Mike Farris @ The Iridium NYC

Sometimes, even if you don’t realize it, your soul needs to be refreshed. Music can do that if it’s powerful enough. The music of Mike Farris is that powerful.

Starting out as a rock singer, the party life took control until nearly losing his own from a drug overdose before he turned twenty-one. While it’s not uncommon to hit rock bottom and find salvation, Mike Farris also found his voice, moving from the rock arena, first into blues and now even more comfortably into gospel. But don’t expect a revival meeting, what you get is more of a spiritual journey, along with some damn fine music.

Mike Farris and band members Paul Pesco (Guitar), Shawn Pelton (Drums), Andy Hess (Bass), Barry Danielian (Trumpet), Andy Snitzer (Sax), and Paul Brown (Keys), recently played four shows at The Iridium in New York City. The third show began with the band quietly taking their places and Farris asking ‘Everybody alright?” Then the service began.

To read the entire review, jump over to "Mike Farris @ The Iridium NYC"  - OnStage Magazine.

.

A Little Talk with Keyboardist and Grammy Nominated Producer Paul Brown

There is no question Paul Brown loves what he does. With blonde hair whirling around his head and a smile emanating from deep within, Paul Brown lets his soul bleed through the keys of his Hammond B3 organ. The result is the most delicious side dish you might ever taste. Watching him play reminds you why that instrument has been included in so much rich musical history since its creation in 1935.

Paul's personal history is nearly as rich. The incredible positive attitude he radiates is in stark contrast with the story of his life. While living in Memphis, at the age of twelve, he and his brothers became wards of the state following the death of their mother. They were sent to live at the Tennessee Preparatory School in Nashville, where the only thing to give Paul hope was an old upright piano. That hope was later destroyed when those in charge took away his privilege to practice music. He soon ran away, eventually finding his way back to Memphis and work on the riverboats. While working as a deckhand, he continued his musical progression, adding R&B, funk, and soul to his rock background.

A chance phone call led to playing keyboards in Ann Peebles ("I Can't Stand The Rain") band and a friendship which endures to this day. Brown has played behind artists of every genre. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Down in Louisiana by Bobby Rush was nominated as Blues Album of the Year and Paul Brown as Producer along with it. After working in the studio alongside The Waterboys, he was invited to tour with them in Europe this past year, and will join them for another tour early next year. He has also been having way too much fun working with Nashville-based gospel-blues singer Mike Farris.

I recently caught up with Paul Brown between Mike Farris shows at The Iridium in New York City, and in a casual stairway talk, I learned about the interesting life of Paul Brown.

Kath Galasso: You and I have something in common, that being the love for the Hammond. Sadly, only one of us can play it. You’ve developed a unique partnership with it. What is it about the Hammond that connects to your soul?

Paul Brown: It’s the colors and the expression. When you get a great singer and you’re playing it, there’s nothing like being able to add those more subtle colors to it. Small things, because it can inspire them, just like their voices inspire me to play in certain ways.  I think that I learned that early on. When I started playing with Ann Peebles, that was really when I connected with the Hammond. She was on Hi Records and all the stuff she did had tons of B3 on it, so I really started figuring it out quick. And it’s funny cause I’m not a jazz guy, like the Jimmy Smith guys, I’ve just got a different vibe. I’m just coming from a different place. I love the more simplistic approach, and there are some things I do on there percussively that just come out of me. And somehow a lot of people have picked up on it. I’m just grateful that instrument is around for me to connect with.

For the rest of the interview, please jump over to OnStage Magazine "Just a Little Talk with Grammy Nominee Paul Brown"

.

Somebody's Darling Talks Music, CMJ

Opening up with "Bad Bad," from their just released Adult Roommates album, Somebody's Darling began an afternoon set of a CMJ Music Marathon showcase. The Dallas based band, featuring the bold, bluesy vocals of Amber Farris have paid their dues over the past seven years. With a heavy touring schedule as both openers and headliners, an appearance at SXSW, and now CMJ in New York, Somebody's Darling have followed a path which offers them a sustained shelf life in a business of blink-and-you-missed-it bands.

If the new album has a different sound and feel to it credit the collaborative writing of the band, and the willingness to try every musical suggestion offered in an effort to hit that point of nirvana when you step back and say "yeah, that's it." The process seems to be working.

For some time now there has been a resurgence of the blues, though the form is evolving through the new blood who have taken their influences from other genres as well. Somebody's Darling takes up the neo-blues flag and throws in a ballsy rhythm section, guitar licks refined just enough from a garage band feel to appreciate the skill behind them, and keys that punch in just when you want them to. Mix all that together, throw in those big vocals, and what you end up with is a grinding, no-holds barred southern rocking blues band. Tasty indeed.

Before their afternoon performance, I sat down with Amber Farris and bass player Wade Cofer to talk about the long road they travel.

For the full interview jump over to "Somebody's Darling Talks Music, CMJ" over at onstagemagazine.com

Sometimes the Road is Too Long

“I hear it callin’, baby

Sound so sweet and plain

I gotta go

’cause the road’s my middle name”

…”The Road’s My Middle Name” by Bonnie Raitt

Approaching her mid-60’s, Bonnie Raitt is still playing hard and kicking ass on tour, and just like her daddy before her, most of her life has been spent on the road. This is true for most musicians and especially true of the generation before Bonnie. Many of those old-timers in their late 70’s and 80’s are still paying their dues on the road. For many, it’s all they know and will just keep doing it until it’s physically impossible.

Good idea or not?

To read the entire article, please jump over to Earth Hertz Records "Sometimes the Road is Too Long"

.

Down In Lousiana with Bobby Rush

Started out the evening listening to a little Americana. Tasty as hell, but more about them in a week or so. After that little treat was over, some fresh blues came across my computer. And damn it was sweet and juicy.

Bobby Rush is a blues man from the way back. Born in Louisiana in the '30s, Bobby did what all musicians did back then, play enough to scratch out a living. And play he did, and he's still playing twenty-something albums later.

His latest release is eleven tracks of blues, funk, soul, and hot licks. From the first few beats of "Down In Louisiana" off the album of the same name, Rush hooks you. A little funky bass, Cajun accordion, and screamin' B3 organ. Produced by Paul Brown who's also the guy smokin' the keys. Totally on fire.


From start to finish, it's real good, Let's have a little taste of the title song.

There's a Little Hoodoo Going On, Blame It On Billy D

There are a couple of reviews I need to do, but before I get started working on them, I wanted to serve up something new. It's funny all the different ways you find new music. Radio, movies, TV, the internet... all great sources of new and delicious tunes. But by far, the best way is word of mouth. When someone has already heard it and shares it because they are excited about it, well yeah that's the best. That's how I came up with this artist. So first I'll say thanks to Chuck for pointing me in the right direction.

Born in Chicago, Billy Desmond learned about the blues at an early age. By sneaking into blues clubs to hear legends like Muddy Waters and James Cotton, Billy D became well schooled in the blues, right along with good old rock & roll. Billy D moved from Chicago to LA to Santa Fe, and finally to Oregon, learning and perfecting his guitar playing and writing style.

Now we all know I'm a lyrics girl. Billy D's aren't fancy. They don't need to be. They are straightforward and about as honest as you can get. A lot of them aren't real happy, but a lot of them are real good.

Let's sample a few things of his most recent album, Somethin's Wrong.

First up, the title track, "Somethin's Wrong"

Next up "50"

And end it with "Whyya Do It"

Good stuff, worth a listen and then some.

Beat This Beginning: Crossfire

Last weekend as I started out on the road trip, I had the shuffle going in the car. As the opening notes of today's taste hit my ears, it was like I was hearing it for the first time. Now I have listened to this song hundreds of times, but that morning it sounded fresh and well... perfect.

So it hit me, if I've had this feeling on this song, there must be hundreds of songs where you know them note for note, but may still have missed something really juicy about them. And that's how we got here today.

Today we introduce a new feature which we will jump into from time to time, where we will highlight a song with a great opening riff. The song is "Crossfire" by Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Now if you've read this blog with any regularity you know SRV just makes me smile. He had it all, and we will never know his true greatness, but what he left behind is a legacy of which any musician would be proud.  As one of my top three guitarists, it's funny that the opening of "Crossfire" is not centered on his guitar work. Sure he comes in with some great punctuation, but an opening drum beat, a little bass and some hot keys all set the tone before Stevie drops in.

Of course the rest of the song ain't half bad, and Stevie kicks it up pretty good, but have a listen to how it starts.

Good stuff.
Leave a comment if you have any other great beginnings we should take a listen to.

.

Beth Hart: Bang Bang Boom Boom

Some artists work for years to achieve success and never attain it. Some attain it and lose themselves in the process. Only the really lucky and determined ones reach the top of the mountain a second time.

Such appears to be the case with Beth Hart. Back in the 90's her star was on the rise with a breakout song, "LA Song (Out of This Town)" appearing on Beverly Hills 90210 and she was headlining a tour. Inner conflicts of drugs, alcohol and an undiagnosed bi-polar disorder turned a successful career into a downward spiral. It was only through good fortune, love and determination that she has emerged from the depths stronger and more capable of singing the blues.

Her new album Bang Bang Boom Boom has just been released and Beth is touring again as a headline act. Playing last night at the Crossroads Festival at Madison Square Garden with some of the biggest names in the music world, Beth Hart has come full circle.

Bang Bang Boom Boom is an interesting blues ride. For my full review, please jump over to Beth Hart's "Bang Bang Boom Boom" Album Review at ourvinyl.com.

.

Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King

And they don't call him Smokin' Joe for nothing.

Joe Kubek grew up in Irving Tx, and his guitar playing was so hot that he was touring with blues great Freddie "The Texas Cannonball" King, while still a teenager. That was in the 70's. In the 80's he met Louisiana vocalist/guitarist Bnois King and the two figured out that they were twice as good together than they were alone, and have been together ever since.

Kubek, as his nickname acknowledges, smokes on the guitar. Bluesy and burning hot, there's some real good guitar playing going on there. King delivers sweet blues vocals and plays a smoother guitar. Together they offer up music that you can feel in both your gut and your soul.

Some real tasty blues stew served up now.

Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King

"I Need More"
"Smokin' Joe's Cafe"
"Make It Right"

I think this deserves a HELL YEAH.

.

Howlin' Along with Jared Green

You can admit it. At some point in each of our lives, we've howled. Whether it was listening to Warren Zevon doing "Werewolves of London," or after having a really strange day and looking at the night sky you realize it's a full moon, or just singing along with dog. There are definitely times when we channel our inner wolf.

However, some of us do it better than others.

From out of Nashville, the Howlin' Brothers are making noise in the music business and it's not just a howl or two. Blending bluegrass, blues, Americana, roots and old-time music, the Howlin' Brothers have created a new album of songs crossing many genres. Once you take a listen, two things will happen: you'll notice your feet are tappin' and your face is smilin'.

I had the privilege of speaking with Jared Green (Guitar,Harmonica,Vocals) right before the release of the album. To read the interview, hear their sound and learn about the band, jump over to my page at musicstaruniverse.com for the Jared Green Interview

Check out their video for "Big Time"

Blues at the Crossroads: Muddy and the Wolf

There are legends in all categories of music. If you are lucky, sometime in your lifetime you may actually get to see a few. The blues genre has a long lists of legends, each with a distinct style and sound. While the soul of the blues is universal, there are variations in rhythm, the addition or types of horns, and attitude. Chicago, Memphis,  Kansas City, New Orleans, every city has their own sound. Last week I was able to see a show which spotlighted the Chicago blues sound of two of its legends: Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.

The show featured The Fabulous Thunderbirds and more specifically, vocalist/harmonica master Kim Wilson. Special guests were quite a who's who in the blues business. Guitarists Tinsley Ellis, Jody Williams and Bob Margolin, along with the one and only James Cotton on harmonica.

It was one hell of a show. My full review can be found on ourvinyl.com at this link: Blues at the Crossroads Check it out, I hope you can get a bit of the feeling I did that night.

.

When the Water Gets Muddy, It's Time for Some Blues

It's been a long, cold week. Dear lord, I am in need of some serious blues. Serious blues.

McKinley Morganfield died April 30, 1983 at approximately 70 years of age. His date of birth has long been in question but his impact on the American blues scene has not. He has been ranked as one of the top 100 musicians of all time, and influenced virtually every American and British rock or blues group from the 60's. Zeppelin, Cream, Hendrix, the Stones.. Hendrix is quoted as saying about him "I first heard him as a little boy and it scared me to death." The Rolling Stones got their name from one of his songs.

The king of Chicago Blues, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Hell, they even issued a postage stamp in his honor.

Still can't place the name? How about what his friends called him: Muddy Waters.

Let's just taste a few of his best tunes. They are bound to warm you from the inside out.

Mr. Muddy Waters

"Hoochie Coochie Man"
"Got My Mojo Working"
"Baby Please Don't Go"
"They Call Me Muddy Waters"

ah yes.
I know I'm feeling much, much better.

.

Little Girl Lost: Janis

Born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1943, Janis Joplin would have turned 70 years old today.

Not the prom queen, the brain or the most popular girl by any stretch of the imagination, Janis did have something none of the other kids had...she had soul, and the voice to share it.

Her teens were hard years, she didn't fit in and increasingly turned to music to soothe her inner turmoil. Moving to California, the San Francisco music scene was much more welcoming.

As a kid, when I first heard Janis sing "Piece of My Heart", her voice and style was something both amazing and unnerving at the same time. If you listened close enough, you knew it wasn't screams coming out, it was pure raw emotion. Janis threw every bit of what she felt into her singing. But even with all her success and talent, her demons eventually won the battle on October 4, 1970.

A couple of my favorites from the Little Girl Blue.

"Summertime" ...the classic song from Porgy and Bess, with an incredible interpretation
"Ball and Chain"...showing every bit of her soul.
"Move Over" ...live and on fire

She didn't look like anyone else, she didn't act like anyone else and she didn't sing like anyone else.

Forever she is known simply as Janis.

.

You Can Hear The Buzz All The Way From Austin

You know that sound. The whispers, the talk and finally the shouts. It's called the buzz. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it's for a flash-in-the-pan. For the past year and a half the buzz has been growing louder about the taste of the day.

Growing up in Austin, he cut his musical teeth in the same club as the Vaughn brothers...Jimmie and Stevie Ray. Since that time he has played alongside Clapton, Winwood, Guy, Crow, Keyes, Beck and Matthews. I don't think any first names are needed. From Bonnaroo to The White House, Gary Clark Jr. has played with, and for a lot of names.

Playing a blues-based guitar, listen to him slide up and down from straight blues through rock, jazz, soul and whatever else he's feeling. With his latest album Blak and Blu, just released in October, Gary Clark Jr. shows another side of his talent and style.

"Bright Lights"
"Ain't Messin' Round"
"When My Train Pulls In"

Flash-in-the-pan...not likely.

.

Play Guitar? What Else You Got?

So you play the guitar. Nice, I wish I could. Think you're pretty good...real nice, great to have that gift. Let me tell you something...ya got nuthin'.

Today, I've got a guy who plays guitar...some mean blues if you please. But he also takes it another step...he makes his guitars. uh huh.

Out of Mississippi, James "Super Chikan" Johnson, grew up on the delta. His first instrument was a piece of wood with baling wire wrapped around it, what is known as a "diddley bow." Growing up in a musical family, by his 20's he was playing bass around the south. Working as a truck driver, he found himself with a lot of time on his hands. That's when the songwriting began. His first album Blues Come Home to Roost, was released in 1997 and instantly garnered critical acclaim.

As his grandfather before him, Super Chikan began to fashion instruments out of discarded items. Old army gas cans and cigar boxes were made into guitars. Crazy stuff, check out some of them here. Soon his hand-made guitars were gaining as much interest as his music, even receiving an Artist Fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission.

But let's get into the music. Man, does he look like he's having fun...

Playing a diddley bow on "Sippiseekansas"
How about a ceiling fan on "Hookin' Up"
and closing out a show playing a Shotgun Guitar


For a short documentary on the man check out "Cluckin' and Pluckin'" and find out how he got his nickname and creates his one-of-a-kind guitars.

Some good blues to start the day, end it, or just to boogie in the middle of it.

"If your feet any tappin', baby you're dead."

.

Good Music...A Defining Answer

In my last post "Research? How About Just Listen," I wrote about the latest 'scientific research' which tells us today's pop music is boring, simple and basically uninspired. I also gave a few suggestions for good music, and have since been hearing a whole lot of "well, what about..." and "how could you not include...?"

Was there any specific criteria on which I based what I consider good. Hell no. If you hadn't noticed, check out the name in the title of the blog. My name, my blog, my rules...Kat's rules. By the way, those rules are subject to change, depending on my mood and for whom they are intended ;)

Basically, good music must make me feel something. It doesn't need to be a masterpiece, but it must be passionate. It doesn't need to be complicated, but it must speak to me. It doesn't need to move mountains, but it needs to move me.

In saying that, let me offer a few more good music selections

Elton John "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" ...complex, yes. but so moving and powerful
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles "Ooh Baby Baby" ...not at all complex, just smooth and soulful
Kenny Wayne Shepherd "Blue on Black" ...smokey blues, killer vocal, great chorus...all you need
Frank Sinatra "The Way You Look Tonight" ...good music isn't just rock, soul, or the blues. it's classics and classical as well.

Maybe it's time to expand your horizons. You may not like it all...but then again you just might.

Just taste it.

.

Time To Chase The Blues Away

Kind of a blue morning. Day after a stormy one, the world outside still seems to be in a state of shock. Not feeling like there should be more rain, but not up to letting the sun peak through. I know the feeling well.

Thought this morning we'd go with some songs which reflect the day...and the mood. A little gray, a little sad, a little well...blue.

Foreigner "Blue Morning, Blue Day" ....start this off with the whole feeling of the day
Linda Rondstadt "Hasten Down the Wind" ...great cover of a priceless Warren Zevon tune
Dusty Springfield Anyone Who Had a Heart" ...Burt Bacharach song first done by Dionne Warwick.
Survivor "I See You in Everyone" ...great imagery, and haven't we all been there.
The Eagles "Wasted Time" ...pulling out all the blues.

And since everyone knows, the only way to chase the blues away is by listening to some blues...well let's have a little B.B.

BB King "The Thrill is Gone" ...listen to him talk to Lucille
BB King "Stormy Monday" ...and just like that, kiss the blues goodbye.

Hello sun. Gonna be a good day after all.


.

It Was 50 Years Ago Today: The Rolling Stones

Influences.

Every band, singer, writer and musician has them. What makes an average musician a great one, is taking those influences and creating a sound of your own.

On July 12, 1962, the Rolling Stones made their first club appearance in London at the Marquee Club. That night, their entire set did not include one original song. It was all covers of songs by singers who were an influence on their later style.

While it would have been easy on this 50th anniversary to highlight some Stones music, I thought it would be more fun to feature some of the music which was covered in that first set list. These links are to the artists who originally wrote/sang them. These are the musicians whose music first cried out to Mick and Keith...this is where it started.

It always comes back to the blues...

"Back in the USA" Chuck Berry
"Blues Before Sunrise" Elmore James
"Bad Boy" Eddy Taylor
"Hush Hush" Jimmy Reed
"Ride "em On Down" Eddy Taylor
"Bright Lights, Big City" Jimmy Reed
"Don't Stay Out All Night" Billy Boy Arnold
"Tell Me That You Love Me" Jimmy Reed
"Happy Home" Elmore James

...and that's how you do it, son.

.

Always Tellin' The Story: Otis Taylor

Born in Chicago, raised in Denver, Otis Taylor first began his musical journey on the banjo. He later switched to guitar, learned the harmonica along the way and became one of the great blues chroniclers of the world around him. The man can write a whole lot of story in his songs.

