Artist: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
     Album: Half A Boy, Half A Man
     Label: Sanctuary Records
     Year: 1999
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 11
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     Size: 96 MB

Capitol/EMI finally dropped George Thorogood after 1997's Rockin' My Life Away stiffed, so where else was there for him to go than CMC International, the label that doesn't care if their artists keep remaking the same record for years on end? That's exactly where Thorogood and his Destroyers landed in 1998 and they released their first record for the label, Half a Boy, Half a Man, the following spring. Not surprisingly, there are no surprises anywhere on the album, unless you count the fact that it was a good idea for him to tackle Nick Lowe's great rocker "Half a Boy, Half a Man." No, the album serves up the blooze-n-boogie that Thorogood fans love and his detractors have come to despise. The difference is, Terry Manning's production keeps things moving, resulting in his liveliest record in nearly a decade. Unfortunately, the album isn't blessed with the strong material that characterized Rockin' My Life Away, but that album didn't have the raw, visceral edge that this album does. And when it comes to rockin' blues, sometimes it's better to have better sound than better songs.

     Artist: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
     Album: Haircut
     Label: Capitol
     Year: 1993
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 10
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     Size: 96 MB

You wouldn't expect any changes from George Thorogood, whose pile-driving rocking-blues and boogie have maintained their appeal despite the emergence of numerous similar-sounding ensembles. Thorogood's rough-hewn singing and always tantalizing playing are on target through the usual mix of originals and covers (this time including Bo Diddley and Willie Dixon). Besides the bonus of major label engineering and production, Thorogood's work has never lost its edge because he avoids becoming indulgent or a parody, and continues to sound genuinely interested in and a fan of the tunes he's doing.

     Artist: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
     Album: 30th Anniversary Tour: Live In Europe
     Label: Eagle
     Year: 2004
     Genre: Blues, Blues Rock, Boogie
     Tracks: 13
     Format: FLAC 8
     Size: 5 x 97 MB + 1 x 90 MB




Recorded on May 4, 2004, at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham, England, George Thorogood & the Destroyers sound as spirited and enthusiastic as they did 30 years ago playing bars in their Delaware hometown. While some naysayers might call the track listing repetitive, they obviously miss the point of Thorogood's live gigs to begin with. Hardcore Thorogood fans will wonder what happened to certain staples like "Move It On Over" or "I'm Wanted," but basically all of the tried and true showstoppers are included: "Bad to the Bone," John Lee Hooker's "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love," and "I Drink Alone." George Thorogood & the Destroyers' 30th Anniversary Tour: Live is raucous, fun, and passionate, finding both band and audience having a great time.

     Artist: The Shadows
     Album: It Ain't Easy Being Sleazy
     Label: Ichiban
     Year: 1993
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 15
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ VBR 320
     File Size: 62 MB + 62 MB

     Known best for their longtime residence at Blind Willie's, a popular blues club in Atlanta, the Shadows released several albums during the '90s before the untimely death of singer/guitarist Mike Lorenz. Shadows bassist Roger Gregory opened Blind Willie's in 1986 with Eric King. The club, which is located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, hosted many local blues artists such as Billy Wright, Grady "Fats" Jackson, Sandra Hall, and Chicago Bob. In 1988, Chicago Bob, who was also a Blind Willie's resident, recorded an album called Just Your Fool that featured the Shadows as his backing band. A few years later, in 1992, the Shadows -- comprised of Gregory, Lorenz, harp/saxman Albey Scholl, and drummer Tom Chavers -- released an album of their own, Party Tuff or Stay Home!, that Ichiban released. Several successive albums followed: It Ain't Easy Bein' Sleazy (1993), Steppin' to the Shadows (1994), Dreamtime (1994), Dark Side of the Shadows (1995), Pale Interpretators (1997), and One Night of Sin (2000). Unfortunately, Lorenz died an accidental death on July 3, 2001, when his car caught on fire behind his home after he'd fallen asleep with the car running. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide

     Artist: Tab Benoit
     Album: Live! Swampland Jam
     Label: Vanguard Records
     Year: 1997
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     Size: 77 MB + 74 MB

     This album is Tab's personal favorite. He has always considered himself more of a live performer than a recording artist. We got together a group of old friends; Raful Neal, Henry Gray, Tabby Thomas, Chubby Carrier, and Johnny Sansone for two sold-out shows in Louisiana. Tab called everyone on-stage in succession to jam, blues revue-style. The energy at these shows was amazing. The album, unlike most live recordings, is not a greatest hits record. None of the tracks appear on previous Tab records. This record is a raw-sounding blues powerhouse. If you play it straight through from start to finish, you feel like you've just been to one great party!

Artist: The Shadows
Album: Party Tuff Or Stay Home
Label: Wild Dog
Year: 1995
Genre: Blues
Tracks: 12
Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ VBR 320
File Size: 54 MB + 56 MB

Known best for their longtime residence at Blind Willie's, a popular blues club in Atlanta, the Shadows released several albums during the '90s before the untimely death of singer/guitarist Mike Lorenz. Shadows bassist Roger Gregory opened Blind Willie's in 1986 with Eric King. The club, which is located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, hosted many local blues artists such as Billy Wright, Grady "Fats" Jackson, Sandra Hall, and Chicago Bob. In 1988, Chicago Bob, who was also a Blind Willie's resident, recorded an album called Just Your Fool that featured the Shadows as his backing band. A few years later, in 1992, the Shadows -- comprised of Gregory, Lorenz, harp/saxman Albey Scholl, and drummer Tom Chavers -- released an album of their own, Party Tuff or Stay Home!, that Ichiban released. Several successive albums followed: It Ain't Easy Bein' Sleazy (1993), Steppin' to the Shadows (1994), Dreamtime (1994), Dark Side of the Shadows (1995), Pale Interpretators (1997), and One Night of Sin (2000). Unfortunately, Lorenz died an accidental death on July 3, 2001, when his car caught on fire behind his home after he'd fallen asleep with the car running. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide

Artist: The Shadows
Album: Party Tuff Or Stay Home
Label: Ichiban
Year: 1992
Genre: Blues
Tracks: 11
Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ VBR 320
File Size: 80 MB

Known best for their longtime residence at Blind Willie's, a popular blues club in Atlanta, the Shadows released several albums during the '90s before the untimely death of singer/guitarist Mike Lorenz. Shadows bassist Roger Gregory opened Blind Willie's in 1986 with Eric King. The club, which is located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, hosted many local blues artists such as Billy Wright, Grady "Fats" Jackson, Sandra Hall, and Chicago Bob. In 1988, Chicago Bob, who was also a Blind Willie's resident, recorded an album called Just Your Fool that featured the Shadows as his backing band. A few years later, in 1992, the Shadows -- comprised of Gregory, Lorenz, harp/saxman Albey Scholl, and drummer Tom Chavers -- released an album of their own, Party Tuff or Stay Home!, that Ichiban released. Several successive albums followed: It Ain't Easy Bein' Sleazy (1993), Steppin' to the Shadows (1994), Dreamtime (1994), Dark Side of the Shadows (1995), Pale Interpretators (1997), and One Night of Sin (2000). Unfortunately, Lorenz died an accidental death on July 3, 2001, when his car caught on fire behind his home after he'd fallen asleep with the car running... Jason Birchmeier, AMG

     Artist: The Shadows
     Album: Pale Interpretators
     Label: Wild DOg
     Year: 1997
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 12
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ VBR 320
     File Size: 93 MB


Known best for their longtime residence at Blind Willie's, a popular blues club in Atlanta, the Shadows released several albums during the '90s before the untimely death of singer/guitarist Mike Lorenz. Shadows bassist Roger Gregory opened Blind Willie's in 1986 with Eric King. The club, which is located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, hosted many local blues artists such as Billy Wright, Grady "Fats" Jackson, Sandra Hall, and Chicago Bob. In 1988, Chicago Bob, who was also a Blind Willie's resident, recorded an album called Just Your Fool that featured the Shadows as his backing band. A few years later, in 1992, the Shadows -- comprised of Gregory, Lorenz, harp/saxman Albey Scholl, and drummer Tom Chavers -- released an album of their own, Party Tuff or Stay Home!, that Ichiban released. Several successive albums followed: It Ain't Easy Bein' Sleazy (1993), Steppin' to the Shadows (1994), Dreamtime (1994), Dark Side of the Shadows (1995), Pale Interpretators (1997), and One Night of Sin (2000). Unfortunately, Lorenz died an accidental death on July 3, 2001, when his car caught on fire behind his home after he'd fallen asleep with the car running.

     Artist: Grant Geissman
     Album: Rustic Technology
     Label: Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings
     Year: 1993
     Genre: Smooth Jazz
     Tracks: 11
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 62 MB + 64 MB

Imagine a cinematic scenario where one day Eddie Murphy turns into Lawrence Olivier and you'll have some idea of the pleasant shock of Grant Geissman's Rustic Technology. Till now, like Murphy, Geissman has been a lighthearted, people pleasing entertainer; his three previous Bluemoon releases all caught airplay fire but sacrificed artistic growth for friendly compositional flair. No longer, as the acoustic guitarist grows in quantum leaps, forgoing that fluffy, sax driven jacuzzi jazz sound for such down home, creative and swinging elements as recorder, flute, upright bass and Charlie Bisharat's remarkable gypsy violin. Bisharat's vibrant touches take Geissman's career to another level entirely. Stylistically, Geissman is all over the board, with Strunz & Farah like naivete, saucy Latin, solid jazz and even a classical tour de force with flutist David Shostac. And yet that melodic guitar ties all the elements together. "Silent movies" features wildly enchanting acoustic piano work from Emil Palame and Pat Coil. Geissman's plucky string dynamics have neve shone brighter, and after years of strong but less ambitious pop, he's at last found a way to reconcile true art with agreeable craftsmanship. The result: as organically brilliant an album as the smooth jazz genre has ever heard. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

     Artist: John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
     Album: A Hard Road
     Label: Deram
     Year: 1967
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 14
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     Size: 86 MB


Eric Clapton is usually thought of as John Mayall's most important right-hand man, but the case could also be made for his successor, Peter Green. The future Fleetwood Mac founder leaves a strong stamp on his only album with the Bluesbreakers, singing a few tracks and writing a couple, including the devastating instrumental "Supernatural." Green's use of thick sustain on this track clearly pointed the way to his use of this feature on Fleetwood Mac's hits "Albatross" and "Black Magic Woman," as well as providing a blueprint for Carlos Santana's style. Mayall acquits himself fairly well on this mostly original set (with occasional guest horns), though some of the material is fairly mundane. Highlights include the uncharacteristically rambunctious "Leaping Christine" and the cover of Freddie King's "Someday After a While (You'll Be Sorry)." ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide     

     Encyclopedia Of The Blues
     Author: Edward Komara
     Hardcover: 1440 pages
     Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 28, 2005)
     Language: English
     Size: 8 MB



An impressive list of contributors... Besides being rich with biographical entries, this Encyclopedia also includes entries for important record labels, instruments, styles, geographic regions, aspects of the business, and additional topics that have been lacking in other encyclopedic efforts... This is a valuable addition to the reference shelf of blues literature... Highly recommended.
This two-volume A-to-Z set effectively categorizes the history of the blues. A great benefit is that the book features blues artists from all time periods, and the number of obscure blues artists listed in remarkable. Essential for any library collecting the history of the blues.

