~ DELTA GROOVE JUNE NEWSLETTER ~
ANA POPOVIC "STILL MAKING HISTORY" (ECLECTO GROOVE RECORDS)
|
|
Ana Popovic is realizing her dreams. Her journey has been a long one: a quest to find her own voice and the courage to express thoughts and feelings about subjects, both personal and politcal, that are very close to her heart. Originally hailing from the war-torn town of Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia, the love of music was instilled in Ana at an early age by her father through exposure to nightly jam sessions and his impressive record collection. At the age of 15, she picked up her father's guitar, pointing her down a career path in music that she could ultimately not deny.
By her early 20's, Ana had already formed her first band Hush, playing hundreds of gigs and making regular appearances on Yugoslavian television. She eventually chose to leave her home country and its oppressive political climate to pursue an education at the Utrecht Academy studying music in the Netherlands. One year later Ana landed a record deal with a prominent record label in Germany. After years of steady touring in Europe and four critically acclaimed cds under her belt, including a W.C. Handy nomination for "Best New Artist Debut," Ana has finally set her sights on the U.S.
Produced by Grammy Award winning producer John Porter (Roxy Music, The Smiths, Los Lonely Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Ryan Adams, Keb' Mo', Jimmy Smith, The Go-Go's, Buddy Guy), "Still Making History" spotlights Ana's growth and maturity as an artist, emphasizing her songwriting skills alongside her sensual vocals and masterful guitar. The end result is a deeply personal and inspirational work by a courageous artist, possessed with both a passion and a vision to share music that's "Still Making History."
"...proof that the incarnation of Jimi Hendrix is a woman." - Jazz News
"...Clearly Ana is someone to keep an eye on... Besides her extraordinary talent both as a singer/songwriter and lead guitarist, she is also young, beautiful... and charismatic." - Sound Waves
"Popovic is not only a superb singer and songwriter, but also a very capable guitarist who can flatpick fluid jazz lines, craft deep-pocket grooves, and bend strings with SRV-style emotion." - Guitar Player |
MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS" (DELTA GROOVE MUSIC, INC.)
THE MANNISH BOYS "BIG PLANS"
New Discounted Price: $12.99 +
s&h |
...........................................................................................
 |
THE MANNISH BOYS
"LIVE & IN DEMAND"
New Discounted Price: $12.99 +
s&h
|
...........................................................................................
 |
THE MANNISH BOYS
"THAT REPRESENT MAN"
New Discounted Price: $12.99 +
s&h
|
|
|
The Mannish Boys return with the long awaited folow up studio album to their widely acclaimed debut "That Represent Man," nominated for both "Album Of The Year" and "Traditional Album Of The Year" in the 2006 Blues Music Awards, and the in-concert set "Live & In Demand." Over the course of three releases, countless live gigs and festival appearances around the world, the steady core of the band has featured a flexible and rotating cast of starring characters who have kept things interesting and fresh with each new release.
On "Big Plans," veterans of The Mannish Boys lend their full support with a perfectly chosen program of seldom heard covers and strong original material. Members both past and present are given ample room to strut their stuff featuring great performances by Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer, Kid Ramos, Kirk "Eli" Fletcher, Frank "Paris Slim" Goldwasser, Leon Blue, Randy Chortkoff, Tom Leavey and Richard "Big Foot" Innes.
Of course it wouldn't be a Mannish Boys cd without some surprises, and this time out they look to the blues capital of Chicago for a couple of extraordinary special guests including legendary blues guitarist Jody Williams, known for his ground breaking work on classic '50's sides by Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Rogers and Billy Boy Arnold. Delta Groove also proudly introduces veteran Chicago singer Bobby Jones, who was active on the Chicago blues scene in the late '50's. Jones was the featured vocalist in The Aces with Dave and Louis Myers a few years after they'd parted ways with Little Walter. Other guests include Rick Holmstrom, Mitch Kashmar, Rob Rio, Larry Taylor, Jeff Turmes and David "Woody" Woodford..."Big Plans" indeed!
"Apart from the present day Fabulous Thunderbirds, no finer collection of blues talent exists today in one band." - Blues Revue Magazine
"An all-star blues band with an authentic spirit, The Mannish Boys have what it takes to preserve the music that deserves to be called our national treasure." - Southland Blues Magazine
"...this group honors the blues tradition by carrying it forward faithfully and expertly." - Santa Barbara Blues Society |
|
KEEP A DOLLAR IN YOUR POCKET:
 |
Now another reason to shop exclusively at the Delta Groove website - we're slashing prices all over the store...why? 'Cause we're insane!!! Check out our new low price of only $12.99 per CD on new and classic Delta Groove recordings. And just think..with all the money you save, you can spend recklessly on pennywhistles and moonpies.
