Soul – ROOTNOTEMUSIC BLOG

The blues according to Nina Simone: my ode to Queen Nina

Apr 26, 2014

in Blues, Folk, Jazz, Piano, Protest music, R&B, Soul

What hasn’t been said or written about Queen Nina Simone? She has been called an icon, a legend, and a genius, and she is one of my favorite artists of all time and I would be remiss if I didn’t use my blogging platform to honor her music – especially her love of blues and…

James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 2)

Apr 24, 2014

in Blues, Classic soul, Funk, Keyboards, New Orleans, Piano, Soul

This post is a continuation of my last post by the same title. We were discussing the genius and legacy of James Booker with renown roots music producer Scott Billington, who produced Booker’s last album, Classified, and through Rounder Records is re-issuing it with previously unreleased tracks. I’ve heard the entire album and would recommend…

James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 1)

Apr 14, 2014

in Blues, Classic soul, Jazz, Keyboards, New Orleans, Piano, R&B, Soul

James Carroll Booker III (1939-1983) was one of the foremost musical and piano geniuses of the 20th century, yet his name is not as widely known beyond music lovers, musicians, and New Orleanians. That should change because his last album is being revisited by a reissue of his album Classified by Rounder Records by renown…

DJ Moonbaby’s “Unrestricted” radio show pays tribute to Marvin Gaye

Apr 7, 2014

in Classic soul, Los Angeles, Soul

This April is the 30th anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s tragic passing and my girl DJ Moonbaby (my musical soulmate for many years as evidenced by this, this, and this blog post) will be doing a special tribute this coming Thursday, April 10th, on her radio show “Unrestricted” on Acceleratedradio.net which airs on Thursdays 8-10 p.m.…

“Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers…”

Mar 28, 2014

in Funk, Hammond B-3, R&B, Soul

I just finished watching the music documentary Muscle Shoals. It is an amazing movie which tells the story of a small rural town in Alabama with a magical connection to the best music ever recorded and the story of FAME studios and Rick Hall, the hard-working producer and owner. This man is the American dream.…

King of Chitlin’ Circuit Bobby Rush still groovin’ into his 80s: SXSW 2014

Mar 18, 2014

in Austin, Blues, Creole, Guitarists, Harmonica, New Orleans, R&B, Soul

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.…

Bobby “Blue” Bland: into the blues pantheon

Jul 9, 2013

in Blues, Memphis, Soul

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…