The Future of the Blues, Volume 3 reviewed by Harmonica Joe

The Future of the Blues, Volume 3
Various Artists
Northern Blues Music
www.northernblues.com
15 tracks

Northern Blues Music is a Canadian based independent blues recording label. While only being formed in 2000, they have released a great list of fine blues cds. Among thier most well known performers are Watermellon Slim, Carlos del Junco and Mem Shannon. This independent recording label is the kind of company that we need to produce blues artist music and get it out to us blues lovers. They are doing a fine job at it!

I have been a fan of musiic samplers for a long time. These give us the ability to hear artist, not known to us, at a very reasonable cost. Besides being a real bargin, they are also a great tool to promote the blues.

"The Future of the Blues, Volume 3" sampler has a great lineup of performers. Most of us have heard or Watermellon Slim, Mem Shannon and Carlos del Junco. This is a plus because we can now listen to some new music from them. I had never heard of Zac Harmon, Mason Casey or The Twisters, to name a few. With 13 artist on this cd and over an hour of music there will be something new for all of us listening to it. It is really a great project.

"Penny Waiting For Change", by the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, is an outstanding tune by a fine upcoming blues band. Listen to this track and you will be amazed to find out the age of the band members. They range in age from 9 to 16. Where will they go from here! They will help keep the blues alive for the future.

Another outstanding group on this cd is Moreland and Arbukle. With Dustin Arbuckle's strong vocals and harp playing joined with Aaron Moreland on guitar, we are treated to some real Delta blues.

I could go on about the rest of the fine artist on this cd because they are all good to listen to. At about $8, this cd is a great bargain and a very good way to be introduced to fine blues groups. Also we can hear new stuff fron artist that we are familiar with.