Visit the Delta Groove store at:
http://www.deltagrooveproductions.com/music/store.html |
 |
 |
LARRY TAYLOR: (JUNE 26th)
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Larry Taylor is one of the founding members of Canned Heat, and has almost single handedly pioneered the reemergence of upright bass playing. Taylor has toured and recorded with countless legends and blues artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Hollywood Fats Band, Kim Wilson, Kid Ramos, Lynwood Slim, Kelly Joe Phelps and John Hammond, and remains highly sought after for touring and studio session work. Taylor was also instrumental in the Grammy Award winning work of Tom Waits and performs regularly with the recently reunited Hollywood Blue Flames, aka Hollywood Fats Band, when time in his busy schedule permits.
A SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY:
Hollywood Blue Flames "Road To Rio"
Hollywood Blue Flames "Soul Sanctuary"
The Mannish Boys "Big Plans" |
|
 |
HENRY CARVAJAL: (JUNE 19th)
Henry Carvajal is a recent addition to the Mighty Flyers who have established a long tradition of hiring versatile and highly influential guitarists throughout their much celebrated history. Henry brings a whole new dimension to the band with his tough West Coast Fender Strat sound and strong passion for vintage Doo-Wop and R&B. Carvajal honed his chops in the local blues scene here in Southern California for many years performing alongside local harpist San Pedro Slim and was featured on Slim's classic release "Another Night On The Town," produced by Rick Holmstrom.
A SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY:
Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers
"For The Chosen Who"
Rod Piazza & M.F.B.Q.
"ThrillVille" - (Coming Soon) |
|
THE BLUES HAD A BABY:
 |
This month Delta Groove Productions launches a brand new label with a whole new vision. Eclecto Groove Records is the latest creation from CEO Randy Chortkoff, dedicated to releasing music by aritsts who defy catagorization. This new division of Delta Groove Music, Inc. will be overseen by Jerry Gordon, a music industry veteran with over 34 years of experience in all facets of the business including co-chairman and owner of Evidence Records. During his 12 year leadership of the label, Gordon served as Executive Producer on over 300 cd releases. "Still Making History" by Ana Popovic is the first release scheduled to debut on a label that, much like Delta Groove, is looking to break all the rules and follow it's own path, all the while providing quality music derserving of much wider recognition. Jason Ricci & The New Blood will follow later this year. |
|
|
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN
 |
If you live in the Southern California area be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 16th as Delta Groove Productions and the Southern California Blues Society present the 25th Annual Topanga Blues & Heritage Festival. Headlining the event which takes place at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon, will be the The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer, Kid Ramos, John Marx, Randy Chortkoff, Leon Blue, Tom Leavey and James Gadson, along with special guests Lynwood Slim and Bobby Jones. Also performing are the Catherine Denise Band, Ozzie Blues Band, Teddy Lee Hooker and Donnie V. The event will also feature activities for the whole family including a harmonica workshop and face painting, in addition to a wide array of food options and a beer garden to quench your thirst in the hot summer sun. Check out our myspace page for all the details on this very special event: http://www.myspace.com/tcbluesfestival |
 |
COME ON IN THIS HOUSE
 |
There's a new venue in town opening its doors this month and they're supporting the blues! Harvelle's in Santa Monica has taken their successful business model and opened a new club on the Redondo Beach Pier. Every Friday and Saturday will feature double headliners and this month's calendar includes two outstanding Delta Groove recording artists. Catch the Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band in a rare Southern California appearance on Saturday, June 9th along with Terry Evans. Then later this month, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet will dazzle the Southbay with their dynamic show on Saturday, June 23rd, opening act tba. http://www.harvelles.com/ |
 |
TIRED OF RESTLESS NIGHTS?
