W & X is for Wildly X-Citing and somewhat X-Rated Blues [#421]

The Blues Room#409, 20 November 2013

Download link: left click to listen, right click to save

Tony Hunt from Hamilton Blues Society couldn't make it up into the studio with me so I thought I'd go back and finish what I started last year - The ABCs of Blues series. Tonight the tunes are brought to you by the letters W & X ... in some related way!! Enjoy!
Next week, tunes by the letters Y & Z.

Episode #421, 12 February 2014

1. North Mississippi Allstars - My Babe

2. Sonny Fisher - Rockin' Daddy

3. Barrelhouse Chuck and Kim Wilson's Blues Allstars - Stockyard Blues

4. William Clarke with Charlie Musselwhite - Charlie's Blues

5. Dinah Washington - Big, Long, Slidin' Thing

6. Nick Waterhouse - (If) You Want Trouble

7. Muddy Waters - I Just Want To Make Love To You

8. Phillip Walker - Street Walking Woman

9. Maria Muldaur with Dr John on piano - Don't You Feel My Leg

10. Nina Simone - I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl

11. Lanie Lane - Betty Baby

12. Big Kitty - Baby Baby Ev'ry Night

13. Kid Ramos and Bob Corritore - Baby Don't You Tear My Clothes

V is for Violence Free Blues and Swamp Thing Interviews (#410)

The Blues Room, Episode # 410

Download link: left click to listen, right click to save as

This episode is a double banger! First of all we continue with the ABCs of the Blues series we've been doing this year. We're up to the letter V and V is for Violence free blues! I take the liberty of plugging the White Ribbon Day campaign (Nov 25th), a campaign against men's violence towards women and children.

Then we switch gears and I interview two guys who have joined to form Swamp Thing. Michael Barker (drums/ percussion/ vocals), a long-time member of The John Butler Trio and touring drummer with Kiwi legends Split Enz, and Grant Haua, a Tauranga singer-songwriter guitar great with the most amazing vocals. You may have seen them perform on New Zealand's Got Talent. These two unique musicians share a wealth of experience to craft blues- flavoured music with a deep groove and soulful spook. A must see in Hamilton next Thursday at Diggers. See you there! Up next week is Darcy Perry for another Hour of Blues Power. Enjoy!

1. Swamp Thing - Swamp Thing [NZ]

2. Chris Duarte Group - Violence

3. Swamp Thing - Come With Me [NZ]

4. The John Butler Trio - Good Excuse

5. Grant Haua - On My Tail [NZ]

6. Ma Rainey - Sweet Rough Man

7. Bessie Smith - Outside Of That

8. Jimi Hendrix Experience - Hey Joe

9. The Leaves - Hey Joe

10. Robert Randolph presents Slide Brothers - It Hurts Me Too

11. Raoul & The Big Time - Just Keep Lovin' Her

U is for UNPLUGGED BLUES [#409]

The Blues Room, Episode 409, 20 November 2013

Download link: left click to listen, right click to save

Its all about unplugged blues in this episode, uncut, acoustic, bare bones blues!!! Enjoy.

1. Buddy Guy and Junior Wells - Baby What You Want Me To Do/Thats Alright

2. James Cotton - Down At My Buryin'

3. Lee Sankey - Acoustic Slow Blues

4. Larry Carlton & Robben Ford - NM Blues 08

5. Paul Rishell - I'm Gonna Jump And Shout

6. Charlie Musselwhite - Run here Mama

7. Lil' Ian Goodsman - Separation Anxiety [NZ]

8. Gerry Hundt - Broke Down

9. Heritage Blues Orchestra - Chilly Jordon

10. Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women - Sloppy Drunk

T is for TEXAS Blues [#408]

Episode 408, 13 November 2013

Download link: left click to listen, right click to save file

T is for TEXAS blues ... at least one hour of it! 

I sense more episodes dedicated to Texas blues coming up in 2014 so watch this space!

1. Fenton Robinson - Texas Flood

2. Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland - T-Bone Shuffle

3. Gary Primich - Dallas Texas

4. Omar and the Howlers - Lone Star Blues

5. Stevie Ray Vaughn - Crossfire

6. Lightnin' Hopkins - Mojo Hand

Tribute to Lightnin' Hopkins - LH, Jimmy Vaughn, BB King

7. Lightnin' Hopkins - Lightnin's Gone Again

8. Freddie King - Texas Flyer

Janis Joplin audio (1969)

9. Ledbelly - Blind Lemon

10. Clarence Gatemouth Brown - Gate Walks to Board

11. The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Lovin Time

S is for SCARY blues! [#406]

Episode 406, 30 October 2013

Download link: left click to listen, right click to download

Its the night before Halloween! Thank goodness I have two guests in the studio with me for this one, this is scary stuff! Jade from Hamilton's Jukebox Diner joins me to talk all about the Haunted Dinner at the Diner and All Hallows Eve after party this Friday night. And Darcy Perry sits in to learn the ropes as hes hosting a monthly episode of The Blues Room starting next week and continuing each first Weds of every month, so don't miss it!

1. Lee Rocker - Black Cat Bone

2. The Ghastly Ones - Diabolos Theme 

3. Eddie Turner - Miracles and Demons

4. Joe Bonamassa - Burning Hell

5. Jeff Beck - I Put A Spell On You

6. Swamp Thing - Voodoo Doll [NZ]

7. Darcy Perry Band - Reaper Man [NZ]

8. Buddy Guy - Whiskey Ghost

9. Little Freddie King - Mixed Bucket of Blood

10. R.L Burnside - Nightmare Blues

11. Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Spooky

R is for Robert's Songs [#405]

Episode 405, 23 October 2013

Download link for this episode: 405

R is for Robert's songs. We all know at least one Robert Johnson songs but no doubt have many favorites. And there will always be one of his songs covered at a blues jam somewhere around the world. So heres a tribute to Robert Johnson, a collection of well covered songs by some great bands. Enjoy!

1. Carlos del Junco - Heaven's Where You'll Dwell

2. Joe Bonamassa - Walking Blues

3. Albert Castiglia & Graham Wood Drout - Sweet Home Chicago

4. Eric Clapton with Wynton Marsalis -Forty-Four

5. Luther Allison - Sweet Home Chicago

6. The Juke Joint Pimps - Dust My Broom

7. Left Lane Cruiser & James Leg - Ramblin On My Mind

8. Carey Bell and Robert Lockwood Junior - I'm A Steady Rollin' Man

9. Eddie Taylor Jr. - Stop Breakin Down

10. Paul Black And The Flip Kings - Dead Shrimp Blues

11. John Hammond - Phonograph Blues

12. Peri Kohu with Nate Taiapa - Walking Blues

Q is for Queens of Blues and Rockabilly [#404]

Episode 404, 16 October 2013

Download link for this episode: 404

This week I feature music by *some* of the QUEENS of blues and Rockabilly. And my special guests are Michelle aka Miss Tittletattle and Big Si who talk all about the Atomic Market/Festival thats happening this weekend at The Jukebox Diner/Classic Car Museum in Hamilton, NZ. Enjoy!

1. Kitty Daisy and Lewis - I'm Going Back

2. Wanda Jackson - Baby Loves Him

3. Sparkle Moore - Rock-A-Bop

4. Candye Kane - Coming Out Swinging

5. Tedeschi Trucks Band - Part Of Me

6. Etta James - W-O-M-A-N

7. Ann Cole - I Got My Mojo Working

8. Rose Maddox - Wild Wild Young Men

9. Big Maybelle - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

10. Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog

P is for Piano Blues [#403]

Photo credit: Karen Pulfer Focht - Mose Vinson performs on Beale Street

Episode 403, 9 October 2013

Download link for this episode: 403

My blues collection would not be complete without piano blues. Nuff said. Enjoy.

