New Muddy Waters Compilation, Spans 1958-1963

A new collection has been released featuring Muddy Waters' work with Chess Records, called "You Shook Me - The Chess Masters, Vol. 3, 1958 to 1963".

Some of these tracks from 2 disc album are not that famous nor available easily, which makes it worth buying. It includes songs from the "Live in Newport" album, rated one of the best albums of all time.

You can buy the album [here].

Here's a live version of "Crawling Kingsnake", (studio version is on the album):

The Beirut Report: The Blues Returns

Happy New Years everyone!

I have returned from my trip to Beirut, which was, like me, short but sweet. I had a great time seeing family and friends. Beirut has changed so much in the last few years, and despite politics, it still is a breathtaking city.

I am from Beirut, so obviously the connection is deeper, but when you live there you will understand why people are just infatuated with the culture and lifestyle of this great city.

And whats more? I got to perform for the first time in 7 years on a Lebanese stage, singing the same ol' blues. The owner of 'Name this Bar' in Gemmayze was kind enough to have me perform with their house band, all of whom are kickass performers.

The Lebanon 'high' is still in effect, so excuse me if I feel overly happy these few days. I'll be back with more blues for 2013, so stick around, there's a lot of news!

New Years Break

I will be off to Lebanon tomorrow, so don't expect any updates (unless there is something worth posting) until the 4th of January.

I wish everyone a bluesy 2013!

How I Feel Kuwait is Like Now

34th Blues Music Award Nominees Announced

[SOURCE]

The Blues Foundation  has announced the nominees for their 34th annual Blues Awards, set to take place in Memphis, Tennessee on May 9, 2013.

It's a huge list so bear with me here, after the jump.

Merry Blues Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all you

Blues fans, from me and Speakin' the Blues

'Christmas Christmas Blues' - Charley Jordan 

'You's a Whiskey Headed Woman'

Don't you hate it when your woman can handle whiskey better than you?

Another pre-war blues, 'Whiskey Head Woman' was performed by country blues great Tommy McClennan in 1939. His songs such as "Bottle Up and Go" and "Cross Cut Saw" became blues standards and covered by artists such as Albert King.

Cover Art for my Next Single 'Snake Oil Blues'

Look out for the next Avant-Garde-Music-Projects & Household Productions collaboration on 'Snake Oil Blues', coming out January 2013.


Design by Bachir Najjar.

Riot in Cell Block Nine - The Blues Brothers

"Scarface Jones said It`s too late to quit 
 Pass the dynamite, don`t you give me any shit"

This is one of the ultimate kick ass blues songs, originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1954, reaching No. 1 in the RnB charts by The Robins.

This version by The Blues Brothers features the sneering vocals of Dan Aykroyd (as Elwood Blues) with the usual New York horns and the Southern rhythm sound of the band.

Have a good weekend!

Where did the Blues Come From?

That was the question blues pianist Otis Spann asked in his song, "Blues Never Die".

His answer?

From the lowlands... the Mississippi Delta.

He also says  in the song:

"When you're in trouble
the Blues is a man's best friend
Blues ain't ask where you goin'
and it don't care where you been"