Well after 6+ years of emails, the demise of my Yahoo Group has come. I could see it happening about a year ago, since fewer and fewer emails were being sent. I also realized that few people were getting the emails, and many were bouncing. I assume that the ever efficient spam filters were probably doing the list in. When I started this blog I assumed that I would use all of these great net tools to promote blues and Iowa Blues artists, but when this blog took off the idea of keeping the email list started to look pretty silly. So it was a slow death, and I don't think anyone noticed it, but after a few warnings of its impending doom. I pulled the plug on it today. So, if you have come over here from the Yahoo group, Welcome!!!! All of the blues news that is fit to print that showed up on the list will be here. Thanks for six great years on the list, and hopefully we can have many more years of fun here on blogger!!!!
Tom
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Big Gig Alert! Jodi Bodley And Dewey Cantrell
Just got this late email about some friends of mine who are performing in downtown Des Moines tomorrow. They will be playing at the Botanical Center which is a large Geodesic dome located on the eastside of the Des Moines river right of interstate 235. It is a great place to play music in the winter, because it is very warm, and summery!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blues show alert …
Jodi Bodley and Dewey Cantrell of The Blues Bureau will be performing at the weekly Botanical Blues series this Sunday, January 27th, from 1:00pm till 3:00pm. There is also an “acoustic jam” scheduled to immediately follow hosted by “Freight Train” Frank Strong. By the way, there is no football to conflict (thanks to the NFL for scheduling the playoffs around us), so grab the family and friends, come on down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with some good blues. Here’s a link to the Botanical Center calendar …
http://www.botanicalcenter.com/SubPage.asp?MainLinkID=1
Thanks
Friday, January 25, 2008
Big Joe Turner: Feelin Happy
A Classic video of Big Joe Turner from the 1950s Classic Shake Rattle And Roll! Cool Daddy O!!!!
Buddy Reed And The Rip It Ups: I Won't Be Lonely No More
A very cool bluezy Doo Wop song by Buddy Reed and the Rip It Ups. Bob Corritore is playing the harp, and the late Roger Rotolli is playing the washboard. Cool Video!!
The Weekly Bob Corritore Newsletter
January 24, 2008
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Plans for Jimmy Rogers Book announced: Though still in the research stages, Dr. Wayne Everett Goins has announced his intentions to author a book that will be titled That's All Right: The Jimmy Rogers Story. Jimmy Rogers is simply one of the greatest blues artists that ever lived, and he, along with Muddy Waters and Little Walter, were architects of the classic Chicago Blues style of the early 1950s. I had heard about this book project last year from Jacque Lane, Jimmy's daughter who had called me to tell me to expect a call from Dr. Goins. The call came this week, and I found Dr. Goins to be a simply wonderful person with a great love for Jimmy's music. I was able to provide him with photos, stories, contacts, and support. He has already compiled a long list of interviews with others who knew and worked with Jimmy, but his work is far from complete. If anyone would be willing to share stories, information, photos or memorabilia on Jimmy Rogers, please contact Dr. Goins as soon as possible. His contact information:
Director of Jazz
Associate Professor of Music
222 McCain Auditorium
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506-4703
(785) 532-3822 Office
(785) 532-3817 Fax
Any help that can be provided for this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated. To see a photo page dedicated to Jimmy Rogers on the Bob Corritore website, please click here. For a brief bio of Jimmy Rogers, please click here.
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Bill Lupkin at the Rhythm Room this Weekend: Speaking of Jimmy Rogers, one of his former harmonica players, the great Bill Lupkin will be bringing his Chicago Blues Band to the Rhythm Room Friday, January 25, 2008. Bill is a powerful player with two fine releases out on the Blue Bella label. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $8. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.
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ABS Magazine features rave review of Travelin' The Dirt Road and more! The latest issue of France's ABS Magazine includes glowing reviews of Dave Riley and Bob Corritore/Travelin' The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records, House Rockin' & Blues Shoutin'’ on Blue Witch Records and Nappy Brown/Long Time Coming on Blind Pig Records. The Travelin' The Dirt Road and the Nappy Brown releases are highlighted reviews in the magazine. This issue also includes features on Tail Dragger, Betty Harris, Boogie-Woogie piano, Eddie Bo, and more. Special thanks to our friend Marcel Benedit, the person behind ABS Magazine.
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Bob Corritore to appear at the Spring Harp Fest in San Diego and with Tomcat Courtney at Patrick's II: On Friday, March 21, 2008, Bob Corritore will appear at Patrick's II in San Diego with Tomcat Courtney. This will be a pre-CD Release party for Tomcat's forthcoming CD, Downsville Blues, on Blue Witch Records. Also on the gig will be Chris James and Patrick Rynn from the Rhythm Room All-Stars. Then on Saturday, March 22, 2008 Bob Corritore will appear at the 9th annual Spring Harmonica Festival Benefit at Harry Griffen Park Amphitheater - 9550 Milden St. in La Mesa, California from 11:00 am. - 6:00 pm. Also confirmed to play the festival at this time are The Fremonts, Billy Watson Band, Bob Corritore, Kenny Shoppmeyer and Delta Heat, Dan Byrnes and Friends, Rachelle Danto, Chet and The Committee, The World Famous Unknown Players Jam, and Harmonica John Frazer's All Star Jam Set. Bob will perform with Chris James and Patrick Rynn from the Rhythm Room All-Stars with The Fremonts' Kurt Kalker on drums. For more information on the Spring Harp Fest, check out www.myspace.com/SpringHarpFest or www.springharpfest.org. Thanks to Chet Cannon for including Bob in this great event.
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More Tomcat CD Art: Though not yet complete, a few more items of the artwork for Tomcat Courtney/Downsville Blues are now unveiled. Tomcat, 78, now lives in San Diego but is originally from a Downsville, Texas (therefore the name of the title song of the album). The cover and back photos are by Nena Anderson, the CD face photo is by Tony Tomlinson of The Fremonts, and the cover artwork is by Tony Amato of Amato Image Design. Thanks to Dale Baich and Beth Lipham of Blue Witch Records. To see the cover art for Tomcat Courtney/Downsville Blues, click here
- Chico Chism Remembered on Bob's Radio show: It was January 28th, 2007 when the legendary Chico Chism passed away. Chico was Howlin' Wolf's last drummer, and for his last 20 years he was a pinnacle figure in the Phoenix blues scene. With this week marking the one year anniversary of his death, Chico will be remembered with a one hour tribute from 6-7pm on Bob's radio show, Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ, this Sunday. Listeners may hear Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 90.1 in Prescott, 98.9 in Tucson, and 99.1 in Kingman. Also thanks to blues wildman Little Victor for dedicating his new EP Blues Shakedown on Witchcraft International Records to Chico's memory. Chico left an indelible mark on so many people's lives. His name will always be synonymous with Phoenix blues. Click here, here, and here for some photo pages devoted to Chico Chism.
- Also on this week's Radio Show: In addition to the Chico Chism tribute, Bob will also have a live on-air performance by Long John Hunter, a tribute to the late Francis Clay, and special guest Phoenix music historian John "Johnny D" Dixon for the annual Phoenix vintage R&B special. Johnny will treat us to selections from his vast collection of rare vinyl and unreleased masters.
Document Records Update
Just received this from the good folks at Document records. Looks like some excellent releases are available. Check it out!
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Blue Band Update
The latest from Bob Dorr and the Blue Band!
Yikes! I'm feelin' so responsible for your well being! I've had a few people email wondering WHERE IS MY BLUE NOTE?? I'm flattered to hear that so many people look forward to these notes, but the pressure is killin' me! Couple this with the fact that I'm not feeling particularly witty these days and all of a sudden I've got writer's block. It must be the weather. But I digress...Tomorrow night (Saturday) we're helping the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown try to raise funds for their operation. Their press release says:
January 26th is the ARL Fur Ball featuring the Blue Band at the Marshalltown Coliseum. Doors open at 7:00PM, Band starts at 8:00 until 11:30. We will have free hor d'ourves starting at 7 until they run out. 13th Street Inn will be providing a cash bar featuring H & F Distributing products and a variety of sodas. Tickets can be purchased at the door- $30 per person or $50 per couple. If you would like to purchase tickets in advance to speed up getting in the door, visit the ARL, Kimikie Dog Grooming, Messy Missy's or 13th Street Inn (they will be closed Saturday). All proceeds benefit the ARL of Marshalltown. We have several goals for 2008 that fundraising money will support. Two of our biggest are heartworm testing for ARL dogs and feline Luekemia testing for ARL cats. Joining us tomorrow night will help to hopefully initially get these two programs off the ground in the very near future. Hope to see you tomorrow night. Need more information? Call the ARL at 641-753-9046...
I think that says it all. Let me add that, with the aforementioned weather, please make sure your own pets/animals do not get caught in the below zero temps or the wave after wave of snow storms...
We're moving the monthly TGIF party to the first Friday of the month, at The Hub (4th & Main) here in Sparkle City. That means NEXT Friday (Feb. 1)!! (and Mar. 7 and April 4) I need to let you know that we were treated VERY well by The Reverb with the parties in Nov./Dec./Jan and just wanted to try a different location (OK, I admit that the 24 stair load-in at The Reverb might have had something to do with the location change) The Hub is hoping to add a kitchen/food to their scene, so this would be an added attraction to the 5:30-9:00 showtime, but that is NOT going to happen next week. There is also substantually more seating at The Hub...
And please make plans to join us Friday, Feb. 8 at the #1 blues club in Minneapolis-Famous Daves! Come for the bar-b-que, stay for dancing. I'm sure the weather will be balmy in the Twin Cities! (remember a few years ago when we played up there and it was so cold that they CLOSED The Ice Carnival??)...
In case you have not visited the Post-A-Note page (www.theblueband.com/chat2.cfm) a few links have been posted for pictures of New Year's Eve. It was a magic night. I love the group picture with all the Blue Alumni! Perhaps a few songs from the night will be posted soon too...
I think it was Mark Twain who said "everyone talks about the weather, but no one DOES anything about it"! Please God, send us some nice warm sunny days, you can do it!...
See ya on the sanded and salted Blue Highway, rub that washboard tie for added heat, and don't hestitate to eat more CAKE to add that extra layer of insulation from the cold! (for those of you who live out of Ioway, we set an all-time record for Thursday by bottoming out at -26 degrees) (quit that smug smile and find us a gig in your warm neighborhood!) We love you...Bob Dorr & The Blue Band
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tom Gary And Paul Tillotson
Here are a couple of pics of me playing piano with Jazzman Paul Tillotson at the Cherokee Jazz and Blues festival. Paul is a topnotch piano player from New York City who was headlining the show. We jammed on a couple of tunes, one was a boogie woogie that sounded a lot like Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson's Boogie Woogie Dream! If you would like to see more photos you will need to go to the Gathering Places Myspace page HERE. If you have troubles getting in to see them, then you probably need a myspace profile, and add the Gathering Place to your friends list.
Buddy Guy: You Better Leave My Little Girl Alone
Yup, the original was done by Buddy Guy! This one features Buddy at Austin City Limits.
Buddy Guy: Mustang Sally
Bluesman Buddy Guy performing on the David Letterman Show back in 1991! Damn! That just seems like yesterday, but that was 17 years ago! ACK!!!!
Francis Clay RIP
Illinois blues, Bob Corritore, and Hawkeye Herman are all reporting the death of Francis Clay. Information is below.
