Nola Blue and Blind Raccoon proudly announce the launch of ?Blue Heart Records? with first artist, MISS BIX!

Yes our very own Artist of the Month has a record label.

Everyone at Radio BluesFlac and TMEfm Radio are over the moon at the news.

 

Cut & Paste follows.

 

Nola Blue, Inc. and Blind Raccoon Launch New Label Imprint with the Miss Bix Catalog

Blue Heart Records has been created for artists who wish to retain ownership of their music while enjoying the worldwide distribution, promotion, and marketing services of a label, expanding the service offerings of Nola Blue, Inc. and Blind Raccoon.
By: Nola Blue Records
Blue Heart Records
Blue Heart Records

MEMPHIS, Tenn.Jan. 10, 2020PRLogNola Blue, Inc. and Blind Raccoon proudly announce a new option for musicians via the Blue Heart Records imprint.  Artists will now be able to utilize the successful combination of CPI Distribution (physical), The Orchard (digital) and Blind Raccoon (publicity and promotion) that serves Nola Blue Records so well, while retaining the independence of full ownership and control of their music.  This joint venture further expands the successful partnership established between Nola Blue and Blind Raccoon two years ago.

The unique needs of Blue Heart Records’ first client, Leslie Letven Bixler, exemplifies some of the key benefits provided by the label.  At the recommendation of Betsie Brown, owner of Blind Raccoon, Bixler first contacted Nola Blue president, Sallie Bengtson, with the objective of discussing a label deal for her next blues album.  By the end of the conversation, the women both realized there were other opportunities to explore first.  After many years as a creator and performer of various styles and genres of music, Bixler has a catalog of music that has been released under various names: Leslie Letven (maiden name), Leslie Bixler (married name) and her hip new moniker, Miss Bix.  How to connect the dots and strategically cross-market all of her work using the power of today’s digital recordkeeping and delivery presented both an opportunity as well as a challenge, and the women were inspired to take action.

Through a creative re-branding of all of Bixler’s work, her entire catalog will be released under the artist name of “Miss Bix” with sub-branding in the various genres (jazz, children’s, pop, rock and blues) to tie it all together.  Creating a Miss Bix brand “umbrella” positions Bixler to revitalize her existing catalog and also reach new audiences in the process.   A multi-phase roll-out of the new Miss Bix catalog is planned throughout 2020, beginning with “We Don’t Own The Blues,” currently charting on the Roots Music Report, the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association chart and the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay chart.

Leslie Letven Bixler has been creating music for her entire adulthood, including smooth jazz, rock and pop, then naturally transitioning to children’s music after becoming a mother.  More recent explorations into the depths of the blues have sparked an intense, passion-driven musical trajectory.  “The music biz is changing so fast and it’s a real challenge to stay on top of it.  Sallie at Blue Heart gives me the help I need to tie all my loose ends together, and get a centered, clear marketing strategy.  As a seasoned writer/producer, I really prefer to keep control of my projects and keep my publishing, and this concept allows me that independence while supporting mutual growth. I’ve gone the old-fashioned label route before, and ended up regretting it.  I also like that there are two strong, talented women who get things done at the helm, running this label,” says Bixler.

Brown notes, “The launch of Blue Heart Records is a significant option for enterprising independent artists to harness the resources of Nola Blue & Blind Raccoon.”

According to Bengtson, “From our initial phone consultation to all subsequent discussions, there is no question why Leslie has had opportunities to collaborate with entertainers of the caliber of Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Dick Van Dyke.  The passion with which she utilizes her gifts is both inspirational and contagious, and a perfect match for Blue Heart Records.”

Our First Artist of the Month is Miss Bix & The Blues Fix.

 

We had to start somewhere and over at TMEfm Radio they have fallen in love with Miss Bix so to keep them happy we have chosen Leslie to start us off.

 

BIOGRAPHY

LESLIE BIXLER aka MISS BIX aka LESLIE LETVEN has been writing, recording and performing since her early twenties.  Her first international record “Make It Right” was released on Syndrome Records under her maiden name Leslie Letven and did very well in the smooth jazz category, reaching #12 on the charts, and still receiving radio play today. At that time, she was collaborating with her talented husband Bill Bixler of the Wild Blue Band and nightclub.