 |
Stay up late with The Insomniacs and their Record Deal Celebration which takes place at Duff's Garage in Portland, OR on June 23rd @ 9:30pm. The venue is one of the best roots-rock Americana rooms in the city and will provide the perfect backdrop for friends and fans alike to come together and congratulate the band on their recent signing to Delta Groove. The celebration comes only 2 days after the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, providing the perfect antidote for those wrestling with sleepless nights and putting an end to the midnight snacking, late night reading, tossing, turning, pacing, ceiling staring, working, cleaning, early awakenings and finally give you a restful night's sleep! http://www.duffsgarage.com/ |
 |
SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
 |
Last month Delta Groove decended upon the official birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll, Memphis, TN, known for its historic landmarks including Graceland, Sun Records, the Stax Museum and the world famous Beale Street, often referred to as the Home of the Blues. While in town we didn't manage to report any Elvis sightings, but did decide to make a litle history of our own through appearances at the 2007 Blues Music Awards, the 2nd Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue at the Gibson Theatre on Beale Street, and live performances on the morning television program Live At 9. Check out photos and video of all the action on our Memphis 2007 Photoblog available on our MySpace page - http://www.myspace.com/deltagroovemusic or the official Delta Groove webiste - http://www.deltagrooveproductions.com/music/photos.html |
 |
BLACK MUSIC MONTH
 |
As of May 31st, 2002, President Bush has proclaimed the month of June to be Black Music Month. In honor of this critical part of American heritage, iTunes has developed a month long program to spotlight the major musical innovations from Black America featuring key albums, vibrant tracks of today, influential cuts from the past, and podcast interviews. Delta Groove recording artist Phillip Walker has been selected for the Top 10 List of "What's Hot Now" and comes in at #4 with the song "Honey Stew" taken from his release "Going Back Home", penned by label CEO Randy Chortkoff. Also featured on the list is extended Delta Groove family member and vocalist Big Pete Pearson at #5 with the song "The Highway Is Like A Woman" taken from the CD "I'm Here Baby" produced by our good friend Bob Corritore. http://www.ictunes.com |
 |
TELEVISION
|
On Friday, May 11th, the Mannish Boys, Jackie Payne and Steve Edmonson appeared on the morning talk program Live At 9 on WREG television in Memphis, TN, while in town to promote the 2nd Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue at the Gibson Theatre. The Mannish Boys performed the classic Junior Parker song "Mystery Train," featuring dueling vocals by Finis Tasby and new recruit Bobby Jones, while Kid Ramos sported a hip pair of Elvis designer sunglasses. The sparks were flying as solos were traded amongst the band that also included Nick Moss, Randy Chortkoff, Leon Blue, Tom Leavey and Richard Innes. The program closed out with Jackie Payne and Steve Edmonson leading the band on a rousing rendition of the Willie Dixon classic "Close To You." CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO CLIPS! |
 |
|
 |
Ana Popovic is pictured on the cover of the May edition of "A Taste Of Triple A" and features her first single "Is This Everything There Is?", which is already picking up steam at Active Rock radio. The monthly CD sampler is serviced to over 215 commercial and non-commercial Triple A radio, satellite, cable and online outlets, along with three radio airplay monitoring companies, radio consultants, the editors of No Depression, Paste and Performing Songwriter and representatives of the 58 member stores of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores. |
 |
................................................................................................................................................................................................
 |
Phillip Walker is scheduled to appear on an upcoming broadcast of the House of Blues Radio Hour to discuss his brand new release "Going Back Home" on Delta Groove. The show is syndicated on over 180 markets and hosted by Elwood Blues (a.k.a. Dan Aykroyd). Air date tba. |
 |
ROOTS MUSIC REPORT / BLUES CHART:
THIS WEEK: #3 Mannish Boys "Big Plans"
THIS WEEK: #10 Frank "Paris Slim" Goldwasser "Bluju"
THIS WEEK: #11 Phillip Walker "Going Back Home" |
|
LIVING BLUES RADIO CHARTS:
#5 Phillip Walker "Going Back Home"
# 21 Frank Goldwasser "Bluju" |
|
 |
Upcoming press is beginning to build around the Eclecto Groove debut release "Still Making History" by Ana Popovic. Feature articles and reviews about Ana will be published in future issues of Vintage Guitar, Premiere Guitar, Guitar One, and Guitarre & Bass Magazine based in Germany with plenty more to follow... |
|
 |
Blues & Soul Records Magazine in Japan recently interviewed label CEO Randy Chortkoff for their next issue which goes on sale June 25th. In the article Randy discusses the formation of Delta Groove, business and recording practices and the Mannish Boys who have become a highly regarded blues act in the Land of the Rising Sun. |
| .................................................................................................................................. |
.................................................................................................................................. |
 |
The legendary Phillip Walker appears in a 6 page feature article in the latest issue of Living Blues Magazine (#188) which discusses his history, in addition to his latest release "Going Back Home" on Delta Groove Productions.
CLICK HERE TO READ!
"Incapable of making poor or ill-though out records , this is one of his best" - Mojo Magazine (4 stars)
"Few bluesmen could pull off a set this eclectic that nonetheless holds together so tightly." - Living Blues Magazine |
|
 |
Mitch Kashmar is featured in an article in the April/May issue of Blues Revue Magazine (#105). Mitch talks about his influences, the early days in Santa Barbara with the Pontiax, and his recent recording projects for Delta Groove.
"Kashmar, who began his musical journey at the piano, is gaining respect today for his cutting-edge harmonica playing. Because the harmonica is such an intimate instrument it's powered by a player's inhalations and exhalations, after all tonal distinctions are crucial..." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE! |
Go behind the scenes with staff writer Scott Dirks as he shares inside stories and additional details on the cutting room floor regarding Delta Groove artists and releases. This month our focus is on the formation of Eclecto Groove Records and the debut release "Still Making History" by Ana Popovic.
 |
EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE: The latest venture for Delta Groove Productions head Randy Chortkoff is the brand new label Eclecto Groove Records, which he says is intended to be a home for great music that doesn't fit neatly into any other strictly defined catagories...
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST:
http://www.deltagrooveproductions.com/music/newsletters/2007/06june.html |
 |
ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS "ThrillVille" (AUGUST 21)
Rod Piazza & Co. return with the follow up to their ambitious Delta Groove debut "For The Chosen Who," on which the band was nominated and won a 2006 Blues Music Award for "Band Of The Year." "ThrillVille" is the culmination of 40 years of honing and crafting this music, resulting in an album that Rod says "...is one of the toughest and strongest records I've ever made." Together with the newly rechristened Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet, Rod delivers an album full of spontaneity and diversity that is the perfect mixture of spirit, enthusiasm, creativity and experience. |
................................................................................................................................................................................................
 |
THE INSOMNIACS "LEFT COAST BLUES " (AUGUST 21)
"Left Coast Blues" is the impressive debut release by one of the youngest blues bands currently performing on the West Coast. Based in Portland, Oregon, the group is led by 25 year-old vocalist/guitarist Vyasa Dodson, who draws inspiration from many of the Left Coast's most highly regarded and influential musicians including Hollywood Fats, Little Charlie Baty and Junior Watson. Accompanied by Dean Mueller on bass, Alex Shakeri on keyboards, and Dave Melyan on drums, The Insomniacs have quickly established themselves in the Pacific Northwest with a solid reputation for delivering highly energetic live performances, along with strong, well crafted originals, which helped them to earn a Muddy Award last year for "Best New Act" of 2006. |
 |
Kirk "Eli" Fletcher
6/07/07: Hermosa Beach, CA - Cafe Boogaloo, 9pm
6/09/07: Lotus, CA - Henningsen-Lotus Park "Coloma Blues Festival" (w / Fabulous Thunderbirds)
6/10/07: Chico, CA - Sierra Nevada Tap Room (w / Fabulous Thunderbirds)
6/15/07: Billings, MT - Magic City Blues Festival (w / Fabulous Thunderbirds)
6/16/07: Midland, TX - Centennial Plaza (w / Fabulous Thunderbirds)
6/23/07: Cedar Rapids, IA - US Cellular Center (w / Fabulous Thunderbirds)
6/27/07: Hermosa Beach, CA - Cafe Boogaloo, 9pm
|
 |
Hollywood Blue Flames
6/16/07: Riverside, CA - 9th Annual Straight Up Blues Festival, 4pm |
 |
Mitch Kashmar
6/02/07: Columbia, MD - Capital Jazz Festival (w / War)
6/15/07: San Pedro, CA - Warner Grand Theater (w / War)
6/16/07: Denver, CO - Coors Amphitheater (w / War)
6/23/07: Philadelphia, PA - West Oak Lane Fest (w / War)
6/25/07: Detroit, MI - River Days Festival (w / War)
6/26/07: Colorado Springs, CO - TBA (w / War)
6/28/07: Aspen, CO - Jazz Aspen Snowmass (w / War)
6/29/07: Loveland, CO - Thunder Mountain Amp (w / War)
6/30/07: Mountain View, CA - Shore Line Amp (w / War) |
 |
Lynwood Slim
6/16/07: Topanga, CA - Topanga Canyon Blues & Heritage Festival (w / The Mannish Boys)
6/24/07: Irvine, CA - Irvine Lake Blues Festival (w / Kid Ramos & Junior Watson) |
 |
The Mannish Boys
6/16/07: Topanga, CA - Topanga Canyon Blues & Heritage Festival |
 |
The Insomniacs
6/02/07: Forest Grove, OR - McMenamins Grand Lodge
6/08/07: Vancouver, WA - Cascade Bar & Grill
6/09/07: Silverton, OR - Mac's Place
6/15/07: Tacoma, WA - JazzBones
6/23/07: Portland, OR - Duff's Garage "Record Deal Celebration"
7//04/07: Portland, OR - Waterfront Blues Festival |
 |
Phillip Walker
6/30/07: CA - ButtonWood Farms "Longoria Wines Festival" |
 |
Phantom Blues Band
9/01/07: Long Beach, CA - "The Long Beach Blues Festival" at the Rainbow Lagoon (Reunion with Taj Mahal!) |
 |
Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers
6/02/07: Arcadia, CA - Arcadia Blues Club
6/09/07: Huntington Beach, CA - Martini Blues
6/13/07: Las Vegas, NV - Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino
6/14/07: Las Vegas, NV - Boulder Station Hotel & Casino
6/15/07: Riverside, CA - Romano's Canyon Crest
6/16/07: Riverside, CA - Romano's Canyon Crest
6/21/07: Del Mar, CA - San Diego County Fair
6/23/07: Redondo Beach, CA - Harvelle's
6/30/07: Sherman Oaks, CA - Cozy's Bar & Grill
To view his current
touring schedule click
here |
 |
Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band
6/01/07: Santa Rosa, CA - Last Day Saloon "KRSH Radio Listener Appreciation Night"
6/08/07: San Francisco, CA - Rassela's, 9:30pm-1:30am
6/09/07: Redondo Beach, CA - Harvelle's, 9:30pm
6/23/07: San Francisco, CA - Loui's Pier 47, 9pm-1am
6/30/07: Davenport, IA - LeClaire Park "Mississippi Valley Blues Festival"
7/01/07: Dayton, OH - The Cityfolk Festival, 8:30pm-10:00pm |
 |
Ana Popovic
6/02/07: Lido Po Di Boretto, Italy - Ikebana Blues Festival
6/14/07: Munich, Germany - Muffathalle Munich
6/15/07: Ameno Lago D'Orta, Italy - Ameno Blues Festival
6/20/07: St. Louis, MO - BB's Jazz Blues And Soups
6/21/07: Kansas City, MO - Knucklehead Saloon
6/22/07: Springfield, MO - Blues Down Under @ the Shrine
6/23/07: Fort Smith, AR - Riverfront Blues Festival
6/24/07: Kansas City, MO - Private Venue
6/27/07: Grand Rapids, MI - Rosa Parks Circle
6/28/07: Lansing, MI - Downtown Kalamzoo
6/29/07: Cleveland, OH - Wilbert's
6/30/07: Buffalo, NY - The Lafayette Tap Room
7/01/07: Saranac Lake, NY - Mountain Music Meltdown |
 |
Jason Ricci & The New Blood
6/02/07: Marietta, GA - Darwin's, 8pm
6/07/07: Wolcott, CO - Wolcott Yacht Club, 6pm
6/08/07: Winter Park, CO - Smokin' Moe's, 9pm
6/09/07: Greeley, CO - Greeley Colorado Blues Fest, 12pm
6/10/07: Omaha, NE - Anchor Inn, 7pm
6/12/07: Mishawaka, IN - Midway Tavern
6/13/07: Angola, IN - Skip's Party Place, 9pm
6/14/07: Blawnox, PA - Moondog's
6/15/07: Tharold, ON - Canadian Corp
6/16/07: Williamsville, NY - Rare Breed Bluz Cruz Biker Fest, 8:30pm
6/18/07: Sharon, PA - Tully's (Quaker State Lube), 9pm
6/20/07: Grand Rapids, MI - Blues On The Mall, 7pm
6/22/07: Superior, WI - Bev's Juke Joint, 9pm
6/23/07: Navarre, MN - Narrow's Saloon
6/26/07: Kansas City, MO - Blayney's
6/27/07: Lincoln, NE - Zoo Bar
6/28/07: Topeka, KS - Varsity Blues
6/29/07: Columbia, MO - Martini Bar
6/30/07: Davenport, IA - Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, 5pm
7/01/07: St. Louis, MO - BB's Jazz Blues & Soups, 9pm |
|
Keep up to date with all the latest Delta Groove / Eclecto Groove news, releases, tour dates, reviews and more by visiting our website @ www.deltagrooveproductions.com
|
