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Saturday, May 23, 2009

The Voice


Header Music News
The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society, Inc.
Marietta, Ohio
Vol. 9, Issue 10
May 21, 2009

Quick Links
www.ohio.edu/museum
mariettabrewingcompay.com
www.stuartoperahouse.org
www.bluesin blackandwhite.com
Join Our Mailing List
Listen to "the Voice."

Music News You Can Use is Semi-Monthly email newsletter from the BJFMS. We try to be your Source for what's happening with Live Music in our area - from Marietta-Parkersburg to Charleston, WV, to Columbus, OH, to Pittsburgh, PA. We'll tell you what we know of, what we've heard about, and even the good rumors we've either heard or made up. You may learn something about music along the way, and maybe even get a few laughs in the process. You'll be getting Music News You Can Use in your email in-box about every other week - or when something important comes up in between. We promise we will never sell or give your email address to any 3rd party, and to never use it for any commercial purposes. You will always have the chance to "opt-out" (un-subscribe) on every issue.
Blues in Cambridge,OH
Giff's Gig This Weekend..... (SAT)
Header Music News
The Uptown Blues Bash
"The Blues...is ...back in town!" by Giff

Are you looking for something different musically? Then you're in for a treat, with a night of 'moving, grooving, and up-tempo dancing sounds of The Blues!
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 at The Elks Lodge #448, 1048 Wheeling Ave. in Cambridge, Ohio. The " The Uptown Blues Bash!" , a night filled with one of America's true art forms , The Blues. The event will be on the top floor of the Elks.
The show itself will start at 8:00pm and ends at 12:00am. Three acts will make up the evenings line-up. This show is open to the public, so 'come on in'!
First, to get things warmed up will be, The Troubled Troubadours, an acoustic act to give the audience a flavor of traditional 'blues' and contemporary acoustic sounds.
The 'Troubadours' are fairly new to the 'live' music scene and have already established a following and upcoming dates, both locally and out of town. Their repertoire consists of music from the blues, the Eagles, Van Morrison, the Beatles and more. They can cover basically 3 decades of classic tunes. Based in Guernsey county, the 'Troubadours' will perform for the first 20 minutes and are the 'un-plugged' side of the shows' second act of the evening.
The "Blues Cannibals!" will take the stage from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. They are based out of the Cambridge / Byesville area. The 'Cannibals' were formed in 1996 by Dennis Tarman and John Gifford , after years in other bands searching for what their heart and souls knew to be right. And it was a love and passion for them both, the Blues.
Influenced by the greats, from Clarksdale, Mississippi to Chicago, they perform heart throbbing, toe tapping, up-tempo 'Chicago' as well as modern, contemporary original blues.
The Blues Cannibals have opened for the the late great Bo Diddly at the House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio in 2005. They have also been the back-up band for 'Shirley King' ( daughter of B.B. King ) for six sell-out shows in 1998 and 1999. The 'Cannibals' placed several times in the top 5 at the " River City Blues Competition" in Marietta, Ohio over the past years. States front-man Dennis Tarman, "Put on your dancing shoes, because Deb may bring the red dress!"
Which brings us to the headline act of the evening. Winners of the '2009 River City Blues Competition', "Long Tall Deb and the Drifter Kings", of Columbus, Ohio. Deb and the Drifter Kings blend a unique and tasty mix of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, Chicago blues, boogie-woogie, New Orleans style, and classic R&B and soul with generous helpings of original music. Blending the wisdom from their collective experience with fresh and youthful energy, the band is quickly gaining a loyal fan-base and acclaim for their dynamic and soulful 'live' shows that range from intimate club settings to large outdoor festivals. Members of the band include vocalist, Deb Landolt, outstanding guitarist, Ritchie B., and the driving force of Melvin Powe on bass, and Doug Oscard on drums. A class act!
As winners of the "2009 River City Blues Competition", Deb and the Drifter Kings will represent The Blues, Jazz, and Folk Music Society of Marietta, Ohio in 2010 at "The International Blues Challenge" in Memphis,Tenn. Where the best un-signed 'blues' artists from around the world vie to become the 'crème of the crop'. Guitarist for the 'Blues Cannibals', and Competition director of the 'River City Blues Competition' in Marietta, John D.Gifford says, " I've known Deb for a decade and have watched her become a strong and dynamic vocalist and performer. Along with her new band, 'The Drifter Kings', you'll see for yourself. Why each year, Ohio has been represented so well in Memphis, by the artists that hail from our state. If you didn't know, Ohio is in the top 5 states in the country with the most blues artists per square mile. The caliber of talent here is amazing!" There is a large contingent of 'blues' fans in this area whom have to travel elsewhere to hear this style of music. Well this time around, it's coming to you. Despite what conjures up in the minds of folks when they hear the term 'blues', come on in for a night of good time socializing and dancing ! Don't be shy, you might just have a great time! Once again, this event is open to the public, with the doors opening at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets will be $6.00 for advanced and $8.00 at the door. Advance tickets available at, Pavlov's Music Center and The Long Branch Restaurant in Cambridge, Ohio. For information, call (740) 685-8485 or (740) 432-8827. I.D. required.
Help support 'live' music in our area.
...thus sayith our man Giff.
Highly recommended.
the Voice.
Izzy & Chris - Acoustic Blues
It's an "Izzy & Chris" weekend...
Header Music News
Izzy & Chris will be performing TWICE
this weekend in the valley:
FRIDAY, May 22: Marietta Brewing Co.
167 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio
SATURDAY, May 23: Overtime Bar
Emerson Ave., Parkersburg, WV
"They're worth seeing BOTH times."
the Voice.
Israel Stetar is without a doubt one of the most amazing musicians to emerge from the hills of West Virginia this decade. When it comes to acoustic blues, he's "the real deal" in every way. His bio accurately reports: "Izzy Stetar is a writer, vocalist and guitar genius, mature beyond his 26-years. He has outstanding vocal quality and mastery on acoustic guitar that simply dazzles." His gritty originals are raw and emotional, full of that feeling we call "the Blues" in every sense of the word. It's Chris Nacy's fine harmonica that intuitively smooths out Izzy's rough edges and very nicely completes and adds greater depth to the sound. If you haven't seen these guys -- you need to. Here are TWO chances this weekend -- so no excuses.
Please come out and SUPPORT these guys this weekend at The MBC in Marietta AND/or The Overtime Bar in Parkersburg. The last time Izzy & Chris played the MBC, I was embarassed when the owner asked me "Where are all of your blues people?" Nobody from the BJFMS was there, not even the usual "music people." So this time, let's please make it a PRIORITY to come out and show your SUPPORT. Believe me, these guys are worthy, and at the MBC it's a FREE show. GOOD BLUES -- FREE!! I'll say it again -- if we don't support the music, it WILL go away.
the Voice.
Marietta Brewing Company
167 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 740-373-BREW
www.mariettabrewingcompany.com
LIVE MUSIC at THE MBC
TUESDAYS 9PM: MBC Unplugged Series
WEDNESDAYS 10PM: Open Mike
FRIDAY & SATURDAYS: Live Music
FRIDAY, May 22: MBC Double Feature
Izzy & Chris -- Acoustic Blues & more
Ira Heyward "Simply Ira" Blues & Jazz
SATURDAY, May 23: Mathew First
SUNDAY, May 24: Island Party w/
Bob Crock & Justin Arthur
Memorial Day Weekend Sunday
Parrot Head Party
. Kick Off Summer w/ your favorite libation, hawaiin shirt, acoustic music. It's a PARTY!!
TUESDAY, May 26: Bobby Kirl
FRIDAY, May 29: The Faculty
SATURDAY, May 30: The Greens
West Virginia Blues Society
www.wvbluessociety.org
The 2nd Annual Charlie West Blues Fest has come and gone (last weekend in Chas.) and our hat's off to Jack Rice and Donna Price of the West Virginia Blues Society for a job well done -- extremely well done, I might add. Everything from the stage, the sound, the great lineup of talent, the food, the cold beer, the vendors -- it was all there -- the stage was set for a good show and a good time for all. Even the predicted bad weather and gawd-awful rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm and high spirits of the great day Jack & Donna put together for us. Yes, it rained -- much harder and longer than it needed to -- but I heard no complaints, and the show went on. Stellar performances by every act on the bill (particularly, in my opinion, The Jimi Vincent Band), made it a great day of Blues in spite of the GD rain. Jack Rice announced from the stage that plans are already underway for the 3rd Annual Charlie West BluesFest. More power to ya, Jack. Our hat's off to you and Donna. the Voice.
Also, don't forget: WVBS BNO's
Sat/May 30th
WVBS Blues Night Out - Bluefield, WV
Gary Bowling's House of Art
Bluefield, WV
C&S RAILROAD (Chris Sutton)
JOHN TAYLOR
The Legendary NAT REESE
7pm Show - $10 door
304.736.1433

Sat/June 6th
WVBS Blues Night Out --Parkersburg,WV
"Howlin' Wolf Birthday Party" with
DENNIS McCLUNG BLUES BAND
The Thirsty Turtle in Parkersburg
Colony Fest
June 5 & 6
Marietta , Ohio

7th Annual COLONY FEST:
Friday & Saturday, June 5, 6
Parking Partners Lot
2nd Street, Downtown Marietta

FREE.

FRIDAY, June 5th:
7pm: Ricky Nie w/Steve Perakis on bass
Cincinnati, Ohio
Blues, Boogie Woogie and New Orleans Piano
9pm Johnny Reed & The Houserockers
Toledo, Ohio. Winners of 2006 Comp.
3rd Place Finalist IBC in Memphis,TN

SATURDAY, June 6th
2pm: Magic Show-
The Great Gault
3pm: Ron Sowell Kids Show.
Ron is from Charleston, WV and is the leader of The Mountain Stage Band
4pm: BBQ Winners Announced
4:30pm: Todd Burge's "Colony Fest Songwriter Contest" Winners
5pm: "Maybe Logic" (Jazz)
Andy Hall, Clay Pascal, Jessica Baldwin, Andy McVey.
6pm: "The Fossils" (70's & Classic Rock) John Walsh, Jeff George, Dave Tenney, Bill White, Dave Laing, and Andrew Colvin
7pm: Ricky Nie w/Steve Perakis on bass Cincinnati, Ohio.
Blues, Boogie Woogie and
New Orleans Piano
8pm: Blue Lunch
8-piece band with horns
Cleveland, Ohio
Blues, R&B, Soul & Rock

Colony Fest has grown up:
2-Days
15 vendors on site
BBQ Cookoff
Antique Show & Sale
Good Music, Good Food
Cold Beer, and a Good Cause
Mountain Stage
Special FestivALL Kickoff Mt.Stage:
Header Music News
FRIDAY, June 19th
at The Clay Center
Special BLUES Show, featuring:
Buddy Guy
Shemekia Copeland
Duke Robillard
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
Charleston has been getting geared up for this year's FestivALL, the multi-faceted, city-wide arts & entertainment festival scheduled for June 19-26, 2009.
Mountain Stage has typically closed FestivALL on the final Sunday. This year a special Blues version of the show will kick the whole thing off on Friday, June 19 at The Clay Center featuring FOUR of the biggest names in the blues.
If you name a major guitar player in any genre, chances are they've been influenced by the legendary Buddy Guy. From Hendrix and Clapton to Knopfler and Beck, they've all drawn upon this Chicago legend for inspiration. The Blues proprietor and restaurateur will make his third appearance on Mountain Stage Friday, June 19. Keep reading for ticket info.
Making a third appearance on Mountain Stage, and a second during FestivALL, will be the new blues queen Shemekia Copeland.
An amazing singer with loads of talent that stretches far beyond the boundaries of the blues, Shemekia is a wonderful entertainer who has certainly hit her stride.
Her latest record, "Never Going Back," not only solidifies her as a bright star but proves she'll be shining well into the future.
DUKE ROBILLARD is the legendary co-founder of ROOMFUL OF BLUES and former lead guitar for THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS.
Lil' ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS were just named "Blues Band of The Year" at the Blues Music Awards.
Advance Tickets only $29.
All seats reserved.
*****************************************
Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE
*****************************************
at www.theClayCenter.org
or by phone at 304.561.3570
and a limited number are available at Taylor Books, 226 Capitol Street, Downtown Charleston.
Blues Music Awards
And the winners are:
From May 7th in Memphis
Here's a complete list of all 26 catagories and the winners:

Acoustic Album of the Year
Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One

Acoustic Artist of the Year
Eden Brent

Album of the Year
Buddy Guy - Skin Deep

B.B. King Entertainer of the Year
Janiva Magness

Band of the Year
Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials

Best New Artist Debut
Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm - 2 Man Wrecking Crew

Contemporary Blues Album of the Year
Buddy Guy - Skin Deep

Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year
Janiva Magness

Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year
Buddy Guy

DVD
Broke & Hungry Records, Cathead Blues & Mudpuppy Recordings - M For Mississippi: A Road Trip Through The Birthplace of the Blues

Historical Album of the Year
Eagle Records - Albert Collins Live At Montreux 1992

Instrumentalist-Bass
Mookie Brill

Instrumentalist-Drums
Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith

Instrumentalist-Guitar
Sonny Landreth

Instrumentalist-Harmonica
Billy Gibson

Instrumentalist-Horn
Deanna Bogart

Instrumentalist-Other
Otis Taylor - Banjo
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player

Marcia Ball

Rock Blues Album of the Year
Jeff Healey - Mess of Blues


Song of the Year
Kenny Neal - Let Life Flow (Kenny Neal)

Soul Blues Album of the Year
Irma Thomas - Simply Grand
Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year

Etta James

Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year
Bobby Rush

Traditional Blues Album of the Year
B.B. King - One Kind Favor

Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
Koko Taylor

Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year
B.B. King
short takes.....
things you might want to know about...
Memphis Cradle Gigs:
Saturday, May 30, 2009:
North East Ohio Blues Assoc. Concert
Alliance, Ohio
Jason Ricci's New Album is out:
"Done With The Devil" by Jason Ricci & New Blood. Available NOW from "Delta Groove Music" @ www.cdBaby.com
GET IT and be impressed. the Voice.
WHERE THE HELL IS VAN WERT??
Well, wherever it is, they have good taste in music, 'cause they're having a blues concert featuring The JON JUSTICE BAND, (and you know what I think of those guys -- my favorites). The show is Saturday, June 6th at The Van Wert County Fairgrounds. 7pm start, with local band, THE DOGZ opening up. I'm guessing The JON JUSTICE BAND should cause quite a stir in lovely downtown Van Wert. My Directions say: West out of Columbus, take St Rt 33 west to US 127 South. Then 15 miles into Van Wert. Van Wert County Fairgrounds is on the left as soon as you enter town. Good Luck. The show will be worth the drive, however.
BIG JAMES IS COMING BACK!
If you were blown away (like the rest of us) by Big James at this year's River City Blues Festival in March, or in case you missed his stellar performance, you'll have the opportunity to see him again soon. Big James (Montgomery) & The Chicago Playboys will be back on our stage for The Annual Chicago Blues Party on November 20, 2009 at the hotel. It's a done deal. More about it later.
FESTIVALL PERFORMANCES
Charleston, WV
"Blues, Brews & BBQ" Friday, June 26
530pm: Ms. Freddye & Blue Faze
630pm: The Carpenter Ants
730pm: The Jimi Vincent Band
830pm: Eddie Turner
10pm: JANIVA MAGNESS
more details to come...
"Wine & All That Jazz" Sat, June 27
2pm : Zanter Trio
315pm: Comparsa
430pm: Stephen Wood Quintet
545pm: Some Like It Hot -- NOLA
715pm: Bob Thompson Unit
830pm: TERENCE BLANCHARD
more details to come....
MEANWHILE, in LEWISBURG, WV:
"Rhythm, Blues & All That Jazz"
2nd Annual Weekend
Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg WV
June 26 - 27
Friday, June 26: Catherine Russell (NYC)
Saturday, June 27:
Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang
Nat Reese & Blues Unlimited
more details to come...
WHO ARE THESE GIRLS
HAVING A GOOD TIME ON DERBY DAY??
Header Music News
About The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society
www.bjfm.org P.O. Box 2122, Marietta, Ohio 45750
The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 all-volunteer "force" of music enthusiasts on a mission to enhance the appreciation of American Roots Music in the Mid-Ohio Valley and we do it by presenting concerts, workshops, conferences, and a forum for education and development in the schools.

The BJFM Society celebrates and perpetuates blues and roots music as a traditional, evolutionary, and uniquely American art form. During the grant period, we will continue to present live music in genres not normally available in a small town like ours, to educate and expose our audiences to music new and unfamiliar to many of them. Our goal is to keep blues, jazz and roots music alive in our area.

With the help of volunteers from our membership, and an
8-member board of directors, the BJFM Society will continue to produce and present our "core events" plus other shows throughout the year as the opportunity presents itself. The BJFM Society has also undertaken the expense of production and presentation of the nationally recognized multicultural "Blues in the Schools" program here in our local schools
The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society Board of Directors:
John Bolen - President
Steve Wells - Vice President, Director of "Blues in The Schools"
Peg Bolen - Treasurer
Maren Beery - Secretary
John Gifford - Board Member, Competition Director, Stage Manager
Helen Holt - Board Member
Mary Ann Osborne - Board Member
Kezia Douglass - Board Member

The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society
P.O. Box 2122
Marietta, Ohio 45750
304-295-4323
VIDEO CLIP of the WEEK
As they say in West Virginia: "Watch This"...
How about some jazz?
Chic Corea Elektic Band --"

Live at The
11th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, BERN


CHICK COREA'S ELEKTRIC BAND
"KING COCKROACH"

Featuring:
Chick Corea
Dave Weckl
John Patitucci
Scott Henderson

Click this link to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmjZToHAIhE&feature=related
Go Out & Support Some Live Music,
Wherever YOU Live...
the Voice.

Illinois Blues News


The FREE Internet Magazine - All news BLUES in the US!

© 2007 - 2009 IllinoisBlues.com

Latest news, photos, reviews, links & MUCH MORE in this issue! - Scroll or Page Down!


TheBluesBlast.com quick website links: Reviews Links Photos Videos Blues Radio Blues Shows near YOU! Advertise for FREE! The Blues Blast Archives


Hey Blues Fans,

This week we feature Live Blues show reviews of two great Blues festivals. Bob Kieser sends in a review of the Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison , Iowa and Pete Tomaszewski starts a two part review of the Doheny Blues Fest in Dana Point, California.

Mike O'Cull sends us a review of the new John Primer CD. James Walker reviews a new CD from The Insomniacs. Mark Thompson sends us a review of the new J. Hansen CD and a new CD by one-man band Bill Abel. Eric Steiner send a review of Bob Corritore’s "Broadcasting The Blues" CD.

Our Blues video of the week is a clip of British guitar sensation Joanne Shaw Taylor playing the instrumental title track from her new debut CD "White Sugar". All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!


Watseka Theatre Blues, BBQ & Arts Fest

May 30th, 2009 Watseka, IL

Outdoors on The "Quality Blues Fest Stage"

11:00AM The Watseka Wonder Blues Band w/ Jeff McCord

Noon SGT. Kaper's Lonely Hearts Club Blues Band
w/ Jim Marshino & The Cherry Pickers

1:00PM Hounds Tooth

3:00PM Little Johnny Blue Moore

5:00PM Curtis and the Mayfields

6:00PM After Midnight Blues Band

Move indoors to the Theatre Stage at 7:30PM

8:00PM Queenie and the Blue Cats

10:30PM Doug McDonald & the Blue Mirror Band

For tickets and complete info: CLICK HERE

www.watsekatheatre.com


Live Blues Review 1 of 2

Simply The Blues Festival - May 8 & 9, 2009 - Fort Madison Iowa

To see many more fun photos from this great festival CLICK HERE

Last weekends Simply The Blues Festival continued in the tradition a small but might Blues events. In it's sixth year they continue to feature one hell of a lineup. Attendance is always hampered by the fact that the festival is on Mothers Day Weekend but that never stops the dedicated Blues fans who show up for this premier Blues event.

The festival started of on Friday night with another of its famous themes. Every act that played on Friday featured a harmonica player!

The night started off with The Smokin Mojo Kings who played in the "Tent Stage" before the fest kicked off and between every act. They also hosted the after fest jam and the fest hotel on Friday night.

The first act up on the main stage was Pat Hazell.

Pat played solo singing, playing the piano and the harp. He is a Blues legend in the Midwest and true to form he put on one hell of a show.

Next up was a band from Austin, Texas, porterdavis. (Yes that is how they spell their name!) porterdavis is a trio with Daniel Barrett on Guitar and Vocals, Mike Meadows on percussion, and Simon Wallace on Harmonica .

Their music mixes roots rock, jam band and Blues into a very pleasant to listen to sound.

Their drummer has a very un-orthodox style and the crowd was beginning to grow as they got into their set. If you get the chance to catch these guys it is worth it!

The next performer was Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Sugar Blue.

Not your typical Bluesman, Sugar was born James Whiting and was raised in Harlem, New York.

His harmonica prowess is evident and many say he is the Jimi Hendrix of the harmonica.

He played a great set that clearly showed why he is regarded as one of the best harmonica players alive.

Following Sugar Blue was the legendary Bobby Rush.

Bobby had just driven all night from Memphis the night before where he won another Blues Music award for the best Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year.

Then he left immediately after his show to drive to Shreveport, Lousiana for the Lead Belly Blues Festival the next night.

This is nothing new for Bobby as he has been touring since his youth and is now a spry 76 years old.

If you have never seen Bobby's big show with his band and the dancing girls, put it on your to do list. Bobby is very entertaining.

Bobby dances around on the stage like a man half his age interacting with the crowd, telling jokes and man can this guy play the harmonica!

The show is a bit racy at tims and the girls can really shake their generous booty's in a way that is surely bordering on immoral and illegal. But it is a real hoot!

Day Two

After a nice after fest jam at the hotel on Friday night we headed back to the fest Saturday for more great Blues.

The Avey Brothers kicked off the show in the "Tent Stage" and performed between acts on Saturday.

They are the 2009 Iowa Blues Champions and they are very solid as a band.

Kicking off the main stage on Saturday was the 2009 International Blues Challenge solo/duet winner, Little Joe Mclerran. Joe and a bass player we so tight they were squeaking. He gave the crowd a clear picture of why he won!

Little Joe plays Piedmont Blues and since the death of John Cephas, may be the heir to the crown of "the best" around. For a guy that is only 24 years old, this guy oozes with talent. Surely another artist you want to make a point to see.

Following Little Joe was the 2009 International Blues Challenge Band winner, JP Soars and the Red Hots.

We were at the IBC finals and I recall turning to my partner and remarking after JP played his set, "If this guy doesn't win, something is WRONG"!

There of course was nothing wrong at all as JP won both the band competition and was selected as the best guitar player, winning the Albert King award too.

The band had a long 90 minute set and it was obvious this guy is a monster guitar and slide player. Usually when a great player does a long set like that it all starts to sound like the same licks about an hour in the set. Not with this guy. He spent many years touring the world with heavy metal guitars bands before he realized his love for the Blues was pulling him toward a new kind of music career.

He can play it all, rock, metal, jazz, swing and the Blues. Catch this guy as soon as you can before he decides to venture off into another genre of music!

Following JP was Blues rocker Shannon Curfman. Shannon started her career with her first major label recording contract at the age of 14. Now at the still young age of 23, Shannon is a very talented singer, songwriter, guitar player and performer.

Quite mature as an artist, she treated the crowd to a great set that ranged from her original Blues and rock tunes as well as some great sing-along cover tunes.

Her new second lead guitar player (John?) had only played a couple gigs with her and they were really solid. Can't wait to see them in a few months or years when they really jell and show their full potential.

The Soul Of John Black was next on the bill and this band from Los Angeles showed why they are such a great band that get lots of recognition. They were nominated by both the Blues Foundation and The Blues Blast Music Awards for best new artist in 2008.

They played a soul Blues set with some kinda jam band vibe thrown in. They played a great set which included some of the songs from their 2008 CD, Good Girl Blues and songs fron the latest release Black John. Look for more from this band in the near future

Promoter Matt Eimer decided to make the theme of Saturdays festival about the 30th anniversary of Michael Frank's Earwig Music.

So the next few artists were form the Earwig label beginning smoking guitarist Scott Ellison.

Scott was a surprise quest and he was not officially on the schedule but he stopped in to play a few songs from his Earwig release, Ice Storm.

Continuing the Earwig theme, Liz Mandville and the Blue Points played a set of music from her latest Earwig CD, Redtop. This Chicago girl has got it going on!

She started out by playing the rub board and singing. She later switched to guitar and showed she can handle that quite well too!

Her CD is really good and she sold quite a few of them and signed many autographs after her set.

Liz was one of the artists who performed on the Blues Train this year too. Simply the Blues Fest worked with Amtrak to provide a train coming from Chicago on Friday that featured Liz and harmonica wizard Dan Beaver performing on the ride to Fort Madison. They also had a train from Kansas City to Fort Madison which featured acoustic Blues artist Rich Berry performing.

After Liz Mandville, Earwig artist Johnny Drummer took the stage. Johnny is a well known Chicago Blues piano and harmonica player and can be heard most nights performing at Lee's Unleaded Blue Club in Chicago.

He was joined onstage by Liz Mandville for a couple songs. Johnny plays a portable guitar like piano and played many of the songs from his latest Earwig CD.

The next act was my personal favorite of the entire festival. Earwig artists Chris James and Patrick Rynn with Bob Corritore sitting in on Harmonica.

They played tune after tune of REAL Blues including many of the songs from their latest CD.

What I liked was the level of real talent. Hard to find a more talented group. Bob Corritore has played with some of the best and this set ranked right up there.

James and Rynn don't get the chance to play with Bob Corritore very often and we are grateful we had the opportunity to see them.

The headliner on Saturday was the final act. Harper is a Blues musician from Australia. He plays harmonica and sings with a great band of Aussies.

He also plays the didgeridoo in his shows too. It is quite an interesting show. But his main talent is much more traditional as he is a great harp player and singer.

All in all the Simply The Blues Fest is one you want to put on your calendar.

Since it is going to remain on Mothers Day weekend, maybe you can make it a family affair and bring Mom too next year!

Review and Photos by Blues Blast editor Bob Kieser


MonmouthBlues.com presents

Matthew Skollar Band

The Rivoli Theatre - Monmouth, IL

CLICK HERE to Purchase Tickets


Blues Want Ads

Blues Musicians Place Your Want Ad here for FREE

"workin Blues performers" ONLY can place Want Ads here for FREE. NO Commercial Ads!
Buy or sell equipment , musicians wanted, gigs wanted etc. Limit 100 words.

Information Wanted on Chicago's Club 708

Looking for information about an old south side Chicago blues club called the 708 Club that was at 708 E. 47th Street, Chicago and was run by Ben Gold and his brother. Interested in information from about 1954 to 1959 because the 708 Club was called, “The southside’s leading blues house,” by the Chicago Defender in 1957. Also, according to several sources the club played host to Muddy Waters, the 4 Aces, Howling Wolf, Memphis Slim, Jimmy Rogers, Willie Mabon, Otis Rush, Billy Boy Arnold, Little Walter, Snooky Pryor, Magic Sam, James Cotton, Buddy Guy and David “Honeyboy” Edwards; among many others. Records indicate that the club closed in early 1959. Want to find out why. Contact

Blues Interviewers wanted

Blues Blast Magazine is looking for volunteers to interview Blues musicians for the magazine. If you have a background and experience with Blues music and like to write we can provide leads to conduct interviews with the artists. Person must be willing to write a minimum of one interview every other week. This is a great way to beef up your resume. If interested please send a sample of your writing and a short bio of your background to

All ads submitted will be used if space allows. If space is limited, ads will be randomly selected to appear in the Blues Blast. Ads may be edited. Send your ad submission to


Friday, June 19

The Rev. Jimmy Bratcher

Angela Hagenbach

Harper

Saturday, June 20

Parkville Community Band

The Skip Hawkins Band

Tommy Andrews Band

The Sons of Brazil

Roger "Hurricane" Wilson w/ Levee Town

Stacy Mitchart

www.parkvilleriverjam.com/


Featured Blues Review 1 of 5

John Primer - All Original

Blues House Productions

www.johnprimerblues.com

John Primer began his blues life as a sideman and saw the world playing behind artists like Muddy Waters and Magic Slim and eventually made the transition into being a bandleader and solo artist in his own right. Now, Primer and his guitar are going through another transition, transforming into a truly independent artist who is in control of his own destiny.

His latest release, All Original, is his first effort on his own record label, Blues House Productions, and all 12 songs are Primer compositions. This is something of a dream come true for Primer, judging by the liner notes on the album, and he has plans to put out other artists on Blues House and help expose other blues performers. Primer’s intent is to preserve blues history while producing original music for the future.

Primer’s style is well known in Chicago and beyond and he does not disappoint on this new outing. He is a fine example of the old school Chicago style of blues, not blues/rock, and has one of the best voices and vibes in the business. His playing is always in the pocket and taps into the true rhythmic aspect of the blues and never ventures into post-Hendrix bombast.

The songs shine here, as well. Primer originals like “Going Back To Mississippi” and “Every Day Brings By A Change” show John at the top of his songwriting game. It’s nice to hear an album full of fresh, new cuts rather than a bunch of reworked standards. If the blues is going to survive, it is going to need new songs and more albums like this that put those songs out there.

Primer is one of the best at what he does but, after listening to his newest music, one gets the impression that a whole new part of his career is kicking off and that the really good stuff is just now starting to hit.

Reviewer Mike O'Cull is a noted Chicago music writer and Blues Blast contributor. Visit his MySpace page at:
www.myspace.com/mikeocullmusic

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.



Featured Blues Review 2 of 5

The Insomniacs - At Least I’m Not With You

Delta Groove Music

www.insomniacsblues.com

13 songs; Time 56:14; Reference Quality (especially when paired with their debut)

Styles: West Coast Blues; Swing; Contemporary Blues; Chicago Blues

“At Least I’m Not With You” continues the finger-snapping, foot-tapping energy and fun of The Insomniacs’ 2007 debut, “Left Coast Blues.” While their debut essence is maintained, the scope of their music is broadened in a few songs by studio insertion of harmonica, saxophones, and even pedal steel guitar on one cut. The result is a multiple-generation-spanning winner!

Imagine a conversation between two Blues fans in the year 2020 referring to the first two albums from The Insomniacs.
Dick: “There seems to be more young Blues fans than ever these days. What was it that opened the door and brought them around because the plethora of Rockers posing as Blues artists got to be so monotonous and mundane.”

Ed: “I think it was the arrival of bands like The Insomniacs, The Kilborn Alley Blues Band, and Rick Estrin’s post Little Charlie group. Remember how exciting it was to hear unique guitar solo passages created by The Insomniacs’ young Vyasa Dodson? His guitar riffs were inventive and fresh with bounce and joy, and all his notes were placed judiciously with no extensive, note wasting solos or shredding. Equally imaginative were the trade-off piano and organ leads of Alex Shakeri. Together with Dean Mueller (bass) and Dave Melyan (drums), they created so many catchy musical hooks and turnarounds that it made young people realize what fun Blues could be.”

Utilizing the internet, the band members took a page from the Obama campaign (or maybe vice-versa) by filling long drives between gigs surfing the web on wireless laptops, looking at MySpace and Facebook friends of the clubs down the road, and emailing blues fans inviting them to listen to the band and come to a show. The result is hundreds of plays per day on MySpace, a site usually focused on alternative, pop, and hip-hop music. They've engaged a whole new generation of first-time young blues fans, as well as older ones who recognize the roots of their music.

By finely tuning their songs night after night out on the road over the last two years, “At Least I’m Not With You” was ready, and it recorded in only two days. The Portland, Oregon based band led by 27-year old vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Vyasa Dodson has laid down another vibrant set of mostly original material.

Recorded at Clear Lake Audio in Burbank CA, Jeff Scott Fleenor from Delta Groove co-produced with the band, and they were joined by special guests Al Blake (harmonica), Mitch Kashmar (harmonica), Joel Paterson (pedal steel guitar), and Jeff Turmes (tenor/baritone sax).

The first song my radio co-host, “Shuffle Shoes,” and I played was the last cut, an instrumental titled “Insomniacs Boogie.” We played it first that night to launch our show on an upbeat note. The song epitomizes their music (minus vocals): two fisted piano opens, soon underscored by solid Melyan drum rhythm and Jeff Turmes guesting on tenor sax. At one minute in, Vyasa picks a solo of rapidly progressing notes that eventually adds chords and just keeps building in a purposeful direction. A quick mid-song drum solo, a group shouted “Hey!” and it’s back to the originally stated theme with Mueller matching bass notes with Shakeri on piano walking an intricate bass line with his left hand while pounding out an incendiary melody with his right. Smoking!

Other standouts are a killer slow blues, J.W. Henry’s “Description Blues,” a faithful rendition of Junior Wells’ “Hoodoo Man Blues,” another dance inducing instrumental, “Root Beer Float,” a humorous original “She Can Talk” (her only steady boyfriend is deaf), an instant classic “20/20,” and the swinging title track.

In 2007, I correctly predicted a Blues Music Award nomination of Best New Artist Debut for “Left Coast Blues.” With no hesitation, I’ll go on record right now with predictions of both BMA and Blues Blast Music Award nominations for Best Contemporary Blues Recording. Further, Vyasa Dodson could just end up with the BBMA “Sean Costello Rising Star Award!”

Reviewer James “Skyy Dobro” Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show “Friends of the Blues” can be heard each Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00pm on WKCC 91.1 FM in Kankakee, IL
To See James “Skyy Dobro” Walker's CD rating system,
CLICK HERE

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


New CD by

BJ Allen

&

Blue Voodoo

"Heartless"

"From fun to funky to soulful ballads and back again" - Blues Blast Magazine

To read the complete review CLICK HERE

Available now at:

www.CDBaby.com/all/BlueVoodoo

www.BlueVoodooBlues.com

www.MySpace.com/BlueVoodooBlues


Featured Blues Review 3 of 5

Bill Abel - One Man Band

Blue Skunk Music

www.blueskunkmusic.com

16 tracks/55 minutes

There have been a few one-man bands scattered throughout the history of blues music. Many listeners may not be familiar with names like Dr. Ross, Joe Hill Louis or Juke Boy Bonner. They worked extensively as a self-contained musical unit, the same path Bill Abel has decided to travel. A Belzoni, Mississippi native, Abel was tutored by bluesman Paul “Wine “ Jones and he has backed T-Model Ford, Big George Brock and other delta musicians.

The focus of this release is squarely on Abel. Recorded live in the studio without any overdubs, he plays an assortment of guitars and a drum set consisting of kick drum, snare and hi hat cymbal. Abel maintains a steady pulse on the set, kicking out a powerful beat. His skill on guitar allows him to pick lead lines and rhythm patterns simultaneously. Mix the two together and you have a high-octane combination of elemental blues music driven by Abel’s raw-edged vocals.

There isn’t anything pretty or gentle about Abel’s music. It is a propulsive force that offers no quarter. His feet pound the drum kit while he tears notes out of his guitar strings. The opening cut, “Barkin’ All Nite”, finds Abel shouting out the lyrics, his voice on the edge of breaking from the effort to be heard over the musical maelstrom he creates. On “Rob and Steal”, a Paul Jones song, Abel dials back the intensity of his singing a bit but the music is a surging force of relentless intensity that suddenly just stops because there’s no where else to go. There are two instrumental tracks that lower the energy level and provide a respite from Abel’s energetic efforts.

Whether it’s a traditional song like “John Henry” or one of Abel’s thirteen originals like “Little Airplane”, the approach doesn’t vary much. Bill shouts out the simple lyrics in his deep, strong voice while his feet and fingers do their best to create the kind of blues music that would keep the dance floor filled all night long in any juke joint in the Mississippi delta.

This music is not for everyone. Some may find it too unrelenting, others too simple. Listening to this recording from start to finish can be an exhausting experience. But Abel’s performance harks back to a time when music was created for dancing, not for another display of instrumental virtuosity. He has mastered the art of creating a groove that rocks so hard that it can bring on a trance-like state of being. This one is made to be played loud – and don’t forget to dance like you mean it!!! Then you will understand the real beauty of Bill Abel’s music.

Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


4th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest
June 19-20, 2009
Music City Texas Theatre -
Linden, Texas

Jimmie Vaughan

Gary Nicholson

Bugs Henderson

Guitar Shorty

Gregg Wright

The Bluebirds

Joe Jonas Band

Bobbie Oliver & Jam City Revue

Pleasant Hill Quilting Group

David “Honeyboy” Edwards

Wes Jeans

TuTu Jones

19th Street Red

Bernie Pearl

Betty Lewis & the Executives

Marquise Knox

Kayla Reeves

Colton O’Neill Band

www.tbonewalkerbluesfestival.com


Featured Blues Review 4 of 5

J. Hansen - Give the Drummer Some

Greaseland Records

www.myspace.com/jhansendrums

11 tracks/35:50

For the past seven years, drummer J. Hansen has been a member of the Nightcats , backing Little Charlie and now Rick Estrin. His current band mates are all here - Estrin on harmonica, Lorenzo Farrell on bass, Kid Andersen on guitar and Bob Welsh on keyboards. With one exception, Hansen wrote all of the tracks and produced the recording. The songs showcase the musical forms that he is passionate about - blues, country and rock & roll. Instead of mixing his influences, Hansen writes in one style for each track. He has a solid voice with plenty of range that easily can handle the demands of his tunes.

“Firecracker” opens the proceedings with a quick burst of rockabilly. Hansen pounds out the beat, while Andersen supplies the first of his dynamic guitar solos. The abrupt ending leads straight into “I’m Takin’ Out My In-Laws,” a humorous examination of the perils of married life. Rick Estrin takes honors on the slow blues piece, “Wigglin’ on the Pole”, blowing hot harp licks that dance around Hansen’s vocal. Andersen lays down some awesome Muddy Waters-style slide licks with a full, rich guitar tone. The song examines a failed relationship with a stripper.

Hansen switches to an easy swinging jazz groove on “Equal Opportunity Lover,” which features Clint Baker on trombone. “My Little Girl” is Hansen’s tribute to his daughter done in a straight country format. Kid Andersen breaks out his wah-wah pedal on “No Good”, a funky track with one of Hansen’s strongest vocals. Hansen slows the pace on “Really Living”, a ‘50s style ballad with Welsh’s piano driving the arrangement and Andersen contributing a brief but intense guitar interlude. “Workin’ Man” is a tune that falls squarely on the point where country morphed into rockabilly - the beat a little harder and faster, Hansen’s singing using inflections common to the early rockers. The disc closes with minimal take on “Mack the Knife”, serving as a showcase for Hansen’s skills as a drummer. The cut is less effective due to his too hip vocal .

It might be tough for Hansen to get attention for this release as it will be competing with the new Rick Estrin and the Nightcats title on Alligator Records. In fact, one of the strongest cuts on this disc, “I’m Takin’ Out My In-Laws”, has a lengthier version on the Estrin disc. The other drawback to Hansen’s recording is the short playing time. That said, Hansen sings and drums with gusto on a batch of listenable original tunes. The support is impeccable, especially from Kid Andersen. Give the Drummer Some is not an essential purchase but it is definitely a solid listen..

Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


For info and tickets visit www.briggsfarm.com


http://cdbaby.com/cd/brandonscottsellner


Featured Blues Review 5 of 5

Various Artists - Broadcasting the Blues!

SWMAF Records

www.bobcorritore.com

Broadcasting the Blues is a silver anniversary of Bob Corritore’s blues radio program called Those Lowdown Blues on Phoenix’ KJZZ-FM at 91.5 FM in Arizona and www.kjzz.org everywhere else. There’s gold in many of the 20 tracks that feature Bob’s guests in the studio playing live on the air between 1984 to 2008. Those Lowdown Blues has been consistently recognized by the “Best of Phoenix” awards hosted by the alternative weekly New Times, and in 2007, the program received a Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation.

Whenever I see Bob at a Blues Foundation event, he’s all over the place: if he’s not onstage playing with his friends (he’s in good company, upstairs at Rum Boogie playing with Chris James and Patrick Rynn at the 2009 International Blues Challenge, his harp playing was transcendent), he’s networking the room better than any politician I can name.

Broadcasting the Blues is worth discovering, particularly for songs from Billy Boy Arnold (“Shake Your Boogie”), Johnny Dyer, Chris James and Patrick Rynn (“Johnny’s Crazy Blues”) and Lazy Lester (“Out on the Road”).

With guests as diverse as Billy Flynn, Henry Gray, Chief Schabuttie Gillame, and Willie Dixon, Those Lowdown Blues has contributed immensely to the greater blues community. Each time I look at the inside photo spread, I wonder what it was like to be in the studio when this magic was made. Fans of authentic, stripped-down, acoustic blues will enjoy Broadcasting the Blues. Come to think of it, I’ve got his 20th anniversary compilation around here somewhere, and I’ll shout about that, too!

Every weekend, I make it my business to listen to Delta Frank Black, the Blues Doctor at WGLT-FM at my alma mater online at www.wglt.org, Illinois State University, and I also tune in to KBA recipient John Kessler’s All Blues program at www.kplu.org. Well, staring next weekend, I’m adding www.kjzz.org to my weekend blues radio journey so that I can catch Bob live on the radio.

Reviewer Eric Steiner is the President of the Washington Blues Society, a proud recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award. For more information, please visit www.wablues.org.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


For more info visit: http://www.urbanablues.com


Blues Society News


Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:

Please submit a maximum of 175 or words or less in a Text or Word format ONLY.


Central Mississippi Blues Society – Jackson, MS

The CMBS presents Blue Monday at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., Jackson, MS) every Monday night. Doors open @ 8:00 and music begins @ 8:30. Cover is $5.

The Blue Monday Band is comprised of the “best of the best “ musicians in the Central MS area. Featured artists are King Edward, lead guitar/vocalist and Pat Brown, Abdul Rasheed and Dennis Fountain as vocalists. Other regular band members are Dwight Ross and Rick Lewis (drums), Keith Collins (bass), Johnny Sharpe (keys) and Malcolm Shepherd (CMBS President) on Congas. Most of these musicians appeared in The Last of the Mississippi Jukes.

The Blue Monday Band plays the first set and then the event turns into a jam. For more info see: www.centralmississippibluessociety.com or call Peggy Brown @ 601-613-7377

Blues Blowtorch Society – Bloomington, IL

3rd Friday Blues - The Treehouse Lounge, 2060 Ireland Grove Rd, Bloomington, IL (309) 662-5231 A blues show the 3rd Friday of every month at 7:00 PM. June 19th – Watermelon Slim & The Workers

The Long Island Blues Society - Long Island, NY

The LIBS Presents Carolyn Wonderland, June 14th 2009 @ BOBBiQUE, 70 West Main Street, Patchogue NY (631) 447-7744. Joe Rock & The Allstars open the show! Tickets are only $18 ($15 for Blues Society members). Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com and at BOBBiQUE. Doors open 2:30 PM. For more info visit www.liblues.org This is going to be one exciting performance – not to be missed. See y’all at BOBBiQUE!!

Friends Of The Blues Shows - Kankakee IL

The Friends of the Blues has started their 2009 Blues concert Series. Here are their currently scheduled shows. May 26 – The Insomniacs, Kankakee Elks Country Club Kankakee Elks Country Club, 2283 Bittersweet Drive, St. Anne IL. 815-937-1228, May 30 – 2nd Annual Blues & BBQ Festival, Watseka Theatre, downtown Watseka, IL June 16 – Joanne Shaw Taylor, River Bend Bar & Grill, 6070 E. Route 17, Kankakee IL. 815-933-0610 Aug 11 – Laurie Morvan, Kankakee Elks Country Club 2283 Bittersweet Drive, St. Anne IL. 815-937-1228

Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society and the Dam View Inn present Joe and Vicki Price at the Dam View Inn, 410 E. 2nd Street in downtown Davenport, on Friday May 22. The show, a fundraiser for the Blues Society, starts at 9 p.m., and admission is $5. For more info contact call the MVBS office at 563-32-BLUES.

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

BLUE MONDAY SHOWS

Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover - May 24 - Bruce Katz

River City Blues Society- Peoria, IL

The River City Blues Society's Wednesday Blues Series features the best traveling regional and National Blues musicians each Wednesday at 7:00pm. The shows are held at the Dragon's Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave in Pekin, IL. Admission is $4. Shows scheduled are: May 27 - The Insomniacs, June 3 – Rob Williams' Soggy Bottom Blues Band, June 10 – The Plateros, June 17 – Joanne Shaw Taylor, June 24 - Gina Sicilia


New CD from Alex Dixon Band

Rising From The Bushes

Hit #4 on the Roots Blues Charts prior to its release!

Now Available to download at Amazon, iTunes, Rhapsody and other digital sites. You can also purchase the CD at

www.dixonlandingmusic.com.


For complete info visit: www.bearcreekblues.com


Live Blues Review 2 of 2

Doheny Blues Festival May 16-17, 2009 Doheny State Beach, California Part I

I never got to see Jimi Hendrix perform. Or Janis Joplin, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Ike and Tina Turner, or all these other icons of the 60’s and 70’s. I was born too late.

I’m a fairly young and single record buyer and concert goer, ready, willing and able to spend my money on great concert experiences and records. But today’s major radio stations and music magazines aren’t being very helpful guides, playing the same oldies and being mere megaphones for the campaigning machines of advertisers and major labels. The instrument manufacturing business is desperate because kids aren’t buying enough guitars, as they say there are no guitar heroes today, motivating sales. Record and concert ticket sales are down. None of the acts that fill arenas today are below age 30. Some music industry figures say that music isn’t as culturally relevant to the masses as it used to be. Major label music has become a free bonus-feature to give away along with purchases of other products.

So with that being said, I always thought my photographer James and I were part of a lost generation, with very few musical heroes of our own to inspire us. But this year’s Doheny Blues Festival proved us wrong! After spending two days at this music fest on the crystal waters and white sands of Doheny State Beach, California, I wondered if this is how people felt at Woodstock back in -69, being blown away by one mega-talent after the other.

Saturday, May 16 (Day 1)

We only caught a few moments of the very first local SoCal bands to open the festival: The 44’s and White Boy James & The Blues Express. We started our Saturday coverage by heading over to the picturesque little Back Porch stage, designated for acoustic artists and smaller-sized bands. A trio lead by the young pianist/singer Taryn Donath with additional drums and alto sax played a smokin’ set of jump blues with soul, west coast swing and Latin flavors – and they were the only band not mentioned in the festival program! Researching their MySpace page, they turn out to be from San Diego, Donath has played piano professionally since age 12, and last year she was nominated for an award as the city’s best blues artist. Check these great bands out here: www.myspace.com/taryndoanth
www.myspace.com/whiteboyjamesbluesexpress and www.myspace.com/the44sband

Doheny featured one international act. A terrific guitarist, singer, harmonica player and songwriter, Sven Zetterberg is a household name in his native Sweden, nominated for multiple Swedish Grammys, and he tours all over Scandinavia. With a killer band and his feet firmly planted in classic blues and Southern soul, this Viking in a soul man suit drew a huge crowd to the mid-sized Renaissance stage as he launched into powerful renditions of Ann Peebles’ “The Handwriting’s on the Wall”, Little Milton’s “Let Me Down Easy” and Tyrone Davis’ “Turning Point.”

Zetterberg made fun of his Swedish accent, exaggerating it as he introduced one of the songs. When he introduced his band members, the audience were hard at work figuring out the very Nordic-sounding names. But no doubt is this man a great, authentic soul and blues artist. He referred to Little Milton being an early idol, and they share a similar gritty, yet wailing and passionate way of singing. Zetterberg also proved to be a fine songwriter with the brutally honest original “Baby, You’re Falling Apart” from his latest disc Hollerin’ Up a Storm. Later that night, the band hosted the festival’s fun after-party at Renaissance Dana Point. www.svenzetterberg.com

Having heard of the legendary Elvin Bishop, but never seen him live, we were in for a treat. What a funny character, great singer and masterful slide player - having been around for 45 years since his schooling with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the 60’s. With his beautifully worn 335 guitar adorned with faded stickers, and a blackened brass slide on his pinkie, he and his band – featuring trombonist Ed Early, guitarist “Mighty” Mike Shermer, bassist Timm Walker, keyboardist S.E. Willis and drummer Bobby Cochran - played a loose and funky set. He dedicated “That’s My Thing” to radio profile Brother Bubba, and as everybody sang the words to “Going Fishin’”, he walked out into the audience with his overalls and crazy bed-head hair, grabbing a seat amongst a group of picnickers, still wailing away on his wireless guitar. He pulled up a lady from the audience, gave her his pick and had her strum feverishly on every beat as he fingered the chords. He also had everybody sing on his biggest hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” as he played slide melodies that made me misty-eyed. Announced as “a new big star” by Bishop, up-coming singer and harp player John Nemeth joined the band to sing Ray Charles’ classic “(Night Time is) the Right Time.”

