Blues – Page 2 – ROOTNOTEMUSIC BLOG

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…

Lance Canales & The Flood: blues done California style

Jul 23, 2012

in Blues, Folk, Guitarists

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…

Ain’t nothing but the blues…

Apr 11, 2012

in Blues, Chicago

Okay, my posting has been paltry in the past year or so. I have a good excuse as I went through breast cancer and major surgery and reconstruction. I say that not to elicit sympathy – please know I am cancer free and full of gratitude – but just to explain my spotty presence. And…

Reminds me of why I love music: Alabama Shakes

Feb 13, 2012

in Blues, Soul

I don’t know much about this band. I just found out through a friend (shout out to Deb in New Orleans) about Alabama Shakes. This band, featuring the vocals of Brittany Howard, does the music that I love. It hits me in the heart, soul, and gut. This is where music belongs and I love…

Legends of the 88s: Cuba to Chicago, New Orleans to New York

Sep 6, 2010

in Blues, Chicago, Country, Creole, Cuba, Jazz, Keyboards, Latin Jazz, New Orleans, New York City, Piano, Salsa Music

Since September is traditionally back-to-school month, I thought I’d do a short history lesson on some of the most influential roots piano players. Whether barrelhouse, boogie woogie, boogaloo, or rumba, hard pounding rhythmic piano playing has found its home in the brothels and the concert halls, with styles traveling that swath of land and sea…

Back to basics: The blues with Ali Farka Touré

Apr 21, 2010

in Blues, Guitarists, Mali

“The blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning.” ~John Lee Hooker Ali Farka Touré was born near Timbuktu in Mali, West Africa in 1939. He’s known for his electric guitar style which was his own unique blend of Malian folk styles and American blues. He had a hypnotic droning style…