Deborah Coleman
Mood:  bright
Topic: Bad And Bold
Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Deborah Coleman is unquestionably, as USA Today notes, "one of blues music's most exciting young talents." Though she has released four studio albums on the Blind Pig label that have firmly established her as one of the leading lights in the blues field, it has been her knockout live performances that have made her one of the hottest commodities on the contemporary scene.
Coleman has earned a well-deserved reputation for raw energy and crowd-pleasing shows. A highly charismatic stage performer, Coleman is able to stretch out in the live setting and demonstrate her considerable guitar skills. USA Today called her a "fiery guitarist who makes the spine tingle with her unbridled raw energy."
Among people seeing Coleman perform live for the first time, a common reaction is: "Wow, I like her records, and I knew she was good, but I didn't know she was this good." Coleman's first live recording, Soul Be It!, finally captures what Living Blues called her "fire on the fretboard flamboyance."
Given that outstanding live performances have been the hallmark of Deborah's artistry, it's fitting that she return to the live setting for her new release. Even the beginning of her professional music career was marked by a great live show - in 1993 she won a National Amateur Talent Search. The director recalls, "Coleman ruled, delivering a bone-rattling set to a capacity audience that almost shut down the contest with their demand that she perform repeated encores." Following her 1999 performance at the W.C. Handy Awards, Billboard called her "an artist to be reckoned with," noting that her incendiary playing "very effectively stole the scene." Later that year she turned in a stunning set at the San Francisco Blues Festival that had the crowd roaring its approval and critics searching for superlatives. In 2000 Coleman gave another highly impressive performance at the "Tribute To Muddy Waters" concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that wowed the crowd and generated a lasting buzz among the assembled critics and blues afficionados. In 2002 Coleman will be a featured performer on a special arts center tour of the U.S. entitled "Front Porch Blues" that will also include Charlie Musselwhite, Corey Harris, and Elvin Bishop.
Coleman was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and raised in a music-loving military family that lived in San Diego, San Francisco, Bremerton, Washington, and the Chicago area. With her father playing piano, two brothers on guitar, and a sister who plays guitar and keyboards, Deborah felt natural with an instrument in her hands, picking up guitar at age eight.
At fifteen, she started to perform with a series of rock and R&B bands. She started out as a bass player, but after hearing Jimi Hendrix, switched to lead. Radio was an important early influence. "Back then, the formats of the radio stations were more diverse. I remember hearing Joe Cocker, James Brown, Ray Charles and the Beatles on the same station." As her interest in guitar grew, she began listening to rock groups such as the Yardbirds, Cream, and Led Zeppelin, and followed the roots of their music back to the blues. "Jeff Beck was one of my favorites," she recalls. "I didn't find out until later that they were doing blues tunes and I went to find the original artists." A pivotal event for Deborah was a concert she saw when she was twenty-one that featured Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker all on the same bill. "I will never forget that show. It started me on a path to my roots."
Today Coleman's accomplished guitar style reflects the influences of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Albert Collins and Larry Carlton. Her vocal inspirations are as often found in the singing of Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith as in the recordings of Bessie Smith, Janis Joplin, Memphis Minnie, and Alberta Hunter. The fact that she's an African-American female who is a lead guitarist, singer and songwriter may make her a unique artist and put her in a category all by herself, but it is Coleman's artistry and passion that have placed her on the road to success.
When she was twenty-five, Coleman got married and put her musical career aside for a while so she could concentrate on raising her daughter, developing a career as an electrician along the way. "I raised a family, held a 9 to 5 job, then I finally decided to play music full time." Coleman got the big break she was looking for in 1993 at the aforementioned National Amateur Talent Search, sponsored by the Charleston Blues Festival. Her "band" consisted of her brother and his friend, both of whom only played heavy metal. "We rehearsed for a week, and I taught them tunes. It was the beginning of my professional career," she said. She knocked the crowd and the judges out with a performance full of confidence and fire. She took first place in the competition, and hasn't looked back since. She immediately put together her own group and began her solo career as a bandleader and featured performer.See the link for a sample of The Soul Of Debroah

Donna Lynne
Mood:  amorous
Now Playing: Donna Lynne
Topic: Old School New Flava

Hi I'm Donna Lynne, I'm a "non-writing" singer in need of original blues material to record on my debut cd.
Style wise I prefer an Etta James - BB King sound. I'm in Reno, Nevada where the resources are pretty limited. I would like to know if you could put me in touch with a writer(s) or someone that could help me find original songs? I also need an arranger to re-vamp covers. I would really appreciate any help you could offer. A little about me, I am the niece of Blues legend "Little" Joe Blue. .... You know, to me he was just my uncle Joe, It wasn't 'till the last year of his life that I got to know him as "Little" Joe Blue the artist. WOW what a fantastic entertainer he was. That man could sing & play that guitar. I used to play bass guitar back then, and I didn't know Joe the artist 'till I got to spend some quality time with him! What a loss........ You can reach me at http://www.donnalynne.com/

