Lauren Mitchell / Desire

Release Date: March 31, 2017
Producer: Tony Braunagel

     "If you can't stand the heat, keep on walking through the fire. You don't have to move a mountain, you just climb a little higher! You know its gonna taste so sweet, so don't listen to the liars. Gonna rise up from those ashes and believe in your desire". . .  Lauren Mitchell's emotional lyrics attest to the uncompromising dedication and tenacity that burns within her as a successful singer/ songwriter. Desire-the title song sets the mood perfectly for the entire 13 song session. It was  recorded within an eight day span in the California Ultratone Studio. Within that comfortable setting, musicians, singers and producers collaborated, working feverishly with the goal of creating a memorable recording. Having been privileged to listen to the CD for the past few weeks, I am thoroughly convinced their goal was achieved.
     I have known for some time that Lauren Mitchell was a gifted singer, no question. However there are intangibles that set her apart from others, mainly her diversity. Obviously the blues have a hold on her. Etta James has got a special place in her heart. However, Lauren can rock, she can roll, she's got soul and she can Gospel. Desire captures all of  those individual attributes and much more.
     The songs are solid, the musicianship is smooth and tight. The players and singers who contributed  are consummate professionals including two virtuoso guitarists: Josh Sklair  (Grammy winner as Etta James musical director and guitarist) & Johnny Lee Schell.( Toured with Bonnie Raitt). Stand out songs on Desire include: Soul Music - a Motown meets Memphis style song with solid rhythms and excellent background singing that take you back to that era. Jump Into My Fire is a hot blues rocker that features Lauren's strong vocals combined with some searing guitar work. Feels So Good  is a top notch easy listening blues ballad with catchy story telling lyrics. My ears were also drawn to; Bridge Of My Dreams . . .A gospel Classic. Lauren concludes the album on a high note with a mainstay favorite from her live shows: Brown Liquor.
     Desire is indeed a milestone for Lauren Mitchell. The world is officially her stage as she will encompass a larger audience who well deserves to hear one of the best kept secrets in the south.
-R Keith Lambert / East Coast Blues News
4 Stars ****
    

Seafood Blues Festival

Date: February 19, 20th 2017
Venue: Clearwater, Florida / Coachman Park

Each and every February of the year you must without fail  mark your calendar to attend what is known as the premier Blues Festival of all in the beautiful state of Florida down in Clearwater, known as the Seafood Blues Festival!
The organizers of this great venue bring their "A game" with superior food, drink, venders and of course the entertainment speaks for itself.
Two days of blues music filled the air as both local and national acts took to the stage. Saturday in particular featured Tampa's own Souliz . . .bringing their ear pleasing, toe tapping funky blues to the forefront. As the first act of the day, Souliz brought the crowd to life with their non- stop energy. They covered a couple Ko Ko Taylor tunes and were spot on! They also laid down some great original material which was well received. Good things ahead for this band.
Local Songstress Betty Fox is undeniably one of the best kept secrets in the blues and I am so glad many of us Floridians have had the privilege of seeing her evolve and mature musically, and the amazing thing about Betty is that she hasn't even reached her full potential! The Betty Fox Band is on a mission when they play a Festival and that mission is to entertain the audience and deliver the "Wow" factor. . .that they did!
Betty's vocals are so good & powerful, they raise the hair on your neck. Enough said. Front and center stage of this festival She covered material on the latest release: Slow Burn,  then teased with songs from a new album; Living Room Sessions. Make no doubt about it, The Betty Fox Band moves the needle. . . wherever and whenever they play. Stellar set at this Festival!
Selwyn Birchwood followed Ms Fox and is a crowd favorite. An Orlando native that has done well on the national blues scene, Selwyn and Band brought the heat to the stage and had the appreciative audience wrapped around his finger and begging for more. Don't Call No Ambulance was the highlight of his well performed set. Go see this gifted man when you have an opportunity.
Mike Zito  followed and I really enjoyed the Texas three piece lineup he brought to the festival stage. This particular band sounded very tight and extenuated Mike Z's explosive guitar work and splendid vocals as they took turns in the spotlight. Songs from the new recording: Make Blues Not War  rained through his set as well as a bevy of staples from his extensive catalog of tunes. Very entertaining set.
The much anticipated heavyweight blues performer of the night; Sonny Landreth  took the spotlight with a three piece acoustic set initially followed by an electric set. Sonny is a master slide guitar technician and is jaw dropping every time I have seen him. The Louisiana native is a wonder to behold with his style of picking, fretwork and hamonics, not to mention the superior slide work. Well into his 60's after hearing Sonny you know what a journeyman guitarist brings to the table.
I was fortunate enough to be awarded a photo media pass, so was able to capture a few frames of the wonderful talent in front of my eyes with my trusty Nikon. Hope you enjoy.

