Blues Brothers Bassist Donald Duck Dunn dead at 70

Famed member of Stax Records and Booker T & the MGs passes away

Donald “Duck” Dunn playing bass behind The Blues Brothers, ‘Everybody Needs Somebody’

Donald “Duck” Dunn one of R&B and rock and rolls best bassist died on May 13, 2012 in his sleep on tour in Japan. Donald “Duck” Dunn was well known in the music business and became famous as the bass player in the John Belushi – Dan” Aykroyd comedy and tribute to Stax R&B, The Blues Brothers.

The nickname came from watching Disney cartoons on television and his bass playing was self-taught which gave one of the unique and best bass lines in the business. His love for pipe smoking created the iconic image of a pipe smoking bass guitar player seemingly in his own world on the stage.
Continue reading

Bonnie Raitt Right Down The Line video

The official video from “Slipstream” is in the open

Slipstream, which ships on April 10, 2012, is Bonnie Raitt’s 16th studio album and the first in 7 years.
Continue reading

Review – Bonnie Raitt CD “Slipstream” arriving April 10th

First record in 7 years and tour puts blues guitarist and sultry singer Bonnie Raitt front and center

After a 7 year recording drought, Bonnie Raitt returns with her new CD “Slipstream” on April 10, 2012.

“Slipstream” is a soulful and fun romp through the blues and ballads by one of America’s musical treasures.

Slipstream is available for pre-order from Amazon.com. Check out the details at the end of this article.  Continue reading

Bob Dylan Complete CD Box Set Fall 2012

Forbes has broken a story about new $300 CD set with free digital downloads but will it be a bust?

Bob Dylan and his band in Ireland 2010

Dylanologists will be ecstatic -  or not – this fall when Sony / Columbia releases a complete box set of everything Bob Dylan has recorded. The set will include singles and songs like George Jackson which have never been released before.

This could be great news or a counter attack against Dylan and other artists who will see their copyrights revert by Act of Congress in 2013. Sony could be just blowing the value of the Dylan catalog out the window in one last nasty parting shot.  Continue reading

Bob Dylan 115th Dream gets R&B groove by Taj Mahal

Outstanding track from Amnesty International Chimes of Freedom sets best performance standard

Taj Mahal on the R&B Blues Cruise (photo Joseph A. Rosen)

Stephen Pate – There is no substitute for getting the groove in rhythm and blues.

That’s the beat so hot you can’t stop tapping your foot, swaying or getting up and dancing.

Some people have it and most don’t.

Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band have the deep groove on their cover of Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream for Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan in support of Amnesty International.

Taj Mahal has set the gold standard for the song Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream, just like Jimi Hendrix set the high water mark for All Along the WatchtowerContinue reading

Miley Cyrus video Bob Dylan You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

Part of Chimes of Freedom The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International

Updated with new video – OK I’m not a Miley Cyrus fan but she does acquit herself nicely on the 4 CD set honoring Dylan and Amnesty International. The 4-CD set of Dylan covers grows on you.
Continue reading

Bonnie Raitt set to launch first new CD in 7 years

Slipstream will feature Raitt’s bluesy singing and hot slide guitar coming April 2012

Bonnie Raitt Slipstream (photo Redwing Records)

After taking a 7 year break for personal reasons, Bonnie Raitt is roaring out of the gate with a new record, new record label and a national tour during 2012.

Raitt has had a long career in rock and blues with highlights like the award winning Nick of Time and rock classics like “Something to Talk About”, and the ballad “I Can’t Make You Love Me”.

On the new CD, Raitt covers two Bob Dylan songs Million Miles and Standing in the DoorwayContinue reading

Walking Blues – Guy Davis

Young old bluesman keeps the Delta tradition alive and well


Walking Blues from 1990 Tribute to Robert Johnson

Blues guitarist and singer Guy Davis grew up in New York City but he assimilated the Delta Blues traditions of his Mississippi grandparents.
Continue reading

The Beatles sultans of swing or just a cover band

Updated with Animal House version of Shout – The Beatles cover version of Shout compare to the original

The Beatles Shout

The British Invasion brought most black rhythm and blues home to white audiences in America.

The Beatles recordings show a love for covering R&B tunes.  Continue reading