San Francisco – There is something keenly energetic about a ‘live’ album. And when bluesman John Lee Hooker, Jr. shouts “Istanbul, are you ready for the blues?” at the onset of his newly released CD, “Live in Istanbul, Turkey” you can feel the electricity in the stadium. “Live in Istanbul, Turkey” on Hooker, Jr.’s own Steppin’ Stone Records and the European label Jazzhaus Records, proves to be yet another notch in the Grammy nominated artist’s belt. Hooker explodes with fiery intensity as he sets the audience on fire at the Efes Pilsen Blues Festival, proving that the blues are indeed an international language understood around the world.

John Lee Hooker. Jr. “Live in Istanbul, Turkey”

“Live in Istanbul, Turkey” showcases the son of the late iconic blues legend, John Lee Hooker, not only performing classics from his previously released albums, but also introducing three new songs as well. In addition, as the first blues artist to tap hip hop’s reach with animated music videos, the CD boast yet another addition to this legacy. The bonus video “Extramarital Affairs,” co-conceived and co-produced by Frenchman Laurent Mercier at the Callicore Animation Studios in Paris, captures, in vivid black and white, the torrid escapades of a background musician’s illicit affair with a mistress that Hooker Jr. calls “tales of the road.” “Extramarital Affair” is the third in a series of blues animations from Hooker, Jr. and Mercier.
John Lee Hooker Jr. “Extramarital Affair”

“One of the greatest and most exciting things that has ever happened in my career, was the blessed chance to go to Istanbul and perform in front of the wonderful Turkish people,” expresses Hooker, Jr. “To have done my very first live CD is of course, monumental, but to have performed and recorded in front of the greatest and most exciting crowd ever was surreal. I was and am overjoyed by this achievement!”

“Live In Istanbul, Turkey” is a treasure chest of gems. Hooker, Jr. and his band infuse their performances with the fuel generated from an audience of thousands of live fans. Tracks like “Suspicious,” “Maudie” and “Doin’ the Boogie” bust at the musical seams as the blues soar to magical funk-laden realms. The inclusion of new songs, “It’s a Shame,” “You Make My Life Brand New” and “They Hatin’ On Me” recorded at the Pajama Studio in Oakland, CA serve to extend the life of the CD’s party.

John Lee Hooker Jr. was born in Detroit “Motor” City with Delta blues-filled blood running through his Motown veins. As the son of the great John Lee Hooker, he was exposed to the life of the blues from a young age. Unfortunately, while living the “life of a bluesman” he succumbed to the demons that surround it, derailing his musical career for many, many years. Drugs, alcohol, divorce, incarceration, and near death almost brought his once promising career to a screeching halt. But it was living the blues and his faith in the Almighty that resurrected him.

Now from the gravely blues of the Detroit streets to a new era of sound; from the shadow of his father’s accomplishments to standing apart from his namesake; from criminal to animated blues video hero; from San Quentin Prison to the Red Carpet, and the United States to Turkey, John Lee Hooker Jr. keeps forging new ground with a deep-rooted sound. The blues are not only here to stay, but are being embraced around the world. “Live in Istanbul, Turkey” is his musical contribution to world peace as we all rock in unison!

When bluesman John Lee Hooker, Jr. named his album, “All Odds Against Me” it was because for so many years they had been. John Lee Hooker Jr. has an intimate relationship with the blues, having experienced them personally, battling drugs, alcohol, divorce, incarceration and death. But his is also a story of salvation, redemption and unbridled success.

On the heels of his second Grammy nomination, the blues singer is still receiving accolades for his third solo release, this time from the acclaimed Annual Webby Awards and the honored Jus’ Blues Music Foundation. As the son of blues legend, John Lee Hooker, John Lee Hooker Jr. is steadily honing his own pathway of recognition.

John Lee Hooker Jr.’s animated video for the single “Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But A Pimp” co-created by Frenchman Laurent Mercier at the Callicore Animation Studios in Paris was a first for the blues world. As such, the animation has been selected as an Official Honoree for the Best Use of Special FX/Motion Graphics category in the 13th Annual Webby Awards. The Official Honoree is a distinction awarded to the top 15% of all work entered that exhibits remarkable achievement. With nearly 10,000 entries received from all 50 states and over 60 countries, this is an outstanding accomplishment for Hooker Jr. The Webby Awards will be held June 10, 2009 at Cipriani on Wall Street in New York.

In addition, Hooker, Jr. has been selected as a nominee by the Jus` Blues Music Foundation in the Traditional Blues Artist – Male category. The Jus` Blues Music Awards were established to give recognition and visibility to African-American Blues & Soul music artists and industry professionals for their artistry, accomplishments, achievements, performances, recordings and outstanding contributions to the genre. The 2009 Jus’ Blues Music Award Shows will be held August 5th and 6th on the historical Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I can’t even begin to express my appreciation and gratitude for the acknowledgements I am receiving,” expresses John Lee Hooker, Jr. “I make music to heal pain, express joys and bond us all together. The nominations and the awards are truly icing on an already delicious cake. I am just humbled and proud to be able to carry on a legacy as important as the blues. The recognition serves to prove that the blues is not only alive, but alive and still kicking!”

After performing in front of sold out crowds in Europe, Turkey and Russia “superhero” blues man, John Lee Hooker, Jr., son of the late blues legend, John Lee Hooker, returned to the states just in time to receive news of his Grammy nomination, for his third CD release “All Odds Against Me.” This is the second Grammy nomination for Hooker, Jr. who is nominated in the Best Traditional Blues Album category.

John Lee Hooker Jr. broke new blues ground with the enhanced CD that also includes the animated video release “Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But A Pimp”. The video animation, created by Frenchman Laurent Mercier at the Callicore Animation Studios in Paris, has been embraced by hip hop audiences worldwide and has successfully served to bridge the generation gap between the two musical genres.

Carrying his blues legacy into the 21st century, John Lee Hooker, Jr. has enjoyed a landmark year in his career. With all odds against him, he has overcome drugs, alcohol, divorce, incarceration, and near death to bring the world the music harbored deep within his soul.

“I am humbled and extremely grateful to be acknowledged at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards with this nomination,” declares John Lee Hooker, Jr. “The blues is an integral component of American culture, and I am blessed to be able to share this beautiful gift with the world.”

To experience John Lee Hooker, Jr.’s animated video, “Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But a Pimp” go to www.JohnLeeHookerJr.com now!

All Odds Against Me – John Lee Hooker, Jr.

On the heels of the successful release of his third CD, ” All Odds Against Me,” Grammy nominated blues artist and son of blues legend, John Lee Hooker, John Lee Hooker, Jr. heads to Europe, Turkey and Russia to wow audiences overseas with his special brand of blues flavor.

A blues superhero, as portrayed in his animated video release “Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But A Pimp” Hooker Jr. has successfully captured the attention of audiences internationally. The video animation, from Frenchman Laurent Mercier at the Callicore Animation Studios in Paris, has served to bridge the generational gap between the blues and hip hop audiences.

The video is the first of three to be released in 2008 and is included free on his enhanced CD. It can also be viewed on the web at www.JohnLeeHookerJr.com .