Bluesletter December 2012

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Featured Articles On the Cover: Kathi MacDonald by Blues Boss Remembering: Kath i MacDonald SSBA News: Op ening Doors in Memphis for the Next Generation What’s on your plate: Music Matters!

Transcript of Bluesletter December 2012

Page 1: Bluesletter December 2012

Featured Articles

On the C over : Kathi MacDonald by Blues Boss

Remembering: Kathi MacDonald

SSBA News: Opening Doors in Memphis for the Next Generation

What’s on your pl ate: Music Matters!

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Celebrating 23 Years of Blues1989 - 2012

December 2012 BluesletterVol. XXIV, Number XII

Publisher Washington Blues SocietyEditor & Art Director Jesse Phillips ([email protected])Secretary Rocky NelsonCalendar Maridel Fliss ([email protected])Advertising Malcolm Kennedy ([email protected])Printer Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

Contributing Writers: Robert Horn, Eric Steiner, Malcolm Kennedy, Jerry Peterson, Rick Bowen, Jane Henderson, Sharon Welter, Tony Frederickson, By Son Jack, Jr., Chris

Klimecky, Joris van Wigngaarden

Contributing Photographers: Blues Boss, Jerry Peterson and Anita Royce

Cover Photo: Kathi MacDonald by Blues Boss

The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 5th of each month in the following formats: plain text or Microsoft Word. Graphics must be in high-res 300 dpi .pdf, jpg, or .tiff formats. We encourage submissions. If a submitter intends to retain the rights to material (e.g., photos, videos, lyrics, textual matter) submitted for publication in the Bluesletter, or the WaBlues.org website, he or she must so state at the time of submission; otherwise, submitter’s rights to the material will be transferred to WBS, upon publication. We reserve the right to edit all content. The Bluesletter is the official monthly publication of the Washington Blues Society. The WBS is not responsible for the views and opinions expressed in The Bluesletter by any individual.

© WBS 2012

Mission Statement The Washington Blues Society is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for individuals, $35 for couples, and $40 for overseas memberships. The Washington Blues Society is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. The Washington Blues Society is affiliated with The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

Washington Blues SocietyP.O. Box 70604 - Seattle, WA 98127

www.wablues.org

Kathi MacDonald by Blues Boss

The Blues Boss, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Washington Blues Society, is one of the Washington Blues Society’s long-time ambassadors. When not taking pictures of blues performers at festivals, clubs, and our monthly “Blues Bashes,” Dennis Dudley covers the state’s blues scene from his native Tacoma to Mount Baker. He’s a local moderator for the Blindman’s Blues Forum online blues resource launched by the late Billy Allardyce in Scotland, and his blues travels have taken the Blues Boss to Memphis, Scotland, Portland, and London, England. The Blues Boss considers himself “a true blues junkie,” but one of the New Year’s resolutions on the President of the Washington Blues Society for 2013 is getting the Boss Man out to a harp showcase in 2013.

On the Cover:

Letter from the Editor

Dudley Did Right 27Planning Ahead 28Music Matters 29City of Music Mobile 30Keeping the Blues Alive 30Coffee and Music 31

Letter from the President 7Big Blues for Little Bill 7October Blues Bash 9Little Walter Tribute 10Which Way to the Rec Room 11Update on Spokane 11

16th Annual Maple Blues Awards 12Remembering Kathi MacDonald 13Dry Side Blues 14Blues CD Reviews 16Behind the Scenes 18Calendar 20

Blues on the Radio Dial 21Jam Guide 22Venue Guide 22Talent Guide 23Blues Blast 25 South Sound Blues Assoc. News 26

In This Issue...

Did anyone else just have the holidays sneak up on them? Well, I certainly did - my internal clock is still set for June and I can’t figure out why it’s dark outside at 3:30pm. And now we’re down to counting days till Christmas instead of months. I find myself hunting online during any spare break to find the perfect gift for family and friends.

So, here are a few of my recommendations, on that note: First of all, just breathe. The holidays are always more about being with the people you love (or the people you can barely tolerate but are

stuck with nonetheless.) than about the prettiest wrapping paper or the nicest gift.

Secondly, think local this season - my personal goal is to purchase only local, handmade items this year and to support my local community as much as possible.

Thirdly - c’mon, you know this one - you can always give the gift of the blues this year. From local artists like Son Jack, Jr. (who has a new album out this year), the WIRED! Band and so many others, to tickets to local bands and events and even the gift of the Bluesletter. Buy a one year subscription to the Bluesletter and we’ll send you a handsome

certificate that you can print off and give to your lover of Blues. It’s a great way to get them more involved in the community.

And lastly, make sure you take time for yourself this season. I’m making a list for me, and checkin’ it twice to make sure that I actually experience the holidays this year instead of being so crazy-busy that I miss it. There’s nothing worse than cleaning up wrapping paper and realizing that you “worked” through the entire season.

Until next time, we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.

Jesse Phillips, EditorWashington Blues Society Bluesletter

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Hi Bluesletter Readers! As I drove home from the November 2012 Blues Invasion at Stewart’s in historic downtown Snohomish last month, I reflected on not only the Washington Blues Society’s work to send the Sammy Eubanks Band and the Norris and Nicely duo to Memphis to

compete in the International Blues Challenge next month, but also on the generosity of a Stewart’s regular that night. The Bluesletter “deadline dash” precluded me from staying until the end of the evening, but I was glad to reconnect with many Washington Blues Society members and blues fans.

A young man wearing a Seattle Supersonics sweatshirt asked if he could check out the scene when I asked him to pay the $10 cover charge at the door. I explained that Stewart’s supports live blues and while the venue does not charge a cover charge routinely, that the Blues Invasion was an important fundraiser. He walked by, smiled, and said “thanks, but I think I’ll check it out, first.”

He went to the kitchen area in the back and talked with some friends. They watched Blues Playground, and from the smiles on their faces, I could tell they were enjoying the music.

During a set break, Merchandise Director Tony Frederickson and Music Co-Director Janice Gage gave away autographed posters, blues CDs, and Seattle Mariners memorabilia, and Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely began to set up. I turned to stalwart volunteer “Big Al” and he said that the attendance, given the Biblical rain showers outside, was pretty impressive. We counted about 75 paying customers half-way through the fundraiser, and that number did not include those performers who were on the guest list. I was also heartened that many performers paid their own way at the door: and, to a player, they said: “we’re here to support our International Blues Challenge acts.”

It was also heartening for me to see so many familiar Washington Blues Society members and blues fans at Stewart’s. I recognized many in the audience from our monthly “Blues Bashes” on the second Tuesday of every month at Shoreline’s Red Crane Restaurant and from many stops on our 2011 and 2012 International Blues Challenge local competitions. I noticed that blues fans came from as far away as Spanaway, Spokane, and White Rock, British Columbia to support Norris and Nicely duo and the Sammy Eubanks Band as the Washington Blues Society’s competitors in the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. I also thought it was fun that the 2012 winner of the International Blues Challenge, The WIRED! Band, was on the bill, and that their CD, Washington Blues, will represent the blues society in the 2013 Best Self-Produced CD Competition.

I returned to the door to welcome fans and work alongside “Big Al.” The young man in the Sonics sweatshirt from earlier in the evening did, too. He smiled, and handed me a $20 bill and I offered him a wristband.

“No, thanks,” he said. “I believe in what you are doing and I just wanted to help out before I left.” Wow.

Before I could get him a Bluesletter, he split. As I pulled into my driveway in Edmonds, I thought that we are very lucky to attract such generous blues fans at events like the Snohomish Blues Invasion.

Until next month, please go see live blues music. Thank you,

Eric Steiner, PresidentWashington Blues Society

Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

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Washington Blues SocietyProud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation

2012 OfficersPresident Eric Steiner [email protected] President Tony Frederickson [email protected] Rocky Nelson [email protected] (Acting) Chad Creamer [email protected] Jesse Phillips [email protected]

2012 DirectorsMusic Co-Directors Cherie Robbins & Janice Cleven Gage [email protected] Michelle Burge [email protected] Roy Brown [email protected] Rhea Rolfe [email protected] Tony Frederickson [email protected] Malcolm Kennedy [email protected]

2012 Street TeamDowntown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge [email protected] Seattle Rev. Deb Engelhardt [email protected] VacantNorthern WA Lloyd Peterson [email protected] Dan Wilson [email protected] Sound Smoke [email protected] WA Stephen J. Lefebvre [email protected] WA Cindy Dyer [email protected] Marcia JacksonLopez Island Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen [email protected] East “Rock Khan” [email protected]

Special ThanksWebmaster The Sheriff [email protected] Hosting Adhost www.adhost.comWBS Logo Phil Chesnut [email protected]

December 2012 DEADLINES:Advertising Space Reservations: December [email protected]

Calendar: December 10th [email protected]

Editorial Submissions: December 5th - [email protected]

Camera Ready Ad Art Due: December 12th - [email protected] ready art should be in CMYK format at 300 dpi or higher.

Advertising Rates:Graphics: 300 dpi PDF, TIF or JPGText: Plain .txt or WordFull Page: $260 (8.5” x 11”)Half Page: $150 (8.5” x 5.5”)Back Half Page: $200 (8.5” x 5.5”)Quarter Page: $90 (4.25” x 5.5”)Fifth Page: $65 (4.25” x 3.5”)Business Card: $25 (3.5” x 2”)ADD COLOR: ADD 25%

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We value your business. Please send all advertising inquriries and ad copy to [email protected] with a

copy to Malcolm “Yard Dog” Kennedy at [email protected]

THANK YOU FOR READING THE BLUESLETTER AND SUPPORTING LIVE

BLUES IN THE EVERGREEN STATE!

ATTENTION BLUES MUSICIANS: WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LATEST CD REVIEWED IN THE BLUESLETTER?

GOT A BLUES CD FOR US?

Need help in getting the word about your music? We’d like to help. While we cannot predict when or if a review will land in the pages of the Bluesletter, we’d like to encourage musicians to consider the Washington Blues Society a resource.

If you would like your CD reviewed by one of our reviewers, please send two copies (one for the reviewer and one for our monthly CD giveaways at the Blues Bash) to the following address:

Washington Blues SocietyATTN: CD Reviews

PO Box 70604Seattle, WA 98027

“Big Blues for Little Bill” Continues to

Give!By Jane Henderson

Della Records and the South Sound Blues Association are proud to announce that another $4, 000+ has been donated to the Dystonia Foundation in honor of Little Bill Engelhart. The contribution is the result of continued sales of the CD, Big Blues for Little Bill, which was released in 2009 and won “Best Recording” honors from the Washington Blues Society that year.

The CD project was funded by a variety of blues fans, musicians, and organizations and features 15 original songs written by Bill, performed by top-notch musicians from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including: Polly O’Keary & the Rhythm Method, Bump Kitchen, Patti Allen w/the Randy Oxford Band, Mark Whitman w/Billy Stapleton, Duffy Bishop and Chris Carlson, Billy Roy Danger & the Rectifiers, Leanne Trevalyan w/ Mark Riley and Paul Green, Rod Cook & Toast, Dick Powell, Merrilee Rush w/Billy Mac and Rusty Williams, Henry Cooper, Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, Jr. Cadillac, Buck England, Eric Madis & Blue Madness, and Heather Rayburn with Little Bill himself on bass. In all, more than 60 musicians gave of their talents to bring this CD to life.

The project was intended to honor Little Bill on the occasion of his 70th birthday, as well as to generate funds for the Dystonia Foundation, a cause that Bill and his wife Jan have long supported. Their son Tony was stricken with the disorder in his teens and bravely continues to fight its effects. You can learn more about dystonia at dystonia-foundation.org.

This latest contribution brings the total sent to the Dystonia Foundation to almost $9,000. Randy Oxford and I initiated the project, and we hope that continued CD sales will help reach their initial goal of $10,000. The CD’s value stands on its own, as a one-of-a-kind- representation of the vast blues talent our area enjoys, as well as the generosity of our blues community. It also includes a 12-page booklet, with photos and information about the project and is “enhanced’ with a video interview of Bill and clips from the recording sessions. Big Blues for Little Bill: A Tribute to the Music of Little Bill Engelhart is avai l able f rom the Washington B l u e s S o c i e t y m e r c h a n d i s e booth, on iTunes, at CD Baby, and at the website listed below.

OxfordEntertainment.com

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to address her as “Queenie McPage.” She didn’t say that anyone else has to address her as “Queenie,” so perhaps all who are reading this don’t have to be that formal. I try to get proper titles right in what gets printed so I told her I would mention the title of “Queenie”. There was good music and a few chuckles and smiles given by her royal highness’ act. Queenie McPage.

After the trio finished performing, there were announcements of upcoming blues events for November that will have happened by the time you read this (see, that’s another reason you have to be at the Washington Blues Society blues bashes each month.). There was a bag of CDs given to the crowd in the free raffle, and the wait staff even got a couple of them. Later that night, the 2013 members of the new Board of Directors were announced. There were a few write-ins but Nate Silver, John McLaughlin, and Chuck Todd were all correct in predicting the winners and the percentages they got. Those that got nominated won, yes all 100% of them did. Eric Steiner, Tony Frederickson, Mary “Queenie” McPage, Jesse Phillips, and Chad Creamer were all elected. The votes were not counted by machine or in the states of Ohio or Florida so there didn’t seem to be much controversy.

The Mary McPage Trio (all four of them) were good, but wait, there was more: The Dirty Rice Band was next. This band was good in the past, but it’s even better now. The first artillery volleys from the guitar of Eric Rice got an unconditional surrender

Tuesday, November 13th was an evening with slower than average traffic even for Seattle. There was a cure for the Seattle traffic blues, though. It was administered at the Red Crane Restaurant upstairs from Club Hollywood on Aurora Avenue and 167th in Shoreline.

I read ahead of time that the opening act would be the Mary McPage Trio. I am very familiar with the Mary McPage’s band, but I had not seen her perform with a trio before. Mar y McPage does many things a l itt le differently, and has the only trio that I know of with four members. Yes, that’s right, her trio has four band members. She had Jevon Powell on guitar, and Patrick McDanel (yes there is no “iel” as in Daniel, it is McDanel) on bass. On harmonica and sometimes vocals was Bill Davis. Mary McPage is known for moving around the audience in her bare feet, but this time she was sitting in a chair during her performace. She sang “Walkin’ the Dog,” “Give Me Back My Wig,” “Got My Mojo Workin’” and other songs. Bill Davis did a great job singing as well as playing harp on “Walkin’ Blues” and the vocal greatness of the band was very noticeable on the classic “Angel from Montgomery.” After Mary’s trio performed she came over to talk a little. She informed me that I am

at the Red CraneBy Robert Horn, Photos by Blues Boss

The November 2012 Blues Bash

from the whole audience. The guitar playing was awesome. We didn’t yet know what this band had for us in terms of vocals, but it was beyond good. In addit ion to Er ic on guitar and lead voca ls , S cotty Harris was on bass (many know he is also an award winning sax player) , and the drummer was Keylin Mayfield. The great performance of “Ocean of Tears” on guitar and vocals was followed by songs like “Just My Imagination” and “Rock-A-Bye.” Eric Rice sings “You Really Got a Hold On Me” better than anyone since Smokey Robinson in my opinion, and it is always a hauntingly powerful one when he does it. They later did “Seventh Shot of Whiskey” (the song, not the whiskey, I think.) The band was told the event was over but they were not done. The next thing that happened is one more reason to go catch this band. When you catch them be prepared for what their drummer, Keylin Mayfield, does when he steps out from behind the drums to stand center stage in front of the microphone. No, I am not warning you of the full Monty. This drummer is also a world class vocalist. His performance of “Unchained Melody” was righteous, brother. Some remember the Righteous Brothers with Bobby Hatfield making this song one of the all-time great tunes. At the November Blues Bash, we heard their successor, and he plays drums for the Dirty Rice Band when he is not bringing crowds to a standing ovation with tears in their eyes a few minutes after he opens his mouth. He rivaled the best tenors I have ever heard with this performance.

Dirty Rice Band

Mary McPage

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included John Mayall, Huey Lewis, Snooky Pryor, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, Carey Bell, Lazy Lester plus almost every other player of note on the blues harp. Mark has been nominated four times for the best harmonica player Blues Music Award. Hummel’s eighteenth and most recent CD is entitled Retroactive.

James Harman was born and raised in Anniston, Alabama, where he quickly picked up on the black blues and soul music being played on juke boxes and the radio in the Deep South. In his teens, he started playing juke joints and dance clubs throughout the South and recorded a number of 45s. In 1968 Harman moved to Southern California, where he became friends with Canned Heat, The Blasters, and

led bands with top-notch talent such as Hollywood Fats and Kid Ramos. He’s released numerous albums over the years, picking up 10 W.C.Handy/BMA nominations along the way.

He has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and is the harmonica player of choice on recordings and live performances by ZZ Top, appearing with them on both David Letterman and Jools Holland’s TV shows.

Sugar Ray Norcia started the popular East Coast blues band The Bluetones 30 years ago with guitarist Ronnie Earl. They backed Big Walter Horton, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush, JB Hutto and countless others in the early ‘80s all over the Northeast. In 1991 Norcia hooked up with the legendary Roomful of Blues band and toured the world with the 11 piece band, appearing on their Grammy-nominated release Turn It On, Turn It Up. Norcia also recorded the Grammy nominated release Superharps during his Roomful tenure with harmonica heavyweights Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton and Billy Branch. In 2001, he reunited the Bluetones with guitarist Kid Bangham and later Monster Mike Welsh. The latest Sugar Ray and the Bluetones album, Evening, received four BMA nominations in 2012 including “Album of the Year” and “Traditional Blues Album” of the year.

Following Little Walter’s approach of having the very best musicians in his bands, Hummel has handpicked a sterling lineup of musicians for the show and recording in San Diego - Little Charlie Baty, the world renowned guitar slinger and former bandleader of Little Charlie and the Nightcats; second guitar will be Harman bandmate, Nathan James; June Core (Musselwhite, Little Charlie and Nightcats, Robert Jr. Lockwood and Hummel) will be on drums and RW Grigsby (Mike Morgan, Gary Primich and Hummel) will play upright bass.

Blind Pig Records has announced a live recording date for a special tribute to Little Walter Jacobs featuring some of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Mark Hummel, James Harman, and Sugar Ray Norcia. The show will take place on Thursday, December 6th at Anthology in San Diego, California.

Little Walter is without doubt one of the most influential blues harmonica players of all time. The idea for the Little Walter tribute recording grew out of a number of highly successful West Coast concerts in early 2012 that were part of an ongoing series of “Blues Harmonica Blowout” concerts organized by Hummel, who will serve as producer of the recording project, to be entitled Remembering Little Walter. Said Hummel, “Walter changed all the rules and raised the bar so high that nobody has yet surpassed him either in innovation or technical prowess. Walter’s original sides have become the holy grail all other harpers are still trying to aspire to.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Charlie Musselwhite and Billy Boy Arnold, who both knew and were friends with Little Walter. In fact, both used Walter’s backing musicians (Louis and Dave Myers, Fred Below, and Luther Tucker) in their own bands in the 60’s and early 70’s. Musselwhite said, “If you listen to Walter’s earliest recordings you can see that he came from a down-home country style much like John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson. And then, probably with the urban influence of Chicago horn players, started phrasing like a saxophone. This phrasing combined with his creativity and amplification really took harmonica playing to a whole new level that hadn’t been heard before. For me personally, besides Walter’s being an influence, he was even more of an inspiration; an inspiration and invitation to experiment, take chances, see where it’ll take you and to always follow your heart.” He went on to recall, “Walter was always real nice to me. He’d give me a ride home after the gig or sometimes he’d walk with me to the bus stop and wait until the bus came. He was always acting like he was looking out for me; like he was going to be there if somebody started some nonsense with me.” Billy Boy Arnold added, “When I heard Little Walter’s harmonica playing on the recordings with Muddy Waters and others, I knew that Little Walter was the new Harmonica King. I bought every record that Muddy Waters made with Little Walter’s harp playing on it. He was miles ahead of all the other harp players on the scene. No one could touch him. He was creative, innovative, and spontaneous. Little Walter is still the top and most influential harp player that ever played.”

Charlie Musselwhite is one of the most recognized names in blues harmonica. Born in 1944, Musselwhite has traveled the long road from backwoods Mississippi to a teenaged upbringing in Memphis, where he first heard and learned the blues from its originators. On the South Side of Chicago, Charlie served his apprenticeship with Robert Nighthawk, JB Hutto, Johnny Young and Big Walter Horton and developed close friendships with blues icons Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. In the late 60’s and mid ‘70s he and Paul Butterfield were very influential in introducing traditional blues to white audiences and the burgeoning scene of young rock and rollers. Renowned for his mastery of the traditional blues idiom, in recent years he’s introduced elements

of jazz, gospel, Tex-Mex, Cuban and other world music into his recordings. In 2010 he was inducted into the Blues Foundation ‘s Blues Hall Of Fame. In addition, Charlie, who is one of the most beloved blues musicians in the world, has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and has won 24 Blues Music Awards.

Billy Boy Arnold, a contemporary of James Cotton and Junior Wells, started with Ellis McDaniels (later to be known as Bo Diddley) in Chicago in 1955, where they created the “Bo Diddley” sound at Chess Records. Billy Boy learned harp at the feet of the legendary John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson when Billy was just 12 years old. Billy went on to record singles for VeeJay like “Wish You Would”, “Ain’t Got You” and “You Got Me Wrong.” In the mid-60’s young British groups The Yardbirds and The Animals discovered Billy Boy’s 45s and had hits with their own cover versions. In the early 90’s Arnold firmly reestablished himself as one of the foremost practitioners of classic Chicago blues with a pair of critically acclaimed releases on Alligator. His most recent CD, Billy Boy Arnold Sings Bill Broonzy, has been receiving extensive airplay.

Mark Hummel has been touring nationally since 1984 and has most recently written a memoir, “Big Road Blues: 12 Bars on I-80,” put out by Mountain Top Publishing. Mark started his band The Blues Survivors in 1977 with Mississippi Johnny Waters and has since toured/recorded with Lowell Fulson, Eddie Taylor, Charles Brown, Brownie McGhee, Jimmy Rogers and many other blues legends. In 1991 Mark started the Blues Harmonica Blowouts which have grown to be a much heralded blues event on the national scene. These multi harp packages have

Worth the Trip: Little Walter Tribute Show

An Update from Spokane: Indoor Acoustic Blues Festival

ReviewBy Sharon Welter

The Indoor Acoustic Blues Fest held o October 27th at the Valley Eagles in Spokane was an awesome musical treat. When Ted Todd thinks enough about an artist to want to showcase blues talent in Spokane, I pay attention. How else might I have ever heard the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Wendy Dewitt and her talented drummer Kirk Harwood from San Francisco? She was one of the most joyful artists I’ve ever seen, grinning from ear to ear, while covering the length of the keyboard in seemingly effortless moves and singing her “Industrial Strength Blues” (the title of one of their CDs). Kirk was very versatile on the drums. I loved Wendy’s red pants and high stiletto heels! Ted’s brother-in-law Mick Kollassa did a great job singing the blues with Wendy and Kirk. Mick is also one of the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation, too!

Despite his youthful appearance, Memphis’ Brandon Santini was a very soulful vocalist/harp player with Jeff Jensen playing the guitar masterfully, making for a very bluesy set from the two young artists. The night started out with Spokane’s own Jeff Aker, who set the stage for a perfectly wonderful night with his excellent mastery of down-home blues. He truly is an outstanding solo blues artist. And, although they hail from just the other side of the mountains, I had never heard Norris and Nicely, and now I understand why they were the Washington Blues Society’s pick to send to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in 2012 and 2013. I can’t say enough about how much music these bluesmen make together and how incredibly bluesy and talented they are. I picked up their CD at he Indoor Acoustic Blues Festival, too!

Unfortunately the festival wasn’t very well attended, competing as it did with Halloween, but what a great party it was. It’s also heartening to note that any profits from this show will go towards the Blues Foundation’s “Raise the Roof ” campaign, and I understand Ted and Mick are already planning next year’s event. My knowledge of blues artists isn’t as extensive as Ted Todd’s pinkie nail, so whenever I get a chance to hear blues artists that he recommends, I will and know it will be well worth it!

Blind Pig Records has announced a live recording date for a special tribute to Little Walter Jacobs featuring some of the

finest harmonica players on the current blues scene...

Washington Blues Society Vice President Tony Frederickson is always after me to stay out late (read: after 9:00 PM), see local shows (like in Everett, Snohomish or Seattle), and to support local music. Over the past year, I’ve tried to get out more than in the past, and this month, I hope to get to two shows at Everett’s REC Room. I’ve traveled a lot for my day job, and it’s limited the time that I have to see local music. It also doesn’t help that I’m a homebody by nature, and that it’s always advisable for me to stay at home if I’ve enjoyed my adult beverage of choice.

When Tony described the new live blues innovation called the REC Room, I thought he was talking about his family room downstairs at Casa Tony (complete with his adorable cat named Pumpkin). Pumpkin’s stark black and white color scheme reminds me of Holstein cattle, but Tony charitably felt that the name Pumpkin was more appropriate than Holstein for a lovable cat. Go figure.

As Tony described Everett’s newest private live music venue, I knew I was wrong. The REC Room is a private “ultra lounge” inside Chip Butter’s Butter Sound Studios at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes in downtown Everett. Chip built this studio after working at the fabled Robert Lang Studios (home to hundreds of well-regarded artists like Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Duff McKagan, David Brewer, the Supersuckers, and my son’s former band, How and Lightning). Chip’s team took three years to design and build an old-school, state of the art recording facility in Everett, and all REC Room events are exclusive and limited to 50 guests serviced through Brown Paper Tickets. Last month featured the 2013 Washington Blues Society International Blues Society competitor Sammy Eubanks and his band, and next month, Russia’s Blues Cousins and Portland, Oregon’s International Blues Challenge competitor Lisa Mann will hold court in the studio. Her CD Satisfied is in the 2013 Best Self-Produced CD Competition representing the Cascade Blues Association.

This month, the Juliettes will transform into the Ho Ho Ho’s on the 15th, and this crowd-pleasing lineup will host a “Rock-tacular” for the first 50 ticket holders. The Ho Ho Ho’s are Julie Mains on vocals, Liz Aday on vocals and kazoo, and they are backed by a world class engine room featuring multiple “BB Award” recipient Lissa Ramaglia on bass and Eva Dizon on drums. The $12 ticket includes the “It’s the Ho Ho Ho’s” Christmas CD with songs like “Good King Wenceslas,” “Deck the Halls,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Dirty Christmas Blues.” The Juliettes absolutely

WAY ?Which

REC RooMto the

By Eric Steinerrocked the mainstage at this year’s Taste of Music in Snohomish, and I expect that they’ll warm up the REC Room with their holiday show. I hope that they include their new Rat City Roller Girls’ theme song into their set: wouldn’t it be cool to see if some of the Girls show up, if they’re not bruising and skating, that night, too?

When Tony told me that the December 17th Jingle Jam will feature a Mighty Mouth Blues Radio Experience that included not only a live, intimate show but also world-class BBQ from The BBQ Schacht, I was intrigued. I first experienced the BBQ Schacht at this year’s La Conner Music Festival hosted by Nick Vigarino, and I enjoyed the sumptuous portions and extra side dishes. The BBQ chicken reminded me of the best BBQ platters I’ve had in Tennessee and Mississippi – they are that good! The BBQ Schacht’s provided world-class BBQ at events like the Pork in the Pines BBQ and Music Festival in Cle Elem this past July as well as the Sun Country Golf Tournament, and Flute Quest at Des Moines’ Saltwater State Park. In addition to catering special events, the BBQ Schacht’s open for business on Des Moines Memorial Drive in Seatac from 11 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. Their complete menu in Seatac includes Pork Shoulder, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Turkey, St. Louis Style Spare Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Cole Slaw, Beans, Cornbread, and Tater Salad. I am a sucker for good blues and good BBQ, and the REC Room will deliver on the former and BBQ Schacht will deliver on the latter on December 17th at the Jingle Jam. I know that they can’t bring everything on the road from their newest retail location, but I hope that they’ll have brisket, chicken or ribs (any kind, please) at the REC Room.

The Jingle Jam line-up is a who’s who of Washington Blues Society players that have either received, been nominated for Best of the Blues Awards during our annual “BB Awards” process, or have played some of our state’s finest blues venues and blues festivals. The RoadDogz will be fresh from the Blues Invasion at Stewart’s and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Jingle Jam guests will include horn players Ron Hendee and Randy Oxford (both Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise veterans themselves) as well as guitarists Mark Riley, Billy F. Stoops, Greg Timmons, James Howard, Tim Lerch, and Eric Rice. Where is Tony going to put drummers Tommy Cook, Rick Jacobsen, Richard Sabol or Jeff “Drummerboy” Hayes? Tommy Wall will sing and play bass, and Bill Mattocks will join him on vocals, too. I hope that Chip and his REC Room crew are successful, because this innovative way to present a live music show in an “ultra lounge” concept broadcast live on Mighty Mouth Blues Radio, is a new way for blues fans to experience live music in a recording studio. I also hope that Chip can duplicate the success that Robert Lang Studios has achieved, and provide another studio resource for musicians and live performance space for fans in the Pacific Northwest.

Page 7: Bluesletter December 2012

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not great, but that didn’t slow Kathi down. She just continued to sing and appeared on albums throughout the seventies, eighties and into the nineties. It was during this time period that she met Long John Baldry and started a twenty year association with him. It was with Long John that she reached some of her highest critical acclaim. The duet recording of their version of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” which was released in Canada, made the charts in the United States and reached number two in Australia. The 1994 release “Save Your Breath” was Kathi’s second solo album effort. Which was followed by her 1999 release “Above & Beyond” (Which featured appearances by Lee Oskar and Brian Auger), the 2003 self titled release “Kathi McDonald” (This record featured the song writing of Nick Gravenities and performances by Rich Kirch, Vernon Black, Greg Gonaway to name a few), and the 2010 Kathi McDonald and Friends release “On With The Show.”

She also reunited with Big Brother and The Holding Company for the 1997 release of “Can’t Go Home Again,” performed with Nick Vigarino on “Victims Of Cool” and “Ghost Of Time” and contributed to the Seattle Women In Rhythm And Blues projects. One thing that came out at the memorial

was Kathi’s straight forward approach to life and how she dealt with others. Norah Michaels, Patti Allen, and a few of the other women who appeared with the Seattle Women in Rhythm And Blues, and performed at the memorial, repeatedly talked about Kathi’s professionalism. No matter how she was feeling, she always gave everything she had for every performance. Many of the stories told at memorial celebrated Kathi’s frank and sometimes brisk advice for her friends.

Nick Vigarino told us how Kathi was not one to brag about her accomplishments, but rather how she always looked forward to the next project. He said he had tried many times to get her to talk about all of the recordings she had been part of

and the musicians she had worked with, but she really wanted to focus on the future. Alice Stuart shared a song with us that she rewrote the lyrics for to celebrate Kathi’s life. For me this was one of the highlights of many that night. Patti Allen lead a group of the Seattle Women in song that showed the joy and warmth that all of them felt for Kathi. I wish I had taken notes and written

down the names of all who came down and celebrated Kathi’s life. It was an incredible line up of performers that the evening’s host, Nick Vigarino, put together. Definitely one of those “you should have been there” moments!

Some of my personal experiences with Kathi include the joy she showed at Deb Rock’s Blues For Food Festival. She was so happy that people still wanted her CDs and was delighted that all she had brought were sold. At the rehearsals for the “Hall Of Fame Showcase” that we had last year in preparing for the Something New, Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something Definitely The Blues Festival out in Monroe. Kathy was very much involved in the setting and helping coordinate

dates and times, and a wealth of suggestions and ideas. She was proud to be a member of the Washington Blues Society’s Hall Of Fame. She really had no

ego and was grateful to be a part of the Showcase.

I will never forget watching Kathi, Patti Allen and Alice Stuart after the Showcase and the glow that surrounded them as they chatted after the showcase. We truly lost an icon in Kathi McDonald.

I was able to go to the recent Kathi McDonald memorial at the Highway 99 Blues Club and then shortly thereafter I had the opportunity to see a very talented singer and songwriter on the 2012 October Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise named Bekka Bramlett who performed with the Shane Dwight Band. I have gotten the opportunity to know Shane over the last few years by helping him sell his merchandise at many Pacific Northwest Festivals and I got curious as to what he was up to with this new line up because I have only seen him perform as a trio. When I looked up Bekka Bramlett to learn more about her, I could not help but draw some parallels between her and Kathi McDonald. So I did some research online and thought I would like to share some of the things that I found out about Kathi McDonald online and at the memorial.

Born in 1948 in Anacortes, Washington, Kathi began singing at an early age. She would often talk about her parents waking her and singing with her. By the age of two she knew all five verses of “Goodnight Irene” and she often attributed these experiences for her late night work habits. By the age of twelve she was performing professionally in Seattle and at nineteen she moved to San Francisco and began what turned out to be a more than four decade long career in music. The story goes that she was in the front row as a member of the audience at

an Ike & Tina Turner show and joined in singing along with the band. Her powerful voice caught the ear of Ike Turner and she became a member of the Ikettes, the first of her many prime time gigs.

She sings on Ike & Tina Turner’s 1969 album “Come Together,” the first of many albums she appears on. These early years she worked with Joe Cocker on his album “Mad Dogs And Englishmen” (Bekka Bramlett performed on Joe Cocker’s album “Have A Little Faith”), Big Brother & The Holding Company albums “Be A Brother” and “How Hard It Is”, Leon Russell’s “Leon Russell And The Shelter People”, Rita Coolidge’s debut album “Rita Coolidge” (Bekka worked on Rita Coolidge’s album “Thinkin’ About You”), Delaney & Bonnie’s “To Bonnie From Delaney” (Bekka Bramlett’s parents are Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett). These are only a few of the 160 albums on which Kathi performed, of which over 70 of these albums were certified Gold.

One of my favorite stories from the memorial involved Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. During those early years of Kathi’s career she caught the attention of Mick as he and the rest of the Stones were getting ready to record the album “Exile On Main Street.” He wanted to have her sing on a few of the tracks and got her phone number and called her. She didn’t believe it was him and hung up on him. Luckily for Kathi, Mick did not give up easily and contacted her manager who assured Kathi that it was indeed Mick Jagger that had called and they eventually connected. Kathi sings on four of the album songs, including the hit single “Tumbling Dice.” Many people consider this album the best of all the Rolling Stones’ recordings.

In 1974 Capitol Records released the first of Kathi’s personal records. The album entitled “Insane Asylum” featured an incredible line up of musicians that included Ronnie Montrose, Nils Lofgren, John Cipollina, Papa John Creach, and Pete Sears to name just a few. Kathi and Pete Sears wrote a few of the songs together on this recording. Unfortunately, the sales were

Performers include Matt Minglewood, Nanette Workman, Carlos del Junco, Suzie Vinnick, Steve Strongman, and The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer

A cast of some of the best Canadian blues musicians will be performing at the 16th annual Maple Blues Awards gala on January 21 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The Maple Blues Awards is Canada’s national blues celebration, recognizing outstanding musical achievement and gathering blues musicians and music fans from across the country each year.

Canadian blues luminaries and emerging new talent join forces at the gala concert and create this “must attend” night of Canadian blues. This year the performers include Nova Scotia’s road warrior legend Matt Minglewood, Mississippi “Musicians Hall of Fame” inductee Nanette Workman from Montreal, international award winning harmonica virtuoso Carlos del Junco, Saskatchewan native songbird sensation Suzie Vinnick, Hamilton string-bending songwriter Steve Strongman and new kids on the blues block The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer out of Vancouver, owning the most controversial name in blues today.

This illustrious revue are all backed by the hand-picked Maple Blues Band featuring players from Downchild, Fathead who are all current or past Maple Blues Award winners including Gary Kendall (music director), Michael Fonfara (keyboard), Teddy Leonard (guitar), Al Lerman (sax / harmonica), Tom Bona (drums), Chris Whiteley (trumpet / guitar), Pat Carey (saxophone) and Chris Murphy (saxophone).

The January 21st gala event will be hosted by popular actor and blues artist Raoul Bhaneja and is considered to be the premier blues event of the year. Tickets for the not-to-be-missed Maple Blues Awards are on sale now starting at only $28.00 and can be purchased at the Weston Family Box Office, located in The Royal Conservatory’s TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, by calling 416.408.0208 or online at www.performance.rcmusic.ca. Following the awards and concert will be the popular after-party, featuring live music and performances from some of the evening’s winners. The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Royal Conservatory’s magnificent Koerner Hall is designed in the tradition of the classic “shoebox” venues of Europe. Recognized as being among the world’s greatest concert halls, the Toronto Star has called it “the best concert venue in Toronto.

Remembering Kathi McDonaldA Blues and Rock Icon

16th Annual Maple Blues

AwardsBlues Artists from Coast-to-Coast Featured At 16th Annual Maple

Blues Awards

By Tony Frederickson

Born in 1948 in Anacortes, Washington, Kathi began singing at an early age. She would often talk about her parents waking her and singing with her.

