Living Blues’ Comeback Artist of the Year, Ironing Board Sam, keeps it coming with new album

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 9^th, and can be purchased at musicmaker.org. A special pre-sale of Double Bang will also occur from Jun 3^rd through 7^th, 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.