Bob Corritore Blues News

UPDATE

September 30th, 2010

• Lineup Correction for Amanda's Roller Coaster - Please forgive us for accidentally omitting harmonica ace RJ Mischo,  from the Friday lineup of Amanda's Roller Coaster at the Rhythm Room. RJ is just back from his extensive tour of Europe and is excited about participating in this harmonica event. To see the Amanda's Roller Coaster website with complete information on this event, click here.
• Thanks Bisbee Blues Festival and Jonathan Holden! I have to take a moment to express the joy of performing at last week's Bisbee Blues Festival. Special thanks to Paul Orlando and everyone involved in this wonderful Arizona festival and especially the warm, blues loving attendees that made this such a special event. It was great to bring the Rhythm Room All-Stars back for our third year in a row and to introduce Dave Riley to this year's lineup. Dave won many new fans with his great and personal performance as did Chris James for his spectacular part of the show. I also saw great showings by Tab Benoit, Shemekia Copeland, and Bisbee's home-grown blues aces, Train Wreck. Thanks to the Bad News Blues for a great after-party jam. I must also mention how great it was to play in Tucson the night before as part of Jonathan Holden's Rhythm & Roots series.

-Bob Corritore

• Louis Myers on YouTube! Though a rough recording please enjoy this rowdy guitar instrumental filmed in 1989 in a small club from guitar champion Louis Myers. I believe the band includes Little Mack Simmons, Dave Myers, and Big Moose Walker. Click here to see.

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September 28th, 2010

• Amanda's Roller Coaster - The greatest harmonica event ever! After months of planning, Amanda's Roller Coaster is finally here. Amanda Taylor (the wife of Kim Wilson) has masterminded this amazing blues harmonica happening that features many of the top traditional blues harmonica players around. In addition to the featured players many of the great harp-men that are not on the bill we be in attendance at the event. It is a gathering of like-minded people who love, celebrate, and uphold the value of those cherished blues harmonica sounds. Even the title, named after Little Walter's brilliant instrumental "Roller Coaster", is the kind of thing that those not in the know would not get. In addition to being a great showcase for harmonica performances it will be an amazing opportunity for all of these great players to have a family reunion of sorts. Where can you see three of Muddy Waters' ex-harmonica players hanging out together (James Cotton, Paul Oscher, and Jerry Portnoy). Where else can you see Bharath Rajakumar (the young Canadian Little Walter stylist) playing harmonica behind Johnny Dyer's vocals? Where can you see harmonica master Kim Wilson in many varieties of musical settings? How often does the great Dave Waldman from Chicago do a high profile out of town gig so that the world can see his understated grace on harmonica? Where else can you see Lazy Lester performing "Sugar Coated Love" with the Fabulous Thunderbirds backing him? Where can you see James Cotton playing with Kim Wilson singing? All of this and much more is in store this week at Amanda's Roller Coaster, which will pre-party on Thursday, September 30, and the formal event happening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 1, 2, and 3 at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, Arizona.

Here is the nightly lineup:Thursday, September 30th - Pre-party with a set by the Nighthawks followed by a harp jam/showcase with Bill Tarsha, Martin Lange, Ronnie Shellist, Randy Chortkoff, Thomas Fiacco, Little Barry G, Dennis Gruenling, Jerry Swartz, Mark Heffington, Ed Marnien, Mr. & Mrs. Alaimo, Ken Johnson, Greg Johnson, Harmonica Mike, Kim Field, Ray DeSylvester, and many others. Doors open at 7pm with an 8pm showtime.

Friday, October 1st: The first "official" day of the event with Kim Wilson, Billy Boy Arnold, Paul Oscher, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Lynwood Slim,and Vincent Bury. Doors open at 6pm with a 7pm show.

Saturday, October 2nd - The Fabulous Thunderbirds with James Cotton and Hubert Sumlin, James Harman, Johnny Dyer, Bharath Rajakumar & Junior Watson, Chef Denis Depoitre,  Dave Riley & Bob Corritore. Doors open at 5pm with Dave and Bob starting the show at 6pm.

Sunday, October 3rd - The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Lazy Lester, Jerry Portnoy, Steve Marriner, Dave Waldman with Johnny Dyer, Al Blake, Joe Filisko, Scott Dirks, and Troy Gonyea.

This event will be recorded by Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording for a future CD on MC Records, and will be filmed for a DVD documentary of the event. We do need to mention that the spectacular "house" band for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday consists of Billy Flynn, Larry Taylor, Barrelhouse Chuck, and Richard Innes. Charlie Lange of Bluebeat Music will have a CD stand and will be selling some classic harmonica recordings. Special thanks to Amanda for putting together a once in a lifetime show celebrating the glory of the blues harmonica tradition. To see the Amanda's Roller Coaster website with complete information on this event, click here.

• Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues #5 on Living Blues Radio Charts! The August Living Blues Radio Charts finds Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues on the Delta Groove label in the #5 position. Label mates Elvin Bishop and Mitch Kashmar & The Pontiax / 100 Miles To Go share the spotlight with Elvin at #1 and Mitch at #6. Fellow Rhythm Room All-Stars band members Chris James & Patrick Rynn / Gonna Boogie Anyway occupy the #4 slot (Bob plays on 2 tracks of this CD!). Two harmonica releases occupy #2 and #3 with Pinetop Perkins & Willie "Big Eyes" Smith / Joined At The Hip, followed by Charlie Musselwhite / The Well. Much appreciation to Jim McGrath, who is the person behind collecting and processing the information needed to make these charts. A very special thanks to all the DJs who are playing these records, and supporting the blues! Click here to see the full August Chart.
• Vintage Barbara Lynn on YouTube! Please enjoy this charming classic 1960s clip of Barbara Lynn singing her big hit "You'll Lose A Good Thing" from an episode of The Beat TV show. Click here to see.

New Jam Session In Des Moines

Curry Harter sent me some info on a new jam going on in Des Moines on Wednesday Nights

New Blues Jam - - - WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - - -

4th Street Theatre/Java Joes - - - 9pm-12am - - -
Hosted by Kent Burnside

 

Curry
website CURRY - BLUES from the HEARTLAND - home 
www.myspace.com/CurryHarp  facebook.com/Curry.Chris.Harter

Booking:  909-557-3346  or  515-255-4997

Curry with Rob Lumbard http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2713962  

Curry with Lightning Red

www.ecoheartland.com

Andy Coats Update

Hey folks, 

I'm very excited to be doing a tour down to the Delta, with the finale being my performance at the 25th Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival. 

Did I mention that just a few headliners for this year are:  B.B. King, Taj Mahal, and Dr. John?  

Please visit the festival website for all the details:

http://www.bluesandheritagefest.com/

Now, here's my full schedule; after the Delta, it will be back to the Durham Blues with John Dee Holeman at the NC Museum of Natural History. 

Hope to see you there!

Monday, October 4, 8:30 - mid
Andy Coats, solo
Brackins Blues Bar
Maryville, TN
www.brackinsbar.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2 - 5 pm
Andy Coats, solo
Cathead Delta Blues and Folk Art
Clarksdale, MS
www.cathead.biz

Thursday, October 7, 1 - 3:30 pm
Andy Coats, solo
Delta Blues Museum
Clarksdale, MS
www.deltabluesmuseum.org

Friday, October 8, 1 - 2 pm
Andy Coats, solo
Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (aka "King Biscuit Blues Festival")
Helena, AR
www.bluesandheritagefest.com

Friday, October 8, *Bonus Performance*, after festival slot
Andy Coats, solo
In-store appearance at Bubba's Blues Corner)
105 Cherry St., Helena, AR
870-338-3501

Sunday, October 10, 3-4 pm
John Dee Holeman and Andy Coats
Pine Cone Concert Series
NC Museum of Natural History
Raleigh, NC

http://www.pinecone.org/MOC.html

Best, 

Andy

http://www.andycoats.com

http://www.myspace.com/andycoatsandthebankwalkers

http://www.youtube.com/andycoats2002

Si Cranstoun Update

*SI CRANSTOUN & HIS BAND *

Friday 8th October

Pizza Express

32 Earl Street

Maidstone

Kent

ME14 1PS   

Admission: £14 

7pm - 11.30pm

 Si and the boys return to this great upstairs secret venue following 

their previous sell out show there. 

Pizza Express in Maidstone is set over five floors. As well as a large 

open plan restaurant, the venue has its own music rooms that plays 

host to a number of local and international artists.

Perfect for any special celebrations as the tables along the front 

are just feet from the band for a full on 3d surround sound night out!

To book your table call 01622 683548/9 or go here to book online

http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/maidstoneBook.aspx?showId=b5e2badb-f0a3-4bc6-9bd6-67dedd8e6627&showDateId=4146

Don't forget,  it's nearly .....

'D.D.D'

DOWNLOAD DYNAMO DAY

Remember that ALL the iTune download sales for the week 

11th October to 16th October 

(AND ONLY THOSE SALES IN THAT WEEK) 

count towards a place in the Charts!!

