Blogcritics Author: The Blues Blogger

Magic Sam: Sliding Back to the Past

The Blues Blogger — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:43:33 EST

The Blues Blogger returns and gives thanks for All Your Love ...
FLASHBACK TO 1968I have a passion for music. Some people may find that unusual … After all I am only seven years old. You could always hear music playing in our house. No one really spoke too much; they seem to express themselves by either listening to music or playing different instruments. I grew up listening to all kinds of tunes, but it...

Reflecting On Tony Williams And The Joy of Flying

The Blues Blogger — Sun, 6 Jan 2008 22:56:36 EST

The Blues Blogger changes gears and starts off The New Year by remembering a jazz legend ...
It’s the first Sunday of the New Year 2008 and I gave myself a personal deadline to get another article out to my readers. When thinking of what to write I shifted my thought waves to my early days in the recording studio. I thought… what were some of the albums I was listening to when I got to New York? And what album did I pack in my...

Thinking About Matt "Guitar" Murphy (And Happy Birthday)

The Blues Blogger — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:39:29 EST

The Blues Blogger gets ready for the holidays and says "Happy Birthday" to a Blues Legend.
Every year my wife and I host a Christmas Eve party where family and friends come over to reflect and discuss the usual pros and cons of life and wrap up yet another year. While tidying up the house and thinking about what music to put together for the party, I came across a box of goodies and found an old copy of The Blues Brothers album Briefcase...

Growing Up With Dion: From "The Wanderer" To Son of Skip James

The Blues Blogger — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 22:43:00 EST

While taking a stroll, The Blues Blogger gives us his thoughts on Dion DiMucci.
This weekend was really exciting for me. After several months of building up strength due my recent heart attack, I finally took my Golden Retriever Lucille for a walk. I missed going for walks with my dog as it was an opportunity for some exercise, some bonding time with my canine buddy and a chance to use my MP3 player.I recently received a copy...

Remembering Little Walter And Off The Wall

The Blues Blogger — Sun, 2 Dec 2007 20:16:11 EST

The Blues Blogger takes us on another trip down memory lane and remembers a legend.
Rehearsal 1968I love Saturdays. In the basement of our house we were getting ready for another band rehearsal later in the afternoon, and there was no place I would rather be. However there were a few things that needed my attention in the morning. It was essential to watch my television shows; Programs like Underdog, The Flintstones, Spiderman,...

The Jewish Influence in Blues and Jazz

The Blues Blogger — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:42:43 EST

The contribution of Jewish artists has vastly influenced the development of jazz and blues music.
I haven’t written very much in the past 20 years. It’s only been in the last few months that I have rediscovered my greatest passion. There are many reasons for this that are not necessary for me to get into. That’s another story. Perhaps my recent heart attack gave me the opportunity to spend a fair amount of time reflecting back...

Beale Street: The True Home of the Blues

The Blues Blogger — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:42:22 EST

Beale Street is where it all began - the birthplace of the blues and the inspiration for so many artists.
I got the inspiration to write this article about Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee while listening to my wife playing some tunes from her all time favorite artist, Joni Mitchell. What does Joni Mitchell have to do with the blues or Beale Street, you may ask? Not as much as she has with jazz or folk music, but there are some strong influences in...