Author Archives: Mike

No Losers on Oli Brown’s Heads I Win Tails You Lose

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Mike

It’s pretty clear from the opening notes of Oli Brown‘s Heads I Win Tails You Lose (Ruf Records) that the British blues rocker’s latest album is another win-win for the artist and his fans. Back with his fresh, vibrant sound and accomplished guitar, … Continue reading →

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Blues Lyrics of the Week: Lessons from the Derby Edition (You Can’t Beat the Horses)

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Mike

Here’s hoping that Saturday’s Kentucky Derby results turned out better for you than Ervin “Big Boy” Groves concludes in the lyrics to this blues rarity. “If I could pick a horse to win, place, or show, I wouldn’t be so broke, hungry n’ … Continue reading →

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Blues Lyrics of the Week: Double Trouble

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Mike

Combined with some fiery guitar, these lyrics – which have been performed by the likes of Eric Clapton, John Mayall, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, James Blood Ulmer, and Sean Costello over the years, in addition to composer Otis Rush – make … Continue reading →

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The Fabulous Johnny Moeller

Posted on April 19, 2010 by Mike

Johnny Moeller, BlooGaLoo! (Severn Records, April 20) If you’re reading this wondering who in the heck Johnny Moeller is, well, you’re probably not alone. But fortunately the answer is simple: he’s one of the best and most energetic guitarists you’ve likely never heard – at … Continue reading →

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Blues Lyrics of the Week: Well I Done Got Over It

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Mike

Here’s another classic blues tale involving triumph over adversity. Originally performed by Guitar Slim, this song has been covered by the likes of T-Bone Walker, Billy Boy Arnold, Ike Turner, Lazy Lester, and James Cotton (both on his Take Me Back album … Continue reading →

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Remembering Phil Guy

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Mike

For the second time since his death in August 2008, friends of blues musician (and true blues brother to the legendary Buddy) Phil Guy are asking musicians and fans to help in remembering the performer later this month. Although the Second International Phil … Continue reading →

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Local blues champions

Posted on April 11, 2010 by Mike

A quick congratulations to Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle and Carnegie’s Gary Prisby, who last night won the honors of representing the Western Pennsylvania region in the band and solo performer categories at next year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Gregg Krupa of Jill West and … Continue reading →

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Shakura S’Aida Finds Sweet Spot on Brown Sugar

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Mike

With strong, smooth vocals and a great jazz/blues sound, Shakura S’Aida‘s Ruf Records debut, Brown Sugar (April 13),makes for a pretty sweet treat. Anything but shy in kicking off this follow-up to her 2006 Blueprint, the Toronto-based vocalist digs right in with the opening … Continue reading →

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Blues Lyrics of the Week: Why are People Like That?

Posted on April 7, 2010 by Mike

This week’s lyrics likely won’t help in restoring faith in your fellow man, but hey, it’s the blues, baby. Written by Bobby Charles, “Why are People Like That?” is probably best recognized coming from Junior Wells, although it’s also been recorded over the … Continue reading →

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Blues on the Pittsburgh stage

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Mike

Evidently “still alive and well,” international blues guitar legend and producer Johnny Winter will be in Pittsburgh this Thursday, April 8 for a performance at Diesel Club Lounge. The subject of an upcoming biography (Raisin’ Cain: the Wild and Raucous Story of … Continue reading →

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