The Cash Box Kings are an up and coming blues band dedicated to carrying on the spirit of the 1940's and 1950's post-war blues sound. The band showcases the music of Chess Records and Sun Records luminaries such as Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and the Howlin' Wolf as well as lesser known artists such as Robert Nighthawk and Eddie Taylor, The CBKs also delve into the Mississippi Delta sounds of blues men like Charley Patton, Son House, Fred McDowell and R.L. Burnside. The group rounds off their musical offerings with a healthy dose of original music that captures the essence of the Memphis and Chicago blues sounds of the 40's and 50's.
Bad To The Bone - George Thorogood & The Destroyers
The biggest song on this album is "Bad To The Bone" which has been a major hit for George Thorogood for as long as I can remember. "Bad To The Bone" is the 5th studio album for Thorogood and went Gold. You can also hear Rolling Stones sideman Ian Stewart on keyboards. I've been a long time follower of Thorogood. His songs have always got me singing along. Is that what good music really does? - Bluesdaddy
This sibling trio from San Angelo, TX finds it's inspiration from blues, Tex-Mex, rock, conjunto and tejano music. Henry Garza is both guitarist and lead singer of the three with an exceptional bassist in JoJo Garza and equally as talented is Ringo Garza. Their signature sound is rooted in their father's band the Falcones while they were growing up. They're unique sound in vocals as a chorus group is not to be underestimated. I first discovered Los Lonely Boys in 2003 when this album came out and I checked them out in concert at Gilley's in Ft. Worth and they did not disappoint. This is a must collection in your greatest albums list. - Bluesdaddy
Genres: Country / Red Dirt / Texas
MusicLabel: Rusty Old Records
Management: Rob Hankosky
ARTIST BIO
What do you get when you put together four rockers who can't shake their country roots, the songwriting that can only come from Texas and a few beers? You get Pitchfork.We got all the basic elements of country music, "whiskey" "heartbreak" "highways" "women" ect ect ect...But the kick you in the ass energy of rock&roll that brings it all home.
Pitchfork is a Texas, southern, country, rock and roll band from San Antonio, Texas!
ARTIST BIO
CD "Road to Texas" is available here :
http://mezcaleros-music.com/
Quickly to 15, I had my first guitar, a stratocaster (even then) and a 10 watt amp with an unknown brand ...
Fast enough, having an attraction to the sounds fuzzy, I turned to the heroes of the day and turned on the radio ... ever: La Grange ZZ Top ...After a few groups, I disappeared ...
In early 2000, I bought an acoustic and I listened ... more Clapton and JJ Cale at the time ...A guitar led to another and soon I found myself with a dozen guitars, banjo and dobro ...
HOME STUDIO landed the meantime, and while I was learning to play without an amp with modeling systems ...I finally build and equip a recording studio at home ...I put some songs online and in less than a month on the sites, I found myself with 1000 fans and more than 25000 plays ...
So I decided to continue to see where it would lead me ...
I like ZZ Top, JJ Cale, Clapton, SRV, sounds fuzz and dust, the desert ... my many trips to the USA I have wrought in this direction and in that style ...Today Mezcaleros is a concentrate of all that ... I am on rotation on several radios, Belgium, France, Texas, California, Germany and UK… It is just the beginning !!!
Rock / Blues with heavy sounds and penetrating, a melody that is easy to remember and hit all those who listen ...And on stage, it will power 1000 ... These are the fans who brought me here ... so I continue ... for them!
Currently I'm on gauge mycornerbar.com a participative website where people who love can deposit money to help me make my CD, I have 3 months to collect 11,300 euros after it explode!
Put Mark Knopfler's voice, SRV feeling, Rose tatoo energy and ZZ Top Texas sounds in a shaker...Shake during 20 years .... Its MEZCALEROS .............See Mezcaleros soon in your bins and music sites ... You can hear Breakdown Limousine now, one of the 20 songs I got …
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Blues / Rock / Country
Label: Ferris Music Publishing
Management: Ferris Music Publishing BMI
ARTIST BIO
THE NEW SOUND OF THE TEXAS BLUES! Texas musician,multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, singer-songwriter of "Don't Mess With Texas" fame, James Ferris has performed for millions of fans throughout his career including national television shows and award winning commercials.
Ferris has performed WITH (not opening for) many major acts including (but not limited to) James Brown, Stevie Ray, Freddie King, Bobby Keys (Rolling Stones), Eric Johnson (album), Johnny Dee & the Rocket 88's, Bad Rodeo, John Earl's Boogieman Band, Voodoo Lounge, Brat, Celebration, Sante Fe, The Bluenotes even Mel Torme and many others.
Being a full-time musician/entertainer, when James is not working on his own original career, he is the most sought after "Mick Jagger" impersonator in the country, with his uncanny resemblance and voice to match rock icon. James and his band are currently recording their third album to be released early summer of 2011.
THE NEW SOUND OF THE TEXAS BLUES
With a career that spans over five decades, James Ferris' musical talents (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizers, guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, and vocals) are as diversified as his influences. From Amadeus to the Animals and all points in between…Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, Todd Rundgren, Stones to the Beatles, Stevie Ray to Stevie Wonder, Carol and B.B. King, just to name a few.
James has performed at almost every club in the Dallas/Fort Worth area during the 60’s and 70’s and many others thru out the U.S. and beyond. James has also played keyboards or fronted for some of the most popular local and regional acts since the mid-sixties. 1964-1966 he played with The Seventh Street Prophets, one of the few bands playing at that time. This was also James’ first experience with recording; the band released a 45 titled Everybody Needs Somebody (a Stones hit).
1968 to 1970 James continues to climb the ladder being hired by Santa Fe; just three days before opening and touring with Three Dog Night. Managed by Ray Dennis and Beverly Beard, who wanted a bigger sound for the three piece, had James learn their entire show on keyboards in just a matter of hours. Besides touring with Three Dog Night, they also opened for Spirit and others. At the Dallas Memorial Coliseum opening for “3 Dog”, James’ parents saw their “long hair son” and proclaimed lovingly “I guess those piano lessons finally paid off!”
Tommy Katona (Tamas Katona), born August 15th 1984, was raised in Pecs, Hungary. At the early age of four, the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan became one of his biggest musical influences. It began one day, while he was watching one of his father’s videos of the Texan legend playing. Tommy’s father, Tamas Katona Sr., is also a great blues guitarist. When Tommy saw his father performing live, it inspired him to pursue music as his path in life.
At the age of nine Tommy started playing with his dad’s band and was regarded as a child prodigy. In the mid 90’s, he had numerous successful shows, as well as TV and radio performances in Hungary. As he was growing up, Tommy’s infatuation with playing the blues developed. One day, Tommy’s dad told him about the sudden and tragic passing of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Tommy then decided to learn more about Stevie’s music and life so that he could follow in his footsteps. During this time he was also studying the music of the old great blues musicians. His inspirations were: T-Bone Walker, Albert Collins, BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix and at last but not least his father Tamas Sr. Even though Tommy spent over four years in music school learning to read and write music, he always learns and composes by ear. American blues music, especially Stevie Ray Vaughan’s, highly influenced the young player.
A few highlights of his early life were: opening for Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, playing with Memphis blues legend Eb Davis, sharing a stage with Muddy Water’s son, Big Bill Morganfield and the great Chicago harmonica player Sugar Blue.
Tommy’s big dream was that someday he could go to Texas to play the blues. Just a few years later his dream came true. His first visit to Texas was in 2006. He attended the Stevie Ray Vaughan fan club tour and the SRV Ride and concert in Dallas. He was able to play with local Texas greats such as Wes Jeans, Texas Slim, Jim Suhler, Cheryl Arena and Alan Haynes. After his three week trip to Texas he went back to Hungary bearing many great experiences. Texas was pulling at his heartstrings and he was ready to go back.
Meanwhile, Tommy recorded and released his first original album “Let Your Fingers Bleed”. He began touring in the spring of 2007. Tommy and his Hungarian band “Full Blast” were fortunate enough to play at the Puisto Blues Festival in Finland. They had the prodigious opportunity to open for the great Johnny Winter. They also played in Italy and opened for Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers. After the summer tour Tommy decided to return to Texas to try and start a new life. As an only child it was very hard to say goodbye to his parents. Knowing well this was his only chance to be a successful musician, Tommy’s parents released him to his destiny.
Tommy landed in Dallas on October 3. 2007. Stevie Ray’s birthday. A chance circumstance!
After living with a close friend for a year and a half, Tommy found the love of his life, Rachel. They got married on September 1. 2009. While in Texas, Tommy played with many musicians and had different musical projects. One more of his dreams came true when he played with Double Trouble bassist Tommy Shannon at the Granada Theater in Dallas! As well as constant performances, Tommy also teaches guitar during the day. His favorite guitar always has, and always will be a Fender Stratocaster!
