You never know who might show up on a Tuesday night...

        Jimmy was a beautiful beautiful gentleman who had been coming out to the gigs for many years.  He was a fixture on the local music scene, known and loved by all.   Jimmy was class from head to toe, a stylish dresser and a soft spoken kind hearted gentleman.  Jimmy had a young heart, an ageless heart, and despite his 93 years Jimmy would often be seen on the dance floor, he definitely had an eye for the ladies.  Most often you would see Jimmy camped in a booth, sipping on his glass of beer,  holding court,  just smiling and nodding to the music and appearing to be fully at peace with the world.

        Thanks for being part of our world Jimmy.  We miss you.

We are very excited to be returning to The Rosendale Cafe for New Year's Eve. This time Big Joe and Tim Whalen join forces with The Bernstein Bard Trio for a soulfully swinging dance party. Make plans to join us for a great night within the 'the friendly confines' of The Rosendale Cafe one of the premier music venues anywhere!
 

I know it's February 16th but I've just gotta add one more to my Best of 2008 list (Hey...we're on Big Joe Time here!)

The Bruce Katz Band Live at The Firefly This one cooks from beginning to end with one great groove after another. Simply stated Bruce Katz is one of the smokinest organ/piano players you will ever hear. The tunes all original save for one well chosen Mingus cover are taut and insistent, the arrangements fresh, taking you to unexpected places, and the players are en fuego, weighing in with one tasty lick after another, with special recognition going to our friend and sometime bandmate, the wonderful guitarist Chris Vitarello. If you like the B-3 jazz/blues vibe (and who doesn't?) this one is an absolute no brainer!
 

Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One - Yellow Dog

She hails from Greenville Mississippi where they call her "Little Boogaloo." She plays piano in the old school tradition and sings with a 'whiskey soaked', worldy wise voice. This CD began as a solo project and the solo tracks are the best.

Toby Walker - Hand Picked - Band In The Hand Records

Some mighty tasty picking from Long Island's finest, well chosen covers (he breathes new life into an instrumental version of Hank's Mind Your Own Business) and several clever originals. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason lend stellar support

Janiva Magness - What Love Will Do - Alligator

The Alligator debut for this two time winner of The Blues Music Awards 'Best Contemporary Female Artist'. Janiva Magness is a force to be reckoned with.

Sean Costello - We Can Get Together - Delta Groove

Stirring (some might say 'haunted') vocals and scalding guitar work from this young lion of the Blues. His tragic death on April 15th, one day short of his 29th birthday, was the musical low point of 2008.

Danny Caron - How Sweet It Is - Danny Caron Records

He was the musical director for Charles Brown's Band for many years and this collection does feature a Charles Brown vocal from the vault. But Danny's guitar is the main event. Ever tasteful through a variety of styles (funk, zydeco, jazz standards, straight ahead blues), his playing is pure joy for the ears. Guest vocalist Barbara Morrison shines brightly on 'The Promised Land'.

James Hunter - The Hard Way - Hear Music

His retro soul vibe conjures visions of Sam Cooke, James Brown and Ray Charles with a splash of reggae rhythms thrown in. Great tunes, concise arrangements, and short bursts of stinging guitar delivered with surgical precision, a warm and satisfying album recorded the old fashioned way.
 

Many CD's come across my desk in the course of a year. Here are my picks for The Best of 2008.

Catherine Russell - Sentimental Streak - World Village

A joyous, vibrant, tour de force by this fully realized artist who has come into her own after years of singing background for everyone else. Great tunes, great band, swinging arrangements, wonderfully recorded, beautiful cover art too. It's all here. Catherine Russell is The Bomb!

Hans Theessink & Terry Evans - Visions - Blue Groove

Two soulful singers, two acoustic guitars, one stomp box, and...Voila! Less really is more.

Irma Thomas - Simply Grand - Rounder

The Soul Queen of New Orleans accompanied by a Who's Who of The Crescent City's finest piano players (Marcia Ball and Norah Jones are along as well). Nominated for a Grammy.

Clarence Spady - Just Between Us - Severn

Outstanding comeback by The guitarist/vocalist from Eastern PA. He weaves soul/jazz together with blues, funk, and R&B in a mixture that continually satisfies.

Carlos Del Junco - Steady Movin' - Northern Blues

Any new album from the Toronto based (Cuban born) harpmaster is BIG news around here. Once again guitarist extraordinaire Kevin Breit is along for the ride. Cutting edge grooves, outside the box, but always in the pocket.

Catfish Keith - If I Could Holler - Fishtail

Throughout his 30 years in the business and 11 albums, all issued on his own label, this Master of pre-war styles has been slapping that Resonator Guitar silly! He plays and sings at a very, very, high level...few can touch him...a must for guitar players and fans of acoustic blues.

Gary Allegretto - Many Shades Of Blue - Big Fiore

Many shades indeed...a surprise from Southern California... This crisp and clean harp player moves effortlessly from Jimmy Reed to Piedmont styles and beyond. Clever and heartfelt songs chronicle his own personal blues history. Guest turns by Janiva Magness, John Cephas, Ivan Neville, and Doug MacLeod sweeten the pot. Gary also uses his harmonica to reach Special Needs Children. Check out his foundation: www.harmonikids.org

Eric Bibb - Get Onboard - TELARC

Another Spirit filled offering from the singer/songwriter with a big heart and a deep soul. Ruthie Foster guests on one track.

Duke Robillard - A Swingin' Session - Stony Plain

Bruce Katz told me that this one has been in the can for SEVEN (count 'em) YEARS! Don't ask why...just be glad it's finally out. Along with Duke's sublime guitar, Scott Hamilton, Bruce Katz and the creme de la creme of The New England Blues Scene make this one swing like nobodys business, pure joy from begining to end!

to be continued