The Rides

I can remember in 1967 via the Ed Sullivan Show, seeing Buffalo Springfield sing: "For What It's Worth" like it was yesterday. That song along with Fogarty's "Fortunate Son," marked a time when music and lyrics protested war and everything that stood for it. Singer/ Songwriter Stephen Stills has been at it along time, he cut his teeth with Buffalo Springfield, followed that gig with another group called; Crosby, Stills and Nash. Neil Young followed and the rest is history. Stills is the first person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice in one night -Buffalo Springfield / Crosby Stills Nash and Young.
Which brings us to the present where the veteran has helped form another interesting approach to Blues/Rock with The Rides. The Rides are; five time Grammy nominated singer, guitarist, songwriter: Kenny Wayne Shepherd,  famed Chicago Rock/Blues keyboard player: Barry Goldberg and the aforementioned Stephen Stills. I am always skeptical about so called super groups, much like great athletes where their larger than life egos and emotions create friction and disaster in sports teams. However, I am here to tell you that this musical chemistry works and works well. The Rides; Can't Get Enough is a solid album. Great songwriting, extraordinary playing and a stellar recording/mix. It's the perfect blending of generations. What a variety pack of songs you get here; Muddy Waters "Honey Bee",  Elmore James: "Talk To Me Baby." and Neil Young's anthem: "Rockin' In The Free World." Originals include the bluesy: "Can't Get Enough Of Loving You", "Roadhouse" and "Only Teardrops Fall"- All Three feature Still's haunting vocals and Kenny Wayne's clean and powerful riffs. Don't forget that holding down the back beat is drummer extraordinaire Chris "Whipper" Layton , formerly with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, but now with Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Everything comes together here, the musicians, the songs, vocals, I can't deny the Rides Can't Get Enough may be the best blues/rock album of the year!

Murali Coryell

He is the son of Jazz-Rock Fusion guitar legend Larry Coryell. However, Murali Coryell has been making a steady name for himself in the blues for several years. He first caught my attention in 1999 with the  Marshall Chess CZYZ Records release of  2120. Very bluesy, but at the same time you can hear soul, funk and jazz intertwined in the various songs of that great recording. You can sense Murali had been around great musicians all his young life and has been influenced by some of the best - Hendrix, Santana and Miles Davis whom his father played with.  In particular,his father also opened his eyes to BB Kings legendary recording: Live At The Regal, so all those complex, tangible  factors help develop Murali's style today. Several albums followed: Strong As I Need To Be, The Future Of The Blues and Sugar Lips.
Which brings us to his latest: Murali Coryell Live. The highlight of the session is a song in reference to a true story: In The Room With Jimi. Catchy, bluesy, Wind Cries Mary type riffs, just a wonderful song. Infact the entire live set is great and I highly recommend it for your listening pleasure. On a personal note, I will be waiting patiently to see Murali Coryell the first opportunity I get. In the meantime, check out the link below and see his fabulous live preformance of the afore mentioned song: I Was In The Room With Jimi. You will be glad you did.

http://youtu.be/KNcZs2qFM-E

Buddy Guy - Rhythm & Blues

http://bg.buddyguy.com/buddy-guy-to-release-new-album-rhythm-blues-on-july-30th/

Mike Zito . . . Gone To Texas

Mike Zito is a man that writes, sings and plays from deep within his soul. Real guy, real life. All about the stuff that happens to most of us -the ups and downs, good times and bad, moving on and not staying still in one place very long.. That is what the blues is all about. In his latest recording for Ruf Records, Zito hits the mark with a solid effort and it culminates with the help of some world class musicians -Delbert McCinton and Sonny Landreth.- contributing vocals, harmonica and guitar. The opening blues ballad; Gone to Texas, sets the mood and the underlying  theme of this record. Very catchy and well written, reminiscent of the Allman Brothers/Eagles type arrangements of the past. I Never Knew A Hurricane continues with the same approach. A couple of acoustic blues numbers are also on this recording adding to the flavor of this fine catalog of songs. -Death Row and Let Your Light Shine On Me.  Mike & Sonny's slide guitar and Delbert's vocals and harp shine on The Road Never Ends. In conclusion, one of the most anticipated recordings of the year lives up to the hype and I personally give it the four star treatment. You will not be disappointed either.