HVBS Blues Alive in the Valley: The Lockdown Sessions - ARTIST COUNTDOWN
DISC TWO
#13 - “Pity Party” by Chris Raabe
As Chris’ website states he is the Hudson Valley’s very own “Guitar Hero.” This passionate artist has roots in genres of Soul and Rock, however when it comes to the Blues he is in a league of his own. Gathering influence from an array of different artists and genres, Chris has developed his own unique sound, captivating listeners with his harmonious guitar playing and unique vocal qualities. “I play music because that's what’s in my heart. I can’t imagine doing anything else with the same love, passion and integrity that I put into my music.” -Chris Raabe Read more at www.chrisraabeband.com for more information. Thank you Chris! Song #13 proves lucky for us! |
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#14 - “He’d Already Told Me So” by Cross Purpose
CROSS PURPOSE is a 4-piece rock band formed in the summer of 2005. They uniquely combine original material, powerful arrangements, and contemporary lyrics that go beyond the typical. Cross Purpose's musical influences are as eclectic as their personalities and include Rock, Blues, Progressive, Funk, Punk and Classical. “Our goal is to use the musical gifts God has given us to entertain, bring hope, and maybe even challenge you.” Visit their website at www.crosspurposeband.com for more information. |
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#15 - “Late Night Train” by Tom “The Suit” Forst
A lifelong musician with an impressive resume for someone who didn't start his professional music career until the age of 57. He was a corporate media executive for a major television company until the day he and his wife paid the last college tuition bill for their children. With that, Tom enacted a plan that was several years in the making - he became a full-time musician and recording artist. His unique story has been chronicled by Forbes Magazine, as well as by television news programs, radio and newspapers, has included a solo album produced by Grammy winner Paul Nelson, and being inducted into the New York and Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame. In 2018, he started a weekly podcast called "Chasing the Blues," which explores the history and impact of the blues as world music, and features interviews with other blues artists, as well as being endorsed by the Blues Foundation. Read more about Tom and his podcast at https://www.tomthesuitforst.com. "I live every note that I play and breathe every lyric that I write. To have others be touched by my music is the ultimate reward." -Tom “The Suit” Forst |
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#16 - “Fall Changes” by Chris Bergson Band
A New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee since 2015, Chris Bergson has established himself as master songwriter, guitarist and performer. He has performed with Levon Helm, Hubert Sumlin, Norah Jones and John Hammond as well as jazz legends Annie Ross and drummer Al Foster (Miles Davis) and opened for B.B. King, Etta James, and Bettye LaVette, to name just a few. As a matter of fact, “Fall Changes” was recorded at Levon Helm's studio in Woodstock, NY. Read more at www.chrisbergson.com. "Smoky flavors wafting from New York City up to the Catskill Mountains infiltrate the unfussy music of the Chris Bergson Band. Bergson's a spry, supple guitarist with an earthy singing voice and a blues-grounded heart...Keep a sharp eye on this guy." - Hittin’ the Note We are very grateful to Chris for adding his song “Fall Changes” to our Hudson Valley Blues Society CD. |
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#17 - “How Many Roads” by Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers
Fusing old school blues and classic rock, Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers are a legendary live band and award-winning recording artists. The soul of the band is Lex Grey, whose power and passion blaze a primal fire. “…that little lady can sing her ass off!” – Warren Haynes. Learn more about this great Hudson Valley Band at www.lexgreymusic.com. We can’t wait to see their live performances again! |
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18 - “Empty Promises” by the Alexis P. Suter Band
Alexis and her band are not just another musical act, but an energetic and emotional experience that fans return to time after time. Critics struggle to find words to describe her smooth, deep voice and unique style. Elmore Magazine summarized it well, "Suter is as fascinating to watch as to hear. A stunning, ample woman with the face of a cherubic African queen, her molasses contralto can whisper and purr, then swell into a pulsating wave of sound that radiates from the depths of her being". The Alexis P. Suter Band is a staple to the Hudson Valley and beyond, playing venues and festivals (national and international), with performances that range from gospel soul searching to funky blues. We can’t wait to see the band take the stage again! Check out www.alexispsuter.com for more information. |
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#19 - “Jackpot 14” by Wyld Blu
Alana Wyld & Wyld Blu serve up their blues with a generous side order of rhythm, heart and soul. The menu is rich, reflecting a variety of influences from classic and Texas blues, rock, boogie, R&B – even splashes of country flavor. From smooth blues grooves to full throttle overdrive, Wyld’s uncompromising passion as a songwriter, musician and performer is the heart of “Wyld style”. Alana Wyld is the 2018 and 2019 New York State Capital Region Blues Challenge Solo Artist Winner, twice representing the Northeastern region in the prestigious International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis TN. Read more…www.wyldblu.com. Check out “Jackpot 14” and hear why we got lucky to promote this song on our HVBC fundraiser CD. |
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#20 - “Getting Even” by Jaxx Cafe
Jack Bernice is a 2012 N.Y. Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, songwriter, lead vocals, harmonica, keyboard. Drummer Dennis DePasquale has also performed with Cool and the Gang, Kenny Rogers, The Pastels and The Funk Junkies. Guitarist Graham Vest adds-in vocals, songwriting, also performs with Breakneck Annie on dobro and mandolin. And bass guitarist Anne Gayler rounds this band out with songwriting and vocals. Together as a group they bring blues, soul and rock 'n roll to excite all audiences. Check them out at facebook/jaxx-cafe |
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#21 - "Kinda Mess” by Tas Cru with Sonny Rock
Tas Cru is truly a blues eclectic who refuses to let his music be bound to just one blues style. You get it all from Tas. He’ll swing you with a traditional shuffle, swoon you with a sultry ballad, lull you into a trance with deep Hill-country blues and then rock your knobs off. If you want to be entertained, Tas is your guy. With a repertoire of over 60 original songs from multiple albums and dozens of crowd-pleasing classics, this seasoned road warrior will give folks what they want be it festival, concert or dance hall. Read more… https://tascru.com/bio. Tas is a Blues Foundation, Keeping the Blues Alive award recipient (2014), and besides performing, Cru brings his Blues Education programs and workshops to festivals, schools, and hospitals everywhere he travels. Drummer Sonny Rock is well known in the Hudson Valley for touring with Tas Cru, but also playing drums behind many great artists including Bryan Adams, members of The Who, Kiss, Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Jones, The Cult, Peter Frampton, Leslie West, Robin Trower, Pat Travers, and Heart. (When there was live music) Sonny co-produces a music showcase at Club Helsinki in Hudson, NY. We look forward to live music and seeing these guys performing again in the Hudson Valley. |
#22 - May May by The Full Stop Blues Band
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#23 - The Train by Roadhouse Roosters
The Roadhouse Roosters specialize in doing their own arrangements of interesting cover tunes, as well as their own originals. Heavily influenced by Johnnie Winter and other great bluesmen of the past, the Roosters give every audience a rocking good time. Read more about this Hudson Valley band at www.roadhouseroosters.com. Check out “The Train” at https://youtu.be/qBIAJO3mzXk. We love this band and appreciate their participation in our fundraising CD. |