21 December 2016

#568 :: Another Belly Fulla Blues With Fatt Max

The Blues Room #568
Wednesday 21 December 2016
9pm-10pm NZ time, FreeFM89.0
LIVE stream: http://tunein.com/radio/The-Blues-Room-p446677/
Another Belly Fulla Blues from Fatt Max, his last show for 2016. He'll be back in 2017 with a bigger and better batch of blues for you so keep it locked. Be sure to enter the competition on our Facebook page to win a copy of 'Chasin That Blues Music' and download link of great blues tracks. 
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everybody!

She Got Kick – Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite 
John Lee Hooker – Dimples 
James Cotton – Cottonmouth Man 
The Hoax – Let It Shine 
John Long – Mop, Bucket & Broom 
Chuxx Morris – Track 12 
Taj Mahal – Leaving Trunk 
Solomon Burke – None Of Us Are Free 
Cris Jacobs – Turn Into Gold 
Bruce Katz Band – All Torn Up 
Sawbuck – Top Topham 
Albert Castiglia – Let The Big Dog Eat 
Luther Allison – Will It Ever Change 
John Long – One Earth Many Colours

15 December 2016

#567 :: Christmas Time Blues

The Blues Room #567
Wednesday 14 December 2016
9pm-10pm NZ time, FreeFM89.0
LIVE stream: http://tunein.com/radio/The-Blues-Room-p446677/

There ain't no Snoopy's Christmas here. Just pure blues from the 1920s through to 2016. 
Merry Christmas everybody, and may you have a blessed new years / holiday period. The first 9 tracks were inspired by Jeff Harris' radio show, Big Road Blues. Please check it out!

1. Sugar Chile Robinson - Christmas Boogie
2. Julie Lee & Her Boyfriends - Christmas Spirit
3. Boll Weevil - Christmas Time Blues
4. Bertha 'Chippie' Hill - Christmas Man Blues
5. Kansas City Kitty - Christmas Mornin' Blues
6. Sonny Boy Williamson I - Christmas Morning Blues
7. Sonny Boy Williamson II - Sonny Boy's Christmas Blues
8. Little Esther & Mel Walker With Johnny Otis - Faraway Christmas Blues
9. Amos Milburn - Let's Make Christmas Merry, Baby
10. Sonny Rhodes - Texas Christmas
11. Little Charlie & The Nightcats - It's Christmas Time Again (Spend, Spend, Spend)
12. Alabama Red - Goin' Home For Christmas
13. Koko Taylor - Merry, Merry Christmas
14. Joe Bonamassa - Christmas Boogie (One Little Kiss)
15. Charles Brown - Christmas Comes But Once a Year

#566 :: An Hour Of Blue Power With Darcy Perry

The Blues Room #566
Wednesday 7 December 2016
9pm-10pm NZ time, FreeFM89.0
LIVE stream: http://tunein.com/radio/The-Blues-Room-p446677/

Darcy Perry lays down another hour of blues power!

1. B.B. King - Please Come Home for Christmas
2. Darren Watson - Planet Key
3. Johnny Winter and Jason Ricci - My Babe
4. John Butler Trio - Zebra
5. K.T. Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
6. Darcy Perry and Nate Taiapa - Blues Man
7. Koko Taylor- Jump for Joy
8. Taj Mahal - Oh Lord, Things Are Getting Crazy Up Here
9. Jon Spenser Blues Explosion - Calvin
10. Midge Marsden - Carry My Blues Away
11. Darcy Perry Band - Soul Of A Man
12. Chris Thomas King - Wanna Die With A Smile On My Face

30 November 2016

#565 :: Nate's Hot Picks From 2016

The Blues Room #565
Wednesday 30 November 2016
9pm-10pm NZ time, FreeFM89.0
LIVE stream: http://tunein.com/radio/The-Blues-Room-p446677/

Some of Nate's hot picks from music released in 2016. Enjoy.

Fantastic Negrito - Last Days Of Oakland (Intro) & Working Poor
Santana - Blues Magic
Mavis Staples - MLK Song
John Long - Stand Your Ground
Dennis Gruenling - If You Wanna Rock (You Gotta Have That Roll)
Bonnie Raitt - Unintended Consequence Of Love
Trickbag With Friends Vol. 2 - She's A Killer (Feat. Kim Wilson & Kid Ramos)
Lino Muoio - Bald Man's Stomp (feat. Mario Donatone)
Fiona Boyes - Love Me All The Way
Tedeschi Trucks Band - Let Me Get By
Jane Lee Hooker - Mean Town Blues (Johnny Winter)
Seasick Steve - Walkin' Blues
Kenny Neal - Thank You B.B. King

23 November 2016

#564 :: LIVE Blues Recording :: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

The Blues Room #564
Wednesday 23 November 2016
9pm-10pm NZ time, FreeFM89.0
LIVE stream: http://tunein.com/radio/The-Blues-Room-p446677/

Sharon Lafaye Jones (May 4, 1956 – November 18, 2016) was an American soul and funk singer. She was the lead singer of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, a soul and funk band based in Brooklyn, New York. Jones experienced breakthrough success relatively late in life, releasing her first record when she was 40 years old. In 2014, Jones was nominated for her first Grammy, in the category Best R&B Album, for Give the People What They Want. Among Jones' influences are James Brown, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Thom Bell, Otis Redding, Ike & Tina Turner, Marva Whitney and everyone from Motown. In addition, Jones also cites more recently known artists, such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Erykah Badu and BeyoncĂ©. It was announced on June 3, 2013, that Jones had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer and underwent surgery, which forced her to postpone the release of the group's fifth album, Give the People What They Want. The diagnosis was later changed to stage II pancreatic cancer, for which Jones had surgery on her liver and underwent chemotherapy. The chemotherapy caused hair loss, and for a time she performed bald, refusing to wear wigs.