Page 8: Bluesletter December 2012

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November brought one of the ver y best events of the year, the Inland Empire Blues S ociety ’s annual Empire Awards, which were developed to show dedicated bands and individuals how much we value their contributions to the Dry Side blues scene. We started out with Junkbelly, a quartet from Wenatchee who played some great original b lues s ongs , inc luding “Treats Me like a Real Man”. Immediately following the Awards, Jimmy Lloyd Rea and the Switchmasters rocked the Membership with some excellent blues covers, including “Shake Your Money Maker” and “Like a Rolling Stone”. A big thank-you to both bands for their support of the Inland Empire Blues Society.

The awards ceremony began with the ‘Best Writer for Ins ide Blues’ categor y, which was presented to Craig Heimbigner, who also accepted the award for ‘Best Blues Event’ for the 2012 Wallace, Idaho Blues Festival. ‘Best Blues Radio Show’ was once again

accepted by Ted Todd for Blowtorch Blues. ‘Best Blues Drummer’ was presented to Zach Cooper, and ‘Best Blues Guitarist’ and ‘Best Male Performer’ were accepted by Bobby Patterson, both of the Fat Tones. ‘Best Blues Bassist’ went to Mark Cornett of the Kenny James Miller Band. ‘Best Instrumentalist’ went to Charles Swanson (sax), ‘Best Blues Keyboard’ to Steve Carver and ‘Best Female Vocalist’ to Jennifer Kemple, all of the Big Mumbo Blues Band. The ‘Best Blues Harmonica’ award went to Charlie Butts, whose band, the Filter Tips, was named ‘Best Blues Band’. ‘Best Slide Guitar’ and ‘Best Acoustic Act’ went to Ray Roberson, ‘Best Male Vocalist’ to Sammy Eubanks, ‘Best Female Performer’ to Sara Brown, and the award for ‘Best New Blues Act’ was presented to the members of Bakin’ Phat. The award for ‘Best New Blues Album’ went to “Shiver” by Too Slim and the Taildraggers, and the award for ‘Best Blues Venue’ was presented to Dave Daley of Daley’s Cheap Shots. Dave immediately handed the plaque to Gary Yeoman, and acknowledged Gary’s influence on the success of his establishment by bringing blues music – including the extremely cool Sunday night blues jam – to his club. The ‘Musician’s Choice Award’ went to Forest Govedare of Anita Royce and the High Rollers, who was still a couple of years shy of being allowed into the venue. The ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ award was presented to yours truly, but I emphasized the need to recognize the man who wrote the ballots and counted the votes, booked the venue and the bands, ordered the certificates and plaques, and generally put the whole show together – Ted Todd. The Membership agreed, and I think D

ry S

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Ted may have blushed. Mission accomplished.

In May of 2012, the Washington Blues Society held a Dry Side round of the International Blues Challenge at Daley’s Cheap Shots, and Sammy Eubanks, Dale Lewis and Michael Hays won the band portion of the competition. They went on to the semi-finals in Snohomish in August, and won again, securing a spot in the finals in Memphis in January. Now it is time for all of Sammy’s friends to come out to support his efforts to be judged one of the best blues bands in the WORLD. We will be holding an all-ages benefit show and a silent auction to raise money to cover Sammy, Dale and Michael’s expenses for the trip on Sunday, January 6th at the Knitting Factory. Music is scheduled to start at 5 pm, and as Sammy says, “we’ll keep playing till the cops show up.” We currently have 7 bands scheduled to perform at this event, including The Skivees, the Vaughn Jensen Band, Anita Royce and the High Rollers with Forest Govedare, Bakin’ Phat, the Kenny James Miller Band, and the fabulous Fat Tones. Kevin Sutton, 2012 Washington Blues Society Performer and Songwriter of the Year of last year’s IBC winning band WIRED! will be there, and will probably end up on stage with Sammy. Admission will be $10 at the door – no tickets will be printed – so be aware that the doors will open at the Knitting Factory at 4pm on January 6th. You can make a secure donation via PayPal by going to sammyeubankslive.com and clicking on the ChipIn link. Thank-you for your support, and I will definitely see you there.

The Yardbirds

Jeff Frantz and Wayne Evans of Junkbelly

Sarah Brown Best Female Performer

Best Writer Jerry Peterson by Anita Royce

Sammy Eubanks Sammy Eubanks

Page 9: Bluesletter December 2012

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4 561

2 3Blues Reviews

New Blues that you can Use

Norris and NicelyPlum Tree Studios (Self-Released)

You know what they say about old dogs and news tricks, journeymen players Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely are out to break that rule on their debut self-titled album. The pair teamed up in 2011 as a side project from their main gigs and decided to compete in the international Blues Challenge Solo /Duo category and won a chance to represent the Washington Blues Society in Memphis, making it to the semi final round. Recorded by Richard Williams at Plum Tree studios, the strong ten song set captures the clean fresh sound of Norris on authentic acoustic guitar and Nicely on expressive harmonica in an intimate setting. Opening track “Bottle Up The Groove,” is funky finger picking foot stomper that lets you know the party has started. Norris then proceeds to get down to it sounding every bit the like Robert Johnson on Wet Willie’s haunting “Jailhouse Moan,” then switching back to a more contemporary Keb Mo like sound on “Chain Reaction,” with nicely weaving his harp in to the guitar lines with ease. Norris pushes his voice to the brink on the classic Son House lament “Death Letter.” The duo take Dylan’s “Down In The Flood,” and turn it into a Piedmont style jump that bounces along like a jalopy on a country road. Norris fires up his electric guitar so he and Nicely can dish out the business on “Crossroads blues,” closing the album with gusto, leaving no doubt they’ve got plenty of gas left in the tank. Rick J Bowen

Taj MahalHidden Treasures of Taj Mahal 1969-1973Columbia Legacy

In celebration of his 70th birthday and nearly 50 years of performing and recording, Henry St. Claire Fredericks (AKA Taj Mahal) has released the first album from a major catalog reissue project titled The Hidden Treasures of Taj Mahal 1967-1973. The remastered two-disc sonic portrait chronicles the early stirrings of Taj Mahal’s solo career and features two CDs comprised entirely of unreleased finished material. The first disc debuts studio recordings from 1967-1973, while the second disc premieres a full-length live concert, recorded April 18, 1970 at the Royal Albert Hall in London (on a bill that included Santana). This collection will be a must have treat for the legion of fans Taj has earned in his years of traveling the world playing his unique brand of soul blues and world roots music. Ringing in at twelve tracks the first disc is a remarkable set of unreleased studio tracks several of which have impromptu vocal intros of Taj Mahal coaching the band on the vibe and groove, and each is full of extended solo sections. The longest track,”You Aint No Street Walker Mama,” weighs in at just over sixteen minutes and runs like and unstoppable steam train featuring a full horn section and wild harmonica from Taj. Why these songs have been held back all these years is a mystery. Disc Two is a remixed concert recording that starts humbly with Taj singing an a capella “Runnin by The Riverside,” then inviting his audience to join in with the music, sharing their feelings, clapping and singing and to leave the troubles of the day behind, a sentiment that continues to be his mantra to this day. Taj then brings out his four piece backing band and commences to tear through a seven song set of super charged soul blues, including classics “Sweet Mama Janice,” “Checking Up On My Baby,” and “Tomorrow May Not Be Your Day.” The performance must have been in front of one the largest crowds Taj has seen to that date as he remarks again and again at how humbled he was to be in the Royal Albert Hall with its layers and layers of people, but the genuine mastery that is Taj Mahal shines through as he turns this massive space into a back porch party. If this offering is any indication of the gems that lie in the Taj Mahal archives, music fans are in for a real treasure trove for many years to come. Rick J. Bowen

Liz MandevilleClarksdaleBlue Kitty Music

Liz Mandeville has started her own label after a suggestion and encouragement from her good friend, the late Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who also contributed to five tracks on Clarksdale Mandeville’s debut on Blue Kitty Music. Willie played drums on the five tracks and blues harp on two. There were plans for more; but Willie had a few other pans on the burner and passed away in Sept 2011 before they could get back together. These turned out to be Willie’s last recordings and what recordings they are. Liz was with Ear Wig Records for 15 years and I discovered her on the 2008 release Red Top, her fourth with them, and was very impressed by both her vocals and guitar playing. In 2009 Liz dropped off the map due to some health issues; but during this time she made a journey back to her roots, including an inspiring trip down to the Delta region and Clarksdale is the fruit of that journey. There is a mix of acoustic and electric blues with an a capella song tossed in for good measure. There are several medium paced shuffles, with the blues harp by Willie and Donna Herula, her duo partner, featured on slide guitar on three cuts. Liz and Donna competed at the 2012 IBC making it into the semi-finals in the solo/duo category representing the Windy City Blues Society of Chicago. Clarksdale opens with “Roadside Produce Stand” a short double entendre laden diddy featuring Willie on both drums and harp. On “Walking & Talking With You” Willie’s blues harp, including a solo, makes things happen and Liz’ guitar solo is just right. The song lopes along similar to a Jimmy Reed number and is quite catchy. “A Soldiers Wife” is ripped direct from the headlines and brings to light the unspoken service of the family of our soldiers and features Donna on some haunting resonator guitar with Liz on acoustic. The piano of Leonardo Lopez Varady gives “Clarksdale/Riverside Hotel Blues” buoyancy as Liz references her sojourn in the Delta. The acoustic “Bye Bye Blues” is one of the albums standout tracks bringing back the interplay

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between Liz and Donna’s skillful touch on the resonator. The pace picks up on “Sweet Potato Pie” with the punchy sax of the esteemed blues veteran Eddie Shaw and more double entendre. From current events like the war on drugs, the war in the middle east or the recent flooding of the Mississippi to less serious fare. The 11 short songs (only two reach four minutes and four don’t even hit the three minute mark) on Clarksdale cover a lot of territory and Liz’ own label debut is sure to become a classic. Recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

Li’l Ronnie & the Grand Dukes“Gotta Strange Feeling”Eller Soul Records

The long awaited follow up to Li’l Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, Anson Funderburgh produced, do what ‘cha do is finally here and it does not disappoint. Following up that absolute monster of an album was no simple task; but “Gotta Strange Feeling,” Li’l Ronnie’& the Grand Dukes Eller Soul Records debut is up to the task. Although I found Gotta Strange Feeling solid from start to finish from the first playing it took several listenings before the tracks started to stand out for me. The 1950’s rock ballad feel of “Love Never Dies” simply reeks of bobby sox and saddle shoes, add Ronnie Owens harp and you have a classic. The jumping “Sweet Sue” is a dancer’s tune for certain and the Dukes get low down for the acoustic “Screaming & Crying” showing great depth and versatility; in particular Ronnie’s skillful harmonica playing. For “She’s Bad, Bad News” they take things over to Chicago with a shuffle, rolling piano and high register harp. Guitarist Ivan Applerouth gives Louis Jordan’s “Buzz Me” the fat T-Bone tone it deserves and Ronnie’s vocals are superb as well. The instrumental “Fat City” is a pure blues harmonica romp with a great beat laid down by special guest drummer Stu Grimes. The title track “Gotta Strange Feeling” has a classic swinging blues feel and the blues lyric ‘I gotta strange feeling she got herself another man.’ The T-Bone style guitar I love so much is back on “Bring Your Love Home” which also features the tinkling piano of John Fralin and Ronnie’s top notch harp and vocals. “Gotta Strange Feeling” is sure to find a place on my top ten list for 2012 and I highly recommend it. Malcolm Kennedy

Johnny RawlsSoul SurvivorCat Food Records

Soul Survivor is the follow up to Johnny Rawls critically acclaimed 2011 Cat Food Records release Memphis Still Got Soul which received three 2012 BMA nominations including the title track for Song of the Year which was hot on the heels of Ace of Spades the 2010 BMA recipient for Soul Blues Album of the Year (Johnny was also nominated for Soul Blues Male Artist both years.) Needless to say this aptly titled album shows Johnny has soul to spare. Rawls is a survivor who stuck it out doing soul the old school way, with a real band not studio fakery and drum machines. The songs are up tempo, featuring a three piece horn section and back-up singers with musical interludes giving the songs space and depth. Rawls is a contemporary of O.V. Wright and Little Johnny Taylor and shared stages with them as indicated by the gig poster on the cover from the Hi-Hat Club in Hattiesburg, MS from Friday May 25th, 1978 and yes he is well in the class of those soul legends. Along with the title track songs like the lone cover song “Eight Men, Four Women,” on which the lush co-lead vocals of the Ivey sisters Jessica and Jillian particularly shine. “Bad Little Girl” with its regal horn and keyboard treatment and the funky soul of the instrumental “J.R.’s Groove,” with its sax, guitar and keyboard solos are all standout tracks. Things get a little bluesier on the final cut “Yes” with Michael Kakuk on Dobro and blues harmonica, John Moore and our own Doug Skoog on keyboards and Johnny on bass and lead guitar. I suspect that Soul Survivor might just be around come award time too. Malcolm Kennedy

Paul Mark & the Van DorensSmartest Man In The RoomRadiation Records

Paul Mark & the Van Dorens latest and ninth release on his own Radiation Records Smartest Man In The Room is described on the one-sheet as ‘A swirling hunk of steaming industrial blues rock’ and I think that adequately describes it. There are a few different line-ups of personnel utilized on the 12 cuts, all but one of which are originals, the cover being Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Ya Tell Henry.” Paul’s guitar style and tone leans toward Stevie Ray Vaughan; but he’s no wanna be. From the Texas strut and gruff vocals on songs like “One More Coat of Paint” and “Time Will Tell” to the slow brooding “When God Finds The Time” with the lyric ‘The devil’s waiting room’s no different/he’s just got better magazines,’ there are many sides to Paul Mark. My favorite track is “Barrio Stroll, with his masterful tone and a touch of surf this mellow Stevie Ray meets Ronnie Earl instrumental deserves repeated spins. Other tracks I liked were the mid paced shuffle “U Must Come 2’ with its piercing solo and the swinging instrumental “Wrist Rocket” which is propelled by an infectious beat. Paul plays both guitar and the honky tonk piano on “Can’t Remember Nothing” which could easily be out of either Tom Waits’ or Dr. John’s song books and “Choke Hold” reminds me a bit of some of Stevie Ray’s finest instrumentals while being completely original. I also applaud the pull out information booklet with lyrics and credits. I would definitely say check out The Smartest Man In The Room. Malcolm Kennedy

Page 10: Bluesletter December 2012

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78Brad Hatfield

Uphill From Anywhere(Self-Released)

The first thing I noticed about Cincinnati’s Brad Hatfield when listening to his new self produced release Uphill From Anywhere was his sturdy vocals which have a slightly rough edge to them and his workman like harp playing. His backing band keeps the groove tight and the beat steady. My favorite track is “One More Night” which features Dave Gross on rhythm guitar; but it is the work of Jon Justice on lead guitar and Bernie Hatfield on keyboards that make this song shine. Gross also plays acoustic guitar on “Fit To Be The Fool” and is the engineer on the project. Brad lets his harp drive the Texas shuffle “Somebody’s Got To Lose” and Bernie’s keys guide the rhythm. Justice lays down the goods playing some slithery slide guitar on the slow paced “Livin’ Out The Lie” and as usual Bernie has his back. Son House’s “Death Letter: is pure gut bucket and Blind Willie Johnson’s “John The Revelator” is rendered with both reverence and passion. Another standout track is “Headstrong Baby” with Brad singing through his harp mic giving his vocals a slight distortion. Harp guru Dennis Gruenling ads some low down and dirty blues harp to “Too Good To Give Away.” Although new to me, Brad Hatfield is considered one of Cincinnati’s elite blues men and with Uphill From Anywhere Brad has my full attention. Highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

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More...

Congratulations to Th

e

WIRED

! Band!

Behind the

Scenes:

By Eric Steiner

This year, the Washington Blues Society continued its tradition of having a judged listening session for artists interested in competing in the 2013 Washington Blues Society Best Self-Produced CD Competition to represent the society at the International Blues Challenge CD competition in Memphis. This year, the Board voted to expand our reach to solicit CDs from Oregon, Washington Montana, Idaho, Alberta, and British Columbia. While I was impressed with the diversity of music that artists submitted, I wish that more acts would have submitted CDs for review from each of these states and provinces. We have an exceptionally talented regional blues community, and I’m always pleased to discover new blues talent (at least new to me, anyway) and encourage their art north and south of the border.

Our panel of three judges considered The WIRED Band’s Washington Blues CD as tops in a very crowded and talented field of ten competing CDs. I am particularly disappointed that some CDs didn’t make our published deadline; I hope that each act read not only the Blues Foundation’s guidelines and our deadline to adhere to the all-important Memphis deadline. Please stay tuned to the Bluesletter next Fall: I hope we can remind artists throughout the year for this important regional competition. As one way to thank each of our contributors this year, I’d like to thank them with the following brief mentions, and updates, that coincidentally may inform your holiday purchases for 2012.

I would recommend each CD for any regional blues radio playlist, and while each CD – like any other self-produced CD - has its high points and low points, I am pleased that we received a total of 10 CDs for our competition prior to our deadline. So, in no particular order, I’d like to briefly introduce each of the CDs submitted for consideration in the 2013 Best Self-Produced CD competition of the Washington Blues Society.

The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer:Checkered PastCheckered Past is the third release from Shawn Hall and Matthew Rogers, and the Vancouver duo’s name is rooted in “Me and Bobby McGee” when Kris Kristofferson wrote about unveiling this harpoon from his red bandana. The tale is updated with Shawn’s harp and Matthew’s axe, and this this inspired harmonica and guitar pairing has been recognized by Dick Dale, MonkeyJunk and Jim Byrnes.

James “Buddy” Rogers:My Guitar’s My Only FriendVancouver-based James “Buddy” Rogers’ musical apprenticeship is an impressive one. Since his 19th birthday in 1995, he’s shared the stage with Canned Heat, Sam Taylor, the Holmes Brothers, and Elvin Bishop. On this CD, James worked with Tom Lavin of Canada’s groundbreaking Powder Blues Band. My Guitar’s My Only Friend will represent the White Rock Blues Society at the IBC in 2013.

Blues County Sheriff:New Sheriff in TownFrequent Bluesletter contributor Bob Horn reviewed the Sheriff ’s newest CD in the September issue. Bob particularly liked this CD, especially the the vocals on “I Should Have Known,” “Start It Up,” and “My Baby.” Joining the Sheriff on this CD is a great line-up of experienced musicians: Billy ‘the Pocket’ Barner on drums, Joe Hendershot on bass, Brian Lee on guitar, and Doug Skoog on piano.

The Muddy Sons: Pushed on Down the Road. Jeff “Drummerboy” Hayes and “Madman” Sam have joined forces, and this two-man wrecking crew reminds me of the trails blazed by Lightnin’ Malcolm and Cedric Burnside. The Muddy Sons will represent Portland’s Cascade Blues Association in the solo/duo category, and each of the Muddy Sons have competed, and I am pleased that the duo will represent Cascade Blues Association on CD in 2013.

The WIRED! Band: Washington BluesThe WIRED! Band returned to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2012 after their Beale Street debut one year earlier. This time, this Snohomish County-based trio won first place in the band category, and most of their live set is presented on Washington Blues in the studio. The 2013 blues society’s judges’ consensus: Washington Blues will represent the Washington Blues Society in the Best Self-Produced CD Competition.

While I’ve not kept track of all of the releases from artists in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta, or Montana during the Best Self-Produced CD competition eligibility period, Portland’s DK Stewart is arguably the most prolific bluesman to contribute CDs to the blues society’s 2013 competition. The following is a summary of Stewart’s three contributions to the competition.

DK Stewart Sextet:The “Tell Mama” Etta James TributeThis live recording captured blueswomen Lisa Mann, Amy Keyes, Rae Gordon, Duffy Bishop, and LaRhonda Steele honoring the legacy of Etta James. Funds from this show recorded at Portland’s Alberta Rose Theatre were sent to Candye Kane to help with medical bills, and I particularly enjoyed how DK Stewart’s sextet updated “Damn Your Eyes” and “Roll With Me Henry.”

DK Stewart:Live in OlympiaI’ve seen DK Stewart at the Waterfront Marriott’s after hours piano jams, and this CD is more than a documentary recording of one special night of music at Olympia’s State Theatre. Joining Stewart on a diverse set of 11 songs are Peter Dammann on vocals and guitar, Joe McCarthy on vocals and trumpet, Joseph Conrad on background vocals, Chris Mercer on sax and Ed Pierce on drums.

DK Stewart Sextet:Live for the Troops This CD was recorded live during a benefit at Joint Vancouver’s Pearson Museum and it raised funds for wounded warriors through the Madigan Foundation, the USO, and servicemembers and their families serving at Joint Base Lewis McChord.. Stewart himself is a Vietnam-era combat veteran, and a member of the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame and multiple Muddy Award winner. While I was not on the judging panel, I thought it captured live piano blues quite nicely.

The KingmiXers:Riding With Mr. BluesThis Victoria-based outfit includes three long-time blues performers that have played all over North America. Gary Preston, Anita Bonkowski and David Schade serve up Chicago blues and swamp boogie on their debut release. Gary and Anita have worked across a number of musical styles with James Cotton, Colin James, The Moody Blues, Josh Groban, David’s recently returned to Western Canada after working on the Hubble Space Telescope.

Tim Maher: Better Late Than NeverTim Maher’s CD is a three decade retrospective that ranges from recordings made on reel-to-reel tape to songs captured in the digital age. He adds traditional Indian spices to the blues with a sitar, and I particularly liked his unique interpretations of “Born Under a Bad Sign” and “Sunshine of Your Love.” The production is a little rough at times, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend this independent spirit whose work predates world blues idioms of Ry Cooder and Harry Manx.

Next year, I hope that more artists will consider the 2014 Washington Blues Society Best Self-Produced CD Competition for one simple reason: the upper left hand corner of the USA, Western Canada, and the Lower Mainland of our northern neighbor has its own vibrant blues community that could compete in Vancouver, Alberta, Kalispel, Spokane, Seattle, Portland, or Boise, and I think it’s time that the world knows what our blues artists have to offer. Most importantly, I am confident that blues artists from our region can compete credibly in Memphis.

The 2013 Washington Blues Society Best-Self Produced CD Competition

Lloyd Jones Doin’ What It TakesFresh! from Reference Recordings

With Lloyd Jones’ Underworld Records release Highway Bound he proved beyond any doubt that he has some serious front porch blues inside of him. With his new Fresh! from Reference Recordings release Doin’ What It Takes the Northwest’s king of funk and R&B shows he has some serious soul too. Lloyd’s horn section is immaculate adding fine accents and punch when needed. The funky opening track “Bend In The River” sets the standard, and it is a high one, the songs that follow all measure up. The Leiber & Stroller number “I’ll Be Right On Down” pops, jumps and bumps; I mean, if you can sit still during this one see your physician soon. Lloyd sings ‘put on your red pajamas/put some beer on ice/lock your doors and windows now I’m going to ring your doorbell twice/I’ll be right on down, I’ll be right on down, I’ll be right on down knocking at your door” over the percolating rhythm and horns. The title track is sure to please and Lloyd reminds you he has some fret board chops to go along with his vocals and song writing talents. The organ of Glenn Holstrom and the horn section guide “Never Again: and Lloyd’s biting guitar solo gives it some added zing. “Give A Little” co-written by Lloyd and Holstrom could be a cover of prime time Tower of Power. Lloyd reprises the solo acoustic front porch blues for a sensational reading of Maceo Merriweather’s “Worried Life Blues” that knocks me out. The Lloyd Jones Struggle wraps things up with the brisk horn and piano laden shuffle “Ruby Do” which is just classic Lloyd “Have Mercy” Jones. Things wouldn’t be complete without credit to the horn section on this release with Dave Mills on trumpet, Warren Rand on alto sax, Rudy Draco on Tenor & baritone sax, Renato Caranto-tenor solo on “I’ll Be Right On Down” and horn arrangements and music direction by Glenn Holstrom. Buy this album, listen to it often and see the Lloyd Jones Struggle perform live every chance you get. Very Highly Recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

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December 31 – Monday (continued)Pony Keg: New Years Eve w/Chris Stevens’ Surf MonkeysRockfish Grill: New Year’s Eve with Gertrude’s Hearse Scotch and Vine, Des Moines: Brian Lee & the Orbiters New Years Eve Party! 8:30pmWhite Center Eagles, White Center: Tim Turner Band, 8pm

January 1 - Tuesday HAPPY NEW YEAR, WOO-HOO!New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

January 2 - WednesdayJazz Alley: Pearl Django w/ SpecialGuest Vocalist Connie EvingsonNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

January 3 - Thursday Jazz Alley: Pearl Django w/ SpecialGuest Vocalist Connie EvingsonNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm

January 4 - FridayJazz Alley: Pearl Django w/ SpecialGuest Vocalist Connie EvingsonHighway 99: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8pmNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Sonny Newman’s Dance Hall, Greenwood: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives & Brian Kent, 8:30pm

December 1 - Saturday Anchor Pub, Everett: Nick VigarinoDave’s of Milton: Alice Stuart & the FormerlysDestination Harley, Fife: Mark Whitman band, 12noon Engels Pub: CD Woodbury BandHighway 99: Michael Shrieve’;s SpellbinderH2O: Randy Oxford bandNew Orleans: Jeff & the Jet City FliersNW Dance Network, Sonny Newman’s: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives & Brian Kent, 8:30pmPony Keg: Lil’ BillRockfish: Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone Scotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 7pmSnoqualmie Brewery: Brian Butler & Paul Green, 8pmTug Tavern, Seattle: Tim Turner Band, 8:30pm

December 2 - SundayHighway 99: Nearly DanSwiss Pub, Tacoma: Gin Creek, 5:30pm

December 3 - Monday 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues To Do TV: Son Jack Jr.New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

December 4 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmTriple Door: Sweet Honey in the Rock

December 5 - Wednesday Highway 99: Drummerboy w/Billy StoopsNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmPike Pl. Bar & Grill: John Stephan Band, 6pmRoyal Lounge, Olympia: Fishtrap, 7:30pmTriple Door: Sweet Honey in the Rock

December 6 - ThursdayHighway 99: Timmons Wall bandJazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory New Orleans: Selbred/JacksonSalmon Bay Eagles: Chris Stevens & the Surf MonkeysSmokin’ Pete’s BBQ, Ballard, Gin Creek: 7:30pm

December 7 - FridayCee Cee’s Lounge, Burien: Tim Turner BandCyndy’s Broiler, Stanwood: RJ Knapp & Honey Robin CD partyElliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, 7pm

CalendarBlues

December 7 - Friday (continued)Highway 99: Nikki Hill & the Western BluebirdsJazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Pony Keg: Tommy Cook TrioRockfish Grill: Gin Creek13 Coins Downtown: Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys

December 8 - SaturdayBarrel Tavern: Mark Whitman band Highway 99: Lisa Mann & her really good bandJazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory Madison Pub, Everett: Randy OxfordMel’s Old Village Pub, Lynnwood: Stacy Jones Band - A Jones family Christmas / Toy For Tots drivePony Keg: Snake OilRockfish Grill: Cheryl Jewell & the Saltwater Quartet Xmas XtravaganzaScotch & Vine, Des Moines: Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys, 7pmSons of Norway Hall, Bothell: Brian Lee & the Orbiters - “Left Foot Boogie” Dance, 7:30pm

December 9 - SundayCentral, Kirkland: Fat TonesHighway 99: Washington Blues Society’s Annual Holiday Blues Bash w/Randy Oxford, T-Town Aces, Stacy Jones, Sweet Danny ray & Rafael TranquilinoJazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory New Orleans: Gin Creek

December 10 - Monday88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues To Do TV: the AristocatsNew Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

December 11 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

December 12 - Wednesday Highway 99: Louisianna Houseparty w/ Troupeau ArcadienNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm Rockfish Grill: Stilly River bandRoyal Lounge, Olympia: John “Scooch” Cugno & the 88’s, 7:30pm

December 13 - ThursdayHighway 99: James King & the SouthsidersJazz Alley: the Family StoneNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: B-3 combo

December 14 - FridayHighway 99: Candye KaneJazz Alley: the Family StonePony Keg: Stacy Jones bandRepp: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys

December 15 - Saturday Highway 99: Guitar ShortyJazz Alley: the Family StoneNew Orleans Café: Chris Stevens’ Surf MonkeysPony Keg: the Rectifiers Rockfish Grill: Fabulous Roofshakers Rockin’ M BBQ, Everett: Randy Oxford

December 16 - SundayCentral, Kirkland: Mark Whitman band Highway 99: KalimbaJazz Alley: the Family Stone

December 17 - Monday 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues To Do TV: BTD’s 21st Birthday party w/the John Stephan bandNew Orleans: New Orleans QuintetMr. Villa, Lake City: Annie Eastwood, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm

December 18 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

December 19 - Wednesday Central Club, Kirkland: Jam Dawgs w/ Brian Lee, 8:30pmHighway 99: John “Scooch” Cugno & the 88’sNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pmPike Place Bar & Grill: Tim Turner Band, 6pmRoyal Lounge, Olympia: Blues County Sheriff, 7:30pm

December 20 - ThursdayHighway 99: Hot Rod Holman Blues BandJazz Alley: Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning MusicalNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet

December 20 - Thursday (continued)Salmon Bay Eagles: All Star & No Stripes Two Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/guitarist Bill Chism, 8pm

December 21 - FridayAlki Tavern Christmas Party: Tim Turner Band, 8pmHighway 99: DoctorfunkJazz Alley: Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning MusicalLittle Roadside Tavern, Demming: Nick VigarinoPony Keg: Roaddogz

December 22 - SaturdayBallard Elks: “Christmas in the Bayou” Zydeco Dance w/Bayou Blast bandBrick Saloon. Roslyn: Stacy Jones BandCrossroads, Bellevue (food court): Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 7pmDestination Harley Fife: Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys, noonHighway 99: Randy Oxford bandJazz Alley: Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning MusicalPony Keg: Brian Lee & the OrbitersRockfish Grill, Anacortes: Blues Playground

December 23 - Sunday Central, Kirkland: Nick Vigarino, 8:30pmEastlake Zoo: Outlaws Christmas w/Norm BellasJazz Alley: Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning Musical New Orleans: Gin Creek

December 24 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

December 25 - TuesdayMERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

December 26 - Wednesday Jazzbones: Randy Oxford, Nolan Garret TrioNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmPike Place Bar & Grill at the Market: Stickshift Annie w/Fugitives Kimball, Larry, John, 6pmRoyal Lounge, Olympia: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 7pm

December 27 - Thursday Highway 99: Monster RoadNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Boneyard Preachers

December 28 - Friday Balefire, Everett: Stickshift Annie, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives TrioHighway 99: Lee Oskar & FriendsJazzbones: Fat TonesLaurelthirst, Portland: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 6pm

December 29 - Saturday Highway 99: Lloyd Jones & the StrugglePony Keg: Crazy Texas GypsiesRockfish Grill: the FonkeysTriple Door: LeRoy Bell & his only Friends

December 30 - SundayNew Orleans: Gin CreekTriple Door: LeRoy Bell & his only Friends

December 31 – MondayGreenlake Bar & Grill: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, New Year’s EveHighway 99: Bob Corritore, the Blue Velvet Rhythm & Blues Dance Revue w/ Karen Lovely feat. The Shanghai Pearl & Inga Ingenue, + Nick Vigarino & Mark Pickerel

attention all music people: If you would like to add your music schedule to our calendar please send it to: [email protected] It is greatly preferred to be sent in this format: (Arial, 8pt). date - venue, city(if other than Seattle): band name, time(if other than 9pm) please no bold or Caps. thank you, your calendar girl, Maridel

Page 12: Bluesletter December 2012

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SundaysAlki Tavern: Jam hosted b y Manuel MoraisDawson’s, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pmCastle’s, Sedro Wolley: Gary B’s Church of the Blues, 6-10pmEastlake Zoo Tavern: Eastlake Zoo Social Club & Jam featuring the Seattle Houserockers, 7pmNorthpoint Tacoma: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 7pmPony Keg, Kent: Rafael Tranquilino JamRaging River: Tommy WallSilver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Two Twelve, Kirkland: hosted by HeatherBBlues, 7pm

TuesdaysDawson’s, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pmElmer, Burien: hosted by Billy Shew Jan. 1 - Brian LeeJ & M Cafe Jam: Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pmSnohomish Spirits & Sports: Sean Denton & friendsSummit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pmWild Buffalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm

MondaysCaffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Mon. of the month)88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Star Drums & Lady Keys host Blue Monday Jam, 8pmJR’s Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pmOpal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pmOxford Saloon: All ages open jam, 7 - 11pmTen Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the month, Wenatchee

MondayKUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AMwww.kugs.org - DJ, Chalkie McStevenson

KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: “Blues On Rye” 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Val Vaughn

Mighty Mouth Blues on NWCZ Radio - www.nwczradio.com - Monday 8:00-11:00PM Pacific

Northwest Convergence Zone Online Radio: NWCZradio.com: Dave Samson’s BluesShow 7:00pm - 10:00PM

TuesdayKBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Eh Toi! 11:00PM - 1:00AMwww.kbcs.fm - DJ, DJ Marte’

WednesdayKEXP 90.3FM Seattle: The Roadhouse 6:00PM to 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Greg Vandy

KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: “The Blue Boulevard” 8:00PM - 10:[email protected] - DJ, Jackson Stewart

KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: “The Blues Note with Janice” 10:00PM - 12:[email protected] - DJ, Janice Gage

ThursdayKSER 90.7FM Everett: Clancy’s Bar and Grill 8:30PM - 10:30PM www.kser.org - DJ, Clancy Dunigan

FridayKEXP 90.3FM Seattle: Shack The Shack 6:00PM - 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Leon Berman

SaturdayKPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM

www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler

KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: “Blues For Breakfast” 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Jerry Drummond

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 7:00PM - 9:00 PM www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K

KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Blues Kitchen 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Tina Bjorklund

KZPH 106.7FM Wenatachee: The Blues 11:00PM - 12:00AM www.therock1067.com - DJ, Dave Keefe

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Blues Odessey 9:00PM - 11:00pM www.kser.org - DJ, Leslie Fleury

SundayKEXP 90.3 Seattle Preaching the Blues with Johny Horn

Sunday Mornings 9am to Noon

KYRS 92.3 FM, KYRS.org Blues Now and Then 6-8 PM. DJ, Patrick Henry and Jumpin’ Jerry.

KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler

KWCW 90.5FM Walla Walla: Blues Therapy 7:00PM - 9:00PM www.kwcw.net - DJ, “Biggdaddy” Ray Hansen and

Armand “The Doctor” Parada

KKZX 98.9FM Spokane: Blowtorch Blues 7:00PM - 10:00PM www.kkzx.com - DJ, Ted Todd Brion Foster.

KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Juke Joint 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Jon Noe

Blues on the Radio Dial

PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO [email protected]

Washington Blues Society Blues Jams

Central & Eastern BBQ & Blues – Clarkston (509) 758-1227Breadline Café – Omak (509) 826-5836Club Crow – Cashmere (509) 782-3001 CrossRoads Steakhouse – Walla Walla (509) 522-1200Lakey’s Grill – Pullman (509) 332-6622Main Street Tavern – Omak (509) 826-2247Peters Inn – Packwood (360) 494-4000Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434Ram’s Ripple – Moses Lake (509) 765-3942Rattlesnake Brewery – Richland (509) 783-5747Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge – Leavenworth (509) 548-4232

SeattleBlarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777Fiddler’s Inn (206) 525-0752Grinder’s (206) 542-0627Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660New Orleans (206) 622-2563Paragon (206) 283-4548Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365The Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791St. Clouds (206) 726-1522Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599Triple Door (206) 838-4333

North End (Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):Anchor Pub – Everett (425) 252-2288Balefire – Everett (425) 374-7248Bubba’s Roadhouse – Sultan, (360) 793-3950Canoes Cabaret – Tulalip (888) 272-1111The Conway Muse in Conway (360) 445-3000Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds (425) 744-9999Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse – Mukilteo (425) 355-4488Engel’s Pub – Edmonds (425) 778-2900Historic Spar Tree – Granite Falls (360) 691-6888 Madison Pub - Everett (425) 348-7402Mardini’s – Snohomish (360) 568-8080Mirkwood & Shire Café – Arlington (360) 403-9020North Sound:Star Bar, Anacortes (360) 299-2120 (The) Oxford Saloon – Snohomish (360) 568-3845Prohibition Grille, Everett (425) 258-6100 Stanwood Hotel & Saloon – Stanwood (360) 629-2888Stewart’s – Snohomish (360) 568-4684Timberline Café – Granite Falls (360) 691-7011Tracey’s Place – Everett (425) 259-0811Wicked Rack BBQ – Everett (425) 334-3800

South Sound Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etcAl Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-86362 Wheel Blues Club – TacomaBarnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000The Barrel – Burien (206) 244-7390CC’s Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society – (360) 754-3635Cascade Tavern – Vancouver (360) 254-0749Charlie’s – Olympia (360) 786-8181Cliff House Restaurant – Tacoma (253) 927-0400Destination Harley Davidson – Fife (253) 922-3700 Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169(The) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586Lighthouse – Des Moines (206) 824-4863Maggie O’Toole’s – Lakewood (253) 584-3278Magnolia Café – Poulsbo (360) 697-1447Mint Alehouse – Enumclaw (360) 825-8361Pat’s Bar & Grill – Kent (253) 852-7287Pick & Shovel – Wilkeson (360) 829-6574The Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369Silver Dollar Pub – Spanaway (253) 531-4469The Spar – Tacoma (253) 627-8215The Swiss – Tacoma (253) 572-2821Tugboat Annie’s – Olympia (360) 943-1850Uncle Sam’s Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808Wurlitzer Manor – Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749

North Sound Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etcChina Beach – Langley (360) 530-8888Just Moe’s – Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997LaConner Tavern – LaConner (360) 466-9932Little Roadside Tavern – Everson (360) 592-5107Old Edison Inn – Edison (360) 766-6266Rockfish Grill – Anacortes (360) 588-1720Stump Bar & Grill – Arlington (360) 653-6774Watertown Pub – Anacortes (360) 293-3587Wild Buffalo – Bellingham (360) 312-3684Viking Bar and Grill – Stanwood (360) 629-9285

Eastside Bellevue, Kirkland, etc.Central Club – Kirkland (425) 827-8808Crossroads Shopping Center – Bellevue (425) 644-1111Damans Pub – RedmondForecasters – Woodinville (425) 483-3212Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Raging River Café & Club – Fall City (425) 222-6669Time Out Sports Bar – Kirkland (425) 822-8511Vino Bella – Issaquah (425) 391-1424Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334Wilde Rover – Kirkland (425) 822-8940Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336

Peninsula Clearwater Casino – Suquamish (360) 598-6889Destiny Seafood & Grill – Port Angeles (360) 452-4665 Halftime Saloon – Gig Harbor (253) 853-1456Junction Tavern – Port Angeles (360) 452-9880Little Creek Casino – Shelton (360) 427-7711Seven Cedars Casino – Sequim (360) 683-7777Siren’s – Port Townsend (360) 379-1100Upstage – Port Townsend (360) 385-2216

WednesdaysCharlies Olympia: Blues AttitudeDaman’s Pub, 8 PMDogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pmEddie’s Trackside Bar & Grill, Monroe: every 1st & 3rd Wed., 8pmHalf Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy BarnerLocker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pmMadison Pub, Everett: hosted by Unbound w/special guests 7:30pm December 5 -C D Woodbury December 12 - Fat James December 19 - Annette Taborn December 26 - Kevin SuttonSalmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

ThursdaysBad Alberts : Invitational w/Annieville BluesClub Flight Nightclub: w/Cory Wilde, 9pmConway PubDawson’s, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pmEddie’s Trackside, Monroe: Tommy Cook, Patrick McDanel & Teri Anne Wilson, 8:30pmO’Callahan’s: Tim Hall, 7pmOlive-You, Kirkland: hosted by Chester Dennis, 8pm Dec. 13th - Mark WhitmanOxford Saloon: Invitational Jam w/Steve Ater, 8pmRuston Inn: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 8pm

Washington Blues Society

Venue Guide

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A.H.L. (206) 935-4592AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413Author Unknown (206) 355-5952Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835BackGround Noise (425) 931-8084Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464Bare Roots (206) 818-8141Billy Barner (253) 884-6308Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975Norm Bellas & the Funkstars (206) 722-6551Black River Blues (206) 396-1563Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490Blue 55 (206) 216-0554Blue Healers (206) 440-7867Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662Blues Playground (425) 359-3755Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.com(The) Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441Boneyard Preachers (206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772Bill Brown & the Kingbees 206-276-6600Bump Kitchen (253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625Charlie Butts & the Filtertips (509) 325-3016Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749Colonel (360) 293-7931Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910James Curley Cooke (253)945-7441Cooke & Green (253) 945-7441Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535John Scooch Cugno’s Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735Crossroads Band (206) 935-8985Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620Double Cookin’ (253) 945-7441Double Scott’s on the Rocks (206) 418-1180Julie Duke Band 206-459-0860Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340Richard Evans (206) 799-4856Fat Cat (425) 487-6139Fat Tones (509) 869-0350Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone (206) 295-8306Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561Filé Gumbo (425) 788-2776Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe (253) 576-7600Jimmy Free’s Friends (206) 546-3733Gin Creek (206) 588-1924Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074Paul Green (206)795-3694Dennis “Juxtamuse” Hacker (425) 512-8111Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band (425)576-5673Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134)Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax (206) 418-1180Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994JD Hobson (206) 235-3234Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644James Howard band (206) 250-7494David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363Vaughn Jensen Band (509) 554-6914Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937

Harry “The Man” Joynes (360) 871-4438Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908

James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130

Mick Knight (206) 373-1681Bruce Koenigsberg / the Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253

Kolvane (503) 804-7966Lady “A” & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100

Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.comBrian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408

Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503

Loose Gravel & the Quarry (253) 927-1212Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961

Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331Bill Mattocks Band (206) 601-2615

Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254Brian “Jelly Belly” McGhee (253) 777-5972

Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016

Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538

Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081

Jim Nardo’s Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206

Randy Norris & The Full Degree (425) 239-3876 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755

Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350

Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210

Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589Mark Riley (206) 313-7849

Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659

Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071

Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068

Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637

Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737

Smokin’ Jays (425)746-8186Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034

The Sonja Lee Band (360) 319-3843Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145

Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498

Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys (206) 236-0412Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935

Alice Stuart & the Formerlys (360) 753-8949Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113

Dudley Taft (206)795-6509Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559

Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101Tone Kings (425) 698-5841

Too Slim & the Taildraggers (425) 891-4487Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384

T-Town Aces (206)935-8985Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566

Unbound (425)212-7608 Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420

Nick Vigarino’s Meantown Blues (360) 387-0374Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413

Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks (360) 652-0699 /(425) 327-0944

Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739

Michael Wilde (425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877

Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917

Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186, (206) 604-2829

Washington Blues Society Talent Guide

The fifth annual Blues Blast Awards were announced this past fall, courtesy of the online Blues Blast.com weekly blues magazine. This year, Alligator recording artist Janiva Magness received three awards: Contemporary Blues Recording (for Stronger For It), Song of the Year (for “I Won’t Cry”), and Female Blues Artist of the Year. Mud Morganfield received the Traditional Blues Recording for his Severn Records’ CD, Son of the Seventh Son, and the Sean Costello Rising Star Award.

The awards are driven by more than 5,000 blues fans who subscribe to the weekly Blues Blast magazine, and it’s an exciting way to learn about blues music in your email in-box every week. Here are all the nominees of the 2012 Blues Blast Music Awards (* indicates the winner). The Washington Blues Society congratulates each nominee and recipient, and looks forward to next Thursday’s edition of The Blues Blast online.

Contemporary Blues CDEugene “Hideway” Bridges - Rock And A Hard PlaceToronzo Cannon - Leaving Mood*Janiva Magness - Stronger For ItBilly Thompson - A Better ManJohnny Sansone - Lord Is Waiting The Devil Is TooJoe Louis Walker - Hellfire

Traditional Blues CDMac Arnold & Plate Full Of Blues - Blues RevivalThe Cash Box Kings- Holler And StompChicago Blues A Living History (Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell with Ronnie

Traditional Blues CD (continued)Baker Brooks, Magic Slim, James Cotton, Buddy Guy)- The (R)evolution ContinuesBig James & The Chicago Playboys - The Big Payback*Mud Morganfield - Son Of The Seventh SonBernie Pearl - Right Side Of The BluesSugar Ray And The Bluetones - Evening

Song Of The Year“Holler And Stomp” - Joe Noseck (Holler & Stomp -The Cash Box Kings)“Thank You for Giving Me the Blues” - Grady Champion, Zac Harmon & Chris Troy (Dreamin’ - Grady Champion)“Blinded By The Darkness” - Matthew Curry (If I Don’t Got You - Matthew Curry & The Fury)“That’s How A Woman Loves” - EG Kight (Lip Service - EG Kight)*“I Won’t Cry” - Janiva Magness & Dave Darling (Stronger For It - Janiva Magness)“Back to the Blues” - Hadden Sayers (Hard Dollar - Hadden Sayers)

Female Blues Artist Of The YearShemekia CopelandRuthie FosterDiunna GreenleafEG Kight*Janiva MagnessAna Popovic

Male Blues Artist Of the YearLurrie Bell*Tab BenoitBob CorritoreJohn PrimerBobby RushJohnny SansoneJoe Louis Walker

Blues Band Of The YearThe Cash Box KingsBig James & The Chicago PlayboysKilborn AlleyLil’ Ed & The Blues ImperialsSugar Ray & The Bluetones*Trampled Under Foot

Best New Artists DebutIvan Appelrouth - Blue & InstrumentalMatthew Curry & The Fury - If I Don’t Got YouMary Bridget Davies - Wanna Feel Somethin’*Sena Ehrhardt Band - Leave The Light OnBig Pete - Choice CutsAndy Poxon Band - Red Roots

Sean Costello Rising Star AwardToronzo CannonMatthew Curry & The FuryMary Bridget DaviesSena Ehrhardt*Mud MorganfieldVictor Wainwright & The WildRoots

Blues Blast Awards: Class of 2012By Eric Steiner

Page 14: Bluesletter December 2012

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We’re incredibly grateful to the South Sound Blues Association for all of its amazing support over the years, and especially for the honor of representing you at the 2009 International Blues Challenge. If you were at the International Blues Challenge 2013 fundraiser on November 4th then you’ll know that Michael Wilde and I are delighted to pass our International Blues Challenge solo/duo spot to Nolan Garrett. This was an easy decision as Nolan was a very close 2nd in the scoring in the qualifying competition and is working his tail off. We both think he is thoroughly deserving and hope you will join us in wishing him the very best in Memphis next year!

In many ways, this brings me personally full circle on a journey that started seven years ago. By way of background, I started out on the blues trail around 2005, and back then I ran a series of seminars on the History of American music at the Kirkland Teen Union Center. During the events I would play videos and recordings from the turn of the 20th Century all the way up

to current times (basically going from field hollers to Public Enemy) to young people aged 13-18. It was because of these events, that I got connected with Washington Blues Society Education Director Roy Brown and the late Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools, and both of these guys were the driving force behind me picking up a guitar after a 20+ year lay-off. In his unique and direct way, during a break in one of the

sessions, Curley looked at me and said “why the **** don’t you just play these on a guitar instead of running video’s and CD”s???”

Well, back then I didn’t play blues and so there started my long (and ongoing) learning process. Both Michael Wilde and I were lucky to work with Curley on various PNBIS programs, my last being at the Echo Glen juvenile correctional facility in 2007, and I will never forget the impact that lyric writing

and music had on those young people. My contribution was frankly, negligible, as Curley and his pro crew did the real work but it was awe inspiring to be a part of it.

I know the South Sound Blues Association is no stranger to keeping the blues alive, with Jumpin’ Josh and Felicia representing the society last year. I also remember a very late night/early morning with John and Josh in the

Memphis Denny’s in 2009 but we won’t go into that here. Without wanting to preach to the converted, the “call to arms” here is a request for us all to redouble efforts to keep the blues alive with our younger blues brothers and sister. Just about every young person on the planet is exposed to music in some form, and here in the USA we’re lucky to have unparalleled access to resources, so let’s use them wisely. I’ll bet that if you spent just 15 minutes thinking about how you could bring the blues to life for your kids or even just kids that you know, you’d come up with ten great ideas. My hope is that the IBC will, over time, become the premier showcase for brand new young blues talent.

I’ll close with a James Weldon Johnson quote that I started my 2005 lectures with “It is from the blues that all that may be called American music derives its most distinctive characteristics.”

Dudley Taft is one of those guys who is talked about when people discuss the borderline between Blues and Rock. Just look at him and his beard and one may think of ZZ Top. His style over the years has had some rock in its blues and some blues in the rock. In addition to his own songs, he’ll do something by Stevie Ray Vaughn and Freddie King at many of his gigs. Dudley was born in Washington, D.C., and then grew up in the Midwest. He went to the Berklee College of Music back east and later moved to Seattle in the 1990’s when Seattle was the Capital of Grunge. He was in a band called Sweetwater and they toured the United States with Alice in Chains and Candlebox. The guitar wizard matured, and blues overtook him.

In talking to him, Dudley told me about how he worked with his band as a rocker and how that changed when he played blues: he said that with his blues band the guitar player and singer works in a more interactive way with the rhythm section.

“You learn from each other,” he said. “The music, as well as the band, grows better because of it. At the same time, Dudley said that “a great rhythm section knows it’s supportive roll while also contributing to the creation of the music.”

Dudley Taft has played around the Pacific Northwest in the blues scene for some time. Many Washington Blues Society members are familiar with him as he’s played at the Highway 99 Blues Club many times. I was there many months ago at his farewell performance; a send-off to give him to the world. Dudley’s promotional material now says he lives in North Carolina.

On Friday, November 9th Dudley returned to the Highway 99 Blues Club back in Seattle. Behind him was the 14-time Best of the Blues Award drummer Chris Leighton, and next to him was bass player John Kessler. 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient Kessler hosts one of the best blues radio shows in the country, and while introducing many well-known songs by blues legends, he sometimes casually and modestly mentions that “oh, yeah, and I play bass on this one.” There was one additional band member on stage familiar to many Pacific Northwest blues fans, keyboard player Eric Robert of the Vicci Martinez Band. Robert puts on a very, very high energy shows and visually awesome performances.

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The first song of the night was from Dudley’s new CD, God Forbid. The song was “The Waiting” and the first words were “I’ve been waiting, for you…” (I tried reading profound meaning into it as something he was saying to the audience.) Later that night he did the title track and evidently nobody forbid the crowd from standing in line to buy it because they sure did buy a lot of them. There is a lot of great stuff on the new CD: “Meet Me,” “The Waiting,” and “Bandit Queen” are among my favorites.

Dudley performed a number of songs from his previous CDs and some old blues favorites, too. He played “Left for Dead” among the many originals. He also played “Let the Goodtimes Roll” and “Backdoor Man.” The crowd was big and happy to be there and the filled dancefloor was packed much of the time: that’s as it should be as the Highway 99 Blues Club has nicer smoother dance floors in the region.

Dudley’s singing is as good as it ever was, and blues guitar players seem to be like a good Chianti or Cabernet: they get better with age. It also helps to have a great rhythm section, and with Chris Leighton and John Kessler, Dudley brought his A-team. Each band member did a solo that brought down the house. The A-Team is also on his new CD, with Kessler producing the CD as well as playing bass. In addition to original material from Dudley, God Forbid also has songs Scott Vogel, Jason Patterson, and Ashley Chrisiansen.

It was great to talk with Dudley about song writing, too. He loves the feeling of writing a song and feeling pretty good about it, and then taking it to the live audience and seeing them love it.

“That’s the best feeling in the world,” he said. For the audience, hearing such music can be one of the best feelings in the world too.” This music goes down, down, down… “ (to quote a lyric I heard during Dudley’s set) somewhere deep inside to massage something that makes you feel good. Dudley Taft is in his mid-forties, and I think he has many more decades of song writing in front of him. I would not be surprised if he’s got some more masterpieces featuring his excellent songwriting and guitar playing.

Page 15: Bluesletter December 2012

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The Northwest Music Experience (NWME) is an annual conference & showcase in Seattle connecting musicians, fans and industry professionals. Over a three day weekend in August of 2013 at Benaroya Hall in the heart of Seattle, NWME will provide an environment of collaboration and inspiration between musicians, music industry, and music fans. Musicians of every age, experience and skill level will find the tools they need to enhance their

creativity, boost their productivity, hone their delivery, and find support in community. With keynotes, panels and breakout sessions as well as an industry packed expo floor during the day and performance showcases at local venues in the evening, NWME packs a lot into just a few days. Participants come to network, perform, learn, do business and enjoy the community of other artists and their fans. The goal is for this event to become an annual showcase of regional talent with a sprinkling of the best from the national and international music community, drawing speakers and attendees not only from the western region of the United States, but from around the world. We are currently in need of seed funding and are running a fundraising campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/nwme

Songwriters in Seattle is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with over 800 members that runs roughly 10 events for musicians every month

around the Pacific NW region. Workshops, seminars, showcases, networking and business learning, collaboration, critiques, and informal jam sessions are all a part of the group’s dynamic calendar. Under the Songwriters in Seattle umbrella, NWME will be our flagship event bringing the amazing NW music community together to learn, grow and celebrate the talent of the region. Working together both creatively and in the

music business, SiS strives to grow the musical opportunities and public support structure for the creative community. If you are a musician, we offer growth for all levels and goals whether you are looking for help with songwriting, need to expand your contacts, seeking technical expertise, or wanting more exposure for your music. For the public that seeks new music from local artists, we offer a broad range of live events, recordings, and podcasts that showcase the amazing talent of our region, some of which may have otherwise gone unnoticed or unheard.

The goal of Songwriters in Seattle is to build a creative community in Seattle that rivals nationally renowned music cities such as Nashville and Austin. We wish to create an environment that supports and nurtures talent, both in showcasing the best of our members as well as developing those who desire to improve. Through the volunteer efforts of our members to help each other, everyone is lifted

up and the public will respond in kind. Our own Northwest Music Experience convention and expo will be the ultimate expression and celebration of this public support for a solidly connected creative community and help build a lasting legacy in the region of quality original music.

Songwriters in Seattle was started in late 2007 by a few musicians with a need to connect with like-

minded independent songwriters and learn from each other’s experiences. As it grew, we began to meet at the Alibi Room in Seattle for a monthly get together over beer, pizza, and guitars, playing our songs for each other and networking with other songwriters. Soon we were showcasing our music at various venues and running monthly workshops. Collaboration, song placement on TV, and growth in a variety of ways has been the result for many members of our group. We have been photographing, videotaping, and live streaming performances of our showcases and have a host of other materials to help our members’ efforts in the music business. In 2011, the leaders of SiS took the bold organizational step of incorporating as a 501(c)(3) charity in order to reach larger goals and have an even greater impact. The group and its regional influence is growing by leaps and bounds. Success within Songwriters in Seattle depends only on your level of participation. You can join us for our monthly meetings and other

The Northwest Music Experience (NWME) is an annual conference & showcase in Seattle connecting musicians, fans and industry professionals.

The 2013 Northwest Music ExperiencePlanning Ahead:

By Chris Klimecky

You may have noticed over the last several years some new and brightly-colored special Washington State motor vehicle license plates. They are available to colleges, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and some other qualifying organizations. Seven major colleges and universities across the state, the six branches of the armed services, the Law Enforcement Memorial, International Association of Fire Fighters, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and several organizations like the Bicycle Association, have license plates promoting their organization or cause. I’ve even seen plates with square dancers and skiers on them! I wondered: can the Washington Blues Society have its very own Washington State license plate? What would it look like? Would it honor the legacies of Issac Scott, Charles White, L.J. Porter or Kathi McDonald? Could we send a free blues CD from a Washington artist along with the license plate?

Washington Blues Society President Eric Steiner and I met and discussed the possibilities of our own blues society license plate. As we looked into the requirements, we started to sing “the license plate blues.” We

found that the initial $35,000 start-up costs, plus the filing fees associated with the application, and the blues society’s requirement to sell 3,500 plates in a set time period was well beyond the resources of the current Washington Blues Society Board as well as the local blues community.

Undaunted, I continued to think about how we could use license plates to support music. While dreams of a blue collage of Issac, Sir Charles, L.J. or Kathi gracing a license plate in the Evergreen State started to fade, my interest didn’t. This is the heart of this article: I thought that there had to be a way to use something that many of us have to do anyway (like have license plates) and have it benefit musicians.

When I was driving around the other day, I had an epiphany of the license plate variety. I noticed a bright yellow plate that said “Music Matters” across the bottom with music notes dancing merrily across the plate and a musical staff scrolling along behind the license plate numbers. This was an “A-HA” moment for me, so I began to do a little background research.

I found that Music Aid Northwest (http://musicaidnorthwest.org) spent several years putting things together, got some major local music talent to help with fundraisers, got a few state legislators who introduced House Bill 1329 in the State Legislature that was signed by Governor Gregoire on May 3rd of last year. This bill, “Music Matters License Plate Bill,” was instrumental in moving Music Aid Northwest forward. The final plate design was approved by the Washington State Department. of Licensing from designs submitted by seven artists and the license plate premiered in January 2012.

Music Matters is a perpetual funding source for school music programs in Washington State, and the special plate application form is at www.dol.wa.gov/vehicalregistration/spmusic. The plates cost $40 for the first year and $30 thereafter. The funds are divided among dedicated music programs, Music Aid Northwest, the Washington Music Educators Association, the Young Musicians Excelling statewide fund for needy students, a fund for schools with extreme difficulties supporting music programs, and administrative costs. Music programs apply for funds from this initiative through www.wmea.org, and license holders can designate their school(s) of choice once they receive their Music Matters license plate. To see a sample of the plates go to http://musicplates.org.

Talk about paying it forward! How many Bluesletter readers were in band, choir or marching band during your school years? I took clarinet lessons from third to fifth grade, and was also in choir back then. One of my biggest regrets looking back was not continuing my music education through high school. There are many, many studies that have shown that students involved in music do better academically in school. Many drummers and bass players, and almost all horn players, got their start in school music programs.

As a supporter of blues music, an original American art form, we all know that music matters. I’d like to thank Music Aid Northwest and the Washington Music Educators Association for their work in promoting music.

One license plate at a time.

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Page 16: Bluesletter December 2012

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The City of Music mobile app, available throught Google Play and the App Store, keeps you connected to local music through a number of innovative features, including: Listen To Music: Various Seattle area channels from radio stations, record labels, artists/bands and music venues,

Music Calendars: A curated list of live music calendars from venues and businesses throughout the Seattle area,

Videos: Discover cultural documentaries highlighting our eclectic local music scene throughout the Seattle area.

The City of Music App is designed to elevate local music, musicians and music businesses by showcasing a collection of music discovery resources that will be invaluable to local music consumers and visitors to the area.

The first feature product of the new Seattle Metro Chamber’s City of Music Partnership is the newly redesigned “City of Music” app. Produced by local app developer and Chamber member, FrontRunner, this new app expands on a music discovery tool launched last January as part of Sea-Tac Airport’s “Experience the City of Music” initiative.

With the new app, local listeners and visitors will have a single source for listening to local music playlists, finding upcoming live shows, and viewing documentary videos about the Northwest music scene.

Content will be provided by a dozen local outlets, including KEXP, PlayNetwork, SeaTac Airport, Jet City Stream, SSG Music, Rainy Dawg Radio, Seattle Weekly, Seattle Times, 107.7 The END, Sound on the Sound, the Stranger and Sport’n Life Records. We look forward to growing this list of content partners, so please email [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about how to get plugged in. The App serves three primary functions, with content partners providing local Seattle area content, and a fourth function specifically connected to the Sea-Tac Airport’s Experience The City Of Music initiative.

Imagine a world in which no prejudice exists based upon race, creed, color—or intellectual capacity. That is the world that we at United by Music North America, and our growing support base, envision. In our case, we have turned to the power of music to bring people together.

United by Music North America is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission: To further the scope of United by Music in Europe by providing programs of study and performance in blues, swing and jazz music for musically talented people with intellectual disabilities in North America. We aim to improve the quality of life for members of our company and challenge public attitudes about people with an intellectual disability showing that we are more alike than we are different and profiling the exceptional talents of our company members.

United by Music North America is a direct offshoot of The Netherlands-based United by Music, founded in 2006 by Joris van Wijngaarden, a Netherlands health care industry executive. Entertainer Candye Kane worked with van Wigngaarden to hone the concept, and services as music director for this worldwide organization that promotes live music.

This past October, Starbucks’ ‘Concept Store’ at the Rembrandtplein, in the centre of Amsterdam, had a live band for the first time and featured the band of United by Music. At “Concept Stores, Starbucks tests out innovations, and this performance was a great success and United by Music feels that could definitely do this in Starbucks stores not only in the Netherlands and North America, but all over the world. Check out the North American website www.ubma.org to learn more about this exciting and innovative way to help all people experience the thrill of live music.

The City of Music Mobile AppIntroducing:

at Starbucks AmsterdamCoffee and Music

By Joris van Wigngaarden

Page 17: Bluesletter December 2012

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage Paid

Seattle, WAPermit No. 5617

P.O. Box 70604Seattle, WA 98127

The WBS is a proud recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award

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