Chris Cain — “Good Intentions Gone Bad” — Alligator Records

Fairly often in this blog, I write about artists who may not be well-known nationally, but who definitely deserve a wider stage.

Today’s choice, Chris Cain, is a good example of another kind of performer — one who has been on the national scene for decades, with fifteen acclaimed albums and multiple awards to his credit, and much praise from his peers. With all those accolades, it seems odd, but he still appears to be criminally under-recognized as a major talent when blues guitar gods are catalogued as household names. Cain is a topflight singer and songwriter, as well as a wickedly sharp blues guitar player, and assuredly deserves a higher ranking in that pantheon.

“Good Intentions Gone Bad” should be the album that helps boost Cain’s ratings in that universe. It’s his 16th album and second for Alligator Records, recorded at Kid Andersen’s Greaseland Studio, with Andersen producing. The thirteen original songs reflect Cain’s sharpness as a tunesmith, and his music reflects his strong, tough guitar chops honed over his decades of work. And Andersen’s addition of a horn section on seven tracks gives Cain’s songs an added, swinging, dimension.

Those horns help kick off the first three tracks: The bouncy “Too Little Too Late” opens with Cain’s gritty vocals and stinging guitar riffs that set the tone for what’s to come. Cain favors big fat guitar notes, sparingly played, filled with intensity from what they don’t say, as much as what they do. “Fear Is My New Roommate” is up next, with world-weary vocals adding heft to the thought he is “not sure what is going to happen to the world.” The title track shows up next, favoring with a little New Orleans swing behind clever lyrical tales of how his good intentions don’t always work out.

“Waiting For the Sun to Rise” drops the horns and focuses on Cain’s soulful vocal plea in this steamy ballad. “I Was Wrong” jumps back in with an upbeat apology, then the bluesy “Time to Cry” wails his frustration with time for nothing but “time to cry.”

Cain’s ode to aging (he’s approaching 70), “Still Drinking Straight Tequila,” explains that he hasn’t quite given up everything that gives him pleasure. “Bad Dream” is a torchy blues, with Cain showing off his piano licks. “Had About All I Can Take” shuffles in with its self-explanatory title and a fierce guitar solo.

“Blues for My Dad” is softly lyrical with jazz overtones, a heartfelt tribute to how his Dad introduced him to music. It’s a touching musical memory. On “TGIF,” takes to both piano and Wurlitzer as he celebrates the coming weekend with Lisa Andersen joining in with background vocals. “Never let You Break My Heart” is another torchy blues, wringing the sadness from blue notes. The closer is a romp through “Thankful,” with Tommy Castro helping on vocals. It’s a fitting upbeat finale to this outstanding session.

“Good Intentions Gone Bad” is one of Chris Cain’s best. It showcases all the talents of a veteran bluesman whose musical maturity sings loud and clear. And it’s full of great blues. Enjoy it soon and often. Household word, there you go!

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“Fear is My New Roommate” from the album:

Tracks and credits:

1. TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE 3:30
Chris Cain: Guitar, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ, Piano
Cody Wright: Bass
June Core: Drums
Mike Rinta: Horn Arrangement, Trombone
Mike Peloquin: Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet

2. FEAR IS MY NEW ROOMMATE 3:33
Chris Cain: Guitar, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Clavinet, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ
Cody Wright: Bass
Sky Garcia: Drums
Jon Otis: Congas
Kid Andersen: Tambourine, Cowbell
Mike Rinta: Horn Arrangement, Trombone
Mike Peloquin: Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet

3. GOOD INTENTIONS 3:15
Chris Cain: Guitar, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Piano
Kid Andersen: Bass, Organ, RMI Electric Piano
Sky Garcia: Drums
Jon Otis: Percussion
Lisa Andersen: Voice
Mike Rinta: Horn Arrangement, Trombone
Mike Peloquin: Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet

4. WAITING FOR THE SUN TO RISE 4:31
Chris Cain: Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ
Kid Andersen: Bass, Mellotron Strings
June Core: Drums

5. I WAS WRONG 3:25
Chris Cain: Guitar, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ
Cody Wright: Bass
Sky Garcia: Drums
Jon Otis: Percussion
Mike Rinta: Horn Arrangement, Trombone
Mike Peloquin: Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet

6. TIME TO CRY 3:54
Chris Cain: Guitar, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Piano
Kid Andersen: Bass, Organ
June Core: Drums
Jon Otis: Percussion
Mike Rinta: Trombone 
Mike Peloquin: Horn Arrangement, Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet

7. STILL DRINKING STRAIGHT TEQUILA 3:52
Chris Cain: Guitar, Vocals
Kid Andersen: Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Organ, Wurlitzer Electric Piano
June Core: Drums
Lisa Andersen: Vocals

8. BAD DREAM 5:39
Chris Cain: Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ
Kid Andersen: Bass
Sky Garcia: Drums

9. HAD ABOUT ALL I CAN TAKE 3:13
Chris Cain: Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ
Kid Andersen: Bass
Sky Garcia: Drums
Mike Rinta: Trombone
Mike Peloquin: Horn Arrangement, Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet

10. BLUES FOR MY DAD 4:27
Chris Cain: Guitar, Vocals
Kid Andersen: Nylon String Guitar, Upright Bass, Organ, Percussion
June Core: Bongos, Shaker

11. TGIF 3:55
Chris Cain: Guitar, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Piano
Kid Andersen: Acoustic Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Organ, Cowbell
June Core: Drums
Lisa Andersen: Vocals 

12. NEVER LET YOU BREAK MY HEART 4:59
Chris Cain: Guitar, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Vocals
Greg Rahn: Organ
Dwayne Pate: Bass
Sky Garcia: Drums
Jon Otis: Percussion

13. THANKFUL 2:46
Chris Cain: Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Castro: Second Vocal
Greg Rahn: Organ
Kid Andersen: Bass, Horn Arrangement
Sky Garcia: Drums
Jon Otis: Percussion
Mike Rinta: Trombone
Mike Peloquin: Tenor Sax
Mike Galisatus: Trumpet
 

Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Kid Andersen at Greaseland, USA, San Jose, CA
Mastered by Collin Jordan and Bruce Iglauer at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL
Photos by Laura Carbone
Design by Kevin Niemiec

It’s time for another round of blues music awards.

