HVBS Blues Alive in the Valley: The Lockdown Sessions - ARTIST COUNTDOWN
DISC ONE
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#1 - Dion’s “Kickin’ Child” (with Joe Menza) “I was the first rock-and-roll artist signed to Columbia Records, but they thought rock was a passing fad and wanted me to be the next crooner of standards from the Great American Songbook, but I wasn’t going there. I recorded what I wanted, and it mostly stayed in the vault. I first wrote and recorded this song in 1965; Tom Wilson produced a version of it. In 2017 I released an album with “Kickin'’ Child” as the title track but it wasn’t where I wanted it, so I re- recorded in here. Joe Menza knew where I wanted it to go.”
HVBS is extremely grateful to Dion for giving us the opportunity to share “Kickin’ Child” in our CD. Check out more about his recently released “Blues with Friends” at https://diondimucci.com/. |
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#2 - Check out Johnny Feds “Axe to Grind” about an angry bluesman. https://youtu.be/3y6fFH1u3ao
We appreciate Johnny participating on our fundraising CD and can’t wait until we can see him playing live again. Pre-Order your Blues Alive in the Valley for the holidays! https://www.thehvbs.org/hvbs-cd.html |
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#3 - “True to You" an original song by NY Blues Hall of Fame Inductee and HVBS member, Phil Butta. Phil is a seasoned blues songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and performs with his band, The Blue Train. Performing music that is more lyric-heavy than traditional Blues, Phil describes his work as Blues infused. “I don’t adhere to a strict formula for my music, and I have a message,” Phil explains.
Having released three previous albums, Phil is keeping busy and currently mastering his 4th release, “LITTLE BEE: and other delights” highlighting his experiences working through the 2020 Pandemic. We are proud to include one of Phil’s 10 songs slated for a 2021 release, entitled, “True to You.” It really is such a thrill and honor to be on this collection ~ Phil Butta: Music & Rescue Link to Phil's song, "True to You": http://pawbypaw.sociallink.top/nimpatm You can check out all of Phil’s work on his website at; PHILBUTTA.COM |
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#4 - “Passion In My Life” by Professor Louie & The Crowmatix.
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix began as the studio backing band for Aaron "Professor Louie's" musical productions for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, The Band. Rick Danko christened him Professor Louie due to his work and friendship with The Band. "I've never been so impressed by a band - this is the best live band in the country right now and they have such a deep heritage in blues and rock and roll." Jeff Wignall - WPKN Music Director We are thrilled to have this Hudson Valley Grammy nominated band joining us on our fundraising CD. Check out their website at http://www.professorlouie.com for more band information. |
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#5 - “Preacherman” by the Menza Madison Band.
A little band background.... Tracy Madison was in Woodstock NY when notifications from social media revealed that Gregg Allman passed away. Mike Menza was in Cobleskill, NY, posting a tribute video, Come and Go Blues, in honor of Gregg. That was the day the Menza Madison Band was formed. https://www.menzamadisonband.com Another musical fact... Dion’s “Kickin’ Child” (HVBS CD Song #1) features guitarist Joe Menza playing a mean blues guitar. Check out “Preacherman” yourself and see why this Hudson Valley Band is making a name for themselves. |
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#6 - “Slide on Rye” by the Robert Hill Band
Robert won First Place, with his instrumental, "Slide On Rye", in a co-sponsored contest by Guitar Player and Broadjam, showcasing outstanding guitar playing. It was an international competition with winners also from the U.S., The Russian Federation, Argentina, and Brazil. “Hill's aggressive slide playing over a rough-and-ready backing track makes us want to slam down some moonshine and start a ballroom blitz. It's intense and relentless, and Hill's slide tone is fat, edgy and fabulous." — Guitar Player magazine You need to visit Robert’s website at www.roberthillband.com to check out his music, videos, reviews and humor. We are so appreciative to have The Robert Hill Band as part of our HVBS fundraiser. |
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#7 - “Turn Up The Heat” from Paul Toscano and Tom “The Suit” Forst
Paul Toscano, HVBS President stated “When we started working on this HVBS CD project we weren’t sure how many submissions would be received, so I suggested a song that my brother Ted wrote about 10 years ago. He’d given me the lyrics and basic groove. Tom Forst and I had been talking about doing a project together, so I asked him if he’d like to do the music for my brother’s song, “Turn Up The Heat “. He loved the idea so we collaborated via email sending the tracks between our studios and recording them in Logic Pro. Tom did a great job with the mixing and mastering of not only this song, but the whole CD. I’m proud to be doing another one of Ted’s songs. He writes some great stuff. And I’m so pleased how this turned out. In fact, Tom and I have plans to do another project together.” |
