NEW RELEASES - TORONZO CANNON, HOWARD ALDEN / ANDY BROWN QUARTET, DARROW FLETCHER

TORONZO CANNON - JOIN THE CONQUER ROOT

Fierce work from Toronzo Cannon – an artist who's definitely determined to carve a path for the next generation of Chicago blues! All the roots here are firmly in place, but there's a boldness and sense of presence that really elevates Cannon's music – at a level that almost recalls that great late 60s/early 70s point when vintage electric bluesmen were getting cred in the mainstream – although Toronzo's approach here is definitely in the rawer indie mode we love from Delmark! The core group features rhythm guitar, Hammond, bass, and drums – and the set features guest trumpet, backing vocals, and harmonica on a few tracks too. Titles include "Gentle Reminder", "Cold World", "I've Been Doing Fine", "John The Conquer Root", "Sweet Sweet Sweet", and "Big Ray Bop".  ~ Dusty Groove

HOWARD ALDEN / ANDY BROWN QUARTET - HEAVY ARTILLERY

Double jazz guitars from these two contemporary players – one recorded in the left channel, one in the right – for a very cool approach that really expands past the usual sound of a trio set! The album's got bass and drums in the group, too – but it's honestly the guitars that drive the whole thing along – moving deftly next to each other, with a quality that's beautifully resonant at times, and quite individual at others! When Alden and Brown are in the same groove, the feel is like expanded stereo with a very wide range – which makes a great surprise as they each turn their own directions and wow us even more. Titles include "Voce E Eu", "Chuckles", "Three & One", "Brigas Nuncas Mais", "Heavy Artillery", and "Louisiana". ~ Dusty Groove

DARROW FLETCHER - THE PAIN GETS A LITTLE DEEPT: THE COMPLETE EARLY YEARS 1965-1971

Righteous soul from late 60s Chicago – a killer collection of early singles from the great Darrow Fletcher – only a youngster at the time, but already working at a level that's as strong as most of his older contemporaries! Darrow's got this soaring voice that really sends us every time we hear him sing – a style that's possibly a bit like Jackie Wilson, but both deeper and lighter at the same time – very unique, especially in these early years – and perfect for helping Fletcher stand out from the pack! The grooves here are nice and deep – socking hard in the best Chi-town styles of the time, with the sort of punch you'd get on the best One-Der-Ful/Mar-V-Lus recordings – with arrangements by Mike Terry, Phil Wright, Tom Tom, and others. Tracks were originally issued on a variety of labels – Groovy, Jacklyn, Uni, Congress, and Genna – and titles include "The Pain Gets A Little Deeper", "Now Is The Time For Love (parts 1 & 2)", "What Have I Got Now", "What Is This", "Gotta Draw The Line", "My Young Misery", "Infatuation", "When Love Calls", "My Judgement Day", "Sitting There That Night", "Changing By The Minute", "What Good Am I Without You", "We Can't Go On This Way", and "That Certain Little Something".  ~ Dusty Groove