Luther Guitar Junior Johnson – Flip, Flop, & Fly

It was a great night in Medford, Ma. last Saturday night. It was the first day pandemic restrictions in Mass. were lifted and BluesArchive.org was there to celebrate and document a wonderful night of blues with Luther ‘Guitar Junior’ Johnson. Luther and his band The Magic Rockers gave us two+ hours of down home Chicago Blues. This track, the last before the break, is a cool rendition of the Joe Turner classic Flip, Flop, & Fly. The venue, The Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint made us feel right at home with great food and a cool staff. Opening for Luther was NH. IBC winners, Frankie Boy & The Blues Express. Look for their video here as well. Luther will be spending the remaining summer months doing shows in New England, the back to Florida for the winter.

Albert Castiglia & Mike Zito – Intrepid Artist Pre-Show – Full Set 20191109 Charlotte NC

It has been an amazing year, full of special moments for The Blues & Roots Digital Archive. This informal, semi-unplugged set from Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia at the Charlotte, NC., Marriott Hotel was not only one of our favorite sets of 2019, but one of the highlights of the two day Intrepid Artists 25th Anniversary event, held Nov. 8th & 9th. Albert & Mike played close to an hour and a half featuring cuts from both artists new 2019 releases, as well as digging deep into the catalogs of each. Enjoy this classic performance from two of today’s most popular bluesmen, Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia

Anthony Gomes – “Bluebird / Come Down” – 2019-05-29

Anthony Gomes caught live earlier this year at The City Winery in Nashville. Peace, Love & Loud Guitars is the title track of his most recent album. This live version segues into an as of yet untitled piece which expresses his unapologetic view of those that feel there’s too much rock in the blues. Not only is Anthony one of the top guitarists in blues today, but is a scholar of the blues, having written the book, ‘The Black & White of The Blues’. B.B. King is his hero and mentor. Anthony has adopted much of B.B.’s attitude and plays what comes from the soul. Some of it is loud and straightforward, with some humor thrown in, but it can also be the sweetest sounding traditional style of blues you’ll ever hear, either way, it’s real and it’s the blues. Enjoy!

Anthony Gomes – “Peace, Love, & Loud Guitars” – 2019-05-29

Anthony Gomes caught live earlier this year at The City Winery in Nashville. Peace, Love & Loud Guitars is the title track of his most recent album. This live version segues into an as of yet untitled piece which expresses his unapologetic view of those that feel there’s too much rock in the blues. Not only is Anthony one of the top guitarists in blues today, but is a scholar of the blues, having written the book, ‘The Black & White of The Blues’. B.B. King is his hero and mentor. Anthony has adopted much of B.B.’s attitude and plays what comes from the soul. Some of it is loud and straightforward, with some humor thrown in, but it can also be the sweetest sounding traditional style of blues you’ll ever hear, either way, it’s real and it’s the blues. Enjoy!

Bryan Lee – “The Things I Used To Do” – 2019-05-02 NOLA Jazzfest

Blues legend, Bryan Lee, with his band Six String Therapy at the 2019 New Orleans JazzFest. With Bryan is Bob Menzies on drums, Ted Fordney on bass & vocals, and Detroit Mike Hepner on keys. This performance was the 29th JazzFest Bryan has performed at in its 50 year career. Bryan’s set featured several cuts from his most recent release, ‘Sanctuary’ as well as blues standards done the Bryan Lee way. Here’s the classic – ‘The Things I Used To Do. This performance shows why Jazzfest continues to bring Bryan Lee back