Francis Clay
11/16/23-01/23/08
From: The Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter
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Francis Clay - November 16, 1923 - January 23, 2008: Another legendary Chicago blues master has left us. J.D. and Laura Diamond report the passing last night of drummer Francis Clay. Born in Rock Island, IL, on November 16, 1923, Clay quickly found a love of music. He first picked up the guitar at age 5 and soon switched to drums. By age 14, he was playing professionally and found leanings towards jazz. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and dabbled in a music lessons, a booking agency and a recording studio. He worked with George "Harmonica" Smith in late 1940's, toured with jazz organ great Brother Jack McDuff in the early 1950's and landed a 4 year stint with the acclaimed Muddy Waters band in 1957. It was his time in Muddy's band that he is most famous for and great records such as "Got My Mojo Workin'", "She's 19 Years Old" and "Walkin' Thru The Park" would not have been the same with out his brisk, interactive beat. In 1962, he left Muddy to form a band with James Cotton and then worked with Otis Rush and Buddy Guy before rejoining Muddy's band in 1965 for a two-year run. He would go on to work and record with Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Otis Spann, Shakey Jake, Victoria Spivey, Sunnyland Slim, Big Mama Thornton, and many others. Some classic albums on which Francis Clay performed are Muddy Waters "Live At Newport", Muddy Waters "Sings Big Bill Broonzy", Otis Spann "The Blues Is Where It's At", James Cotton "Pure Cotton" and John Lee Hooker "Live At Cafe Au-Go-Go". He would retire from drums due to knee problems and crippling arthritis and settle in San Francisco, California where he was an honored elder statesman of the blues in his community. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Francis was a frequent guest of honor at Randy Chortkoff''s annual Little Walter Festival in Los Angeles, and was presented with the festival's "Hall Of Fame Award". His last recording, released in 2004, was a guest appearance on Johnny Dyer's "Rolling Fork Revisited" (produced by Mark Hummel), where he plays a cut backing Johnny with fellow Muddy alumni Paul Oscher. He was a kind and gracious man who was proud of great history in blues music. We will miss him greatly.
From: Michael "Hawkeye" Herman www.HawkeyeHerman.com
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Francis Clay Born 11/16/23, Rock Island, IL - Died. 1/22/08, San Francisco, CA
Blues legend Francis Clay, former long-time Muddy Waters drummer, played with a who's who of Jazz and R&B icons, including Charlie Parker, Jay McShann, Billy Holiday, Little Walter, Lightnin Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson, Otis Spann, Big Mama Thornton, and James Cotton (who started the original James Cotton Blues Band with Clay in 1966). Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones raved about watching Francis play back in the 1960s with Muddy, saying, "Clay was one of the most exciting drummers he'd ever seen and heard."
Francis Clay was a kind, intelligent, gentle man, super musician, extraordinary poet/writer ... and a longtime friend ... to many. I was honored to have been in the wide circle of people who knew and loved Francis Clay. Although from different eras, Francis and I are 'homeboys' ... we were both raised up in the same town on the Mississippi River in Western Illinois, Rock Island ... those decades in age between us didn't separate us as good friends ... and I was honored to have presented the River Road Lifetime Achievement Award to Francis at the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival a few years ago ... in our home area ... and the icing on the cake was being asked by Francis a few weeks before the presentation ... if I would please put together a seven-piece blues band featuring Midwest/regional 'all-stars' to perform with him at the festival. It was a grand day. The crowd was huge, and included many of Francis's hometown relatives ... he was most gracious as we acknowledged his contributions to the blues and the Universe with the award presentation. The mayor of Davenport, IA presented him with the key to the city. Francis smiled broadly as we played our short set ... that included the jazz instrumental, "Caravan," ... yes, with Francis taking a superb extended drum solo. Francis was very happy.
That is how I will remember him. R.I.P. Francis Clay
In Fond Memory,
Michael "Hawkeye" Herman - www.HawkeyeHerman.com
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