Walkin' Through Fire reviewed by Steve Jones

Walkin' Through Fire 
Scott Ellison
JSE Records
15 tracks

Ellison offers up 15 original tracks here.  With vocals as gravelly and strained as Bob Dylan's, he plunders his way through these tracks and takes no prisoners.  Some great guitar and nice arrangements abound, and you'll feel driven to your feet to dance.

Swinging, funky stuff here. He opens with the funked up "Hits Like Dynamite" and makes you want to dance more with tracks like "No Way to Live" and "Sweet Thunder".  He gets a little country on with cuts like "You Talk Too Much".  All throughout one will find themselves appreciating his distinct guitar sound and the arranging.  "Trouble Times" is a deliciously evil sounding track that talks of societal demise.  The title track is a really nicely arranged song, too.

Scott sings and plays guitar, slide, and bass on 5 tracks with a listing of "all other instruments by Walt".  The other tracks feature Charles Tuberville on guitar and bass, Spencer Sutton on piano and B3, and Jalon Brown on drums and percussion.  The Hot Tamale Horns are also featured.

If one is not taken aback by his Dylanesque vocals (I was not), you will find this to be quite the CD.  Big guitar sounds, deep arrangements, driving beats and cool new songs.  Quite the interesting album!!!

The Best Of Kay Kay and The Rays reviewed by Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis

The Best Of Kay Kay and The Rays

Catfood Records

www.catfoodrecords.com

15 tracks/64:13

“The Best If Kay Kay and The Rays”, released by Catfood Records, 15 tracks from three CD’s they previously released. These recordings, “Kay and the Rays featuring Abner Burnett”, “Texas Justice” and “Big Bad Girl” contain a swell mix of Texas funk, soul and blues. The Rays were formed in 1997 by Abner Burnett and Bob Threnchard. Soon they discovered Kay Kay Greenwade, a big bad girl with a powerful vocal presence, and the band name was changed to Kay Kay and The Rays. The first recording was more or less a demo and the other two were released after Johnny Rawls joined the group.

Kay Kay and The Rays grew to be a band with eight musicians which created a powerful full sound. When you add the big vocals of Kay Kay Greenwade to the mix you have one awesome force of music. They played their music in a big club in Texas and toured California, Florida and then in Chicago. “Texas Justice”, produced by Johnny Rawls, got the group a lot of attention and respect. Then “Big Bad Girl”, produced by Grammy winner Jim Cannis, let us know that Kay Kay was the big bad girl. This lady has the pipes to belt out a song but can also bring it down and make one pay attention. This CD got very good reviews for the whole band. When things were really going good for this group, family tragedies caused the band to break up. Soon after, Kay suffered a stroke and other medical problems. It is unlikely that Kay Kay and The Rays will ever reunite. The Rays still backs up and records with Johnny Rawls.

This CD contains all of the talent that they put into releasing their three CD’s. The Ray’s have a large sound that showcases the guitars, keyboards and horn players as well as a fine bass and drum line. Add Kay Kay’s huge vocal input and they create a real force in the music world. This recording has too many musicians to give them all due credit here. You can go to www.catfoodmusic for more info.

The lyrics from some of the tunes hit hard upon social problems and injustices in the World and Texas. Some of the lyrics on “Lone Star Justice”, Enron Field” and “Texas Justice” are so hard hitting that the tunes were banned from airplay in Texas. I guess that this is part of the blues also. One should take a hard listen to these tunes written by Bob Trenchard, the bassist and leader of the band.”Hold On To What you Got”, a Johnny Rawls tune, is a standout track on the CD. This song features a great duet from Johnny Rawls and Kay Kay that really show off both of their vocal talent. This track brings out strong emotions and deep feelings from both artists. Rawl’s guitar skill also is high -lighted here. Another tune , Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Crossfire” lets Kay show that she can put her own take on a song and make it work.

“The Best Of Kay Kay and The Rays” is funky, soulful and bluesy making it just the best of Kay Kay and The Rays.

