Omar and The Howlers

In the late sixties and early seventies I was listening to what they called progressive rock on an FM station in Ohio. Their music program was  anti -top 40 radio and I was introduced to non -main stream rock groups at the time which included; The Doors, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Deep Purple and Creedence Clearwater Rivival.  CCR fronted by John Fogarty who had a unique swamp rock, bluesy sound that was very intriguing and the song Susie -Q (an old blues song by the way) locked me in. Unknown to me, shortly after that time, Omar Kent Dykes singer and blues guitarist formed a blues rock band in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1973 called : Omar and The Howlers. They later moved to Austin, Texas and was based there, making a good living playing Frat parties and local gigs. It was not until 1987 that Omar signed a deal with Columbia records releasing his first album with them: Hard Times In the Land Of Plenty. After listening to it, no wonder it was a success selling half million copies. The sound was a more bluesy, CCR and music to my ears and that is why I have followed Omar since that time and enjoy his entire catalog. Dykes has not slowed down through the years and recently released an Essential Collection containing most of the early songs remastered. Current releases include: I'm Gone and this months tribute to Jimmy Reed; Too Much Is Not Enough, Featuring the harp of the late great Gary Primich. I encourage you to check out the fine music of Omar Kent Dykes.

Blues Art

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.