A great blues record is a marvel of soul-shredding honesty and musicianship. These albums, in contention for the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award for best blues CD, run the gamut from heart-wrenching weepers to down and dirty rock gems. Get to know these APCMA nominees before the awards are handed out Nov. 1 and 2 in Winnipeg.
Derek Miller: Derek Miller with the Double Trouble
A multi APCMA award winner, alt-blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Miller describes his newest record, Derek Miller with Double Trouble, on the APCMA site as “Hillbilly soul with some Mohawk swagger.” Bonus: the first single is “Damned if You Do,” a duet with Willie Nelson.
This is “Stoned for Days.”
Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers: Under the Water Tower
Actor and musician Gary Farmer leads this harmonica/guitar-based blues band from Santa Fe, N.M. Their newest record, Under the Water Tower, is the band’s first APCMA nomination.
This was recorded live at the Gathering of the Nations Native American Powwow in Albuquerque.
Joel Johnson: Blue Joose Vol. 1
Blues Joose Vol. 1 marks Johnson’s solo debut, but the Six Nations, Ontario-born musician has been playing since he was seven years old.
This is Johnson's “Bad Luck with Lady Luck.”
Murray Porter: Songs Lived & Life Played
A powerful and brilliant self-taught singer-songwriter and pianist, Porter uses blues music to delve deep into the Aboriginal side of history and puts on a mesmerizing live show.
This is Porter singing “Rez Blues.”
Priscilla's Revenge: Third Gear
Country-tinged blues, this three-piece’s newest album, Third Gear, also represents its third APCMA nomination. It's hard not to want to dance to these guys.
This is the fun and quirky music video for “Brakes On.”
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