When she was 14, British teenager Dani Wilde saw Susan Tedeschi in concert and
that was it. She knew she was going to play and sing the blues. She says she has
modeled her career after Susan and you'll hear it on most tracks. But you'll
also hear an urgency in her voice much like early Joanna Connor. She sounds even
more driven to sing these blues.

The disc is her first and was recorded in Germany in 2007 when Dani was only 22
or 23 but it wasn't released in the states until August '09. She spent most of
2008 touring the US and Europe on Ruf's Blues Caravan Tour with Candye Kane,
Deborah Coleman and Sue Foley.

The 11 tracks feature her tasty lead guitar licks but they're used mainly for
seasonaing - its not a guitar-feature album. Her band includes bass, drums,
organ/piano and major contributions from her brother Will "Harmonica" Wilde who
fronts the band with her and gives most tracks a definite Chicago blues sound.

"Cute as a bug" doesn't come up much in blues reviews but Dani just doesn't look
like a blues diva, especially with all the little flowers on her Telecaster's
pick guard. But you can't judge this book by its cover when she starts belting
out the blues-rock or pleading like Janice Joplin on the slow burners. These
blues come from deep down inside despite her youth.

She does a few covers, including tunes by Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker, and her
8 originals fit right in. Click here for more information and hear tracks. Or visit her at her Myspace page,
but don't be afraid to go buy this one.

Gary Hess

Zora Young has 2 homes, one in Chicago and the other in France, where this CD was recorded. It a mixture of electric/acoustic/studio/live blues, recorded with 3 different groups of French musicians. Each one of them are fine musicians and Zora Young is long known for being one of the best vocalists anywhere in the world.

The groove starts right off the bat with, “Better Be Ready.” This is a funky, (I mean Wha-Wha funky) that just gets better as the song develops. Later on the CD it’s done acoustic, compare the two and you will be amazed. Her tribute to Koko Taylor, “Wang Dang Doodle” is a slow burning gem. Horn section playing laid back, guitarist Bobby Dirninger shining with his flawless playing. He is long time collaborator and music director for Young. Bouncing from acoustic to electric arrangements make this CD so much fun. Using the different bands adds a wide variety to sound of “The French Connection.” “Honey Bee” is live and it is so good that you can close your eyes and be there.

The song selection is filled with the likes of Muddy Waters, Ma Rainey, Hank Snow, Jr. Parker and B.B. King, each crafted to a different style from the original. That is quite refreshing in today’s world.

This is a CD guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It did that to me.

Visit her on Myspace.

Randy Crump

Mike Zito’s Pearl River is pure fun.

From the first note of this CD you begin to smile and move to his soulful voice and smooth guitar playing. The entire CD is full of solid, tight grooves. Every song he plays hit’s on a different emotion. From all out joy in Dirty Blonde to a laugh in Big Mouth and you even get a little spooked with The Dead of The Night.

Zito’s energy and enthusiasm is addictive. He takes you on a ride through hard hitting guitar solos to melodic acoustic genius, and just when you thought the ride was over, he hits you again and again with great tunes. Even though not every song brings out his best the overall work is worth owning.

It’s hard for the new generation of blues artist to capture the essences of the old but Mike Zito does it with a fantastic ensemble and producer. Covering Sonny Boy Williams “Eyesight to the Blind” is a popular choice for blues fans but he truly makes it his own with his energetic style. Overall this CD is great buy for a true blues fan.

Brandon Leach and Tom Rodriquez

Click here to get your feet wet in Pearl River

P.S. Mike's September show in Wichita was one of the best I've seen in 2009. If you missed it - too bad! Don't miss the next chance you get to see Mike Zito. With powerful vocals and guitar licks, Mike moved from raw blues to emotional ballad to some boogie woogie beat effortlessly. His vocal range is so wonderful, he made my knees weak!. Patti Parker

Are you ready for real Chicago Blues? Quintus McCormick delivers just that with “Hey Jodie.” I was ready for the blues when I saw that the package was Delmark, one of the premiere blues labels in Chicago. The owner of Delmark, Bob Koester is from Wichita, a North High graduate. He was in town a few years back for his 50th reunion and I got the pleasure to talk with him at the Roadhouse.

Back to “Hey Jodie,” I could not find a track that was not a pleasure to listen to. McCormick guitar playing is straight a head blues, most solos are short and to the point.
He reminds of Wes Montgomery in his fluid playing. The tittle track establishes what a good time is ahead. Harpman, Ted Reynolds shows up on the 3rd cut, “What Goes Around Comes Around”, I sure am glad he does. On the next tune, McCormick adds the horn section, which fit right in. Keyboard player, Roosevelt Purifoy adds the right licks all through the disc.

Basically, I really enjoy this CD. You would do your self-a favor and buying this CD.
I can picture this band on stage in a Chicago club late at night, My heading bobbing and feet moving. Until I get to Chicago, the Quintus McCormick Blues Band’s, “Hey Jodie” will do the job.
Quintus McCormick Blues Band

Click here to hear him live in Chicago.