The Blues Music Awards

The Blues Music Awards brings together Blues performers, industry representatives, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
 
The BMAs are generally recognized as the highest honor given to blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members.
 
The Renasant Convention Center was packed with blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 9th, anxious to see who would be the winners at the 45th Annual Blues Music Awards. Besides awarding honors in 25 categories, the BMAs, as is its tradition, featured performances from many nominees, with the gala ending in a jubilant all-star jam.
 
Congratulations to Sue Foley, who won in the Traditional Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) category and Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne, who won in the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player category. Both these artists are on the Stony Plain Records label and continue to enthrall audiences with their exceptional talent and dedication to the blues genre. Their wins at the Blues Music Awards further solidify their status as esteemed figures within the blues community and serve as a testament to their ongoing contributions to the rich tapestry of blues music.

Turkish Back Porch Scene EP

Though enjoying a well-respected position in blues mythology; back porches are pack porches everywhere on earth at the end of the day, as those semi-public spaces always host the most sincere, intimate musical gatherings reflecting the essence of solidarity of local clusters whilst exposing many grass-roots hints on what was or is happening on the local scenes. Other than being assertive on the authenticity of locations in order to advocate the organic essence of the performances; “Turkish Back Porch Scene” series of Bone Union Records aim at presenting an never-unheard-before collection as featuring a modest sum of musical gatherings whilst promoting the most authentic blues performances recorded in Turkey up to this date.

The Boxcar Sessions by Mary Simon

Introducing "The Boxcar Sessions", the latest sultry bluesy rock EP from the incomparable Mary Simon. Crafted amidst the solitude of the pandemic, Simon's raw talent shines through as she collaborates with a select group of musician friends, resulting in a collection of tracks that resonate with authenticity and emotion.

From the infectious energy of "Heart Sing" to the empowering anthem of "You're Not Worthy", each song on this EP tells a story of love, resilience, and self-discovery. "Number One" delves into the depths of personal strength, while "Play Me" captures the bittersweet essence of unrequited love. Closing with the poignant "If You Wanna", Simon's powerful vocals and evocative lyrics leave a lasting impression.

Johnny Burgin

Johnny had a bang-up year in ’23, earning a BMA Nomination for Best Traditional Blues Artist and playing 200 dates across the US, Mexico, Japan and Europe.  But if you’d told him this would be his career when he was in High School,  he wouldn’t have belived you.  Johnny grew up in Misssissippi and South Carolina and went to University of Chicago with the intention of becoming a writer.  When a friend took him out to a West Side ghetto club to hear the blues singer Tail Dragger, it was a conversion moment.  The blues came to life for Johnny and he fell headfirst into the vibrant Chicago blues scene.  Choosing the blues clubs over the library, Johnny eagerly absorbed the lessons from the blues masters who practiced their craft nightly.  By persistence and practice, Johnny gained a spot in Tail Dragger, and started gigging and recording with  traditional blues veterans like Sam Lay, Billy Boy Arnold, and Pinetop Perkins.   By the late 90s, Johnny was working regularly in Chicagoland blues clubs under his own name.  Johnny started a Monday night residency at The Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park, featuring vocalist Jimmy Burns.  The band featured other future blues notables who were also at beginning of their careers, such as Kenny Smith on drums and Martin Lang on harp, and they created quite a buzz.  They packed the club every Monday with a younger, hip crowd, as well as blues veterans stopping by to sit in such as Dave Meyers, Jesse Fortune, Barkin’ Bill, etc.  Their success led to a record deal with Delmark and the first of several European tours. The shangri-la of being “King of Division Street” eventually ran its course.  In the early aughts, Johnny dropped off the scene entirely to raise a daughter.   When the music eventually called Johnny back, his comeback was noted by The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Blues Guide, and the Dutch blues magazine BLOCK.  As noted blues producer Dick Shurman wrote, “Johnny’s skills, passion and committment were undiminished.”   

