Bluestography

Blinded By Sound

2011-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Now that Blinded By Sound is up and running, I will be posting articles there. In fact, there are a few reviews and articles of mine already published.

Blinded By Sound - it's new and it's more than a little awesome.

Two-fer Tuesday: A Little Boogie Woogie

2011-01-25T01:23:00.000-08:00

Expected -- from phenomenal pianist Henry Gray:

I had the distinct honor of meeting Henry Gray in 2009, hearing him play, and photographing him at work. Lovely man.

Unexpected:

I'm so sad that I only got to visit the Liberace Museum once for a cabaret showcase right when I moved to the Vegas. If you're amenable to it, they are taking donations to help preserve the collection and find it a permanent home. It's worth it. Sincerely, to see the shoes and the costumes and the piano and everything else...this is a sight to behold.

And one of my favorites -- the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Ms. Sue Palmer! Special guest, Steve Lucky (of Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums, who I also enjoy):

Two-fer Tuesday: Shannon McNally and K.T. Tunstall

2011-01-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

Some songs just begged to be shared. And shared they must be!

K.T. Tunstall "Black Silk Ribbon" - it's beautiful and haunting.

Shannon McNally enchanted me with her performance of "Now That I Know" on Late World With Zach (Galifianakis). Watching her sing it for me and the audience, it was sweet and powerful and struck home. Years later, I discover it was written by the amazing Eric Bazilian (songwriter for The Hooters, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, Zucchero, Robbie Williams, Bon Jovi, The Scorpions(! yes, just keep wrapping your head around that one), LeAnne Rimes, Jonatha Brooke, Ronnie Spector, and the list goes on. I should have known the sweet, elemental thread that pulls one through this song was his...that's what he does best and why he writes for so many people and why I was enchanted.

Back to KT Tunstall as she takes on Dylan's "Tangled Up In Blue".

Shannon goes after Taj Mahal's "Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes" and does a fine job of it.

Two-fer Tuesdays: Tab Benoit

2011-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing here in Vegas and I wanna warm up a bit. No better way to do that than with some hot Cajun goodness!

I have a lot of favorites, but I love "Solid Simple Things" especially. Nothing fancy, just...solid...simple...

I'm also partial to "When A Cajun Man Gets The Blues".

I've been fortunate enough to see Tab a few times and to even take my son to see him. The man puts on a good show! If you ever get the chance to see him, RUN...don't walk. It's totally worth it.

Bonus:

A family favorite.

Two-fer Tuesday: The Son's Choices

2010-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

My son is visiting this week, so I told him to pick a couple videos. Here are his choices.

First up, Golden Earring - cuz you can never get enough dramatic spy music videos and cheesy 80s dancing. All at the same time.

And Billy Idol. Because nothing says cheesy 80s dancing better than cheesy dancing zombies!

Of course, it wouldn't be an adequate Two-fer Tuesday without a bonus or two. How about some cheesy 80s dancing with older Brits from the Kinks?

Perhaps a little cheesy 80s stop animation dancing from Men At Work is in order, too. *Now with extra random old lady appearance!*

Ah, I do believe I've taught him well. He's even grown a thin, cheesy mustache to go along with the theme.

CD Review: Alex Reidinger - The Pleasures of Hope

2010-12-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

I can't confess to spending most of my days preparing for the holidays listening to random Christmas carols and the like. Let's face it, I'm not much of a traditionalist, although I do love Christmas carols and will listen on Christmas Day. However, I try very hard to put myself in a more homey frame of mind as I sit down to wrap my gifts and craft the one or two cards I may send (MAY being the operative word anymore). This refusal to give in to traditional fare means I either go the rock 'n' roll, country, or blues route for holiday cheer, but not always. For the last two years I've found the perfect CD to kick off all such wrapping and baking and decorating activities ahead of me: The Pleasures of Hope by Alex Reidinger.

Perhaps it's the lovely Celtic strains that are delivered with such deftness and heart that make me feel at once comforted and wide awake and warmed to the bones. Or maybe it's the energy and deliberate pacing of the CD itself. I listen to the tunes in order. Every time. Except when I'm running my playlist on shuffle. Nope. I prefer to let the artist, in this case, the delightful Alex, tell her story her way.

My family may have some Celtic blood coursing through our veins (chances are it's very little), but The Pleasures of Hope makes me feel very much at home. The virtual hearth is lit and the warmth spills into the room. One can imagine a cup of Irish coffee causing an uncle to perhaps dance about the kitchen every now and again; or the children to run through, delighted to steal a few forbidden cookies with impish grins upon their flushed faces. I also imagine those moments where I might sit and take a break, sipping a cup of tea and snitching my own bit of shortbread and try to make sense of the bits of ribbon tangled about here and there.

I usually start the music a day or two before Thanksgiving and Pleasures continues to feature high on the list well into the New Year. It is, after all, hopeful. Wordless and wonderful, it gives you the opportunity to paint your own hopes and dreams upon the musical canvas Alex has provided us. It's obvious that Alex possesses (and always has) a maturity and understanding of music, pacing, order, and inviting the listener to be a part of the experience. It's very rare in this world that a musician allows you to participate at the level to which Miss Reidinger does.

As a teenager (she was 17 at the time), it was Reidinger's desire to present the music she loved so much in a manner that suited her. Playing fiddle, harp, and concertina on the album, she was joined by other musicians: Chelsea Link, Harp, Track 6; Vincent Fogarty, Bouzouki, Tracks 1,3,7,13; Tom Fellenbaum, Guitar, Track 2; Al Petteway, Guitar, Track 5. The music was chosen and arranged by Alex herself with just a little help. She also took on the responsibility of putting together the CD packaging. Additionally, she composed "John Daly's" (track 13) as a means of thanking Daly for all his guidance.

