WFHB Music - Bloomington Community Radio

Chapin Sisters – “Oh Hear the Wind Blow” (River Bottom Records) B+

This is a five-song opener for an album to be released in late August from two Californian sisters who on a lark took a boat ride with musician friends and recorded tunes they’d worked up as a vocal duo. Very breathy, enchanting singing – really inventive…leaving listener wanting more. Last tune in particular is the closest thing I’ve ever heard to Native American singing (from white counterparts). Very cool…all originals. Can’t wait for the August-end album. Good for morning mixes.

Cohn, Marc – “Listening Booth-1970” (Saguaro Records) B

A child in Ohio, Cohn spent a lot of time in the “listening booth” at the record store—a sadly missed location in many record stores today. Cohn spent following decades playing coffeehouse circuits, moving to LA and then to New York where he fronted a big horn band and served as a side- and studio-musician there. He made national news in a freak episode there when a carjacker shot him in the head. Recovered, Cohn picked up music once more, and here pays homage to the records he heard so long ago in the listening booth that birthed a musical passion that only grows with time. Very nice covers with a new twist. A good song works with many different arrangements and Cohn proves it here. His “Wild World” and “Tears of a Clown” really offer a different take on timeless standards. Liner notes feature complements from original artists. Good for all mixes.

Corritore, Bob and Friends – “Harmonica Blues” (Delta Groove) A

A dedicated blues DJ for years, Corritore played harp and went in with a silent partner to purchase the famed Phoenix “Rhythm Room”—one of the few blues clubs in the southwest that doggedly remained open through all economic climates. It gradually grew into a premier stop for blues artists and Corritore’s enthusiasm, radio support, and networking abilities soon had just about everyone playing the joint. Bob sat in often and as years passed became a good player in his own right. This disc bristles with guest artists like Koko Taylor, David Maxwell, Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Eddy “Big Chief” Clearwater, Eddie Taylor Jr., Honeyboy Edwards, etc. all backed by Corritore on harp. Nice cross section of some great players and a good tableau for Corritore’s harmonica prowess.

Kashmar, Mitch & the Pontiax – “100 Miles to Go” (Delta Groove) B+

Kashmar, a talented harmonica player, first came to national attention when the fledgling label Delta Groove burst into action several years ago. But long before that he was a road dog with a band who wore out cars across southern California playing blues like they were on a mission. This disc is a reissue of a record they made under their band name, the “Pontiax.” One tune even features the late/great William Clarke in support. The Pontiax were fond of traditional blues with a gritty edge and you’ll find a lot of that on this disc…club worthy and yet ready to rock. Clarke’s influence on Kashmar is apparent in both his vocals (very like Clarke’s inflections and phrasing) and harp playing. Mature group/instrumentation that clearly reflects long experience and club work.

Madison Violet – “No Fool for Tryin’” (High Romance Records) B+

Female duo with very tight vocals over mountain-esque music. Folk music painted with an Appalachian brush and fluid harmonies. Minimally backed the vocals take the lead in each tune, artfully positions so that the sum is far greater than each part. Very nice. Good for all Mixes.

Stroger, Bob – “Bob Is Back in Town” (Airway Records) B

Bob Stroger occupies one of the premier seats as a bass player in Chicago blues—and well known for his snappy attire. Never too fancy with his fingerwork, he has been relied on for years as a sideman who will keep the sound right in the pocket. A recipient of many blues awards for his bass playing, he steps out here to front his own collection of Chicago players including Deitra Farr, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Kenny Smith, Steve Freund, etc. , and do the singing, something he rarely gets to do as a sideman. Nice low tones and laid-back phrasing and delivery akin to Slim Harpo.

Young, Zora – “Sunnyland” (Airway Records) B+

Chicago stalwart Zora Young and friends pay tribute to Albert Luandrew (Sunnyland Slim). Sunnyland was a legend on keyboards and an originator of the Post War Chicago Blues Sound—bringing a young guitarist (Muddy Waters) to a recording session at Aristocrat and changing the blues world as Chicago knew it. In later years he founded Airway Records and upon his death, his saxophone player, Sam Burckhardt (with Sunnyland’s widow’s permission) continued to keep the label alive. Here Hubert Sumlin, Sam, Steve Freund, Barrelhouse Chuck, and others who played many years with Sunnyland, back Zora on tunes they all did with him. Atop the traditional four piece, Burckhardt adds horn arrangements for a full sounding blues. Zora, a gospel artist for much of her career, has made a name for herself as a belter fronting many blues artists in the past few decades—a regular in Chicago.