Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Blues Editor, Genevieve Williams FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Kelly Joe Phelps * New and Notable: Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Wilson Pickett, Popa Chubby, Troy Turner, and the songs of Led Zeppelin * Amazon.com Present the Best of the Century * Feature: Taj Mahal comes home * Free Downloads: Susan Tedeschi * Advance Orders: B.B. King, Joe Louis Walker, and Tab Benoit WORD FOR WORD ************* "There's so much of life that's intangible that I believe there must be another side to it. As a songwriter, that occupies more of my thoughts than any other subject." --Kelly Joe Phelps Read more of our interview with Kelly Joe Phelps at Blues NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "Hold Me to It" Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K1K5/entertainmentsit The Blind Pig Records debut from one of Chicago's finest, "Hold Me to It" showcases some of Margolin's greatest strengths: his tightly wound guitar style and rich vocals. The CD includes concert favorites such as the title track and "Slam 'Em Down," as well as some forays outside of Chicago in the form of "No Consolation" and a cover of Dylan's "Not Dark Yet." "It's Harder Now" Wilson Pickett http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001IVQ9/entertainmentsit The first record in over a decade from the man who brought us "In the Midnight Hour" and "Mustang Sally" still puts a raw edge on his soul. "It's Harder Now" hearkens to the 1960s, Pickett's own heyday and in some ways sounds like a blast from the past. Pickett knows what year it is, though; one listen to the track "Soul Survivor" is proof of that. "Brooklyn Basement Blues" Popa Chubby http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2BA/entertainmentsit A notice on the back of New York guitarist Popa Chubby's latest release reads: "This compact disc will sound best at loud volumes!" Rare sort of advertisement for a blues record, but for Chubby, who would be equally at home in a punk band, it's entirely appropriate. Not that he hasn't got a solid blues base; he even mixes it with a bit of R&B and rock & roll for flavor, and it all sounds good. "Blues on My Back" Troy Turner http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001QGKD/entertainmentsit Hailing from Louisiana, Troy Turner will draw comparisons to Kenny Neal, and no wonder--the two have toured together, and Turner has close musical connections to the rest of the Neal family. Still, Turner's no copycat; his own style's got a rawer edge to it, with influences of rock and funk creeping in all over the place. This is a very strong debut from a promising young guitarist. "Whole Lotta Blues: Songs of Led Zeppelin" Various Artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K1KS/entertainmentsit This is an odd one, no doubt about it; then again, Led Zeppelin were frequently quite odd themselves, so that makes this record a fitting tribute. (Never mind that the record cover clearly states, "This ain't no tribute.") Magic Slim highlights Led Zep's bluesier origins with a Delta-style "When the Levee Breaks," while Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown does some totally unexpected things to "Rock 'n' Roll." Not a tribute, indeed. AMAZON.COM PRESENTS THE BEST OF THE CENTURY ******************************************* As the century comes to a close, Amazon.com takes a look at the landmarks in books, music, and video of the past 100 years. Selected by our editors, our lists take you decade by decade from the turn of the century all the way to the end of the millennium. But don't just take our word for it; cast your vote for the best book, video, and CD in our best-of-the-millennium poll for your chance to win our customers' 300 favorite music, book, and video titles. Music of the century TAJ MAHAL COMES HOME ******************** The connection between the blues and African music is often commented on but rarely explored musically. Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate go a long way toward rectifying that when they team up on "Kulanjan," a stunning meld of American and African musical traditions. Amazon.com contributor James Rotondi talks with Taj Mahal about his continent-spanning musical journey. Blues FREE DOWNLOADS: SUSAN TEDESCHI ****************************** Not yet 30, the Boston-based guitarist and singer Susan Tedeschi has burst onto the blues scene in a big way, holding her own onstage with the likes of Buddy Guy thanks to her soulful, powerful voice and increasingly strong guitar work. Her national debut, "Just Won't Burn," garnered the Female Artist of the Year in Contemporary Blues and Best New Blues Artist wins at this year's W.C. Handy Awards. Download "Looking for Answers" from the album, plus a live solo version of "It Hurt So Bad," in our Digital Downloads area. We currently offer more than 20 free downloads from more than a dozen major artists including Big Bill Morganfield and Indigenous. Just click on the link below to visit this exciting section of our store. Blues ADVANCE ORDERS: WE GOT NEXT! **************************** "Let the Good Times Roll..." B.B. King http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001WROG/entertainmentsit The latest from the reigning king of the blues "Silvertone Blues" Joe Louis Walker http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001X56N/entertainmentsit Blues with a touch of soul is the specialty of Walker, one of the brightest stars in contemporary blues. "These Blues Are All Mine" Tab Benoit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001NTJ2/entertainmentsit Recently signed to Vanguard Records, the guitarist presents his label debut. ****** Give the Perfect Gift -- Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. Wish list Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. Wish card ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Blues Music section at Blues
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