Delta Groove Newsletter

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Street Date_06/17/08
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THE MANNISH BOYS
"Big Plans"

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THE MANNISH BOYS
"Live & in Demand"

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THE MANNISH BOYS
"That Represent Man"

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THE MANNISH BOYS “LOWDOWN FEELIN’” (JUNE 17TH, 2008)

The Mannish Boys seem to be in command of virtually every classic, neo-classic, obscure, and almost –unknown riff and lick in the postwar cannon, and they approach it all with unfettered enthusiasm and commitment.” – Living Blues Magazine

“…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

“Lowdown Feelin’” is the fourth installment by The Mannish Boys, which looks to capture all the success and forward momentum stirred by last year’s universally praised release “Big Plans.” Evoking the spirit of such legendary Rhythm & Blues revues of the past as the Johnny Otis Show, Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm, or even the highly regarded American Folk Blues Festival, The Mannish Boys look to single handedly restore this grand tradition and carry it forward into the 21st century. This unrivaled convergence of world class talent combines the very best of both the older and younger generations representing the blues.

Returning to the spotlight on this endeavor is Chicago Blues veteran Bobby Jones, now a permanent fixture in the group, who turns out many of the album’s stunning highlights along with revered vocalists Finis Tasby and Johnny Dyer. The core unit of the band is once again comprised of guitarists Kid Ramos, Kirk “Eli” Fletcher, and Frank “Paris Slim” Goldwasser; band ringleader and master of ceremonies Randy Chortkoff on harmonica; bassists Ronnie James Weber and Tom Leavey holding down the bottom end; and drummer Richard “Big Foot” Innes supplying the fundamental rhythmic pulse that ties it all together.

As is customary on any Mannish Boys studio release, the program is enhanced by an array of special guests. This time out we find the boys joined by legendary vocalist and harmonica player Little Sammy Davis, whose recorded legacy dates back to the early ‘50s in Chicago appearing on notable recordings with guitarist Earl Hooker. Davis is accompanied here by his own guitarist and longtime musical collaborator Fred Scribner, who together, contribute two solid examples of Davis displaying his complete mastery and undying enthusiasm for the art form. Additional guests include West Coast guitar wizard Junior Watson, along with label mates Al Blake and Fred Kaplan of the Hollywood Blue Flames, and Lynwood Slim.

RADIO FEEDBACK:

“The Mannish Boys just got it and played on my show last night. All I can say is WOW!!! Easily the best CD I’ve heard this year.” - Putnay / "The Blues show” KUNM-FM / 89.9 Albuquerque, Santa Fe

“I just received "The Mannish Boys". They are the best blues band in the world. They blow my socks off. They are rich, full on integerity and what great chemistry. Thanks for your continuing support. You and Delta Groove ROCK!” - Pat Graham / KLBC / Long Beach City College

“I just got Mannish Boys Friday! Can't take it out of the player! They absolutley Rock! Lookin forward to seein them in Clarksdale!” – Robb Morrison / KTHR Wichita / WXMX Memphis

“Just received the new Mannish Boys CD...Sounds Great... June 17 release
date!! wow...I am feeling totally honored!!!” - John Connors WWPV 88.7 FM

"The Mannish Boys have outdone themselves again! "Low Down Feeling" is their best CD release...it doesn't get any better than this." - Les Tarr / KMFB 92.7 FM / 96.7 FM

"The Mannish Boys continue to amaze, amuse and dazzle on "Low Down Feeling," which gives the listener anything but a lowdown feeling." - Clair / WUSU / Columbia, SC

"The Mannish Boys entered the studio to record Low Down Feelin' and emerged with a timeless blues classic. This is the best blues ensemble on the planet -- period." - Black Jack Ketchum / WRFG/Atlanta

"Yet, another KILLER recording from the Mannish Boys, Lowdown Feelin'. You know it's good when the phones light up like a Christmas tree....Delta Groove Rocks!" - Mike Flowers, Producer / KZUM 89.3 FM

BOOKING INFO:
Lisa Walters (email)
(415) 945-0515
WaltersMusicAgency.com

JACKIE PAYNE STEVE EDMONSON BAND “OVERNIGHT SENSATION” (JULY 22ND, 2008)

The dynamic duo of Jackie Payne and Steve Edmonson has just turned out another soul gem with their latest recording "Overnight Sensation." Contrary to the album's title, these two artists have been at it for years honing their craft over the course of each of their respective lifetimes. Together they have mastered the art of timeless Rhythm & Blues delivered with style and flair that recall the classic sounds of Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and Bobby "Blue" Bland. This summer, Delta Groove proudly releases the follow up to their smashing debut "Master Of The Game" featuring another energetic set of Gospel, Soul, Blues and R&B produced by David Z and featuring special guest and label mate Mitch Kashmar blowing harp on two tracks.

CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT JACKIE PAYNE STEVE EDMONSON BAND!

NEW SIGNING:

Please join us in welcoming the latest addition to the Delta Groove family – Los Fabulocos! Powered by the muscular tone of Kid Ramos’ slashing guitar, Los Fabulocos simmers up a spicy and tantalizing blend of Tex Mex, Blues, R&B and Rock-A-Billy delivered with honesty, sincerity and passion. The band consists of Jesse Cuevas on accordion and vocals, Kid Ramos on guitar, bajo sexto and vocals, James Barrios on bass and vocals, and Mike Molina on drums. The new album produced by David Z features Los Fabulocos’ special brand of roots oriented music which shares much in common with the south of the border stylings of such pioneering acts as Los Lobos, the Hacienda Brothers, and the Texas Tornados. Look for their sizzling Delta Groove debut available this Fall.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LOS FABULOCOS GO TO:
http://www.deltagrooveproductions.com/music/artists/losfabulocos/main.html
http://www.myspace.com/losfabulocos

THE ALL-STAR BLUES REVUE HONORS SEAN COSTELLO

Delta Groove Music and Eclecto Groove Records are pleased to announce that The Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue show in Clarksdale, MS will be dedicated to the honor of fellow all-star blues musician, Sean Costello. Sean was a very special part of the Delta Groove family and will be dearly missed. His musical legacy will live on forever and his spirit will surely be with all of us on the night of May 9th at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS. The show will feature a FREE Jam Stage in the parking lot of Ground Zero, hosted by Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine, and will welcome musicians from near and far. The outdoor jam stage will begin at noon and continue until dusk. For more information on the jam stage please contact Robert Jr. and Shirley Mae at blues@bigcitybluesmag.com. The music indoors will feature an all-star line up and continue from 2pm to 1am.

Hosted by Bill Wax (XM Radio Bluesville 74).

There will be a raffle indoors during the festivities. Prizes will include Delta Groove CD packages, Hohner Hoodo Hand Microphone system, Hohner Hoodo Box Amp #hhb5t, and a Fender electric guitar!

Raffle ticket prices are:
$1.00 each • $5.00 for 6 • $10.00 for 13 • $20.00 for 30

The show is nearly sold out! A limited number of tickets may be available at the door the day of the show for $30, on a first come, first serve basis, dependant on capacity. Don’t miss out on your chance to be in all-star blues heaven for the day!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND
A COMPLETE SET LIST FOR THE SHOW!

Tickets are not being sent in the mail.
All tickets can be picked up at Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art.
(252 Delta Ave., Clarksdale, MS 38614 / Phone: 662-624-5992.)
Cats Head is located just down the street from the Ground Zero Blues Club .
Tickets will be available for pickup starting Wednesday May 7th (10am - 5pm).

0 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: (662) 621-9009 / Website: www.groundzerobluesclub.com

SEAN COSTELLO HITS THE BILLBOARD CHARTS!

CLICK FOR MORE ON "WE CAN GET TOGETHER "

It is with bittersweet fulfillment that we accept the praise on behalf of a beloved member of the Delta Groove family. Sean Costello has achieved yet another of his goals as a musician, to be on the Billboard charts. We received word this week that Sean Costello’s album, "We Can Get Together," entered the Billboard blues charts at #10 (05/03/08). It is extremely unfortunate, however, that this prestigious honor was only achieved posthumously. Regardless, we are particularly proud of Sean’s career, as a musician and as a fellow human being. Sean accomplished so much in his lifetime and it is a shame that the music community will not be able to witness the accomplishments that Sean would have achieved and the musical legacy that he would have continued to build should his life not have ended so tragically early. With each additional album sold of Sean’s, his musical genius will continue to be proven to those who unfortunately did not have the chance to experience his genius in person. We will be forever grateful for our time with Sean and his contribution to the blues genre. Congratulations Sean Costello, you truly deserve this honor!

