CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE JOE LOUIS WALKER 'VIVA LAS VEGAS LIVE' CONCERT FILM WORLDWIDE ON DVD/CD & VOD ON May 10, 2019

Los Angeles, CA - On May 10th, 2019, Cleopatra Entertainment - in association with Cleopatra Blues - will release a brand new concert film Viva Las Vegas Live from Grammy Award-nominated Blues legend Joe Louis Walker. Directed by Brent Backhus, this stunning 85-minute concert was captured in all its glory at the infamous Boulder Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada last summer during Walker’s 2018 U.S. tour.

Joe Louis Walker’s career has spanned nearly six decades – and 24 studio albums – since first picking up the guitar at his childhood home in San Francisco at the young age of eight. Joining the local musicians’ union in his early teens enabled young Joe to perform publicly with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Buddy Miles, Thelonious Monk, Willie Dixon, Nick Lowe, John Mayall, Muddy Waters and even Jimi Hendrix. By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Walker had already collaborated with and performed with multi-Grammy Award winning artists such as B.B. King (on King’s Blues Summit album) and James Cotton (on Cotton’s Deep In The Blues album) as well as enjoying the rare honor to perform at the Presidential Inauguration of President George H. Bush. In 2013, Walker was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, later being nominated in four categories for a Blues Music Award. In 2015, his album Everybody Wants A Piece was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Contemporary Blues Album” category.

Viva Las Vegas Live will be available on global digital platforms along with the home entertainment version that will be packaged in a gorgeous, four-panel, 2 Disc Digipack containing a DVD and audio CD of the concert. The all-region DVD’s bonus features include an exclusive interview with Walker that was filmed backstage at the venue plus a rare, behind the scenes slideshow of Joe and his band as they prepare to storm through ten, smoking tracks in front of their adoring live audience. A stand-alone, limited-edition colored 12” Vinyl LP version of the concert will be released separately this summer on the Cleopatra Blues Label imprint.

Viva Las Vegas Live Track Listing:
I'm Not Messin’ Around
Young Girls Blues
Sugar Mama
Do You Love Me?
In The Morning
Soldier for Jesus
You Don't Love Me Girl
Black & Blue
Too Drunk To Drive Drunk
Like It This Way

PRE-ORDER JOE LOUIS WALKER VIVA LAS VEGAS LIVE DVD/CD here:
https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Louis-Walker-Viva-Vegas/dp/B07PKY4YZ5

Album Cover Photo Credit: Arnie Goodman


About Cleopatra Entertainment:
Cleopatra Entertainment is a Los Angeles based multimedia company founded by Cleopatra Records head Brian Perera. Recent films in release include the action-adventure extravaganza CHINA SALESMAN starring Mike Tyson and Steven Seagal, the Brit-Pop laced MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH, Egypt’s official entry to the 2018 Academy Awards foreign language category SHEIKH JACKSON, and the critically acclaimed ENGLAND IS MINE, directed by Oscar and BAFTA nominated director Mark Gill. For more information about Cleopatra Entertainment, please contact VP/General Manager Tim Yasui, tim@cleorecs.com or (310) 526-7210

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Experience Hendrix Tour 2019 Concert Review

The Experience  Hendrix Tour 2019 Concert

The Palace Theater Albany, New York

April 3, 2019

http://www.experiencehendrixtour.com/

The pictures I have provided were snapped by me with my phone to give you an idea of the backdrop to the music prior to the show. That screen changed with each song and it was very trippy psychedelic colors and images that mirrored the timeframe of Jimi in his prime. -Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

The Electric Church arrived in Albany, NY last night with its all-star cast for the Experience Hendrix 2019 Tour.  The music of Jimi Hendrix continues to thrive and be embraced by fans worldwide. This is a tour I have been wanting to catch for several years now and I finally made it, and so glad I did.

The best thing that could happen to this event is the involvement of Billy Cox. Anyone familiar with Jimi’s music knows that they were friends for a long time and Billy played bass on some of Jimi’s albums. Also, with Janie Hendrix involved it makes everything legit. Also having a powerhouse rhythm section like Chris Layton (drums) and Kevin McCormick (bass) makes the entire gig more presentable and helps the other musicians blend into the Hendrix songs.

What you will witness at one of these shows is quite a display of musicianship, primarily guitar heroes having a really good time. The music of Hendrix is timeless as is his legend and persona.  With that thought in mind, how do all these current artists interpret the music of this fabled performer?

The wide array of styles with the musicians tells the tale. With Billy Cox, you have the living legend, the reigning high priest of The Electric Church. He is the only one left and he has done a great job of playing bass and singing in a live setting, as he did last evening. Having Billy as the main cog in the wheel for this presentation is key to its success.

One of my favorites, Eric Johnson, kicked off the night with Dweezil Zappa. This was the segment of the show I enjoyed the most.  Actually, anytime Eric took the stage it was enjoyable. Eric’s sound is instantly recognizable, as it is with most high-level players. One has to remember that Dweezil is excellent as well, the fact alone that he mastered father Frank’s music is an incredible feat.  One of the more consistent presences on stage was Mato Nanji.  Not a name that is as well known as some of the others but he was part of the act at least 75% of the time and he was consistently excellent emulating Jimi’s music. 

 

Another treat was The Slide Brothers. Calvin Cooke and Chuck Campbell. Man did those to wail away at every opportunity! The added a dimension to the music that made it all more as close to the original sound as possible. They were the X factor of the night.

One of the many high points of the evening was Johnny Lang with his powerful vocals and guitar playing. I thought his vocals were the strong point in regards to the songs covered. He is more of a straight-ahead bluesman with no tricks or fluff.  Sometimes that is just what the doctor ordered and he is a good fit for Jimi’s music. And I cannot forget the vocals of Henri Brown, who brought the sold-out crowd to its feet towards the end of the night.

Then Dave Mustaine of Megadeth came out and played. He did an admirable job with his flying V guitar. And towards the end of the show was the Three Amigos, Joe Satriani (guitar), Doug Pinnick (bass) and Kenny Aronoff (drums). Now, this was a picture I could not forget as all three do not have one hair follicle to show, if they painted themselves blue, they could pass for that other group we all know. All of that aside, this was the highlight of the evening I would think for most guitar fans. 

 

Kenny was a madman on those skins, he is so fast and so powerful after all these years, age has not affected him one bit. Pinnick with has bass hanging nearly to his ankles, and he can still reach it, by the way, sounded a lot like Jimi when he sang. For me, Satriani has been a favorite since his first release back in the 80s. This night however I did not appreciate him as much. The idea here I would think is to play Jimi’s music but in your own way and still keeping with the original sound as much as possible. Joe likes to use that whammy bar and make squealing sounds and such. I am not a fan of that so much. So, from my point of view, I wanted to see Joe that masterful guitar player, crank out the music of Hendrix minus all of the extra effects. He needs to save all that flashy technical playing for his own shows. This is a matter of personal taste and opinion and I am sure plenty of fans enjoyed that part of the show.

And lastly, I need to give the nod to blues legend Taj Mahal. The man is getting on in years but can still belt out the blues and play that six-string.  That is a lot of talent to witness in one concert and it is a night I never will forget.

The bottom line is respecting and celebrating the music of the greatest guitar player that walked this earth. That is the reason for the Experience Hendrix Tour. They do succeed with an amazing show that runs for 2.5 hours. It is a must-see affair. So, are you experienced?

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 5, 2019

Blues/Rock Guitar Virtuoso Paul Nelson Announces Fall and Winter Tour Dates

Being blues/rock icon Johnny Winter's hand-picked touring and recording guitarist is just one of the accolades held by Grammy-winning guitarist Paul Nelson who has also shared the world's stages and/or recorded alongside Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Slash, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Vince Gill, Sonny Landreth, Ben Harper and the list goes on. With appearances on late night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, Nelson a blues hall of fame artist is known for his amazing tone and playing style by an ever growing legion of fans establishing him as one of today's leading modern guitar trendsetters.

Come see why this guitarist's guitarist and band are packing houses on tour now!

