Reverend Raven
Live at Blues On Grand
© 2004 Richard Raven (666186656822)
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Original blues played over traditional grooves.
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"Madison Slim is a terrific harp player" Bruce Iglauer/Alligator Records
"Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys --- My favorite, even the stiffs were rockin'. Buddy Guy quoted them saying "They are very, very good!!!" They really, really were! The harmonica player...all I can do is sigh"
(From the Chris Isaack bulletin board)
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago Richard Raven first heard the blues of Louis Jordan, T-Bone Walker and Pee Wee Crayton coming from his mother's stereo. His older cousin later brought home the records of Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Magic Sam, Slim Harpo, Buddy Guy and Otis Rush.
After seeing Freddy King at the Kinetic Playground, he started going to Maxwell Street on Sunday afternoons to see Johnny Dollar, Lefty Dizz and Jimmie Lee Robinson play in the alleys and on
the street corners.
The 1970s were spent going to the clubs and taverns on the south side of Chicago and Chicago Heights to see and hear raw urban blues.
After playing in bands for 5 years and doing a 15 year stint in U.S. Navy, where he acquired the Reverend tag, Chief Raven hung up his anchors to give music another go.
That was nine years ago and he hasn't looked back. Since then he has become a regular on the Midwest blues circuit, playing Buddy Guy's Legends, The Slippery Noodle, Memphis Smoke, Fat Fish Blue, Blues on Grand, The Zoo Bar, Whiskey Junction and most of the Midwest blues festivals. Rev has won the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award (WAMI) for best blues artist in 1999,2000, 2003,2004 and again in 2006.
Madison Slim walks the walk and talks the talk. He is a direct link to the golden era of urban blues played in the clubs of Chicago in the 1950s and 60s. First as a fan, then a student and finally as a player in his own right. He has played, traveled and roomed with a long list of heavy blues man, including Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, Ted Harvey, Sam Lay and many, many more.
A member of the Sam Lay Blues Band, The Legendary Blues Band and finally the Jimmy Rogers band, he has lived and played hard all around the world. This night at Blues on Grand he was in fine form. This is really his CD and I hope it showcases his passion and commitment to playing his blues.
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author: ChrisThis is one of my favorite CD's in my collection! The live feel comes thru and the sound is great. I've been in and played in B.O.G. but sorry I wasn't at THIS show! Great record!
This CD is all about the blues.
author: Harmonica JoeWith a name like "Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys," you have to wonder what this band is all about. Well, with the CD "Reverend Raven Featuring Madison Slim Live At Blues On Grand" that question is answered. This CD is all about the blues. Reverend Raven has brought together a very talented band. As the main driver of the band, Reverend Raven is the real deal with his awesome guitar style, large vocal presence, song writing ability and band leadership quality. The band features Madison Slim on the harmonica. Madison Slim is a harp player's want list fulfilled. He has the whole package going on as his tone and ability with both the high and low end is evidenced on every track. His deep feeling and depth take after the likes of Big Walter Horton and Slim Harpo. His interlocking play with the Reverend ties this whole CD together. Spencer Panosh's drum talent is just outstanding on every track. He is always there but never annoying so it is a constant pleasure listening for the drummer. Spencer is a driving force behind this band. Bringing up the bass line is Andre Maritato's steady tempo setting style. He is a very tasteful bass player. This whole combination makes this a powerful blues band. The CD is filled with a combination of tunes by Reverend Raven, Freddie King, Chester Burnett aka "Howlin' Wolf," Rice Miller aka "Sonny Boy Williamson" and Slim Harpo. With this being a live recording, you could expect overplaying and unnecessarily long solos by just about anyone but this is not the case here. The Reverend has control of this show. The vocals are all understandable and sung with feeling and dynamics. This is true with all the players. "Please Let Me Explain" is one the the best tunes on the CD for me. Madison Slim does an awesome rendition of the Rice Miller tune. Also the Reverend's vocals and guitar licks make this tune a standout. Reverend Raven's song writing abilities are shown off in three tunes on this disc. These songs are "Loving You," "I'm Your Honeyboy" and "Bee Hive Baby". "Bee Hive Baby" is a tribute to Slim Harpo. There is the vein of "Baby Scratch My Back" throughout this tune. Reverend Raven does some serious chicken scratching here along with Madison Slim's high end harp playing. This is a recording for blues fans to get! You can also visit Reverend Raven at his web site at www.reverendraven.com. Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin" Altar Boys will be at Nino's Big Cities on March 31st. See you there.
raw, soulful old school, electric blues
author: benamazing grooves and chemistry between Rev and slim. a great unfiltered look into the heart and soul of todays under rated live blues scene.
- author: rdttd
raven you are so sweet baby
Fantastic!
author: LandonReal blues without embelishment. You can feel the energy of the live performance. The play between Slim and the Rev. is magic.
Phenomenal CD!
author: dennisThis is one phenomenal CD! The "Rev" is definitely the real deal when it comes to blues!
"I'm ready to hear some more Reverend Raven"
author: bobnalongReverend Raven, playing at Norm's in Superior during the 2005 Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth - blew me away! Short show Sunday in the tent left the crowd unsatified and needing more. At the end of the festival I asked my 26-year old son what he thought. He said "I'm ready to hear some more Reverend Raven".
Great CD--lots of rhythm!
author: Lorithis is blues at it's best--makes me just want to dance!
"The interplay between the Rev and Slim is nothing short of breathtaking"
author: Ken Stone - Wisconsin Blues SocietyThe blues resource-rich Alligator belt that extends between Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis is alive with working blues units that are keeping the flame stoked. Perhaps foremost is the blues shouter, Reverend Raven. His latest release features harp legend Madison Slim and a tight band of roadhouse veterans. From the opening bouncer 'I'm Your Honeyboy', a loping shuffle and Raven original that propels the listener into this collection of blues gems, the interplay between the Rev and Slim is nothing short of breathtaking. With a stash of a thousand stage hours to draw from, the band creates a synergy of dynamics and outstanding ensemble playing that are the hallmarks of all great blues bands. Reverend Raven has completed the transition from sideman to commanding bandleader by being a student of the art form. His prodigious guitar vocabulary quotes the greats while retaining the excitement of spontaneous combustion. Clean tone dripping with reverb inside impeccable phrasing, combined with the fruits of years as a sideman - tasty rhythm comps and fills - give the Rev a perfect foil for Madison Slim's muscular tone and soulful licks. Madison Slim is the treasured connection to the Chicago blues masters having literally slept on the couches of Jimmy Rogers, Lowell Fulson and Carrie and Lurrie Bell. He was often the only white face in the south-side blues clubs during the 60's and the 70's. Slim's ability to step on the gas pedal is a testament to years on the road with the best blues performers in the world.
THE Blues band deserving of more recognition!
author: Don "T-Bone" EricksonReverend Raven & the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys are my favorite working Blues band that deserves more recognition and this CD absolutely proves my point without a doubt! Listen for yourself and try to tell me I'm wrong. Ain't gonna happen, baby...
The interplay between Raven’s guitar and Slim’s harp is what makes this CD work
author: Blues On Stage - Bill HalaszynskiMadison Slim joins the fray with Harpo’s “Got Love If You Want It”. His husky voice and overblown harp give the proceedings a feeling of authenticity, the inescapable knowledge that this is someone who’s been there and done that. The interplay between Raven’s guitar and Slim’s harp is what makes this CD work. Freddie King’s “In The Open,” comes about half way through the set and the duo wails full out making a joyous noise and claiming this night all their own. Wolf’s “Louise,” is next with a mesmerizing rhythm that sucks the listener in for good. Everything that follows is gravy and worth the time to track down and make your own. Great stuff if you’re a fan of no holds barred barroom blues and, a good place to start if you wanna try some on for size.
Outstanding
author: preciousparklesLove this CD. Now I have something to listen to while I'm waiting for the Rev and the Chain Smokin Altar Boys to appear in my area. Thanks!
Your album: Live at Blues on the Grand ROCKS BALLS!
author: Brad Goodwin (aka Dr. B. Good...) of KXGO BLUES REVIEWYour album: Live at Blues on the Grand ROCKS BALLS! It tore me a new A**-Hole! I've been playing 2 or 3 tracks a week on my Sunday blues radio show, The KXGO BLUES REVIEW in Eureka, CA. And this album has been in the top five on my reports to Living Blues Magazine's radio charts every month since I got it. Are there more albums out there? How can I get some more great music by Rev. Raven & the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys? Thanks for making great music! Sincerely, Dr. B. Good...
Outstanding Blues!!!
author: Sverker Olofsson, SwedenRaven done a great performace on this CD, I just like the style he use. More of that to the bluesfans all over the world! Blues is alive and will be so for the next generation too.
Into live blues then this is a must own
author: Derek LarkI fluked on this release through a chat forum. If you like full on harp and great driving bass with nice lead riffs in your blues then this is a must for the collection, particularly for those who enjoy live music, no remix, no retakes just as it comes on the floor of the club!
"Great stuff! One of the best Live blues releases I've heard lately."
author: Mike Flowers - Mystic Mile - KZUM 89.3 FM"It kicks serious ass "
author: Mark T. Smith - The Blues Pilot - KJLU 88.9 FM"A great discovery"
author: Michel Dubois - CKRL-fm 89.1- Quebec"Very nice stuff"
author: Niles Frantz - WBEZ Chicago"Great release"
author: Art Schuna - WORT Madison, WI- author: Leslie Fleury - KSER Frequency: 90.7
"I sure did, and I LOVE it!! I'll air a cut or two this evening. Any chance you'll find your way out to the northwest any time soon? You'd be a big hit here, Rev. Very very cool...." Leslie
"You are doing it in grand style!"
author: Przemek Draheim"I am a big fan of Chicago blues and I really enjoyed listening to your album. The blues is all about emotions and from the very first track it is obvious, that you love what you play and that is great. There are not many good, traditional Chicago blues bands out there today and I am happy, that there guys like you who keep this tradition alive. And you are doing it in grand style!"
"It's a great CD that you should be very proud of"
author: The Blues Hound - 90.1 FM KPFT Houston"thanks for sending the disc. I played the opening track, "I'm Your Honeyboy" during last Sundays show. It's a great CD that you should be very proud of & one that will get a lot of future airplay. Thanks again for the copy & keep in touch. Let me know if you ever head our way & I'll give it my best promotional effort" Love, peace & chicken grease The Blues Hound 90.1 FM KPFT Houston
"A mind blowing harp and a drivin' rhythm"
author: Erhard Albrecht-Blues Power Radio-Germany"Thank you very much for that outstanding CD! Great music on it - a mind-blowing harp and a drivin' rhythm. I'm sure, my listeners will like that music. As usuall, I'll send a playlist any time, I use the CD." Thanks again and take care, Erhard
"Let me compliment you and the band for this very great record,"
author: Manfred/Bluestime/E-VW radio in Germany"Thank you very much for sending me your new CD for radio airplay. It came just in time to be considered in my tonight's radio show. Let me compliment you and the band for this very great record, I've played it several times and I love it. Now I think you'd like to know that I've played a couple of songs in my "Bluestime" radio show tonight. Hope the listeners like it as well as I do. Of course, I've mentioned your website and also the possibility to buy it directly from CDBaby." Many greetings from Germany. Manfred (Bluestime/E-VW radio in Germany)
"Wow "Live at Blues On Grand" is ONE HELL of an album!!! "
author: Triple R Blues RadioHi Guys, Wow "Live at Blues On Grand" is ONE HELL of an album!!! I'm proud to give it some "spins" on Triple R Blues Radio!!! See y'all T Panningen/The Netherlands
"This Milwaukee-based group puts on quite a show"
author: Ron EgglestonReverend Raven and his Chain-Smokin’ Altar Boys have moved beyond novelty status to take their place as a solid and swinging Chicago-style blues band. With the Rev on guitar and most vocals, Madison Slim on harp and vocals, and the backing of Andre Maritato on bass and Kid Panosh on drums, this Milwaukee-based group puts on quite a show. They cover Slim Harpo (obviously a band favorite), Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy II, among others, and mix in a few respectable Rev compositions to fill out the program. While some bands do not hold up well on record in stretched out live performances, these bluesmen never run out of interesting things to say and play. The covers blend homage to the original versions with the band’s unique take on things. I thought they did especially well on Muddy’s “Sweet Man” and Leroy Carr’s “The Backscratcher.” Ron Eggleston
"They had the Kalamazoo crowd on their feet at the 2003 Festival"
author: Kalamazoo Blues Society“Live at Blues on Grand” features three Reverend Raven originals and covers of Slim Harpo, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Frank Frost, and more. This four piece band puts out a big sound and I know they had the Kalamazoo crowd on their feet at the 2003 Festival. Crank this one up and you’ll feel like your there. Definitely put this onyour buy list which can be purchased at www.cdbaby.com
DIG THE REVEREND,but Slim blewww me awayyyy!!!!!
author: Conrad El Paso,Tx.I sure am happy I bought this cd!!! If you like chicago blues you won't hear no better...Madison Slim is probably one of the top three harp players around!!! Keep it up Rev and the Boys!!!! Luv it, conrad
This cd is by far the best one that I have listened to so far this year
author: Steve HarvellI give this cd , Reverend Raven Featuring Madison Slim "Live At The Blues On Grand" Reverend Raven Website,my highest rating of (7) harps and is my favorite cd so far this year.I give The Reverend Raven my "Muddy Waters Torch Carrier Award" and to Madison Slim my coveted "Nasty harp Award " for being so NASTY SOUNDING,oh yeah!!