Reckless Kelly CD release

Today marks the release of "Bulletproof", the new CD by country- rock band Reckless Kelly. It is the follow up to the live CD/DVD box set "Reckless Kelly Was Here" that was released in 2006. No strangers to the road (brothers Willy and Cody Braun grew up touring in their father's country band), they will begin an extensive tour throughout much of the US. The tour will begin tonight with a CD release party at Antone's in Austin Texas . On July 14 Reckless Kelly will make a rare New York City appearance at the Mercury Lounge.

Allen Toussaint

Allen Toussaint has returned to Joe's Pub for his "New Orleans Brunch" concerts. This one-man show highlights Toussaint's forty plus years as a songwriter, musician and producer. Born in New Orleans, Allen Toussaint began making music at age seven, inspired by piano legend Professor Longhair. He began his career as a session player for Fats Domino and Smiley Lewis among others. Preferring to remain in the background, he concentrated on writing and production with Sea-Saint studios, his own production and recording studio. His producing, arranging and writing credits include:
Working in the Coal Mine, by Lee Dorsey
Mother-in-Law, by Ernie K-Doe
Fortune Teller, by Benny Spellman
I Like It Like That, by Chris Kenner
Ooh Poo Pah Doo, by Jessie Hill
I Know, by Barbara George
Ruler of My Heart, by Irma Thomas
Right Place, Wrong Time, by Dr. John
What Do You Want the Girl to Do, by Boz Scaggs
Southern Nights, by Allen Toussaint


Allen Toussaint's two remaining shows at Joe's Pub are a rare chance to see and hear some music history and should not be missed. (Sunday, June 22 and Sunday July 13 showtime 12 noon). A portion of the proceeds go to hurricane Katrina relief.

First heatwave of 2008 expected

The first major heatwave for the northeastern United States is due to arrive this weekend with temperatures in the upper 90's. Keep things cool by turning up the volume on this video clip from "The Iceman" Albert Collins.



Buy Albert Collins' music

Diddley-itous

Diddley-itous is defined as the "compulsive need to hear music infused with the Bo Diddley beat." Bo wrote and recorded "Mona" as the B-side of "Hey Bo Diddley" on Checker records in 1957. In 1965 it was covered by the Rolling Stones on their third US release "Rolling Stones Now".

I say hey, Mona
Oh, Mona
I say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, Mona
Oh, Mona
I tell you Mona what I wanna do
I'll build a house next door to you
Can I see you sometimes?
We can blow kisses through the blinds
Yeah can I out come out on the front
And listen to my heart go bumpety bump
I need you baby that's no lie
Without your love I'd surely die


VIDEO: When the Bo Diddley Beat reached Europe in 1964......

Bo Diddley 1928-2008

Bo Diddley whose "Bo Diddley Beat" influenced musicians from Buddy Holly to the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and Bruce Springsteen, has died at the age of 79 of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida.

Bo Diddley was born Ellas Bates. He had his name changed to Ellas McDaniels when he was adoptedbut took his stage name from a one-stringed Deep South instrument, the Diddley Bow.

In a career spanning more than fifty years, Diddley's R&B compositions became standards of Rock and Roll;"Who Do You Love," "Bo Diddley," "Bo Diddley's a Gunslinger," "Before You Accuse Me," "I'm a Man " "Pretty Thing " and "Mona" .

He cranked them out his rectangular guitar, setting many of them to the rumba-like rhythm of his "Bo Diddley beat". He and his contemporaries Chuck Berry and Little Richard where among a pioneering group of black recording artists who crossed the American racial divide with music that was emulated by white performers. He found fame in the mid-1950s with his signature song "Bo Diddley" with its tremolo guitar, maracas and unique beat. Although Diddley recorded relatively few hits, his importance in the early years of rock and roll was acknowledged by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 .

Diddley frequently complained about not being paid royalties during his peak years, telling the New York Times, "Have I been ripped off? ... You bet I've been ripped off."