HALLO, JIMI HENDRIX FANS & FREUNDE  DES GEPFLEGTEN BLUESROCK !
Eckhard B. (www.hendrix-fans.de) & RUF Records, Germany proudly present:

blue haze  - songs of JIMI HENDRIX -
die CD zum  e i n m a l i g e n  Preis in Höhe von 9,90 € , da Sonderaktion aus Lager-Überbeständen, selbstverständlich fabrikneu u. orig.-verschweisst.
Lieferung solange Vorrat reicht! Bestellungen bitte per E-Mail.
etails zur CD, sowie Songtitel und Interpreten...>>>siehe unten!
Nun bestellt mal schön, oder aber auch nicht....Wie auch immer!?

Beste Grüsse und Keep on Rockin'
Eckhard B.

BLUE HAZE - THE SONGS OF JIMI HENDRIX

Wie der Titel schon sagt – mehr blue als purple sind die zumeist sehr emotionalen Be- und Überarbeitungen, die hier viele der bekanntesten Stücke des vor über 30 Jahren verstorbenen Gitarrengenies erhalten.

Walter Trout ist gleich mit drei Nummern vertreten, und Eric Burdon steuert mit „I Don’t Live Today“ und „Third Stone From The Sun“ zwei Covers bei.

Außerdem am Start: Bernard Allison, Taj Mahal, Vernon Reid sowie Michelle Shocked und Buddy Miles.

Am interessantesten sind freilich Alvin „Youngblood“ Harts intensive Interpretation von „Remember“, Eric Gales mitreißendes „Voodoo Chile“ und das romantische „Little Wing“ in der Version des jungen Aynsley Lister.

BLUE HAZE zeigt erneut – auch wenn dieser Beweis längst obsolet sein müsste –, dass Jimi Hendrix mehr als nur der aufregendste Rock-Instrumentalist seiner Zeit, sondern vielmehr auch ein begnadeter Songschreiber war. Uneingeschränkt empfehlenswert für Hendrix-Fans, aber auch für alle Anhänger der hier teilnehmenden Künstler.

CD-INFO:
01.Angel...Eric Bibb
02.Who knows...Walter Trout, Popa Chubby and Jimmy Thackery
03. I don't live today...Eric Burdon
04. The wind cries Mary...Buddy Miles and Double Trouble
05. Purple Haze...Friend 'n' Fellow
06. Star Spangled Banner...Walter Trout & The Free Radicals
07. Hey Joe...Walter Trout & The Free Radicals
08. All along the Watchtower...Taj Mahal & The Hula Blues Band
09. House Burning Down...Michelle Shocked
10. Voodoo Chile...Eric Gales & Trudy Lynn
11. Hear my Train comin'...Bernard Allison
12. Red House...Vernon Reid & Michael Hill
13. Belly Button Window...Ana Popovic
14. Remember...Alvin ''Youngblood'' Hart
15. Little Wing...Aynsley Lister
16. Third Stone from the Sun / The Story of Life...Eric Burdon

www.hendrix-fans.de

Liebe Blueser,

sollte das wirklich der erste Newsletter im neuen Jahr sein, wünschen wir euch allen – wenn auch mit einer klitzekleinen Verzögerung – ein frohes und gesundes neues Jahr.

Wir arbeiten im Augenblick überwiegend an unserem neuen Album und ziehen am Montag schon ins Studio ein. Damit ihr auch etwas davon mitbekommt, werden wir auf der Homepage ein kleines Studio-Tagebuch mit vielen Bildern und kurzen Kommentaren einrichten.

Das Album soll Mitte April veröffentlicht werden und dann nehmen wir es auch schon mit auf eine lange Tour durch Deutschland. Die genauen Termine werden ca. Mitte Februar veröffentlicht, wir hoffen, dass für euch alle ein Konzert in erreichbarer Nähe dabei sein wird und freuen uns auf euch!

Bis dahin spielen wir im Februar nur zwei Konzerte:
17. Februar 2007 - Kiel, Blues Festival – www.raeucherei-kiel.de
24. Februar 2007 – Cloppenburg, Briefkasten - www.briefkasten-cloppenburg.de

Heute Abend (27.01.07) spielen wir auf dem großen Benefiz Festival "Wuppertal Hilft" in der Uni Halle in Wuppertal. Um 20.00 Uhr geht’s los, Einlass ist bereits um 18.00 Uhr. Wir werden voraussichtlich ca. 15 Minuten lang um 23.45 Uhr spielen. Weitere Infos auf: www.wuppertal-hilft.de

Unsere Homepage wird zum Veröffentlichungstermin ebenfalls komplett aktualisiert und erweitert. Wir freuen uns über jegliche Kritik, Verbesserungsvorschläge oder sonstige Anregungen. Schickt eure Ideen einfach an diese Email-Adresse zurück.

Was das neue Album, die Termine und sonstige Neuigkeiten betrifft, werden wir euch bis Mitte April natürlich ständig auf dem Laufenden halten.

Für alle Fans aus unserer Heimat Wuppertal und Umgebung kommt hier schon einmal vorab ein ganz besonderer Leckerbissen: Unsere offizielle CD-Release Party feiern wir wieder mit einem Konzert im LCB in Wuppertal am 27. April 2007. Selbstverständlich haben wir uns speziell für diesen Termin etwas ganz Besonderes einfallen lassen und konnten als "Special Guest" die aus Kalifornien stammende Sängerin Brenda Boykin dafür begeistern, sich für ein paar Stücke von uns begleiten zu lassen ;-)!!! Wer sie noch nicht kennt, sollte sich das Konzert schon allein aus diesem Grund nicht entgehen lassen.

Karten gibt es ab sofort online unter www.lcb-online.de

Herzliche Grüße,
HFB
www.henrik-freischlader.de
www.myspace.com/henrikfreischlader

GALVESTON, Texas -- B.B. King was hospitalized for undisclosed reasons but was in good condition early Friday, a hospital official said.

The 81-year-old bluesman, who had been scheduled to perform at the Grand Opera House on Thursday night, was admitted to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said Paul McCarthy, a nurse administrator.

McCarthy said King was not in the intensive care unit and that he could be released later Friday or Saturday.

A message left with King's management agency, Lieberman Management LLC of New York, was not immediately returned early Friday.

With his trademark guitar that he named "Lucille," King racked up hits including "The Thrill is Gone," "Every Day I Have the Blues" and "You Upset me Baby."

Born on a plantation in Itta Bena, Miss., King started out on street corners playing for pocket change, according to his Web site. He went on to become one of the nation's most influential blues musicians.

In December, President Bush awarded King the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his musical contributions.

On the Net: http://www.bbking.com

January 24, 2007

>>>>> Fabulous Thuderbirds Live Recording Session This Friday and Saturday: This weekend, blues giant Kim Wilson brings his band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, to the Rhythm Room for two nights of live recording. The recorded performances from this weekend will eventually be part of The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ forthcoming live album. Kim Wilson, who recently won a 2006 Blues Music Award for Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year, has long been a standard bearer for this genre, creating modern-day hits in the blues tradition, and trailblazing new levels of harmonica mastery. A great vocalist and bandleader, Kim Wilson will present his most recent lineup of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, which live up to the long tradition of fantastic artists that are part of the legend of this band. This current lineup includes: Kim Wilson, vocals and harmonica, Nick Curran, vocals and guitar, Kirk Fletcher, guitar, Ronnie James Weber, bass, and Jay Moeller on drums. These recording sessions will be produced by Kim Wilson, Bob Corritore, and Clarke Rigsby. Please come out and be a part of this historic event! Advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (480)784-4444 or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm both nights. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.

>>>>> Big Pete Pearson French Review: Click here for a great review of Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars’ new album, I'm Here Baby, on the French Baker Street website. Big Pete Pearson's new CD, I'm Here Baby on Blue Witch Records, has had an overwhelmingly positive response in France. Special thanks to Jocelyn Richez, Michel Remond, Jean-Luc Vabres, Marcel Benedit (ABS Magazine), Francois Pfeiffer, Jacques Périn (Soul Bag), Little Victor, and all our other great friends in France, who have been great advocates of Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars.

