James Harman

It just doesn't get more bluesier than James Harman. Now sixty-six years old and originally  from Alabama, young James was baptized in black blues and soul music at an early age. The family then relocated to Panama City Florida and he was surrounded by like-minded blues lovers. While he was still in his teens James started to play juke-joints and clubs throughout the south. Through the years he was with many different bands and finally tired of all the clever names and started to tour in 1978 as The James Harman Band. Clever lyrics, gritty soulful vocals and out of this world harp is his trademark. A musician's musician, James is in much demand and works on many side projects. Quite a number of them with ZZ Top.
From a personal standpoint, I got tuned into the James Harman Band quite a few years ago with the release of Two Sides To Every Story, which is a classic. James has this down home cozy approach to the blues and everything else just falls right into place. He comes across as the kind of guy you would have over one night for supper then afterwards, everyone would pull back the chairs and  listen to him preform.
He is touring blues festivals overseas at present, so I can't wait until he returns and does a couple shows here in the states. I will mark it on my calendar. Enjoy the video from Buddy Guy's Legends.

Robert Cray

Robert Cray is among the honored and respected elite group of song- writer musicians. His guitar chops and vocals speak for themselves. His song writing can put you in the middle of the lyrics and you can feel the pain and in a few words of the chorus. . . you get it.  Blues players respect his work and accomplishments. They have all requested his presence; from John Lee Hooker to Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and the immortal Stevie Ray Vaughan. Approaching 60 years of age has not slowed his talent down one bit. Just when you think: I haven't heard from Robert Cray for a while, up comes another chapter in his book. A very diversified musician, Cray is comfortable both in studio and on a large stage. The 1986 album release: Strong Persuader put him on the map and earned him a Grammy Award. The single: Smokin' Gun, was a crossover hit and gave him the recognition he rightly deserved. Since that time his catalog has grown and so has his audience. Which brings us back to the present and his latest release: Nothin But Love. Give it a listen and it has similarities to the aforementioned Strong Persuader. The story telling blues ballads are flowing in this catalog. The first cut: (Won't Be) Coming Home is in classic Cray style. He could easily blow you way with a Strat solo in the middle, but that's just not his thing, Robert gives you a continuous peppering of great guitar riffs throughout the entire song while telling you the story with stellar vocals. Another cut from this set is: Blues Get Off My Shoulder takes you back to a smokey bar room in the 50's with great guitar riffs by Robert and extraordinary piano work by Jim Pugh. Time will tell, but this 16th studio recording by the Robert Cray Group is one for the books. Great Listening.

Chris Duarte

Shortly after the release of Texas Sugar/Strat Magik in 1994, I was mesmerized by the tone and riffs of Chris Duarte and knew if he toured I would go see him live. In 1995 he came to Dayton, Ohio. I was not disappointed. He captivated the crowd with his playing and endless energy. Fast forward 18 years to 2013, Orlando, FL. Just like a fine bottle of wine that gets better with age, Chris Duarte fronting his current three piece ensemble, improved with the passing of time. I really expected to see a Duarte older, wiser, but a few steps slower . . .He was older and wiser (quoting Shakespeare during the sound check), but his energy level and expertise on the guitar had not diminished one iota! He delivered two sets (two hours) of blistering blues that quite honestly was the finest I have listened to for quite a while. His catalog of songs is much more diverse, although he borrows heavily off the aforementioned first release. Besides his greats like Big- legged Woman and My Way Down, the highlight of the night was: One More Cup of Coffee from the Romp recording. The Nikon came with me and I attempted to capture the explosive energy digitally. I look forward to the next time I see the Chris Duarte Group, hopefully it will not take as many years.

Jimmy Thackery

No doubt about it. Jimmy Thackery is indeed a sensational guitarist .  His Studio recordings are always clean and his guitar tone seems larger than life, however the studio does not do the man justice. Live is the best option to see Mr. Thackery. Then and only then you receive the full frontal ax- attack of this journeyman of the blues. Thackery wan an integral part of the Washington DC Band; The Nighthawks, and helped put them on the map before going solo in 1986. The three piece power blues trio forming Thackery and the Drivers won international acclaim and continues to tour today. In 1993 I caught them in Cincinnati at a place called Jefferson Hall. A memorable show happened. One for the books. Just happened to take the trusty Nikon to record the event.