Blues New Round-Up: Joe Bonamassa, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcom, Little Sonny Willis

There has been a bit of blues in the news as of late, so perhaps it's time that we corralled the best into another "blues news round-up." This month includes blues artists like fiery guitarist Joe Bonamassa; the new blues duo with a gold pedigree, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcom; blues harpist Little Sonny Willis; and a look at the best blues bars in Chicago. Let's dig into it, shall we?

Playback St. Louis has this fascinating interview with the extraordinary blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who is currently touring in support of his double-disc live set, Live From Nowhere In Particular. Bonamassa discusses his musical influences, his performance philosophy, and gets into the absurd in these days and times argument over traditional vs. contemporary blues. Bonamassa is as smart and well-spoken as his playing is sharp and precise.

Over at the Columbia Daily Tribune in Columbia, Missouri they have a brief interview with Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm, who are also on the road in the wake of their debut disc, 2 Man Wrecking Crew. Burnside is the grandson of North Missisippi Hill Country blues legend R.L. Burnside and the son of noted blues drummer Calvin Jackson. A mighty fine beat-keeper himself, Jackson and guitarist Lightnin' Malcolm have delivered a solid debut of greasy rockin' blues.

The singular-named "Lordy" writes about the Chicago blues for the Examiner website, including this great article on the best places to hear the blues in the Windy City. Although Lordy considers the Harlem Avenue Lounge to be the best of the breed, he also pays proper respect to Buddy Guy's Legends club, Bill's Blues Bar, and the famous Rosa's Lounge. Although personally I can't speak as to which of these nightspots is Chicago's best blues music club, they all offer up some fine fare for the blues-oriented listener.

Finally, my old buddy Bill Holdship, music editor of Detroit's Metro Times, has this excellent interview/article with the often-overlooked Motor City blues harp genius Little Sonny Willis. A former Stax Records artist who has performed alongside such blues greats as B.B. King, Albert King, and Sonny Boy Williamson, as well as giants of R&B like Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, and Bobby "Blue" Bland, Willis discusses his early years, his career, and his fondly-remembered performances from over forty years in the blues biz. Holdship's discussion with Willis is accompanied by a 40-photo slideshow that takes the reader on a welcome trip back in time.

Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm CD cover courtesy Delta Groove Music