THE MANNISH BOYS ON THE BILLBOARD CHARTS! (05/10/08)

CLICK FOR MORE ON
"BIG PLANS"

The Mannish Boys “Big Plans” has just hit the Billboard Blues Chart at #9 one year after its original release. The latest chart information will be published in the May 10th issue of Billboard marking the first time a Mannish Boys recording has ever appeared on the Billboard charts. This timely news comes just weeks before the release of their highly anticipated brand new album “Lowdown Feelin’” and their upcoming appearance at the 2008 Blues Music Awards where the band is scheduled to perform in honor of their current nomination for “Band of the Year.” With all the recent press and attention following the band it’s obvious that this star is on the rise!

LRBR ON THE BILLBOARD CHARTS!

CLICK FOR MORE ON "COMMAND PERFORMANCE"

Having already conquered the high seas, The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue are now commanding the Billboard charts as their brand new Delta Groove release "Command Performance" once again lands at the #8 (05/03/08) spot on the Billboard Blues Chart published on May 3rd. The all-star revue which consists of Tommy Castro, Deanna Bogart, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Magic Dick have shifted their mighty conquests from the sea to dry land commandeering a total of 3 weeks now on the Billboard charts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:
TOMMY CASTRO: http://www.tommycastro.com/
DEANNA BOGART: http://www.deannabogart.com/
MAGIC DICK: http://www.magicdick.com/
RONNIE BAKER BROOKS: http://www.ronniebakerbrooks.com

DELTA GROOVE MUSIC ARTISTS SET TO PERFORM AT THE 2008 BLUES MUSIC AWARDS

We would like to congratulate our artists who are not only nominated for Blues Music Awards but who were selected to perform at the Blues Music Awards show on May 8th in Tunica, MS. Congratulations to Phillip Walker who will be performing in honor of his nomination for Traditional Male Blues Artist of the Year. Congratulations to The Mannish Boys who will be performing in honor of their Band of the Year nomination along with band members, Kid Ramos, nominated for Guitar Instrumentalist of the Year, and Richard Innes, nominated for Drums Instrumentalist of the Year. Congratulations to The Insomniacs who will also be performing in honor of their nomination for Best New Artist Debut! Furthermore, we would like to congratulate our other artists nominated, Jackie Payne of the Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band for his nomination for Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year, Larry Taylor of the Hollywood Blue Flames for his Bass Instrumentalist of the Year nomination, and Honey Piazza of Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet for her Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year nomination. Congratulations Delta Groove Music Recording Artists! Let’s bring the house down and the awards home!!

THE DELTA GROOVE ALL-STAR BLUES REVUE LIVE IN MOULIN

This past weekend, the Delta Groove musicians made a quick pit stop in Ospel, Holland at the Moulin Blues Festival, honoring the last legendary performance of Lester Butler. May 3rd, the second night of the festival, featured a 90 minute set from the Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue featuring The Mannish Boys and Phillip Walker. The cast of characters included not one, not two, not three, but FOUR guitarists, Frank “Paris Slim” Goldwasser, Kirk Eli Fletcher, Kid Ramos and Phillip Walker. Ronnie James Weber on bass, Richard “Big Foot” Innes on drums and Randy Chortkoff blowing harp, with Finis Tasby and Bobby Jones handling the vocals. The Mannish Boys, joined on the final song by special guest Alex Schultz who played on the festival with the Lester Butler Tribute Band, brought down the house. The audience swarmed the stage after the set to buy CDs and get them autographed. Another amazing performance for The Mannish Boys and company!! We thoroughly enjoyed playing the gig in Holland and were very moved by the honor paid to Randy Chortkoff's close friend the late great Lester Butler! Thank you Moulin, WE LOVE YOU!!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CLIP FROM THE SHOW

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW:

DELTA GROOVE'S WEBSITE
http://www.deltagrooveproductions.com/music/photos/mannishboys/moulinfest_08/gallery.html

