The Beer: A little late in the season but hey it just walked in. Say hello to a Pumpkin Pi Spiced Ale from the Alley Kat Brewing Company in Edmonton, Alberta. She pours a dark reddish-copper with a small off-white creamy head that dissipates quickly. It is pretty to look at with its darkness and clear bubbly carbonation. Smells of pumpkin pie covered in nutmeg with sprinkles of cinnamon. Dipping into this pretty pie it tastes like pumpkin pie, but out of a bottle... This is goddamn amazing. It has it all. Geezuz. Contains 5.40% alcohol and ran me around $13 for a six. Three thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: Get the funk in here - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Jeff Pitchell (When it All Comes Down), Earl King (Handy Wrap), Bill Perry (Going Down To Memphis), Carol Fran & Clarence Holliman (Door Poppin'), Carlos Johnson (Hey Pretty Baby), The Philadelphia Blues Messengers (Fever), Jimmy Johnson (Jockey), Little Jimmy King & The Memphis Soul Survivors (Doin' My Own Thing), The Elevators (Seven L-o-n-g Days), Brian Templeton (The Reign), Jimmy Thackery & John Mooney (Bump And Grind), Rita Chiarelli (Strange Behaviour), Matt Powell (Rich Man), Debbie Davies (Wrong Man for Me), Lady Bianca (Shouldna' Made It So Good), Grana' Louise (Big Fat Daddy), and John Campbelljohn (Light of the end of the tunnel).

Lyrical highlight:

I saw light at the end of a tunnel, but it turned out it was a train.

See you inside!

{mp3}112808_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:12:37 33.2 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records, TopCat Records, Blue Witch Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | OMMAG: Since it is Thanks Giving stateside I'll dedicate this to the turkeys! |

The Beer: I've been ill this week and the advice given to me was to drink plenty of fruit juices so thank heavens for this - say hello to a blueberry ale from the Pumphouse Brewery in Moncton, New Brunswick. She pours a clear gold with a wonderful frothy head and as soon as you pour a waft of blueberry aroma hits the air which I expected to follow deeply into the taste. She goes down cleanly and light bodied with honey, caramel, with a bit of maltiness to it. The blueberry hits you at the end and sort of swoons your mouth and the aroma comes back out your nose. Ingredients: Water, barley, malt, hops, blueberries and love. Contains 5% alcohol and ran me around $13 for a six. Two thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: I don't know quite where I was going when I picked out this set as I was 'under the influence' but decided to let her go and she isn't that bad. A quaint mixture of dreamy vamp and rough times, an idealism of tears and hardtimes playing with mind god saves and the juxtaposition of Obamiam hopelessness and change. Let's get it on and don't forget to turn it up:

The Playlist: Cherri and the Violators (Ice Queen), Lynwood Slim & Junior Watson (Messin' With My Bread), Floyd Dixon (Rockin' At Home), Bugs Henderson And The Shuffle Kings (Sunshine Of Your Love), John Lee Hooker (I'm In The Mood), Mavis Staples & Lucky Peterson (Wade In The Water), Chris Thomas King (Sinking Feeling), Monster Mike Welch (Please), Tom Principato (I Hear You Knockin'), Billy Price (Fried chicken), Greg Piccolo (Rockin' Chair),  Liz Melendez Band (Sweet Southern Soul), Carl Weathersby (Leap Of Faith), The Paul deLay Band (Why Can't You Love Me), Albert Cummings (Ready As I'll Ever Be), Bluefever (Wait On Time), and Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat (Doncha Hang Around My Door).

Lyrical highlight:

You can rock me for awhile or rock me all night long.

Push me hard or rock me easy I can rock it all.

See you inside!

{mp3}112108_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:05:00 29.7 MB 

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The Beer: Say hello to an organic hefeweizen from Brauerei Pinkus Mueller in Munich, Germany. She pours a murky urine colored yellow with a thick soapy white head that descends with a slow gasp of relief to a moderate lace. She smells sweet and lemony with just a touch of banana. Wheat and grains intermingling with pear-like malts caress the tongue begging you to have another swallow. Crisp and clean with a medium body she does the job. Contains 5.10% alcohol and ran around $3.50 for a 500 ml bottle. Two thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: We're heavy on the harps tonight and I have some of my favourites lined up and along with the wails and swoons we have plenty of punky Texas swagger and lowdown boogie woogie. Turn me on, turn me up - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Mark Ford (On The Road Again), The Blues Band (Talkin' Woman Blues), Chick Willis (Strange Things Happening'), The Mighty Flyers (Take Out Some Insurance), Bobby Coffman's Underground Band (Your Love For Life), Chris Harper (Deep Blue Sky), The Catch Blues Band (Angel With Firebird Wings), Susan Tedeschi (Back To The River), Blueass Bluesband (See Me in the Evening), Too Slim & The Taildraggers (I Get Real High), Mannish Boys (Why Do Things Happen To Me), The Blues Disciples (My Baby), Watermelon Slim & the Workers (Mack Truck), Billy Branch (Goin' Down), Eddie Martin (Strong for You), and The Red Devils (She's Dangerous).

Lyrical highlight:

I'm a Mack truck baby, I'm long and I'm hard.

See you inside!

{mp3}111408_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:05:00 29.7 MB 

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The Beer: Say hello to a certified organic pale ale from the Butte Creek Brewing Company in Chico, California. She pours a hazy gold amber with a frothy head that slips down to a beautiful glass hugging lace keeping in all the good stuff. Smells of caramel and toasty malts. Taste baby taste - major hops but soft on the tongue with a fine citrus finish with caramel coming up in the backend. Contains 5.7% alcohol and ran me around $13 Canadian for a six. Two thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: Driving hard through the night - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: The Memphis P. Tails (I Want to Be Your Only Man), Jay Hooks (Smothered), Magic Frankie (Good Stuff), Eugene Morgan (Gonna Tell You), Blues Train (Storms Rainin' Down), Big Joe And The Dynaflows (Cat Scratchin'), Saffire (Even Yuppies Get The Blues), Coen Wolters Band (Saltillo), Archie Lee Hooker (New Crawlin' King Snake), Scott Ellison (Love Pains), Darrell Nulisch (Feel Like Ramblin'), Johnny Dyer & Mark Hummel (Young Fashioned Ways), Martin & The Rhythm Kings (The Right Way), Tab Benoit (Addicted), and Paris Slim (If you Dig Me Let Me Know).

Lyrical highlight:

Every night I'm thinking, when the lights go down. If anybody listening cares if I'm around.

Is anybody out there? If you dig me let me know.

See you inside!

{mp3}110708_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

00:58:27 26.7 MB 

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What could be more scary and horrific then a possible projectile vomit? The broom takes one for the team....

The Beer: About a year ago I got a package from WL and one of the items was an unlabeled beer bottle with a 'mysterious' liquid in it. I knew better then to open it for obvious reasons. Say hello to the unknown beer. That cloud formation you see in the picture is the real thing. She pours a ruby red black with a foamy head as thick as Stalin's brow. It is an obvious stout and the coffee with roasted malt aroma confirms it. Down goes the whiskey shooter.. Really watery and thinner then it looks but the roasted malt carries through actually quite pleasantly. Not much else to it man although the reason for that may be because I had it kicking around the basement for a year. I hope I see you tomorrow cause I suddenly feel kinda weak right now...

The Blues: The blue devils are here in force tonight so pull up a seat to the bar and grab yourself a shot and find yourself.. For the sake of the uninitiated I've also included some decent ass shakin' and rolling ass grabbin' soothers as well.. Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Studebaker John & The Hawks (Dirty Business), Lucky Peterson (Farther up the Road), Doug Lynn Band (Don't Treat Me This Way), Los Lonely Boys (Crazy Dream), The Buicks (Sick Of Your Sh*t), John Earl Walker (Come Over Here), Nicole Hart And The Nrg Band (Every Night Of The Week), Earl Seratte & the Blues Kings (Walkin' In Your Sleep), Debbie Davies (Room With A View), Tomcat Courtney (Cook My Breakfast), Boogie Bone (Cheatin' Heart), Arnesen Blues Band (Things About Coming My way), Barrelhouse (Skin And Bones), Ray Bonneville (Laughing Heart), Gwyn Ashton (Trouble's Knockin' at Your Door), Scott Holt (She Suits Me To A Tee), and Fathead (I've Been Bluesified).

Lyrical highlight:

I got stone cold blues burning in my soul, I got the boogie-woogie in my bones.

See you inside!

{mp3}103108_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:20:50 37.0 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records, TopCat Records, Blue Witch Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | Free album download from Jonathan Clay | OMMAG - Imagine if you will sitting in an English Garden waiting for the rain | Walkright Records partners with the broom |

The Beer: It isn't really cold enough for a stout but I'm breaking the rules and breaking into the season. Say hello to Old Rasputin, a Russian Imperial stout from the North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Bragg, California. I barbarian poured the bastard but it didn't overflow like crazy as you would expect. The head is thick and has the texture of whipping cream. Really stunning and then the lace slowly dropped back to normal over the course of around 15 minutes but left at least a 1/2" thick cream of love God hugging the glass. Black as a socialist heart with massive amounts of roasted malts hitting the nose. Going down she does the usual stout coffee break but with much glamour and great joy. Chocolate and malts stream across the tongue with faint fruits in the backend. Very nice - contains 9% alcohol and ran me around $13 Canadian for a six. Three thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: We're raining down some Delta soul and Chicago boogie-woogie like you've never heard it before. Saddle up and let's get it on:

The Playlist: Bill Perry (Gettin' Down), John Primer (Baby bring your clothes back home), Nothin' But Trouble (Marsha), Willie Kent (Look Like It's Gonna Rain), Butanes Soul Revue (It's Your Thing), Bluephonic (Flying Blind), Jimmy Johnson (I Can't Survive), A.C. Reed (The Things I Want You To Do), Big Chico (I cry for you), Jimmy Hall (Still Want to Be Your Man), Bjorn Berge (Vigilanti Man), Indigenous (I'll Be Waiting), Off The Wall Blues Band (Steady Rollin' Woman), Volker Strifler Band (All Mighty Dollar), Patrick Vining & The Blue Sharks (Cut You Loose), Phil Guy (Last of the Blues Singers), and The Kinsey Report (Time Is Running Out).

Lyrical highlight:

I'm gonna call up some of my buddies, see what's going down.

Take a little spin with a pile of gin on the sleazy side of town.

I don't care what you think, I need to get down.

See you inside!

{mp3}102408_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:07:47 31.0 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | My friend and Calgarian Earl Klatzel has been chosen to design the park immortalizing the famous blues musician Robert Johnson at Hwy 49 & 61 - the legendary crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi | Free downloads from John Earl Walker | TopCat Records is now a partner with the broom |

The Beer: Say hello to the Naughty Nellie Ale from the Pike Brewing Company in Seattle, Washington. She pours a clear light gold with a small foamy head that forms a thin but long lasting lace. Hops and mild fruits waft out of the glass tempting you to go one.step.further.

Clean and bright citrus-type hops hit the tongue with a slight bitterness that changes to soft husky malts and finishes with a faint hint of pears. This is a true session brew to share with your buddies, maybe... Contains 4.7% alcohol and ran me around $12 Canadian for a six. Two formidable thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: This weeks set is essentially raw and crawlin' around like a kingsnake dirty with the occasional nod to some rollin' and tumblin' type action filled with crying harps and interlusions of catchy down on your knees I want me some more of that, please. Saddle up and let's get it on: 

The Playlist: Candye Kane (I Don't Want Nobody), John Lee Hooker with the Robert Cray Band (Mr. Lucky), B.B. King (Everbody's Had the Blues), Mike Morgan & The Crawl (Frankie's Blues), Harmonica Shah (I Get More On The Street), Dave Hole (Blues Will Call Your Name), Jeremy Spencer (Psychic Waste), Nine Below Zero (Down In The Dirt Again), The National Debonaires (Steady Driver), The Paladins (Hold On), Inga Rumpf (My Sigh Needs A Home), Carlos Del Junco (Bailey's Bounce), The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue (If I Had A Nickel), Big Al and the Heavyweights (One More Mile), Dave Walker (I Can Make It On My Own), and Anson Funderburgh And The Rockets (Wait'in On You, Mamma).

Lyrical highlight:

I can drive you in the morning, I can drive you through the night.

I'll stay close on the corners, and hug the curves real tight.

See you inside!

{mp3}101708_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:07:47 31.0 MB 

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The Beer: Welcome Quatre-Centieme a stong ale on lees by Unibroue in Chambly ,Quebec. It is commemorative beer brewed to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec on July 8, 1608. Clearly a beer brewed for celebration and that's what we're doing here today. She pours golden made slighly hazy by the the lees. A bright white fluffy long lasting head was created from the pour. Sweet bready malt to the nose. She tasted of buttery pouch tobbacco and malty over ripe cantaloupe. Packaged in a corked 750ml bottle and contains 7.5% alcohol. 3.5 feathers out of 5 but you can always get a second opinion.

The Blues: This compilation of Blues was created using requests, some where interpreted because I didn't have the music, from fellow Broomers(Leslie, OMMAG, Wl Mackenzie Redux, Fortitudine ,cherenkov, J.M.Heinrichs, Dinosaur, Pablo, Dmorris, WingWalker, Just Another Jaybird,Temujin, ChrisinMB, Beachnut and of course Shere Khan! If I missed any and I'm sure I did, I apologize.). A big thanks for all your contributions. All just trying to give a bit back and wish Darcey a Happy 40th Birthday! 

The Playlist: Buddy Guy (Done Got Old), Jimmy Thackery And The Drivers (Wild Night Out), The Homemade Jamz Blues Band (Blues Concerto), Lowell Fulson (I'm Tough), Guy Davis (You Don't Know My Mind), Little Axe (Finger On The Trigger), Taj Mahal (Cakewalk into Town), Big Bill Broonzy (Key to the Highway), Howlin' Wolf (Killing Floor), Albert King (Born Under a Bad Sign), Craig Erickson Project (Break Free), Delbert McClinton (I Used to Worry), Roland 'Lut' Luttick (Diamonds And Pearls), Bugs Henderson (Big D shuffle), Chris Ardoin And Double Clutchin' (Gon' Be Jus' Fine), The Witch Doctors (Global Economy Blues), Keb' Mo' (One Friend) and Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble (Life By The Drop).

Lyrical highlight: No wasted time, we're alive today - Churnin' up the past, there's no easier way - Time's been between us, a means to an end - God it's good to be here walkin' together my friend

The Videos: The Broom received a couple of video requests to help celebrate. The first from J.M.Heinrichs can be found here. The second from Dinosaur and it can be found here. Enjoy!

See you inside!

{mp3}101008_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

01:02:25 28.5 MB 

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The Beer: Say hello to a He'Brew Messiah Bold, a dark brown ale from the Shmaltz Brewing Company in New York. One of the chosen ones...She pours a deep nutty brown bordering on black with a thick creamy head that slips down into a soupy glass clinging lace. The aroma is very malty with rich coffee and chocolates. Going down she is all about fruit-tinged malts, toffee and caramels swimming in an alcoholic sea of roasted coffee beans.  She is soft in the mouth and is a pleasure to hold. Contains 5.6% alcohol and ran me around $13 Canadian for a six. Three thumbs up but as always get a second opinion. 

The Blues: For starters hope you enjoy the slightly longer format... On to it -- Pure beauty is in the hands of the blues beholder so smoke it if you got it cause we have a couple of dreamy vamps coming right at you laying down on top of some ass-hugging bass and then we get down to the usual groovin' business of me lovin' you - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Karl Morgan (Your Good Man), Scott Henderson with Thelma Houston (Gittar School), Bob Malone (Highway 61 Revisited), Tottas Bluesband (Sittin' On Top Of The World), Guitar Pete Brasino (Slugger's Row), Otis Taylor (Comb Your Brown Hair), Studebaker John & The Hawks (For Lovin' You), K.T. and Midnight Cannonball (One Sweet Letter), Billy C. Farlow (Back In The Big Town), Swamp Mama Johnson (Gasoline), Jimmy Burns (Someday Baby), Jimmy Adler (Yellow Bee), Fruteland Jackson (Sitting On My Front Porch), Elliott And The Untouchables (Life Without You), Big Town Playboys (Rock Me Again), Joe Louis Walker (Uhh), Monti Amundson (Somebody's Happened To Our Love), and Danny Bryant's Red Eye Band (Bring Your Fine Self Home).

Lyrical highlight:

Music is like magic and I need this beast to be soothed

See you inside!

{mp3}100308_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:35:45 41.5 MB 

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The Beer: Who knew that Indians drank beer? Say hello to an Indian-style lager from the Cheetah Brewing Company in Toronto, Ontario which by the box is brewed to compliment all styles of spicy cuisine. She pours a clear gold with a slight lacy head that bubbles with joy. Not much there in the aroma department other then some slight maltiness and mild grasses. It is a clean and refreshing beer going down but like the waft there is really not much flavour to it other then some flat malt with some very faint hops. I'd probably enjoy it more on a hot summer day or while I'm out in the bush bucking up logs. Ran me around $13 Canadian for a six and contains 5% alcohol. One thumb up but as always get at least one other opinion. 

The Blues: A head nodding jaunt of higher reality - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Bugs Henderson (Honey Mama), Etta James (I Want To Ta-Ta You, Baby), Gianfranco Segatto (Unzip My Pride), Joe Moss Band (Dr. Strangelove), Mark May & The Agitators (Laugh To Keep From Cryin), Paul Lamb & The King Snakes (To Keep A Woman), Steve Cohen & Jim Liban (Walkin Blues), Sweet Suzi & The Blues Experience (Unbroken), Terry Evans (Blues & Wine), Steve Johnson (Nothing I Can Do About You), Roxanne Potvin (I don't want nobody to have my love but you), Delta Moon (Life's a Song), Rick Derringer (Runnin' Blue), Buddy Guy (Best Damn Fool), Mojo Blues Band (Old Maid Boogie), and Smokin' Joe Kubek (The Blues Is Still With Us).

Lyrical highlight:

On some sunset beach in your mind,

Your wild and running free in the sweet soul summertime,

Life's a song baby - sing it one time for me.

See you inside!

{mp3}092608_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:09:05 31.6 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | Reminder - BAD in Toronto 2008 - drink up with the broom on his birthday |

The Beer: Say hello to the 1892 Traditional Ale from the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company in St. Johns, Newfoundland. The label notes that they are returning to the traditions of 'pre-confederate Newfoundland' which must mean all the beer they produced after that is just not up to par because of our great Canadian beer bureaucracy. I can believe it but I would rather see for myself. 

She pours a clear amber with luscious carbonation covered in a soapy lace. Smells of light honey and caramel with weak malts. Tastes like a cream ale but it isn't advertised as such. Earthy malts up front with caramel and has a nice light and fluffy mouth feel. Not bad but pre-Canadian? Ran me around $13 for a six and contains 5% alcohol. Two thumbs up although one is a pity but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: I spent the better part of this week bent over super-dry technical manuals, making hundreds of repetitive calculations and now I just want to frolic and be free - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: The Buicks (Good Times), R.J. Mischo (Bird's Nest On The Ground), The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue (Feel That Old Feeling Coming On), The Jimmy Rogers All Stars (Blow), Reidar Larsen (Have You Ever Been All Alone), Harmonica Red & The New Heard (I Got Love If You Want It), Lefthand Freddy & the Aces (Try Me One More Time), Memo Gonzalez & The Bluescasters (You Got What You Wanted), Sammy Mayfield (Dancin' My Blues Away), Smokey Wilson (Goin' Away Baby), Mighty Reapers (Ting-A-Ling), Ruth Brown (Be Good To Me Tonight), John Primer (Cairo), Juke Jumpers (Never Make Your Move Too Soon), Johnny Copeland (Cut Off My Right Arm), The Lazy Jumpers (Hand Shake Blues), and Woodleg Odd's (The Old Man Blues).

Lyrical highlight:

Intoxicate my senses, knock me off my feet. Take me in your arms and rock your baby to sleep.

I'll be good as new tomorrow, if you'll be good to me tonight!

And that I will - See you inside!

{mp3}091908_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:14:44 34.2 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | Reminder - BAD in Toronto 2008 - drink up with the broom on his birthday | OMMAG - still breathing heavy from the Flatlanders Beer Festival |

The Beer: I typically squint my eyes when passing thru Saskatchewan but I will point out that between the nothingness as far as a dude can see there is some happiness - if you squint good enough.. Say hello to a 606 India Pale Ale from the Paddock Wood Brewing Company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For a pale ale she sure pours dark but she pours true and sure with her dark amber flare and gently raised head that doesn't really want to go nowhere (what do you expect from Saskatchewan?). Good hops on the nose laying down with spices and citrus. Grapefruit, grass, and hops backed up with a  lemony twinge of floral elegance festooned with yeah I want some more. Contains 5.4% alcohol and ran me around $12 for a six. Two thumbs up baby but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: Hardcore right arm into the weak belly of whatever ails you, sexual innuendo, smokes, sawdust and of course beer - Let's get it on:

The Playlist: South Thunderbird (Wanna Be My Woman), Koko Taylor (Mother Nature), Liz Melendez Band (No More Love), Bill Noteman & The Rockets (Off The Cuff), Rudy Rotta (I Don't Pay No Money), Working Blues Band (Blue Bird), Charlie Morris (That Word), Steve Johnson (Can't Take It With You), Deborah Coleman (Brick), Brickhouse (Uh-Huh), Tracy Conover (Goin' Down), Howlin' Wolf Band with Hubert Sumlin and Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Sittin' on Top of the World), Albert Cummings (Mojo Workin'), Oli Brown (Open Road) and Kelley Hunt (When The Love Comes Through).

Lyrical highlight:

Don't mess with mother nature, cause you'll be sorry if you do.

I'll rain on your parade and I'll stomp all over you.

See you inside!

{mp3}091208_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:09:08 31.6 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | Reminder - BAD in Toronto 2008 - drink up with the broom on his birthday | Friday Night Man Flesh by Lisa has returned | In stock - Hellhound on my trail T-Shirts from Mojo Hand | Free mp3 from Kristy Jackson's new album |

The Beer: Say hello to a cream ale from the Russell Brewing Company in Surrey, British Columbia provided to me by our friend Johann who said it was a taste of Manitoba. He kinda had me worried about him at first until I realized it is also brewed by the Fort Garry Brewing Company in Winnipeg.

She pours a dark amber red with a luscious two finger head. Sweet light malt hits the nose. It is a fairly thin beer in the mouth with sweet malt dominance and a backend of very mild hops. I really like these candy-type beers once in awhile and this serves the purpose. Contains 5% alcohol and two thumbs up baby but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: Get ready to move is all I can say. Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Tab Benoit (Night Train), Mia Dyson (Rock Me Baby), Nora Jean Bruso (It Makes Me So Mad), Ash Grundwald (Spoonful), L.A. Blues Alliance (Death Letter), Knockout Greg & Blue Weather (Baby, Baby Blues), Erskine Oglesby (I'm Trying), Kurt Crandall (Bumpity Bump), Bryan Lee (Bumpity Bump), Kelley Hunt (Long Way Home), Albert Collins (When the Welfare Turns Its Back on You), Little Charlie and the Nightcats (Rain), Earl Seratte & the Blues Kings (Bendin' Like A Willow Tree), Rose Hudson & Friends (Hot Woman Blues), Steve Johnson (She Wanna Boogie), Delicious Blues Stew (I'm The Man), and Ronnie Baker Brooks (Hit Me on the Hip).

Lyrical highlight:

What you gonna do when the welfare turns its back on you?

See you inside!

{mp3}090508_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:16:24 34.9 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | Reminder - BAD in Toronto 2008 - drink up with the broom on his birthday |

The Beer: If your like me you've probably had the odd dream about having a friend who owned a liquor store. Or maybe not... Say hello to the Axe Head Extreme Beer from the Mountain Crest Brewing Company in Calgary, Alberta and union made by the Joseph Huber Brewing Company in Wisconsin. She pours a clear copper with a one finger head that lasts about 30 seconds with no lacing and very little carbonation. Smells of medicine with creamed corn and cabbage. Tastes of desperately sweet malts in a cough syrup kind of way overlayed on top of bland grains and then the 'flavour' disappears leaving you with an aftertaste of corn and rubbing alcohol. Contains 11% alcohol and according to the label on the can it was $3.25 for 710 ml. I'd almost want to hate Beachnut for this but according to her it is a best seller (her store is by the college) and she placated me with a keg last weekend so all is good and no hard feelings. I can't find a second opinion...

The Blues: For all the wonderful broomers who took the time out to visit me this summer. The final long weekend of the Canadian god cries for lonely autumn defying harps, whimsical denials of unfulfilled dreams and plans and of course for those still in vacation mode the slow refusal to accept the inevitable. Got the blues yet? Good cause the blues ain't nothing but a Canadian who had a great summer feeling down - let's get it on:

The Playlist: The Maynard Brothers Band (It All Broke Loose), Sandra Hall (I Demand A Lotta Love), Clara Ghimel (Distant Visions), Big Joe And The Dynaflows (Layin' In The Alley), Jay Gordon (Drippin Blues), John ''Broadway'' Tucker (One Way Love Affair), Elliott And The Untouchables (Blues Came Callin'), Doug MacLeod (What You Got Ain't Necessarily What You Own), Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley (Cold and Lonely Night), Duffy Bishop Band (Damn Blues), The Mighty Reapers (UGH!), Buddaheads (Stop Talkin' That Way), Lloyd Jones (Playing with the Heart), Gino Matteo (Chasing the Dragon), Albert Cummings (Regular Man), Carlos Del Junco (Bailey's Bounce), JT Coldfire (I Won't Never Go), Bobby Radcliff (Gotta Be Some Changes Made), and Lisa Bourne (Let Me Fly).

Lyrical highlight:

I've got a scar around my heart, got a hole in my chest

This love I feel for you, Lord it won't give me rest

There ain't nothing I won't do...

Just to spend one more night with you.

See you inside!

{mp3}082908_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:12:39 33.2 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | OMMAG : we must make the most of what we have|

The Beer: Say Hello to the Peres Trappistes Premiere brewed at Scourmont Abbey and bottled by S.A. Bieres De Chimay in Belgium. It packs enough of a wallop to make this review more challenging to write. After uncaging and popping the champagne style cork she pours dark with lively bubbles creating a thick and creamy head. Pleasant plum to the nose. Instantly fills the mouth with a complex taste sensation. Many taste descriptors ran through my mind honey, spice ,oranges where among them. A true taste delight. Contains 7% alc./vol. and my sampling was in a 750 ml bottle which cost $6.80.  5 feathers out of 5 but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: A potent eclectic mix of varying styles with purported properties of magical healing.  

The playlist: Shemekia Copeland (Breakin' Out), Guitar Shorty (We The People), Pat Coast (Good Night For The Blues), Mason Casey (Sofa King Bad Ass), Amos Garret (Stranger In My Own Home Town), Greg Burgess (Itsy Bitsy Spider Blues), Hitman Blues Band (On The Rebound), Buddy Guy & Junior Wells (Give Me My Coat And Shoes), Kirk Fletcher (My Home Is A Prison), Saffire (Sloppy Drunk), Janiva Magness (That's What Love Will Make You Do),James Cotton  (My Babe), Son Seals (Don't Bother Me), Tinsley Ellis (Highwayman), and the Oxygen Bros Band (Travelin' Man)

Lyrical highlight: It's a hard night for livin' but a good night for the blues.

See you inside!

{mp3}082208_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

0:59:40 27.3 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends |

5-4-3-2-1.. I'm on vacation!

The Beer: Say hello to the award winning Red Seal Ale from the North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Bragg, California. She pours a beautiful golden-amber with a big thick head that slips down into a glass covering lace. Spicy hops and herbs on the nose. An awesome sample of an American west coast brew in the lines of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (not to be confused with the slop Saskatchewan people drink). Lots of hoppy tones baby with roasted grains and caramel and a bitter citrus followup. Awesome! Contains 5.5% alcohol and ran me around $15 Canadian for a six. Two massive thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: Lots of sexy hot blues divas on the show tonight but that don't mean they don't have it going on. You couple husk and sultry with grinding guitars and you get yourself a little something special. Let's get it on:

The Playlist: Big Mike Griffin (You Wouldn't Understand), Debbie Davies (Trying To Keep It Real), Ann Peebles (I Pity The Fool), Angela Brown & The Mighty 45s (Waiting For The Blues), Michele Lundeen (Song Inside Me), Stringbean & The Stalkers (Ride Of Your Life), Coen Wolters Band (Time after Time), Shirley Johnson (I'm A Fool For You), Tony Joe White (As the Crow Flies), Shemekia Copeland (Should Have Come Home), Sonny Boy Williamson (Don't Lose Your Eye), Jerry Ricks (I Will Turn Your Money Green), Sonny Moorman & The Dogs (Fast Cars, Pretty Women, and Low Down Rhythm & Blues), Mike Morgan & The Crawl (I Ain't Worried No More), Mojo Watson (Hey Little Girl), Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Born with a Broken Heart), and Jan James (Satisfy Me).

Lyrical highlight:

They say look to the future, but sometimes you gotta look back.

To see just where you've been, and keep yourself on track.

See you inside!

{mp3}081508_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:11:29 32.7 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records, Blues Leaf Records and of course all our wonderful artist friends | Goodbye Jerry Wexler |

The Beer: Say hello to the Pranqster Belgian Style Golden Ale from the North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Bragg, California. She pours a hazy gold with a foamy white head that just sticks. Faint on the nose with hints of spiced fruit. Tangy citrus and spice hit the tongue with complex effervescents of green apples and nuts. Very clean and crisp and as i had it extra cold it just seemed to steam love. Contains 7.6% alcohol content and ran me around $13 Canadian for a six. Two thumbs up but as always get a second opinion.

The Blues: Wrenching, searing orgasmic guitars, sultry liquid vocals, black keys twinkling and harps calling like lonesome wolves. We got it all baby, I'll show you a place that you've never seen - let's get it on:

The Playlist: Carey Bell (What My Mama Told Me), Erskine Oglesby (Tore Up), Wes Jeans (Don't Be Hip), Reno Jones (Can't Get Next To You), Willie Dixon (Sittin' And Cryin' The Blues), John Campbelljohn Band (Slow Down), Barrelhouse (Get Like You Used To Be), Bill Lupkin (Fine Little Thing), Elliott And The Untouchables (Got What You Need), Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King (Stop Messin' With My Mind), Phil Guy ^{*Buddy Guy's brother} (Help Wanted Blues), Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band (Born Under a Bad Sign), Paul Lamb & The King Snakes (Blackjack Game), The Pawnbrokers (You Better Slow Down), Stacy Mitchhart (Quiet Little Town), Michael Burk (Here in the Dark), and South Side Slim (The Jam).

Lyrical highlight:

Well I've been drinking all day and I can't home.

Had one drink with the boys and everything went wrong

See you inside!

{mp3}080808_FridayNightBlues{/mp3}

1:14:22 34.0 MB 

Friday Links: Subscribe | A big thank you to M.C. Records, Stony Plain Records, NorthernBlues Music, Red House Records, Alligator Records, South Side Records, Delta Groove, Black & Tan Records and Blues Leaf Records | OMMAG: a straight forward working girl to quench your thirst | Happy birthday Jan"Madcat Man" Lillsäter | Calgary Bluesfest on this weekend - I'm in | Bonus track for the whiners - MW Champagne & Reefer |

The Beer: Say hello to a Sparkling Ale from the Coopers Brewery out of Leabrook, Australia. I've had this brew before at an Outback Steakhouse and have looked for it ever since. It pours a hazy light orange with plenty of yeast aggregate but the other visual is awesome as the glass pretty much dances with the carbonation. All these little tiny bubbles just flow out of nowhere and it looks almost like some sort of lava lamp except that the bubbles cling to the sides. The head is farily mild and doesn't lace very much but it makes up for itself in other ways. The aroma is sweet fruits and honey with earthy-style hops. Light clean malts dominate the flavor with tinges of apples and peaches and the finish is dry. Contains 5.80% alcohol and ran me around $12 Canadian for a six. Two huge thumbs up but as always get a