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Country / Texas Music
Label: Sixth Street Sydicate, Charla Corn
Management: Betsy Cathey
Official Site: http://www.charlamusic.com/
ARTIST BIO Charla is a genuine Texas treasure.... professional, unique, & captivating,.... Her voice and good looks are two more reasons to be jealous of the Lone Star State and our natural resources. Few talents can cross the media alternatives like Charla. Whether she's behind the podium, in front of the camera, or surrounded by her band, the Trainwrecks, Charla's ability to entertain you runs the entire range.
Charla can be found traveling nationally with her band performing for the PRCA/NFR, rodeos, festivals, weddings, corporate events, universities, youth associations & clubs. Charla & her band are a perfect match for any event.
"There is simply nothing better for me than being onstage, performing for people and watching them have a great time. I am committed to that feeling, to that sense of purpose. It's why I'm here." ~ Charla
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Country / Southern Rock / Red Dirt
Label: Almost Country Records
Management: Melinda Donahew
Official Site: http://www.caseydonahewband.com/
ARTIST BIO
With their lastest release, Moving On, The Casey Donahew Band are quickly becoming one of the hottest names in Texas Country, drawing fans at home and beyond. Capacity crowds are showing up this spring to see the Casey Donahew Band's dynamic live performances with over 1300 at the Grizzly Rose in Denver, CO and Tumbleweeds in Stillwater, OK recently hosted 3000 fans for CDB. Their first performance at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo this February drew an impressive 10,800 fans into the AT&T Center. SOLD OUT shows in 2010 include Fort Worth's legendary Billy Bob's Texas with 5500 fans and 12000 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Casey Donahew Band owes their quickly expanding fan base to playing 200 dates a year playing State Fairs, Rodeos, Dance Halls, Festivals, headlining and opening for stellar acts like the Randy Roger's Band and Kevin Fowler in front of huge crowds.
The "Donahew-it" work ethic icludes self-releaseing four CD's in the past five years on their Almost Country Label. Texas Music Magazine's recent review calls Moving On "a vibrant collection matching eternally restless anthems aginst engaging narratives, rattles and rolls and rubmles like a youthful Robert Earl Keen fronting Reckless Kelly. Lone star idealism links kindred spirits." The CD charted on Billboard Top 200 at #126, #3 Heatseeker and #28 on the Country Charts (September 09) selling 14,000 copies in 5 months with single "Ramblin Kind" topping the Texas Music chart at #1.
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Blues
Label: FatCat Radio Network
Management: Micah Autry
Official Site: http://myspace.com/lazyjandthedirtyshuffle
ARTIST BIO
The blues is at the heart and soul of Texas music as well as the best rock’n’roll. And now from the heart of Texas now comes the supercharged blues of Lazy J & The Dirty Shuffle. The three-piece led by guitarist, singer and songwriter J Grover reaches down into the deep roots of the blues and brings the music into the 21st Century, firing it up with sizzling guitar work, propulsive rhythms and impassioned vocals to create blues music that honors the traditions while taking the music to new and exciting places.
“It’s greasy lowdown funky Texas blues music,” says Grover of what he and bassist Marcus Berrios and drummer James Gettys have created on the group’s debut album, Bone To Pick. Produced by David Zychek, a fellow guitarist known for his musical tenure in such groups as Airborne, Night Ranger, The Ken Hensley Band and more in addition to his own Texas-based band, the disc roams across many modes of the blues with a thrust and potency that doesn’t let go.
On the album, one can hear echoes of such influences as Johnny Winter and Jimi Hendrix (check out “I’ve Had Enough”), Buddy Guy (“Little Angel,” written as an homage to the blues master), T Bone Walker (on the title track) and The Allman Brothers Band (“You Don’t Love Me”) and many others. Yet the music’s final imprint is the high-energy blues of Lazy J & The Dirty Shuffle.
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Rock / Latin / Funk
Label: Vallejo Music Group
Official Site: http://www.vallejomusic.com/
Arist Bio
A melting pot of infectious swaggering rock laced with Latin percussion and fiery live performances has made VALLEJO one of the most popular bands to hail from Austin, Texas.
Raised in the small town of El Campo, Texas on their parent’s LP collection of Tito Puente, Santana & Tijuana Brass, VALLEJO was first formed by the three Vallejo brothers A.J. (Vocals, Guitar), Alejandro (Drums), and Omar (Bass). Learning music by playing trumpet in the high school marching band and jamming to friend’s mixtapes of classic rock and funk, the brothers eventually migrated to picking up the guitar, bass and drums to create something that was instantly recognizable on the airwaves as their own.