His move to the Bay Area in 2016 led to a creative burst and his most notable recordings.  In a few short years, Johnny cranked out the Cali/Chicago blues mashups Greetings from Greaseland,  Neoprene Fedora, the Howlin’ Wolf tribute Howlin’ at Greaseland (nominated for a BMA for Best Traditional Blues Recording) and Johnny Burgin Live, which featured blues legend Charlie Musselwhite and was nominated for a Blues Blast Best Live Recording Award for 2019.   Johnny had always done road work, but during this time, he grew into the role of the constantly touring road warrior he’s known as today. Johnny’s produced eleven CDs as a leader to his credit (including “Ramblin’ from Coast to Coast, street date 03.10.24 on the Danish Straight Shooter label), and dozens more as a sideman.  He’s recorded with veterans like Johnny Sansone,  Paul DeLay, Bob Corritore, and Jimmy Burns as well as up and comers like Aki Kumar, Joel Astley, and Ben Levin.  

Johnny’s developed from a young guitar slinger and local blues hero to a matured bluesman, fully fledged singer and the confident and engaging bandleader.  In recent years, he has been a resident instructor at the Pinetop Perkins Foundation and the Chicago Blues Guitar Workshop and has developed a loyal following on YouTube channel for his weekly looks at the blues guitar greats.   Johnny’s recordings have evolved from being very Chicago-centric, to a fusion of West Coast and Chicago styles, and finally,to a more inclusive, international approach.  His latest CD, No Border Blues Japan, is the first American compilation of the underground Japanese blues scene.

SPENDO

Crowned “Best In Vancouver 2021” by Live Acts Canada, SPENDO is turning heads with their big hooks, catchy melodies and relentless work ethic. Each member brings a unique, feel-good vibe that takes you back to a familiar and timeless era. Their strength is live performances, as this five-piece powerhouse consistently delivers a tight, engaging and hard-hitting performance that leaves their audiences wanting more. After introducing a new lineup in March 2020, they found themselves in a state of involuntary hibernation (along with the rest of the world). Clearing a busy schedule of shows from their calendar, they instead devoted their time and energy into writing new material and recording with Canadian producer Danny Craig (Default, One Bad Son). This culminated in their seven-track EP The Great Unknown, which they released to positive reception in March 2023. Giving SPENDO the opportunity to sell out headline shows and play festival main stages, rubbing elbows with the likes of Finger Eleven, Big Wreck, Collective Soul, Prism, and 54-40, among others. Fueled by the momentum of the last 5 years, SPENDO has only just begun their journey into The Great Unknown.

The Heavy Strides

Composed of Drew Fulton on lead vocals and guitar, Josh Estes on bass & Cedric Feazell on drums, The Heavy Strides carry a legacy of musical talent formerly known from Magnolia Bayou. The Heavy Strides promise an electric fusion of classic influences including the likes of Led Zeppelin to Soundgarden all wrapped up with a contemporary edge, offering their fans an exhilarating sonic ride.

"The Heavy Strides have a dynamic that's impossible to ignore," They have honed a unique signature sound, marrying deep rhythmic grooves with searing guitars under the leadership of soulful lead vocals. They are fierce, they are innovative, and they are already creating paced strides in the music scene.

New Releases June 5, 2024 on JAM 66 Radio

From Today Listen to new bands on the radio: KEITH MITCHELL, FLY TAH, TOMMY KEYES, JOHNNY BURGIN, DIAMONDS AND GUNS... Continuously new bands and artist on the radio.

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Rare Union

Rare Union has released their first release "Brother of Mine" again in honor of lead vocalist Max Soler who recently passed. "Brother of Mine" is a deeply personal album, featuring a daring mix of percussion-driven Blues Rock with reviling, soul baring, heartfelt vocals. The guitar work is fantastic, and fresh all original. The drums, percussion and Max Soler’s vocals make this release a must.

Rare Union, a band that came out of the pandemic with musicians from 5 different states found their first release “Bother of Mine" in the top 100 Blues Rock CDs on RMR charts for 2022. All original, Rare Union's "Brother of Mine" is incredible.

