The Revivalists – Live!

I just returned from Buffalo NY where I watched my beloved Buffalo Bills beat the mighty Green Bay Packers! One takeaway: Who knew there were that many Packer fans from Canada?! They were there in droves! Anyway, before I left, I found time to catch The Revivalists show at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI. The Revivalists are from New Orleans and friends who live there told me they were not to be missed. Boy, were they right – these guys are great! And it’s only fitting that I feature a set from this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Enjoy!

Mojo Radio – “Bone Shaker”

I’ve been looking for something I could use to feature Mojo Radio on Madison Area Blues & More. This is their official release video for “Bone Shaker.” I’ve seen Mojo Radio play 3 or 4 times and they always put on a high energy show!

 

Here Come The Mummies!

Here Come The Mummies played on Saturday night at the Majestic Theatre in Madison WI. Here Come The Mummies are based in Nashville TN. They perform “under wraps” as band members are believed to be under contract with various record labels and want to avoid contract disputes. Let me tell you – these guys bring the Funk!! Everybody dances and the women go crazy! If your date doesn’t go home with one of the band members, she will be ready to rock your world, believe me!

Soul Survivors – “Expressway To Your Heart”

Wow! What a week! I’ve been busy at the Epic Systems User Group Meeting in Madison WI. Let me tell you – you haven’t lived until you’ve worked to feed ribs, tenderloin and lobster at a dinner for 10,000!! Whenever I accomplish something difficult, I like to reward myself. “Expressway To Your Heart” by the Soul Survivors was one of my favorite songs in high school. So I’m rewarding myself by posting it today. Hope you like it too.

 

J C Brooks & The Uptown Sound – “Everything Will Be Fine”

I’ll finish my review of this year’s Orton Park Festival with J C Brooks & The Uptown Sound. They’re from Chicago and played on Saturday night. I thought they were OK, not great. J C Brooks sings well and their Soul tunes are the best things they do. I do like this video though for one of their songs, “Everything Will Be Fine.” Watch and listen and decide for yourself.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band – “Blackbird Special”

The Orton Park Festival, Madison’s oldest neighborhood music festival, was held this past weekend. This year’s festival was downsized a bit but the real star is always Orton Park, a beautiful setting with 150 year old Burr Oak trees. There were some musical highlights too. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band headlined on Saturday night. They’ve been around for 30 years with different members moving in and out but their music still sounds fresh. This video is from their appearance at New Orleans Jazzfest last year.

Robert Randolph & The Family Band – “Nobodysoul”

Sorry that it’s been awhile since I posted. I was on vacation for a week without Internet and when I got back, my computer promptly died! But I’m back up and running and can continue to report on the amazing summer of great, free music that we’ve had here in Madison WI. In case we didn’t have enough free music festivals already, long-time music booker Bob Queen started the Central Park Sessions on Thursdays in Madison’s new Central Park. One night was an African theme and another featured Tex-Mex but the biggest crowd showed up for Robert Randolph & The Family Band! All I can say is Wow!

Sonny Knight & The Lakers

Sonny Knight & The Lakers played last Sunday at AtwoodFest in Madison WI and blew everyone away with a full Blues and Soul revue! Sonny Knight is 66 years old. He was born in Mississippi but has spent much of his life in the Twin Cities area. He’s been in and out of music and even drove a truck for awhile! But he’s back and his 2014 release is called “I’m Still Here.” This post should get me some new followers this weekend and I hope my friends in the UK dig Sonny’s take on an old Beatles favorite.