Alligator Records artists receive 19 Blues Blast Music Award Nominations

Congratulations to the myriad of blues greats nominated for Blues Blast Music Awards...Robert Kinsler

Alligator Artists Receive 19 Blues Blast Music Award Nominations Chris Cain Leads With Three Nominations, Including Male Blues Artist Of The Year And Electric Guitarist Of The Year  Tommy Castro And The Painkillers and Southern Avenue Receive Nominations For Coveted Band Of The Year Award Cain, Castro and Ronnie Baker Brooks All Nominated For Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year Carolyn Wonderland, Shemekia Copeland And Southern Avenue's Tierinii Jackson All Nominated For Female Blues Artist Of The Year D.K. Harrell (Male Blues Artist Of The Year), Rick Estrin (Harmonica Player Of The Year), Christoffer "Kid" Andersen and Derrick D'Mar Martin (both of Rick Estrin & The Nightcats) and members of The Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling and The Cash Box Kings All Recognized

Tommy Castro performing at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA. Photo credit: Daryl Weisser Blues Blast magazine has announced the nominees for its 18th annual Blues Blast Music Awards. This year, Alligator Records artists received a total of 19 nominations. Guitarist Chris Cain leads his label mates with three nominations, including Male Blues Artist Of The Year and Electric Guitarist Of The Year. Cain (Good Intentions Gone Bad) , Tommy Castro (Closer To The Bone) and Ronnie Baker Brooks (Blues In My DNA) were all recognized for their 2025 albums with nominations in the Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year category. Castro also received a nomination for Male Blues Artist Of The Year. Tommy Castro And The Painkillers and Southern Avenue were both nominated for the coveted Band Of The Year Award, while Southern Avenune's lead singer Tierinii Jackson was nominated for Female Blues Artist Of The Year.  Likewise, Carolyn Wonderland and Shemekia Copeland received nominations for Female Blues Artist Of The Year. D.K. Harrell was nominated for Male Blues Artist Of The Year. Receiving individual nominations were Rick Estrin (for Harmonica Player Of The Year), Christoffer "Kid" Andersen and Derrick "D'Mar" Martin (both of Rick Estirn & The Nightcats), The Nick Moss Band's Dennis Gruenling (Harmonica) and Rodrigo Mantovani (bass), and The Cash Box Kings' Oscar Wilson (Vocals) and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith (Percussion). Fan voting begins July 14, 2025 at http://www.BluesBlastMagazine.com and ends at midnight on August 31, 2025 . Voting is free and open to all. The Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine, the free weekly E-magazine. Alligator artists and their nominations follow:

Male Blues Artist Of The Year: Chris Cain Electric Guitarist Of The Year: Chris Cain Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year: Good Intentions Gone Bad

Band Of The Year: Tommy Castro And The Painkillers Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year: Closer To The Bone

Band Of The Year: Southern Avenue Female Blues Artist Of The Year: Tierinii Jackson

Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year: Blues In My DNA

Male Blues Artist Of The Year: D.K. Harrell

Female Blues Artist Of The Year: Carolyn Wonderland

Female Blues Artist Of The Year: Shemekia Copeland

Harmonica Player Of The Year: Rick Estrin Electric Guitarist Of The Year: Christoffer "Kid" Andersen Producer Of The Year: Christoffer "Kid" Andersen Percussionist Of The Year: Derrick D'Mar Martin

Harmonica Player Of The Year: Dennis Gruenling Bass Guitarist Of The Year: Rodrigo Mantovani

Vocalist Of The Year: Oscar Wilson Percussionist Of The Year: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith

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Rick Estrin & The Nightcats set to return with 'The Hits Keep Coming' on May 10, 2024

 Alligator Records has just announced the release of Rick Estrin & The Nightcats forthcoming new album "The Hits Keep Coming" on May 10 and check out the wonderful new advance track "The Circus Is Still In Town." (On a related note, read my review of the troupe's wonderful 2017 disc "Groovin' In Greaseland" HERE)...Robert Kinsler