Chris O'Leary Band

Place: Orlando, Florida                                      

Venue: Friendly Confines 
Date: January 20, 2017

The real beauty of the blues is it's Diversity. Yes, this music is pure American Roots that originated in the deep south from American Africans. However, much like the Mississippi River - it flows into smaller rivers, tributaries and creeks to nearly half the states of our country.
So it is not surprising that a young man from New York can lock onto the blues, learn to play harp & sing, then move to Louisiana, and eventually form his own band, and travel the world sharing the gift and keeping the torch lit so that others can be inspired and appreciate this unique  music.
For six years of his life Chris O'Leary played with one of the finest musicians the world has ever known - Levon Helm. When you  listen to the Chris O'Leary Band you definitely can hear the influence of Levon come through if you were a fan of the legendary group; The Band.
They say: Variety is the spice of life, and that is what you get when you see Chris O'Leary live. His time in New Orleans served him well. He and the band can get you up on your feet by playing some New York jump style blues, then all of a sudden, turn on a dime and precisely deliver a slow and sultry Dr. John, French Quarter, Cajun inspired tune.
O'Leary and the band played two lively sets, primarily drawing material from his four recordings thus far. It was a pleasure to meet him after the show and find out that this ex Marine is a hard working bluesman that writes songs from his life's experiences and is influenced by a wide variety of older, journeyman musicians. Go catch the Chris O'Leary Band at a town near you, as he tours a good part of the year, or check out his music available on ITunes and other online outlets. The Nikon was with me and I was able to catch a few frames and share them with you.

                                                                           

Ilana Katz Katz

Venue: Bradenton Blues Fest
Date: December 3, 2016
Place: Acoustic Stage




There is something alluring about a woman and a fiddle. Can't quite put my finger on it, but none the less, captivating is how I would describe the music of Ilana Katz Katz.  Blues fans from all over the country look forward every year to seeing new talent at this wonderful venue - the Bradenton Blues Fest. I had the privilege of meeting Ilana right before she went on stage. She was personable, friendly and artsy- all in one special personality. I could tell she was stoked to be in sunny Florida, via Boston. The weather for the festival was perfect, however Ilana was focused on her music as she was intent on presenting her own brand - a mix of Appalachia and the Blues to the sold out crowd in attendance. Ilana is no rookie. She has paid her dues playing and singing in the subway stations of Boston for years. The Bradenton Festival was a opportunity to showcase her talent. So confidently with fiddle in hand and a mic in front of her, she proceeded to win over new fans with music from her latest album entitled: Movin' On. After hearing many of the songs live I couldn't wait to listen to her studio recording , produced with a plethora of very special guests that were very happy to contribute to this project. For one - Grammy nominated Texas zydeco musician Cedric Watson. The list of dignitaries continues with guitarist songwriter, singer, Barry Levenson of Canned Heat fame. Not to mention veteran guitarist Bobby Radcliff and others. Stand out songs on the recording include Big Bill Broozy's; Sweet To Mama. Her own composition entitled: You Crush My Soul is a keeper that will have you humming the melody afterwards. Tanya features Bobby Radcliff and Ilana trading licks in a very catchy instrumental. I have heard a dozen or so takes on Kansas City, but Ms Katz Katz nails a very cool version with this rendition.  My personal favorite was another one of Ilana's compositions: Cruel Willie Blues#2 -It will have your toes tappin'.  As usual, I had my trusty Nikon camera available and caught a few photographs of Ilana in her zone. I will conclude with this thought. Anyone that has been given the stamp of approval by Ronnie Earl merits a listen to.  Movin' On  is available on Amazon and her website which I will include a link here.
                                                             www.ilanakatz.com