HOB prog descrip ARCH

Feb. 01 - For the 24th year, Blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation presents the 24th annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. The world's largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its Affiliated Organizations. In 2007 over 90 bands and 60 solo/duo acts brought the heat and it’s going to be even bigger this year. Can’t be there for all the action..no problem..The House of Blues has you covered with a preview of the best of the best competing this year.

Feb. 08 - Time once again for the Grammy Awards. Who’s up in the blues department? Well, Koko Taylor, Robben Ford, Joan Armatrading, Bettye Lavette, JJ Cale and Eric Clapton, Otis Rush, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Doyle Bramhall, and Pinetop Perkins. We will play them all! Plus, harmonica music from New Zealand? Yes. We spin a new compilation, “Harmonica Masters of New Zealand”.

Feb. 15 - A look back at the whirlwind career of Ike Turner, who died in 2007. We hear a mix of old and new, from his 2001 comeback album, “Here And Now”, to classic tunes from his longtime controversial parnership with Tina Turner. Pinetop Perkins, a huge influence on Ike’s piano style, will be heard. From the interview archives, Ike talks about how he wrote what many believe is the first rock and roll record – “Rocket 88.” And he tells us what Elvis Presley was really like back in the early days. Elvis will be heard as well. And a new CD, “Raisin’ A Ruckus”, from the ever-excellent big band, Roomful of Blues.

Feb. 22 - Bobby Rush, one of the great blues showmen, goes back to his acoustic roots, on his new CD, “Raw”, without losing any of his showmanship. Along the way, great stories are told – about Little Walter, who inspired Bobby to pick up the harmonica, and about his recent trip overseas, bringing his brand of the blues to the Great Wall of China. Besides the new CD, Bobby also has a new single, “Bobby Rush for President.” It too shall be played. Plus: nasty new blues from a new band out of Denver, Stiletto Angel.

Feb. 29 - The Phantom Blues Band first formed to back up Taj Mahal on his 1993 album, “Dancin’ the Blues”. This collaboration led to two Grammies. The Radio Hour looks at the Phantoms, as individual much-sought session men, and as the band they became. Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Big Men, Big Music are featured, with Phantoms backing them up. Plus Taj Mahal, of course. And new music from the Phantom’s new “solo” album, “Footprints”. Music from the Texicali Horns, the two man horn section that spun out from the Phandtoms. Plus more Taj. You can never get enough Taj. Then: new music from Sean Costello, from his CD, “We Can Get Together”.




The House of Blues Radio Hour
Without the blues there would be no rock and roll…it's a fact!
Some of the earliest mentions of the phrase “rock and roll” have their roots in blues music…like Wild Bill Moore in 1949 or Roy Brown’s “Good Rockin’ Tonight” back in ’47. That combination of rhythm and blues laid the foundation for the 1950’s rock revolution.

The HOP 178 keeps that early rock ‘n roll flame burning bright by presenting The House Of Blues Radio Hour hosted Blues Brother Elwood Blues (a.k.a. Dan Aykroyd). It’s an hour of great blues and exclusive interviews you won’t find anywhere else.

HOB premieres Fridays at 16:30 GMT and repeats Sun. at 07:30 and Wed. at 20:00.

Take a look at June's line-up...

June 06 - Sean Costello passed away suddenly on April 15, 2008, one day away from his 29th birthday. He had just released his final album, We Can Get Together, and was in the middle of a tour. The Radio Hour interviewed Sean Costello a few weeks before he passed – one of the last interviews he did. You will hear that, plus a live performance in the Radio Hour studios, as the House of Blues Radio Hour looks back on the life and music of this talented young bluesman. Plus a new music, HERNANDO, from the North Mississippi Allstars.

June 13 - JW Jones is a hot rising star in the Canadian blues world, and no wonder. His records are treasures of old school horn section, guitar driven, Hammond organ, shake-down the roof blues. And he can wail on the guitar. His latest CD, Blue Listed, is very guitar-driven, featuring sterling guest performances by Little Charlie Baty (of the Nightcats) and Junior Watson. Pretty much wall to wall guitar on this Radio Hour. Plus up-and coming blues rocker Danielia Cotton!

June 20 - Powerhouse bluesman Larry McCray made his first record in a friend’s garage while working days on a Michigan auto assembly line. That hard-driving work ethic infuses everything he does. His latest album is called, simply, Larry MCray, and it features his powerful guitar and voice that just keep getting better with every record. Also music from his influences, BB King and Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and new music from another blues powerhouse, Michael Burks. Plus, the front man for Simply Red, Mick Hucknall, has made a CD salute to Bobby Blue Bland, called A Tribute To Bobby, interpreting some of Bobby Blue Bland’s greatest songs.

June 27 - Blues-rock sensation Kenny Wayne Shepherd walked away from the arenas and down to the back roads and front porches of the deep south, film crew in tow, to talk and make music with blues players both famous and obscure. Ten Days Out is his document of the experience, and has recently won the Blues Music Award for "DVD of the Year". Elwood Blues will join Kenny Wayne Shepherd for a look at this award-winning project, this week on the House of Blues Radio Hour.




As the summer heats up so do the all-new shows in July including an exclusive interviews with Marcia Ball and Kenny Neal.