Discography
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| Travelin' Hwy 49 2008 Vincent Zumel La Hora Del Blues Oct 2008 Singer, producer, guitar player, song writer, sound engineer… these are some of the musical works John Boutell usually does. Not long time ago he settled in San Francisco and since then on, he has travelled around West Coast, offering his musical experience and that particular way of playinb blues, full of different musical influences, from pop to western swing, cajun, acoustic rock, funk and even some drops of tex-mex. A quite eclectic mixture of style for eight well conceived songs, which will give you peace and relax on a cd full of subtle good vibrations. The musicians included on “Travellin’ HWY 49” are John Boutell in vocals and guitars, Kirk Maxson on bass, Mike Miller on guitar, Matt Rolston on drums, Steve White on horns, Bill Flores and Joe Paquin on accordion, rub board and percussion and finally a great harmonica player Mitch Kashmar. A good cd to be calmly savoured. VERY GOOD. |
2006
Blues Revue
Headed South
Joined by Mitch Kashmar (harp), Bill Flores (accordion, fiddle),
and Steve White (horns, keys), Ventura, California's "Blue Stew"
add other influences to their blues on their latest album,
"Headed South" (Silk City 2024). While "That's What Lovers Will
Do" and "The Laundromat" are straightforward, swinging shuffles
and "I'm A Slave To You" is a slow blues with a hipster attitude,
"Three Days To Louisiana" is reminiscent of Little Feat, and "La
Fayette Cajun Fest and Fais Do Do" is pure Cajun (even if it is
sung in English). Refreshingly, Michael Miller and John Boutell
are obviously more concerned with their roles as primary singers
and songwriters than with impressing listeners with guitar chops.
Case in point: Miller's evocative road trip song "Blues For The
Bearcat" is easily among the best recordings of the last year.
Tom Hyslop (April 2006)
Blues Revue
Headed South
Joined by Mitch Kashmar (harp), Bill Flores (accordion, fiddle),
and Steve White (horns, keys), Ventura, California's "Blue Stew"
add other influences to their blues on their latest album,
"Headed South" (Silk City 2024). While "That's What Lovers Will
Do" and "The Laundromat" are straightforward, swinging shuffles
and "I'm A Slave To You" is a slow blues with a hipster attitude,
"Three Days To Louisiana" is reminiscent of Little Feat, and "La
Fayette Cajun Fest and Fais Do Do" is pure Cajun (even if it is
sung in English). Refreshingly, Michael Miller and John Boutell
are obviously more concerned with their roles as primary singers
and songwriters than with impressing listeners with guitar chops.
Case in point: Miller's evocative road trip song "Blues For The
Bearcat" is easily among the best recordings of the last year.
Tom Hyslop (April 2006)
Stumbling Blocks & Stepping Stones (Main St. Records
2000-03). Vocals from guitarists Michael Miller and John
Boutell are compelling. The music is eclectic, touching on
the Allmans and John Hiatt, maybe a hint of Little Feat, a
Tom Waits homage ("Steppin' on Cracks") and gypsy jazz
(She makes me feel that way"). Clean hints of zydeco, New
Orleans and acoustic blues here too, all wrapped up in wit
and thoughtfulness.
BLUES REVUE, March 2001
2000-03). Vocals from guitarists Michael Miller and John
Boutell are compelling. The music is eclectic, touching on
the Allmans and John Hiatt, maybe a hint of Little Feat, a
Tom Waits homage ("Steppin' on Cracks") and gypsy jazz
(She makes me feel that way"). Clean hints of zydeco, New
Orleans and acoustic blues here too, all wrapped up in wit
and thoughtfulness.
BLUES REVUE, March 2001
" Singer John Boutell's "Rio Grande" is a swank invitation to
cut and run for the border, where "I hear they got a rockin’
band/Triple-A, you understand." It's nice to see such real
thought go into songwriting; the lyrics here are much better
than the standard "ooh baby" stuff that permeates blues.
ED IVEY - BLUES REVUE, March 1999
cut and run for the border, where "I hear they got a rockin’
band/Triple-A, you understand." It's nice to see such real
thought go into songwriting; the lyrics here are much better
than the standard "ooh baby" stuff that permeates blues.
ED IVEY - BLUES REVUE, March 1999
Long Gone, 1996
Press release for the Blue Stew CD "Long Gone" Ventura County
& Coast REPORTER Nov. 14, 1996
"This local quartet does the kick-ass blues thing on their dozen
song debut disc, most of which are originals. Powerful speaker-
threatening blues here, not that boring old crap. "High Roller," a
John Boutell tune fairly rages, and there’s no bad cuts. This one is
a keeper, just ask the hordes of dancers that show up to their
weekend gigs at Hi-Cees in Ventura.
Press release for the Blue Stew CD "Long Gone" Ventura County
& Coast REPORTER Nov. 14, 1996
"This local quartet does the kick-ass blues thing on their dozen
song debut disc, most of which are originals. Powerful speaker-
threatening blues here, not that boring old crap. "High Roller," a
John Boutell tune fairly rages, and there’s no bad cuts. This one is
a keeper, just ask the hordes of dancers that show up to their
weekend gigs at Hi-Cees in Ventura.
Although it did not win, Blue Stew's Headed South did make the final 5, still a great
accomplishment
"Five CDs Remain in Best Self-Produced CD Contest
The final round of judging in the Best Self Produced CD is just around the corner. Round three was a
real challenge for the judges. They reported a difficult time in choosing from the remaining entries. The
following acts will be judged at the International Blues Challenge February 1-3, 2007 and the winner will
be announced at Band finals in the Orpheum Theater".
1.Mainly Blue ---Charles Pasi (Blues sur Siene – France)
2.Headed South – Blue Stew & Friends (Santa Barbara Blues Society)
3.We Are Mighty Lester – Mighty Lester (Triangle Blues Society)
4. If I Was a Fish – Matt Woods (Central Iowa Blues Society)
5. Rain of Days – Joe McMurrian (Cascade Blues Association
accomplishment
"Five CDs Remain in Best Self-Produced CD Contest
The final round of judging in the Best Self Produced CD is just around the corner. Round three was a
real challenge for the judges. They reported a difficult time in choosing from the remaining entries. The
following acts will be judged at the International Blues Challenge February 1-3, 2007 and the winner will
be announced at Band finals in the Orpheum Theater".
1.Mainly Blue ---Charles Pasi (Blues sur Siene – France)
2.Headed South – Blue Stew & Friends (Santa Barbara Blues Society)
3.We Are Mighty Lester – Mighty Lester (Triangle Blues Society)
4. If I Was a Fish – Matt Woods (Central Iowa Blues Society)
5. Rain of Days – Joe McMurrian (Cascade Blues Association
1968 Recording of Beauregard Ajax, Released in Europe in
2005 on vinyl, CD released Summer 2006.
Excerpt from review found on the internet;
"Here is one of the best albums we ever laid our hands on.
Perhaps better than Public Nuisance and as good as Brain
Police from Rockadelic. This album is a milestone such as Cold
Sun's Dark Shadow. Not one track is losing energy (and there
are 14 great ones). The album was recorded in April 1968 at
Western Sound Recorders L.A. for a famous surf label, but
was never released. Songs such as: 'Loneliness Is A Sometime
Thing,' 'Dead Woman Blues' and 'Deaf Priscilla' are
outstanding but as highlights of this album we would vote all 14
tracks. Just perfect vocals, tons of fuzz guitar and tough lyrics.
We will love this album forever."
Available on Shadocks Records
2005 on vinyl, CD released Summer 2006.
Excerpt from review found on the internet;
"Here is one of the best albums we ever laid our hands on.
Perhaps better than Public Nuisance and as good as Brain
Police from Rockadelic. This album is a milestone such as Cold
Sun's Dark Shadow. Not one track is losing energy (and there
are 14 great ones). The album was recorded in April 1968 at
Western Sound Recorders L.A. for a famous surf label, but
was never released. Songs such as: 'Loneliness Is A Sometime
Thing,' 'Dead Woman Blues' and 'Deaf Priscilla' are
outstanding but as highlights of this album we would vote all 14
tracks. Just perfect vocals, tons of fuzz guitar and tough lyrics.
We will love this album forever."
Available on Shadocks Records
| South City Blues Band Main St Records 2010 THE GOLDEN GATE BLUES SOCIETY NEWSLETTER CD Reiveiw Ron Purser "Comin Home" swings, jumps, rocks, and takes off at times into R&B and jazz. Despite the diverse blending of styles, textures, and rhythms on "Comin Home", the South City Blues Band delivers a consistent tone fest with a solid rhythm section. Throughout the CD, there is a certain purity and simplicity that is true to the blues form. Clearly, Comin Home showcases the band’s lyrical humor, stylistic versatility, vocal harmonies, and, of course, superb musicianship. |