Simply Six: Amanda Marie

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I’ve been very fortunate in my music career over the past 22 years! I started professionally singing when I was 8 years old, as I was trained classically & performed in my first musical; “The Wizard of Oz”!  Then, at the young age of 10, I toured the Caribbean waters with Norwegian Cruise Line, where I performed the lead role of Tootie in “Meet Me in St. Louis” & was featured in the Broadway review show, “Sea Legs Goes Hollywood”.  I currently study voice with Ron Anderson, of Anderson Vocal Productions.  Ron’s the entertainment industry’s “go-to-guy” for Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Joss Stone, just to name a few.  Ron has stimulated & refined my passion for performing music enveloping my classical vocal training!  From all of these great events in my life, my musical spark exploded last year when I had a private vocal session with American Idols’ Randy Jackson & Kara DioGuardi. They both encouraged me to pursue my unique music style as a balladeer: light & airy adult contemporary with a classical flavor.  From this experience, I knew without a doubt that my life & future was to be centered around music, as it feeds my soul in a way that nothing else can!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

My musical tastings are very eclectic! Some of my favorites are:  Susan Boyle, Eva Cassidy, Josh Groban, Indigo Girls, Harry Connick, Jr., Sara Bareilles, Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, Journey, U2, Norah Jones, Weezer, Mariah Carey, Ella Fitzgerald, Stephanie J. Block!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

A great moment in my musical career so far, was when I was chosen by Minder Music, Ltd., an independent music publishing company based in London, to be a demo singer for Susan Boyle!  When I found out that it was my voice that Susan would be hearing on a song that the company was pitching to her & her team, I was super excited; I couldn’t believe it was my voice she would hear!!!  Also, I love that Susan Boyle has gained notoriety as she is a true talent & deserves all of her success!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Yes, I definitely believe that music can change the world!  Music is so universal, as it speaks to people in a way, that I believe nothing else really can!  Many times in my life, music has been a place of escape for me, as well as a foundation & I believe it can do the same for others! This is why I believe my voice can “calm & feed the soul”, as well as a place of serenity!

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology is a funny thing, as it is both a blessing & a curse!  It’s a blessing in the fact that technology has come so far & has made the music business what it is today & over the past 10+ years.  We need it to record music, promote music, sell music & to survive in this business.  I feel it’s a curse in some ways, because it’s changed the music scene of today & over the past few years, as the music industry has become so electronically driven.  We are starting to see a rise again in live musicians & I think that’s a great thing! I used all live musicians on my debut EP, “Amancipation”, as the players on my album are some of the best in the music scene today!

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Wow, this is such a great question, especially since I’m a shoe addict; no joke, I’d rather buy shoes than eat a meal!! You can even see me lying in some of my shoes, in the picture on the back of my album cover (see below).  Well I must admit that I LOVE my gray Rainbow sandals & chocolate brown UGG boots, but one of my favorite pairs of shoes are my champagne color Via Spiga heels, as they are comfy, classic & even have rhinestones on the straps!  These shoes are simple elegance with beautiful craftsmanship from Italy & a must-have for any shoe lover!! J

Simply Six: May McDonough

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

-----  My mother kept musical instruments around the house, and she was a rock n roll girl herself.  I learned guitar watching her, and passing tips back and forth with my brother.  Singing was just a part our lives as a family.  The three of us used to harmonize irish folks songs on the way to kindergarten in the mornings.  So I'm not sure I can isolate any defining moment for me.  I was always a musician.  All though I did go through a few years in highschool trying to be a comedian.  Even then though... I think comedians are just musicians who can't play, and musicians are just comedians who aren't funny.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

------  My music collection is pretty lofty, but I've got favorites.  Sonic Youth, Neutral Milk Hotel, Tom Waits, The Beatles, The Pixies.  I grew up on Bowie and Led Zeppelin and the greats and then moved into the more obscure stuff in high school.  There's a common thread in what I like, but I couldn't name it for the life of me.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

----  That's got to be a tie between recording my first album last year, and now having a band and playing the House of Blues for the first time.  For an indie band, that's one of the biggest stages we'll ever be privy to.  Can't wait.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

----  Sure.  Music is art.  And art is distinctly what we do with our humanity.  There's not much pragmatic purpose in it, yet it's what we do.  so I feel like it must be some integral part of the human experience.  It most certainly can influence our actions and our perspectives.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

---- Well, while the industry fat cats we're busy debating over what new format to use, some nerdy music fans sitting in their basement somewhere created the mp3 and started sharing.  That's definitely the greatest influence I've seen on the industry.  Sharing has given indie bands like us a platform.  Mp3's have made word of mouth powerful again. It's unfortunate that the RIAA refuses to see that.  I wrote an open letter to the RIAA about it on our blog.  They need to revise their laws.  

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

----  Probably the kind of pair where one is always missing.

Spotlight: Paul Waters

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://paulwatersmusic.com
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Description:
Biography: Paul Waters is a musician, actor, Author, record producer, songwriter, singer, and sound engineer, however, he is most recognized for his work in the field of music. Paul Waters began his musical career at the age of 13 in the small snowy town of Iron Mountain Michigan, and by the age of 16 had won the battle of the bands in Michigan with his group Mindfold. Paul Left home at 18 and made a cross country trip in his 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo he called "Irene" on his way to Hollywood, Ca to pursue his musical career as a singer/songwriter/Actor. By the age of 21 Paul had worked and performed with Grammy Award winning musicians and recorded music in Europe, as well as all over the United States. He has worked alongside the Robb Brothers "Credited with over 250 Million Records", Bill Bottrell, Tony DeNiro, Natalie Noone, as well as Sjoerd Koppert, and has continued to shape and mold his cutting edge and original sound. His music can be descibed as a twist of extremely catchy heart fealt ballads and an original alternative rock/pop sound with a shot of the blues and classical, fueled by his unique and powerful vocals. Paul Waters has recorded and performed in Switzerland, London, Hawaii, Hollywood, and across the entire US. He has written over 200 Songs, played live on numerous radio shows, and has most recently been documented on A&E's "Obsessed" for his decade long battle against OCD. He has received countless awards for song writing including "Best Pop/Rock song" from the Paramount Group, $30,000 in advertising from listenersstation.com where he won "Best Pop Rock song" for his song titled "Two Shades of Grey." Other achievements include reaching #1 on the Rock/Folk charts on MySpace. Paul currently has over 1 Million plays on the popular social networking site myspace.com as well as accumulated well over 1,000,000 profile views. In his spare time he is also an author credited with the fictional story entitled "Sara Dwells & The Book of Answers." Currently a second novel is being created called "Jack." Paul is busy writing and recording new songs as well as playing numerous live shows around California.
Press Release: Self-titled Debut from Singer/Songwriter Paul Waters Drops March 1st on Lindemark Music Collection With the release of his self-titled solo album, singer/songwriter/actor/producer Paul Waters takes his award-winning songwriting skills, acoustic blues-tinged rock to the next level. While his warm, emotional vocal, deeply felt lyrics and raw instrumentation bring to mind artists such as Chris Isaak, David Gray and Neil Young – Paul Waters style is uniquely his own. With his latest self-titled release, “Paul Waters” (Lindemark Music Collection), he will transport listeners into his deeply introspective, musical world. Already top-of-mind with online music fans, Paul Waters’ landed the coveted #1 position on the indie/unsigned artist MySpace.com Rock/Folk Chart and his music has garnered over1 million plays on the popular social networking site. In addition, Waters has received numerous awards for songwriting including "Best Pop/Rock Song" from the Paramount and his song, “Two Shades of Gray” was voted “Best Pop/Rock Song” on http://www.listenersstation.com. He has also played live on a multitude of radio shows including, “Hungover Radio” and “The Kerri Kasem Show.” Raised in the small town of Iron Mountain, Michigan, Waters has recorded and performed in Europe and virtually everywhere in the continental United States and Hawaii. He has also worked alongside the legendary Robb Brothers -- owners of the landmark Cherokee Studios in Hollywood where the likes of David Bowie, Michael Jackson and Aerosmith among many others have recorded. Seizing any opportunity to capture fans’ attention, Waters’ struggle against Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was recently documented on the popular A&E series "Obsessed.” “After tens of thousands of miles around the world, from the mountains of Hawaii, to the Alps of Switzerland, this music is finally available for purchase via the Internet,” says Waters. “It has been a beautiful struggle to say the least. Along the way I have endured some amazing moments, and some I would rather forget, but, it's what made these songs what they are, and I wouldn't have changed a thing about them.” Recorded and mixed in various locations around the globe including Switzerland, Hawaii and California, “Paul Waters” features such memorable tracks as “Born to Fly,” “Inside” and “Rain on the Window.” Water is currently based in Hollywood, California. For more information, please visit: http://paulwatersmusic.com/fr_home.cfm