1. Otis Span - The Blues Never Die

2. Professor Longhair - in The Wee Wee hours

3. Henry Gray with Kid Ramos - Henry's Houserocker

4. Kate Meehan and Skip Landy - Pocket Full Of Blues

5. Jay McShann with Maria Muldaur - Confessin' The Blues

6. Dr John - Wang Dang Doodle

7. Dr John - Such a Night

8. Ray Charles - Mess Around

9. Pinetop Perkins - Pinetops Blues

10. Rod Pizza with Honey Piazza - Get Wise

11. Skip James - All Night Long

12. Tommy Keys - Chicken Shack

13. Big Joe Duskin - You're Gonna Miss Me (Part 2)

O is for Orchestras [#402]

Episode 402, 2 October 2013

This episode is brought to you by the letter O ... O is for Orchestra, blues orchestras! Its another episode in my 'ABCs of the Blues' series. I worked out that I could get the whole alphabet/ABCs series in this side of Christmas so heres goes! OK, so the first track isn't an orchestra, far from it, but the band does start with O and I heard the song this week and loved it so thats why you're getting a taste of it here. The orchestra I focus in on is a Grammy nominated Heritage Blues Orchestra. I think they'd be perfect for any blues festival (like Bluesfest in Byron Bay) or even the most intimate hall. 

Next week its music brought to you by the letter P ... P is for PIANO blues!

1. The Oblivions - Do The Milkshake

2. BB King and His Orchestra - I Gotta Move Outta This Neighborhood

3. Duke Jenkins And His Orchestra - Shake It!

4. Lowell Fulson & His Orchestra - Chuck With The Boys

5. Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown His Guitar & Orchestra - Atomic Energy

6. King Perry Orchestra - Let 'Em Roll Blues

7. Heritage Blues Orchestra - Clarkesdale Moan

8. Heritage Blues Orchestra - Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down

9. Heritage Blues Orchestra - Chilly Jordan

10. Heritage Blues Orchestra - Catfish Blues

11. Brian Setzer Orchestra - Fishnet Stockings

Download link for this episode: 402

N is for NEW 2013 Releases [#399]

I get many CDs and tunes posted or emailed to me and I appreciate them all! Theres some fine blues being played by both the famous and the unknown and I just wanted to acknowledge some of the rock-blues tunes sent to me recently, so here tis! 

Next week is our 400th episode and I have a big blues package for someone to win so stay tuned!!

The Blues Room, Episode 399, 11 September 2013

1. Mark Cook - One Step Closer

2. Gary US Bonds - Thats My Story

3. Tommy Keys - Life Is Too Short

4. JP Blues - Keep On Walking

5. Todd Wolfe Band - Locket Full Of Blues

6. The Kendall Wall Band - Just One More Time

7. Boz Scaggs - You Got Me Cryin

8. Mister S - Strangers Grave [NZ]

9. Brothers In Blues feat. Micky Moody - Waiting For The Devil < FREE DOWNLOAD

10. Buddy Guy - Too Dam Bad

Download link for this episode: 399

Bert Deivert: Blues Mandolin Goes Folky Old-Time [#397]

Episode 397, 28 August 2013

Talk about a lucky run of interviews! I have learnt so much from my interviews with some of the world's top blues mandolin players over the last few weeks. Here I get to talk to Bert Deivert, another modern mandolin master playing blues and roots music, while he enjoys his morning coffee in Sweden. An award winning artist and world traveler Bert is one of the only 5 or so modern blues mandolin players who has released an album featuring blues mandolin. I hope you enjoy the interview and mix of fine tunes. 

But wait! Theres more! 

Bert informs me that Billy Flynn is also playing blues mandolin and has released a blues mandolin album. Watch this space!

1. Memphis Gold - Biscuit Boogie

2. Bert Deivert - Kid Man Blues

3. Bert Deivert - Lula

4. Bert Deivert - Nongharn Blues

5. Bert Deivert - Rob and Steal

6. Billy Flynn - Mandolin Special

7. Big Walter Horton with Johnny Young - She Left Me With A Mule To Ride

8. Memphis Gold - How You Gonna Play The Blues

Download link for this episode: 397

Rich DelGrosso: Modern Mandolin Master [#396]

Episode 396, 21 August 2013

I'll never forget hearing the sound of Rich DelGrosso's blues mandolin at Byron Bay's Bluesfest in 2007. This was the first time I had heard someone playing live blues mandolin. I had heard it on record before, Johnny Young was the very first, but I had never heard it played live at a concert. As I stood in awe listening to Rich DelGrosso, Mookie Brill and Fiona Boyes' performance at Bluesfest that year I never dreamed I'd have Rich as a special guest on The Blues Room. Nor did I realize that I'd never see another performance featuring blues mandolin as good as that.

