Suncoast Blues Society at Skipper’s Smokehouse to celebrate our 26th Anniversary

Suncoast Blues Society at Skipper’s Smokehouse to celebrate our 26th Anniversary

Suncoast Blues Society at Skipper’s Smokehouse to celebrate our 26th Anniversary

Join Suncoast Blues Society at Skipper’s Smokehouse to celebrate our 26th Anniversary with none other than Selwyn Birchwood and Damon Fowler on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 8:00pm

Although award-winning Florida musician Selwyn Birchwood is firmly rooted in the tradition, the young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter and vocalist sets a course for the future of the blues with his visionary, original music. Birchwood, whose band features the pulsating interplay of his blistering guitar with Regi Oliver’s driving baritone sax, deploys a singular sound and style all his own. He calls it “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues,” an intoxicating mix of deep blues, blistering, psychedelic-tinged rock, booty-shaking funk and sweet Southern soul, played and sung with the fire-and-brimstone fervor of a revival tent preacher with a hellhound on his trail. Tastemaker Americana music magazine No Depression says, “Selwyn Birchwood reaches back in the blues tradition to launch something out of this world.”

On his new release, Exorcist (his fourth for Alligator and sixth overall), Birchwood delivers the most far-reaching, musically adventurous album of his career. Exorcist was recorded in Florida and produced by Grammy Award-winner Tom Hambridge, with each of the 13 vividly detailed songs written and arranged by Birchwood. The soul-baring tracks all hit with lasting rhymes and unexpected rhythms. Each twists its own tale, ranging from the love-gone-wrong Horns Below Her Halo to the love-gone-terrifying Exorcist to the ripped-from-the-headlines escapades of FLorida Man and Swim At Your Own Risk to the autobiographical Underdog. According to Blues Music Magazine, “Selwyn Birchwood heralds a fresh, exciting new direction in the blues. Toe-tapping, hip-shaking, joyful and inviting…expansive and focused, exploratory and time-honored, but always original.”

Live, Birchwood is a force of nature. His ability to win over an audience–any audience–is proven night after night on the bandstand. With his warm, magnetic personality, Birchwood is as down-to-earth as his music is thought-provoking and electrifying. With his band feeding off his energy, the 6’3″ musician roams the stage barefoot, ripping out memorable guitar licks with ease, his soulful, rocks-and-gravel vocals firing up his fans. When he sits down to play his lap steel, he takes the crowd to a whole other level, with the music exorcising any bad times and troubles.

Birchwood, his father from Tobago, his mother from the UK, was born in 1985 in Orlando, Florida. He first grabbed a guitar at age 13 and soon became proficient at mimicking what he heard on the radio. But the popular grunge rock, hip-hop and metal of the 1990s didn’t move him. And then he discovered Jimi Hendrix. “He was larger than life. What he did was mind-blowing.” As luck would have it, just as Birchwood was learning Hendrix’s guitar playing was steeped in blues, legendary bluesman Buddy Guy–a major influence on Hendrix–was scheduled to perform in Orlando. Birchwood was there, front and center. “I was floored,” he recalls. “I completely connected with the blues. I knew this was my path, and I had to make this music.” He dove deep, listening to icons including Albert King, Freddie King, Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins and of course, Buddy Guy. “The flood gates opened,” says Birchwood, “and at that point I started trying to absorb as much as I could.”

At 19, Birchwood met and connected with veteran blues guitarist Sonny Rhodes, who was instantly impressed by the enthusiastic young guitar slinger. Within one month’s time, Rhodes asked Birchwood to pack his bags and join him on the road. Rhodes took the young man under his wing, teaching him not only guitar and lap steel, but also how to conduct business, how to run a band, and how to reach an audience. “Sonny always said, ‘Play what’s in your heart.’ I’ve never lost sight of that,” says Birchwood.

Birchwood treasured his time with Rhodes but was adamant about completing his college studies. Rhodes, as a tribute to Birchwood’s drive and talent, made it clear to the young musician that he would hold the rhythm guitar spot in his band open for Selwyn whenever he was available. Birchwood–through hard work and scholarships–received his MBA from The University of Tampa. Combining the musical lessons learned from Rhodes and his business acumen, Birchwood created The Selwyn Birchwood Band in 2010, featuring seasoned, veteran musicians who had chosen to play with the new kid–a testament to Birchwood’s talent and leadership skills.

In 2011 the self-released, self-produced FL Boy helped the band land gigs outside of their Florida base, where they were already becoming local heroes. After winning the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis (beating 150 other bands), Birchwood found doors swinging open. He took a giant step forward in 2014 with his Alligator Records debut album, Don’t Call No Ambulance. Rave reviews ran in publications from Rolling Stone to The Wall Street Journal, from The Chicago Tribune to The San Francisco Chronicle. The album won both the Living Blues Award and the Blues Music Award (BMA) for Best New Artist Debut. He followed in 2016 with fan-favorite Pick Your Poison and, in 2021, with the groundbreaking Living In A Burning House. He won the coveted BMA Song Of The Year Award for that album’s I’d Climb Mountains.

Now, with Exorcist, Selwyn Birchwood and his band are ready to get back on the road and deliver the new songs live to us while we celebrate, dance and eat Anniversary cake at Skipper’s On Friday, June 9th.

See you there!!

 

 

Cash Box Kings CD Review

Cash Box Kings CD Review

Cash Box Kings CD Review

For their third release on Alligator Records, the Cash Box Kings are back with another marvelous release that revels in the electric Chicago blues traditions. Right from the jump, the title track finds lead singer Oscar Wilson making sure the ladies know he is available to cure their ills, punctuating the proceedings with Wolf-like moans. The mournful tones from Joe Nosek’s harmonica create a telling down-home feel.

Guitarist Billy Flynn shows off his stellar slide work on “Trying So Hard,” while Wilson offers a dark laments about his woman troubles. Drummer Kenny Smith reminds us that he is the master of the shuffle on “Pontiac Blues,” with John W. Lauler matching him every step of the way on his upright bass. Since the passing of Barrelhouse Chuck, Lee Kanehira has been handling the keyboards, subtly filling out the arrangements. She gets a chance to shine on the sprightly “I Want What Chaz Has,” while Wilson and guest John Nemeth take turns expressing their admiration for a major player around town

Nosek takes over the vocal on “Hot Little Mess,” deep in the throes of love over a woman with plenty of issues. The soothing tones from Al Falaschi on tenor and baritone saxophone offer a measure of comfort. “She Dropped The Axe On Me” lays out the inevitable results of his ill-fated relationship, leaving him little choice but to pick up his harp and blow his blues away.

Other highlights include “Please Have Mercy,” with Wilson demonstrating his mastery of the slow blues lament, the band coming together once again in the intricate musical dialogue that is the hallmark of finest blues performances. Even better is the hilarious run-through of “I Can’t Stand You,” as guest vocalist Deitra Farr and Wilson air out the details of their on-going Facebook “feud”. Horns brighten the arrangement on “Down On The South Side”. Wilson narrates the typical goings-on to be found in the clubs and taverns in Chicago’s famous blues area on the weekends, while doing his best to focus on his female companion.

The closing tune, ‘Ride Santa Ride, “ proves to be more than a seasonal throw-off, with Flynn firing off his best Berry-esque licks while Kanehira pounds away on her piano. Wilson does his part, turning in one more inspired vocal turn that finishes off another stellar effort from one of the finest blues bands on the planet. Highly recommended!

Mark Thompson

Reprinted by permission from Blues Music Magazine, Issue #37, Spring 2023

Avey Grouws Band  at the Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen

Avey Grouws Band at the Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen

Avey Grouws Band at the Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen

Avey Grouws Band

Cottonmouth southern soul Kitchen, Bradenton

April 6, 2023

 

On their return to Bradenton, Avey Grouws Band demonstrated yet again why this under-the-radar band may not be so for much longer. A large and enthusiastic crowd of their loyal fans, and quite a few new faces,  were highly entertained by an eclectic and well executed evening of music at David Shiplett’s Cottonmouth southern soul Kitchen.

Led by lead singer and guitarist Jeni Holtan Grouws, and guitarist and vocalist Chris Avey, the band included touring professionals Calvin Johnson (Shaun Murphy, Anthony Gomes) on bass,  Leo Albertoni (Toronzo Cannon) on keys,  and Bryan West on drums.

The band’s blues foundation is evident in their songs, and their semi-final spot at the 2020 International Blues Challenge. Avey Grouws Band achieve a  #10 ranking for their 2020’s debut “Devil May Care” release. Following this was the band’s 2021 recording, Tell Tale Heart. Debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Blues chart. Engineered and produced by Grammy-Award  winner Casey Wasner, who described the music as “rock and roll blues soul.” An apt description for what the band delivered from the stage.

Playing from both recordings, the band also delivered wonderful versions of songs from other artists. On this night, the band’s version of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” was expertly sung by Jeni and brought the crowd to their feet in a standing ovation. Yes, it does not get better anywhere in this “big ole goofy world.”

But the band also writes their own music and the quirkily fun Two Day’s Off follows the blues tradition of writing a song from a true story. Just as fun was Dig What You Do – a song that featured vocal harmonies from Jeni and Chris, as well as fine keyboard work from Leo. The lovely ballad There For Me had couples looking into each other’s eyes. Another ballad, Let’s Take It Slow, showed the quality of lyric writing and Jeni’s voice.

