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Blues Music Blog & Promotion

That Peaceful Place: Poland’s Ludwik Konopko puts our stressed-out minds at ease on ‘Zoa’ (Raia Version)

Posted on 9 August 2021

Taken skillfully from his recent ten-track album named ‘Raia‘, Ludwik Konopko carefully transmits so much heartfelt peace and rare care from his trusty guitar for us to bathe in restfully, on his latest single called ‘Zoa’ (Raia Version).

Ludwik Konopko is an accomplished and multi-talented indie-jazz and bluesy world-fusion musician, guitarist and composer who is based in Katowice, Poland. The ZOA Band leader, he is a highly experienced musician who has been playing at home and overseas since the late 80’s.

”His guitar music incorporates elements of blues, jazz, flamenco, and world music.” ~ Ludwik Konopko

You feel so safe and warmly comforted by a true great who has an incredible skill – which has been trained up from all those years putting in the hard work – as you carefully close your worried eyes, so you can feel a sense of calm restoring into your blurry eyes.

”He had his first public appearance as a guitarist at the age of 19, when he performed in an orchestra conducted by the composer Virko Baley at the Lviv National Philharmonic.” ~ Ludwik Konopko

‘Zoa’ (Raia Version) from the worldwide acclaimed Polish indie-jazz/blues/world artist, composer and guitarist Ludwik Konopko, is that true graceful effort which has your feet tapping delightfully. There are no vocals here to cloud our minds, only a fantastic beat and world class guitar playing, that has your weary head feeling so much more thoughtful than before. This is the type of track to put on when your whole body is racing off the tracks from too much stimulation, as you take a break and free up your consciousness, so that you may return confidently to former glories.

Stream this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

We Danced To The Music: David Goundry remembers those incredible days on ‘Fire and Water’

Posted on 6 August 2021

Taken off his sterling six-track debut EP named ‘Time and Place‘ which was produced by the legendary Nick Sykes, David Goundry sounds so inspired as he sings with such meaningful gusto and love on ‘Fire and Water‘.

David Goundry is a former semi-retired UK-based indie blues singer-songwriter. After almost putting his guitar away for good, a chance meeting with Nick helped him get over his unfortunate divorce in 2017. From there, making music again and working with such a positive force, has really helped him find a new lease of life and the results are quite astounding.

”Reminiscent and inspired by the singer songwriters of the 70’s, Fire and Water encapsulates folksy finger picking , blues rock riffs aligned to melodic singing which evoke the feel of the analogue era.” ~ David Goundry

As he sings with such a distinct tone that washes peacefully all over your awaiting body – you feel that he is such a wonderful talent – who is now getting the chance to show the world his incredible artistry. This is the ultimate underdog, a man lost for a while as he struggled to locate his inner compass after such a devastating heartbreak – but came back strongly and is has now found redemption in the best possible way.

‘Fire and Water‘ by the highly inspired UK indie blues artist David Goundry, is that that warm analogue sound reminder from those classic days back in the 60’s and 70’s. He reminisces about those memorable best days that he ever had, as their love was so strong and he recalls every second so vividly. These sweet moments together may have past by like a train in the wind, but they shall be cherished fondly forever.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see his journey to finding that happiness again on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Rocky Ground: Nav’s Hook looks for that sign in the sky on ‘Twisted Winds’

Posted on 5 August 2021

As he returns speedily with his new much-awaited release after the graceful effort from July 2021 called ‘Letters‘, Nav’s Hook wonders if this once-unbreakable connection can be saved from these thunderously worrying ‘Twisted Winds‘.

Nav’s Hook is an Indian-born and based, Cyprus-raised, indie alt-blues/pop/rock singer-songwriter, who has traveled and lived all over this wonderful planet. He makes that experienced-sounding music journey or us to learn from, that comes from his open-minded view of the word, and his appetite to fuse a special sauce to our hungry hearts to lather up.

”What was supposed to have been a connection built on trust, ends up being something caught in a storm, ‘cause neither one really held their end of the bargain.” ~ Nav’s Hook

‘Twisted Winds‘ by the Indian-born multi-genre musician Nav’s Hook, is a relevant story about trying to save a partnership that was on track to such a beautiful place. You wonder if you are done for good – or if anything can be salvaged from the rubble – as you feel like you are in a tough place, that is causing so much heartbreak as you look for a sign from above. Sung with such passionate love and that sensational potent style which makes this such a glorious artist to witness, this is the ultimate almost-break-up track, that will decide your romantic fate this time.