In June, a group of music critics, journalists, festival promoters, music venue managers, musicians and other blues music industry professionals, nominated their choices for the Blues Blast awards in 23 categories. Fans can vote for the winner in each category starting July 15, at www.BluesBlastMagazine.com

Voting is free and open to anyone, and ends Aug. 31. You may only vote once.  If you are not currently a subscriber, you are automatically signed up for the free Blues Blast magazine as part of the voting process. (Roadhouse tip: It’s worth it.)

The nominees are listed below and on the Blues Blast website at: https://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/2024-blues-blast-music-award-nominees/

Here are the 2024 Blues Blast Music Award nominees:

Contemporary Blues Album
Shaun Murphy – I’m Coming Home
Chris O’Leary – The Hard Line
Anthony Geraci – Tears In My Eyes
Rick Vito – Cadillac Man
Rick Estrin & The Night Cats – The Hits Keep Coming
Selwyn Birchwood – Exorcist

Traditional Blues Album
Monster Mike Welch – Nothing But Time
he Dig 3 – Damn the Rent
Fiona Boyes – Ramblified
Johnny Burgin – Ramblin’ From Coast to Coast
Nick Moss Band – Get Your Back Into It
John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake

Soul Blues Album
Blackburn Brothers – SoulFunkin’Blues
Dave Keller – It’s Time to Shine
Kevin Burt & Big Medicine – Thank You Brother Bill
Marcel Smith – From My Soul
Jeff Rogers – Dream Job
Eddie Cotton – The Mirror
Joakim Tinderholt – Deadlines

Rock Blues Album
The Wicked Lo-Down – Out Of Line
Mike Zito – Life is Hard
Coco Montoya – Writing on the Wall
JP Soars – Brick by Brick
Canned Heat – Finyl Vinyl
Bex Marshall – Fortuna

Acoustic Blues Album
EG Kight – Sticks & Stones
Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman
Arbuckle & Long – Gonna Be Justified
Tinsley Ellis – Naked Truth
Doug MacLeod – Raw Blues 2
Mick Kolassa – Wooden Music
Nic Clark – Everybody’s Buddy

Live Blues Album
Deb Ryder – Live & Havin’ Fun
Li’l Ronnie & the Grand Dukes – Got it Live from ‘05
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Live In London
Blood Brothers – Live in Canada 
Eric Bibb – Live at Scala Theatre
Sue Foley – Live In Austin Vol 1.

Historical Or Vintage Recording
Bob Corritore – Phoenix Blues Rumble
James Harman – Didn’t We Have Some Fun Sometime
Paul Oscher – Live At The Tombs House Of Detention, NYC
Keef Hartley Band – Live at Essen
Magic Slim & John Primer feat. The Teardrops – Slow Blues
Omar & The Howlers – Magic Man Live In Bremen 1989

New Artist Debut Album
BLUES People – The Skin I’m In
Garnetta Cromwell – Time to Shine
DK Harrell – The Right Man
Joel Astley – Seattle to Greaseland
Mathias Lattin – Up Next
Nicholas Alexander – Lil Hoochie

Blues Band Of The Year
The Dig 3
Blackburn Brothers
Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
The Cash Box Kings
Southern Avenue

Male Blues Artist
John Primer
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
D.K. Harrell
Kevin Burt
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Bobby Rush

Female Blues Artist
Shaun Murphy
Sue Foley
Annika Chambers-DesLauriers
Danielle Nicole
Fiona Boyes
Ruthie Foster

Sean Costello Rising Star Award
Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport
Mathias Lattin
Joel Astley
Candice Ivory
Stephen Hull

Producer Of The Year
Bob Corritore
Kid Andersen
Joe Bonamassa & Josh Smith
Tony Braunagel
Tom Hambridge
Mike Zito

Electric Guitarist Of The Year
Monster Mike Welch
Nick Moss
Joanna Connor
Duke Robillard
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Laura Chavez

Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year
Kevin Burt
Doug MacLeod
Sue Foley
Eric Bibb
Tinsley Ellis
Catfish Keith

Slide Guitarist Of The Year
JP Soars
Joanna Connor
Fiona Boyes
Derek Trucks
Rick Vito
Sonny Landreth

Bass Guitarist Of The Year
Jerry Jemmot
Bob Stroger
Rodrigo Montovani
Danielle Nicole
Larry Fulcher
Michael “Mudcat” Ward

Keyboard Player Of The Year
Jim Pugh
Anthony Geraci
Ben Levin
Eden Brent
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
Mitch Woods

Percussionist Of The Year
June Core
Derrick D’mar Martin
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
Tom Hambridge
Tony Braunagel
Tony Coleman

Harmonica Player Of The Year
Jason Ricci
Bob Corritore
Dennis Greunling
Charlie Musselwhite
Billy Branch
Kim Wilson

Horn Player Of The Year
Jimmy Carpenter
Vanessa Collier
Sax Gordon Beadle
Trombone Shorty
Eric Demmer
Deanna Bogart

Vocalist Of The Year
Ruthie Foster
Bobby Rush
John Németh
Marcel Smith
Billy Price
D.K. Harrell

Blues Video Of The Year
Lurrie Bell and Frank Catalano – Set Me Free https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ca0gG4x1Ig
Buck69 – Peace Maker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TRWlCA_q4g
Johnny Burgin – Ramblin’ From Coast to Coast https://youtu.be/437O5PJq750?si=BHmgbHiI84vEMBtc
Hughes Taylor- Ballad of Big Bill McGuire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYuWjFGMMGc
John Clifton – Every Waking Hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63MccGKlZgA
Omar and The Howlers – No Peace in the City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTtbGTvoFoM

Curtis Salgado — “Fine By Me” — Little Village

Curtis Salgado has been one of my favorite performers for a bunch of years now. I’ve seen him on blues cruises and at festivals, and he never fails to deliver honest, soulful music that seems to come from deep inside him, where the spirit of his music lives.

Now, on his brand-new album, “Fine By Me,” Salgado is once again delivering a palette of songs that reflect his musical sensibilities — which indeed run wide and deep. But sometimes the artist says it best, and here’s how Salgado describes this session in the album notes:

“Hello Music Lover, What you are holding in your hand is my latest batch of songs. When I write a song, it is made from all the musical influences that I grew up with, so it’s American music. Gospel is the mothership, and the rest of it follows: blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, soul, rock ‘n’ roll. I love and respect ALL of it. The music on this recording was created with the help of my friends and musicians. I admire them all greatly and I am blessed to have them in my life. The heart of my life is music; it has the power to break through the daily absurdities of our world.”

Now I really like what he says there at the end, how music has the “power to break through the absurdities of the world.” And that can definitely make those absurdities a little easier to deal with, if only for a little while. “Fine By Me” reflects that, with nine of eleven songs that bear Salgado’s name, and two sturdy covers that share those sensibilities.

As if to demonstrate his musical eclecticism right from the start, Salgado opens the session with the whimsical “My Girl’s A Nut,” with its near-country twang and loping rhythm. A kicky horn section brings in “Better Things to Lie About,” with its clever lyrical wordplay and sizzling Salgado harp work, plus vocals that step up and out front.

“I’m Gonna Forget About You,” the first cover, is classic O.V. Wright soul. Salgado and Robert Cray reprise their 1980 hookup on Cray’s first album with Salgado backup vocals. This time Salgado takes the lead, while Cray adds guitar and harmonizing vocals. It’s a soul brothers’ tour de force. It’s damn good, too!

The title track pushes out with a tough rocking backbeat and a lyric built around a Salgado dream about having lunch with Jackie Onassis. It’s another magical tale from Salgado’s seemingly endless lyrical wizardry. “Niki Hoeky” is another cover, a lighthearted Cajun-flavored rocker with more clever wordplay and Salgado’s falsetto getting a workout.

Salgado’s original gospel-styled “Hear the Lonely Hearts” is richly backed by the powerful harmonies and call and response of The Sons of the Soul Revivers (brothers James, Walter, and Dwayne Morgan), standouts on many other Little Village albums. “Safe At Home” touts the virtues of being — safe at home after worldly travels.

“The Big Chagrin” shuffles in on a New Orleans beat with a hearty dose of honky-tonk piano, blazing horns and Salgado harp. “The Only Way Out” tries out a little Latin rhythm, and “Cheap Stuff” is an unusual riff on thrift.

The two final cuts both feature stinging guitar by Anson Funderburgh. “You Give The Blues A Bad Name” is down-home blues that showcases Salgado’s wickedly soulful vocals, wrapped around a deep-blue, scorching guitar break. “Under New Management” is a rugged blues shuffle with more Funderburgh fun.

The album was recorded at eight different studios, with what seems like a cast of thousands joining in (complete list of musicians below). The result is a superb Salgado production (he produced), and great listening for the rest of us not invited to all those studios.

It’s hard to imagine that anyone in the blues listening world has not heard of Curtis Salgado. If you have, this is must-hear music. If you haven’t, it’s even more important that you must hear this delightful cornucopia of his music.

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I first heard Curtis sing this song on the 2017 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, where it was an instant hit. It’s an example of how he can masterfully mine a gem of a song from a simple premise. It’s titled “The Greatest Wish,” or as it came to be known on that cruise, “the dog song.”

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From the album: “You Give the Blues a Bad Name”

Tracks and many, many credits:

