The New York Times raves, “Walker is a singer with a Cadillac of a voice. He delivers no-nonsense, gutsy blues. His guitar solos are fast, wiry and incisive, moaning with bluesy despair.” According to Living Blues, he is “one of today’s modern musical masters.” Rolling Stone simply calls him “ferocious”.
Nowhere is that more apparent than in Walker’s Alligator Records debut, Hellfire. Produced by songwriter/drummer Tom Hambridge (producer of Buddy Guy’s two most recent Grammy-winning CDs, Skin Deep and Living Proof, as well as albums for Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood and others), Hellfire burns with rock energy and intense blues feeling. Walker, who wrote or co-wrote seven of the CD’s eleven tracks, says it’s the hardest rocking and most deeply soulful album of his career. His blistering blues guitar playing and gospel-tinged vocals effortlessly blend throughout the album. From the psychedelic overtones of the title track (a harrowing and personal tale of the struggle of good versus evil) to the slow, simmering and pleading “What’s It Worth” to the Stones-y rocker “Ride All Night”, Hellfire is the work of a man possessed. Walker’s original showstopper “Soldier For Jesus” (featuring vocal harmonies from The Jordanaires, who also appear on “Don’t Cry”) fits seamlessly alongside the other selections, making perfect thematic sense in the tradition of Al Green, Marvin Gaye or Prince, who all successfully combined carnal desires and gospel devotion.
Intrepid Artists Int’l is proud to announce that Eric Sardinas is coming home to Intrepid.
After being away for the last few years, Eric Sardinas and his band, Big Motor have rejoined the Intrepid Artists Family. Intrepid President, Rick Booth says, “I must say it is really great to have Eric back at Intrepid Artists! He was always a favorite of the agency and a personal favorite of mine. We look forward to touring him in support of his new release on Provogue Records, Sticks & Stones in the upcoming 2012 year. Eric’s music has always been innovative and unique. On stage Eric is a star and off stage, he is one of the most down to earth guys you will ever meet. Really glad to have him back at Intrepid!”
Congratulations are in order for Yo’ Mamas’ Big Fat Booty Band, Simplified and Rick Booth! All were recipients of 2011 Charlotte Music Awards presented at The Halton Theatre in Uptown Charlotte, NC on Dec 8.
Yo’ Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band was presented with the “Producer’s Choice” Award and recognized for their extensive touring and their wild, energetic shows. Rick Booth was presented with the “Agent Of The Year” Award while Simplified took home some Big Hardware. Simplified was presented the “Music Connection Magazine” Award for their professionalism in the Industry and the Big prize… “BAND OF THE YEAR“!
Congrats to all the 2011 Big Winners!
Ana Popovic – Nominated for Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year for Unconditional, Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year and DVD Of The Year for An Evening at Trasimeno Lake (ArtisteXclusive)
Curtis Salgado – Nominated for Soul Blues Male Artist Of The Year
Hadden Sayers – Nominated for Song Of The Year for “Back To The Blues” (Hard Dollar – Hadden Sayers)
Janiva Magness – Nominated for Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year
Joe Louis Walker – Nominated for Contemporary Blues Male Artist Of The Year
Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials – Nominated for B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year and Band Of The Year
Rick Estrin – Nominated for Instrumentalist Of The Year – Harmonica
Tony Braunagel – Nominated for Instrumentalist Of The Year – Drums
Trampled Under Foot – Nominated for Band Of The Year, DVD Of The Year for The Emporium to the Orpheum (Redwood) and Danielle Schnebelen is nominated for Instrumentalist Of The Year – Bass
Cast your votes today! (http://www.blues.org/bluesmusicawards/index.php#ref=bluesmusicawards_vote)
Simplified hits the Red Carpet before playing at the NASCAR Nationwide Series/Camping World Truck Series Banquet and Champion's Party in South Beach! Good times had by all!
