Honey Bee's Blues

Tommy Castro and The Painkillers

2015-11-05T07:08:00.002-07:00

Tommy Castro Live!

2015-11-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

When A Man Loves Women: Jimmy Carpenter, Walk Away

2014-07-25T10:57:00.002-07:00

[Disclosure: New Orleans treasure, Jimmy Carpenter is a friend. That said, I’d be dancing around and singing along to this record for a long time even if I had never heard his name, because this is one beautiful, fun, and funky CD. And, it’s sex on a stick. This is one of the sexiest records in my expansive collection. Walk Away is good. Very good.]

Although a well-known saxophone sideman for many a great Blues guitarist (Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery, Walter Wolfman Washington, and Mike Zito to name but a few), Carpenter has earned an impressive marquee value in his own right, and has sat in with more major blues names than I could list here. He’s also an accomplished composer, arranger, and lyricist, talents which present themselves empirically on each of Walk Away’s tracks.

Inspired by the past, present, and even future women in his life, the overall thesis of this record is that Mr. Carpenter loves the fairer sex. A lot. This CD represents Carpenter’s lifetime Odyssey on the seas of romance, and he bares it all, his vulnerability in evidence with every phrase. This is fearless writing which is what makes it so damn good. That and one of the sexiest voices since Tommy Castro. Nominated this year for a Blues Music Award honoring his Saxophone chops, this record informs that Carpenter’s vocals deserve similar recognition. Not to mention his wordsmithery. The man can turn a phrase.

The title track is a cheeky (pun intended) number that should go down in history as one of the greatest tributes to the female derrière since Queen’s 1978 hit “Fat Bottomed Girls” (although Carpenter’s is more intimately directed than the raucous Brian May-penned song). “Sometimes I wish you’d leave me, just so I can watch you walk away.” Now that’s a great phrase. There can be a thin line between honoring and objectifying, and Carpenter stays well within the realm of abject honor never sinking to vulgarity. But that doesn’t mean I can’t: Jimmy’s an ass man, pure and simple.

Here’s what blogger, Grant Britt,of nodepression.com, has to say in his review of the title cut: “Carpenter shows off his Muscle Shoals influences on “Walk Away,” snaky, funky soul with King Curtis-inspired riffs. Former Dr John and the Lower 911 guitarist John Fohl provides Cornell Dupree licks as Carpenter howls soulfully, “sometimes I wish you'd leave me so I could watch you walk away.”

(continue reading)

And there’s a really sexy sax solo too. Rather than risk repetition, here’s a bit more of what Grant Britt had to say about the CD: “He pays homage to Curtis again on the instrumental “C King Blues,” smooth, soulful honkery gliding over that kudzu covered wall of Muscle Shoals laid back, deep southern honeyed old school r&b groove.

Carpenter's duet with Reba Russell on the closer, “Fellow Traveler” is stunning. The vocal harmony is ethereal, ringing with the grace of a Carter family offering. It's what country ought to be, one foot in the past and one in the present, crossing over effortlessly from gospel to country to soul.

Sandwiched in between are testimonials to a bevy of beautiful babes who have stepped on his heart, leaving footprints of varying depth. “She's Not You” has a Hall and Oates feel with it's bluesy, melancholy soul. “More Than Meets the Eye” addresses a chance almost blown because a pretty facade covered up an interior treasure with more lasting power and depth.”

The third track, “When You’re Ready,” is so fun, hot, and enticing that the mind can’t help but revisit our own similar experiences, and with this particular song, we’ve all been right there, letting an object of our affections know that the door is open, “When You’re Ready.” And once again, he redefines sexy.

“She’s Not You” is both gorgeous and utterly heartbreaking. Who hasn’t experienced this, both as the one who can’t forget someone who is “a hard act to follow, ” and the one trying to follow that act? It’s a double whammy on the unfairness of matters of the heart. She’s great, she’s just not you. Ouch.

For me, the sultry, jazzy “Hard to be Cool” is hard to beat. It’s one of my favorites, particularly as in his insistence that it’s “hard to be cool, when I love you like I do,” is a marked dichotomy in that with this number, he’s at his coolest.

“Favorite Muse” is the song that speaks to me the most on this record. It’s perfection, and that’s all I’ll say.

This CD flows without interruption, with the two jumping instrumentals offered up right when you need them. And then there’s the final song. The last track, “Fellow Traveler” is everything Grant Britt wrote and then some: Fellow Traveler, duet, countryish. Carpenter's duet with Reba Russell on the closer, “Fellow Traveler” is stunning. The vocal harmony is ethereal, ringing with the grace of a Carter family offering. It's what country ought to be, one foot in the past and one in the present, crossing over effortlessly from gospel to country to soul.

Yes, and it’s also brilliantly placed, at the conclusion of a one-man journey over the potholes and pitfalls of love and romance, and with that genius pairing of voices, Carpenter reminds us that the fairer sex has her stories as well, and that he might even be the subject of a few of them.

There are thirteen tracks on this CD, and all are good, grooving songs, inspiring movement. On my fifth (or was it sixth?) listen, I managed to clean the entire kitchen, including mopping the floor. I can’t sit still with this CD. And I can’t stop listening. Nor do I wish to.

The heartbreaks are all here, the unrequited love, the one that got away, the ones that simply moved on, and yet there is not one syllable of bitter indictment toward any of the women who’ve left imprints of heartache on Carpenter; instead he celebrates them and everything they brought to his life with abandon, as it should be. Walk Away serves as a subtle reminder that we survive the slings and arrows of love’s outrageous fortune and live to tell about them. Jimmy Carpenter tells great stories of his own heart’s survival, and we are better for it.

For more information on Jimmy Carpenter, visit http://www.jimmycarpenter.net. He has a long and storied history in the Blues. And order Walk Away. You’ll thank me. ~Honey Sepeda~

Muddy Waters - Live Dortmund, Germany 29/10/1976

2014-07-24T05:45:00.001-07:00

My dad really likes Warren Haynes with Joe Bonamassa!

2013-12-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

...and Warren Haynes with Brad Whitford + Joe Bonamassa!

2013-12-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

...and he really likes Joe Bonamassa!

2013-12-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Baker Brooks

2012-04-08T09:45:00.001-07:00

I’m just a couple of weeks away from the day, five years ago, when Willie Panker suggested I think about extending my promotional skills on behalf of live Blues. So I continue down this memory lane. Obviously I’ve had five years of exceptional music at great venues and festivals, and I’ve also been blessed with numerous memories that can instantaneously become smiles. Please indulge me this happy trip to the past.

I first met Ronnie backstage at the Greeley Blues Jam in 2009, shortly before their set. I watched their set from the relative comfort of the photographers pit, because at 5’ 2” (on a good day), it’s about the only place I can see the performers without getting trampled by tall people who don’t see me in their peripheral vision (crowds can be a painful nightmare for us shorties).

I’d not seen Ronnie live before, and along with C.J. Tucker and Carlton Armstrong (more about him in a minute), he had the great Jellybean Johnson with him! Their set was like a new happy drug to me, the effects of which can only be felt at a live performance. Fortunately since then, I’ve wracked up a number of those happy times, and have become friends with these fine gentlemen. With Carlton, that almost didn’t happen.

For those readers who’ve seen a live RBBB performance, you know that Carlton wears some rather menacing expressions while playing the bass, and I was terrified of him. I gave him a wide berth backstage, and when Cricket introduced us, if I remember correctly, I shook his hand, then started looking for an escape route, in case he didn’t care for my grip.

That all changed the second time I saw them, which had me at an advantage, as I booked their gig at the Outlook, so I figured Carlton would be less inclined to maim me for saying something stupid. It was at breakfast the following morning that everything changed. See, I woke up to three emails and one text, all out of the ordinary, but things I needed to address. But first coffee with the guys and Janie Soong.

They were all sitting at a long table in the back, and I came in and Ronnie asked me to join them. I sat down, and said, “Ronnie, you made people lose their shit last night!” Ronnie shifted in his seat with an expression of aw-shucks humility. Then I said, “No seriously, Ronnie, I woke up to three emails and a text about two missing cameras, one cell phone, one jacket, and a missing set of keys. You made people lose their shit.” I believe Carlton was the first to almost fall out of his chair laughing. We’ve been tight since.

A little later (oh GOD I love this), Ronnie turns to everyone and says about me, “You know she used to hang with Muddy.” Pause. ME: “Um, Ronnie, I met him once for about fifteen minutes, so I don’t really think that qualifies as “used to hang with.” RONNIE: “Well, it’s more than they can say.”

In December of 2010, Al Chesis managed to pull off quite a coup for my annual Blue Star Connection Birthday Benefit. The first Saturday of every December, I bring in a shredder, backed by the Delta Sonics (Bob Margolin was the year before), and we have a party and raise money. A few months prior, Al and I were talking about who to bring in. I said I wanted Ronnie, and would contact his agent, Casey. So, I sent Casey an email, but after a few days with no response, Al said, “Why don’t I just call Ronnie directly and see if he’s even interested.” I was in the middle of something, and just said, “Fine. Let me know.” Now, and here’s my favorite part, what Al and I didn’t know, is that Ronnie doesn’t do fly-ins without his band, and Casey had been out of pocket, so fortunately hadn’t had time to respond, because he would have said “no” without asking Ronnie in light of the policy. Al told me that Ronnie said, “I don’t normally do this, but for Honey I will.” That will humble me through eternity.

He flew in on that Saturday, and out first thing Sunday morning after a night of music none of us will ever forget. It was a great jam, and even Eddie Turner dropped by, and he and Ronnie squared off for a good twenty minutes, keeping the capacity crowd on their feet. It was a great night, and Ronnie will always be one of my favorite birthday presents ever. I asked if I could keep him, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the deal.

In June of 2011, Ronnie was the Saturday headliner at Winter Park, Colorado’s, Blues From the Top, and I hadn’t see him before the set, so once again, I find myself in the photographers’ pit enjoying my happy drug. About the third song in, Ronnie glances down and sees me, and gives me BIG shout out from the stage (and now I’m all giggly again at the memory). Less than a minute later, I feel a tap on my shoulder, turn around, and it’s Cricket saying, “I’m so glad Ronnie pointed you out. We’ve been looking for you all day.” That’s when I looked over her shoulder and saw Janie Soong. What a great set and great memory!

After the set, Ronnie and I sat backstage having a bite, just the two of us for about an hour. We talked a lot about my “son,” Austin Young, other friends, music, etc. It was just nice. Then my friend Bill and I went over to the condo rented by Kent and Debbie Obermann, along with their two kids and their respective spouses, Carlton, C.J., Cricket, Janie, and Gretchen Troop. We had great Mexican food, homemade beer, watched the Honey Badger on youtube (they’d not seen it yet), laughed, and had a wonderful, relaxing evening with friends. We even missed the Smokin’ Moe’s jam that night, as we were all having a perfectly great time where we were. And that was the night I found out that Carlton Armstrong is one of the world’s greatest examples of humanity. I love, respect, and adore him, even if he often looks like he’s about to smack me.

I’ll be seeing my good friends at the end of May. I’ve no doubt they’ll give me another blog to write. Let’s face it, Ronnie’s smile is blog-worthy all on it’s own. I can’t wait to see it again.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Doing Tommy's Laundry

2012-03-14T12:28:00.002-07:00

Once again, I’m but a month away from five years of doing the promotion and booking at the Boulder Outlook, and that anniversary has me in full-on reflection mode. But for this one, I don’t have to think back very far.

Something happened yesterday that got me thinking about all the odd little requests I’ve received over the years. Tommy Castro and the Painkillers arrived at the hotel Sunday night, and played a sold-out, two-nighter Monday and Tuesday. So, yesterday I run into Tommy at reception, and he’s purchasing quarters and holding a small bag of laundry. Oh, and he had his bike with him, getting ready to take advantage of the beautiful weather we’re enjoying on the Front Range.

Anywho, we talked about the show the night before, the weather, you know, just a brief catchup. Then he jokingly asked me, “Hey, you wanna do my laundry.” To which I replied, “Well, I do live to serve.” We laughed. Then he said, “Actually, do you think you could put them in the dryer for me while I’m out riding. “Of course,” came my reply. Well, a woman beat Tommy to the hotel’s one public washer, so I said, “Just give me the bag. I can handle this. Go enjoy your ride.” So, about half an hour later, when the woman’s clothes were in the dryer, I found myself hunched over the washer, laughing hysterically at doing Tommy’s laundry. Why is this so funny? Oh, dear reader; have you any idea how many women would have LOVED to have been in my position? Let’s just say I now know the answer to the age old question: boxers or briefs. The answer can be had for a price. I also know that Tommy can more than compete with me in the multiple-black-T-shirt department.

It gets funnier. After I carefully folded Tommy’s freshly cleaned clothes and replaced them in the bag, I walked over to his room (now THAT’S service). As I was waiting for him to open the door, his bass player and road manager, Randy McDonald walked up to his room, right next door. He looked at me, looked at the bag, and before he could ask, I said, “I did Tommy’s laundry for him.” The look on Randy’s face was WONDERFUL. It was a combination of surprise and smug condemnation. Right then, Tommy opened his door, thanked me while reaching for the bag, and then saw Randy. And Randy’s expression. Again, before Randy could utter a word, Tommy says, “Oh, shit! Busted having my laundry done.” I laughed for an hour! And am now doing so again. Randy is one expressive dude!

A few hours later, Tommy takes the stage and I realize, “Hey, I just washed that T-shirt!” I know Tommy was very clean on stage last night. And relaxed because he got to take a long bike ride, which is really the point of this.

I more than understand what touring life is like, and time is the most precious commodity, and the one they’re always fighting to increase. In doing Tommy’s laundry, I gave him the gift of time, and over the years I’ve done a lot of little things for musicians that make a big difference to them. It probably took me all of six to seven minutes from start to finish, but Tommy got an hour-and-a-half bike ride on a beautiful day. And now I have yet another story to file away for a rainy day when I really need to laugh. I’ll never forget the look on Randy’s face, and any recall will be able to lift me out of any funk, reminding me that the little things we do for people come back to us in magnificent, unexpected ways. Tommy’s clothes will need washing again in a few days, but I have this story forever. I certainly got the much better end of this deal.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

If you've heard this story before, don't stop me, because I'd like to hear it again. - Groucho Marx

2012-03-13T10:52:00.005-07:00

Next month is the five-year anniversary of my time at the Boulder Outlook, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how my life story has taken paths I would have never predicted, leading me to the stories of so many others. Like a great book, great stories change the audience forever. Bells can’t be un-rung, and some stories’ rings echo in the heart and mind eternally.

Some of those stories can have me in tears of laughter at the recall. Like when Mike Zito told me about his first time both meeting and jamming with his guitar hero, Chris Cain. He said after about twenty minutes into a 45-minute jam with Chris, he thought to himself, “Damn! I’m holding my own up here with Chris Cain!” As they left the stage, Mike noticed Chris had a broken string, and asked, “When did you break your G string?” To which Chris replied, “About an hour ago.” Mike said he just sunk inside, thinking, “Chris Cain just kicked my ass all over the place with a broken G string.” While all that is sacred, tears are rolling down my face right now.

Speaking of Zito, he was here a couple of weeks ago, and we had our sacred 9:30 a.m. breakfast date. It’s become a tradition, so much so, that we don’t even bother confirming any more; we just both show up. Anyway, I told him what is one of my all-time favorites, and it involves Steve Spirn, guitarist and Tommy Castro’s former, long-time road manager/sound engineer, Jimmy Thackery, and an enveloped stuffed with cash. Coincidentally enough, this was told to me by Steve, also at breakfast. Here’s what happened (I have received permission from both parties to publish this):

It was the last day of a January Blues Cruise a few years ago, and Steve was on the upper deck fixing some sound issues when an administrator approached with his pay: an envelope with fourteen, one hundred dollar bills in it. She insisted he count it in front of her. Steve said he thought it was a bad idea given the amount of wind at sea, but he did, and then stuffed the envelope into his back pocket. Not long after, Tommy was going on stage, following Jimmy Thackery. Something was amiss with Tommy’s amp, so he called Steve over for an adjustment. Steve reached into his back pocket to retrieve his screwdriver. Do I need to tell you what happened? The envelope flew up in the air and disappeared before anyone could even track it visually.

It then became a case of all hands on deck, literally, as the crowd searched the deck. Alas, the money was gone, and it seemed evident that it was sleeping with the fishes (wow, two really bad cliches in as many sentences...I’m on a roll!). Now, obviously losing a week’s pay is bad enough, to make matters worse, Steve had already spent it. However, he chalked it up to life sometimes being rude.

Three months pass, and Steve is still recovering from the loss (we’ve all been there...). Then he receives a voice mail from Jimmy Thackery. He returned the call. It went like this (Steve sent me this, so these are his actual words):

SS: "Hey Jimmy it's Steve Spirn. Sorry I missed your call yesterday, what's up?

JT: “Hey Steve, how ya doin'?”

SS: "Pretty good Jim, how about you".

JT: "Can't complain. Say man I heard about your misfortune on the cruise. Do you mind if I ask you how much money that was?"

SS: "Fourteen 100 dollar bills".

JT: "How do you spell your last name?"

SS: "S-p-i-r-n"

JT: "Do you remember what cabin you were in?"

SS: "Geez Jimmy I don't know, 8000, 8001 I think, why?"

[ Dead silence for a couple of seconds.]

JT: "Steve Spirn, today's your lucky day. I just opened up the pedal board that I used on the cruise, which I haven't seen since we got off the boat, and found an envelope with fourteen 100 dollar bills laying in it, and I do believe it is yours."

SS: "Jimmy Thackery you are one honest man. Thank you so much! Wow you just made my day, shit my year!"

JT: "Hey we've been at this for too long to not look out for one another; besides your name was on the envelope".... big laugh.

SS: "Jimmy, this is so cool. It took me a while to get over losing that dough, because I had spent it before I got it, and it has been a struggle to recover. Jimmy you are a very cool dude."

I told that story (again over breakfast) to Bob Margolin, prefacing it with, “I have a great story for you,” to which he said at the conclusion, “You’re right. That is a great story.”

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Blow wind, blow wind, blow my baby back to me...

2012-02-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Blow wind, blow wind, blow my baby back to me.

Well, you know if I don't soon find them,

I will be in misery.

Those of us living on the Front Range need no explanation for this week’s title. Yes, we have Chinook winds throughout the year, but thus far, 2012 has been a blustery, gale-filled blowhard, and I for one am done! I believe I’ve yet to arrive anywhere in 2012 without looking like a scarecrow having a bad hair day. Enough!

Fortunately for us, these strong winds are blowing the Mike Zito Band into town, and they arrive tomorrow! There are still tickets, but I suspect we’re going to have a solid crowd tomorrow night. Mike’s a house favorite (or maybe that’s just me...). Boulder Outlook, 7:30 p.m.

Once again, Mike is having a great year, having secured yet another BMA nomination for 2012 Best Blues Rock Album, with the wonderful Greyhound. The BMA’s are in Memphis on May 10th, and if the travel gods are smiling on me, I’ll be going with Lionel (who’s nominated for Best Instrument - Other/Violin).

For some reason (probably having something to do with the winds), I’m waxing poetic today, in the mood for sweet reflection, and with my dear friend but 24 hours away, I think I’ll wax rhapsodic about Mike. We first made our acquaintance via email, by way of Jason Ricci. It was about three years ago, and Mike and the band had two nights off during a tour, Jason advised him to contact me about a musician rate at the hotel. Within a week or two, Mike had filled those dates, so we didn’t meet for another couple of months, backstage at the 2009 Blues From the Top. I walked over to where he was sitting, and said, “Mike?” He looked up at me (like I said, he was sitting...still didn’t have to look up much), quizzically, and said, “Yes.” I said, “I’m Honey from the Outlook.” Without another word, he stood and gave me the kind of hug customarily reserved for close friends and family. And three years later, we are just that.

The last time he was here, in September, we had more concentrated time, just the two of us, to talk. No, Talk. We rarely go more than a few weeks without an email exchange, a quick phone call, etc., but those long, uninterrupted times are sparse, and I treasure them for the jewels of time they are. Like I said, Mike’s family, so join us tomorrow night at the big reunion. I love you, Mike!

Speaking of pretty (and when speaking about Mike, it’s implied), tomorrow night Stone Soup is back with Deborah Stafford, and that Don Finan is all kinds of pretty! They pack the dance floor, so wear comfortable shoes.

My Beloved Delta Sonics return Saturday night for their first Outlook gig since returning from going to the semi finals in Memphis, so let’s dance a lot and eat bar-b-q. Tuesday is Dan Treanor’s jam, he also having recently returned from Memphis where he accepted the KBA for Education (Bob Corritore told me he said a lot of touching things about John-Alex in his speech), so another big “welcome home” is in order.

Tickets for Tommy Castro and the Painkillers are still selling, so call today if you’ve been procrastinating. Today is Leap Day, so make use of the extra 24 hours and get some live Blues tickets. Make the day count!

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Congratulations Diunna!

2012-01-24T13:32:00.001-07:00

My good friend, Diunna Greenleaf, and her band, Blue Mercy, is number one all over Europe! I’ve been hearing and reading about her latest CD, Trying to Hold On, and even listening to song snippets on her site, and DAMN! That woman can not only sing the Blues, she can write the Blues. So well that she’s once again been nominated for a couple of Blues Music Awards: for the Koko Taylor Award - Traditional Blues Female, and for Traditional Blues Album.

I’m going to get back to Diunna in a minute. I just moseyed over to the Blues Foundation site to look at all the BMA nominations again. Including Diunna, this year there are SIXTEEN nominees who’ve played the Boulder Outlook at least once, and they are: Tab Benoit, Johnny Sansone, Candye Kane, Tommy Castro Band, Trampled Under Foot, Samantha Fish, J.P. Soars, Eric Clapton (just seeing if you’re paying attention), Danielle Schnebelen, Lazy Lester, Keith Crossan, Lionel Young, Otis Taylor, Ben Prestage, Eden Brent, Mike Zito, and Zac Harmon. Right now I feel like I need to have a lie-down. That’s an overwhelming list of talent we’ve had the great fortune of hearing and seeing up close and personal. Wow...

Ok, back to Diunna. Anywho, I had a nice long phone chat with the Houston native late last week, and it was thrilling to share in her much-deserved excitement. Several months ago, I was having a nice long phone chat with another good friend (who also happens to be one of Diunna’s BFFs), Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, a producer on this CD, and he told me I’d need to fasten my proverbial seatbelt once I got my hands on it. He said it was one of the finest Blues records he’s heard in a very long time. Last week I had yet another phone chat with yet another Bob (who produced six of the thirteen tracks and plays harmonica on four of them), who has this to say: I’m just thrilled to be a part of Diunna’s new record. I feel it is simply brilliant. Diunna’s is one of the greatest voices in Blues today, and the songwriting on this is superb. A simply brilliant songwriter-oriented blues CD. ~Bob Corritore~
I agree with both Bobs.

I’ve known Diunna for about three years now, introduced by Bob Margolin here at the Outlook. She came out for a weekend with him as a special guest, and indeed she was. Winner of the 2005 IBC Band Category, Diunna has played with or opened for a who’s who of the Blues world: Bob Margolin, Keb Mo, Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, James Cotton, Carrie Bell, Big Bill Morganfield, Smoking Joe Kubek and B’Nois King, Anson Funderburge, Sam Meyers and the Rockets, Bernard Allison, Odetta, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, I.J. Gosey, Sherman Robertson, Kenny Neal, the late great Teddy “Cry Cry” Reynolds, and numerous others.

In 2008, at the legendary Blues festival, Blues From the Top, in Winter Park, CO, Diunna and I hung out the entire time. I was actually her assistant that weekend, helping her get to the merchandise tent with her CDs, making sure she was hydrated at the 9000 ft. altitude, and doing whatever necessary so she could keep her focus on the music. Right before she went on stage, she asked me to put her water bottle at the base of her mic stand. So, I climbed the stairs, glanced at the crowd, then placed the bottle at the base. As I righted myself, I caught the view of the musicians. In terms of outrageous beauty, the view from that stage can more than hold it’s own with Red Rocks (not that I’ve been on that stage, but I can still get a pretty good idea of the view. And I’ve seen photos). And I’m certain the set she and Blue Mercy delivered was uniquely energized by that Heavenly view. I cried the entire set. It was that beautiful. I should also disclose that it was just a couple of weeks after the passing of Koko Taylor, a friend and mentor of Diunna, so the set was particularly poignant.

I could go on and on as a one-woman fan club, but instead, I’ll give you the links that will have you running to join me as a willing Diunna Disciple.

This is a great review from Blues Blast Magazine: http://www.thebluesblast.com/Archive/BluesBlasts/2011/BluesBlast4_21_11.htm

Good review: http://blues.about.com/od/cddvdreview1/fr/Diunna-Greenleaf-Trying-To-Hold-On-2011.htm

I leave you with both my Bobs and Diunna at the 20th Anniversary of the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. You MUST watch the video of the them. http://bushdogblues.blogspot.com/2011/10/diunna-greenleaf-rhythm-room.html

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Let's Be Gracious

2011-12-05T13:29:00.001-07:00

I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon in bed, finally getting some time to rest a head cold. The only way for me to get proper rest is to go off line; no emails, no facebook, no news. I lasted until about 6:30 p.m. I opened FB, and saw Matt Hill’s status on the passing of Hubert Sumlin at the age of 80. My heart sank.

Just the weekend before, Thanksgiving Weekend, Bob Margolin was in Boulder for the Otis Taylor Trance Blues Workshop/Jam/Festival, and he and I talked about what a difficult year the Blues has suffered. We were sitting at the bar of Blues & Greens at the Outlook, as we have so many times over the years, having a quick bite in between workshop sessions. Because the restaurant staff has suffered an inexplicable number of tragedies, particularly in the young sibling department, the subject of loss was heavily in the air: the 39-year old sister of one of our senior bartenders (and one of my best friends) was terminally ill, and passed away the day after this conversation. Three weeks earlier was the sudden passing of another bartender’s 22-year old brother.

We both decided “beaten” was the most apposite description for 2011. Pinetop, Honeyboy, Willie “Big Eyes,” Mojo Buford, John-Alex, and now Hubert. I never had the privilege of hearing Mr. Sumlin live, nor meeting him, so I know him only through the eyes and heart of Bob. My first real impression of him came about through an email exchange with Bob. It was a few years ago, and was venting after having spent an unpleasant evening with a less-than-pleasant artist, something that has only happened once at the Outlook (most Blues artists are just too real to behave like that). Bob wrote that there is no excuse for that kind of behavior, no matter who you are. And then I read the words that have stuck in my head in more ways than one: “Hubert Sumlin and B.B. King are the two most gracious people I’ve ever known.” I’ve not met B.B. either, and if I never do, I still know that he’s a gracious man.

So, when I read Matt’s status, I realized the world, which is in desperate need of grace, is now a little less gracious. And that Bob, once again, was getting punched in the gut, and there is nothing I can do to make my friend not hurt so much. Except maybe to tell him the reason that email exchange and what he said about Hubert and B.B., stuck so solidly in my head back then, was I realized at that moment my own obligation to emulate them, my own obligation to be gracious in life. I don’t always succeed, but it’s a goal worthy of endeavor, and a manner in which we can all bring some grace to the world in Mr. Sumlin’s honor.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

I Have A Cool Job!

2011-11-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

I’ve know for a few years now that my job is way cool, but sometimes the severity of the way coolness can be overwhelming.

First, I’ll not make the assumption that all readers know what I do: I book and promote live Blues shows at the Boulder Outlook Hotel. A little history; when hotel owner, Dan King, first started booking music in the hotel’s restaurant, he had a kitchen tenant called Skinny Jay’s. Some artists would say, “Welcome to Skinny Jay’s!” on the mic. I asked them to please change that to “The Outlook,” as the tenant had nothing to do with the music, and I didn’t want the name recognition falsely placed. Then three years ago, Dan took over the kitchen, and named the restaurant Blues & Greens (local food, live music). I’ve spent the last three years introducing bands with “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Blues & Greens.” I gave that up a week ago. Because of my earlier insistence, everyone refers to us as The Outlook.

I’m coming up on five years at this wonderful Home of the Blues, and am daily grateful that I decided very early on that we needed a weekly “Blues Letter,” as now, all those shows have been documented. I was genetically blessed with a good memory, but we’ve had so many barn-burners here, that even my near-total recall is tested (Blues Letter archive here).

One memory that’s always fresh: we had a jam in March of 2010 that included the Tommy Castro Band, Jason Ricci & New Blood, The Insomniacs, and local Blues greats, the Delta Sonics (who are going to the 2012 IBC for the Colorado Blues Society). Blues Revue contributor, and area resident, Mike Cote was there, and here’s what he had to say about that night.

What a night! And one of many. Anytime Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Prodigal Son of the Outlook (that’s his full name around these parts) is in town, magic ensues. Bob is one of the most generous musicians I know, and without fail brings up local musicians to sit in. Like Boulder resident, Otis Taylor. Or Austin Young, Taylor Marvin, Zach Bahn, and Tony Golden (then 15, 16, 9, and 9 years old respectively) Yeah, we have those kinds of nights. Bob’s family.

The Ronnie Baker Brooks Band was in the region and had a couple of nights off, so they came to the hotel to relax. Fortunately for us, one of those nights was a Blues Jam, and our audience received a thrilling surprise. Even Jelly Bean Johnson got in on it! What a night.

Speaking of Ronnie, last December, he flew in to be the headliner for my 4th Annual Blue Star Connection Birthday Benefit, an event to raise funds for the charity (http://www.bluestarconnection.org/). We had the Delta Sonics backing him and along with several other musicians, legends Otis Taylor, Lionel Young, and Eddie Turner stopped by to make it a birthday party I’ll never forget. Since the hotel wasn’t full, we were able to stretch the curfew a bit. By an hour and a half.

One amazing night in August of ’09 had the Zac Harmon Band booked for their inaugural Outlook gig, and Jimmy Thackery just happened to by staying at the hotel with the night off. Zac invited Jimmy up early in the second set, and neither Zac nor the audience would let him leave. Again, what a night.

My cool job has also brought me travels. On Memorial Day Weekend of 2009, I flew to Dallas for 23 hours to attend a Blue Star Connection Fund-raiser/Birthday Party (Don Ritter of Category 5 fame) with an all star lineup: Bob, Diunna Greenleaf, Jonn Richardson, Zac Harmon Band, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King, Sean Carney, Albert Cummings, Tommy Shannon, George Rains, and I know I’m forgetting someone...sorry, Someone. Last January I embarked on a nine-day road trip to Memphis with the Lionel Young Band (complete blog entries here), and they prevailed at the 27th Annual International Blues Challenge. Great memories created with great friends.

And what great friends I now enjoy thanks to this cool job. Isaac Stern once said, “Everywhere in the world, music enhances a hall, with one exception: Carnegie Hall enhances the music.” Fair enough, Mr. Stern. However, there is no hall on earth that enhances the music like listening to it with friends while it’s being played by friends.

I have this cool job because of a friend. In early 2006, I went to the Outlook to hear my friend since the early 80’s, Bob Margolin (I told you he’s family). He was with Willie “Big Eyes” Smith for the sold-out show. He came back a few months later, and that’s when I was introduced to Dan. Within months, I was developing a promotion plan and writing the Blues Letter for the relatively new venue, and now, only five years later, I’ve amassed a lifetime of memories and friends.

Unfortunately, in amassing wonderful, beautiful friends, we sometimes have to face the grief of losing one. And more. The Blues community in general, and the Colorado Blues community specifically, have recently suffered a heart-breaking loss in the tragic death of 35-year-old John-Alex Mason. John-Alex was not just a friend, but a damn good friend. We remain stunned and grief-stricken. John-Alex passed away just days before Gary Allegretto was flying in as the Artist in Residence for the CBS’s Blues in the School program. Gary was to be John-Alex’s musical guest at the Outlook the night he flew in. Instead, he recruited the Rob Wilson Band and performed a fantastic Tribute Concert to John-Alex. Gary and I had dinner together before the show. We’d spoken via phone a few times, but those conversations had been primarily regarding updates on John-Alex’s condition. When we finally met, we spent a lot of time talking, and a friendship was borne of unimaginable grief. Gary later sent me an email reminding me how much John-Alex loved introducing people and witnessing a separate, autonomous friendship develop. I hope he’s pleased.

Just a month before John-Alex’s passing, we lost Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. He’d last been at the Outlook just five months before, and I’m beyond grateful that I was able to spend some real time with him on that day. The summer before, Robin Rogers (who only played the Outlook once) was on what turned out to be her final tour. She was with Debbie Davies, and although I only had a day or so to spend with her, I loved her instantly, so her death hit hard. No one wants to embrace heartache, but we hurt because we love. Once the shock and raw pain begin to subside, smiling is in order, for the best thing we can do for our friends is to keep the celebration of the friendship alive in our hearts and minds, as they will always be our friends.

Of all the great live Blues I’ve heard, none of it would be quite as beautiful and soulful without wonderful friends swaying and foot-tapping in the same room.

To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson (replacing the masculine noun and pronoun with the feminine), “A woman’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of her friends.” Indeed Mr. Emerson, indeed. Yeah. I have a cool job.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

John-Alex

2011-10-30T11:32:00.002-07:00

The first time I met John-Alex Mason was the first time I was to hear him perform. Both events proved to be monumental on many levels. Musically, I couldn’t believe this Nordic version of the Greek God Apollo could sound like an African American native of Clarksdale, MS. But indeed he did.

I would go on to hear John-Alex many, many times over the years, and each time, my mind returned to the first, because each time was sui generis. One of the last times I heard him play, he was at the Boulder Outlook with the Cedric Burnside Project, and I wrote this (complete blog entry can be found here):

The evening opened with the amazing one man wall of sound, John-Alex Mason, alone on guitar. I’ve known John-Alex for a few years now, and yet this was the first time I’ve heard him alone on guitar. He typically plays his solo gigs on guitar and drums simultaneously, creating the illusion of a full band, and with a voice that was made for singing the Blues. I loved hearing him stripped down and raw last night.

I so did love it. Although most know that I’m the promotional director and talent buyer for the Boulder Outlook, I’m still perfectly comfortable blowing our own horn. We’ve had countless “one of those nights” at the Outlook. One jam saw the Tommy Castro Band, The Insomnias, Jason Ricci & New Blood, and the Delta Sonics. No cover. That lucky capacity crowd will be talking about that night for the rest of their Blues-loving lives. The same can be said of the audience that night with John-Alex and the CBP. So much so, that I broke the rules and let them play past music curfew. No one wanted that night to end.

And no one wants to say goodbye to John-Alex. But tragically we must.

I was working at my desk on October 13th, a Thursday evening, when I received a call from Todd “Buck Weed” Edmunds. After only a few seconds of greetings, Todd said, “I have some bad news.” His next several words forever diminished the world in which we live. “John-Alex is in a coma, and it doesn’t look good. No, it’s bad.” We talked for several minutes, but I don’t remember much else. I could only see John-Alex standing over me at Club 152 in Memphis at the first round of the quarter finals, about thirty seconds after the Lionel Young Band downbeat. He was all smiles, with a long, scraggly beard and those pale locks (much longer than I was used to) raining out of a black top hat. He looked fabulous! The club was packed, but miraculously, the seat next to me was free. Well, here’s how I described what happened next (entire blog entry here):

“...The Lionel Young Band.” Nice applause. The set opens with Lionel on guitar, slide. About 30 seconds in, I look up and there’s John-Alex Mason, all smiles and energy. He joins us at the table, smiling and supporting, as the crowd jubilantly cheers the solos. A minute or so later, I lean over and say, “Wait until he picks up the violin. They’re going to go nuts.” John-Alex then breaks into a HUGE, knowing grin.

That’s all I could “see” as Todd spoke. And that’s still what I see every morning when I remember our enormous loss, and then many more times throughout the day.

The Outlook hosted a memorial service/Blues jam in John-Alex’s memory, on Sunday, October 23rd, and approximately thirty of his musical colleagues came ready to play for him. And so many of his friends and fans. It was a lovely tribute to a tremendous human being. Throughout the evening’s conversations, I learned of the many images of others, all circumstantially unique, but uniform in their personal significance. Those first thoughts and images that come to mind when one is hearing life-altering news.

Those of us in Colorado are fortunate to have a lot of memories of John-Alex, as he performed so much in his home state. The rest of the world has his extraordinary music. His last CD, Juke Joint Thunderclap, is a masterpiece, pure and simple and it can be purchased here.

Several months ago, John-Alex gave me a copy. I listened to it repeatedly (still do), and then a few weeks later, he gave me the LP version. Yes, he also had LPs cut. The artwork is gallery-quality, so it made sense to have the big version. I treasure it. When I got home that night, I put on the CD and was admiring the LP. I thought it odd there were no liner notes. I picked up the CD, and discovered the same thing. Then I reached inside the front cover, and VIOLA! There they were. Nerd that I am, I always read the liner notes, cover to cover, including the lyrics (I know, I’m a nerd). When I got to the “thank you” section, I actually squealed when I saw my name. He wrote:

Dan and Honey at the Boulder Outlook Hotel for the place to hang our hats.

I’m not going to speak for Dan, but that is some of the highest praise I have or will ever receive.

John-Alex left us on October 19, 2011, the day humanity lost one its best creations. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s a beautiful autumn day here in Boulder, and I’m going to take a long walk and spend some time in Memphis with John-Alex.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

John-Alex Mason, November 30, 19--, October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

It is with a very heavy heart that I must report the news of John-Alex’s passing. He had been in the hospital in critical condition for almost three weeks after a routine outpatient procedure. He was comatose for all of that time with massive brain damage.

John-Alex was scheduled to play here this Saturday night with Gary Allegretto. Gary is now hosting a Memorial Concert with the Rob Wilson Band. There is no cover. 8:00 - 10:30.

Sunday we are hosting a Memorial Service and Blues Jam for John-Alex, 6:30 - 10:00. Let’s make sure he hears us. Goodbye my friend.

~Honey Bee Sepeda

The Future of The Blues

2011-10-10T11:50:00.003-07:00

There are several perks that come with being a talent buyer for a popular live Blues venue, and the music itself heads the list. High up on that list is bearing witness to growth of the next generation of great Blues musicians.

Yesterday afternoon, we had the Young Blood Blues Band open for a Dan King for City Council campaign volunteer party, and the kids were a worthy choice for the honor. This band came to be about three years ago, starting with Tony Golden (bass) and Zach Bahn (drums and recently excepted to the Denver School of the Arts ), who were both eight at the time. They were at the Outlook for a Sunday jam, sat in with the adults, and were already a solid rhythm section. I told them if they put together a band, I’d hire them to open on occasion. They took me seriously. Not too long after that, Zach and Tony sat in with Steady Rollin‘ Bob Margolin once at the Outlook, prompting Bob to say on the mic, “I’ve had to pay rhythm sections that aren’t this good.” Oh, and they got their picture in Blues Review magazine in Bob’s column. Not bad. Now a seasoned eleven, they rock the stage with bandmates Ryan Hutchinson, eleven (keys), Brady Hutchinson, fifteen (guitar), Melisa Lundy, thirteen (vocals), and Rhyleigh Abel, ten (harmonica).

Since the conception (Jim Primock and I even came up with the band’s name that very first night), they have played a few times at the Outlook, and I recently arranged for them to open for Bob Margolin at the Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO. They then returned the favor, and had Bob sit in with them. Pure magic. (See YouTube on the right).
They also have the good fortune to have Mr. Rex Peoples as their coach and mentor. They’re clearly working hard, and Rex has a great rapport with them. They’ve played Blues From the Top in Winter Park, CO, one of the state’s most prestigious Blues festivals, and did a great job. Every time I hear them, I’m thrilled and impressed with their progress. They obviously love what they’re doing. Fortunately, we have a Blues community that genuinely supports and encourages these Blues kids.

A few years older, Austin Young, sixteen, and Taylor Marvin, seventeen, are a couple of other young Colorado slingers we’re watching closely with a great deal of pride. They are serious band leaders, Blues musicians and songwriters, and both have been to the IBC with the Youth Showcase and left their audiences staggering at their level of talent. Last month, both of their bands competed for the Colorado Blues Society’s entry in the band category of the International Blues Challenge. They made it to the finals, competing against six adult bands, and turned in terrific sets. I predict that both of their bands will soon represent the CBS in Memphis, and I’ll be there to cheer them on.

Like I did for another brilliant Colorado musician, Nic “Cottonseed” Clarke, at the 2011 IBC Semifinals in Memphis at the New Daisy. Nic plays harp with the Wyoming band, Another Kind of Magick, with the oldest then being seventeen. Only forty-four of the original one hundred and ten bands went on to the semis, so no small feet for five teenagers. Nic then took home the 1st Annual Youth Knowledge Bowl award and is also one of the youngest players ever endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas. Maybe there’s a bit of Clarksdale in the Rocky Mountain’s water.

Two wonderful young singers, Tomara Conrad and Emma Henry (both sixteen), are making national waves, with Tomara recently appearing on Rachel Ray and Emma on X Factor. I’m hoping to have both of them play at the Outlook more, allowing us to bear testimony to their musical growth, while simultaneously forming a protective and healthy environment for them.

The music business can be tough, so I’m glad all of our talented kids have great parents and a large community looking out for their best interests. We embrace our responsibility to these kids with a familial obligation we aggressively undertake. They’re ours and we’re damn proud of them.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

2011-09-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

The phone call came in at 10:01 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2011. It was John Catt, founder of the Grand County Blues Society. I was moments away from heading out the door for a long walk on an only-in-Colorado September day of glorious beauty; slightly crisp temperature, with glimpses of vibrant golds and reds in the leaves, heralding the upcoming annual display of their brilliant pallet. The mountains are looking on in excited anticipation of the show. It’s my favorite time of year. Then the day crashed and burned into horribleness. The conversation went like this:

HB: Hi Darlin’, what’s up.
JC: You haven’t heard [stated more as a sad fact than a question].
HB: [Cautiously] Heard what?
JC: I’m sorry, Dear, I have bad news.
HB: What.
JC: Willie “Big Eyes” Smith passed away this morning.”

It’s a few hours later, and the word “no” is still screaming in my head.

Willie and I weren’t friends on the level of phone calls and “keeping in touch.” No, ours was a Blues Friendship. Those Big Eyes lit up when he saw me, as did mine. He was one of the sweetest, loveliest people I’ve ever known, and I rejoiced every time his agent (for this region), Derek Smith, would email me with dates for Willie. The last couple of time he’s played the Outlook, I’ve had to move local bands to accommodate his schedule. The local bands didn’t complain. Actually, they felt honored to be rescheduled for Willie.

Willie and Bob Margolin were the first national acts to play the Boulder Outlook. They were on the gig together, and it was the first time I went to the place that was to become my home away from home. It was a sold-out show, and the music was superb. I saw Willie (with his band) about a year later, again at the Outlook. It was a rare weekend night that local Blues heros, the Delta Sonics, had the night off, and Willie Panker and John Butler (drums and bass respectively) came down for the show, and we all sat together. It was remarkable.

He’s played for us a number of times since, and each time our friendship grew a little deeper, with more laughs borne of familiarity and history (not to mention mutual friends). He was last here on April 23rd, and we spent a good bit of time together that day, a few hours before the gig. His son, Javik, was with him as well. We had a lovely time, most of it spent laughing. When I went up to him to say “goodnight,” I was met with the type of embrace, so warm, so genuine, that it was the first thing that sprung to my mind when John Catt delivered the sad news. I may not have Willie here any longer, but that moment is mine forever.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Stuck Inside of Boulder with The Memphis Blues Again

2011-09-08T14:55:00.002-07:00

Apparently I woke juxtaposing Memphis and Bob Dylan. But with the IBC Preliminary Band Round here at the Outlook this Sunday, ‘tis no wonder I’ve Memphis on my mind.

But first, tonight. The wildly energetic Jason Downing will be here with Musketeer Gripweed, and it’s been quite some time. Jason has unique approach to music, and he’s fun to watch. See you tonight, Jason.

Tomorrow night brings one of my favorite’s back; Maynard Mills. The last time he was here, Gretchen Troop and her husband, Biff, were thinking of going out, and so I suggested the Outlook for Maynard since they’d not heard him before. They picked me up, and on the drive over told me they were only staying for the first set. I thought to myself, “We’ll see about that.” By the third song, they were both asking me how it was they’d not heard him before. We stayed for both sets.

Saturday night Paul Soderman and BluesHouze is back! It’s been a long time coming, so don’t forget if you want to get a seat come early, however with them it’s usually come early if you want to get in. And rest up, because there is always a very crowded dance floor for these guys.

And now back to Sunday’s IBC Round. The music starts at 2:00 p.m., and it will get crowded, so come early if you want to be assured of getting in. Every year we have to turn some people away, but it’s always the late-comers. The competing bands are:

2:00 Bumkin

2:40 Immortal Blues Ambassadors

3:20 Bid Daddy Lee & the Kingbees

4:00 Eddy & the Haskells

4:40 Orphan Boy Blues Band

5:20 Taylor Marvin & the Golden Boys

6:00 Teresa Lynne and the Dreamboats

Come out and cheer on your favorite bands!

Here’s a little something I received from the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival: it’s a contest for two 3-day passes and lodging for some lucky couple. Here are some details:

Telluride.com and Telluride Blues & Brews are giving away two, 3-day passes and 3 nights lodging to a lucky couple for the 2011 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival on September 16th-18th! Click the link below (bottom of the blog) and follow the instructions to enter the contest. We will announce the winner on the morning of Tuesday, September 13th. Contest includes:

Two, 3-Day passes to Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Three night stay for two people at the Aspen Street Inn Bed & Breakfast. Room includes a King size bed and breakfast, each morning, for two! Check out the link to the room: http://www.telluridehotels.com/rentals/aspen-street-inn-morningstar (Dates include either 9/15-9/18 or 9/16-9/19).

*Contest is only valid from 9/6-9/13. Giveaway is only valid for the 2011 Blues & Brews Festival - Tickets and Hotel are non-transferrable.

Here is the link: http://www.telluride.com/blog/tags/lionel-young

Good luck!

Next Wednesday, I’m hosting a Pro-Invite Fund-Raiser Jam, from 5:00 - ?. Musicians who’ve confirmed thus far, are: Billy Hoke (who is also providing the drum kit), Gretchen Troop, Jack Hadley, Joe Pacheco, Mike Ray, Lionel Young, Dan Treanor, Mark Diamond, Russ Musilek, Randall Dubis, and Mac (from the Informants). I’ll send out a blast early next week with the full list.

I want to make sure calendars are marked for a couple of other big doings we have going on September. On Sunday, September 18th, at 2:00 p.m., we are hosting the IBC solo/duo finals, followed by Mike Zito. However, this isn’t going to be a typical gig. You see, last month the guys were here for a couple of nights off, and they did a set at Gretchen’s jam, and then sat in with jammers. At breakfast, they all four told me they had a blast. Then I told Mike that if he wanted to, since so many of us will still be here from the IBC Finals, they can start early, do two sets, then a pro-invite jam for a third set. He was excitedly on board with that plan. Come on people! You know it’s going to be “one of those nights!” I can’t wait.

Then on Tuesday, the 20th, Jeff Strahan is back. Jeff first played here a year ago, and Dan and I were both in the bar. Our jaws dropped. We both had other plans for the evening, and we both rescheduled. We didn’t want to miss a note from this monster. And, he’s as great on keys as he is on guitar. And then there’s the voice. For me, however, wordsmith that I am, it’s his astounding lyrical writing that continues to captivate me every time I hear him, live or CD. Anyone who loves the Blues must get to know this artist’s music.

I’ll leave you this week with some future dates:

11/9 Samantha Fish Band

11/12 Jake Loggins Band

11/17 Harper

11/25 Otis Taylor and Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin

11/30 Candye Kane

As you can see, the Blues Gods are being very generous with us. ~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Do You Remember The Very First Day Of September...

2011-09-01T09:34:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I kind of paraphrased Earth, Wind and Fire there, but it fits. Love was changing the mind of pretenders...

Speaking of pretenders, before I go any further, a Craigslist ad was brought to my attention this morning, and I’d like our readers to know WE DID NOT PLACE THIS AD AND IT HAS NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH THE OUTLOOK. Here’s the ad:

“Looking for a Blues Band (Colorado)

Date: 2011-08-31, 4:39PM MDT

Reply to: comm-emg3w-2575956816@craigslist.org

If you are a local blues band and you have not yet played at The Blues and Greens Restaraunt in Boulder.................then I would like to see a pic, bio and hear your music.”

First of all, if I were to place an ad, the spelling and grammar would be correct. Just sayin’. Second, it’s not THE Blues and Greens, it’s Blues & Greens. We at least know the name of the venue, sheeeesh! Amateur!

Ok, so on to the Blues! Tonight is the long-awaited Clay McClinton show! We’ve all been wondering about the Son of Delbert, but we know that he grew up with the Blues in his blood, listening to the best. I can’t wait to hear this future of the Blues Ambassador. And I have to admit that since his posters have been hanging around the room for about four months now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that he’s something of a cutie pie. Again, just sayin’. Here’s something tasty:

“Clay's musical virtuosity shines with the release of his third album, Livin’ Out Loud (2010). He blends Americana and Texas blues with a touch of country to give us a tremendous follow up to his two previous releases—Out of the Blue (2004) and Son of a Gun (2006). Livin’ Out Loud is openhearted and thoughtful, and often explores the tension between the love for adventure and the longing for home. Clay has taken grand leaps both as a singer-songwriter and as a musician, and the eleven tracks also foretell of great things to come. Much like his earlier albums, Clay wrote or co-wrote ten of the tracks. He was honored to write with Bruce Channel, Dave Duncan, Rob Roy Parnell, Ricky Ray, and of course, Delbert. He produced the album with Kevin McKendree, a longtime family friend as well as Delbert’s piano player. Clay describes the process of creating the album with these and other great musicians as one of self-discovery and personal and professional growth.”

And we’re on this CD release tour! Tonight! One night only!

Tomorrow night is another One Night Only! My girl, Ms. Mary Bridget Davies (Betty to me), FINALLY makes it to the Outlook. As I’ve reported before, I first met her after the IBC Finals on February 5th, where she placed second after the Lionel Young Band. At that time, she was booked here for April 28th, so we talked about that. As we know, that tour had to be rescheduled to TOMORROW!!! I had barrels of fun at BFtT this year, knowing that very few had heard her voice. Right as she was being introduced, I positioned myself for maximum facial-expression viewing, and was not disappointed. Jaws dropped.

Mary/Betty is fun, alive, funny, energetic, and puts on a show that evaporates time. Although she’s yet to step foot in the Outlook, she’s already family. At BFtT, we spent the day being asked if we’re sisters. We said “yes.” By that time we were. I’m taking this show personally, to be honest; it’s as if my sister is coming for a visit, and I want everything to be perfect. I do you hope you can join us for what I promise will be filled with extraordinary music and rip-roaring fun. And meet your new sister. It’s a girl!

Saturday night, Erica Brown makes her long-awaited return to the Outlook, and I could go on and on about her, but you all already know. See you Saturday!

Tuesday is Dan Treanor’s jam, and if the forecast is correct, it will be a perfect evening for opening the door while playing and listening to some Blues. I for one will be happy to celebrate cooler temps.

I’m closing with a save-the-date notice: September 24th, for the first time in more than a year, the entire Lionel Young Band, 2011 IBC Winners, returns to the Outlook. They have been out there, all over the country this Summer, representing us beautifully. I’ve been reading the reviews, and they have shaken up the festival circuit, with many of them inviting them back next year. As proud as we all are of them, the cold reality is we’re not going to get to see them as often as we’d like, because when they won, we handed them over to the world, and it’s a big place. We have to share, like it or not. I miss Lionel terribly, but he calls frequently and fills me in on their multitude of shows and adventures. And, they’ll be back next week!

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

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To Jason, Shawn, and Todd, With All My Love

2011-08-27T14:09:00.005-07:00

It’s been a bit more than a year since one of my favorite bands disbanded; Jason Ricci and New Blood were one of those bands that always filled a room, and we certainly miss them as a unit. There is a lot I can say but I think the review I wrote the first time I heard them almost five years ago, is pretty much to the point:

New Blood for the Blues

For centuries there has existed a rare, temporary medical condition striking a dozen or so tourists annually in Florence, Italy, the cradle of Italian Renaissance, and a city which simply groans under the weight of her myriad masterpieces. For these few tourists, encountering masterpieces pretty much wherever the eye lands, creates symptoms including amnesia, dizziness, and disorientation, and often requires a hospital stay. French novelist and writer Marie-Henri Beyle, known as Stendhal, was struck with the malaise in 1817, thus finally giving the illness a name: Stendhal Syndrome.

Boulder, Colorado has recently experienced an opposing variation of this rare malaise, in that rather than the visiting tourist being struck, it is the locals who are visited by it. And it’s not as much a visual attack, it’s an oracular one. It’s known as “JRS,’ or Jason Ricci Syndrome, and it clobbers Boulder periodically. The symptoms are the same. The treatment, however, rests not in minimizing the exposure, but intensifying it. The patient becomes incapable of resisting finding JRS-related masterpieces online and listening for hours on end, abandoning sleep and nutrition. And on occasion, all mental reason.

This most recent documented case was at the Boulder Outlook Hotel and Suites, which, aside from being a great (and green) hotel, is Boulder’s home of the blues. It arrives in the form of Jason Ricci and New Blood, the kickin’est jam band, well, probably ever. Ricci is a harmonica virtuoso, master, prodigy, alien. When he takes the stage with Shawn Starski on guitar (another prodigy alert!), Todd “Buck Weed” Edmunds on bass (who looks like he’s having fun beyond measure), and Ron Sutton on drums (who, ironically, seems to be the quiet one), the oblivious patient is spot-welded to the seat by the G forces of sound. Perfect, clear sound.

To paraphrase Muddy, the blues had a baby, and his name is Jason Ricci. Reviews aplenty for this remarkable band (many trying to make near impossible comparisons) can be found online. They were also listed in the Mercury News “Top Ten Shows of 2005” with Prince, Rush, and Green Day. (Has anyone ever heard of PS, or RS, or GDS? No!)

Disclosing that the author is not a musician, and therefore ill-equipped to analyze on a technical level, it seems to me that every note emanating from Ricci carries every experience of his young life. One does not have to be musically skilled to understand that some things just can’t be explained (and though Ricci slams Red Bull™ throughout his performance, I don’t care what their slogan is, NOTHING can give you those kind of wings. At least not over the counter. [Note to self: contact Red Bull™ people for ad campaign idea: 30-second videos of Ricci]. For more technical reviews, see their website, jasonricci.com. WARNING! If your speakers are on, prepare for the onset of symptoms.

In Ricci’s hands, the harp becomes an entire symphony, creating sounds of countless instruments. During one of his solos, it took merely looking away to be certain I was hearing a guitar solo. But I wasn’t.

Then he sings. Just consider if James Brown and Janis Joplin had a child. He’d sound like Jason Ricci. Spellbinding in its raw power, the patient again feels his life’s experiences. And with all due respect to the late James Brown, he has nothing on Ricci’s primeval scream. And in terms of the hardest working? See a show and decide for yourself. Ricci works so hard, even the audience needs a shower afterward.

The skillful gentleman on drums was clearly born to it. Drummers are tough; they’re too fast to follow visually, but the ears can somehow hear it all, the expertise and passion. Ron Sutton possesses both in abundance.

As a long time fan of the blues, I will admit to a guitar bias. I live for it. There isn’t a bad mood a great solo can’t alter. At only 27, we can all look forward to mood alterations for decades to come from Starski. He’s one of the gifted ones. He could masterfully hold his own sharing a stage with Kenny Wayne Shepard, or Buddy Guy, or Bob Margolin. (And for our female patients, he’s easy on the eyes).

Speaking of easy, Buck Weed enlivens his bass with a fluid effortlessness that is a mesmerizing serenity in the middle of a Ricci Storm. Or a Starski Storm. Held higher than I’ve ever seen, Buck Weed caresses that bass like a sweetheart without whom he cannot exist. He appears wholly in love with his job.

Speaking of being in love with a job. Another harp master, Al Chesis of the Delta Sonics, is the wonderful soul who advised me to review Jason Ricci and New Blood [another note to self: send Al a nice bottle of wine]. Sitting there at the Outlook, being annihilated by some of the finest music ever generated, I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so very in love with my job. Thank you, Mr. Ricci, Mr. Starski, Mr. Sutton, and Mr. Weed. I now live for your December 21, 2007, appearance at the Outlook. And, since the Delta Sonics play here a bit more often, I will have copious opportunities to thank Al again, and again, and again.

How Do You Solve A Problem Like The Beiber?

2011-08-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

Like many a Blues fan, I am frequently frustrated at the fortunes of mediocre, auto-tuned talent, while geniuses like Pinetop Perkins and Honeyboy Edwards have to work well into their 90’s to keep food on the table. It isn’t fair, but it is our actuality.

I was in the middle of a big move when the news of Amy Winehouse’s untimely death hit the wire, and was leveled with sadness at the loss of such a talent. I’ve been thinking a lot about her, one of those rare artists who captivated the masses without requirement of bells and whistles, just that raw, scarcely-found innate talent. I don’t often find myself thinking about globally popular musicians, nor the pop world in general, but now that I have, I’ve come to realize a few things:

First of all, I don’t think Justin Beiber is a problem, and in all candor, I’ve only heard approximately four minutes of his music, so I’m too ill-informed on the subject to pass judgement, beyond that those four minutes didn’t speak to me. It is here I must disclose that when I was ten, I was all about Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson, so I do understand the appeal to young girls. And since that will never change, the Blues world needs to embrace it. And I have just the magic weapons to get the Blues into the hands, ears, and hearts of the next generation: Austin Young, Jack Gaffney, Taylor Marvin, Nic Cottonseed Clark, Noah Mast, and Forrest Raup. The oldest in this fantacy band is seventeen.

Given the technology we have today, stars are being made on You Tube. The trick is to get something to go viral, and viola! At the risk of sounding exploitative, all these guys are good looking, charming, and DAMN talented. And whether we want to admit it or not, what initially gets the attention of tweens and teens are looks; the music comes later. I was eighteen the first time I heard live Blues, and I was hooked from moment one. I think kids are smarter than Madison Avenue gives them credit, and if you give them quality, they will recognize it.

Remembering that the word “fan” derives from “fanatic,” once people become fans of a band, they will read every interview and review they can find, and it is through that practice that they are directed toward the influences of their new musical heros. I speak from personal experience: Several years ago I was at the Outlook to review a band I’d not seen, Jason Ricci and New Blood. I became an instant fan, and for weeks searched the internet for all I could find. And, in light of that research, I know about all of Jason’s influences.

So, for the sake of argument, imagine this band of teenagers gets a viral hit, and then the interviews begin. Then, everyone of their fans would know the names and music of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Kim Wilson, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, etc. What I’ve realized in all this thinking about Amy Winehouse, is that there is a HUGE audience for true genius, and we have a lot of them in the Blues world, we just need to start thinking like the kids if we want to reach them. I’m going to talk to the parents of the aforementioned geniuses, and see if we might want to put something together. Anyone reading this who also knows of young, genuinely talented Blues artists, consider You Tube. The Blues is the oldest and most deeply rooted music in the American catalog, but our approach can’t be. We need to change the way we think about promotion, and the first step is accepting the reality that the way to the masses’ hearts begins with the youth.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Young Austin

2011-07-18T13:33:00.003-07:00

I was planning on doing an extensive interview with fifteen-year old Austin Young, but after his performance yesterday at Arvada, CO’s Blues and BBQ Festival, it can’t wait. He’s just that good.

With sixteen-year old Noah Mast on bass, and Austin’s father, Tim, on drums, Young Austin and No Difference are becoming one of the area’s more sought-after bands. And with damn good reason. Before I continue, here is a paragraph from his bio:

"...Austin Lee Young, a Colorado native, has been described by some as being a “phenom” guitar player. His youth and energy lend to his own style of music which he calls “Texandrix Blues”. At 15 years old he exudes unbelievable passion and displays electrifying musicianship in his performances. His inspirations span the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Tim Young, and Ted Johnson..."

Although the guitar is his instrument of choice, Austin is able to participate in any jam on the drums, bass guitar, and keyboards. His stage presence and relationship that he builds with audiences can only be described as “crowd pleasing”.

Crowd pleasing, indeed. I’ve been watching his talent develop for about three years now, and yesterday was the most electrifying performance of his that I’ve seen to date. He dedicated Muddy’s “Honey Bee” to me, and he tore up the long solo. To shreds. Not only would Muddy have been proud, I know his mentor and recent Pinetop Perkins Foundation Masterclass Workshop teacher, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, would have been as well.

Bob and Austin first took the stage together at the Outlook about a year ago, and they’ve since developed a friendship that I’ve no doubt will continue to grow. Neither one can sing the praises of the other enough, and after several days together in Clarksdale, MS, last month, I heard the results: there was quit a bit of Bob’s influence in Austin’s cover of “Honey Bee.” I have a feeling these two are headed for some pretty heavy creative collaborations. And we’ll all be better for it.

Yesterday, in ninety-plus degree heat, Austin came out blazing, stunning the large crowd assembled at the Blue Star Connection Stage. I had spent most of the festival under the protective Colorado Blues Society tent when I wasn’t visiting the Blue Star Connection tent, two tents over (they had a fan. I visited them a lot), but braved the direct sun in front of the stage for Austin. It’s always fun to try and count how many times I hear, “Oh my God!” Or, “How OLD is he?” Austin has the handsome, young, and joyful face of a teenager, but the talent of a seasoned artist.

And he knows how to entertain as well. He jumped off the stage during that “Honey Bee” solo, and I could barely keep up with him while trying to film (it didn’t come out very well...), as he walked just about every square foot of the audience, while playing amazing riffs, reminding me a little of Ronnie Baker Brooks. Like Ronnie and Tommy Castro, Austin has a natural and genuine rapport with his audience because he is so completely in love with playing that guitar, and has such confidence in his passion. His passion is involuntary, it’s not what he does, it’s who he is.

He’s also funny, thoughtful, kind, happy, enthusiastic, grateful, and just about exploding with joy. He’s a special kid, and not just because he’s such an amazing musician. He’s special because he’s an amazing young man. I’m proud of him, and just yesterday, I told his parents, Tim and Krisanne, how happy I am with the way they are raising my son. I’ve told them this before, and they still laugh. And then smile with pride, as they should.

Austin, Tim, and Krissane are my friends, but we also have a professional relationship, and it's always a joy to work with them. Any time Bob is in town, I make sure Austin knows well in advance so as to give them a chance to play together. I know they both enjoy it tremendously, but I’m afraid I have to disclose that neither of them could possibly enjoy it as much as we do. We know we’re bearing witness TO the birth of Blues history, and we’re all happy and lucky to be along for the ride.

Thank you, Austin, for keeping the Blues alive, and being such a great friend.

Honey Bee Sepeda~

Wet Carpet Blues

2011-07-13T15:20:00.003-07:00

Last Thursday, just as I was mentally confirming my decision to move (dramatic rent increase on the horizon), the skies over Boulder opened wide for more than an hour. I stood looking out my sliding glass doors at my partially enclosed terrace, noticing quickly rising water. The deluge was too much for the drain to handle.

It only took about fifteen minutes for the edge of the carpet to feel damp. Within half an hour, about 100 square feet of my living carpet was soaked. Half my living room was primed for seeding. Management showed up with an industrial sized shop vac (a good plan since my neighbor across the hall suffered the same wet fate), and after rearranging my living room furniture, spent over an hour vacuuming rain water out of the carpet, along with my dream of an indoor vegetable garden.

The following afternoon fans arrived. Big, loud, vibrating carpet-drying fans. I was told they needed to run at least 24 hours. Fair enough. I have plenty of CDs to drown out a couple of fans. And so I passed the rest of Friday and much of Saturday rotating CDs (I’m old school; I still have a CD player), while I cleaned up and sorted for the move.

I said “much” of Saturday. Around 2:30ish, just as I was preparing to silence the fans for a few hours (the carpet was almost dry), the skies opened up again. Do I need to go on with this tale of woe, or can you figure out what happened next? I’ll give you clue: Think deja vu: Management, neighbor, rain water again sucked up with my garden dream. Just add a fan. I had three loud fans. So the remainder of Saturday, and all of Sunday and Monday were passed with the loud din of drying being covered by some loud Blues.

I started out with Zac Harmon, From the Root. The entire CD is great for packing boxes, but my particular favorite is his great original “Honey Bee.” Go figure. Next up came a little Jimmy Thackery. I’m still getting to know his latest CD, Feel the Heat, so it was as good an opportunity as any to become further acquainted. As a city girl and long-time pedestrian, his song “Hang Up and Drive,” is a personal favorite. I nearly get hit a couple of times a week, and 98% of the time the driver is on the phone. I identify with this song. And I love the record.

I learned something very interesting this past February: any time I’m feeling less than happy, the Lionel Young Band’s On Our Way to Memphis does the trick every time. If I’m in a hurry, I need merely listen to “Bring it on Home” to find myself filled with joy. Not to mention back at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis. I was with them all the way to Memphis and back (anyone who’s not read THAT adventure, sit back, buckle your seatbelt, and have at it here).

It was when they guys hit the last note of that song that the rest of the audience found out what I had known for six months: the Lionel Young Band was to be the 2011 IBC winners. When I listen to that song, I can close my eyes and hear, see, smell, and feel that moment with a couple of thousand people on their feet, riotously applauding the band. The day I was informed of the upcoming rent increase, I must have played that song a dozen times.

Trampled Under Foot’s new one, Wrong Side of the Blues, is a favorite as well, and I typically put that one on repeat for a couple of go arounds. Although, as I’m trying to be upbeat and energetic, I have to skip “Goodbye.” Can’t handle it. I plan on adding that to TUF’s contractual obligations (along with “I’d Rather Go Blind”) when I book them at the Outlook, but when I’m trying to sort through and get rid of stuff, that’s the LAST song I need to hear.

The now defunct Insomniacs’ (hang on, I need a tissue) At Least I’m Not With You, can get a house cleaned! It’s one of my go-to’s when I need to get moving. Before the end of “Lonesome,” my alter ego, Doris Domestic, steps in and takes over. “She Can Talk” is only 3:14, but by the end of it, the toilets will be surgically clean. Oh, and fun little game: listen to the title cut, and then make a list of all former romantic partners to whom you’d like to send that song. It’s fun!

I close this fun, packing-avoiding little diatribe with a favorite CD of mine. I bought it about four years ago, shortly after I began my tenure at the Boulder Outlook. The Colorado Blues Society had decided to send a band and solo/duo to the following IBC, and held some preliminary rounds at the Outlook. Each band only had 25 minutes, and that was all I needed. I approached the young man on guitar and vocals to purchase a CD. Because of my position at the venue, he tried to give it to me, but I insisted on paying. That was the best ten bucks I’ve ever spent. I fell in love with that CD. Then, about three years ago, it disappeared. I couldn’t remember if I’d loaned it to someone, but I kept looking. I see said guitarist (who’s now in another great band) frequently, but he doesn’t have any copies. I ran into his former bandmate the other night and asked him. He said he’d send me an electronic copy.

Now here’s the nice thing about seemingly bad news. I really love this apartment. I got very lucky a few years ago in a sublease at an almost rent controlled price in downtown Boulder. I knew this day would probably come, but wasn’t prepared for it last Wednesday, and I was not a happy girl. Resigned to my fate, yes; happy, no. So, as I began cleaning out a file cabinet, what did I find? That CD had slipped into a file. So, yes I have to move, but I also have one of my favorite CDs back. Produced by Chicago’s great Nick Moss, Chicago Sessions with the former Shuffletones’ Ronnie Shellist and Jeremy Vasquez (who wrote all songs), is one wonderful record, and I’m so happy to have it back that I don’t care that I have to move.

Although I'm still pissed about the indoor garden.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Deal With The Devil: A Boulder Story

2011-07-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I published a spoof on Robert Johnson’s deal-with-the-devil. Many laughed, and many emailed me to see if I was alright. I repost it here, but if you don’t know the story of the Robert Johnson myth, this won’t makes sense. Any readers falling into that category, I suggest you read this first.

I wanted to share a recent experience with you (for those of you not familiar with Boulder, we used to have an eyesore known as the Crossroads Mall).

Ok, something happened to me on my way home on the night of October’s full moon. I couldn’t be sure if what I think happened actually happened. I needed some time to process. Well, now I think I can let you in on it, freaky and unbelievable though it is.

I’d been at the Outlook listening to some great, soulful blues and decided to walk home. I was Walking up the road with my laptop in my bag propped up on my shoulder on an October cool night, a full moon filling up the dark sky. I was thinking about the blues preaching to me, when I heard, "Put that laptop down, girl, you drivin' people nuts." It was a quiet, dark and lonesome road, with a crazed, poisoned dog howling and moaning in a ditch alongside the road sending electrified chills up and down my spine, as I was coming up on the ghost of the demolished Crossroads Mall just south of home. Then I saw a man sitting off to the side of the road on a log at the heart if the old Crossroads Mall, and he says, "You're late, Honey Sepeda." I dropped to my knees and said, "Maybe not."

The man stood up, tall, barrel-chested, and black as forever, and walked out to the middle of the old Crossroads Mall where I kneeled down. He says, "Stand up, Honey Sepeda. You want to throw that laptop over there in that ditch with that hairless dog and go on back to the Outlook and just listen, because you just another blues reviewer like all the rest, or you want to write about the blues like nobody ever wrote about it before? Turn phrases nobody ever heard before? You want to be the Queen of the Blues Writers and have all the whiskey and men you want?"
"That's a lot of whiskey and men, Devil-Man."

"I know you, Honey Sepeda," says the man.

I felt the moonlight bearing down on my head and the back of my neck as the moon seemed to be growing bigger and bigger and brighter and brighter. I feel it like the heat of the noonday sun bearing down, and the howling and moaning of the dog in the ditch penetrates my soul, coming up through my feet and the tips of my fingers through my legs and arms, settling in that big empty place beneath my breastbone causing me to shake and shudder like a woman with the palsy. I said, "That dog gone mad."

The man laughs. "That hound belong to me. He ain't mad, he's got the Blues. I got his soul in my hand."

The dog lets out a low, long soulful moan, a howling like I never heard before, rhythmic, syncopated grunts, yelps, and barks, seizing me like a Grand Mal, and causing the keys on my laptop to vibrate, hum, possessing me, taking me over, spinning me around, losing me inside of my own self, wasting me, lifting me up into the sky. I looked over in the ditch and see the eyes of the dog reflecting the bright moonlight or, more likely so it seems to me, glowing on their own, a deep violet penetrating glow, and I knew and felt that I was staring into the eyes of a Hellhound as his body shudders from head to toe.

The man says, "The dog ain't for sale, Honey Sepeda, but the words can be yours. The words of the Blues."

"I got to have those phrases and interviews, Devil-Man. They are mine! Where do I sign?"

The man says, "You ain't got a pencil, Honey Sepeda. Your word is good enough. All you got to do is keep walking north. But you better be prepared. There are consequences."

"Prepared for what, Devil-man?"

"You know where you are, Honey Sepeda? You are standing in the middle of the old Crossroads Mall at midnight, and that full moon is right over your head. You take one more step in the direction you're headed, you going to be in your office under this full October moon, and you are going to write about the Blues like never known to this world. My left hand will be forever wrapped around your soul, and Boulder's Home Of The Blues Blues’ weekly Blues Letter will possess all who read them. That's what's going to happen. That's what you better be prepared for. Your soul will belong to me. This is not just any old Crossroads Mall. I put this "X" here for a reason, and I been waiting on you."

I rolled my head around, eyes upwards in their sockets to stare at the blinding light of the moon which has now completely filled the pitch-black Front Range night, piercing my right eye like a bolt of lightning as the midnight hour hit. I looked the big man squarely in the eyes and says, "Step back, Devil-Man, I'm going to my office. I am the Blues Reporter."

The man moves to one side and says, "Go on, Honey Sepeda. You the Queen of the Blues Reviewers. Go on home to your office. And when you get to your office, you get you a plate of hot tamales because you going to be needing something on your stomach where you're headed." And that’s what happened, I swear. It was my Meeting with the Devil at the Former Crossroads Mall.

Now, forward this along and let’s get the legend started. 11/07

Honey Bee's Blues

Tommy Castro and The Painkillers

Tommy Castro Live!

When A Man Loves Women: Jimmy Carpenter, Walk Away

Muddy Waters - Live Dortmund, Germany 29/10/1976

My dad really likes Warren Haynes ­with Joe Bonamassa!

...and Warren Haynes with Brad Whitford + Joe Bonamassa!

...and he really likes Joe Bonamassa!

Ronnie Baker Brooks

Doing Tommy's Laundry

If you've heard this story before, don't stop me, because I'd like to hear it again. - Groucho Marx

Blow wind, blow wind, blow my baby back to me...

Congratulations Diunna!

Let's Be Gracious

I Have A Cool Job!

John-Alex

John-Alex Mason, November 30, 19--, October 19, 2011

The Future of The Blues

Stuck Inside of Boulder with The Memphis Blues Again

Do You Remember The Very First Day Of September...

To Jason, Shawn, and Todd, With All My Love

How Do You Solve A Problem Like The Beiber?

Young Austin

Wet Carpet Blues

Deal With The Devil: A Boulder Story

My dad really likes Warren Haynes with Joe Bonamassa!