The start of Rare Union began in 2019. It started with LA Smith from New York, percussionist. LA Smith had been wanting to produce a CD, with a lot of percussion. To pass percussion on to kids all over the world. After completing a national tour with The Randy Oxford Band in 2014, LA decided to play at festivals with headliners, and do percussion workshops, passing on 12 sets of bongos at each workshop to low-income kids all over the western hemisphere. At the same time, Martin Cage lead guitarist from Nemesis, was looking to put some of his original compositions into a CD. LA Smith now out of Columbia MO, and Martin Cage out of Salt Lake UT, decided to get together, and see what would happen. They went into El Centro studio in Columbia, Missouri and start recording. They added Jerry Russo, a local rhythm drummer and the three of them put together first six songs. Then the pandemic hit, and it was a challenge to bring any artists in to the studio. 

The studio added UV lighting, and slowly they started to work on the CD. Martin Cage had played with vocalist, guitar player, Max Soler from FT Myers, in the group Nemesis. So, when they called Max he was ready to go. They had Will Reeves on bass and Danny Carrol on drums, both from Columbia, MO. They played together in several groups. The songs started to get real heart felt lyrics, guitar breaks and solos that bring out the original sound that Rare Union turned out to be. They did not go into the studio trying to produce a particular sound, just wanted to make good music. What happened was chemistry, with five artists, with all different backgrounds, from 5 different states playing together. As the songs Martin had composed evolved and began to take shape, Max would add lyrics, guitar. Both Martin Cage and Max Soler would switch off on lead and rhythm. LA Smith and Danny Carroll would build the structure of the songs and decide how to incorporate the drums and percussion. Will Reeves did the bass lines and engineered the CD. 

They ended up with a new blues rock sound. The addition of Micael Kott on Cello, from Santa Fe NM, was added. His recording was done at Frogville Studios in Santa Fe, NM. Michael Kott plays cello all over the world with Peter Buffet. His cello is on “Won’t Be Lost” and “Brother of Mine”. With the CD getting produced, and final vocals getting finished the band needed a name. That’s where Dawn Smith suggested Rare Union. It described this band, born in a pandemic, from five states, with all new original music. Dawn set up all the production of the CD, web site, Domain, copywrite and trademarks. Naming the CD was easy, Max Soler and Martin Cage had a friend who passed, and he was considered a brother. So, the band named the CD, “Brother of Mine”. Rare unions first CD brother of Mine in 2022, ended up in the top 100 RMR Blues Rock charts. We are rereleasing it in honor of Max Soler who passed away in 2023. Enjoy the tunes !!

Midnight Miles announces the release of their highly anticipated new single, “Like You Wanna Do”

Midnight Miles, the authentic back-to-roots, blues-based rock ‘n’ roll band from Montreal, Quebec, is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated new single, “Like You Wanna Do”, out now.

The 5-piece vintage rock band’s latest release is a soul-stirring, rock ‘n’ roll anthem with electrifying sound, raw emotion, and relentless passion. “In writing Like You Wanna Do, we wanted to encapsulate the longing to feel unburdened,” said lead vocalist and songwriter – Ryan Setton. “Many of us are just trying to be the truest versions of ourselves, and nobody should ever feel like they’re being judged or prosecuted for that.”

Setton further explains the meaning behind the band’s latest track: “Like You Wanna Do is all about living in the moment and having the integrity and courage to do your own thing, your own way, in spite of any resistance you may encounter…it’s meant to inspire us to embrace our individuality.”
Released in May 2023, the album “Steal Away”, where the title was taken from the first line of their song “Last Time”, highlights Midnight Miles’ diverse range of influences and styles. Each track on the record embodies an original sound, resulting in a melting pot of R&B, soul, blues, and jazz elements. Produced and mixed by the band’s very own drummer, Justin Wiley, the EP captures the essence of Midnight Miles’ musical prowess and their collective commitment to creating a sound that is clearly their own.

The uniquely soulful rock ‘n’ roll band consists of Ryan Setton, Justin Wiley, Shaun Ryan (bass), Jesse Ray James (guitar/backing vocals) and Peter Grant (guitar/backing vocals). Armed with soaring vocal harmonies, loud guitars and upbeat infectious grooves, they’re on a mission to take listeners for a wild ride.