Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity and integrity. Those are the qualities that have steered Zito’s career since the beginning and continue to define every effort he’s offered since.
“I have nothing to hide; it seems my honesty is what people relate to most,” he once told Vintage Guitar magazine. “Anders (Osborne) told me early on, ‘If you don’t believe what you’re singing, you’ll never be a good singer.’ I try not to write fluff; I try to make every word count.”
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Blues and soul music fans know that the soundtrack to early rock' n' roll ran on three-minute instrumentals with sax in the lead, and was directly related to 1950s and 1960s New Orleans R&B hits, along with that deep-fried wildness that came from Memphis. With this history lesson in mind, old school rock 'n' soul saxophonist and singer Terry Hanck makes perfect sense. Clearly, Hanck has worshipped at the right Southern altars-- those of such iconic R&B brothers as Fats Domino, Ray Charles, B. B. King, Lee Allen and King Curtis. "I write songs that you think you've heard for years," says the South Florida-based Hanck, who's got suave movie-star looks and a good time presence that immutably anchors the old-style R&B he adores.
Laurie Morvan Band is a 5 piece high energy, rockin' blues band lead by its fiery female lead guitarist vocalist. A pumpin', thumpin', tight-as-nails machine from Long Beach, CA, the LMB has fired up over 70 festivals and 700 shows together throughout the USA, Canada and Europe.
Chris Cain offers up a soulful stew of Memphis style electric blues. His powerfully deep vocals and jazz inspired, blues guitar riffs are unforgettable; uniquely his own, while reminiscent of the legendary BB King and Albert King. As a child, Chris Cain attended concerts with his dad to hear many of the great blues artists of the time. When Cain burst onto the blues scene in 1987 with his award winning debut album, he soon found himself sharing the stage and trading licks with a few of those legends, including Albert King and Albert Collins. Chris Cain has released a dozen albums, each filled with soul-stirring songs pulled from his own blues drenched heart. His brand of blues is unforgettable.
British born and now US-based, Matt Schofield continues to push the frontiers and reshape the boundaries of the British Blues tradition. A multi-award winning guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, producer and band leader, after more than 30 years of performing, and 20 years into his solo career, Schofield's impact as one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable.
Along with a storied career that has taken him and his band to nearly 30 countries worldwide comes awards, industry and critical acclaim - three time "British Blues Guitarist of the Year", "British Blues Album of the Year" and the first guitarist inducted into the "British Blues Awards Hall of Fame". Mojo Magazine "Blues Album of the Year"and Guitar & Bass Magazines "Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time" alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
Schofield's fluid and melodic playing and iconic tone has inspired legions of guitarists, and a sought after line of signature instruments and equipment including a Two-Rock Matt Schofield amplifier.
What remains ever impressive is Schofield live. From main stages at prestigious festivals such as Montreal and North Sea Jazz, to packed houses in legendary clubs like New York's Iridium or London's 100 Club, Schofield's ability to connect with audiences immediately and profoundly is unforgettable. His authenticity, mastery of guitar, emotive vocals, and improvisational brilliance are brought to life within his innovative original compositions.
A renowned musical educator, in 2018 Matt released “Blues Speak”, his highly acclaimed TrueFire instructional series. As a clinician he has taught from Tokyo to Texas and all points in between.
Matt’s upcoming record reunites him with his original and much loved organ trio line-up, to mark the 20th anniversary of the album and band that launched his solo career.
Grammy Award Nominee and Winner of two Blues Music Awards, Mark Hummel started playing harmonica in 1970 and is considered one of the premier blues harmonica players of his generation. Thanks to over thirty recordings since 1985, including the Grammy nominated 2013 release Blind Pig recording Remembering Little Walter (part of the Blues Harmonica Blowout CD series). Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout™ started in 1991 and have featured every major legend (Mayall, Musselwhite, Cotton, etc.) on blues harp as well as almost every player of note on the instrument - a who's who of players.