During the screening of her documentary at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, Jones revealed that her cancer had returned, and that she would be undergoing chemotherapy again. She suffered a stroke whilst watching the 2016 United States presidential election results, blaming Donald Trump, and suffered another stroke the day after the election.

Jones suffered a stroke on election night 2016 and after a second stroke days later died on November 18, 2016 in Cooperstown, New York, aged 60. According to bandmate Gabriel Roth, "She told the people that were [at the hospital] that Trump gave her the stroke. ... She was blaming Trump for the whole thing." 

Some artists shine brighter than their contempories. Sharon Jones was one of those artists. This is a tribute to one of the finest soul-sisters this side of originators. We miss you already Sharon. Thank you for sharing your soul with us.


Live recordings used for this episode come from Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Live on KEXP & Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Tiny Desk Concert.

100 Days, 100 Nights
People Don't Get What They Deserve
Slow Down, Love
Natural Born Lover
Every Beat Of My Heart
Road Of Broken Hearted Men
These Tears
Stranger To My Happiness
Silent Night
8 Days Of Hanukkah
Big Bulbs
I'm Still Here


16 November 2016

#563 :: Another Belly Fulla Blues With Fatt Max

The Blues Room #563
Wednesday 16 November 2016
9pm-10pm NZ time, FreeFM89.0

Fatt Max brings us another great selection of blues tracks, so kick back, relax and turn this one up. This episode of dedicated to all those effected by the New Zealand earthquakes this week. 
You brave, wonderful people, we keep you in our hearts and prayers. 
Donate to those effected by the quakes here.

Colin James – Boogie Funk 
JJ Grey – 99 Shades of Crazy 
R L Burnside – Boogie Chillin’ 
Buddy Guy & Gary Clarke Junior – Blues Don’t Care 
Ben Harper & Charlie Musslewhite – She Got Kick 
Sammy Hagar & Taj Mahal – Winding Down 
Shane Spiel’s Snake Oil Band – Judy Got A Boogie 
Son Seals – Cotton Pickin’ Blues 
W-O-M-A-N – Eta James 
Koko Taylor – Never Trust A Man 
Liz Mandeville – Bad Blues Habit 
Cris Jacobs – Shine Your Weary Light 
Frank Bang & The Cook County Chiefs – Till The Day I Die 
Buddy Guy – Meet Me In Chicago 
Jimmy Reed – You Got Me Dizzy 

9 November 2016

#562 :: Big Road Blues with Jeff Harris (Jookin' – Honkin' Sax From New York Pt. 1)

The Blues Room #562
Wednesday 9 November 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0, Hamilton, NZ.

For many years Nate has been following a vintage blues radio show hosted by Jeff Harris called Big Road Blues. Jeff presents his 2-hour show each Sunday from 5 to 7 PM (EST) on WGMC Jazz90.1 (Rochester, NY) and it streams live on the web from http://www.jazz901.org/listen-live/. Jeff has kindly given permission for Big Road Blues to be re-run on The Blues Room each month, on the second Wednesday. This episode here is a classic example of what you'll hear from Jeff; superb tracks, great commentary, and a taste of classic and often rare and forgotten blues. As Jeff's shows are two hours long, Nate will post a link for listeners to check out the second half of his show. For archived shows of Big Road Blues please check out http://sundayblues.org/. So a big thank you goes out to Jeff and we look forward to sharing some of his outstanding shows on The Blues Room.


"Today's show is a part one of our look at some great New York based sax men who's honkin' sound was heard on hundreds of records in the 40's and 50's. This show is one of several sax based shows this year starting a few months ago with a two-part show of Chicago horn men , followed by two spotlighting some great L.A. Horn blowers. Illinois Jacquet is cited as the one who kicked off the era of honkin' sax in 1945 with his famous solo on "Flying Home" while working with Lionel Hampton's band. As Big Jay McNeely said of of the song, "every time we picked up our horns we were just elaborating on that, trying to make it bigger, wilder, give it more swing, more kick. If you want to know where rhythm and blues began, that's it brother." Today we spin some great honkin' sax records, some cut by the horn men themselves and others featuring their raucous playing behind some great blues singers, both well known and obscure. The records were issued on a myriad of small New York independent labels labels such as Atlas, Derby, Coral, Apollo, Groove, Fire/Fury, Savoy and bigger players such as King and Atlantic. Along the way we'll hear some exciting instrumentals and hear them back some terrific blues singers, both famous like Wynonie Harris, Big Joe Turner and Ruth Brown, to the obscure such as Eddie Mack, Mr. Bear and Edna McGriff. Among those featured today are legendary horn men such as Hal Singer and Freddie Mitchell who played on countless sessions as well as recording some exciting sides under their own names. Then there were sax men primarily know for their session work such as the prolific Sam “The Man” Taylor, Budd Johnson and Big Al Sears. There were the sax men who led their own bands and were stars in their own right such as Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Paul “Hucklebuck” Williams, Red Prysock, Earl Bostic and Bullmoose Jackson. Others heard today include the incendiary Noble “Thin Man” Watts, the rising star King Curtis, Willis “Gator” Jackson, Buddy Lucas, Frank Culley and others. On part two we'll spin more great tracks by theses sax men as well as hearing form others such as Sil Austin, Buddy Tate, Charlie Singleton and more. We'll provide some background on some of today's artists and fill in details about the rest next week." Read more at Jeff's site: Sunday Blues

Big Road Blues Show :: Jookin' – Honkin' Sax From New York Pt. 1
And check out Pt. 2 here

1. Hal Singer & Carl Davis - I Feel So Good
2. Hal Singer - Disc Jockey Boogie
3. Wynonie Harris w/ Frank Culley & Hal Singer - I Feel That Old Age Coming On
4. Ruth Brown w/ Freddie Mitchell - I Would If I Could
5. Eunice Davis & Freddie Mitchell Orchestra - Rock Little Daddy
6. Freddie Mitchell - Rockin' With Coop
7. Big Joe Turner w/ Sam Taylor - In The Evening
8. Bull Moose Jackson w/ Sam Taylor - Cherokee Boogie
9. Bull Moose Jackson w/ Red Prysiock - Big Ten Inch
10. Wynonie Harris w/ Red Prysiock - Down Boy Down
11. Red Prysock - Jump Red, Jump
12. Willis Jackson - Good To The Bone
13. Eddie Mack w/ Willis Jackson - Mercenary
14. Big Joe Turner w/ Al Sears - Ti - Ri – Lee
15. Nappy Brown w/ Big Al Sears - Well Well Well Baby
16. Big Al Sears - Marshall Plan 

#561 :: Another Hour Of Blues Power With Darcy Perry

The Blues Room #561
Wednesday 2 November 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0, Hamilton, NZ.

1. Bobby 'Blue' Bland - I Wouldn't Treat a Dog
2. Cream - Crossroads (Live)
3. George Thorogood & the Destroyers - Bad to the Bone
4. Darren Watson - It'll Come to Ya'
5. Bob Dylan - Maggie's Farm
6. Cherry Poppin' Daddies - Dr. Bones
7. Henrik Freischlader - Nothin' to Lose
8. Jimmy Thackery & Tab Benoit - Strange Things Happen
9. Bo Diddley - Bring it to Jerome
10. G. Love & Special Sauce - This Ain't Living
11. Bex Marshall - Too Much Rock n' Roll
12. Hound Dog Taylor - Goodnight Boogie
13. Chris Rea - You Can Go Your Own Way
14. Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup - I Love You Baby

28 October 2016

#560 :: LIVE Blues Recording :: Robert Cray Band - 4 Nights of 40 Years Live

The Blues Room #560
Wednesday 5 October 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0, Hamilton, NZ.

In this episode of LRW (LIVE Recording Wednesday) we feature the legendary Robert Cray Band. Over the past four decades, singer, guitarist and songwriter Robert Cray has entertained millions across the globe with his brand of rocking rootsy blues, soul-filled ballads and timeless R&B.

Now you experience this too from the comfort of your armchair (or mobile phone) through the album 4 Nights of 40 Years Live. Recorded over four nights at four different venues in Los Angeles, the album showcases the music that spans Cray’s four-decade career. The LP features Cray’s longtime bassist Richard Cousins, keyboardist Dover Weinberg (who was in Cray's first band) and drummer Les Falconer (O'Jays, Keb 'Mo), as well as vocalist Kim Wilson, harmonica player Lee Oskar, tenor saxophonist Trevor Lawrence, trumpeter Steve Madaio and saxophonist Tom Scott. Cray grew up listening to the gospel of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Bobby Bland's soul, Jimi Hendrix's rock guitar and the Beatles pop sounds.

His group went on to win five Grammy Awards, sell millions of records and sell out concert halls, festivals and large arenas around the world.

Four years ago, Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. 

The first disc is billed as the “Main Feature.” Recorded last December at several L.A. rehearsal halls and venues, Cray’s current line up of bassist Richard Cousins, drummer Les Falconer and keyboardist Dover Weinberg are augmented by saxophonist Trevor Lawrence and trumpeter Steve Madio of Paul Butterfiedl and Stevie Wonder fame. Producer Steve Jordan adds percussion to give the band a full R&B flavor with extra bottom. From the opening track “I Shiver” it’s apparent that both Robert’s voice and guitar work are still as soulful as his fans have come to expect. Guest vocalist Kim Wilson turns in a fine performance on “Wrap It Up,” which was a huge hit for the Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1980s. However, the band stays closer to the 1968 Sam and Dave original, right down to the horn section. Lee Oskar also sits in on “Sitting on Top of the World.”

Disc 2 is the bonus disc and includes performances from the Dutch television show “Countdown” from 1987, and the Robert Cray Band’s set at the 1982 San Francisco Blues Festival. The band was touring behind the Strong Persuader release and this show contains music from that period. Peter Boe on keys and drummer David Olson were the rhythm section for this outing, with Cousins on bass, Some of the highlights are “Guess I Showed Her,” “Right Next Door,” “Smoking Gun” and “Still Around.” The 1982 tracks feature Warren Rand on alto and Mike Vannice on tenor and organ. “Too Many Cooks” and “T-Bone Shuffle” from the festival are great examples of what a 28-year-old Robert Cray could do with a Stratocaster even at that early age.

The DVD is a treat for any Robert Cray fan. There is lots of well put together biographical information as well as footage from the 1982 and 1987 shows interspersed throughout the disc, showing the band members discussing the trying times early in their careers. There are interviews with a lot of great musicians, including Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Jimmie Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton. Of particular interest is producer Steve Jordan discussing how Keith Richards introduced him Robert Cray.

All in all 4 Nights of 40 Years is one giant Robert Cray love fest. In addition to the 3 discs there is a full color booklet with some great photos and even more information about Cray’s illustrious career. The package is a fun retrospective of one of contemporary blues’ most beloved artists and is a must own for all Robert Cray fans.


1. Lloyd Speigel - I Don't Need No Doctor
2. Robert Cray Band - I Shiver
3. Robert Cray Band - I'll Always Remember You
4. Robert Cray Band - Poor Johnny
5. Robert Cray Band - Won't Be Coming Home
6. Robert Cray Band - Your Good Thing Is About To End
7. Robert Cray Band - Sittin' On Top Of The World
8. Robert Cray Band - Bad Influence
9. Robert Cray Band - Right Next Door (Because Of Me)

20 October 2016

#559 :: Buggin' Blues

The Blues Room #559
Wednesday 5 October 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0, Hamilton, NZ.

WIN the double CD set by Lloyd Spiegel, DOUBLE LIVE SET
Listen to this episode by Fatt Max for details. And be sure to get along to a performance by Lloyd while he's in NZ, details of his NZ tour here.

Colin James – Bug Road Blues 
Frank Bang & The Cook County Chiefs – Cant Go On This Way 
Dave Keller – Whats It Gonna Take 
Charlie Musselwhite – The Well 
Kitty Daisy & Lewis – Buggin’ Blues 
Lloyd Spiegel – Statesboro’ Blues 
Elmore James – Shake Your Money Maker 
Cris Jacobs – Bone Digger 
Cris Jacobs – Turn To Gold 
Lightning Hopkins & Sonny Terry – Lightning Strike
Lady A – Don’t Let Your Blues Become A Crime 
Mavis Staples – Take Us Back 
Luther Allison – Will It Ever Change 
BB King – Paying The Cost To The Blues 

13 October 2016

#558 :: Big Road Blues with Jeff Harris (Rockin & Jumpin' Honkin Sax from New York pt.2)

The Blues Room #558
Wednesday 12 October 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0, Hamilton, NZ.

For many years Nate has been following a vintage blues radio show hosted by Jeff Harris called Big Road Blues. Jeff presents his 2-hour show each Sunday from 5 to 7 PM (EST) on WGMC Jazz90.1 (Rochester, NY) and it streams live on the web from http://www.jazz901.org/listen-live/. Jeff has kindly given permission for Big Road Blues to be re-run on The Blues Room each month, on the second Wednesday. This episode here is a classic example of what you'll hear from Jeff; superb tracks, great commentary, and a taste of classic and often rare and forgotten blues. As Jeff's shows are two hours long, Nate will post a link for listeners to check out the second half of his show. For archived shows of Big Road Blues please check out http://sundayblues.org/. So a big thank you goes out to Jeff and we look forward to sharing some of his outstanding shows on The Blues Room.


Today's show is part two of a look at some of the great New York based sax men who's honkin' sound was heard on hundreds of records in the 40's and 50's. This show is one of several sax based shows this year that Jeff has aired, starting a few months ago with one based in Chicago, followed by two spotlighting some great L.A. Horn blowers. Illinois Jacquet is cited as the one who kicked off the era of honkin' sax in 1945 with his famous solo on "Flying Home" while working with Lionel Hampton's band. As Big Jay McNeely said of of the songe, "every time we picked up our horns we were just elaborating on that, trying to make it bigger, wilder, give it more swing, more kick. If you want to know where rhythm and blues began, that's it brother." 

