Sami Chohfi

 

The Extraordinary World singer/songwriter Sami Chohfi from Seattle mashes up rock and blues on his latest offering; an exciting sonic journey through love and love lost…

 

Expertly spinning the yarn on a familiar fable of falling for and failing to reckon when it falls apart, Chohfi’s exquisite lyrics, delivered in his signature rasp and undeniable singing prowess, bring a modern flair and uniqueness to the track’s unrequited love story. 

  

“‘Little One’ was written while watching an episode of one of my favorite TV shows, AMC's The Walking Dead,” Chohfi reveals. “I was watching a woman devour her lover and it got me thinking, ‘wow, this is a lot like a real relationship…’”

  

Marrying fact with fiction, Chohfi spins the tale on the ups and downs, craziness, and realities of relationships. The track features a variety of flair including ukulele, a 1960’s vintage piano solo, and a cameo by Kellii Scott (Failure) on percussion. “I wanted to write a catchy blues rock song with a unique vibe inspired by the one thing that inspires us to be at our most crazy, love,” Chohfi says. 

  

Paired off with a visual component, the music video for “Little One” brings Chohfi’s story to life… Or, rather, ahem, to death. 

  

Featuring an undead cast of characters for a Zombie-apocalypse-esque mini-drama, Chohfi’s unique double entendre is spelled out in his creativity to tell a tale. (‘Where are you going with my heart, Little One?’ he croons both figuratively, and in this video, literally.) Our protagonists make a quick stop at a gas station where the lead actress becomes infected. From there, her unassuming partner is seemingly ignorant of her venture into the land of the dead and, as she slowly descends into making him her next meal, the world around them is falling further into the hell flames of a full Zombie take-over. 

  

“The intro features the voice of legendary radio personality, Marco Collins, over the car radio,” Chohfi explains. “We hired makeup artist Christina Kortum, who worked on the American TV show Grimm and is currently working on the new season of American Horror Story, to ensure the special FX makeup was top notch. 

“The song and video tell the story of a romantic relationship that is not only infectious but consumingly toxic in all the right ways,” he continues. “Sometimes we find ourselves in love with the wrong person but, for some reason, we love the way it hurts and we keep coming back for more.”

“Little One” and “The Awakening” both serve as Sami Chohfi’s latest singles and, with the world slowly regaining its footing after a multi-year pandemic, the songwriter is venturing out on tour overseas this winter. 

No zombies allowed. 

https://samichohfimusic.com/

The Strongman Blues Remedy

 

Readying itself as an antidote for the weariness worn on the sleeves of blues music lovers everywhere, a new collective project makes its way to the scene with the Strongman Blues Remedy, Volume 1 —available June 17 via Stony Plain Records.

Conceived by producer, songwriter and artist Steve Strongman, the “collective”  features a veritable who’s who of the blues, including Dawn Tyler Watson, Crystal Shawanda, Steve Marriner, Jesse O’Brien, Alec Fraser, and Harrison Kennedy — who can be heard on the album’s newly released single, “I Like To Ride.”

With seven albums as a solo artist — plus Canada’s JUNO Award, the Mel Brown Blues Award, International Blues Challenge’s Best Guitarist winner, four Maple Blues Awards, and more — deep into his career Strongman is an acclaimed bluesman known for liberally applying swampy swagger and sweetness to shuffles, blues ballads, and four-on-the-floor chuggers alike.  The Strongman Blues Remedy, Volume 1 is the Hamilton, Ontario-based musician’s first time producing, a process he calls “a huge learning curve, but incredibly rewarding.” 

By doing songwriting sessions with a stellar cast of multi-award-winning and -nominated Canadian blues artists, he developed an album that touches on a wide cross-section of experiences and viewpoints. The result is an expansive 10-track album with one overarching message within: the best remedy for the world we’re living in right now is to fill it with music that celebrates life and focuses on the joys of being on the other side.

The Strongman Blues Remedy, Volume 1 is available June 17 via Stony Plain Records. “I Like To Ride (feat. Harrison Kennedy)” is available now.

https://strongmanbluesremedy.com/  

  www.stonyplainrecords.com

 

Kirk Fletcher releases new song

Today acclaimed blues guitarist/singer-songwriter Kirk Fletcher releases the title track from his long awaited seventh studio album, “Heartache By The Pound,” out Friday, July 29. 

The title track conjures a warm spirit with nostalgic lyrics and simmering playing. Produced by Fletcher at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, “Heartache By The Pound” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services. A lyric video accompanies the single’s release.

Listen to “Heartache By The Pound” and watch the lyric video below.

“My family is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and I remember visiting them as a kid,” he goes on. “My uncle would play Little Milton and Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. Everyone felt good. The song has the feeling of a summer barbeque in the South. Blues music comforts you. We all go through heartache, but we have people like myself who make music to help us through.”

“Heartache By The Pound” marks Fletcher’s most personal and potent work to date, highlighted by robust vocals, spirited songcraft, and of course, the fiery guitar work that has earned him international acclaim as one of the preeminent bluesmen of the current era. A five-time Blues Music Award-nominee, Fletcher spent much of the pandemic living in Switzerland, writing new songs remotely in partnership with his long-time friend, legendary bassist Richard Cousins (The Robert Cray Band, Van Morrison). 

When the lockdown ended, he headed to the hallowed ground of FAME Studios for three days of sessions, joined by a truly all-star backing band comprised of keyboardist Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Buddy Guy, John Mayall), drummer Terrence F. Clark (Robert Cray, Joss Stone), bass players Travis Carlton (Sara Barellies, Larry Carlton) and Randy Bermudes (The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Charlie Musselwhite), backing vocalist Jade MacRae (Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Barnes), trumpet player Mark Pender (Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul), and saxophonist Joe Sublett (Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat).

“FAME is the mother church for soul music,” Fletcher says. “It’s the same building where all these fantastic people like Otis Rush and Aretha Franklin have recorded. I wanted the vibe. I needed to bring these songs there.” 

Caroline Parker

 

 

 "I wrote my first song in 2008, and have been jotting down lines in spurts and starts ever since. Most of the time I use real life experiences, using songwriting to revive all sorts of emotions. There are also songs where I completely make up the entire story line, allowing myself to just let go and dream for an afternoon! (Its a Great Escape!)  

I am quite isolated on a farm in the middle of cattle country in western Canada. My daily interactions are with my husband and four young children, and my husband`s parents. Thank goodness for the internet, to allow for more visiting! I am always busy with cooking and cleaning and laundry and have a big garden each summer, preserving much of our food, and cooking (almost) every meal from scratch (if you need a recipe, just ask!).

It`s difficult to find any stretch of time to concentrate, but as my friend Tammy says, you can`t get diamonds without pressure. While I am sometimes overwhelmed with simple daily tasks, I find that my mind can often find a glimmer of a small crack, and squeezes out something refreshing, creative, and beautiful, through words and melody.

It`s a beautiful thing, this world."

CAROLINE PARKER.

https://www.carolineparkemusic.com

David A. Tobin

 

When covering a classic hit song, the tricky part is, how do you keep the integrity of the song but make it your own?

International Soul Artist, David A. Tobin and Rob Hardt of SedSoul Records have found that perfect balance on their cover version & new single of Spandau Ballet's 1983, 'TRUE'.

The genius of a great producer is to keep what you love about the song and add just enough to make the artist shine by what they bring to the table. Mr. Hardt did exactly that by keeping the sexy pop that the original has but adding a soulful edge...

Enter David A. Tobin's soulful vocals with just enough tenderness and respect. They have added some new backing vocals that you would swear are on the original, but it's their 'original' take that makes this sumptuous, glorious celebration of the song yet a new perspective that is a Soulful lament for all the right reasons.

This is SedSoul, Rob Hardt and David A. Tobin taking the soulfulness we have expected from them and working outside the box to craft a luminous recrafting of pop royalty into Soulful Nobility!!! This is sure to take David A. Tobin to a new audience around the world and extend Rob Hardt's indelible mark on the reshaping of Soul Music.

Something old, Something borrowed Something new and something so...............'TRUE'

  https://www.facebook.com/david.a.tobin

Jay Douglas

 

If you have a hankering for soulful blues and big band swing, then reggae icon Jay Douglas is the perfect choice of sweet, sweet symphony with his newest single, “I’m In Love With You” – available now!

  

Following the release of a string of reggae singles, including “Stone In Love With You,” “Muschange,” and “Pattidemic,” Jay Douglas slows things down and takes a stroll down the bass line to deliver a smashing blues single – “I’m In Love With You.”

  

Jay Douglas has always had a strong connection with blues and jazz, which shows throughout this icon’s catalog. What makes “I’m In Love With You” special is its ability to transport the listener to a time when big bands were the norm and warmly embraced. Warm brass swells and slick guitar riffs draw the listener in, reminiscent of the appeal of jazz bars back in the 60s.

  

“I’m In Love With You” is brimming with rich layers of instrumentation – even on multiple listens it’s hard to narrow a definitive list. That’s always been the appeal of Jay Douglas, and he doubles down on this musical prowess here in his newest single. 

  

With guest features from Hammond organs and Leslie cabinets, they are appropriately accompanied by jazz piano movements by walking bass lines; the whole track feels cinematic in its magnitude.

  

“Many years ago, a promoter allowed me to put a band together for a famous blues singer from the USA whose name is Roscoe Gordon. His music is one of the main reasons we're enjoying Reggae music today. Working with Roscoe gave me so much inspiration for my blues recordings. “I'm in Love With You” was produced by the Maestro Eddie Bullen – lending to that blues style.”

  

Jay Douglas’ ability to connect with listeners and paint a picture with his lyrics is truly something special and always humbling. Growing up in Jamaica, Douglas was drawn to blues, jazz, gospel, country, mento, and calypso styles of music early on. He draws much of his inspiration from this love affair he has with these genres and writes music he loves that he believes will love him back. 

  

“Writing my music gives me a platform to share the truth and experience of my musical journey with others. The idea behind my music is all about the truth, and good vibrations for our souls. Just moving and grooving. The connections between me, my instruments, bandmasters, and collaborators - it's a love affair under one foundation to share with the younger generations who are the gems of the future.”

  

Jay Douglas found his introduction to the limelight in Montego Bay, Jamaica. From there, his natural charisma and irresistible charm have led to a successful and continuing 45+ year career in entertainment, through which he has developed a passion for American Blues, West Indian Rhythms, and Jazz Standards. 

  

Douglas’ tactile and impactful performances are the reason he was announced the winner of NOW Magazine’s “Toronto’s Best R&B Act” in 2006 and Toronto Reggae Awards “Male Reggae Vocalist Of The Year” in 2007. These accolades drew the attention of Seattle-based Light In The Attic, choosing Douglas as the Headliner of the “From Jamaica to Toronto” tour. 

  

More recently, Douglas was nominated for “Reggae Recording of the Year” at the 2012 JUNO Awards and was the recipient of “G98.7 FM Entertainment Award” at the Harry Jarome Awards. His most recent nomination was for his collaboration with General Trees on “Jah Children,” receiving his second JUNO nomination during 2020. 

  

Jay Douglas’ connection to his homeland has been the foundation of his career, which has led Douglas’ to form lifelong friendships and musical collaborations with many of the founding musicians of ska, rock steady, and reggae. His upcoming single teasing his new album is set to feature a collaboration with one of his old friends, the legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin.

 

 https://linktr.ee/jaydouglasmusic

Durham County Poets

 

There’s no stopping anyone with the right attitude and some ambition and, for Canadian powerhouse blues band Durham County Poets, the drive to get “Back at the Groove Shack” after our pandemic pause is creatively evident with this, their soulful new single and album, Out of the Woods — both available now! 

  

While we all hunkered down for the long haul of COVID, DCP lead vocalist and songwriter Kevin Harvey knew that the time was right to get working on new music that could have the power to uplift and inspire just when we all perhaps need it the most. 

  

“The idea was for it to be a positive, uplifting experience for all involved — creators and listeners,” notes Harvey.

  

The result of this experience? The band’s fifth album, Out of the Woods, produced by Bill Garrett; the smooth, funky, and smile-worthy title track is the lead single that introduces the new collection in both style and substance.

 

From the one-word vocal intro of “alright”, the album’s title track, “Out of the Woods,” takes us down a path heading straight for the light at the end of the tunnel. Along the way, there’s continuous, rhythmic reassurance that everything is indeed going to be alright. 

  

“The number one inspiration for the single ‘Out of the Woods’ was my mother,” says Harvey. “She has always been a rock and the kind of mom that has the ability to set you straight! Get me off my high horse and or kick my behind if I start feeling sorry for myself, and always with love.”

  

We ain’t home yet but we’re out of the woods

Come on now, take a look at this world and start acting like we know we should

  

DCP has a lot to live up to and surpass after scoring a 2020 JUNO nomination for Best Blues Album of the Year for their fourth record, Hand Me Down Blues, and watching it stay on Roots Music Report’s Top 50 chart in Canada for more than 12 months. The album also received two Maple Blues Awards nominations and a Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination for Kevin Harvey.

  

While Harvey is the voice out front, Durham County Poets are a “band in the truest sense of the word,” they share. 

  

“Every member writes and arranges and brings something unique to the table,” says Harvey. “You’ll hear a variety of genres and a broad range of styles.” Those DCP members are David Whyte on guitar and backing vocals, Neil Elsmore on guitar and backing vocals, Carl Rufh on bass and backing vocals, and Rob Couture on drums.

  

“The guys in the band wrote songs that bolster that positive uplifting vibe, it’s peppered all over the album,” he continues. “Even when the content is somewhat sobering and can be a tad weighty, the end result is relevance and beauty, and a bit of humour never hurt nobody either.”

  

Positivity, forward-thinking, and passion are the key drivers for bandleader Kevin Harvey, who has been in a wheelchair since 1981 after what he calls a “stupid accident.“ He sees it as just one experience among many in his life and will not allow it to define or confine him. With the grace of God, the collective power of the band, and the slowly changing views of society towards the disabled, DCP has been able to realize some of the hopes and aspirations they all have as musicians. Harvey sums it up with his personal motto, “Music is a precious gift too important not to be shared.”

  

The belief in and celebration of that precious gift has been palpable when the band has fired up at key festivals such as Ottawa Blues, Rochester Jazz, Montréal Folk, Deep Roots Nova Scotia, Wintergrass Seattle, Port Credit, Ontario’s Southside Blues Shuffle, and the Pop-up “Superfolk” in Morin Heights, QC. 

  

The positive power that a DCP show can have was observed by Bill Hurley of Extended Play Sessions when he wrote, "There's something about the Durham County Poets that leaves you feeling that everything might be OK in the world after all. There's a human spirit that lives in these people and their music is the medium that allows that spirit to roam free."

 

In the coming months, the Durham County Poets will be sharing that spirit with enthralling performances increasing their usual five members to seven with a horn section. They’ll be hitting stages throughout Québec and Ontario and in the U.S. in New England and New York State in support of their fifth album Out of the Woods. Visit durhamcountypoets.com for dates.