Jump blues!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Big Show Alert!
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Join us this Friday night as we welcome the Bob Pace Band featuring Steve George. These two have an astounding amount of talent between them, both having been part of Des Moines' Blues scene for years. Most recently, the duo performed as the Midnight Dogs and won the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge. They earned a trip to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in January 2010. Steve George was 
inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2005. So basically what I'm saying is you're getting all this talent and entertainment for FREE! 
Paul Oliver: Barrelhouse Blues
The Mercury News website has a book review of Paul Oliver's Barrelhouse Blues. Paul is one of a large handful of blues researchers who has done a lot of hard work keeping the blues alive. To read the review Click HERE to buy Paul's book on Amazon Click HERE.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Jessie Fortune RIP
From Bob Corritore
August 31, 2009
RIP Jesse Fortune 2/28/1930-8/31/2009: Word just in from Susan Koester that blues vocalist Jesse Fortune passed away early this morning after collapsing onstage during his performance at the Playmate Lounge. He was 79. Jesse Fortune was a blues singer of the highest order. He was born in Macon, Mississippi in 1930, and grew up around Hattiesburg. He was greatly influenced by the vocals of B.B. King. In 1952, he relocated to Chicago, and became a highly respected singer on the windy city blues circuit. His first recording session was arranged and produced by Willie Dixon for the USA record label in 1963. The session featured Buddy Guy and Big Walter Horton as sidemen, and yielded 4 brilliant songs, including the Dixon-penned "Too Many Cooks”, for which Fortune is best known. “Too Many Cooks” would later be recorded by Robert Cray, and it has become a highly-covered number among blues bands. After a period of musical inactivity during the 70s and 80s where Jesse supported himself as a barber, his musical career was reactivated with a spectacular 1993 release, Fortune Tellin' Man, on the Delmark record label, featuring great backing from Dave Specter and his band. Jesse's recent appearances around Chicago showcased an artist of great ability. He left us doing what he loved, and we will always love him for the great blues he brought us.To read the Chicago Tribune obituary, click here
RIP Jesse Fortune 2/28/1930-8/31/2009: Word just in from Susan Koester that blues vocalist Jesse Fortune passed away early this morning after collapsing onstage during his performance at the Playmate Lounge. He was 79. Jesse Fortune was a blues singer of the highest order. He was born in Macon, Mississippi in 1930, and grew up around Hattiesburg. He was greatly influenced by the vocals of B.B. King. In 1952, he relocated to Chicago, and became a highly respected singer on the windy city blues circuit. His first recording session was arranged and produced by Willie Dixon for the USA record label in 1963. The session featured Buddy Guy and Big Walter Horton as sidemen, and yielded 4 brilliant songs, including the Dixon-penned "Too Many Cooks”, for which Fortune is best known. “Too Many Cooks” would later be recorded by Robert Cray, and it has become a highly-covered number among blues bands. After a period of musical inactivity during the 70s and 80s where Jesse supported himself as a barber, his musical career was reactivated with a spectacular 1993 release, Fortune Tellin' Man, on the Delmark record label, featuring great backing from Dave Specter and his band. Jesse's recent appearances around Chicago showcased an artist of great ability. He left us doing what he loved, and we will always love him for the great blues he brought us.To read the Chicago Tribune obituary, click here
Marie Knight RIP
From Bob Corritore
August 31, 2009
RIP Gospel Legend Marie Knight 6/1/1925-8/30/2009: This sad news just in from M.C. Records; this is their announcement verbatim:
With heavy hearts, M.C. Records announces the death of gospel legend Marie Knight. She died in New York City on August 30, 2009 due to complications from pneumonia. Marie first came to prominence in 1946 when she met and started working with Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Together they would be one of the most popular gospel artists of the 1940's, and make music history through a string of gospel hits including "Didn't It Rain", "Up Above My Head", and the gorgeous "Beams of Heaven". Marie Knight and Sister Rosetta Tharpe would tour frequently together through the 1950's. In the 1960's, Marie had several R&B hits, but in 1970's Marie rededicated herself to gospel music and became a minister at the Gates of Prayer Church in New York City.
Marie Knight's recent comeback began in 2002 when producer and M.C. Records owner Mark Carpentieri invited Marie to record on Shout, Sister, Shout!: A Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Mark recalls the phone call. "Gayle Wald, who was writing the liner notes for the project, asked me if I had contacted Marie Knight about participating in the project. I didn't know she was still alive! I called Marie, and she sounded so vibrant that I arranged studio time, and we’ve been working together ever since."
After the release of Shout, Sister, Shout!: A Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe (MC-0050), tour work came in regularly for Marie Knight. In 2007, Mark Carpentieri put together Marie Knight's first full-length album in over 25 years, Let Us Get Together. The project was a tribute to Rev. Gary Davis, and was co-produced with Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Ollabelle, Levon Helm). The record was a critical success, with great reviews from The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and many more.
You can listen to a live recorded concert featuring Marie via The Woodsongs Radio Hour recorded in February 2008, and click on show number 470.
Here are some YouTube links to check out: video 1, video 2, and video 3.
RIP Gospel Legend Marie Knight 6/1/1925-8/30/2009: This sad news just in from M.C. Records; this is their announcement verbatim:
With heavy hearts, M.C. Records announces the death of gospel legend Marie Knight. She died in New York City on August 30, 2009 due to complications from pneumonia. Marie first came to prominence in 1946 when she met and started working with Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Together they would be one of the most popular gospel artists of the 1940's, and make music history through a string of gospel hits including "Didn't It Rain", "Up Above My Head", and the gorgeous "Beams of Heaven". Marie Knight and Sister Rosetta Tharpe would tour frequently together through the 1950's. In the 1960's, Marie had several R&B hits, but in 1970's Marie rededicated herself to gospel music and became a minister at the Gates of Prayer Church in New York City.
