With the album about Eddie Bond in the 'Rocks' series, the German Bear Family Records takes a look at Memphis rockabilly. The CD contains 14 tracks from the fifties, which Bond recorded for Ekko, Mercury and Sun/PI, 15 songs recorded in the sixties for Millionaire and Stomper Time, among others, and 6 songs from the rockabilly revival of the seventies.
Bond was born in Memphis in 1933 and when he made his first recording in the mid-1950s, he was at the center of the new rockabilly genre. From 1956 to 1959, Bond was one of the top stars of the genre. He performed in shows where Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash were also present. Eddie started and ended as a country artist, but his backing band always included musicians who belonged to the top rockabilly musicians. His Mercury recordings with guitarist Reggie Young are classics within the rockabilly genre. Recordings that can also be found here.
The compilation starts with Eddie's biggest hit, his 'signature song', the 1956 recorded 'Rockin' Daddy'. Song that made him known as the 'rockin' daddy from ding dong Tennessee'. The steel guitar played by John Hughey clearly shows Bond's country background. The CD ends with the same song, but recorded in 1972.
It was not uncommon in the 1950s for original hits to be frequently covered. Eddie Bond did that too, but in a very special way. You already experience this, for example, in Carl Perkins' 'Blue Suede Shoes', where Jerry Lee Smith unleashes a hell of a piano solo. Other excellent covers include Hank Williams' 'Fool About You', Jimmy Reed's 'Big Boss Man', Tarheel Slim's 'No. 9 Train' with probably Charlie Feathers on guitar, although there is no certainty about that, Hank Ballard's 'Tore Up Over You', the rockabilly version of Ray Charles' 'I've Got A Woman' with sublime guitar work by Reggie Young, Little Richards' 'Long Tall Sally' and Chuck Berry's 'Memphis, Tennessee, which boasts wonderful harmonies between Eddie and his bassist Bobby Joe Killingsworth.
It's actually embarrassing to label them as covers, because they often effortlessly surpass the original.
The cd shows that Eddie Bond was at home in many musical markets in 'Love Makes A Fool (Every Day), a pearl of honky-tonk country. On 'Satisfied' the choir provides a pleasant gospel feel, while 'Let The Good Times Roll' is given a New Orleans rhythm & blues twist.
But Bond also had talent as a writer and co-writer. It is a fact that 'Here Comes The Train' is one of his best songs. But also 'Monkey Business' is also a fine example of rocking country. Other great original songs include 'Look Like A Monkey' and 'The Monkey And The Baboon'.
You can hear Eddie's love for country throughout his repertoire. The way he injects it into his rockabilly makes his performances very unique.
In the 38-page booklet, Martin Hawkins writes an extremely detailed biography based on interviews with Eddie. Traditionally, you also get all the recording details of the tracks. All of this is also beautifully illustrated with photos and illustrations.
In addition to being a rockabilly artist, Eddie Bond was active in many areas. He was, among other things, a DJ, a nightclub owner and had his own record label. Eddie Bond died in 2013.
By placing the spots on Eddie Bond in the 'Rocks' series, Bear Family Records pays tribute to a rockabilly artist who is only known to many through the song 'Rockin' Daddy'. However, Eddie had more to his advantage. High time to appreciate his other songs as well. This compilation is the right tool for that.

The alternative and successful debut album 'One Self' from 2018 received critical acclaim worldwide. Now there is the long-awaited 'Alma', produced by Attie Bauw. It is a mixture of alternative rock, trip rock and darkwave. The single Cod Fishing' takes you immediatley on a mysterious and melancholic journey through the world of their trip rocksound! 

With this volume we have also come to the end of the 'Blues Meets Doo-Wop' series. Over the course of 4 volumes, compiler Little Victor, aka The 'Mojo' Man, proved that doo-wop not only comes into its own during Christmas, but also that doo-wop and blues have many similarities. Both genres are about emotions and when those genres come together in one song, it creates fireworks. We were able to enjoy this in an exceptional way during this series. But as already mentioned, this unfortunately comes to an end, but not before we take a closer look at volume 4. Once again it is striking that both well-known and lesser-known artists have miraculously merged both genres into one song. Blues artists who hired doo-wop backing vocals, or doo-wop groups who gave their songs a blues or rhythm & blues feel. Was that mixing conscious or rather coincidental? No one will be able to say for sure. What is a fact is that the merger has been a great success.
We start with a legend, namely B.B. King. With 'Please Accept Me' he brings a more than beautiful soul song. Willie Dixon was heard as bassist on many blues recordings. He also has many hits to his name as a composer. Here he takes place behind the microphone for the bluesy '29 Ways'. Vocally he is supported by The Moonglows. Dixon is followed by another celebrity, guitarist Tarheel Slim. He collaborated with The Wheels on the exciting rhythm & blues 'Let's Have A Ball'. With The Larks he later closes this album on acoustic guitar and with handclaps with 'Eyesight To The Blind'. Superior number! Pianist Memphis Slim was known in both boogie-woogie and blues. Here, seated at the black and white keys, he creates a fantastic blues song with 'Mother Earth'. A pleasant song is certainly the slow blues 'Front Page Blues' by the vocal group The Solotones. Another vocal group, The Del Vikings, also scores immensely with the uptempo 'Woke Up This Morning', a formidable remake of B.B. King's number. Someone you immediately recognize by his style is Jimmy Reed. He does not deny that style on 'Close Together'. Hank Ballard is the uncrowned king of the twist, from which Chubby Checker reaped the benefits. Ballard is present with his inseparable The Midnighters in the shuffle 'I'm Crying Mercy Mercy'. 'Blues Stay Away From Me' has been covered repeatedly. Here you get a beautiful version of Otis Williams and His Charms. You undoubtedly know 'Linda Lu' in several versions. For Ray Sharpe it was his biggest hit, noted here as 'The New Linda Lu'. The list of well-known artists also includes Pee Wee Crayton, Albert King and Jimmy Witherspoon. The first has a beautiful slow blues with 'I Don't Care'. King scores rhythm & blues wise with 'Had You Told Me Like It was', a song that will not go unnoticed in popcorn circles. Witherspoon has a vocal group in The Lamplighters that takes 'Move Me Baby' to a higher level.
Furthermore, superior work by Baby Washington, The Enchanters, The Nic Nacs, Dorothy Prince, Henry Pierce and his Five Notes, The Chanteclairs, The Clovers and Camille & The Creations.
Unfortunately, the statement 'all good songs come to an end' also applies to the 'Blues Meets Doo-Wop' series. However, I am firmly convinced that compiler Little Victor will surprise us again in one way or another in the foreseeable future.

Ted Russell Kamp's new album 'California Son' contains twelve original songs, written or co-written by some soulmates. On this album Ted plays bass, acoustic and electric guitar, dobro, organ and percussion. Although he does like to be accompanied by a number of guests on various songs. The title track is a song about being a musician, and he mentions some of those iconic places in Los Angeles. An album of hope, with a dash of country, rock and blues...!

Unique project combining real space sounds and electronics into mindfucking ambient.

In 2024, the band is celebrating their 50th anniversary with a European tour and a new album. Six fresh-penned tracks are featured on the mini album Tree House Fire, with the central theme of the songs being the fire that completely destroyed the band's Amsterdam studio in 2022.

