ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, FEB. 26, 1988 By Steve Newton Followers of the Canadian blues have cause to celebrate, because one of this country's most endearing bands is back on track. Downchild--the group that helped inspired Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi to don their cool black suits 'n' shades and become the Blues … Continue reading Downchild’s Donnie Walsh relishes the resurgence of the blues
Tag: Sonny Boy Williamson
That time I asked Dr. John which musician he was most proud of working with
By Steve Newton If you're a dedicated music fan you’ve no doubt heard by now that Dr. John passed away the other day. He was one helluva musician, which is why everybody and their dog wanted to play with him. He started hanging with folks like Professor Longhair and Earl King as a teenager. When … Continue reading That time I asked Dr. John which musician he was most proud of working with
Album review: Lonnie Mack, Strike Like Lightning (1985)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 24, 1985 By Steve Newton Strike Like Lightning--the newest release from blues innovator Lonnie Mack--packs a sizzling guitar-drenched punch. Produced by Mack and six-string hero Stevie Ray Vaughan, the album features Vaughan's nifty fretwork on five tracks, including the go-for-broke instrumental "Double Whammy" and the acoustic, back-porch jam of … Continue reading Album review: Lonnie Mack, Strike Like Lightning (1985)
Album review: Aerosmith, Honkin’ on Bobo (2004)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 8, 2004 By Steve Newton The concept behind Honkin’ on Bobo—of Boston hard-rock legends Aerosmith recording an all-blues album—is enough to get any fan of ’70s guitar-boogie in a lather. (And if it doesn’t, the CD booklet’s close-up shot of some babe’s sexy midriff with a harmonica stuffed … Continue reading Album review: Aerosmith, Honkin’ on Bobo (2004)
James Cotton on blowing harp for Muddy Waters at Newport Jazz Festival
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 7, 2002 By Steve Newton Throughout the classic 1960 blues album Muddy Waters at Newport—which fans of the late legend should note was recently released on CD in remastered form, with bonus studio tracks—a young James Cotton can be heard blowing some serious harp at the Newport Jazz Festival. At one … Continue reading James Cotton on blowing harp for Muddy Waters at Newport Jazz Festival