Marie Knight's recent comeback began in 2002 when producer and M.C. Records owner Mark Carpentieri invited Marie to record on Shout, Sister, Shout!: A Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Mark recalls the phone call. "Gayle Wald, who was writing the liner notes for the project, asked me if I had contacted Marie Knight about participating in the project. I didn't know she was still alive! I called Marie, and she sounded so vibrant that I arranged studio time, and we’ve been working together ever since."
After the release of Shout, Sister, Shout!: A Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe (MC-0050), tour work came in regularly for Marie Knight. In 2007, Mark Carpentieri put together Marie Knight's first full-length album in over 25 years, Let Us Get Together. The project was a tribute to Rev. Gary Davis, and was co-produced with Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Ollabelle, Levon Helm). The record was a critical success, with great reviews from The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and many more.
You can listen to a live recorded concert featuring Marie via The Woodsongs Radio Hour recorded in February 2008, and click on show number 470.
Here are some YouTube links to check out: video 1, video 2, and video 3.
2009 Blues Blast Music Awards
Press Release - The 2009 Blues Blast Music Award October 29th 2009 at Buddy Guy’s Legends. Who: Blues Blast Magazine from www.TheBluesBlast.com What: 2009 Blues Blast Music Awards Ceremony Where: Buddy Guy’s Legends 754 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60605 (312)-427-1190 When: Thursday October 24th, 2009, 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00pm) Tickets are just $25 and will be available online at www.TheBluesBlast.com starting August 31st. Contact Information: Bob Kieser (309) 267-4425 or info@illinoisblues.com Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Blues Blast Music Award Ceremonies held at the famous Buddy Guy’s Legends. The awards show will include confirmed appearances by nominees Kenny Neal, Nick Moss & The Flip Tops, Eden Brent, Albert Castiglia, John Primer, Shirley Johnson, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Chris James & Patrick Rynn w/ Bob Corritore, Robin Rogers, The Insomniacs, Dave Herrero, Guy King, and Dave Gross. There may be a few surprise appearances by other nominees too. The 2009 Blues Blast Music Awards are brought to you by Blues Blast Magazine. Blues Blast Magazine is the fastest growing FREE weekly internet Blues magazine read by over 13,000 Blues fans in all 50 states and in more than 60 countries. In Early May, a group of Blues music industry professionals including music writers, managers, musicians, Blues Blast Magazine staff and others nominated the best of 2009 Blues in eight categories: Best Contemporary Blues Recording, Best Traditional Blues Recording, Best Blues Song, Best Blues Band, Best Male Blues Artist, Best Female Blues Artist, Best New Artist Debut Recording and The Sean Costello Rising Star Award. And the people have spoken! In July and August Blues Blast magazine readers voted for their favorites on our website. These awards truly are the “Peoples Choice” without any filter. The voting was absolutely FREE and more than 3500 fans from all over the globe voted their choices. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on October 29th at Buddy Guy’s Legends. The complete list of nominees is listed below at the end of this press release. This event promises to be a great show with music by some of the best established and new contemporary Blues artists. The show will likely sell out so get your tickets as soon as possible. Sponsorships OpportunitiesSponsorships opportunities are available and several sponsor packages at various levels are available, These sponsor packages include tickets to the event with prime seating for the show, some awards show memorabilia and varying levels of included promotion and marketing. Sponsorship information is available at:http://www.TheBluesBlast.com/bbma09sponsor.htm For questions or additional information visit www.TheBluesBlast.com or contact Bob Kieser at 309 267-4425 or by email at info@thebluesblast.com The complete List of 2009 Nominees are: Best Contemporary Blues Recording The Insomniacs - At Least I’m Not With YouJohn Nemeth - Love Me TonightNick Moss - Live at Chan’s Vol 2 Curtis Salgado - Clean GetawayJaniva Magness - What Love Will DoShemekia Copeland - Never going Back Best Traditional Blues Recording Various Artists - Chicago Blues: A Living History(w/Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch and Lurrie Bell)Guy Davis - Sweetheart Like YouJohn Primer - All Original The Mannish Boys - Lowdown Feelin Shirley Johnson - Blues AttackB.B. King - One Kind Favor Best Blues Song Albert Castiglia - “Bad Year Blues” The Insomniacs - "At Least I'm Not With You" Chris James & Patrick Rynn - "Mr. Coffee" Curtis Salgado - "20 Years of B.B. King" Kenny Neal - "Let Life Flow" B.B. King - "See That My Grave is Kept Clean" Best Blues Band Nick Moss and The Flip TopsLil Ed And The Blues ImperialsKilborn Alley Blues BandThe Mannish BoysThe InsomniacsWatermelon Slim and The Workers Best Male Artist John PrimerBobby JonesLurrie BellNick MossJohn NemethElvin Bishop Best Female Artist Shirley JohnsonRobin RogersDiunna GreenleafShemekia CopelandEden BrentJaniva Magness Best New Artist Debut Recording Chris James & Patrick Rynn - Stop And Think About ItJoanne Shaw Taylor - White SugarDave Herrero - Austin To ChicagoCedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm - 2 Man Wrecking Crew Guy King - Livin It Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One Sean Costello Rising Star Award Kilborn Alley Blues BandJoanne Shaw TaylorAlbert CastigliaDave GrossCedric Burnside & Lightnin' MalcolmEden Brent
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Technical Problems
I have no clue why I am having problems with my browsers, but neither one is working right and it is have a very negative impact on my blog. I am trying to figure out what is going on, as soon as I can fix it, I will start posting again. Hopefully by tomorrow night at the latest.
Tom
Blues Historian
Tom
Blues Historian