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats / photo credit: Steve Jennings RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, THE HITS KEEP COMING, ON MAY 10, 2024 First Album In Almost Five Years From "The Best Band Anywhere" (DownBeat) Lyric Video For New Song, The Circus Is Still In Town, Premieres Today

“This band is the best in the land…superior songwriting infused with wit, humor, and streetwise insights, traditional and adventurous grooves, impeccable musicianship, creative arrangements, harmonica tutorials and savvy production…funky and original…always fresh and vital.” –Blues Music Magazine    “Rick Estrin & The Nightcats are a formidable force. They sound better than ever [playing] stellar rockabilly, jazz, blues and rock, often in the same song, creating a unique, time-tested sound rooted in the past, bolstered by harpist/vocalist Estrin’s time-warping original compositions.” –No Depression    “Estrin defines his own brand of hip. Original blues and vintage rock-style tunes also harbor his superb harmonica work. Estrin emotes with just the right mix of kitsch and sincerity. The current litter of ‘Cats, including guitarist Kid Andersen, reigns as the best band anywhere.” –DownBeat   “Rick Estrin & The Nightcats are America’s greatest musical showmen…foot-stomping, wise-cracking contemporary songs, a combination of rockabilly, jazz, blues, rock, and big band swing. Estrin is a world class musician…the most colorful and entertaining showman around.” –Forbes

On Friday, May 10, 2024, Alligator Records will release The Hits Keep Coming, the long-awaited new album from award-winning, modern blues legends Rick Estrin & The Nightcats. The Hits Keep Coming, the band's sixth release, packs a powerful punch, with phenomenal musicianship and streetwise lyrics—both serious and humorous. Vocalist, harmonica master and songwriter Estrin, along with multi-instrumentalist/musical mastermind/producer Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, keyboardist/organ wizard/bassman Lorenzo Farrell and endlessly creative drummer Derrick “D’Mar” Martin, have created what Estrin calls, "the best music we've ever made together. This band is killer. I’m enjoying this all more than ever,” says the man who’s been performing and recording professionally since the early 1970s. “It’s a blessing—there’s so much energy, so much collaboration. The band is just so good right now. And the live show is off the charts.” The first song released from The Hits Keep Coming is an album highlight, The Circus Is Still In Town. The musically rambunctious, lyrically harrowing song premieres today on all major streaming services and also via a new video. According to Estrin, "This one's special to me. It's got a catchy hook, an infectious groove, and ironically, some grim subject matter."

RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS -- The Circus Is Still In Town From THE HITS KEEP COMING, Full Album Out on May 10, 2024   Video By Josh Lindner

Produced by Andersen at his legendary Greaseland USA studio in San Jose, California, the album captures the band’s chemistry and magic in what is certainly among their strongest and most urgent releases so far. The Hits Keep Coming is modern blues at its most potent, intense and fun in all the right places, as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats deliver twelve groove-heavy, hard-hitting songs, including ten written or co-written by Estrin and two surprising covers (one obscurity from Muddy Waters, one from Leonard Cohen that Estrin would have liked to have written). From the foot-stomping opener Somewhere Else, to the stark reality of the title track (with backing vocals by The Sons Of The Soul Revivers), The Hits Keep Coming is a lyrical and musical tour-de-force.   In addition to Estrin’s celebrated songwriting and peerless blues harmonica playing, he and the band are among the most entertaining and colorful showmen around. Estrin’s signature streetwise vocals and hipster-cool look, Andersen’s eye-popping, off-the-cuff guitar pyrotechnics, Farrell’s mighty organ, piano and bass work and D’Mar’s dynamic, acrobatic drumming make every one of their live performances a must-see event. Over the years, Estrin has won a total of seven Blues Music Awards, including awards for Song Of The Year, Traditional Male Blues Artist, Instrumentalist—Harmonica, and twice, the prestigious Band Of The Year (for Rick Estrin & The Nightcats). The band has performed at festivals and concert stages from San Francisco to Chicago to New York, and everywhere in between. They've toured extensively in almost every country in Europe, as well as in Australia, Turkey, Russia and South America. “People don’t go out to see people who look like themselves,” says Estrin. “They want to see something special. I was schooled in this business to be a showman, and that’s what you get when you come to see us perform. We know how to put on a show. I feel sorry for anyone who has to follow us.” The Chicago Sun-Times declares, “These are serious musicians having a hotter than hot good time. It’s tough to stay in your seat when Estrin and his musical cohorts get cooking.” As No Depression says, “This is a band that always delivers the goods.”