     Artist: Taj Mahal
     Album: Blues With A Feeling: The Very Best Of
     Label: RCA Victor
     Year: 2003
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 20
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ VBR 320
     File Size: 87 MB + 86 MB


hroughout his career, Taj Mahal has always been considered a bluesman, which is true enough, since the basis for everything he does has been the country blues, but he is not a traditionalist at heart, and he has always looked for ways to push the blues into new places and shapes. Adding at times rhythms and sensibilities that are drawn from reggae, ragtime, calypso, zydeco, and other genres, Mahal practices a kind of blues hybrid that is his alone, and he has been a huge influence on newer artists like Chris Thomas King and Corey Harris. This collection derives from the five albums he recorded with Private Records during the 1990s, and overlaps somewhat with The Best of the Private Years, released in 2000. Highlights include his version of Doc Pomus' "Lonely Avenue," a bebop blues take on Horace
Silver's "Senor Blues," and an atmospheric reading of Goffin King's "Take a Giant Step." Among the most interesting tracks here are the ones penned by Taj Mahal himself ("Mailbox Blues," "Cakewalk into Town," "New Hula Blues"), each of which demonstrates aptly the singer's meltingpot approach to the blues.

     Artist: George Thorogood
     Album: Platinum: George Thorogood
     Label: Capitol
     Year: 2008
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 12
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     Size: 58 MB + 58 MB


This budget-priced George Thorogood compilation from EMI hits most of the blues-rock giant's high points by including "Bad to the Bone," "I Drink Alone," "Who Do You Love?" and maybe "Willie and the Hand Jive" or "No Particular Place to Go", but fans looking for a little more staying power ( or at least a copy of "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer") should check out 2004's CD/DVD Greatest Hits: 30 Years of Rock, 2000's Anthology, or 1992's short and sweet Baddest of George Thorogood and the Destroyers. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide

     Artist: Kenny "Blue" Ray
     Album: Soulful Blues
     Label: Tone King
     Year: 2000
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 11
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     Size: 53 MB + 54 MB

Kenny "Blue" Ray has utilized his experience with numerous Blues Legends over the past 30 years to develop into the kind of solo artist who inspires because his great guitar playing sounds effortless. Whether it's the slow burn on "Blue Monday" or the punched-up turn on Albert Collins' "Hot 'N' Cold," Kenny Ray let's his guitar do the talking. He's teamed up with vocalist Jackie Payne for all but one cut on this release, scaling back the guitar attack a bit to allow Payne's vocals to simmer on their soulful cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile," punctuating Payne's singing on Howlin Wolf's "Who's Been Talking," and letting it sing to us on Leo Gooden's "C.O.D." This set makes a great disc for a road trip.

      Artist: Bonnie Raitt
      Album: Nick Of Time
      Label: Capitol
      Year: 1990
      Genre: Blues
      Tracks: 11
      Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
      Size: 48 MB + 51 MB

      Nick of Time is the watershed moment in Bonnie Raitt's recording career, the sound of a survivor finding new focus and purpose in her art after nearly 20 years of generally superb, commercially underachieving recordings.

REPOST! Bonnie Raitt - respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, was born today, November 8

     Artist: Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
     Album: Switching Gears
     Label: Blind Pig
     Year: 1998
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 13
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 69 MB + 63 MB



Thackery's guitar styles hold center stage for much of the album, and he has the masterful chops to attempt everything from slow 12-bar blues to a Cajun romp.... Not only does [he] pay tribute to these guitar giants with tasteful, intelligent readings of their styles and sounds, but he displays real skill in his own songs ... [on one song] Chubby Carrier brings his accordion to join the band.... Other top-notch guests also make solid contributions ... Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers weave their way in and out of various styles, always maintaining a straight-ahead focus.

     Artist: Bernard Allison
     Album: River's Rising
     Label: Jazzhaus Records
     Year: 2008
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 14
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ VBR 320
     File Size: 62 MB + 51 MB

If the name sounds familiar it’s because Bernard is none other than the son of the late great Blues guitar, Luther Allison. The younger Allison has spent years honing his skills to become a great guitarist in his very own right, as well as a fine vocalist and gifted songwriter. Bernard was first introduced to the roots of black music and the possibilities of the electric guitar by his father, and from an early age Bernard want to emulate his dad.From his remarkable duet with Allison senior at the 1983 Chicago Blues Festival, to his years playing behind Koko Taylor and with Willie Dixon band, Bernard matured into a self-assured and imposing front man. With the torch handed from one generation to the next, Allison’s blend of traditional Blues delivered with a Rock attitude prove that he is a worthy heir apparent. In the 80s Bernard lived and played mostly in Canada. Towards the tail end of the decade, in 1989, Bernard flew to Europe to record with his father, who asked him to become the bandleader of his outfit. Bernard released his first solo album in 1990 with the significant title ”The Next Generation”, following it up with ”Hang On” in 1993, and subsequently ”Funkifino” and ”No Mercy”. Bernard’s output during the nineties included: 1990’s ”Born With The Blues”, ”Keepin' The Blues Alive”, and ”Times Are Changing”. At the beginning of the new millennium, Bernard’s issued ”Across The Water”, and ”Storms Of Life”, the two fine albums from which this compilation, ”The River Is Rising” is culled.He then released ”Kentucky Fried Blues”, the highly personal ”Higher Power”, and ”Energized”, a live recording and DVD from a 2005 show. Experience Bernard live on stage, and it becomes clear that he has inherited Luther's knack for igniting audiences; but he's no clone, or mere copycat of his famous father. He is unquestionably travelling his own road with a style that reflects a one-of-a-kind mix of traditional and modern influences. The Allison family Blues-torch has been passed on, and it's obvious that Bernard takes his role as its bearer very seriously. He's accepted the challenge of keeping the Blues alive and rising – a commitment he replenishes every time he steps on stage, or records a new album.

     Artist: Susan Tedeschi
     Album: Back To The River
     Label: Verve Forecast
     Year: 2008
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 11
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 49 MB + 49 MB

Back To The River is Susan Tedeschi's 2008 album, her second recording for Verve Forecast. Susan writes, sings and plays on a hard-driving collection of new songs that offer an emotionally honest look at love and life. Produced by George Drakoulias (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Black Crowes, Jayhawks) it also features performances by Derek Trucks (who also produced 1 track), Gary Louris and Doyle Bramhall II. Tedeschi's Verve Forecast debut, Hope and Desire, focused on her amazing vocal talents as an interpreter of other's songs. This time out she turns her pen, guitar and powerful voice to her own work having written or co-written all but one song.

     Artist: Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
     Album: Inside Tracks
     Label: Telarc
     Year: 2008
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 10
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 69 MB + 69 MB


Inside Tracks, the new release from Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, is a continuation of the creative shift that began in 2007 with his previous Telarc recording, Solid Ice. Like its predecessor, Inside Tracks leads to a place where country, R&B and even a touch of surf music all fit seamlessly with Thackery’s trademark guitar blues. While some of this may be uncharted water for both Thackery and his fans, Inside Tracks is another step in his realignment of artistic priorities. The focus now is a little more on substance and a little less on flash.

     Artist: Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
     Album: Sinner Street
     Label: Blind Pig
     Year: 2000
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 11
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 59 MB + 52 MB


Jim Gaines and Jimmy Thackery are reunited on Sinner Street and the results speak for themselves. Jimmy's guitar playing has never been hotter and songs like "Lovin' My Money," "Hundreds Into Ones" and "Million Dollar Bill" are some of his wittiest thus far. The sound of the band has an exciting new dimension, provided by sax man and newest Driver Jimmy Carpenter. Two instrumentals, the swinging title cut and the Peter Green-like "Blues 'Fore Dawn," are true highlights. Jimmy Thackery's career has produced many highly acclaimed recordings, but Sinner Street is destined to outshine them all.