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The Monday Morning Blues

The Monday Morning Blues

By Christian Hansen

A podcast dedicated to supporting all things Blues, Jazz, Rock and Southern Rock music!

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#10: Luke Repass

The Monday Morning BluesMay 11, 2020

00:00
58:51
#43: Trevor Battle

#43: Trevor Battle

When it comes to work ethic, nobody knows the grind like Trevor Battle. The Southern California songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has been honing his skills for over a decade, learning the ins and outs of Blues Music and the history of the Blues in order to take where its been and to bring it forward as to where Trevor Battle plans on taking it.

Episode Website Coming Soon 

Nov 22, 202149:02
#42: Sue Foley

#42: Sue Foley

Sue Foley is a Canadian guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader based in Austin, Texas. Her trademark instrument is a pink paisley Fender Telecaster. Sue sat down and discussed the new record which just released on October 22 of this year called "Pinky's Blues" which is her first record since 2018 when she released "Ice Queen".

Nov 08, 202140:48
#41: Stu Larsen

#41: Stu Larsen

Stu Larsen is an Aussie singer/songwriter with a wild streak of wanderlust and a knack for tastefully marrying narrative and melody. Emerging in 2014 with the aptly named Vagabond, his congenial folk-pop is both exploratory and inclusive, a love letter to the power of music and travel.

Mar 08, 202159:58
#40: Quinn Sullivan

#40: Quinn Sullivan

By all accounts, Quinn Sullivan has had an extraordinary journey so far. He has toured around the world, performed and recorded with musical icons, and he has been called one of the most gifted young guitarists in our midst today. Quinn is humbled by the incredible experiences he has been afforded and appreciates the opportunity to pursue his passion. His goal is simple. “I want to make music with integrity and music that moves people. To me, that is the definition of success”

Feb 22, 202159:54
#39: Connor Selby

#39: Connor Selby

Connor Selby is a rising British star in the traditions of Eric Clapton and Peter Green, who has already performed with his band at Wembley Stadium, at the age of 22, at the behest of The Who.


Feb 15, 202146:28
#38: Will Johns

#38: Will Johns

Will Johns is a man with the music in his blood, but it’s hardly surprising given his pedigree. His parents are actress/model Paula Boyd, sister of Pattie, and record producer Andy Johns (who worked with the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton), and his uncles include Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood,George Harrison and Glyn Johns. Will sits down with me and we discuss life during year one of the pandemic, his new album slated to come out at sometime this year called "Blues Daddy" and so much more!

Feb 08, 202150:42
#37: Lane Peoples

#37: Lane Peoples

Lane Peoples up in coming blues/rock/southern rock guitarist from Florida!
Feb 01, 202101:04:39
#36: Othman Wahabi
Dec 28, 202056:50
#35: Eddy Castles

#35: Eddy Castles

Today is Eddy Castles Day! Eddy is a Singer Songwriter/Guitarist in the newly formed jam band Teachers in Custody.
Dec 22, 202001:01:21
#34: Zane Carney

#34: Zane Carney

Zane Carney is a guitarist, singer and songwriter who plays with John Mayer, Avril Lavigne, CARNEY & Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark.

Dec 14, 202051:05
#33: Kenny Potilechio

#33: Kenny Potilechio

Kenny Potilechio! Member of the KP3 Trio, PBJ and the band Run Forrest Run! 

Dec 08, 202001:04:42
#32: Brian Durbin

#32: Brian Durbin

Brian Durbin lead singer of the 80's Hair Rock/Metal Tribute Band Hairbangers Ball sits down with Christian and talks about his journey through life as a musician and how he's been able to navigate through this pandemic while still performing shows.

Dec 07, 202001:07:59
#31: Vinnie Moore

#31: Vinnie Moore

Vinnie Moore is an American guitarist and a member of the British hard rock band UFO. Moore is one of the most influential and important guitarists to emerge from the virtuoso boom in the mid to late eighties.
Dec 01, 202047:14
#30: Erin Coburn

#30: Erin Coburn

Erin Coburn is settled in Kentucky, making music that is primarily Rock, which is heavily influenced by artists like Badflower, The Black Keys, and Cage the Elephant. Having released her debut album Chaos Before Conformity in 2015, followed by her sophomore release Queen of Nothing two years later and her third record in 2019, Out From Under. Since then, Coburn’s fanbase has grown both nationally and worldwide. Joining Erin in this interview is her drummer Brandon Pettiford.

Nov 17, 202001:06:50
#29: Damon Fowler

#29: Damon Fowler

Fowler's guitar work has been compared to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar has a hint of the late Duane Allman. He can play fiery guitar runs with the best of them, but it's his lyrical work on lap steel and Dobro that makes him stand out among the legions of guitar heroes.

Nov 09, 202001:16:41
#28: Dweezil Zappa

#28: Dweezil Zappa

Dweezil Zappa is an American rock guitarist and occasional actor. He is the son of musical composer and performer Frank Zappa. Exposed to the music industry from an early age, Dweezil developed a strong affinity for playing the guitar and producing music.
Nov 02, 202001:08:07
#27: Champ Jaxon

#27: Champ Jaxon

Champ Jaxon is a nine year old aspiring blues-rock musician based out of Southwest Florida. Champ was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 2010 and his family relocated back to Florida in 2013 when he was three years old. Shortly thereafter, in the Spring of 2014, Champ attended the Wanee Music Festival at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. He witnessed the Allman Brothers Band on their farewell tour as well as many other great acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Moe., Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov't Mule, Royal Southern Brotherhood, and more. Although he'd already been exposed to music beforehand, that festival is where his passion was ignited. He and his family attended the next four Wanee festivals as well as many other festivals and concerts throughout Florida since then, including the Rolling Stones most recently.
Champ began studying the guitar around age six, although he had a ukulele he'd been banging around with prior to that. His father taught him a few basics to get going and he currently receives instruction at the Rock Box Music School in North Port, FL. Champ's debut performance came when sang one song at a youth talent showcase in May 2018. That was followed by a handful of local open mic appearances, which led to his first featured gig at Big Storm Brewing in Cape Coral, FL in March of 2019. Since then, Champ has performed at various venues throughout Southwest Florida, including Punta Gorda's 50th Anniversary Woodstock Celebration, The Southwest Florida International Blues Society Regional International Blues Competition, and the Big Orange Music Festival, where he shared the stage with Blackberry Smoke, The Allman Betts Band, JD Simo, Joanna Shaw Taylor, and more. Champ plays a Gibson SG Signature Guitar through a Fender Blues Junior IV Humboldt Edition Amplifier and uses D'Addario strings, He is also a proud member of the Lone Hawk Hat family, which includes the likes of Sheryl Crow, Chris Robinson, Marcus King, and other esteemed entertainers. Champ's band mates, the Low Flying Owls (inspired by a road sign on nearby Captiva Island), include his father, Nate Winkler on rhythm guitar and backup vocals. They are joined by Brent Adam on drums and Alex Mazevski on bass. All three band members are involved in solo projects or also members of other bands.

Aug 17, 202037:08
#26: Connor Korte

#26: Connor Korte

Graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelors in Audio Engineering he took his life on the road as a crew member for many professional musicians. While off the road he has a love for the blues. His passion heightened when he decided to create a historical documentary film series called 594 Miles From Chicago. Archiving the lives of over 100 Chicago blues musicians. He is also the owner of Bluesbird Talent Agency LLC., the booking and production company involved in the film.

Aug 10, 202048:56
#25: Aidan Skinner

#25: Aidan Skinner

Aidan Skinner and I talk about his blues influences, getting into guitar, meeting some of his hero's and more.

