Marty Christian

 

Marty Christian's music might best be described as Bluesicana: Americana with a deep root in the Blues. Christian has combined elements of many Southern genres including Blues, Funk, Soul and Swamp Pop to create a sound of his own. Through 5 original music CDs, Christian tells the story through his music of how he came to leave Cleveland, OH on a search for Southern Blues from his time immersed in the Blues world of Austin, TX to the Zydeco lands of Lafayette, LA and most recently in his current home in New Orleans.

Christian’s experience includes recording and touring as the guitarist for some of Louisiana’s musical greats: Henry Gray (Howlin’ Wolf), Carol Fran (Excello, BlackTop) and Thomas “Big Hat” Fields (Maison de Blues/Zydeco). On his latest CD, Rambling Blues, Christian is still following his own path as a writer and musician, blending the Blues with anything else that happens to pass his way on the journey. "Bottom line, Marty Christian makes beautiful music, and Rambling Blues is another fine showcase of his artistic gifts."

Marty Christian, Lee Zeno and Frank Kincel joined forces with the late Andy Cornett to create a sound of their own with the band Rue Boogaloo in 2012. Offbeat said their all original, self-titled debut CD had “Rue Boogaloo standing smack dab in the middle of where Jimmy Reed, R.L. Burnside and the Meters would all crash and smash”

https://www.martychristian.com/

Magic Sam

 

Magic Sam was an American Chicago blues musician. He was born in Grenada County, Mississippi, and learned to play the blues from listening to records by Muddy Waters and Little Walter. After moving to Chicago at the age of 19, he was signed by Cobra Records and became well known as a bluesman after the release of his first record, "All Your Love", in 1957. He was known for his distinctive tremolo guitar playing.

The stage name Magic Sam was devised by Sam's bass player and childhood friend Mack Thompson at Sam's first recording session for Cobra, as an approximation of "Maghett Sam". The name Sam was using at the time, Good Rocking Sam, was already being used by another artist.

Maghett moved to Chicago in 1956, where his guitar playing earned him bookings at blues clubs on the West Side. He recorded singles for Cobra Records from 1957 to 1959, including "All Your Love" and "Easy Baby". They did not reach the record charts but had a profound influence, far beyond Chicago's guitarists and singers. Together with recordings by Otis Rush and Buddy Guy (also Cobra artists), the Westside Sound was a manifesto for a new kind of blues. Around this time Magic Sam worked briefly with Homesick James Williamson.Magic Sam gained a following before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served six months in prison for desertion and received a dishonorable discharge.

In 1963, his single "Feelin' Good (We're Gonna Boogie)" gained national attention. He successfully toured the U.S., Britain and Germany. He was signed to Delmark Records in 1967, for which he recorded West Side Soul and Black Magic. He continued performing live and toured with a band that included blues harp player Charlie Musselwhite, future Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen bassist "Buffalo" Bruce Barlow and drummer Sam Lay. Magic Sam's breakthrough performance was at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1969, which won him many bookings in the U.S. and Europe.

His career was cut short when he suddenly died of a heart attack in December 1969. He was 32 years old. Magic Sam was buried in the Restvale Cemetery, in Alsip, Illinois. He was survived by his wife, Georgia Maghett. In February 1970, the Butterfield Blues Band played at a benefit concert for Magic Sam, at Fillmore West in San Francisco. Also on the bill were Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite and Nick Gravenites.

His guitar style, vocals, and songwriting have inspired and influenced many blues musicians. "Magic Sam had a different guitar sound," said his record producer, Willie Dixon. "Most of the guys were playing the straight 12-bar blues thing, but the harmonies that he carried with the chords was a different thing altogether. This tune "All Your Love", he expressed with such an inspirational feeling with his high voice. You could always tell him, even from his introduction to the music."

Sonny Morgan

 

Sonny Morgan was born and raised in Dallas Texas. From the early days of Sonny’s childhood, he was a Music lover. From the time he was able, he sang in his Church’s choir and played the Trumpet all the way through High School. His other passion was the Automobile business.

Throughout the years he became extremely successful in the auto business. Some of his Clients were Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Tom Landry and many others. Just a few years ago, one of Sonny’s Celebrity Clients, George Strait challenged him to pursue his passion of singing. After meeting Ray Benson, Ray had Sonny on stage with Asleep at the Wheel at one of his performances doing a duet. That’s all it took for performing on stage to get in Sonny’s blood.

Since that day with Asleep at the Wheel, Sonny has performed at numerous venues as well as his passion, to go sing to Seniors who don’t have the opportunity to come to his shows.

Sonny, his wife Karin and their rescued Greyhounds live in Granbury, Texas

An extremely talented Country Singer and Entertainer. Really has fun with his audience as well having an unbelievable voice. The many shows that he’s performed, Sonny’s audiences have always asked for encores because of his fun and entertaining performance. Can sing many songs of current or past Country singers! Has been on CBS Austin KEYE 42 TV, sang with Ray Benson and Asleep at The Wheel, sang at Ray Stevens “Cabaray” in Nashville and is endorsed by the Texas Country Music Association as a member in good standing. Has recorded at Nashville’s famed Ocean Way Studios on Music Row as well as the famous Hilltop Studios in Nashville! His first Album is titled “It’s a Beautiful World” and is available on CD or any of the Electronic Medias! His second Album is titled “I’m your Man” and available on electronic media. He’s been on the Texas Regional Chart with seven of his singles and on the World Country Chart with two songs at number 1 and 2 respectively!

 

 https://www.sonnymorganmusic.com

Mississippi Fred McDowell

 

 McDowell, known by his stage name Mississippi Fred McDowell, was an American hill country blues singer and guitar player. was born in Rossville, Tennessee, United States. His parents were farmers, who both died while Fred was in his youth. He took up the guitar at the age of 14 and was soon playing for tips at dances around Rossville. Seeking a change from plowing fields, he moved to Memphis in 1926, where he worked in the Buck-Eye feed mill, which processed cotton into oil and other products. In 1928, he moved to Mississippi to pick cotton. He finally settled in Como, Mississippi, in 1940 or 1941 (or maybe the late 1930s), where he worked as a full-time farmer for many years while continuing to play music on weekends at dances and picnics.

After decades of playing for small local gatherings, McDowell was recorded in 1959 by roving folklore musicologist Alan Lomax and Shirley Collins, on their Southern Journey field-recording trip. With interest in blues and folk music rising in the United States at the time, McDowell's field recordings for Lomax caught the attention of blues aficionados and record producers, and within a couple of years, he had finally become a professional musician and recording artist in his own right. His LPs proved quite popular, and he performed at festivals and clubs all over the world.

McDowell continued to perform the blues in the north Mississippi style much as he had for decades, sometimes on electric guitar rather than acoustic guitar. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of slide guitar, a style he said he first learned using a pocketknife for a slide and later a polished beef rib bone. He ultimately settled on the clearer sound he got from a glass slide, which he wore on his ring finger.[9] While he famously declared, "I do not play no rock and roll," he was not averse to associating with younger rock musicians. He coached Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar technique[8] and was reportedly flattered[citation needed] by The Rolling Stones' rather straightforward version of his "You Gotta Move" on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. In 1965, he toured Europe with the American Folk Blues Festival, together with Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Roosevelt Sykes and others.

McDowell's 1969 album I Do Not Play No Rock 'n' Roll, recorded in Jackson, Mississippi, and released by Malaco Records, was his first featuring electric guitar. It contains parts of an interview in which he discusses the origins of the blues and the nature of love. His live album Live at the Mayfair Hotel (1995) was from a concert he gave in 1969. Tracks included versions of Bukka White's "Shake 'Em On Down," Willie Dixon's "My Babe," Mance Lipscomb's "Evil Hearted Woman," plus McDowell's self-penned "Kokomo Blues." AllMusic noted that the album "may be the best single CD in McDowell's output, and certainly his best concert release". McDowell's final album, Live in New York (Oblivion Records), was a concert performance from November 1971 at the Village Gaslight (also known as The Gaslight Cafe), in Greenwich Village, New York.

McDowell’s version of the folk song "John Henry" from 1969 is included on the Ann Arbor Blues Festival 1969: Vols 1&2, 2019 release.

McDowell died of cancer in 1972, aged 66, and was buried at Hammond Hill Baptist Church, between Como and Senatobia, Mississippi. On August 6, 1993, a memorial was placed on his grave by the Mount Zion Memorial Fund. The ceremony was presided over by the blues promoter Dick Waterman, and the memorial with McDowell's portrait on it was paid for by Bonnie Raitt. The memorial stone was a replacement for an inaccurate (McDowell's name was misspelled) and damaged marker. The original stone was subsequently donated by McDowell's family to the Delta Blues Museum, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. McDowell was a Freemason and was associated with Prince Hall Freemasonry; he was buried in Masonic regalia.

Ashton Smith

 

 

Ashton Smith was born and raised in Dry Branch, Ga, where she started singing, and performing at a young age of 5 years old and writing her own music at the age of 12. She started out in her hometown church singing gospel, but her passion and love have always been Americana Country Singer-Songwriter Music.

Ashton Smith releases her debut 6 song EP Titled “Jack Will DO” The EP is a breath of fresh air with substance, as Ashton finds pleasure in singing, writing, and working with the musician, who is a huge part of her EP melodies coming to life. She was so excited to have the opportunity to share this experience with her father, Stewart Smith as well who is featured playing the lead guitar. And her Fiancè, Donald Griffis, who performed the drum tracks.

Ashton Smith already has a passionate, and dedicated fan base. Ashton’s performances range from Georgia, to Tennessee, and even Florida. Her Debut EP, and this major distribution release, demonstrate her will to provide her fans, with a recorded project that reflects what live audiences have seen first-hand. Make sure to add Ashtons Debut EP to your favorite playlist from your favorite streaming app. You are going to wanna listen to this over and over again.

This woman has it all — the voice, the presence, the heart, and the style of a head-turning superstar on the rise.

Produced by Michael Goose Goodrich and Self-managed, Ashton Smiths pure power as a singer-songwriter has now found a home for her music after inking a major distribution deal with Perry Music Group back in February. Perry Music Group also, known as PMG, is a multi-faceted Label Services and Major Distribution company. With a Music Publishing Group at The Core Of The Organization that produced number one hits like “Not A Moment Too Soon” (Tim McGraw), “What Part Of No Don’t You Understand” (Lorrie Morgan), “Anywhere For You” (Backstreet Boys) just to name a few.

Ashton teamed up with the Director of PMG, Mr. Bryan Wayne Perry who developed a new music industry business model, that Perry Music Group is known for. Perry Music Group works with a large roster, and a variety of genres, both Major, and Independent Label Groups, and artists around the globe. PMG is best known for its business consulting for any brand, as a brand, is a brand, is a brand, according to Bryan Wayne Perry. PMG also, proudly provides artists with MAJOR Global Digital Distribution, as PMG is an imprint of The Orchard, which is a subsidiary of Sony Music. PMG helps artists all over the globe, find a home that they can trust, for their music. Just like Ashton Smith has done for her debut EP.

