President’s Message for October 2022

President’s Message for October 2022

President’s Message for October 2022

SAVE THE DATE:

Your Suncoast Blues Society will be partnering with the Palladium for a special Holiday Show on November 19th featuring Southern Hospitality! SBS members will have the benefit of a $5 discount on tickets with a special code that will be included in next week’s eblast so stay tuned!!!!

October 20-22 is Camping with the Blues and Mother Nature has perfect weather planned for us! Your Suncoast Blues Society will be there as always, selling memberships and limited merchandise. We will be offering 3 free CDs with every membership/renewal so be sure and stop by.

Johnny Sansone , New Orleans blues musician, singer, songwriter and recording artist, is coming!!  The Johnny Sansone Band Florida tour will feature Johnny on guitar, harp and accordion, Russ Broussard on drums, Jeff Bridges on bass, and John Fohl, long time guitarist with Dr. John. You have two opportunities to see them this weekend:

  • Masaryk Winery this Saturday 10/22 at 6pm
  • Cottonmouth southern soul Kitchen in Bradenton this Sunday, October 23 at 11:30am for their Hillbilly Gospel Brunch

Johnny’s  long awaited new album, “Into Your Blues”  will be available for purchase at these shows – their first tour behind the new release. It is in the first round for the Grammys nominations and features 11 originals songs, representing Dallas Blues guitar with Mike Morgan, Chicago Blues guitar with Johnny Burgin, a special guest appearance with New Orleans legend Little Freddie King, and a collaboration with Johnny and New Orleans “Mooncat”, the unstoppable Jason Ricci. Some come on out to one, or both, of these shows and get your signed copy.

Avey Grouws Band Review

Avey Grouws Band Review

Avey Grouws Band Review

Avey Grouws Band Review

Birdrock Taco Shack, October 13, 2022

Put this band on your radar!

Based in Iowa, the Avey Grouws Band is on a limited tour of Florida and stopped into Bradenton to perform a wonderful show at Birdrock Taco Shack.

Unlike it’s sister restaurant, Cottonmouth southern soul Kitchen, Birdrock sustained limited damage from Hurricane Ian and is up and running  bringing the best of blues to Bradenton. In the comfortable and roomy courtyard at the “shack” Avey Grouws showed the audience why they are two-time International Blues Challenge semi-finalists.

Led by the powerful guitarist Chris Avey, and the equally strong vocalist Jeni Grouws, the band for this show included Nashville-based bassist Calvin Johnson (Tas Cru), keyboardist and vocalist Leo Albertoni (Toronzo Cannon), and drummer Bryan West. The tight and professional show contained mostly original songs from a series of albums, including the latest Tell Tale Heart, which debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Blues Album Chart.

Right out of the gate we heard Jeni’s powerful and dynamic voice with “Hearts Playing Tricks,” and not to be outdone Chris and his impressive guitar skills showcased on a version of “Black Cat Bone.” Presenting their quirky and humorous side, the band performed the first of a few “drinking” songs – “Two Days Off (And A Little Bit of Liquor).” As Jeni described, this song’s lyrics, like many do, came from keeping ears open to what others are saying.

Rotating to their first EP Road To Memphis, Chris took vocal lead on “Hard Times.” Returning to the second recording The Devil May Care, “Let Me Sing The Blues” gave Leo time to shine on the keyboard. The lovely song “There For Me” showed the bands tight vocal harmonies and might have been my favorite moment of the evening.

Local guitarist Vincent Sims, who became familiar with the band while on tour with Lauren Mitchell, was in attendance and Jeni asked Vincent to the stage. Vincent sat in on while Jeni sang “Love Me Like A Man,” and then with Chris as they traded licks on “Early In The Morning.” Good stuff!

Peppering the shows with stories from the road, many which had the crowd laughing, the band ended the first set after crushing their “Dig What You Do,” again with some nice vocal harmonies – this time with Jeni and Chris.

“Dirty Little Secret,” well, you will have to attend a show to find out what this song is about! But the secret is in “the way you roll.” A version of Albert Collins’ “Honey Hush!” was most enjoyable. “Let’s Take it Slow’ brought the tempo down and that song was responded to by  “I’d Rather Be Drunk,” a fast-paced song reminiscent of “Mojo.”  The show concluded with a rocking version “Love Raining Down.”

This is a gem of a band. What a fun time at Birdrock Taco Shack with Avey Grouws Band!

There are two more opportunities for you to see the band:

10/22 – Buckingham Blues Bar (opening for Damon Fowler)

10/23 – Camping With The Blues

 

By Scott Morris, Treasurer, Suncoast Blues Society

 

CD Review: Jimmy Hall Review – Ready Now

CD Review: Jimmy Hall Review – Ready Now

CD Review: Jimmy Hall Review – Ready Now

Jimmy Hall

Review – Ready Now

Former Wet Willie front man and harmonica player Jimmy Hall has forged a successful but under the radar career since stepping out on his own. That’s about to change. Ready Now just smokes! Jimmy has never been better or on target, and this Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith produced Keeping The Blues Alive recording delivers, big time.

With numerous guest appearances including a quartet of guitar slingers, the recording starts off with an appearance by Josh Smith on “Girl’s Got Sugar.” This song sets the tone for the recording as Jimmy successfully transfers his non-stop stage show energy into this recording.

For me, the most entertaining song on the collection follows. “Jumpin’ For Joy “ may be the signature song on the recording and does not disappoint. The video released in support of this recording (filmed in Nashville as Jimmy walks down a street) is energetic with whimsical moments.

But Jimmy can get down and gritty as demonstrated on “Risin’ Up.’ Beginning with a nice keyboard lead in with a bluesy harmonica Jimmy shows off his soulful voice and delivers a most entertaining song. “Putting one foot in front of the other” Jimmy and co-writer Bonamassa (who lends sweet guitar licks to this recording) built a memorable song. One that quickly became a favorite.

Allman Brothers fans take note – “Dream Release” is a song co-written by Jimmy and his son Ryan Hall is a tribute to Gregg Allman and the friendship Gregg and Jimmy shared.

Former Allman Brothers and present Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes joins the party on the title track. “Ready Now” is a rock ballad that builds energy throughout, and this could become a mainstay in Jimmy’s shows. This song touches the soul and Warren’s slide playing is spot on, ending with his slide running down the fretboard to produce a sound and tone that is reminiscent of the ending to “Layla.”

Bonamassa and his bandmate, the legendary keyboardist Reese Wynans  collaborate on “Holding on For Dear Love.”  This soulful number shows how masterfully Jimmy can blend his voice into a band.

“Two Jimmy’s (Carpenter and Hall)

“A Long Goodbye” begins with Jimmy’s mournful harp followed by some of the best singing on this recording. Great lyrics set the mood on this ballad. Joe’s guitar brings an edge into the song, and the backend of the song takes on a different feel as Joe unleashes a blast furnace of hot licks.

The bluesy toe-tapper “Will You Still Be Here” is enjoyable and is followed by guitar virtuoso Jared James Nichols guesting on “Without Your Love.” Using a 12-string guitar, this song has a rock feel and left me wanting more from the duo of Jimmy and Jared.

At 48 minutes, this 11-song recording is a masterpiece. Non-stop fun from the downbeat and the depth and breadth of this recording is amazing. Accolades and awards should be forthcoming for Ready Now! It surely will have me “Keep on Smilin’”.

  • Scott Morris, Treasurer, Suncoast Blues Society

Photo by Author. Big Blues Bender, Las Vegas 2021

Links

Jumpin’ For Joy Video

Jimmy Hall Ready Now

IBC Challenge Update

IBC Challenge Update

IBC Challenge Update

IBC Challenge Update

Your Suncoast Blues Society Board of Directors recently met to discuss the Blues Foundation’s 2023 International Blues Challenge (IBC). The conclusion of the 2022 event resulted in our representative band, Memphis Lightning, taking home the award for Best Produced CD! Congratulations to the band for their award, and for their success in the competition. You can read about the award on our website.