Rich is such a wonderful guy whose full of musical experience and talent. Here I interview him from his home in Houston, Texas. What a privilege for me! Please check him out at http://www.mandolinblues.com/ and be sure to see him perform if you ever get the chance. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Enjoy.

1. Yank Rachell - Early In The Morning

2. Rich Delgrosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson - Baby Please

3. Rich Delgrosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson - A Gig Is A Gig

4. Rich DelGrosso, Mookie Brill and Fiona Boyes - Live from Bluesville - Hard To Live With

5. Rich Delgrosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson - Good Rockin' Johnny

Download link for this episode: 396

More Mandolin Blues with Gerry Hundt [#395]

Episode 395, 14 August 2013

I first heard about Gerry Hundt through Ronnie Shellist when I interviewed Ronnie about his blues harmonica projects and new album in episode#342 . Gerry had performed mandolin on a few of Ronnie songs and one of them became my immediate favorite, its called Shoes (hear a sample).

Here Gerry talks about his career as a musician and about his passion for the blues mandolin. I never realized just how much of a role the mandolin has played in blues music. I'm glad Gerry accepted my invitation to be interviewed live to air, it made the time about 4.30am for Gerry! Gerry's musical talents don't just stop at mandolin, hes a multi-instrumentalist and can play guitar, harmonica, bass, piano, drums, lap-steel just to name a few. 

Next week I'll be interviewing another great mandolin player, Rich Delgrosso, and asking him all about his experiences with the blues mandolin. In the meantime, enjoy this episode, featuring Gerry Hundt.

1. Gerry Hundt - Ready to Go

2. Ronnie Shellist with Gerry Hundt - Eyesight to The Blind

3. Gerry Hundt - End of the Day Blues 

4. Gerry Hundt - The Union Meetin' 

5. Gerry Hundt - Bad Water 

6. Bert Deivert with Memphis Gold - Goin' Down South 

7. Otis Taylor - Black's Mandolin Boogie 

Download link for this episode: 395

L is for LIVE Blues Recordings [#393]

Having a blues band playing live in the studio for this episode would have been perfect, but we'll have to take a rain-check on that just now. In the mean time heres some live blues recordings that would have been just magic for those lucky enough to witness them. L is for Liive Blues! Enjoy!

Episode 393, 31 July 2013

1. Roomful Of Blues - Just Keep On Rocking

2. Big Kitty - Flip Flop Fly

3. Big Jay McNeely - Honky Tonk

4. Etta James with Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson - Please Send Me Someone To Love

5. Trickbag with Lynwood Slim and West Weston - Thats All Right

6. Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters - The Big Train

7. Mitch Kashmar - Evil Man

8. Junior Wells and the Aces - Look On Yonders Wall

9. Gary Moore and Albert King - Stormy Monday

Download link for this episode: 393

K is for the KINGS of the Blues [#392]

K is for the KINGS of the Blues! The three kings most often spoken about include Albert King, BB King, and Freddie King. However, I'd like to add a few more Blues Kings of noteworthy success: Earl King and King Curtis. It was so cool seeing Albert King inducted into the Rock n Roll hall of fame by John Mayer earlier this year (May 2013). He so deserves to be there. I hope you enjoy this royal lineup of Blues Kings!

