We live in an age of dying art. The media is crawling with twerkers and depressing "hick hop" albums, that is when we're not mourning the losses of music icons like BB King, Percy Sledge, Johnny Winter,etc. So, here at AMS Entertainment, we created the AMS Revival Award for artists who work to bring new life to dying music. George Thorogood has been touring for over forty years, keeping the blues music of John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, and others alive. Brian Setzer has been touring for almost as long, and he works every day to keep rockabilly music alive. We selected these two artists to receive this award because of their undying love and passion for the music they play. Please check out their music, and show them some love. The world needs more artists like these two music icons! |
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The blues is a beautiful beast, ever changing in this topsy turvy world of pain and sorrow. Few artists possess the right combination of traditional influence and original styles, Bobby Messano is one of those great few. His 2014 album "Welcome To Deltaville" is an honest and true representation of the future of the blues. Whether you prefer the old delta sound or like to crank up some Hendrix, this album absolutely does not disappoint. The ten track album features such great songs as, "I Ain't Got Diddley", a fun boogie set to a Bo Diddley beat. The album's title track "Welcome To Deltaville" gives the listener a feeling that is unparalleled in the modern blues genre. What feeling is that? Home, Messano successfully crafted a song that takes the listener home. The album is jam packed with killer guitar work done by the master Messano, an outstanding backing band, and lyrics that truly are Keeping The Blues Alive! If you do not have a copy of "Welcome To Deltaville" you are seriously missing out! Get this record today! Deep from the pits of Hell comes a guitar so hot and evil that it was scorched by the devil himself! A fiery four string cigar box guitar built by the master luthier Kevin Hamilton at Hambone Cigar Box Guitars, The HELLHOUND is a true tribute to delta blues legend Robert Johnson who sold his soul to Satan for the ability to play guitar. Satan was kind enough to let Kevin put a piece of Johnson's soul in this guitar, but for what price? The fretboard proudly displays the name HELLHOUND with custom inlays from Wayne McComic at Mr. Wizards Inlay. A fretboard so masterfully put together that in the right lighting it appears to catch fire as the sounds of the delta scream through the humbucker. Never before has such a guitar come into the world, it's sound is haunting and the feel brings a burning desire to play for hours. Hambone guitars have been played and approved by the late Johnny Winter, but The Hellhound has been played and fantasized about by the likes of Grammy nominee John Primer and guitar hero Warren Haynes. So if you play guitar and want something that is not only unique, but better than anything else on the market, Get yourself a Hambone today! Want a guitar like this for yourself?Hambone Cigar Box Guitars: https://www.facebook.com/HamboneCigarBoxGuitars
Mr. Wizards Inlay: https://www.facebook.com/mrwizardsinlay Kris Lager played his heart out for 71 minutes at Jazzfest in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Saturday July 20, 2014. Playing a killer set devoted entirely to making people happy, The Kris Lager band proved that their music is here to stay. The Blues can be happy, sad, angry, and confused, but there are no blues like the funky blues! If you love to dance, sing, or have a good time, The Kris Lager band is the band for you! Check out their "Swagadocious" album or their latest release "Live At The Bourbon" and if you get the chance to see this band, DON'T MISS IT! Andrew Smith with the Ori Naftaly Band at the zoo barOri Naftaly is tearing up the Midwest on his Summer 2014 American tour, a tour that started right here in Nebraska. On Wednesday May 14, 2014 the Israeli blues sensation played a mind-blowing set at the legendary Zoo Bar in Lincoln, the following night they played Omaha's 21st Saloon for all of the amazing BSO members that came out to the show! Thursday night, they shared the bill with the unbelievably talented Voodoo Vinyl band (a product of the Blues Ed program), Katy Guillen & The Girls (2014 IBC finalists), and Peter Karp & Sue Foley (Top 10 Billboard Blues Artists). Over all it was a show to remember, from the incredible bands to the unbeatable food provided by Hawk's BBQ. Since joining The Blues Society of Omaha this year, I have constantly been blown away by their efforts to keep the blues alive. It pleases me greatly to be apart of this, and I hope that all of you are enjoying your memberships as much as I am. As my way of thanking all of you for the support, I have several cd's that I will be giving away for FREE. So, head out to my website (www.amsentertainment.weebly.com) and subscribe to the email list. When you do, I'll send you an email confirmation, and if you mention the Blues Society of Omaha, you'll automatically be entered to win FREE music from The Tijuana Gigolos, The Ori Naftaly Band, and more! The ori naftaly band with BSO president Mark Grubbs at the 21st saloonLife is short, but in that time we are given countless opportunities to do good things for each other. I'm writing tonight to remind you that the greatest gift in this world is the gift of giving. Whether it's food to a homeless man or a tip to your waiter, helping others truly is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. The video above is the story of blues great Walter Trout, a music legend who is desperately in need of a new liver. Walter Trout and his loving wife Marie are both kind, loving, Christian people, and it pains me to see their struggles. So I'm asking of you, PLEASE click the link below to become an organ donor, seek out your local blood drives, save the lives of innocent people in need. Don't do it for me, do it for the families of those in need. After all, anything could happen to any of us, Sadly, even YOU could be in desperate need for blood or organs someday. So please, Have a heart, Save a life, Be a donor today! Click here to become an organ donor today!
John Mayall is currently celebrating his 80th birthday with a new album and tour. Here's what the legend had to say about his music, the future of the blues, and former band mate Walter Trout. 1. "I heard Larry King Interview Clapton once and Clapton said that one of the main things he'd learned from playing with you was how to lead a band. Do you have any specifics about leading a band that you'd like to share? I don't know any other way of performing, I've always lead a band. 2. "Do you feel that the authenticity of the blues is not being taught to the younger generation because they have more rock influences?" I don't think so....blues has always been represented in rock music.... 3. Do you have any advice for young musicians looking to play blues? The criteria has always been, you must reflect what's on your own mind and it's open to interpretation as well. There's also a lot of history to the blues that a lot of these artists like to recognize. 4. You've worked with a lot of guitarists over the years, do you have a favorite? Why? Every musician that I've hired has always brought something new to the table 5. Of all of the blues greats that you've worked with (Albert King, John Lee Hooker, etc.) Who is your favorite? Why? They're all so different from each other, they're all great! 6. Have you been keeping up on the details of Mr. Trout's medical issues? Yes 7. Do you plan to visit Mr. Trout here in Nebraska as he awaits his liver transplant? No, sadly things are all tied up here where I'm at right now. 8. Is there anything else you'd like to share? I think it's really great that you're spreading the word about Walter Trout and his condition....We're all here for him, thinking warm thoughts, and we're all hoping for a good recovery ya know?" Check out more from John Mayall here!http://www.johnmayall.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Mayall/113858598625027 And don't forget to check out his brand new album, "A Special Life" In stores now! Steve Hester and DeJaVooDoo have been tearing up the blues rock scene! They're currently ranked #40 on the National Blues Charts and #50 on the Worldwide Blues Charts (according to Reverbnation). But there's something special about this band that most people aren't aware of. Steve Hester and DeJaVooDoo donate 50% of ALL Reverbnation profits to charity, and play all concert fundraisers at NO COST! So, why do these Little Rock masters do so much for others? When questioned on this, Steve Hester had this to say, " I was raised believing that you give back! I believe that God gave me my talent and I am happy when what little that I can do can makes someone's life better!" So there you have it ladies and gentlemen! Steve Hester and DeJaVooDoo, God loving, caring, and talented musicians! What more could you ask for? Some people wear brass knuckles, others get tattoos, but if you really wanna look badass look no further than Head'n Home Hats in Freedom California! My personal favorite and the official hat of AMS Entertainment, the Falcon (found in the Double G section of the online store) is described as "Western High Style" the information card included says this of Double G hats, "Crafted from select finished and suede leathers with exotic rattlesnake, reptile embossed prints, deerskin, fur, and lizard detail. More than just show pieces, Double G hats are tough, durable, fully functional, all-weather hats." Complete with a shapeable wire brim, UPF Rating 50+ sunblock and let's not forget the fact that it's water repellent, the Double G Falcon is by far the coolest hat I've ever owned (and I assure you, I've owned some pretty cool hats!). On top of all that, every single Head'n Home hat comes with a perfect fit system, guaranteed to make your hat fit better than any other. Head'n Home Hats is based out of Freedom, California, and ALL of their hats are proudly MADE IN THE USA! With high quality leather, their badass designs, and the fact that they are handmade in California, you'd be a fool to search anywhere else for the perfect hat! Whether you need something for special occasions, every day, or just to wear to great rock concerts, Head'n Home has the hat for you! Check out Head'n Home, and mention AMS Entertainment when you order! PO BOX 947 Freedom, California 95019
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AuthorAndrew Smith is a journalist and promoter specializing in blues/rock and guitars. Check out this weekly blog for concert and album reviews. |