 Today Jeff spins some great honkin' sax records, some cut by the horn men themselves and others featuring their raucous playing behind some great blues singers, both well known and obscure. The records were issued on a myriad of small New York independent labels such as Atlas, Derby, Coral, Apollo, Groove, Savoy and bigger players such as King and Atlantic. Among those featured today are legendary horn men such as Hal Singr and Freddie Mitchell who played on countless sessions as well as recording some exciting sides under their own names. Then there were sax men primarily know for their session work such as the prolific Sam “The Man” Taylor, Budd Johnson and Big Al Sears. There were the sax men who lead their own band and were stars in their own right such as Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Paul “Hucklebuck” Williams, Red Prysock, Earl Bostic and Bullmoose Jackson. Others heard today include the incendiary Noble “Thin Man” Watts, the rising star King Curtis, Willis “Gator” Jackson, Buddy Lucas, Frank Culley, Sil Austin, Buddy Tate, Jesse Powell and others. Sil Austin once said, "exciting horn, honking horn, gutbucket horn is what kids wanted to hear, so I made sure I played more of that. They called it rock 'n' roll. And the records sold."

Big Road Blues Show :: Rockin' And Jumpin' – Honkin' Sax From New York Pt. 2

1. Buddy Lucas - Hustlin Family Blues
2. Buddy Lucas - Big Bertha
3. Wynonie Harris w/ Buddy Lucas - Triflin' Woman
4. Joseph "Google Eyes" August w/ Buddy Tate - Rock My Soul
5. Rene Hall w/ Buddy Tate - Blowin' Awhile
6. Wynonie Harris w/ Buddy Tate - Mr. Blues Is Coming To Town
7. Arbee Stidham w/ Hal Singer - Stidham Jumps
8. Hal Singer - Buttermilk And Beans
9. Fank Floorshow Culley - After Hours Session
10. Jimmy Rushing w/ Frank Culley - Lonesome Daddy Blues
11. Frank Floorshow Culley - Floorshow
12. Freddie Mitchell - Moondog Boogie
13. Honey Brown w/ Freddie Mitchel - Rockin' And Jumpin'
14. Bullmoose Walker w/ Sam Taylor - Big Fat Mamas Are Back In Style Again
15. Sam "The Man" Taylor - Oo-Wee
16. Champion Jack Dupree w/ Jesse Powell - Fifth Avenue Blues

7 October 2016

#557 :: Hour Of Blues Power With Darcy Perry

The Blues Room #557
Wednesday 5 October 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0, Hamilton, NZ.

1. Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy
2. Bob Dylan - Slow Train
3. The Holmes Brothers - Feed My Soul
4. Charlie Musselwhite - The Well
5. Lloyd Spiegal - Long Way From Heaven
6. Led Zeppelin - Achilles Last Stand 
7. Bill Withers - Use Me
8. Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal and Wynton Marsalis - Just a Closer Walk with Thee
9. Tommy Castro and the Painkillers - That's All I Got

30 September 2016

#556 :: LIVE Blues Recording :: Walter Trout - Alive In Amsterdam

The Blues Room #556
Wednesday 28 September 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
http://player.wizz.co.nz/freefm89/,
Hamilton, NZ.

This month's live recording is two parts. First up we have live recordings by Lloyd Spiegel, he tours NZ in late October, early November 2016. More details here

Then the star of the show, blue-rock legend, Walter Trout lights up the stage in Amsterdam after some serious near-death experiences. Read more about Walter Trout's remarkable come back here. These performances are impassioned and electrifying. Enjoy!


1. Lloyd Spiegel - Blues, leave me alone
2. Lloyd Spiegel - I shall be released
3. Lloyd Spiegel - King with no crown
4. Walter Trout - Marie's Introduction (Live)
5. Walter Trout - Play The Guitar (Live)
6. Walter Trout - Help Me (Live)
7. Walter Trout - Say Goodbye To The Blues (Live)
8. Walter Trout - Rock Me Baby (Live)
9. Walter Trout - Serve Me Right To Suffer (Live)

21 September 2016

#555 :: Another Belly Fulla Blues With Fatt Max :: Boogie Chillun'

The Blues Room #555
Wednesday 21 September 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
http://player.wizz.co.nz/freefm89/,
Hamilton, NZ.

Boom Boom Boom Boom! Here's Fatt Max with another episode to knock you right off 'a ya feet! Plus he has some good news about how you can win a signed Greg Copeland CD at the Hamilton gig this Friday 23rd. Greg Copeland & Steve Guitar Gilles NZ 2016 tour details here:  https://www.facebook.com/gregcopelandstevegilles/

1. James Cotton - Cottonmouth Man 
2. Bruce Katz Band - All Torn Up 
3. Tarheel Slim - Number Nine Train 
4. Top Topham - SawBuck 
5. Stewart Lindsey - Another Lie 
6. Big John Atkinson - Mad About It 
7. Howlin’ Wolf - My Peoples Gone 
8. Chuxx Morris - Dime Store Novelist 
9. Lil Ed - Hold That Train 
10. Selwyn Birchwood - Dont Call No Ambulance
11. Greg Copeland – Gimmie What You Got 
12. Liz Mandeville – What Do Blues Men Like 
13. Billy Boy Arnold – Aint Got You 
14. The Who – Daddy Rollin Stone 
15. Buddy Guy - Justifyin’ 
16. John Lee Hooker - Boogie Chillun'

Heres a sample of whats in store for you if you get along to one of the remaining Greg Copeland with Steve Guitar Gilles shows up and down New Zealand ...

15 September 2016

#554 :: Greg Copeland Interview / Big Road Blues - California Hop

The Blues Room #554
Wednesday 14 September 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
http://player.wizz.co.nz/freefm89/,
Hamilton, NZ.

