“To make music with friends, and to make friends through music: I can’t imagine a better life than this.” – Dion
Featuring guest musicians like Boz Scaggs, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Billy Gibbons, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmy Vivino, Rickie Lee Jones, G.E. Smith, and Joe Bonamassa – Dion Dimucci’s album “Stomping Ground” is a must-grab for any blues and roots rock fan. Released through Joe Bonamassa’s and Roy Weisman’s Keeping The Blues Alive Records, the foot-tapping, 14-song set is comprised of mostly originals penned by Dion and writing partner Mike Aquilina – as a rich celebration of his blues beginnings. (Dion’s 1961 hit single “The Wanderer” is itself 12 bar blues-based.)
“Stomping Ground” swings from roadhouse rockers to soulful ballads, boogie woogie to gritty gospel – and deftly, even with such high-wattage guest performers, it’s plenty cohesive and tight. At age 84, Dion’s voice has a soft-weathered rasp but his singing remains youthful, bright and distinctive. Pete Townshend summed it up well in the album’s liner notes: “Dion, like a circling star that never fades, generates the energy and fire we need to pull ourselves up and start again.” With gratitude to Dion, Joe Bonamassa, and all the artists that helped put “Stomping Ground” together, we’re sending all profits we receive from its sale directly to the nonprofit Keeping The Blues Alive. | 
