Joe Ely Musta Notta Gotta Lotta

When you have spent more than 40 years writing and recording songs that underscore a sense of turbulence, where violent winds, thunderstorms and tornadoes figure rominently and beckoning, distant horizons are ever present, it takes courage to name an album, Satisfied At Last. Known for a life full of wanderlust and constant motion, getting lost and rediscovering himself on the world's lonesome highways and dusty back roads, Ely's latest release from his independent record label, Rack'Em Records, suggests that he is seeing things in a new lightbut one listen to the album that embodies his genre busting unique mix of traditional Tex-Mex rhythms, outlaw country, Texas blues and good old-fashioned American rock and roll, people will see that he isnt about to slow down any time soon.

Twenty-three albums and several million miles after he first hit the road, Joe Ely presents his first road album Driven to Drive. The collection of songs about and inspired by motorized travel was curated by Ely, who in the mid-1970s swept off the flat plains of the Llano Estacado of West Texas like a whirling tornado, fronting a legendary band that was too rock for country, and too country for rock.

With nearly 25 albums under his belt, prolific Texas native and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Joe Ely returns with a timely collection of songs — both originals and others written by musical heroes, including Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Woody Guthrie. “I’m really appreciative of everyone’s help in putting this album together,” shares Ely. “To me, “Love and Freedom” is a reminder of the times we’re living in right now, and I hope it resonates with whoever takes the time to listen.” Co-produced with frequent collaborator Lloyd Maines (Miranda Lambert, Kris Kristofferson), “Love and Freedom” unveils songs from Ely’s recording vault, spanning several decades of sessions at Spur Studios, his home studio outside Austin. Ely recorded these tracks during time off the road, resulting in poignant renditions of classics like the Ryan Bingham-featured take on Guthrie’s protest anthem “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)” and the heartfelt Clark cut “Magdalene”.

More a Legend Than a Band Review by Stewart Mason
In any other circumstance, that title would be hyperbole, but in the case of the Flatlanders, it's the simple truth. Although their only commercial release during their nearly four-year existence was an eight track on the tacky Plantation label, bandleaders Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock went on to become pioneers in alternative country, directly influencing bands ranging from Uncle Tupelo to Ely disciples the Clash. This 1990 reissue gives that eight track a proper digital release for the first time ever (minus two weaker tracks, covers of the country standards "Hello Stranger" and "Waiting for a Train"), plus four previously unreleased tracks recorded during the same March 1972 sessions.

Joe Ely is the 1977 debut album by Texas singer-songwriter, Joe Ely. The album includes several tracks written by Ely's bandmates in the Flatlanders.

Joe Hill Louis must have been Sun president Sam Phillips' favorite bluesman. He recorded him for The Phillips, Chess, and Sun. The Sun tapes (1952-'53) are here, including Joe Hill's original versions of Tiger Man, We All Gotta Go Sometime, and the incredible Hydramatic Woman. Also included are Sun recordings with Walter Horton and Mose Vinson that feature Joe Hill. Altogether, 26 titles including West Winds Are Blowing, 44 Blues, Worry You Off My Mind, and Little Walter's Boogie. Essential for Sun fans and for lovers of raw electric Chicago-styled blues. 1-CD with 24-page booklet.

2015 live release from the blues guitarist, a tribute to blues legends Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf… As Joe Bonamassa approaches his 26th year as a professional musician, he continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative and soulful body of work. Bonamassa's career began onstage opening for B.B. King in 1989, when he was only 12 years old. Today, he is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, and is an ever-evolving singer-songwriter who has released 15 solo albums in the last 13 years, all on his own label. There's a case to be made that Joe Bonamassa, like another star who shared the same initials, is the hardest working man in show business.