Ironing Board Sam just keeps coming back – this time with a new two-CD album Double Bang, released by Music Maker Relief Foundation in partnership with Dixiefrog Records. Double Bang features 13 entirely new tracks written by Ironing Board Sam during the past two years, recorded by Ardie Dean in Alabama and featuring backup by the Memphis Horns. The album also includes Sam’s first album on the Music Maker label, Going Up, and several singles Sam released on various labels in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
In 2012 Sam was named “Comeback
Artist of the Year” by Living Blues Magazine, made a triumphant return to a
packed tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and released his
second album on the Music Maker label, Ninth Wonder of the World of Music. In 2013 Sam performed at the Byron Bay
Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, will be traveling for gigs all over the USA,
and is set to release his third album in two years. At age 72, Sam feels like
his career is finally where he wants it to be. “This album is the culmination
of my lifelong quest. Fifty years of work towards my artistic vision has
finally been achieved,” he said.
Tim Duffy, Founder of
Music Maker Relief Foundation, says, “Sam has had a truly remarkable journey
through life. I have been a personal fan of his since seeing his tour bus on
the streets of Asheville in 1981, but Sam has been amazing audiences throughout
the South since the 1950s. Jimi Hendrix backed him up on the Chitlin’ Circuit in the 1960s. He has
a place as an important figure in the history of Blues, largely unrecognized
until now. With this album he is cementing his place as one of the most
talented and hard working Boogie Woogie artists out there. This album is truly
a masterpiece that Sam has created and needs to share with the world.”
Ironing Board Sam has
also been the focus this year of a documentary film, Tenth, by filmmaker Tom Ciaburri. Ciaburri is
launching a Kickstarter to finish the film and release it at festivals
nationwide. Tom describes Sam’s music as, “Sam beams positivity that comes out
in his music – he is an amazingly talented musician who is only getting better
with time. “
Double Bang will be
officially released on July 9th, and can be purchased at
musicmaker.org. A special pre-sale of Double Bang will also occur from Jun 3rd
through 7th, on musicmaker.org.
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About Music Maker
Relief Foundation:
Music Maker Relief
Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Music
Maker aims to keep our Southern culture vital by directly supporting senior
(over 55) American roots musicians in need, expanding their professional
careers, and providing with basic life needs so they can focus on their art.
Music Maker also assists Next Generation (under 55) artists in the development
of their professional careers. Since the organization’s founding in 1994, Music
Maker has assisted hundreds of musicians who represent the traditions of Blues,
Gospel, Old-Time String Band, Jazz and more. Music Maker’s programs ensure the
talents of these cultural treasures are accessible so that our rich musical
heritage can be shared with the world and preserved for future generations.
