Saturday, June 16, 2007
Saturday Night Fish Fry: Shades Of Blue Internet Radio
The Saturday Night special Internet radio station is Shades Of Blues. I don't have much information about the station or who runs it, but I believe it has some connection with the Zero Hour Network. Click Here and then click on the yellow button on the webpage to access the music.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Watermelon Slim Interview
The Prince George Free Press, has an interview with Watermelon Slim. Slim was up for six BMA's, but was shut out, but I don't think that will stop Slim. He has been playing since the 70s, and it was over 30 years between releases so I am sure he can handle adversity:-) I just hope he releases a new CD before 2037:-)
Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music and Arts Festival
The Second Annual Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival takes place on June 23rd in Eastern Pennsylvania. I have to admit that the title of the fest is a mouthful:-D It looks like it is mostly local and regional bands, but Little Ed and the Imperials are headlining the gig, and they are worth the trip. Little Ed is a throwback to old time Chicago blues, and he puts on quite the show. I was lucky to have seen him in Kansas City just after he had released his LP (yup it was vinyl back then:-) Chicken And Biscuits. It was a heck of a show, and he actually played for another hour, because the crowd wouldn't go home! Here is the lineup for the Honesdale fest from their website. For more info CLICK HERE.
2007 Schedule:
Friday Night Kick-off
Fireside Restaurant - 9:00 pm - 1:00 am
The Slippery Chickens
Saturday Downtown Music
10:00 AM - Noon
Roy Bookbinder - Honesdale Antique Emporium
Bob Bijesse - City Hall Parking Lot
Janet Burgan - Elegante's
The Cellar Birds - The Fred Miller Pavilion
The Douglas Smith Jazz Trio - Quality Printing & Copying
11:30 - 2:30
The Slippery Chickens - Meagher Professional Building
Acoustic Stage:
The Barley Boys Duo - 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:30 pm
Main Stage:
1 - 2 pm Red Molly
2:30 - 3:45 pm The Sean Carney Band
4:15 - 5:30 pm Bill Kirchen
6 - 7:30 pm Wayne "The Train" Hancock
7:30 pm - Raffle Drawing
8 - 9 pm Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
Post-Concert Entertainment
7:00 - 9:00 pm - St. John's Block Party - Root Bound
9:00 pm - Midnight - J.J. Macks - The Slippery Chickens
10:00 - Midnight - Bean's Roasting House Cafe - Roy Bookbinder
10:30 - close - The Hotel Wayne - The Sean Carney Band
10:30 - close - The Limerick - Bob Bijesse
The 15th Annual Chenago Blues Fest
15th Annual Chenago Blues Fest takes place in Norwich, New York, on August 17th. Here is the lineup from the website.
Bands for - Friday Night, August 17, 2007 | |
| 7:15 - 8:15 pm | Sidetrack Blues Band |
| 8:30 - 10:00 pm | Eric Lindell |
Saturday - Main Stage Artists | |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers |
| 1:20 - 2:30 pm | Big Sams Funky Nation |
| 3:40 - 5:00 pm | Janiva Magness |
| 6:10 - 7:30 | Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers |
| 8:15 - 9:45 | Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm |
Saturday - Acoustic Stage ArtistsSponsored by Nelson & Flanagan, Grouse Ridge | |
| 2:30 - 3:40 pm | The Wiyos |
| 5:00 - 6:10 pm | Roy Book Binder |
| 7:30 - 8:15 | Geoff Achison |
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Babel Fish Added
Since I have readers from all over the world I have added a nice tool from Alta Vista. It is called Babel Fish. Look for the Babel Fish tool on the side and click on the flag of your choice. I believe they are China, Germany, Japan, Korea, France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. (I may have turned Portugal and Spain around, please correct me if I goofed:-) Once you click on the language you read represented by the flag, then this webpage will pop up in that language. Of course, the translations are not the best in the world, but they are doable. I have used babel fish on the Blues Masters blog which is in Portuguese. It works fairly good so give it a try!
Janis Joplin: Piece Of My Heart
This is unbelievable. First it was shot with one camera,(and the quality is outstanding) Janis is add libbing most of the way. The band follows her closely (which is hard to do, because you have to listen to the singer to know when to make the changes) Janis invites the audience up on stage to dance. By the end of the song she is surrounded by a lot of male dancers. Where did all the girls go? Btw, the film is shot in Germany in 1969.