Aug 03, 202001:07:01
#24: Neil Carter

#24: Neil Carter

Neil Carter is an English musician who has worked in diverse genres throughout his career. Classically trained, he became a professional rock musician at the age of 17 and initially had his first "mainstream" experience with singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan. He subsequently played guitar and keyboard for the hard rock band UFO, blues rock guitarist Gary Moore, and Wild Horses. He is credited for co-writing a number of Gary Moore's songs including the worldwide hit "Empty Rooms". At 30 he left the rock world and developed a different career as both teacher of woodwind (saxophone and clarinet) and as an ABRSM examiner. 2010 saw an unexpected return to rock with Gary Moore, playing festivals across Europe and a tour of Ukraine and Russia. Future tours and a Celtic rock album were to follow but this was curtailed by the death of Gary Moore in February 2011. On 30 April 2019, it was announced that he would return to UFO for their 'Last Orders' tour, following the death of Paul Raymond with Neil replacing Paul. The tour began in June 2019 in Germany with concerts and festival appearances. It is expected that following the USA dates in autumn 2019 there will be some concerts in 2020 as a continuation of the bands’ final 50th anniversary tour.He taught at Brighton College, from January 1993 holding the position of "Head of Woodwind and Brass". He taught one-on-one lessons on clarinet and saxophone. Neil was the conductor of the school Concert Band, and the school Saxophone Ensemble and led the School's Swing Band. Neil left Brighton College in June 2014 to move down to his home in Lanzarote. 

Jul 27, 202055:18
#23: Joey Stuckey

#23: Joey Stuckey

Sponsor: https://nightfood.comWhat is happening y'all! Today is Joey Stuckey Day on the show! Joey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio and television personality, music columnist, educator and sound engineer. 

Jul 20, 202001:23:49
#22: Heritage

#22: Heritage

Whats happening folks! It's Heritage day on the show! Had a great conversation with the band Heritage from Texas! A southern rock, blues rock band that kicks ass! Their debut album is out now titled "Long Hard Road" available on all streaming platforms! 

Jul 13, 202046:41
#21: Robert Connely Farr

#21: Robert Connely Farr

Today is Robert Connely Farr Day on the show! Be sure to check out his latest album titled "Dirty South Blues" by Robert Connely Farr & the Rebeltone Boys, available on all streaming platforms. Robert and I talk about life as a musician during COVID-19, his diagnosis with cancer, racial disparities and much more! 

Jul 06, 202054:57
#20: Jose Ramirez

#20: Jose Ramirez

Welcome to the Independence Day Special here on The Monday Morning Blues! Today is Jose Ramirez day on the show! The Costa Rica native just released his debut album titled "Here I Come" the album has garnered praise from even James Mattis the Former United States Secretary of Defense, "I really loved the album... my favorite songs are Gasoline & Matches and Traveling Riverside Blues. I could sit on my back porch and listen to it over and over" said Mattis. 

Jul 04, 202037:21
#19: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

#19: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

It's Kingfish day on the show! 2019 Grammy Nominee for Traditional Blues album and winner of 5 Blues Music Awards at the 2020 BMA's...his debut album is available now on all platforms! Be sure to check it out its self titled "Kingfish" ! Kingfish and I talk about race relations in America, Playing in the White House, working with legendary producer Tom Hambridge and much more!

Jun 29, 202039:24
#18: Ally Venable

#18: Ally Venable

It's Ally Venable Day! I sat down with the 21 year old Texas Blues Guitarist on Saturday! We talk about life during the pandemic, early influences, songwriting, being woman of the blues and much more! Be sure to support Ally by visiting her website where you can find her latest album which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Music Blues charts titled "Texas Honey", produced by Mike Zitto (also plays on the record) and featuring Eric Gales! 

Jun 22, 202043:34
#17: Johnny Burgin

#17: Johnny Burgin

Today is Johnny Burgin Day on the show! Johnny Burgin is an American blues guitarist and harmonica player who learned his craft from the masters of Chicago blues on the city's South and West sides. Since 1997, he has released nine recordings under his own name and played on numerous other recordings as a sideman to many blues legends. I talk with Johnny about life during this pandemic, the music scene in Chicago years ago when he started playing, his new album "No Border Blues" which released on Friday June 19, and much more!