Sometimes you need to know what the future holds before you jump off for good – as you wonder if that all-important trust has been damaged beyond repair – or if it can be fixed again.

Hear this new single on YouTube and see more of the journey on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Not Today: The Big Three miss those classic days with the blues/rock-soaked ‘The Old Ways Are The Best’

Posted on 27 July 2021

Taken off their ‘The Big Three EP‘ from December 2020 and after impressing with ‘Head Over Heels‘, The Big Three skillfully show us their mightily memorable sound with the latest single on a reminisce-train journey with ‘The Old Ways Are The Best‘.

The Big Three is an indie rock, rhythm and blues band based in London, England. They have been passed the baton by the former members, to keep this classic name alive forever.

”The Big Three were a Merseybeat group from Liverpool. They are best known for their 1963 recording of ‘Some Other Guy‘ and their close connection to the Beatles.” ~ The Big Three

The vocals are full up with absolute precision and containing a compellingly entertaining style, as they have our mind alive with a beaming smile attached. With a band who back him up terrifically, this is a wonderful effort that certainly has the dance floor buzzing with excitement again, after a long time away.

”In 2017 Bill Kenwright released and toured the sell-out musical Cilla The Musical; The Big Three (played by Jay Osborne, Chris Weeks and Tom Dunlea) appeared in the show and doubled as the show band. Following the tour the three players were ‘handed down the baton’ to become the next generation of The Big Three by original members Brian Griffiths and the late Johnny Hutchinson.’’- Wikipedia

‘The Old Ways Are The Best‘ from London-based The Big Three, shows us a formidable band on a real mission to make sure that those classic standards are kept closely into our memories with a tremendous display. This is a vintage track which will have you feeling in an amazing mood – as you soak up the legendary vibes which have been reinvented by a terrific outfit – who respect the past, but add in their own modern twist to keep us totally enthralled.

Stream this top new single on Soundcloud and check out their socials via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Jane Allison proves why she’s the next soul-folk sensation with her single, ‘Don’t Spill Water’

Posted on 23 July 2021

Soul-folk sensation Jane Allison has released her latest single, Don’t Spill Water; with disco, funk, psych-pop and blues-rock written into the mellifluous mix, it’s impossible not to get swept up by the vibrant energy.

The Welsh singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actress seems to emanate as much magnetism on screen as she does through her captivatingly narrative singles. She may stay true to the storytelling roots of Folk, but when it comes to her sonic style, that is where the bold experimentalism grips you.

Through the choppy staccato chords and rich ABBA-Esque vocals, Don’t Spill Water is an intoxicating invitation to strip yourself of the resentful weight you carry through life. That’s a reminder that we all need from time to time.

Don’t Spill Water is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

I’m Here To Help: London’s Ze-LuJ reaches his hand out like a true leader as he is a real ‘Friend in Need’

Posted on 15 July 2021

With a calming energy that is so effortless and one of the most peaceful songs you will ever hear, Ze-LuJ shows us what is needed in this often-selfish world that needs way more kindness on ‘Friend in Need‘.

Ze-LuJ is an indie 80’s and 90’s rhythm and blues musician based in London, England, who performs as a hobby. He makes that smoothly filtered type of vibe that has you feeling really calm and relaxed after a tough day at work or school.

His vocals are so smoothly delivered and with a style that is so rare these days. The video is simple and made to show you that he isn’t about the flash or the cash, as he just wants to make music that will truly help others get through their day.

‘Friend in Need‘ from the London-based indie blues artist Ze-LuJ, shows us a fresh video that is all about doing what you can to be there for your old and new friends, who might need you to survive. With a mellow electronic beat that is combined with his original bluesy vibrations, this is a track to put on when you are feeling rather low and need someone to be there for you while you recover.

Staying positive and keeping an open mind, is the only way to stay happy in these challenging times.

Stream this new video on YouTube and see more his Twitter music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Take These Broken Wings And Learn To Fly: Lawrence Ryan releases sterling cover of The Beatles classic ‘Blackbird’ (Live)

Posted on 15 July 2021
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lmzPDXJyCPv7ZNZQs0ogQRrhMKERoyIrI

With a terrific vocal ability and masterful guitar skills to match, Lawrence Ryan is highly impressive on his cover for The Beatles legendary single called ‘Blackbird’ (Live).