Bishop also showed up as a special guest on Derek Truck’s set the following day, but more on that later! Many artists in the Doheny line-up, including Trucks, Nemeth, BB King, Tommy Castro and many more, are playing on Bishop’s new Delta Groove release, The Blues Rolls On. www.elvinbishopmusic.com

Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm played as a drum and electric guitar duo on the Back Porch stage. Malcolm is an in-demand session guitarist, and Burnside is the grandson of the legendary country blues artist R.L. Burnside, as well as a great drummer. He was also featured as a drummer in the movie about his grandfather, Black Snake Moan, starring Samuel L. Jackson. Their instrumentation and raw sound resembles a bit of Jimi Hendrix, but also the minimalist rock duos that are so popular today, like The White Stripes and Black Keys. These guys also pay a similar homage to delta blues, while adding flavors of funk and hip hop. Over the years the two have made friends and worked with the some of the very best Mississippi Blues legends, including T-Model Ford and Hubert Sumlin, in addition to the younger generation of musicians including the North Mississippi All-Stars. www.lightninmalcolm.com

Singer/harmonica player/songwriter Rick Estrin ranks among the very best harp players in the blues world. The great guitarist Robert Lockwood, Jr. (who played on most of Little Walter's Chess recordings) once told Estrin that Little Walter would be very proud of him. After fronting Little Charlie & The Nightcats for 30 years along with guitarist Little Charlie Baty, Estrin is now leading his own Nightcats since Baty retired from touring. They played harmonica-driven and guitar-fueled classic blues at the Renaissance stage, and performed lots of songs from Estrin’s huge catalogue. His new guitarist Kid Andersen – hailing from Norway via Charlie Musselwhite’s band - also turned many heads as his piercing, fiery solos echoed across the festival grounds. www.myspace.com/rickestrin

John Hammond drew large, enthusiastic crowds to his one-man show at the Back Porch stage. Equipped with an acoustic, a Dobro, a harmonica and smoky vocal chords, he has a passionate commitment to traditional, acoustic blues. Because of that, he was the natural choice to host the Bravo TV special and Sony Home Video, The Search for Robert Johnson. As the afternoon sun started to set in Doheny, he was more than happy to share stories with us about the master musicians he’s played with in his 40-year career, including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howling Wolf and Willie Dixon. Hammond’s delivery is intense, and the closer up we got to him on stage, the greater listening experience we had. www.johnhammond.com

The first act to become a personal favorite, however, was the Keb Mo Band as they took over the big Doheny stage. Kevin Moore – aka Keb Mo - is a songwriter with a knack for making the blues accessible to a broader audience by adding soulful colors of Fender Rhodes and funky guitars. The band has a bell-like clarity in their sound - modern and polished - but not lacking sex, earthiness or grit by any means, as his steamy duet with singer Niki J Crawford (Macy Gray) made us worry for her on-looking husband out in the audience. He’s also a skilled lyricist and observer of contemporary life, making funny comments on relationships and what people bring to them in songs like “Suitcase”. Keb Mo also played a great acoustic set at the Back Porch stage the next day.

Astonishingly charismatic as a singer and Dobro player, my photographer James dubbed him “the Michael Jordan of blues.” “Why’s that?” I asked. “Because he’s tall and lanky, and moves around his instruments with the same confidence that Jordan possesses on the basketball court.” www.kebmo.net

“Did you feel like you had a religious experience? I saw eyes closed. I saw hands waiving.” Those were the words of the announcer after Grace Potter and The Nocturnals walked off the stage. A neoclassic rock band that has been welcomed by the jam community after tours with Gov’t Mule and The Black Crowes, Potter wasn’t too sure if she and her band of young, indie rock hipsters “fit into this kind of festival” with “all these great blues musicians,” but luckily the crowd didn’t share her concerns. Bonnie Raitt has called them “one of the most soulful new bands around.” Potter announced a recent line-up change and introduced two new Nocturnals - bassist Catherine Pepper and rhythm guitarist Benny Yurco – who fit into the band perfectly. They played several songs from their latest album, This is Somewhere, as well as a few songs from their upcoming collaboration with T-Bone Burnett, scheduled for release this fall.

Their influences run wide: from The Band, Lucinda Williams and Neil Young to Led Zeppelin, yet they don’t sound like any of these artists. Not only a very strong vocalist and songwriter with clever songs like “Ah, Mary”, Potter is also a great Hammond player, so she naturally grabs 90% of the attention. Her band is competent, without any stand-out players that have distinctive voices, but their strength is that they’re dynamic, lyrical and really play the right stuff for each song. With the exception of maybe a few die-hard blues purists, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals surely must have made plenty of new fans at Doheny. www.gracepotter.com

Being injected with such great music and vibrant performances, it was a bit of a disappointment to hear the night’s headliner, Brian Setzer, and his quartet The Nashvillains. He’s clearly an amazing guitar player, and every song he played was a showcase for his blistering jazz and rockabilly licks: “Rumble in Brighton”, “Red Hot” and “Peroxide Blonde in a Hopped up Model Ford.” He and his band seemed to enjoy themselves, and people danced frantically in front of the stage, but maybe James and I aren’t die-hard slaves of the rockabilly rhythm. The Nashvillains were great entertainers, no doubt. But once we had been fed by Keb Mo and Grace Potter, we were turned on to soul food, so off we went into the night in order to protect our musical buzz… NEXT WEEK - Part 2 of the Doheny Blues Fest

Review by Review by Pete Tomaszewski

Photos by James Porter and Pete Tomaszewski

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


For Tickets and more info visit: www.mvbs.org


http://www.nickmoss.com


Blues Video of the Week

Joanne Shaw Taylor
White Sugar - Rude Mood Medley

This week we feature a video by another young white Blues guitar player from Great Britain but this time with a real twist! She's a gal. But she don't play like no girl!

Joanne Shaw Taylor's new debut CD on Ruf records, White Sugar was just released in the USA this week. We were first in telling you about another great young band from across the pond last year called Back Door Slam. We are every bit as excited to tell you about this one. The clip here is an instrumental but this lady can sing too and she wrote all the songs on her CD! We promise you are gonna be hearing more about this gal. (We will be reviewing her CD in the next few weeks.)

Some promotional materials say that if you want to know what she sounds like just try to imagine the lovechild of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dusty Springfield. She plays as well as SRV and has one heck of a soulful voice. Check her out!

To see this cool video on our website, click the play button below.

.

For other videos on our website CLICK HERE.


The BEST Way To Promote YOUR Next Blues Project!

BANDS, BARS, AND LABELS: Is your promo material getting you the gigs and business you desire? If not, call music journalist and copy writer Mike O'Cull for all your promotional needs. Mike is a veteran music journalist and musician and writes for the Illinois Entertainer, IllinoisBlues.com, and www.Chicagomusicguide.com and can deliver the highest quality promotional writing around quickly and at a reasonable price.

Mike's specialties include bios, press releases, liner notes, and web content. Full press kit design, including graphics, is also available. Clients include The Joe Moss Band, Carl Davis, TruSoul Entertainment, B.A. S. Entertainment, and many others. Samples available on request. Email mocull@mac.com , call Mike O'Cull Music at 847-608-0357, or visit us online at www.myspace.com/mikeocullmusic for more information.

Mention the Blues Blast for a $10 new customer discount.


The Smokie Blues International Festival - August 14 - 16, 2009

The Golf Hotel, Carnoustie, Scotland

For tickets an info www.SmokieBlues.com or www.oxfordhotelsandinns.com


Live Blues Calendar

YOU can submit your Blues performances for FREE at: http://www.illinoisblues.com/submitnews.htm

Performance dates were submitted by Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Blues festivals.

TheBluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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Performance dates submitted by Musicians, Clubs, Blues Societies and Blues festivals.

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