Essential Concerts Films, Blues Album Make for Rockin' October

A trio of wonderful concert films are available on DVD and/or blu-ray, while a celebrated blues troupe is back with a joyful celebration of the genre.

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: On May 20, 2015, a fortunate group of lucky fans were treated to an intimate concert featuring the Rolling Stones at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. Now that already-legendary live event has been released as part of the Rolling Stones' "From The Vault" series. Available in a variety of formats, the terrific Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 marked the first time in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers' career that the Rolling Stones performed the entire 1971 album Sticky Fingers. Additionally, this concert marked the official kick-off of the band's North American Zip Code Tour. The audience is treated to terrific versions of many classics including the Americana-styled "Dead Flowers" and "Wild Horses," the fiery rocker "Bitch," jazz-tinged blues rocker "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and a Chicago blues romp through B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby" featuring a lively harmonica solo courtesy of Mick Jagger. Bonus tracks include "All Down The Line," "When The Whip Comes Down" and "I Can't Turn You Loose." In addition to the top-tier performances of many of the Stones' best songs, the DVD includes insightful interviews positioned before the band performances.  For example, in one of the most revealing segments, guitarist Ronnie Wood discusses his respect for guitarist Mick Taylor (whom Wood replaced in the band). A must have film for Stones fans, From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 is available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, DVD+3LP and digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artists: Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Satriani, Slash, more
Title: A Tribute to Les Paul (MVD Visual)
You might like if you enjoy: Les Paul, Slash, Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Tell me more: Originally broadcast on AXS TV and staged as a live celebration for Les Paul's 90th birthday in 2006 at Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, the special event (now available as A Tribute to Les Paul) featured performances by a number of the world's greatest electric guitarists as they paid tribute to the legacy of the so-called "father of modern music." Standout performances abound on this concert film including Steve Lukather's version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Little Wing," Joe Satriani tearing up on "Watch Boogie" and an amazing finale featuring a take on the early '70s hit "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo" with Lukather and Kenny Wayne Shepherd trading some fiery guitar work while Edgar Winter provides lead vocals and stellar work with his saxophone. Other artists featured on the title include Slash, Joe Perry, Neal Schon, Buddy Guy and Robben Ford. Bonus features include some vintage footage of Les Paul performing early in his career and in 2006, as well as interviews with the guitarist/inventor. Information: icontvmusic.com.

Artist: Jeff Beck
Title: Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Jeff Beck, Billy F. Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart
Tell me more: One of rock most original and influential electric guitar players, Jeff Beck's long and wide-ranging career was fully captured in the summer of 2016 when he headlined at the Hollywood Bowl. Now, that special performance is available to enjoy via Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD and several other formats. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a member of England's Yardbirds and as a solo artist, the new concert film features live performances of material representing all eras of his 50-year career. In addition to rousing versions of Yardbirds cuts ("Heart Full Of Soul" and "For Your Love" thrill the crowd), he performs "The Revolution Will Be Televised" (off his then newly-released album "Loud Hailer") and everything in between. Beck is joined by a number of illustrious musical friends during the night including keyboard virtuoso Jan Hammer, Chicago blues guitar great Buddy Guy, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and ZZ Top singer-guitarist Billy F. Gibbons. The concert concludes with a serious emotional one-two wallop — an instrumental version of the Fab Four's "A Day in the Life" and fitting tribute to Prince (who had recently passed away) via a potent "Purple Rain." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Title: Groovin' In Greaseland (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kid Ramos, Little Walter
Tell me more: The latest disc from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Groovin' In Greaseland is full of infectious, dance-minded blues songs delivered with an exuberant groove sure to please both casual and hardcore blues fans. With singer-harmonica player Rick Estrin at the helm, the surrounding group of strong players includes lead guitarist Kid Andersen, keyboardist Lorenzo Farrell and drummer Alex Petersen. The far-flung material includes the moody "Tender Hearted" and "Another Lonesome Day," the Chicago-styled blues romps "I Ain't All That" and "Hands Of Time," and pedal-to-the-medal instrumental "Mwah!" Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will celebrate the release of Groovin' In Greaseland with a performance at the Riverside West Coast Blues Festival in Riverside, CA, on Oct. 14, 2017. For specific information on that day-long event, visit riversidebluesfestival.bpt.me. For more information on the artist's new album, visit rickestrin.com or alligator.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Atoms for Peace, Def Leppard, Stagecoach Festival, 'Battle of the Blues Harps'