Since then, VALLEJO has racked up fans one by one with thousands of high energy shows and a growing catalog of album releases including Sins (Chapel Lane), Shining Sun, Beautiful Life (TVT Records), Into the New (Epic Records) with famed Latin music producer Emilio Estefan Jr. (Miami Sound Machine), Stereo, Leftovers, Steamboat Live & Black Sky on the Vallejo brother’s own label VMG (Vallejo Music Group). In, 2009 VALLEJO released their critically acclaimed album, Thicker Than Water (VMG/Quadra) and recently took home the award for “Best Rock Band” at the Texas Latin Music Awards.
Genres: Country / Americana / Roots/Rock/Country
Label: Bordello Records
Management: Judy Hubbard
ARTIST BIO
With a keen eye of observation and a wise man’s knowledge, Ray Wylie Hubbard composes and performs a dozen songs that couldn’t spring from anywhere else but out of his fertile rock and roll bluesy poet-in-the-blistering-heat southern noggin. ”I like to look at both enlightenment and endarkenment,” he declares. “I feel comfortable observing each.” A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment demonstrates the kind of talent that every great songwriter yearns for. Throughout the album, his focus remains on the song- constructing and performing stories set to music that resonate in a way that is completely his own.
Hubbard recruits an ensemble of accomplished musicians to make the album’s larger than life outlaw tunes echo from track to track. Among the musicians featured on the album are Kevin Russell (The Gourds), Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen), Bukka Allen (Ian Moore, Jack Ingram), Billy Cassis (Bob Schneider,Double Trouble, Soulhat), Ray Bonneville (B.B. King, JJ Cale, Muddy Waters), Seth James (Percy Sledge, Delbert McClinton), David Abeyta (Reckless Kelly) and The Trishas as well as his own son, Lucas Hubbard.
The writing and recording of A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment came on the heels of Hubbard’s first screenplay endeavor, which was funded and filmed with a cast of icons including Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam and Lizzy Caplan. A weekly radio show, constant touring, and producing kept him busy, but didn’t manage to steal the Texan singer-songwriters focus. The outcome of the album is a juxtaposition of songs like “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” a fundamental gospel piece, and “Drunken Poet’s Dream,” a cowritten with Hayes Carll.
Lucky Peterson - You Can Always Turn Around (New release on Dreyfus Jazz)
★★★★ "One of the best blues records of the year" - DAILY NEWS
★★★ 1/2 (Three and 1/2 Stars) - Rolling Stone France
"Lucky Peterson's version of my song, "Atonement" just blew me away! It is just spectacular!!!" - Lucinda Williams
"A masterpiece." - Linda Yohn, WEMU Radio
Artist Bio:
Lucky Peterson was discovered by blues legend Willie Dixon when he was three years old, released his first record at five and soon after appeared on The Tonight Show. Trained by keyboardists Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith, Peterson went on to play behind Little Milton, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Kenny Neal. On return from the “Young Blues Giants” tour of Europe, he signed first with Alligator, then Verve, Blue Thumb and Birdology/Dreyfus, where he recorded what Amazon.com called “his finest album,” Black Midnight Sun, in 2003. The New Yorker called him “a master of the guitar, organ and microphone.”
But his journey was not a smooth one, and Peterson spent the next few years in transition, with personal troubles preventing a proper follow-up to Black Midnight Sun.
But you can always turn around. These words took on special meaning for the 45-year-old Peterson, which is why the first album since his rehabilitation is titled You Can Always Turn Around. It is an uplifting collection of songs that speak of struggles and salvation, using the gritty clarity of acoustic roots-blues (with modern touches) as its main musical vehicle.
The album, released September 28, 2010 release on Dreyfus Jazz, was made in the Catskills with master Woodstock musicians Larry Campbell, guitar (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm); Scott Petito, bass (The Fugs, Mercury Rev, Rick Danko Band); and Gary Burke, drums (Joe Jackson, Shania Twain). Peterson as usual plays a mix of instruments: duolian resonator, piano and acoustic and electric guitars. Also prevalent is the acoustic piano on which Lucky sounds like a bluesy Elton John. “He’s something of a genius — his piano playing remind me of Aretha Franklin,” says drummer Burke, who has played behind Franklin on the road.
