Janiva Magness' ‘Stronger For It’ generating pre-release buzz

Alligator Records reports that award-winning vocalist Janiva Magness' new CD, “Stronger For It,” which will be released Tuesday, is already garnering positive reactions from press and radio.

"Magness' original songs are some of the most potent on an album with no shortage of powerful material,” AllMusic.com said. “Gritty, stomping rhythms ... sexy, sinister grooves ... funky, growling, understated intensity. Magness' snarling, throaty, jubilant vocals send chills down your spine."

About.com/Blues described Magness as "one of the best female blues vocalists in the world today ... if you're not listening to Janiva Magness, you're missing out on one of the best."

 Sirius/XM's “B.B. King's Bluesville” radio show, hosted by Bill Wax, is featuring Magness in a long-form special interview program, including a track-by-track breakdown. This special presentation runs multiple times, including Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11. Go to http://www.siriusxm.com/bluesville to check specific times. In addition, St. Louis radio station KDHX (88.1 FM) is streaming the entire album until March 13. To listen, click here.
Magness will perform at a CD release party on April 12 at the Magic Bag in Ferndale.

Magness, a Michigan native who attended Mount Clemens High School while living with her grandparents, has overcome many obstacles to reach success, including a traumatic childhood.

To read an earlier JB Blues post about Magness, click here.

Detroit Blues Society Jam

If you’d like to check out some youthful blues talent, stop out to the New Way Bar in Ferndale on Saturday for the Detroit Blues Society Monthly Meeting and Jam. This month’s host performers are the Johnny Rhoades Band, featuring Motor City Josh protégé Johnny Rhoades on vocals and guitar. He’ll be joined by Mark LoDuca on keys and Julian Van Slyke on drums. The band recently completed a CD titled “Breaking Out.”

There’s no cover charge and you can bring your instrument and show off your skills.

Acoustic blues

If you love playing (or listening to) acoustic blues, you’ll want to check out the Attic Dwellers Acoustic Music Club at 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at Paycheck’s Lounge in Hamtramck.

Jere Stormer

DBS board member Wolfgang Spider reports that everyone is welcome: Musicians, vocalists and listeners. The group includes players ranging from professionals on down to beginners who just want to play along in the circle.

Charlene Melody and Mark Grable

Detroit Blues Challenge

Round one of the Detroit Blues Challenge kicks off March 24 with a solo/duo competition at 9 p.m. at the Oxford Tap in Oxford. The competition will feature performances by Pete “Big Dog” Fetters, Sweet Willie Tea, Jere Stormer, Rob Johnson and Dale Robertson, Scott Blaylock, and Charlene Melody and Mark Grable. The two top acts will advance to the solo/duo finals in October.

To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com