Double Bang, the new album from Ironing Board Sam, emphasizes that this
artist has not only come back, but he’ll be around for a long time. The
new two-CD album will be released July 9
by Music Maker Relief Foundation in partnership with Dixiefrog Records.
Double Bang features 12 new tracks written/recorded 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 singles Sam released
on various labels in the 1960s and 1970s.
Sam’s most recent album, Ninth Wonder of the World of Music, was
released in 2012, also on the Music Maker label. eMusic said, "'Ninth
Wonder' is a superb album for anyone interested in hearing a true
maverick at work.... Here’s the most entertaining eight tracks and
nearly 22 minutes of blues-based music likely to be released this year,
and it should leave you longing for more."
Offbeat Magazine described Ironing Board Sam's 'The Ninth Wonder of the World of Music' as "a gem" in a profile last year.
Read the New Orleans Times-Picayune’s account of Sam’s illustrious career here.
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. In 2013 Sam performed at the Byron Bay
Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, and will be traveling for gigs all
over the USA. 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. He
was featured on the first African-American televised music revue, The
Night Train. 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 R&B 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 used the crowd-funding
site Kickstarter to fund finishing the film and releasing 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. “ Tenth is now funded and
will be completed in the coming year.
The Sydney Morning Herald said of Sam’s recent tour in Australia with
the Music Maker Blues Revue, “Ironing Board Sam, 73 years young, sang
like his pants were on fire and attacked his keyboard as if it had
sinned.”
Double Bang will be officially released on July 9th, and can be purchased at the Music Maker Store.
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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.
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