Here is a better video of Daryl Davis warming up the ivories for Pinetop Perkins. Although the video says that Pinetop was late, I know from the experience of opening up for him, that he likes take his time getting up on stage to play. When you are 90 years old you can pretty much do whatever you want!!:-) When Pinetop was a spry 80 year old I had the pleasure of sitting in with the Soul Searchers while we waited for Pinetop to take my place. Pinetop sat in the audience for a couple of songs and after each one I looked at him and pointed to the piano, and he just smiled and pointed back! Finally after the third song he finally got up and strode to the piano and then lit into a boogie woogie that rocked the house!!!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Daryl Davis: Beat Me Daddy 8 To The Bar
This is not the greatest video, but Daryl Davis is one of the best Boogie Woogie piano players around. Furthermore this guy has done more to make the world a better place through music than any other person I know. Check out his website HERE.
New Honeydripper Review
Found a much better review of Honeydripper in the Globe And Mail from Canada. The Movie should open today to a little wider release. For the review Click HERE, for a theater near you that has the movie Click HERE. Right now it is only playing in some select theaters around the US. Hopefully if it does good they will expand to more theaters. I am surprised that it is not opening in Kansas City, or St. Louis. I can understand snubbing Iowa because people don't realize how much we love the blues. However, you would think it could play in Des Moines??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Pinetop Perkins Nominated For Two BMA's
From the Helena Daily World in Helena Arkansas come an article about Pinetop Perkins. Pinetop has been nominated for two BMA's. To read about his story and the BMA's Click HERE.
Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update
This just in from Bob Dorr
Continuing on talking about the weather, I needed to immediately update last Thursday's record temperature of -26, so that you Texans, Arizonans, Floridians, and snow birds can continue smirking. Seems that the official measuring instrument FROZE!! It was really -29!! At that point, who could really tell??!! I'm feeling a weather rant comin' on. Quick, let's get to the Blue essentials...
Tonight (Fri. 2/1) we're moving the monthly TGIF party two blocks south to The Hub, 4th & Main in beautiful downtown Sparkle City (Cedar Falls) There's more seats/tables and a little bigger dancefloor. Plans are to have food at The Hub soon, but the kitchen won't be functional this month. Not to worry, there's LOTS of great restaurants downtown. We play 5:30-9:00 and will be joined by Iowa Blues Hall of Famer Tommy T-Bone Giblin on keys and (believe it or not) Bunky Marlow on sax! I really like the Hub, it's our first chance to try this early night thing there, please help us make this a success...
Next Friday (2/8) we've been invited to the #1 blues club in the Twin Cities: Famous Dave's Uptown, Minneapolis MN. I love this joint. It always seems to turn into an ex-Iowans reunion when we play there. This time that vibe is likely to be enhanced by Hawkeye basketball fans who will be in town for the Hawk/Goopher basketball game the next afternoon. Come for the great food, stay for dancing. We play 9-12:30...
Saturday 2/16 we're part of another effort to raise money for a great community cause, a new dialysis center in Fairfield. The newspaper article says: Bob Dorr and the Blue Band is set to headline a benefit for the Doug Johnson Memorial Dialysis Fund. In addition to its annual golf tournament, the Jefferson County Hospital Foundation has taken on another fund-raising event this year. The event will kick off with a social hour from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the atrium of the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. The band will begin playing at 8:30 p.m. All of the proceeds from the event will go toward the dialysis fund and the construction of a dialysis center on the future Jefferson County Health Center campus. The dialysis center may open before the hospital. "This fundraiser will really give the dialysis center a shot in the arm," said June Lowenberg, hospital public relations and marketing manager. "You don't have to dance to come." Although the foundation had initially intended to hold a formal event, Lowenberg said those who attend the social and concert are welcome to dress up or go in casual attire. The event is something sort of "out of the box" for anyone looking to celebrate Valentine's Day, which falls on the Thursday before the Saturday event, Lowenberg said. Not only is it something a little different, it's for a good cause, she added...
I'm going to be doing my Backtracks Rock'n'Roll History show on Iowa Public Radio-KUNI LIVE this Saturday, (2/2) 7-10p. The show deals exclusively with songs that are at least 25 years old. Requests/salutations at 1-800-772-2440, ext. 5. Get your frequency or listen on line at www.kuniradio.org...
We seem to be adding dates to the web calendar (www.theblueband.com/cal.htm) every day. Help us by suggesting our band to your local festival planning committee. I cant wait for summer, which brings me back to the weather...
OK, so here's the scene, jellybean. Last Thursday it was -29. Monday afternoon it was +51. That's and EIGHTY degree swing in 4 days. Monday's spring like day turned my nearly snowed in alley to slush and water. Tuesday there was a blizzard warning that closed sections of I-35 north of Mason City. Wind chills that night were -30 (another 80 degree swing) Wednesday my alley resembled an Olympic luge course without the Zamboni Machine to smoothe out the ruts. I fell on butt trying to walk up the alley. With all the CAKE I've been eating, my butt looks like it has extra padding, but it didn't help with cushioning that fall. By now I'm convinced that Hell HAS frozen over. There are others that would insist that the fact that Bunky Marlow is playing with the band tonight is PROOF that hell has frozen over, (!) but that's another story...
For exercise in this climate, I've taken to Mall walking. I couldn't help but(t) notice the sign outside of the Victoria's Secret store: 50% Price Reductions on Panties! Does this mean that those panties are half off??...
With that groaner, I gotta go. Where's my bottle of Flexall 454? See ya on the drifted Blue Highway, keep rubbin' that washboard for heat, maybe more CAKE will cushion the next fall, and somebody remind me next August: NO MORE IOWA WINTERS!! We love you...Bob Dorr & The Blue Band
Thursday, January 31, 2008
James Harman: I Got News For You
Here is the old classic version of James Harmon. Not sure when this was shot, but probably sometime in the early 90s. If you have seen James recently you wouldn't recognize him! He grew out his hair long, and it is now gray. Plus he is really into the Hodo New Orleans style of playing. However, for you old school blues fans, here is the old James Harmon
Rod Piazza And The Mighty Fliers: Black Night
The amazing Rod Piazza and the lovely Honey on Piano doing a classic Charles Brown song.
2008 Blues Music Awards Tickets On Sale Now!!
New press release, the 2008 BMA's in Tunica Mississippi are on sale now. Here is the press release
Tunica, MS – January 2008 – Tickets are now on sale for the most prestigious event in all of Blues music in 2008. The Blues Music Awards, to be held Thursday May 8, 2008 at the Grand Casino Resort Tunica (soon to be Harrah’s Casino Tunica), brings together Blues performers, industry representatives and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
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“Each year, the Blues Foundation presents The Blues Music Awards to the artists selected by its members,” Jay Sieleman, the executive director of the Blues Foundation, said. “The awards are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists.”
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Contact:
Claire Pittman, Public Relations Manager
Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau
662-363-3800
888-488-6422
Tunica, MS – January 2008 – Tickets are now on sale for the most prestigious event in all of Blues music in 2008. The Blues Music Awards, to be held Thursday May 8, 2008 at the Grand Casino Resort Tunica (soon to be Harrah’s Casino Tunica), brings together Blues performers, industry representatives and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
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“Each year, the Blues Foundation presents The Blues Music Awards to the artists selected by its members,” Jay Sieleman, the executive director of the Blues Foundation, said. “The awards are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists.” Tickets are on sale online at www.blues.org/tickets/bma.php. On that site as well, members are able to access the ballot to determine which of the nominees will be selected to receive the 25 Blues Music Awards. Rooms can also be booked now at the special Blues Music Award rate by calling Grand Casino Resort Tunica at 1-800-394-7263 and mentioning the group code S05BLUE.
Sieleman says holding the Blues Music Awards in the Mississippi Delta in Tunica, Mississippi, The South’s Casino Capital, will be a first for this prestigious event. The Blues Music Awards will be held at the Grand Casino Tunica Event Center, which is a state-of-the-art, 2,500 seat venue.
“We are honored to be able to host the 2008 Blues Music Awards,” Bill Wright, general manager of Grand Casino Resort Tunica, said. “We hope this is the beginning of a great tradition where the music indigenous to Mississippi is celebrated in Tunica, Mississippi, for years to come.”
The State of Mississippi, the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau and Harrah’s Casino Tunica are sponsoring the Blues Music Awards.
“Tunica is the logical place to host this international event,” Webster Franklin, president and CEO of the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau, said. “Not only is Tunica the entrance to the Blues Highway 61, but it’s also the South’s Casino Capital, making it an entertaining destination for all visitors coming to this event.”
In previous years, viewers have seen the appearance of more than 60 nominees and almost 30 nominee sets, many with one of a kind pairings. The 2008 show can be expected to improve on these critically-acclaimed shows.
The Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Charter Member’s Dinner will be held the night before on Wednesday, May 7th at the $28 million Tunica Riverpark museum that sits right on the banks of the Mississippi River.
In addition, Blues fans can be assured that many additional events will be scheduled in the area during the week. For example, the State of Mississippi has created a Blues Trail for blues enthusiasts to travel along the Mississippi Blues Trail, walk where they walked, dance where they danced, and experience the blues where they were born. Come on an unforgettable journey and follow the Mississippi Blues trail, from street corners where blues musicians played for tips to places they called home and even to their final resting places. Point your browser to www.msbluestrail.org and start planning your authentic experience now.
The Presenting Sponsor for the Blues Awards 2008 is The GIBSON Foundation. The Blues Music Awards are also sponsored by BMI, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
Located 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tunica is The South’s Casino Capital. Be Taken Away by the nine world-class casinos, 6,000 luxurious hotel rooms, fine dining restaurants and buffets, headline entertainers, championship golf and tennis, award-winning museums, lavish spas, and outlet/antique shopping. Come see why everyone is saying, “Take Me Away to Tunica!” Call 1-888-4TUNICA to request a value-packed Winner’s Guide, or visit www.TunicaMiss.com for travel information.|
Contact:
Claire Pittman, Public Relations Manager
Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau
662-363-3800
888-488-6422
Bob Corritore Newsletter, Charlie Baty To Retire!
Just received this weeks newsletter from Bob. Bad news that Charlie Baty of Little Charlie And The Nightcats is calling it quits! You certainly can't blame him because living on the road is tough, and a bluesmans life can be really tough. Good Luck Charlie!!!
January 30, 2008
- Pre-Super Bowl Blues Events this weekend at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix: As thousands of visitors pour into Phoenix from all around the world for the Super Bowl, there are two blues events of note at the Rhythm Room in the days prior to this spectacular sports event:
Friday, February 1, 2008: Little Charlie & The Nightcats - Charlie is retiring! This Friday's show may be the last time Phoenicians will have the opportunity to see this notorious and spirited blues band. Charlie Baty, the guitarist and bandleader of the Nightcats, has announced his intentions of retiring after the band's European dates in March. After over 30 years of performing and ten albums on the Alligator record label, the dynasty will finally come to an end. Little Charlie has told Bob in a personal phone call that he was tired of life on the road. Charlie also mentioned that Nightcats harmonica ace and frontman Rick Estrin is working up a new, yet to be named project, and will keep the tradition of this band going. Little Charlie is simply an amazing guitarist and his dynamic playing will be missed on the national and international touring circuit. A press release put out by Piedmont Talent seems to leave the door open for a "reunion" tour or special appearances. Let's hope that we have not heard the last of this great guitarist. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $15. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.
Saturday, February 2, 2008: Super Bowl Blues Pre-Party with Dave Riley & Bob Corritore Band, Long John Hunter, and Big Pete Pearson. A night of pure traditional blues. The night will be hosted by the BMA-nominated Dave Riley and Bob Corritore and their band, including Dave Riley, Jr. on bass, and Tom "Hacksaw" Coulson on drums. Look for guest appearances by Arizona's King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson; and Long John Hunter, who says this is his first live appearance anywhere in four years. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.
- New Articles and postings on the Internet: Some recent kind words and postings:
-Vizztone Label Group artist Gina Sicilia's Blog. Thanks Gina!
-Benjamin Cossel's article on Bob Corritore.
-Special thanks to Blueswax for quoting items from this newsletter. Check out and sign up for Blueswax's spectacular e-newsletter by clicking here.
-Also special thanks to Blues Art Studio for including the Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter along with other fine e-publications on the news section of their website. Check out their recent news updates by clicking here.
- New Mannish Boys CD and Bobby Jones CD forthcoming on Delta Groove: Randy Chortkoff has just been in the studio recording two amazing new CDs. The Mannish Boys, now one of the greatest touring blues units around, recorded what will be their fourth CD. Johnny Dyer, Finis Tasby, Bobby Jones, special guest Little Sammy Davis, and others will be featured on this new release out later this year. Former Aces vocalist Bobby Jones also laid down his own CD at the same time. Bobby is a stunning singer who can handle a wide range of material. It will be great to finally have a whole CD to capture the depth of this man's talent. Randy has played a few selections from these forthcoming releases to Bob over the phone, and they are simply top-notch performances. Thanks to Delta Groove for releasing some of the greatest straight ahead blues releases on the current music landscape. Check out this late 50's picture of Bobby Jones and The Aces on Bob's website by clicking here.
- Bob's Radio Show Turns 24 Years old! This week marks the 24-year anniversary of Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ 91.5 FM. Look for the same great traditional blues programming that you get each week on Bob's show plus a special live on the air performance by Dave Riley. Each week Bob shares selections from his vast collection of blues recordings. Last year Bob's show won a Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation in the category of Public Radio. 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.
- 2008 KBA Awards and International Blues Challenge to take place in Memphis this weekend: Speaking of Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) awards, congratulations to the class of 2008 KBA recipients, who will be honored in Memphis this weekend. Each year, The Blues Foundation presents KBA Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Blues world. For a complete list of this year's KBA recipients, click here. The Blues Foundation will present the 2008 KBA Awards during a recognition brunch Saturday, February 2, 2008, at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. The KBA ceremony will be part of the International Blues Challenge (IBC) weekend of events. For complete information about the 2008 International Blues Challenge weekend, click here, and to see the weekend schedule, click here.
- Magic Sam on YouTube: Please enjoy this film clip of Magic Sam in Europe. First an interview, then a great live performance of "All Your Love", followed by Sam's amazing guitar boogie "Looking Good". Click here to see a very satisfying look at this legendary Chicago Bluesman. Note that Magic Sam is playing Earl Hooker's guitar.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
John Edwards Bows Out
It is a sad day for me that John Edwards has dropped out of the Democratic race for President. I think what really disappoints me is that through the whole process the candidates who had the most experience and probably could really bring change have left the campaign leaving Hillary Clinton who is really just the same old crap that has been going on since 1980, and Barrack Obama who I like, but I fear is going to fall short due to his lack of experience. Granted Edwards didn't have much political experience, but he did make a living fighting corporations. That is why he is gone. They painted a picture of him in the corporate press as a lightweight, a rich man pretending to be a poor man, or the guy with the 400 dollar hair cut. The reality is that he came from working class stock. His father worked hard so Edwards could benefit and make something of himself, and he did by fighting corporations who screwed over the little people. Edwards did a good job, probably too good of job, because he made a lot of money doing it. However, the corporations can sleep well tonight knowing the John Edwards is no longer in the race.
Here is a video I made of Edwards last summer when he was in Iowa. It is not the best quality, but it is the only one I have.
Here is a video I made of Edwards last summer when he was in Iowa. It is not the best quality, but it is the only one I have.
Cultural Advocacy Day In Iowa
An important day for the arts in Iowa. February 18th is a Sunday so no excuses!
Fruteland Jackson
Just received this from Illinois blues. Fruteland is doing blues in schools in the Quadcities, and will perform in Bettendorf and Davenport Iowa.
Blues Society News
Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:
Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA
Blues Artist Fruteland Jackson to Perform and Teach - Award-winning blues educator Fruteland Jackson will be in Quad-Cities schools and colleges the week of February 4-8 for a Blues in the Schools residency sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society .
Fruteland will also present two open-to-the-public free performances: Tuesday, Feb. 5—Bettendorf Library, 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 6—Mojo’s at the River Music Experience in Davenport, 7 p.m.“Fruteland Jackson is a rare blues talent, and we’re lucky to be able to host him again,” says Ann Ring, chair of the MVBS Education Committee. “He’s one of our most-requested artists-in-residence, so we know area teachers and kids are looking forward to his visit.”
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Etta James: At Last
The great Etta James singing her big hit At Last. This is a fan video that features Audrey Hepburn, and Fred Astaire in the movie Funny Face. For some reason it is a slow night for blues news. I have been looking up and down the Google wire for anything interesting and coming up blank! So I figure a interesting video should hold you over till tomorrow:-)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Evan Palazzo: Up A Lazy River
Here is a cool example of some old time Stride Piano by Evan Palazzo. Stride is probably one of the hardest types of piano playing around because you left hand is bouncing all around and carries the rhythm. Ragtime was the precursor to Stride, and both have influenced the blues and the blues in turn influenced those styles.
Bob Corritore Interview
Wow! Blogcritic is two for two with great interviews with guys that are working hard to keep the blues going. Not only is Bob an outstanding musician, but he has really done a great job building the blues scene in Phoenix, and promoting blues all over the country. Click HERE to read the Blogcritic interview.
Bob Koester Interview
The owner and founder of Delmark records, Bob Koester is interviewed on blogcritic. Koester is one of the good guys of the blues and has worked hard to keep it alive. This is part one of the interview, so Click HERE to read it.
New Contest From Mississippi Delta Tourism
just got this from the Mississippi Delta Tourism
Register to Win Today | “The Delta Gateway Getaway” Vacation SweepstakesRegister to win a 3-night stay in the legendary Mississippi Delta! How to Register About the Trip Other Gifts Include…
The “Delta Gateway Getaway” vacation is scheduled for April 17 – 19, 2008 and is non-transferable. |
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Artist Of The Week: Skip James
If you wondered where Robert Johnson picked up his high pitch haunting vocals then listen to Skip James. Skip was one of the lost masters of the blues when he suddenly reappeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1966. He came as a friend of Mississippi John Hurt, and the world fell in love with Skip James. James in the short time he had left was able to re-record all of his old songs, and even do a few new ones. The videos below are mostly from Newport Jazz and blues festival, or from overseas TV. As always the videos can be found on the left side of the blog titled artist of the week.
Photo Of The Week: The Storm Lake Municipal Band
This weeks photo is of the Storm Lake Municipal Band playing at our famous bandshell. The band is made up of local players and every summer they put on free concerts on Sunday afternoons. After a cold winterly week, and winter due to return Tuesday night I thought I would post something warm to remind me of how good summer is on the lake!
Witter Gallery February 24th
I am playing a fundraiser with Don Demers on Sunday February 24th from 2-3;15pm. We are raising money and trying to increase memberships at the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake. Storm Lake is a very nice college town that has some nice small areas of high culture. The Witter is one of those cool places in Strom Lake that has a nice permanent collection as well as traveling art work. They call the show the February Chocolate Extravaganza, and it sounds like it will be a great time. For more information check out there website: www.thewittergallery.org
CIBS Winter Blues Fest
Found this on the CIBS website
Winter Blues Fest
Winter Blues Fest
Sat, Feb 9, 2008
Hotel Fort Des Moines
1000 Walnut, Des Moines, IA
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Doors open at 6 PM
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$12 Advance/$15 Day of the show--good for
Hotel Ballrooms & Chequers Lounge -
Tickets available at Blues on Grand, Hotel Ft DM
or call 515-225-6638 -
Blues Rates available at the Hotel Fort Des Moines
515-243-1161 or 1-800-532-1466
| | Willie Mac & Alan Smith 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge Winner - Solo/Duo Chequers Lounge |
| | Trampled Underfoot 2007 KC Blues Challenge Winner - Band Grand Ballroom |
| | Matt Wood & the Thunderbolts 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge Winner - Band State Ballroom |
| | Kevin "BF" Burt & the Instigators |
| | Sumpin' Doo 8:30-11:30 PM Independence Hall
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| | Ernie Peniston Band 10:30-1:30 AM Grand Ballroom |
| | Cadillac Kolstad & the Flats 2007 Twin Cities Blues Challenge Winner 10:45-1:00 AM Wedgewood Room |
| | RJ Mischo & His Red Hot Blues Band 11:00-1:30 AM State Ballroom |
| | Hot Tamale & the Red Hots 12:00-1:00 AM Independence Hall
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| AfterFest Jam 1:00 AM - ??? Independence Hall
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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 & KGGO/98.3. Listen to 94.9 FM and 98.3 FM for ticket
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