Blues Caravan

 

Seventeen years since Ruf Records first had the brainwave of a showcase tour, the Blues Caravan concept remains unchanged and unbeaten. Three rising stars from the roster of Europe’s most respected boutique record label. Three live sets that run the gamut of emotion and genre. And as the finale each night, the mother of all live jams, with all three performers cutting loose together – and inviting the audience to do the same.

 Nobody sounds like Katie Henry. The singer–songwriter darting between  microphone, piano and Gibson SG, alighting on genres that include rock, roots, R&B, soul, funk and pop. You might catch flashes of a young Bonnie  Raitt in Katie’s Blues Caravan performance, but with her raw charisma, heart– on–sleeve songcraft and jam chops hard–won on the NYC circuit, this is one artist earning a reputation on her own terms.“ Music has always been about freedom and expression for me, and when audiences leave my show feeling expressed and more connected to themselves and each other, I know I’ve done my job.”

Will Jacobs is a modern blues/R&B/soul artist from Chicago, Illinois, USA. At 28 years old, he is best known for his powerful live performances.

Whether he’s playing clubs/festivals, performing with other world-class musicians, doing sessions or composing, Will always looks forward to sharing his passion for music with his audience.

In 2022, the Blues Caravan audience can look forward to another Blues music talent who’s guitar will rock the stages.

Through her many years of living and touring in the United States, Brussels native Ghalia Volt has been able to soak up the grooves and vibes of the blues like few Europeans before her. The singer and guitarist made her first big splash fronting the New Orleans–based outfit Mama’s Boys; she solidified her reputation as an exceptional talent with her 2019 Billboard Charting release Mississippi Blend working with legends like grammy–nominated Cedric Burnside. Early 2021, she released her One Woman Band album, recorded at the prestigious Royal Studios in Memphis, another Billboard Charting record showing her multi–instrumentalist skills playing drums, slide guitars and singing simultaneously.  

On the Blues Caravan 2022, she’ll be feeding us a gumbo made out of hits part of her 3 Ruf Records releases.

 http://wordpress.bluescaravan.de

News from JAM 66 RADIO

From today, LIZ CLARKE, TIM HEMME, THE SHRUBS, EXCORDE, ROYZY ROTHSCHILD FT EMILY CALLACHER and many others on JAM 66 Radio. ONLY THE NEWEST.

Many new groups and artists every day on the radio. Every day, the newest in rock, country, folk, blues and jazz music.

Tune in and hear on this blog or through the links on the right column. https://jam-radio.blogspot.com/

Also you can hear us on https://bit.ly/3xAefB1

The Blog of JAM 66 Radio, is the blog of the radio that plays rock, country, blues, blues rock, music of route 66 and the newest.

Every day new stories on radio, new posts, new bands, blues, blues-rock , country, folk and rock music are posted on this blog. Also, updated news on the blog in real time.

Stevie Redstone

 

 

Stevie Redstone’s never been one to slow things down, but taking a break from the road proved to be just what the hard-touring L.A. songwriter needed. The change of pace offered a chance to recharge and reflect, to experiment and explore, and it resulted in the creative windfall that led him to his spectacular debut, ‘Shot In The Dark.’ Recorded at Los Angeles’ Valentine Studios with producer Nic Jodoin (BlackRebel Motorcycle Club, Allah-Las), the album is an infectious slice of vintage gold, a retro-tinged collection that feels both classic and modern at once as it draws on everything from Motown and Stax to Britpop and Laurel Canyon. Redstone’s songs burst with larger-than-life horns, cinematic strings, and wall-of-sound production, tipping their cap to George Martin and Phil Spector in their outsized ambition while still managing to remain profoundly dynamic and intimate.

“I’ve always been a sucker for the big swooning harmonies and orchestral instrumentation of stuff from the 60’s and 70’s,” explains Redstone. “I think I just intuitively preferred music from that era because it was made by human beings and not computers. It was all about the raw performance.” Redstone’s passion for raw performance has guided him from the start. His earliest childhood memories involve singing for family and friends, and by the time he was in middle school, he was writing and performing his own original material. In college, he launched his first band, Redstone Hall, which recorded an EP with producer Dave Cobb (now a household name for his GRAMMY-winning studio work with Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell) and played together for nearly a decade before splitting up.

“It was scary to leave that group because when you’re in a band for a long time, you become like a group of soldiers together,” says Redstone. “You get used to the camaraderie and the support system. But at the same time, I needed to move at my own pace and keep pushing myself, and I believed in my music enough to take the leap to become a solo artist.”

Following his departure from the band, Redstone teamed back up with Cobb to record an album under the name Steven Roth. The collection (one of Cobb’s first sessions in Nashville) earned rave reviews and helped Redstone land some seriously high profile gigs, including dates with The Who at the Staples Center in L.A. and the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, where Elvis Costello also joined the bill.

“To be asked to open up for [The Who] was quite a thrill,” Redstone said in an interview at the time. “You work your whole life for something, and then it happens, and it’s sort of tough to describe…It’s like how do you describe jumping out of a plane and falling towards the Earth? Pure adrenaline and joy.”

As exciting as it was to strike out on his own and perform with rock royalty, Redstone was still hunting for something deeper, something more personal and powerful, so, for the first time in years, he cleared his calendar and forced himself to confront the big questions in his life: Who was he? Where was he headed? What did he truly want?

“Taking a break from touring to focus on writing really changed everything for me,” Redstone explains. “It was like this creative rebirth.”

With rebirth came a rechristening to his current moniker (Stevie Redstone is a play on the translation of his legal name) and a new, more collaborative approach to his music. Redstone began teaming up with writers he met in Nashville and LA for more than half a year of intensive sessions, pursuing a sound inspired by those raw recordings from the 60’s and 70’s that piqued his imagination and inspired his artistic spirit since childhood. While the resulting songs certainly owe a deep debt to those decades, they’re ultimately timeless, the work of an artist unafraid to follow his muse wherever it may lead.

“I’ve never been very tuned into current trends, and I’m not particularly interested in what’s popular at any given moment,” Redstone explains. “All I care about is finding a way to express myself and create something that I’m proud of.”

The record opens with the epic sweep of “Shot In The Dark,” a densely orchestrated earworm all about taking chances and going after the things you want in life. Hints of The Ronettes and The Beach Boys permeate the tune, with Redstone’s velvety voice carving straight through solid walls of strings and horns. The driving “Dance In The Rain” finds the silver lining in hard times, while “The Real Me” celebrates the deep bonds of lifelong friendship with tender piano and a soaring orchestra, and the joyful “Surrender” channels old-school Detroit soul as it gives in to the inevitability of love.

“I got married last year, and during the time I was writing this album, we were in that last stretch of being boyfriend/girlfriend,” explains Redstone. “I was working up the courage to take the next step and falling deeper in love with her the whole time.”

Though much of the record is drawn from personal experience, Redstone also looks outward here, tackling both cultural and political issues with subtlety and nuance. The George Harrison-esque “Now” combats the modern world’s constant barrage of negativity with a relentless optimism, while “Shots Fired” recalls ‘Let It Bleed’ era Stones as it castigates America’s epidemic of gun violence, and the unforgettable album closer “Rivers In The Sky” was born from the southern California drought. No matter the topic, Redstone ties it all together with passionate, explosive performances tracked live in the studio and straight to tape.

“As proud as I am of the record, I’m even more proud of the way these songs will be performed onstage,” Redstone says. “The shows I play are very high energy, totally rocking and rolling and danceable, but they’re also really improvisational. I like to open the songs up and let the band jam in a way that makes each concert totally different and unique.”

Redstone may have needed to leave the touring life behind in order to make this album, but the road is now clearly calling to him once more, and with ‘Shot in the Dark,’ he’s ready to answer.

 https://www.stevieredstone.com/

The Western Country Band

 

 „It is an awesome journey through my life with my music, my friends, my kids, my wife...“ (“The Journey” by TWCB)

It all started with a van. No, not a fan. Andy M. Veit didn't have a fan back in those days. Except his mother. - God bless all the cheering mothers out there! - He just had a van. It was old, a little bit rusty and slow.

„I'm on the road, have nowhere to go, no hurry, I take it slow...“ (“I'm On The Road” by TWCB)

Andy took all his money from his bank account to buy a guitar, a little PA and this old van. He quit his studies at university. Andy wanted to be a musician. Surely his parents felt really enthusiastic about this well thought out idea of their youngest son.

“At nights I play my guitar in a bar...” (“Family Man” by TWCB)

The following years were filled with little money but with lots of fun. To make your living as a musician is hard work but filled with passion, friendship to impressive people and sound, sound, sound.

In 2017 Andy M. Veit took the chance to found TWCB with his great guitar playing friend Marco Birkner. The very talented bass player Mike Oberhauser and the fabulous drummer Erny Moucka joined them.

“So many people are there, yes they seem to care! With a big wide grin I start to sing...” (“A Good Night's Song” by TWCB)

The first concert was arranged quickly. The band worked hard and had a lot of fun to create their own sound. But the joy in the matter was even greater: The first concert already packed! Incredible.

“Successful on my way, no time for a stay. Too far and further on, too fast on and on...” (“Home” by TWCB)

And how did it continue? Logically with the second concert. And?
The hall was full again. Madness. More and more guests came to the following concerts. The setlist was constantly expanded. Guest musicians invited. Fireworks of fun shared with the audience.

Own songs have been written. The first album "The Journey" was recorded in 2018. The single „Christmas In The Country“ was released in 2019 and in 2020 Corona couldn't stop them. „Little Love Song“ was produced. In 2021 it was released worldwide and reached a great amount of airplay (nearly) all over the world!

And now?
“It's Time To Smile” by TWCB ;-)

 https://www.thewesterncountryband.com/

Scott McKeon

 

Scott McKeon has given a lifetime of dedication to his craft as a guitarist. Initially inspired by his dad’s love of blues, soul and rock music, he took up the guitar at the age of four and has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most in-demand guitarists, both in the studio and performing live.

Scott was raised in southern England on a diet of Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, Hank Marvin, and other 50s rock n roll music, as well as Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Motown, RnB, and soul, through his parent’s record collection. Scott’s dad, Geoff, was a successful guitarist in his own right, with his band The Diplomats opening for The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers in the early 60s, with offers to go to Germany to perform.

By the time he was eight, Scott was playing a full-size Strat and was the face of a Fender ad campaign to inspire a new young generation of guitarists. Around the age of ten, a friend of Geoff’s showed Scott and his Dad a video tape of Stevie Ray Vaughan performing at Austin City Limits. This ignited Scott’s love of the blues and set him on a path to discover more about Texas musicians such as Freddie King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Doyle Bramhall Sr and Jr, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. This led Scott to listen to artists including Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Eric Clapton and BB King, all of which were influences on his playing in these formative years.

In 1998, Scott was the winner of Guitarist Magazine’s Young Guitarist of the Year, writing and performing his own song at Wembley Arena. Scott’s father sadly passed away shortly after this time, when Scott was 13 years old and already fronting his own blues band, playing most weekends in pubs and clubs around the south coast of England.

At 18, a demo CD was passed onto Jakko Jaksyk of Level 42/King Crimson, who then passed it on to Paul Crockford, Mark Knopfler’s manager, who started representing Scott. This culminated in the release of his debut album ‘Can’t Take No More’ - an energetic and raw take on modern electric blues rock, produced by Jesse Davey of UK blues band The Hoax. To promote the album, Scott toured extensively in the UK, Europe and US, sharing stages with Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Arc Angels, John Mayer and Sheryl Crow at Hard Rock Calling, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, The North Mississippi Allstars, BB King and Joe Bonamassa, as well as playing at The Montreal Jazz Festival, Mont Tremblant Festival, Glastonbury, and making TV appearances in the US.

In 2010, Scott released his second album, ‘Trouble’, on Mascot Provogue Records and again toured extensively to promote the record. This self-produced album crossed over to the rock/pop genre, with emphasis on song writing coming to the fore, after spending time in Nashville writing and hanging out with fellow guitarist Tyler Bryant earlier that year. The album featured guest performances from David Ryan Harris from John Mayer’s band, and legendary UK guitarist Robbie McIntosh. The release of the album led to Scott touring and opening shows for Derek Trucks, Gary Clark Jr and the Arc Angels, and to making his first performance at the Royal Albert Hall supporting Joe Bonamassa. Scott also wrote and produced music for Robert Knight’s ‘Rock Prophecies’ Documentary, which won him a RIIFF award for Best Soundtrack. The makers of Guitar Hero Five also sought him out in order to have a track from ‘Trouble’ on their game, as did the makers of the TV show LA Task Force.

After moving to London in 2010, Scott found himself in demand as a session musician, playing both live and in the studio, with many artists including Zigaboo Modeliste, James Arthur, Emeli Sande, Lana Del Ray, Van Morrison, Andreya Triana, Ed Sheeran and Rebecca Ferguson. Working outside of the blues genre widened Scott’s musical palette.

In 2014, Scott got a call to play in Sir Tom Jones’ band, alongside Robbie McIntosh and Pink Floyd drummer, Gary Wallis. The blues, rock n roll and gospel orientated set allows Scott to call on his early influences and travel the globe, recently completing the fifth year of working with Sir Tom. Performances so far have included five European tours, three tours of the US and South America, and tours of Australia and the Far East, as well as TV appearances including Later… with Jools Holland and TFI Friday, and playing New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2019.

Scott founded his own band, Rufus Black, in 2017, with UK blues/soul singer Gavin Conder, guitarist Ben Jones, and drummer Russ Parker. Their debut album, ‘Rise Up’, influenced by British Blues bands like Cream, Free and The Faces, was released the same year and was met with critical acclaim. The band have since seen their following grow and have been packing out venues and festivals across the UK and Europe.

In 2016, Scott travelled to the Fender factory in Corona, California, to meet with Master Builder, Dale Wilson. Dale designed and built a replica of Scott’s distinctive 1962 Fender Strat - a process which took around a year to complete, when the finished guitar was shipped across the pond to Scott.

Early 2018 saw Scott playing with one of his musical heroes, Eric Clapton, as part of the house band for an annual charity event (also featuring pianist Paddy Milner and guitarist and singer Marcus Bonfanti of Jawbone), Paul Jones and Friends, which also saw performances from Van Morrison and Sir Tom Jones.

In 2019, Scott joined Schiller, one of Germany’s biggest electronic artists, for his ‘Morgenstund’ tour, playing 15 arena shows all over Germany. Later that year, Scott joined guitarist and singer Doyle Bramhall II’s band for part of his European tour for shows in Sweden and Denmark. Scott has also been part of John Illsley from Dire Strait’s live band for the past 3 years, and features on John’s latest album, ‘Coming Up for Air’.

Scott’s third album, 'New Morning' out April 23 2021,is an earthy, raw, guitar-lead record, showcasing Scott's range and ability as a guitarist. The album was recorded live in the studio at RAK in London, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the sessions, and was produced by Paul Stacey (Black Crowes/Oasis), and features Jeremy Stacey (Sheryl Crow/Tal Wilkenfield) on drums, Rocco Palladino (Tom Misch/ D'Angelo) on bass, and Gavin Conder (Rufus Black/The Kondoors) as vocalist on several tracks.

The first single 'Third Eye Witness' released in February 2021, has already made it onto Spotify’s 'Modern Blues Rock' playlist alongside international artists including The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, Kurt Vile and Gary Clark Jr.

More recently, Scott has been working in a producing role with other artists, with albums due for release later in 2021. You can also catch Scott performing live with his own 'Superjam' group comprised of some of the UK’s top musicians.

Scott has also a signature fuzz pedal and signature pickups, modelled on his ’62 Strat.

 https://www.scottmckeon.co.uk/

Sano Hill

 

Sano Hill is a singer-songwriter based in Galway (Ireland) currently recording his debut album. His songs are inspired by life, love and loss and he has played to audiences in the US and Ireland with his work released already to critical acclaim on compilation albums, including 'Origin: See the Light', 'New Horizons', and 'Inundations' (which also featured music from leading international acts, including Josh Ritter, Ron Sexsmith, Lloyd Cole, Damien Rice, Mundy and The Frames). 

“Circlewalk” – released on July 29 – is the third single from his forthcoming album (music review responses to "Circlewalk" as well as his acclaimed previous singles “The Climb” and “Starting Over” are available here: https://sanohillsongs.wixsite.com/sano-hill/reviews). The forthcoming album as a whole (titled “If Not Now, When?”) charts the course of a relationship from hopeful beginnings, to emotional crises, breakup and recovery. “CircleWalk” is a darker song than the previous releases, dealing with the challenging subject of communication breakdown in a relationship, when two people can't find the words to say how they feel and instead walk in circles around what they need to say. This song is about expression, about breaking the silence. It features a full band sound, driving chorus and memorable final refrain. It was recorded at Dublin's legendary Windmill Lane Studios with award-winning producer Larry Hogan.

Sano Hill “is blessed with a strong and distinctive voice” (Galway Advertiser) and his work has been described as defining “a timeless recipe for original guitar music: inventive, humanist lyrics sung from the gut, then embedded in rhythms to barrage or soothe the soul" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). For leading Irish music magazine, Hot Press, Sano Hill daringly “tries to capture the sound, sense and smell of Galway in a similar vein to Van Morrison's finest compositions about his native Belfast." (Hot Press).

Selected Review Extracts for 'CircleWalk'

" “CircleWalk” is Sano Hill’s best offering to date. Here, the golden, ever-lasting, and infectious retro vibe reaches an emotional climax to a point that the time has stopped and everything will be forever lavishing and flamboyant...Hill’s vocal is undoubtedly the soul of the piece. It’s flavorful and expressive. It takes the listeners onto a whole new level of musical sensation that is unlike other songs...“CircleWalk” is a non-linear sonic box that preserves the best of the past and present. It’s a song that leaves an impression in your head for long as if the buzz will always be a part of your memory." - https://thepunkhead.com

" 'CircleWalk'... proves that Sano Hill is a real artist who knows how to write insightful, soulful songs taken from life itself. We love his sensual vocals, professional arrangements and the originality of his compositions." - http://indiedockmusicblog.co.uk

"A brilliant and exciting track that’s all about communication... The ending is phenomenal, with a refrain that sticks in our heads and make us dance and sing along." - https://lessthan1000followers.com

"The melody is a masterpiece brought to sonic glory by the full band. Hill’s vocals ride the waves of the sound to tug at your emotions and make you want to listen to the track over and over." - https://www.theothersidereviews.com

"Bringing back more of that rich and dynamic direction he has cultivated for himself, his newest release offers another heady dose of sweeping textures and soaring atmosphere that we simply can't get enough of." - https://www.therealding.com

"The arrangement and recording work on the song is phenomenal and expressive. The versatile guitars and saxophone provide good textural timbres. Hill’s powerful vocals coupled with the tight arrangement propel the song to the next level. CircleWalk is a stunning rock song that will keep you humming and tapping your feet." - https://sinusoidalmusic.com

" 'CircleWalk', a folk/indie rock single,  is a revolutionary creation ... His vocals are unique and hard to explain but its entrancing to listen to them. Sano Hill is a rising star; he has a unique sound that anyone could enjoy and find comfort in." - https://www.saiidzeidan.com

"‘CircleWalk’ is a beautifully vibrant and uplifting Folk Rock track that exudes creative energy. The song starts off with an energizing drum roll that quickly takes the listener into a funky progression that generates feelings of freedom and bliss almost instantly. Sano Hill’s warm and upfront vocals make themselves known shortly after as his lyrics tell a vivid story about love and loss...The theme of this track is just as amazing as the overall sound of the song" - https://www.giftedbalancerecords.com

"What a beautiful song. As soon as I hit the play button I was fascinated by this melody. The musical arrangements are great. The bass ventures into intricate melodic phrasing followed like a shadow by the drums. The groove of this song is irresistible and makes you dance. The passionate and intense interpretation of Sano Hill is irresistible and I found myself singing with him"  - https://www.edgarallanpoets.com

"As soon as one hears Sano Hill's breathtakingly fun and beautiful voice, a smile will not leave the listener’s face. 'CircleWalk' is already making big waves. I believe Sano Hill is the musician you've been waiting for. Bolstered by a powerful tune, his track graces us with dynamic and heart-warming melodies." - https://www.musiccitypulse.online

"The pure vocals plus the intensity of the instruments is a perfect combination ... It’s almost like a goth rock opera. You will enjoy every single moment ... This euphoric three minute track will allow you to drift away as you head back into the forest and thank Sano Hill for taking you on this journey." - https://www.aceofswords.co.uk

"With vocals that remind us of Bono Vox, the track has an excellent guitar arrangement and great production that give even more value to all the emotion delivered to the listener and that reaches him throughout the hearing of this work."  - https://www.osgarotosdeliverpool.com.br  [Brazilian publication in Portuguese]

"As with the previous single ‘Starting Over’, ‘CircleWalk’ has a bold, rich sound ... the element that screams desperation, melancholy and inner turmoil is Sano Hill’s vocal execution ... Sincere, sentimental, introspective and brutally honest, ‘CircleWalk’ connects with listeners on a deeper level ...  It’s inspiring, breath-taking and highly recommended." - https://nexusmusicblog.com                                       
" 'CircleWalk' has incredible orchestral power that comes from a very well-placed set of instruments. The composition is creative, powerful and has an overwhelming chorus that doesn't let the emotion drop" - https://roadie-music.com [Brazilian publication in Portuguese]

"Hill’s voice is captivating, and keeps the listener engaged for the full length of the song." - https://popfadblog.com

​Find all reviews (and full links) for Sano Hill releases here:
https://sanohillsongs.wixsite.com/sano-hill/reviews

"CircleWalk" is the third single from Sano Hill's forthcoming album. The album as a whole (titled “If Not Now, When?”) charts the course of a relationship from hopeful beginnings, to emotional crises, breakup and recovery.

"CircleWalk" is a darker song than the previous releases, dealing with the challenging subject of communication breakdown in a relationship, when two people can't find the words to say how they feel and instead walk in circles around what they need to say. This song is about expression, about breaking the silence. It features a full band sound, driving chorus and memorable final refrain. It was recorded at Dublin's legendary Windmill Lane Studios with award-winning producer Larry Hogan.

Released on July 29th, "CircleWalk" is already receiving rave reviews from music critics internationally.

 https://linktr.ee/SanoHill

Hans Grondel

 

What are your dreams, what is your calling, what makes you happy? Hans Grondel dreamed of a career in music. Doubt, uncertainty, choosing to be safe has kept him from going for his dream. Because we won't live forever and because he knew he would regret it, the 36-year-old bar owner decided to step away from the bar and follow his heart. He's working harder on his music than ever before!

Hans sings about chasing dreams, love and happiness. Americana that sounds like a mix between Danny Vera and Waylon. Let yourself be carried away by the guitar work and catchy melodies.

In addition to his safe job as a bar owner, Hans has always made music. At the age of 17 he picked up the guitar and since then Hans has performed hundreds of performances, won the Drenthe pop prize, was on stage with Triggerfinger and was shown on MTV.

Follow Hans on his musical journey. His new single: Step Into The Ring is out now! Several singles will follow this year.

 https://www.hansgrondel.nl/