Reviewed by Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis

Blue Skies Calling reviewed by Mark Thompson

Blue Skies Calling

Boy Wells

Marcel Marsupial Records

www.boywells.com

12 tracks/44:24

Mark Schultz is a veteran of the Washington D.C. music scene, spending a lot of time playing southern rock including membership in Southern Legend, an Allman Brothers tribute band. Going by the stage name Boy Wells, Schultz was also a friend and student of the legendary guitarist Danny Gatton. Wells moved to Austin, TX in 2006 after a family tragedy, where he spent several years dealing with a debilitating disease. Finally healthy, Wells uses his new disc to showcase his skill as a guitarist and songwriter.

“Mr. Coluzzi” is a funky instrumental that opens the disc, Featuring a strong bass line from John Prevetti who once was a member of Gatton's band. Bill Watson blows some hot sax and Brian Simms helps keep the dance groove going with robust work on the organ. Wells shows he is no slouch on guitar on “World Weary & Blue”, his razor-sharp slide playing and robust vocal working well with Jimi Lee's strong harp work.

From there, Wells offers a program as eclectic as what Gatton was known for. “Bring it Back” is a rocker with Allmanesque- guitar sounds while the title cut combines rock with country influences, powered by the ethereal sounds of Rickie Simpkin's violin. Wells turns in a fervent vocal on “Love in Vain” before digging deeper for “Devils Backbone Blues”, done on acoustic slide guitar. The instrumentals “Tin Water” and “Traveller” are hybrid tracks that expertly mixes rock, country jazz and bluegrass elements with Wells laying done a strong solo acoustic solo on the latter track. Simpkins  and Becky Taylor on banjo are key contributors on both songs. “Mon Angel” is a gentle love ballad with a convincing vocal from Wells.

A truly special bonus included with this release is a CD-Rom portion with an actual lesson that Wells had in the late 70's at the Gatton house. You get to hear the two musicians interacting, discussing various chords and techniques. The real thrill is hearing Gatton cut loose in comfortable surroundings, showing once again why he achieved legendary status for his abilities and skill on guitar.

While this release offers only a sampling of blues, there is plenty of good music to enjoy. Wells has crafted a diverse batch of original material that refuses to fit into any particular genre. With the help of his expert supporting cast, he makes the music come alive. Go to the website and see for yourself.

- reviewed by Mark Thompson

Tempered in Fire reviewed by Mark Thompson

Tempered in Fire

Lisa Mills

Self-released

www.lisamills.com

10 tracks/49:33

Born in Mississippi and now residing in Alabama, Lisa Mills had to travel to the U.K. and Europe to jump-start her career. She has a powerful, sultry voice that drips southern soul, leading some writers to liken her as a female version of Otis Redding. Mills does her best to validate that comparison on her cover of Redding's “These Arms of Mine”. Her immaculate phrasing  and pleading tone are guaranteed to grab at your heartstrings. Equally fine is her version of the Wet Willie hit, “Keep on Smiling”. The rhythm section of Ian Jennings on double bass and Eric Hughes on drums set an appropriate groove while Nick Payne on saxes and Matt Winch on trumpet add an extra boost of energy to the track.

Mills explores her country roots on “Blue Guitars From Texas”, a smokey ballad that features the massive tones from Andy Fairweather Low, who should be familiar to blues fans as a long-time member of Eric Clapton's band. The tension builds throughout the song until Mills cuts through it at the end with brawny vocalizing that demonstrates why Sam Andrew selected her to be the lead singer for a three year stretch in Big Brother & the Holding Company. The title cut is another masterful performance as Mills uses her impressive vocal range to express a love that has stood the test of time.

“I'll Never Fall in Love Again” is a rockabilly rave-up powered by a driving beat from Hughes and  ringing chords from Low's guitar. Mills turns a weaker track, “Why Do I Still Love You?”, into something worthwhile with a closing segment that features more energetic vocalizing. The smoldering emotions revealed on “My Happy Song” are a far cry from those indicated by the title. Mills once again impresses with passionate singing that never goes over the top.

The opening cut, “Tennessee Tears”, is a slower-paced tune about leaving home. “Countryside of Life” is a rocker that takes a while to build up some steam but once Mills cuts loose, it is clear why she was a worthy successor to the Janis Joplin legacy. At one point, she suddenly unleashes a stirring cry that signals the depth of her feelings.

There are plenty of female vocalists out there vying for your attention. Lisa Mills is one of the best that I have heard. Besides her magnificent voice, this release features an impressive batch of songs, strong support from the band and top quality sound. Take the time to check this out !!!

- reviewed by Mark Thompson

Classic Moments in Jubilee Showcase reviewed by Mark Thompson

Classic Moments in Jubilee Showcase

Independent DVD release

www.jubileeshowcase.com

Every Sunday morning for over twenty years, WLS Channel 7 in Chicago ran a pioneering program dedicated to gospel music called Jubilee Showcase. Hosted and produced by Sid Ordower, the Showcase brought the best gospel singers and groups into the viewers homes. For many African-American families, the show helped them get in the proper state of mind for their real Sunday church service. Some of the greatest names in gospel music appeared on the program, including James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, the Mighty Clouds of Joys and the man who defined Gospel music, the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey, writer of classic hymns like”Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Peace in the Valley”.

This new DVD release scratches the surface of material from the long-running series by presenting the musical performances from four separate programs without any commercial interruptions. The first episode may be in black & white but the music is exceptional, starting with the Staples Singers doing “Wish I Had Answered”. Roebuck “Pops” Staples lays down the rhythm on his reverb-drenched guitar while his children – Mavis, Cleotha and Pervis – sing for God's glory. Mavis takes the lead with her powerful voice, which also gets a workout later on a stirring “Hep Me Jesus”. Pops laid back vocal style is featured on “Gambling Man”. The other famous group on the bill was the Soul Stirrers, who once featured a youthful Sam Cooke on lead vocals. James Phelps does his interpretation of Cooke's style on “Resting Easy” while Billy Arthur impresses on “Looking Back”. The show also features a fixture on the Chicago gospel scene, the Norfleet Brothers, whose close harmony vocalization is spotlighted on “My Lord is Waiting All the Time”.

The second show switches to a color broadcast and provides a glimpse of the joyful noise raised by the New Friendship Inspirational Choir. Inez Andrews shows why she was one of the music's most popular singers throughout her career as she testifies on “Lord, Don't Move the Mountain” and “Toiling”. The Soul Stirrers return with a new line-up, this time featuring the brawny voice of Martin Jaycox on “Resting Easy” and an exquisite lead vocal from Willie Rogers on “Oh, What a Meeting”.

The third program features the pioneering Andrae Crouch and the Disciples. Crouch caused a revolution in gospel by incorporating pop and soul music elements to highlight his positive message. While the presence of horns and strong bass lines had purists ringing their hands in consternation, the groups performances show that Crouch was pushing the evolution of the music in an attempt to reach beyond the faithful to those in need of God's healing power. His songs and performances are inspirational, making it clear that his heart was in the right place.

The final installment focuses on two singers who had ties to James Cleveland, Jessy Dixon and Gene Viale. The Jessy Dixon Singers feature the leader backed by three female vocalists. They open with a rousing “Wait On Jesus”. Viale was a solo performer with an emotive style highlighted on “He's Wonderful”, an approach that undoubtedly served him well in his later career as an ordained minister.

The Salem Travelers were a quartet backed by a band with guitars, bass and drums. Both Robert J. Dixon on “Tell It Like It Is” and Arthur Davis on “Things I Used To Do” deliver commanding lead vocals. Another high point is the rave-up at the end on “I Know What Prayer Can Do” as all of the cast joins in, constantly switching the lead as the song steadily grows in intensity.

The DVD can be ordered directly from the website for $20 plus s&h. Included on menus that give additional information on the main performers, a complete listing of the songs from each show that details who was singing the lead vocal and a brief history of Jubilee Showcase. The only issue that one might have is that there isn't more of this great material included on the release. Hopefully this is the first in a series of discs. Once you get a chance to see this volume, you'll know that there has to be treasure trove of other amazing performances waiting to see the light of day. Don't delay – grab a copy of this one and enjoy the majesty of voices raised in celebration !!!

