Greetings!,

This weekend we are celebrating the legacy of Maxwell St. 

The Story of the Maxwell Street Urban Blues

8 pm · screening of the film “Electrified”

9:30 pm · a live performance by blues guitarists06/13/ 09:30 PM - WILLIE DAVIS BLUES ALLSTARS -  $10adv, $12 door06/14/ 10:00 PM - ICEMAN ROBINSON / KILLER RAY - $10 adv, $12 door

 

Electrified tells the definitive history of the Chicago blues. Narrated by actor Joe Mantegna, the film chronicles how the urban neighborhood of Maxwell Street created a unique environment of commerce and cooperation that led first to the hard-driving sound of the urban blues, and ultimately to rock and roll.Interviews with many of the legendary bluesmen, including Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmie Lee Robinson and the “father of rock and roll“ Bo Diddley, complement the film’s historical narrative and create an exceptional history of this important era in American music.A companion film, Cheat You Fair: The Story of Maxwell Street, documents the last days of the historic Maxwell Street market.Both Electrified and Cheat You Fair were written, directed and produced by longtime Chicago resident Phil Ranstrom. Two films, all on one DVD now on sale at www.ElectrifiedTheMovie.com  Looking forward to see you at Rosa’s.Tony

 

Here’s Hubert Sumlin on Maxwell Street:

Technorati Tags: Hubert Sumlin, Maxwell Street, Chicago blues

A few weeks ago, I received a review copy of Sean Costello’s new album We Can Get Together. I was literally just about to start writing up some thoughts on the music when the news crossed the wire of his untimely death Tuesday.

It’s a great album, worthy of inclusion in any blues fan’s library. It’s especially good for long car rides when you just gotta keep going. Just be careful of the lead foot. Last time I drove back from our house in Vermont while it was playing, I found myself edging up to 80 mph more than once.

Some of my favorite cuts: Can’t Let Go, Same Old Game, Hard Luck Woman, Have You No Shame and Going Home. Hear the album on MySpace.

I’ll leave you with some words from the press release issued by his record label Delta Groove. I couldn’t say it any better:

As blues music fans, we unfortunately grow somewhat accustomed to the sadness of the inevitable passing of musical elders after long and fruitful careers. Losing someone as young, vibrant, and talented as Sean, who had accomplished so much in just a few short years and still had so much potential, is a terribly difficult blow, not only to those who knew him personally, but for the music community as a whole.”

Technorati Tags: Sean Costello, blues

Little Arthur Duncan was hospitalized last week for emergency brain surgery. According to Blueswire, he is still in intensive care. More of his music on his MySpace page.

Technorati Tags: Little Arthur Duncan, Live at Rosa’s, Chicago blues, blues

Delmark artists Tail Dragger and Syl Johnson will perform at The Ponderosa Stomp Music Festival. Ponderosa Stomp celebrates and pays tribute to the unsung heroes of rock ‘n roll, rhythm & blues, and other forms of American roots music. April 29 & 30, House Of Blues, New Orleans.

New Releases from Delmark, April/May 08

Dave Specter - Live In Chicago: Recorded live at Buddy Guy’s Legends and Rosa’s Blues Lounge, Live In Chicago features special guests Jimmy Johnson, Tad Robinson and Sharon Lewis. DVD/CD Release Parties on Wednesday, May 21 at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 9:30-1:00 and Thursday May 22 at SPACE (Society for Preservation of Arts & Culture in Evanston) Featuring Tad Robinson & many special guests.

Mississippi Heat - Hattiesburg Blues: Harmonica player Pierre Lacocque, vocalist Inetta Visor with guests Lurrie Bell, Carl Weathersby, The Chicago Horns and Ruben Alvarez. Release party Friday May 30, 10pm at Buddy Guy’s Legends. Special guest Carl Weathersby.

Technorati Tags: blues, Chicago blues, Ponderosa Stomp, Delmark

More info on the Festival on The Deep Blues Blog.

Technorati Tags: Electrified, Cheat You Fair, Deep Blues Festival