Classic Ford From August 2016

Various Artists - Rhythm 'n' Bluesin' By The Bayou: Nights Of Sin, Dirty Deals And Love Sick Souls (2016) {Ace Records}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 230 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 144 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 45 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2016 Ace Records | CDCHD 1478
Rhythm & Blues / Blues

A spicy mix of rarities, alternates and previously unissued R&B goodies from South Louisiana and S.E. Texas, where you are never too far from a bayou and some good rockin’ music. This 15th compilation in the “By The Bayou” series takes us back to the R&B sounds you would have heard belting out of a Louisiana juke joint on a steamy night in the 1950s or early 1960s. All of the tracks included were recorded in that party state, although some of the artists were based in Texas, crossing the state line to make music in studios based in Crowley and Lake Charles.

Supersonic Blues Machine have the form of a supergroup, but only their drummer, Kenny Aronoff, is well known. The other two members – bassist/producer Fabrizio Grossi and guitarist/vocalist Lance Lopez – are behind-the-scenes musicians but they're all united by a love of classic blues and classic rock. The latter is what initially brought Aronoff and Grossi together. The two musicians were playing in Goodfellas, a side project from Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. Not long afterward, Grossi was working with Lopez on an album by the guitarist and that turned into the band that became Supersonic Blues Machine. Several guests visited the studio during the recording of the band's debut – the biggest being Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, and Robben Ford – and the subsequent West of Flushing South of Frisco saw release in early 2016. The band's sophomore effort, 2017's Californisoul, featured guest spots from Gibbons, Steve Lukather, Eric Gales, and Walter Trout.

Dannie Richmond & The Last Mingus Band - Plays Charles Mingus (1980) {2015 Japan Timeless Jazz Master Collection Complete Series CDSOL-6383}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 272 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 104 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 264 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1980, 2015 Timeless Records / Solid Records Japan / Ultra-Vibe | CDSOL-6383
Jazz / Post Bop / Drums

Reissue with the latest remastering. Features original cover artwork. The music of Charles Mingus – played by a great small combo headed up by Dannie Richmond, Mingus' drummer for over 20 years! The group on the set features members from Charles' last band – and is a quintet with Ricky Ford on tenor, Jack Walrath on trumpet, Bob Neloms on piano, and Cameron Brown on bass. Tunes are taken in a gentler, and more open-handed version than used on the original recordings – a style that's a nice contrast to that of Mingus, replacing the strength of his vision with a warmth and sensitivity that makes the tunes sparkle nicely. Titles include "Fables Of Faubus", "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", "Nostalgia In Times Square", and "Duke Ellington Sound Of Love".

Dust & Bones finds Gary Hoey picking up where he left off on 2013's Deja Blues. Once again, he's in a heavy blues mode, cranking up his amp to the breaking point and indulging in some old-school theatrics, like working his wah-wah pedal so it sings like Hendrix. That's not the only guitar god whose work is apparent here. "Steamroller" is dedicated to Johnny Winter, and there are echoes of Billy Gibbons and Eric Clapton, all filtered through Hoey's dexterous chops. Now a veteran of 25 years – he nods toward his surfy beginnings on the album-closing "Soul Surfer" – Hoey certainly can tip his hat to his peers but he has his own style, one that's designed as an eternal homage to the glory days of classic rock guitar.

Born and raised in Toronto, Garnett Ford formed his first band, Pinball, during the mid '70s. They played the local area circuit, venturing occasionally out west and into the US, when Frederick Starchuck took an interest. He signed Ford to a management deal, and within a year a contract with Warner Brothers. They wanted him as a solo act, so Pinball folded and Ford went into Phase One Studios with Ian Thomas and Gary Muth. UNDER THE INFLUENCE was released in February, 1978. A slick blend of pop and adult rock, it was all originals, mostly written by Ford with Doug Templeton, sent in for the job by Starchuck.