Mick Clarke

 

British blues guitarist Mick Clarke began his career with KILLING FLOOR, part of the British blues boom of the late 1960s and contemporaries of Free, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. The band backed Texas blues guitar star Freddie King and toured with legends Howlin' Wolf and Otis Spann. The album "Killing Floor" was later listed as one of Classic Rock Magazine's twenty top British blues albums of the time. In the 70s Mick's band SALT built a strong following in the UK, playing at the Reading Festival 1977 and opening for Muddy Waters in London.

THE MICK CLARKE BAND was formed in the early 80s and has toured in the UK, Europe, USA and India, where Mick was the winner of the "best international act" from artistaloud.com. Mick has appeared on numerous festivals with artists including Joe Bonamassa, Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher, and the Southern California Blues Society called him "One of the finest blues players to come out of England".

In recent years Mick has released regular new recordings from his own studio, Rockfold, in Surrey.  Many tracks have had critical acclaim and The album 'Telegram' was No. 1 on the Roots Music Report UK album chart for 6 weeks.

Croatian blues/rock band Voodoo Ramble featuring Boris Zamba with special guest Marcus Flynn (The Guitar Legends/ 10cc/ Mike & The Mechanics/Fun Lovin' Criminals) release a new single ‘4000’ Years Old’ on Mon 8th Dec 2024

 

 

Led by the award winning Croatian rock-blues guitarist Boris Zamba, ‘4000 Years Old’ is the third single to be released from the band’s forthcoming 5^th album called ‘In The Heart of The City’ on CD Baby.

 

Co-written by the band’s founder member, vocalist and guitarist Boris Zamba and lyricist broadcaster and author Pete Feenstra, the song is a veritable stomp which draws on the natural world (the olive tree) and the roots of love.

 

Boris immediately tapped into the lyrical meaning and dug deep for musical feel with his emotive singing, warm guitar tone and crunch.

 

As he explains: “The song was built on the feeling of joy, and the roots of love. And, in expressing that feeling the arrangement built a tension which I think needed a defining guitar solo to resolve the song.

 

I tried various permutations until Pete suggested Marcus Flynn.

 

As luck would have it, I was due to tour the South West of England and I managed to hook up with Marcus on my UK debut show, and I immediately knew he was the guy for the job.

He saw his part as a powerful slide break and I think he gave us both the perfect solo and extra layer of energy.”

 

The song’s original concept is explained by Feenstra: “Every day while writing songs, I stare out my office window and let my imagination run free in the hope of inspiration.

The trigger was an olive tree which we planted a few years ago. We've since seen it grow through the rain and snow and it has now started to flourish.

I then looked up the history of olive trees and thought of an enduring love which transcends time, and in this case 4000 years.”

 

The single is helmed by long time producer Dragutin Smokrovic aka “The Fig”, with Boris playing guitar and bass, while the groove element is provided by drummer Damir Somen.

 

The award winning Boris Zamba successfully represented Croatia at the 30^th International blues challenge in Memphis and also at European Blues Challenge in Tuscany Italy.

He has since released 5 albums and a handful of singles featuring such guests as Mick Pini and Muddy Manninen (Wishbone Ash), while building an  impressive profile in Europe, The US and Australia where he has enjoyed chart success. 

https://www.voodooramble.com/index.php/en/

Facebook: Boris Zamba /

The Fury by Antonio Vergara: A Revival of Contemporary Blues

Antonio Vergara has made history by being nominated for the prestigious 2024 GRAMMY® in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category, becoming the first Latin American artist to receive a nomination in this legendary category. The Fury not only reaffirms his place as one of the most relevant artists in the genre but also offers a bold and rich proposal that reimagines contemporary blues with a blend of tradition and experimentation that only an artist of his caliber can achieve. This album stands as a masterpiece that captures the essence of blues while pushing it into exciting new territories. With impeccable production and high-level collaborations, The Fury not only stands out for its technical virtuosity but also for its deep emotional connection and ability to resonate with a broad audience.