Beloved by audiences throughout the world, the Eric Tessmer Band has captured the attention of fans from all ages as a result of their uncompromising musicianship and unbridled aggression. Their music is organic and natural—they’re real and every note you hear leaps from the speakers and is completely unfettered by superfluous studio trickery. With each performance, The Eric Tessmer Band’s collaborative vibe continues to evolve, built on a career and catalog of material that inspires and fuels the evolution of rock/blues.
Live Collaborations:
Anders Osborne, Stanton Moore, Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Coco Montoya, Alan Haynes, Monte Montgomery, Storyville, Bugs Henderson, and many more.
Key Performances:
Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI
Taste of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal, QC
Mont Tremblant Blues Festival, Mont Tremblant, QC
Johnstown Folk Fest, Johnstown, PA
Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride, Dallas, TX
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Blues / R & B / Soul/Pop
Label: Whale Records
Management: T. Wayne
ARTIST BIO
Joe Jonas, at 73, still has the voice that demands to be listened to. Originally from Beaumont, TX, now living in Dallas, he has toured the world delivering The Blues, as only Joe can do, to Blues Lovers everywhere. Being a master of the harmonica and powerful vocalist, Joe has been included on many compilation Blues CDs, including “Texas Harmonica Rumble” and
“Last of the Texas Bluesmen”.
Joe also has out several CDs on his own with other back-up bands and session players.
It was only a matter of time before these two great Blues acts (Joe Jonas and The Silvertones) combined their talent and energy. Having played together for benefits and other special events, they were told how well they worked together, entertaining the crowd. Both being a power house act on their own, thought that joining forces could open a lot of doors for everyone involved, and bring The Blues to a larger audience.
Of all the back-up bands Joe has worked with, he says his favorite has always been The Silvertones. “These guys don’t just back me up”, says Joe, “they make me work to keep up with them. Not only are they top notch musicians, they put on a hell of a show by themselves.”
Here we have tracks from Joe's new CD, "Hard Times Are Here Again".
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Blues / Atomic Acoustic Guitar / Anti-jingles, Funeral DirgesLabel: TopCat Records/Black Cracker Music
ARTIST BIO
"The guitar has always been the most important thing in the world to me," Friedman told the Dallas Times Herald in 1991. "It's a little bit more important than the writing because I've been doing it longer. The writing seemed like a sidetrack or something when I wasn't able to get my [expletive] together."
Though Friedman began playing guitar at 9, a pitching injury at 14 cost Friedman the use of his right arm for two years. "I figured if I ever had the honor of being able to play again, no one's going to pull me away from it."His time as a student with journeyman jazz guitarist Joe Monk in particular left a deep impression on the young musician.
Friedman spent his last five years in New York working as a guitarist with the busy show band City Limits, featuring Richard Lanham, former vocalist for The Drifters.Following his move to Dallas in 1987, Friedman began recording and performing as a solo artist in earnest. He also recorded and performed extensively with Sara Hickman, and produced Dallas’ KERA 90.1 Sound Sessions. Billed as “Josh Alan” he barnstormed the state of Texas for 20 years, rocking whole arenas with his Guild D-40 and earning three Dallas Observer Music Awards for Best Acoustic Act.
He was noted for his live use of acoustic feedback, the Maestro Echoplex and surf instrumentals, as well as an acoustic medley of Black exploitation movie soundtracks. He has released four albums: Famous & Poor, The Worst! (a musical based on the life and career of "Worst Director of All Time" Ed Wood), Blacks 'n' Jews (the title of which became a documentary on Josh’s life) and Josh Alan Band.
ARTIST SUMMARY
Genres: Blues / Texas Blues Rock / Rock
Label: MIG/STRING COMMANDER
Management: Self Managed (For Now)
ARTIST BIO
There's no doubt about it, the state of Texas is well known world wide for its fiery blues guitar players. Although born in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 12, his family moved to Dallas, where with the exception of a spell back in New Orleans and Southwest Florida, the guitarist has called his home ever since.
Lance has been a professional musician since he was 14 years old. He has shared the stage with legends such as Lucky Peterson, Johnnie Taylor and Buddy Miles. Developing a close friendship with Buddy Miles, the former Band Of Gypsys legend would go on to mentor Lopez, leading to him co producing his debut album 'First Things First', along with Grammy winning producer Jay Newland (Norah Jones) which was released independently in 1998. From 2003 to 2007 Lopez recorded, and released three studio and one live CD for a small independent label, Grooveyard Records - all of which were heavily influenced by one of many of the guitarist's main influences - Jimi Hendrix.
