CD Review – “The New World Blues” – Alastair Greene

CD Review – “The New World Blues” – Alastair Greene

CD Review – “The New World Blues” – Alastair Greene

The New World Blues
Alastair Greene

The New World Blues is Alastair Greene’s newest recording, the first for Tab Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records.  Written mostly by Alastair, with an assist or two from Tab, this blues-rock effort features Alastair’s guitar talents in front of Tab on drums (yes, drums!) and Tab’s bassist Corey Duplechin. On the recording this “New World Blues” blues-rock power trio is a force to be reckoned with.

Many here on the Suncoast might not be familiar with Alastair. As a long-time attendee of The Big Blues Bender, I became a fan of Alastair’s talents from his late-night jamming as a member of The Bender Brass. And many “Benderheads” have enjoyed it when Alastair brings his California-based band to perform at “The Bender”. Alastair built his chops as a touring sideman for The Alan Parsons Project, Mickey Thomas’ Starship, and more recently with Sugar Ray Rayford.

The trio wastes no time cranking it up with Living Today. Capturing the craziness of 2020 Alastair’s lyrics quickly encapsulates the feeling many have and challenges the listener to “let your love shine through” – all behind a driving beat laid down by Tab and Corey.

Bayou Mile became a favorite. Personally, the words are a reminder of countless hours spent waiting for a flight, barely able to suppress the desire to quickly be anywhere but the airport. The words hooked me; Alastair’s playing had me replaying the song again and again.

The instrumental Back at the Poor House showcases Alastair’s guitar playing, and had me tapping my foot, while reaching to raise the volume. Twice.

Heroes, co-written with Tab, is arguably the least “blues” song on the recording. More of a rock ballad than blues, Heroes is none-the-less enjoyable.

Returning to the blues-rock feel Alone and Confused start with a slow blues beat and builds into an extended guitar solo for Alastair. If you like your solos with some edge to it this one is for you.

Wrapping up the recording with the title track The New World Blues Alastair returns to the slide, with the driving beat supplied by Tab and Corey. For me the song is reminiscent of and perhaps the equal to my favorite Johnny Winter slide efforts.

All and all, a wonderful effort by Alastair.  Most enjoyable.

Links 

Alastair Green Facebook

A taste of Back at the Poor House

Living Today Official Video

 

 

“They Call Me Mud”

“They Call Me Mud”

“They Call Me Mud”

“They Call Me Mud”

by Monte Adkison aka “The Blues Stalker”

Some people are just born to sing the blues. Larry “Mud” Morganfield, the eldest son of legendary bluesman Muddy Waters certainly fits in that category. Although his parents divorced when he was young and his father had a hectic touring schedule, his dad’s talent and love of the blues was shared later in his life. He began playing drums that his father bought him every Christmas beginning at the age of seven. He is also skilled on bass guitar but his songwriting and vocals showcase his true legacy.

Mud began his professional music journey at age 50 after a career  as a truck driver and his father’s death in 1983. Beginning with club appearances in the Chicago area, it was his performance at the 2007 Chicago Blues Festival that launched his career to an expanded fan base. An indie release in 2008 “Mud Morganfield with the Dirty Aces Live” was followed by 2012 Severn Records “Son of the Seventh Son” produced by harmonica ace Bob Corritore. In 2014, “For Pops:  A Tribute to Muddy Waters” with the Fabulous Thunderbird’s Kim Wilson, won Best Traditional Blues Album in 2015 at the Blues Music Awards. His most recent release “They Call Me Mud” has 10/12 songs penned by Morganfield and a distinct soul feel with a substantial horn section. Mud has steadily developed his own style and groove.

Mud has the reputation of being one of the best dressed players on stage. Like the late Junior Wells and the old school Chicago bluesmen, he shows up in classy suits that show the audience that they are in for a special performance. No overalls or ripped Levi’s for this stage act. It is show time!

This time a year ago Mud was touring in India. Like all musicians today, their careers have been stonewalled by a cruel pandemic that has affected the entire music industry globally. Mud comes to Florida after months of isolation to play the Bradenton Blues Festival His concern for his ninety year old mother who lives with him is foremost. With the pandemic still raging we are indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to see Morganfield perform  from a safe social distance at an outdoor venue. As Mud’s friend, Jeff Malone, president of the Northeast Florida Blues Society and who also booked him for the Amelia Island Blues Festival (2010-2016) recently told me:  “His father Muddy Waters was the pioneer of that electric blues sound migrating up from the Delta and that same spirit is in the DNA of his oldest son, Mud Morganfield. You are in for a special treat. Close your eyes and just imagine the glory days of the Chicago Chess sound.”

Pasco County Libraries Presents Free Drive-In Concert Dec. 4

Pasco County Libraries Presents Free Drive-In Concert Dec. 4

Pasco County Libraries Presents Free Drive-In Concert Dec. 4

~~Enjoy rock, jazz, blues and more from the comfort of your car, or stream online~~

HUDSON, FL —- Enjoy a live concert from the comfort of your car as Pasco County Libraries presents a free, drive-in and live streaming event at the Hudson Regional Library Friday, December 4, 2020. Local artists Shaun Hopper and Chris Barbosa will open for the Sarasota Slim Band during the outdoor, family-friendly event.

WHAT: Free Drive-In Concert

WHERE: Hudson Regional Library Parking Lot

8012 Library Rd.

Hudson, FL

WHEN: Friday, December 4, 2020

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Attendance is limited to 50 vehicles and you must pre-register at: bit.ly/32wPLds beginning Friday, November 20. For those attending in person, the concert will be broadcast on 88.1 FM.

You can also watch on the Libraries’ YouTube Channel at: youtube.com/pascocountylibraries.

Shaun Hopper and Chris Barbosa are an energetic string duo playing modern and classic rock including everything from Bach to the Beatles. The Sarasota Slim Band plays blues, funk, jazz, and rock and has been entertaining local crowds since the 1980s.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, e-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit: pascolibraries.org.

And the Winner is…

And the Winner is…

And the Winner is…

And the Winner is…

By Blues Stalker (Monte Adkison)

Introduction

Hector Anchondo always kept his eyes on the prize. Growing up on a Missouri farm, as a teen after high school his desire to play music called him and he hit the road. Taking his guitar to Omaha, he began to play and appreciate all genres of music. His passion and interest in the blues led him down the blues highway to Chicago where he brought those influences back to Omaha.

His dedication, talent, sacrifices, and determination finally resulted in recognition by winning numerous awards and the Nebraska State Blues Challenge. Representing the Omaha Blues Society in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) beginning in 2015, Hector competed three times placing first in 2020 in the solo/duo category as well as taking home the Memphis Cigar Box Award for best solo/duo guitarist.

Like so many talented artists, he has been patiently waiting to share his love of the music and demonstrate his skills in this post-pandemic period. He is ready to hit the road again and show why Hector Anchondo is a blues survivor and a fan favorite. As hurricane season is finally coming to an end in Florida, this is one you will welcome in his upcoming tour.

2020 International Blues Challenge

BS: As a veteran participant and the most recent winner of the International Blues Challenge, what advice could you give to future participants?

HA: The advice I’d give is be yourself and don’t worry too much about what others think. Some will like it, and some won’t, no matter the path you choose so why not just be yourself and truly find the ones that like you for you? You always sound better being yourself and you have a more authentic sound. Also, make sure you read the rules front to back and get plenty of metronome practice in.

BS: You represented the Omaha Blues Society in Memphis at the IBC. How important do you think blues societies are today in the music industry and what suggestions would you give them to be more relevant?

HA: Blues Societies are so important in the music industry, if it were not for them it’d be so much harder to get anywhere with your music and touring. Not only do they offer help with booking, but also setting up shows and extra gigs if needed and that can really save an entire tour. Blues Societies also connect artists with an entire network of Blues fans out there.

The Blues wouldn’t be what it is today without them. I can’t offer any suggestions to Blues Societies other than to make sure you’re on all the social media sites.

In the Market for Blues

BS: In 2015 you created your own local blues festival, In the Market for Blues, in Omaha. That festival has expanded each year to recently over 40 local, regional, and national acts at multiple venues. Can you tell us how that came about and due to current circumstances, when do you think it will happen again?

HA: That came about after my first year playing in the IBC, it was 2015 and walking down Beale Street I couldn’t help but think how the cobble stone streets and the buildings reminded me so much of the Old Market in Omaha, NE. I thought, Omaha’s Old Market would be perfect for a Blues festival and what better way to create a Beale Street, or Bourbon Street music experience right in Omaha?

The scene fit perfect. I brought the idea to Emily Cox of E3 Music Management and she loved the idea, so we worked together to make it a reality. Now it’s made possible by the Blues Society of Omaha and E3 Entertainment as well as all the wonderful sponsors. We’re hoping to get it started back up in 2021 but we will have to watch how things look at the time. It’s an honor to work with everyone and they deserve all the credit for all the hard work they do.

Chicago

BS: Hector, your deep interest in the blues drew you to Chicago to learn and observe from the tradition of the old blues masters. Can you tell us about that experience and how it affected your music?

HA: That was a really great experience for me and my playing, it really got me out of my shell and help me discover more of who I am and what my sound is. I mostly observed and tried to soak it in as much as possible.

I played in jams with Mary Lane and Rockin’ Johnny and sometimes Johnny would get me up for a few songs at his shows too. Thankful for that. The person that played the biggest role in my Chicago music experience was my bassist Todd Fackler. He’d play bass for Tail Dragger at Legends and Todd would get me into the shows.

It was there I really got to soak up with the pros were doing. If Todd had not got me in on the guest list, I wouldn’t have never been able to afford to go. I also got to catch shows at Kingston Mines and lived in walking distance from Rosa’s Lounge. I learned a lot about music, myself, and life while I was out there.

Recordings and Gear

BS: Your chart-topping 2017 release, “Roll the Dice” was a real boost to your recognition on the national and international blues scene. Can you tell us what you are working on now to follow that up? Is a solo album a possibility?

HA: I’m working on my solo album now and I’m hoping for a release early next year. I have been wanting to do an acoustic solo album for a long time and with everything that’s happened this year and winning the IBC solo/duo category, it feels like the right time. So be on the lookout for the new album early next year.

BS: You are an endorsee of Delaney Guitars. For the gear heads out there, tell us about the custom axe that Mike Delaney created for you.

HA: To have Delaney Guitars endorse me is an honor and something I’m proud of, it was a big step forward in my career. My latest guitar is a Delaney Sonata, it is a beautiful guitar and I love it play it. It has a Mahogany body and a Birdseye Maple top. Delaney humbucker pickups and it is set up with a split coil feature so that I can get humbucker sound or a single coil sound. I love the versatility.

Touring

BS: Please introduce us to the Hector Anchondo touring Band…

HA: The one other full-time member of the band is Khayman Winfield, he’s been touring with me for seven years and has really hung in there. I’m thankful for his dedication and I don’t know how I’d do it without him. It’s been a lot of years since that I have had a full-time bassist.

BS: Speaking of touring, you are about to embark on a month-long tour of Florida. I know that Suncoast Blues Society fans are excited about your show scheduled for the Blue Rooster in Sarasota.

HA: I’m excited to get down to Florida and play for a while. We’re going to be living there for the winter and looking forward to meeting folks and playing as much music as I can while I’m down there. I’m also looking forward to the Blue Rooster show.

(Editor’s note: Suncoast Blues Society is sponsoring Hector Anchondo at the Hideaway Café in St. Petersburg. For tickets

2020

BS: The pandemic has financially impacted Artists. How have you personally compensated by the loss of touring dates and gigs?

HA: I tried to drop my expenses as low as I possibly could with having a family to take care of. We moved full time in an RV to try to ride out the economic downturn. I have also been playing online shows and still playing in person shows when I can.

I try to be as safe as possible while playing and try to take every gig I can. I teach online guitar lessons too. It has been very hard to make ends meet but we’re getting through it one day at a time and thankful that I can still play some to earn a living, or at least for right now, just get by.

Links

BS: Can fans follow you on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook?

HA: Yes, they can, and I welcome everyone to check out all the social media sites

Facebook

YouTube

Instagram

Twitter

Thank you, Hector. You are truly an inspiration for all those struggling artists who are attempting to survive doing what you love during these uncertain times. Best of luck to you!

 

 

Blues in the Library is back

Blues in the Library is back

Blues in the Library is back

Suncoast Blues Society
Community Outreach Program

 

Blues in the Library is back! As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the drive-in gathering concept has new life.

We are collaborating with Pasco County Library Association for an outdoor Blues in The Lot concert at the Hudson Library branch (8012 Library Rd, Hudson) on Friday, December 4th.

This FREE event will feature solo/duo performer Shaun Hopper and the Sarasota Slim Band.

Mark your calendar now as attendance will be limited, and reservations will be required. More info to follow next week….

Suncoast Blues Society (SBS) has also reached out to Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota County Library Systems suggesting they consider implementing an outdoor Blues on The Lawn performance.

Sarasota County Library System was the first to accept our offer. So far, we have two outdoor performances scheduled at the Fruitville branch (100 Apex Road, Sarasota):

  • November 17th from 2pm – 3:30pm featuring Steve Arvey
  • December 8th from 2pm – 3:30pm featuring Brian Leneschmidt

To kick start these events, SBS will be underwriting a total of 10 events. Keep watching our website at Suncoastblues.org and your Suncoast Blues News for additional information on forthcoming shows featuring Suncoast Blues Society member musicians.

 

 

 

Your Suncoast Blues Society is proud to present Hector Anchondo!

Your Suncoast Blues Society is proud to present Hector Anchondo!

Your Suncoast Blues Society is proud to present Hector Anchondo!

Your Suncoast Blues Society is proud to present the 2020 International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo winner Hector Anchondo!

Hector will be performing one night only in the intimate setting at St. Petersburg’s the Hideaway Café.

This SBS sponsored event will follow CDC COVID-19 safety protocols,  therefore the Hideaway Café is limiting sales to 45 tickets and face coverings are required.

Hector has assembled a powerhouse local band. Backing Hector on drums is Hideaway Café’s favorite Sam Farmer, with Florida legend and Damon Fowler band member Chuck Riley on bass.

Show time for the Tuesday November 17th show is 7:30 PM.  Doors open at 6PM.

Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the Hideaway Café website, or at the door.  Tickets will go fast, so do not delay!

You will not want to miss this unique performance at St. Petersburg’s Original Listening Room.