Michele And The Midnight Blues

A great video from Michele and the Midnight Blues. Michele is also the person responsible for that great National Women In Blues Festival.

Taylor Hicks: You Send Me

Taylor Hicks singing a great song from Sam Cooke.



Here is the original by the immortal Sam Cooke!

Albert Collins: Black Cat Bone

Classic Albert!

Soul Searcher Make The Cut!!!

One of Des Moines best blues bands, the Soul Searchers have made the cut and are in competition for best independent produced blues CD. Below is the announcement from the Central Iowa Blues Society.

Congratulations to the Soul Searchers for making it to round two of the Best Self-Produced CD competition!

The first round of judging for the Best Self-Produced CD Competition has wrapped up (The Best Self-Produced CD Competition is part of the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, Tennessee annually). The judges reported a tight field with a lot of great blues being produced. But only ten can go to the next round.

Round 2 CDs are:

• Dave Fields, "Time's A Wastin'" - Jersey Shore Jazz Blues Society

• Gregg Juke & the Mighty No-Stars, “Blues Power” - Blues Society of Western New York

• Harmonica Red and the New Heard, “I was Born in Louisiana” - Kentuckiana Blues Society

• James Hinkle, “Blues Now, Jazz Later” - North Texas Blues Society

• Laurie Morvan, “Cures What Ails Ya” - Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society

• Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band, “Shuffle the Deck” - Connecticut Blues Society

• Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra, “Sophisticated Ladies” Blues Lovers United of San Diego

• The Beat Daddys, “Five Moons” - Kentucky Blues Society

• The Randy Oxford Band, “Memphis to Motown” - South Sound Blues Association

• The Soul Searchers, “The Soul Searchers” - Mississippi Valley Blues Society

Judges for round 1 came from dues-paying radio personalities across the continent. Those who donated their time and talents are; Brett Fleming, WEVL-FM, Cam Hayden, CKUA-Canada, Doug Ketchum, WRFG-FM, Janine Harty, KSDS-FM, and Mike Kirchen, WMTN-FM

As far as I am concerned The Soul Searchers self titled release is the best straight blues release I have heard this year. To read my review Click HERE.

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

The latest from Bob Dorr. BTW, Bob and his guitarist extrodinaire Jeff Peterson will join me at BVU on Monday January 14th for the last of the January Blues Series. If you are in the area stop on by!

HAPPY BLUE YEAR!! I resolve to have better shopping experiences! (altho' you haven't yet heard of my latest cash register fiasco at Wal-Mart, which involved the difference between a cantaloupe, a honey dew, and a papaya. I'll spare you the details) In the coming year, I'm hoping to explore the possibilities for an idea I have that COULD be bigger than duct tape or Velcro. More on that later, cuz "We gots sum celebratin' to do!"...

I'm more pumped for this New Year's Eve show than I've been for many years. The thought of being joined by Blue Banders of all eras (in theeeory, we could have about 14 musicians on stage, that have done gigs with the band, at one time) really is the way to celebrate the end of a FABULOUS year for us. And then, to be joined by 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge winners Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts AND, back by popular demand, Iowa City's Tornadoes with Ms. Jacqueline Krain, plus our long-time friend Pinkstuff doing the MCing (also, we've heard tell of some national politicos and commentators that will be on the scene because of the caucuses) AND The Bryce Janey Trio and Hot Tamale & The Red Hots next door at the Brew Pub, THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!! Remember, some of those caucus workers freed up their rooms at the Hotel Fort Des Moines for the night of the party, so as of yesterday, there were still 20 rooms available. For some reason, despite my favorite lineup in years, ticket sales are about half of what we were hoping for at this time. You were waitin' for the last minute weren't ya? The last minute has arrived! The night's entertainment and a complete schedule of what band is playing at what time can be found at http://www.theblueband.com/newyear.htm. The ticket price is worth it just for the variety of CAKE at the food table...

BUT(T) WAIT THERE'S MORE! Actually, there's BEFORE!! New Year's Eve Eve (12/30) is usually the musician's preparty. After setting up the stages and sound checking the afternoon of Dec. 30, it's become tradition to gather in Chequers. Last year I was the winner of the Elvis Look-a-Like contest, using the Elvis Impersonator kit that Barb (Blue Tattoo) gave me for Xmas. I think I won in the "Fat Elvis" category. Anyway, keeping with this year's reunion theme, Rob Lumbard has agreed to reunite the 2 Bobs part of 2 Bobs & A Babe and Nathan Peoples has flown in from Austin TX (yes, his arms ARE tired) to be part of 2 Bobs & A Nate. Please don't tell Rob that I haven't played drums since the last time we tried this: TWO YEARS AGO! Maybe some of the other drummers in the house can help me out. The band plays 9-mid, free and open to the public. I'll be the one begging for tips. (some things NEVER change)...

