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 Hey Blues Fans,RIP - Phillip Walker 2/13/37 - 7/22/2010 Sad news from our good friend Bob Corritore: "It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Phillip Walker this morning at 4:30 AM of heart failure. He was 73. Phillip was a great singer and guitarist who was considered legendary, though he never broke through to the success that his talent merited. He played guitar on the Specialty and Chess recordings of Clifton Chenier (Phillip once said that it was him and Etta James singing the backup on Clifton's song "My Soul"). He moved from Louisiana to California in 1959, and released his first record "Hello My Darlin", produced by J.R. Fulbright. Phillip's first full album, produced by Bruce Bromberg and called Bottom Of The Top was released in 1973 on the Playboy Record Label (actually a business division of the magazine). He also made great recordings on Galaxy, Vault, Joliet, HighTone, JSP, Black Top, Rounder, Alligator, P-Vine, MC, and most recently on Delta Groove. Additionally, Phillip was a noted sideman who contributed to albums by Lonesome Sundown, Eddie Taylor, Percy Mayfield, and Johnny Shines. Phillip toured frequently with a great band that included his longtime partner, James "Broadway" Thomas, on bass. He was lovingly booked by Tom Radai of Blues Management Group. His passing highlights the loss of the few remaining blues artists of his generation. We salute Phillip for always delivering the true blues, for his kind and giving personality, and for his unique and awe inspiring blues style. So long Phillip, we will miss you." Blues Wanderings We made it out to hear a couple great Illinois artists last week with a trip to the Sugar Creek Arts Festival in Normal. IL to see the Sally Weisenburg Trio. With Sally on keyboards and keyboard and keyboard bass, Don Berbaum on guitar and Tony Corpus on drums, they treated the crowd to their own brand of R&B, Soul and Blues.    We also caught a set by Joel Patterson and Modern Sounds at a show sponsored by the River City Blues Society. Joel is an amazing guitar player and mixed sounds from Blues, Rockabilly, R&B, Jazz and Jump Blues.    They even did a tribute to the two great guitarists from the Lawrence Welk Show, Buddy Merrill and Neil Levang. Now that's what we call variety! In This Issue Part two of Bob Kieser's review day of the 26th Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Terry " Gatorman" Lape interviews XM Radio DJ, Bill Wax. We have four new CD reviews this week! James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews a new CD by Julius Pittman & The Revival. Mark Thompson reviews a new CD by Harper. Greg 'Bluesdog' Szalony reviews a new CD by Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King. Steve Jones reviews a new CD by Tim Woods. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!! |
| Ever wish you could afford to take a Blues cruise but know you are in the wrong tax bracket to afford one? Well there is an alternative at a lower cost. Fan Cruises has announced a five day Carnival Cruise departing from New Orleans December 6, 2010 with Ports of Call in Progreso, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico. This special package includes private concerts by three Blues Ladies and cruise prices, start at just $155 each for double occupancy, (plus plus $259.67 each for fees, taxes and gratuities). This Blues package including three private Blues concerts, private cocktail party with open bar, autograph signings and meet & greet time with the performers. You can get a cabin for two for around $950 total or get the best cabins they have (Panorama Deck 10 - Forward and Lido Deck 9 - Midship) for a total cost of $1,300 for two people! (You can add a 3rd or 4th person for only $50 & the $259.67 fees each.) The performers include Pat Hunter, Terri Lynn & Thunder Blues and Vivian Vance Kelly. No it is NOT a Legendary Ryhthm & Blues Cruise with all Blues all the time but it is a 5 day Caribbean cruise for Blues lovers that is affordable. For more information visit their website at http://fancruises.com |
 | Friday, July 30, 2010 Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights Big James & the Chicago Playboys Guitar Shorty Jon Justice Eddie Turner Saturday, July 31, 2010 Eric Sardinas Shaun Murphy Band Big John Dickerson Show Debbie Davies & Robin Rogers Band Vernon Ray Harrington Sena Ehrhardt Band Hounds Tooth Festival Website www.prairiedogblues.com |
| The only Blues festival held on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River! Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on St. Feriole Island | |
26th Mississippi Valley Blues Festival - Part Two
| We made it to the 26th Annual Mississippi Valley Blues Fest over the Fourth of July weekend in Davenport, Iowa. Here are photos of the great Blues artists they had on the second and third day of this fantastic festival. The main stage started off on Saturday with the winners of the Iowa Blues Challenge, Steady Rollin' Blues Band. Look for these guys at the International Blues Challenge next February.      Next up was Ana Popovic from Belgrade in former Yugoslavia. Ana is a quadruple threat. She write good songs, sings well, is one heck of a guitar player and is VERY attractive. The band put on one heck of a show.     Next up was California Bluesman Zac Harmon. Zac won the International Blues Challenge a few years ago and is a popular act at festivals.     Next was Vasti Jackson. It was our first chance to hear this artists and we hope it is not the last! Good stuff!      Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys finished out the night on Saturday. Many Blues festivals include a Zydeco act and the music always gets the crowd going and dancing. But Rosie is in a class by herself! Her way of wringing out every bit of emotion from her instrument is truly unique. She is a real treat to watch even if you are not a Zydeco fan.     Saturdays lineup for the tent stage started off with Little Brother Jones. They were one of two great Piedmont Blues acts and we were quite impressed our first time hearing them. These guys understand and perform this style of Blues as well as anyone we have heard!     Next up was a duet of Olga Wilhelmine and Cody Dickson. It was a nice changeup of style.    Little Joe McClerran was up next and his band included David Berntson on harp, Robbie Mack on bass and Ron McRorey on drums. These guys were another excellent example of the Piedmont Blues style. They just returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia as part of a US State Department tour. It was also a rare chance to hear our friend David Berntson actually perform at this festival. He does a harmonica workshop for the kids almost every year at this festival but we never get to see hip really blow! Great stuff David!     Blues Blast Music Awards nominee Ruthie Foster was up next. She wowed the crowd with a fine set of music. If you are a fan of Ruthie be sure to vote for her. CLICK HERE     Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues finished out the night on Saturday in the tent stage. They treated the crowd to a fine set of Chicago Blues.     Sunday July 5 The Jimmy's kicked off the Sunday show on the main stage. They were a great example of a Blues band that uses hors effectively.       Canadian Blues rocker Shawn Kellerman was up next. This guy one great guitar and slide palyer!    Reba Russell Band was up next. They were replacements for Lucky Peterson whose tour took him to the Portland Blues fest for the weekend. They did a great job playing many of the songs from their new CD Eight.      The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue finished out Sunday night on the main stage. As usual the band included the award winning guitar playing of Tommy Castro. Tommy is also nominated for the Blues Blast Music Awards so if you are a fan be sure to vote for him. CLICK HERE    For this show the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue featured Debbie Davies, Magic Dick and Sista Monica as well as Tommy Castro. Now that's quite a lineup!    On Sunday the tent stage started off with the duo of Bill Simms & Mark LaVoie.     Blues Blast Music Awards nominees Dave Riley & Bob Corritore were up next. These guys are the real deal. Be sure to vote for them if you are one of their MANY fans. CLICK HERE    David Boykin Expanse was up next providing a change of pace and style      Saint Louis Blues artist Kim Massie was up next. She provided a great set of "sassy" Blues!      Last and definitely not least The Nighthawks took the stage. It was our first cahnce to hear them live and we were NOT disappointed.     To finish out the set the Nighthawks brought out legendary Blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Now thats what I call a great finish!    In summary, the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival once again showed why they both fans and performers everywhere want to come to this great festival. Kudos to the folks at MVBS. All Photos and commentary by Bob Kieser. |
Featured Blues Interview
 Bill Wax - XM Radio Interview by Terry " Gatorman" Lape Photo by Marilyn Stringer I met Bill Wax, who is the “Proprietor of Low-Fi's Bar and Pool Hall” in the heart of Bluesville, during my recent trip to Memphis. Memphis is located in the western part of Bluesville and of course Chicago, where I hang my hat, is in the northern part. My good friend Robert Nighthawk Tooms handled the introductions. This meeting occurred while attending a Blues Showcase at the legendary “Rum Boogie” in Memphis. The showcase was held during the past Blues Music Awards. I found Bill Wax to be a real genuine individual. I bugged him for an interview and here it is. Don’t forget to say hello to Bill Wax when you stop in at the bar and pool hall. Enter via the front door marked “XM Radio”. Blues Blast: Why the Blues? Bill Wax: I don’t really think I choose the blues, they choose me. I grew up right outside of Washington DC and had access to great black radio stations…WOL, WOOK in Washington, and WEBB in Baltimore. I was exposed to Soul and R and B very early and although I also dug Rock and Roll, it was the R and B that keep calling me back. I started to check out the artists I heard like Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, and others and fell in love with the sound. I used to go to the Howard Theatre in DC when I was in high school and when I saw the music live I was hooked. Blues Blast: Besides the radio do you play any other instrument? Bill Wax: I play discs and records. I never have played an instrument. After all these years, I think that has helped me be a better programmer since I have approached the music as a fan not as a musician and most of the audience are fans so it helps me keep in touch with how the audience responds to the music. Blues Blast: Tell me a little about your radio background. How has it changed since you first started? Bill Wax: Jeez I have been doing radio seriously since 1978. I did a show while in college in 1968 but it was in 1978 when I started volunteering at a community radio station in Columbia, MO., KOPN, and I was hired to be the Program Director in 1979. I have been involved with radio pretty much since then. I was Program Director at KBOO in Portland, OR. from 1983 to 1985 or so. I was the producer for Pacifica Radio at the Iran-Contra Hearings and that evolved into me being the Executive Producer of National Programming for Pacifica Radio which lasted for almost 10 years. During all this time I always had a Blues or R and B radio show on whatever local community radio station was located in the same town I was. I eventually began doing a daily Blues show in Washington DC on WPFW, one hour at lunch time Monday – Friday. It was while I was doing that show that XM Radio heard about me and then heard the show and offered me a position developing and then being the Program Director of Bluesville. I have been with satellite radio since then, now going on 10 years. The changes have been huge. When I started we played records and ran tapes now we play audio files and files from a computer and I have not seen tape or records for 10 years. There was a great deal of creativity in radio when I first started and how it seems that there is a lot of monkey see monkey do, so if someone does something that is popular is it just copied everywhere. There also was room for regional music and radio so that if you drove across the country you would hear different bands and music from region to region, now it all sounds pretty much the same. Programmers had a great deal of freedom to pick their own music and now it is mostly researched to death and dictated to them by a corporate office. Those are a few of things I have seen change in commercial radio and even to some degree in public radio too. Blues Blast: Do you have a radio mentor? Bill Wax: I would say some of the jocks I heard on radio growing up were mentors in the sense I learned something from listening to them…Bob Terry – The Nighthawk, Soul Finger, Mr. C – Carroll Hansen. When I returned to DC in the late 1980’s there were two men doing radio on WPFW, who I continued to learn from – Jerry “The Bama” Washington and Nap “Don’t Forget the Blues” Turner. I use one of Jerry’s ideas on my shows today and call it “The Wash Cycle” since one of Jerry’s nicknames was Wash. It is playing all the versions of single song done by different artists in one set. Honestly whenever I listen to other programmers on the air I am always listening for things I can incorporate into my programming. Blues Blast: What do you like most about your job and of course what do you like the least? Bill Wax: Well there is a lot to love in what I do today. I get to program a 24/7/365 blues radio channel that is heard all over North America. I have so far been given almost complete freedom to choose the music and the feeling for the channel. I have been lucky enough to become friends with musicians like B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Last year I did 40 one hour shows with B. B. and had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him to record the shows at his house. The channel is popular enough that it seems to help the artists out there either by helping sell new music because of our air play or announcing their gigs and helping get folks out to shows. Also because of the digital rights act we are paying real money to artists for their air