Spotlight: Kelly Manu

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.kellymanu.com
Location: Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
Description: Kelly writes Gospel tunes and Love songs~Check Official Video's Link @ www.kellymanu.com
Biography: "My Love" is Kelly's 4th Album release, which is Nominated for Gospel Country Album of the Year Via GMA Canada 2011. The song "Why" from this album was written after someone she knew commited suicide, It's expected it, to be used in a movie. The song "Krystalynn My Love" was written for Kelly's daughter for a TV Show they starred in, in June 2011 "In-Law Wedding Wars" which was the #1 show ont the Slice Network when aired. Kelly has 6 Official Video's out. Kelly recieved a Black Essence Award and a Place in Their Hall of Fame October 2010, for impacting lives in a positive way. www.kellymanu.com
Press Release: Sep 13, 2011 - When you hear an inspirational story one would think that you would want to shout it out from the mountain tops. This was the case with Kelly Manu, a cancer survivor and a cancer miracle. In 2004 after a car accident and after many ‘second opinions’, Kelly was told that she had cervical cancer. She was also told that it spread up the left side and there was a spot on her spine. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments followed. She was also given a 2-5 year survival timeline. Kelly Manu didn’t give up hope. Even with such a dismal diagnosis, Kelly kept her faith and the belief that she would kick this. “One Sunday night there was a worldwide prayer going on for me at a specific time”, Kelly states. “ I got on my knees where I was and went into prayer also. Within that hour I felt something happen in my body. I could literally feel the presence of Angels with me. I knew in that moment, without a doubt, I had been healed”. Before being wheeled into the operating room to have a machine inserted for brachy radiation treatment, Kelly wrote the following statement in her journal, “Thank you God, for totally healing my body- I Thank You in advance, for the good report for my parents”. When she awoke from the operating room, the doctors revealed the diagnosis to her, that there was no evidence of disease in her body. This was a miracle indeed. It’s time for Kelly Manu to shout it out from the mountain tops, that because of her faith and others who prayed for her, that she received a miracle. Kelly Manu's new CD "My Love" was released June 2011, Her lead singles are "Why" and "Angels", which were written after a suicide death of a friend. This entire CD is all about Love!

Simply Six: Rick Shaffer

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew

they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the

Ed Sullivan Show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan

half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

For me it was seeing The Rolling Stones on Shindig in 1965, and Iggy & The Stooges in 1969.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I enjoy listening to Jessie Mae Hemphill, Hasil Adkins, The Pretty Things, and Joe Meek.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

On record it was the thrill of recording The Reds® first album for A&M Records, and live was opening for Blondie on their Heart Of Glass tour.

4. Do you believe music can change the world, or is just something to listen to?

How much can music influence current events?

I think music can motivate one person to create something that results in totally changing the world, hopefully in a good way.  Certainly the most current example is the late Steve Jobs.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected

your career as a musician?

Technology has surely changed the industry, especially with digital downloading in terms of sales/royalties.  It directly affects me with total power over my work, and by continually providing new ways of getting my music heard everywhere on the globe.  Technology changes daily though, so the story is yet to be fully told.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of

shoes would you be?

The shoes would be a lovely pair I actually own, 1960’s red suede Beatle boots.

The Vaults of (Roots Music) Heaven: Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music Unlocks the Lost Gems and Wild Creativity of its Live Archives

Venerable vernacular music institution releases 127 live tracks by the best in American and global music from last half century.
On a stack of DATs in a shoebox lay the history of American music. There were local legends and major icons, global musicians and indie rockers. Some captured beautifully from the board, some gleaned quietly from the dusty archives of a radio station, the recordings held wildly creative decades of sound from Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, a roots-music touchstone for nearly 55 years. And no one had heard them.

Joan Baez and Donovan, Big Bill Broonzy and Ella Jenkins, Pete Seeger and Taj Mahal, Martin Carthy and Steve Earle, Doc Watson andMahalia Jackson: It was a literal who’s-who of folk, gospel, country, bluegrass, blues, and world music, caught in hours of exciting performances. But someone had to put the pieces together—all 127 tracks worth—and someone had to clear all the rights with 85 different artists.

They succeeded, against odds that would have stopped others in their tracks. Live From The Old Town School (Old Town School Recordings; release: December 13, 2011) reveals not only the venerable institution’s storied start, but its role in the recent infusion of new energy into the roots music world, with everyone from Toumani Diabate and Oumou Sangare toAndrew Bird and Lila Downs.

This crucial collection of rare live gems is available for download from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby, with most of the proceeds going to benefit the School’s educational work with children and adults. And though very diverse, the tracks share a common quality.

“These are all performers who know how to communicate with the audience in a very personal way,” says Colby Maddox, librarian/archivist and teacher at the Old Town School, who spearheaded the project and attracted support for it from the Donnelley Foundation. “They don’t need that distance, that huge arena. They want to get down close and make people happy. And they are all coming from well-established traditions, all different, but all strong.”

***

“You can feel the immense energy in the concerts and what we’re presenting,” explains Maddox. “Take Andrew Bird’s show. He was called in as an opening act on short notice, and he put together a band last minute. All these great musicians ran in to play with him, and you can really feel the spontaneity and excitement of that show in the recording.”

Immense energy and deep commitment are at the heart of the Old Town School’s work, past and present. From humble, grassroots beginnings in the lessons and singing circles during the folk revival’s heyday, the School became an established part of the thriving Chicago folk scene, a scene that temporarily rivaled New York and Berkeley in its vibrancy. At the School, folk stars of the day crooned, moved audiences, and even jokingly imitated each other.

Behind the scenes, even as the School became a highly respected fixture of the Chicago music scene and a sought-after venue for many musicians, the spirit of its origins remained. Jam sessions would go on all evening, in the dressing rooms, hallways, and elevators. Annual parties would last all night. Unlikely duos and trios would perform at unforgettable one-off shows, fortunately caught on tape (and now released for all to enjoy). Moments likeOdetta’s striking version of “Strawberry Fields Forever” or Jeff Tweedy ofWilco’s unexpected cover of Schoolhouse Rock anthem (and De La Soul inspiration), “Three Is the Magic Number.”

“We once did a show with Robbie Fulks and Cowboy Jack Clement, the rockabilly producer from Sun Studios who wrote, ‘I Guess Things Happen That Way,’ for Johnny Cash,” recalls Jon Langford of The Mekons, an alt-country and punk legend in his own right and a longtime supporter of the School whose gritty cover of Procol Harum’s “Homburg” is part of the Live From collection. “At the end of the night, he joined us onstage for a ragged version, then played his ukulele for us all the way back to the dressing room, even in the elevator.”

But to bring these key moments and gorgeous relics to light also demanded intense energy. Maddox’s predecessor, Paul Tyler, meticulously copied early live tapes at the radio station that had become an unknowing repository for the School’s first concert recordings. “They had accumulated hundreds of tapes of performances and interviews. I would tuck our rack-mount DAT under my arm and hop on the El,” he remembers with a chuckle. Tyler grabbed tapes sitting in the station’s warehouse and recorded what he could in a vacant studio while his welcome lasted, gleaning famous performances from the late 1950s and 1960s. In addition to the older archives Tyler created, the School itself harbored shelves of digital recordings, started during its second heyday at the turn of the early 21st century.

Then they had to get the right to release the highest quality tracks. Some established artists, like eccentric folk rocker Donovan, were highly skeptical at first, but came around as they got mixes from Maddox and his team. Some composers, like the Puerto Rican songwriters behind some of Los Plenaros de la 21’s hot numbers, could not be found, no matter how the team tried. Months of back and forth, and they had their 127 choice tracks, merely the tip of the iceberg, Maddox notes.

“We transferred thousands of hours of music,” Maddox recalls. “I couldn’t cut it off; there was just so much good stuff. I knew this might be the only time we’d get to do this. I didn’t want to tell anyone no!”

1

Simply Six: Lenny Marcus

  

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?  

     For me, it was when I went to see jazz/blues pianist Ray Bryant perform at Blues Alley in Wash, DC.  He had the whole place rockin, I couldn't believe so much music could come out of one piano! I knew I wanted to be a jazz pianist right then.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

    I listen to so many different bands and performers; some of my jazz favorites are Dexter Gordon, Ray Bryant, James Drew, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, and my rock favorites are Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, The Beatles.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

   My favorite recording was "Jazzaphrenia," in which I got to play and record with two of the greatest sax players in jazz, Frank Foster of Count Basie fame, and Sonny Fortune from the Miles Davis era.  They each did 4 tunes on the album, and I had so much fun during that whole session.  As far as live performances, getting to play in a big outside jazz festival with Ray Charles' tenor sax man David "Fathead" Newman; that was a blast!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

   I watched a documentary last year that told of archeologists finding primitive drums and flutes dating back to almost the beginning of man.  I believe music has shaped and continues to shape the world.

   Recorded music and masterpiece compositions can last for centuries, but for me, live music is where it's at; going to live shows, experiencing "once in a lifetime" moments....truly wonderful.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

   I was a regular jazz pianist in New Orleans, LA for 12 years, and one of my gigs was playing solo jazz piano on the top floor of Jackson Brewery, where they made Dixie Beer.  I thought it was a steady gig, but one night I showed up to play, and there was a stuffed bear on the piano seat and one of those "new" CD players hooked underneath the grand piano; the piano was playing itself!  I think it was Oscar Peterson's music playing on the CD.  That changed my life, I went back to school to study other things besides music, just in case piano players were no longer needed.....

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

  I would be a pair of Frye boots, not sure why, but I had a favorite pair when I was growing up!

Spotlight: Robert Larrabee

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.larrabeeshow.com
Location: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Description:
Biography: ROBERT LARRABEE Bio Robert Larrabee was born in Vancouver B.C. at St Pauls Hospital Feb 3rd 1964 the now Medicine Hat Alberta based, Canadian singer-songwriter and performer has delighted audiences everywhere from the U.S. to London to Sydney—and, of course, throughout his native Canada. Robert has made a name for himself with a one man act audience members call “a great mix of music, talent and humour” that keeps you “laughing, dancing and smiling all night long;” Robert has spent time as an actor in Dinner Theatre, a Singer in many bar bands in his early years, and as a sought after Corporate Entertainer for the last twenty years. As a corporate entertainer Robert used his Dinner Theatre, and singing experience to not only entertain, but also to write, produce, and promote his one man act,” An Evening With the Legends” across Canada and abroad. “I enjoyed performing my Vegas style variety show because I was able to sing songs that I loved, the music I grew up with, and present the original singer in a very entertaining way, to enhance what they were already doing back then, for an audience now. I always believe in the songs I sing, and really enjoy what I’m doing on stage, if I’m having a great time it’s contagious. I loved doing up to twelve costume changes in one show, the comedy and audience interaction was fantastic! I can’t wait to bring that experience into my new all original music.” Now this talented performer is turning his attention towards his life long dream, of composing and promoting his own original songs. Robert describes his style as “a cross between pop, and country and he writes tunes that focus on love and joy, and his own life experience. With a voice that is smooth and strong, or light and sweet, Robert expresses himself though up beat rhythms and tempos that lift you up, and make your fingers snap, your face smile, and your feet dance.
Press Release:

Coming This Monday on Music on the Couch

Monday, October 31, 2011 10pm Eastern; 9pm Central; 8pm Mountain; 7pm Pacific    We will take your calls and questions for both guests at 1.347.633.9400 The live interactive chat room opens 20 minutes before show time. Follow this link HERE and click on the Chat Now icon. Come hang with the fans and musicians who visit each week. Come Sit On The Couch With Musicians You Should Know THIS WEEK: Sunday wilde & Kelly Carvin Sit On The Couch All treats, No tricks on Halloween Maybe some tricks - it IS Halloween Ya Know!   Sunday wilde Sunday wilde comes from a small town in Northern Ontario and plays a piano boogie that will dare you not to get up and dance. One of her songs "THAT Man Drives Me Mad" has been nominated for the 10th Annual Independent Music Awards for Best Blues Song of 2011 and has won the Voters choice Award in that category. With a gritty vocal styling laid on top of her hard driving piano, Sunday is making some special music. Her new album What Man?! Oh THAT man !!!  is a collection of songs that range the gamut of emotions. Sunday will sit with us and we get to explore her life and loves while catching some hot music from the album. Kelly Carvin Then Kelly Carvin comes and sits on The Couch.  Born and raised in New Jersey, this young lady has an old soul when it comes to her music.  A blend of rock, folk, country and blues, when I first heard her music I was sure she was a child of the 60's.  Her vocal stylings have been compared to Joni Mitchell, Joss Stone and Joan Joan Armatrading. Her debut album Kelly Carvin and the Future is a collection of original songs which show her total understanding of her talents. We will sit with Kelly and chat about her life, desires and hopes for the future while catching tuneage from the album. Don't miss a show Subscribe on iTunes Please Visit Their Sites 2012 IBC Show Sponsors      Weekly Show Sponsors: Mary4Music.com   2012 IBC The date seems far away (Jan 31 - Feb. 1-4, 2012) but in actuality it is right around the corner. Remember to tell your blues-loving friends about the event.  Go over and follow us on Twitter and follow us with #MusicOTC. Go over and like the show onFacebook to follow all the IBC news. Sponsorships are being sold, but there are still some very affordable opportunities to help put on the show and get the word about your products or services out to blues musicians and fans around the globe. For more information on how Music On The Couch will be involved in the event, please write2012IBC@musiconthecouch.com For sponsorship opportunities and rates, please writesponsorship@musiconthecouch.com Artist Spotlight Don Ray Band In January 2010, Blues Underground Network awarded their album On Top Of The Heap “2009 Best USA Blues Album”, “2009 Best Overall Blues Debut Album” and ranked them #2 on the Top 25 Best Worldwide Blues Albums of 2009. In April of 2010, Real Blues Magazine placed their 2009 debut album at the #1 spot on their Top 100 “Must Purchase” Blues chart. Their album Lonesome Rider was released in 2010 and garnered some great reviews. Don joined me on The Couch and we discussed his long journey to where he is today, which is right where he wants to be. The band is working on new music, so keep your ears open for some more Don Ray Band in the near future! The List So Far: Auckland Blues Society Darren Watson & The Real Deal Blues Band - Band Baltic Blues Big Daddy Wilson Duo - Solo/Duo Billtown Blues Society The Porkroll Project - Band Black Swamp Blues Society Tom & Alex Clawson - Solo/Duo Blueridge Blues Association Skinny Velvet - Band Blues Alliance Of The Treasure Coast Joel Zoss - Solo/Duo Blues Association of Geneva Marco Marchi and the Mojo Workers - Band Blues Society of NW Florida John "Fingers" Fuller - Solo/Duo John Hart & Fatty Waters - Band Blues Society Of Tulsa James Groves - Solo/Duo Wanda Watson Band - Band Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania Chris Yakopcic - Solo/Duo Boston Blues Society Shirley Lewis & Bob Comancho -Solo/Duo A Ton Of Blues - Band Cascade Blues Society Madman Sam - Solo/Duo Robbie Laws Band - Band Central Iowa Blues Society Bryce Janey - Solo/Duo The Candymakers - Band The Cincy Blues Society Brian Keith Wallen - Solo/Duo Connecticut Blues Society Petey Hop & The Jack Rabbits - Band DC Blues Society J.P. Reali - Solo/Duo Grafton Blues Society John Stano - Solo/Duo Grand River Blues Society Conor Gains Band - Band Granite State Blues Society Arthur James - Solo/Duo Gulf Coast Blues Society Johnny No - Band Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival  Ross Neilsen - Solo/Duo Indiana Blues Society Dickie James & The Blue Flames - Band Cole Prior Stevens - Solo/Duo Carson and the Spike Drivers - Youth Showcase Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation Norman Taylor - Solo/Duo Kentucky Blues Society RB Stone & Scott Wilson - Solo/Duo Long Island Blues Society T-Bone & Mr. Bill - Solo/Duo Gary Sellers Band - Band Magic City Blues Society 2blu - Solo/Duo Lefty Collins Band - Band Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society Dream Boogie - Band Minnesota Blues Society Annie Mack & Tom Kochie - Solo/Duo NE Ohio Blues Association Memphis Cradle - Band Norsk Blues Union Pristine - Band Omaha Blues Society Little Slim Blues Band - Band Ozark Blues Society Of NW Arkansas Ray Bonneville - Solo/Duo Phoenix Blues Society Common Ground Blues Band - Band Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Society Ellie Lee & Blues Fury - Band Prairie Roads Blues Society Hurricane Ruth - Band San Angelo Blues Society Danny Brooks - Solo/Duo Sedalia Blues Society Lascivious Deacons - Solo/Duo South Africa Blues Society Tony & the Trailer Cats - Band South Florida Blues Society Blues Dragon - Band Spa City Blues Society Cloverblue - Band Suncoast Blues Society Franc Roberts - Solo/Duo Selwyn Birchwood Band - Band Toronto Blues Society The 24th Street Wailers- Band Wichita Blues Society Craig Twister Steward - Solo/Duo WV Blues Society Cannibal Ramblers - Solo/Duo

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