Episode 392, 24 July 2013

1. The Hollywood Fats Band - Hideaway

2. Albert King - I'll Play The Blues For You

3. John Mayer inducts Albert King into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, 2013

4. Albert King - Blues Power

5. Buddy Guy with BB King - Stay Around A Little Longer

6. BB King - My Love Is Down

7. Freddie King - Have You Ever Loved A Woman

8. King Curtis - Hideaway

9. Jimi Hendrix - Come On (Part 1)

10. Earl King - Come On (Parts 1 and 2)

Download link for this episode: 392

J is for Jump Blues featuring Big Si of The Southern Diplomats

Episode 391, 17 July 2013

Simon Crowfoot aka Big Si (bassist/singer/song writer) of The Southern Diplomats joins Nate in the studio tonight to talk all about his band playing at the upcoming Dinner at the Jukebox Diner this Saturday 20th July. If you're in or around Hamilton city this Saturday you won't want to miss this first-time event. Plus you can get half price entry into the Classics Car Museum too. For more details please visit the Diner's facebook page. Big Si and Nate spin loads of good music including jump blues, rockabilly, swing and blues through-out the episode. See you at the Jukebox diner on Saturday!

1. Joe Houston - Flying Home

2. Jackie Brenston - Rocket 88

3. Wynonie Harris - Mr Blues Is Coming To Town

4. Big Joe Turner - Doggin The Blues (Low Dog Blues)

5. Wynonie Harris - Good Rockin Tonight

6. Cal Davis - San Quentin Bait

7. Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers - Walk Right In, Walk Right Out

8. Cash Box Kings - Oscar S Jump

9. Candye Kane feat Laura Chavez - Coming Out Swingin'

10. Magic Dick & Jay Geils - The Jumpin Blues

11. Mr Sad Head - Butcher Boy

12. Big Kitty - Trying To Forget You

Download link for this episode: 391

I is for Instrumentals [#390]

Episode 390, 10 July 2013

We who love the blues will know good blues instrumentals when we hear them, and whats more, we never forget them either! Theres something about a good blues instrumental that makes it stand out above the rest. The really good ones have you humming along! Well heres some blues instrumentals that you may have heard of or not have heard of, hope you like them. Let us know what your favourite blues instrumentals are? Post your comments below. Enjoy!

1. James Cotton - Hucklebuck

2. Robert Randolph Presents The Slide Brothers - Wade in the water

3. Bob Brozman and Schnapka - Calcutta Blues

4. Pinetop Perkins - Relaxin'

5. Charles Brown - Driftin' Blues

6. Little Walter - Quarter To Twelve

7. Charles 'Big Daddy' Stallings feat. Steve Levine and Anthony 'Swamp Dog' Clark - Levine Boogie

8. Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters - Blues for Hubert Sumlin

9. Del Thomas - NZ Blues

10. William Clarke & The Night Owls with Zach Zunis - 7-11 Cocktail

11. Booker T. Jones Feat. Ted Jones - Father Son Blues

12. Trickbag - Hot and Heavy

Download link for this episode: 390

More Harmonica Scorchers! [#390]

Episode 390, 3 July 2013

Theres no way in hell or heaven that I can do justice to the world of blues harmonica in a couple of hour episodes of blues radio but hopefully you enjoy this small selection of more scorching harmonica tunes. more to come in future show but let's more on from here with the ABC's of Blues series, next up we have the letter I ... I is for Instrumentals! Oh yeah, and thats my two sons in the picture above, with MY harmonicas I might add, haha!

1. James Cotton - Bonnie Blues

2. RJ Mischo - Not Your Good Man

3. The Flaming Mudcats (harp: Craig Bracken) - Big City Mama [NZ]

4. Hot Club Sandwich (harp: Neil Billington) - I Like It Like That [NZ]

5. King Leo and the Growling Dogs - Down The Nui [NZ]

6. Brendon Power - Onion Blues [NZ]

7. Ronnie Shellist - Shoes

8. Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones (harp: Dennis Gruenling) - Bella's Boogie

9. Rob Paparozzi - Peg O Heart

10. Rob Paparozzi - Peg

11. Big Walter Horton and Charlie Musselwhite - Rockin' My Boogie

12. The Red Devils (harp: lester Butler) - Quarter To Twelve 

13. Brownie McGhee with Sugar Blue - Blues Had A Baby

Download link for this episode: 390

H is for Harmonica Scorchers! [#389]

I started The Blues Room over 7 years ago to bring you episodes like this one! I need to play more Harmonica Scorchers! Anyways, heres a setlist of mainly modern harmonica masters to get you all excited about either picking up a harmonica or continuing to play one. Thanks to David Barrett for pointing out some of these players, I hadn't heard of a Jim Liban before - more from him coming in future shows! I'll let the experts strut their stuff. Enjoy!