After New Years we're not scheduled to play until another TGIF party at The Reverb here in Sparkle City on Friday Jan. 11. This will be my hometown celebration of my annual 28th birthday party. We play 5:45-9pm. BRING CAKE!! We're still trying to find a place to play on my actual birthday, (Sat. the 12th) stay posted on that...

Here's the "Merch Purch" deal on NYE: the IPTV produced, 25 Years of The Blue Band 2-DVD set, usually $25, just $10 on New Year's Eve. Left over 2007 Tour shirts and Iowa R & R Hall of Fame logo windbreakers (there's 6 left) (there's only 30 on the planet) will be on sale also...

We started the year by announcing that we had been elected to the Iowa Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame (thank you Shameless James, wherever you are!) and we're going to end the year with many of the players who helped sustain the group for all these years and were inducted with us in September. I hope you can be there to enjoy this celebration of 26 years of The Blue Band and help us start looking forward to year 27...

See yas on the Blue Highway. USE YER DAMN TURN SIGNALS (I had to get that one in there one more time this year) Bring yer zydeco tie to New Years Eve, we're going to be recording the night and I'd love to get a take with 25 tie players (besides, you'll look sharp in that shiny tie) Don't drive drunk, call yourself a cab (YOU'RE A CAB) No need to bring CAKE-it's part of the buffet and always remember we love you...Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

PS: oh yeah, my idea for a product that could make me richer than the inventors of duct tape or velcro...a better string cheese package! Wouldn't it be great not to fight with those damn things, trying to pull apart that plastic??!!

ATTENTION CANADIAN BLUES FANS

Just received an email from the people at DAWG Fm. They are in the process of trying to put a couple of blues format radio stations in Abbotsford/Chilliwack, and Vancouver. Ed Torres has sent a note wanting people who support the radio station to fill out some forms to help out their cause. Looking at my latests stats I know that a large number of Canadian blues fans read this blog. Also if you live near the boarder by these two areas why don't you give fill out the forms as well! I can't think of anything more cool than a radio station that plays blues 24/7! Oh-Yeah! I have one of them HERE. Just remember to click on the yellow circle.

Please help Ed out! Read his note below and click on the links!! Long live the Blues!!!

Hi Bluesman

My name is Ed Torres I’m the Chairman of DAWG FM.

We have made our first presentation to the CRTC and we think that our format and business plan were well received.

We are in the process of gathering support for our Abbotsford/Chilliwack and Vancouver applications. Anyone interested in publicly supporting our applications can do so through our website at www.bluesincanada.com They just need to click on one or all four of the Dog logos at the bottom of the home page and fill in the required fields.

They can also support the application directly through the CRTC site at http://support.crtc.gc.ca/rapidscin/default.aspx?lang=en&applicant=n2007-18 and select the applications that are made by Frank Torres OBCI. There are two applications that are still open for support, Vancouver and Abbotsford.

We will continue to apply for more stations through 2008. Your support is really appreciated.

Ed

Blues - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blues - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nice link for those who want some more info about the blues.

The Cleftones: Heart And Soul

Some 50s Doo Wop from the Cleftones that came from that great special from PBS.

The Cleftones - Heart and Soul
Uploaded by rockinbart

Stevie Ray Vaughn: Leave My Little Girl Alone

Classic Stevie Ray from Austin City Limits. This is an old Buddy Guy tune, that Stevie just tears up!! Too Cool!!!

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Leave My Girl Alone
Uploaded by douds

Buddy Guy: Damn Right I Have The Blues

The great Buddy Guy smoking on the guitar!

Buddy Guy - Damn Right- I've got the Blues
Uploaded by fuzz59

Winter Blues Fest, Des Moines Iowa, Feb 9th

Found this on the CIBS website.


SAVE THE DATE!
Winter Blues Fest

Sat, Feb 9, 2008
Hotel Fort Des Moines

The Central Iowa Blues Society is in the planning stages of their annual Winter Blues Fest and just wanted to remind you to save the date!

The Hotel Fort Des Moines is offering special Blues Fest rates for the night. You can make reservations NOW by calling 800-532-1466 or 515-243-1161. Be sure to mention that you are going to be there for the Blues Fest to receive your special rate.

Sponsors for this event are the Central Iowa Blues Society, Budweiser, and KGGO/98.3.

KUNI: Big Blues Show

For immediate release:

Contact: Scott Vezdos, 319-273-3497

KUNI Blues Blowout featuring the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue (Tommy Castro, Magic Dick, Deanna Bogart)

Saturday, February 9, 2008 (8 PM)

Electric Park Ballroom – Waterloo, IA

12/28/07 (Cedar Falls) - The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue will roll into Waterloo’s Electric Park Ballroom for the KUNI 2008 Winter Blues Blowout on February 9, 2008. This is not just another blues show, but a standout blues event! Spearheaded by Tommy Castro and Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise founder, Roger Naber, it brings the energy and excitement of this decade’s hottest blues ticket from the High Seas to the land.

Tommy Castro, one of the most requested artists on the extremely popular and always sold out Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, has a brand new Blind Pig CD out now entitled “Painkiller.” Tommy also won BluesWax Blues Artist of the Year 2006 with a record number of first place reader votes. BluesWax is a weekly internet publication with nearly 100,000 subscribers.

Tommy has gathered two of his favorite cruising musicians for an explosive show that features former J. Geils Band founding member Magic Dick as well as 2007 Blues Music Awards finalist Deanna Bogart. Each artist will perform a set with the Tommy Castro Band, and the show closes with an electrifying jam (the highlight of the evening) sure to thrill and satisfy any blues fan. These late night jams are the highlight of each day of music on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, and all three of the acts featured in the revue are favorites of the Blues Cruise community passengers, as tallied by cruiser feedback.

Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Advance tickets can be ordered online at www.kuniradio.org (in the STORE section) or by calling KUNI weekdays at 319-273-6400 or 800-772-2440, ext. 0. Advance tickets are also available at Bob's Guitars in Cedar Falls. All proceeds benefit KUNI Public Radio.

Scott Vezdos

Iowa Public Radio Marketing/Communications Specialist

KUNI/KHKE Public Radio

University of Northern Iowa

3rd Floor, CAC

Cedar Falls, IA 50614

p: (319) 273-3497

www.kuniradio.org

www.myspace.com/kuniradio

www.khke.org

www.iowapublicradio.org

Delbert McClinton Interveiw

The Cincinnati Enquirer has an interview with blues harmonica great Delbert McClinton. Check it out HERE.

Honeydripper All Star Band: Dont Throw Your Love On Me

Gary Clark Jr, from the upcoming movie Honeydripper. Clark is singing a classic Albert King song here.

New York Times Review: Honeydripper

Well, it looks like the New York Times panned Honeydripper, a movie about the birth of Rock And Roll in Mississippi. Of course the movie is fiction it is not based on anything that really happened in Mississippi, but what was probably happening all over the south during late 40s and early 50s. It is also a movie about Jim Crow, which hopefully will open some eyes to people who think the south was some idyllic wonderland, and it certainly wasn't at least not for African Americans. If you want to read the review Click HERE.

As I have said before, never pay attention to a bad review, if you like the music, actors, or just the time period go see the movie!!!!! Don't let some lazy reporter, sitting in an cushy office in the New York Times make your decision for you! Check it out for yourself!!!

Johnny Winter Interview

An interview with Johnny Winter from the Detroit Free Press. Click Here to read about it.

Cotton Candy: My Man Dont Love Me

I try not to repost the same video, but in this case I am since I want people to see Cotton Candy without trying to dig through the site. This is a great video of Cotton Candy Washington performing at Lindsy's Lawnside BBQ in Kansas City Missouri. This is the only video I have found of her performing so if you missed it the first time around please give it another try. God bless ya Cotton we will miss you.

Cotton Candy RIP

Kansas City blues icon Cotton Candy Washington died of complications of a stroke early Christmas morning. Cotton was a fun blues singer who always loved singing songs with double meanings. I was lucky to jam with her quite often at the Roxy in Overland Park Kansas. She was a riot to play for and after I left town she and her band won the KC blues challenge twice, and place third in the nation in Memphis after one of those victories. To read more about Cotton Click HERE. Her website is still up HERE, it does have a nice bio that she wrote about herself there so check it out.

Oscar Peterson And Nat King Cole

Oscar with Nat AND Coleman Hawkins on Sax.

Oscar Peterson At Newport

A nice video of Oscar Peterson at the Newport Jazz Festival. Notice how he easily moves from jazz to blues in this piano piece. BTW, Peterson was classically trained pianist when he was a boy in Canada. I say this because you don't just learn to play piano by sitting down and jamming, but by years of practice, and a great piano teacher can do wonders for your technique.

Oscar Peterson RIP

The AFP has a press release on the death of Oscar Peterson. Peterson was one of the great blues and jazz pianists of all time. To read more about him Click HERE. For Oscar Peterson's website go HERE. For his biography check out his Wiki page HERE.

Johnny Jones: Jingle Bells

Johnny Jones and a very nice cool instrumental of Jingle Bells

Merry Christmas and A Happy Blues Year

I just to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been a great year! This blog serves two purposes one it is a way to bring the blues to people who perhaps have not heard of the blues, and to connect the various types of music that have come from blues. Blues is the roots of most popular music in America, so I have tried to paint the blues with a broad brush so that hopefully someone out there using the intertubes will stumble on this site looking up a favorite musical artist, and then stick around and learn something about the blues!

This site is also for my students who will be joining the blog this January. I hope that some of their projects will be posted here so they can share their research with you. Each year my students do some outstanding research projects on the blues and I hope you will get the chance to enjoy them as well.

Finally, enjoy the holiday, take care of yourself, and have a very Happy Blues Year!!!

Luther Vandross: Every Year Every Christmas

The great Luther Vandross, sings a nice soulful Christmas song.

Brian Setzer: Sleigh Ride

Brian Setzer doing a classic Christmas song.