Billylee, Bryce and Erickson stage Guitar Shootout and CD  Release Party

By Ric Holmquest

In a rare tour de force of Blues Rock guitar, Billylee Janey, Bryce Janey and Craig Erickson will share the stage for a Guitar Shootout and CD Release Party Sunday, June 27,  from 6 to 10 p.m. at Parlor City Pub and Eatery, 1125 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. The trio of talented guitarists will have a riff challenge while performing music from their new studio recordings.

Rockadrome recording artist Billylee Janey’s new CD “Gimme Some Lightnin’ “ is hot off the presses and was recorded at Craig Erickson’s Rivertown studio. Buckle up for a wild ride, as the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Famer once again redefines the Blues that brought him here. Turn it up as Billylee shifts into fifth gear for “Smoke and Mirrors.”

“New Earth Blues” is Grooveyard Records artist Craig Erickson’s new CD. The international Blues rocker wastes no time in providing some sweet riffage and great power chords on Titanic Planet. Erickson’s amazing guitar work combines with a retrospective look at the flood of 2008 with “Drownin’ Down Here.” Erickson proves his mettle with a suburb demonstration of the Blues guitar, all while being thoughtful and topical. The standout instrumental “Blue Horizon” is simply incredible.

Fellow Grooveyard Records artist Bryce Janey serves up his sixth solo disc with “Blues in my Soul.” Smooth and soulful, Bryce plays his retro-70s Blues guitar with an edge. The infectious Funky Guitar Blues will definitely motivate your dancin’ shoes. Blues in my Soul features eight new original Bryce Janey songs and another two penned with his talented father. Bryce layers acoustic and electric guitars on an amazing cover of In this Place from Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs.

The rhythm section of Eric Douglas and Dan DJ Johnson is so tight from their hours in the studio and live performances together. Douglas plays the drums on all three records and will be behind the kit for the Guitar Shootout. DJ Johnson performed on both of the Janey’s new CDs and will handle the bass guitar at Parlor City bell to bell. The three guitar slingers plan on closing the Guitar Shootout on stage together.

WHAT: CD Release party and guitar shootout

WHO: Billylee Janey, Bryce Janey and Craig Erickson

WHEN: Sunday, June 27, from 6 to 10 p.m.

WHERE: Parlor City Pub and Eatery, 1125 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids