VA - Sean Carney's Blues For A Cure: Blues Cures Studio Jam Vol. 11 (2019)

Listening to Mark Puskarich’s final mixes of Blues Cures Volume Eleven, I’m struck by how these live-in-studio jams have evolved into something much more than just a “jam" over the last decade, it’s a showcase of world class Blues talent assembled to raise money to fight cancer with heartfelt performances of the highest caliber. Jimmy Thackery, who returns for this volume, once described our concept as; “They lock us into the studio until we finish an album,” and in a way of speaking, he’s right, although he’d be the first to admit that folks are free to go when they please and he might even tell you that performers always look forward to returning for the next recording session.

Many of the performers on this volume have appeared on previous Blues Cures recordings beginning with two outstanding bandleaders and their bands who were both present on our second volume, J.P. Soars & The Red Hots and the aforementioned Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers. On the topic of blues guitarists, you won’t find more seasoned pros than Thackery and Soars, but young Italian guitarist and BFAC regular Dany Franchi contributes his considerable talents to the mix here and aptly demonstrates why he’s one of the most exciting new names on the international blues scene and he’s caught the notice of heavyweights like Joe Bonamassa, Jimmie Vaughan and Derek Trucks. A particular highlight for me is the red hot pairing of Dany with Thackery on Franchi’s own, “Don’t Steal My Time” - I think it was a highlight for Jimmy as well!

Another returning favorite is Miss Freddye Stover and this time she brought her fabulous band from Pittsburgh and they’re in tremendous form on the New Orleans gem “Hitting On Nothing” as well as the Mike Sweeney penned “Same Ol’ Lies.” Miss Freddye is as warm off stage as she is on stage and she’s become a Blues For A Cure favorite who truly connects with all ages and backgrounds and she takes the time to be personally exuberant with each and every fan. One of the things I’ve always loved about the blues is the accessibility fans have to performers and Miss Freddye personifies that in a very special and unique way with gospel roots that truly pour God’s love into the music and into the hearts of the audience.

The Hoard and Jones Band is new to Blues Cures recordings but guitarist Roger Hoard is a time-tested professional guitarist having been house guitarist at Jamboree USA with the 11/70 Band, the largest Saturday night country music live broadcast in the world, based out of Wheeling, WV and second only to The Grand Ole Opry. Roger’s guitar work has been praised by masters like Chet Atkins and Little Charlie Baty and he shows his bluesy side, joined by Dany Franchi, on the classic, “Route 66,” and the introspective, “Time For Me,” featuring Hoard on slide guitar and banjo.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to front a tune with Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers once again and we agreed that Ike Turner’s gem, “Much Later,” was a peppy number to record. I was also excited to collaborate with J.P. Soars, Chris Peet and up and coming drummer Brandon Pettiford on Shuggie Otis’, “Me And My Woman,” a funky workout where Soars really shines with his unmistakable guitar work. Both Soars and Thackery contribute outstanding instrumentals allowing them to really step out and incorporate elements of surf, rock and jazz. Perhaps the late Dick Dale was on J.P.’s mind as he rips into some stellar tremolo picking on, "Caravan”?

I’d like to acknowledge two friends, Natalie Walston Abbott and Austin Johnson, who were both real life heroes to loved ones recently lost to cancer. We make this music for you. Huge thanks also to Mark Puskarich, Cody Romshak and Lois Puskarich who provide the most incredible recording studio experience I’ve found! Thanks to you for listening and supporting our efforts! ~Sean Carney