Keb Mo and Corey Harris: Sweet Home Chicago
Keb Mo and Corey Harris, doing Robert Johnson's version of Sweet Home Chicago. Including the reference to Des Moines Iowa!!!!!!!!!! I can just imagine Robert down on the corner of 12th and Center playing and singing the blues, and trying to stay one step ahead of the Des Moines police who disliked busking. Of course today there is nothing there but a street sign:-(
Keb Mo: Dangerous Mood
Keb Mo can do more than just acoustic delta blues. Here he is playing a classic slow blues called Dangerous Mood.
Dave Gross
I found an interesting short article about Dave Gross. He is another young guitarist who is breaking away from the conventional screaming blues guitar, and plays a variety of styles. The Montclair Times, from northern New Jersey almost seems sad to see him take off, since his CD, Take The Gamble, was nominated for best new artist debut category. Which means that he won't be playing as much in north Jersey as he used to. (Slick Ballinger won that award) For more of the article click here.
Bowlful Of Blues Newton Iowa UPDATE JULY 24 2010!!!!!!!!
update BOWLFUL OF BLUES IN NEWTON IOWA FOR 2010 IS JULY 24!!!! FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT THE SOUTH SKUNK WEBSITE
One of my favorite small blues fests takes place in Newton Iowa. On July 28th Maytag park will rock out with some of the best local, regional, and national acts around. This fest is on a much smaller scale than Mississippi Valley. the bowl, looks like a miniature Hollywood Bowl, with a natural grass amphitheater. There are a few benches to sit on, but most people prefer to bring picnic blankets. This is a very family friendly event put on by the South Skunk Blues Society. They always put on a great show, and if you get hot, there is an exceptional swimming pool just west of the bowl. Here is the particulars from the South Skunk website. You can also click here for more information.
2007 Bowlful of Blues Lineup Set
The lineup for this years Bowlful of Blues has been set. It will take place on July 28, 2007 at Maytag Park. Wounded Judie will open the show, followed by Joe and Vicki Price. Then comes Trampled Underfoot and Levee Town. This year we finish the show with double headliners Bryan Lee and Bernard Allison. Ben Green will perform between sets. The show begins at 1:00 PM. Check the Bowlful of Blues page for more details about the performers. The after fest party will take place at the Newton VFW and will feature more music from Levee Town. Tickets for the Bowlful of Blues are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Advance tickets will be available at Hy-Vee stores and Mattingly Music in Newton, ZZZ Records in Des Moines, The Music Shop in Grinnell and Hy-Vee in Marshalltown.
Mississippi Valley Blues Fest
Iowa/Illinois's most prestigious blues festival the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest is coming up. A three day blow out of biblical proportions, of the best blues players around from local, regional, and national acts. Here is the lineup courtesy of the great illinoisblues.com website.
2007 IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
2007 IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Complete Schedule
Friday, June 29th, 2007
Bandshell | |
|---|---|
| 5:00 P.M. | Damon Fowler Group |
| 7:00 P.M. | Albert Cummings |
| 8:45 P.M. | The Doris Pierre Memorial Outstanding Volunteer Awards |
| 9:00 P.M. | Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band |
| 11:00 P.M. | Robert Randolph & the Family Band |
Tent stage | |
|---|---|
| 5:00 P.M. | Robert Belfour |
| 6:30 P.M. | Paul Oscher |
| 8:30 P.M. | Big Bill Morganfield |
| 10:15 P.M. | RiverRoad Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Nappy Brown |
| 10:30 P.M. | Nappy Brown with Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Mookie Brill |
Saturday, June 30th, 2007
Bandshell | |
|---|---|
| 2:00 P.M. | Blues Challenge Winner |
| 3:30 P.M. | Kelly Richey |
| 5:00 P.M. | Jason Ricci and New Blood |
| 7:00 P.M. | Big James & the Chicago Playboys |
| 9:00 P.M. | The Jackie Payne and Steve Edmonson Band |
| 11:00 P.M. | Blues harp blowout featuring Mark Hummel, James Harman and Paul Oscher |
Tent stage | |
|---|---|
| 1:30 P.M. | Bad Luck City featuring Matt Woods and Michael Swanger |
| 3:00 P.M. | Jimmy “Duck” Holmes |
| 4:30 P.M. | Alberta Adams & RJ’s Rhythm Rockers with CeeCee Collins |
| 6:15 P.M. | RiverRoad Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Jimmie Jones |
| 6:30 P.M. | Ari Brown Quartet |
| 8:30 P.M. | Watermelon Slim |
| 10:30 P.M. | Trudy Lynn with The Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings |
BlueSKool | |
|---|---|
| 2:30 P.M. | Hal Reed |
| 3:45 P.M. | Catfish Keith |
| 5:00 P.M. | David Berntson (free harmonicas and lessons for all the kids) |
Free Workshops | |
|---|---|
| 1:00 P.M. | David Horwitz, Blues Photography |
| 2:30 P.M. | Jason Ricci, Harmonica |
| 4:00 P.M. | Robert Belfour, Guitar, Hill Country Blues |
| 5:30 P.M. | Catfish Keith |
Sunday, July 1st, 2007
Bandshell | |
|---|---|
| 2:00 P.M. | Dona Oxford |
| 4:00 P.M. | Tom Principato |
| 6:00 P.M. | Ruby Wilson |
| 8:00 P.M. | Little Charlie & the Nightcats |
Tent stage | |
|---|---|
| 1:30 P.M. | Drink Small “The Blues Doctor” |
| 3:30 P.M. | Dave MacKenzie |
| 5:30 P.M. | Bruce Katz |
| 7:30 P.M. | Henry Gray & the Cats |
BlueSKool | |
|---|---|
| 2:30 P.M. | Catfish Keith |
| 3:45 P.M. | Hal Reed |
| 5:00 P.M. | David Berntson (free harmonicas and lessons for all the kids) |
Free Workshops | |
|---|---|
| 1:00 P.M. | Tom Principato, Guitar |
| 2:30 P.M. | Bruce Katz, Hammond B3 Organ |
| 4:00 P.M. | Paul Oscher, Harmonica |
| 5:30 P.M. | Dave MacKenzie, Guitar |
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Solomon Burke
Here is one of the classic soul and bluesman, from the 50s, and 60s, now doing contemporary type R&B. It is an interesting video, and song. It is also good to see Solomon Burke still out there working.
Luther Ingram: If Lovin You Is Wrong I Dont Want To Be Right
Another classic soul tune from Luther Ingram. Looks like it was filmed at a stadium show from the early 70s.
Chicago Blues Fest Review
The Chicago Tribune has a review of the Chicago Blues Fest. I really wish I could have stayed around for the show. It sounds like it was a good time. I take it from the review that the reviewer didn't like Bobby Rush's dancers. I would think that anyone who know and loves the blues, and is not aware of Bobby Rush, and his sideshow really doesn't know the blues:-) I mean come on Bobby Rush, and Clarence Carter are a riot. OK, there shows are, ah, hmm, adult theme, but pretty tame compared to Rap, or some of the newer R&B singers. Anyway, to read the review click here.
Blog Critic Review: Eli Cook, Miss Blues'es Child
New review from Blogcritic. Eli Cook is a 20 year old blues phenom from Virginia, who unlike most of the young blues guys who aped Stevie Ray actually plays an assortment of blues. It is almost as if Blogcritic read this post here. Without a doubt there has been a plague of Stevie clones out there, but I don't think it is all the kids fault. I also think it is the record companies that put out blues releases. If you sound like Stevie they will probably be more likely to release your stuff.
Eli's new CD is called Miss Blues'es Child. If you go to the bottom of the review you can get a free download of the title song.
Blouboss
Check out some French Blues. From my friend the Great blouboss.
Bonjour !
Merci pour visiter mon emplacement. J'espère que vous appréciez la musique, et des mercis de maintenir les bleus vivants.
Tom
Picoseconde. J'ai employé la traduction de poissons de Babel de Alta Vista. Désolé si ceci venait hors de déformé !
Fats Waller: Ain't Misbehaving
This is a short clip from the movie Stormy Weather, which is a fantasy recreation of the life of the original Bo Jangles, Bill Robinson. In this scene we see Fats playing his great stride piano style on Ain't Misbehaving, also in the clip is a young, and beautiful Lena Horne, and Bill Robinson as the waiter. Nice clip, and some great piano playing by the master of Stride, Fats Waller.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Louie Armstrong: Up A Lazy River
This is Louie Armstrong film live at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. This is an old Hoagey Carmichael song Called Up A Lazy River. This is a nice bluesy/ragtime type song.
Highway 61 Blues Festival
This weekend in Mississippi on the legendary blues highway 61, there will be a the Highway 61 blues Fest. The fest will take place in Leland Mississippi, and is the 8 year of this festivals existence. Also according to the article in the Delta Democrat Times, there are 40 blues festivals in Mississippi each year! Like I had said in a previous post Mississippi is really interested in promoting tourism to Mississippi by using the blues. What I like about this festival, is that it is local groups. I am always particular to local musicians playing the blues. Every area has its own flavor of blues, and only a local band truly captures that sound. Nothing wrong with national acts, but they all tend to sound the same after awhile. They are too polished, and a lot of them play too loud, and their solos last for hours. Unless you are truly gifted, like Stevie Ray Vaughn, who could play nothing but guitar and I would be happy, but most guys once they have gone around a couple of times they have shown me everything they have, and the rest of the night is boring. So if you are down in the delta this weekend, check this fest out! I promise that you will hear some real down home blues, done right, and some good down home cooking as well!
Jus' Blues Music Awards
this is an interesting new awards show that I stumbled on to while reading Google news. The 7th annual Jus' Blues Music Awards will take place in Memphis Tennessee on August 16th later this summer. For the past 6 years the awards show has taken place in Atlanta. Its main purpose is to recognize African American artists who are overlooked by the more mainstream music awards shows, like, the Grammy Awards, The American Music Awards, and the MTV Music Awards.
Here is the listing of artists who have won an honaray award for this year. This list comes directly from the Jus Blues Music website.
2007 Honorary AwardsLowell Fulson Lifetime Achievement Award
(Outstanding Career Achievements 20+ years)
Maxine Brown
Denise LaSalle Award for Recording Excellence
(Outstanding Recording Excellence Award)
Artie "Blues Boy" White
Percy Mayfield Award for Writing Excellence
(Outstanding Written Compositions in Blues & Soul Music)
William Bell
Jack "The Rapper" Gibson Radio Pioneer Award
(Outstanding Contributions to Blues & Soul Music in the Radio Industry)
Bobby O'Jay
James Brown Heritage Award
(Outstanding Blues & Soul Live Performer)
Johnnie Taylor Newcomer Award
(Outstanding New Blues & Soul Artist or Group)Sir Charles Jones
Jus` Blues Music Producer's Award
(Outstanding Blues & Soul Music Productions)
Willie Mitchell
Jus` Blues Music Legends Award
(Outstanding Contributions to Blues & Soul Music)
James Alexander & Larry Dodson of The BarKays
Jus` Blues Music President's Award
(Outstanding Contributions to the Business of
Blues & Soul Music)
Rodgers Redding
Jus` Blues Music Promoter's Award
(Outstanding Contributions to the Promotion of
Blues & Soul Music)
Julius C. Lewis
Jus` Blues Music Gospel Pioneer Award
(Outstanding Contributions in Gospel Music)
Lee Williams
Artists that you can vote for from the Jus blues Music website.
Other Award Nominees and Catagories are:
Best Traditional Blues Man
Best Traditional Blues Woman
Best Blues & Soul Radio Show
(Radio Personality Award)
Best Blues & Soul Radio Station Award
(Radio General Managers Award)
Best Blues & Soul Internet Show
"Little Milton" Campbell Guitar Award
(Outstanding Guitar Player)
Junior Wells Harp Award
(Outstanding Blues Harmonica Player)
Best Juke Joint Award
(Best Blues Club)
Best Blues & Soul Man Song Of The Year
Best Blues & Soul Woman Song Of The Year
Blues & Soul Man Of The Year
Blues & Soul Woman Of The Year
Best Blues & Soul Label Award Of The Year
Jus` Blues Music All Star Award
Jus`Blues Music Artist Of The Year Award
- If you would like to vote on this award CLICK HERE.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Delta Rhythm Boys: Take The A Train
I really like the Delta Rhythm Boys. They are a fun group, with cool harmonies. Here they sing the Duke Elligton hit Take the A Train. Plus it is a fun video!