play on B.B. King’s Bluesville. I have had the opportunity to feature musicians who were known locally or regionally but not nationally and we have helped them become known in other areas of the country. On top of all of this I get paid to be the Program Director and host so I can make a living from doing this. As far as what I dislike- I work long hours usually 7 am to 6 pm five days a week and one day on the weekend for another 4 to 6 hours. I wish I had a staff so we could do more specialty programming. Blues Blast: I ask the following question to help understand the health of the blues. How many listeners listen to your show? Bill Wax: We have somewhere between 1.5 million and 2 million listeners to the channel each week. Blues Blast: There has been a lot of talk over the years about the blues dying and some have already buried it, what is your take on that subject? Bill Wax: I think that is just plain bull hockey. The Blues are not dying. They have never been a big profit making industry, so I do not understand why folks think they should be now. I admit it is tough out there being a blues musician or record label but the music is still growing and will continue to do so. If slavery and Jim Crow could not kill the music then the current economic climate won’t either. There are blues musicians older and younger in just about every community here in America and Canada and also throughout the world. They might not make their whole living from playing the blues but they continue to play the music. Blues Blast: This may be a very difficult question for you to answer; do you have a favorite blues artist? Bill Wax: I have artists I love and they are many. Some are current and some have past. If I was stuck alone somewhere I would not want to be without Louis Jordan, Dinah Washington and Buddy and Ella Johnson. Blues Blast: How do you foresee the genre 100 years from now? Bill Wax: Well this is the type of speculation that I am not really good at, but I would guess there will still be acoustic blues and electric blues and they will played on whatever new instruments are dreamed up over the next 100 years. I also would guess that there will still be traditionalist; who will continue to play the blues on the same types of instruments we are using today. I would also guess that there will still be folks debating whether the blues have died or are dying and then others who keep the music growing by playing and appreciating it. Interviewer James "Skyy Dobro" Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and longtime Blues Blast Magazine contributor. His weekly radio show "Friends of the Blues" can be heard Saturdays 8 pm - Midnight on WKCC 91.1 FM and at www.wkccradio.org in Kankakee, IL. For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Featured Blues Review 1 of 4
 Julius Pittman & The Revival - Bucket ListSelf Release 9 tracks; 39:23 minutes; Splendid Style: Horn Band meets Southern Soul vocalist for a Rock and Soul revival Julius Pittman’s incredibly good CD immediately raised two issues: First, instead of a Soul fan listening to a cover of a classic song like Al Green’s “Tired of Being Alone,” why not just play the original? Secondly, is it possible to record an album with old school stereo separation between left and right speakers like we first heard back when stereo replaced monaural? Virginia show band and beach music veteran Julius Pittman opens the set with Al Green’s “Tired of Being Alone” done deftly, but in pretty much the original arrangement and vocal style. While that might put off a few, I found it a great sounding reminder of that wonderful song. Also, there are bound to be new listeners out there buying a new CD like Pittman’s unfamiliar with Al Green. I’ll guarantee my daughters born after 1980 have not heard this song. Honestly, I had never heard Robert Johnson’s “Love in Vain” until the Rolling Stones covered it on 1969’s “Let It Bleed” vinyl album. I did now what I did then, I dug back and enjoyed both the original and the new cover. Whatever happened to discrete stereo separation? Today’s CDs are mixed with almost everything coming right down the middle and only a little uniqueness in each separate channel. “Bucket List” is a refreshing and pleasing reminder of the joyous days of leaving my mono record player behind and playing my new Zenith stereo with short, round speaker towers. It is pretty cool to hear guitar and muted trumpet over there, saxophone and organ over here, and Julius Pittman’s testifying vocal style coming down the middle. For the complete retro-stereo experience, listen through headphones! Julius Ray Pittman, enduring years of musical frustration, in 2009, saw the opportunity to form a band dedicated to revitalizing Old School Rock & Soul sounds of the Memphis Stax / Volt era. Their 2009 recording “Bucket List” brings sounds and dynamics reminiscent of West Coast horn bands Jack Mack & The Heart Attack and Tower of Power, also sounds of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Buddy Miles. “My overall concept of the CD was to showcase the band’s influences over the years; hopefully, to gel into a Rock and Soul Revival, without forgetting our blues and Jazz roots,” says Pittman. “Al Green is one of my all-time favorites, and the first time I heard Jack Mack’s first album, “Cardiac Party,” I literally jumped out of my seat,” he recalls. “I knew that’s the kind of band I wanted to be in.” Pittman wrote four originals that accompany five inspired covers. Following “Tired Of Being Alone,” horns kick start Jack Mack & The Heart Attack’s “Don't Need No Reason.” B-3 Organ, horns, Pittman’s vocals – the song just soars! The most powerful ballad in the show is Jack Mack & The Heart Attack’s “Willing To Learn,” perfect for a slow-dance with someone special or singing along with Julius' incredible vocal take. The second-line beat pumping up original tune “Part Time Lover” should fill dance floors while Tommy Chong’s slow dancer “Does Your Mama Know About Me” is as poignant and relevant as it was when Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers recorded it. Guest tenor Saxman Hugh “Chuck” Williams, a veteran of Albert Collins’ band, brought “A Good Fool Is Hard To Find” into the mix for some killer Rock and Soul. The Revival features the unique vocals of keyboardist/leader Julius Pittman, guitarist Randy Moss, bassist Audie Stanley, drummer Chris McIntyre, tenor sax player John Stanley, tenor/baritone sax player Howard Smith, and trumpeter/flugelhorn Dave Triplett. Six additional players are studio guests for keys, horns, percussion, and background vocals. What music fan doesn’t enjoy the sound of great music? This just happens to be great old school soul from the late 60s and the great horn bands of the 70s. Enjoy “Bucket List’s” Incredibly well done remakes, and to Julius the producer, thank you for that old school stereo – that discrete, it’s allreet! Reviewer James "Skyy Dobro" Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and longtime Blues Blast Magazine contributor. His weekly radio show "Friends of the Blues" can be heard Saturdays 8 pm - Midnight on WKCC 91.1 FM and at www.wkccradio.org in Kankakee, IL. To See James “Skyy Dobro” Walker's CD rating system, CLICK HERE For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Featured Blues Review 2 of 4
 Harper - Stand Together 12 tracks/47:48 For his third release for Blind Pig, Harper has made several changes – he produced the sessions himself as well as using his touring band, Midwest Kind, for the project. The disc also features a number of tracks with Harper playing the didgeridoo, an instrument used by the native Aborigines of Australia. He also handles all of the vocals, plays harmonica and keyboards in addition to writing all of the songs on the disc. His band consists Gregg Leonard on guitar, Chris Du Ross on acoustic guitar, Chris Wiley Smith on bass, Marc Dixon on drums & percussion and Kurt Wolak on a variety of keyboards. The decision to use his regular band pays off as all of the tracks bristle with energy and the tight grooves that come from thoroughly road-tested material. Employing the didgeridoo on the opening cut, Harper creates a haunting backdrop on “I Never Want” that transports listeners into mystical territory. “Looking at You” features Harper’s supple voice and a strong performance from Midwest Kind. The big drumbeat and swirling tones from the didgeridoo on “We Stand Together” bring to mind the classic sound of the great Australian band Midnight Oil. “Weaker Man” finds Harper playing some bluesy harp to accompany another strong vocal performance. On “Chill Out”, Harper makes it clear to a former lover that he never really cared for her as Leonard lays down some tasty guitar parts. Harper showcases his harp playing on “What Are You Gonna Do”, unleashing several runs of cascading notes. The tonal quality and lightening-quick pace of his playing conjure up images of John Popper of Blues Traveler. The band rocks hard on “Damn Shame” while Harper delivers another outstanding vocal on the ballad “Take These Arms”. There are two elements that are missing from this release. First, there are a few moments where Harper injects a couple tenuous blues references into the proceedings. While Harper successfully blends a number of disparate musical influences into a coherent package, the blues content is minimal. One could easily imagine this recording appealing to fans of the jam-band genre. And while Harper has crafted a disc full of well-played arrangements, he falls short in writing lyrics that pack the punch of his music. Some of the lines border on cliché while other lines are repeated multiple times to the point of overkill. While no one would argue with the sentiment expressed in “Love=Peace=Freedom”, Harper repeats the title more than ten times throughout the track and negates the momentum of the swirling arrangement. There is no doubt that Harper is a talented performer and engaging vocalist. There is plenty to enjoy on this release as long as you are looking for music that extends beyond the blues tradition to a worldly view, befitting a man born in the United Kingdom, raised in Australia and residing in Michigan. . Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL. For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Blues Society News
Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:  You can submit a maximum of 175 words or less in a Text or MS Word document format. The Cincy Blues Society - Cincinnati, OH The Cincy Blues Society presents the 2010 Cincy Blues Festival August 6th & 7th, 2010 at Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point Park in Cincinnati, Ohio - a beautiful downtown park located on the banks of the Ohio River. The festival features headliners Candye Kane, David Maxwell and Alexis P. Suter Band on Friday August 6th and Shane Dwight, The Insomniacs, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats and Joe Louis Walker on Saturday August 7th. In all the festival features more than 40 acts on four stages. For complete info visit http://cincyblues.org The Golden Gate Blues Society - San Francisco Bay Area, CA International Blues Challenge Competition - The Golden Gate Blues Society Blues Challenge announced. The winning Greater Bay Area band at each competition will go on to compete in the final where one band will be chosen to send to Memphis for The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. Everyone gets to vote for their favorite band! Free for members, $10.00 at the door for non-members - join TGGBS at the door and be admitted free. All showtimes will be from 2 – 6 pm. July 18 - Angelica’s Bistro, Redwood City, August 1 - J.J.’s, San Jose, August 8 - Mojo Lounge, Fremont, August 22 – The Standby, South San Francisco. Finals - TBA. For more info visit www.tggbs.org or contact Dorothy L. Hill, President 415-824-3502 – jazzpix2000@yahoo.com or jazzpix@pacbell.net Alabama Blues Project - Northport, AL Alabama Blues Project 2010 Summertime Blues Camp will be held July 19-23 at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Hargrove Road in Tuscaloosa, AL. For more information please contact Cara Smith at (205) 752-6263 or cara@alabamablues.org. You may also find out much more about our Summertime Blues Camp by clicking here to visit our 2009 review. Washington Blues Society - Seattle, WA The Washington Blues Society’s local competitions for the 2011 International Blues Challenge will be held on Sunday, June 20th and Sunday, June 27th at the award-winning Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle. Depending on the number of entries received, there may be an additional competition on July 11th or July 25th. The preliminary solo/duo competitions will be held on either Sunday, June 27th or one of the July dates above. Competition finals will be held on Sunday, August 22nd at the the Snohomish Taste Of Music Festival. For complete info see the website at: www.wablues.org or email president@wablues.org. Crossroads Blues Society - Rockford, IL Crossroads Blues Society is producing their very first Blue festival this year. The Byron Crossroads Blues Festival will run from noon to midnight on Saturday, August 28, 2010, in downtown Byron, Illinois. The festival lineup includes The Resistors, noted artists Filisko and Noden, The Cashbox Kings, Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band and Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames. For more information visit the Crossroads website at: www.crossroadsbluessociety.com The Friends Of The Blues - Watseka, IL 2010 Friends of the Blues shows - August 10, Sean Chambers, River Bend Bar & Grill, 6070 E. Route 17, Kankakee IL (815) 933-0610 Thursday, July 22, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, 7 p.m., Moose Lodge, N State Rt 50 (Kinzie Ave), Bradley IL (815) 939-3636, Tuesday, August 10, Sean Chambers, 7 pm, River Bend Bar & Grill, 6070 E. Route 17, Kankakee IL (815) 933-0610, August 24, Chicago Kingsnakes, 7 pm , Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club, September 2, Ivas John Band, 7 pm , Moose Lodge, N State Rt 50 ( Kinzie Ave ), Bradley IL, September 21, Shawn Pittman, 7 pm , Kankakee Valley Boat Club, October 12, Too Slim & Taildraggers, 7 pm , Kankakee Valley Boat Club, October 26, Perry Weber & DeVilles, 7 pm , Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club. For more info see: http://www.wazfest.com/JW.html 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 $3 cover. July 26 - Bill Evans, August 2 – Andrew “Jr Boy” Jones, August 9 – Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, August 16 – The Sugar Prophets, August 23 – Bryan Lee “Blind Blues Daddy”, August 28 – ICBC Blues Challenge at the Old Capitol Blues & BBQ, August 30 – Kilborn Alley Blues Band River City Blues Society - Peoria, IL The River City Blues Society presents Blues shows during the summer season. The shows start at 7:00pm at Good Fellas Pizza and Pub, 1414 N 8TH St Pekin, IL. Admission for all shows is $4 or $3 for RCBS members. Shows currently scheduled are: Wednesday July 28th, 2010 - Andrew "Junior Boy" Jones. |
