The holidays are upon us and we are looking forward to the New Year with excitement.  We keep reading that the record business is in trouble and no one is buying CDs anymore, but you would never know that from the activities here at Delta Groove and Eclecto Groove.  The first week in December saw us ship record numbers of product to all corners of the world and we anticipate even greater numbers in the coming weeks.  More and more publications and other media outlets have recognized us as the premier boutique blues label in the world and, while we appreciate the accolade, we are mindful of the fact that as with any compliment, that title brings with it the responsibility to keep producing the absolute best the blues world has to offer.  And we are up to that task.

Early 2008 will see the release of a new Mannish Boys album, a new Mitch Kashmar album, and a brand new Jackie Payne/Steve Edmundson recording that will feature some major blues and soul talent and special guests.  Additionally, Tommy Castro and The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue, featuring Magic Dick, Deanna Bogart and Ronnie Baker Brooks, will be making their debut on the Delta Groove Music label.

February will see the release of Sean Costello’s “We Can Get Together” on the Delta Groove Records label.  Sean is one of the most exciting and talented of what’s called the “new school” of young blues players.  The 28 year old already can claim over a decade of touring and recording experience, including time in Susan Tedeschi’s band while still in high school, which resulted in her certified Gold album “Just Won’t Burn.”  “We Can Get Together” features over 11 incredible tracks produced by Sean himself.  “All I ever wanted to do was play the guitar well.  I’ve been fortunate to make a living doing it, and I plan to be doing it for the rest of my life,” Sean says.

This is just the beginning for Delta Groove.  While most labels are putting out less and less product, some disappearing in the middle of the night, we keep growing by leaps and bounds, and there is, hopefully, no end in site.  We are only limited by our own vision and enthusiasm for the future of blues music, and that continues to blossom daily.  And we are cognizant of what we call the “evolution of blues music” and we want to be at the center of that phenomenon. 

We are fortunate to have some of the most talented blues artists in history on Delta Groove – people like Phillip Walker and Kirk Fletcher – as well as some incredibly talented and respected artists such as Rod Piazza, The Phantom Blues Band, The Mannish Boys, Lynwood Slim, Frank Goldwasser, The Hollywood Blue Flames, Bobby Jones, Al Blake, John Long, Kid Ramos and Finis Tasby – and young artists like The Insomniacs, who were signed to this label early this year and are making their own imprint on blues, not only here in the United States, but all over the world through their album, “Left Coast Blues.”  And our new label, Eclecto Groove Records, is soaring to success with Jason Ricci and Ana Popovic, who is still #4 on this week’s Billboard Blues Chart.  Both are beginning to crossover to the rock and pop market, but not forgetting their blues roots.

The Blues Music Awards nominations are due in the next week or so and we are anticipating some noteworthy nominations.  And then, of course, The Blues Music Awards themselves take place on May 8th in Tunica, Mississippi this year.  We are already working on a very special Delta Groove music show at the legendary Ground Zero in Clarksdale, Mississippi on the 9th, and an Eclecto Groove show at Bluesville in the Horseshoe Casino in Robinsonville, Mississippi on the 10th. 

We are extremely grateful for the positive response from everybody in the blues world and we invite you to get involved with us in bringing blues back into the mainstream during the coming year.  We see 2008 as the banner year in making that happen.  We wish you all happy holidays and may 2008 bring you all that you deserve!

Sincerely,

Robert Fitzpatrick