Colin James Releases New Video For Single "Protection” (feat. Lucinda Williams) and Announces Canadian Tour

After releasing his great Chasing The Sun album earlier in 2024, musician Colin James continues to be on fire thanks to the album's second single, "Protection” (feat. Lucinda Williams). James says a music video was shot in Nashville recently for the song, and a certain someone makes a special appearance in it.

"This song was written by Lucinda, and I was so, so happy that she agreed to sing on it and join us for the video shoot as well," James says. "She is a treasure. Hope you enjoy!"
 
Williams, who wrote the track, originally recorded "Protection" for her 2014 double-album Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone. The cover, meanwhile, came together near the end of the album recording. "When I first had to sing it, she was on the couch in the listening room, and I didn't know she was coming over that early," James told Canadian journalist Terry David Mulligan in an August 2024 episode of the Mulligan Stew podcast discussing "Protection." "I hadn't even sung the song yet because it was a late choice for us. 'Protection' was at the last minute.
 
"We were going to do a song of hers that was much quieter, much more really played down and sad. I think we decided we needed tempo. So, (co-producer) Colin Linden phoned me one morning and said, 'What about 'Protection'? Do you know it?' I said, 'I think I know it.' We listened to it, and I said, 'Oh, I think it would be awesome!'" After James and Williams had a "nice dinner," Williams ended up singing on the track the following day.
 
The video release is the latest big news for James, but not the only feather in his proverbial cap. Chasing The Sun, released on Stony Plain Records, has topped the Roots Music Canada Album Chart for eight weeks. The album, co-produced and co-arranged by James and Colin Linden, was released in late August and has been steadily gaining new fans and listeners ever since.
 
With a new music video for "Protection,” a chart-topping studio album in Chasing The Sun and an extensive Canadian tour slated to start next February, the only thing currently hotter than the sun might be Colin James.

Alberta-Based Blues Rock Sextet SPARROW BLUE Releases "That Rock N Roll" Single From No Lies, No Tricks Album

St. Albert, Alberta's blues rock sextet Sparrow Blue has managed to do something that is rare: make classic rock sound as fresh, energetic, and punchy as it did when it first started. The result is a short but incredibly sweet, party-starting, rowdy rock nugget, "That Rock N Roll," the latest single from the band's 2024 album No Lies, No Tricks. And judging by the sizzle on this sonic steak, Sparrow Blue has so, so much to offer.
 
The single captures all the pent-up energy and angst the pandemic created for everyone, especially musicians who weren't able to perform for fans, giving out that energy from the stage to fans and in turn receiving their energy. "'That Rock N Roll' was a direct response to being locked down in 2020," the band says. "It came from the frustration of not being able to connect with people in a live setting and missing the freeing feeling of a full PA pumping through your body. The song evolved into an anthem of passion and love for live music, our fans, and appreciation that one day we will be on the road again."
 
That verve comes through immediately on "That Rock N Roll." Singer Des Parks' classic rock rasp and slightly southern delivery in the vein of Cinderella's Tom Keifer reaches through the speakers (or ear buds) to grab your attention immediately. Meanwhile, guitarists Chad Plamondon and Jon Dombroski lay down some rockabilly-ish riffs that keep the lean, lovable tune rolling down the tracks and gathering steam. The rhythm section of bassist Caden Doyle, percussionist Russell McCann, and drummer Liam Holm hold down the back beat and groove with sacrificing any oomph. Think of some fine boogie blend of the Georgia Satellites, Stray Cats, and Guns N Roses circa The Spaghetti Incident? and you might get the gist of this incredible rocker.
 
I'll take what I can get cause it's been a while ya know
The tremble and the shaking when the lights start getting low
I feel it in my heart running rhythms at full speed
Good God, in this moment I've never felt so free
 
I just can't wait to hear that rock n roll
I just can't wait to hear that rock n roll
 
"That Rock N Roll" is the latest single from Sparrow Blue's No Lies, No Tricks album, a record the band describes as a "loose concept of a gunslinger's journey through time and space while staying relevant to the modern world and the human condition." The group, who cite influences like classic rock legends Mountain, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin, has shared the stages with a myriad of bands such as The Trews, Finger Eleven, The Sheepdogs, Rick Springfield and The Pursuit of Happiness among others.
 
Having recently wrapped up a tour supporting Australian rock group The Lazys, Sparrow Blue will now bring "That Rock N Roll" to the masses with an extensive touring schedule from British Columbia to Nova Scotia from mid-September through late October. And with a great single in "That Rock N Roll" at their disposal, look for Sparrow Blue to provide a show that is free of tricks or gimmicks. It's a great rock band with a great rock single. And that's no lie!

Montreal’s Izzo Blues Coalition Brings Bluesy Energy to the Holidays with “Merry Christmas Baby”

 

There are calm, soothing versions of Christmas carols and standards that are amplified throughout shopping malls and big box stores. But Montreal blues rock group Izzo Blues Coalition have injected a fresh sense of verve and energy with their blistering cover of "Merry Christmas Baby." It's a performance that would make Santa question whether he wants to put himself on the nice or naughty list.

According to the group -- consisting of singer and keyboardist Annie Major-Matte, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Tino Izzo, bassist and backing vocalist Domenic Romanelli, and drummer Bob Telaro -- "Merry Christmas Baby" was a spur of the moment source of inspiration. "A last-minute thought, Tino Izzo suddenly decided to take the song into the studio and start working on a seed of an idea for the arrangement," the band says. "Annie came in to record her vocal take even before the song fully took form. They had to wait a week for Bob to get back from vacation, unrehearsed to rush into the studio with Domenic to record the drum and bass tracks. This spontaneous process gave the song a raw, authentic energy..."

Originally written by Johnny Dudley Moore and Lou Baxter and first performed by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers back in 1947, "Merry Christmas Baby" has had a rich history in the nearly 77 years since then. Recorded by the likes of Otis Redding, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley and Melissa Etheridge among countless others, "Merry Christmas Baby" is a scorching blues rock single from Izzo Blues Coalition. Major-Matte's delivery in the vein of Sass Jordan, Beth Hart, or Bonnie Raitt is playful and sassy, while Izzo delivers a rollicking solo that can be heard and appreciated by the busy elves in the North Pole. The rhythm section of Romanelli and Telaro are solid throughout, laying the foundation for the bluesy but slightly funky groove that keeps your mistletoes, er, toes tapping and head bobbing.

"Merry Christmas Baby" is the latest release from Izzo Blues Coalition who have a new studio album entitled Rise Again slated for release on Feb. 7. Izzo Blues Coalition released its debut album Complicated Man in 2019, while their sophomore effort Take It Or Leave It came out in the fall of 2021. Izzo, influenced and inspired by guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, has worked with, written for, or produced an array of powerhouse artists over his career, including Celine Dion, Roch Voisine, Petula Clark, and Bobby Bazini, among others. Izzo also earned a Billboard Choice Award for instrumental guitar albums he released in the '90s.

Izzo Blues Coalition, who will tour in support of their forthcoming Rise Again album, have played at Festival International du Blues de Tremblant among others while covering classics by Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Winter and Albert King alongside original material. In short, they are a great live band who deliver a "genuine live music experience." Not bad for a group who reportedly formed when Izzo and Telaro (a longtime musical partner of Izzo) met for a jam session while drinking some scotch!

Now with a new album on the horizon and "Merry Christmas Baby" ready for the festive season, Izzo Blues Coalition will ensure that every creature is stirring with this incredible, bluesy rendition. Even the mice!

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.