Here is my good buddy Andy Coats performing at a house party.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Andy Coats Update
Hey everyone,
I’ve got some big news I’d like to share, plus a new FREE recording for you all.
In preparation for my next CD, I’ve recorded a great old tune by Blind Boy Fuller – “Step It Up and Go”. And, to get your copy, all you have to do is click here and download the recording:
http://andycoats.com/stepIt.html
(To play the song, do a left “mouse-click”;
to save a copy/add to your MP3 library, do a right mouse-click and choose “Save” ….)
I hope y’all enjoy it, and let me know if you’d like to hear more!
Now for the news -- I’ve got some very cool festival shows I’d like you to know about:
--First, a great festival, with my buddy John Dee, down in South Carolina:
Oct. 1 and 2, 7-10 pm
With John Dee Holeman
Carolina Downhome Blues Festival
Camden, SC
http://www.bluesbash.com/camden
(Oct. 1 is at San Kendall’s, Oct. 2 is at Indigo Jones.)
--Second, this is one of the “granddaddies” (or ‘mamas, if you prefer) of all blues festivals – the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, aka “King Biscuit”.
Oct 9, Lockwood-Stackhouse Stage, 4 pm
Andy Coats, solo
24th Annual Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (aka "King Biscuit Blues Festival")
Helena, AR
www.bluesandheritagefest.com
I am extremely proud and humbled to be playing at this event, on the stage named after Delta bluesmen, Robert Lockwood Jr. and Houston Stackhouse.
And it’s a great privilege to be sharing the bill with legends like Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Billy Boy Arnold, Bobby Rush, John Hammond, Bob Margolin, and many more. (Full lineup at: http://www.bluesandheritagefest.com/schedule/ .)
As you may remember, I played at this event a few years back, and I’ve been itching to go back down to the Delta ever since!
For those of you within range of these great events, I’d encourage you to come out and enjoy some world-class blues.
I know I will!
All the best,
Andy
www.andycoats.com
www.myspace.com/andycoats
www.myspace.com/andycoatsandthebankwalkers
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Beatles: Revolution
In honor of the release of the Beatles Rockband game I am posting some Beatles videos. This is a cool clip of the Beatles playing John's call for NON VIOLENT revolution. It is also cool because it is subtitled in Spanish for all of my readers in Central and South America.
I must admit that I don't plan on buying the game, but the animations of the band are amazing! I watched a guy play George's Here Comes The Sun. The animation had the Beatles from 1969 playing in a golden field with all sorts of colorful birds and butterflies flying around. It looked great.
I must admit that I don't plan on buying the game, but the animations of the band are amazing! I watched a guy play George's Here Comes The Sun. The animation had the Beatles from 1969 playing in a golden field with all sorts of colorful birds and butterflies flying around. It looked great.
The Beatles: Long Tall Sally
Live film of the Beatles playing in Australia doing a classic R&B song by Little Richard. A couple of interesting notes, first watch Ringo, Dude is really slamming on the drums. It is really hard to tell from recordings, or from film clips the importance of Ringo, but he really pounded on those skins. Trust me it makes a difference when the drummer is pounding out a backbeat like that, plus he had no amplification for those drums so just to hear him amid all the screaming is amazing.
Second there is a scary part near the end of the song, where some guy comes running on the stage. He shakes Lennon's hand, but you could see John was startled at the guy running towards him. considering what happeneed to John it is very eerie.
Second there is a scary part near the end of the song, where some guy comes running on the stage. He shakes Lennon's hand, but you could see John was startled at the guy running towards him. considering what happeneed to John it is very eerie.
Taylor Hicks: Don't Let Me Down
Taylor Hicks doing John Lennon's Don't Let Me Down. Back when John was with a little band from Liverpool.
Taylor Hicks @ Smiths Olde Bar "Don't Let Me Down" from bonnie cheung on Vimeo.
Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update
Well, I haven't gotten this many comments on a Blue Note since I said something about Sarah Palin last Fall! The saga continues, but first a word from our sponsor...
So, I can already hear you sayin' PLEASE GOD, DON'T LET HIM START IN ON FACEBOOK AND LIFE AND LOVE ISSUES AGAIN, cuz I just want to know where I can dance a couple songs, eat some chicken wings, pizza, and ice cream, have a couple beers, get some laughs with long-time friends, and leave all this other "stuff" behind! Well, have I got the thing for you! Thursday (tomorrow) (9/11) it's the annual Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce WING DING THING!! You can get all of the above (except for the beers) for only $5 in advance or $10 at the gate. (which is still an incredible bargain) This is always one of the coolest events we play every year, we play 5-8pm, Bunky will join Al in the horn section. Just to hear the band at the Overman Park Bandshell (3rd & Clay/Franklin) is a treat, let alone all the other treats you get for the $5 admission. For more information or to get those advance tickets, try 
319-266-3593
or visit www.greatercedarvalleychambers.com. This is worth the drive to Cedar Falls, see yas there...
You probably heard from someone that we've got lots of open dates for the remaining part of the year! That's proven out by the fact that we don't have any work for the next two weekends (unless you're interested in having us play your deck party while Iowa/Iowa St. plays football this Saturday) (My Panthers deserved to win that game last week) Then we have a private wedding dance on Sept. 26th and that's it for this month, so there probably won't be another Blue Note for quite some time. Be sure and check the Post-A-Blue Note page for any breaking Blue News. Or maybe I'll use Facebook...
Many folks have emailed or phoned saying that there was some confusion at the Hilton Gardens Hotel about New Year's Eve reservations. I had a meeting with Kori, the hotel site manager last Wednesday and I'm confident that we're ready to take those reservations at 515-270-8890 or http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=DSMUHGI Remember, this is a much smaller venue than The Hotel Fort Des Moines (which is closing for renovations). Where we used to be able to sell 600 + tickets for the event, it will be limited to 400 tickets this year. Plus, Dec. 31 is a BLUE MOON! For a complete list of entertainment go to www.theblueband.com/newyear.htm Let's make it another Happy Blue Year in 2009!...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Anothony Gomes Goes Country
An interesting article from Vindy.com states that blues guitar player extordinarie Anothony Gomes is going country. Of course, that's not really what it says, or what he is really doing but a few blues purists are bent out of shape that Gomes is bringing the good news of the blues to the country and western set, by twanging his sound.
What makes the Blues Historian laugh is that contemporary country music has it root very deeply stuck in the blues. Jimmie Rogers the father of country music was singing blues songs, and then adding yodels to them.
What is great is the reaction of the folks who listen to country music. THEY LOVE IT! In the article they compare Gomes to Stevie Ray Vaungh and Lynyrd Skynyrd! You know that the country music fan (especially those up here in God's country) may not know much about the blues, but they know what they like, and they like Gomes. So what, if he is twanging things a bit to make it more acceptable to their ears. Bottom line is that if they love Gomes, they will check out more blues, and that is a good thing!
Read the Vindy.com article about Gomes HERE.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Texas Flood: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert Collins, and BB King
Stevie, Albert(Collins) and BB!!! I am sure somewhere in the archive this video is lurking, but it is worth posting it again.
Flu Blues
I wish I could find Albert Collins singing his classic Flu Blues! Unfortunately I have had no luck, and I can certainly relate to what Albert was feeling. I starting getting sick on Tuesday night, and then by Thursday I was stuck on the couch or in bed until Sunday morning! I am not sure if I had the flu, or if it was a bad cold. The doctors around here never tell you what you have, which is probably ok. After all who wants to worry about H1N1! It might be best not to know! All I do know is that I am better tonight, and I am looking forward to getting back to work, and blogging.
Tom Gary
Blues Historian
Tom Gary
Blues Historian
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
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