This fifth volume in the 'Whip Masters Instrumentals' series once again shows that many attractive instrumental songs were recorded within the roots genres. The album traditionally contains 30 tracks, all recorded between 1952 and 1963. You will find little or nothing of many of the artists brought together here. However, the music they made has undoubtedly stood the test of time. Give that volume knob a good push to the right and let your neighbors enjoy the scorching tracks. Jerry Neal can start with the very special, slightly Eastern sounding 'Scratchin''. Later, 'Ali Baba' by The Satellites also sounds very Eastern. Neal is followed by Bob Moore And The Temps, who spice up their rocking 'Braggin'' with harmonica and organ. Zydeco artist Clifton Chenier is unique on the accordion. An instrument that rocks in his hands like no other. You will get a taste of this during 'The Big Wheel'. Carl Newman shifts things up a gear. Pounding drums form the basis for the exciting 'Tom-Tom'. The East also inspired Walkin' Charlie Aldrich and The Way Outers, as can be heard in 'Hot Sake'. In the blues you will find many great instrumental songs. Usually they have either the guitar or the harmonica in the front. In 'Chicken' Baby Boy Warren does it with the harmonica. And also pay attention to the percussion on the washboard. Blues is also one of the ingredients of 'The Grunt' by The Fifty Milers. The organ, supplemented with guitar, is the lead instrument on 'Tarantula' by The Tarantulas. Wonderful instrumental guitar rock 'n' roll comes with 'Ad Lib' and The Galaxies. Byron Gosh Group presents a song that contains both a portion of rhythm & blues and rock 'n' roll in 'Disgusting'. Genres that are also part of 'Rock! Rock! Rock!' by Willis 'Gator' Jackson and his orchestra, including a fantastic performance from the horn section. Rhythm & blues is also the basis for Dave Hamilton's 'Cooter Bug' and 'Walking The Beat' by Ernie Freeman. 'Tickle Toe' by Paul Gayten sounds playful, partly due to the piano. The race to conquer space inspired many artists. This includes Young John Watson, who creates a nice space sound in 'Space Guitar'. An impressive song is the hillbilly-influenced 'Aungalala' by Tex Carman, with a lightning-fast intro on the six strings.
Surf is rather the genre in which The Pyramids, Chiyo and The Crescents, Manuel and The Renegades, The Nite Sounds and The Losers shine.
In his uniquely recognizable style, Link Wray and his Wraymen close with 'Slinky'.
Clean sounding guitars, refreshing organ sounds, drums that provide a solid beat and creative horns, you get it all on one plate on the fifth volume in the 'Whip Masters Instrumentals' series. It's up to you to devour it eagerly.

Energetic female trio from the Czech Republic with theatrical poppy rocksongs steeped in the seventies.

Lone Star Mojo is a Blues/Rock band out of Wichita Falls Texas. Five musicians with decades of experience between them. All contributing their unique style to this album of NOS {new old songs}. From heart and soul rock and blues to quirky off beat humorous numbers, Lone Star Mojo crafts a niche in todays musical landscape. The band is not perfect and a little rough around the edges. This is what makes these tunes stand out. They are real and sincere. Listening to these songs over a period of time will grow on you. Crank up the volume and indulge your musical senses. We would like to announce the retirement of our great friend and brother Scotty Biggs. He is a fantastic guitar/singer/songwriter. He did play some slide on our new album A Shot Of The Blues. He will be missed  but he just can't do the roadwork anymore. We will continue on as a four piece outfit to support this album. 

Highly danceable album that invites you to a live concert. Recommended!

Benny Joy appeared recently on this site, but now Bear Family Records is also paying tribute to this rocker. Joy was born on November 5, 1935 and died of cancer at the age of 52. Unfortunately, as a performing artist he could not achieve the intended and above all, deserved success. However, that changed when rock 'n' roll and rockabilly were undergoing a revival in the seventies and eighties of the last century. As a songwriter he achieved this with hits he wrote for Jackie Wilson, Charlie Rich, Johnny Cash and Carl Smith, among others. Benny's compositions for fellow artists are not included on this compilation. 'Rocks' puts Benny Joy in the spotlight as a performer. With 'Little Red Book', 'Miss Bobby Sox', 'Crash The Party', 'Spin The Bottle', 'Button Nose' and 'Jukebox Rock' he has fifties classics to his name. Naturally, these songs are all on this album. You will also hear lesser-known, but no less appreciated, songs. 'Wild Wild Lover', 'Gossip, Gossip, Gossip', 'I'm Gonna Move' and 'Love Zone' also shine here. Benny recorded his repertoire for various labels, such as Tri-Dec, Dixie, Antler, Ram and Decca. In addition to his recordings from the fifties, 'Rocks' also contains a number of Joy's recordings and demos from the '70s and '80s. Such as the 1981 'Dark Angel' and 'Indian Giver', which clearly contain traces of country and Cash.
This album contains a total of 30 songs, of which Benny Joy can be heard on 27 of them. The other 3 are filled in by Big John Taylor, Benny's musical partner for many years. Together they also recorded their very first single 'Hey... High School Baby! / Spin The Bottle' for Tri-Dec in 1957. Big John Taylor shows off his talent on the six strings with verve on the instrumentals 'Money Money' and 'Rebel Rock'. Vocally you can hear him at work on 'Talking About It'.
This compilation proves that Benny Joy was an excellent rocker. Many of his songs have so much hit potential that it remains a mystery why they didn't become hits. In any case, it was not due to the song quality and performance. Benny is still 'unknown and unloved' for many. Fortunately, compilations like this change that. You can read more about Benny as well as the tracks in the 32-page awesome executed booklet.

‘The Love You Bleed’ gives Danielle Nicole a solid place that music has always provided in dealing with love and loss. "It’s been a difficult relationship listening to music outside of professional reasons since the passing of my brother Kris," she says. Danielle is a Grammy nominated, 7X Blues Music Award winner and one of the finest singers and bassists in roots music today. Produced by Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, Robert Cray) and mixed by John Porter (B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bryan Ferry), The Love You Bleed is full of love, loss, will, determination, and all the other things that go together with love. Highly recommended! 

For the 43rd volume, Bear Family Records delves into the archives of the Allstar Records label. Allstar Records was based in Houston, Texas and was owned by Daniel James Mechura. Mechura was a songwriter and through The Folk Writers Co-Operative Association, of which he was president, he helped aspiring amateur songwriters transform their lyrics into hits. For a small fee, Dan Mechura had the amateur songwriters send in their lyrics. These were set to music and recorded with talented singers and instrumentalists. Allstar Records had two sub-labels, Kool and Nu-Craft. Together they released beautiful country and rockabilly, both from well-known names and obscure artists. Dan Mechura was also a recording artist himself. He appears twice as Daniel James on this compilation, namely with the rocking 'Rock Moon Rock' and the more country-tinged 'I'm Gonna Move'. The label scored a top 20 country hit with 'Imitation Of Love' by Adrian Roland. Roland makes a very special appearance later with the also country-drenched 'Now I Know' and 'Mr. Bass Fiddle', as the title suggests, with a creative bass in the leading role. But more beautiful country can be heard on this album. Such as Johnny Bush, Earl Aycock, Wiley Barkdull with the impressive 'When You Go' and later with the lightning fast guitar driven instrumental 'Tiger By The Tail', Jerry Matthews, Lawton Williams, Smilin' Jerry Jericho and certainly Red Mansel with 'My Only One'.
Top-level rockabilly is served by Johnny Watson, Bobby Clanton with the raw 'Beat Back Baby', Larry Butler, Tommy Graham, Tommy Hammond, Prince Arky and Rocky Williams.
Someone who clearly had Chuck Berry as an example was Johnny Huskey, present here with 'Red Dress'. Definitely worth mentioning is 'Your Kind Of Love' by Johnny Bush. Song with a great doo-wop choir.
'When I'm Gone' by Jerry Jericho also sounds very nice. Song that combines rockabilly, hillbilly and country. And pay special attention to that wonderful fiddle part.
More than likely, the names of the artists brought together here will not sound familiar to you. High time to change that, because let's be honest, it would be a shame to miss the formidable rockabilly and country of Allstar Records.
In addition, you will receive all information about Allstar Records and the tracks in the attached booklet.