A Bold Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Released on August 29 and composed of 13 carefully crafted tracks, The Fury takes listeners on a journey through the deepest roots of blues, while introducing modern and exploratory elements that enrich the sonic experience. Antonio Vergara, renowned for his masterful skills with the electric guitar, lap steel guitar, and resonator, offers a repertoire that feels both intimate and expansive, blending classic influences with a contemporary approach that keeps the genre fresh and relevant.

From the rhythmic intensity of "My Lucky Mojo" to the melodic introspection of "Delta Shine," every song on The Fury is an artistic statement that celebrates the richness of blues. Vergara does not shy away from exploring the emotional complexities of the genre, navigating themes of mysticism, resilience, and rebellion with authenticity that deeply resonates. Tracks like "Superstitions Lead the Way" and "Hoodoo" not only pay homage to the Delta blues traditions but also reinterpret them, presenting them in a new and contemporary light that speaks to the modern listener.

High-Level Collaborations and Exceptional Production

One of the highlights of The Fury is the quality of its collaborations. Vergara surrounds himself with some of the most influential voices in blues and jazz, including Grammy® and Emmy nominees and winners. These collaborations not only add vocal and musical diversity to the album but also elevate each composition, adding layers of richness and complexity that allow each track to shine on its own. This collaborative approach reflects Vergara's ability to weave multiple influences into a cohesive and captivating work.

The production of The Fury is a testament to Antonio Vergara's unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Working alongside Claudia Correa at AVA Recording Studios, who handled the recording engineering, Vergara has achieved a sound that is both visceral and polished. Correa's mix captures the rawness and soul of the blues while her technical approach ensures exceptional clarity and depth in each track. The synergy between Vergara and Correa is evident in the quality of the album's sound, achieving the perfect balance between raw emotion and technical precision.

A Sonic and Visual Journey

The experience of The Fury extends beyond the auditory, also extending to the visual aspect with artwork that encapsulates the album's energy and intensity. Designed with a vibrant psychedelic style and intricate patterns that recall the mystical symbolism of blues, the cover not only catches the eye but also reflects the bold character and fusion of tradition and modernity that define Antonio Vergara's work. This visual representation invites the listener to fully immerse themselves in the world Vergara has created, a place where the music is not just heard but lived.

Resonance and Relevance in Contemporary Blues

The Fury is more than an album; it is a deep exploration of the human soul through the universal language of blues. Antonio Vergara not only reaffirms his place in the contemporary blues scene but also pushes the boundaries of the genre, offering listeners an experience that is both reflective and liberating. Songs like "The Rebel’s Right" and "No Fear in Heart" capture the duality of blues: the ability to comfort and challenge, to reflect pain and celebrate resilience.

Each track on The Fury is an invitation to explore the emotions that define the human experience, from melancholy to hope, with moments of pure musical catharsis. This album not only stands out for its technical virtuosity and sonic richness but also for its ability to connect emotionally with the listener, offering a window into the depths of blues while celebrating its continued relevance in modern life.

The Fury by Antonio Vergara is a work that honors the roots of blues while challenging its limits, offering a fresh and powerful proposal that stands out in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category for the GRAMMY®. With exceptional production, high-level collaborations, and an artistic vision that balances tradition with innovation, Vergara has created an album that not only sounds exceptional but also leaves a lasting mark on the blues scene. It is a celebration of music in its purest form and a reminder of the transformative power of blues, an invitation for all to discover and appreciate Antonio Vergara’s mastery in The Fury.

 https://antoniovergara.ffm.to/thefury

Blues Icon Rory Block Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan with 20-Minute "Murder Most Foul" Cover on Rough And Rowdy Ways Anniversary

Taking a break from her award-winning Power Women of The Blues series, which has shone a light on women songwriters and performers over her three most recent albums, Rory Block throws her skills as a fingerpicker and traditional blues arranger behind one of the greatly respected leading artists and songwriter of all-time: Bob Dylan. Performing all instruments herself, Rory combines acoustic and slide guitars, as well as drums and acoustic bass, to create a one-of-a kind arrangement of Dylan’s songbook.
 
Today, Block releases her full, 20-minute video of Bob Dylan's epic "Murder Most Foul,” commemorating the 4^th-anniversary of Dylan's seminal album ‘Rough And Rowdy Ways’ from her forthcoming album, ‘Positively 4^th Street, ‘out on June 28 through Stony Plain Records.
 
Originally featured as the centerpiece of Dylan's 2020 album, "Murder Most Foul" is a haunting, sprawling ballad that delves into the cultural landscape of 20th-century America, weaving together references to music, politics, and tragedy. Block's interpretation brings her signature blend of raw emotion and masterful guitar work to Dylan's poetic lyrics, adding her own distinct voice to this modern classic.
 
Rory Block is a Gold-album selling and 7-time Blues Music Award winner, widely regarded as the top female performer of traditional country-blues. Rory’s commitment as a blues preservationist with an ear for finding the soul of every song she performs has rewarded her with accolades from the blues and roots music community.

JUNO Award Winner Blue Moon Marquee Captures The Big Easy Sound With Latest Album ‘New Orleans Sessions’

JUNO Award winning, British Columbia-based Indie Blues duo A.W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette, best known as Blue Moon Marquee, made huge strides with their highly lauded, critically acclaimed, award-winning album Scream, Holler & Howl. Now the energetic, high-octane tandem are back with a rollicking batch of ridiculously lively toe-tapping originals and covers with New Orleans Sessions.
 
To think such gorgeous, old-school material dazzling with style & infectious spirit could be crafted over two days one year apart is simply amazing. But that's what guitarist/vocalist Cardinal and singer, drummer and upright bassist Colette (aka Badlands Jass) did with New Orleans Sessions. Recorded at Bigtone Studios and surrounded by a stellar cast of New Orleans' finest musicians and engineer (and harmonica player) Big Jon Atkinson. the live, off-the-floor energy throughout is captured perfectly.
 
"These two afternoon recordings were a fine pleasure to experience," the band says. "The musicians we had the good fortune to play with and have style for miles and know how to have a good time all the while. Jon is a true-blue lover and aficionado of the music, and it shows in everything he does, whether his hands are on an instrument or in the back room on the dials. We all sat in one room together & played the music in the truest form"
 
The recording process was as raw and simplistic as you can find. Blue Moon Marquee would "run the song once or twice and hit record, play the song two or three times and that's what you got babe." In an age where AI and computers can make anyone sound like any artist imaginable, Blue Moon Marquee's approach was as pure as you could hope for: "no overdubs, no slick tricks."
 
The result leaves listeners of New Orleans Sessions picking up their jaws off the floor. The opening Memphis Minnie classic “Black Rat Swing" features Colette's sassy, spirited vocal prowess sounding like "Little Miss Dynamite" Brenda Lee while the music would leave you thinking the late legendary Fats Domino was in the adjacent studio jotting down crib notes. Meanwhile Cardinal and Colette are the perfect foils for the call-and-response "Ain't Goin Down," the Leadbelly tune which here blossoms thanks to Danny Abrams' baritone sax and BC Coogan on the upright piano. Drummers Brett Gallow and Nicholas Solnick were also crucial to the sound of New Orleans Sessions.
 
Blue Moon Marquee spent over a decade touring North America and Europe and performing essentially wherever a stage was available, from prisons and hospitals to jazz clubs and festival stages. Cardinal and Colette, originally from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta and Badlands, Alberta, respectively, made huge strides with their fourth album Scream, Holler & Howl.  The album earned them a JUNO Award for Blues Album of the Year and swept the 2023 Maple Blues Awards as the band took home Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Acoustic Act of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. They also received a Western Canadian Music award and two Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards.
 
The band is guaranteed to keep that momentum riding with New Orleans Sessions, especially on original material like the rollicking country blues-based "Trickster Coyote" featuring Jon Atkinson on harmonica. The slow but spectacular "What I Wouldn't Do" shines, a tune Blue Moon Marquee describes as " a blues in the key of D about a human being wild in love. Finding the mate to your soul and recognizing the truth in that."
 
Blue Moon Marquee are supporting New Orleans Sessions with concerts through the rest of 2024 and well into 2025 with shows in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan. And judging by just how good this new album is, look for Blue Moon Marquee in bright lights from Nunavut to New Orleans and beyond.