Standard of the Week: 'St. James Infirmary Blues'

St. James Infirmary was written by an unknown author early on in the beginning of the 20th century. It was adapted from another song from 18th century England, and it is speculated that the infirmary was an actual hospital run by the church to treat leprosy. 

Once it moved the USA, it became about alcohol instead. Louis Armstrong made the song popular in 1928, with his version, in the minor key, with a somber tone and downer lyrics:

Cab Calloway, one of the original scat men, also performed this song in 1933, on a Betty Boop cartoon no less

Even Hugh freaking Laurie (AKA House) sang this song on his album:

It is one of the staples of New Orleans and 1920's jazz and has been performed by countless musicians, for good reason.

Happy Birthday Pinetop Perkins!

Today in 1913, blues piano legend Joseph "Pinetop" Perkins was born in Mississippi.

In the 50's he released a very well known (and now standard) song called "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie" and started touring and recording with Earl Hooker.

Pinetop is mostly known for being in Muddy Waters' blues band, replacing Otis Spann in 1969 and stayed on until Muddy's death in 1983.

From then on, he was a lead member of The Legendary Blues Band featuring other members of Muddy's band,  Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Calvin Jones, and Jerry Portnoy, during these years, and his debut album was released in 1988.

With a healthy and contant dose of albums and liver performances, Pinetop is the oldest-ever Grammy winner at the age of 97, winning the award for Best Traditional Blues Album for the 2011 album "Joined at the Hip", which he recorded with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

The later years...

He died a month after his Grammy win in 2011; we wish him a happy birthday; for he is a true pillar of the blues and of music in general.

Here's his blues standard calle "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie":

Love Extended Guitar Solos? 'No Tears' - Duke Robillard & Ronnie Earl

'The Duke Meets The Earl' is the first time blues guitar giants Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl have recorded an album together, which was released in 2005. 

Between the two, they have won six W.C. Handy Awards as Blues Guitarist of the Year! But this is not two guys duelling at a showdown at high noon; what it is is two good friends and two exceptional guitar players jamming together and making exceptional music for the joy of playing together.

This album is a great contemporary blues album, a must for blues guitar lovers. I chose the cover of Walter Price's 'No Tears' because it's 16 minutes long and features about 10 minutes of guitar soloing, so what's not to love?!

New Fender Bass Leaked: Modern Player Dimension

I'm always here bringing you the latest in Fender's guitar/bass releases, and now there's a new leak out... the Modern Player Dimension bass.

The Dimension was actually released in the early 2000's with a different look than usual Fender styles; but this one is more reminiscent of the Marauder or a Gibson-styled guitar, and features a triple-humbucker pickup. The Modern Player series is made in China and is the testing ground for eccentric styled Fender equipment.

I'm not too excited; I'm a Precision Bass dude all the way (ok and Jaguars too)!

Expect the official release announcement end of the month.

Bluesman Texas Johnny Brown Dies

Another sad day for the blues as Houston blues legend 'Texas' Johnny Brown passed away last night July 1st, at the age of 85.

He was diagnosed with liver cancer but he refused to get chemotherapy; he died peacefully in his sleep.

The bluesman has been a staple of the Houston blues scene since his arrival from Mississippi with his dad, a blind blues musician, at the age of 10. Johnny worked with his father for some time before beginning a successful solo career. 

Here's one of his blues standards called "There Goes the Blues", which in this sad day, is very true. RIP Johnny.

'Mini Bar Blues' - Fun Lovin' Criminals

I mentioned previously that the Fun Lovin' Criminals are one of my favorite bands, and perhaps I'm their biggest fan from the Middle East (still waiting for the band recognition on that one!). Their creative mix of blues, hip hop and rock resonates with me in crazy ways. Not to mention Huey Morgan is just a badass mofo.

On their second album '100% Columbian' released in 1998, there's a track called 'Mini Bar Blues' which features blues legend BB King on guitar; it's one their most "pure" blues songs on record. The mellow mood always cheers me up.

Here's the live version from back in the day, featuring their first drummer Steve:

Ever Loved a Woman?

Then you'd better listen to the preachin' blues by Johnny Shines and learn that if you do, 'You Gotta to Pay the Cost'!

Remembering Big Bill Broonzy

On this day in 1893, blues guitar pioneer Big Bill Broonzy was born in Mississippi. He would become one of the most prolific blues singers of all time (having over 200 recorded) in his career spanning from 1927 till his death in 1958.

He was a fiddle player, but switched to the guitar when he moved to Chicago in the 20's. From there he blossomed into a seasoned musician, and influencing many others, including the likes of Muddy Waters, who recorded a cover album of Broonzy's songs as a tribute.

Many of his songs have become blues standards, such as Key to the Highway, Hey Hey, and others.

We salute Big Bill for his contribution to the blues and to music. Below is a rare performance of "It Was a Dream":

Leisure Suit Larry's Remake Jazzy Soundtrack

I am a huge fan of old school video games (see my post on Police Quest 2), so it was a great joy to see that the old Sierra game Leisure Suit Larry is being remade by it's original creator, Al Lowe.

Before:

After:

One of the great things about that game was the soundtrack, even though it was done on a retro 8 bit PC speaker. For the remake, Austin Wintory stepped to the helm and man the music is great! The music is inspired by the early era swing / big band jazz music.

You can stream the album on his Bandcamp page here; and if you like it, it only costs $6. The game will be released this month on Steam and later on mobile devices.

The new main theme featuring a clip from the original game is called Larry Reloaded (first track):

Buddy Guy's Latest Album Cover Art Revealed

Living blues legend Buddy Guy has released the cover art for his latest album "Rhythm & Blues", which will be released on July 30. He's camouflaged in polka dots just like his signature Fender Stratocaster!

Buddy Guy is currently the ambassador of blues music today and it's awesome to see him perform and record even at this age!