>>>>> XM Radio Lists Floyd Dixon’s CD As #1: Special thanks to Bill Wax, of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station, for making Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration on Bluesville (Picks To Click) for the week of January 20, 2007. This CD, released in late 2006 on HighJohn Records, was recorded live at the Rhythm Room, and features Floyd Dixon, along with friends Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Kim Wilson, and Johnny Tucker, and was produced by Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore.

>>>>> Chico Chism Health Update: Chico Chism seemed just a little bit stronger today than yesterday, though he is still bedridden and on oxygen. Though his health is frail, and he is very weak, he is in good spirits. Thank you to all of Chico’s supporters who have come to visit him. We will give you more news as we know it. Look for a feature article about Chico by Niki D’Andrea in this week’s Phoenix edition of the New Times.

>>>>> Bob Corritore

Liebe VeranstalterInnen,

ich möchte gleich zu Jahresbeginn 2 Bands und 2 Solokünstler anbieten, wobei die ersten 3 Künstler leicht verträglich für die Brieftasche sind, bei hervorragender Qualität der Musik.

1. Thomas Leeb (April 2007) 
Der Klagenfurter der in Los Angeles lebt, ist auf Europatournee und wird in der Zeit von SA 07. bis DI 17. April 2007 in Österreich Konzerte geben. Er beginnt am 07.04, also Ostersamstag, in Steyr und steht für weitere Termine zur Verfügung. Informationen unter www.thomasleeb.com

2. Doug MacLeod (September 2007)
Der Bluesman aus der Gegend von St. Louis, der in Los Angeles lebt, wird nach einer ausgedehnten Europa und Australientournee im Frühjahr 2007, einer USA Tournee im Sommer, im Herbst nach Europa kommen. Ich habe das Vergnügen für ihn Termine in der Zeit von SA 01.09.07 bis DO 13.09.07 checken zu können. Informationen unter www.doug-macleod.com

3. Still Experienced (ganzjährig)
Die Band hat sich dem Blues und der Musik von Jimi Hendrix verschrieben. Das 5. Album „Road to nowhere“ ist gerade in der pipeline, und dazu sollen möglichst viele Konzerte absolviert werden. Informationen unter www.stillexperienced.at

4. Verena & Band (ganzjährig)
Es handelt sich dabei um Starmania Siegerin Verena Pötzl. Das Programm setzt sich aus ihren eigenen Titeln ihrer aktuellen CD „Taken unaware“ und Rockklassikern der 60er, 70er und 80er Jahre zusammen. Es gibt keine vergleichbare Rocksängerin in Österreich !!! Bei Interesse bitte Demo anfordern.

Bei Bedarf bieten wir sehr gerne Ton & Licht support an, unsere Referenzen bitte unter www.sounddesign-austria.at nachlesen. Einige langjährige Kunden diesbezüglich seien hier erwähnt: Festwochen Gmunden, Inntoene Jazzfestival, Stadtfest Steyr, Jazzfestival Passau, Sommeropen-airs Leonding Rathausplatz, etc…

Auf Reaktionen freut sich wie immer
Peter Guschelbauer

Make a Date at The State!

Saturday, February 3 @ 8:00 p.m. – BC Blues Series Concert: Lucky Peterson w/special guest Robert Bradley $25 (Benefits The State Theatre)
Thursday, February 8 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: Bay City “Old Wolves Band” w/special guest “Under Advisement” Adults-$10 Students-$5
Saturday, February 10 @ 7:30 p.m. – Jazz & Blues Concert: Marcia Z. Allen & Friends (featuring: Dave Bennet, Dave Tatrow, & Morgan McMillan) $15
Saturday, March 24 @ 7:30 p.m. – Jazz & Blues Concert: Paul VornHagen Quartet $15
Saturday, March 31 @ 8:00 p.m. – BC Blues Series Concert: Larry McCray w/special guest Three Penny Revue $25 (Benefits the 2007 Bay City Fireworks Celebration)
Saturday, April 7 @ 7:00 p.m. – Concert: Cabin Fever Blues Fest 2007 featuring Debbie Davies & Janiva Magness w/special guest The Blues Creators $20
Saturday, April 14 @ 7:30 p.m. – Jazz & Blues Concert: Jive at Five $15
Saturday, April 21 @ 8:00 p.m. – BC Blues Series Concert: Ronnie Baker Brooks w/special guest May-Be-August $25 (Benefits Bay City’s Studio 23 Art Gallery)
Saturday, May 19 @ 8:00 p.m. – BC Blues Series Concert: Savoy Brown w/special guest The Burdons $35 (Benefits The Johnny Burke Children’s Foundation)
Saturday, June 2 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: An Evening of Jazz with Pat Yandall $20
Ending Saturday, September 15 – Season Pass to 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series (Early Bird Special) $75
Saturday, September 15 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series presents “Brush Street w/ Julie Mulady” $20
Saturday, November 3 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series presents “Latin Jazz w/ Tumbao Bravo” $20
Saturday, November 17 @ 8:00 p.m. – Concert: “Deer Widows Night Out” w/ The Detroit Women & Motor City Express $20
Saturday, December 1 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series presents “Folk Jazz w/ Madcat & Kane” $20