Jun 21, 202048:00
#16: Aldynne Glanton

#16: Aldynne Glanton

Guitar World with Aldynne Glanton – Aldy is the man in charge of some of the most iconic guitars on the road today. The mobile Guitar World Devon and Aldy have built is amazing.

Jun 15, 202054:04
#15: Toronzo Cannon

#15: Toronzo Cannon

CTA driver by day and Chicago Blues legend by night....Meet Toronzo Cannon! Toronzo and I talk about racial inequality in our country, his time and friendship with Gary Clark Jr. and much more!

Jun 08, 202001:38:01
#14: Bobby Rush

#14: Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush...2017 GRAMMY winning blues legend, Blues Hall of Famer, 12x Blues Music Award winner, B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and makes a cameo in the Netflix Original ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ Starring Eddie Murphy. 

Jun 01, 202033:52
#13: Tom Hambridge

#13: Tom Hambridge

Tom Hambridge is a three-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, producer & drummer.Tom’s production work includes duets or solo projects with: Eric Clapton, BB King, James Bay, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, Keith Richards, Keb Mo, Mick Jagger, Susan Tedeschi, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Van Morrison, Joss Stone, Kid Rock, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, George Thorogood, Gary Clark Jr., Allen Toussaint, Delbert McClinton, Johnny Winter, James Cotton and many others.Tom has had over 500 of his songs recorded by such diverse artists as BB King, ZZ Top, Van Morrison, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Chris Young, Meatloaf, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others. His songs have been included in many major motion pictures, TV movies and shows from American Idol, Criminal Minds to The Super Bowl.Tom has produced 8 Grammy nominated albums , won three Grammy’s, won countless Handy and Blues Awards, 8 Boston Music Awards, ASCAP Country Music Awards, He is a recipient of the prestigious KBA Award in Memphis (Keeping the Blues Alive) and has been inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame.As a drummer Tom has played on albums and/or toured with: Eric Clapton, Keith Urban, Mick Jagger, James Bay, Boston, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Steven Tyler, Van Morrison, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, Carlos Santana, Kid Rock, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Roy Buchanan, Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Keb Mo, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, George Thorogood, Gary Clark Jr., Allen Toussaint, Hank Williams Jr.,Delbert McClinton, Johnny Winter, James Cotton and many others.

May 26, 202001:06:54
#12: Nick Bell

#12: Nick Bell

Nick Bell is a prominent, up and coming Chicago-land Blues and Rock guitarist. Influenced by the likes of Jeff Beck, Warren Haynes, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, and countless others; Nick plays with a distinct, fused, Blues-Rock style.At 26 years old, Nick Bell has shared the bill and stage with the likes of: Buddy Guy, Bret Michael's, Uriah Heep, Edgar Winter, Supertramp, Grand Funk Railroad, Robert Cray, Walter Trout, Pat Travers, Popa Chubby, Loverboy, Here Come the Mummies, Tower of Power, J. Geils Band, Gary Hoey, Anthony Gomes, Jackyl, Jason Ricci, Pablo Cruise, Guitar Shorty, James Armstrong, John Nemeth, Dave Uhrich, and many others.

May 25, 202001:01:20
#11: Ina Forsman

#11: Ina Forsman

Ina Forsman is an award-winning Finnish singer and songwriter based in Helsinki. With a powerful, expressive contralto, she writes and performs songs that intersect blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B. Her phrasing crisscrosses terrain that encompasses the influences of Rickie Lee Jones, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday; she can dial into a song with a throaty, dynamic wail or a slippery, wry, subtle croon.

May 18, 202054:26
#10: Luke Repass

#10: Luke Repass

Luke was born in Chicago and raised in East Tennessee. He is 23 years old and an accomplished and respected musician throughout the Chicagoland area. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats such as Carl Weathersby, Linsey Alexander, Mike Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon, Jimmy Johnson, Ric Jaz, and many more. Some of the festivals that he has performed at are Chicago Blues Festival, Ed Fest Musical Festival, Marshall Michigan Blues Fest to name a few. He always leaves the crowd wanting more.He received his first guitar at the age of 2 and has not put it down since! He was born for the stage. He is a self-taught guitarist with a unique style that captivates his audiences, large and small! Luke strives to wow audiences every show. Whether a small bar on the south side, an extravagant Blues club on the north side, a quaint restaurant or music festivals throughout the nation, Luke never fails to give his all, along with his band mates. His southern mannerisms shine through as he entertains crowds. Luke takes great pride in his performances and his band .
May 11, 202058:51
#9: Jackson Stokes

#9: Jackson Stokes

For guitarist and singer-songwriter Jackson Stokes, great musicians make great neighbors. Even as a youth weaned on classic rock- his first concert was Lynyrd Skynyrd- Stokes was unaware that living across the street from his St. Louis home was guitarist and singer-songwriter Devon Allman. Allman’s family tree is impressive as the son of Gregg Allman and nephew of Duane Allman of Allman Brothers Band fame. Yet, Stokes knew little of the legendary group. Encouraged by his father, and holding his guitar, the 11-year-old Stokes knocked on Allman’s door.Allman, two decades his elder, heard something special in the young Stokes and encouraged him to continue learning and growing as a musician. Stokes dutifully attended Allman’s Honeytribe rehearsals, sitting quietly in the corner while the group worked up its repertoire. At 14, Stokes had developed into a prodigious firebrand with a passion for the blues, teaming with another area wunderkind, Marquise Knox, and performing his first professional gigs.By 18, his experience playing in high school garage bands, and with an All-State school jazz band, expanded his rock-and-roll palette. He attended Drury University in Springfield, earning a degree in music therapy, while maintaining a friendship with Allman, who encouraged Stokes to further sharpen his songwriting skill. In Memphis in 2012, Allman produced a five-song EP, Witness, from the Stokes-led band, Delta Sol Revival.DSR toured regionally until 2016 when Stokes and Allman began discussing recording his solo debut. The pair returned to Memphis for the initial sessions, as Allman invited Stokes to join the Devon Allman Band for 2017, and subsequently the Devon Allman Project for a world tour in 2018. On days-off from the road, Stokes continued work on his album, organically building the full-length.In May of 2019, Stokes put the finishing touches on a striking inaugural effort. Produced by Allman, it is a lean and focused set of rock-and-soul, including an ambitious Talking Heads cover, and a depth of original material ranging in style and subjects. From the Memphis stroll of the opening “Can’t Getcha Out,” through the reflective acoustic closer, “Take Me Home,” the debut encompasses Stokes’ wide swath of influences and tastes. There’s the ‘60s R&B update that morphs into modern rock on “Slave,” the staggering punches of overdriven guitar on “Time is Now,” and the midnight seduction of “Contents Under Pressure.” A flourish of pleading guitars finishes the slowly climbing blues-rock centerpiece, “You and Your Partner,” while David Byrne meets Southern funky on “Life in Wartime.” As well, Stokes welcomes the sunny-days slide guitar of The Allman Betts Band’s Johnny Stachela to brighten the Southern sway of “Sins Are Forgiven,” complementing that with the chunky Saturday night blues of “Whiskey.”Naturally, the nine-song record offers plenty of the fiery guitar that has been the calling card of Stokes’ career for this first decade, showcasing the stellar reputation he’s earned sharing the stage with such icons as Robert Cray, The Wailers, and Robert Randolph, as well as Warren Haynes, Lukas Nelson, and Marcus King. Yet, it’s a conspicuous emphasis on Stokes’ escalating songcraft that also shines as brightly on this initial release.
May 07, 202001:08:05
#8: Greg Guy

#8: Greg Guy

Greg Guy is a recipient of the 2014 Chicago Blues Hall of Fame as an Honorary Master of Blues, and his guitar playing is greatly influenced by Prince — aside from being the son of the Living Legend Buddy Guy. One of Chicago’s own Sons of the Blues, Greg Guy has been playing music most of his life, as it’s in his DNA. He started playing his guitar publicly on the Buddy Guy’s Legends stage in 2009 during his father’s January Residency shows. With prior attempts he built the courage to join his father. He has toured the world with his father in the following places: São Paulo, Brazil, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.​In 2019, Greg played with Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith at the Chicago Blues Fest andstacked up recording credits with chart-topping Irish traditional musician Sharon Shannon on “Sacred Earth”; Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames on “Slip Into A Dream”; Chris Wragg and Greg Copeland’s “Deep In The Blood”; and the critically acclaimed new release “Drop The Hammer,” by another of Chicago’s Sons of the Blues, the great Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith.​Greg ventured on his own building musical relationships overseas in Rome and London, taking his guitar playing to new heights.​Currently, Greg Guy and The Robert Fetzer Band can be found at Chicago local blues venues collaborating together in the tradition of “Keeping the Blues Alive.” Greg Guy is proving to audiences everywhere he’s one of the hottest young guitar-slinging blues artists on set today, and rightful heir to the greatest name in blues music.SUPPORT THE SHOW: paypal.me/christianalanhansen
May 04, 202053:49
#7: Joel Baer

#7: Joel Baer

Joel Baer is an active performing and recording drummer in the Chicago area. Joel gained an interest in drums at an early age after watching his father Jeff play at church on a weekly basis. At the age of 11, he began formal instruction from drum educator Jack Brand in his hometown of Rockford, Illinois. Under Brand’s guidance, Joel developed his love for Jazz. This led to a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Elmhurst College and M.M. from DePaul University where he studied with Bob Rummage and Dana Hall. Joel is an in-demand sideman in the Chicago Blues scene. He’s worked extensively with blues guitarists Corey Dennison, Pistol Pete and Jimmy Nick, playing throughout the midwest and competing in the International Blues Challenge in 2012, 2013 and 2016. With the Corey Dennison Band, Joel performed and was interviewed for WYCC’s concert series on PBS in 2014 and released a self-titled album on legendary Chicago Blues label Delmark Records in 2016. That album led to nominations for a 2016 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist, two Blues Blast award nominations, a Chicago Music Awards nomination (Best Blues Artist) and the winner of the French Academie Du Jazz’s prestigious “Prix De Blues” award, which has been given since the 1960’s to luminaries like B.B. King, Lightning Hopkins and John Lee Hooker. In 2017, the Corey Dennison Band recorded Night After Night, which has also received a Blues Music award nomination for “2017 Contemporary Album of the Year”. This year also saw the release of Joel’s first jazz album, Structures, which included a limited vinyl release. Joel has been fortunate to perform with blues legends like Buddy Guy, Lurrie Bell, Carl Weathersby, Jimmy Johnson, Demetria Taylor, Eddie Shaw and Sam Lay and a host of current Chicago Blues and Jazz artists including Bob Margolin, Henry Grey, Mike Welch, Mike Ledbetter, Guy King, Fiona Boyes, Andy Poxon, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Sugar Blue, Toronzo Cannon, Gerry Hundt, Matt Hendricks, Omar Coleman, Mike Wheeler, Andrew Diehl, Rodney Brown, The Special 20’s, Dave Potter, Ronnie Hicks, Mark Colby, Randy Brecker, Wayne Bergeron, Richie Cole, Erin McDougald, Joe Hurt, and has also performed with the Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra. SUPPORT THE SHOW: paypal.me/christianalanhansen
Apr 27, 202055:34
#6: Ivy Ford