Greg Copeland has arrived in New Zealand and has an interview with Nate in this episode. Greg will tour NZ with Steve 'Guitar' Gilles from 16th Sept through to 9 October 2016. If you're attending the Auckland and Hamilton shows then take a listen to this episode for the code you'll need to win yourself a signed CD. See you in Hamilton guys!!

In the second half of the show we hear part of Jeff Harris's Big Road Blues Show 28/8/2016: California Hop – Honkin' Sax From L.A. Pt. 2. << Click this link to hear the whole show - its well worth it, Jeff has selected some smokin' sax tracks.

1. Greg Copeland - Makes A Man Wanna Change
2. Greg Copeland - Alberta
3. Ruf Blues Caravan feat Si Cranstoun, Big Daddy Wilson, Vanessa Collier, and Laura Chavez - Bring It Home To Me
4. Lloyd Spiegel - This Is Hip
5. Lionel Hampton w/ Illinois Jacquet - Flying Home
6. Duke Henderson w/ Wild Bill Moore - Boogie Man Blues
7. Big Jay McNeely - California Hop
8. Joe Liggins - The Honeydripper
9. Little Willie Jackson - There'll Be Some Changes Made
10. Joe Liggins - Little Joe's Boogie

9 September 2016

#553 :: Another Hour Of Blues Power With Darcy Perry

The Blues Room #553
Wednesday 7 September 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
Hamilton, NZ.

1. Frank Bang and The Cook County Kings
2. Brenda Boykin - Big Fat Mama
3. The Joey Gilmore Band - A Little Love Always Makes It Better
4. Bruce Katz Band - You Got It
5. Big Walter Horton - Go Long Woman
6. Greg Copeland - Crossroads
7. Junior Wells & Buddy Guy - How Can One Woman Treat A Man So Mean
8. Billie Holiday - You Let Me Down
9. Jesse Dee - On My Mind, In My Heart
10. Liz Mandeville - What Could of Been
11. Anders Osborne - Lean On Me/Believe In You
12. Marcia Ball - We Fell Hard
13. Eric Bibb - Michael Row the Boat A Shore

31 August 2016

#552 :: Boss Blues Selections From DJ Definite

The Blues Room #552
Wednesday 31 August 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
Hamilton, NZ.

We welcome DJ Definite to The Blues Room in this episode. He's from the far north and has kindly stopped by The Blues Room to select some mighty fine tunes, wouldn't you agree? 
His record label is Bridgemode Records and you can check out some of his creations at https://soundcloud.com/bridgemode_records.
How about you show him some love by sharing this mix around. We're excited that he has agreed to host another episode of The Blues Room before the years out. We're looking forward to it already! Be sure to subscribe to this blog, and follow us on facebook, @twitter, and mixcloud too.

1. Ike and Tina - Come Together
2. Ash Grunwald - The Demon In Me
3. Jerry Douglas feat. Eric Clapton - Something You Got
4. Outkast - Idlewild Blue
5. Keb Mo - Am I Wrong?
6. Cyndi Lauper feat. Allen Toussaint & BB King - Early In the Morning
7. Bill Withers - Grandma's Hands
8. Steve Earle - South Nashville Blues
9. Chris Marlowe - Stormy Monday Blues 
10. Ray Charles - Mess Around
11. Seasick Steve - 8 Ball
12. Gary Clark Jr - Bright Lights
13. Ramblin' Jack Elliot - Falling Down Blues
14. Sonny Boy Williamson - Nine Below Zero
15. The Funky North - Harp Man
16. Muddy Waters - Can't Get Satisfied
17. Rodriguez - Inner City Blues

27 August 2016

WIN Signed CDs :: Greg Copeland & Steve 'Guitar' Gilles NZ Tour 2016


Tune in to The Blues Room in September to find out how to win signed CDs of Greg Copeland.

19 shows all around New Zealand in 4 weeks, from Whangarei to Christchurch, this'll be a blast! Get your tickets now!!


Sep 16: The Old Stone Butterfactory, Whangarei, NZ
Sep 17: Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh, NZ
Sep 18: The Boathouse at The Riverhead, Auckland, NZ
Sep 22: 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth, NZ
Sep 23: Nivara Lounge, Hamilton, NZ
Sep 24: Totara Street, Tauranga, NZ
Sep 25: Dome Room, Gisborne, NZ
Sep 28: East End Cafe, Wairoa, NZ
Sep 29: Cabana, Napier, NZ
Sep 30: St. Peters Hall, Wellington, NZ
Oct 01: Meow, Wellington, NZ
Oct 02: Dharma Bums Club, Wairau, NZ
Oct 05: Mussel Inn, Onekaka, NZ
Oct 06: The Playhouse Cafe and Theatre, Mapua, NZ
Oct 07: The Boathouse, Nelson, NZ
Oct 08: Wunderbar, Christchurch, NZ
Oct 09: Churchills, Christchurch, NZ

24 August 2016

#551 :: LIVE Blues Recording :: Big Pete - Live at Bluesnow!

The Blues Room #551
Wednesday 24 August 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
http://player.wizz.co.nz/freefm89/,
Hamilton, NZ.

Dutch blues vocalist and harp master Pieter 'Big Pete' van der Pluijm may not be a familiar
name to American blues audiences, but he's already well-established in the Netherlands – his
native home base in North-West Europe. At 23, Pete was handpicked for a European memorial
tour to honor the music and memory of legendary harmonica player and vocalist Lester Butler
(the Red Devils and Thirteen), backed by several of Lester's original bandmates. The project
was met with great success and critical acclaim, so more tours and a CD by the Lester Butler
Tribute Band soon followed, securing Pete's arrival on the scene as one of the premier next
generation blues performers in the Benelux region. Since then, Big Pete has gone on to form
and record many other successful projects including his debut release "Bathroom Acoustics"
by The Strikes, a couple of CDs by the rockin' 50's Chicago blues outfit The Backbones, and
most recently, the more progressive and forward-thinking group M.O.C.T. (Men Of Considerable Taste).

Pete's growing reputation has also led to tours and performances backing many internationally
acclaimed blues artists including Alex Schultz, Mitch Kashmar, Monster Mike Welch, Hook Herrera,
Matt Schofield, and Ian Siegal. Pete's informal introduction to the U.S. market materialized
in March 2010 with his appearance on The Mannish Boys' 5th anniversary release "Shake For Me."
Pete closed out the album in style paying tribute to his hero Lester Butler on the storming
New Orleans romp "Way Down South," backed by Kid Ramos, Willie J. Campbell and Jimi Bott
along with special guest pianist Andy Kaulkin, who previously recorded with Lester Butler
on the classic album "Thirteen." Now Holland's best kept secret makes his official American
solo album debut with an incredible all-star recording lineup. This is guaranteed to
be an instant classic not to be missed by anyone who considers themselves a true blues lover!

1. Mean (Live)
2. Born To Die (Live)
3. Come On In This House (Live)
4. This Time No Lies (Live)
5. 6-45 (Live)
6. I've Got My Eyes On You (Live)
7. Ball And Chain (Live)

17 August 2016

#550 :: Another Belly Fulla Blues with Fatt Max (17 August 2016)

The Blues Room #550
Wednesday 17  August 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
http://player.wizz.co.nz/freefm89/,
Hamilton, NZ.

Another great blues mix from Fatt Max. This is episode #550, wow! 50 more shows and we'll be celebrating our 600th episode of live to air blues and beyond. Help suggest ways we could celebrate. Go to our Facebook page or group and make suggestions!

1. John Mayer – Call Me The Breeze 
2. Taj Mahal – The Cuckoo 
3. Albert Castiglia – Easy Distance 
4. Frank Frost – Jelly Roll King 
5. Mudcats Blues Trio – Cant Stop Losing You 
6. Samantha Fish – Heartbreaker 
7. Big John Atkinson & Bob Corritore – She’s My Crazy Little Baby 
8. Big John Atkinson & Bob Corritore – Mississippi Plow Twelve 
9. John Long – One Earth, Many Colours 
10. John Long – Mop, Bucket and a Broom 
11. Albert Castiglia – Let The Big Dog Eat 
12. Darcy Perry & Craig Bracken – Peddlers Blues 
13. Sugar Pie De Santo – Hello San Francisco 
14. Stingray – Big Time Baby 
15. Seasick Steve - Cheap 

10 August 2016

#549 :: Big Road Blues with Jeff Harris (Robert Johnson)

The Blues Room #549
Wednesday 10 August 2016, 
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0
Hamilton, NZ.

For many years Nate has been following a vintage blues radio show hosted by Jeff Harris called Big Road Blues. Jeff presents his 2-hour show each Sunday from 5 to 7 PM (EST) on WGMC Jazz90.1 (Rochester, NY) and it streams live on the web from http://www.jazz901.org/listen-live/. Jeff has kindly given permission for Big Road Blues to be re-run on The Blues Room each month, on the second Wednesday. This episode here is a classic example of what you'll hear from Jeff; superb tracks, great commentary, and a taste of classic and often rare and forgotten blues. As Jeff's shows are two hours long, Nate will post a link for listeners to check out the second half of his show. For archived shows of Big Road Blues please check out http://sundayblues.org/. So a big thank you goes out to Jeff and we look forward to sharing some of his outstanding shows on The Blues Room.


Big Road Blues Show :: Can't You Hear That Wind Howl? – Robert Johnson's Blues

1. Big Jon Atkinson & Bob Corritore - Goin' Back to Tennessee
2. John Long - I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole
3. Greg Copeland - Shes Gone
4. Leroy Carr - Mean Mistreater Mama
5. Robert Johnson - Kind Hearted Woman Blues
6. Elijah Wald - Robert Johnson Influences Interview
7. Kokomo Arnold Sissy Man Blues
8. Johnnie Temple Lead Pencil Blues 
9. Robert Johnson - I Believe I'll Dust My Broom
10. Calvin Frazier - I'm In The Highway, Man
11. Elmore James - Dust My Broom
12. Robert Lockwood - Dust My Broom
13. Larry Cohn - Robert Johnson Reissues & Box Set Interview
14. Kokomo Arnold Old Original Kokomo Blues

4 August 2016

#548 :: Darcy Perry's Hour Of Blues Power

The Blues Room #548
Wednesday 3 August 2016
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0,
Hamilton, NZ.