With 'Deadlines' Joakim Tinderholt is on his third album. He explores all corners of the roots genres, from rhythm & blues to rock 'n' roll and soul. 'Deadlines' contains 10 songs, 5 of which are original songs and the rest are carefully selected covers. In addition to his regular band, Joakim called on a number of guest musicians. For example, 'Sax' Gordon Beadle can be heard on tenor sax, Frederik Mustad is on the Hammond B3 organ, Daniel Eriksen takes care of the slide guitar and Christoffer 'Kid' Andersen, together with his wife Lisa Leuschner, provides backing vocals. Kid Andersen also plays keyboards and Lisa provides percussion.
Rocking and rolling, the climax kicks off with the title track. That genre later also formed the basis for the original 'Too Late'. 'Don't Look Now' is a compelling rhythm & blues, after which 'I Ain't Rich' leans more towards the contemporary blues genre and gives a little nod to Robert Cray. With 'Love Is Amazing', a song by Robert Ward, Tinderholt resolutely plays the soul card. Soul can also be found in 'Can I Change My Mind', 'How I Got To Memphis' and closing track 'Love Is A Four Letter Word'.
Eddie Clearwater's 'Hillbilly Blues' remains a beautiful example of rocking rhythm & blues in Tinderholt's version, which, Juust like the original, is somewhat reminiscent of Chuck Berry.
With 'Deadlines' Joakim Tinderholt proves that he is on edge. Whether it's rocking rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll or deep soul, the genres fit him like a glove.
'Deadlines' is already one of the first high-flyers of the new year.

Lyrics that mean something, music that grabs you by the balls.  Great album!

Nowhere Left To Go" is an album that will delight fans of classic rock, blues and soul music. It captures the essence of the Brothers Brown's live performanc. The thirteen songs written and produced by this bluesy and soul band represent a rainbow of musical styles. The album cover and the songs, released on the Woodward Avenue Records label, are energetic, innovative and expressive. Highly recommended! 

Dutch Grammy winner Marc van Vugt is known as a musician and composer who constantly surprises with his own projects. These take place in the intimacy of smaller ensembles or in original cross-over projects such as with the Netherlands Chamber Choir and the Metropole Orchestra. His compositions reflect Marc’s experience in jazz and improvised music and contemporary composed music. The music is characterized by long, associative lines that often have melancholic overtones. 

The German Bear Family Records started the 'Rocks' series in 2002. More than 70 CDs have now been released in that series, each spotlighting a rhythm & blues or rock legend. The new series 'Bear Family Rocks', of which the first volume has now been published, brings an anthology of songs from that immense 'Rocks' series. A series that is still not at its end, because new releases in this series regularly come onto the market. You will soon be able to read the reviews of 'Rocks' releases dedicated to Benny Joy and Eddie Bond on this site. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves and first pay our full attention to 'Bear Family Records Rocks, Vol. 1', which contains rock 'n' roll, blues and jump rhythm & blues. Naturally, artists with well-known names can be found here. Fats Domino, Lloyd Price and shouter Smiley Lewis provide impressive New Orleans rhythm & blues. Pioneering and influential guitarists are featured with Bo Diddley with his trademark the 'diddley beat' and Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, here with the formidable instrumental 'Boogie Uproar'. Chuck Berry and Little Richard are widely regarded as pioneers of rock 'n' roll, but without Big Joe Turner, Amos Milburn and Roy Milton paving the way for rock 'n' roll before them, the genre would more than likely not be to arise. They are all represented on this compilation. You can expect rocking rhythm & blues from top performers such as Jimmy McCracklin, Jimmy Reed, Little Junior Parker, Arthur Crudup, Champion Jack Dupree, Ella Mae Morse, Piano Red, Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Slim Harpo. The fifties were also the years of the vocal groups, who made wonderful recordings with their mix of doo-wop and rocking rhythm & blues. These voice giants are represented by The Coasters, The Midnighters, The “5” Royales, The Platters and The Cadillacs. Heavenly harmony also characterizes 'No Sweet Love' by The Drifters, as well as 'Poon-Tang' by The Treniers. They are followed by Louis Prima and the swinging 'Jump, Jive An' Wail'. For rhythm & blues in a soulful way you can count on 'Deep See Ball' by Clyde McPhatter. Amos Milburn provides a moment of rest with 'One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer'.
The album contains 29 tracks from 29 different artists. Artists who were all featured individually on a volume from the 'Rocks' series. As Johnny Otis he already got his 'Rocks' volume, but not yet with The Johnny Otis Show. You now get them as a plus track with 'Good Golly'.
In the 34-page booklet, in addition to information about the artists and the songs, you also get photos of the covers of the 'Rocks' releases on which they were featured.
Collectors who own all previously published volumes in the 'Rocks' series will not have much use for this new series. However, if you don't have all the volumes or are taking your first steps into the world of excellent fifties rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues, 'Bear Family Records Rocks, Vol. 1' is an excellent choice.

After releasing three critically-acclaimed albums of original, jazz-fueled songs, Candice Ivory reveals a whole new sound with her blues matriarch tribute, When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie. The Memphis-raised and St. Louis-based Queen of Avant Soul, Ivory hails from an illustrious Memphis family that shaped the city’s secular and sacred sounds. Her great-uncle was the singer/guitarist Will Roy Sanders, whose band, the Fieldstones, was one of the premier Memphis blues groups from the 1970s to the ‘90s. On October 6, 2023, she releases her collaboration with singular guitarist/bassist Charlie Hunter, When the Levee Breaks (Little Village Foundation) – a midnight run to the crossroads where jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B all converge. 

Dion Di Mucci, usually referred as Dion, features on the recent volume of the 'On The Dancefloor With...' series. Dion was the lead singer of The Belmonts. Together they scored hits with 'I Wonder Why', 'A Teenager In Love' and 'Where Or When'. Dion also did well as a solo artist. There he managed to storm the charts with 'Lonely Teenager', 'Runaround Sue', 'Ruby Baby', 'The Wanderer' and 'Donna The Prima Donna'. Born in 1939, he started in the fifties, the heyday of doo-wop and rock 'n' roll, with The Belmonts and immediately profiled himself as one of the pioneering artists of that time. Dion's strength was that he managed to fuse doo-wop, rock 'n' roll and even rhythm & blues in such a way that a unique 'Dion sound' was created. He left the group around 1960 to pursue his solo career. As a solo artist he evolved to such an extent that in addition to pop, he also recorded songs in the blues and folk genre.
This album contains all the hits that Dion made together with The Belmonts, as well as the hits that he recorded as a solo artist. In addition to the well-known tracks, there are songs that may not be immediately known to the general public. But let us be clear, all songs are of equal quality. The covers of well-known songs are just as interesting. Listen to him work his way through the Leiber/Stoller composition 'Kansas City' and also Little Willie John's classic 'Fever'. Not to mention his energetic cover of 'Shout'. Later Dion would record blues songs. You get a taste here with 'I Got The Blues', where he showcases the wonderful raw edge in his voice. In the closing song, the slightly jazzy 'North East End Of The Corner', he once again shows his versatility.
Dion is not only a wonderful performer, blessed with a beautiful voice, but he also scores effortlessly as a songwriter and co-writer.
Bill Dahl based the liner notes on an interview with Dion, in which the latter describes his career from the rock 'n' roll years in the fifties to the 1960s, the years where he achieved success in pop. A nice addition to a great release.

The thirteen new original Americana songs combine swinging blues, roots rock, country ballads and (Irish/Celtic/Nordic) folk tones, with lyrics often inspired by true life events; stories of the working class, wanderlust, in tough times, crime, heartbreak and other personal tragedies, but also love, hope and humor.

Great classical jazz interpretation from Frank Zappa’s work into clarinet and guitar, without losing the typical vibes of FZ or the Mothers.

You might not immediately expect it...beat groups covering country songs. Not all songs are strictly country songs, some have a folk feel. Not surprising because in England in the sixties, skiffle and folk were at their height. Just think of John, Paul and George, who, as the skiffle group The Quarrymen, laid the foundation for The Beatles. In the wake of the Fab Four, the bands then called 'beat groups' sprang up like mushrooms, both in England and elsewhere. For some, a brilliant musical career awaited, while others disappeared from the stage as quickly as they had appeared on it. The German Bear Family Records bundles 30 tracks by beat groups that ventured into country and sometimes folk songs on 'BEATin' On Country Music'. Well-known bands featured include The Searchers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, The Spencer Davis Group, The Merseybeats, The Nashville Teens, The Hollies, The Incrowd and The Lords. Many of the members of these groups and of the lesser-known bands on this album grew up with folk, country, western and blues. So they knew the genres and knew how to give them a beat jacket with class. Alex Harvey and His Soul Band immediately demonstrate this in their verspon of 'You Are My Sunshine', driven by a strong beat. The Downliners Sect are present three times. On 'Above And Beyond', 'Midnight Special' and 'Wreck Of The Old '97' they keep it a little more country. This also applies to the more than formidable rocking country version of 'Ruby Ann' by King Size Taylor and The Dominoes. With 'Danny Boy', The Poor Things show that a crooner version was also possible for beat groups. The well-known Billy J. Kramer, together with his The Dakotas, delivers a super clever version of the 'all time classic country song' 'Tennessee Waltz'. Steve Winwood would go on to have a wonderful solo career, but at the time of the recording of the pop and jazz classic 'Georgia On My Mind', made famous by Ray Charles, the very young Winwood was still part of The Spencer Davis Group. Beautiful version in the style of Ray Charles, with a sublime tempo-changing solo on piano. 'Sixteen Tons', the Merle Travis song has already been covered countless times. Johnny Sandon's version can certainly be considered one of the better ones. Jeff Lynn and Roy Wood were once part of Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders. That there was talent in that group is clear in their version of Charlie Rich's 'Lonely Weekends'. The Hollies scored hits all the time. What a wonderful cover they perform of Roy Orbison's 'Candy Man', with a beautiful part on harmonica. The Nederbeat is represented by The Incrowd from The Hague, here with a beautiful compelling version of Charlie Rich's 'I'll Make It All Up To You', which has a lot of blues in it. The Lords were generally seen as the German Beatles and, like their great examples, started as a skiffle group. Here you get them with German lyrics in 'Tobacco Road'. The Bobby Patrick Big Six also concludes on a beautiful note with an impressive slightly jazzy version of Hank Williams' 'Your Cheatin' Heart'.
'BEATin' On Country Music' is not only a fantastic document of the times, but also shows that the beat groups of the sixties were capable of a lot more than the singles with which they stormed the charts. This compilation shows that there was quite a lot of talent in these bands, because to make these versions of well-known songs, you have to have a lot of 'talent and skills'. Highly recommended!

This 2cd collection houses no less than 37 digitally remastered A and B sides released by The Spencer Davis Group on Fontana between 1964 and 1967, making you wonder if the foursome from Birmingham really released 18.50  singles in this short period. Well, they did not. In fact, we here have two collections.
The first consists of the nine Fontana singles released in the UK, from ‘Dimples’ up to the first outing without Stevie Winwood – ‘Time Seller’. Although they owe their hit sound to Jamaican Jackie Edwards, their basic influence comes from Afro-American music of the early sixties, think Ray Charles, Brenda Holloway, Booker T or John Lee Hooker. There is as much soul as blues here.
This Afro-American source is even more plain in the second collection, i.e. the singes released in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Canada and even Turkey. Most tracks can be found on their albums, but grouping these here just stresses how much Afro-American sounds influenced the band and particularly Stevie Winwood, who creatively copied his masters on tunes like ‘Stevie’s Blues’. The only real rarities then are two Germany-only B-sides [‘Goodbye Stevie’ and ‘Stevie’s Groove’] and a medley of German trad songs sung in Germn by Davis -  entirely missing the point.
Regretfully, these 37 songs are presented in a random order, whereas one would at least expect the UK singles to be in chronological order, if only for the sake of the band’s musical progress.
A booklet comments on all the releases, though not adding much.  
Radio 68  presents a double helping in My Generation on Sundays 11 and 18, and Mondays 18 and 19 Feb. 2024.

According to Ellis, “Naked Truth is both a departure and an arrival.” He has been recording and traveling the world for over four decades, delivering his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals, and clubs. From the original, Skip James-inspired Windowpane to the Delta-styled Tallahassee Blues, to the humorous Grown Ass Man, Ellis goes deep, singing and playing the blues’ honest truths. The inclusion of four introspective instrumentals (including a transcendent cover of Leo Kottke’s A Soldier’s Grave On The Prairie, a song he’s been playing live for almost 50 years) adds even more depth and substance to an album overflowing with riches. Each song carries the weight, experience and hard-earned wisdom Ellis learned over four decades on the road, infusing Naked Truth with an emotional authenticity that is palpable from start to finish.