Happy 30th birthday Jony Lang

Thirty years ago from last Monday, John Gordon Langseth Jr, best known as Jonny Lang, was born in Fargo (North Dakota). When he turned 12 years old he took a guitar for the first time, after he went to see a live blues band in his hometown. Since then, he hasn’t stopped improving...

This guy is considered to be one of main figures in the actual blues scene. His first, “Serious” album (He did one before when he was 15 years old), Lie To Me, was acclaimed by the critics. I really recommend this album as it perfectly shows the strong points of this genius: an amazing voice for the short age he has and a total control over his electric guitar, a Bender Teleaster Thinline. 

Better listen him by yourselves and believe me when I say that his voice is pure blues; broken, but with rhythm, something really complex to achieve with only 30 years old. Happy Birthday Jonny from all the team of Dale Street records.

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Stoney Curtis Band: Psychedilic Rock Blues directly from Chicago

It has been a long time since we last updated our Blog. We will like to apologize about that, but we have all been very busy with work, university, etc. Never again, promised!

Today I want to talk about one of my latest discoveries, Stoney Curtis Band. This American band, was born in Chicago ten years ago, approximately. Since then, they have been mainly playing in the United States, making different performances in clubs between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. However, in the last year (2011) they finally made a Tour around the US. 

Their style is some king of psychedelic rock/blues that is very difficult to find nowadays. You will find clear influences of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rory Gallagher or even Jimi Hendrix. The guitar is simply amazing, Curtis, the leader of the band, shows a talent that can only be reached by a genius. He has a total control over the guitar and he is capable of playing solos that will transport you to the 60’s or 70’s, where electric guitar was more than an instrument, it was a religion. 

Specially pay attention to their last album, Acid Blues Experience, a tittle that reflects exactly what you are going to find when you listen to it. It was published in 2006; let’s hope that we will have new one soon!

Last Train To Chicago:

Colors: 

Key tracks: “Last Train To Chicago”; “Colors”; “Free”; “Blues And Rock N’ Roll”

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Willie Dixon: "the poet laureate of the blues"

Born in Mississippi 1915, Willie Dixon’s poetry and musical composition probably shadow any musical piece written since the 60’s. He was named “the poet laureate of the blues” and “the father of modern Chicago blues.” It is while watching ‘Cadillac records’ that the importance of his personae came to light for me. Willie was the major songwriter for this music era, working at Chess records he wrote, produced and played with the likes of Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and Howlin’Wolf. Willie was himself signed on Chess but became more involved in assisting others than performing, probably since his stage personae reminds more of a chilled Jazz man (look at his Double Bass performances). He wrote “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “I’m Ready” and “I Just Want to Make Love For You” for Muddy Waters, played Bass on much of Chuck Berry records and acted behind other blues stars such as Buddy Guy, Magic Sam and Otis Rush, needless to say his bluesy fingers touched all the Chicago blues scene!

Dixon’s talent is to be heard on two major recordings under his own name, ‘Willie’s Blues’ and ‘I am the blues’. Both endless classics, the first flirts with Jazz and sees Memphis Slim on the piano while the second strongly plants the roots for rock’n’roll, including ‘I can’t quit you baby’ and ‘You shook me’ both present on Led Zeppelin first album. The song Hoochie Coochie man also composed by Willie first for Muddy Waters appears in its father’s version. The later became a standard and a particularly splendid cover was recorded by Steppenwolf. As for his first record, special applause for ‘Youth to you’ and the instrumental ‘Slim’s thing’ which conveys the power of each blues instrument! 

Willie is the shadow of the blues and one of the fathers of rock and roll. 

To conclude with his own words: “The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits. Its better keeping the roots alive, because it means better fruits from now on. The blues are the roots of all American music. As long as American music survives, so will the blues.”

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Neil Diamond. The sound of Pulp Fiction

Neil Leslie Diamond is an American singer of Russian and Polish origins, who has a reputation for the countless songs he has written that have been covered by numerous different artists of different backgrounds and styles of music (notably Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Barbara Streisand, UB40, Urge Overkill’s version used in Pulp fiction and many more).

Neil Diamond has been playing for over 50 years now, a career that has seen its ups and downs, peaks and lows, however it is undeniable that he has had a great impact on the music industry.

Neil Diamond is also renown for his colourful selection of attires and his infamous innovative character, spurred by his long life challenges. He has truly defined the norms and the traditions of the music industry, and has brought unforgettable tunes to the table from wide variety of genres. He has 8 number one hit singles covering rock, pop and country music, and has been recently officially inaugurated Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

We simply love this movie:

Key tracks: “You'll be a Woman Soon”, “Solitary Man”, “I'm a Believer”

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Merry Christmas from Dale Street Records!

During these days it is very common to listen to thousands of covers of the classic christmas songs. Coldplay, Michael Buble, even Justin Bieber (I also puke), have already show us all their cheesy repertory. But as you all know, specially if you have followed our blog, we are different. That’s why want to wish you Merry Christmas listening to some very special carols. Enjoy your holidays, if you have some!

The Who. Live at the Isle of Weight: 

John Lennon & Yoko Ono:

Ramones:

And now, going a bit stronger and changing the registry, a little bit of “christmas” dub step brought by Skrillex: 

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22-20s

Born in Lincolnshire, MartinTrimble and Glen Bartup have been blues aficionados since an early age impregnating themselves with the guitar licks of the eminent Muddy Waters and other early Chicago Blues legends. Named after Delta bluesman Skip Jame’s piano piece ’22-20 Blues’, they went on touring Europe and a bit of the states, the band released ‘Such a Fool’ to much critical acclaim. Their smart modern blues rock pushed them to the top of the game and they shouldered Oasis and Kings of Leon on world tours.

22-20 is not your usual indie band; their music is raw, gritty rock‘n’roll and the lyrics on their first record surpass modern boundaries. Guitars are incredibly dirty, songs are catchy and they bring together the essence of modern blues-rock. As NME argue. ‘The 22-20s are unquestionably the most exciting rock 'n' roll rumble since the Gallaghers’.

Particular love for ‘Why don’t you do it for me’ which is the modern blues lick by excellence.

Key tracks: “Why Don’t You Do It For Me?”; “Devil in Me”; “Shoot Your Gun”; “Such a Fool”

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Stealers Wheel

Born in the early 70s, Stealers Wheel, formed by the Scots Rafferty and Egan have been considered the British equivalent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (listen to their album Deja Vu if you are unfamiliar with the latter). Stealers Wheel is a fresh rock breeze in the ears, while their first album of the eponymous name was a commercial success with the hit ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’, their second piece of work ‘Ferguslie Park’, released on 1974 went a little unnoticed. The latter piece of work is much more crafted, with backing vocals, a strong Jazz influence. This album also includes beautiful piano works (solo on ‘Star’).

This second work also depicts certain cynicism towards the business industry (Good businessman). Both albums are jewels and have been recently re-mastered, however while the first projected them to world stardom and is a rocky/hippie happy piece, the second displays their musical craftsmanship.

Pink Floyd certainly walked through Ferguslie Park for inspiration...

Big hit single from their first album:

Stuck in the middle with you

From their second album check: What more could you want?

Key tracks: “Stuck in the Middle With You”; “Star”; “I Get By”

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