BLUES BREEKER'S WEBSITE
http://www.bluesbreeker.nl/Moulin%20Blues%20zaterdag%203%20mei/Moulin%20Blues%20zaterdag%203%20mei.html

MITCH KASHMAR MAKES ROCK 'N' ROLL HISTORY:

CLICK FOR MORE ON "WAKE UP & WORRY"

Delta Groove recording artist Mitch Kashmar made Rock ‘N’ Roll history last month performing at the reunion concert with the recently reformed Eric Burdon & War on April 21st at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Kashmar is the featured harmonica player in the current lineup of War and was thrilled to take part in this historic event that reunited the band with Eric Burdon for the first time in 37 years. Preparation for the show included six eight hour rehearsals that later paid off as Burdon & company easily brought the house down with their smoldering live performance. The Royal Albert Hall concert followed on the heels of a reissue campaign consisting of the band’s first two 1970 albums “Eric Burdon Declares WAR” and “The Black-Man’s Burdon” on March 24th followed by “The Best Of Eric Burdon & The Animals” and “The War Anthology” which were released on April 14th.

CLICK FOR MORE ON "NICKELS & DIMES"

EVEN THE MIDDLE EAST HAS THE BLUES!

Delta Groove Music and Eclecto Groove Records would like to express our sincere gratitude for our fellow blues men and woman who lent their talents to supporting the morale of our troops stationed abroad. Producers Steve Simon and John Hahn organized one of the most cutting edge music festivals in the history of blues music, Bluzapalooza. Reporter Chip Eagle, documented the journey and performances by Bobby Rush and his band, Janiva Magness, Billy Gibson, Randy Chortkoff’s good friend and former band mate, Zach Zunis, and a very special member of the Delta and Eclecto Groove family, Tony Braunagel of the Phantom Blues Band and co-producer of the Mike Zito album, Today. These wonderful men and women risked their lives to bring a sense of home to all the young men and young women who put their lives on the line everyday while serving the armed forces abroad. Thank you and God Bless.

SUPPORT FOR OUR FELLOW BLUES MUSICIAN - CANDYE KANE

Delta Groove Music would like to extend our support to fellow blues musician, Candye Kane, who is battling pancreatic cancer. Candye is an amazing young lady with the strength of an army so we’re optimistic that she’ll get through these trying times with flying colors! However, recovering from her surgery has kept her off the road and away from touring, which is her life blood. You can imagine what this does to a musician’s moral. Candye could use all the support she can get right now. More information on her condition and access to her blog on her MySpace page can be linked by clicking on http://www.harpgear.com/. Please send your kind words and support to candyekanetour@aol.com.

STUFF YOU GOTTA WATCH:

Almost anyone with an internet connection by now is surely familiar with the worldwide phenomenon known as YouTube.com. This month we remember two tremendously talented and influential guitarists from the Delta Groove family with clips from both Sean Costello and a recently posted tribute to Hollywood Fats by Hollywood Blue Flames band leader Al Blake.

CLICK FOR MORE ON "WE CAN GET TOGETHER "

Borders is currently featuring the brand new CD “We Can Get Together” by Sean Costello on listening stations nationwide. The two month program began on April 8th and will continue until June 10th. This month our brand new release “Command Performance” by The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue will also be featured at Borders locations nationwide on listening stations beginning May 13th.

CLICK FOR MORE ON "COMMAND PERFORMANCE"

FROM THE PRESIDENT - ROBERT FITZPATRICK

The coming months here at Delta Groove and Eclecto Groove Records promise to be our most exciting yet, with new releases coming out every month through the end of the year. As a matter of fact, in several of those upcoming months we’re looking at multiple releases.

Mike Zito’s new album, “Today,” on Eclecto Groove, is coming out on May 20th, but as I write this in the beginning of May, we are already seeing many Triple A stations jumping on board with significant airplay. The buzz and critical reviews on the album have been exemplary. Meanwhile, Mike is on tour and pulling in capacity crowds everywhere he plays.

On June 17th, the Mannish Boys new album, “Lowdown Feelin” hits the streets. Interestingly, the group’s latest album, “Big Plans,” made its debut on the Billboard Top Blues Album charts on May 10th. That album continues to be one of Delta Groove’s most in demand albums and we are seeing all kinds of activity surrounding the new release. The Mannish Boys, having just finished performing before a capacity crowd at the Moulin Festival in Holland, have a very busy tour schedule through October.

Tommy Castro and the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue’s “Command Performance” has been on and off the charts for the past 6 weeks and if our sales are any indication, we foresee them reappearing in a very strong position. On an interesting note, plans call for Tommy Castro to cut a new solo album on Delta Groove in July for release later this year.

Sean Costello’s “We Can Get Together” stated its second week on the Billboard charts on May 10th. Even though sales have been very strong since Sean’s untimely passing last month, we can’t help but feel that he would have been a major influence on Blues Music for years to come. We would have loved to have been a part of that. We have seen many major Festivals taking note of Sean dedicating their days to his memory. A huge poster of Sean adorned the stage at Moulin in Holland, and the North Carolinian Blues Festival took note of his accomplishments in an exemplary manner. We are extremely grateful for their actions and we envision many more people will recognize his life in the months to come.

Look for a Delta Groove release of “Overnight Sensation” from the Jackie Payne Steve Edmondson Band on July 22nd and Kid Ramos’ Los Fabulocos on August 19th. We expect incredibly favorable reactions to both these offerings.

On September 23rd, we are proud to announce the release of Elvin Bishop’s much anticipated “The Blues Rolls On,” featuring B.B. King, George Thorogood, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, John Nemeth, Kim Wilson, James Cotton and Tommy Castro. We know that Elvin’s established fan base and those of these legendary guests will be overwhelmed with this project. It has the musical potency, potential radio friendliness with its concise charm, punch and focus, and the buzz points to touch new listeners and support the publicity it richly deserves.

We will also be releasing many more albums in the coming months, including The Soul of John Black’s “Black John” on the Eclecto Groove label. The Soul of John Black is John Bigham, an incredibly adventurous artist unafraid to take risks while pursuing his musical legend. Rolling Stone Magazine has called JB’s music as “amazing (the harbinger of)…whole new brand of soul.” The former member of rock – funk – ska band Fishbone has played with such diverse artists as Eminem, Dr. Dre, Rosey, Joi, Nikki Costa, Bruce Hornsby and Everlast. The rough cuts sound incredible and we’re confident his new album will further prove the eclectic nature of all roots music.

Still on our release schedule in the coming months is Ana Popovic’s new “Still Making History - Remix" album, a new solo project from Bobby Jones and the Delta Groove/CBC Broadcasting Mitch Kashmar “Live” recording.

Delta Groove Music continues to earn critical praise as a “Boutique Blues label” not only in North America, but in Europe, Asia, and Down Under in Australia and New Zealand. Eclecto Groove Records is making its own impact with Ana Popovic’s “Still Making History” and Jason Ricci’s “Rocket Noumber 9” both making their marks as two of the best selling albums in our relatively short history.

I have much more to tell you about some significant projects on the horizon, but I have to save them for next month.

Sincerely,

Robert Fitzpatrick
President - Delta Groove Music & Eclecto Groove Records

RICHARD "BIG FOOT" INNES (APRIL 9TH)
Drums

Born in Colfax, WA, Richard Innes has forged a uniquely tasteful and economical approach to drumming that is unparalleled in modern blues. Having seriously studied the music form (Innes cites Sonny Freeman, Fred Below, Odie Payne, Willie Steele, SP Leary and Earl Palmer as direct influences), he is the originator of the modern West Coast drumming style and remains one of its finest practitioners. Innes joined Bacon Fat in the late ‘60s, a band which featured the two-man harmonica team of George “Harmonica” Smith and Rod Piazza, and can be found on their only two recordings “Grease One For Me” and “Tough Dude,” on the Blues Horizon label. Innes later teamed up with Al Blake, Fred Kaplan, Larry Taylor and a talented young guitarist by the name of Michael Mann, to form the Hollywood Fats Band. Their one and only album was released on PBR Records in 1979, and is now considered a classic of the genre. Over the years Innes’ skill set has remained in high demand for both live performances and session work. He has appeared on numerous recordings including albums by Floyd Dixon, Phillip Walker, Dave Myers, Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson, Lynwood Slim, Mitch Kashmar, Junior Watson, Kid Ramos, and Rusty Zinn, just to name a few! These days Innes is an integral member of the Los Angeles based all-star revue The Mannish Boys, and he also continues to record and perform with all four surviving members of the original Hollywood Fats Band, now rechristened as the Hollywood Blues Flames with guitarist Kirk “Eli” Fletcher.

A SELECTED DELTA GROOVE DISCOGRAPHY:
Kirk Fletcher “Shades Of Blue”
Hollywood Blue Flames “Soul Sanctuary”
Mitch Kashmar “Nickels & Dimes”
Mannish Boys “Live & In Demand”
Hollywood Blue Flames “Road To Rio”
Lynwood Slim “Last Call”
Mitch Kashmar “Wake Up & Worry”
V/A “Road Tested, Vol. 1”
Phillip Walker “Going Back Home”
Mannish Boys “Big Plans”
Mannish Boys “Lowdown Feelin’”

FRED KAPLAN (APRIL 23RD)
Piano

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Fred Kaplan was steered towards his instrument of choice very early in life. By the age of five, Kaplan was already taking lessons on a piano his father had acquired as a bonus working as a furniture salesman. Kaplan’s early exposure to music came through listening to 45s by artists like Chuck Berry, Amos Milburn, Little Richard, and Bo Diddley. By the time he was in high school Kaplan was already playing parties in a Hispanic band performing strictly Rhythm & Blues material. Kaplan’s two biggest influences on his style include Otis Spann and Lloyd Glenn. While Kaplan drew inspiration from listening to Spann on record, Glenn personally mentored him after the two met at a benefit following T-Bone Walker’s funeral. Kaplan was a founding member of the Hollywood Fats Band appearing on the band’s one and only release in 1979 and has since become highly sought after for session work contributing his talents on recordings by William Clarke, James Harman, Phillip Walker, Kim Wilson, Lynwood Slim, Kid Ramos, John Long and The Mannish Boys. Today Kaplan is the pre-eminent exponent of West Coast Blues piano and he continues to record and perform with the Hollywood Blue Flames among various other projects.

A SELECTED DELTA GROOVE DISCOGRAPHY:
Hollywood Blue Flames “Soul Sanctuary”
John Long “Lost & Found”
Hollywood Blue Flames “Road To Rio”
Mitch Kashmar “Wake Up & Worry”
Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band “Master Of The Game”
V/A “Road Tested, Vol. 1”
Phillip Walker “Going Back Home”
Mannish Boys “Lowdown Feelin’”

HONEY PIAZZA (APRIL 24TH)
Piano

California native Honey Piazza initially studied classical piano as a child pursuing lessons until the age of 16. At 19 she discovered Otis Spann and immediately fell under his spell. In 1972 Honey spent time hanging out on the South Side of Chicago where she had the opportunity to meet Louis Myers among other legendary blues musicians, but decided to move back to California when the glamour of Chicago didn’t quite live up to her expectations. Upon her return she eventually crossed paths with Rod Piazza who was still performing at the time with the band Bacon Fat, and attended one of his shows. Impressed with Piazza’s level of musicianship, Honey arranged for an audition and began performing with Piazza in 1973. The two eventually married and Honey has been performing alongside Rod ever since. Honey’s infectious boogie woogie piano style has become a staple of every Mighty Flyers show and she has been routinely nominated over the years for Blues Piano Player of the Year in the Blues Music Awards.

A SELECTED DELTA GROOVE DISCOGRAPHY:
Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers “For The Chosen Who”
Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet “ThrillVille”

DAVE MELYAN (APRIL 25TH)
Drums

Dave Melyan started to play drums at age 14, cutting his musical teeth on Heavy Metal Rock. Melyan started out air drumming, followed by drumsticks and then a snare drum which eventually morphed into a second hand drum set. His dad, who was a piano technician, built his first bass pedal. A piano lived in their front room and Melyan recalls that his mother played the radio constantly. Melyan joined several garage bands in high school and played some classical guitar, but it was clear from an early age that drumming was his first love musically. From age 19 to 29, Melyan was ensconced in Rock music during which time he lived in Seattle. Upon his return to Portland, he had a transformative experience as a result of his exposure to Blues guitarist Lloyd Jones during a gig at The Candlelight. Melyan now holds down the drummer’s chair in The Insomniacs whose recent acclamations include multiple Muddy Awards and a nomination for Best New Artist Debut in the upcoming 2008 Blues Music Awards.