Episode 389, 27 June 2013

1. Mark Hummel - Harp Shuffle

2. Buddy Guy and Junior Wells - Give Me My Coat and Shoes

3. Brandon Santini - Been So Blue

4. Rick Estrin - Don't Boss Me

5. Bob Corritore - 1815 West Roosevelt

6. Satan and Adam - I'm a Girl Watcher

7. Gary Smith - Minor Mambo

8. Jim Liban - All Corned Up

9. Jerry McCain - Honky Tonk

10. Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers - The Bounce

11. Paul deLay - Jimmy Jones

12. Curtis Salgado - El Gado Rumba Azul

Download link for this episode: 389

H is for More Harmonica Masterclass with David Barrett [#387]

Episode 387, 19 June 2013

Heres part two of my interview with David Barrett (harmonicamasterclass.com, schooloftheblues.com, blueshramonica.com). I've had great feedback regarding part one, and some much appreciated feedback while part two was going to air so thank you to everyone whos shown support for what I'm doing here. For me its a labour of love - I love what I'm doing and I'm doing what I love. Anyways, enough small talk, heres the questions and songs played for this episode. And big ups to Mark who answered last week's question correctly, he wins the new CD by Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, 'One Wrong Turn.' 

Question: You have rubbed shoulders with and had opportunity to play harmonica with some of the greatest modern harmonica players like Charlie Musselwhite, Lee Oskar, Rod Piazza and Kim Wilson and with great blues musicians like Jr. Watson, Rusty Zinn, Nick Moss and John Garcia, just to name a few. What have been some highlights for you meeting and performing with many of these great artists? What valuable lessons have you learnt from your experiences with these artists? 

As a teacher and instructor of blues harmonica, what seems to be the most common mistake or aspect about your students learning that keeps reoccurring? 

In your opinion, what bugs you most about harmonica players in live band situations, whats the biggest weakness or mistake harmonica players seem to make when playing with bands? 

In short, what makes you unhappy about harmonica players? 

1. Mitch Kashmar & Pontiax with William Clarke- Horn of Plenty

2. William Clarke - Goin Steady

Q: Musical ruts are where things don’t seem to flow or where the passion seems faint and most musicians find themselves in one every now and again, what advice can you give to those in musical ruts? 

What has worked best for you when trying to get out of a musical rut? 

3. Little Walter - Rocker

Q:  How has your harmonica playing changed over the years? 

4. Flávio Guimaraes with Peter Madcat - Muddys's Ukelele

Q: What would be your greatest strength when playing harmonica, and what would be the thing you’d most like to improve? 

5. David Barrett - LeftOvers

Q: I remember hearing Jerry Portnoy saying, in reference to those seeking the best amps and mics for harmonica playing, ‘rubbish in, rubbish out.’ Would you agree? 

How important is practicing and mastering your instrument? 

And how important is having the best equipment i.e. amp & mic? 

6. Muddy Waters/Jerry Portnoy - Jerry Portnoy's Boogie

9. Which living person do you most admire? 

Flávio Guimaraes with Joe Filisko - Joe's Reggae

"On This Day In Blues History" 

Q: What do you enjoy doing the most when you are not performing, teaching or working on your music? 

If music was denied you, your other career choice would be . . . ? 

Thank you David, in closing, if you could have one super power what would it be and why?

10. David Barrett and John Garcia - Don't Fight It

11. George Harmonica Smith - Blowing The blues

12. William Clarke and the Night Owls - Hittin' Heavy

13. Mitch Kashmar and the Pontiax - Petroleum Blues

Download link for this episode: 387