I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome

American listeners tend to remember Shocking Blue as the one-hit wonder behind the chart-topper "Venus," a melting pot of rock rhythms, country guitar licks, organ riffs, and Mariska Veres' heavily accented vocals. Sounding something like a cross between "96 Tears" and "Sugar, Sugar," "Venus" was not entirely representative of the group's first album, At Home. Like their fellow countrymen Golden Earring, Shocking Blue purveyed a mild strain of psychedelic rock, but leaned more toward country and folk music than bubblegum. Guitarist and principal songwriter Robby Van Leeuwen was already preoccupied with Americana at this early stage, from "Harley Davidson" and "California Here I Come" to a surprising rendition of the folk song "Boll Weevil" that sets the traditional lyrics to music reminiscent of the Easybeats' "Good Times."

This ace compilation features Jazz versions of Country classics from Blue Note artists. Highlights include, Cassandra Wilson 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry', Bobby Hutcherson 'Wichita Lineman', Lou Donaldson 'Ode to Billy Joe', Joe Pass Quartet 'Cold Cold Heart' and many more.

Hot Rize is one of the most influential and pioneering bluegrass bands of the last 35 years. In 1978, Hot Rize began conjuring up their addicting brand of Colorado bluegrass that honors the traditional while embracing their own influences of blues, country, and celtic music. They have influenced a wide range of popular artists such as Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers, Steve Martin, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Dierks Bentley. The group disbanded in 1990 to pursue solo careers and it has been over 24 years since their last studio album and major tour together. Hot Rize is Tim O’Brien (lead vocals and mandolin), Nick Forster (bass and vocals), Pete Wernick (banjo and vocals) and newest member Bryan Sutton (guitar and vocals) who replaced the late Charley Sawtelle after his death in 1999. Their new studio album, When I’m Free captures a group of incredibly talented veterans making some of the best music of their careers.

Jeremy Stephens, primarily known to bluegrass audiences as the front man for the rising ensemble, High Fidelity, has stepped out front and center for his second solo release on Rebel Records. How I Hear It is a collection of material drawn from the many influences and mentors Stephens had as a young boy growing up in southside Virginia.

“If you don’t know the blues, there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock’n’roll or any other form of popular music,” says Keith Richards. Blues pioneers such as Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Big Bill Broonzy and Robert Johnson had a huge impact on the young Rolling Stones, influencing Richards’ guitar licks and Mick Jagger’s vocals and songwriting.