Ruth Brown: Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean
Ruth Brown performing for a variety show. They filmed several of these variety shows in the 50s which were supposed to be filmed at the Apollo, but if you watch any of them you realize that they use stock footage from the Apollo, and occasionally bigger artists like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, or Nate King Cole, are filmed separately and edited into the show. For 1950s technology it is pretty good especially given that these would be B movie level films. anyway, this is a nice clip of Ruth Brown singing, Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean.
Ann Arbor Blues Fest Canceled
A one time great blues fest, that has fallen on hard times, and a attempt to bring it back have failed. Read more here at the Ann Arbor News. This is bad news for Michigan, which is having bad economic times due to the struggling auto industry. Michigan certainly could have used some good news, it is a shame that a smaller blues fest couldn't have gone on. I my opinion any blues is good blues.
UPDATE
After I posted this story I looked at the latest issue of Living Blues. The Irony of the whole situation is that the cover story of the latest Issue of Living Blues, is about unpublished photos from the 1969 and 1970 Ann Arbor Blues Festival. There are a ton of very cool photos of some of the greatest blues performers alive at the time. So once again I think it is a shame that they can't put together a blues fest. However, I do understand the economics of the situation. According to the Ann Arbor News, the fest is still in debt from last years show, and they fell 40,000 dollars short of what they needed to have a fest this year. Yet, I still think that if you start small and build is far better than having no fest at all.
UPDATE
After I posted this story I looked at the latest issue of Living Blues. The Irony of the whole situation is that the cover story of the latest Issue of Living Blues, is about unpublished photos from the 1969 and 1970 Ann Arbor Blues Festival. There are a ton of very cool photos of some of the greatest blues performers alive at the time. So once again I think it is a shame that they can't put together a blues fest. However, I do understand the economics of the situation. According to the Ann Arbor News, the fest is still in debt from last years show, and they fell 40,000 dollars short of what they needed to have a fest this year. Yet, I still think that if you start small and build is far better than having no fest at all.
St Louis Toady: Have The Blues Done Left This Town.
St Louis Today, Has a great interactive feature about St. Louis Blues. This is a cool flash site that lets you explore the blues past, and present in St. Louis.
Check it out Here.
Check it out Here.
2007 Solo/Duo Iowa Blues Challenge
Here is the press release from the Central Iowa Blues Society on the upcoming solo/duo blues competition. This is open to acoustic blues acts from Iowa.
ATTENTION
SOLO/DUO BLUES
ACTS
We are now accepting applications for the
2007 SOLO/DUO IOWA BLUES CHALLENGE!!!
Prelim rounds:
Des Moines, August 16, 2007
Davenport August 17, 2007
Finals
September 2, 2007
At Blues on Grand
Prizes include cash, travel expenses,
as well as performance opportunities
PLUS
INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE
In Memphis, TN.
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE?
DON’T DELAY!!!
Information and applications are available from the
Central Iowa Blues Society at (515) 225-6638
and our website www.cibs.org
The deadline is July 16, 2007.
The 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, KGGO/98.3 WOW.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Artist Of The Week: Louie Prima
This weeks artist is Louie Prima. Prima, and his band played some of hottest jump blues of the day with a New Orleans spin. Jump, Jive and Wail, Just A Gigolo, and That Old Black Magic, plus dozens of other great songs made Prima one of those great artists who easily crossed the boundaries of jazz, blues, and early Rock and Roll. As always you can find his videos on the sidebar titled artist of the week.
Photo Of The Week Larry Station
Jimmy Pryor never had a posse, but he did have his go to guy when things got rough. Larry Station was his go to guy. If Jimmy needed a ride, or someone to help him out, Larry was always there to help him. Larry was Jimmy's biggest fan, and attended most of the gigs that Jimmy Played. In the mid 90s when Jimmy had some health problems, Larry was around to get him to the doctor, and give Jimmy encouragement to keep on going. Larry is still hanging out with the Central Iowa Blues Society, and you can still see him quite often at Blues On Grand.