1. My Girl’s A Nut Charles Seluzicki, Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), David Duncan (BMI)
Jimi Bott – Drums Keith Brush – Acoustic Bass Alan Hager – Guitar Curtis Salgado – Vocals & Harmonica 
2. Better Things To Lie About Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), Gary Nicholson (ASCAP)
Derek “D’Mar” Martin – Drums Endre Tarczy – Bass Kid Andersen – Guitar & Keyboards Joe McCarthy – Trumpet Lars Campbell – Trombone Tim Bryson – Tenor & Baritone Sax Curtis Salgado – Vocals & Harmonica
3. I’m Gonna Forget About You: O. V. Wright (BMI)
Jim Pugh – B3 & Piano Derek  “D’Mar” Martin – Drums Jerry Jemmott – Bass Kid Andersen – Guitar Robert Cray – Guitar & Vocals Curtis Salgado – Vocals 
4. Fine By Me Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), George Marinelli (BMI)
Derek “D’Mar” Martin – Drums Endre Tarczy – Bass George Marinelli – Guitar Kid Andersen – Guitar & Keyboards Lisa Leuschner – BG Vocals Curtis Salgado – Vocals 
5. Niki Hoeky James Ford (BMI), Lolly Vegas (BMI), Pat Vegas (BMI)
Paul Revelli – Drums  Endre Tarczy – Bass Kid Andersen – Guitar & Keyboards Lisa Leuschner – BG Vocal Joe McCarthy – Trumpet  Tim Bryson – Tenor & Baritone Sax Curtis Salgado – Vocals 
6. Hear the Lonely Hearts Curtis Salgado (ASCAP)
Rome Yamilov – Guitar, Kid Andersen – Acoustic  Bass The Sons of The Soul Revivers – James Morgan, Vocals Walter Morgan – Vocals Dwayne Morgan – Vocals Curtis Salgado – Vocals   
7. Safe At Home Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), Fred Trujillo (ASCAP) Hershel Yatovitz (BMI)
Alby Allen Paul Revelli – Drums Hershel Yatovitz – Slide Guitar & Bass Kid Andersen – Guitar & Keyboards Lisa Leuschner – BG Vocals Curtis Salgado – Vocals 
8. The Big Chagrin Terry Wilson (BMI), Curtis Salgado (ASCAP)
Snuffy Walden – Guitar Billy Watts – Guitar Terry Wilson – Bass Jeff Paris – Piano Tony Braunagel – Drums Joe McCarthy – Trumpet Lars Campbell – Trombone Tim Bryson – Tenor & Baritone Sax Teresa James – BG Vocals Terry Wilson – BG Vocals Curtis Salgado – Vocals & Harmonica 
9. The Only Way Out Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), Joshua Huff (ASCAP),  Ben Rice (ASCAP) Andy Worley – Drums Ben Rice – Guitars Fred Trujillo – Bass Galen Clark – Piano & B3 Lindsay Reynolds – BG Vocals Curtis Salgado – Vocals  
10. Cheap Stuff Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), Hershel Yatovitz (BMI), Alby Alan
Nick Otis  – Drums Hershel Yatovitz  – Lead Guitar & Bass Jim Pugh – B3 & Keyboards Kid Andersen – Rhythm Guitar & Bass Lisa Leuschner – BG Vocals  Curtis Salgado – Vocals & Harmonica 
11. You Give the Blues A Bad Name Curtis Salgado (ASCAP), Terry Wilson (BMI) Billy Watts – Guitar Anson Funderburgh – Guitar Terry Wilson – Bass Loren Gold – Piano Tony Braunagel – Drums Joe McCarthy  – Trumpet Lars Campbell – Trombone Tim Bryson – Tenor  & Baritone Sax Curtis Salgado – Vocals 
12. Under New Management Dave Duncan (BMI), Curtis Salgado (ASCAP)

Studios & Engineers Falcon Recording Studios – Portland, OR
(Dennis Carter, Engineer) Tracks 8, 11, 12 Greaseland USA, San Jose, CA 
(Kid Andersen, Engineer) Tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 Jesi-Lu Studios, Canyon Country CA
(Terry Wilson, Engineer) Tracks 8, 11, 12 Purple Palace, Portland, OR
(Hershel Yatovitz, Engineer) Tracks 7, 10 Roseleaf, Studios, Portland, OR 
(Jimi Bott – Engineer) Track 1 Sound Design, Santa Barbara, CA 
(Dom Camardella, Engineer) Track 3 Taylor Made Studios, Los Angeles CA 
(George Landress, Engineer) Tracks 8, 11, 12Topaz Studios, Portland OR 
(Andy Worley, Engineer) Track 9

Eden Brent — “Getaway Blues” — Yellow Dog Records

The last time I saw Eden Brent, it was several years ago, sometime after midnight, somewhere at sea, and I was sitting close enough to watch her fingers fly as she was still pounding out the music at the piano bar on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.

She played boogie and blues and ballads, and left me hung out to dry, what with me being a fool for live music, piano blues, evocative vocals, and just about anyone who can do all that at once.

Now I’ve been listening to her latest album, “Getaway Blues,” without all that visual stimulation, and it’s still leaving me hung out to dry. It’s a gorgeous little session of just nine songs, all original material from Brent and her musician/producer husband Bob Dowell.

But size doesn’t really matter here, with sparkling music that travels smoothly from barrelhouse boogie to bluesy ballads, all firmly in the grasp of Eden’s piano and vocals, Dowell’s bass work, Rob Updegraff on guitar, and Pat Levett on drums. It’s Brent’s first album since her 2018 holiday album, and her first studio release of new material since 2014’s “Jigsaw Heart.” It was recorded in London, far from her Greenville, Miss., roots, and very nicely turned out in just a couple of days. But everybody knows the roots of the blues are wide and deep.

The set opens with the rousing title track, driven hard by Brent’s rollicking barrelhouse piano intro and sassy vocals as she sets her sights on the open road at the end of a broken romance, all highlighted by a nicely stinging guitar break from Updegraff (the first of many in the set).

An album highlight is the 61/2-minute languorous blues of “Watch the World Go By,” a torchy ode to lost love powered by a duet of sumptuous piano and sultry vocals as Brent laments: “Let me pour a little whiskey/And watch the world go by.” It’s a perfect late-night, slow-burning blues, with more elegant guitar notes.

“What You Want” bounces eagerly back with the slyly salacious “I’ll give you anything and everything/Baby, tell me what you want” with its percussive rhythms and still more dancing guitar. “You On My Mind,” another passionate ballad follows, this time it’s a love poem written by Dowell featuring Brent’s moving vocals accentuated by a lovely lyrical guitar: “Nothing else matters as long as you’re around.”

“He Talks About You” follows, an upbeat, rhythmic tale whose bubbly feel underlines the idea that “I am resigned to be the other woman” who “Can not lose what I ain’t got,” and then a New Orleans piano vibe introduces the lilting melody of “Just Because I Love You.”

“Mississippi River Got Me Crying” is a sweetly sung ballad flowing around Brent’s dusky vocals before “Rust” takes a slow-burning blues turn where rust can’t stop a freight train, but has a more metaphorical power: “My man don’t ever leave me / sticks to me just like rust.” The closer is the slinky, auto-erotic “Gas Pumping Man,” fueled by a razor-sharp guitar solo, in praise of “my high-octane baby.”

With the effervescent “Getaway Blues,” Eden Brent has taken us down home with music that’s not really a getaway, but a step back into the spirited world of piano blues and earthy vocals.

What you’ll want while you listen, and you should, is another pour of whiskey to listen to this fine music roll on.

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“Getaway Blues”

Track List

1. Getaway Blues
2. Watch The World Go By
3. What You Want
4. You On My Mind
5. He Talks About You
6. Just Because I Love You
7. Mississippi River Got Me Crying
8. Rust
9. Gas Pumping Man

The venerable blues magazine Living Blues has published the winners of its 2024 Living Blues Awards poll in its latest edition. It’s the 31st annual edition of its awards. There are results for both the readers’ poll and the critics’ poll, both listed below. Here is a list of the nominees for this year’s awards. (Thanks to Living Blues for sharing with the Roadhouse.)

Readers’ Poll

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Blues Artist of the Year (Male)

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

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Blues Artist of the Year (Female)

Shemekia Copeland

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Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)

Buddy Guy

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Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)

Charlie Musselwhite

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Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard)

Marcia Ball

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Best Live Performer

Buddy Guy

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Most Outstanding Blues Singer

Shemekia Copeland

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Best Blues Album of 2023 (New Release)

Taj Mahal – Savoy – Stony Plain

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Best Blues Album of 2023 (Historical Recording)

Ike & Tina Turner – River Deep – Mountain High – Elemental Records

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Best Blues Book of 2023

Tell It Like It Is: My Story – Aaron Neville – Hachette Books

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Critics’ Poll

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Blues Artist of the Year (Male)

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

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Blues Artist of the Year (Female)

Shemekia Copeland

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Most Outstanding Blues Singer

Shemekia Copeland

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Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

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Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)

Charlie Musselwhite

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Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard)

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne

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Most Outstanding Musician (Bass)

Jerry Jemmott

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Most Outstanding Musician (Drums)

Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith

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Most Outstanding Musician (Horns)

The Texas Horns

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Most Outstanding Musician (Other)

Anne Harris (violin)

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Best Live Performer

Bobby Rush

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Comeback Artist of the Year

Arthur Adams

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Artist Deserving More Attention

D.K. Harrell

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Best Blues Albums of 2023

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Album of the Year

Taj Mahal – Savoy – Stony Plain

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Best New Recording / Contemporary Blues

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Live in London – Alligator

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Best New Recording / Traditional or Acoustic Blues

Eric Bibb – Ridin’ – Stony Plain

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Best New Recording / Soul Blues

Johnny Rawls – Walking Heart Attack – Catfood

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Best New Recording / Best Debut Release

D.K. Harrell – The Right Man – Little Village Foundation

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Best Historical Release / Pre-war

Various Artists – Memphis Blues Box: Original Recordings 1914–1969 – Bear Family 

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Best Historical Reissue / Postwar

Various Artists – Down Home Blues: Chicago, Vol. 3 – The Special Stuff – Wienerworld

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Best Blues Book of 2023

Biography of a Phantom: A Robert Johnson Blues Odyssey

By Robert “Mack” McCormick and John Troutman

Smithsonian Books

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Producer of the Year / New Recording

Kid Andersen – (Alabama Mike – Stuff I’ve Been Through) – Little Village Foundation

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Producer of the Year / Historical Reissue

Jeff Place and John W. Troutman – (Various Artists – Playing for the Man at the Door: Field Recordings from the Collection of Mack McCormick 1958–1971) – Smithsonian Folkways

Rev. Freakchild — “Bare Bones” — Treated and Released Records

The most Reverend Freakchild opens his latest and 18^th album, “Bare Bones,” by offering the philosophical track “All I Got Is Now,” with a lyric that sets the tone for the musical thoughts that follow – an exercise in bluesy Buddhism and other mystical delights:

“Yesterdays are history / Tomorrows are a mystery / All I got is now / But I keep forgetting that somehow.”

But that’s just a fraction of the lyrical output on “Bare Bones,” all of which springs from the fertile Freakchild mind, which seems unceasingly occupied by erudite elucidations of the mysteries of life through music. The magical mystery tours of his lyrics easily flow from the delicate to the desolate, but never fail to fascinate.

The Rev has said that he’s a Buddhist, but considers music his religion. Both the blues and Buddhism, he says, can be seen as ways of confronting reality and the truth of human suffering: “I seek transcendence through song.” If you add that the blues is a healer, you might have just the right medicine for the hole in your soul.

For this “Bare Bones” transcendence, the Rev has reprised the nine tracks on his 2023 album, “Songs Of Beauty For Ashes Of Realization,” and pared back its more experimental musical vibe to a solo acoustic effort. The session was recorded live with no edits at the Chattanooga Public Library Studios, making it as close as possible to a musical stream of consciousness.

Following the opening track, “Dial It In” takes us on the road, humming with song: “Gonna drive ’til I get lost and found again / Gonna turn on the radio and dial it in.” The Rev’s raspy vocals add a world-weary elegance here and everywhere, fueled by his sharp acoustic work, all nicely flavored with the blues.

The introspective “All Across America” asks: “Is that me in the mirror, oh lord, what have I become
 / Yes I do believe that’s the dude that I’ve been running from.” The shuffling whimsy of “Hippy Bluesman Blues” laments a bad Frisco trip: “There ain’t no problems only solutions / I think I’m gonna join the revolution / I got the Hippie Bluesman Blues.”

