Blues Beatles - A Hard Days Night (Live) 2017

I have talked a lot about the Blues Beatles on the podcast.  While I can't play them on the podcast, I can post their video here!   You would think that blues and Beatles wouldn't work, but obviously it does!  Of course, if you think about it how much the Beatles were influenced by R&B and early rock and roll, it makes sense that you can bluesify the Beatles:-)

Muddy Waters - Champagne & Reefer

Just thought a great Muddy Waters tune was due today:-)   Plus my friends Johnny Reefferseed Express are playing at the Hull Ave tonight (E9th and Hull Ave, Des Moines Iowa, 6pm-10pm)
Support your local blues performers because with out them there is no local blues scene. 

Boogie Woogie Dream

I love this short film of Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson and Lena Horne.  I know I posted this way way back a long time ago, but sometimes you need to repost the good stuff:-)

Olga Wilhelmine: It Is What It Is

The latest from Louisiana's own Olga Wilhelmine.  Its a nice song show her some love and watch her video!

Little Hatch: I Got A Woman

The legendary Provine Little Hatch from Kansas City, was one of the leading harp players of his day.   Certainly due to Hatch, and his famous jam sessions, Kansas City became home to some of the best harp players in the midwest. Such players like Mo Paul, Lee McBee, and John Paul Drum.  I was lucky to have jammed a couple of times with Hatch at a couple of blues jams.  It was always fun, but much like John Lee Hooker, you had to listen to Hatch, because he played songs his way!   He was one of the greats. 

Lucky Peterson DVD Release in October

Our favorite bluesman, Lucky Peterson has a DVD coming out in October.  It should be very, very, good!  They have a facebook page HERE that you can get the latest news.  Otherwise enjoy this short video!

Flavia And The Red: Too Late To Cry

 Check out a new young band out of California called Flavia and the Red.  They are an interesting mix of blues, rock, and funk.  They are out on tour now so check them out. Click HERE for their facebook page.

Craig Erickson: Back At The Roadhouse

Iowan Craig Erickson performing live.  He has a new CD release, Check him out.

One Shot Deal: Crosscut Saw

One Shot Deal featuring the Tone King John Lukehart on guitar playing at a benefit in Marshalltown Iowa. They raised a lot of money for a couple musicians who are having some health problems.  These guys don't play very often anymore, so it was great to see them.  I even played a set earlier with John.  Cool show!!!

HoneyBoy Turner Video

Honeyboy at the Havana in Omaha

Jerry "Boogie" McCain RIP

More info as it becomes available

Update

Bob Corritore

• RIP Jerry McCain - June 18, 1930 to March 28, 2012 Harmonica master Jerry McCain passed away yesterday at age 81.  He was born in Gadsden, Alabama which remained his home town throughout his life. He became a harmonica player at an early age and made his debut recordings for Trumpet in 1953. This would be followed by brilliant recordings for Excello, Rex, Okeh, Jewel, Romulus, GAS, Ichiban, Cedar, and Music Maker. McCain is worshiped by blues harmonica lovers for his great sense of phrasing, some wonderful trademark licks, and a beautiful full-bodied tone. He was also a great singer and a brilliant and often humourous songwriter, and on some of his classic recordings are considered the bedrock of early rock & roll. He will be best remembered for his now classic double single on Rex Records of "She's Tough" with it's catchy vocal break, and the flip of the evergreen harmonica instrumental "Steady." Both of these songs are often covered band-stand favorites. The Fabulous Thunderbirds re-popularized "She's Tough" with a version on their 1979 debut record which brought wider attention to McCain's original version. We thank Jerry McCain for his many great and timeless recordings and the profound infuence he had on the blues.

               For Jerry McCain's bio by Larry Benicewicz click here

To read about his passing in the Gadsden Times click here
To hear Jerry McCain's "Steady" click here
To hear "She's Tough" click here  
To hear his version of "Red Top" on the Okeh label click here
To hear "My Next Door Neighbor" click here  
To hear Jerry first record "Wine-O-Wine" on Trumpet, click here . 

Etta James RIP

Etta James the great Chicago soul/blues/ and Jazz singer has died.  I will post updates as they become available  For a nice biography check out the LA Times HERE.

UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

• Etta James January 25, 1938 - January 20, 2012. How many people have fallen in love while listening to the song "At Last" or shed a tear when listening to "I'd Rather Go Blind" or danced with delight and empowerment when the song "Tell Mama" would come on? That was the power of the legendary Etta James who died  today after a long struggle with numerous health issues. She was 73. Etta represented the human condition and all of its imperfections of which she could sing about with an experienced vulnerability that would seem to cut straight to your heart. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, Etta began singing in church at age 5. She would launch a professional music career under the name "Peaches" while still in her early teens. In 1955 she teamed up with producer/musician/ bandleader/talent scout Johnny Otis to release "The Wallflower" which rose to #1 in the Rhythm & Blues charts. Throughout the 1950s she made many spectacular recordings for Modern Records and in 1960 she signed with the Chess label's subsidiary Argo Records. It was during her Chess period that some of her most beloved hits were released. Along the way she became addicted to heroin which led to some bumps in her career but she kicked the habit in 1974 and rebuilt her amazing career. She would open for the Rolling Stones, win Grammy and Handy Awards, sing the national anthem at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993, and unquestionably solidify her stature as a true music legend. In 2008 the movie Cadillac Records featured Beyoncé  portraying the Etta James character during the Chess Records years. Beyoncé's version of Etta's "At Last' from that movie would win a Grammy. Sadly, Etta James publicly criticized Beyoncé for singing "At Last" at the inaugural ball for President Barack Obama. The last few years found Etta dealing with many heath issues including blood infection and leukemia. Through all of her trials and tribulations, Etta James will remembered for all time as a singer who, perhaps better than anyone else, could become the song. We thank Etta James for the gift of her music and her unstoppable spirit and grit which will live on forever through her many timeless recordings. To read the Yahoo news article on Etta's passing click http://music.yahoo.com/news/legendary-blues-singer-etta-james-dies-calif-163709371.html.

Here are some examples of Etta's wonderful music:

"I'd Rather Go Blind" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApNirMC9gM 

"At Last" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1uunRdQ61M

"Good Rockin' Daddy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV6_ro22Swk 

"The Wallflower" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZFyKBQ7evY

"The Pick-Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOtmVy5zFt4

"I Just Want To Make Love To You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pu_AdU_NQg

"Tell Mama" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVqsvCclGnk&feature=fvst

Dave Alexander RIP

From Bob Corritore

• RIP Dave Alexander AKA Omar Shariff - March 10, 1938 to January 8, 2012. Not to be confused with the famous actor of the same name, Omar Shariff was a Louisiana born, Texas raised blues piano player. He was found dead at his Sacramento home on Jan 8 of self inflicted gunshot wounds. He was 73. A brilliant songwriter, a stirring vocalist, and articulate jazz-spiced blues piano player, Shariff had s persona that was serious and intense. He recorded a series of acclaimed CDs on the World Pacific, Arhoolie, and Have Mercy labels. He first recorded under the name Dave Alexander but would later record as Omar Shariff. His music often had a dark, haunting quality to it. To read the obit in the Longview, Texas News Journal, click here http://www.news-journal.com/news/local/boogie-woogie-legend-dies/article_7b0ba07b-def7-5e8a-bdc6-3eaed15e7c62.html?mode=story. To hear him perform his song "The Raven" click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvQPKk2JUpA
  
  
  
  
  UPDATE from Bob Corritore
  

  • Correction to Omar Shariff Obit. Bay Area blues promoter Thomas Mazzolini sends this correction and his personal insight to our Dave Alexander AKA Omar Shariff obit; "Dave Alexander shot himself in Marshall, Texas. He had moved there from California in 2011.  I cannot understand why he would take his own life given that he had embarked on a new career and location where he appeared to be working more often and was appreciated for his skills and legacy. The only thing that I could think of was depression. Perhaps a moment of utter despair. I was sickened over the news upon hearing it early Monday morning. While in Sacramento we had often spoken and of course I booked him many times especially in the early years".

  
  

Jerry McCoy And The Hammers: Whistle Blowin

Jerry McCoy and the Hammers video performed at the famous Ground Zero Blues Club.

Taylor Hicks: Christmas Melody

I made you wait didn't I:-)   Enjoy.

Casey James: Please Come Home For Christmas

One more for you Merry Christmas

Brian Setzer: Dig That Crazy Santa Claus

Jump Blues Frenzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Louis Jordan and Ella Fitzgerald: Baby Its Cold Outside

Christmas Jump Blues with Louis Jordan and Ella Fitzgerald.

Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra: Marshmellow World

Bad quality, but still a lot of fun.

Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby: White Christmas

Too Freaking Cool.  Frank and Bing.  Enjoy.