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#8 - “Mean World” by Vaneese Thomas
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and settled in the Hudson Valley, Vaneese is the daughter of the legendary musician and entertainer Rufus Thomas. Her older siblings are the hit recording artist “Memphis Queen” Carla Thomas and the highly respected keyboardist and producer, Marvell Thomas. Embracing this remarkable musical legacy, Vaneese has combined all the influences of her background and experience – R & B, gospel, blues, and jazz – to cultivate a soul-stirring style that’s all her own. Highly regarded within the music industry, Vaneese’s talents as a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor have made her a sought-after solo performer as well as a first-call vocalist for projects by other top-name artists. She has worked with the renowned recording producer Phil Ramone and has sung with an astonishing array of internationally known performers including Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Dr. John and numerous others. We are so grateful Vaneese has contributed to our fundraising CD. Check out her website at http://www.vaneesethomas.com. |
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#9 - "US Funk” by Union Stockyard & Transit Company
"US Funk is a product of a recording session where 4 friends were recording Blues originals and covers of classic Chicago and Delta styles" says US&T Co, Phil Donhue. "The guys asked me to lay down a funky beat and the band just kicked in. This is all free form with very little tweaking. Just live, honest playing and we had a ball". Union Stockyard & Transit Co consist of; Johnny Savage, a young and gifted guitar player who is comfortable in so many styles. He is one of the finest guitar players in the Valley, so keep your eye on him. Harmonica work was provided by Petey Boy, as he likes to be known. He loves Chicago Blues and funky beats. The reliable, dynamic and expressive drumming was performed by Gary Schwartz who is a local legend and drum teacher who owns Gary's drumming, LLC. The funky bass playing is courtesy of Phil Donhue. Never a guy concerned with getting noticed for anything other than being incredibly solid, consistent and making the music. Thank you to this “funky” blues band for participating in our CD fundraiser. |
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#10 - "It's 7 O'Clock Somewhere" by Dave Keyes.
Dave has recorded his own tribute honoring the frontline workers throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic with John Putnam on guitar and Frank Pagano on drums. Keyboardist, singer and songwriter Dave Keyes is a 30 year veteran of the Blues, Roots and Americana music scene. He has been named the “Best Unsigned Artist” by Keyboard magazine, and also has been nominated by the Blues Foundation for the annual Pinetop Perkins best piano player award. In addition to his own solo gigs and gigs with the Dave Keyes Band, he currently can be found playing with Popa Chubby, Rock and Roll Queen Ronnie Spector, and gospel/blues innovator Alexis P. Suter and the Ministers of Sound. But his impressive music background has taken him around the world and the US, even Broadway. Take a look at his bio and website (www.davekeyes.com) if you want to be impressed, and see why we are honored that Dave shared his song "It's 7 O'Clock Somewhere" for our fundraising CD. |
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#11 - “Mama Needs Some Company” by Willa Vincitore
Her powerhouse voice and performance explains why she is a NY State Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Singer/songwriter Willa Vincitore has been building a fan base across the Hudson Valley for nearly two decades. While her songwriting is an eclectic mix of blues, soul, rock, funk and (occasionally) pop, there’s one thing that ties it all together—that voice. You can read more about Willa at www.willaandcompany.com . Check out this video of “Mama Needs Some Company” and see why we love having Willa as part of our fundraising CD. |
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#12 - “Oh Lord” by Petey Hop
Pete has a huge appreciation for all styles of music and his original material is eclectic to say the least, running the gamut from straight ahead Rock & Roll, Americana, Electric and Acoustic Blues, Country, Singer-songwriter, Alternative, and other influences. In addition to being an accomplished singer/front man, Pete is a sought-after sideman. Blues artist Mitch Woods regularly calls him to be one of his East Coast Rocket 88’s. Pete was even lucky enough to share the stage once with one of his idols, Hubert Sumlin, and twice w/ Pinetop Perkins. Pete has been a supporter of HVBS right from our formation. We had a blast at our First Annual Blues Benefit in November 2019, where Petey Hop was our musical director and got the crowd rockin’ out to a great jam. Thank you, Pete, for adding your song to our fundraising CD project. Visit www.peteyhop.com for more information. |
