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Consider Foreign-Based Blues Bands
Overseas-Based Blues Bands Worthy Of Your Consideration
Uh, oh, Curt again is presenting a piece on something other than a blues artist profile! He must be bored with that feature! He’s running out of blues artists to write about! He’s getting lazy! He is finding the American blues scene lackluster! None of these statements could be any further from the truth!
Last week I presented an exhaustive list of blues collections that any beginning blues fan may want to consider when starting to build a blues collection. Though a long piece, I really had fun with it, and the feedback on that information has been generously positive. Thank you!
I’ve decided that once again this week I’m going to veer away from presenting a blues artist profile (that feature will return next week) and present a brief list of overseas-based blues talent that I think you should be aware of. What drove this desire to present this overview? Well, the other day I was listening to the great Tomi Leino Trio’s “Rough Ride Woman,” was really enjoying the driving tune, and I decided more should know about his unit’s music. The, I realized that I have never done a list of transcontinental-based blues bands and artists before, the ones that most impress me and whose music I have in my collection and often play, and I decided that should let others in on their great music.
I will exclude blues artists who made their marks here and became expatriates later in life (think Champion Jack Dupree, Louisiana Red, and Memphis Slim, as examples).
So, here we go! Please seek out the music of these superb artists!
- Bernard Allison – Based In France – Son of blues great Luther Allison – Guitarist – Has done a lot of recording with Ruf Records, JSP Records, and Cannonball Records, among other labels
- B. & The Blues Shacks – Based in Germany – R&B and soul group – Broad recording history with the Stumble, Crosscut Records, and Rhythm Bomb Records labels
- Bharath And His Rhythm Four – Based in Montreal – Harmonica player – Has offered a self-produced collection and one on the Regal Radio Records imprint
- Eric Clapton – Based in Great Britain – Extremely influential guitarist – Long history of blues reverence and collaboration with various bands and the genre’s greats including The Yardbirds, John Mayall, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Buddy Guy, among many others, and via his Crossroads Guitar Festival concerts – High regard for Delta blues legend Robert Johnson – Has recorded for many labels
- Lluis Coloma – Hails from Spain – Piano player – Numerous recordings for the Swing Alley label, and featured with American great Erwin Helfer on The Sirens Records imprint – Boogie woogie master
- Al Cook – Located in Austria – Guitarist – Works in a traditional acoustic solo format and with the Al Cook Blues Band – Numerous recordings for the Extraplatte and Wolf Records labels
- Downchild Blues Band – Hail from Canada – Have recorded for Special Records, Attic, and the Stoney Plain Records imprints
- Cristiano Ferreira – Based in Brazil – Guitar player – Highest profile recording is on the Chico Blues label
- Memo Gonzalez & The Bluescasters – Gonzalez is from Texas and the band is comprised of European musicians – Music with Texas roadhouse blues, swing, and rock-n-roll sensibilities – Recorded for Stumble, Continental Blue Heaven, and Crosscut Records
- Flavio Gumaraes – Based in Brazil – Harmonica player – Records for Chico Blues
- Igor Prado Band – Based in Brazil – Prado plays guitar – Have recorded for the Chico Blues, Pepper Cake, and Delta Groove Music, Inc.
- Jo’ Buddy (also Jo’ Buddy’s Trio Riot) – Based in Finland – Plays guitar – Recorded for Ram-Bam Records
- Big Joe Louis & His Blues Kings – UK band – Louis is/was a guitar player (difficult to determine if he is still alive and active) – Recorded for the Blues Horizon, Tramp Records, and Ace labels
- Raoul & The Bigtime – From Canada – Raoul Bhaneja plays harmonica – Recordings on the Big Time Records and Undercover Brother Ent., Inc. labels
- Mike Sanchez – Based in Britain – Plays guitar – Recordings on the Doopin’ Music label and other imprints
- The Beat From Palookaville – From Spain – Rhythm & Ska style group – Have made recordings for Sleazy Records and a few other labels
- The Headcutters – From Brazil – All blues – Have made records for the Chico Blues label plus on a Delmark Records collaboration with bassist Bob Stroger
- The Kokomo Kings – From Sweden – Rocking roots music that is blues-infused – Have recorded for Rhythm Bomb Records label
- Tomi Leino Trio – Scandinavia is their home – Blues and roots music – Leino plays guitar – Have recorded for Homework Records
- Raphael Wressnig – Based in Austria – Hammond B-3 organ player – Broad recording history for labels including the Extraplatte, ATS Records, Pepper Cake, BHM Productions, and ZYX Music labels
These are certain of the overseas-based blues music artists and groups I have in my blues collection and frequently turn to, and they wouldn’t be there if their music wasn’t of the highest quality. I find exciting music from all these musicians and bands! Hopefully this list will spur you to reach outside the U.S. for your blues music enjoyment. Happy shopping!
Essential Blues Recording
Various Artists – Inventive Blues Piano By Geniuses Of The Medium
Various Artists – Blues Piano Orgy – Delmark Records DE-626
Originally released in 1972 as a 12-cut outing, this 1996 rerelease expands to 19 very strong selections from giants of the blues piano category including Speckled Red, Roosevelt Sykes, Sunnyland Slim, Little Brother Montgomery, Memphis Slim, Curtis Jones, and Otis Spann. These strong, compelling sides were primarily recorded in the 1947-1963 period, with Spann’s selection originating in 1969.
Red’s, Montgomery’s, and Jones’ blues are solo endeavors, with the remaining cuts including support from the likes of Homesick James (guitar, bass), Fred Below (drums), St. Louis Jimmy Oden (vocals), Matt “Guitar” Murphy (guitar), and Ernest Cotton (tenor saxophone), among a few other stellar supporting bluesmen.
Delmark Records’ visionary and founder, Bob Koester, did all a favor with his exceptionally detailed liner notes information. One could easily argue that this consistently superb collection offered many interested blues piano fans with their first glimpses into the work of the legendary artists profiled here.
Inventive blues piano styles abound, song moods and lyric development are universally intriguing, and across the backdrop of this indispensable compilation, the blues piano innovators highlighted provide a master class of the 88-key instrument’s language.
There is a gap in your blues collection should this one not have a spot on your shelves.
Essential!
Recommended Blues Recording
Eddie Kirkland – Raw, Tough Detroit Blues
Eddie Kirkland – I’ll Move You Baby – Bluesin’ In Detroit 1950-1961 – Jasmine Records JASMCD3189
Released in March, 2022, this expansive 28-cut collection features 20 of Kirkland’s outings under the Eddie Kirkland, Little Eddie Kirkland, and Eddie Kirkland And His Houserockers names, plus seven delicious selections that find him in support of deep bluesman John Lee Hooker. Kirkland’s recordings indeed hail from the 1950-1961 era, while the Hooker tunes come from the 1951-1953 period.
Kirkland was unique in that he was a Jamaican-born bluesman who had the distinctive experiences of having recorded with the aforementioned Hooker and soul great Otis Redding. A flamboyant and passionate stage performer, Kirkland’s skills on the guitar and harmonica, plus his strong singing, earned him high respect and praise from both audiences and fellow blues artists.
This superlative release is important because it collects Kirkland’s prime-period solo releases on one CD (a very difficult place to find his early cuts), with many of the sides unreleased at the time of their recordings. Plus, Kirkland’s contributions to fellow Detroit bluesman Hooker’s offerings indicate both how musically cohesive the pair were together, and just how viable the Detroit blues scene was at one time.
If you are unaware or only have a peripheral understanding of Kirkland’s mighty brand of blues, this one is a great place to begin. He made many additional solid recordings over the course of his career, but this one stands out for highlighting Kirkland at his earliest and rawest best.
Highly recommended!
Short Take CD Reviews & Other Information
Short Take CD Reviews
Terry Hanck – Grease To Gravy – Little Village #LVF 1071 – Wholly Satisfyingly Diverse Musical Tapestry Unfurls
Now, here is something to get very, very excited about! This 12-cut musical excursion by Terry Hanck is Grease To Gravy, indeed! Seven originals and five choice covers of this quality in this day and age rarely, rarely deliver such an overall enthralling listening experience!
Hanck is a masterful saxophone artisan, one whose efforts on the instrument just drip with exquisite tonal attributes. He never, ever overplays, but idyllically constructs passages that only enhance the backbone of the song being presented. His solos are simply tasty and riveting at once!
Hanck’s vocals are a sensation to be experienced for his appreciable proficiency to relay the sentiment at the core of each tune. Clear with superb phrasing, Hanck’s singing conveys both strength and vivacity. No matter the tune’s subject matter and related emotional depth, Hanck utilizes his God-given voice to its greatest effect.
A more pleasingly diverse 12-cut song selection has not crossed this blogger’s desk in a very long time. Let alone Hanck’s incredibly formidable originals, the covers found here by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Albert King, St. Louis Jimmy Oden, Chris Kenner, and Ray Charles are not slavish imitations; no, they all stand high upon the perch of Hanck’s oh-so-appealing interpretations.
Hanck is mightily supported by a cast of musical partners who obviously bought-in hook-line-and-sinker to his highly-targeted musical visions, including Kid Andersen and Johnny Cat Soubrand on guitar, Jimmy Pugh on keyboards, and Jon Otis and June Core on drums, among others. The appearances of boogie-woogie king Mitch Woods on one selection, Lisa Leuschner on backing vocals on two cuts, and J.P. Soars’ guitar on a couple of songs are of special note. But, all involved brilliantly shine!
New Orleans swagger, soul’s reflections, blues’ lamentations, rock-n-roll drive, and jazzy sway; yes, they are all superlatively found here!
This may very well be Hanck’s finest outing ever. Period.
Yet again, “bravo” to Little Village for its continued support of artists whose work may otherwise not be discovered.
All will want this phenomenal assemblage in their collections. It’s that incredibly enjoyable!
Upcoming Short Take CD Reviews
Labels, artists, and publicists, as we move deeper into 2025, it’s a great idea to get your blues CDs mailed to me for reviews as early as possible as you bring new collections to the market! Remember, please, only blues CDs! I am looking forward to a great 2025 filled with exciting new releases!
Reviews for new collections by Dudley Taft, Christopher Wyze & The Tellers, and Blind Lemon Pledge will be written over the next couple of weeks.
I have been informed by artists and publicists that more are on the way!
Blues Song Of The Week
“Jump Children” – Dave Bartholomew – Imperial label #X5308 – Released in 1954
New Jasmine Records Releases
Jasmine Records will release a host of new collections on May 9th. Jasmine Records’ work is to be highly applauded. The following will no doubt being of particular interest to Curt’s Blues Blog readers:
- JASCD1246 – Chuck Berry – The Jasmine EP Collection
- JASCD1238 – Buddy Knox – Liberty Cuts
- JASCD – Various Artists – The White Roots Of Elvis
- JASMCD3308 – Ella Johnson – The Mercury Years, 1953-1957
- JASMCD3312 – Mississippi John Hurt – Ain’t Nobody’s Doggone Business
Document Records’ Vital Work
Document Records’ mission since 1985 has been to unearth, repair, and re-release the complete recorded works of the majority of Black artists and their recordings from the 1890s to the mid-20th century. The label’s blues selections are presented in chronological order and include studious notes and comprehensive discographic info.
The Document Records online store is simply amazing, and a place where over a thousand collections of astounding past recordings are offered for purchase, either as CDs or as downloads. Document Records offers exciting bundles of recordings on certain artists that bring great value to collecting blues music.
Curt’s Blues Blog is a huge supporter of the important work that Document Records performs, and a great many of the label’s CDs reside in my personal collection.
Below is a link to the online Document Records store. No matter where you are in building your blues collection, you should definitely visit the Document Records online store. You will not be disappointed!