After Ashton inked her deal, Both Ashton and Perry Music Group immediately started preparing for a successful launch of Ashtons’ debut EP “JACK WILL DO” set for March 14th, 2022. The ep will be available on all DSP providers, such as Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, Google Play, Deezer, and many more. Get ready to add Ashton Smith to your playlist, from your favorite streaming apps, and play the hell out these songs, as they are all worthy of daily love.

https://orcd.co/3yxob2a

Sam Watkins

 

 

 

From the age of 10 music has been a very powerful force in my life. I cut my teeth on the music of Elvis Presley and Randy Travis. I learned the guitar and began writing at age 11. My first performance guitar was a Fender acoustic I got when I was 15. My best friend in high school, was real big on Garth Brooks and Chris Ledoux. Together we entered a talent show. We got 2nd place but had a lot of fun and wanted badly to keep doing it! My first time stage was in 1993, a year after “Pure Country” came out and I had already learned most of George Strait’s older songs. It was my dream to play Honky Tonk and Western Swing music and my writing already reflected that. I sang “I Cross My Heart” and, seeing the reaction of the crowd, I knew in my heart that this was where I belonged. The Summer of 2008 was a major turning point in my life, because that was when I met and partnered with my wife Tina Watkins in Austin, Texas. I was playing my guitar at a coffee shop when a man sat down to next to me. He told me he was about to propose to his girlfriend and asked if I could write a song for him that would make her say “Yes!”. I immediately began to write a short, but sweet little song for them and sang it as he got down on one knee. Tina heard the song and approached me about working together. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made! I played solo gigs for a year or two, recorded an album, and in 2010 began to create my band. My first CD “Has Anybody Seen Me?” was created in late 2007. The 9th song on the CD, “Baby Girl”, sparked a huge response from mothers all over the U.S. and in other countries as well. It is currently used by many MySpace folks and is a symbol of hope for families who have lost a child or are currently searching for their lost loved ones. Other popular songs are the title track which will be featured on the full band CD “Fate Train” currently being recorded. Also popular are “Dusty Old Town”, “Fate Train”, “After All These Beers” (which is being revised for the new album). Sam Watkins & Fate Train look forward to playing in a town near you real soon!

 

https://itnsradio.com/sam-watkins

Rick Derringer

 

 

Entertainer Rick Derringer was just 17 when his band The McCoys TM recorded the No.1 hit "Hang On Sloopy" in the summer of 1965, knocking "Yesterday" by The Beatles out of the top spot.

 The McCoys had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Rick merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969, forming Johnny Winter And (And referring to the McCoys).

Rick was the only producer of all gold and platinum Winter Brothers recordings. In '71 Rick was featured on three records, "Johnny Winter And", "Johnny Winter And-Live" and "Edgar Winter's White Trash". "And" featured the first version of Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" which was also released as a single, then selected again for "And - Live."

Eventually, the busy Derringer joined Edgar Winter's White Trash full-time and produced the gold LP, "Roadwork." Derringer's solo album, All American Boy was released in '73 with the now already popular "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" this time as a 'hit' single.

Rick was writer/producer of the Still Alive And Well album and player/producer of the hit album, They Only Come Out At Night. The latter featured the No. 1, Grammy nominated monster hit, "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride." In 1976 Rick created the Derringer. He released four albums and in '83 returned to his solo career with the LP, Good Dirty Fun.

Throughout the '70s and '80s the popular Derringer appeared on numerous albums with artists Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan. The list also includes Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Kiss, Mason Ruffner and Madam X. In the mid-80s, Derringer discovered Weird Al Yankovic, producing music for Grammy-winning albums and videos. Derringer's productions of the Michael Jackson parodies, the No. 1 hit "Eat It", and "Who's Fat", have been Yankovic's most successful recordings.

In the '90s, Rick was selected to be producer/writer/performer of the World Wrestling Federation LP Hulk Hogan's theme song, "I Am A Real American" was written and performed by Rick as a part of these projects. Derringer was once again sought after by Edgar Winter and in 1990, performed for the LP, Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer Live in Japan. Then in 1999 Rick and Edgar were back together again for their collaboration on his Winter Blues CD. Rick also recorded four blues CD's starting in '93 with Back to the Blues followed by Electra Blues, Blues Deluxe and his 2000 release Jackhammer Blues. At about that same period Derringer, who seems to be constantly in motion, released his destined-to-be-classic Tend the Fire in Europe to rave reviews and was eagerly expected and welcomed by his loyal fans here in the US.

The year 2001 was another busy one for Rick. His venture back into Rock & Roll with Vanilla Fudge superstars Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert produced a recording of intense synergy - DBA (for Derringer, Bogert & Appice) with vocals, writing and instrumentals shared by all three. 2004 promised a reprise for Derringer and Appice, with the release of D-N-A.

After DBA the next project was truly a work from the heart and soul of Rick and his wife Brenda Jean (Jenda Hall). Entitled Aiming 4 Heaven, it brought forth their devotion to God and put it into song with help from their children, Lory & Martin. That project opened the doors for a worldwide release on Reborn Records.

We can't forget the Winter of 2002, where Rick ventured into a whole new musical world - Smooth Jazz. Interest in Rick Derringer - Free Ride grew quickly at radio, and the second single "Hot And Cool" (in the 'Radio and Records' top 20 for 5 months, and number 42 for the year) showed Derringer right at home in the format. It might come as a surprise, but as he explains, it's the kind of music he's been waiting to do his whole life. His wife Brenda is featured as co-writer on three songs, and arranger/singer on the title cut.

In 2007, Rick released Rockin' America, featuring the patriotic song Real American,  which has been used by The President, during political campaigns, and on the hit FX series, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". In 2009, Rick released yet another display of blues talent on Knighted by the Blues, again featuring wife Jenda as co-writer on several songs. In 2010, Rick released an amazing compilation of Freddie, Albert and B.B. King on The Three Kings of the Blues. And finally, the year 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of Rick Derringer's All American Boy debut solo album and his long journey of successes as producer, songwriter, and player throughout the years. 

It seems like almost too much story to take in at one sitting, but the most surprising part is...... after more than four decades he's still going strong!

https://rickderringer.com

JAM Radio. Videoclip

Feeder

 

The celebrated, multi-platinum-selling, rock band Feeder have hit a resurgent run of three consecutive UK Top 10 albums with 2016’s All Bright Electric, the 2017 Best Of, and 2019’s Tallulah. Looking ahead to 2022, it is with some momentum that the band will release new album Torpedo into the world.

 

Momentum has been something in short supply for many artists over the last 18 months. For Feeder, the ensuing numbness of early-stage lockdowns inevitably led to an uncharacteristically uninspired period for the band and songwriter Grant Nicholas. Feeder, however, have always been masters of marrying the light and the dark - illuminating the shadowy corners of their world to uncover something poignant and uplifting - meaning it was not long before conditions became a perfect storm for inspiration’s lightning to strike, and two albums’ worth of music materialised.

"Torpedo" signals a band refreshed, inspired by the new and not resting on the strength of their considerable successes. Like so much of the band’s high points, "Torpedo" is a communal experience that considers the processes through which we deal with what’s in front of us. Musically it acts a connecting thread between all they’ve journeyed through to date, and all they can still become in the future.

 

https://slinky.to/TheHealing

Diamonds and Guns

 

 

The band performs punk rock / punk'n'roll with straight pipes, cocky attitude, technical drums and with a party feeling. 

 

We've probably thrown in a love of blues in the mix too! 

 

People have said that we are similar to or have the feel of bands such as; Social Distortion, Dropkick Murphy, Turbonegro. 

 

The band name, Diamonds and Guns, is a tribute to America's west coast punk rock, which is the great influence of the band members. 

Diamonds and Guns consist of; 

Kim Johansson, bass + vocals. 

Thomas Norstedt, drums. 

Pontus Rask, lead guitar + vocals.

Victor Ekvall, guitar + lead vocals.

 

 

Links to other songs; 

https://open.spotify.com/track/40X9vEoksXfm6nKBGbOUjF?si=RZPDjuqESjKHAvZQhNguWA

Media; 

https://www.facebook.com/diamondsandgunsband/

https://www.instagram.com/diamondsandguns.official/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGN_2TzssImEYA6gAxcfZ0RlF7zt8Nu 

https://soundcloud.com/user-453369902