~The 2008 BLEWZZY Award~

Last year was a rough year for the Blues. Gas prices caused havoc for road bands, the economy caused many more blues clubs to close and yada, yada, yada, we all know the deal - there's certainly no need for a review.

On a bright note, Mary and I - at www.Mary4Music.com - hung in there another year. As a matter of fact, 2008 was our tenth anniversary, and as long as all of you continue giving us the support you have thus far, we'll hope to stick around a bunch more years.

Back in 2002 we decided that we would give an "Honorary Award" for the "Best CD" that we reviewed and promoted that year, and later on - in 2006 - we started awarding a second BLEWZZY for the "Song of the year". The criteria is plain and simple. There are no deadlines or restrictions and we don't even care about issue dates of the discs. If our clients sent us a disc that was, in our opinion, worthy of recommendation, we reviewed and promoted it. From those submissions, I, Blewzzman Pete, pick my favorite and the fictitious, yet coveted "BLEWZZY" is bestowed upon the winner.

This year, we were summoned to work on 36 discs - Blues CD & DVD Reviews. As usual, they came from all over the world, from current and I'm sure some future legends, from IBC / BMA / GRAMMY / JUNO / MAPLE Award nominees and winners, from some very dear friends and from some artists who although their music will be with us forever - they no longer are.

Now, please join me in congratulating Mr. DONALD RAY JOHNSON as the winner of the 2008 BLEWZZY. His "PURE PLEASURE" CD, although several years old, was this years best submission. To read the complete review click here - DONALD RAY JOHNSON - and if you're interested in obtaining a copy of the disc, click here - "PURE PLEASURE".

When I wrote about JOEY GILMORE'S CD titled "BLUESMAN", I recall saying "If enough of the right people get to hear this disc, GRAHAM DROUT may just have himself a "song of the year" nomination for this very well penned track". The track I was referring to was called "BLUES ALL OVER YOU" and that song is indeed the winner of the 2008 BLEWZZY for best song. Congratulations to GRAHAM, and to JOEY for the fine job he did recording the song. To read the complete review, click here - JOEY GILMORE - and if your interested in obtaining a copy of the disc featuring the award winning song, click here - "BLUES ALL OVER YOU".

Once again, thanks to all the musicians for sending us your discs - even the one's on the cutting room floor. As I told you back then - it was never because of lack of quality, it was just about my preference of blues styles.

Here is one last link to another page I'm sure you will all enjoy..http://www.mary4music.com/Store1.html

Click the Awards Below to Read Blewzzmans Reviews of This Years Winners

      

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