The 50th anniversary of the legendary soul label Stax Records will kick off with the release of a deluxe edition 50-song, 2-CD box set titled Stax 50: A 50th Anniversary
James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured "Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died early Monday, his agent
Joan Osborne’s debut album for Vanguard Records, Pretty Little Stranger brings this highly respected singer-songwriter back to her Kentucky roots with six originals and six cover songs that are subtle country-bluegrass blends.
Having toured with Mavis Staples, Robert Cray, Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks and Taj Mahal, things have been riding all uphill the past year for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Mighty Sam McClain is that most seasoned and agreeable of old school performers, a master of soul and R&B blues in the manner of Bobby “Blue” Bland, whom McClain has called an idol, and whose influence on him is lovingly pronounced. The show at the Stone Church (made even more so by a dark, starless night and plenty of car-obscuring fog) was not an all-star salute at Madison Square Garden, planned to the minute and sponsored beyond its ability to breathe comfortably. It was a warm, emotional benefit concert, and for the gathering of townies, friends (Sam now makes his home in New Hampshire) and dance-hearty music lovers in attendance, the place to be.
Ben Harper has been on the scene now for over ten years, with six solid studio efforts under his belt, including last years critically acclaimed collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama, There Will Be A Light. But in today’s age of genre mashing, that’s not that impressive.
Live In ’71 has a lot to offer, including a separate audio CD, featuring even more tracks than the DVD. If you can get past the imperfections found in this release, you will equally find yourself wrapped up in one of the finer touring Rock & Roll and Soul acts of the 70
Maktub is the band that slides you right past the “would you like to come up for a cup of coffee?” part of your date and right into the heat and passion.
