Memphis is writ large throughout JT Lauritsen’s seventh album, Play By The Rules. Lauritsen (vocals, harp, accordion and Hammond B3) and regular drummer Jon Grimsby hired Memphis’ legendary Ardent Recording Studios which has produced recordings from the likes of Robert Cray, B.B. King, ZZ Top and Albert Collins over the years. Alongside luminaries that include Billy Gibson, Anson Funderburgh, Willie J. Campbell and Victor Wainwright, they laid down five tracks. The other seven tracks were recorded back home in Norway with Lauritsen’s regular band, The Buckshot Hunters, to round off the album.

 

 "Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday'"

Texan James Goode describes himself as an “old rascal and beat-up coach,” but this Rockabilly Hall-Of-Fame inductee, songwriter, bass player, and creator of the Ruff Kutt Blues Band certainly knows how to field one hell of a Blues team. That’s When The Blues Begins features fourteen songs written or co-written by Goode, performed by world class Bluesmen including vocalist/guitarist Zac Harmon, vocalist Finis Tasby, and producer/guitarist Anson Funderburgh.

 

UPDATE! Revival moves to The Riviera on the Las Vegas Strip

 

Update from the producer: Greetings Soul and Blues Fans, We are less than a week away from what is sure to be an incredible 72 hours of great music (40 bands) and great times at Sin City Soul & Blues Revival. Stress-free partying and camaraderie with old and new Blues Friends in Las Vegas, Sept 15-17!

 

Due to an irresolvable issue with The Rio Hotel last week, we were faced with either canceling The Revival, or relocating it. The good news is: The Revival is moving to The Riviera Hotel Casino, located on the fabulous Las Vegas Strip! The folks at The Riv have been great to work with thus far, and we think the event will be every bit as spectacular as advertised. We have secured performance spaces in The Royale Pavilion, The Top of The Riv, The Pool, and The Casino Lounge Stage.

 

Update: Ron Thompson's car recovered but equipment still missing

San Francisco/Oakland, CA Bay Area blues legend, Ron Thompson, had his car stolen from the Hayward/Castro Valley (CA) area with all his equipment inside including: Amps, Guitars, Keyboard and misc cords and hardware. 

A music store in San Leandro CA, caught footage of three young men trying to sell one of his prized guitars put police didn't get there in time! The car was recovered (Sunday) when a young man "driving" it (according to police reports) was pulled over and arrested. The car was impounded but unbelievably, after Thompson (who wasn't notified until Tuesday) had to fork out over $400 to the impound yard, he found his car only had 3 wheels, no battery and was thrashed! Something is rotten in Denmark as the saying goes! The police are now saying the man wasn't "driving" but was "messing around " with the car! Ron's treasured equipment is still missing. Man if this isn't the blues I don't know what is! Poor Ron!

Find updates and photos of equipment AND the thieves here: https://www.facebook.com/RonThompsonandFans

Please contact Jackie McCort at 510-693-8277 (jackie@rtblues.com) or Ron at 209-456-7508 with any information.

... 

Bluzapalooza to entertain Wounded Warriors

On October 26th, BLUZAPALOOZA will be bringing the Blues to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland to entertain our Wounded Warriors, their families and the staff and families of all of our military personnel and patients stationed there. Co-hosted by the creator of Sirius XM's Bluesville Bill Wax and BLUZAPALOOZA producer Steve Simon, this historic domestic BLUZAPALOOZA concert stars "The Queen of the Blues" Shemekia Copeland, Homemade Jamz Blues Band and Southern Halo.

Blues Foundation News: Raise the Roof! and the Mercury

People often ask "What do I get by joining the Foundation?" All members receive a membership card that allows YOU to vote for your favorite artists for the Blues Music Awards annually. Not to mention you get the personal satisfaction of supporting the programs of The Blues Foundation--supporting the Blues Music Awards, the Blues Hall of Fame, the International Blues Challenge and the Keeping the Blues Alive awards and more.

 

Higher levels of support bring additional premiums PLUS additional entries in our Membership Drawing!

 

This year’s membership drawing will be November 1, 2013! Make sure you are a current member. Remember: every $25 that you spend in membership will add your name to the drawing for:

 

Now's the time to make plans for Blues downunder

The Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia's premier blues and roots festival. Join the Blues Festival Guide for a trip of a lifetime in 2014. We have exclusive information on discounted air/hotel packages.