While their decision to move the 2022 challenge from January to May was necessary, it did not give your Board enough time to properly plan for and host a 2023 challenge. The work to host a challenge is extensive and takes close to six months to pull together. Therefore, your Society will NOT be hosting a challenge for the 2023 IBC.

However, we strongly encourage any member band or solo/duo to reach out to other Florida blues societies for participation in their challenge. In fact, last year our contestant band Randy Stephens and the Groove Makers was encouraged by your Board to apply to Southwest Florida Blues Society’s challenge, and they won!

We are aware of three challenges of interest:

The Villages Blues Society (TVBS) is hosting their challenge on November 14 at City Fire Restaurant Lake Sumter Landing 1018 Canal Street The Villages. A maximum of six bands will compete, and there will be no solo-duo competition. Entry is on first come basis, so if you are interested in competing at TVBS challenge, promptly contact Marcia Adams at thevillagesblues@gmail.com.

Southwest Florida Blues Society (SWFBS) is hosting their challenge on October 16th at Cape Cabaret in Cape Coral. Information, including a registration form is available on the SWFBS website.

Orange Blossom Blues Society (OBBS) is hosting their challenge on Sunday, November 20th at the Alley in Sanford. Deadline to register for the event is Oct 30th. The registration fee of $50 must be received by that date as well, and at least one member of the band (or solo/duo) has to be a member of OBBS in order to compete.  Interested musicians can email obbs4u@gmail.com for any questions they may have.

Thank you for your understanding and your continued support – 

Terri O’Brien

 

Alex Lopez Band CD Release Party August 12, Sarasota FL

Alex Lopez Band CD Release Party August 12, Sarasota FL

Alex Lopez Band CD Release Party August 12, Sarasota FL

Alex Lopez Band CD Release Party
August 12, Sarasota FL

Tampa-based musician Alex Lopez brought his powerful band, The Xpress, to the Browne’s Lab Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre (FST) for a party to celebrate the release of Nasty Crime. And what a party it was as Alex and the band treated the large turnout to a non-stop energetic set of music that left the crowd standing in applause.

Taking the stage in the intimate, and quite lovely, room at FST, Alex and the band played primarily from the new release. “No Way” set the tone and got the band engaged early, as Alex wove crafty lyrics and licks around the up-tempo beat of this song. Flowing seamlessly from song to song “Just Wait” turned up the heat and highlighted the understated licks that he delivers.
Alex paused to introduce the concept behind his music writing philosophy and that properly set the scene for the title track, “Nasty Crime.” The Xpress (Kana Leimbach on drums, Steve Roberts on bass, Kenny Hoye on keys) kept up a driving beat, with Kenny tossing in some nice keyboard runs to counterpoint Alex and his guitar.

The slower bluesy “When The Sun Goes Down” followed. This song contains poignant lyrics that Alex crafted after reflection on life’s twists and turns. “Holy Woman” has a funky blues feel and is Alex’s tribute to the positive impact women make in the world. Scalding guitar licks accompanied this song.
Kana Leimbach drumming kicked off the next song, the current recording’s rocking first cut “World On Fire.” Alex showed his slide guitar skills, weaving slide rhythm with lead licks.
Concluding the formal sequence of Nasty Crimes songs, Alex played the recording’s final song, “That’s Alright.” Kenny on keys, and Alex, traded off during the lovely melody. Alex’s measured guitar response and solo gave this performance immense charm and kept me quite entertained, enough to call this my favorite moment of the evening.

Transitioning away from the current release, Alex performed the title to 2017’s Slowdown. Playing from 2021’s Rising Up, the band performed the title track, and “Paradise”. Yours Truly, Me (2019) contributed the bluest song of this evening, “Take Me Back Home”. A lovely song with an equally compelling slide guitar. Most enjoyable. On this evening, the same recording contributed “Tush,” a funky version of the ZZ Top classic.
Returning to Slowdown, the blues punctuated “Stolen,” and was followed by “Dangerous.” That wrapped the formal performance, and after a break of few seconds the encore kicked of with “Light It Up,” and the show concluded with “Even Up The Score.” One hour, forty-five minutes of non-stop fun!
– Scott Morris, Treasurer, Suncoast Blues Society
(Photos by author)