PAUL NELSON TOUR DATES  2018-2019

October
10/06/18 - Hygienic Art Park - New London, CT
10/09/18 - Fanatics Pub - Lima, NY
10/11/18 - Slippery Noodle - Indianapolis, IN
10/12/18 - The Third Base - Springfield, IL
10/14/18 - Buddy Guys - Chicago, IL
10/17/18 - Zoo Bar - Lincoln, NE
10/19/18 - Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO
10/20/18 - Corner Bar - Freemont, NE
10/21/18 - Byrons - Pomeroy, IA
10/27/18 - Lizzie Rose Music Room, Trenton, NJ

November
11/02/18 - Darwins - Sandy Springs, GA
11/03/18 - Hard Rock Cafe - Nashville, TN WDerek St Holmes
11/04/18 - Lafayettes Music Room - Memphis, TN
11/07/18 - Double Road Tavern - Jupiter, FL
11/08/18 - Leroys - Punta Gorda, FL
11/09/18 - The Barrel Room - Fort Myers, FL
11/10/18 - The Alley - Sanford, FL
11/11/18 - The Little Bar - Goodland, FL
11/14/18 - Englewoods on Dearborn - Englewood, FL
11/16/18 - South Street City Oven and Grill - Naples, FL
11/17/18 - The Funky Biscuit - Boca Raton, FL
12/01/18 - Kettle Works - Columbia, PA
12/08/18 - Woodbury Brewing Co - Woodbury, CT

January
02/22/19 - Third Base - Springfield IL
02/23/19 - TC's Bluestage - Napoleon, MI
02/28/19 - Chrome Lounge, Omaha, NE
02/24-31/19 - Johnny Winter Jamaica "Winterfest" - Trelawny, Jamaica w/Sonny Landrecht,Derek St Holmes, Samantha Fish, James Montgomery & All-Star Band

February
03/07/19 - Englewoods On Dearborn, Englewood, FL
03/17/19 - Blues at The Ranch - Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brookville, FL

For more information:
www.paulnelsonguitar.com

Links
Paul Nelson - JJ Flash
https://www.facebook.com/paulnelsonofficial/videos/1768987349806957/

Paul Nelson w/ Warren Haynes Gon't Mule and G Love

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Blues/Rock Guitar Virtuoso Paul Nelson Announces Fall and Winter Tour Dates

Being blues/rock icon Johnny Winter's hand-picked touring and recording guitarist is just one of the accolades held by Grammy-winning guitarist Paul Nelson who has also shared the world's stages and/or recorded alongside Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Slash, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Vince Gill, Sonny Landreth, Ben Harper and the list goes on. With appearances on late night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, Nelson a blues hall of fame artist is known for his amazing tone and playing style by an ever growing legion of fans establishing him as one of today's leading modern guitar trendsetters.

Come see why this guitarist's guitarist and band are packing houses on tour now!

PAUL NELSON TOUR DATES  2018-2019

October
10/06/18 - Hygienic Art Park - New London, CT
10/09/18 - Fanatics Pub - Lima, NY
10/11/18 - Slippery Noodle - Indianapolis, IN
10/12/18 - The Third Base - Springfield, IL
10/14/18 - Buddy Guys - Chicago, IL
10/17/18 - Zoo Bar - Lincoln, NE
10/19/18 - Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO
10/20/18 - Corner Bar - Freemont, NE
10/21/18 - Byrons - Pomeroy, IA
10/27/18 - Lizzie Rose Music Room, Trenton, NJ

November
11/02/18 - Darwins - Sandy Springs, GA
11/03/18 - Hard Rock Cafe - Nashville, TN WDerek St Holmes
11/04/18 - Lafayettes Music Room - Memphis, TN
11/07/18 - Double Road Tavern - Jupiter, FL
11/08/18 - Leroys - Punta Gorda, FL
11/09/18 - The Barrel Room - Fort Myers, FL
11/10/18 - The Alley - Sanford, FL
11/11/18 - The Little Bar - Goodland, FL
11/14/18 - Englewoods on Dearborn - Englewood, FL
11/16/18 - South Street City Oven and Grill - Naples, FL
11/17/18 - The Funky Biscuit - Boca Raton, FL
12/01/18 - Kettle Works - Columbia, PA
12/08/18 - Woodbury Brewing Co - Woodbury, CT