Moving back to LA, Leslie and Bill produced and self-released “Porcupine,” which she sold at gigs and on CD Baby. After the birth of her son, Leslie turned her attention to children’s music, spending several days a week doing music circles with preschool age children. It was there that she wrote and test-ran several children’s songs which attracted the attention of Dick Van Dyke and Chad Smith (drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers), whose child was in her class. She produced two albums “Moon Food” with Dick Van Dyke and “Rhythm Train” with Van Dyke and Chad Smith. She toured with Dick and Chad promoting those albums and received notable press from many celebrities and publications and won a parent’s choice award.

Once her son grew up, Leslie’s yearning for a new musical start led her to Clarksdale Mississippi where she fell seriously in love with the blues, something she had always gravitated towards. Working with co producer collaborator Ralph Carter (former Musical Director with Eddie Money and co-writer of his hit tune ‘Shakin’’) Leslie began writing “We Don’t Own The Blues,” a group of blues-based songs that reflect a new and exciting musical direction: passionate, intense, and sultry.

 

WE DON’T OWN THE BLUES

 

The concept of this collection of songs is inspired by the home of the blues, the Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Leslie Bixler (aka Miss Bix) spent several months there soaking in the culture and learning the blues from the founders themselves. This is a rare find, 12 songs that pack a punch, in a conceptual flow, reminiscent of days past, when albums told a story.

Leslie Bixler and co-producer Ralph Carter (previously with Eddie Money and Sugaray Rayford), who brings bass, percussion, guitar and keys to many of the songs, are joined by John ‘JT’ Thomas (keyboardist with Hornsby), Gary Mallaber (drummer previously with Van Morrison, Steve Miller and more), blues guitarist extraordinaire Franck Goldwasser (aka Paris Slim), sax man Bill Bixler, and harp player RJ Mischo.

The songs reflect the culture that permeates the south – ‘Voodoo Man,’ ‘Black Widow,’ ‘Slave To The Grave’, and ‘Crazy ‘Bout You’ all have the smoky sensuous sound of the bluesy south. At the same time, Bixler creates a sound and voice that is all her own, and each song tells a different story. The Hendrix inspired ‘You’re A Child’ harkens back to the excitement of early rock days, and features the amazing RHCP drummer, Chad Smith, with whom Leslie worked on the children’s album “Rhythm Train.” The opening track ‘Follow Me Down’ draws the listener in with a trance-like psychedelic groove and from there the excitement builds.

Artistic influences like Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Gabriel, Sting, John Mayer, and many others weave together in this altogether new package. Hints of Motown are perceptible in the R&B feel of ‘Baby Come Back’ and the ending cut is a sensitive homage to the muse herself, that never ends, in ‘All The Time.’ The title cut ‘We Don’t Own The Blues’ is a playful look at the nature of love and heartbreak, and is destined to become a blues classic, as is the romping ‘If You’re Doing What I’m Thinking.’ The vocal stylings of the heartbreaking ballad ‘It Wasn’t Me’ are beautifully framed with the gorgeous keyboard virtuosity of John ‘JT’ Thomas.

Radio Directories and Radio BluesFlac.

Easily said and quite easily done, a little repetitive form filling, a little boring waiting for reply and then you find out the directory only accepts mp3 stations. What the f**k we are almost in the second decade of 21st century, where has quality gone? Let’s listen to the real sound in lossless flac.

Dozens of forms filled in and so far only one has replied positively and that is Radio Garden. A beauty of a Directory, 21st century stuff! Looks and sounds great. Completely different,So they get past the post first but a stewards objection has been flagged, No song playing details and BluesFlac doesn’t work on the Radio Garden Apple app, Apples fault of course for not acknowledging FLAC.

 

So the waiting continues for the perfect radio directory for FLAC stations……..

 

New video from Eddie 9V

Eddie 9V (Eddie 9-Volt) has made a name for himself in the blues scene in the south, wowing all types of audiences with his searing Freddie King-style approach to guitar. An “old soul” at the tender age of 23, Eddie makes his home in the swamps of Georgia and has played clubs and festivals throughout the region. His debut album, Left My Soul in Memphis, was recorded in a shotgun shack studio and is out now!

 

 

REVIEWS!

