Billy Price, the Nighthawks and Web soul

The blues seem to be slowing down a bit for the holidays (just when you need them the most), but there's a show coming up tomorrow night (Friday) that's worth the effort -- blue-eyed soul guy Billy Price and his keyboard player Jimmy Britton join the hard-working and hard-rocking Nighthawks at Moondog's in Blawnox.

The Hawks have a new CD coming up -- "American Landscape" -- and Price is working on a new disc -- "Night Work" -- featuring French blues guitarist Fred Chapellier.

Chapellier

Here's a YouTube video of this matchup from about a year ago:

More soul music

If you, like me, love the sound of that sweet soul music, there's a new place on the Web to check it out.

Al Bell, former Stax Records owner and Motown president, has launched a company and website focusing on this great American music. "Al Bell Presents American Soul Music" looks back at the history of this classic music, and presents contemporary artists as well. Go to the website and check the Screening Room tab at the top -- there are wonderful clips of some of the greatest soul artists, including Aretha, Brother Ray, Marvin Gaye and lots more.

There's an interesting Archives section, and music downloads are promised. The site is a bit of a work in progress, but there's already much to see and hear. Bell is to be commended for not just sitting on his soul credentials, but for providing a place for old and new fans to share the music.