#6: Ivy Ford

Ivy Ford, singer, musician, entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at 27 she is quite the up and coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity. Fast forward two years and Ivy Ford has managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January, 2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland. She fronts her very own band and besides obtaining the title of “Chicago’s Blues Kitten,” performs song selections from not just the blues genres but RnB and soul. Aside from performing every weekend at both private and public event, clubs and venues, she is in the process of recording an unplugged album including originals. Some recent event for Ford include, radio shows on 90.9 WDCB, and In a Nutshell radio show on 98.3 WRLR. She’s been apart of Buddy Guys Legends, Artist series and traveled to Minneapolis, MN to perform at Artspace’s 2013 Celebration at the Cowle Theater. Ivy Ford has been featured in Buddy Guy’s Blues and Music News, Lake County Magazine and Blues Guitar Expert’s online forum.Ivy Ford, is one of the leading “youngbloods” of blues and brings a refreshing yet classic face to the music. She formerly handled her cherry red, Epiphone-339 with as much confidence as any of the bluesmen today and can belt out notes to fill a room and serenade a phrase sweeter than sugar in ways that make anyone and everyone tune in to what she has to say. With her latest “Buddy Guy,” polka dot stratocastor Ivy Ford, always respects the history and tradition of roots and blues music, while presenting it in a fresh, young and trendy way. When not fronting her own blues party, Ivy is quite respected backing up Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, J.B. Ritchie. Legendary guitarist and frontman as his bass player. Ritchie has played alongside some of the greats himself and has been amongst famous artists such as Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter. J.B. Ritchie as taken Ivy Ford under his wing and not only passes on the traditions of what being a class act entertainer and musician is about also shares a kindred friend and fellowsip from one artist to another. The audience proclaimed, “Perfect Storm,” frequently share the stage in the Chicago circuit and special events.
Apr 20, 202001:10:37
#5: Gerry Hundt

#5: Gerry Hundt

Gerry Hundt was playing Chicago Blues in taverns before he was allowed to drink in them. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Gerry has since lived in Vermont, New York City, Colorado, and Chicago. In Denver, he worked, toured, and recorded with the likes of John-Alex Mason, Ronnie Shellist, The ClamDaddys, and Easy Bill. From 2004 through 2009, Gerry toured the USA and EU relentlessly as a member of Chicago's Nick Moss & The Flip-Tops, filling the role of "utility man," playing bass, guitar, harmonica, and, of course, mandolin. On the strength of his critically-acclaimed Blue Bella Records CD, "Since Way Back," Gerry was nominated for Blues Music Awards in 2008, 2009, 2010, & 2011 for Best Instrumentalist, Other (Mandolin), and featured at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Blues Station in Tournon d'Agenais, France. In addition to continuing worldwide radio and web airplay, tracks from "Since Way Back" have appeared numerous times on NPR's "Morning Edition." As a solo performer, Gerry's fresh take on Chicago Blues has led to appearances at the Kalamazoo Blues Festival, Port Townsend Blues Festival, and Buddy Guy's Legends; it has also made him a favorite among blues-dance aficionados at national events like bluesShout! and the Mile High Blues Fest. From 2007-2010, Gerry Hundt's Legendary One-Man-Band appeared weekly for Tuesday Bluesday at Holt's Coach Lite Inn (Chesterton, IN) - a gig which regularly saw touring blues musicians mingling with locals. His favorite seasonal gig is the Saturday open-air market in Chesterton, where Gerry appears monthly, bringing the sounds of Chicago's old Maxwell Street to Indiana. In 2015, he captured that with the release of "Gerry Hundt's Legendary One-Man-Band," available here. In band settings, Gerry has appeared with the finest Midwestern traditional blues acts, namely Mike Ledbetter, The Cash Box Kings, Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy Flynn, Little Frank, Joel Paterson, Rick Sherry, Joe Filisko, Bill Lupkin, Matt Hendricks, Jim Liban, Kenny Smith, Andrew Diehl, Perry Weber, and Westside Andy. He also endorses Supro amplifiers.
Apr 13, 202048:32
#4: Jimmy Nick

