Blues Cures Studio Jam Vol. 17 CD
[Sean's Notes] [Dedications] [Song Credits] [Thanks To] [Pictures]
Featuring
John Nemeth & The Blue Dreamers, Gabe Stillman, JP Soars & The Red Hots, Anne Harris, Sean Carney, Jimmy Adler, Electric Mud, Jake Friel
Audio Samples
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Sean's Notes
It has been an incredible journey since our early days, and the events, festivals, and jam sessions of the past year have once again set the perfect stage for the recording you now hold in your hands.
The essence of this series and Blues For A Cure remains exactly as it was when we started: to celebrate authentic blues music and raise vital funds to fight cancer. We are truly blessed to continue finding so many talented musicians who embrace this ideal, stepping into the studio to lend their hearts and hands to the cause.
Blues Cures Vol. 17 boasts a deeply soulful roster of tunes, paying homage to the architects of the genre while showcasing the brilliant contemporary artists carrying the torch today.
We are thrilled to feature the electrifying John Németh, who brings his signature soul-blues magic to his original tracks "Come on Moon" and "I Can See Your Love Light Shine." His incredibly inspired vocal and harp work set a standard of excellence that permeates the entire record.
In keeping with the tradition we've established over the last 17 volumes, this disc explores every corner of the blues map. We journeyed to the sweltering heat of Louisiana with a driving rendition of Clifton Chenier's Zydeco classic "I'm Coming Home," and brought it right back to the gritty streets of Chicago with takes on Otis Smothers' "I Can't Judge Nobody," Jimmy Rogers' (James Lane) "Walking By Myself," and Willie Dixon's immortal "Hoochie Coochie Man." There were so many magical moments in the studio while recording these tracks. From laying down the sophisticated swing of Buddy Johnson's "I'm Just Your Fool" and James Nolen's "Let's Give Love A Try," to channeling the pioneering Texas jump blues of T-Bone Walker on "It's A Lowdown Dirty Deal," the musicians on this project rose to the occasion with amazingly original and inspired fretwork and rhythm. Adding fuel to the fire, we tapped into the heavy-hitting realism of Detroit Junior's "Call My Job" and the unapologetic swagger of Jerry McCain's "She's Tuff." As always, there are numerous interesting collaborations on this disc that you simply won't hear anywhere else, and just too many amazing musical moments to describe in a few short paragraphs.
As we gather for this volume, we want to take a special moment to remember our dear friend, Richard P. Boals. Richard was more than just a host; he was a cornerstone of the Central Ohio Blues community, known for his welcoming spirit and the special atmosphere he created at the longest-running blues jam in the world. We like to think that some of Richard's warmth and passion for the music carries over into these recordings, capturing the true magic of people coming together to celebrate the blues.
I want to thank my friends and BFAC co-organizers, Mark Puskarich and Steve Mack, for their continued time, talent, and dedication to this vision and legacy. Without them, and Tony's Treasures Productions studio engineer Cody Romshak, these recordings would not be possible.
Cancer continues to touch all of our lives, claiming friends, family members, and individuals who were passionate about Blues For A Cure. I dedicate this recording to the lives, music, and memories of those we have recently lost, to the enduring spirit of Richard P. Boals, and to everyone who continues to fight the good fight.
Play it loud, and thank you for your support.
Sean Carney
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Dedications
"I dedicate my performance to Jeffrey Daniel Kukay, 60, of Marblehead, OH who passed away Monday, June 23, 2025. And to his daughters: Jessica (Kylen) Clark of Port Orchard, WA, Mallory Kukay of Marblehead, Stephanie Kukay of Sandusky, Ellie (Michael) Kukay of Warren, MI; parents: Ken and Janice Kukay of Marblehead; brothers: Michael A. "Andy" (Angie) Kukay of Marblehead and Patrick (Peggy) Kukay of Abrahams, WI." – John Nemeth
"It was an honor to be involved in the 2025 Blues for a Cure event. Sean Carney and the other organizers of this event provide great hospitality and care for the musicians while maintaining their focus on raising money and awareness about cancer.
I would like to dedicate my performances on this recording to anyone who has suffered in some way with the callousness of cancer. Jimmy Nolen's "Let's Try Again" repeats that we should all "Give Love a Try." In spite of diminishing funding for research, it is up to you and I to bring aid and awareness to this disease. I was honored to be able to come together to spread the love and help that is needed for this just cause.