Roni
Mood:  hug me
Now Playing: Let's Shake it....Roni
Thursday, September 22, 2005


Roni (Rhonda):Born January 25,19xx and raised in Mendenhall,MS. Rhonda is not a mere amateur to the music scene. She began her singing at the age of 5 in her home church choir well into adulthood. Rhonda first came on the music scene as a background singer for Nathaniel Kimble then went on to background for Sir Charles Jones",the legendary Bobby Rush "The King of Southern Soul", and the amazing "Jazzy Jeff Floyd. Roni has opened for a number of different artist on a number of shows from 1995 when she first won a talent show in Vicksburg,MS.BigK9 From the Dawg Pound Said:Roni is a star on the rise.Her debut album "CALL ME" is da bomb.It includes the hit single"Call Me","Love Grows","Not Gonna Beg" and my personal favorite "Wrong Place Wrong Time"(A tribute to the late Jackie Neal.) For more on this rising star see her web site at Sexy Lady Of Southern Soul

Pat
Mood:  happy
Topic: Bad And Bold
Pat "Miss Equal Opportunity was Born Pat Rush September 14,19?? in Meridian, Mississippi.In grade school she participated in, and won, numerous talent shows as a part of her musical beginning.
She attended Harris Jr. College, also in Meridian, where she joined a group called The Dynamics which later became The Commodores.

As a child, her Idols and babysitters were Merdian natives David Ruffin(The Temptations) and Jimmy Ruffin,brother of David and a great professional singer and song writer.Pat was also influenced by Al "Show And Tell) Wilson. They pushed or inspired her to continue to sing and work hard. They gave her encouragement to be successful with her singing career.

After Jr. college, Pat attended Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi where she performed with numerous local and professional groups. After college, she moved to Jackson, Mississippi where she live at this time.

She have performed with the following artists, either as a a part of their show or as the opening act, such as: B.B. King, Percy Sledge, Tyrone Davis, Bobby Rush, Al Green, Johnny Taylor, Willie Clayton,her hero and mentor.

Pat have performed primarily in the south, but also in Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York City, St. Louis, San Fransisco, Long Beach, Milwaukee, Miami, Helsinki Finland and Amsterdam, Holland.

Her wish is that this is only the beginning of a long streak of hit albums that You, the Public, will love and enjoy, and also that she will continue to give you only the best her music which she feel that You, the public, deserve. Please check her out at Pat Brown Miss Equal Opportunity

Stan Mosley
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: Why Can't you Love Me
"At some point in time," Malaco recording artist Stan Mosley recalls, "I have either opened for or performed in the same venue as just about every major soul or blues act in the business." Malaco Records President, Tommy Couch Sr. says, "Stan is a cross between Bobby Womack and Jay Blackfoot, with a little touch of Al Green thrown in."

Stan's first flight toward fame came in 1974, when he moved from his native Chicago to East St. Louis, Illinois, and joined the soul group The Sharpees. A year later, his band became Shirley Brown's own and Stan sometimes sang backup for the hitmaking soul diva. In 1976, Stan returned to Chicago and worked the city's vast nightclub circuit, which turned out to be a "pretty good" life, Stan recalled. His acclaim grew and, for two years running, he captured the important Chicago Music Award (in 1982 and 1983) for Best Male R & B Vocalist.

By 1986, however, the thrill was gone. "I became disenchanted with the business?and joined a music ministry known as 'The Company' in Chicago," Stan said. By 1992, he was composing and returned to East St. Louis to team up with Gus Thorton to write several songs, which were released on Stan's own Stand Up label. "They're very good songs, but unfortunately I had no distribution," he said.

Then, in the mid-1990s, he signed with a new label "that I thought was a record company, but it actually was a record store. The results were pretty negative." In 1995 and 1996, he was performing on tour as the opening act for Cicero Blake, while also serving as Blake's driver and valet. Interestingly, that is the same way blues giant Bobby "Blue" Bland came up, working for lifelong friend and blues king B.B. King. At the same time, Stan continued songwriting.

In 1997, fate took him to Malaco Records. Composer William Payton, who had co-penned Tyrone Davis' 1997 hit single Freak on Malaco, introduced him to Tommy Couch Sr. for a fifteen minute meeting. Tommy agreed to hear Stan's demo tape "and fifteen minutes ended up being hours-and Mr. Couch signed me to his label!" Stan recalled.

The year 2004 saw a resurgence of sorts for Stan. He became the CEO on a project with Double Duo Records, and obtained a worldwide distribution deal. His current project "Steppin Out" is being co-produced by former lead singer of Public Announcement "Ace" and Super-Producer "Earl Powell" of Entone Recording.