#4: Jimmy Nick

Jimmy Nick is an old-fashioned, guitar slinging blues prodigy who spent his teenage years being schooled by legendary bluesmen in the famous Chicago clubs of Kingston Mines, Rosa’s Lounge, and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted.Over the last year Jimmy has recorded his first live album for a full house at The Raue Center for the Performing Arts, performed over 200 shows*, advanced to the semifinals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, as well as headlined at Buddy Guy’s Legends, and B.L.U.E.S on Halstead. Most recently, he was featured on the WGN Morning News.In addition, Jimmy has opened for the legendary Eddie Shaw, Bobby Rush, Toronzo Canon, Dick Dale, The Mike Wheeler Band and performed at SXSW. Jimmy has sold over 1,500 copies of his 3rd studio album –Rare Breed, which features Eddie Shaw performing with Jimmy on his original blues tune “Greedy Man”.Jimmy Nick has also shared the stage with John Mayall, Ted Nugent, Samantha Fish, Pat Travers, Savoy Brown, Los Lonely Boys, Gov’t Mule, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and more. Jimmy Nick & Don’t Tell Mama continue to be one of the most requested and hard working bands in the Chicagoland area.Today Jimmy’s mission is to expose the next generation to the blues. Driven by his motown-tight band, Don’t Tell Mama, featuring saxophone, bass, and drums Jimmy excites crowds with his electrifying guitar work, fresh harp, clever lyrics and animated stage theatrics. His high energy blues and rock-n-roll captivate audiences, and forge instant fans.
Apr 06, 202030:57
#3: Corey Dennison

#3: Corey Dennison

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Corey Dennison spent a majority of his childhood moving about Tennessee and Georgia. As a young boy, Corey heard the powerful, soulful sounds of the Blues on late night radio programs and recalls being captivated by the music. He received his first guitar at the age of 6 and began to imitate the music of artists such as Gatemouth Brown, Albert Collins and Albert King. Corey immediately felt a strong connection to Soul music. “I just loved the way Soul music made me feel from my head to my toes. I remember humming along to songs from Wilson Pickett, Curtis Mayfield & Sam Cooke.” This marked a lasting impression on his musical style and is clearly visible today in his soulful vocals and fiery guitar solos. Corey found his musical calling while hanging out with his harp playing uncle. “My Uncle snuck me into clubs where I saw some of the greatest Blues cats of all-time, Albert King, Albert Collins and Junior Wells. This is where it became clear to me; I wanted to be a Blues Man." He spent 12 years honing his skills as a sideman for Carl Weathersby, a mentor beyond the music: " Pop has really showed me the real me and have helped me in a lot of ways. Showed me what to do, what not to do. I wouldn't know anything if it was not for Carl and my brothers-in-arms." Playing with Weathersby blessed Corey with opportunities to share the stage with such musical greats as The Kinsey Report, Robert Blaine, Chico Banks, The Steepwater Band, Jimmy Johnson, Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks And John Mayer, Gerry Hundt, Nick Moss, Lurrie Bell, Carlos Johnson and the Buddah of Bass, Mr. Bill Dickens, and Buddy Guy.
Mar 30, 202051:16
#2: Aidan Skinner

#2: Aidan Skinner

Up in coming blues rock guitar player from the same city that fostered one of the greatest blues guitarists of our time in Kenny Wayne Shepherd, this time around its Aidan Skinner and he's already making a name for himself. Aidan is easily one of the best young blues rock guitarists in the country and in a few years he'll soon become a name that everyone knows within the blues community. 

Mar 25, 201931:36
#1: Erin Coburn

#1: Erin Coburn

You'll get to know your host and you'll be treated to an amazing interview with the wonderful Erin Coburn! Performer and singer/songwriter from Kentucky, Erin Coburn has captivated her audiences since a young age, with her prowess on guitar, her powerful vocals, and bringing her own style of Rock with Blues influences into the 21st century. Those that attend Erin’s live shows describe her as having a mesmerizing stage presence with her intricate arrangements and dynamic lyrics that stirs the soul. She commands her band with an effortless confidence while giving the audience something unexpected, like shredding her electric ukulele during a hypnotizing solo. Erin’s first two original albums, Chaos Before Conformity (2015) and Queen of Nothing (2017), showed more of her blues roots with young, unbridled creativity. Her third album, currently being recorded, captures her natural progression to a more mature sound with edgier lyrics and searing guitar solos. Look for the release late Spring 2019.
Mar 18, 201937:40