For Bookings & General Enquiries:

suzanne.williams@galleymusic.com

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

The combination of the time flies and the coming of the snow flies always has me a little depressed about this time of year. The end of the busy summer festival season, combined with the reality of the challenges to find inside work for a 29 year old band that doesn't do many bar gigs for the 20 year old bar crowd always has me thinking too much. (think about it, our band is older than the general bar crowd these days!) And now, this week, I see, in the celebrities birthday section of the paper, that Brigitte Bardot is 76 years old and Anita Ekberg is 79. WHAT?? And Jerry Lee Lewis is 75. (honestly, 50 years ago, who would have ever thought that out of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee, that Jerry Lee would be the last one standing?) The time flies are swarming and the snow flies are heading our way. Ya bug me, baby...
Fortunately, we have one of my favorite inside gigs and the last outdoor gig of the season to raise the spirits this weekend. Today (Fri.) starts the First Friday of the month series at The Hub, 4th & Main, in my hometown, Sparkle City USA (Cedar Falls) Geezers my age (ok, probably a little younger) gather for pizza by the slice, adult beverages, washboard tie rubbing, and dancing, starting at 6pm and going until 9:30p (or later if you want to) admission is only $5 and a splendid time is guaranteed for all. What's not to like, right Avis??? Especially if Avis' husband Bob brings his green guitar and plays that cool rhythm part on Good Legs!! And, as an added treat, Eddie McKinley, one time sideman in Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials and current sax player in the Diplomats of Solid Sound will join us on tenor sax! All this and some stoooopid songs too! It could only get better if you brought CAKE!...
And Saturday, bring the kids and grandkids to Windsor Heights Octoberfest, Colby Park (about 69th and School St. in suburban Des Moines) There are activities all day long including a pumpkin carving contest, a pet costume contest (some of these dogs dress better than I do) and a Chili Cookoff. Traditional German food will be available all day (sauerkraut CAKE?) and we play 4-7pm, followed by fireworks. For more info on the day try www.windsorheights.org...
Next Sat., Oct. 9 is a bitter sweet gig, playing at Blues On Grand, 15th and Grand Ave. in Des Moines. It's always an honor to play this storied place, but it will be the last time for us, as the club is closing on Oct. 23. Sam is gonna bring his big organ and Heath will join us in the horn section for this Last Waltz at BOG. (remember, BOG is a Mustang Sally Free Zone) We play 9:30p-1:30. Need more info on the last few weeks of this very influential club in our state? try http://www.bluesongrand.com/...
Also, this Saturday night (10/2) on my Backtracks Rock 'n' Roll history show on Iowa Public Radio, by popular demand, another hour of My Wife's Records! The show runs 7-10pm (woohoo, I get to listen to myself on the drive home from Windsor Heights!) with Carolyn's vinyl 9-10p. And another bit of radio news, IPR is going to let me start doing some of those shows LIVE again! Can you say REQUESTFEST??!! The first live show in over 10 months is tentatively scheduled for Sat. Oct. 23...
See ya on the Blue Highway. Rub yer washboard to the tune of The Beer Barrel Polka, (poke 'er? YOU poke 'er) Watch out for those flies, don't let 'em near yer CAKE and always remember that we love you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Illinois Blues Blast! Blues News!

The FREE Internet Magazine - All news BLUES!

Can't see images? Click Here

www.TheBluesBlast.com

October 1, 2010

© 2010 Blues Blast Magazine

Latest news, photos, reviews, links & MUCH MORE in this issue! Scroll or Page Down!

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Website Links: Reviews    Links   Photos    Videos     Blues Radio     Blues Shows    Advertise for FREE!     Past Issues

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Hey Blues Fans, This week we feature more videos of 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards nominees including clips from 2010  nominees The Holmes Brothers , Tommy Castro, Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers and The The Shaun Murphy Band. SCROLL DOWN! For a complete list of 2010 BBMA nominees CLICK HERE. Check out these videos to see why these great artists were nominated. For more information and to purchase tickets to the 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards on Thursday October 28th 2010 at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, CLICK HERE or see the ad below in this issue. And speaking of Blues Award nominees, the 2010 British Blues Awards were announced on September 13th at the Newark Blues Festival in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands region of England. Our good friend and Blues Blast contributor Ian McKenzie passes on word of the big winners including Blues young guns Joanne Shaw Taylor, Oli Brown and Matt Schofield. For a complete list of the winners CLICK HERE  Blues Wanderings This week we caught a show by 2010 Blues Music Award winner Johnny Rawls. It was our first opportunity to catch this great artists live. Johnny and his band put on a great set of Soul Blues to a full house. In This Issue We have five new CD reviews this week! James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews a new CD by Jay Gaunt. Ian McKenzie reviews a new CD by Chris Bell. Mark Thompson reviews a  new CD from Better Off Dead. Greg "Bluesdog" Szalony reviews a new CD by Blues Buddha. Gary Weeks reviews a new CD by Rory Gallagher All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!

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Stoopid Daddy Records Ltd. presents a new CD by Blues Buddha I Like It A Lot  Get your copy now at:  bluesbuddha.com

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 Featured Blues Review 1 of 5

Jay Gaunt - Harmonicopia JBG Music http://www.jaygaunt.com/ 12 tracks; 49:03 minutes; Suggested Styles: Harmonica led instrumentals, Full Band Blues Harmonica phenom Jay Gaunt is only sixteen years old, and he has already opened a fifty year old can of worms by claiming that Memphis can rightly be called the “Home of the Blues.” In a killer Blues song “Home of the Blues,” the lyrics politely allow choice, “...Chicago and New Orleans might be the place you choose; to me Memphis is the one and only home of the Blues.” One thing missing is objective criteria for making that choice. Answer these: 1) Which city has the largest number of steadily-working Blues musicians? 2) Where can you hear live Blues music seven days per week, 365 days per year, in multiple clubs devoted entirely to the Blues? 3) Which city has the largest free Blues Festival every year? 4) Which city has the most active and influential Blues record labels? 5) To which city do guitarists, harp players, drummers, and vocalists from all over the U.S. and the world relocate just to play the Blues? The answers are in a 1936 song by Robert Johnson, “Sweet Home CHICAGO.” Oh, well, it’s just a fun rivalry anyway. And, to be fair, Jay Gaunt, from Mahwah NJ, didn’t write the lyrics, one of the producers did, Memphis maven Charley Burch. The buyers of this highly recommended CD, Gaunt’s second, get a two-fer. There are seven instrumentals in an impressive variety of styles, and the other five songs feature Memphis vocalist Victor Wainwright nailing each with tough, growling, emotionally powerful singing. Recorded at the late Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios, Gaunt is backed by a competent all-Memphis crew: guitarists Josh Roberts, Skip Pitts, and Dave Cousar, keyboardists Lester Snell and Rick Steff, bassist Dave Smith, and drummer Steve Potts along with the Royal Horns and New Memphis Strings. Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell adds percussion and joins Burch producing along with harp standout Jason Ricci who co-produces six songs. First aired on our “Friends of the Blues Radio Show” was one of the Blues-with-vocals numbers, Bobby Charles’s “Why People Like That?”, featuring the Reba Russell Band’s Josh Roberts on slide guitar. Gaunt steps back for Roberts to take a tasty mid-song slide solo; he then trades back-and-forth licks with Josh in the glorious, final eighty-one seconds of the song. Wainwright’s authentic questioning of selfish people’s motives implies “he” wrote it! Muddy Waters’ “Louisiana Blues” is given a complete band workout with Bayou night sounds courtesy of North Mississippi Allstars drummer Cody Dickinson on electric washboard. Gaunt excels at channeling and interpreting the original harp of Little Walter. For a quicker tempo, try Jay honking his way through “Devil Dealt the Blues.” The most unexpected instrumental is a lush production of year 1580’s English ballad, “Greensleeves.” Hearing the CD, my wife hollered in from the other room, “This is a Christmas song and started singing, ‘What child is this...’!” Indeed, the 1865 lyrics to “What Child...” were set to music borrowed/stolen from “Greensleeves.” Gaunt opens on a Harrison Harmonica (a brand claiming to be the only American made harp) blowing pure, clear notes while Lyrika Holmes on a real harp adds beautiful background string work. In amazing harmony, Lester Snell on B3/Wurlitzer keyboards mimics the ending string-harp lines making this jazzy shuffle a real standout. Allman Brothers fans can name that song in five notes or less (?), instantly recognizing this instrumental version of “Midnight Rider.” Allowing Pitts’s guitar, the Memphis Strings and Royal Horns to open first and set the background, Jay recapitulates Gregg Allman’s vocals using pure tones across the melody with no fuzz. Absolutely killer is “Double Shuffle” featuring fellow harper Brandon Bailey alternately trading honks and playing harmony with Gaunt. Across this wonderful CD, I had to keep reminding myself, “Jay Gaunt is only sixteen!” Harmonica Blues is in creative hands, indeed. . 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

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Tickets for the biggest Blues event of the fall season, The 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards are now on sale. To buy yours before they sell out, CLICK HERE. Held at the brand new Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, confirmed artists Bobby Rush Candye Kane  Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Marquise Knox, Shaun Murphy Band, Mississippi Heat, Carl Weathersby, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Zora Young, Quintus McCormick, Cash Box Kings, Joel Paterson, Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers, Little Ray Neal and Eddie Shaw will all join in to celebrate the Best in Blues Music for 2010. Sponsorships Needed - This event would not be possible without the help of our sponsors and friends! For info on the best seats and other great benefits, (T- Shirts, commemorative posters, Blues "goodie" bag, your band or company name advertised in the program and more)  CLICK HERE.  Sponsorships start just $200 for two people! The Essex Inn in Chicago at 800 South Michigan Avenue is the official hotel for the 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards. The hotel is located one block from Buddy Guy's Legends Fans coming to Chicago for the event can get a 20% discount off by mentioning the Blues Blast awards. Call them at (312) 939-2800 and mention the awards to get this discount on stays during October 27th to 29th for the awards show.

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 Featured Blues Videos

Our Blues videos this week are from some of the 2010 Blues Blast Music Award nominees. Click picture for video  The Holmes Brothers -  live at the NPR Music offices. The Holmes Brothers performing live at the NPR Music offices with minimal production. If you have ever caught their live show you know the talent this trio has. With more than 30 years in the music business, their talent is evident in this video. The Holmes Brother won the 2008 Blues Blast Music Award for Best Contemporary Blues CD for their 2008 release State Of Grace. They are again nominated for Best Contemporary Blues CD for their latest release State Of Grace. Click picture for video   Tommy Castro - Live from the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise 2010 Tommy Castro is a major attraction of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. This clip is Tommy and his fantastic band doing "Make It Back To Memphis" for his CD Hard Believer. Tommy Castro is nominated for Best Contemporary Blues CD, Best Blues Song and for Best Blues Band. Click picture for video  Jackie Scott & The HouseWreckers This video was shot just a month after Jackie and her band made the finals of the 2010 International Blues Challenge. We think you will be hearing more from this great artist! Jackie is nominated for Best Blues Song, Best New Artist Debut CD and for the Sean Costello Rising Star Award. Click picture for video  The Shaun Murphy Band - "It Takes A Train" Shaun Murphy is well known for her session work with Eric Clapton, Little Feat, Bob Seger, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh  and John Hiatt. In 2009 she embarked on a Blues Journey with her first Blues release  Livin' The Blues.  Years from now we Blues fans will be saying "and the rest is history"! She is nominated for Best New Artist Debut CD.

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Blues Blast Discount Advertising Special Blues Blast Magazine is offering a Fall Ad special. This is our lowest pricing of the year and offers an affordable & effective way to get the Blues word out! This 6 week combo rate of only $180 allows you to affordably add significant impact to your Blues ad campaign. It is a great way to kick up the visibility of you new CD release or Blues event! Blues Blast Magazine is a great way to promote the Blues. More than 17,000 Blues fans read our magazine each week. They are located in all 50 states and in more than 80 countries. We also get more than 1,000,000  (That's ONE MILLION) hits and more than 25,000 visitors a month on our website. Normal 2010 Advertising rates are $45 a week for Blues Blast magazine ads and website ads are $70 per month. BUT, for a limited time, you can advertise your Blues event or CD in six issues of Blues Blast Magazine and on our website for a month and a half for less that the cost of a small ad in your local newspaper. To get the special rate of $180 simply reserve your ad space by October 15th, 2010.  Ads can be booked to run anytime between September 15, 2010 and March 31, 2011. So for only $180 your ad can be seen more than 135,000 times by Blues fans who want to know about Blues events and music! Reserve your space today!  Space is limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis.  Ads must be reserved  and paid for before October 15, 2010. To get more information email info@thebluesblast.com or call 309 267-4425 today!

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	2007 Blewzzy Award Best CD Winner & Blues Blast Magazine Best Song Nominee Release Second CD
	Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires Words Are Like Bullets
	Order at www.blueedgerecords.com  plus CD Baby and iTunes
	www.nationaldebonaires.com

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 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. Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society - Minneapolis, MN Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society presents our 4th annual Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame, "Honoring the Creative Best", Performer; Blues Recording; Blues Song; Blues Art and Literature; and Non-performer supportive of the Blues. The show is Sunday, October 17th Minnesota Music Cafe, 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul. MN. Doors open at noon. Music starts at 1:00, featuring the 2010 "Performer" inductee, Sweet Paulie T., playing with his band The Blues Blasters. Induction ceremony: 2:45-3:45. Music to follow ceremony include: Jeff Ray and "Hurricane" Harold, this year's IBC solo/duo entrants; and Little Bobby and the Storm. Suggested donation: $7.00  More info at: www.gtcbms.org The Decatur Blues Society - Decatur, IL The Decatur Blues Society is holding their 1st annual "Blues Challenge" October 16th at the Bourbon Barrel in Decatur, Illinois. The winner of the band & the solo/duo divisions will receive a slot in the 2011 International Blues Competition in Memphis next February. COmplete information is available at www.decaturblues.org. 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. October 4 - Big Jeff Chapman, October 11 - Too Slim & the Taildraggers, October 18 - Reverend Raven & the Chain Smoking Altar Boys, October 25 - Perry Weber & the Devilles. http://icbluesclub.org/ The West Virginia Blues Society - Huntington, W.V. The 4th Annual Appalachian Blues Competition is Oct.2, 2010 at Tomahawks Smokehouse & Saloon Sponsored by the West Virginia Blues Society. Winners in Band, Solo/Duo and Youth Division will move on to the International Blues Challenge In Memphis, Tn. Feb 2011. More information is available at www.wvbluessociety.org. The Friends Of The Blues - Watseka, IL 2010 Friends of the Blues shows - 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  Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents Davina and the Vagabonds on Sunday October 10 at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA. Showtime is 6:00 p.m., and admission is $10, $8 for MVBS members. Also MVBS Presents Chicago's Mississippi Heat on Friday October 29 at The Lodge in Bettendorf! This will be a fundraiser for the MVBS, including a silent auction with signed guitars, posters, photographs, and more. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the music starting at 8. Admission is $20, $15 for MVBS members. The Lodge will be offering stay-over packages.  www.mvbs.org for more info Windy City Blues Society - Chicago, IL The Windy City Blues Society (WCBS) is proud to present the 2010 Chicago Blues Challenge (CBC). The winner of this competitions will represent Chicago and WCBS at 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. All proceeds from the CBC events will be used to defray a portion of the cost of sending the winners to Memphis. Challenge dates include: Thursday, October 14 at Rosa's Lounge – Band Competition Round 1, Sunday, October 24 at the Heartland Café – Band Competition Round 2, Sunday, November 7 at Buddy Guy’s Legends – CBC Finals For more information about the WCBS and the CBC please visit http://www.windycityblues.org  or the WCBS Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter Sites

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 Featured Blues Review 2 of 5

Chris Bell & 100% Blues - The Devil, My Guitar and Me Silverbridge Records SBCD 007 Fourteen tracks; 59 mins 19 secs. http://www.chrisbellblues.com http://www.myspace.com/chrisbellblues Until a couple of hours ago I had never heard of Chris Bell. Perhaps he is below the radar outside the borders of North America and that is a cryin’ shame. Here’s an announcement: albeit that my audience is very far from huge, I intend to push him as much as I can in the UK and I sincerely hope that others will pick him up and promote him, because he deserves it. If you are one of those who knows little or nothing about this young man, here’s some background. Chris was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Massachusetts introduced to the blues by his parents and his early music education included jazz, rhythm & blues, and gospel music. He started to play guitar when he was fourteen and cites his major influences as B.B. King and Albert Collins as well as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. All those influences are identifiable in his playing. His previous CD, also on Silverbridge. was called ‘Real Bluesman’ and that indeed is what he is. His voice is husky and will become readily identifiable and his axe work is often incendiary, and nearly always controlled (just the occasional bit of flashy blues rock stuff) but always inventive and skilled. All of the songs save one (which was written by Greg Allman) are his own work, with some clever lyrics and well thought-out arrangements. Check out ‘My Jimi Hendrix Stuff’, (“You can take what you want but don’t take my Jimi Hendrix stuff”). The delightful ‘John Lee Hooker’ (a wonderful justification of drinking, gambling and other such stuff, all of which is OK because, “John Lee Hooker told me so.”) and the homage to Robert Johnson (or at least the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 in Mississippi) in the title track ‘The Devil, My Guitar and Me’. Chris plays acoustic guitar, electric slide and dobro as well as occasional bass and occasional harmonica and the pictures in the booklet even show him playing a cigar box guitar! The band (‘100% Blue’: Chuck England - Bass and vocals / Bill Nuti - Drums ) are tight and disciplined. This CD really deserves to get some recognition through nominations in the upcoming awards season. To his record company and management, as John Luke Piccard said, “Make it so!” and let’s get him to Europe/ England before too long Reviewer Ian McKenzie lives in England. He is the editor of Blues In The South a monthly flier providing news, reviews, a gig guide and all kinds of other good stuff, for people living and going to gigs along the south coast of England. Ian is also a blues performer www.myspace.com/ianmckenzieuk  and has a webcast regular blues radio show on Phonic FM in Exeter (1pm Eastern/ 12 noon Central). For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

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 Featured Review 3 of 5

Better Off Dead - Girls, Guns and Money Gangland Records www.BetterOffDead.com www.Garagelandrecords.com 28 tracks/78 minutes At a time when many recordings struggle to have three or four memorable songs included, Better off Dead sets the bar high by proving that it is possible to write a batch of strong material. In fact, they give you the equivalent of two discs worth of songs on this exciting new release filled with humor, swinging rhythms and plenty of rockin’ guitar riffs. Hailing from New Jersey, the band features V.D. King and Don Kenny on guitars and vocals, Mike Kenny on drums, Art Zo on bass and Tim Cassidy on harmonica. Additional musicians include Mike Lattrell and Dona Oxford on keyboards and Jim Davis on saxophone. King wrote all of the songs except for Lyle Lovett’s “God Will”. The gatefold packaging on the disc does a great job of establishing the musical theme. It sports film noir-style drawings of femme fatales in scanty clothing, guns in hand and ready for trouble. From there, the band takes listeners down a trail of broken hearts, through betrayal and alcoholic haze, taking a hard look at the travails of the human heart. The chugging rhythm of the opening cut, “Twister in a Trailer Park” finds King warning about the effects of “.. the funnel of love.” over Lattrell’s pumping piano. Next up is “Bad Credit”, a Tex-Mex tribute to the late Doug Sahm featuring an unaccredited accordion part. King it clear that women take a distant second to his cool ride, warning everyone not to mess with his “Yellow Cadillac”, punctuated by a taut guitar solo. The band rocks hard on “Back to Memphis” before slipping into a slinky rockabilly mode for “Kitten”. On “Mind to Leave You”, King laments that he wants to run away but his woman’s body keeps making him stay. The track has a smoky, late-night feel and Davis wails away on his sax to really capture the mood. Cassidy blows a red-hot harp solo on “Porn Star”, a song dedicated to Candye Kane. The driving pulse of “If I Can Quit Drinkin’” finds King wondering why he can easily swear off alcohol but finds it so hard to give up on a bad woman. The grinding pace of “When My Troubles Began” is the perfect backdrop for this tale of a cheating woman and the track features some fine slide guitar. Another highlight is the ballad “One More Time”, sporting some great harmony vocals and sounding remarkably like the J. Geils Band from their classic period. “Never Let You Down” is another cut that steadily builds the emotional impact over swirling organ chords and a soaring guitar solo. There are also country-tinged tracks, like the hard-driving trucker tune “500 Miles”. And many people will easily relate to the sentiments expressed on “I Ain’t Gonna Change”, where the singer states he is not some house that can be rearranged. It is a remarkable achievement that King was able to pen such a large batch of songs in a variety of musical styles and somehow manages to make almost every one memorable in its own way. He does a great job of mixing his fatalistic view of life with his wry sense of humor. The band plays with skill and great enthusiasm throughout the entire recording. Plenty to enjoy on this one and you definitely get a lot of fine stuff for your entertainment dollars. Heartily recommended!!! Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL. For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

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 Featured Blues Review 4 of 5

Blues Buddha - I Like It A Lot Stoopid Daddy Records Ltd. http://bluesbuddha.com/ time-35:03 Upon receiving this record and seeing the moniker Blues Buddha that Tommy Dudley has adopted, as well as his hulking presence on the cover shot, I'm thinking here comes a half-baked novelty blues trip. Au contraire mon ami. When you pick a name like Blues Buddha, you better be good or be prepared to be laughed out of bluesville. Not much blues here per se, but just teaming with easy rolling r&b flavored goodness bolstered by the Buddha's hearty and pleasant pipes recalling the vibe of rockabilly crooner Sleepy LaBeef. I'm SO glad I like this CD, this guy could crush me like a grape. The interchangeable cast of players provide a tight, solid groove. Nothing earth-shaking, they just know how to fill all the gaps. Keyboard player Scott Staton, the only constant throughout, is a boogie-woogie piano God. He also contributes capable organ when needed. Joe Piteo's shuffle-drumming on the lead-off track "Like I Do" portends the instrumental proficiency that is to follow. Various guitarists execute blues, blues-tinged or rockabilly-meets-blues riffs as required. Dudley's throaty but warm vocals carry off the songs right on the money. All tunes are band originals that include some catch-phrase lyrics. "Take It To The Bank And Cash It" comes from "Break My Heart" that is kicked off with an intro stolen from Graham Parker's "Heat Treatment" and is used throughout the song to good effect. Buddha's theme song "Buddha Boogie" bounces along nicely, aided by more great shuffle-drumming, rockabilly guitar and boogie-woogie piano. Not the strongest thing here, but works as a theme song. The specter of Sleepy LaBeef appears in Buddha's voice and delivery on the slow-burner "Better At Hello", a lament a lover who has problems staying. "Give And Take" is a seamless r&b workout where the gritty vocals shine. The organ of Scott Staton takes a spotlight turn here too. It's only Buddha's voice backed by barroom boogie-woogie piano on "Trouble". Dang this guy can surely beat the crap out of the keys. A rushed beat provides the tension on the title track, an ode to his girl. The program closes out with the bluesiest song "Low Cotton", with only the backing of guitar, piano and harmonica. The slow blues bemoans his woman troubles to great effect. It's a nice feeling when you get more than you bargained for. Barring a few minor flaws that can be addressed on the next effort, this Buddha is more fun than.........well......a barrel full of Buddhas. Better production can provide stronger backing vocals and a less artificial horn sound, but this is something I'll have no problem keeping on my stereo for a long time to come. Reviewer Greg "Bluesdog" Szalony hails 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

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 Featured Blues Review 5 of 5

Ghost Blues: The Story of Rory Gallagher & the Beat Club Sessions Eagle Vision www.rorygallagher.com Fans of Rory Gallagher will want to get their hands on the 2 DVD set Ghost Blues which presents the true story of the Irish Rocker's life. Comprised of interviews with brother Donal Gallagher, Slash, The Edge, Cameron Crowe and many others, we get to see it all. Gallagher was a maverick who had no tolerance for record company politics. Certainly it didn't endear him to label executives when he refused to release singles. Being the seventies were competitive enough with hotshot guitar players, Rory got lost in the shuffle and for most teen-agers, he remained off the radar. Growing restless with the show-band circuit, Gallagher struck out on his own. Forming the short-lived Taste got him some recognition. Especially when the group opened for Blind Faith on their first American tour. Of course a half-assed management doesn't get you anywhere. Wisely Gallagher disbanded that outfit. So for the next quarter century, Rory went solo. Bassist Gerry McAvoy ended up being a mainstay for twenty years while the rest of musicians came and went. It was easy for Gallagher to win fans in Europe. In the states he had to settle as an opener for major headliners doing arena tours. Only in the club and college settings, did Rory get to headline and enjoy an interaction with his followers. Brother Donal Gallagher recounts Gallagher's final days giving this documentary of course a sad closure. The joy in all of this was Rory got streets named after him and plaques put on walls. A strong conviction that a legacy lives on. The second DVD makes up The Beat Club Sessions from 1971-72. Whether watching Gallagher tear into rockers "Laundromat" or "Used To Be," or playing the solitary blues-man on the Delta fried "Pistol Slapping Blues" is affirmation enough that Rory left his mark. Strange how death immortalizes a musician's music to carry significance. Reviewed by Gary "Wingman" Weeks For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

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Sean Costello Memorial Fund's Second Annual Benefit Concert A Blues And Roots Festival Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 5:00 PM Tabernacle's Cotton Club 152 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA Performances by Burnt Bacon, Candye Kane, Coy Bowles and the Fellowship, Jon Justice, Seth Walker, and Sonia Leigh A limited number of advance tickets are available at http://www.seancostellofund.org. Tickets are also on sale at http://www.livenation.com  (search Sean Costello) and at the Tabernacle Box Office. Advance ticket purchases will include a special DVD of Sean. Ticket cost is $30.00 (plus applicable service fees) in advance and $35 (plus applicable service fees) at the door. Sponsorship information is available at http://www.seancostellofund.org/sponsors.html The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research is uniquely focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder. The Fund supports and conducts research on bipolar disorder and creativity while promoting awareness, providing education, and serving as a resource for these musicians and their support systems in order to foster acceptance, functioning and health. For volunteer opportunities, silent auction donations, and more information, please visit http://www.seancostellofund.org

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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. CLICK HERE - for the Latest Complete Blues Calendar on our website at: TheBluesBlast.com 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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