January
02/22/19 - Third Base - Springfield IL
02/23/19 - TC's Bluestage - Napoleon, MI
02/28/19 - Chrome Lounge, Omaha, NE
02/24-31/19 - Johnny Winter Jamaica "Winterfest" - Trelawny, Jamaica w/Sonny Landrecht,Derek St Holmes, Samantha Fish, James Montgomery & All-Star Band

February
03/07/19 - Englewoods On Dearborn, Englewood, FL
03/17/19 - Blues at The Ranch - Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brookville, FL

For more information:
www.paulnelsonguitar.com

Links
Paul Nelson - JJ Flash
https://www.facebook.com/paulnelsonofficial/videos/1768987349806957/

Paul Nelson w/ Warren Haynes Gon't Mule and G Love

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Concert Review: Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Opening Act Temperance Movement

Bethel Woods New York

September 2, 2018

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/

http://www.deeppurple.com/

http://thetemperancemovement.com/

Thousands of people made the trek to the mountains in Bethel Woods NY to see a triple header rock concert. It was one of those nights you would never forget. Deep Purple, whom I never saw live, Judas Priest and a relatively new band on the scene, Temperance Movement, would entertain for over 3 hours.

 

It was a long ride for us but well worth the trip by the time we got back home in the wee hours of the morning. This would be the fourth time I would see Judas Priest. I am also aware that Deep Purple is likely on their last tour and recorded their last studio album From Here To Infinite. This placed some urgency on the event for me personally. I was there to cover Judas Priest so everything else was icing on the cake.

I have to say that the venue at Bethel Woods, which sits directly across the field where Woodstock was held, is the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. I have been to a few in my day and this place is so scenic and peaceful, well not for long though. There is a little stream that runs alongside the path to the stage and a beautiful water fountain as well.  There are all kinds of food and drink vendors and some very interesting booths for memorabilia of the site and of course the swag booths to give every fan a chance to buy something from the event. I picked up a signed CD from The Temperance Movement. It is a fantastic new album titled A Deeper Cut.

So, we just made it there before the concert started and had to walk quite a way from where we parked, which would later prove to work to our advantage when leaving.  My son and I ran to our seats to catch The Temperance Movement’s opening song.

The Temperance Movement are a British blues rock band formed in 2011 by Phil Campbell and guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer. The rhythm section consists of bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson. This was a pleasant surprise to have them open for the two rock heavyweights as I have appreciated their recorded output since their inception. They really came on strong and maintained the energy level with some great playing. The lead singer is a little dynamo, jumping all over and waving his arms. I think he must have watched Jagger on stage a bit before he took the stage himself and I can hear the influence of the Rolling Stones in their sound. They had a short stay but they really made the best of every moment and think left a lasting impression on an audience that was likely unfamiliar to them.

Faulkner and Halford

Judas Priest was up next and they started things off with the title track of their new album Firepower. Rob Halford is now sporting his completely white beard and looking like the elder rocker but sounding strong as ever. Every time I see this band I am simply amazed how Halford keeps his pipes in such good shape and the range and screams he still commands are awesome.

Ritchie Faulkner is now the veteran guitar player of the band. He trades licks with Andy Sneap who fills in now for Glen Tipton. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I was very saddened to hear this news.  It seemed strange not seeing Glen on stage with his red leather pants and guitar blazing away. Faulkner certainly has reached another level as a guitar player and he has risen to the occasion taking over a lion’s share of the lead runs. 

                   

Halford and Sneap

So as Priest made their way through their set list I realized that this was the first time I had felt the sheer power of their set so up close. We had some great seats. When I would sit down for a few minutes I could feel the bass drum hammering away at my chest. It really was an amazing feeling. They were very loud but that is the only way to experience a Priest concert with the decibel level pinning in the red. If it hurts the eardrums well that will eventually wear off and you will be so glad you went again.
     

Then came rock legends Deep Purple. Ian Gillan (vocals), Ian Paice (drums), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keys) are a solid veteran unit that is very comfortable on stage and in the studio.

Ian Gillan has naturally lost some range with his voice; however, he is very distinctive and he gets the numbers across quite well. Some of the fan favorites were covered like “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin,” “Lazy” and of course “Smoke on the Water” and the incredible oldie “Hush.” 