Document Records – Vintage Blues and Jazz
New Delmark Records And Alligator Records News And Offerings
Delmark News And Releases
- The new Tad Robinson collection entitled Soul In Blue has a release date of May 2nd
- A new solo piano CD entitled Johnny Iguana: At Delmark is out (and it is terrific)
- Dave Specter will have a new collection released on May 25th entitled Live At SPACE – With Brother John Kattke/Rodrigo Mantovani/Marty Binder. This no doubt will also be a quality outing!
- Check out all the new singles by various artists on the label’s web page
Alligator News And Releases
- K. Harrell has signed with the label, with his first collection to be released in June
- Southern Avenue’s debut label release is now out
- Carolyn Wonderland’s new release entitled Truth Is scheduled for May 16th
It’s too bad that Alligator Records won’t provide this blues blogger with hard copy CDs of their upcoming releases for reviews. As I’ve explained to the label, I do not perform reviews via electronic sound files. I guess that 12,700+ blog readers aren’t enough for the label to send hard copy CDs! Please, urge them to do so!
Please visit Delmark’s and Alligator’s web sites for information on all the goings on at the labels.
DELMARK RECORDS – Blues & Jazz since 1953
New MoMojo Records Release
A new release from Jad Tariq on MoMojo Records includes five originals and three covers. The release is entitled Jad Tariq Sings…. You just may want to check it out!
M.C. Records Signs New Artist
M.C. Records has signed legendary blues artist Rory Block, and has indicated that a new collection from her will be coming late this Summer. Watch for it!
M.C. Records: American Roots Music Since 1991
Upcoming Mishawaka, Indiana And South Bend, Indiana Blues Shows
For my hometown blog readers:
- Phillip-Michael Scales will be playing a May 10th show at The Stockroom East. Tickets are $15. This show is in support of his new release entitled Good To Be Here. Folks may remember him opening for Keb’ Mo’ at Elkhart, Indiana’s The Learner Theatre awhile back. The ticket link is below.
Phillip-Michael Scales, Saturday, May 10, 2025, 7:30pm | Stockroom East | South Bend, IN | Opendate
Living Blues Magazine – Latest Edition
The latest edition of Living Blues Magazine is out with features on Wallace Coleman, Stoney B, and Jeff Floyd, along with their Let It Roll series that focuses on T-Bone Walker’s 1947 outing for Black & White Records, a writing by David Evans entitled Expounding Upon The Myths Of Robert Johnson, and of course, the publication’s broad recording review section and additional extensive features. This writer has been a Living Blues subscriber for 36+ years, and though I may not always agree with their record reviews or their journalistic direction, I can’t stress enough how vital this magazine is to the blues. Please consider a subscription if you don’t already have one and support the magazine’s fine work, and the blues in general.
A Reminder To Support “Live” Blues And Purchase A Blues Recording
Touring blues musicians endure an arduous life of traveling city-to-city, sometimes with the distance between shows being many miles. This equates to large outlays for gasoline, food, and lodging (if not often sleeping in vehicle while traveling), When these talented blues artists roll through your town, please consider parting with some of your hard-earned dollars to attend their shows.
Also, with so many online platforms offering blues recordings for sale (check out the Curt’s Blues Blog “Resources” page for many of them), please think about purchasing a new blues CD or MP3 recording for your collection. And often, artists sell their recordings at their shows.
CD Reviews
Once again, a reminder: If you want a CD reviewed, please contact me via the email address found on the Curt’s Blues Blog “Contact” page, and I will promptly answer with the mailing address to get the CD to me. I do not perform reviews via electronic sound files. Please don’t put your promotion company’s sticker over the record company information on the back of the CD jacket. Please be mindful that this is a blues blog, and that providing rock, pop, hip hop, or Americana CDs for review will not find them being considered. And please, don’t mail me CDs with postage due!
It is a goal of mine to have as many CD reviews as possible pass through the blog.
Thank you.
