Blues Unlimited - The Radio Show

Sleepy Boy Hawkins
Blues Unlimited - The Radio Show

Join us as we explore the wonderful world of the Blues, and its history, heritage, and rich cultural traditions.

  1. This Week on BU - Imperial Records Down Home Blues (Hour 2)

    23/07/2019

    This Week on BU - Imperial Records Down Home Blues (Hour 2)

    “The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James” is STILL the #1 New Release at the Amazon Kindle Store for Blues Books. On sale now at https://tinyurl.com/yy6vlsv3 (Amazon) and at https://tinyurl.com/y4ql53s2 (Apple Books) The Imperial Record label, founded in 1948 in Los Angeles, is well known as the home of Fats Domino and other great New Orleans artists, as well as Texas guitar hero T-Bone Walker. On this episode of Blues Unlimited, however, we focus on some of the fantastic Country and Down Home Blues that Imperial held in their catalog over the years, from Lightnin' Hopkins, Clifton Chenier, Papa Lightfoot, Lil' Son Jackson, BooZoo Chavis, Snooks Eaglin, and many more. Partly inspired by a series of three LPs that came out more than 50 years ago, simply entitled "Rural Blues," we'll hear lots of rarities and classic sides from Imperial, as well as associated labels (such as Aladdin, which Imperial bought in 1961) and a few other operations that were on Imperial's radar as well. The three LPs -- the material for which was notably selected by Bob "The Bear" Hite and Henry Vestine of Canned Heat fame -- were originally subtitled "Goin' Up The Country" (Volume 1); "Saturday Night Function" (Volume 2); and "Down Home Stomp," and have long been considered to be classics of the genre. Pictured: The distinctive cover art for "Rural Blues, Vol. 1." Are you looking for ways to promote your band’s latest release, product, business, or service? Advertise on the podcast that’s been downloaded over one million times, and reach a global audience of blues lovers! Contact us at bluesunlimited at gmail dot com for more details! This episode is available commercial free and in its original full-fidelity high quality audio exclusively to our subscribers at Bandcamp. Your annual subscription of $27 a year will go directly to support this radio show, and you’ll gain INSTANT DOWNLOAD ACCESS to this and more than 170 other episodes from our extensive archive as well. More info is at http://bluesunlimited.bandcamp.com/subscribe

    1h 1m
  2. This Week on BU - Movin' & Groovin' to the Hammond B3 (Hour 2)

    08/07/2019

    This Week on BU - Movin' & Groovin' to the Hammond B3 (Hour 2)

    “The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James” was the #1 New Release at the Amazon Kindle Store for Blues Books. On sale now at https://tinyurl.com/yy6vlsv3 (Amazon) and at https://tinyurl.com/y4ql53s2 (Apple Books) The first Hammond Organ -- the Model A -- was introduced in the United States in 1935 by inventor Laurens Hammond. He originally intended it for use in radio broadcasting, as a replacement for the piano in middle class homes, and as an affordable substitute for the pipe organ in churches. In the mid 1950s, the B3 model was introduced, and it quickly found a home in blues, gospel, and jazz music circles -- becoming one of their most popular sellers. On this episode of Blues Unlimited, we'll hear Hammond B3 rarities from Saint Louis-based keyboardist Sam Lazar (Jazz guitar legend Grant Green was an early member of the group) as well as J.C. Davis (his 45 for Chess, "Feznecky"), plus all time classics from Bill Doggett, Booker T. & the MG's, Jimmy McGriff, James Booker, and a special treat from Jazz keyboard legend Jimmy Smith. Although the original Hammond B3 was officially discontinued in 1974, we’re pleased to say that Suzuki -- who now owns Hammond -- recently came out with an updated tribute model, which is said to duplicate every single aspect of the original. Whether on a vintage Hammond B3 or the newly redesigned one, we look forward to more fine music being made on the Hammond B3 in years to come. Pictured: Hit maker for Stax Records, Booker T. Jones. Are you looking for ways to promote your band’s latest release, product, business, or service? Advertise on the podcast that’s been downloaded over one million times, and reach a global audience of blues lovers! Contact us at bluesunlimited at gmail dot com for more details! This episode is available commercial free and in its original full-fidelity high quality audio exclusively to our subscribers at Bandcamp. Your annual subscription of $27 a year will go directly to support this radio show, and you’ll gain INSTANT DOWNLOAD ACCESS to this and more than 170 other episodes from our extensive archive as well. More info is at http://bluesunlimited.bandcamp.com/subscribe

    57 min
  3. Chicago Blues Harmonica 1945-1955 (Hour 2)

    08/07/2019

    Chicago Blues Harmonica 1945-1955 (Hour 2)

    “The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James” is the #1 New Release at the Amazon Kindle Store for Blues Books. On sale now at https://tinyurl.com/yy6vlsv3 (Amazon) and at https://tinyurl.com/y4ql53s2 (Apple Books) As a special treat to our listeners, here’s another blast from the archives that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Enjoy! —SBH. On this episode of Blues Unlimited, we take a look at some of the great harmonica wizards that were a mainstay of the Chicago Blues scene. Beginning with 'The Chairman of the Board' – John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, who was pretty much responsible for putting the harmonica on the Windy City Blues map in the first place – and continuing on up through the early recordings of Little Walter, Snooky Pryor, Junior Wells, and Big Walter Horton, it's a veritable feast of Harmonica Blues, as we pull out some of the finest waxings the Windy City had to offer, including some rare gems and a look at some of the 'lesser knowns' who were a part of the scene as well. Pictured: Little Walter, the King of Chicago Blues Harmonica. Are you looking for ways to promote your band’s latest release, product, business, or service? Advertise on the podcast that’s been downloaded over one million times, and reach a global audience of blues lovers! Contact us at bluesunlimited at gmail dot com for more details! This episode is available commercial free and in its original full-fidelity high quality audio exclusively to our subscribers at Bandcamp. Your annual subscription of $27 a year will go directly to support this radio show, and you’ll gain INSTANT DOWNLOAD ACCESS to this and more than 170 other episodes from our extensive archive as well. More info is at http://bluesunlimited.bandcamp.com/subscribe

    57 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

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Join us as we explore the wonderful world of the Blues, and its history, heritage, and rich cultural traditions.

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