Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Blues Editor, Genevieve Williams FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Taj Mahal * New and Notable: Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, Willie Foster, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Luther Allison, and Grady Champion * Kelly Joe Phelps: Zen Guitar * Free Downloads: Big Bill Morganfield * Advance Orders: Wilson Pickett, Junior Kimbrough, and Bob Margolin WORD FOR WORD ************* "I'm not taking a leap from Chicago blues to Mande music. I've always been searching for the American music that still has its connection with the African tradition." --Taj Mahal Read more of Amazon.com's article on Taj Mahal at Blues NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "Moving to the Country" Paul Rishell and Annie Raines http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JMCQ/entertainmentsit First-rate acoustic blues from the duo that has won several awards and been nominated for several more. Rishell's guitar and Raines's harmonica blend perfectly, and they acquit themselves very well indeed on works by Memphis Minnie, Leadbelly, and Blind Blake. Their own songs are equally good--and that's saying something. "Live at Airport Grocery" Willie Foster http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JB70/entertainmentsit This live album from obscure harmonica player Willie Foster has rapidly become a customer favorite. It's nothing but the purest Delta blues, with all of the expressiveness and subtlety that the humble harmonica is capable of. That he's remained almost completely unknown up to this point is a tragedy. "In Session" Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JTB2/entertainmentsit Recorded for a Canadian television program in 1983, this session is a rare gem--not only because we get to hear Vaughan play with the guitarist most directly responsible for his musical style, but because the mature restraint of Vaughan's performance here gives a tantalizing hint of how he might have developed as a musician had he lived. There are also several snippets of conversation between King and Vaughan, discussing everything from the songs they're about to play (mostly King concert staples) to their mutual past, when Vaughan was known as "Little Stevie." "Live in Chicago" Luther Allison http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JWP7/entertainmentsit Recorded two years before his death in 1997, this two-CD set of music captured at the 1995 Chicago Blues Festival and at Buddy Guy's Legends shows guitarist Luther Allison at the height of his powers. Allison was just beginning to attain long-overdue mainstream popularity when he died, and one spin of these discs indicates that it was about time. "Payin' for My Sins" Grady Champion http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JWC4/entertainmentsit There just aren't enough young harp players out there these days--which makes Grady Champion's second album an especially welcome treat. Strong songwriting skills, a versatile musical style, and solid vocals to complement Champion's considerable harmonica skills point him out as an artist to watch. KELLY JOE PHELPS: ZEN GUITAR **************************** From rock & roll to free jazz to blues, guitarist Kelly Joe Phelps has followed an interesting path. However unconventional, it's made him one of the most expressive guitarists working in (and, frequently, around) the genre today. On his latest album, "Shine Eyed Mister Zen," Phelps once again manages the neat trick of being earnest without sounding overbearing. Whether the subject matter is secular or spiritual (and like any good blues musician, Phelps frequently blends the two), there's an unassuming dignity about it that makes it a quiet pleasure to hear. Amazon.com contributor Ted Drozdowski talks with Phelps about the musical path he's charted to "Shine Eyed Mister Zen," and where he's going from there. Blues FREE DOWNLOADS: BIG BILL MORGANFIELD ************************************ Has the son of Muddy Waters inherited even a shred of his father's talent? Indubitably--and far more than a mere shred, as it turns out. On his debut album, the aptly titled "Rising Son," Big Bill Morganfield mixes some of his father's lesser-known material with his own songs. With the capable assistance of some of Waters's longtime partners-- including Bob Margolin and Pinetop Perkins--Morganfield has produced an album that Dad would surely be proud of. Download two free songs from the album --"Left Hand Blues" and "Dead Ass Broke"--in our Digital Downloads area. We currently offer more than 20 free digital downloads from more than a dozen major artists including Indigenous, Los Lobos, and Barry White. Just click on the link below to visit this exciting section of our store. Blues ADVANCE ORDERS: WE GOT NEXT! **************************** "It's Harder Now" Wilson Pickett http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001IVQ9/entertainmentsit One of the brightest stars of 1960s soul returns with a new selection. "Meet Me in the City" Junior Kimbrough http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001IV96/entertainmentsit A postmortem release from an obscure Mississippi bluesman. "Hold Me to It" Bob Margolin http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K1K5/entertainmentsit The guitar slinger from Muddy Waters's band takes the lead for his solo debut. ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Blues Music section at Blues
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