Category: Blues
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King of Chitlin’ Circuit Bobby Rush still groovin’ into his 80s: SXSW 2014
One of the highlights of my time at SXSW 2014 was seeing Mr. Bobby Rush (who was nominated this past year for a 2014 GRAMMY Award in Best Blues Album for “Down In Louisiana”). There is a bit of discrepancy as to his age. He told the audience he was 81, however Wikipedia says 73.…
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Brown Bird of Rhode Island
Do you ever hear a song while you’re in that ethereal phase between awake and sleep and it just bores right into your soul? That’s what happened when I heard the song, “The Reins” by Rhode Island folk-blues duo Brown Bird, MorganEve Swain and Dave Lamb. I sat up in bed and went straight to…
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Bobby “Blue” Bland: into the blues pantheon
The first time I heard the song “I Pity The Fool”, I stopped dead in my tracks and was completely drawn in by the growling vocals of Bobby “Blue” Bland. I immediately bought a 2-disc anthology to introduce myself to the man. Born in Tennessee, “Blue” Bland sang iconic songs “Ain’t No Love In The…
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Keeping the tradition alive in California: The Long Beach Bayou & Blues Festival
This weekend, Saturday June 22nd and, Sunday June 23rd, the Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach transforms into a home away from home for Louisiana natives, as The Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival celebrates its 27th year. The two-day Creole and Cajun celebration feature a non-stop dance floor (including dance instruction), a kids corner…
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Public radio inspiration and homage to Bebo Valdes
Hey y’all. Missed ya. I’m still here – listening and digging deep for the best in roots and roots-inspired music. I felt inspired tonight listening to the heart and soul of LA music on public radio. Yesterday a legend of Latin music passed away, Bebo Valdes, and over at KJazz (88.1), they were playing his…
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Lance Canales & The Flood: blues done California style
Rocking the delta blues and roots rock with acoustic guitar, upright bass, and the cajon, Lance Canales & The Flood make me proud to be from California. Born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural heart of central California, Lance has those raw vocals that let you know he knows of what he…
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