Watch out! Here's Darcy Perry once again with another great weekly serving of Blues you can use!

This episode is dedicated to Lightning Red
May 6, 1949 – July 6, 2016

Lightning Red (Wayne Bak) musical artist died July 6th at the age of 67 of heart problems and prostate cancer.

He was a blues artist who performed nationally and internationally touring England, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, Croatia, Germany, Holland, and Australia. He played electric guitar, was a song writer, sang and fronted his own band for 50 years.

He recorded 8 albums of original music. His entire life was shaped by an insatiable passion for the blues. It’s all he ever played. He is considered a great blues artist by many across the world.

Red and his wife came to Austin in 1977 from the Chicago area. After living out-of-state for 8 years, they returned back home to Austin in December 2015.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Deborah Vanko, a sister, Janice Brennan of Illinois, a sister Joan Bakalar and her daughter, Stacey of New Zealand.

1. Junior Wells - Give Me One Reason
2. Big Jon Atkinson & Bob Corritore - It Wasn't Easy
3. Buddy Guy & Tracy Chapman - Ain't No Sunshine 
4. Albert Castiglia - Let's Make Love In the Morning
5. Lightning Red - Lie No More
6. Ben Harper - Ground On Down
7. Lightning Red & EZ Love - Change Is Gonna Cum
8. Etta James - Stormy Monday Blues
9. Jeff Healey - See the Light
10. John Long - Things Can't Be Down Always
11. Tony Joe White - Who You Gonna Hoo Doo Now

Hosts of The Blues Room make cameo appearance on new promotional video for The Big Listen


In a new Free FM promo video produced for The Big Listen - a nationwide campaign promoting Community Access media across New Zealand - hosts of The Blue Room, Darcy Perry and Nate Taiapa make a cameo appearance at 1:24 mins and we get a glimpse into how things roll on air The Blues Room.

2 August 2016

Win 2 New Delta Groove Music CDs!!


Head over to our Facebook page to enter the draw to win these two new blues releases from Delta Groove Music. Then do yourself a favor and like Delta Groove Music to keep up to date with the leader in west coast roots & blues music and then like The Blues Room: from the roots to the fruits so you don't miss more giveaways like this!

27 July 2016

Greg Copeland & Steve Giles New Zealand Tour, 16/9 - 9/10/2016


Proudly announcing the Greg Copeland and Steve 'Guitar' Gilles New Zealand Tour 2016!!!
Starting 16 Sept 2016 in Whangarei and ending up in Christchurch on 9th October 2016. Keep it locked to The Blues Room as we have tickets to giveaway on air and we'll have Greg Copeland joining us on air for a interview on 14th September 2016.

#547 :: LIVE Blues Recording :: Crossroads Revisited with Eric Clapton

The Blues Room #547
Wednesday 27 July 2016 
9pm-10pm, FreeFM89.0
Hamilton, NZ.

Nearly four hours of live performances from Eric Clapton's acclaimed Crossroads Guitar Festival are coming to CD for the first time. This new 3 disc collection coming out now on Rhino will feature 41 tracks of landmark performances from all four Crossroads Guitar Festivals, which were held in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013.

Founded in 2004 by the legendary guitarist, Eric Clapton, the Crossroads Guitar Festival has given fans an opportunity to witness truly historic performances by some of the world's greatest guitarists. While fans have been able to relive those magical moments thanks to a series of successful DVD and Blu-ray compilations, only a few of those performances have made their way to CD.

A veritable "Who's Who" of guitar music can be heard on this set, including Clapton, Jeff Beck, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Cray, Billy F Gibbons, Vince Gill, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Mayer, Carlos Santana, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood, and Jimmie Vaughn, just to name a few. Naturally, the all-star jams deliver some of the collection s most unforgettable moments.

Held every three years since 2004, the Crossroads Guitar Festival raises funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and education facility that Clapton founded in 1998 to help people suffering from chemical dependency.

Nate has selected some of his favorite performances from Crossroads festivals, including a tune by Taj Mahala nd Keb Mo which wasn't included on the 3 CD release. Enjoy!

1. Rock Me Baby – Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, B.B. King & Jimmie Vaughan [2004]
2. Drums Of Passion (Jingo) – Carlos Santana with Eric Clapton [2004]
3. Hell At Home – Sonny Landreth with Eric Clapton [2007]
4. Mas Y Mas – Los Lobos [2007]
5. Lay Down Sally – Vince Gill with Sheryl Crow, Keb’ Mo’, Albert Lee, James Burton & Earl Klugh [2010]
6. Five Long Years – Buddy Guy with Jonny Lang & Ronnie Wood [2010]
7. Born Under A Bad Sign – Booker T. with Steve Cropper, Keb’ Mo’, Blake Mills, Matt “Guitar” Murphy & Albert Lee [2013]
8. Please Come Home – Gary Clark Jr. [2013]
9. Diving Duck Blues - Taj Mahal and Keb Mo [2013]