“Eddie 9V is playing from the heart from start-to-finish here, and the results are both familiar and fresh as well as ultimately life-affirming, which is pretty much the definition of the blues, isn’t it?” – Rock and Blues Muse (https://tinyurl.com/e9v-rbm)

“Eddie 9V is a genius and “Left My Heart in Memphis” should explode him onto the national scene.” – Making A Scene (https://www.makingascene.org/eddie-9v-left-my-soul-in-memphis/)

“This is high octane contemporary blues” – FATEA (http://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/Eddie9v/)

“Eddie 9V is a brilliant talent with a future that knows no boundaries” – Don and Sheryl’s Blues Blog
   (https://donandsherylsbluesblog.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/eddie-9v-review-november-12-2019/)

“The kid’s chops are as good as many of the seasoned veterans of the genre” – Blewzzman’ Blues Reviews
(http://www.mary4music.com/CD84.html#CDEddie9V1)

“Eddie 9V combines a lo-fi aesthetic with an electric, contemporary blues sound… Left My Soul in Memphis is like a quilt made out of different pieces of beautiful fabric”
– American Blues Scene (http://www.americanbluesscene.com/eddie-9v-left-my-soul-in-memphis)

www.facebook.com/eddie9v   |   www.instagram.com/eddie9v_   |   www.twitter.com/eddie_9v   |   www.youtube.com/eddie9V

 

Angel Forrest – Hell Bent With Grace

Up to now, Angel Forrest has had a glorious three-decade career that’s led her everywhere around the globe. Now in her 50’s, the vocalist still wants to go out there and rock. Throughout her new album Hell Bent With Grace, Angel gives the perspective of an aging woman in the public eye and her lessons learned – with a gritty touch. The album starts off with a tongue-incheek reference to how menopause is a monster (Menie the Monster). Good times keep coming with Get It On, a true treat to get the party going. The opus also explores tough subjects – The Blame Game is about mental health – as Angel takes a retrospective look at her own life, as well as her relationships with the rest of the world and the ones closest to her.

Musically, the album reflects the bluesy influences of Angel and her long-time partners, coproducers Denis Columbus and Ricky Paquette. Fans that were there from the beginning as well as newer ones will embrace Hell Bent WIth Grace’s heartfelt, raw groove which has always made the Canadian blues star’s success.More Info At: https://www.angelforrest.ca/bio

For radio ID’s, interviews and other  special requests you can contact:

E-Mail: info@angelforrest.ca
Website: https://www.angelforrest.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelforrest2/

Kind Regards,
ABIK Radio Promotions
Leen Velthuis

News From Blind Raccoon & Their Artists

“All My Dues Are Paid” by Frank Bey available worldwide on January 17, 2020

The Southern Gentleman of the Blues releases his eagerly-anticipated sophomore album on Nola Blue Records.

In the follow up to his award-winning 2018 album, Back In Business, Frank Bey powerfully asserts his career status with All My Dues Are Paid.  Co-written with Nola Blue Records label mate Kathy Murray, album producer Kid Andersen and co-producer Rick Estrin, the uptempo title track for his sixth album is a celebration of the unstoppable journey of soul bluesman, Frank Bey.

Recorded at Keeping the Blues Alive Award-winning Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California, Bey is accompanied by an elite group of musicians including multi-Grammy winners Jim Pugh (keyboards) and Jerry Jemmott (bass); multi-Blues Music Award nominee Nancy Wright (saxophone); drummer Derrick D’Mar Martin (Little Richard) and percussionist Vicki Randle (Tonight Show band).  Andersen’s reverence and keen exploitation of Bey’s vocal prowess is evident throughout the 13 selections on the album.  Northwest Music Scene reviewer Rick Bowen observes, “The full breadth of Bey’s artistic and emotional power is brought to bear in the dynamic, showstopping arrangement of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ that builds to a glorious grand finale.”

Born in Millen, Georgia and starting his musical career in gospel at the tender age of four, Frank Bey is a six-time Blues Music Award nominee.  Currently residing in Philadelphia, PA, Bey is a beloved international performer and recording artist.  “Frank Bey – You’re Going To Miss Me,” A feature documentary film about the life and musical journey of Frank Bey, is currently in post-production.  For more information about Frank, his music and the film, visit www.frankbeymusic.com and www.frankbeyfilm.com.