Reviewed by Mark Thompson

Memphis Mojo reviewed by Steve Jones

Memphis Mojo

Louisiana Red & Little Victor’s Juke Joint

Ruf Records

www.louisiana-red.com

12 tracks

Red’s going to be eighty years young in a couple of months.  He’ll be touring a heavy set of dates in Europe when he turns eighty, and he still sounds and acts fresh as a gnarly old daisy; well, bluesmen and daisies may not go together but hopefully you get the picture.

This is a dirty old, down home sounding album, focusing on straight up, traditional Delta blues.  His life has been a blues song.  His mother died a week after he was born, his Dad was murdered by Klansmen when he was nine, and his first wife died of cancer just as he was about to be rediscovered n the 1970’s.  He spent a lot of time in Europe and was rediscovered in the US again in 1997.  He followed up his 2008 blues and Greek bouzouki CD  with the award winning You Got to Move in 2010 and this CD last year.  He’s as hot as he ever was!

Surrounded by Little Victor, Bob Corritore, David Maxwell, Mookie Brill, and others, Red put out a great set of tunes here.  He penned all but one– Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “See That My Grave is Kept Clean”.  A haunting hollow electric guitar sound by Red graces this track; that and his authentic vocals make it a winner.  Even more impressive is that he’s created 11 new songs and all are pretty damn good.  I’ve listened a dozen times and can’t pick out a favorite because they are all intriguing and well-done.

This is a great album.  Red’s vocals and guitar and Little Victor’s guitar are so well done and Corritore’s harp is a great accompaniment. I loved this one as will all traditional blues lovers!

Reviewed by Steve Jones

THE Real Deal reviewed by Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis

THE Real Deal

Sharon Lewis & Texas Fire

Delmark Records

www.delmark.com

13 tracks/60:22

“The Real Deal”, released by Delmark Records, is Sharon Lewis’ debut CD on her own. Previously she was a guest vocalist on Dave Spector’s “Live In Chicago” CD/DVD. On this recording Sharon was a powerful standout addition. Lewis’ upbringing in Texas exposed her to gospel music as a choir member. Another influence to her music knowledge was Tina Turner’s great R&B style. Moving to Chicago put Lewis in touch with the blues scene which in turn resulted in her forming her own band, Texas Fire, in 2005.

The list of tunes on “The Real Deal” includes seven songs written by Sharon Lewis. Her lyrics take us into her world and also touch on social issues of the times. Lewis’ vocals are of the type that we want to hear on a true blues recording. There is the presence of that raw blues feeling tempered by the gospel go to church quality. Lewis has a powerful and raspy sound that adds her flavor to her songs.

Joining Lewis on this recording are the members of her band Texas Fire. On lead guitar is Bruce James doing a swell job on most tracks of the recording. He is a real compliment to Lewis’ vocals. Adding the drum line and backup vocals is the very talented Tony Dale. Melvin Smith stands out on bass while Deitra Farr adds some really fine background vocals. Roosevelt Purifoy is a huge plus with the organ and piano. I must mention that the Chicago Horns also add a lot to this great bands sound.

Guest guitarist Dave Spector, on three tracks, brings his outstanding talent and sound into the mix of this recording. This is very evident on “You Can’t Take My Life” which an outstanding track on the CD. With lyrics such as “I’ve got a lot of living to do, you can’t take my life –I’m going to find a new man – you go back to your wife” tells us that this is really about the blues in our life. I guess we can also say that it is a social statement.  Take a good listen to this tune. By adding Roosevelt Purifoy’s piano talent along with Spector’s guitar work this tune makes for some great listening.

“Mojo Kings” is an upbeat song with some racy lyrics about mojo kings. On this track special guest Billy Branch treats us to a taste of his awesome harmonica licks. This tune is a welcomed plus to “The Real Deal”. This recording is a good mix of styles of songs that showcase Sharon Lewis’ vocal as well as lyrical talent. It also lets us see that here band is a very compatible mix for her style. I really did not care for the addition of the tune, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, but this is only my personal opinion.

“The Real Deal”, with Sharon Lewis & Texas Fire is all that and more. It is the real deal. Truly this is one recording that you can kick back and enjoy.

Reviewed by Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis