Portland’s Sister Mercy Delivers Mix of Blues, Rock, and R&B

Sister Mercy
"Diamonds"
(self-released)
2018

April Brown, a native of Los Angeles, migrated to the lively Portland blues music scene in the Pacific Northwest, where she became the frontwoman and lead vocalist of Sister Mercy. Her potent and passionate vocal style, refined in Los Angeles clubs Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy, made her the ideal lead for this soulful group of blues rockers. 

Sister Mercy released three albums between 2014 and 2022. Their second album, “Diamonds,” stands out as the band reached its creative peak. April Brown’s continued development as a singer is evident on “Baby, I'm No Fool” and the traditional “Travelin’ Shoes.” Likewise, she excels on band originals “River of Tears” and “Beale Street,” which explore the powerful pull of destructive love and are deeply soulful and emotional. Of special note is her compelling performance of Etta James' “Tell Mama.”

The band features Scott Garcia on guitar, Roger Espinor on drums, John Webb on bass, and Debby Espinor on keyboards, with the entire group providing backing vocals, contributing to this album's rich, full sound.

Chicago-style Blues from California’s Central Valley

The MoFo Party Band
"Low Down"
CD Baby (self-released)
2010

Formed in the late ‘80s in Fresno, CA, by brothers John Clifton on lead vocals and harmonica and Bill Clifton on guitar, the MoFo Party Band became a favorite among local audiences. It gained international recognition by performing at venues such as the Belgian R&B Festival in Peer, Belgium, the Luxembourg Jazz & Blues Rally, and the Blues Express Festival in Poland. They have shared the stage with notable artists like B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Robert Cray, Charlie Musselwhite, Otis Rush, and Tommy Castro. Led by the brothers and accompanied by a rotating cast of talented musicians, they offered a brand of good-time blues that is thoroughly entertaining.

The band’s fourth and final album, “Low Down," released in 2010, was their best studio effort. Although recordings can’t fully capture the high-energy performance and interplay of their live shows, this one comes close. The album consists of nine band originals and a cover of Rusty Zinn’s “Dying on the Vine.” The rollicking “What Kind of Woman Is That?” along with the driving rhythms of “Down the Road I’m Going” and “Broke and Hungry,” as well as the swaying instrumental "Gydnia," create a truly enjoyable experience.

Although the MFPB exists today only in the memories of concertgoers, John and Bill continue their individual musical pursuits as blues musicians. John performs as a solo artist and has released several albums, while Bill leads the trio Bill Clifton and the Chicken & Whiskey Band. Together, they have created an incredible legacy of fun, toe-tapping blues that everyone can enjoy.

The Ramblin’ Blues of John Ford

The John Ford Blues Society
“Rollin' On”
Little Blue Parrot
2025

I first discovered Ohio bluesman John Ford through ReverbNation before the release of his debut album, “The John Ford Blues Society,” in 2016. Immediately impressed with “Southern Comfort” from his EP “The Songs from Room 414,” I’ve followed his music ever since. Ford delivers his acoustic blues with an enjoyable, laid-back, rolling rhythm that’s hard to resist.

His second album, “Rollin' On,” took over a year to create. It builds on the strengths of his debut while showcasing his distinctive sound, crafted alongside a band of notable musicians in their own right. Ford draws upon American roots music, encompassing the blues of Robert Johnson and Son House from the 1920s and 1930s and the country sounds of the 1940s, infused with a hint of gospel influences, resulting in a sound that is distinctly his own.

At the heart of “Rollin’ On” is a wanderlust for change and a desire to distance oneself from one's problems, whether interpersonal or legal. Half of the songs reference trains as a means of escape. “Goin’ to Louisiana” carries the theme, accompanied by fine, quartet-style backing vocals, while the reflective “The Ramblin’ Life” is a testament to the rough-and-tumble drifter's life. While familiar genre tropes are abundant throughout, they don’t feel contrived in Ford’s capable hands. The rerecording of “Southern Comfort” stands out as one of the album's best tracks, while the sound of a distant train in “Old Dogs (Watchin’ the Sunset)” beckons us to hop on board and discover what awaits in another town.

The band features Bill Littleford, Noah Wotherspoon, and blues legend John Primer on guitars; Ricky Nye on piano; Michael Barrett on bass; Rick Howell and Joe Asselin on harmonica; and Rick “Bam” Powell on drums. John Zappa plays trumpet on “Ready to Roll,” “Train to Chicago,” and “Drinkin’ Down a Cadillac (With Brownie McGhee),” completing a balanced collection of enjoyable blues.

Ty Curtis Dazzles with Hybrid of Blues and Rock on Ascendant Blues

Ty Curtis
“Ascendant Blues”
Deep Stone Records
2023

Ty Curtis is a master showman whose performances are filled with the passion of his vocals and electrifying guitar playing. As a child, he embraced the music he experienced through his father playing guitar and singing the blues, along with his parents' diverse CD collection. As a young man, he quickly learned to play guitar, sing, and write songs. After graduating from high school in 2006, he released his first album, “Stubborn Mind.”

Curtis is clearly focused on connecting with his audience as he grows, pushes his boundaries, and explores new, deeper levels of emotion through his songwriting, guitar, and vocals. Few things are as satisfying as a musician committed to their craft like this artist. While the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chris Cain is evident, Curtis is never imitative; he creates a unique sound that’s entirely his own. His energetic blend of blues and rock is joyfully performed and well-received by his enthusiastic audience.

Over the past two decades, he has opened for legends such as Robert Cray, Robin Trower, George Thorogood, and the Doobie Brothers. He has become a favorite at festivals like the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, and has consistently ranked highly on the best blues/rock albums chart on the Blues Rock Review website in both 2014 and 2016.

In 2023, he released his eighth album, “Ascendant Blues.” The set opens with “Hey Now,” a hard-driving romp reminiscent of Led Zeppelin that will have concert-goers up on their feet. On “What’s the Use” and “Back to You,” Curtis is joined by guest guitarist Lloyd Jones for a rhythmic tag team on these soulful blues ballads, with the former featuring Steve Kerin on keys and guest Steve McCoy on the Hammond B3.

Curtis's emotion-laden vocals, reminiscent of Burton Cummings, enhance his emotive lyrics. His voice harmonizes powerfully with his guitar skills. “Moving Forward,” “Treat Someone,” and “So Far Gone” feature Curtis on lead guitar and vocals, Dave Kahl on bass, Jerry Jacques on percussion, Richard Lawrence on drums, and Steve Kerin on keys. Guest harmonica player Hank Shreve adds the perfect blues flavor on “Hey Now,” “Back to You,” “Cut and Run,” “What’s the Use,” and “Big Deal.”

“Wish You Well” is a powerful keyboard-driven lover’s farewell declaration, followed by the album concluding with extended versions of “Back to You” and “Hey Now,” which provide the perfect ending to this rocking blues collection. From classic rock to blues and powerhouse ballads, there’s something here for every music lover.

If you ever get the opportunity to see Ty Curtis perform live, don't miss it! His recordings are exceptional, but there's something unique about experiencing his music in person that can't be replicated. Curtis is an incredibly talented musician who brings genuine warmth and energy to every performance.