A SELECTED DELTA GROOVE DISCOGRAPHY:
The Insomniacs “Left Coast Blues”

ANA POPOVIC (MAY 13TH)
Vocals / Guitar

Originally hailing from the war-torn town of Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia, Ana Popovic’s love of music was instilled 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, Popovic 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 Popovic landed a record deal in Germany and began steadily touring Europe, gaining critical acclaim and became the first continental European artist ever nominated for a W.C. Handy Award. In 2007, Popovic signed to Delta Groove’s brand new imprint Eclecto Groove Records and released her first official American debut “Still Making History” which spent a whopping 15 weeks on the Billboard Blues Charts.

A SELECTED ECLECTO GROOVE DISCOGRAPHY:
Ana Popovic “Still Making History”

GROOVE GRATITUDE

Geronimo Black
(Tom Leavey’s off shoot from Frank Zappa’s Mothers and Captain Beefheart)

Delta Groove Music would like to express our most sincere gratitude to longtime friend and family member, Tom Leavey. Tom has been a contributing member of The Mannish Boys, keeping the beat on bass, since the live release, Live and In Demand. Additionally, Tom has brought to the table many incredible songs. Maryjane, the song sung by Bobby Jones on the previous Mannish Boys release, Big Plans, came courtesy of Tom Leavey as did a song on the upcoming Bobby Jones release. Tom has also brought many memorable stories and archive photos to light here at Delta Groove Music. Most recently, Tom will be featured in the Bobby Jones Band, which is yet to be named. That band will highlight Bobby Jones on vocals, Tom Leavey on bass, Franck “Paris Slim” Goldwasser (Homesick James, Lowell Fulson, Percy Mayfield, Charlie Musselwhite) on guitar, Leon Blue (Ike Turner, B.B. King, Lowell Fulson, Albert King, Muddy Waters) on piano and Ronnie McRorey of Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, who has also played with Paul Butterfield, James Harman and Rob Rio, as well as participating in Randy Chortkoff’s early projects, playing drums with King Ernest and Billy Boy Arnold.

Tom Leavey himself is a solid, long-time veteran musician who has been gigging since his high school days in New York in the late 1950s. Tom earned his stripes in the 1960s backing a wide variety of rock & roll and R&B acts up and down the east coast, in New York's famed Greenwich Village, and in the show lounges of swinging Las Vegas. Relocating to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, Tom was an integral part of the flourishing rock scene, touring and recording with a who's who of big name stars, while still keeping a hand in the blues doing gigs with legends such as Big Mama Thornton, Lightnin' Hopkins and Big Joe Turner. Leavey spent a brief spell Arizona in the '80 - just long enough to open up a successful jazz and blues club, and pick up a "Best Phoenix Blues Band" award for his band The Mojomatics - before returning to L.A. for gigs with the likes of Otis Rush, Frank Frost, Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer and many more, widely acclaimed recordings with Billy Boy Arnold and King Ernest, and tours with Roy Gaines, Jody Williams, and more.

These days, Tom has been contributing to the musical world in the most incredible way. He has been busy writing healing music which is written specifically to help rejuvenate certain areas of the human body. It certainly is a spiritual experience to be immersed in music in such a way! WE LOVE YOU TOM and we cherish your involvement with the Delta Groove Family and the blues genre! Thank you for everything you bring to the table!!

Special thanks go to Darlene Lopez of WKPX 88.5 FM for her interview with Sean Costello on her “Sunday Blues” program which was broadcast during the month of April. We’re so grateful to have these rare moments with Sean archived and preserved for the rest of time.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW!

Additional thanks are in order to Brett Bonner of Living Blues for the cover and incredible spread on The Mannish Boys in the April issue. Much gratitude goes to Lee Hildebrand for taking the time to come out to the recording studio and spending time with each individual artist to compile such a beautiful and in depth article. Thank you both for your tremendous support of the blues.

http://www.livingblues.com/

We would like to thank the entire staff at Blues Festival Guide for their dedication to blues music, promoting and getting the word out on the many blues festivals that strive to keep the genre alive. Thanks for your support of blues music and the label.

http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com/