I'm still weary, having made the long trek up to Los Angeles last night to catch Atoms for Peace at the Hollywood Bowl. My short review: fantastic performance (Thom Yorke and Flea led the genre-busting electronica rock quintet), lousy crowd. We had the chatterbox hipsters seated behind us, so we moved to some empty seats elsewhere in our row. Still could hear them. Not nice.

Now on with more positive news...

VIVA! HYSTERIA LIVE DOUBLE ALBUM AND DVD OUT OCTOBER 22^nd ON FRONTIERS RECORDS

Limited Edition of VIVA! Hysteria Sold Exclusively Via Best Buy 

Def Leppard’s anticipated live double album and DVD - VIVA! Hysteria - will be released on October 22, 2013 in North America on Frontiers Records.  In addition to the previously announced 2CD/DVD, DVD, Blu-Ray digital editions, the band has recently revealed that a limited edition of VIVA! Hysteria will be available via Best Buy that  includes the live double album and concert on Blu-Ray. Fans wishing to pre-order this edition can do so at www.bestbuy.com.

The VIVA! Hysteria concert was filmed over two nights during the band's Spring 2013 residency at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas’ intimate music venue – The Joint. The concert features the band performing their classic, 12x platinum album Hysteria in its entirety, plus many of the band's greatest hits.

Earlier this month, the concert was shown in theaters nationwide courtesy of Fathom Events. Thousands of fans experienced the concert as special theatrical event, taking them on nostalgic ride of the band’s high energy performance and showcasing their elaborate set design created only for the Las Vegas residency.  Guitarist Phil Collen told the Associated Press, "It was fun, actually, and a totally different way of doing it." He continues to say, "It was a different dynamic doing the album in full, and it was much more theatrical."

PRESS HERE to read the exclusive story and watch the trailer for Viva! Hysteria concert on Billboard.com 

Fans can pre-order VIVA! Hysteria now by visiting www.defleppard.com, amazon.com, iTunes and as previously mentioned www.bestbuy.com

Praise for VIVA! Hysteria concert:

“Def Leppard were one of the biggest rock bands on the planet, dominating radio with their polished arena-rock. But as they demonstrated earlier this year with their Viva Hysteria! concert series (at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas), the band's diehard fans remain loyal and rabid.” – RollingStone.com

“I appreciate how tightly and powerfully it's played, and also the interesting echoes of Queen.” – The Guardian

Def Leppard brought Hysteria cuts like “Animal,” “Love Bites,” and “Run Riot” to life again with precision and a sonic clarity that would make the album’s producer (and infamous studio perfectionist) Robert “Mutt” Lange gleam with pride.  - Noisecreep

The full track listing for Viva! Hysteria: 
Cd1

“Women;” “Rocket;” “Animal;” “Love Bites;” “Pour Some Sugar on Me;” “Armageddon It;” “Gods of War;” “Don't Shoot Shotgun;” “Run Riot;” “Hysteria;” “Excitable;” “Love and Affection;” “Rock of Ages*;” “Photograph*.”

*extra non Hysteria tracks

Cd2

Ded Flatbird - night 1

“Good Morning Freedom;” “Wasted;” “Stagefright;” “Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes);” “Action Not Words;” “Rock Brigade;” “Undefeated;” “Promises

Ded Flatbird - night 2;” “On Through The Night;” “Slang;” “Let It Go;” “Another Hit And Run;” “High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night);” “Bringin' On The Heartbreak;” “Switch 625.”

The VD tracklisting is as above but also includes bonus content of the acoustic medley: “Where does love go when it dies”/”Now”/”When Love & Hate Collide”/”Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad”/”Two Steps Behind.”

DVD / Blu Ray menu

- Viva Hysteria

- Ded Flatbird Night 1

- Ded Flatbird Night 2

- Acoustic Set

- Photo Montage

Stagecoach Fest tickets update

Just an important reminder that Stagecoach Festival tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time) on Friday, Oct. 18 (that's tomorrow!). The annual event to be held Friday - Sunday, April 25-27, 2014, will feature Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Shelby Lynne, John Prine, Michael Nesmith, Susanna Hoffs, Trampled by Turtles, Loretta Lynn, I See Hawks in L.A. and so many other country music/Americana artists. Visit the official Stagecoach Festival Web site for artist and ticket information. You can also view a much larger version of the poster seen here on the right!

Top Four Blues Harmonica Bands Compete in Finals this Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013

On Saturday, Oct. 19 four blues harmonica based bands will vie for cash awards and the opportunity to perform as the opening act at Southland Blues Magazine’s 26th Annual Battle of the Blues Harps, Southern California’s longest running blues harmonica event held on Thanksgiving Eve at Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach. Top name bands such as Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, White Boy James and the Blues Express and the 44’s are slated for the Nov. 27 show.

The competing bands are first place winners from four Saturday qualifying rounds which kicked off Sat. Sept. 21 as part of the 4th Annual Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps held at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O.C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

Twelve bands were selected from electronic auditions to perform, with three bands competing each Saturday.  First place winners from each qualifying round return for the finals.  The first place winner receives $1,000 cash in addition to opening at the Thanksgiving Eve event.  Second place winner receives $750, third place, $500 and fourth place, $250.

Three of the top four bands landed in the finals last year.

San Diego based Red Lotus Revue, the Sept. 21 winner and third place last year, performs at noon and features Karl Cabbage on harmonica.Cabbage is known for playing with West of Memphis (SDMA nominated Best Blues Band in 2009), and the Smokin’ Knights, voted by Blues Lovers United of San Diego to represent their organization in the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. 

H. T. Richmond and The Southland Jukes, a contemporary blues band with Tom Richmond on harp and vocals, the Sept. 28 winners, will follow at 1 p.m. The band placed fourth in last year’s finals.

Chef Denis aka Denis Depoitre, an executive chef at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena who is as comfortable in the kitchen as he is on harmonica placed second last year.   This year he won the third round of competition on October 12 and will be on stage at 2 p.m.

New to the contest is Catfish and the Hollywood Hound Dogs, the fourth round winner on October 12, performs at 3 p.m.  But Gilbert Mares, the band’s harmonica player, is not new to the harp. His band formed in 2009 and recently released a new CD Rite On! Right Now!

Judging is based on harmonica artistry and proficiency, lead vocals, band musicianship, showmanship, song selections and audience response.

“We had a very strong lineup of bands this year. Competition is tough but it isn’t just about that.  This contest is really more of a coming together of the blues community. It’s also a way of keeping the blues alive and well while exposing it to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see this kind of talent in one setting, “said Mark Liddell, coordinator for the Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps.

Other harp players and bands participating this year included Dan Forte’s Juke Joint Freak Show, Slick & The BBQ Kings, The Silver Kings, Satin Blue, The Juke Joint Preachers, Jon Garner & The Humor Kings, and 60 Grit Blues Band.

Last year’s winner was Jumpin’ Jack Benny.   

The Saturday Oct. 19 finals are free with swap meet admission which is $2 or free for children 12 and under. Free parking is available and preferred parking is $5.

More information may be found at www.ocmarketplace.com or by calling 949-723-6616.  For details on the Battle of the Blues Harp Thanksgiving Eve event visit www.southlandblues.com/harpbattle.htm or call 714-423-5525.