Deep Purple Bass Player Roger Glover

Deep Purple can still be a force to be reckoned with onstage and if they were not I am sure they would not be sharing a bill with the metal legends Judas Priest. There is likely a mutual respect there between the two bands. I have to give the nod to Steve Morse for still playing magnificently even though he has some wrist issues and has to wear a brace. I know the feeling and really appreciate his efforts to keep playing all of that great music.

What an amazing night and I was there. What an honor and privilege it was to attend such an event and have the opportunity to provide some coverage to perspective concert goers.

My final thought is if this show is coming to a town near you I highly recommend your attendance as this may be your last chance to see these bands play together!

September 5, 2018

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

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"The original internet “MuzikMan” Reviewer since 1998!”

(All the pics I took with my phone so they are not professional, I have provided them to give people an idea of what I was watching and enjoying)

Judas Priest Setlist:

Firepower Intro

Firepower

Delivering the Goods

Sinner

Lightning Strike

Desert Plains

Turbo Lover

Guardians

Rising From Ruins

Freewheel Burning

You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Hell Bent for Leather

Painkiller

Encore:

Metal Gods

No Surrender

(first time w/o Glenn;… more )

Breaking the Law

Living After Midnight

Deep Purple Setlist:

Mars, the Bringer of War

(Gustav Holst song)

Highway Star

Pictures of Home

Bloodsucker

Strange Kind of Woman

Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming

Uncommon Man

Lazy

Knocking at Your Back Door

Keyboard Solo

(incl. "The Star-Spangled Banner")

Perfect Strangers

Space Truckin'

Smoke on the Water

Encore:

Hush

(Joe South cover) (incl. "Peter Gunn Theme" intro)

Concert Review: Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Opening Act Temperance Movement

Bethel Woods New York

September 2, 2018

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/

http://www.deeppurple.com/

http://thetemperancemovement.com/

Thousands of people made the trek to the mountains in Bethel Woods NY to see a triple header rock concert. It was one of those nights you would never forget. Deep Purple, whom I never saw live, Judas Priest and a relatively new band on the scene, Temperance Movement, would entertain for over 3 hours.

 

It was a long ride for us but well worth the trip by the time we got back home in the wee hours of the morning. This would be the fourth time I would see Judas Priest. I am also aware that Deep Purple is likely on their last tour and recorded their last studio album From Here To Infinite. This placed some urgency on the event for me personally. I was there to cover Judas Priest so everything else was icing on the cake.

I have to say that the venue at Bethel Woods, which sits directly across the field where Woodstock was held, is the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. I have been to a few in my day and this place is so scenic and peaceful, well not for long though. There is a little stream that runs alongside the path to the stage and a beautiful water fountain as well.  There are all kinds of food and drink vendors and some very interesting booths for memorabilia of the site and of course the swag booths to give every fan a chance to buy something from the event. I picked up a signed CD from The Temperance Movement. It is a fantastic new album titled A Deeper Cut.

So, we just made it there before the concert started and had to walk quite a way from where we parked, which would later prove to work to our advantage when leaving.  My son and I ran to our seats to catch The Temperance Movement’s opening song.

The Temperance Movement are a British blues rock band formed in 2011 by Phil Campbell and guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer. The rhythm section consists of bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson. This was a pleasant surprise to have them open for the two rock heavyweights as I have appreciated their recorded output since their inception. They really came on strong and maintained the energy level with some great playing. The lead singer is a little dynamo, jumping all over and waving his arms. I think he must have watched Jagger on stage a bit before he took the stage himself and I can hear the influence of the Rolling Stones in their sound. They had a short stay but they really made the best of every moment and think left a lasting impression on an audience that was likely unfamiliar to them.

Faulkner and Halford

Judas Priest was up next and they started things off with the title track of their new album Firepower. Rob Halford is now sporting his completely white beard and looking like the elder rocker but sounding strong as ever. Every time I see this band I am simply amazed how Halford keeps his pipes in such good shape and the range and screams he still commands are awesome.

Ritchie Faulkner is now the veteran guitar player of the band. He trades licks with Andy Sneap who fills in now for Glen Tipton. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I was very saddened to hear this news.  It seemed strange not seeing Glen on stage with his red leather pants and guitar blazing away. Faulkner certainly has reached another level as a guitar player and he has risen to the occasion taking over a lion’s share of the lead runs. 

                   

Halford and Sneap

So as Priest made their way through their set list I realized that this was the first time I had felt the sheer power of their set so up close. We had some great seats. When I would sit down for a few minutes I could feel the bass drum hammering away at my chest. It really was an amazing feeling. They were very loud but that is the only way to experience a Priest concert with the decibel level pinning in the red. If it hurts the eardrums well that will eventually wear off and you will be so glad you went again.
     

Then came rock legends Deep Purple. Ian Gillan (vocals), Ian Paice (drums), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keys) are a solid veteran unit that is very comfortable on stage and in the studio.

Ian Gillan has naturally lost some range with his voice; however, he is very distinctive and he gets the numbers across quite well. Some of the fan favorites were covered like “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin,” “Lazy” and of course “Smoke on the Water” and the incredible oldie “Hush.” 

Deep Purple Bass Player Roger Glover

Deep Purple can still be a force to be reckoned with onstage and if they were not I am sure they would not be sharing a bill with the metal legends Judas Priest. There is likely a mutual respect there between the two bands. I have to give the nod to Steve Morse for still playing magnificently even though he has some wrist issues and has to wear a brace. I know the feeling and really appreciate his efforts to keep playing all of that great music.

What an amazing night and I was there. What an honor and privilege it was to attend such an event and have the opportunity to provide some coverage to perspective concert goers.

My final thought is if this show is coming to a town near you I highly recommend your attendance as this may be your last chance to see these bands play together!

September 5, 2018

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

"The original internet “MuzikMan” Reviewer since 1998!”

(All the pics I took with my phone so they are not professional, I have provided them to give people an idea of what I was watching and enjoying)

Judas Priest Setlist:

Firepower Intro

Firepower

Delivering the Goods

Sinner

Lightning Strike

Desert Plains

Turbo Lover

Guardians

Rising From Ruins

Freewheel Burning

You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Hell Bent for Leather

Painkiller

Encore:

Metal Gods

No Surrender

(first time w/o Glenn;… more )

Breaking the Law

Living After Midnight

Deep Purple Setlist:

Mars, the Bringer of War

(Gustav Holst song)

Highway Star

Pictures of Home

Bloodsucker

Strange Kind of Woman

Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming

Uncommon Man

Lazy

Knocking at Your Back Door

Keyboard Solo

(incl. "The Star-Spangled Banner")

Perfect Strangers

Space Truckin'

Smoke on the Water

Encore:

Hush

(Joe South cover) (incl. "Peter Gunn Theme" intro)

Concert Review: Roomful of Blues

Roomful of Blues Turns the Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Connecticut Into A Cathedral of Sound

June 30, 2018

https://www.roomful.com/

It was a hot summer night in Norfolk, CT on the last day of June but it was about to reach a boil at the Infinity Hall with the arrival of Roomful of Blues.

I knew of this band and the name certainly was familiar however I never took a deep dive into their music. Just knowing they had been around since 1977 and had a horn section told me something. Any blues band with a horn section can play quite a variety of blues and jazz. At least in my experience, it always turned out that way. You may think I was taking a chance of not being familiar with their music however with the knowledge I did have I went forward feeling this would be a stellar performance.

As it turned out, everything about the evening was great. The drive in on the back roads of New England is always such a pleasure. As I drove by all the houses and admired the old stone walls, I felt at home. And once we went into the Infinity Hall Bistro, I felt very welcomed. The service and folks working there are incredibly helpful and courteous. The menu at the Bistro is quite diverse as well.  This is what I call the ”complete” concert experience.

Prior to the show, I decided to get the T-Shirt commemorating their 50-year anniversary and a release from 2011 titled Hook Line & Sinker on the Alligator Records label. I was attracted to the cover art, which reminded me of the World War II Rosie the Riveter image. I am sure besides the artwork, it will be a terrific listen.

50 years is a mighty long time keep it together. There have been lineup changes over the years, which is expected for such a long stretch of time, however, their main groove and mojo is still intact and ready to roll while on tour.

What also impressed me is a staff member minds the swag booth for the band.  I was also informed that they have a green room for visiting artists. The room is totally furnished and they make sure nobody goes on the stage with an empty stomach. 

So, after being so impressed and quite comfortable I made my way upstairs to the concert hall. I call it “The Cathedral of Sound.” Sounds kind of catchy doesn’t it?

There was no opening act so I had nothing but a Roomful of Blues to enjoy. Little did I know that was in a literal sense.

This band is a well-oiled machine that presents a wide variety of blues and jazz within each number. I really appreciated the interludes of jamming in between vocals. The musicianship is outstanding and the combination of horns, standup bass, keyboards, percussion and amazing vocals make it all one remarkable show. You are going to hear flat out rockin’ blues peppered with jazz, some honkytonk piano tucked in between it all and more. Every member of the band gets their time in the spotlight on their stage. Everyone also got acknowledged separately and as a whole by the admiring audience.

This is not just the “blues” people, this is progressive blues and all the trimmings. This amazing band proved that fact all night long. Seeing a band play live and stretch out and flex their musical muscles is the best way to know who they really are. I found out who Roomful of Blues is, one serious group of musicians that are full of the soul of the blues, the tastefulness of jazz and the oomph to rock. That is one deadly combination.

Catch them live as soon as you can! If you are looking to visit a quaint New England town and enjoy a great meal and an evening of fantastic entertainment, stop by the Infinity Hall in Norfolk CT and catch a show.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 2, 2018

MuzikMan Productions
MuzikMan Reviews
Write A Music Review
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Set List:

01. Introduction

02. It All Went Down The Drain

03. Alright, Okay, You Win

04. I Would Be a Sinner

05. I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled and Crazy

06. Easy Baby

07. Boogie Woogie Country Girl

08. Two For The Price Of Ten

09. Too Much Boogie

10. Your Love Was Never There

11. Baby I'm Gone

12. Just Keep On Rockin'

13. My Baby Quit Me

14. Showcase

15. Body and Fender Man

Encore:

   16. New Orleans

   17. One More Mile 
 

Instrumental Rock-Blues-Country Review: Eric Tingstad-Electric Spirit

Release Date: May 18, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

If you are an instrumental music fan, I have just the right thing for you to check out. Eric Tingstad will be releasing Electric Spirit on May 18th, 2018. 

I have become accustomed to the acoustic recordings of Eric and have always enjoyed them. The arrival of an all-electric album came as a surprise. I know the man is a very talented purveyor of the six-string so I looked forward to hearing this offering called Electric Spirit.

With his deep commitment to the music and his surroundings that mother earth provides, Eric derives great inspiration. His playing is heartfelt and meaningful to those who believe in cherishing and protecting our environment. After all, what do we have without our precious earth were humans and all living things can thrive? I am with him in his beliefs and the importance of sending the message continually. This what he does as an artisan and advocate of the environment.

Electric Spirit is only different in musical approach, not subject matter. I think I was more than ready to hear Eric play some electric guitar. His tone is as sweet as honey and his picking as sharp as a razor blade ready for its first shave. Picture that analogy and then listen to the music, you will understand. 

What you will hear on Electric Spirit is an eclectic mixture of genres all fusing together to make for a multicultural musical experience. There are blues, country, and rock or more appropriately for some ears, Americana. Whatever you want to call it, it’s all of those performed with a touch of glass and high-end production that any guitar aficionado could produce.

This music runs deep like “Big River,” “Oh’ Shenandoah” and “The Train of Thought” (interesting play on words). The tracks he composed and performed are just sparkling with spirit and good energy. I really appreciated the way Eric took all of his influences and some classic tunes and made them his own, like “Amazing Grace” and “Over The Rainbow.”

Those graceful and well-placed guitars lined just set me at ease and all my worry and stress just melted away. It was like the sweet surrender of my soul to the music and the reward was a deep satisfaction and abiding respect for the artist and his music. It was like every note rang true and resonated with me. That is my personal journey and everyone will have their own story to tell, once they hear this great music.

Eric Tingstad is a great musician and I love the fact that he decided to stretch out and give his listeners another side of his artistry to enjoy on Electric Spirit.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 25, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Electric City
02. French Quarter
03. Oh’ Shenandoah
04. Bessie
05. Amazing Grace
06. There’s More
07. South To Carolina
08. Big River
09. Key West
10. Flamingo Club
11. The Train of Thought
12. Over The Rainbow