Blues run through the fun and energetic I’d Rather Be Drunk, and Chris blues licks complemented Beck and Call Girl. Jeni vocals shone on this song. The band released both songs on a 2018 EP titled “Road To Memphis”.

Chris Avey’s guitar work stands with the best in the business. This is clear during “Mariana.” Eponymously named for the Atlantic Ocean trench, the song is just as deep and wide. It was a marvelously delivered bit of guitar work from Chris. You know the type of guitar playing that when the song starts, you’re not paying attention to the guitar. But a few measures into the song your brain will say that something great is happening. Yes, it’s that type of guitar work. A roller coaster of emotions, with a deep blues-rock crescendo. Some have compared the playing on this song to Robin Trower, and I would not argue with that point.

Local guitarist Vincent Sims joined in the fun and performed Love Her With A Feeling.

The future is bright for Avey Grouws Band. In September they will be performing at Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas – a well-deserved honor. And plans are underway for a return visit to Bradenton in November. Follow the band and Suncoast Blues Society for more information – this show promises to be special.

  • Scott Morris

 

John Primer – “Teardrops for Magic Slim” CD Review

John Primer – “Teardrops for Magic Slim” CD Review

John Primer – “Teardrops for Magic Slim” CD Review

Artist:  John Primer
CD Title:  Teardrops for Magic Slim
Label:  Blues House Productions

Many years ago guitarist/vocalist John Primer had the fortunate circumstances of working alongside Magic Slim. And though Slim passed on several years ago, John Primer has clearly emerged as a forerunner to the present blues scene in Chicago.  If you visit Rosa’s Lounge on FB, they stream many live shows and if the timing is right, you might catch Primer holding court and presenting his no nonsense thrills of electric Chicago blues. And Rosa’s Lounge proves a great jump-off point for a live album.  Wanting to salute his previous employer, Primer delivers a good time package of getting loose in Teardrops for Magic Slim.

What’s important to Primer is that people coming to see his band have a good time. This cd epitomizes house-rocking music and Primer is the chef to deliver a hot gumbo.

The party couldn’t start on a better note then with “Mama Talk To Your Daughter” that is a sweat-infused mojo boogie riding a sturdy backbone of rhythm provided by drummer Lenny Media and bassist Danny O’Connor. 

Primer keeps the party favorites coming.  His licks punch up Jimmy Dawkins’ “Luv Somebody” into a bump’n grind that can awaken a gator in the Florida swamps.

There is a nice slow blues burn In “Every Night, Every Day.” Primer’s leads are fresh and impart confidence while he is supported by second guitar player Jon McDonald.

John Primer can’t resist the shuffle template that causes patrons to head to the dance floor. And they probably did when the groove and vibrations were on in D. Malone’s “Ain’t Doing Too Bad.” Three songs into this cd you wonder if the momentum can continue.

However the pace continues and Primer holds the fort down in the moderate rocking blues of “Buddy Buddy Friend.”   Primer’s band is a backline of musicians who fire on all cylinders and push their boss to connect with his audience.  The man needs no effects. Plug your guitar into an amp and let ‘er rip. A concept that works well.

Primer shakes the set, fluctuating between moderate, fast and slow material. “Trouble Of My Own” may take the proceedings down a notch or two but it never stagnates as Primer showcases some mean fretboard skills.

Things take a slight upturn as Primer takes the infamous Willie Dixon “Let Me Love You Baby”  and turns it into party central.

That ought to be enough for fun. But this serves as the best time to unfurl the Elmore James classics “It Hurts Me Too” and “Look Over Yonder Wall.” Primer’s love for the true fathers of the blues is an education in itself and a passing of the torch from one prodigy to another. Guitar player Shawn Holt joins Primer for a couple of numbers lighting up the skies with additional guitar fireworks.

If you find yourself in Chicago and wish to soak up some live blues, head to Rosa’s Lounge. And if John Primer is gigging that night, go on in and wear your dance shoes. To sit idle through a John Primer set of raw electric Chicago Blues is impossible. Sometimes old school blues are the best thing.

Gary Weeks

 

Suncoast Blues Society offer for discounted Tampa Bay Blues Festival has ended

Suncoast Blues Society offer for discounted Tampa Bay Blues Festival has ended

Suncoast Blues Society offer for discounted Tampa Bay Blues Festival has ended

The Suncoast Blues Society offer for discounted Tampa Bay Blues Festival tickets ended on Friday, March 24. 

If you are still looking for tickets for the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, please go directly to their website

https://www.tampabaybluesfest.com/tickets.php