2008

Saturday, February 2 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series presents “Soul Xpress” $20
Saturday, March 8 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series presents “Ray Kamaly & His Red Hot Peppers” $20
Saturday, April 5 @ 7:30 p.m. – Concert: 2007-2008 Jazz & Blues Series presents “Three Men & a Tenor” $20

Hello fellow blues lovers,

Here are a few announcements that I thought you might be interested in.

My website - www.Mary4Music.com - has just announced the winner of the "2006 BLEWZY AWARD".  It's an award we honorarily give to the band who submitted the best CD to our site for review.  If you'd like to read about it just click here...2006 BLEWZZY Blues Music CD Award - Mary4Music.com.  Information on our review policy can and will be sent only upon request.

Another big blues happening is the "2007 RIVERWALK BLUES AND MUSIC FESTIVAL".  It's sneaking up on us (March 2, 3, & 4), but you still have plenty of time to make air and hotel reservations.  This festival has always been a big hit with out of towners because of the time of the year it is held.....WINTER.....and where it is held..... FORT LAUDERDALE.  Although the festival has had to change months and locations a few times over the past few years, new and original promoter, Don Cohen (Musicians Exchange / Revolution) has proven to be dedicated to not letting this fest become extinct.  Take a look at this lineup and I guarantee you'll think about coming down........The following acts have been confirmed as of 01/01/07:
MARK HUMMEL'S BLUES HARP BLOWOUT with CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE & KIM WILSON, CHUBBY CARRIER & THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND, RONNIE BAKER BROOKS, ANA POPOVIC, PAPA GROWS FUNK, DETROIT WOMEN, TINSLEY ELLIS, THE SPAM ALLSTARS, ANDERS OSBORNE, ERIC LINDELL, DUFFY JACKSON BLUES BAND, CHRIS BEARD, *JOSH SMITH w/full band and horn section, *THE LEE BOYS, OTHER ACTS TBA.  Please click here for lots more info on the fest ..... www.riverwalkbluesfestival.com 

-----Peter "BLEWZZMAN" Lauro"

BlueBridge Network International
...you get more then just an artist

Schubert's
New Orleans Music Festival

ab 1. Ferbuar 2007 neue Adresse
- from February 1st, 2007 new address
Ottostr. 63 · 50823 Köln/Germany

Rolf Schubert,
Niehler Kirchweg 124 -126 · 50733 Köln · Tel. (0221) 1300196 · Fax 1300198 E-Mail: concertschubert@netcologne.de · www.concertschubert.de

C.J. CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND - TOUR 2007:

Dietmar Haslinger
www.weltenklang.at

Jan. 15th - Please welcome with us our new artist - WES MACKEY (CAN) - to the network family.

Please be so kind and visit the website from Wes Mackey - http://www.wesmackey.com - for more information, music and upcoming dates. Wes Mackey will tour Europe in 2007 again.

More news will come soon.....

together we´re stronger. always the best and cheers to the blues.

RAY, Georges & the network team

happy new year everyone...!!

I'll get right to it...the maple blues awards are on and I am nominated for 'female vocalist of the year'...I have won this honor many times and i am grateful... my manager says that I should ask you all to vote for me...something I have never done...but what the heck...www.mapleblues.ca
is the voting site...

the great news is the continuing success of "CUORE...the Italian Sessions"...if I may, I'd like to share these reviews with you....thank you everyone...

'til soon...rita

new tour dates

• 01.26.07 (Friday) | Sherwood Park(Edmonton) Alberta @ Festival Place Theatre | 8:00 start..contact theatre for more details...
• 02.14.07 (Wednesday) | Peterborough,Ontario @ Showplace Performance Centre | Celebrate Valentine's Day with Rita Chiarelli at the Showplace in Peterborough! Order tickets on line at www.showplace.org or call 705-742-1055 or toll free 866-444-2154: http://www.showplace.org

in EUROPE

• 02.22.07 (Thursday) | Holste,Germany @ Hellingst
• 02.23.07 (Friday) | Reichenbach, Germany @ Die Halle: http://www.diehalle.de
• 02.24.07 (Saturday) | Forst, Germany @ Manitu
• 02.26.07 (Monday) | Rumburk,Czec Republic @ Kulturni Dum
• 03.01.07 (Thursday) | Koblenz,Germany @ Cafe Hahn
• 03.02.07 (Friday) | Wendelstein,Germany @ Jegelscheune
• 03.03.07 (Saturday) | Wangen, Germany @ Allgaeu
• 03.08.07 (Thursday) | Rankweil, Austria @ Altes Kino
• 03.09.07 (Friday) | Waldshut,Germany @ Schlosskeller
• 03.10.07 (Saturday) | Obershan,Switzerland @ TBA
• 03.11.07 (Sunday) | Aeugstertal,Switzerland @ Poeschtli
• 03.15.07 (Thursday) | Soest, Germany @ Alter Schlachthof
• 03.16.07 (Friday) | Singwitz, Germany @ Kesselhaus
• 03.17.07 (Saturday) | Tanna, Germany @ Kuhstall

• 03.23.07 (Friday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ Community Centre | Presented by the Hornby Island Blues Society
• 03.24.07 (Saturday) | Courtney,B.C. @ Sid Williams Theatre | Besides my band ,i will bring two other female vocalists...don't miss it...!!!
• 03.27.07 (Tuesday) | Williams Lake,B.C. @ Gibralter Room (the Complex) | Presented by Williams Lake Community Arts Council-Performing Arts Commitee
• 03.29.07 (Thursday) | Cranbrook,B.C. @ Key City Theatre
• 05.06.07 (Sunday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ 'BLUE CAMP": http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca/
• 05.07.07 (Monday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ 'HORNBY ISLAND BLUES CAMP': http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca/
• 05.08.07 (Tuesday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ hornby-blues CAMP: http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca/
• 05.09.07 (Wednesday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ hornby-blues CAMP: http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca
• 05.10.07 (Thursday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ hornby-blues CAMP: http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca
• 05.11.07 (Friday) | Hornby Island,B.C. @ hornby-blues CAMP: http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca
• 05.12.07 (Saturday) | Duncan ,B.C. @ "Cowichan Theatre": http://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca

January 23, 2007

>>>>> Chico Chism health update: Chico Chism, best known as Howlin’ Wolf’s last drummer, has had ongoing health issues for the last few years. Chico suffered a stroke in 2002 at age 73, and his health has been gradually deteriorating since. In the last 24 hours, Chico’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. He is bedridden and very weak. He has lost a lot of weight, and is now below 100 pounds and must receive oxygen. His daughter, Audrey, has been in town since Thursday, but unfortunately has to return to Chicago today. If you would like to contact or visit Chico, now is definitely the time.

Here is Chico’s contact information:

Chico Chism
Kivel Campus of Care
3020 N. 36th Street
Phoenix, Arizona, 85018
Tel. (602)956-3110

Plans continue for a Chico Chism Appreciation Night concert at the Rhythm Room on January 30^th, we will keep you informed of Chico’s condition. Prayers to Chico.

RIP Susan Greenberg: Susan Greenberg, Lurrie Bell’s life companion, passed away from complications from Lymphoma on Saturday, January 20, 2007. Susan was responsible for Lurrie Bell’s personal comeback. She was also a respected photographer, and a beloved member of the Chicago blues community. Prayers to Lurrie and Susan’s family.

>>>>> Bob Corritore

January 16, 2007

>>>>> Bob Corritore Appearing with the Sam Lay Blues Band this Friday Night: Bob will appear this Friday night with the Sam Lay Blues Band at the Rhythm Room. Sam Lay is considered a legend of Chicago Blues, and he worked as a drummer in the bands of Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, and James Cotton, as well as being a great bandleader and vocalist in his own right. Sam has recently been out touring with the Chicago Blues Reunion and the Siegel-Schwall Band. This Friday's all-star lineup will include: Sam Lay on vocals and drums, Chris James on guitar and vocals, Johnny Rapp on guitar, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Patrick Rynn on bass, and special guest David Maxwell on piano. Chris and Patrick played with Sam for 7 years, with Bob and Johnny coming on board for a two-year period. You can hear this group on two songs of the live compilation Rhythm Room Blues released in 2001 on HighTone Records. After the events of Sept 11th, 2001 Sam refused to fly thus putting a halt to this group. Therefore, this reunion will be cause for celebration! There will be an opening set by Phoenix's King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. AZ 85014, tel. (602)265-4842. Doors open at 8pm, and this show is patio smoking only (no smoking allowed inside). Cover is $10. In addition to the Rhythm Room appearance, Sam will be spending a couple days at Tempest Recording Studio finishing a Sam Lay album (produced by Bob Corritore), and doing some work as a guest artist on Chris James' forthcoming self-produced release.

>>>>> Big Pete Pearson's CD is #1 in France! Good news from France! Big Pete Pearson's new CD, I'm Here Baby, is classified #1 on the January Powerblues Radio Chart: click here to see this web site. Powerblues is a classification made by French blues radio show hosts and appears both on the Powerblues web site and in the popular French rock magazine Crossroads. Special thanks to Jocelyn Richez, who is a big advocate in Europe for Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Thanks also to all of the U.S. blues DJs who have just received and are beginning to play this great new release. Thanks also to the 600+ people who joined us last weekend for our CD release party!

>>>>> Robert Lockwood recognized in national mainstream press: Our fallen hero, the late Robert Lockwood, Jr. was honored with a feature article in Rolling Stone Magazine. The piece, written by Evan Serpick, appears on page 28  of issue 1016/1017 (December 28, 2006-January 11, 2007) and devotes about a third of a page to this blues guitar legend. Also on the same page are articles on Pearl Jam and Alexa Ray Joel (Billy's daughter). Robert was also written about in the February 2007 issue of Down Beat Magazine. Of course, all valid blues magazines have covered this, but it is nice when this news transcends our blues community and touches the mainstream. In addition, House Of Blues Radio had a show that honored Robert, Floyd Dixon, and Ruth Brown. Dan Akroyd/Elwood Blues played a Robert Lockwood, Jr. track and a Floyd Dixon track, both of which were recorded live at the Rhythm Room; which were produced in part by Bob Corritore (along with Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, and Clarke Rigsby).

>>>>> Bob Corritore

20 Bloor Street East, Box 75102
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T3
Toronto: 416 599 9079
Newmarket: 905 989 1905

RESULTS OF THE TENTH ANNUAL MAPLE BLUES AWARDS

Western Canada has much to sing about when it comes to the blues. Out of the sixteen Canadian blues music awards presented at this year's tenth annual Maple Blues Awards, Western Canadian artists led with eight awards, followed by six for Ontario artists and two for those from the East Coast. The following are the winners of the 2006 Maple Blues Awards, which were presented in a gala celebration at Toronto's Mod Club on January 15th, 2007.

EIGHT AWARDS FOR WESTERN CANADA

The big winner at this year's ceremony was Saskatchewan-born Suzie Vinnick, who received three Maple Blues Awards. She won Female Vocalist of the Year and Bass Player of the Year, while Songwriter of the Year went to both Vinnick and Rick Fines for their 2006 release "Nothing Halfway".

Vancouver actor and musician Jim Byrnes, host of the gala event, received two awards: Male Vocalist of the Year and Recording of the Year, for his album "House of Refuge", released on Black Hen Records and produced by Vancouver's Steve Dawson.

Electric Act of the Year went to seasoned bluesman Colin James, who has sold over 8 million albums worldwide, won 6 Juno awards and has released 10 albums in nearly 20 years of making music.

New Artist of the Year went to ingenue Ndidi Onukwulu, who had a busy summer in 2006, performing the Canadian festival circuit. Originally from the British Columbia, Ndidi is now living in Toronto.

Vancouver's piano blues and boogie-woogie player, Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne, won Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year. 2006 was a great year for Kenny who also won a Juno for best blues album of the year.

WINNING HIGHLIGHTS

Musical Renaissance man Colin Linden was honoured with the Blues with a Feeling Award for Lifetime Achievement. With numerous Maple Blues Awards and Juno awards already behind him, Colin continues to build an exciting career as a guitarist, vocalist and composer. He is in major demand by artists wanting him to produce, write for, and/or play on their records (he has played on 300 and produced 60 albums), yet somehow finds time to both pursue a prolific solo career and play a key role in Canadian roots-rock "supergroup", Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

Other Ontario award winners included the Downchild Blues Band, who were presented with Entertainer of the Year. The enduring veterans were last year's big winners, celebrating 37 years in the biz.

Guitarist of the Year went to Ottawa's Sue Foley, who strengthens her position as the artist having won the record amount of awards over the 10 year history of this event.

Harmonica Player of the Year went to Carlos del Junco, who, in the midst of great competition, continues to dominate in this category.

Chris Whiteley, the singer, composer, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist and session musician who specializes in blues, jazz and roots music, won Horn Player of the Year. In 2006, Chris and Diana Braithwaite released "Morning Sun", inspired by such greats as Memphis Minnie, Tampa Red, Lonnie Johnson, Bessie Smith, Big Bill Broonzy, and the famous "Bluebird" record sound.

Nova Scotia native Geoff Arsenault (Ray Bonneville, Morgan Davis, Carlos Del Junco) took home Drummer of the Year.

The New Brunswick-based trio Hot Toddy teamed up with duo Isaac & Blewett to win Acoustic Act of the Year for their collaborative work, which began with their 2005 recording, "Live at the Black Box".

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

American performer, producer, and gold recording artist Keb' Mo' won International Artist of the Year. Keb' Mo' of the Epic Records/Sony Music roster is also nominated for a Grammy in the category of Contemporary Blues Album, 2007.

BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR

The Blues Booster of the Year award, a special Maple Blues Award honouring outstanding contribution to the Canadian blues industry, was awarded to filmaker Mako Funasaka. Funasaka received the award in recognition of his documentation of the blues in Canada and beyond, included in his television series Talkin' Blues, which is broadcast across Canada and the U.S.

BUILDING A HISTORY - THE MAPLE BLUES AWARDS

The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program, organized by the Toronto Blues Society with the support and participation of blues societies across Canada. Its goal is to promote blues music nationally, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. The nominees are selected by a national panel of distinguished blues DJs and journalists, and the winners are selected by on-line voting by blues fans across Canada.

The awards gala in Toronto features numerous musical performances and is the conclusion of the three-day national Blues Summit, a gathering of blues industry professionals from across the country. The event provides an opportunity for the blues community to network and to attend professional development seminars, working meetings, and showcase concerts.

MAPLE BLUES AWARDS 2006/2007

Entertainer of the Year
Downchild Blues Band

Electric Act of the Year
Colin James

Acoustic Act of the Year
Hot Toddy/Isaac & Blewett

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jim Byrnes

Female Vocalist of the Year
Suzie Vinnick

New Artist/Group of the Year
Ndidi Onukwulu

Recording of the Year
Artist: Jim Byrnes
Producer: Steve Dawson

B.B. King International Artist of the Year
Keb' Mo'

Guitarist of the Year
Sue Foley

Harmonica Player of the Year
Carlos del Junco

Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne

Horn Player of the Year
Chris Whiteley

Drummer of the Year
Geoff Arsenault

Bass Player of the Year
Suzie Vinnick

Songwriter of the Year
Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick

For more information, please contact:
Toronto Blues Society 416.538.3885 info@torontobluessociety.com