Now after a three year break, Lopez is back with a brand new Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Santana) produced studio album 'Salvation From Sundown'. Intentionally conceived as a more traditional Texas blues styled offering, it's the guitarist's most mature recording to date, showcasing strong songwriting while still retaining the red-hot fretwork which has elicited none other than guitar god Jeff Beck to call him "A very exciting and intense blues guitarist". His first release on a major label (Sony/MIG) it shows him poised to take his rightful place as one of the finest blues players on the planet.
ARTIST BIO Since the 1980's, Eric Johnson has been one of the most critically acclaimed rock guitarists, as evidenced by the success of such releases as 'Ah Via Musicom,' 'Venus Isle,' and his latest offering, 'Up Close.' And soon, Johnson will be launching his summer tour to continue support of his latest album, fresh off of appearances on the West Coast Experience Hendrix Tour, as well as teaming up with Anton Fig and Will Lee of Late Night fame for a rousing rare performance at New York City's P.C. Richards and Sons Theatre.
From July 7th through August 20th, Johnson will be touring the USA from coast to coast as a headliner, as well as joining forces with fellow guitar great Steve Miller for shows at the Sleep Country Amphitheater in Clark County, Washington on July 17th and the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on August 7th. He will also join the legendary Buddy Guy on July 21 in Omaha, Nebraska at the Red Sky Music Festival. The band members on the Summer Tour will be long time favorite Chris Maresh on bass guitar and Wayne Salzmann on drums, playing his first tour with Eric.
Also recently released was a vinyl version of 'Up Close,' issued on 180 gram vinyl, and housed in a beautiful special double LP gatefold package with printed sleeves. Additionally, 'Up Close' was remastered specially for this vinyl release by Jim Wilson.
A long time in the making , 'Up Close' has received rave reviews. All Music Guide pointed out that "[Johnson] continues to find interesting ways to hone his specific craft on 'Up Close'," while Premier Guitar Magazine raved "Johnson has created another worthy addition to his already legendary catalog." Also, it shouldn't be overlooked that 'Up Close' features an impressive list of special guests (Sonny Landreth, Steve Miller, Jimmie Vaughan, and Jonny Lang).
Speaking to M Music Magazine, Eric had the following to say about what his goals were for 'Up Close.' "To find new ways of doing things. We’re all the sum of our history. After a while, we start to create certain patterns in what we do. I wanted to break some of that repetition. If you keep to the same format, the vibe stays the same, even though the music might change. If you want to grow, you have to break down walls and find ways to work that are different from the past."
Additionally, Johnson graced the cover of this year's March issue of Guitar Player Magazine, was recently named Guitar International's "Guitarist of the Year," and has won an unprecedented 33 awards at the Austin Music Awards since 1982, including taking home "Best Electric Guitar," "Best Acoustic Guitar," and "Best Instrumental Band" awards at this year's ceremony.
Johnson has long been considered one of rock's most talented six-string players, as evidenced by his aforementioned platinum-certified 1990 release, 'Ah Via Musicom," its hit single "Cliffs of Dover," as well as a Grammy Award win for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" in 1991. The song also recently was introduced to a whole new generation of rock fans, when it was featured in the hit videogame, 'Guitar Hero.'
Artist Bio Duarte was first inspired by music at age 8 after seeing Fiddler On The Roof on television. Duarte began playing his brother's guitar, and got his first electric guitar at the age of 14 and played with bands in San Antonio. In 1979, Duarte moved to Austin, Texas and purchased a 1963 Fender Stratocaster guitar for $500. Duarte began exploring the jazz music of John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
Duarte won a label recording contract with Silvertone Records and released Texas Sugar/Strat Magik in 1994, and was named "Best New Talent" in Guitar Player’s 1995 Reader's Poll.[citation needed] He finished fourth in the magazine’s "Best Blues Guitarist" category behind Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and B.B. King.
Though Duarte has played a limited number of U.S. dates in recent years with the Japanese band Bluestone Company backing him, he performs primarily as a power trio, the 'Chris Duarte Group'. Originally formed with long-time friends and collaborators John Jordan on bass and Jeff Hodges on drums, the current incarnation features Matt Stallard on bass and Chris Burroughs on drums. Apart from his band, Duarte has performed with Julie Burrell, Diana Cantu, Bobby Mack, Tracy Conover, Indigenous, and Omar & the Howlers.
Duarte's concert dates in Asheville, Charlotte and Greenville were filmed for "The PBS Project". This side-project featured Steve Bailey on bass and Jeff Sipe on drums.
