Big Head Todd and The Monsters release new album 'Her Way Out'

One of my favorite blues-rock artists is issuing a new album today. Get all the details and listen to Big Head Todd & The Monster's "Her Way Out"...Robert Kinsler

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS RELEASE NEW ALBUM 'HER WAY OUT' LISTEN HERE SUMMER TOUR KICKS OFF JUNE 4TH IN DURANGO ON THE ROAD WITH BLUES TRAVELER JULY 30 - AUGUST 4 TOUR DATES HERE

BOULDER, CO -  Big Head Todd and The Monsters are excited to announce the release of their 12th album, Her Way Out, via Big Records. For close to four decades, the members of Big Head Todd and The Monsters—Todd Park Mohr [vocals, guitar, keys, sax, harmonica], Brian Nevin [drums], Rob Squires [bass, vocals], and Jeremy Lawton [keyboards, lap pedal-steel guitar, vocals]—have continued to both throw down in the studio and light up stages worldwide. Rallying around a core vision, the platinum-selling Colorado quartet kick out the jams both in-studio and on-stage. Todd, Brian and Rob unlocked their musical partnership during high school when they started jamming in the early eighties. In 1986 they adopted the name Big Head Todd and The Monsters. BHTM released two successful independent records on their label, BIG Records, Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990.) Sister Sweetly (1993) pushed them to the next level yielding four top 10 rock radio hits. Strategem [1994] came next followed by Beautiful World [1997], which included "Boom Boom" featuring John Lee Hooker.  The band procured a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records with their performance of "Blue Sky" live from NASA Mission Control to the Space Station.They've toured and recorded with B.B. King, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Hubert Sumlin, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Dave Matthews Band, The Eagles and Robert Plant. They attained hometown hero status by headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre 35 times and earning induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2023.  Their latest release, Her Way Out, came to life organically. For two years, the band hosted "Monster's Music Monthly," serving up new songs or new versions of their extensive catalogue.of a classic Working out of Jeremy's home studio, they parlayed this momentum into their latest LP. "It had been almost seven years since our last album release, but we wanted to put the same energy of 'Monster's Music Monthly' into a full-length," Todd notes. "We have a very distinct personality as a band. I write to each member's sensibilities because they will have to dig playing it. We're a benevolent democracy. If one guy isn't connecting with a certain song, that song is out. As an uncomplicated rock band, we like to do' proper' things—loud guitars, drums, big bass, well-placed organ, keys, and lap steel. We road-tested every song on the record before recording a lick. That helped us dial in the arrangements, ditch tunes that didn't work and grow a strong sense of what our parts should be." In this respect, the single and title track "Her Way Out" packs a concentrated and catchy punch. Anchored by a steady beat, the rough-and-tumble riff kicks up dust as soulful vocals ignite an irresistible refrain: "She found her way out, her way out—and it was me." Guitar surges through "Thunderbird" as strains of organ coat a raucous refrain with a lyrical tip-of-the-hat to the Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas classic American Graffiti. Todd declares, "'Thunderbird' is a collection of one-liners from the film knit together with a beat poet vibe. It has an AC/DC-like guitar riff and a cinematic-style vocal. It's all about drag racing and love never caught." Elsewhere, Big Head Todd and The Monsters nod to Annie Oakley with "Don't Kill Me Tonight." Then, there's "King Kong." A hulking groove lumbers beneath the frontman's bluesy intonation as a piano solo bleeds into a skyscraper-scaling guitar lead. "It's inspired by a large movie poster in my basement of King Kong on top of the Empire State Building," Todd reveals. "I'm drawn to these iconic contemporary heroes who are also monsters. They are complicated because they destroy so much, yet are sympathetic to children and fall in love with human women. These 'Titans,' as they are called, are often monsters of our own making. It's exciting to perform live." Rave reviews have been rolling in. Westword declared, "Her Way Out is the kind of album that's meant to be played while speeding down a mountain road, chasing that Wild West type of freedom that this Colorado band has always evoked". Blues Rock Review said, "Her Way Out is an enjoyable collection that only becomes more so with repeated listens".  At the same time, Americana Highways effused, "Rootsy American rock that ought to turn anyone on".  Ultimately, the future looks as bright as ever for these longtime friends. "We work very hard at being a great band" Todd leaves off. "We're also a group that cares for each other. We've been together for almost 40 years. Our audience has made it all possible, and we're grateful and determined to keep playing."   STREAM 'HER WAY OUT' SHOP MERCH HERE   CONNECT  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Spotify

Craft Recordings proudly announces the launch of Bluesville Records

Blues lovers can truly celebrate the launch of Bluesville Records. Get all the details via the official media release posted below...Robert Kinsler

CRAFT RECORDINGS HONORS AMERICA’S BEDROCK GENRE WITH THE LAUNCH OF BLUESVILLE RECORDS   Shining a spotlight on legendary blues artists and their integral impact on modern music, the revitalized reissue series focuses on foundational titles from the vaults of Prestige, Vee-Jay, Riverside, Vanguard, Stax and Rounder, among others   In addition to audiophile-quality vinyl reissues (in partnership with Acoustic Sounds), Bluesville Records will offer a wealth of digital content, including hi-res reissues, curated playlists, and in-depth editorial content   Bluesville Records to release its first titles on June 7th: John Lee Hooker’s Burning Hell (1964) and Skip James’ Today! (1966) Los Angeles, CA (February 6, 2024)—Craft Recordings proudly announces the launch of Bluesville Records—a new reissue series that celebrates America’s bedrock music genre, as well as the trailblazing musicians that contributed to its rich traditions. Inspired by the original Bluesville imprint (launched by Prestige Records in 1959 to preserve the hallowed genre and capture its most important living figures), the series is intended to appeal to blues enthusiasts of all levels—from casual fans who are eager to learn more to long-time collectors and audiophiles. In addition to releasing foundational blues titles from such legendary labels as Prestige, Vee-Jay, Riverside, Vanguard, Stax and Rounder, Bluesville Records will also seek to elevate the legacies of the artists behind these albums, while honoring their immeasurable impact on modern music through a variety of initiatives, including curated playlists, in-depth editorial content, dedicated social media channels and much more. For more information, visit bluesvillerecords.com and follow Bluesville Records on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.   Each handpicked Bluesville title will be released on vinyl in partnership with audiophile leader Acoustic Sounds. Founder of Acoustic Sounds, Chad Kassem says of the new series, “Craft Recordings owns some very important blues albums. I am honored and excited to work with them to ensure that their new Bluesville reissues will sound as good as possible.” Delivering the highest-quality listening experience, the albums will feature all-analog mastering by GRAMMY®-nominated engineer Matthew Lutthans (The Mastering Lab) and will be pressed on 180-gram vinyl at QRP. Faithfully reproduced tip-on jackets round out every release, while obis will offer insightful reflections on the album by GRAMMY-winning producer, writer and musician, Scott Billington. Billington states, “Bluesville represents over 75 years of blues history, from culture-shifting field recordings to dozens of pivotal blues hits. It is thrilling to be a part of the curation of this incredible legacy.” Additionally, every title in the series will be delivered to digital platforms in stunning remastered hi-res audio.   Bluesville Records launches its first titles on June 7th with essential albums from two of the genre’s most influential artists: John Lee Hooker’s Burning Hell (originally released in 1964) and Skip James’ Today! (1966). The rollout will continue throughout the year, and beyond, with classic titles from Albert King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Jimmy Reed and Blind Gary Davis, among others. More information on Bluesville’s inaugural titles can be found below, and both LPs are available for pre-order today.   ***   John Lee Hooker – Burning Hell Frequently known as “The King of the Boogie,” GRAMMY Award-winner John Lee Hooker (1917–2001) was one of the most important American artists of all time, whose prolific, seven-decade-long career continues to reverberate today. As a young man, the Mississippi-born singer, songwriter and guitarist relocated to Detroit, where he established himself in the industry—making his debut recordings and scoring his earliest hits (including 1948’s R&B No.1, “Boogie Chillen’”). Over a decade later, back in Motor City, Hooker laid down one of his first full-length LPs, Burning Hell, for Riverside Records.   Recorded in Detroit in April 1959 (during a session that also produced 1960’s The Country Blues of John Lee Hooker), Burning Hell was a stylistic outlier for the artist, who was better known at the time for his electric, R&B-influenced sound. Instead, Riverside sought to highlight Hooker’s Delta roots, capturing him in an intimate setting, where he was accompanied only by his acoustic guitar. The resulting album showcased Hooker’s commanding presence as an artist, as he delivered a soulful blend of original songs (“Graveyard Blues,”  “You Live Your Life and I’ll Live Mine” and the title track, among them) as well as a selection of blues standards, including Big Joe Williams’ “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightnin’,” and the Charlie Segar/Big Bill Broonzy-penned “Key to the Highway.”   As powerful as the recording was, Burning Hell wasn’t released until 1964—not long after Hooker had become a sensation in the UK, amid the blues revival. Originally only available in Europe, the album quickly became a sought-after rarity, coveted by blues and folk aficionados across the globe. Today, it remains a standout title in Hooker’s prolific catalog of work. In a retrospective review, AllMusic hailed, “Burning Hell ranks among John Lee Hooker’s most edgy and focused performances,” while UKVibe praised, “There is a freshness to the interpretations that transcends time and place.”   This long-awaited reissue of Burning Hell marks the first worldwide reissue on a single vinyl LP as well as its debut in hi-res audio. Tracklist further below.   Skip James – Today! Singer, songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist Skip James (1902–1969) was a seminal Delta bluesman, who (like many of his counterparts) didn’t find broader fame until his later years. Born Nehemiah Curtis James in Mississippi, the artist had a reputation that preceded him, fueled by allegations of a wild lifestyle and unpredictable mood swings. Whether or not these rumors were true, they certainly added to the bluesman’s mystique as he launched his career in the 1920s. In 1931, James recorded a series of singles for Paramount Records but, as the Great Depression took hold, he failed to find success. Over the next 30 years, he would remain relatively unknown, working in the church as a minister and choir director.   In the ’60s, amid rumors of James’ death, blues enthusiasts John Fahey, Henry Vestine (Canned Heat) and Bill Barth sought out the artist—finding him to be very much alive—and encouraged him to return to the stage. James made his long-awaited comeback at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, enjoying newfound fame among a younger generation of fans. Over the next five years, he also recorded a series of albums, including 1966’s Today! for Vanguard.   Today! found the bluesman revisiting many of his 1931 singles, including the popular “I’m So Glad” (famously covered by Cream on their 1966 debut, Fresh Cream), “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues,” “Special Rider Blues” and “Drunken Spree.” Haunting and emotionally raw, the pared-down session also showcased James’ unique fingerpicking technique on the acoustic guitar, as well as his talents on the piano. While the album was primarily a solo outing, James was joined by bassist Russ Savakus on his sole cover—the Leroy Carr standard, “How Long.”   In The Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD, journalist Frank-John Hadley noted, “The songs on the marvelous Today! find a self-respecting and sensitive Black American being completely true to himself, using a feyly tuned guitar and a heart-stopping high tenor to give emotional cogency to his lyrics on life in an unforgiving, merciless prewar Mississippi.” AllMusic praised, “Skip James might have made the best music of anyone who resurfaced during the mid-’60s ‘rediscovery’ era for Mississippi country blues types. Certainly, there weren’t many albums made during that time as good as this one; wonderful vocals, superb guitar, and a couple of tunes with tasty piano make this essential.”   Now, fans can enjoy this enthralling album in its original format—marking its first wide availability on vinyl in over three decades and will be available in hi-res audio for the first time. Tracklist below.   Both titles are available for pre-order today. Hi-res digital (192/24) will also be available for purchase at the time of each respective LP release.     Burning Hell Tracklist:   Side A 1.  Burning Hell 2.  Graveyard Blues 3.  Baby Please Don't Go 4.  Jackson, Tennessee 5.  You Live Your Life And I'll Live Mine 6.  Smokestack Lightnin'   Side B 1.  How Can You Do It? 2.  I Don't Want No Woman If Her Hair Ain't No Longer Than Mine 3.  I Rolled And Turned And Cried The Whole Night Long 4.  Blues For My Baby 5.  Key To The Highway 6.  Natchez Fire   Hi-res digital tracklist replicates the above*     Today! Tracklist:   Side A 1. Hard Times Killing Floor Blues 2. Crow Jane 3. Washington D.C. Hospital Center Blues 4. Special Rider Blues 5. Drunken Spree 6. Cherryball   Side B 1. How Long 2. All Night Long 3. Cypress Grove 4. Look Down the Road 5. My Gal 6. I’m So Glad   Hi-res digital tracklist replicates the above*     About Craft Recordings: Craft Recordings is home to one of the largest and most essential collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its storied repertoire includes landmark releases from icons such as Joan Baez, John Coltrane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Celia Cruz, Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooker, Little Richard, R.E.M., Joan Sebastian, and Traveling Wilburys. Plus, the catalog recordings of celebrated contemporary acts including A Day to Remember, Evanescence, Alison Krauss, Nine Inch Nails, Taking Back Sunday and Violent Femmes, to name just a few. Renowned imprints with catalogs issued under the Craft banner include Fania, Fantasy, Fearless, Musart, Nitro, Panart, Prestige, Riverside, Rounder, Specialty, Stax, Vanguard, Varèse Sarabande, Vee-Jay and Victory, among many others. Craft creates thoughtfully curated packages, with a meticulous devotion to quality and a commitment to preservation—ensuring that these recordings endure for new generations to discover. Craft is also home to the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates which preserve and protect their respective names, likeness and music through day-to-day legacy management of these cultural trailblazers.    Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Blues-Rock’s Resilient Icon Walter Trout To Release New Studio Album

Walter Trout at The Coach House on Feb.
28, 2020. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Great news on as Friday! Celebrated blues great Walter Trout has just announced the release of "Broken"...Robert Kinsler

Blues-Rock’s Resilient Icon Walter Trout To Release New Studio Album His incredibly creative and prolific streak continues with 'Broken,' featuring guest appearances from Beth Hart, Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, and Harmonica Virtuoso Will Wilde. Released March 1, 2024 Via Provogue / Mascot Label Group Pre-order here Watch the lyric video for the first new song, "Bleed" ft. Will Wilde here

Credit: Leland Hayward

For the last half-century, however rocky his path, hope and resilience has always lit the way. The beat of Walter Trout's unbelievable story are well-known: the traumatic childhood in Ocean City, New Jersey; the audacious move to the West Coast in '74; the auspicious but chaotic sideman shifts with John Lee Hooker and Big Mama Thornton; the raging addictions that somehow never stopped the boogie when he was with Canned Heat in the early-'80s. Even now, some will point to Trout's mid-'80s guitar pyrotechnics in the lineup of John Mayall's legendary Bluesbreakers as his career high point. But for a far greater majority of fans, the blood, heart and soul of his solo career since 1989 is the main event, the bluesman's songcraft always reaching for some greater truth, forever surging forward, never shrinking back.

Watch the official lyric video for "Bleed" by Walter Trout

It's a peerless creative streak underlined by the guitarist's regular triumphs at ceremonies, including the Blues Music Awards, SENA European Guitar Awards, British Blues Awards and Blues Blast Music Awards. The iconic British DJ 'Whispering' Bob Harris spoke for millions when he declared Trout "the world's greatest rock guitarist" in his 2001 autobiography, The Whispering Years. If he were a less questing artist, Trout could mark time and dine out on those past glories, leaving the polemics and calls-to-arms to a younger generation. But that's not enough, considers the still-hungry veteran. "I have to grow. I want to be a vital contributing artist. I feel young. I know I'm not. But in my head, I'm still 25, wanting to get better and do something I haven't done before. I have more to say." The album was recorded at Kingsize Soundlabs in LA with producer Eric Corne.  "This is our 15th album together," calculates the bluesman. "Eric and I just have a way of working, man. A friend who came into the studio and watched us and said, 'Man, you guys are like a machine'. It's unspoken." A few collaborators joined Trout for the first time. "I thought my friend Beth Hart could relate to the title track, Broken," he says of the warrior princess whose fiery vocals coil with his own. "Dee Snider from Twisted Sister put up a live cut of me on his Twitter and said: 'Listen to this fucking guitar hero'. We started talking and became friends. He came into the studio, and I knew I had to write him a song. Bleed came about when we were pretty much done. My drummer Michael Leasure said to me, 'Hey, Walter, you played with John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat, this is your 31st album and you've never played a boogie. What's the deal?' So I said, 'OK, fuck it, let's do a boogie'. I can kinda play harmonica, but I thought, 'Let's elevate this thing'. There's a young harmonica player in England who's the best I've ever heard, Will Wilde. He has the soul and the power of Paul Butterfield but couples that with blinding virtuoso technique."  Elsewhere, the wistful Talkin' To Myself, Trout took inspiration from the hits that crackled from AM radio in his youth, and no words were required for the tender instrumental "Love Of My Life" ("Of course, it's about Marie"). With gallows humour, Trout notes that his new album opens with a track called "Broken" and ends with one called "Falls Apart." He can't deny the link between the personal and the socio-political mood in the air, and as such, between those two bookends lie some of the most raw and bruised songs of his career. Still hope leads the way with the notion that music can help us overcome brokenness - one note at a time. 'Broken' by Walter Trout 1. Broken (feat. Beth Hart) 2. Turn And Walk Away 3. Courage In The Dark 4. Bleed (feat. Will Wilde on Harmonica) 5. Talkin' To Myself 6. No Magic ( in the street ) 7. I've Had Enough (feat. Dee Snider) 8. Love Of My Life 9. Breathe - written by Richard Gerstein 10. Heaven Or Hell 11. I Wanna Stay 12. Falls Apart http://www.waltertrout.com/   www.facebook.com/waltertroutband/  www.twitter.com/waltertrout www.instagram.com/walter_trout