The Radio Kings

I attended the Queen City Blues Fest in Cincinnati in 1995 and happened upon the Radio Kings. Although they were not headliners, there was something about their unique sound that was nostalgic but still very fresh. Featuring Brian Templeton on vocals & harmonica and Michael Dinallo on guitar, they have always stayed true to their brand of blues which borrows from many styles: Jump, Texas, Chicago and Memphis. The bottom line is that it works and they also put on a whale of a show. Check out the Live At BB Kings and their latest; The Radio Kings.

Smokin' Joe Kubek With Bnois King

Texas Blues is served hot off the barbecue and is a pleasure to listen to live. If you have ever had the opportunity to see and hear  Smokin' Joe Kubek with Bnois King you know what I am talking about. These guys are two peas in a pod and don't miss a note. I have posted a few picks from the last time I saw them here in O-town.

Pick of the Week

Tab Benoit has been at it for quite a number of years. This Louisiana Bluesman keeps it coming and continues to make a name for himself with his Cajun style of the blues. A work ethic rivaled by none, he tours constantly playing Blues Festivals and one night gigs all over this country. This new collection is packaged very nicely with new twists on older songs, both live and studio. In particular; Shelter Me and These Arms of Mine are stellar cuts. He also joins forces with several guests including; Jimmy Thackery, Kenny Neal and Jimmy Hall. I highly recommend this one for your personal music collection, along with any other of his recordings.

The First Time I Ever Met The Blues

Can you remember the first time you heard the blues and it hit you square right between the eyes? Like many teenagers of my day I was listening to top 40 AM radio. If you happened to live in Cincinnati tri-state area, then WSAI was your station in the1960's. The British invasion was in full swing, battling the main stay American pop -rockers. It was the Beatles, The Stones, The Who and The Dave Clark Five vs Freddie & the Dreamers, The Young Rascals, The Turtles and the Beach Boys. A few years passed by and all of a sudden it was 1969. I was into the Doors, Hendrix, the Kinks and Cream. I went to the record store looking for a bargin. There happened to be a Capitol Records Sampler with a number of new artists on the record. Steve Miller Band, Bob Seger had cuts on the record and also someone I had never heard of before: Mississippi Fred McDowell. I listened to his cut and listened again and again. "Baby Please Don't Go" was the song that hooked me and introduced me to the Blues. Fred changed my entire take on music! It was McDowell that put me on the path to Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Slim Harpo, Hound Dog Taylor and a host of other players. I never got the opportunity to thank him, but thought it wasn't too late to let the world know now. Perhaps you have a similar story.