Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Natalia Zukerman - Brand New Frame
Natalia ZukermanBrand New Frame
Label: Weasel Records
It is a bit of a conundrum how the daughter of a flutist and a violinist manages to find herself producing tantalizing bluesy guitar rock driven by her husky vocals. Her Americana attitude intermingles with a country and folk backbone while being complimented by the Willy Porter production.
• Natalia Zukerman Website • Natalia Zukerman WikiRon Hacker - Mr. Bad Boy
Ron HackerMr. Bad Boy
Label: Maximum Folk
This live solo show recorded at Famous Dave’s BBZ & Blues in Minneapolis highlights a scrumptious soulful attack of raw, bare-boned Delta blues from a bluesman of adequately checkered past and gruff, gritty vocals.
• Ron Hacker Website • Ron Hacker WikiWillem Maker - Stars Fell On
Willem MakerStars Fell On
Label: Fat Possum Records
Bluesy rock torn from Turkey Heaven Mountain. Written, recorded and mixed entirely by the artist, this balls-out musical journey refuses to be neat and tidy, but shows off powerful reflexive expanses with the structure available.
• Willem Maker WebsiteTaj Mahal - Maestro
Taj MahalMaestro
Label: Heads Up
Wow! This is smoking hot blues bash shows this two time GRAMMY winner in top form and complimented with a load of stellar guest performers. The release also marks the 40th year in the career of this amazing multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. On his first release in 5 years he demonstrates that his musical fire is still vibrant and his influence is going strong on these delightfully danceable ditties.
• Taj Mahal Website • Taj Mahal WikiAsylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?
Asylum Street SpankersWhat? And Give Up Show Biz?
Label: Yellow Dog Records
The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.
• The Asylum Street Spankers Website • The Asylum Street Spankers WikiJimmy "Duck" Holmes - Gonna Get Old Someday
Jimmy "Duck" HolmesGonna Get Old Someday
Label: Fat Possum Records
The Blue Front Café was the incubator for this simple smooth flowing style of blues known as the Bentonia Blues style, originated in Bentonia, MS and made famous by Skip James and Jack Owens. This release highlights what this style offers through one of the only known living practitioners.
• Jimmy "Duck" Holmes WikiTony Furtado - Deep Water
Tony FurtadoDeep Water
Label: Funzalo Records
Furtado is an award winning banjo prodigy and slide guitar player so it comes as no surprise that this release spotlights an entertaining blend of both instruments. The diverse songs are propelled by rich rhythmic undertones with a folksy flair.
• Tony Furtado Website • Tony Furtado WikiJames Eisele - Coming Into A New Age
James EiseleComing Into A New Age
Label: Self Released
Sly, cool, and swinging jazz temptations are blown about by the blues guitar backbone this artist is known for. At some points I think I am listening to some forgotten Burl Ives record or something.
• James Eisele WebsiteMatthew Montfort - Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Matthew MontfortSeven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Label: Ancient Future Music
Being aptly titled to describe the non vocal guitar wizardry on this debut release from award winning Ancient Future band leader manages to expose his proficiencies and improvisational skills. Although well executed and technically proficient, the serenades are a tad on the dry side overall
• Matthew Montfort Website • Matthew Montfort WikiWiyos - The Wiyos
WiyosThe Wiyos
Label: Self Released
Dubbing their output as “vaudevillian ragtime-jugband-blues and hillbilly swing,” this acoustic trio tells tales from an age gone by. Their lo-fi but not low energy music is comprised of the sounds from a washboard, harmonica, kazoo, archtop/resonator guitar/banjo-ukulele, an upright bass and three vocal for a full spectrum support. Kick ass!
• The Wiyos WebsiteDan Hicks and the Hot Licks - Tangled Tales
Dan Hicks and the Hot LicksTangled Tales
Label: Surfdog Records
This influential and enduring song writer hosts guests a plenty on these12 tracks of clever toe tapping and insightful lazy Americana with a jazzy, country western tilt and swingin’ swagger.
SEE LIVE 5/14 at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee; 5/15 at Majestic Theater in Madison, WI; 5/16 Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis
• Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks Website • Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks WikiDavy Knowles & Back Door Slam - Coming Up For Air
Davy Knowles & Back Door SlamComing Up For Air
Label: Blix Street Records
Possessing all the trappings of “The Next Big Thing” including a big name producer (Peter Frampton), slots at a load of summer festivals, and a substantial amount of raw talent, this 22 year old British blues pop guitarist from the Isle of Man is on the fast track to achieving his goal.
• Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam Website • Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam WikiView More
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