March 20, 2009
- Dave Riley/Bob Corritore To Open For T-Model Ford this Saturday at the Rhythm Room: The raucous down-home blues of T-Model Ford comes to the Rhythm Room in Phoenix this Saturday, March 21, 2009 with opening sets by Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, and Mikel Lander & Meridith Moore. T-Model Ford was brought into national attention by his recordings for the Fat Possum record label. He was part of a wave of youthful interest in the down-home blues veterans of Mississippi that also included R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Paul "Wine” Jones, and others. It is always a treat to hear T-Model's completely rowdy southern blues style. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at these events. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.
- Tomcat Courtney Added to Lucerne Lineup! Tomcat Courtney is perhaps the greatest living performer of Texas country blues. He grew up near Waco, Texas, and heard and learned the music of Lightnin' Hopkins, Smokey Hogg, and Lil' Son Jackson. The 80 year old Courtney has come into prominence in the last year for his highly acclaimed album, Downsville Blues on the Blue Witch Record Label. Tomcat Courtney has just been confirmed as part of the lineup of the 2009 Lucerne Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland. Tomcat will be appearing on Friday Nov 13, 2009, with the band that performed on that album: Tomcat on vocals and guitar, Chris James on guitar, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Patrick Rynn on the bass, and Brian Fahey on the drums. In addition to performing with Tomcat, Bob will also be appearing at the festival earlier in the week with Dave Riley. Tomcat will delight European blues fans with his spectacular voice and down home blues guitar. To see Tomcat Courtney's MySpace and hear clips of his wonderful music, click here.
- Earwig Music Showcase Celebrating 30th Anniversary at S.P.A.C.E. in Evanston During Chicago Blues Festival! The Earwig Music label was founded in 1978 by label chief/harmonica player/producer Michael Frank. Over its 30 year history the label has represented a sanctuary for the purest of blues and the label catalog is nothing short of breathtaking. This information just in via Chris James about a party happening during the Friday of the Chicago Blues Festival weekend. The Earwig Music 30th Anniversary Showcase with Honeyboy Edwards, Dennis Binder, Big Jack Johnson & The Oilers with Allen Batts, John Primer, and Chris James and Patrick Rynn with Bob Corritore will happen Friday June 12, 2009 - 9:00pm at S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, Illinois. Advance tickets are available at www.evanstonspace.com. Please note that during Chicago Blues Fest week there will be numerous other Earwig anniversary events and features: Liz Mandeville & Johnny Drummer songwriting workshop on June 10, 2009 at Old Town School Of Folk Music, a woman's showcase at Bill's Blues in Evanston on June 13, 2009, and Earwig artists Big Jack Johnson, Honeyboy Edwards, Travis Haddix, Aaron Moore, Dennis Binder, and Allen Batts, are scheduled to appear in this year's Chicago Blues Festival lineup! To see Earwig Music's great website filled with news, videos, catalog information, ordering information and photos, click here. Thank you, Michael Frank, for your great record label and your many notable contributions to the blues, and congratulations on your 30th anniversary!
- John Cephas Memorial Show Announced: This information provided by Bill Greenhalgh of Hohner, Inc.: The upcoming memorial to celebrate the life of our friend John Cephas will be Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 1-3pm at Baird Auditorium in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum on the mall in Washington, DC. It is open to all friends and loved ones. For more information on this event, click here.
- Lightnin' Hopkins on YouTube! Please enjoy this film of Lightnin' Hopkins performing a beautiful slow blues and a version of “Baby Scratch My Back”. To see, click here.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Bob Corritore Blues News
Illinois Blues News
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| March 20, 2009 |
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| Hey Blues Fans, We didn't have to go very far to find some great Blues this week. There was some great stuff right in our own backyard. Kilborn Alley Blues Band paid tribute to St Paddy's Day Tuesday with a show at Paddy O' Flaherty's in Morton, IL. They are back touring after wrapping up the recording of a new CD for Blue Bella records. They treated a huge crowd of Irish revelers to a few of the new songs from the recording. As with their first two releases, this one is chock full of real original Chicago Blues songs that have you clapping and singing along the first time you hear them. Look for the new CD in May Bluesman Chris Bell played to a crowd of Blues lovers from the River City Blues Society in Pekin, IL. Chris hails from Los Angeles, CA and they don't call him "Chris Bell and 100% Blues" for nothing. He played two sets of real deal Blues that had the crowd yelling for more. In this issue - Blues Reviews and MORE! James Walker reviews a new CD from Too Slim and the Taildraggers. Ben Cox reviews a new CD by a Chicago Blues All Star team that includes Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, Carlos Johnson and others. Our video of the week is a classic clip of John Lee Hooker with the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!! |
| For tickets and info CLICK HERE |
Blues Society News
Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to: Please submit a maximum of 175 or words or less in a Text or Word format ONLY. Arkansas River Blues Society - Little Rock, AR The Arkansas River Blues Society has settled in to its home base at Jazzi's, 5200 Asher Ave. in Little Rock. The jam is held on the 1st Wed. of each month. A different house band is featured each month and on April 1st it will be Jess Hoggard and Southern Soul featuring Charles Wood. The May house band is Unseen Eye from Hot Springs. Recent house bands have been Joe Marks and NTO, Joe Pitts Band, Mike Dollins and the Cruise Bros., Big John Miller Band, N-2 Blues, and John Craig. Regular jammers have been Dan Sokoloski, Jawbone and Jolene, Charlotte Taylor, Ed Bowman, Charles Wood, and G-Funk the Tree Trunk. Joe Pitts brought in a touring band from Italy called Shanghai Noodle Factory. Jam begins at 8:30 and runs till midnight. People are friendly and the food is good. You can find out about special events by visiting the MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/arriverbluessociety Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents Bob Dorr and the Blue Band at the Redstone Room Saturday March 28 Davenport, IA ( 129 Main Street). Doors open at 7:30 and the music begins at 8:30 Admission is $10. The show is a fundraiser for the MVBS. For more information Contact: Karen McFarland, (563) 508-6596 Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL BLUE MONDAY SHOWS Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover - March 23 - Chris Bell and 100% Blues, Mar 30 - Frank Herrin & Blues Power, Apr 6 - Blues Deacons, Apr 13 - Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Apr 20 - Pleasure Chest, Apr 27 - Nothin' But Trouble River City Blues Society- Peoria, IL The River City Blues Society's Wednesday Blues Series in Central, Illinois are early shows each Wednesday at 7:00pm, featuring the best traveling regional and National Blues musicians. The shows feature a budget priced cover charge of $3. The shows are held at the Dragon's Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave in Pekin, IL. Shows scheduled are: Mar 25 - Sally Weisenburg & The Famous Sidemen, Apr 1 - Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Alter Boys, Apr 8 - Third Degree Blues Band, Apr 15 - Too Slim & The Tail Draggers, Apr 22 - Damon Fowler Group, April 29 - Bob Dorr & The Blue Band, May 6 Shannon Curfman, May 13 - Scott Ellison, May 20 - Deak Harp, May 27 - The Insomniacs |
| Advertising Special Blues Blast Magazine advertising rates slashed (Ads must be reserved by March 31st, 2009) Blues Blast Magazine is a great way to promote the Blues. More than 12,000 Blues fans, Blues society members, festival promoters, record companies, artists and Blues publishers read our Blues Blast magazine each week. They are located in all 50 states and in more than 60 countries. We get more than 800,000 hits and more than 10,000 visitors a month on our website. If your Blues Society is organizing a Blues Fest we offer cost effective advertising that really "Gets The Blues Word Out"! If you are a Blues performer, we can help promote your new CD. We know times are hard and Blues music is the Music for the times! So for a limited time Blues Blast Magazine is offering "recession prices" on festival and CD advertising. Normal 2009 Advertising rates are $30 a week for Blues Blast magazine ads. Website ads are $40 per month for a small ads on the sidebar of the homepage and $55 per month for a larger ad on the main homepage area. BUT, for a limited time, you can advertise your Blues event or CD in Blues Blast Magazine for less that the cost of a small ad in your local newspaper. If you reserve and pay for your ad space by March 31st, 2009 we are offering a special combo rate of $100 a month to get both a weekly Blues Blast magazine ad AND a sidebar ad on our website (Minimum of 2 months). SO for $200 your ad will run in eight issues of the Blues Blast and be on the website for 2 months. Your ad will be seen by THOUSANDS of Blues fans! Ads can be scheduled for any dates in 2009. Space is limited during some summer festival season times and will be sold on a first come first served basis. To get more information email |
Featured Blues Review 1 of 2
| www.myspace.com/tooslimanthetaildraggers 11 songs; Time 52:01; Library Quality Style: American Roots Music “When will I EVER learn to keep my big, fat mouth SHUT? Yep, I told the straight, harsh truth. And, I won the battle, ....... but I lost the war!” These words are spoken, at some point, by everyone who is in a successful long term relationship – of any variety: lovers, spouses, bosses, workmates, children, band mates. Most everyone knows this concept. But, how many can create lyrics and music to express it in a great song? That is where half of the genius of Tim “Too Slim” Langford comes in. “Bottle It Up” is the title that succinctly (and politely) summarizes that “just shut up” idea. The lyrics (thoughtfully included in the CDs nicely presented package) read, “You make me just want to yell and scream / The world you live in is a fantasy / Someday I hope that you will wake up from your dream / And join us in reality.” Implication: the offender needs a good telling off, but we know who will get “burned” in the end. The other half of Langford’s genius is setting those lyrics to music led by his legendary guitar work. Across Langford’s career, imaginative guitar playing and distinctive tones on electric guitar, slide, and acoustic stake his claim as a master guitarist currently with rising recognition. On first listen to “Bottle It Up,” I told Too Slim, “I hear Beatles tones in there.” In an interview, Slim revealed, “The guitar playing is George Harrison slide style all the way. It’s “All Things must Pass” era - one of my favorite albums of all time.” “Free Your Mind” is Too Slim and the Taildraggers’ 10th studio album since 1988. Its eleven original songs are a slice of American roots music, with influences from Blues, Americana and Rock. By 2003’s “Tales of Sin and Redemption,” Too Slim and his changing rhythm section, The Taildraggers, have truly created an eclectic style that has become a genre all its own allowing them to easily cross-over and appeal to audiences of various musical tastes. For this outing, Too Slim sang lead and played Les Paul Supreme, Reverend, and Stratocaster guitars, the bass was handled by Dave Nordstrom, Rudy Simone drummed, background vocalists were Pamela and Paula Mattioli, and co-producer Todd Smallwood added Hammond organ and 12-string guitar on the recording, too. For the fist time ever on a Too Slim album, another singer did lead vocals: Lauren Evans sang the last cut, a personal “prayer of sorts,” titled “The Light.” Slim revealed, “I had to let Lauren sing this one. I had written it way before I met her, and when I heard her voice, I just knew this song belonged to her. She has a gospel background, and she takes it to the church! [Call it] divine intervention.” The CD's first track, "When You Love Somebody," launches off the pad by marrying the heartland rock of John Cougar Mellencamp with the southern rock influences of Lynyrd Skynyrd for a kick-ass opening. It is actually a love song; a “love song to my sweet [wife] Nancy,” Slim shared. I have known Tim Langford for 14 years, and I can testify that despite all the “takers” he has unfortunately met, he manages to keep love in his heart. Opening with some deft single string picking, “Last Train” was written, after [Slim] read the Seattle Times one day. “All the lyrics are from subjects of different articles that day, and there was some crazy sh*t!” he explained. Slim compares society’s unreasonable excesses as the “last train, with cracks in the wheels” about to jump the tracks, and “Hunter S. Thompson is the engineer!” With Southern Rock soaring guitars, “Devil in a Doublewide” is Too Slim’s take on the sad meth epidemic. The guitar hooks and slide on the title track “Free Your Mind” are as catchy as cats on mice. “Everybody can relate to that time when you did not have a care in the world (“life is better when you don't have a care!”). Sometimes you got to reach back and hold on to that memory and re-inject it into your life as it is today,” says Langford. “Pour yourself a cold one” and “try everything before you get old.” “Testament” testifies to Langford’s maturing as both a man and songwriter. Over layers of haunting guitars, Slim shared, “It’s a prayer of sorts. I wrote this whole song in about half an hour! Divine intervention!” Some of the influence seems to have come from the extremely harsh winter Seattle had this year. Slim plays some of his patent killer slide guitar mid-song on a tune about perseverance, “Been Through Hell” - to get a little heaven.” Slim’s philosophy here, “Sometimes you got to go through some sh*t to get to the good stuff. Keep your head up and don't take things for granted.” More maturity is found in “Peace with the Maker,” Slim’s take on the crossroads and making a deal with the Devil. Scolding guitar encourages responsibility for actions taken, and the chorus reminds one to make “peace with the Maker.” “Throw Me a Rope” – “This is a song about wondering who your real friends are. Nobody knows you when you are down and out, right? If you could rescue me, would you try?” Some of the best uplifting guitar is found here in the middle solo. Both humor and pathos are found in “This Phone.” A “lovesick and lonesome” man continually “stares at This Phone,” thinking that if he stares “long enough, it just might ring.” “I wrote this song a long time ago when I was courting my sweet wife Nancy. Cell phone service was not as good back then!” said Slim. There may be a time to keep you mouth shut, but concerning “Free Your Mind,” this is not the time. Say it loudly, say it proudly, Too Slim and the Taildraggers rock! Reviewer James “Skyy Dobro” Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show “Friends of the Blues” can be heard each Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00pm on WKCC 91.1 FM in Kankakee, IL For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Too Slim and the Taildraggers - Free Your Mind| |
Blues Want Ads
| Blues Musicians Place Your Want Ad here for FREE "workin Blues performers" ONLY can place Want Ads here for FREE. NO Commercial Ads! Blues Music Writers wanted Blues Blast Magazine is looking for reviewers to review new Blues CD's. If you have a background and experience with Blues music and like to write we can provide new CD's for you to review. Person must be willing to write a minimum of one review every other week. Reviewer keeps the CD's for writing the review. If interested please send a sample of your writing and a short bio of your Blues background to All ads submitted will be used if space allows. If space is limited, ads will be randomly selected to appear in the Blues Blast. Ads may be edited. Send your ad submission to |
| Listen to GLT Blues every weekend in March for MOJO MADNESS! It's your chance to win tickets to the Illinois Blues Festival in Peoria on Labor Day weekend as you call GLT to vote for your favorite blues artists. Here's the deal: We've seeded and bracketed 32 great blues artists from yesterday and today for a blues tournament we're calling "MOJO MADNESS." MOJO MADNESS is just like the NCAA Basketball tournament every March, except YOU decide the winner of each round with your phone votes. If you're the 89th voter in a particular match, you'll win concert tickets. You may call to vote as often as you like, but you can only win once during the tournament. Every person who wins concert tickets by being the 89th voter qualifies for the Grand Prize: A Black Cat Bone ... that is, an iPod with songs from all 32 artists who made it into the 2009 MOJO MADNESS bracket. Look at and download your own MOJO MADNESS bracket so you can keep track of the winners, as well as the date and times of each MOJO MADNESS match. Here's the link to the bracket: http://wglt.org/programs/blues/mojo-layout.pdf The first "match' this week is Friday night from 8pm - 9pm, featuring Koko Taylor vs Willie Kent. Listen Live and phone in your votes at 309 438-8910 Here are the matchups for this weekend:
Week Two Winners
Week One Winners
For more info, go to http://www.wglt.org To tune in to GLT Blues Radio 24/7 and Play MOJO MADNESS simply CLICK HERE |
Blues Video of the Week
| with the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton This week we feature a video from a 1989 show in Atlantic City. The song is the Hooker classic, "Boogie Chillin". This is a classic clip from the zenith of John Lee's career. Eric Clapton and and the Stones know they are with the master. They are all smiles to be in his presence and play on the same stage with him. To see this cool video on our website, click the play button below. . For other videos on our website CLICK HERE. |
John Lee Hooker 
| The Simply The Blues Festival May 8th and 9th 2009 in Fort Madison, IA. May 8th -Bobby Rush, Sugar Blue, porterdavis, Patrick Hazell and the The Smokin Mojo Kings. May 9th - Johnny Drummer, Liz Mandeville, Michael Frank, Chris James and Patrick Rynn, Bob Corritore, Harper, The Soul Of John Black, Shannon Curfman, 2009 International Blues Challenge band winner JP Soars And The Red Hots, IBC solo/duet winner Little Joe McLerran, Rich Berry, The Avey Brothers and Brad McCloud and the Case of the Blues. For more information go to www.simplemanenterprises.com. |
Featured Blues Review 2 of 2
Reviewed by Ben "the Harpman" Cox. Visit his website Juke Joint Soul For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. | |||
| | The River City Blues Society presents Wednesday Blues featuring 7:00pm March 18th, 2009 The Dragon's Dome To see Map- CLICK HERE Admission $3 - One free admission with new Society membership
|
Live Blues Calendar
| YOU can submit your Blues performances for FREE at: http://www.illinoisblues.com/submitnews.htm
Performance dates were submitted by Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Blues festivals. TheBluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.
or click a state to see Blues shows by State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware D.C. Florida Georgia Performance dates submitted by Musicians, Clubs, Blues Societies and Blues festivals. The BluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions. |
Advertise with Blues Blast Magazine
| Get the Blues word OUT! Festivals... Blues Blast Magazine & TheBluesBlast.com's website are great ways to promote ANY Blues event or product. In fact we believe we just might have THE best Blues advertising vehicle anywhere to promote YOUR Blues event! Blues CD's... For less than the cost of one small ad in a newspaper, you can advertise your shows, new CD or any Blues product. A great way to get the Blues word out! Blues fans WANT to know about your Blues event of product. Call Bob at (309) 267-4425 or send an email to Blues Blast Magazine covers Blues all over the US - NOT just in Illinois! We also offer effective advertising for Festivals and Club Owners, Recording Companies and Performers. Put your Blues advertisement on our homepage at: http://www.TheBluesBlast.com either as a sponsored event or as a featured event, product, recording or merchandise. We get 10,000 visitors and 800,000 hits A MONTH on our website! More than 12,000 Blues Fans, Musicians, Recording Companies, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Festival Promoters in all 50 states and in 40 countries read the Blues Blast magazine each week. You can feature your event or product in the largest FREE internet Blues magazine delivered right to your inbox each week. Contact us Today at |
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Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update
Just the facts, mammals...The good news: We've got a gig tonight! (Fri.) at Porky's Pub and Garage, 5125 NE 14th St., (a few blocks north of I-80) in Des Moines, we play 9-1 (I know, you worked all week, and it's a late Friday night after you had to be at work at 7:30am, but TAKE A NAP (!) and let's have some fun) Bunky will join Al in the horn section...
The good news again: The swelling in my jaw seems to be about gone and I'm able to chew a little more each day on my root canalled tooth (damn, now I have to face the fact that it's my winter weight gain/chubby jowls, not the tooth ache that has me looking like FAT Elvis in 1977!) and altho' I seem to be NAPPING more than normal, I think I'm over this dastardly cold (good thing, cuz I'm sure I'm on "somebody's list" for purchasing two boxes of Sudafed in the last two weeks!)...
The REALLY Bad news: Doctors have detected a cancer in Jeff's prostate...
The better news: They detected this cancer in it's very early stages and Jeff's prognosis is very good. He seems to be dealing with it well (in deed, in classic Mr. Petersen fashion, he seems to be more concerned about the likelihood that he'll miss a few gigs because of the pending surgery, than the cancer itself, saying that "I'm not too happy about this, the last time I missed a gig was 1977!") I, on the other hand, am FREAKIN' OUT! No matter who left our band over the years, I always had confidence that Jeff and I could carry on. I'm not so confident with the prospect of not having him on the bandstand, even for a couple of gigs! None the less, Jeff's planning on playing all the gigs, right up to his scheduled surgery on May 6 and will hope to be back with us starting Memorial Day weekend. I tell you this so that we can all start vibing/praying for Jeff's complete recovery. I believe in strength in numbers. Your good wishes thru this time will be appreciated by Jeff, Sheryl, myself, The Blue Band and all effected by this news...
Some good news on the New Year's Eve party: How would you feel about this-You can see the hotel from I-80 in Des Moines. On one end of a large parking lot is a hotel with a ballroom (a little smaller than the Hotel Fort Des Moines) and a small conference room (bigger than Chequers Lounge) with an entry way that has a small cafe like area in the lobby. Those three areas could be utilized for the 3 staging areas. All the hotel rooms are very modern (it's a Hilton) with fridge and microwave in every room. In the middle of the large parking lot is a Texas Roadhouse Steak House. On the far side of the large parking lot is a Suites Hotel for those who may want larger rooms that are just a shuttle ride (if you don't want to walk across the parking lot) away from the hotel with the ballroom. Same great food provided in your ticket price for THE SAME PRICE AS LAST YEAR and maybe even slightly less!!...
Mixed good news with bad news: The KUNI broadcast tower/transmission line has finally been totally repaired and we are back to full power. That means that we now have coverage back in The Quad Cities and Dubuque. Next week seems to be "fundraising week" for me, as Iowa Public Radio starts it's 8 day on-air campaign on Friday (3/27) and The Blue Band is involved with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society fundraiser on Saturday (3/28) in Davenport. These are really important events. I am convinced (mostly because of my unrealistic paranoia!) that because of the wide ranging state budget cuts, if the IPR fundraiser is "under supported", then some of us IPR employees may be facing layoffs. And, because of the flooding last year, MVBS is scrambling to have enough money to put on their world reknowned 3 day festival over the 4th of July weekend. I'll have more info on how you can help these causes in next week's (hopefully all good news) Blue Note...
See yas in a few hours at Porky's Pub (Bada bada, bada, that's ALL FOLKS), keep rubbing your washboard for GOOD luck, CAKE will always help deal with bad news, and no matter what, remember we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Andy Coats Update
Hope you can join us!
Sat., March 21st
Andy Coats & Drew Questell
Broad Street Cafe
116 Broad St., Durham
http://broadstreetcafe.org
Best,
Andy
www.andycoats.com
www.myspace.com/andycoats
www.myspace.com/andycoatsandthebankwalkers
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Uvee Hayes: Play Something Pretty
Uvee Hayes"Play Something Pretty"
1 Play Something Pretty (with Otis Clay)
2 Maintenance Man
3 Party Party Party
4 Funny How Time Slips Away
5 Reconsider Baby
6 Built For Comfort
7 Walk Away
8 Howling For My Darling
9 Do Ya
10 Outside Lover
11 Rocking Chair
12 Get Your Dance On
13 Smooth And Gentle
14 Get To Me
15 In My Eyes
16 I Had A Talk With My Man
17 At Last
Everybody in St. Louis thinks Uvee Hayes should be a superstar. They've seen her shows, heard her regionally-released records and continue to fall in love. Her two out-of-print CDs are pricey collector's items overseas where she is also highly regarded. Now the time has come for the rest of us to get to know this classy, Soulful Blues Queen.
The appropriately-titled "Play Something Pretty" is a 17-song extravaganza of Memphis Soul, Blues, R & B, and Classics sung by a richly-voiced woman.
Speaking of great singers the legendary Otis Clay duets with Uvee on the drop-dead stunning title song, which will saturate air waves soon. The bumping "Maintenance Man" will conquer the Soul Blues market. Traditional Blues lovers will groove to ripping takes on the Willie Dixon gems "Howling For My Darling" & "Built For Comfort".
And wait 'til you hear her sing the classic "Funny How Time Slips Away"!
Unlike so much music in the Soul/Blues world these days this album features real live pickers and players.BUY CD HERE
Mid Ohio Valley Blues News
The BJFMS UPDATE is back. Just about every week (or so) you'll be getting a little something in your inbox from the BJFM VOICE which will include everything WE know about what's going on with LIVE MUSIC here and around here. That is, unless we hear from you that you want us to STOP, in which case we will take your name and email OFF the list - just reply with "STOP." Otherwise, just be patient and give us a little while to get this thing up and running. On the other hand, if you know anyone who would appreciate getting this information, just email me and we'll ADD their name and email address to the list. I really want to be just the EDITOR of all the stuff YOU, the MUSIC PEOPLE (and you KNOW who you are) send me to include here. I'm L@@KING for NEWS of WHO'S PLAYING WHERE, REVIEWS of any LIVE music, CD and MUSIC DVD REVIEWS, FESTIVAL REVIEWS, whatever YOU think the MUSIC PEOPLE would want to hear about. EMAIL any and all to: voice.blues67@gmail.com Don't be shy. All articles, comments, suggestions and criticisms are welcome.
And finally....
| Blues Festival News Latest on Festival Weekend THIS Friday & Saturday.. "Steady Rollin'" Bob Margolin Is In The House"  As if there was ever any doubt about where you were going to be THIS Friday night... An already-strong lineup just went off the charts with the announcement that one of the world's top guitarists will be playing in the Friday night show of The 18th Annual River City Blues Festival. Former guitar player for arguably the most famous blues singer of all time, the inimitable Muddy Waters, Bob Margolin will be playing with the festival's opening act, Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy, on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the historic Lafayette Hotel in downtown Marietta.Diunna Greenleaf is one of the hottest acts in the Blues today. Since winning The International Blues Challenge (IBC)in 2005, she has been nominated twice for "Traditional Best Female Artist of the Year" - including this year - and has won "Best New Artist Debut" - 2008, last year. A native of Houston, Texas, she comes from a gospel music background and has developed her own "Diunna's style of Blues" in the same tradition as so many other great Texas blues men and women. She combines intricate patches of jazz, gospel and heart-felt soul to create a kind of blues that takes one on an emotional roller coaster ride. Bob Margolin - better know to blues fans as "Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin," played on her highly acclaimed latest CD entitled Cotton Field To Coffee House, so he's touring with her to support her album. He'll be playing bass, and then guitar on some numbers in the show. Diunna's guitar player, John "DelToro" Richardson is a "monster" guitar player in his own right - having won The Albert King Award for "Most Promising Guitar Player" at the 2005 IBC in Memphis, when Diunna won. That means the BJFMS will have TWO of the world's best guitar players on stage at the same time Friday night at their River City Blues Festival in Marietta. Then, at 10PM, another member of that club, Mr. Nick Moss (Nick Moss & The Flip Tops) takes the stage with his own style of traditional Chicago Blues. By the way, his nominations include "Artist of The Year," "Album of The Year," and "Band of The Year." Rumor has it the incomparable Piano Willie will be tearing up the keyboard with Nick. "I think we've got an unbelievable show on our hands," said "Cobbler" John Bolen, producer of the festival. "Having a blues legend like Bob Margolin on our stage is certainly icing on the cake." Bob Margolin was just a youngster when he so impressed the famous Muddy Waters enough that he hired him to be his guitar player To say Margolin learned from the master is a gross understatement. After 7-years with Muddy, the band broke up in 1980 and Muddy died in 1983. Since then, "Steady Rollin'" has played with just about every bluesman you can name and been nominated and/or won every music award they make, including the Grammy Award. Margolin tours worldwide both leading his own band and The Bob Margolin All-Star Blues Jam. He won the Blues Music Award (BMA) for Guitar in 2008 and 2005, to name but a few. Margolin's music credentials are well documented. He can be seen playing with Muddy Waters and The Band in The Last Waltz, the classic music documentary about The Band's last concert. His most recent album is The Bob Margolin All-Star Blues Jam for Telarc Records, which features many of today's surviving Chicago Blues legends. Since the 90's, Margolin has also recorded albums for the Powerhouse, Alligator and Blind Pig labels. He writes a regular column for Blues Revue magazine and contributes to BluesWax.com online magazine. The festival at a glance: 18th Annual River City Blues Festival March 20-21, 2009 Lafayette Hotel, Marietta, Ohio Friday, March 20, 2009 8PM - Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy with Bob Margolin  Gospel-influenced Blues from Houston, TX2008 BMA: "Best New Artist of the Year"; 2005 IBC Winner 10PM - Nick Moss & The Fliptops  Traditional Chicago Blues doesn't get any better than this! Nick Moss is nominated for "Album of the Year" and "Band of The Year". Piano Willie on keyboardsSaturday, March 21, 2009 1230PM - Directed by Mark Doebrich 1PM- 2009 Blues Competition Winners: Long Tall Deb & The Drifter Kings - Columbus 220PM - Thomasina Winslow From World Famous Winslow Family Band - Singer/Songwriter/Educator from Up-state New York 350PM - Big James Montgomery & The Chicago Playboys From Guess Where (Chicago). Big James is former band member with Little Milton, Albert King, Johnny Christian and yes, Buddy Guy 530PM - 8PM Dinner Break 8PM - Joey Gilmore Florida Legend, Blues and R&B Master. 2-time IBC Winner - South Florida Blues 10PM - Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater Chicago's premier blues showman. "The Chief" of authentic West-Side Chicago Blues Original Festival Release: Festival Brings National Acts to Marietta Some of the best blues acts from around the country will be heading to Marietta for the 18th Annual "River City Blues Festival" on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21, 2009. Known as one of America's best small blues festivals, the local Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society will be presenting their annual event once again at the Lafayette Hotel, on the river in downtown Marietta. "This year's festival lineup is strong, and we expect a strong turnout to enjoy the blues," said Steve Wells, vice president of The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society (BJFMS). "The blues was America's first original form of "popular" music," said Wells. "And blues is the roots of all American music since then. It's where rock 'n roll came from, and jazz, and R & B, and even country," he said. "More and more people are getting into the Blues. That's why we're predicting another successful festival," said Wells. "We expect our shows to sell out, and the restaurants, bars and shops in town to be full all weekend. Everybody wins," he said. "Cobbler" John Bolen, president of the BJFMS, puts the festival together, and this year he's "out-done" himself," said John Gifford, BJFM board member and stage manager for the event. "We have a strong lineup for all three shows: Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night," said Gifford. Friday night kicks off with "Hot Texas style Blues" from Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy from Houston, at 8PM. Greenleaf is one of the most sought-after lady blues singers on tour today, and she has the awards to prove it: 2009, nominated 30th Blues Music Awards (the Grammy's of blues music) "Best Traditional Female Artist of the Year"; 2008, nominated Blues Blast Music Awards, "Best Female Blues Artist" and "Best New Artist Debut Recording"; 2008, winner, Blues Music Awards, "Best New Artist Debut"; 2005, 1st Place Winner, The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and on and on. (www.diunna.com) Put Diunna in front of some amazing musicians who play together flawlessly and tightly, and you have one of the hottest acts in the Blues. Her guitar player, John Richardson, is a "monster" guitar player in his own right and winner of The Albert King Award at the IBC for "Most Promising Guitar Player" in 2005. "Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy" is one of the strongest acts we've had on a Friday night in a long time," said Bolen. "She will really get the crowd warmed up for Nick Moss & The Fliptops, our Friday night headliners at 10PM. Nick Moss & The Fliptops are from Chicago, and one of the new generation of performers keeping the heritage of traditional Chicago blues alive. Nick Moss & his Fliptops sizzle in live performance hundreds of times a year. Nick Moss knows he has something special happening. "I feel like I'm one of the only bands from Chicago that's actually still playing Chicago Blues the way people think of Chicago Blues. I've gotten praise from a lot of the old-timers that have seen us play, even guys who are not from Chicago like Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, and Charlie Baty and Rick Estrin of Little Charlie & The Nightcats. They say it's great to see there's actually a band from Chicago that actually plays Chicago Blues," says Moss. For the third year in a row, Nick Moss and his great band have been nominated for the prestigious title of "Band of The Year" at the 2009 Blues Music Awards. Nick's albums have made the nomination list for "Contemporary Blues Album of The Year", and blues icon Buddy Guy says "Nick Moss is one of the local favorites at my club, Legends. I always enjoy the way he plays and works hard to please our audience." (www.nickmoss.com) "Chicago Blues. Those two words conjure up the most powerful and evocative images in the entire history of American music," says BJFMS' Wells. " We have a strong representation of genuine Chicago Blues all weekend, starting with Nick Moss on Friday night. Our Friday night may just be the best show of the entire festival," declares Wells. "Not to be missed." Then, Saturday afternoon is set to be another strong example of the powerful force that is the blues. At 1230PM, alumni from the BJFMS "Blues in The Schools" project at Marietta Middle School, now at Marietta High School will perform as "High Schools That Rock" under the direction of Mark Doebrich. Doebrich has been involved with "Blues in The Schools" since its beginning in Marietta, and has been extremely vital to its local success. At 1PM on Saturday, the winners of the 17th Annual "River City Ohio Blues Competition" will take the stage for a 1-hour set. "Long Tall Deb & The Drifter Kings" are from Columbus, and features Deb Landolt out front on lead vocals, with one of Columbus' hottest guitar players (Ritchie B.) and an equally outstanding rhythm section. This is the band that will represent the BJFMS at The International Blues Challenge (IBC) early next year in Memphis. "It's everybody's chance to see the very best from the competition," said John Gifford, Competition Director for BJFMS. (www.longtalldeb.com) At 220PM, Saturday afternoon's traditional acoustic blues slot in the program brings Thomasina Winslow of the world famous Winslow Family Band. She is a singer/songwriter and music educator from up-state New York. Her newly released CD is "Essential Tunes" a collection of what she terms "heritage music" that draws from her roots of traditional acoustic blues and folk. (www.thomasinawinslow,com) At 3:50PM, get ready to dance, 'cause Big James and the Chicago Playboys will rock the house when they bring their horn-driven contemporary Chicago Blues to the stage. Lead by "Big James" Montgomery on trombone and lead vocals, The Chicago Playboys are performing regularly at many of the well known blues clubs around Chicago. "Big James" is a former band member with the famous Little Milton, Albert King, Johnny Christian and yes, Buddy Guy. His first CD entitled "Funkin' Blues" received rave reviews from musicians, critics and fans all around the globe. His newest release called "If It Wasn't 4 Da Blues" is proving to follow suit. "This young and exciting Chicago bluesman will have you up and dancing at, yes, 4PM in the afternoon 'cause we doubt you'll be able to sit this one out," says the "Cobbler." (www.bigjames.com) "Our Saturday afternoon show is a complete journey on the Blues Highway," says Bolen. "From Columbus to upstate New York to Chicago, it's all there," he said. "After all that, you'll be hungry, so we're taking a dinner break from about 5:30PM until 8PM." The music gets rolling again at 8PM, with the Joey Gilmore Blues Band from South Florida. "Joey Gilmore is no opening act," declares Steve Wells of the BJFMS, "Joey can and does headline at festivals and venues all over the country (and the world)," says Wells. In the business for going on 50-years, Joey has spent the last 30-years living in South Florida, playing with most every major blues act that travels anywhere close by. He is a true blues and R&B master who incorporates new and varied styles into his music, performing original compositions mixed with traditional standards in his high-energy live shows. By the way, Joey Gilmore is the only blues act in history to win The International Blues Challenge in Memphis TWO consecutive years in a row. (But that's another story.) Safe to say you don't want to miss Joey Gilmore on Saturday night. Then, at 10PM, it's back to Chicago; this time to see a true Chicago legend right here in Marietta. Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater is an intense, flamboyant blues-rockin' showman who has ruled many a Chicago stage and festival. He's equally comfortable playing the deepest, most heartfelt blues tune, or rockin' the house with good time party music. Downbeat Magazine said, "Left-handed Eddy Clearwater is a forceful six-stringer...he lays down some gritty West Side shuffles and some belly-grinding slow blues that highlights his raw chops, soulful vocals and earthy, humorous lyrics." (www.eddyclearwater.com) Between his slashing left-handed guitar work, his room-filling vocals, his self-defined "rock-a-blues" style (a forceful mix of blues, rock, rockabilly, country and gospel) and his boundless energy, Clearwater is among the very finest practitioners of West Side Chicago Blues working today. The blues world recognized his great talent by giving him the Blues Music Award for "Contemporary Blues - Male Artist of the Year" in 2001. His last release , 2003's Rock 'N' Roll City was nominated for a Grammy Award, Now he's back with his very first CD on the Alligator label, aptly titled West Side Strut, which has been nominated this year for "Traditional Blues Album of The Year" at the Blues Music Awards, along with Eddy (The Chief's) nomination for "Traditional Blues Male Artist of The Year." The BMA's will be given out in May. "This is why we're known a one of the best small blues festivals in the country," said Wells. "You'd have to go a long way to beat that lineup, and lucky for us, "Cobbler"John does it every year. That has led to growth and a very high rate of return festivalgoers for our River City Blues Festival." Tickets will be sold at the door, but advanced tickets and weekend passes are suggested. For tickets, passes and information, call Peggy Bolen at 740.376.0222 (evenings). Weekend passes to all three shows are $50 for members/$70 for non-members. Tickets for individual shows are: Friday Night: $15/$25, Saturday Matinee: $15/$25, and Saturday Night: $20/$30. The ballroom at The Lafayette Hotel will be set up with a large dance floor and a cash bar. As with all BJFMS events, the festival will be a non-smoking event. Complete information about the 18th Annual River City Blues Festival is available at www.bjfm.org Special "blues rate" room rates are available at the Marietta Holiday Inn ($45+tax) and at The Comfort Inn in Marietta ($52.99+tax). Taxi service will be available for the 1.8 mile trip downtown to The Lafayette. See you there, everybody... |
| West Virginia Blues Society Announces Lineup for 2nd Annual Charlie West BluesFest Here is the lineup for the Charlie West Blues Fest, May 16, 2009 to be held at Oakes Field, South Charleston, WV. Times: gates open at noon. Show is 1 pm to 11 pm. Prices are, members - $ 15.00, non members is $ 20.00 at gate, with military and their families to be admittied free with ID Card. Blues Society's everywhere are admitted at the same member fee with current membership card from their Society. ALBERT CASTIGLIA Jason Ricci and New Blood The Jimmi Vincent Band Izzy and Chris The Biscuit Rollers Mahajibee Blues Crossing Ms. Freddye and Blues Faze WVBS Blues Night(s) Out: Sat/April 4 Blues Night Out/Fairmont: with JOHNNY RAWLS at Christopher's Banquet Center Fri/April 10 Blues Night Out/Pomeroy: "Hands Across The Water" BNO with EDDIE SHAW & THE WOLF GANG at The Court Street Grill in Pomeroy Sat/June 6th BNO/Parkersburg "Howlin' Wolf Birthday Party" with DENNIS McCLUNG BLUES BAND at The Thirsty Turtle in Parkersburg |
| News from Our Friends at BSWPA That's Blues Society of Western PA Don't miss the special night of live music THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 21 @ d'vine wine bar & lounge 12017 perry highway - route 19 wexford 15090 Saturday at 10pm Sweaty Betty Blues Band takes the stage for an evening of musical entertainment. And Sunday, March 22 The International Blues Challenge for details, see http://www.bswpa.org/cms/ LINEUP: 1) ANGEL BLUE AND THE PROPHETS 2) SHOT O SOUL 3) FELIX AND THE HURRICANES 4) JILL WEST AND BLUES ATTACK 5) DAVE IGLAR BAND 6) BIG HOUSE PETE 7) PAMELA BICK AND THE WAREHOUSE BLUES BAND 8) KINGS RANSOM Thank you for supporting live music www.sweatybettybluesband.com |
| SHORT TAKES... Live Music Happening Around Campus.... The zaney, unpredictable but hugely talented LEON REDBONE this weekend (Thursday, March 19th at The Winchester Music Hall, 12112 Madison Ave., Cleveland, Ohio. 216-226-5681 www.thewinchester.net Great Live Music Venue in Cleveland. The legendary GEORGE THOROGOOD will perform at The LC Pavillion (formerly PromoWest) in downtown Columbus on March 26th. First Annual Spring Blues Fest in Mansfield, Ohio March 28 Saturday, March 28, 2009 6PM - 1AM JOEZ LOUNGE 880 Laver Road, , Mansfield, Ohio (Rt 30 @ Laver Road) Phone for tickets: 419-589-7671 $7.50 Advance/$10 at door Special Romm Rates available at the attached motel: $39.95 Motel Phone: 419-589-2200 FEATURING: FAT DADDY BLUES BAND 6:00PM STICK PEOPLE (from Akron/Wooster) 8:30PM The JIMI VINCENT BAND 10:30PM BLUES IN TUSCARAWAS: from Gary Brill MICHAEL BURKS will be playing (rockin' the house) at THE CANAL HOUSE (in beautiful downtown Tuscarawas ) on Saturday, March 28. |
| About The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society www.bjfm.org P.O. Box 2122, Marietta, Ohio 45750 The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 all-volunteer "force" of music enthusiasts on a mission to enhance the appreciation of American Roots Music in the Mid-Ohio Valley and we do it by presenting concerts, workshops, conferences, and a forum for education and development in the schools. The BJFM Society celebrates and perpetuates blues and roots music as a traditional, evolutionary, and uniquely American art form. During the grant period, we will continue to present live music in genres not normally available in a small town like ours, to educate and expose our audiences to music new and unfamiliar to many of them. Our goal is to keep blues, jazz and roots music alive in our area. With the help of volunteers from our membership, and an 8-member board of directors, the BJFM Society will continue to produce and present our "core events" plus other shows throughout the year as the opportunity presents itself. The BJFM Society has also undertaken the expense of production and presentation of the nationally recognized multicultural "Blues in the Schools" program here in our local schools John Bolen - President Steve Wells - Vice President, Director of "Blues in The Schools" Peg Bolen - Treasurer Maren Beery - Secretary John Gifford - Board Member, Competition Director Helen Holt - Board Member Mary Ann Orborne - Board Member Kezia Douglass - Board Member |
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The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society
P.O. Box 2122
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304-295-4323
P.O. Box 2122
Marietta, Ohio 45750
304-295-4323
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