Tonights Internet radio spotlight is on the Helsinki Blues Cafe. Blues from Finland! You can find the site by clicking HERE. You can also check out their myspace page HERE. Remember when you get to the website, click on the yellow circle with the speaker on it, and your computer will do the rest.
For the latest on the internet radio battles check out Rusty On Radio. At this point nothing is settled yet, but hopefully soon.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
DVD Review: Kenny Wayne Shepherd
The Daily News from Hailfax, Nova Scotia Canada, has a great review of Kenny Wayne Shepherd's DVD Ten Days Out. In 2004 Shepherd, Stevie Ray's old rhythm section (Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon) and Jerry Harrison on keyboards, traveled around the south playing with old blues performers and documenting the process. I think that I might have posted a video from the DVD a couple of moths ago. Check it out here, and read the review HERE.
New Zealand's King Of The Blues Dies
Sonny Day the king of the blues in New Zealand died August 9th. The only picture I could find of him is one of him with his group the Sonny Day and the Sundowners. He is the third guitar player from the left. For more info Click here, for the article from Stuff.com.
New York Times Has The Blues!
The New York Times has a nice article about the blues and the popularity of blues fests in the United States, and Canada. It is nice that the Times, is reporting something other than the blues are dying! Hopefully we have turned a corner, and the blues will make its long awaited comeback! For the article Click HERE. (subscription is probably needed to access the article, but it is free, and worth it.)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Eric Clapton: Bell Bottom Blues
Not really a blues song, but a damn pretty song. It is the first Clapton song that I ever heard, and it stills sounds great 35 years later!
Connie Lush And Blues Shouter
I think this is a Liverpool England band. It is part interview and part music. They are playing at the Cavern Club. I don't know if it is the same Cavern Club that the Beatles played in, or a new incarnation of that incredible bar, that saw the birth of the Beatles. either way, I think this is a pretty cool video, and it is nice to see that the Cavern Club lives on.
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Billy Joel: All My Life
Billy Joel has a new song, and a new image. I would like to take credit for creating the new Billy Joel look! About the only difference is he has a pork pie hat, and I have a fedora. Hey Billy! Get a fedora they look much better! Wider rim, cooler look:-) I dig the Goatee. although it is hard to see on Billy since he is turning gray. Nice look, now perhaps some glasses! 
Anyway Billy, who was a hero of mine when I was an angry young man, has a new song, and video out, or at least it is new to me!
Hubert Sumlin Interview
Hubert Sumlin is one of the grand old men of the blues. Here is an interview he gave with John McGlasson for Guitar Jam Daily. According to McGlasson Hubert is having some trouble talking, and McGlasson has trouble hearing, which makes for an interesting interview:-) However, it is a very nice article on one of the old legends of the blues. Check it out HERE.
Robert Lynn Interveiw
This is kinda of a cool interview with a blues DJ down in the Ozarks that plays the blues. Robert Lynn broadcasts on KSPQ 93.9 (Also known as Q 94) on Sunday mornings. The article from the South Missourian News is a nice long article about Lynn, and his love of the blues. Read it HERE.
Mid-Atlantic Blues And Music Festival
Bubba Mac Shack presents the Mid-Atlantic Blues And Music Festival at the Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City NJ. Bubba Mac is a musician friendly bar, and BBQ owner who also plays the blues. The Mid Atlantic Blues and Music Festival takes place September 29-30th. For more info about Bubba Mac's CLICK HERE. For more on the blues fest CLICK HERE.
Here is the schedule from the Bubba Mac website.
Saturday, September 29
Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials
The Detroit Women
Eddie Shaw and the Wolfgang
Bubba Mac Blues Band
Legends of Chicago Blues Featuring:
Hubert Sumlin, “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes”
Smith, George “Mojo” Buford, and Calvin “Fuzz” Jones
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Tab Benoit
Bobby Rush
Sunday, September 30
Terri Showers & Total Praise
Rooster and the Chicken Hawks
Big Bill Morganfield
John Lee Hooker Jr.
Bernard Alison
Shemekia Copeland
Ronnie Baker Brooks
Kenny NealOrder Your Tickets
CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE SALES
Order By Phone
1(888) 333-3091
We accept Visa and Mastercard
Advance tickets
$30 per day or $55 weekend ticket
At the Gate
$35 per day or $70 weekend ticket
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Otis Spann: Cold Cold Feeling
One of my blues hero's Otis Spann singing Cold Cold Feeling. I don't know if this song originated with Otis Spann, (If anyone knows please comment or email) I do know that their is another shorter version of the song that is in a minor key that I first heard Oliver Reilly play down in KC. I liked it so much that I have done the minor key version. However, I do like the song in a major key as well.
Cotton Candy: You Don't Love Me
The original Cotton Candy from Kansas City Missouri. I was lucky enough to sit in and jam with her when she would show up at the Roxy Bar And Grill on Sunday Nights. The Roxy had this amazing jam session that was run by Oliver Reilly and the Blues Notions, and every Sunday night it was usually packed with blues fans and jammers. She was quite the character back then. She had this song about a dentist,, well, ah hmmmmmmmm, ah,, well use your own imagination:-)
This was filmed also at BB's Lawnside BBQ, which is owned by the legendary Kansas City blues DJ, Lindsey Shannon.
This was filmed also at BB's Lawnside BBQ, which is owned by the legendary Kansas City blues DJ, Lindsey Shannon.
Four Fried Chickens And A Coke
Okay, don't know if this is a local KC band, or a touring Blues Brother group, but it is a good video from BB's Lawnside BBQ in Kansas City, Mo. For more information about BB's Lawnside, and how to get their CLICK HERE.
Excellent Interview With Honeyboy Edwards
This is a great interview with one of the last pre war bluesmen alive. The Telegraph of the UK, did the interview with Edwards. I assume he must be getting ready to play in Europe, but there were no dates listed for a tour in the interview. I did check out the ticket site and here is the information for His UK tour.
Monday 13th - Coventry
The Tin Angel
Taylor John House, Coal Vaults, Canal Basin, Coventry, CU1 4LK
Admission: £ 10 Doors: 8 pm
Box Office: 024 765 559958
Online: www.tinangeltickets.co.uk
Tuesday 14th - Exeter
Globe Hotel
Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter, Devon
Admission: £14 Doors: 8 pm
Box Office: 01392 873 471, 01392 817 895, 01392 873 407
Wednesday 15th - Manchester
Matt & Phreds
85 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW
Admission: £ 12 Doors: 8 pm
Box Office: 0161 661 7494
Thursday 16th - Newcastle
The Cluny
Address: 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
Admission: £ 12 Doors: 8 pm
Box Office: 0191 230 4474
Online: www.ticketweb.com
Friday 17th - Newbury
Arlington Arts Centre
Snelsmore Common, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 3 BQ.
Admission: £12/£10 concs
Doors: 7.30 pm
Box Office: 01635 244 246
Online: www.arlingtonarts.co.uk
Saturday 18th - London
David “Honeyboy” Edwards + Michael Frank + Dave Peabody
The Spitz
Address: 109 Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, London, E1 6BG.
Admission: £ 15 Adv/ £ 17.50
Doors: 7 pm
Box Office: 020 7392 9032
Online: www.wegotickets.com
Sunday 19th - Sheffield
The Boardwalk
Snig Hill, Sheffield, S3 8NA
Admission: £ 10 Doors: 7.30 pm
Box Office: 0114 279 9090
www.theboardwalklive.co.uk
Monday 20th - Leeds
Leeds Irish Centre
Address: York Road, Leeds, LS9 9NT
Admission: £ 10 Adv/ £ 12 Door
Doors: 8 pm
Box Office: 0113 248 0887 and Jumbo Records 0113 2455570
According to Honeyboys website the tour actually starts tomorrow, but I don't have any information for that.
Blues In The Night Opens In SF
It is a musical that has been around for awhile, but it is a show worth going to. Originally a Broadway show that premiered in 1982, it is now appearing in San Fransisco at the Post Street Theater. For More information read the article at Broadway World.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Shemekia Copland: A Beat Up Old Guitar
Shemekia Copland is amazing. Not only is she great with a large band, but here she is doing a delta style song with just an acoustic guitar. If you check out the video on Youtube, you will see the coolest comment I have seen about anyone.
"On the 8th day God created Shemekia Copland"
Amen
"On the 8th day God created Shemekia Copland"
Amen
Vasti Jackson: Hoochie Coochie Man
Here is an updated version of a Muddy Waters classic by Vasti Jackson.
Another Reason The Blues Are Still Alive!!!!!!!
Normally I don't like to print reviews, or interview verbatim, because I want the author and the website to get the credit they deserve for doing the hard work. However, Illinois Blues newest newsletter has such a great find that I need to post the whole thing. I also assume that it should show up on their website soon, but it as of press time was not up.
I am excited because I have just heard some of the best blues/soul in the last 20 years since the death of ZZ Hill, it is his son ZZ Hill JR. I thought I was listening to the old master! I didn't even know about his son. All I can say is WOW! Check out his myspace page HERE.
Here is the part of the Illinois Blues newsletter dealing with ZZ Hill Jr.
I am excited because I have just heard some of the best blues/soul in the last 20 years since the death of ZZ Hill, it is his son ZZ Hill JR. I thought I was listening to the old master! I didn't even know about his son. All I can say is WOW! Check out his myspace page HERE.
Here is the part of the Illinois Blues newsletter dealing with ZZ Hill Jr.
IllinoisBlues.com also features another great review by Blues Songwriter, Musician, DJ and Journalist, Ben Cox.
ZZ Hill Jr. - Goin' To Mississippi
Delta Roots Records
Running Time: 51:33
By Ben Cox
I had come to believe that soul-blues and southern fried soul had all but passed on (with a few exceptions of course) with the passing of Johnnie Taylor and Tyrone Davis in the past five years. It's always nice to be proven wrong once in awhile. Maybe I just haven't been picking up the right records. However, I came across this CD via a blues forum on the internet and knew that I had to at least give it a listen. The son of the late ZZ Hill, the soul blues icon of the late 70s and early 80s from Stax/Malaco fame has brought a renaissance to my ears of the golden era of great soul-blues.
Singing with vocals reminiscent of his father and even at times reminding me of the great Jackie Payne, who's reemergence with the Steve Edmondson Band on the West Coast has brought a revival to the great soul-blues genre! Hill, along with acclaimed drummer, writer and producer Twist Turner completely floors the competition with the horn-drenched, groovtastic album that recallls the golden days of Malaco Records. With special guest guitarists Melvin Taylor, Maurice John Vaughn, and Joe Moss reminding us all of the days that classic R&B had wah-wah pedals, horn sections, beautifully penned songs, and even a Top 40 appeal.
With homage to the later Luther Ingram on the record on "It Ain't Easy" a Turner-penned track that has lead guitar by Melvin Taylor reminiscent of the wah-wah lines of "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right" and the Ingram penned cover of "Lookin' For a New Love Tonight," Hill is definitely bringing back great old school sounds. Hill pays homage to his father to the "Downhome Blues" esque "Down Home Girl" on the eleventh track on the album. Recorded over a period of twelve years. The album leaves you wanting for more. I can't put into words how thrilled and exciting it was to hear this album and I consider essential to any blues, soul, and classic R&B fans out there.
You can purchase the CD by visiting CD Baby, although quantities are limited as the disc sold out in over a half hour upon it's initial release.
To Purchase this CD on CD Baby- CLICK HERE. You can also pick up the disc by visiting http://deltaroots.com/
Update Deep Blues Fest
Just got this from Chris Johnson, who is running the Deep Blues Festival August 18th in River Falls Wisconsin. This show sounds really, really good, and I wish I didn't have a gig that night, because I would certainly want to be there. Plus this show is for a good cause it is also a benefit for Bridge Inc.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Johnson
715-410-1116 or 715-531-1314
chris.johnson19@comcast.net
Local Music Fan Hosts Festival Honoring the
Deep Blues Sound
Day of Music to Benefit BRIDGE, Inc. For Disabled Youth
Saturday August 18, 2007 noon - 11:00pm
Clifton Hollow Golf Club -- River Falls, WI
July 23, 2007--- River Falls, WI--- Seventeen renowned national “Deep Blues” bands will be at the first ever DEEP BLUES FESTIVAL on Saturday, August 18, 2007. This festival blends the sounds of country, delta, blues and rock and will benefit the local organization BRIDGE, Inc. for disabled youth.
Local organizer Chris Johnson considers himself a fan of Deep Blues music and hopes to bring more of the sounds to the area through this festival, while also raising awareness of BRIDGE, Inc. “To be able to bring together two things I love—deep blues music and a charity I truly believe is making a difference—in the place that I live is why I chose to do this festival,” he says. “I hope to see it continue and grow for many years to come.”
The lineup for the day of DEEP BLUES includes:
Scott H. Biram
Robert Belfour
Black Diamond Heavies
Elam McKnight
Sweet Velvet C
Mark “Porkchop” Holder
Left Lane Cruiser
Moreland & Arbuckle
Hillstomp
William Elliott Whitmore
Radio Moscow
Chris Cotton
Brimstone Howl
John Schooley
The BirdDogs
KM Williams the Texas Country Blues Preacher and the Trainwreck
Johnny Lowebow
All artists are performing for a nominal fee and many are donating their profits back to BRIDGE, Inc.
How can Deep Blues be described? Scott Biram’s music has been described as: “…lash(ing) together blues, hillbilly and country precariously to raucous punk and godless metal.” The tunes of the Black Diamond Heavies are defined as: “urgent, raw, and full of ass-shaking soul.” The sounds of other bands that will be at the Deep Blues Festival have been hailed from “punk” to “pure country blues” to “a footstomping good time.” Whatever it is, it will be alive in River Falls, Wisconsin on August 18.
Advance tickets for this 21+ show are $30, available at the two festival websites deepbluesfestival.com and myspace.com/deepbluesfestival. Tickets will be available at the event for $40. Under 21 are free, but must be accompanied by a parent. Gates open at 11:00am, rain or shine.
About BRIDGE, Inc.
The Bridge is a non-profit organization collaborating with school, county, and community youth serving agencies in providing life-long learning opportunities for youth and others with disabilities. From afterschool programs to life and household skills curriculums, BRIDGE works with families and youth to build independent futures.
# # #
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT DEEP BLUES ARTISTS:
“Scott H. Biram is definitely one of today's real rebel country musician.” --Hybrid Magazine
“While Belfour may have digested the music, culture, and collective soul of his native soil, his blues, like that of any bluesman worth a damn, is uniquely his own.” --Marc Greilsamer, Amazon.com
“Left Lane Cruiser hit the crowd like a shockwave... Mashed potatoes and whiskey fuel this two-man frenzy of blues-driven noise. Slide guitar, distorted vocals, a big-ass bass drum, all come together to form one footstomping good time.” – CDbaby.com
“Chris Cotton is clearly an example of an artist whose material has as much to do with folk as it does with the type of rugged, pre-World War II country blues that Patton, House, and Johnson were known for -- and he also gets some inspiration from bluegrass, Appalachian music, and old-time country. I Watched the Devil Die is a very raw, unpretentious, and raggedy album…Lovers of roots music can't go wrong with this excellent CD.” – AllMusic.com
Monday, August 6, 2007
Lucky Peterson: Up From The Skies/ Truly A Friend
Lucky Peterson is pretty multi-talented. Not only is he an great guitar player, but he plays the Hammond organ pretty good too.
ACK!!!!! I SHOULDNT HAVE POSTED ABOUT THE CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!
ACK!!!!!!!! I knew better than to post about the Cubs when they are winning. After the last Cub post they have started to falter, and worse, Alfonso Soriano strain a quad, and will be out for a month. Hopefully some more I-Cubs can help out the Chi Cubs. The current roster has a ton of I-Cubs already, so what is a few more:-) If you are a Cub fan keep your fingers crossed
Reason Number 369 Why There's No Blues At The House Of Blues
As the great Dick Deluxe Sings, There Ain't No Blues At The House Of Blues, And once again another great example of how clueless the people are at the house of blues. The Chicago house of blues, you know one that should know the blues, has Elvis week coming up according to The Daily Journal. Elvis Week! ARGH!! I have nothing against Elvis, but a week of Elvis impersonators?!?!?!?!?!? WHAT ARE THEY THINKING!!! Oh-well if you are in Chicago to see the blues, you are probably not going to The House Of Blues anyway.
Deep Blues Festival River Falls Wisconsin
A nice one day Blues fest is coming up on August 18th in River Falls Wisconsin. To read more about the festival check out their website HERE.
Artists slated to attend:
Scott H. Biram
Robert Belfour
Black Diamond Heavies
Elam McKnight
Sweet Velvet C (Chet of the Immortal Lee County Killers)
Mark "Porkchop" Holder
Left Lane Cruiser
Moreland & Arbuckle
Hillstomp
William Elliott Whitmore
Radio Moscow
Chris Cotton
Brimstone Howl
John Schooley
The BirdDogs
KM Williams, The Texas Country Blues Preacher and the Trainreck
Johnny Lowebow
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Artist Of The Week: Bonnie Raitt
Artist of the week is Bonnie Raitt. Bonnie has been around for a long time, and continues to tour. She had her successes, and failures, but she is still one of my favorite slide guitarist. Not in the traditional delta style, but in a more melodic cross, between country and blues. To view her videos click the photos on the left of the blog in the Google video box.
Photo Of The Week: "Chicago" Rick Lussie
Todays photo of the week, is the late Rick Lussie. Known as Chicago Rick, because he grew up in Chicago and hung out with the real deal Chicago blues players. Magic Slim, and Luther Allison were big influences on him. He was just one of many white players who learned Chicago Blues from the feet of the masters. Rick came to Des Moines in 1960 to teach school. He eventually became superintendent of Special Education for the Des Moines public schools. However, Rick loved the blues and was one of the few players who kept playing blues in Des Moines, long after its popularity died out in the late 60s. Rick was introduced to the Des Moines music scene by one of the legendary Grey brothers who happened to be playing sax in a Rock band that Lussie was playing in. He invited Lussie to go to his bar at the intermission. They went to the Sepia club, and as Rick put it years later. He never went back to Rock and Roll.