Bonnie Raitt - "The Best Of Bonnie Raitt"

Wow! What a great CD! I was recently given a copy of this CD to review by Capitol Records, and I have to say that I am very impressed. Usually, a 'Best Of' or 'Greatest Hits' CD is nothing of the kind. As a rule, you'll get a few hits from the performer's career, with a whole lot of filler thrown in. That, I am happy to say, does not apply to this CD release from Bonnie Raitt.

The track line up is as follows:

(1) Thing Called Love
(2) Nick Of Time
(3) Love Letter
(4) Have A Heart
(5) Something To Talk About
(6) I Can't Make You Love Me
(7) Not The Only One
(8) Love Sneakin' Up On You
(9) You
(10)Dimming Of The Day
(11)Love Me Like A Man (Live)
(12)Spit Of Love
(13)One Belief Away
(14)Lover's Will
(15)I Can't Help You Now
(16)Gnawin' On It
(17)Silver Lining
(18)Hear Me Lord

I don't know what more I can add about this reprise of eight-time Grammy award winner Bonnie Raitt, other than to say that this CD is pure perfection by a masterful player, singer and song writer. The songs on this CD were fantastic when they were originally released, and they are still fantastic today.

This CD can be purchased in most major music stores, or online at www.capitolrecords.com, or www.bonnieraitt.com.

Danny Rhodes and the Messengers - Welcome To The Night

These days you hear a lot of people giving lip service to something or someone being "The Goods." Usually, they are anything but.

Then along comes Danny Rhodes and the Messengers - And you are going to hear me use a term that I usually resist, but here goes... These guys deliver the goods.

Their CD, titled "Welcome to the Night" is an exceptionally pleasent journey through the blues-funk, R&B genre, with a healthy portion of Danny Rhodes' Louisiana roots thrown in for good measure - and is played by very capable musicians. Danny Rhodes (lead guitar, lead vocals and the songwriter) fronts this band, which includes Richard Neville, Ron James and Greg Aitken; with support from Billy Zappia, Skip Eaton and Vals Crossley. From the opening track called "Way Past Midnight" to the final cut, "Turn It Up," this CD is a must-listen.

Danny Rhodes and the Messengers will be appearing on May 14th as the middle-act for the International Micro-Brewers Festival and Concert at Barley's Casino and Brewery in Henderson, Nevada. Downbeat for Danny and the boys is 3:00 PM. I highly recommend this band and their CD. If you are a fan of blues, played by musicians who know what they're doing, you won't want to miss Danny Rhodes and the Messengers.

For a schedule of up-coming appearances, or to purchase "Welcome To The Night" go to www.dannyrhodes.com . The information for this post, and the CD which I reviewed were courteously provided by Danny's agent from Command Performance Presents... www.cppresents.com .

The Pete Contino Band - Vegas Done Cajun Style

The Pete Contino Band, one of Las Vegas' best kept secrets, is changing that fact with the release of their new CD titled, "Push It." The music is a well paced blend of Zydeco, seasoned with good old foot stompin' blues and grabs you from the first cut.

Pete Contino, son of the legendary Dick Contino, fronts this band of exceptional musicians, which include Skip Eaton on guitar, Bo Doyle on drums, Rob Edwards on upright bass, Ed Judd on saxophone and Alfredo Alvarenga on percussions.

The band is currently appearing every Wednesday night at Brendan's Irish Pub at The Orleans Casino in Las Vegas. They will be the opening act at the 4th Annual International Micro-Brewers Festival and Concert at Barley's Casino & Brewery in Henderson, Nevada on May 14th.

The band blew the doors off at Jack's Irish Pub at Palace Station on April 29th & 30th. They will also be doing a follow up appearance at Jack's Irish Pub on July 1st and 2nd.

So, the word is out on this band.

If you are looking to have a good time with a live band, I strongly suggest checking out The Pete Contino Band. And if your CD player is bored with the usual fare, you might think about spicing it up with their new CD.

For an appearance schedule and purchasing information for their CD, go to their website www.petecontino.com or their agent's website www.cppresents.com.

Chris Hiatt - A Rising Star That Nearly Fell

On November 26, 2004 Chris Hiatt, a Phoenix based musician who is best known for being the World's Premiere Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, was nearly killed in a T-bone accident, hit at 85 miles per hour.

Ordinarily this story would only merit a few lines at best in the local newspaper... but there's more to this story than meets the eye at first glance.

After being cut from his car and transported to the hospital by helicopter, Chris spent 6 days in intensive care on the critical list. After recovering from surgery, Hiatt's condition was downgraded, and he was released shortly thereafter.

Dedicated to his music, Chris Hiatt's words just before undergoing emergency surgery were to make sure his agent didn't cancel his break-out gig as a National Act in Las Vegas, scheduled for December 9th. (Needless to say, Chris was in no condition to stand, let alone perform, so the gig had to be cancelled.)

Hiatt, who had been in the process of recording a break-out CD of his own original music, was faced with an arduous recovery, pain and mounting bills... Not to mention the fact that all of his instruments and gear were destroyed in the accident.

Hiatt's agent contacted the Music Cares Foundation, part of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, who assisted in replacing his gear and instruments, and helped with various other necessary daily and quality of life expenses.

Chris Hiatt is now on the mend and back to doing what he does best... Performing. He will be headlining the 4th annual International Micro-Brewers Festival and Concert on May 14th at Barley's Casino in Henderson, Nevada. He is also currently planning a CD Release Party for his new self-titled CD.

I have personally seen Chris Hiatt perform no less than five times, and could not be more impressed with his playing or his music. Hiatt, the father of what his agent calls "High Octane Blues", is the true heir-apparent to the "Guitar God" throne left vacant by the death of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

For more information on Chris Hiatt, the accident, his music and appearance schedule, go to www.chrishiatt.com, or his agent's website www.cppresents.com.