Mike Shabb

The Franklin Sessions was born out of the desire to get back to a more organic approach to recording. All the rhythm tracks were cut with one take live in the studio. Kevin McKendree put a great band together: Yates McKendree on drums, David Santos on bass, James Pennebaker on guitar and Kevin on keys for the session and they cut 4 tracks. Guldin was so pleased with the sound, the vibe and Kevin’s guidance the he brought his Rollin’ & Tumblin’ Bandmates Bill Sharrow, Billy Wear and Tim Hooper back to The Rock House and recorded 9 tracks over two days with Kevin joining them on keys. These recordings capture the essence of Rollin’ & Tumblin’!

With over 25 years under his belt, Boston-based blues guitarist Monster Mike Welch is handily considered a seasoned veteran of the international blues scene at just a mere 37 years old. "Right Place, Right Time" is the result of this inspired collaboration, born out of a mutual love and respect for the classic blues era of the 50s and 60s and artists such as Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Elmore James and B.B. King.

The music of Herbie Hancock has affected the lives of generations of jazz performers. Like many of these musicians, it was the opportunity to play with the great pianist/composer that introduced the great drummer Mike Clark to the jazz world at large. To show his appreciation, Clark presents a selection of his favorite Hancock pieces performed with a trio on his new recording, Mike Clark Plays Herbie Hancock.

A meditation on the beauty of nature and the fate of the planet, “This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters” is a multi-movement work by the acclaimed composer Mike Holober. Written for jazz orchestra, voice, cello, and percussion, it features art songs set for chamber ensemble that take the form of imaginary letters to or from selected “protagonists” – naturalist authors, artists, and activists who dedicated their lives to appreciating and protecting the earth we inhabit. Each of the vocal works is followed by an instrumental jazz orchestra piece that reflects upon the text of the letter. Recorded and premiered by the GRAMMY® nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra in June 2023, a double album is scheduled for release on 14th of June 2024.

A meditation on the beauty of nature and the fate of the planet, “This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters” is a multi-movement work by the acclaimed composer Mike Holober. Written for jazz orchestra, voice, cello, and percussion, it features art songs set for chamber ensemble that take the form of imaginary letters to or from selected “protagonists” – naturalist authors, artists, and activists who dedicated their lives to appreciating and protecting the earth we inhabit. Each of the vocal works is followed by an instrumental jazz orchestra piece that reflects upon the text of the letter. Recorded and premiered by the GRAMMY® nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra in June 2023, a double album is scheduled for release on 14th of June 2024.

"It gets confusing with his name but this is Michael (Peter) Smith from Chicago. Folk singer, married to another folk singer, Barbara Barrow. Michael wrote the classic The Dutchman which became a folk "hit" for Steve Goodman back in 1972. This 1974 album on the Bell label is the debut for Michael and Barbara with the interesting title, "Mickey And Babs Get Hot." It does have a version of The Dutchman on it, as well as Steal Away and The Ballad Of Dan Moody among others (but sadly not Spoon River, also done by Goodman). My all time favorite song here however is Osceola's Last Words, originally a poem by Florida poet laureate Will McLean. It is a strange but powerful ballad in the hands of these two and easily my very favorite version. Bill Staines also did a fine version. This rarity is not a GREAT album but a worthy pickup for those songs mentioned."

"It gets confusing with his name but this is Michael (Peter) Smith from Chicago. Folk singer, married to another folk singer, Barbara Barrow. Michael wrote the classic The Dutchman which became a folk "hit" for Steve Goodman back in 1972. This 1974 album on the Bell label is the debut for Michael and Barbara with the interesting title, "Mickey And Babs Get Hot." It does have a version of The Dutchman on it, as well as Steal Away and The Ballad Of Dan Moody among others (but sadly not Spoon River, also done by Goodman). My all time favorite song here however is Osceola's Last Words, originally a poem by Florida poet laureate Will McLean. It is a strange but powerful ballad in the hands of these two and easily my very favorite version. Bill Staines also did a fine version. This rarity is not a GREAT album but a worthy pickup for those songs mentioned."

Gulf Coast Records' Blues Music Award-Winners Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia bond as Blood Brothers on new CD coming early 2023. Blood Brothers was produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith and recorded at Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana.