Bayou Teche (feat. Sonny Landreth)

#74 in The Need To Know Badass Blues Instrumentals Series, Bayou Teche, features the slide guitar mastery of a name that strikes fear in some and awe in others, Sonny Landreth. Everyone agrees that Sonny is a FREAK! I mean that in the most respectful and loving way. Eric Clapton says "Landreth is one of the most advanced guitarists in the world and one of the most under-appreciated." (Sonny has performed at five of Clapton’s Crossroad’s Guitar Festival.) Not to get too technical but, Sonny has developed his own techniques of fretting behind the slide and a hybrid flat picking and finger style, right-hand technique that leaves us, mere mortals, just scratching our heads. Originally from Mississippi, and a long time Louisianan, Sonny started out in Clifton Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band and quickly graduated to playing and recording with John Mayall, Mark Knopfler, John Hiatt, Govt. Mule & Eric Johnson. I’m sad that Sonny and I missed playing together in Hiatt’s band but this is the next best thing. Check it out!

The backing band on this track is Rich Kirch (John Lee Hooker 1984-2001) on rhythm guitar, Andrew Guterman (Rick Estrin) on drums and myself on bass. The track was recorded at Skunkworks in Capitola, CA. The Grammy winning and very bearded, Rob Schnapf (Beck, Booker T., Mavis Staples) brings his mad mixing skills. And as always, masterful mastering by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering. 

Blues for Booker (feat. Mike Dillon)

#73 in The Need To Know Badass Blues Instrumentals Series, Blues for Booker, features the super vibey vibraphone-isms of Mike Dillon. Mike is a member of Critters Buggin, Les Claypool's Fancy Band and Garage A Trois (with Charlie Hunter, Skerik & Stanton Moore). Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Mike now lives in New Orleans where he plays with other NOLA residents, Ani DeFranco, Galactic, Robert Walter and Johnny Vadakovich to name just a few. Mike's musicianship is second only to his sense of humor, for example, naming his trio with saxophonist Skerik; The Dead Kenny G's. Get it? Funny, right? Okay, so, turn the lights down low and enjoy your favorite imbibement with this jazzy little number.

The backing band on this track is Rich Kirch (John Lee Hooker 1984-2001) on rhythm guitar, Willy Jordan (Elvin Bishop's Big Fun Trio) on drums and myself on bass. The track was recorded at Skunkworks in Capitola CA. Mixed by the Grammy winning Godfather of Grunge, Jack Endino (Nirvana, Nando Reis) and as always, masterfully mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering.

Lucky Charm (feat. Lucky Peterson)

#72 in The Need To Know Badass Blues Instrumentals Series, Lucky Charm, features the late, legendary, Lucky Peterson. Discovered by Willie Dixon at the age of 5, Lucky was a gifted pianist and guitarist. He appeared on the Tonight Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, and cut his first album all in 1969 before turning 6! He was sideman to Etta James, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Little Milton and Mavis Staples. As a solo artist, he left a recorded legacy of more than 30 LP's and a lasting impression of joy and soulfulness to all that were fortunate enough to be in the same room with him. He was gracious enough to lend his badassery to this track a few years ago while passing through SF on one of his almost non-stop touring itineraries. I hope you enjoy this half as much as we did having him. Rest in peace Lucky and thank you for your service.


The backing band on this track is Rich Kirch (John Lee Hooker 1984-2001) on rhythm guitar, Marcus David (Nick Gravenites) on drums, and myself on bass. The track was recorded at Skunkworks in Capitola CA. Mixed by the Grammy winning Godfather of Grunge, Jack Endino (Nirvana, Nando Reis) and as always, masterfully mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering.