"; "Ready Teddy"; and "Rip It Up". They all quickly became rock and roll standards, and have subsequently been covered by hundreds of artists including Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. He also produced Sam Cooke's hit "You Send Me". Blackwell left Specialty in 1957, taking Sam Cooke with him to Keen Records. He was the West Coast A&R director for Mercury Records from 1959 to 1963, and produced Little Richard's gospel recordings for that label. He became Richard's manager and continued to work with him into the 1970s. In 1981 Blackwell produced some songs for Bob Dylan's album, Shot of Love, including the title track. Blackwell died at his home in Hacienda Heights in Whittier, California in 1985 of pneumonia

 If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Blues is in the House - Stacy Jones Band

WA Blues Society’s 2009 BB Award Winner “BEST NEW BAND” SJB continues to blow fans away with their high-energy, genre bending performances. Amazing vocals, incredible musicianship, outstanding songwriting and powerful, dynamic arrangements – it’s easy to understand why Stacy and her band are captivating the crowds and gathering new fans at each event they perform. Stacy Jones not only impresses with a vocal richness beyond her years but is also a top-notch harmonica player as well as playing keyboards and acoustic guitar. The entertaining trio of Rick Bowen (drums), Tom Jones (bass) and Jeff Menteer (guitar) provides the foundation for a strong ensemble sound and the band’s obvious joy of making music together is contagious. In 2009 The Stacy Jones Band took the Seattle music scene by storm, playing over 115 gigs & festivals as well as winning the Best New Band award from The Washington State Blues Society. The band released a limited edition CD Live at the Triple Door, in September2009 The Stacy Jones Band’s first full length CD “Long Time Comin” was released in January 2010 and continues to receive strong airplay and is now in its second pressing. 2011 looks promising for this Northwest favorite. May 2010 Stacy Jones is award the Best Female vocalist award from The Washington Blues Society. Nov 2011 the band released "No Need to Spell It Out," on Critical Sun Recordings. The 4th full length album was Produced by Bubba Jones and recorded at Contact Create Studios-Snohomish. 2012 the album was nominated for NW recording of the year by the Washington Blues Society. Dec 2011 Jeff Menteer released "The Nature of My Dreams," his first solo album featuring memebers of SJB ,produced by Jeff Menteer and Tom Jones. June 1.2012 release Live And Untapped. captured May 2011 at the Untapped Blues and Brews festival,Showcasing the strengths and depth of the whole group, the set was recorded by Jazz Stream mobile and mixed at Studio Litho in Seattle by Floyd Reitsma (Pearl Jam-Dave Mathews) and mastered by Ed Brooks at RFI.

 If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Jesus Just Left Chicago - David Brewer

David Brewer. Big? Yeah! Intimidating? Maybe. Dull? Never! And definitely talented. All those years of playing blues rooms have accomplished a very good thing. They’ve created a seasoned player with a sly knack for catchy songwriting, monster guitar chops and near genre-perfect banged-up vocals. Brewer’s been living the life of a bluesman for 40 years. Although he was born and still lives in Seattle, his mom is from Florida and his dad is from Tennessee. He went to high school in Hawaii with Gabby Pahinui’s kids. He’s part Seminole and very proud of his American Indian heritage. After a tour in Vietnam, in 1969, he made his way back to Seattle via Texas. Once back, he toured for 2 ½ years with Albert Collins. David first toured Europe in 95’ and 96’, he's been doing his solo show overseas for the past four years.. He’s won The Washington Blues Society’s awards for “Best Guitar Player” and “Best Songwriter” several times. He weathered good times and bad and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the blues. If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Dolly Dagger - Jimi Hendrix

How do you do a tribute to one of the most inventive guitar players that ever lived? You just lay it out there and enjoy!

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is widely considered to be the greatest electric guitarist in music history and one of the most influential musicians of his era despite his mainstream exposure being limited to four years. He achieved fame in the United States following his 1967 performance at the Monterey Pop Festival after initial success in Europe with his group The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Later, he headlined the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. He favored raw overdriven amplifiers with high gain and treble and was instrumental in developing the previously undesirable technique of guitar amplifier feedback. Hendrix helped to popularize use of the wah-wah pedal in mainstream rock, which he often used to deliver tonal exaggerations in his solos, particularly with high bends, complex guitar playing, and use of legato. Hendrix was a pioneer in experimentation with stereophonic phasing effects in rock music recordings. He was influenced by electric blues artists such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King and Elmore James, surf rock guitarist Dick Dale, rhythm and blues and soul guitarists Curtis Mayfield and Steve Cropper, and the jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Hendrix began dressing and wearing a moustache like Little Richard when he performed and recorded in his band from March 1, 1964, through to the spring of 1965. In 1966, he stated, "I want to do with my guitar what Little Richard does with his voice". Hendrix won several prestigious rock music awards during his lifetime, and many more posthumously. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. The award's biography noted that Jimi Hendrix "expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured before. His boundless drive, technical ability and creative application of such effects as wah-wah and distortion forever transformed the sound of rock and roll." Hendrix was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. An English Heritage blue plaque was erected to identify his former residence on Brook Street, London, in September 1997. A star for Hendrix on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was dedicated on November 14, 1991 at 6627 Hollywood Boulevard. In 2005, his debut US album, Are You Experienced, was one of 50 recordings added that year to the United States National Recording Registry to "be preserved for all time" in the Library of Congress as "part of the nation's audio legacy." Rolling Stone named Hendrix the top guitarist on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all-time in 2003 If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Blues Is In The House - Stacy Jones Band

Stacy Jones has had the opportunity to share her cut-loose harp riffs and sultry chops with some of the most well known blues musicians around. Born and raised in Seattle, Stacy began playing the piano at four years old. At seven she picked up the guitar and at eight her father, Tom, started bringing her up on stage to sing Hank Williams tunes with his band -- she hasn't been able to stay away from the stage since. Stacy met up with Beth Wulff at fourteen and that's when she was truly introduced to the blues. At sixteen she started learning how to rip on the harmonica and became a regular at The Scarlet Tree blues jams where she met Annieville and had the opportunity to trade riffs with Alice Stuart, Mark Dufresnes (Roomful of Blues), Mark Whitman, Dave Conant and many other incredible musicians. A few years later Stacy got the opportunity to play with "The Seattle Blues" headed by Tim Sherman and John Hodgkin. This experience opened several doors for her and after meeting Ray Hartman, the former bass player with Dick Powell (Little Bill and the Blues Notes), they gathered several astounding musicians and formed "The Stacy Jones Band". Stacy then had the opportunity to play with the "Highway 99 Blues AllStars" with Randy Oxford, Jerry Lee Davidson, Virginia Klemens, John Lee, Hod Rod, and Steve Sarkowsky. As well as being The Hwy 99 house band they performed at the 2005 Bumbershoot Festival opening for Sonny Landreth and Buckwheat Zydeco. Stacy performed for the last two years as Stacy Jones and the Wolf Tones with Beth and Jim Wulff, Jeff Menteer and her father Tom Jones. The group produced an all original CD consisting of 11 tunes. Stacy has also had the recent opportunity to share the stage with Elvin Bishop, several members of his band, Scott Sutherland and Mike Emerson of the Tommy Castro Band, Bobby Murray and Dave Mathews of Etta James' Roots Band, and The John Nemeth Band on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Skinny Woman - Son Jack Jr. & Michael Wilde

Son Jack Jr & Michael Wilde are an award winning traditional blues duo based out of Seattle, WA. Neither are strangers to the music industry, counting 30+ years of touring and recording experience between them, both in the US and Europe. They released their first joint album (“Walk The Talk”) in September 2010 and have received widespread and regular national airplay peaking at #2 Picks To Click on XM/Sirius Radio and hit #49 on the National Roots Music blues).

The duo’s spirited and energetic acoustic performances are what set them apart, and live shows have been described as “intoxicating, intense, exciting experiences”. “We play blues in the way we believe it was intended to sound back in the day, meaning rough and ready dance music, if you know what I mean”. Theirrepertoire consists of predominantly original material but also pays respect to a carefully chosen set of covers by the likes of Charley Patton, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Big Bill Broonzy, RL Burnside and Tommy Johnson among others. “The songs we choose to cover are those that personally connect with us. When you come to a show you’re guaranteed a good time. However, we’re not your typical weekend party band, so if you’re looking for “Mustang Sally” we’re probably not gonna make your night”. However, this approach seems to work as evidenced by the reaction of many at their live shows where dancing is common, and many would say, unavoidable.

The duo is much in demand and has performed at every major venue in Washington and Oregon. Some of the highlights to date include sharing the stage with Charlie Musselwhite, Magic Slim, Coco Montoya, Sonny Landreth and Candye Kane. They appeared at Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival in 2009 and again in 2010. As if that wasn’t enough, they also earned the right to compete at the International Blues Challenge semi-finals in Memphis, TN in 2009 and 2010. In February 2012, they had the honor to travel to St Louis to open for Chuck Berry.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Sumpin' Jumpin - Bumps Blackwell

Robert "Bumps" Blackwell (May 23, 1918 – March 9, 1985) was an American songwriter, arranger, and record producer, best known for his work overseeing the early hits of Little Richard, as well as grooming Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Lloyd Price, Sam Cooke, Herb Alpert, Larry Williams, and Sly and the Family Stone at the start of their music careers. He should not be confused with another songwriter: Otis Blackwell.
Born Robert Alexander Blackwell in Seattle, Washington, he led a jazz group in the late 1940s that included pianist Ray Charles and trumpeter Quincy Jones. He moved to Hollywood, California to continue study composition, but he instead took a job at Art Rupe's Specialty Records as an arranger and producer. He worked with Larry Williams, Lloyd Price and Guitar Slim, as well as producing Little Richard's rise to stardom in 1955.

In addition to producing Little Richard's breakthrough hit "Tutti Frutti" following hearing him sing the song in the studio, Blackwell also produced Little Richard's other mid-50s hits, co-writing some as them as well, including: "Long Tall Sally"; "Good Golly Miss Molly"; "Ready Teddy"; and "Rip It Up". They all quickly became rock and roll standards, and have subsequently been covered by hundreds of artists including Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

He also produced Sam Cooke's hit "You Send Me". Blackwell left Specialty in 1957, taking Sam Cooke with him to Keen Records. He was the West Coast A&R director for Mercury Records from 1959 to 1963, and produced Little Richard's gospel recordings for that label. He became Richard's manager and continued to work with him into the 1970s.

In 1981 Blackwell produced some songs for Bob Dylan's album, Shot of Love, including the title track.

Blackwell died at his home in Hacienda Heights in Whittier, California in 1985 of pneumonia.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”