VA - Blind Raccoon & Nola Blue Collection, Vol. 5 (2023)

After another incredibly busy year for Blind Raccoon, Nola Blue and Blue Heart Records, Betsie Brown, Sallie Bengtson, and their team are set to release Blind Raccoon And Nola Blue Collection Volume 5 this February. The thirty tracks, spread over two discs, are fan favorites, unreleased bonus tracks, buried treasures and previews of coming attractions from a who’s who of the blues and roots music world, representing a cross section of their ever-growing family of creative artists.

Disc One opens with the piano driven passion play “I’d Do It For You,” from Grammy nominee, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps. The emotive “Time Brings About A Change (Live)” from Floyd Dixon, featuring Kid Ramos, is a deep blues’ meditation. Seattle Southern Rocker Stacy Jones delivers a blast of blues harp and slide guitar on “Jefferson Way.” Steve Howell & The Mighty Men lay down an easy instrumental cover of “The In Crowd.” The Gayle Harrod Band take us to church on “Come On People,” and Professor Louie & The Crowmatix give us words of encouragement on “Elevate Yourself.” Dave Thomas spars with harmonica master Wallace Coleman for the bumping “Repossession Blues.”

The old school R&B burner “Savin’ Up For Your Love,” features The Uptown Horns backing the incomparable Carol Sylvan. Neo soul track “Maybe You Will Someday,” is a preview of the new collaboration from NYC guitarist Robert Hill and stunning vocalist S. JA. The jaunty “Hey Nola,” from The Maple Blues Band (aka the Maple Blues Awards house band), is destined to become a classic. The Name Droppers burn through the witty rock ‘n’ roll track “My Blue Guitar.” New Orleans chanteuse Tiffany Pollack reveals a new sophisticated side on her sultry soul pop number “Dissent,” while Kenny Parker pines for the object of his desire on “Tight Black Sweater.” Kansas City singer/songwriter and guitarist, Jimmie Bratcher, transforms Hank Williams’ “Honky Tonk Blues” into a psychedelic rocker. To end disc one, Reverend Freakchild recreates Jefferson Airplane’s arrangement of “Good Shepherd,” with loving dedication.

Piano man Anthony Geraci opens Disc Two with the barrelhouse blues “Haven’t Seen My Baby,” and Memphis expat John Németh, and his upstart band, The Blue Dreamers, blaze through a live take of “My Baby’s Gone.” Founding member of Robert Randolph's Family Band and B3 master, John Ginty, drops the funky live track “Switch,” from his solo record. Mark Cameron’s “That’s A Fact,” swirls with contemplative atmosphere. Debbie Bond and friends sing about the power of love on the world beat infused “Blues Without Borders.” David Lumsden pays tribute to Hendrix on the gritty “Ode To Jimi” and the Philly bluesman’s version of “Imagine,” from his Grammy nominated album, is a tribute to the late great Frank Bey.

“Troubled To The Core,” is another grinder from the dangerous Trevor B. Power, and “My Baby Came Back,” from Rochelle and The Sidewinders is a jukebox jumper. Tim Woods testifies with a catchy riff on “Low Down Blues,” and Anthony Sherrod and his friends, The Cornlickers, take liberty with Howlin’ Wolf during “Everybody Ain’t Your Friend.” Alex Lopez spreads hope with his uplifting tune “See The Light,” while Carlos Elliot and Bobby Gentilo, who collaborate on music that spans the globe, perform the lovely Castilian ballad “Cielo.” The horn driven “Keep On Movin’” is a blueprint of east bay soul created by Benny Turner and Operation Soul in 1966 and Benny’s gospel fueled “Born In This Time,” is the perfect blues benediction to close out the collection.

Brown and Bengtson have made it their mission to represent and nurture the careers of up-and-coming artists and veteran performers with equal care and passionate fortitude. Unmistakable evidence as to why they are regarded by many as the best in the business. ~Rick J Bowen