The Fabulous Thunderbirds are On the Verge of an exciting new era as they release their breakout recording for Severn Records. Anchored by the big voice of original front man, Kim Wilson, On the Verge is a departure for the legendary blues rockers as they explore their soulful side with 10 original numbers recorded at our very own state of the art Severn Sound Studios. On the Verge marks a new beginning for the band with Wilson saying, we're defining our own genre. Using cutting edge technology and a collaborative, free-flowing creative process, the T-Birds have crafted a fresh sound, one that's sure to satisfy diehard fans while bringing new blood into the fold of the band's faithful legion. Taking cues from unexpected influences like O.V. Wright (Too Much Water) and Junior Parker (That's the Way We Roll), the T- Birds kick things off with their single, I Want to Believe, a driving number with a Lenny Kravitz-meets-Staple Singers vibe. Lovin Time has a Los Lonely Boys feel, while the Anker/Wilson original Hold Me melds classic rock with soul and reggae. Though the title may hint at a genre, don't let it fool you; Runnin' From the Blues is indeed about hard- ships though disguised as a pop number. Got To Bring It With You is a soulful rocker while the final track, Lonely Highway nods to the blues of the Stax tradition. Do You Know Who I Am? and Diamonds Won't Kiss You Back round out the all original 10-song offering. Backing Wilson are veteran T-Birds guitarists Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller, plus bassist Randy Bermudes and Jason Moeller on drums. Co-producer/-songwriter Kevin Anker guests on keyboards. In a career spanning over three decades, the Fabulous Thunderbirds are On the Verge with their most mature recording to date on the verge of greatness that is.
Produced By Kevin Anker, David Earl, Steve Gomes and Kim Wilson

MUD MORGANFIELD NOMINATED FOR 3 BLUES MUSIC AWARDS!

2013 BLUES MUSIC AWARDS The Blues Foundation has announced nominations for the 34th Blues Music Awards and our very own Mud Morganfield is up for THREE: Traditional Blues Male Artist, plus Traditional Blues Album of the Year, and Album of the Year for his Severn Records release, Son of the Seventh Son! Also of note are nominations for Severn Records recording artist Kim Wilson and Son of the Seventh Son producer, Bob Corritore (Instrumentalist - Harmonica). Congratulations to all of the nominees! Voting is now open to members, so log on and cast yours today!

Mud Morganfield Set to Appear on BBC Two’s Acclaimed Music TV Series, “Later with Jools Holland,” Airing in the UK on November 20 and 23

Mud Morganfield Set to Appear on BBC Two’s Acclaimed Music TV Series, “Later with Jools Holland,” Airing in the UK on November 20 and 23LONDON, UK – Severn Records artist Mud Morganfield continues to make a big splash “across the pond” in England with the announcement that he’ll appear on BBC Two’s flagship music TV program, “Later with Jools Holland,” airing in the UK on Tuesday November 20 and Friday 23.The invitation to play on the long-running TV show came from the host, himself, acclaimed pianist Jools Holland, who caught Mud's performance at the London Blues Festival in June and offered him the slot after seeing Morganfield play. Holland also joined Mud and his band onstage at the Festival for a fantastic rendition of Mud’s legendary father's signature song, “Got My Mojo Working.” “I am ever so grateful for the blessing,” said Mud Morganfield about being on the TV show. “Here I find myself again in a great moment of my life. I am thrilled and overwhelmed, to say the least, to appear on the Jools Holland show. This is what an artist lives for: awards, write-ups in magazines, being on stage with great people and having fun in the blues. To add to all these great things, I represent the blues that my father passed down to me. I thank Mr. Holland and everyone else who made this happen.” The BBC Two TV appearance is part of Mud Morganfield’s upcoming UK shows this month that will feature him backed by some of England’s top blues talent: West Weston - harp, Ronni Buysack-Boysen - guitar, Ian Jennings - double bass, Mike Hellier - drums and Eric Ranzoni - keyboards. His nine-date UK tour starts on the 22nd November at the Swindon Arts Centre and continues across England until the 1st December. Mud’s UK tour also comes at a time when he’ll be the subject of an upcoming cover feature in the December/January issue of well-respected British magazine, Blues Matters, due out the end of November. He’ll be joined in that cover feature by the son of another blues icon, John Lee Hooker, Jr. The Blues Matters cover story can be previewed here.Morganfield continues to be on a major roll since the March, 2012, release of his new album for Severn Records, Son of the Seventh Son, which recently was one of the big winners at the Fifth Annual Blues Blast Music Awards, getting the nod for “Traditional Blues CD of the Year” and also winning the “Sean Costello Rising Star Award” in recognition of his achievements this year. It’s the latest accolade for the blues singer, who also recently appeared on the cover of Living Blues magazine and was invited onstage to sing with TV actor-cum-bluesman Hugh Laurie (“House”) for his show at Chicago’s Park West nightclub. Son of the Seventh Son is the Severn Records label debut from Larry “Mud” Morganfield, son of the legendary Muddy Waters. Severn Records is distributed nationally by City Hall Records. Recorded in Chicago and produced by Bob Corritore, Son of the Seventh Son features Mud Morganfield’s earthy, soulful vocals backed by a cadre of blues all-stars, including Kenny Smith on drums, Rick Kreher and Billy Flynn on guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck on keyboards, E.G. McDaniel on bass, and Harmonica Hines and Bob Corritore on harp. Chicago-based Mud Morganfield is the eldest son of the blues icon and bears a striking vocal and physical resemblance to his illustrious father. He has toured all over the world spreading the gospel of blues just like his daddy did and continues to support the release of his new album with tour dates both in the U.S. and internationally, as well.To download a hi-res color photo of Mud Morganfield taken at the Great British R&B Festival in 2011 (photo credit: Alan White), click on this link: http://www.markpuccimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Great-British-RB-Fest.-Photo-by-Alan-White.jpg For more information on Mud Morganfield, visit http://www.mudmorganfieldsite.com/ and www.severnrecords.com. More info on Mud and the UK band here: http://www.movinmusic.co.uk/mud_morganfield_muddy_waters_jr.htm . More info on “Later with Jools Holland” program: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006ml0lUK TOUR DATESThursday, 22/11/2012, Swindon Arts Centre, Swindon http://www.swindon.gov.uk/artscentre Friday, 23/11/2012, Keighley Blues Club, Keighley http://www.keighleybluesclub.net Saturday, 24/11/2012, Boisdale, London http://www.boisdale.co.uk Monday, 26/11/2012, Norwich Arts Centre, Norfolk http://norwichartscentre.co.uk Tuesday, 27/11/2012, The Stables, Milton Keynes http://www.stables.org Wednesday, 28/11/2012, Blues Kitchen, London http://www.theblueskitchen.com Thursday, 29/11/2012, The Flowerpot, Derby http://www.rawpromo.co.uk Friday, 30/11/2012, Palladium Club, Devon http://www.mjpromo.co.uk Saturday, 01/12/2012, John Phillips Hall, University of Wales http://www.bangor.ac.uk

SUGAR RAY NORCIA Inducted Into Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame, 25 Oct 2012

During a rousing evening of blues music in Windsor, Ontario, Severn Records artist Sugar Ray Norcia was inducted into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 20. Sugar Ray and his band, The Bluetones, performed a blazing set of the group’s trademark blues songs during the night’s festivities at the Canada South Blues Museum. The evening celebrated Sugar Ray Norcia’s contributions to the blues over the past 40 years.Picture“I am humbled and honored to be recognized for my contribution to blues music,” said Sugar Ray. “Along with my band The Bluetones, the support of Severn Records and the loyal fans who have followed my career, I hope to continue singing and playing this wonderful genre of music for many years to come.”Besides Sugar Ray on vocals and harmonica, The Bluetones lineup also includes Michael “Mudcat” Ward on bass, Anthony Geraci on keyboards, Neil Gouvin on drums and “Monster” Mike Welch on guitar and vocals.Writing a review in Canada’s InRetro about the event, writer Lou Durnbeck said, “Sugar is well known for his sweet singing voice (and personality) and his stellar command of the blues harp. His induction into to CSBS’s Hall of Fame is a richly deserved honour that he accepted with humility and gratitude – and then he and the Bluetones rocked the house with two sets of real-deal blues that had the crowd jumpin’ and cheerin’ all night long!“Perhaps most inspiring to me, is the very obvious love of the music and love of playing together in this band that each of the members demonstrates on and off the bandstand. A more easy-going and approachable band you’d be hard-pressed to find. Friendly and open, they all exude a comfortable professionalism that makes it a real pleasure to talk with them about music generally, blues specifically or just whatever you like. No prima donnas here. With Sugar at the helm of this cast of talented performers, Sugar Ray and The Bluetones may well be the genre’s foremost ambassadors today – and they have so much fun doing it!“Evening is the band’s most recent release, and they played a number of tunes from that CD last night. The title track was played with such feeling and soul it gave me goosebumps! The set lists were a virtual blues encyclopedia ranging from ballads and shuffles to down-in-the-alley Chicago blues styles as well as a fair share of jumpin’ – East Coast style, and even a T-Bone! It was a great night of blues to mark Sugar Ray’s induction and no doubt was left that he deserves all the accolades coming his way!True masters of the art of the blues, the band is set to go back into the studio early next year to record so keep an eye & ear open for that.”For more information on the band, visit www.severnrecords.com.

Lou Pride 1944-2012

SOUL-BLUES SINGER LOU PRIDE PASSES HIS FINAL CD, AIN'T NO MORE LOVE IN THIS HOUSE, TO BE RELEASED IN THE FALL of 2012.
CHICAGO, IL: Another classic soul-blues voice has been stilled with the announcement today of the passing of Severn Records artist, Lou Pride, who died in his hometown of Chicago last night (June 5) of natural causes while in hospice care. Pride had undergone numerous medical challenges for many years, having suffered several heart attacks and additional circulatory problems. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the great soul singer Lou Pride, said Severn Records President David Earl. Lou lived his life through his music and through the belief that love is always the solution to any worldly problems. It was an honor to know him, call him my friend and to have the opportunity to document his music. We will miss him.
Over the course of many months last year and into early 2012, Lou Pride had been recording a new album for Severn Records, and that CD, Ain't No More Love in this House, will be released in the fall. Lou Pride's powerful soul-drenched voice will be heard on a number of new songs, as well as an amazing version of the Simply Red classic, Holding Back the Years, which will leave an indelible legacy of the artist's career. Severn Records released three prior CDs on Lou Pride, including Words of Caution in 2002 and Keep on Believing in 2005, as well as compilation of some of his greatest early singles and unreleased tracks, titled The Memphis/El Paso Sessions (1970-73). That CD included a number of tracks recorded at Willie Mitchell's famous Royal Recording Studios in Memphis and featured him backed the Hi Records house band of Teenie Hodges (guitar) Charles Hodges (organ), Leroy Hodges (bass) and Howard Grimes (drums), along with the Memphis Horns and Memphis Strings. Although not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, such as Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton and Johnnie Taylor, Lou Pride's talent and soulfulness were the equal of any of those iconic singers. He was known for his electrifying live shows and a vocal delivery that went from a whisper to a commanding growl. Born George Lou Pride on May 24, 1944 in Chicago, he grew up on the Windy City's north side and first experienced singing gospel music, attending the Baptist Church pastored by Nat King Cole's father. Watching a live B.B. King performance converted Pride, however, and he was soon on his way singing soul and blues on the Chitlin' Circuit throughout the South and Midwest. His first acclaimed singles were recorded in the early 1970s while living in El Paso, Texas, and he soon relocated to New Mexico. He toured early on with such artists as B.B. King, Clarence Carter, Betty Wright, Koko Taylor and Kool and the Gang.After returning home to Chicago, he was introduced to the great Curtis Mayfield, who recorded him for his Curtom Records label. He later recorded for a number of other labels, including several albums for Ichiban in the 90s before hooking up with Severn Records at the turn of the 21st century.

BLUESMAN LARRY "MUD" MORGANFIELD, SON OF THE LEGENDARY MUDDY WATERS, IS THE SON OF THE SEVENTH SON ON SEVERN RECORDS DEBUT CD COMING MARCH 20

Severn Records has announced a March 20 release date for Son of the Seventh Son, the label debut from Larry "Mud"Morganfield, son of the legendary Muddy Waters. Severn Records is distributed nationally by City Hall Records.Recorded in Chicago and produced by Bob Corritore, Son of the Seventh Son features Mud Morganfield's earthy, soulful vocals backed by a cadre of blues all-stars, including Kenny Smith on drums, Rick Kreher and Billy Flynn on guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck on keyboards, E.G. McDaniel on bass, and Harmonica Hines and Bob Corritore on harp. "I just couldn't have done this without those cats, man", Morganfield told writer Terry Mullins in an interview published in Blues Blast Magazine. They brought something to the studio that will forever live in my heart. It brought out the best in me. It's a great CD, some of the best work I've done so far. It's got one great song after another on it. Son of the Seventh Son includes seven Mud Morganfield originals, as well several other new tunes and a couple songs associated with his famous dad, such as "You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had." Producer Bob Corritore calls his sound " acontemporary version of traditional Chicago blues." There's two songs of pop's on there and with anything I do, I'm gonna add pop," Morganfield said in the interview. But the rest of the disc is made up of several songs that I wrote, along with a song that Bob Corritore wrote and one my good friend Studebaker John wrote. But it's all got that Muddy style to it, because that's who I am. Without me even trying, I come off like the son of Muddy Waters and I'm proud that it's like that. Chicago-based Mud Morganfield is the eldest son of the blues icon and bears a striking vocal and physical resemblance to his illustrious father. He has toured all over the world spreading the gospel of blues just like his daddy did and will support the release of Son of the Seventh Son with tour dates both in the U.S. and internationally, as well. For more information on Mud Morganfield, visit http://www.mudmorganfieldsite.com/ and www.severnrecords.com. -

Severn Signs the Tbirds!

Legendary American roots music band The Fabulous Thunderbirds will begin recording their label debut CD shortly at Severn’s new state-of-the-art studio in Annapolis. In addition to The Fabulous Thunderbirds co-founder, singer/harmonica player Kim Wilson, the band members are the brothers Moeller – Johnny (guitar) and Jay (drums) - as well as Mike Keller (guitar) and Randy Bermudes (bass). Severn Records also released Johnny Moeller’s critically-acclaimed CD, BlooGaLoo, in 2010.“We are thrilled to have The Fabulous Thunderbirds as part of the Severn family and to have the opportunity to give Kim and the band’s music a home,” said Severn Records president David Earl. “Their style will fit in perfectly with what we do and we are looking forward to the first studio sessions in the creation of a new Thunderbirds album.” “I’m really excited about being a part of Severn Records,” said Kim Wilson. “We have a great rapport with David Earl and I feel at home already. The creative family atmosphere he provides is something that is very rare in any business these days.”Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1974, the Grammy-nominated Fabulous Thunderbirds have evolved over the years from the group’s original blues sound. “We started as a straight blues band,” said Kim Wilson. We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before. To be in the T-Birds, you need to understand the different styles of music and different ways of playing it. You have to be willing to adopt a more contemporary style. The guys we have now are able to do that.” Through consistent touring and the release of such landmark albums as Butt Rockin’, T-Bird Rhythm, Tuff Enuff and Powerful Stuff, The Fabulous Thunderbirds garnered international stardom with the hit singles, “Tuff Enuff,” “Wrap It Up and “Look at That.” The Fabulous Thunderbirds are managed by Skip Taylor of Two Goats Entertainment and booked in the U.S. and Canada by Bill Monot at Paradise Artists. The band has an upcoming tour of Australia in April, 2012 and will also support the release of their new Severn Records album with extensive touring in both the U.S. and Europe.For more information on the band, visit www.fabulousthunderbirds.com.

SEVERN RECORDS NAMED RECIPIENT OF 2012 KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AWARD FROM THE BLUES FOUNDATION

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Blues Foundation in Memphis today (11/1) announced the recipients of its annual Keeping the Blues Alive Awards, and named Annapolis-based Severn Records as the honoree in the Record Label category. Recipients of the KBA Awards will be honored during a recognition brunch Saturday, February 4, 2012, in Memphis, Tennessee. Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the KBA Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to blues music. The KBA ceremony will be held in conjunction with the 28th International Blues Challenge (IBC), which begins January 31 and features the final rounds of the world’s largest and most prestigious blues music competition, as well as seminars, showcases, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.The KBAs are awarded on the basis of merit by a select panel of blues professionals to those working to actively promote and document the music. “This year’s recipients showcase the breadth and diversity of the blues music community. The honorees range from a Mississippi juke joint to a Polish blues festival, from an educator specializing in the diddley bow and the khalam to one of rock’s most legendary guitarists, from a volunteer public radio jock to a television program reaching millions, but they all share a passion to bring the music to the people,” notes Jay Sieleman, Blues Foundation Executive Director.Severn Records was founded in 1997 by David Earl and released its first three albums in 1998. Since that time, Severn has released over 50 critically-acclaimed titles. As one of the finest labels recording traditional and soul blues, Severn artists and recordings have been nominated for over 25 Blues Music Awards. Its roster of artists includes Tad Robinson, Lou Pride, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Darrell Nulisch, Johnny Moeller, The Chicago Blues Harmonica Project, Mike Morgan, Nora Jean Bruso, Clarence Spady, Big Joe & the Dynaflows, Steve Guyger, and many others. Severn Records will be announcing several new exciting artist signings over the next few months and recently moved into a state of the art, 3,100 square foot space that will house the label's offices and studios in Annapolis.Tickets to the KBA ceremony are sold only as part of the IBC Big Blue ticket package, available online at www.blues.org or by calling 901.527.2583.Mark Pucci MediaFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 1, 2011Contact: Mark Pucci (770) 804-9555 / mpmedia@bellsouth.net

Severn Records to release "Evening" by Sugar Ray & the Bluetones on 10/18/11!

Many have long celebrated the fact that this dyed-in-the-wool bluesman has never been one to give in to fads, excesses or over-the-top antics. Sugar Ray sings, plays and writes from his heart. This is apparent on Evening which also reunites Sugar Ray & the Bluetones with guitarist Monster Mike Welch for this set of Chicago Blues. Whether it's Johnny Young's "I'm Having A Ball," Otis Rush's "You Know My Love" or any number of the superbly crafted originals, Sugar Ray delivers - as do the Bluetones on this their 5th album for Severn Records! Track Listing: 1) I'm Having A Ball2) Hard To Get Along With3)You Know My Love 4) Dear John 5) I Like What You Got 6) Too Many Rules And Regulations 7) Dancing Bear 8) Evening 9) I Came Down With The Blues 10) (That's Not Yet) One Of My Blues 11)I'm Certain That I'm Hurting 12) XO US Street Date: 10/18/11

SEVERN RECORDS ANNAPOLIS TO OPEN IN OCTOBER

Severn Records Annapolis will open it's doors in October! For the past 10 months Severn Records owner David Earl and Winchester Construction Company have been working on a new facility designed by local Architect Fred Sieracki and Engineer John Monforte, Coherent Recording, Miami, FL in beautiful Annapolis, MD. The new 3100 square foot facility will house the labels offices, warehouse and studio. In addition to serving Severn's roster of Artists, the Studio will be open to the public in the near future. Studio A features a huge tracking room with 16 foot ceilings, spacious isolation booth and a large control room. Studio B will mainly function as an editing/mastering room and can also double as an isolation booth in Studio A for larger sessions. Studio A houses a custom API Legacy console that was originally located in the Bearsville Barn, Bearsville Studios, Woodstock, NY. For more information or to book a session please call or email us at 410-897-0080 or info@severnrecords.com. Pictures to come!

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