In 1977, Otis Taylor took a leave of absence from the music business for almost twenty years, then in 1995 he came back with a vengeance. In the years since his return, he has released a dozen albums, had his music appear in movies and TV and been nominated for and won several honors. He heads up a music program for elementary schools and universities to enlighten and mentor students in all things blues. That is very cool.

Today, we will take a few tastes of Otis Taylor. If you're not familiar with the music of Otis Taylor, don't miss this chance to find it. Listen to the music, listen to the stories.

"Walk on Water"
"Black Witch"
"Ten Million Slaves"
"505 Train"
"Plastic Spoon"
"Few Feet Away"

and I just can't resist saying it...


Otis, my man. Love the Blues Brothers.


.

An Evening with Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy

The lights went down right on time.

First up Jonny Lang.

Starting strong with a little blues number called "Don't Stop (For Anything)" Jonny Lang literally pulled every note kicking and screaming from his guitar. The sound was crisp, the pickin' fast and furious.

While the more blues oriented portion of his set was really strong, I felt some of his more rock edged songs lacked the same depth. At one point his singing mimics each note as he plays, a lot of effort for not a big reward. Vocally, at times it seems he tries a little too hard. He does have a decent range, though not sure he uses it to his advantage. Simple rule...don't overthink the performance, let the guitar playing speak for itself.

"Redlight" was one of the high points of his set, as was a great cover of Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City."  Backup singer, I believe her name was Missy Hale, did one hell of a job trading off lead vocals with Jonny on that tune.

The moment of the night however was the last song, no surprise that it would be "Lie to Me." . What was a surprise was how it began. The band left the stage and Jonny stood there and sang the first two verses of the song alone with an acoustic guitar. While not nearly as monumental as Clapton doing "Layla" acoustically, it was a fascinating take on the song. Midway through, he switched to electric, brought in the band...and brought down the house.

Mr. Buddy Guy.

"I'm gonna keep on playing the blues man..."

The only way to know Buddy Guy has been around for so many years is the talent and stage presence. You sure can't tell his age by watching him. As he strolled onstage wearing his ever-present baseball cap, it was evident by his gait this was a man who still found pleasure in taking his spot behind the microphone. Buddy Guy is quite a character. A living legend, he has garnered enough points over the years to tell the to audience "shut up" as they applaud him, so he can tell a little anecdote about another musician. Buddy Guy, so respected, spends a lot of time complimenting other musicians.

He said a few times during the show that he doesn't rehearse.  He knows what he has to do...he just expects the band to keep up with him...and they did.

Starting out with "Nobody Understands Me Like My Guitar," Buddy showed what the old guitar masters have learned. You don't always need to make your guitar scream...sometimes it's best to let it weep.

"We're gonna do something so funky...you can smell it."

The blues standard "While You Were Steppin' Out (Someone Else Was Steppin' In),"  had everyone singing along. Just great stuff.. Buddy sang a song called "I'm 74 Years Young" ...his story of the blues. He ends the song saying "I wrote that song 2 years ago." Yes, 76 years young and the man had a smile on his face throughout the entire set. At one point Buddy left the stage still playing, and worked his way through the crowd. He walked through the lower level seating and ended up in the balcony, not missing a beat.

Truly inspiring.

The Jam

When you have two great guitarists on the same bill, there is an expectation they will jam. This night had both Buddy and Jonny together...and a young guitarist whose name you will want to remember. A great rendition of Junior Wells "Little by Little," gave way to the entrance of a 13 year old boy by the name of Quinn Sullivan.

According to Buddy, he first heard Quinn play at the age of 7. Well, Mr. Buddy Guy knows the blues and this kid is the real deal. Technically, he was the best guitarist on stage that night. To say the entire crowd was blown away by Quinn Sullivan is an understatement. He didn't sing at all Saturday night, and watching a few of his videos, I can't wait until he grows into his voice. Sharing the stage with two guitar greats, he had the attitude any lead guitarist should have...been there, done that, now just shut up and listen. Yeah, he's that good.

Here's a clip from a recent show where he opened for Buddy...Quinn Sullivan.
Remember the name.





My profile says "I've always been a rocker, but you can't beat the blues."...well, this was one great night of blues.

.