Blues Historian

Jerry McCoy And The Hammers: Whistle Blowin

2012-01-15T19:01:00.000-06:00

Jerry McCoy and the Hammers video performed at the famous Ground Zero Blues Club.

John Hammer Blues News

2012-01-08T20:51:00.002-06:00

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It's ALL Right on the Radio
If you know where to set yer dial, the radio's got everything you need. January 15th on Hammered By The Blues (every Sunday on KOWZ 1170AM at 10pm) we got inventory goin' on and plan to share some of the best in stock with you. Royalty presents itself as The Duke Robillard Band flat out dazzles ya with a return to the basics Duke is famous for off his latest 'Low Down and Tore Up'. We'll be gettin' up close and personal with a gal who still provides the goosebumps we got when we first heard her. Maria Muldaur drops by to share a little magic off her new CD 'Steady Love'. Stripped down and acoustic is the path Mark T Small takes us down as he lays it out for ya off 'Blacks, Whites and the Blues'. Keepin' it real, we dance the night away in old school post war Chicago blues as interpreted by The Cash Box Kings off 'Holler and Stomp'. See how simple and satisfyin' one stop shoppin' is?!

We're yer one stop blues fix, we got what you need;

Just settle in, turn it up and let us plant the first seed;
You're hangin' with the best folks, bluesers one and all;

Just relax, have fun and heed the blues siren call!

Hammer-time!

Fresh Stuff Ya Wanna Know

January Blue Monday
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Jan. 7: The SwampKings

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Cherokee Tavern, St Paul, MN

Coming Up Jan 20: Sena Ehrhardt Band

Knights of Columbus, Owatonna, MN

(see poster below)

Workin' it for you at 'Hammered By the Blues'

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Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

2012-01-08T20:50:00.002-06:00

Nope, didn't score a last minute gig for this weekend (what a great football weekend tho', NFL playoffs Sat. and Sun. National Championship College game on Monday. Oh yeah...!) That means that I have played the last gigs of my 50s. Next weekend's Birthday Parties will be my first gigs as a sexagenarian. That word is the best part of turning 60 years old. Fortunately, I will be a sexagenarian for the next decade (I can only hope) Anyway, everything you need to know about next weekends celebration gigs can be found on our website homepage: http://www.theblueband.com/ Need I say, BRING CAKE!?...
Never in my 59 years, 51 weeks can I recall raking leaves the week before my birthday! 60 degrees in Sparkle City USA this afternoon. No, really, there's no punch line here, it was 60 degrees here today and I was raking leaves instead of knocking down icicles from the gutter...
The best (week before my) birthday gift I could get arrived today. It was an invitation for The Blue Band to be part of the Iowa State Fair again this year. Make plans to join us on the AE/TV8 stage, the final weekend of The Fair, Fri. Aug. 17 & Sat. Aug. 18. Can you say (birthday) CAKE on-a-stick?...
Sat. night (1/7) 7-10pm, is my annual Elvis Presley special on my Backtracks rock'n'roll history radio show, (Elvis would have been 77 years old on 1/8) and Sunday's trip down Blue Avenue, 5-6:30pm is all about the British Blues scene of the 1960s, (John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac, Savoy Brown) followed by The Beatles Medley, 6:30-7:00, spotlighting The Beatles as a blues band. Get the frequency of the Iowa Public Radio station in your area or listen anywhere on the planet via web audio streaming at www.iowapublicradio.org
Here's where we're at with the drummer situation. The more Steve gets into his job, the more he's able to have comp and vacation time available to play more gigs than we originally thought was going to be possible. Still, Steve's regular job hours are Mon-Fri 5:30p-1:30am and every 5th weekend. We are definitely going to need a substitute 20-30 times a year (if we ever start getting some more gigs!) John Rohlf, the drummer that did such a great job filling in for Steve at The Hub last month, is interested in filling in the spots that Steve can't do. He lives just a few blocks from my house, so rehearsals can be arranged easily. So, we are fortunate to have access to two great drummers and don't be surprised to see TWO drummers at a couple of the festival gigs this summer (if we ever start getting more gigs) (sorry for the NOT so subtle hints. NOW is the time to talk with your local festival organizers about having us be part of the celebration) Booking info: http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm
Rumor has it that some really old Blue Band songs that I wrote, like Simulation Stimulation and Git Yer Shit Together (sorry Dolores) that we haven't done since I turned 50 might be part of The Hub gig on Fri. the 13th (what could possibly go wrong with trying to remember songs that I haven't done for a decade while we're doing a live recording on Friday the 13th the day after I become a sexagenarian?) See ya on the Blue Highway, rub yer washboard to rhythm of the sexagenarian (why do I think that word may replace CAKE as the running gag?) You've got a week to bake a CAKE and no matter how old I get, know that we can't stop lovin' you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Illinois Blues Blast

2012-01-08T20:49:00.002-06:00

Links to more great content on our website: Reviews Links Photos Videos Blues Radio Blues Shows Advertise for FREE! Past Issues

In This Issue

Ian McKenzie has our feature interview with Popa Chubby this week.

We have six CD reviews for you this week! Mark Thompson reviews a new CD from Toronzo Cannon. Greg “Bluesdog” Szalony reviews a new CD from Patrick McLaughlin. John Mitchell reviews a new CD from Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires featuring James “Rock” Gray . Eric Steiner reviews a new CD by Big Mamma’s Door. Gary Weeks reviews a new CD by Big Daddy D And The Dynamites. Rainey Wetnight reviews a new CD from Dani Wilde. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!

From The Editor's Desk

Hey Blues Fans,

Here we go again! 2012 begins our 6th year of publishing Blues Blast Magazine.

As we start the new year there are plenty of challenges. A big one is the fact that an increasing number of you folks get your email on your smart phone. For us that means we will be working to make our weekly issues fit on android phones, Iphones, Windows phones and other devices including netbook PCs, Ipads and many other hand held forms of communication.

We will also be working to expand our presence on social networks. To meet these goals we are looking for some help. We need a couple folks to work as our social networking editors and we continue to look for someone to write some phone apps for Blue Blast Magazine. Please see our ads below and let us know if you can be of any help or know someone else who might be able to help.

Wishing you health, happiness and lots of Blues music!
Bob Kieser

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Blues Musicians - Place YOUR Want Ad Here for FREE

Blues Blast Magazine Seeks Social Networking Help

Blues Blast Magazine is looking for experienced persons to assist us in growing our social network presence. The person selected will help us with Facebook and Twitter messaging every week when the current issue of Blues Blast Magazine is published and will send other information on events and shows as necessary.

If you have expertise and experience getting the word out using social networking and a love for Blues music, please contact us and join the Blues Blast team.

If interested please send an email with details of your social networking accomplishments and experience plus any info on your Blues background to Please include your phone number in the reply.

Blues Blast Magazine Seeks Writers

Blues Blast Magazine is looking for experienced writers to complete interviews and other writing assignments for the magazine. Must have experience writing with a background or degree in journalism or publicity. Must be familiar with Blues music. Successful applicant must be willing to complete one interview or writing assignment every week.

If interested please send a resume, a sample of your writing and a short bio of your Blues background to Please include your phone number in the reply.

Blues Blast Magazine Seeks Phone App Writer

Blues Blast Magazine is looking for an experienced software designer to create "The Blues Blast App" for the magazine. Must have experience writing phone apps for the IPhone and Android platforms.

If interested please send a resume and information on apps you have written to Please include your phone number in the reply.

All ads submitted will be used if space allows. If space is limited, ads will be randomly selected to appear. "workin Blues performers" ONLY can place Want Ads here for FREE. Buy or sell equipment , musicians wanted, gigs wanted etc. Limit 100 words. Send your ad submission to

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Featured Blues Interview - Popa Chubby

Blues Blast: How did you get into guitar playing and blues music - in particular in the early days?

Popa Chubby: I started off as a drummer when I was a boy, and then my parents decided the drums were too loud so I got into electric guitar. (laughs). And then -- when I was a little kid -- my dad took me to see Chuck Berry. And I was like, wow, that looks good. I think I’ll try that. And I did. (laughs). Then when I was a teenager I got into Led Zeppelin, and Jimmy Hendrix, and Jeff Beck and all that stuff and it kinda just rocked my word from there, you know.

BB: You were already playing guitar by then I guess?

PC: I was starting yea. I was trying to figure out Rolling Stones songs on my acoustic guitar.

BB: Did you ever have any lesson or are you entirely self taught?

PC: No, I never had any lessons. Man, I was a poor kid. My guitar lessons were getting a really crappy acoustic guitar that you could barely play and fixing the strings by hand and then putting “Brown Sugar” on my little record player and slowing it down to try to figure out what was going on. I had no idea that Keith was playing in open tuning, so I learned it all with regular chords, and kinda faked my way through it. When I was a teenager the big thing was to learn the “Heartbreaker” solo by Jimmy Page, which I think I’m still working on. (laughs)

BB: When did you first start working with a band then?

PC: I started playing with bands by the time I was 15. I got turned on to the likes B.B. King and Freddy King and Albert King… Otis Rush… and started to see the connection between those guys and blues rock guys. I started the Popa Chubby Band in 1990. Before that I had been just playing guitar and bass as a sideman with various people in New York and with varying degrees of success. I became the house band in New York City at a club called Maddy’s Car Wash -- a very famous blues club –in the 90’s. That started my journey if you will.

BB: Is that the way you got your nickname of Popa Chubby?

PC: One day in a jam session with Bernie Worrell from P-Funk. He was singing a song, “Popa Chubby, Popa Chubby” and as I’m working, I’m thinking that’s a great name for a band I think I’ll take that. The one thing I want people to do when they hear my music is to get to a new level of excitement. One that they didn’t have before they heard my music.

BB: One of the things that I think you’ve said is that you think that music should be dangerous, like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols and so on. Do you still feel like that?

PC: Elements of it, yea, definitely. Music should be everything. It should encompass everything. But I think that, you know, I like to see a band that makes me think, wow man, these guys are bad ass, you know? And you know all great rock bands on some level from Elvis Presley. Man, you know, when Elvis got onstage and shook his hips people were threatened.

BB: And yet you sit onstage and play things like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” How does that fit together?

PC: Because there’s beauty too man. I like to offer everybody the full experience.

BB: And do you have a favorite blues, rock musician that you regularly listen to.

PC: It’s Jimmy Hendrix man, for me, all the time, Jimmy. Nobody, I mean nobody, has even come close. And on a compositional level no one has even come close to what Jimmy did. I still wind up listening to Jimmy I mean a lot of the time and I consider Freddie King to be the true link between blues and rock if you will.

BB: Tell me something about the making of the new CD [Back To New York City] .. a lot of tracks are songs that you have written yourself.

PC: I’m a songwriter as well as being a guitar player, on this record, man. I felt that the bar had been raised, and I needed to step up and show everybody what I could really do. And I think we really hit it. Everything from like from like straight out Texas blues on “She Loves Everybody But Me” to the quintessential power ballad on “A Love That Will Never Die”. I played some Spanish guitar on a song called “A Pound of Flesh”. We did a great cover of a Leonard Cohen song, “The Future”. The reviews that are coming in right now are saying that it’s my best record ever.

BB: In the later stages of this up-coming tour of yours, you’re working with Walter Trout. Have you played with Walter before?

PC: I have. We worked together in the past with great success. There’s a lot of mutual respect there. I think Walter and I have a similar sensibility and that we are coming from a similar place with music in general. We’re doing several gigs in Europe and than in London [and elsewhere in the UK]. And I think it’s going to be a really fantastic tour. It’s going to offer people more of what people used to get in the old school, man, when they used to go see a show and there would be like two or three great bands on the bill. You don’t get that so much anymore. And I want to be a proponent of bringing that back. What it really takes is for artists to lose their egos for a little while and I think Walter and I will be able to do that and put on a great show.

BB: Are you plan to do some cutting contest stuff with Walter?

PC: I never go onstage to cut anybody, man. I’m a big Tai chi guy. I believe that when you play with someone else you should challenge them to play better, not try to play better than them.

BB: You just mentioned Tai chi. I believe that you practice Tai chi and Chi Kung before you go on stage is that true?

PC: I practice it all the time, man, it’s been my saving grace beside music. It’s really been a revelation in every way. It’s been pervasive in my music. It’s made me a better player and a better human being. So I’m grateful for that.

BB: Anything big in the future for you?

PC: The CD and the tour’s pretty big. I plan to tour way into through 2012. I mean we already have dates booked so. The big thing was I spent two and a half years to make this record, man, and I made a record on a level I had never [achieved] before. I really suffered for this record.

BB: Did you now? Was that to do with the song writing? The emotionality of it or what?

PC: Everything, you know, the songs usually reflect my life. It’s been a difficult period in my life. The music’s gotten me through. And I think it’s reflected in the music. It’s a matter of [the tensions] between playing the blues and really feeling the blues and you can’t feel the blues until you really get in there and start to live. That was a big piece of me making that record. Now I’m going to be on the road for a long time, so after that I think – and this is just between me and you and whoever [is listening] –I would like to make a live CD-DVD combo.

BB: Tell me something about the band that you’ve got at the moment.

PC: A.J. Pappas is the bass player has been with me for about six years. And my drummer is just returned to the fold. Many years ago I played in a high school in Warwick, New York – we played for the student body. And then we answered questions about what it’s like to be a musician. None of the kids were like prepared except for one….this kid – he was about six foot eight tall, tattoos up and down his arms, spiky blond hair – came up to me and started talking to me. And his name was Chris Reading. Six months later he was on the road with me at 17. And he stayed on the road with me for five years. Then he had some family issues that he had to attend to so that he left the band for the last three years. But he’s just returned. Chris is by far the best drummer I’ve ever worked with. He’s now 25. You know, he’s mature well beyond his years. So it’s really, right now, we’re in the best place musically we’ve ever been.

BB: I noticed that in practically every picture of you, you have a rather battered old Strat that are holding playing.

PC: I do, that’s my number one. And that’s my baby …that’s the devil’s guitar.

BB: Do you have others besides that?

PC: I have 100 guitars. I have many old Strats, many old Les Pauls, I have a ’56 Les Paul, ’54 Les Paul, 335’s, Telecasters, you name it. There’s nothing that rocks like this one Strat. That is really the best guitar that I’ve ever owned. It just gets better with age. People say “you’re crazy. Why do you take it on the road?” And I’m like “you’re crazy ….why would I not take it on the road.”

BB: It would be terrible if you lost it though.

PC: Yea, but you know what it would be more terrible if I never played it.

BB: Popa one of the things that I like to do when I’m interviewing people is to ask them what is the very best thing that has ever happened to you as a professional musician.

PC: Many years ago I got a call from a woman saying “my fiancé is your biggest fan in the world and he’s gravely ill; his dying wish is to have a visit with you.” I was on the road, but I immediately said yes. That’s just my nature, I want to be there for people. And then I got a little scared. I mean it was like, wow! But I went and saw this guy ,and he was in such suffering and pain and turmoil. And I hung out with him, and I played him a song. I played “Same Old Blues” by Freddy King. And all his pain went away. I saw his pain vanish. It was really moving, man. And I realised it had very little to do with me. You know, I was just the vehicle.

BB: What’s the very worst thing that’s ever happened to you while you’ve been working in the profession?

PC: Oh man, you know…you don’t dwell on that, you know there’s always some crap that happens. There’s some bad sound or some crooked promoter or some missed flight or .. The worst thing was I was trying to travel to Europe to do a weekend of festivals. And right as I got on the highway the New York City blackout happened. I didn’t have enough gas to turn around so I drove to the airport. And wound up sleeping on the floor for the next 23 hours. So, you know, every once in a while you’re going to come across that too. But it’s not that bad really in the grand scheme of things.

BB: Thank you so very much for speaking to me, especially for revealing some of those little personal things.

PC: Great pleasure my friend. Great pleasure..

You can visit Popa Chubby at: www.popachubby.com or www.myspace.com/popachubbyband

Interviewer Ian McKenzie lives in England. He is the editor of Blues In The South (www.bluesinthesouth.com) a monthly flier providing news, reviews, a gig guide and all kinds of other good stuff, for people living and going to gigs along the south coast of England. Ian is also a blues performer (see www.myspace.com/ianmckenzieuk) and has two web-cast regular blues radio shows. One on www.phonic.FM in Exeter (Wednesdays: 1pm Eastern/ 12 noon Central), the second on KCOR – Kansas City Online Radio (on Fridays at 1pm Eastern/ 12 noon Central) www.kconlineradio.com.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Blues Blast Advertising Special - Lowest Prices Of the 2012 Season

Blues Blast Magazine is offering a winter advertising special. This early bird special for the 2012 season will be our lowest pricing of the 2012 year. It offers an affordable & effective way to get the Blues word out! This 6 week combo rate of only $300 allows you to affordably add significant impact to your Blues advertising and promotion campaign. It is a great way to kick up the visibility of your new CD release, 2012 Blues Festival or event!

Normal 2012 Advertising rates are $65 an issue for Blues Blast magazine ads and $90 per month for website ads.

BUT, for a limited time, you can advertise in six issues of Blues Blast Magazine and on our website for a month and a half for only $300. This is a $525 value!

Blues Blast Magazine is a great way to promote the Blues. More than 21,000 Blues fans read our magazine each week. They are located in all 50 states and in more than 80 countries. We get more than 2,000,000 (That's TWO MILLION) hits and more than 35,000 visitors a month on our website.

To get this special rate simply reserve and pay for your ad space by February 15th, 2012. Ads can be booked to run anytime between now and September 30, 2012 for your 2012 Blues festival, CD release or other Blues related product.

With this special rate your ad can be viewed more than 175,000 times by Blues fans who want to know about Blues events and music! Reserve your space today! Space is limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis. Ads must be reserved and paid for by February 15, 2012. To get more information email info@thebluesblast.com or call 309 267-4425 today!

Featured Blues Review 1 of 6

Toronzo Cannon - Leaving Mood

Delmark Records

www.ToronzoCannon.com

14 tracks/60:19

In the12/28/11 edition of the Chicago Tribune, one of the featured articles was the last in a series by music writer Howard Reich on Blues music in Chicago, a piece entitled “Is this the twilight of blues music?”.

(http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-1228-blues-20111229,0,3640054.column)

Reich identifies a number of serious issues including the continued loss of legendary musicians like Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith as well as a suffocating lack of exposure in major media outlets even in the city that claims the music as its own. The writer also comments on the difficultly that newer musicians have in gaining a foothold in the blues clubs, even though it makes sense for the clubs to nurture new voices that might catch the ear of a new generation of listeners.

If blues music is dying, you would never know it after you listen to the first major label release by Toronzo Cannon. Schooled in southside clubs like Theresa's Lounge, Cannon has been honing his craft in Chicago clubs for over a decade as a leader and a sideman for artists like Wayne Baker Brooks and Joanna Connor. Now his blistering guitar work, knock-out songs and soul-wrenching vocals make it clear that Cannon has the ability to help keep the blues tradition alive and vital.

Check out “Chico's Song”, Cannon's celebration for the late Chico Banks with a foot-stomping rhythm, sweet guitar licks and Matthew Skoller's superlative harp playing. On the opening cut, “She Loved Me”, Cannon explores the darker side of life with a guitar tone that harks back to Hound Dog Taylor. Special guest Carl Weathersby shares the spotlight with Cannon on “Hard Luck”, both men laying down incendiary guitar solos, with Weathersby breaking a string in the process.

Cannon gets first-class support from Roosevelt Purifoy on keyboards, Larry Williams on bass and Marty Binder on drums. Rhythm guitarist Lawrence Gladney co-wrote seven tunes with Cannon and contributed two originals - “Come On” finds Cannon bemoaning his fate after the end of a relationship and pleading his lover to return home while “Baby Girl” has a funky, strutting beat that underscores Cannon's exuberant performance. Weathersby returns on “Earnestine”, handling the lead guitar parts while Cannon focuses on singing while Purifoy dazzles with a brief solo on the organ.

On the title cut, Cannon slows the pace to describe a man losing control of his life, taking the song to an unexpected conclusion. He avoids making the vocal too strident, which adds to the sense of despair. Another highlight is “Open Letter (To Whom it May Concern)” that finds Cannon using a distorted vocal to comment to on the sometimes cutthroat nature of the Chicago blues scene. The song features an insistent guitar lick and more stellar harp accompaniment from Skoller. Cannon displays his soul influences on “You're a Good Woman” with Purifoy on the Rhodes electric keyboard. Another highlight is the smoldering rendition of Nina Simone's “Do I Move You”, with Cannon's earnest vocal matched by his impeccable guitar work

Delmark Records deserves praise for continuing their tradition of releasing recordings by working Chicago blues musicians. While some fear for the future, Toronzo Cannon uses vibrant material coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm to provide ample evidence that the blues tradition is safe in his hands. His energetic approach is sure to connect with blues lovers all over the world. Expect to see this one on some of the lists for top Blues recordings for the year!

Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL. He has been listening to music of all kinds for fifty years. The first concert he attended was in Chicago with The Mothers of Invention and Cream. Life has never been the same.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Featured Blues Review 2 of 6

Patrick McLaughlin - Self Titled

Bolt Records

Time-66:47

http://www.patrickmclaughlin3.com

From Columbus, Ohio here comes another in a long line of blues-rock guitarists fronting a power trio. His first release displays that he has guitar chops to spare and a commanding voice with a soulful edge to it that is easy to listen to. His playing has evolved as the result of being a band leader for ten years. A tight rhythm section follows his every move. The one pitfall is the mostly mundane and commonplace lyrics as well as the repetitiveness of them.

Patrick handles rhythm and lead guitar parts on most songs, giving them a beefy quality. He leads right in with slide guitar that almost talks, laid over a catchy rhythm guitar riff on “Working Hard”. Here as throughout the record the sound is fresh, clean and full of tone. It seems like the guitar playing stays close to the standard styles, until you see him taking more chances from the half-way mark on. The guitar tone and watching the turns they take are an adventure to behold. For many of the songs, the lyrics are repeated too many times rather than developed. “I’ve Got You” is a blues shuffle ala Stevie Ray Vaughn or Melvin Taylor. He can sure build a liquid guitar solo. The underlying riff that runs through “There’s More To Life Than This” provides a warm cushion for the tune to ride upon. “Constructing A Guitar Solo 101” should be the subtitle for “Motion Of Emotion” a tale of love’s complications. The moody and soul-drenched vocal emotion is supported by the bluesy guitar in “Ready Set Leave”, a tale of love gone wrong. The lone instrumental “One More” closes out the cd. It begins life as a slow blues underpinned by the crisp drumming of Darrell Jumper, then Patrick’s guitar starts spewing out licks.

This is a display of a solid dose of blues-rock with a strong leaning towards traditional blues. Patrick has an uncanny knack for a keen interaction between his vocal and his guitar. They seem to follow each other and at times intertwine. He gets able support from two different drummers and the steady bass beat of Molly Young. Rather than firing off mile-a-minute guitar barrages, he unleashes well thought out and executed solos that practice tension and release along with nuance. All songs are band efforts that reflect the best qualities of a well crafted blues song. These guys and gal have the sturdy foundation to keep building and growing upon.

Reviewer Greg “Bluesdog” Szalony hails from the New Jersey Delta.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Featured Blues Review 3 of 6

Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires w/ James “Rock” Gray – Voodoo Workin’

Blue Edge Records

www.nationaldebonaires.com

www.myspace.com/stevegerardandthenationaldebonaires

10 tracks; 30.52 minutes

This is the third CD from Steve Gerard and his band The National Debonaires, but this one has something special about it. Steve had relocated to Jackson MS in search of the roots of the real blues and there heard a local blues singer, James “Rock” Gray. Now in his seventies and a former friend of Sam Myers and Elmore James, James had never been recorded. In addition to that discovery, Steve managed to get Doug “Mr. Low” James to produce the horn parts in between his touring commitments with Jimmie Vaughan, so this recording has two former members of Roomful Of Blues on it, as Preston Hubbard is on bass. The rest of the band is Dwight Ross Jr. on drums, Mike “Shinetop Jr.” Sedovic on keys (recently with Trampled Under Foot on the LRBC), James on vocals and Steve on guitar. Greg Demchuk adds harmonica to one track.

The CD features three songs written by James and the remaining seven cuts were selected to suit his voice and style. The three originals are all soulful ballads. “One Of These Days” has swirling organ and plucked guitar underpinning James’ vocal. “Please Stay With Me”, a love song pleading for the girl to stay, adds saxes to the mix, a beautifully balanced tenor solo gracing the break. “Sweet Little Woman” opens with slow piano before the whole band joins in under James’ warm vocal extolling how wonderful his woman is. The horns are again spot on in support and another sax solo, this time on baritone, is the main solo feature.

The other seven tracks come from seven different authors. “Voodoo Workin’” comes from the pen of Charles Sheffield and is a lively opening track with strong organ and guitar accompaniment. “Michelle” is perhaps not the most frequently heard song by Willie Mabon and here comes across with more than a touch of New Orleans rhythm. In similar vein Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew’s “My Girl Josephine” mines that NO groove, both tracks featuring Doug James’ excellent horn arrangements. Big Joe Turner is the source for “TV Mama” and is an opportunity for Steve to offer us his version of the Elmore James 12 bar riff as well as some fine piano playing from Mike Sedovic; plus, of course, that wonderful lyric about “my TV Mama, the one with the big wide screen”!

Ain’t Gonna Let Her Go” comes from the pen of Jimmy Anderson and features the harp playing of Greg Demchuk and the piano and organ, the horns sitting this one out. Big Jay McNeeley’s “There Is Something On Your Mind” particularly suits James’ voice, the horn arrangement acting like a comforting warm blanket wrapped around his vocals as he pleads with his girl to think of him. Steve Gerard also offers us a fine solo on guitar here. Nappy Brown’s “My Baby”, with its refrain of “Is you is, is you still my baby?” has something of a somber arrangement to close the CD.

James has an excellent voice, with a ‘lived-in’ quality that reflects his advanced age, but he remains clear and communicates all the material superbly. The CD is therefore essentially about James’ vocals, but the accompaniment is excellent and supportive, notably the horn arrangements from Doug James. My only complaint was that the CD was not longer – I can listen to this sort of music all day and night!

Reviewer John Mitchell is a blues enthusiast based in the UK. He also travels to the States most years to see live blues music.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Featured Blues Review 4 of 6

Big Mamma’s Door - Handbagged

www.bigmammasdoor.com/

9 Tracks

British blues fans across the United Kingdom nominated Big Mamma’s Door in six categories for 2011 British Blues Awards. While none of the nominees were honored with an award at this past September’s third annual Newark Blues Festival in Nottinghamshire, this London-based five piece blues band is a welcome new blues discovery for me. Big Mamma’s Door received the following well-deserved nods: Best Album (Handbagged), Best Original Blues Song (“Handbagged”), Best Female Vocals (Fiona McElroy), Best Keyboard (Henri Herbert), Best Drums (Rob Pokorny), and Best Bass (John Culleton).

Hanbagged features nine songs that range from the rollicking “We Got a Good Thing Going” and “Another Night” to the sad and contemplative love song “Letting You Go.” Mal Barclay’s exceptional guitar paired with Henri Herbert’s nuanced piano playing ushers in “A Little Mad About You,” and I particularly like the way John Culleton and Rob Pokorny lay a strong bass and drum foundation to “Give It to Me” (and the song ends with a tasteful and short drum solo). I hear a lot of Professor Longhair, Roosevelt Sykes and Henry Gray in Henri Herbert’s piano playing, and it’s a consistent bright spot on a consistently satisfying blues album. When not working with Big Mamma’s Door, Mel and Henri play with The Cadillac Kings, a popular British six-piece swing band.

I hope that British blues fans continue to support Big Mamma’s Door as they look forward to the 2012 British Blues Awards next September. In the meantime, visit www.bigmammasdoor.com and listen to several professionally-produced videos from their performance at the High Barn on St. Patrick’s Day, including “Handbagged,” “Letting You Go,” and “A Little Mad About You.”

Reviewer Eric Steiner is president of the Washington Blues Society Washington Blues Society in Seattle, Washington, and a member of the Board of Directors of The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

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Minnesota Blues Society - Minneapolis, MN

In celebration of the Society's 10 year anniversary, Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society (GTCBMS) has changed their name to: Minnesota Blues Society, to better reflect their constituency. Get Out of Town" (GOOT) Fundraiser, Sun., Jan 22, 3:00pm, Minnesota Music Cafe, 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN, 651-776-4699. Suggested donation: $10, Come support Minnesota's 2012 IBC representatives, Annie Mack and Tom Kochie; and Javier and the Innocent Sons. Music by former IBC representatives: Steve Vonderharr, John Franken, Good Time Willy, Davina and the Vagabonds, Scottie Miller, Papa John Kolstad, Jeff Ray, and Harold Tremblay. Visit our new website at www.mnbs.org for more information.

Capital Region Blues Network - Albany, NY

The Capital Region Blues Network is proud to announce The Mid-Winter Blues Bash on Friday, January 27th at The Roadhouse Grille (27 Fuller Road, Albany) at 8PM. Tom Townsley and Seth Rochfort will be coming in from Syracuse to open the night, followed by The Matt Mirabile Band with special guests Tom Healey and Tas Cru. Tickets are $10.00 at the door and $5.00 for Capital Region Blues Network members. For more info see our website @ www.capitalregionbluesnetwork.org

Grafton Blues Association - Grafton, WI

The Grafton Blues Association (GBA) and State of Wisconsin will be represented at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee for the 4th consecutive year. The GBA will be sending a band (Tweed Funk) and solo/duo act (John Stano) this year. A Send-Off Party/Fundraiser will be held January 20th at the Black Swan Room in Grafton.

The Send-Off Party/Fundraiser starts at 7 pm and will feature music from both John Stano and Tweed Funk. Friday, January 20th, 2012; 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Black Swan Room; 1218 13th Ave, Grafton, WI 53024; Suggested Donation - $10; Drinks, Raffles, and Door Prizes. www.graftonblues.org

The Diamond State Blues Society - Wilmington, Delaware

The Diamond State Blues Society in Wilmington, Delaware has two great events coming up. The first is Saturday, January 14th for our "Goin' to Memphis Fundraiser Party" on behalf of the DSBS IBC entrant for this year, The Blue Cat Blues Band. The show is from 3 to 10pm and will feature 8 great regional blues bands: at 3pm- Scoville Blues; at 3:45pm- April Mae & the June Bugs; at 4:30pm- Johnny Never & the Solar Pimps; at 5:15pm- Alicia Maxwell & the Diamond Dawgz; at 6pm- Mikey Jr. & the Stone Cold Blues; at 6:45pm- The Billy Pierce Blues Band; at 7:30pm- Venom Blues; at 8:15pm- Nuthin' But Trouble; and at 9pm- The Blue Cat Blues Band. It will be a day of HOT Regional Blues and to raise some funds to get our IBC entrant to Memphis!

And on Saturday, March 3rd it's the Diamond State Blues Society's 15th Annual House Rockin' Party. Opening the show at 3pm will be Nuthin' But Trouble, followed by Florida's great Blues Guitarist, Albert Castiglia, and headlining the show is the ironman himself, the phenomenal Michael Burks! Full details can be found at www.DiamondStateBlues.com

Dayton Blues Society – Dayton, Ohio

The Dayton Blues Society presents the 4th Annual “Winter Blues Showcase” on January 21st 2012, The event spotlights this year’s IBC representatives Gregg “GC” Clark & Brian Lee (Solo/Duo) and The Noah Wotherspoon Band (Band) opening for this year’s headliner Big Bill Morganfield, son of blues legend Muddy Waters. Gilly’s 132 S. Jefferson St. 6pm—Meet & Greet w/ Big Bill Morganfield ($5), 8pm— Gregg Clark & Brian Lee, 9pm— Noah Wotherspoon Band, 10pm— Big Bill Morganfield (Muddy Water’s Son), DBS Members—$20 / Non DBS Members— $25, For more info go to www.daytonbluessociety.com .

Prairie Crossroads Blues Society – Champaign-Urbana, IL

Prairie Crossroads Blues Society shows: Friday January 6th, 1st Friday Blues, Hurricane Ruth, winner of the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society IBC Challenge, 8pm studio visit to WEFT 90.1FM during the Blues Live show, 10pm, performance at Memphis on Main, Champaign. $5 non-members, $3 members. Friday April 6, 1st Friday Blues, Johnny Rawls. For more info: prairiecrossroadsblues.org.

River City Blues Society - Pekin, IL

River City Blues Society presents: Bringing The Blues To You with the following shows - Jan 11th at 7PM - Brandon Santini. Location Goodfellas 1414 N. 8th St, Pekin, Illinois 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm $5.00 non-members $3.00 members. For more info visit: www.rivercityblues.com

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

The Illinois Central Blues Club presents "Blue Monday" every Monday night for the last 25 years - BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. Jan 9 - The Brandon Santini Blues Band, Jan 16 - The Groove Daddies, Jan 23 - Mike Zito, Jan 30 - Tombstone Bullet, Feb 6 - Matt O'Ree, Feb 13 - Hurrican Ruth, Feb 20 - The Distillery, Feb 27 - The Blues Deacons. icbluesclub.org

Featured Blues Review 5 of 6

Big Daddy D And The Dynamites – Down, Boy!

www.bigdaddyDblues.com

Time: 54:34

Where can you find some good time blues? You might just hit the mother lode with Big Daddy D And The Dynamites’ Down, Boy!

You would think guitarist Duke Robillard had his hand in the production. While the spirit of Roomful of Blues lurks behind the scenes, the band themselves produced this work and it aims on capturing a live vibe that could set crowds on fire.

The biggest strength is in the songwriting by primary writers Drew Hall and Big Daddy Darryl Porras. Bonus points have to be given to these guys for coming up with material that doesn’t steal too much from musical clichés we have been accustomed with for too long.

Saxophonist Gary Regina’s playing colors the songs to push them into smoky after-hours club jazz territories. Hall and Porras’ guitar work together recalls the precision of B.B. King and the ferocity of Michael Bloomfield. There is no sparring off between the two men that would have the effect of a cat fight. Make no mistake about it. This music would be embraced at a club or at a blues festival anywhere in the world. It’s intoxicating enough to make you forget about all your worldly troubles.

If you want to jump-start a blues party, just put this cd on and see the results. Porras original “I Thought I Heard” is a pure house rocker with such a giddy musical take that will wake you up from an eternal sleep. Regina’s sax playing emerges front and center with drummer Carlos B. Jones adding his slithering grooves.

While band members are given enough solo space to strut their stuff, there is no overabundance of solos to take the material beyond time marks it doesn’t need to be.

To guide your ship on your personal oceans of blues, set your sails on the track “I Ain’t Puttin Up with What You’re Putting Down” that draws from the wellspring of deep Chicago Blues. While the song intro somewhat recalls Stevie Ray’s “Riviera Paradise,” it wisely steers clear from any Lone Star state shading.

Safe to say this might be the type of music to look for when everything else is a tired hand. There’s the easy going groove in the slippery greased instrumental “Are You Feeling Me?” Drew Hall’s “Next Train” is aptly titled because the speed it moves on is moderate enough with its bare –bones guitar work. But it’s not too quick-paced to give you a heart attack.

While “Soul Power” in ways can live up to its moniker, it doesn’t become too much a candidate for American Hit Parade. Jones’ quirky time-signature beats might be difficult for a normal blues-rock drummer to grasp. And the guitar playing takes this number into a jam-band spirit that even their contemporaries would find hard to tackle.

Imagine Bo Diddley meeting the Allman Brothers and you wind up with “Welcome Sweet Sunshine” which with its free-wheeling style would go down like hotcakes with the Bonaroo audience wanting to shake it on down. Only the fun doesn’t stop there at this halfway point. In the instrumental “BroomHilda,” you get to catch a breath after moving your tail feather for so long. And “Hip-Deep In The Blues” seems to be the illegitimate son to Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Workin.”

Kudos are to be given to these guys for turning their backs on the too-often blues rock used to get their message across. The biggest compliment the blues can receive is that some individuals are interested in taking elements from the past but are able to modernize them in a way with the best results possible.

Reviewer Gary Weeks is a contributing writer. He resides in Marietta, GA.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Featured Blues Review 6 of 6

Dani Wilde - Shine

Ruf Records

http://www.daniwilde.com

11 songs; 52 minutes

Styles: Blues Rock, Jazz-Influenced Blues, Ballads

For a moment, imagine digging through moist sand at the beach. Its tiny granules mostly do one of two things: adhere to one’s palm, or slip through one’s fingers entirely. More often than not, however, a fragment glistens, reflecting the sunlight at just the right moment and making one gasp! This is exactly what happens with the eleven “grains” of song on singer, songwriter, guitarist, and humanitarian Dani Wilde’s third release, “Shine.” Each one of the nine originals and two covers is distinctive if one takes a close-enough look. Produced by legendary British bluesman Mike Vernon, this album is nothing less than a huge achievement. The young Wilde, according to her website, was “brought up in Wiltshire, England on everything from Stax and Motown, to Folk, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Chicago Blues.”

Which tracks Shine the most? Most certainly these three:
Track 4: “How Do You Do It”--This torch number showcases Dani’s lovely high-pitched vocals like no other song on the album. Simply, the girl sounds like a girl -- here accompanying herself on background vocal harmony. Despite the Rolling Stones’ hit “Miss You” preceding it, this is Shine’s first earworm. Every phrase emerges flawlessly, not only from the lead singer’s lips but also from Pete Wingfield’s caressing piano and Laura Chavez’s guitar on a sizzling mid-song solo! The theme is familiar: unrequited love (“Darling, don’t you look at me that way. You know I can’t belong to you…”). However, Wilde’s fresh interpretation of this theme will make listeners hold their partners on the dance floor before it’s too late!

Track 5: “Red-Blooded Woman”--If some blues fans consider themselves purists, they should take heed as Dani proves she’s got more than ice water in her veins! She minces no words, and misses no nearly-operatic notes, as her brother Will “Harmonica” Wilde and guitarist Ben Poole back her up. As the song concludes, listen closely. One might feel a noticeable chill rush down one’s spine as Wilde whispers the final word: “you.” The effect is absolutely magnificent, especially considering her repeated requests beforehand!

Track 7: “I Don’t Even Care”--Another, and perhaps better, title for this song would have been “Fifteen Dollars in my Pocket,” because that’s all that the narrator has left after fleeing from a bad marriage. “You never believed in me. I’m sure you take me for some kind of fool, but you want me to be your wife, clean hospital floors for the rest of my life. You act like you don’t love me at all!” “I Don’t Even Care” reflects not only the blues played or sung, but the blues lived. This reviewer wonders: is it autobiographical? One thing’s sure: it feels more authentic than the next track, “Abandoned Child,” though the latter is sadder.

Mike Vernon, the album’s producer, gives these props to “the artiste herself”: [Dani] has a very individual guitar technique that echoes past ages,” and “Dani gave absolutely everything to these sessions. I was really impressed, and I believe it shows in the final results.” One thing’s for sure: in the blues world, Dani Wilde knows how to Shine!

Reviewer Rainey Wetnight is a 32 year old female Blues fan. She brings the perspective of a younger blues fan to reviews. A child of 1980s music, she was strongly influenced by her father’s blues music collection.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Live Blues Calendar

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John Hammer Blues News

2012-01-08T20:40:00.001-06:00

INFORMATION

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Merchandise

Electronic Press Kit

Click on artists name for link to their websites

Cascade Blues Association Sampler

'Puddletown Blues Vol. 1'

Niecie
'Beyond The Surface'

Billy Seward
'Better Place'

Dave Keller
'Where I'm Coming From...'

Important Links

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A Better Place on the Radio
No matter where you go, there you are; but some places just feel better than others. January 8th on Hammered By The Blues (every Sunday on KOWZ 1170AM at 10pm) we will leave all of us in a much better place than where we found ya. Our little happiness fest starts out when we drop the needle on The Cascade Blues Association's sampler 'Puddletown Blues Vol. 1'. To serve up more nice at a nice nice price, we take a dance with Niecie as she spins ya 'round with a few hand picked tracks off 'Beyond The Surface'. At this point, we slather on the mirth courtesy of Billy Seward and his crew of Memphis brothers as they give you the guided tour off 'Better Place'. To leave you absolutely giddy we turn Dave Keller loose on ya like a barrel of drunken monkeys with a handful of magic off 'Where I'm Coming From...'. See? Just knowin' you joined us today made me happy!

Happiness ain't an option, it's a gotta;

It's best experienced with a whole lotta;
We'll do our best, tune in, you got nothin' to lose;

We'll share the love at Hammered By The Blues!

Hammer-time!

Fresh Stuff Ya Wanna Know

January Blue Monday
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Dec. 31: NYE Blues Bash

featuring Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altarboys and Lamont Cranston

Ramada MOA; Bloomington, MN

(see poster below)

Jan. 7: The SwampKings

Covered Bridge, Zumbrota, MN

Coming Up Jan 20: Sena Ehrhardt Band

Knights of Columbus, Owatonna, MN

(see poster below)

Already gave up our resolutions at 'Hammered By the Blues'

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In Memory 2011

2012-01-01T22:20:00.001-06:00

Every year is a hard year for the blues. Many of the greats have left us during this last year. As always the blues is eternal, and they will not be forgotten. For more detail information click HERE.

Howard Tate
Hubert Sumlin
John J Blackfoot
Lee Shot Williams
Paul Thomas
Doyle Bramhill
George Mojo Buford
Willie Big Eyes Smith
David Honey Boy Edwards
Jerry Raganoy
Jerry Leiber
Nick Ashford
Amy Winehouse
Clarence Clemmons
Benny Spellman
Cornell Dupree
L V Banks
Jack Myers
Huey P Meaux
Reggie P
Lacey Gibson
Pinetop Perkins
Melvin Sparks
Herman Roscoe Ernest III
Big Jack Johnson
Eddie Kirklane
Tom Leavey
Big Bill Collins
John Johnny Nitro Newton
Marvin Sease
Gary Moore
Jeannie Webster
Fred Sanders
Ray Galloway
Bobby Robinson

May they rest in peace.

Illinois Blues Blast

2011-12-30T14:16:00.002-06:00

Links to more great content on our website: Reviews Links Photos Videos Blues Radio Blues Shows Advertise for FREE! Past Issues

In This Issue

Chefjimi Patricola has our feature interview with Shun Kikuta this week.

We have six CD reviews for you this week! James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews a new CD from Andy Poxon. Jim Kanavy reviews a new CD from Eli Cook. John Mitchell reviews a new CD from Sharrie Williams. Eric Steiner reviews a new CD by Sean Costello. Mark Thompson reviews a new CD from B. C. Read. Rainey Wetnight reviews a new CD from Chris Thomas King. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!

From The Editor's Desk

Hey Blues Fans,

Another year gone! How did that happen so fast?

As we come to the close of the year we are happy to report that we brought you more than 280 CD reviews, 41 feature cover story interviews, dozens of live show reviews, hundreds of great photographs plus lots of news of Blues events, videos and more.

We are looking forward to a great New Year. 2012 will bring more great Blues content and some exciting changes to Blues Blast Magazine. Stay Tuned!

Wishing you health, happiness and lots of Blues music in 2012!
Bob Kieser

www.kickstarter.com/projects/longtalldeb/lets-make-a-tasty-new-record

Featured Blues Interview - Shun Kikuta

Shun Kikuta – Shogun of the Blues

Shun Kikuta is a name many Blues fans may not know. But if you had the pleasure of seeing Koko Taylor perform live in the last 10 years of her life, you have heard this great young guitar player who traveled the world with her!

BB: Shun how are you ? How is living, and most especially working in Asia going?

SK: I'm doing fine, real fine. Actually besides playing the Blues I am working in a lay 'Anything Goes' it's a musical. It's very different from what I am used to with charts covering each note, no improvising allowed it is very challenging for me even though I went to school for music theory and all. But I think I have forgotten more than I remember !

BB: Well how different is it to go from Berklee School of Music and all that it encompasses to the world of the Blues, which is more free form, is it harder ?

SK: When I went to Berklee it is a great school for music, but to me, there are limits to analyzing music – scales, notes, chords but music is so much more than that stuff or theory. When I first heard BB King it was like 'man that’s what I'm saying', it's something that you can't analyze but you feel good hearing it. It was his 'Live at the Regal' record and I was maybe nineteen or twenty I realized that this was it. I was happy, sad, all of the emotional things involved with the music. It moved me the way he sang his ass off and played great guitar – it was the whole package to me.

Before that I was playing heavy rock music, so I had some chops, heavy rock always uses Blues licks and the like. It was easy for me to get deeper into the Blues because I had some chops but just didn't know they were the blues. Then I started listening to guys like Otis Rush, Albert King, Buddy Guy Stevie Ray Vaughn all those good Blues players.

In Boston I saw Johnny Winter and John Lee Hooker, and also saw Ronnie Earl, Duke Robilliard and that big band sound from Roomful of Blues all local Boston area bands. The more I heard of the Blues the more I liked it and wanted to play it.

I started to go to jam sessions at the clubs in Boston, and started writing song sand learning how to play. I was still at the Berklee and playing Jazz but wanted to move in a new direction.

BB; It's amazing how many artists cite B.B.'s 'Live at the Regal' as the pivotal recording that turned them on to the Blues.

SK: Yeah man, those cats were amazing and it really made me want to learn more. So within a week of graduating Berklee I moved to Chicago. I packed all my little bags into a mini-van and drove to Chicago. I found me a job at a Japanese restaurant washing dishes, but I got laid off because they were not doing well, so I was the first to go.

So I went to City Hall and got a Performer's License for like $25 and started playing on the street. Set up in subway stations and stuff like that, it was around Christmas time and I was making like $70 in three hours and I was so excited about that – it was good money ! That was cool, playing on the streets and making good money but then after New Year's the money dried up. I made like $1.25 in three hours so that wasn't going to cut it.

At the same time, at night I would carry my guitar with me and go to the clubs where they had jams, places like Rosa's Lounge, Buddy Guy's Legends and Wise Fools Pub and do jam sessions and started meeting people and would pass around my cards. But after awhile I stopped that because not everyone was a professional at these jams and it was sometimes hard to really play out. I then started going to the clubs where bands were playing and then during the break I would introduce myself and tell them I am from Japan and play the Blues and could I sit in with them. So many times they would say yeah, and I would wait till they called me up, usually the last song late at night, and we'd play together. So I got to know so many people.

It's an amazing thing about Chicago they are so open about letting you play with them – they all give you a chance. That’s how I met Otis Rush. It was like a month after I got to Chicago he had a gig at the Wise Fools Pub, on a Tuesday and I was sitting right in front with my guitar. So at break he walked by me and asked if I play guitar, I said yes and he asked if I would want to sit in with him ! Imagine that, Otis Rush asked me to jam with him. Chicago is like that very open for musicians it's a part of the great tradition to keep the Blues alive, and help others learn these great songs and how to play the real Blues.

A few months after that I got my first gig at Rosa's with Louis Meyers. Tony, the owner of Rosa's took a liking to me and kept me in the loop and helped me network with these great artists. That was the first gig that I got that was paying me money!

BB: So chronologically what year is this going on. I am trying to see how you went from the subways to playing with Koko Taylor.

SK: That was in 1990, I started playing with Koko in 2000. I didn't know about Chicago Blues all that well back then. The sound was different then from what it was in the sixties, when I get there they were funkier and more hard-edged overdrive guitar sound. James Brown, Tyrone Davis, Funk, R&B, Al Green even Prince influences so I had to learn to adjust my style. It took me a little while but I can play a lot of different styles of music from classical, to Jazz and Rock that it helped me to adjust and learn from my past experiences. I observed the style and learned it well and I think that helped me get jobs.

A lot of cats came to Chicago expecting to play old style music like Muddy Waters, Little Walter and that but it wasn't being played at that time unfortunately.

So around 1995 I was hired by Junior Wells for the US and Canadian tour which lasted about six months. That was my very first experience to travel outside the Chicago area to other parts of the country and the world while playing the Blues for people. We were played clubs like House of Blues and all the big festivals and by doing so I met Dan Aykroyd, Lee Oskar and guys like that through touring with Junior.

I learned a lot from Junior Wells, before I played with him I didn't sing at all I only played guitar. So one day he comes to me while we are in the dressing room, and says to me “you don't sing, you have to sing to be a Bluesman” - I was shocked and I said that I am a young Japanese guitar player and I don't even speak English, never-the-less sing the Blues. He shakes his head and smiles and says I don't speak English well either so you have no excuse. So he's singing 'Little By Little' and tells me to follow him and sing along. So after that I started singing more and I appreciate what he did for me. I still work on my singing, and do more and more.

BB: Great story, especially singing Little By Little, he was right of course on all accounts. I saw a video of you on YouTube singing Little By Little in a club in Asia, very cool.

SK: Yeh, yeh I love it, I sing so much more now. So I first met Koko Taylor in 1996 when I cut my second album 'Chicago Midnight' for King Records in Japan. I had been working with them since 1994 so I have had Chicago artists play on my records. So they asked me who I wanted to be a guest on this record (big named people), so I said I'd like to have Koko. Koko was with Alligator and they had a relationship with King Records, so Bruce Iglauer introduced me to Koko and she said OK. We did two songs together in the studio for the release tracks 5 and 6 actually.

I didn't see her again till 1999, I was playing together with JW Williams at the Kingston Mines every Friday and Saturday. JW and I have been together for a long time, until last year we were together sixteen years. JW is another great musician and guy. One night Koko came into Kingston Mines and she was just hanging out – she's sitting right in the front row watching us play. So after the set I just went to say hello to her but she didn't remember me from the recording sessions, so she said she was pleased to meet me etc., and I give her my card and say that I don't have a day job this is what I do and I can go on the road if she ever needs me to. I never expected her to call me.....

So she calls me a few months later and says 'do you remember me, it's Koko Taylor' ! Well she asked me for two shows and she really liked my playing and said she would call me again. After a few months she called me again and asked me join the 'Blues Machine'.

BB: See if you don't ask how will you ever know.

SK: Exactly, very true, you never know I'm glad I asked. So that was in October 2000 and had been with her up until she passed.

BB: So you are currently living in Asia, how are the Blues doing there?

SK: Yeh, I have been in Taiwan since February. I tour frequently in Japan, but mainly stay in Taipei, Taiwan. The Blues is getting very hot in Asia right now. There is a big festival there that I am supposed to play in called the INA Blues along with John Mayall – we also have a Japan Blues Festival as does Beijing and India – Asia is starting to grow up more here. For me, being an Asian I feel it is important for me to be here to play the Blues that I learned in Chicago. I can also work on bringing more artists here to open the doors so everybody does well.

Indonesia is very hot now and I am looking forward to playing there at INA Blues. This is like their fifth or sixth festival, they have a lot of money to put into it. Last year they had Ana Popovic and they seem to have a large enough budget to bring big acts over here to play.

Chicago is still my home and I miss it, but being here right now is very important and I can do so much good for the Blues. Yet I think I am ready for the change, it is challenging and I am ready for it. Taiwan is not a big city like Chicago where there is a gig almost every night, but that's OK. It is a very centrally located city it is near many cities and countries so it is a good place to be.

BB: Any plans on new recordings?

SK: I have about ten songs right now that are roughed out, not finished. Since I am in Taiwan I am talking to management company and seeing what interest there is and as soon as we get that done we will get it out there. I hope to get stuff out in 2012 in one form or another. I can even do it myself but it is always good to have someone backing you up and promoting you.

For more info on Shun visit his web site: http://www.shunkikuta.com/english/index.php .

Interviewer Chefjimi Patricola is a classically trained chef, blues loving writer and photographer, and creative master of Blues411.com. He can also can be found on FaceBook and at festivals and clubs in your neighborhood and town. Photos by Bob Kieser © 2011 Blues Blast Magazine

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Featured Blues Review 1 of 6

Andy Poxon Band - Red Roots

EllerSoul Records

http://www.andypoxon.com

http://www.ellersoulrecords.com/

13 songs; 56:29 minutes; Suggested

Styles: Modern Electric Blues; Blues-Rock; Rock and Roll; Ballad

The Executive Director of a popular American print magazine was approached about surveying a debut CD from a 16-year-old guitarist, singer, and song writer. His response was basically, “Oh hell no – not another kid. I get inundated with their CDs.” Now consider, this same person the next hour was probably talking about the importance of “keeping the Blues alive.” For one, I have had enough of the hypocrisy.

To Maryland’s 17-year-old Andy Poxon, I say, “Welcome aboard.” Many thoughtful experts have pointed out that plenty of other artists like Buddy Guy and Little Walter were pretty young when they started themselves. If we are really serious about keeping the Blues alive, then we can not set the entry level at some arbitrary (and capricious?) age.

I am not going to tell you that Andy Poxon is the greatest thing since Muddy Waters, but his self-produced (at 16-years-old) CD of all original songs is inspiring, entertaining, and full of solid promise. His guitar playing displays inventive, creative licks and studied riffs reflecting plenty of talent plus research; his young voice reminds me of an early Jonny Lang. Lyrically, Poxon follows the Son House school of thought: Blues is between a woman and a man.

The opening track, “Hottest Thing in Town,” is 2:24 minutes of foot stomping, Rock and Roll bliss that is so good that I have already played it twice on my radio show. With the bass strings thumping (Russ Wasson) beside a snappy snare drum (Mike O’Donnell), the song is just wonderful. Then, at 1:03 minutes into the song, Poxon plays a head turning, eye opening, inventive guitar solo that makes south of the Mason-Dixon line migrating ducks turn back north! For the next 53 seconds, Poxon’s guitar owned me – and he could have it all!

Aired next was track 6, “I’ll Sing the Blues.” Lost love sends him to his room to try to feel better by writing a song and playing some Blues. It certainly made me feel better as the crisp song opens with familiar power riffs and, again, has a killer guitar solo.

At some point in his youth, Poxon has paid attention to Country guitarists, because he nicely throws some top-string-twang into “Quitters Never Lose” which is predominantly a Rock and Roll number with Zach Sweeny on rhythm guitar.

For slow dance numbers, try Andy’s three ballads. “I Want You So Bad” features Ray Tilkens on backup vocals, and Tilkens is also credited with “CD recording, mixing, and mastering – plus all keyboards.” Another slow ballad with a little more moodiness is “Raining In” featuring a tear-jerking guitar solo. “When” is played on an acoustic guitar with an electric guitar solo at mid song and with Carol Anne Drescher on perfect-harmony backup vocals.

The album concludes with reverb-rich organ and guitar propelling an upbeat shuffle. The song is like a fun dessert at the end of a holiday picnic.

Looking at the total package, full of song and style variety, it is pretty amazing that a 16-year-old could have self-produced and generated such a fine work. It was already finished when the good folks at EllerSoul Records heard the album and decided to license and distribute it. My guess: that decision was a no-brainer!

Reviewer James "Skyy Dobro" Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show "Friends of the Blues" can be heard Saturdays 8 pm - Midnight on WKCC 91.1 FM and at www.wkccradio.org in Kankakee, IL. Amy Walker contributed to this review. To See James “Skyy Dobro” Walker's CD rating system, CLICK HERE.

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Featured Blues Review 2 of 6

Eli Cook - Ace, Jack & King

www.elicook.com

14 Tracks, 49:34

Eli Cook is a young blues artist from Charlottesville, VA. He has developed quite a following in the last few years and has steady gigs in and around Washington, DC. The rest of the country, indeed, the world, is now getting the word of his talent. All Music Guide has called him the best blues singer of his generation and Guitar Edge Magazine has called him a blues legend in the making. Extraordinary claims for sure, but not without merit. His guitar playing is powerful and his voice is mature beyond his years. Eli has taken all the praise in stride, remaining dedicated to his craft and melding his influences into a unique musical vision.

Ace, Jack, & King is Eli Cook’s fifth album since his 2004 debut Moonshine Mojo. He incorporates and embodies all of his influences, creating a superb concoction of post-grunge blues. Beyond his parents’ collection of old blues records, Eli grew up listening to the sounds of the Seattle-based grunge revolution and his blues bear a striking resemblance to the music of Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Mudhoney and their followers like Days Of The New. He combines the Delta blues of Son House and Charlie Patton with the blues of Generation X. The jobs are gone, the mules are dead, and the Company Store is closed. These blues are for the disillusioned, disenfranchised youth whose future has been bought and sold by the Company, never to be seen again.

Blues purists might be dismayed by the grunge references, and Eli Cook’s vision may seem strange in print, but on record it makes total sense. He sublimely melds Skip James with Layne Staley in a fresh, compelling manner that transcends classification. The amplified acoustic guitars emit unnatural harmonics and make the tracks seem to emanate from the Netherworld. Cook occasionally plays the acoustics sans amplification but his deep voice and Seattle grunge style of singing never allow the menace to be far away. Even a marginally peppy, eminently catchy song like “Draggin’ My Dogs” never sounds happy.

Opening the album, the “Death Rattle” shakes the strings of an amplified acoustic guitar, gritty and grim as though the Reaper himself has laid his pocket-scythe across the strings to affect a soundtrack for the last moment of your life. If you escape the Reaper and make to the end of the album, Eli riffs on one of his heroes – Jimi Hendrix – by reprising the song in full electric regalia as “Death Rattle (Slight Return).” “Catfish Blues” is finger picked in a rolling style that takes the listener on a dusty country road to a watering hole in an arid landscape bereft of forgiveness and unimpressed by your pleas.

“Better Man” is a layered stomp with strummed acoustic guitars enforcing the beat, mildly distorted slide guitar lines that sounds eerily like harmonica and shimmering slide chords that sound like the wind rustling through the trees. “Afrossippi Breakdown” is a haunting solo acoustic piece featuring delicate finger-picking, and Eli’s voice has a richness that amplifies the emotions of the song to nearly unbearable levels. Skip James’ “Crow Jane” borders on being over-done, with so many versions of it already in existence but James himself would barely recognize Eli Cook’s rendition. The leaden drums and thick wall of guitars work hard to hold back the surging harp. This arrangement owes much to Led Zeppelin’s rendition of “When The Levee Breaks” but Eli makes it all his own. It is electrified Delta blues for the 21st century.

Ace, Jack & King proves that Eli Cook has a musical vision that is close to fruition. His albums to date have been occasionally unfocused as Cook learned as he went, trying ideas, songs, styles, and instrumentation. Here he offers an even balance of originals and covers, with his originals melding perfectly with the old gems. The tracks are layered and conversely stripped to the bone when necessary. His voice is intense and nuanced and his guitar playing is exquisite. The album is full of cohesive choices, great performances, and excellent songs. Ace, Jack & King pans the stream of consciousness of the first four albums and comes up with musical gold.

Reviewer Jim Kanavy is the greatest guitar player in his house. He has been reviewing albums in his head for 30 years and in print since 2008, and is deeply committed to keeping the blues alive and thriving. For more information visit http://jimkanavy.com.

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Featured Blues Review 3 of 6

Sharrie Williams – Out Of The Dark

Electro-Fi Records

www.sharriewilliams.com

14 tracks; 54.08 minutes

For a native of Michigan it is surprising that Sharrie Williams, “The Princess Of Rockin’ Gospel Blues”, is not better known in the States. However, the fact is that she plays more in Europe where she is a frequent visitor than in her home country. On this release Sharrie wrote or co-wrote every track bar one, that exception being the title track which is a cover of a Walter “Wolfman” Washington tune. Interestingly the recording appears to have been made in a variety of places, the main tracks being recorded in Northumberland PA, Sharrie’s vocals in Saginaw MI and the horns in Dresden, Germany! Nevertheless, the sound quality is excellent and credit for that is due to producers Sharrie and Lars Kuschke who also plays all the guitar parts on the CD. Alongside Lars the core band is Marco Franco on bass, Anthony “Tee” Burns on drums, Pietro Taucher and Sjan Sahm on keyboards. The horns are Chris Hermann on trombone and trumpet and Michael Skulski on saxophones who appear on six of the cuts.

The CD opens with “Can’t Nobody” which, despite the odd grammar, is an effective love song, a slow-burning gospel groove with the horns providing a powerful finish to the verses. “City Limit Musicians” bemoans the lack of ambition of some musicians who do not want to travel away from home, a slick groove with a strong bass line and fluid guitar and piano solos: “Road warriors are hard to find, we are a breed, one of a kind. Our home is the highway but you can’t leave your driveway.” Title track “Out Of The Dark” is a ballad with a secular lyric but which could well be interpreted as religious: “Out of the darkness, into the wonderful light, that’s what you did for me”.

“What’s Wrong With You” is an upbeat shuffle about a relationship that is disintegrating, Lars Kutschke’s guitar demonstrating a touch of jazz in his approach. “Need More Money” moves along at a fast pace with the horns underpinning the rhythm, Sharrie expressing the current anxieties that everyone has in a time of economy measures, but concluding that God will always be there to help us. A fine sax solo graces the middle of the tune. The pace is slowed right down with “Although I Sing The Blues”, Sharrie sings of the ups and downs of the singer’s life and emphasises that although the blues is her choice of music, she is not down in attitude. The musicians all chip in with some lovely playing to support Sharrie’s outstanding vocal, always passionate, never out of control.

“Prodigal Son” is a cautionary tale of the dangers facing young people – booze, drugs, crime, etc. To emphasise the dangerous situation, the band cooks up a heavy riff and drums though I did not care for the synthesiser solo which reminded me of Emerson, Lake and Palmer! A nice contrast in pace is provided by “Gone Too Long” a song about being away from home on the road, trying to please audiences while missing one’s family: “I’ve been gone too long, I’ve got to get back. I‘ve been travelling both night and day trying to sing some of your blues away.” “Gatekeepers” is also about being a working musician, but in this instance the song concerns the difficulties that Sharrie appears to face in getting her music heard.

The serious side of Sharrie’s writing really comes to the fore on “What Kind Of Man”, a song that deals sensitively with the difficult issue of abuse within relationships: “What kind of man parties all night long, stays out with his friends then comes home to do you wrong?” “Grandma told me, if he hits you once, I’m telling you, he’ll hit you twice”. “Breakin’ Out” is an upbeat affirmation of freedom, possibly a thematic sequel to the previous depressing tale of domestic violence.

“Choices” emphasises that we all have the choice to do the right thing but that it is not always easy to make that choice: “Don’t let the weight of the world get you down. Whatever you do, my friend, keep your feet on solid ground. Don’t allow the evil things that people do turn you around.” In contrast “My Old Piano” is just great fun, though surprisingly the piano here is played not by one of the two keyboard players but by drummer Anthony Burns. The CD closes with “R.I.P.”, one of those songs that catalogues some of the departed greats of the blues world; Muddy Waters, James Brown, Koko Taylor, Ruth Brown. In the final verse Sharrie sings of her late friend Robin Rogers, concluding that “now she’s in heaven, singing with the best”. The message overall is what one might expect from a woman of faith; we all die, but are then reborn in the afterlife of peace. I have to add that at the recent Blues Blast Awards Sharrie sang two of Robin’s songs, accompanied by Robin’s husband Tony and Bob Corritore and you could have heard a pin drop – a really sincere and moving tribute to Robin.

Overall this is a fine CD which gives us plenty of examples of Sharrie Williams’ wonderful voice, backed by some excellent musicians. I hope that this will be the disc that brings Sharrie more attention back home

Reviewer John Mitchell is a blues enthusiast based in the UK. He also travels to the States most years to see live blues music.

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Featured Blues Review 4 of 6

Sean Costello - At His Best: Live

www.seancostellofund.org/

www.landsliderecords.com/

16 Tracks

Sean Costello has, sadly, been gone 3+ years, but his relatively short career has been well-documented by Landslide Records. At His Best: Live adds to Sean’s Landslide library, which includes Sean’s Blues (2009), Cuttin’ In (2001), and Moanin’ for Molasses (2001). Sean also fronted the Jivebombers on Delta Groove’s We Can Get Together (2008) and a self-titled 2004 CD on Artemis.

This 16-song set, from shows from 2000 through 2007, captures an artist that left us on the eve of his 29th birthday. Sean’s recordings capture his talent, and the Blues Blast Music Awards honors his memory with the Sean Costello Rising Star Award. The CD opens with a blistering tribute to Freddy King, “San-Ho-Zay,” and continues with an expert reading of the Magic Sam classic “All Your Love” from a stop at Buddy Guy’s Legends in 2002.

While the disc features mostly straight-ahead rock-tinged blues, slower numbers like “I Got a Feeling” and the soulful and funky “Can I Change My Mind?” shine. The crowd noise during Lowell Fulson’s “Reconsider Baby” offers a “you are there in the club” vibe, and I’d like to think that fellow Atlanta bluesman Tinsley Ellis would be proud of Sean’s muscular workout on “The Battle is Over But the War Goes On.” On “Peace of Mind,” Matt Wauchope’s organ ushers in a soulful cover of Robert Ward’s song from his 1999 release, New Role Soul on Delmark. The last song is a real treat. Sean matches Little Richard’s (yes, as in “Tutti Frutti”) vocal intensity and co-author Albert Collins’ fretwork on a raucous “Lucille.”

A portion of the royalties from the sale of At His Best: Live will be donated to the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, and I hope readers will learn more about Sean, and this condition, at www.seancostellofund.org.

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Blues Society News

Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release about your

not-for-profit event with the subject line "Blues Society News" to:

Submissions must be a maximum of 175 words or less in a Text or MS Word document format.

The Diamond State Blues Society - Wilmington, Delaware

Dayton Blues Society – Dayton, Ohio

Prairie Crossroads Blues Society – Champaign-Urbana, IL

River City Blues Society - Pekin, IL

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

The Illinois Central Blues Club presents "Blue Monday" every Monday night for the last 25 years - BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. Jan 2 - Robert Sampson & Blues Gumbo, Jan 9 - The Brandon Santini Blues Band, Jan 16 - The Groove Daddies, Jan 23 - Mike Zito, Jan 30 - Tombstone Bullet, Feb 6 - Matt O'Ree, Feb 13 - Hurrican Ruth, Feb 20 - The Distillery, Feb 27 - The Blues Deacons. icbluesclub.org

Featured Blues Review 5 of 6

B.C. Read - 1,000 Miles

Self-released

www.bcread.com

12 tracks/46:45

Another non-label release from an unrecognized musician is often not the most thrilling of prospects for anyone who writes reviews on a regular basis. But B.C. Read, who resides in the Saskatchewan province of Canada, immediately grabs your attention right from the start, serving up another reminder that blues is indeed an international form of expression.

This is Read's third recording in his twenty-five year career. The program consists of eleven of his original songs, all of them good enough to make you pay attention. His expressive vocals and fluid guitar lines add to your enjoyment.

Tracks like “Didn't Sleep at All” and “The Blue Boy” bristle with energy thanks to fine support from a horn section comprised of Sheldon Corbett on sax, Kevin Marsh on trombone and Berry Radford on trumpet. The first track also benefits from the presence of Big Dave McLean on harp and a well-constructed guitar solo from Read. The latter number has the horns riding a slinky rhythm with an R&B feel. The title track features Ross Nykiforuk on organ on a steady-rolling tune that acknowledges Read's debt to Chicago's electric blues tradition. The horns drive home the funk quotient on “That's the Deal”, with Read trading the vocal lead with the sultry Wilma Groenen. Read takes a more straight-forward approach on “Number Two”, switching to slide guitar and howlin' out his distress over an unfaithful lover over a standard chord progression.

Read shows his musical versatility by moving away from the electric format on several tracks. “Jellyroll Baker” is a ribald number that finds him doing some nice finger-picking on acoustic guitar, backed by Brent Longstaff on tuba. A more dramatic shift occurs on “Rosalita”, a tune that celebrates the Tex-Mex sound with Jack Semple on acoustic guitar, Nykiforuk on accordion and Suzie Vinnick on vocals. The rhythm section of George Tennent on bass and Glenn Ens on drums provide sensitive accompaniment on the ballad “What Could Have Been”. Nykiforuk's accordion's frames a strong vocal from Read, who also adds some mournful harmonica to the track. “(Why Can't We Just) Walk Away” is Read's personal statement on the effects of war and religion. The lone cover, Neil Young's “Are You Ready for the Country”, was recorded live with Vinnick on backing vocals. The lazy pace contrasts nicely with Read's urgent vocal and taut slide guitar work.

Whether it's the band stretching out on the rousing instrumental “Diamond Bop” or Read preaching to his wife on “Train of Life”, there is plenty to enjoy on this strong release. B.C. Read gives the music room to breathe and his supporting cast refrains from showy displays of instrumental prowess, content to help Read inject enough vitality into each song that you will want to give this disc more than one listen.

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Featured Blues Review 6 of 6

Chris Thomas King - Antebellum Postcards

21st Century Blues Records

http://www.christhomasking.com

10 songs; 37 minutes

Styles: Blues Rock; Traditional Gospel; American Folk Songs

“Antebellum” technically means “before the U.S. Civil War,” but when most people use it, they are typically referring to events that happened after the Blue and the Grey came to blows. The word evokes images of cotton plantations, Southern belles, and burning cities such as Atlanta. Chris Thomas King, in his latest album, sends us “Antebellum Postcards.” Several of them are in the form of well-known Gospel and American folk ballads, while the others propel us forward into modern blues rock.

The cover art for this CD depicts King with his guitar, standing placidly among the trees, in a sepia-toned photograph. Those expecting an old-fashioned musical atmosphere, however, will be completely surprised! Each one of the ten songs featured was either written or arranged by this talented musician, so even the covers have their own unique spin. Chris Thomas King, mainly solo, employs a dazzling array of instruments here, from the standard electric and acoustic guitars to a mandolin, Dobro, Fender Rhodes piano, harmonica, and even an African drum called a djembe. He does have Jeff Mills on drums and Ryan Clute on bass.

Here are some “letters” that listeners will want to read with their ears:
Track 3: “Rehab”--This thrashing blues-rock anthem pays an anguished tribute to the late Amy Winehouse. It's written and sung from the point of view of someone who treasured her: “She's the one, the only one, to keep me sane under the sun. To ease the pain, I go insane, but I can't have her in my veins....” One might wonder who is more addicted—the beloved or the lover. This song would sound great in a mash-up with the original “Rehab,” performed by Amy herself.

Track 4: “California Letter”--Chris Thomas King's vocals on this album are typically soft and understated. On no other track are they more melodic than this one. Some may consider it to be the first true “Antebellum Postcard:” Over his multi-instruments, he sings, “I'm off to find my blessed angel. I have to leave you in this one-horse town. They say it's greener in the City of Angels. Soon I'll be California-bound....” This is the melancholy missive left behind by the narrator's sweetheart, who has absconded. Despite its sorrowful minor-key tones, it's addicting enough for multiple play-throughs.

Track 6: “Sketches of Treme”--This number is immediately hypnotic. Be careful while driving and listening at the same time! Featuring a swaying beat and King's thrumming percussion, “Treme” will weave its delicate web of relaxation-inducing brilliance. Grab a partner and head to the dance floor before it's too late and one finds oneself blissfully nodding off.

Songs such as these would ordinarily make “Antebellum Postcards” a winner in listeners' minds. However, they are jarringly counterbalanced by bland renditions of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore.” These Gospel-tinged tunes are best sung with powerful and projected vocals rather than soft, gentle ones. Still, give this CD a try if you're a fan of Chris Thomas King (or about to become his newest one)!

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Live Blues Calendar

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Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

2011-12-30T14:14:00.001-06:00

WooHoo! Happy Blue Year!! This year's Blue Band 30th Anniversary Tour found us reconnecting with so many folks who have been a part of our successes along the way. Thank you. We're only gonna do this another 30 years, so get out soon and help make some more memories!...
It's simply the biggest party every year. The Happy Blue Year/Iowa Blues New Year celebration, Saturday night at The Hilton Garden Hotel in suburban Des Moines. There are still some tickets and a few rooms. The travel weather is predicted to be spectacular. Iowa piano master Tom Gary plays the upright piano in the lobby starting at 4:15p, Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Tony Brown starts the Ballroom stage entertainment at 6pm, Iowa Blues Hall of Famer Joe Price starts the Garden Room entertainment at 7pm, the hors devour/light food buffet runs 8-11pm, The Blue Band does two shows in The Ballroom between 9p-12:45am, Erick Hovey (the slide guitar playing farmer from Fort Dodge) and last year's surprise favorites, Six Ways To Sunday play a set in both rooms, dessert and champagne at midnight and Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts will take it til 1:15am in The Garden Room. The complete schedule of all performers can be found at http://www.theblueband.com/newyear.htm All tickets and room packages are available exclusively thru the hotel. Don't drink and drive, take the elevator home. Better yet, PARTY IN YOUR ROOM!! Stop out Friday night to pick up your tickets and catch a set by Rob Lumbard, he'll play the pre-party 9-mid. A rumor of a 2 Bobs & No Babe reunion is goin' around. Carolyn and I are also celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary so BRING CAKE! (you know we've already settled into being an "old married couple" when you hear that our Christmas/Anniversary gift exchange consisted of each of us buying 3 replacement windows for our house) (oh yeah, party with the Pella fellas)...
I have had the extreme good fortune to have had a hand in producing this multi-band, IOWA talent extravaganza on New Year's Eve for over 20 years at locations that have included The Des Moines convention center, The Embassy Suites Hotel, The Crown Plaza-Cedar Rapids, The Holiday Inn-West Des Moines (my last drink of alcohol, when Bryce Janey and I drained an entire bottle of Jim Beam Green label while we were tearing down and loading out after playing the Y2K New Years) (that's right, the two of us drank the whole bottle in about an hour. I might STILL be drunk from that episode) also a decade run at The Hotel Fort Des Moines (I loved that storied old place, which will be crawling with Politicos this weekend!) and now our third year at The Hilton Garden. I have had the chance to work with many Iowa artists on these shows. I am proud of the notion that an event of all Iowa talent can continue to draw an audience from around our state. Thanks to all the artists and music lovers for all the years, I hope we continue to get the opportunity to do this event for many years to come...
We do not have a gig for next weekend. And then, Jan. 13 & 14, ready or not here it comes, my BIG Uh-Oh birthday weekend (more info will be posted on our website homepage Starting Jan. 2) Friday the 13th will be recorded live at The Hub in Sparkle City, Saturday the 14th, a new place for us, The Bombay Bicycle Club in Clive. Both nights, Geeezer Gig hours and CAKE is always welcome...
I am SO far behind where I should be, as far as planning and packing for this two day event for New Years, that I think I'll wait til next week to give you a "State of The Blue Band" update, complete with a resolution to "who's playin' drums?" and our desire to use this first 30 years as a spring board to the next 30! Thanks again for coming along for the ride...
See yas on the (new) Blue Highway, but don't drive drunk, call yourself a cab. (YOU'RE A CAB!) Rub that washboard to the tune of Auld Lang Syne and always know that year after year, we love you. And CAKE...Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Murali Coryell Update

2011-12-30T14:12:00.002-06:00

MURALI CORYELL

Buy Murali Coryell CD's @ http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MuraliCoryell
Murali Coryell: Calendar
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
First Night Oneonta, NY
solo acoustic - 6:00pm and 8:00pm
First Presbyterian Church-296 Main Street
Oneonta NY
Price: TBA
also performing Dana LaCroix

Saturday, January 28th, 2012
The Alliance for The Arts
Larry Coryell Trio featuring Murali Coryell - 7:30pm
10091 McGregor Boulevard
Fort Myers FL 33907
239-939-2787
Price: $20 Advance/$25 Gate

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
Skytop Steakhouse & Brewing Co
Murali Coryell Band - 9:00pm
237 Forest Hill Dr
Kingston New York 12401
US (845) 340-4277
Price: TBA
with Dorian "Detroit" Randolph-Drums & Vince Leggiere-Bass

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

2011-12-27T19:23:00.000-06:00

The Blue Family is wishing you good health and big smiles during this season of celebrations and hopes that Santa delivers all you deserve and you get your stocking stuffed accordingly! (stocking stuffer?) (YOU stuff 'er, you brought 'er) (perhaps this running gag should end) This 30th anniversary year of The Blue Band has allowed us to reflect on the goodle days and make plans for the NEXT 30 years. Thanks very much for being part of it. Remember, some live performances of Blue Christmas songs over the years can be heard at: http://www.theblueband.com/bluemusic.htm
Speaking of the New Year, I can't believe this year's Happy Blue Year/Iowa Blues celebration is a week from tomorrow!! Almost half of the tickets are sold and the advertising for the event doesn't really kick in until next week, so you might want to get your tickets soon. (there are only 300) I suspect the sudden rush on tickets is because Pinkstuff's comedy has been added to the entertainment line-up and people can't wait to hear how she's gonna Roast me this year. The hotel is the only ticket outlet and yes, you can certainly come to the event without getting a room. But then, where will we have the after party? A minute by minute run down of the festivities as well as contact info for the Hilton Gardens Hotel can be found at http://www.theblueband.com/newyear.htm And remember that Rob Lumbard (and friends) will provide entertainment on the Eve of New Years Eve, so let's just take over the hotel for the weekend and have some fun. HAPPY BLUE YEAR!! (who's bringing CAKE?) (this running gag will never end) (it's also my 2nd wedding anniversary. ANOTHER reason for CAKE)...
I got so excited about the NYE thing that I got ahead of myself. I wanted to invite you to join me for what will be my 38th out of the last 40 Christmas Eves, doing the LIVE Rockin' Xmas Eve show on Iowa Public Radio. It's all holiday songs, from all eras and all musical styles, many of the songs picked out by listeners. As you can imagine, 40 years of Xmas eves has made this show kind of a tradition for many families in the IPR broadcast region and now includes ex-Iowans who tune via internet streaming. Invariably, every year, I seem to get a call from someone who says "Bob, when I was growing up, my parents always had the Rockin' Xmas Eve show on in the background while our family gathered for our gift exchange and now, my kids have the show on as THEY host Christmas eve family gatherings" Calls like that are really gratifying and make me feel the Christmas spirit of love and family. It makes me feel great. It also makes me feel OLD! Anyway, the old geezer rocks up Christmas Eve again, tomorrow (Sat. night) 7-10pm. Comments/suggestions/salutations at 800-772-2440 ext. 5. I answer all the calls myself (no one else is working on Christmas Eve) so if you get thru, let it ring, I'll answer as soon as possible. Sunday's Blue Avenue blues show is a combination of Christmas blues and some of my "best of" picks for the year and The Beatles Medley is all Beatle Xmas. The Sunday shows run 5-7pm...
Speaking of OLD, in three weeks, I will qualify for the $2 discount at the HyVee Deli and Food Buffet. Holy CHRISTmas! (putting Christ back into Christmas for my aunt Dolores) (Dolores seems to be making a steady recovery from her surgery, so thank God for that) Well, some very wise and deep thinking individual once said "YOU'RE ONLY SIXTY ONCE" (I wish he wouldn't have shouted it so everyone could hear) so it's gonna be an entire weekend of CAKE opportunities. Friday January 13th is the hometown celebration (the BIG 6-0 on Friday the 13th, what could possibly go wrong?) at The Hub, 4th & Main, Sparkle City USA. I intend on playing as many songs that I have written, that we still do, during the night. I have no idea what we'll do for the other two sets! Phil Maass is bringing the remote recording machines (there will not be a recording of New Year's Eve this year) and I'm hoping to have guest appearances by many friends and hometown musicians. We play 6-9:30ish. But wait, there's MORE to Bob's Big Uh-Oh B-day weekend, Saturday Jan. 14, it's the BIG 6-0 in the BIG city at Bombay Bicycle Club, 8410 Hickman Rd. in suburban Des Moines. This is a relatively new club in Clive, the party is geeezer gig hours, 7-10pm, and I assume someone will bring CAKE! More info on the birthday party weekend in the weeks to come...
But the really BIG and prestigious gig of the month of January is our appearance at the Central Iowa Blues Society's Winter Blues Festival at the downtown Marriott in Des Moines. This is a fabulous gathering of blues fans from all over the midwest, with local, regional, and national talent, this year headlined by Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials from Chicago. Remember, our sax player, Eddie McKinley traveled with Lil Ed for awhile and is the sax player on a number of songs on The Imperials CDs, so this could be a reunion of sorts! Bryce Janey, who played in The Blue Band for 3 years, is also on the bill, so maybe we can have our own reunion! Get more info on this cool gathering, that raises money for the operation of the Blues Society, at www.cibs.org
We are making slow but sure progress in auditioning drummer substitutes. We're very fortunate to have some very skilled people show interest in the gig, I should have more news on this in the coming week. The Chief has us covered thru the month of January, so I haven't set into PANIC mode yet (what? me worry?)...
Again, a wish for the happiest of holiday seasons to you, see yas on the Blue (Christmas) Highway, rub yer washboard to the tune of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, give love for Christmas, you already have ours. Meet ya under the mistletoe, baby! Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Corritore Blues News

2011-12-27T19:21:00.000-06:00

December 23, 2011

Hubert Sumlin memorial tribute show recap. On Tuesday, December 13th, the legendary Hubert Sumlin was buried at Washington Memory Gardens in the Chicago suburb of Homewood, IL. He was laid to rest next to the grave site of his late wife per his wishes (thank you Toni Ann Mamary and Sam Burckhardt for making sure this happened). Later that night a major tribute happened at FitzGerald's in Berwyn, IL, a suburb just west of Chicago. Bob Margolin and I were the show coordinators for the night. The old school of Chicago blues came out in full force and were joined by some of the newer faces of traditional blues. Everyone was there to honor Hubert. The house band was Bob Margolin, Little Frank, Bob Stroger, Kenny Smith and Jimmy Mayes, and myself. Some of the many spectacular artists who appeared that night (I will miss some names -sorry in advance) were Eddie Shaw, Gary Martin (Hubert's nephew), Tail Dragger, Mary Lane, Billy Flynn, Scott Dirks, Rodney Brown, Lil' Ed, Tim Betts, Harlan Lee Terson, Jon Hiller, Tom Holland, Sam Lay, Mark Wydra, Mud Morganfield, Big Head Todd, Michael Frank, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Wayne Baker Brooks, Dan Carelli, Melvin Smith, Jerry Porter, Zora Young, Jimmy Burns, Michael Coleman, Twist Turner, Kenneth Kinsey, Jonn Del Toro Richardson, Harry Garner, Deak Harp, Eddie C. Campbell, Nigel Mack, Brian Carpy, Vince Salerno, Marty Binder, Matt Hill, Richard Rosenblatt, Dave Herrero, Glenn Davis, Uncle Felix Reyes, and others. Some celebrities in the house who chose to just attend and not play were, Jody Williams, Joe Filisko, Sam Burckhardt, Nick Moss, Rick Kreher, Rich Kirch, Dave Katzman, and others. Also in the house was Tom Marker, blues host on WXRT. The place was packed from start to end with nothing but great music and love for Hubert filling the room. At the end of the night after a satisfying but exhausting night of coordination, I sat up talking with my longtime friend Tail Dragger, who's house I was staying at. We reflected on Hubert and the Howlin' Wolf and the blues in general. I flew back to Phoenix the next day. All in all, this night seemed very symbolic as many of the true traditional Chicago blues players came out in force to make for the most special of send-offs for one of the most special of musicians. Thanks to Bill Fitzgerald for graciously allowing use of his wonderful venue. Thanks to Hugh Souther for helping to set up this event, and to Amy Brat who assisted in the smooth running of the show. All proceeds from that night went to the Blues Foundation HART Fund who are there to help blues musicians in a time of need. Here is to the great Hubert Sumlin who blessed us with his magical guitar style! Gone but not forgotten. To read the Blues411 article about the show, click http://blues411.com/?p=2937
Etta James is terminally ill. The sad news came over the weekend that Rhythm & Blues legend Etta James is dying of chronic luekemia. She is 73. Etta's contributions to blues and R&B can not be oversated. To read the NY Times article click http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/arts/music/etta-james-is-terminally-ill.html. Prayers for Etta please.
Bob Corritore to be guest of the Rocket 88s for Chrismas Eve Show at Rhythm Room! On Saturday, December 24th, which happens to be Christmas Eve, The Rocket 88s will appear at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian Scool Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Bob Corritore, as well as other musicains will make guest appearances as part of this special show, which will be Bob's last gig of 2011.
Bob Corritore's annual Christmas Blues Radio Special happens Chrismas Sunday! Each year Bob Corritore features a Christmas blues special on his radio show and this year this will take place on Christmas night! You can expect 5 hours of Christmas blues and R&B! If in Phoenix you can tune in Sunday, 6pm to 11pm on 91.5FM or anywhere in the world on the web at www.kjzz.org.
Tail Dragger and Bob Corritore to perform April 14 at Stompin' At The Savoy Festival in Finland! Tail Dragger and Bob Corritore will appear at the Stompin At The Savoy Festival in Helsinki, Finland on April 14, 2011. Tail Dragger and Bob will be backed by the Tomi Leino Trio from Finland. More information on this festival and the full lineup forthcoming.
2012 Blues Music Award Nominations Announced! The Blues Foundation has announced it's nominations for the 2012 Blues Music Awards (BMAs). This list contains 5 or 6 listings in each of its 26 categories and represents a celebration of this year's accomplishments by artists, songwriters, and labels. To see the list of this year's nominations click here http://www.blues.org/#ref=bluesmusicawards_nominees. Blues Foundation members can making their voting choices until Thursday, March 1st, 2012. The 33rd Blues Music Awards will be presented Thursday May 10, 2012 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Tickets can be purchased by clicking https://www.blues.org/tickets/bma.php#ref=tickets_bma. Thank you Blues Foundation!
Diunna Greenleaf in the news! Houston blues queen Diunna Greenleaf is highly celebrated for her vocal prowess, great songwriting, and engaging stage presence. Her recent CD Trying To Hold On is her greatest work to date and has been garnering national and international attention. The most recent Living Blues Magazine rave review by Lee Hildebrand states "one of the most satisfying releases of 2011" and "a real winner". Diunna's CD was tied for #1 with Louisiana Red / Little Victor Memphis Mojo in the French Powerblues chart for October. This CD was #3 in the September Living Blues Radio Charts, and #8 in October. Trying To Hold On just received a BMA nomination for Best Traditional Blues CD and Diunna is also nominated for a BMA in the Koko Taylor Traditional Female Blues Artist category! The most recent issue of ABS magazine includes a photo of Diunna performing at the Rhythm Room's 20th anniversary party. Diunna's time appears to be right now!
Hubert Sumlin Reflections in Blues Revue Online! Thanks to Blues Revue Magazine for a beautiful posting of reflections by various blues people about the recently deceased Hubert Sumlin. The piece is started with Bob Margolin's thoughts and rememberances and is followed by words from Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Debbie Davies, John Hahn, Steven Seagal, Anthony Gomes, Charlie Burch, Paul Benjamin, Joseph A. Rosen, Dan Treanor, Chris Layton, Watermelon Slim, Gabriel Butterfield (Paul's son), Dick Waterman, Kaz Kazenoff, Buddy Flett, Richard Rosenblatt, Peter Carlson, Bob Putignano, Dave Fields, Hugh Souther, Zac Harmon, Kristen Thien, Scott Cable, David Z, Mike Glenn, Jason King, Clifford Belcher, and Tim Turner. To read this article in full click http://bluesrevue.com/2011/12/the-ezine-a-tribute-to-the-great-hubert-sumlin-12-09-11/#. Here is the contribution by Bob Corritore:

I was lucky enough to get to know Hubert Sumlin from seeing Howlin' Wolf in Chicago in the mid 1970s. I was living in the Chicago area at that time. I first met Hubert when I was 18 years old. I went to see Wolf at Eddie's Place AKA The 1815 Club at 1815 W. Roosevelt on the West Side. This club was owned by Eddie Shaw and was where Wolf made his home base when he was not touring. I would see the Howlin' Wolf at Eddie's Place every chance I could. I was thrilled to personally meet the man who crafted those magical guitar lines on all those great Howlin' Wolf records. I will never forget how Hubert was so kind and happy to take me in. He would sit down with me and talk to me like I was the only person in the world for that moment. How great it was to hear Hubert's chemistry with the Wolf and how those guitar hooks defined the songs! There was an unspoken sameness of purpose between Wolf and Hubert as they leaned on each other to fulfill the task at hand. It was effortless and spellbinding. Often times I was in the first row of seats just a few feet from the stage taking it all in. I remember shaking Hubert's hand and noticing that it was the softest, meekest handshake I had ever experienced, and then contrasting that to Howlin' Wolf's assertive handshake where my hand seemed to disappear into Wolf''s. I fondly remember Hubert playing that black Rickenbacker guitar with no pick. How he caressed sweet, amazing runs of notes and chords. His style seemed to defy gravity and you were left on the edge of your seat - thrilled and wondering what he would come up with next! Seeing Wolf and Hubert was like witnessing a miracle. Through my experiences at the 1815 club, I met the great Chico Chism who was Wolf's last drummer. Chico would become my lifelong friend and musical collaborator. Wolf died on January 10, 1976 and the next day everyone gathered at the 1815 club for an impromptu tribute to this great man. Hubert was there, sunk into his seat and looking completely lost. I gave him a big hug and tried to comfort him. That night he and many others played to honor the Wolf. Some of the many artists that night were Eddie Shaw, Detroit Junior, Lucille Spann, Lee Jackson, George Mayweather, Highway Man, Chico Chism, Eddie Burks, and Tail Dragger. This was the first time that I played with Hubert. This was also the night that I met Tail Dragger, who is one of my close friends to this day. After Wolf died Eddie Shaw tried to keep the band together with Hubert, Detroit Junior, Shorty Gilbert, and Chico. For awhile that worked, but eventually Hubert was lured off and spent some time in Texas with Clifford Antone and found comfort staying with his friend Sunnyland Slim who had a room for Hubert at his Southside Chicago home. Hubert had some trouble adjusting after the Wolf and often times seemed out of sorts. When I moved from Chicago to Phoenix in 1981 I lost touch with Hubert but when Chico moved to Phoenix in 1986 I felt a strong connection to those great days at the 1815 Club. Hubert came to Phoenix in 2006 to play at my 50th birthday party with a super band that also included Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Henry Gray, Bob Stroger, Little Frank, and Kenny Smith. This was the last time that Hubert and Chico saw each other (Chico died in early 2007 at age 79) but they were inseparable that night! I was trying to arrange a reunion of the original Wolf Gang for Chico's 80th birthday but that was sadly not to happen. Hubert also made a great showing at the Rhythm Room for Amanda's Roller Coaster (an amazing event) in October of 2010 and a cut from that great set with James Cotton and Kim Wilson will appear on a forthcoming live CD. I had the extreme privilege of performing with Hubert in October of this year at the King Biscuit Blues Festival (thank you Pat Morgan and Bob Margolin) and that may have been one of his last festival appearances. He played brilliantly that day but after his set was having a rough time catching his breath. So sorry to say goodbye to this wonderful man and his great legacy. He enriched everyone's life with his kindness and wisdom. My time in the 1970s at the 1815 Club was formative and I feel fortunate to have those wonderful experiences. Thank you Hubert for the important part you unknowingly, and yet so generously played in my life. I am forever grateful to have known you.

- Bob Corritore

George "Harmonica" Smith performes "Juke" on YouTube! please enjoy George "Harmonica" Smith's rockin' adaptation of the Little Walter classic "Juke" with a tight, rockin' band that includes J. D. Nicholson on piano. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4hqOqg1m_E&feature=related

John Hammer Blues News

2011-12-27T19:19:00.002-06:00

INFORMATION

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Greetin' The Blue Year on the Radio
As with any good work out, marathon partyin' needs a cool down too. January 1st on Hammered By The Blues (every Sunday on KOWZ 1170AM at 10pm) we will ease you into a good blues place to be with a prescription guaranteed to cure what ails ya. To customize your treatment personally, we get ya checked out with Root Doctor featurin' the golden tones of Freddie Cunningham as they take yer history off their latest entitled 'Joy'. Treatin' ya as tenderly as we can, we allow Sandy Carroll to minister from her CD 'Just As I Am'. To make sure you are payin' the proper amount of attention at our session today, the fabulous Shaun Murphy applys the jumpstart off 'LIVE at Callahan's'. For the final cool down, we have engaged a sweet lounge feelin' from Sugar Ray & The Blue Tones as they send you merrily on yer way with a little magic off 'Evening'. If you wanna maintain this good feelin' we inspired today, listen to the blues every moment you can, and stop back for another appointment with us next week!

New Years resolutions are made with good intentions;

Keepin' them takes resolve, not anyones interventions;
Make 'em simple, just try to be who you want to be;

Then it'll be easy to keep 'em, just you wait and see!

Hammer-time!

Fresh Stuff Ya Wanna Know

December Blue Monday
NOW On Line FEATURING the brand new 'Easy Read' format and more stuff!
Dec. 30: Scottie Miller Band
Ramada MOA; Bloomington, MN

Dec. 31: NYE Blues Bash

featuring Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altarboys and Lamont Cranston

Ramada MOA; Bloomington, MN

(see poster below)

New Years Resolutions at

'Hammered By the Blues'

Listen On Line Now: Click Here <-
Blast from the Past (broadcast May 20, 2007) Episode #57 featuring: The Scottie Miller Band

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Taylor Hicks: Christmas Melody

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

I made you wait didn't I:-) Enjoy.

Casey James: Please Come Home For Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

One more for you Merry Christmas

Brian Setzer: Dig That Crazy Santa Claus

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Jump Blues Frenzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Louis Jordan and Ella Fitzgerald: Baby Its Cold Outside

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Jump Blues with Louis Jordan and Ella Fitzgerald.

Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra: Marshmellow World

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

Bad quality, but still a lot of fun.

Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby: White Christmas

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-06:00

Too Freaking Cool. Frank and Bing. Enjoy.

Mel Torme and Judy Garland: Christmas Song

2011-12-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

Not, blues, not soul, doesn't belong on the blog, but I like it so live with it:-) I like the ad libbed live TV show that this comes from . No digital enhancements going on in this song:-) This is how its done with out all the toys and gadgets they use today.

Bruce Springsteen: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-06:00

Lets remember the big guy Clarence Clemmons who passed away earlier this year. Merry Christmas Clarence wherever you maybe.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T23:59:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my readers from around the world. I am wishing you and everyone who loves the blues to have a safe and wonderful holidays. The normal Sunday update will possibly come around Monday. I know I promised videos starting at 5pm tonight, but due to Bloggers weird calender everything got off a day. I corrected it so by the time you read this everything should be posting as scheduled! There are plenty of videos coming up tonight ending around 8am.

Enjoy! Be Safe! and see ya on the New Year!

Tom Gary
Blues Historian

The Temptations: Silent Night

2011-12-24T23:00:00.000-06:00

Pure beauty. The Temptations singing a classic Christmas song. Give it a listen.

Clarence Carter: Back Door Santa

2011-12-24T22:00:00.000-06:00

Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter, ooooooooooh S*&^ Clarence Carter:-)

Ray Charles: Merry Christmas Baby

2011-12-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

Ray doing an old Charles Brown hit just for the holidays.

Eric Clapton: Cryin Christmas Tears

2011-12-24T19:00:00.000-06:00

Clapton burning up joint just in time for Christmas!