Frank Bey Recording Session At Greaseland

TOMISLAV GOLUBAN – MEMPHIS LIGHT
Label: Spona
Release date: January 10, 2020

Harp musician Tomislav Goluban presents his latest studio album entitled ”Memphis Light” with an expected January, 10, 2020 release date. His 11th studio album, a sequel of sorts to his previous album ”Chicago Rambler,” which made significant impact outside Croatia and reached top positions on various radio charts in the USA, Australia, France and the UK.

Nine of the ten tracks are written by Tomislav and the tenth is the classic ”House of the Rising Sun.” As suggested by the album title, Goluban took a trip to the Home of the Blues to record at Ardent studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Tomislav Goluban (vocals, harp) and his band ”Little Pigeon” are Jeff Jensen (guitar), David Green (drums), Rick Steff (keyboard), Bill Ruffino (bass). Mark Johnson (slide guitar), Vince Johnson (guitar), Franher Joseph, Reba Russell and Daunielle Hill (backing vocals) guested on various cuts.

Album Trailer ~ Recording In Memphis
Andrew Kastner, guitarist with Jack Mack, talking about how the band got involved with Clint Eastwood’s film, “Richard Jewell.”
Jack Mack and the Heart Attack ~  Live From Centennial Park Atlanta, 1996
Street Date ~ December 6, 2019
In May of 2019, Andrew Kastner, the founding member and guitarist for Jack Mack and the Heart Attack received a call from someone named Tim Moore. “I’m looking for someone from Jack Mack and the Heart Attack” Moore asked. “You wouldn’t happen to have any footage of you guys playing at the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996?”  Kastner asked why and Moore replied that he was a producer on a new movie directed by Clint Eastwood and they were looking for footage of the band to put in the film.  It so happens that approximately three years ago a friend of Kastner’s told him about a film that Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill were trying to make about the falsely accused guard from the bombing in Centennial Park, Richard Jewell. Kastner called Leonardo’s company on more than one occasion telling them that he was with the band playing on stage the night of the bombing and if they needed any information to call him.  He never did get a call back.Kastner told Moore that it’s possible that he may still have some footage, but, would need to find it as It had been 23 years since he laid eyes on it. Ironically, a few months before this call, Kastner, who had saved many boxes of tapes and videos from the band’s 40 years, decided they were taking up too much space and probably deteriorating so he threw many of them away. Kastner said he’d call him back and immediately went out to his shed to started digging through the boxes of old tapes and other assorted junk. After 45 minutes of sifting through the dust and spider webs, there they were, four beautiful gray plastic boxes of Sony Beta Cam tapes with “Centennial Park, Atlanta 1996 July 22,24,25 and 26 written on them.” He called Moore back immediately and within 12 hours he and Kastner’s partner in the band, sax player Bill Bergman, and he were sitting with Clint Eastwood, Tim and their team at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank showing them the footage.

Clint and the team were ecstatic. Apparently, they only had a vague idea of what the stage looked like, what the band looked and sounded like, and what the audience looked like and they were going to start shooting in 20 days. One of Clint’s team told Kastner it was like a miracle that you guys walked in with 3 hours of tape and gave him a huge hug.  Kastner and Bergman basically handed them an entire scene and look for the film.

It so happens Kastner also dug up 4-5 digital tapes of the bands performances on those hot July nights in Atlanta and licensed two songs and the footage for the film.  One of the songs is a cover of the Staples Singers hit, “I’ll Take You There” and the other, a Jack Mack original, “I Walked Alone.” The latter was the song they were playing a few seconds before the bomb went off.  When you listen to the end of, “I Walked Alone,” lead singer TC Moses begins to introduce the next song and is cut off by a white noise as the recording abruptly ends.  That white noise is the bomb going off severing the wires to the sound tower and the tape machine.

Holiday Greetings From Michele D’Amour & The Love Dealers
Reminder About Holiday Music on the Digital Platform
Counting Down The Days ~ The Reverend Shawn Amos & The Brotherhood
Recorded live at Outono Códax Festival, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
November 9, 2019 during their recent sold-out Spanish tour

Dudley Taft Live 2019 Satyr Blues Festival – Edge of Insane