Featured Blues Review 3 of 4
 Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King - Have Blues, Will Travel Alligator Records time-51:30 I guess a partnership of twenty-one years will do that to you-create a bond were lyrics, delivery, wit and guitar riffs meld together sounding like they were always there. As long as these two keep making original blues songs that are refreshing, driving, thought provoking while appealing to the 'everyman', the prognosis for the blues looks good indeed. The combination of Smokin' Joe's guitar arsenal and Bnois' warm and familiar tone along with his subtle humor and guitar support make them a powerful blues one-two punch. Rooted in basic blues, oft-times bolstered by a bit of boogie or rock crunch this disc shows the boys delivering a solid blues set, forgoing some of their rock n' roll detours of the past. Here they use some rock punch to push things along occasionally. The opening of the lead-off title track sounds like ZZ Top. The fuzzed guitar riff that leads into "Out Of Body, Out Of Mind" comes on like classic Foghat. Joe can call on many guitar styles at the drop of a hat....hard driving Texas blues, slashing slide, slow boogie-all the while assisted by Bnois' able guitar skills. Their unique gift of crafting road trip songs continues with the title track and "Out Of Body, Out Of Mind". I love the way they convey a sense of movement. On the latter, an ode to a romance gone wrong Bnois' offers- 'I'm out of body, out out of mind, out of here' and 'I'm seperated from my inner fool'. They are true to the blues tradition by commenting on issues of the day. "RU4 Real?" has Bnois questioning his girl if she has botox, silicone, real eye color and what other parts are original. "My Space Or Yours?" takes their blues to the present with computer terms describing sex....'I wanna show you my hard drive'. A bouncy jazz-tinged riff bops this tune along. "Sleeping With One Eye Open" warns of the consequences of going to bed with your mate while she's pissed off. Smokin' Joe's slide work accents the work -week remedies described in "Payday In America". Monday comes and 'gotta get back to sellin' my soul'. Throughout the reassuring quality in Bnois' voice conveys his emotions like a true friend. The slow, smoldering slide re-enforces the plaintive lyrics of "Wishful Thinking". Hey, just thought of something......not one bum or samey track to be found here. A varied and enjoyable listen provided without the aid of extra musicians. Just the two road dogs along with the driving drums and bass of Adrian Marchi and John Morris respectively. The only outside help was from some co-writers and the able production of Alligator Records honcho Bruce Iglauer. As long as this crew keeps doing it up like this, heartfelt guitar- based blues are in good hands. Reviewer Greg 'Bluesdog' Szalony is from the New Jersey Delta. He is the proprietor of Bluesdog's Doghouse at http://bluesdog61.multiply.com. For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Blues Want Ads
Blues Musicians Place Your Want Ad here for FREE! "workin Blues folks" ONLY can place Want Ads here for FREE. NO Commercial Ads! Buy or sell equipment , musicians wanted, gigs wanted, help wanted, information wanted etc. Limit 100 words. 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 Social Marketing Help For The Blues Wanted Need help marketing our organization and events to the Blues world. Needs include creating and managing a new MySpace and a new Facebook page along with help with Twitter. Reply to teach051 at yahoo.com. Please include phone number and links to your past work with reply. Band Leader Looking For A Label & Gigs Koko Taylor's band leader Vino Louden is alive and well ...back from a terrible vehicle accident and near death experience playing and singing the blues. Looking for a label and gigs. Contact at 773-318-2492 www.myspace.com/vinolouden |
 You can vote anytime until August 31st but why not do it NOW? To cast your vote now, CLICK HERE. You can listen to music by each of the nominees at a website set up by our sponsor WGLT Blues Radio 24/7 in Bloomington, IL. Be an informed voter and check out the music of the nominees now! - CLICK HERE (The Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will take place Thursday, October 28th, 2010 at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, IL) | |
| Best Contemporary Blues CD | Best Traditional Blues CD |
| Joe Louis Walker - Between A Rock And the Blues | Dave Riley & Bob Corritore - Lucky To Be Living |
| Mike Zito - Pearl River | David Maxwell & Louisiana Red - You Got To Move |
| Nick Moss - Privileged | Eddie C. Campbell - Tear This World Up |
| Sean Costello - Sean's Blues | Fiona Boyes - Blues Woman |
| The Holmes Brothers - Feed My Soul | The Kilborn Alley Blues Band - Better Off Now |
| Tommy Castro - Hard Believer | Mississippi Heat - Let's Live It Up |
| Best Blues Song | Best New Artist Debut Release |
| Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers - How Much Woman Can You Stand? | Alabama Mike - Day To Day |
| Joe Louis Walker - I'm Tide | Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers - How Much Woman Can You Stand? |
| Mike Zito & Cyril Neville - Pearl River | Marquise Knox - Man Child |
| Pete Anderson - Still In Love | Quintus McCormick - Hey Jodie! |
| Quintus McCormick - Hey Jodie! | Shaun Murphy - Livin' The Blues |
| The Kilborn Alley Blues Band- Better Off Now | |
| Best Female Blues Artist | Best Male Blues Artist |
| Candye Kane | Bobby Rush |
| Fiona Boyes | Joe Bonamassa |
| Janiva Magness | John Németh |
| Ruthie Foster | Magic Slim |
| Shemekia Copeland | Nick Moss |
| Zora Young | Tommy Castro |
| Best Blues Band | Sean Costello Rising Star Award |
| Magic Slim & The Teardrops | Cash Box Kings |
| Nick Moss & The Flip Tops | Damon Fowler |
| Rick Estrin & The Night Cats | Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers |
| The Holmes Brothers | Joanne Shaw Taylor |
| The Mannish Boys | Marquise Knox |
| Tommy Castro Band | The Insomniacs |
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Featured Blues Review 4 of 4
 Tim Woods - The Blues Sessions Earwig Music Company 12 tracks Tim Woods has 25 years of experience in the blues. A session in June 2005 with David “Honey Boy” Edwards, Homesick James, Sam Lay and Pinetop Perkins inspired Tim to the point of recording with these greats. “The Blues Sessions” was hence recorded over a six-month period in studios in Clarksdale, Atlanta and Chicago. Featured on the CD alphabetically are: Allen Batts, Joe Craven, David “Honey Boy” Edwards, Michael Frank, Shannon Hoover, Big Jack Johnson, Aaron Moore, Eric Noden, John Primer, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Jeff Sipe, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Ike Stubblefield, Bob Stroger, Lee Williams and Terry “Big T” Williams. Four Willie Dixon cuts, three Honey Boy Edwards tracks, and one each from Howlin’ Wolf, Roosevelt Sykes, Big Jack Johnson, himself and an un-authored traditional number comprise the dozen tracks presented here. Woods opens with “Deep Ellum Blues”, a beautiful acoustic piece with Noden and Smith supporting him. Folks my age will recognize it as an old folk song covered by the Dead. The interplay of Woods and Noden is a great start to a disc full of Tim’s great work and the blues greats surrounding him. Dixon’s songs like “Do the Do” get great covers here. Primer and Woods guitar work on the this is quite nice while Woods and Big Jack Johnson bend notes together on songs like “Built for Comfort”. Woods and Honey Boy sing and play together on “Bad Whiskey and Cocaine”, “Wind Howlin’ Blues” and “Drop Down Mama”, giving us traditional Delta blues done up like they used to be. The Dixon covers are updated a bit except “Spoonful” where he goes acoustic and traditional sounding; another well done effort with Noden and Smith showing less can be more. This is a nice mix, and he finishes up with an uncredited but apparently original track with some cool organ work by Stubblefield and jumping rock-a-billy guitar work by he and Rogers. A dozen tracks of tight and well done studio tracks showcasing Woods’ two and a half decades of experience and his ability to blend and mix it up with some other talented folks who enjoy playing together and also do it quite well! His acoustic and electric guitar are equally well done and his vocals are all spot on and bluesy. If you like traditional blues from the Delta and Chicago, this album will warm both your heart and your ears quite well! For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE. |
Live Blues Calendar
YOU can submit your Blues performances for FREE at: http://www.thebluesblast.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 Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Other Countries Performance dates submitted by Musicians, Clubs, Blues Societies and Blues festivals. TheBluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions. |
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