So come right in and give the CD a spin, but before you walk right out, please make sure you are aware of the purpose beyond the power of the music, and do what you can to help raise awareness for cancer." – Jimmy Adler
"Electric Mud's efforts are dedicated to the memory of John Hursey of The Canal House — a good friend, a true supporter of the blues, and a man who gave musicians a place to call home. John's kindness, generosity, and love for live music touched everyone who walked through those doors. This benefit album honors his memory and all those affected by cancer. His spirit lives on in every note." – Scott Smalley, Gus Lambros, Jan Roll (Electric Mud) & Lindsay Hursey Trushell
"With every ounce of strength, passion and determination on and off the stage, I dedicate my performance on this wonderful recording to my late Grandmother Katherine Siciliano. May she dance with the angels every time some plays this recording!!" – Chris Peet
"The work that Blues For A Cure is doing is truly a gift to the world, and I am deeply honored to be a part of this project. I would like to dedicate this to JP Soars' sister Kyla Fayth McArdle. I didn't have the pleasure of getting to know Kyla, but through JP I know that his family is extraordinary. The love they held for each other during Kyla's battle was one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed. And it continues to touch and inspire all they do." – Anne Harris
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Song Credits
1. She's Tuff
Sean Carney – Vocal & Guitar
Jake Friel – Vocal & Harmonica
Jimmy Adler – Guitar
JP Soars – Bass
Chris Peet – Drums
Jerry McCain / Sizemore Music Company / BMI
2. I Can See Your Love Light Shine
John Nemeth – Vocal & Harmonica
Gabe Stillman – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Sean Carney – Guitar
Max Kaplan – Bass & Backing Vocals
Andrew McNeill – Drums & Backing Vocals
John Anthony Nemeth / Nemeth Music / BMI
3. I Can't Judge Nobody
Gabe Stillman – Vocal & Guitar
Sean Carney – Guitar
Anne Harris – Violin
Cleveland Frederick – Bass
Chris Peet – Drums
Sonny Thompson / Leric Music / BMI
4. Walking By Myself
Scott Smalley – Vocal & Bass
Gus Lambros – Guitar
JP Soars – Guitar
Jan Roll – Drums
James Lane / ARC Music Corp. / BMI
5. Let's Give Love A Try
Jimmy Adler – Vocal & Guitar
Sean Carney – Guitar
Jake Friel – Harmonica
JP Soars – Bass
Chris Peet – Drums
James Nolen / Commodore Music Group / BMI
6. It's A Lowdown Dirty Deal
JP Soars – Vocal & Guitar
Gabe Stillman – Guitar
Sean Carney – Bass
Chris Peet – Drums
Aaron Thibeaux Wixen / Wixen Music Publishing / BMI
7. Mother-In-Law Blues
John Nemeth – Vocal & Harmonica
Jimmy Adler – Guitar
Max Kaplan – Guitar
Jake Friel – Harmonica
Sean Carney – Bass
Andrew McNeill – Drums
Ferdinand Washington & Don Robey / Songs of Universal Inc. / ASCAP
8. Call My Job
Sean Carney – Vocal & Guitar
Jimmy Adler – Guitar
JP Soars – Bass
Chris Peet – Drums
Albert Lewis Perkins & Detroit Emery Williams Jr. / Universal Music Publishing Group / BMI
9. I'm Just Your Fool
Jake Friel – Vocal & Harmonica
Sean Carney – Guitar
Jimmy Adler – Guitar
JP Soars – Bass
Chris Peet – Drums
Woodrow Buddy Johnson / Sophisticate Music Inc. / BMI
10. The Walkin' Blues
Jimmy Adler – Vocal & Guitar
Sean Carney – Guitar & Backing Vocals
JP Soars – Bass & Backing Vocals
Jake Friel – Backing Vocals
Chris Peet – Drums
Ralph Bass, Jesse Powell, Dailey Francis / Fort Knox Music Inc. / BMI
11. I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
Scott Smalley – Vocal & Bass
Gus Lambros – Guitar
JP Soars – Slide Guitar
Jake Friel – Harmonica
Jan Roll – Drums
Willie Dixon / Hoochie Coochie Music / BMI
12. Come On Moon
John Nemeth – Vocal
Gabe Stillman – Guitar
Max Kaplan – Bass
Andrew McNeill – Drums
John Anthony Nemeth / Nemeth Music / BMI
13. I'm Coming Home
Gabe Stillman – Vocal & Guitar
Anne Harris – Violin
Clifton Chenier / Tradition Music Co. and Flat Town Music Co. / BMI
Produced by Mark Puskarich and Sean Carney for Sean Carney's Blues For A Cure © 2026.
Recorded at Tony's Treasures Studio, Cadiz, Ohio. Recording Engineers Cody Romshak and Mark Puskarich. Edited and mixed by Mark Puskarich and Cody Romshak, Tony's Treasures Productions, Cadiz, OH, and Westerville, OH.
www.tonystreasuresproductions.com
Mastered by Mark Puskarich.
Photos by Dusty Scott (www.dustyblues.com), Steve Mack, DJ Watson, Drake Watson and Mark Puskarich.
CD Cover photo by Dusty Scott.
Back Panel Insert photo by Steve Mack.
CD insert graphic design and CD insert by Laura Strickland
For additional pictures and videos, and the latest on fundraising and concert dates, please visit our websites at www.bluesforacure.org and www.achristmastocurecancer.org. Blues For A Cure, (DBA) under A Christmas To Cure Cancer, Inc., is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) non–profit corporation, EIN 83-0372707.
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Thanks To
A very special thanks to all the artists on this recording who donated their time and efforts. We completed a one and a half day session on June 28th & 29th, 2026, following the 14th Annual Blues For A Cure Harrison County concert. These amazing artists are beautiful people, incredibly talented, and so much fun to record. To Cody Romshak, my best friend and recording studio engineer, who has amazing passion and patience in the recording sessions.
To Steve Mack, an integral organizer of Blues For A Cure, supporter of A Christmas To Cure Cancer, excellent photographer and good friend. A special thanks to Teri Pealer for being our annual onsite artist liaison, merch organizer, cook and autograph herder. To all who helped organize and pull off Blues For A Cure events in 2025: my wife Irina Puskarich, Cindy Blake, Joe Blake, Scott Smalley, and Laura Strickland.
To my mom Lois Puskarich, who makes sure posters and flyers are distributed everywhere in Harrison County. To my sister Lisa, for proofing everything on a minute's notice and catching all the small things. Amazing Photographer Dusty Scott who helped fill in this year in the absence of Steve Mack. To my cousins Lori and Rich Milleson, for all their support of A Christmas To Cure Cancer and Blues For A Cure Harrison County. To all the sponsors, especially Holly Williams and Tina Rush of MPLX Gathering and Processing, Alex Johnson of Midwest Terminals of Toledo, Jackie Stewart and Zach Kent of Encino Energy, Dan Milleson of Milestone Insurance, Ken and Adele Mason. Lindsay Dowdle of WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital, and Julie McPeak of Harrison County Cancer Crusaders.
To Joy Barcroft the best hospitality tent bartender and Mike McPeak, Maggie Kimble and John Gifford for helping with merch. To Cadiz Mayor Kevin Jones and Tim Hennis of Sally Buffalo Park. To Ben St. John and Michelle Pitre of Microtel and Cadiz Inn for providing accommodations for the artists each year. Don Sloan and WTOV9 Steubenville for all the PSA support. Cindy Taylor and Joey Klepack from 106.3 The River for radio advertising and PSAs. To the wonderful folks at 10TV: Angela An and Tracy Townsend, among others, for all the Columbus support. We all work so very hard to help make an impact on cancer research and Keeping The Blues Alive.
Mark Puskarich
Producer's Dedication:
This has been another year of way too many cancer cases with people I know and family members. My sister Lisa Zehnal continues her treatments although this past year has yielded positive results towards her being cancer free. Her husband Mike Zehnal continues his rigorous treatments, as well as his sister Tiffany Zehnal. We are thankful that my nephew Justin Mirabal stays cancer free.
Frankie Lee Carnes was in my prayer notes from last year and unfortunately, she passed in June 2025, and in April 2026, her husband, and my dear friend Senator James Carnes passed as well. Both from cancer.
My photo dedication this year is to Jim and Frankie Carnes. They were both the most wonderful husband and wife team you'd ever meet. Jim was nothing less than an exceptional man, to my experience; always an individual of integrity, consistent ethical behavior, combining strong character with empathy which led to an abundance of kindness in helping his family, community, and many other people he met along the way. Jim and Frankie Lee, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for our life long friendship, support and love for one another.
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Tony's Treasures Productions is proud to sponsor this recording project to help support funding for cancer related causes as well as the Blues Foundation. It's always a pleasure and thrill to work with such great artists and witness their enthusiasm for their craft. Thank you for supporting great Blues music and two great causes.
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Pictures
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