The year 2005 looks to be very promising for Veteran Soul Singer Stan Mosley, Currently on a World Wide Tour as the opening act for The Legendary Soul Group The Chi-Lites. Stan will be celebrating 35 Years of performing. Stan Mosley

Vick Allen
Mood:  cool
Now Playing: Old School,New Flava
Topic: Old School New Flava

Vick Allen began singing and playing piano from the age of 5 years old. He found his best audiences at the age of 5 years old to be his family and church members who were astonished at Vick's ability at such an early age. Vick grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, a city known as a breeding ground for some of the hottest Blues and Gospel talents in the history of music, both record artist young and old. At the age 15 years old, Vick Allen produced and recorded his first CD; the CD was recorded in Jackson, Mississippi and served its purpose of getting his music and his name circulating in the Jackson music community. After graduating from high school, Vick started singing professionally with the popular group "The Canton Spirituals. Vick later ventured out on his own sharing the stage with such artists as Bobby "Blue" Bland, The O'Jays, Buddy Miles, and Willie Clayton. Vick Allen is a well-known singer, producer, performer, and musician in both the Gospel, R&B and Blues genres. Vick Allen has produced records for Grammy-nominated artists such as Blues legend Bobby Rush, and Gospel Greats, The Canton Spirituals, Vick has also produced records for other well known Blues artists: Peggy Scott-Adams, Toni Green, Willie Clayton and many others for Vicks production company Test-Mic Productions. Vick Allen has joined the Malaco Music Group signing his new contract with Waldoxy Records Vick's new CD release entitled "Old School...New Flava" single "I Better Walk Away" There's no doubt when you hear Vick Allen's CD then you will know he's the mellow, velvet voice of the 21st Century! Vick Allen "Old School...New Flava" Hold On, I'm Going Home, Clean house, Marry Me, Mr. Telephone Man, Giving Up,& So Sweet So Fine.

Barbara Moore
Mood:  flirty
Now Playing: Bad and Bold
Topic: Bad And Bold
Barbara Moore has enjoyed a love affair with music since her early childhood in Jackson,Mississippi where she started with her church choir and school band. Barbara studied music and earned a B.A from Jackson State University. The talented songwriter and keyboardist co-wrote "Cheatin' Love" for Z.Z Hill with Denise LaSalle. Barbara also wrote "Caught In A Cross-Fire" For Vernon Garrett.She played in Denise LaSalle band for many years,during which time she played on shows with Bobby "Blue" Bland and B.B. King.Barbara's's current project "Beyond The Call" is a compilation of five songs,and the song that is getting air play is "Bar-B-Que Blues Boogie" for booking call Twinkle Star Productions 310-673-4615 or write Barbara Moore P.O. Box 561151 Los Angles,CA 90056
consolidated productions

Blues News
Mood:  hug me
Now Playing: Theodis Ealey
Topic: Theodis Ealey
By Linda Seida
Blues guitarist and bandleader Theodis Ealey is a Mississippi native who first learned to play the instrument when he was four years old, thanks to instruction from big brother Y.Z. Ealey, who is about a decade older. Almost ten years later, the brothers were playing together in a band called Y.Z. Ealey & the Merrymakers, with the younger Ealey on bass. The group also included a third brother, Melwin Ealey, and appeared for the first time on stage at a Natchez, MS, nightspot dubbed the Horseshoe Circus. About 12 months later, Ealey traded in the bass for a guitar and joined Eugene Butler & the Rocking Royals, another group that played in the Natchez region. About four decades later, the three Ealey siblings played together once again during a reunion held in Georgia on the stage of the Great Atlanta Blues Revue with a fourth brother, Bubba Ealey, aka David. Until that July evening in 2001, the blues guitarist had not played with brothers Melwin or Y.Z. since 1963.

Ealey was one of 11 children raised in his family. He was stationed in Hawaii during his stint with the U.S. Air Force and spent some time in Oakland before settling down in the early '90s in Atlanta. It wasn't long before Ichiban Records took notice of his musical and vocal skills and signed him to a deal. The blues label was located in the city of Marietta and put out four of his albums over a span of six years before folding. Ealey went on to sign a contract with IFGAM, and the new label out of Atlanta issued his It's a Real Good Thing CD in 2002. While part of the Ichiban stable of artists, Ealey had the opportunity to tour Europe a few times. In 1997, he took home top prize as the Mo' Better Blues Male Artist of the Year in Atlanta. In San Francisco, he won the honor of Male Vocalist Top Star three years before. His credits include a star turn as Guitar Man in the theatrical production of Spunk, which is based on works by Zora Neale Thurston. He also appeared on television in the movies Miss Evers' Boys on HBO and A Kiss to Die For on NBC. In addition, he was featured on Ghetto Mafia's On da Grind CD. He toured the world with his band in 2002.