“Amsterdam Blues” is twice reprised, having first appeared on the Rev’s 2001 debut album, “Blues & Spirituals.” He makes a spiritual journey for secular pleasures: “Just grooving there in Amsterdam, trying to get my senses satisfied / Sex and smoke everywhere, think you went to heaven and died.” The guitar work could easily just have arrived from the Delta.

“Tears Of Fire” offers a melancholy message to rhythmic guitar: “She got words in her hand / Well it seems like she’s always got her tongue wrapped around the name of another man.” “Skyflower” is as delicate as its name: “Now I’m secretly sending magic mettā with my mind / The wind blows around the edges of the wise and the kind.”

For Freakchild fans and would-be aficionados, there’s a second album in this package, aptly titled “Odds, Ends & Interviews,” filled precisely with odds, ends and interviews that may help expand your awareness of the consciousness of the Reverend Freakchild.

And by the way: Just who is the Reverend Freakchild? Just ask him:

“When folks ask me if I’m a real reverend I often say that the Reverend Freakchild character is really a philosophical investigation of the American experience through the music of the blues and spirituals.”

Say amen, somebody.

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“All I Got Is Now” from the album:

CD 1 (The music)
01. All I Got Is Now (3:33)
02. Dial It In (2:50)
03. All Across America (3:42)
04. Hippy Bluesman Blues (3:57)
05. Amsterdam Blues (3:59)
06. Tears Of Fire (6:14)
07. Skyflower (4:29)
08. Don’t Miss Nothing ’til It’s Gone (4:50)
09. Keep On Trucking (4:33)

CD 2 (Odds & Ends)
01. The Dead? ( 1:05)
02. Dark Star / Truckin’ (10:31)
03. Preaching The Freak Gospel ( 3:43)
04. Good Shepherd ( 5:02)
05. The Spiritual & Musical Journey ( 1:22)
06. All I Got Is Now (Live) ( 5:58)
07. Truckin’ On With Stu & Hugh (15:28)
08. The Power Of Music ( 3:56)
09. Spiritual Warrior Chant! (27:47)

Gerald McClendon — “Down at the Juke Joint” — Delta Roots Records

Sweet soul music – It’s that magical music whose classic sounds made history with legendary artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Solomon Burke and many more. Those greats have disappeared, leaving only the echoes of their soulful essence.

But there’s one soul stirrer whose voice still caresses a lyric like a lover should – Chicago’s Gerald McClendon. He’s a shamefully unheralded classic R&B stylist with a voice so smooth and a feeling so deep that he’s known as the soul keeper. And best of all, he’s got a new album to showcase his rich vocal style. Plus, it’s got very cool cover art.

McClendon’s latest, “Down at the Juke Joint,” on Delta Roots Records, overflows with throbbing old-school soul, songs created by songwriter, drummer and producer Twist Turner, and brought to life by the soul keeper’s passionate pipes. The dozen songs here offer a heartfelt selection of lover’s laments and smooth ballads meant for late nights filled with languorous glances and slow dancing.

The opener, “Back Where You Belong,” sets the mood with a sensual sax wrapped around remorsefully smooth vocals: “She didn’t leave a card or a letter, not even a see you later / Come on home, back where you belong.”

The regrets flow on with the tearful “It’s Too Late, She’s Gone” – “I tried to apologize, teardrops in my eyes / But it’s too late, too late, she’s gone”

The mood shifts with the upbeat “Down at the Juke Joint,” a rhythmic ode to good times: “You can come as you are, check your attitude at the bar / sit down and have a taste, don’t let the whiskey go to waste.” Then the mournful “House Ain’t a Home” opens the door to more love lost: “You see a house ain’t a home / When your baby pack up and gone.”

On the melodic “So Long,” McClendon smoothly turns the tables on a lover as he’s the one to say it’s over – “I can’t take it no more, think I’ll walk out the door / I said so long, baby I’m gone, so goodbye.” There’s a funky feeling to open “Talkin Smack,” with another strong vocal turn – “Tryin to play me, for a fool, you see / But your only foolin’ yourself, it don’t matter to me.”

“Only Time Will Tell” is a gorgeous love song, built atop a towering vocal effort and subtle sax work: “Our love grows stronger, every day / deeper and deeper, in every way.” The whimsical “She’s Tryin’ to Drive Me Crazy” takes a lighthearted approach to an over-eager suitor: “Well she’s tryin’ to drive me crazy, but I just won’t give her the key.”

In the melancholy of “Cryin’ Time Again,” McClendon weaves a tapestry of despair: “Darkness is all around me, I wonder will I ever see the light.” Somehow the unspoken joy in his voice suggests that he will. As if to answer “Cryin’ Time,” the lilting lyricism of “You Make Me Happy” promises a love-filled life: “More precious than diamonds, shine just like gold / Our love grows stronger, it never grows old.”

The promise of undying love sparks “I’ll Be In Your Corner” with the vow that “I’m the one who’ll treat you right.” All of which leads into the closer, “You’re So Fine,” where he makes a poignant request: “if you’d only give me a chance, to make you smile to make you laugh.”

“Down at the Juke Joint” is a soulful journey of deeply rich vocals and luxurious musical arrangements, all elegantly wrapped around the many shades of love by the soul keeper – Gerald McClendon. Sweet soul music, indeed.

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“Down at the Juke Joint” trailer video:

Tracklist:
1. Back Where You Belong (3:36)
2. It’s Too Late, She’s Gone (4:49)
3. Down At The Juke Joint (3:38)
4. House Ain’t A Home (4:41)
5. So Long (3:40)
6. Talkin’ Smack (3:20)
7. Only Time Will Tell (3:22)
8. She’s Tryin’ To Drive Me Crazy (3:08)
9. Cryin’ Time Again (3:57)
10. You Make Me Happy (4:30)
11. I’ll Be In Your Corner (5:24)
12. Your So Fine (3:16)

Toronzo Cannon — “Shut Up and Play — Alligator Records

Toronzo Cannon is making a lot of noise with his music these days.

He’s combining his powerful, traditional fiery Chicago blues licks with smart contemporary lyrical themes that pack their own punch. That combination makes for a passionate package of modern blues firmly planted in its primal roots.

The 12-song session, co-produced by Cannon and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, features a crackling crew of Cannon on guitars, vocals, and percussion; Brian Quinn on electric and upright bass; Cole DeGenova on keyboards and clavinet; Jason Edwards on drums; Phillip “Dante” Burgess, Jr. on drums on “Him” and “Had To Go Through It” and Matthew Skoller on harmonica on “My Woman Loves Me Too Much.”

Everything kicks off with screaming guitar and tough vocals lamenting the sentiment of “Can’t Fix the World.” The scorching “I Hate Love” adds more ferocious guitar solos behind a painful lyric. “Him” shuffles funkily into view, dipping into relationship issues by a former rival.

“Had to Go Through It to Get to It” describes racial barricades to success in a rousing bit of hand-clapping gospel. “Something to Do Man” rocks hard to describe a late-night call from a woman who knows him as her “something to do man” with something on her mind. “Message to My Daughter,” turns lyrically gentle with a promise to sstick with his daughter despite a broken home. “Unlovable” opens with high-quality blues licks acknowledged by Cannon, who uses the shuffling rhythms and gutty vocals to support his woman though hard times.

“Guilty” is a lilting statement about the role of responsibility in life — “everybody knows they’re guilty; guilty for what they say and do.” The slyly salacious “Got Me by the Short Hairs” documents the perils of a one-night stand with a surprise twist at the end. Nothing says deep blues like a down-home, back-porch acoustic gem. With Cannon’s guitar, Quinn’s upright bass and Skoller’s elegant harp licks, “My Woman Loves Me Too Much” grins with sexy humor. Tasty keyboards lead into “If I’m Always Wrong,” with Cannon admonishing, “If I’m always wrong, then leave me alone.”

The musically psychedelic aura of the title track brings the album full circle from the philosophic opener, with Cannon’s biting response to the idea that he should forego activism and just “Shut Up and Play.”

This is how Cannon explains the personal nature of songs: “I write what I know, what I feel,” he says, “I like to put myself in the shoes of the subjects of my songs. This record is about the things going on in my life since 2019—it’s a document of what I’ve seen and been through, but the stories are universal. And it’s my way to get past negative things and keep my own sanity. Listen to the lyrics. I am a black man in America. These are NOT protest songs. I try to create honest, common-sense understanding with my songs.”

And the music that accompanies that honest, common-sense understanding is pretty darn good, too.

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“Can’t Fix the World”

1.  Can’t Fix The World 4:15
2.  I Hate Love 4:27
3.  Him 4:44
4.  Had To Go Through It To Get To It 3:54
5.  Something To Do Man 4:08
6.  Message To My Daughter 5:47
7.  Unlovable 3:28
8.  Guilty 4:07
9.  Got Me By The Short Hairs 3:44
10. My Woman Loves Me Too Much 3:48
11. If I’m Always Wrong 3:55
12. Shut Up And Play! 5:58

Toronzo Cannon: Guitars, Vocals, Percussion and Handclaps
Brian Quinn: Electric and Upright Bass
Cole DeGenova: Piano, Organ, Nord and Clavinet
Jason “Jroc” Edwards: Drums
Phillip “Dante” Burgess, Jr.: Drums on “Him” and “Had To Go Through It”
Matthew Skoller: Harmonica on “My Woman Loves Me Too Much”

Billy Price — “Person of Interest” — Little Village

Billy Price is indeed a person of interest to me. Being a native Pittsburgher myself (it was New Jersey native Price’s adopted hometown), I’ve had the good fortune to know him and listen to his soulful music for much of the half-century-plus that he’s been a Pittsburgh institution.

I’ve seen him perform with the Keystone Rhythm Band, the Billy Price Band, and in small groups with just a keyboard or combo behind him. I’ve seen how he packed venues around Pittsburgh with appreciative fans. I’ve watched him perform tough, rocking shows with the Nighthawks. I’ve enjoyed seeing him joyously paired with his greatest musical influence, legendary soul man Otis Clay. I remember when he had hair!

In addition to his performing, Price is a knowledgeable fan and articulate advocate for the music he loves, with its deep, wide roots in American music. He has always paid tribute to those roots by performing and recording covers of songs by his favorite — always soulful — artists.

What makes “Person of Interest” more interesting, besides all the great music, is that: “This is the first time I tried to do an album with exclusively my own material, and I think it holds up very well.” Very well, indeed. This West Coast session with a group of crackling bandmates shows off Price’s still vigorous pipes that have ripened with age (he’s 74), displaying a smooth depth and richness.

The album opens in a funky vein with “Inside the Box” punctuated by a horn section that stomps relentlessly through the session. “Song I Never Heard Before” has an upbeat R&B flair with a lyric that pleads for music that does more than revisit its own past. “She Checks All the Boxes” is full-throated praise for a woman who, yes, checks all the boxes for a meaningful relationship.

The slow-burning “Mercy” is an emotional highlight, a throwback to an ’80s Price song that never made it past live shows onto an album, with its testifying vocals and passionate tenor solo by Eric Spaulding, a member of Price’s regular band. The title track follows, a funky soul/blues take on that crime-show phrase turned into a watchful eye on a cheating lover.

“Can’t Get Enough” is another pulsating dance track with an obvious theme: “I can’t get enough of my woman, she’s a hungry man’s dream.” Guitarist Joe Bonamassa guests on “Change Your Mind,” a tribute to Roy Buchanan, with whom Price recorded in the 1970s. Bonamassa captures the flavor of Buchanan’s stinging guitar style on this dramatice rendering.

“They Knew” is a sturdy vintage Price song, reworked for this album, “A Certain Something” has an easy-going Latin feel. “The Gift” is a smoothly turned-out soul-blues ballad about a painful financial relationship, with a striking guitar solo by Shane Theriot: “I’m the gift that keeps on giving but all you ever do is take.”

“Crying at the Stoplight” romps through Price’s musings about why a woman in the car next to his at a stoplight appeared to be so unhappy.  “I Lose It (When I’m In Love)” is a gentle, rhythmic ballad – sweet soul music at its best. The strong closer adds punchy horns to a funkified “Damage Control” with Price stepping out on vocals and another sensuous sax solo from Spaulding.

The entire session benefits greatly from the expert musical cast assembled by Little Village. Musicians include: bass – Larry Fulcher, James Fulch and Reggie McBride, guitar – Josh Sklair and Shane Theriot, lead guitar – Joe Bonamassa, keyboards – Jim Pugh, drums – Tony Braunagel (who also produced), tenor and baritone sax – Ron Dziubla, tenor solo – Eric Spaulding, trumpet – Mark Pender and percussion – Lenny Castro. Background vocals are by Maxayn Lewis, Fred White and Will Weaton (full credits for each song on the track list below).

“Person of Interest” is Billy Price at his soulful best, creating original heartfelt stories from his own life. If you’ve never experienced this Pittsburgh musical treasure and soul survivor, you owe it to yourself to give him a try. If you’re already a fan, you know what I’m talking about. Either way, enjoy it soon. And often.

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Here’s a very thorough and interesting interview with Billy Brice by Michael Limnios at Blues.gr.

Here’s another informative interview with music writer Scott Mervis at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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Here’s “She Checks All the Boxes” from the album:

Tracklist and credits:

Billy Price, Person of Interest
Tracks recorded 10/17/23–10/20/23 at Ultratone Studios, Studio City, California
Produced by Tony Braunagel
Engineered and Mixed by Johnny Lee Schell

1. Inside That Box (4:32) Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Larry Fulcher, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Background Vocals – Maxayn Lewis, Fred White, Will Wheaton, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Percussion – Lenny Castro
2. Song I Never Heard Before (4:24)
Writers: Billy Price (34%), Fred Chapellier (33%), Anthony Braunagel (33%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 67%; Toe Knee Music, ASCAP, 33%
Bass – James “Hutch” Hutchinson, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Background Vocals – Maxayn Lewis, Fred White, Will Wheaton, Percussion – Lenny Castro
3. She Checks All the Boxes (4:07)
Writers: Billy Price (25%), Jim Britton (50%), Anthony Braunagel (25%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 25%; Zella Ru Music, BMI, 50%; Toe Knee Music, ASCAP, 25%
Bass – Reggie McBride, Guitar – Shane Theriot, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Background Vocals – Maxayn Lewis, Fred White, Will Wheaton, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Tenor Solo – Eric Spaulding, Percussion – Lenny Castro
4. Mercy (5:38) Writers: Billy Price (50%), Mike Karr (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 100%
Bass – Larry Fulcher, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Tenor Solo – Eric Spaulding
5. Person of Interest (4:44)
Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Reggie McBride, Guitar – Shane Theriot, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Percussion – Lenny Castro
6. Can’t Get Enough (3:39)
Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Larry Fulcher, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Guitar Solo – Johnny Lee Schell, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Background Vocals – Maxayn Lewis, Fred White, Will Wheaton, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Percussion – Lenny Castro
7. Change Your Mind (in memory of Roy Buchanan) (5:31)
Billy Price featuring Joe Bonamassa
Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%),
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Larry Fulcher, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Lead Guitar – Joe Bonamassa
8. They Knew (4:34)
Writers: Billy Price (34%), Jon Tiven (33%), Sally Young (33%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 34%; Uncontrolled Compositions, BMI, 33%; Full Rate Music, ASCAP, 33%
Bass – James “Hutch” Hutchinson, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Guitar Solo – Johnny Lee Schell, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Lead Guitar – Johnny Lee Schell
9. A Certain Something (3:41)
Writers: Billy Price (25%), Jon Tiven (25%), Sally Young (25%) Anthony Braunagel (25%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 25%; Uncontrolled Compositions, BMI, 25%; Full Rate Music, ASCAP, 25%; Toe Knee Music, ASCAP, 25%
Bass – Larry Fulcher, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Background Vocals – Fred White, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Percussion – Lenny Castro
10. The Gift (3:55)
Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Reggie McBride, Guitar – Shane Theriot, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Percussion – Lenny Castro
11. Crying at the Stoplight (4:48)
Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Reggie McBride, Guitar – Shane Theriot, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Tenor Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Percussion – Lenny Castro
12. I Lose It (4:07)
Writers: Billy Price (50%), Jim Britton (50%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 50%; Zella Ru Music, 50%
Bass – Reggie McBride, Guitar – Shane Theriot, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Percussion – Lenny Castro
13. Damage Control (4:31)
Writers: Billy Price (25%), Jim Britton (50%), Anthony Braunagel (25%)
Publishers: Overpriced Music, BMI, 25%; Zella Ru Music, BMI, 50%; Toe Knee Music, ASCAP, 25%
Bass – Reggie McBride, Guitar – Shane Theriot, Keyboards – Jim Pugh, Drums – Tony Braunagel, Background Vocals – Maxayn Lewis, Fred White, Will Wheaton, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone – Ron Dziubla, Trumpet – Mark Pender, Tenor Solo – Eric Spaulding