Lawrence Ryan is a soulful solo indie blues/rock singer-songwriter from Brooklyn in New York who now resides in New England. He is a skilled musician who has had experience in bands, but now performs solo.

”After moving to New England, his songs and voice became the mainstay of several Northeast area bands. One of which was the blues/funk band Lux Radio. As lead singer and guitarist, he has opened for national acts such as Meatloaf and Cub Coda of
Brownsville Station.” ~ Lawrence Ryan

This is a song that was all about the U.S. race riots in mid-1968, that caused so much shock all over the world due to their intensity. The track is a metaphor of the struggle for the black civil rights movement and is sung with much vigor, from a singer who knows how important this release is.

‘Blackbird’ (Live) from the solo blues-filled New England songwriter Lawrence Ryan, shows us into a world that has come back after many years with tensions bursting underground, that have now surfaced into the forefront of television sets globally. He sings with a true sense of responsibility and this is a courageous effort from a quality musician.

Hear this audio on YouTube and see more of his journey via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Bobtail Yearlings – Willy the Cocoa: Honkytonk folk pop

Posted on 10 July 2021
Bobtail Yearlings

Bobtail Yearlings’ release, Willy the Cocoa, is quaint enough to make Neutral Milk Hotel sound straightlaced and Nick Cave unimaginative.

The baroque indie folk-pop single tells a tragic story by using stark lyricism to paint a portrait of societal anxiety through whimsical observations and the insinuations of lament at the duality between the lives of the privileged and disadvantaged.

Despite the sombre scribing of the death of a mentally disabled man, in its essence, Willy the Cocoa is an uplifting single that won’t fail to leave you mesmerised with the artist’s quintessential charm.

The honkytonk track may not be everyone’s taste, but anyone with an infinity for avant-garde will find that their intrigue pays off this time around.

You can check out the audio webcomic that accompanies Willy the Cocoa for yourselves here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Just The Words On The Page: Nav’s Hook wishes there was more written on the soulfully reflective ‘Letters’

Posted on 8 July 2021

As he wonders what might have been had they had more time together, Nav’s Hook takes time to reminisce on this groovy blues gem called ‘Letters‘, that has you lighting the fire and thinking back to the good days that are sincerely missed.

Nav’s Hook is an India-born and based, Cyprus-raised, indie alt-blues singer-songwriter, who has also lived in various countries. He comes in with over twenty years experience in the music game, and has recently started this new project.

”Cyprus was the beginning of my musical experience where as an teen I regularly tuned into a British radio station called BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) where anything and everything “British Rock” was played. Of course, later time spent in America only furthered my passions into the kind of music I always wanted to make.” – Nav’s Hook

His superbly toned vocal range is filled with so much easy-to-hear class and the soundscape here is of the highest standard, as you feel the warm energy and totally admire the quality here. The carefully-penned lyrics are so honest and have you thinking back to those moments you certainly wish you could have back.

”‘Letters’ came about while going through a box of old letters. It’s that “dim the lights down with a drink in hand” kind of Rhythm & Blues story of dealing with separation and finding closure in written letters. But sometimes they were so beautifully written that instead of moving on, you found yourself slipping into reverse mode.” – Nav’s Hook

‘Letters‘ from the India-based indie alt-blues singer-songwriter Nav’s Hook, shows us a man on a mission to express his new art. He flood our minds with a memory that he cherishes so much. As he now sits down by the fire with a beverage, and marvels at these incredible times, that makes him wonder could of transpired if the timing had been different.

See this top lyric video on YouTube and find out more on his FB music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Rob Quo leads the conversation with his vintage psych-pop single, ‘Talkin’ Bout the Truth’.

Posted on 8 July 2021

London-based Singer-songwriter and emissary of soul, Rob Quo, has released his EP, Let It Spin, which captures his vintage-inclined style at its most accordant and psychedelic.

If you can imagine what it would sound like if the Zombies covered ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’, you’ll get an idea of the hazily sticky-sweet vibe Rob Quo orchestrated with the lead single; Talkin’ Bout the Truth.

The EP marks the singer-songwriter’s transition away from folk and blues and into the realm of experimental aural eclecticism. With an LP in the works, due for release in 2022, the old school crooner is well worth a spot on your radar.

Talkin’ Bout the Truth is now available to stream via SoundCloud.

Follow Rob Quo via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast