John Primer and Kenny Neal first met at Theresa’s Lounge on the south-side of Chicago in the mid 1970’s. At that time Kenny was the bass player for Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Phil Guy. John was in Junior Wells’ house band at Theresa’s Lounge playing guitar for Junior along with Sammy Lawhorn. Both John and Kenny’s blues foundations were built as students at Theresa’s—learning from Junior and other blues masters is their connection.

Over the years John and Kenny both steadily progressed in their careers—often running into each other at festivals and while on tour. The two are like family with a friendship spanning over 50 years. Finally joining forces to combine their talents and styles is very exciting! They want to show the world what they can do together.

SO LOOK OUT! HERE COMES BLUES ROYALTY!

Milwaukee’s powerhouse Altered Five Blues Band returns with their eighth studio album, Hammer & Chisel, a simmering set of eleven original songs that showcase why this award-winning group has remained at the forefront of contemporary blues for over two decades. Belted out with gusto by singer Jeff Taylor, each track crackles with the energy of a band firing on all cylinders—tight musicianship, razor-sharp guitar work, and witty lyrics that cut straight to the bone. From the opening salvo of the funky, horn-driven “I Got It Good” through the cautionary “Who Can You Trust” to the empowering closing statement of “The Will of Man,” the album demonstrates the kind of top-notch performance that can only come from five musicians who’ve spent 24 years honing their collective sound. Produced by multi-GRAMMY winner Tom Hambridge and featuring guest harmonica ace Jason Ricci on three tracks, Hammer & Chisel captures the band at their peak.