Who is Arsen Shomakhov and where did his On The Move come from? He's a Russian-born guitarist/songwriter who competed in the International Blues Challenge after moving his base of operations to Vancouver, Canada. On The Move is his latest album recorded for Blues Leaf records and it has vaulted to #2 on the blues radio charts, falling just behind the venerable Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.
Shomakhov is the big story on the chart this week but there are other names making a name for themselves, some for the first time (or at least first time in awhile). Music legend Dr. John's Tribal was released this past Tuesday and makes a strong showing while Albert Castiglia's new record Keepin' On will be released this Tuesday and as the record nears we see it making noise in the lower reaches of the chart. Les Copeland's Don't Let The Devil In seems to bounce up and down a lot from week to week. This week is an up week, checking in at #3. Anders Osborne is also back on the radar after some time a way. That's been one of my favorite records this year and I'm glad to see it continuing to get play. The same is true of Karen Lovely's Still The Rain. I have not forgotten I still owe you all a complete review of her disc. That and Albert Castiglia reviews are forthcoming, I promise.
Here is the complete list. I've linked to the albums I've thus far reviewed if you want to know more about them. You can also check out the weekly BPR 6 Pack feature that takes a closer look at six songs from the albums on the chart.
- Pinetop Perkins / Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith - Joined At The Hip
- Arsen Shomakhov - On The Move
- Les Copeland - Don't Let The Devil In
- John Nemeth - Name The Day!
- Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Have Blues, Will Travel
- Janiva Magness - The Devil Is An Angel, Too
- Magic Slim & The Teardrops - Raising The Bar
- Elvin Bishop - Red Dog Speaks
- Marshall Lawrence - Blues Intervention
- Otis Taylor - Clovis People, Vol. 3
- Dr. John And The Lower 911 - Tribal
- Tim Woods - The Blues Sessions
- Cee Cee James - Seriously Raw - Live At Sunbanks
- Steve Miller Band - Bingo!
- Anders Osborne - American Patchwork
- Bettye Lavette - Interpretations - The British Rock Songbook
- The Derek Trucks Band - Roadsongs
- Jimmie Vaughan - Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
- Ron Hacker And The Hacksaws - Burnin'
- Walter Trout - Common Ground
- Mississippi Heat - Let's Live It Up
- Foghat - Last Train Home
- Rob Stone - Back Around Here
- Cathy Lemons & Johnny Ace - Lemonace
- Karen Lovely - Still The Rain
- Harper - Stand Together
- Dave Weld And The Imperial Flames - Burnin' Love
- Daddy Mack Blues Band - Bluesfinger
- Albert Castiglia – Keepin' On
- Various Artist - This Is The Blues Vol. 2
Article comments
1 - Johnny Ace
Were very happy that your enjoying our CD.."LEMONACE" on VIZZTONE!!...Keep it RIPPIN!!!!..Johnny Ace & Cathy Lemons..San Francisco,Ca.
2 - Carol
Just gotta say, if you ever get a chance to see Arsen Shomakhov live, run, don't walk, to the venue! His CDs are fantastic, and his live shows are even better!!
3 - Josh Hathaway
Johnny, thanks for reading and the comment. Congrats on a terrific album and the success it's having at radio.
Carol, Arsen is a new name to me but after doing my research I plan to check him out very soon. I like surprises like this. Thanks for reading.
4 - Ruslan
Arsen Shomakhov's #2 airplay ranking is a good news for his Russian fans. It highlights the independence and impartiality of Roots Music Report.