Expert: Abdalla Mohamed Ali - 4/6/2008

Question
I am a big fan of jazz blues. The jazzy side of blues, or the bluesy side of jazz. I enjoy artists: Bill Doggett, Tad Robinson, Maria Mulduar, Luther Allison, Son Seals, Johnny Adams, Blues Boy Willie, Alberta Adams, Etta James, Albert Collins, Solomon Burke, Lucky Peterson and Gene Harris.
There was a NPR radio program here in Detroit, Mi that played this music, but it no longer exists. I would like to explore more of this music but do not know its classification any more than what I have identified. How can I do this? It is not pure jazz and it is not pure blues. This music is not popular and commercial. It is too good for that. Can you help me with some kind of list or something? I miss hearing and further exploring this music on my radio. Please reply.

Answer
Hello Sir ,
I wrote you a long nice answer yesterday but for some reason it didn't go, here I'm again.
I like the way you call it "the jazzy side of blues" or the bluesy side of jazz, I know what you are talking about but this typa music can not be categorized in one genre it is just one of those fine lines in music that can be heard in Swings , Boogie Blues , Jazz, R&B & blues in general , I'll name you a few artists and will add songs as well to make your discoveries easier ;)

Jimmy Witherspoon

King Curtis "his jazzy bluesy instrumentals are very sweet check "Soul Serenade, A White Shade of pale ..etc" also check his works with Champion Jack Dupree you will love'em both

Nina Simone "Blues For Mama , Mr. Backlash, Do I Move you, He ain't coming home no more.. anyway you may want to dip into Nina am positive u'll find many gems.

Count Basie

Johnny Nocturne Band "they are fine , look for Million Dollar Secret with Kim Nalley ;)"


Ruth Brown "I don't know , Since I met You Babe with B.B. King, Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean ..etc"

Marcia Ball "she is so sassy , soo jazzy and so bluesy"

Jay Mcshann "check his tribute to Charlie Parker concert you can find it in youtube"

Larry Carlton "P.B Blues"

Albert Collins

Hope I helped , if you need more infos please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you.