From beginning to end, The Pleasures of Hope is a beautiful work of art and the perfect way to start and end one's day, especially the hectic ones. This young lady creates a stunning tale with her music. A little something to add pep to your step to start you off, then a tender moment to gather your wits about you, and on and on through the near hour worth of music. Jigs, reels, airs, hornpipe, set dance...all there for you. Don't try to pick a favorite. Nigh impossible. Although, "Martin Wynne's, The Sligo/Leitrim Bucks Of Oranmore" moves me to a pensive place, but I can't say that makes it a favorite as each selection is brilliant and bright in its own way.

I do so very eagerly encourage you to pick up a copy of The Pleasures of Hope. Okay, pick up several copies. (CD Baby is also offering 10% off your order if you purchase multiple copies right now.) Just remember to save one for yourself as you give these to friends and family. All will thank you. I know everyone who received the CDs I handed out last year appreciated them and they are played often.

Best part of this deal, you can play the music all yearlong and smell the crisp green grasses and leaves, feel the warm fires at the hearth, hear the laughter of loved ones gathered near, and revel in the sense of stress slipping off your shoulders like an unnecessary wool coat on a summer's day.

Track Listing:
1. Hanly's Tweed/The Bunch of Green Rushes/Bunker Hill - Concertina
2. Crabs in the Skillet/The Woods of Old Limerick - Harp
3. The Stage/The Pleasures of Hope/McGlinchey's Hornpipe - Fiddle
4. An Binsin Luachra - Harp
5. The Maid at the Spinning Wheel/Aherne's Egg/The Fly in the Porter - Concertina
6. Martin Wynne's/The Sligo/Leitrim Bucks of Oranmore - Harp
7. O'Farrell's Welcome to Limerick/The Roaring Barmaid - Concertina
8. Paddy Fahy's/The Boys on the Hilltop/Reavy's - Fiddle
9. The Bright Lady - Concertina
10. Paddy Fahy's/Lad O'Beirne's - Harp
11. Cró Na nGabhar/Gan Ainm - Fiddle
12. The Ebb Tide/Seán Ó Duibhir a'Ghleanna - Concertina
13. The Tenpenny Piece/John Daly's - Harp
14. The Bird in the Bush/The Jolly Tinker/The New Road - Fiddle

San Diego Radio Station KPRI Goes Commercial-Free for Christmas

2010-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

From 6pm Christmas Eve until 6pm Christmas Day, KPRI FM in San Diego will offer commercial-free programming. As well, beginning at 8pm on New Year's Eve, the station will again offer nothing but music until some undesignated time (one assumes after midnight) on New Year's Day.

Kind of nice to see a radio station put their listeners ahead of profits during the holiday season.

Thanks, KPRI!

Two-fer Tuesday: Holiday Edition

2010-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

May all your holiday wishes come true!

And of course, my favorite of all times.

Merry Christmas!

Two-fer Tuesday: Songs That Would Never Be Hits Today

2010-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, there are some songs that would never be hits in this day and age. Then again, some weren't even hits back when they were released. But having a hit isn't always necessary to entertain your audience. Of course, it helps if they have some idea what you're doing. Then again, since when did musical entertainment HAVE to make sense? Sometimes music wanders into "Who's On First" territory and, guess what? We don't care. We're along for the lovely lilting ride.

Three of my favorite examples of this:

I'd thought maybe I'd include songs from Kay Kyser (with whom my grandfather used to play) and Spike Jones (a family favorite), but it turned out most of their songs all made sense! Go figure.

Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World

2010-12-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

For those who love guitars, you may want to check this documentary out.

Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World tells the story of the wah wah effect pedal, from its invention in 1966 to the present day. Musicians, engineers, and historians discuss the impact of the pedal on popular music and demonstrate the various ways it has been used, as well as how its evolution has improved the ability of artists to express themselves musically. The film features interviews with Brad Plunkett, the inventor of the pedal, plus many other musical luminaries such as Ben Fong-Torres, Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Buddy Guy, Art Thompson, Eddie Kramer, Kirk Hammett, Dweezil Zappa, and Jim Dunlop. These professionals explain how a musical novelty transcended convention and has become timelessly woven into the fabric of modern pop-culture.

Rock Prophecies Screening at Las Vegas Hilton, Saturday, December 11, 2010

2010-12-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Not only is the Hilton showing the movie, but Tyler Bryant is scheduled to play.

Las Vegas Hilton, 7pm, 12/11/10
Free admission
3000 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Two-fer Tuesday: The Union

2010-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

No long intro this time around. Straight to the videos we go!

Is it too much to ask that a trip to England and a few concerts with The Union be placed in my Christmas stocking?

If you're interested in finding out more about the band, check out The Union's website.

And now, for a special song:

Please visit The Union's ChildLine Rocks page to purchase merchandise, of which 100% of the profits go to support ChildLine, UK’s free, confidential helpline for vulnerable children and young people in distress.

Christmas with the O'Jays

2010-12-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

Gigante Media announced today that the O'Jays are releasing a Christmas album. The release will be supported by live performances in select cities.

Fairfax, VA --- Soul superstars The O’Jays invite R&B fans to celebrate Christmas With The O’Jays as they release a new album and launch a holiday tour this winter hitting select cities such as Chicago, New York, Orlando and Newark to name a few. Christmas With The O’Jays (on Saguaro Road Records) serves up plenty of new reasons to groove around the Christmas tree. The ten song CD features soulful holiday classics including “Silent Night,” “Joy To The World,” “The First Noel” and “Jingle Bells” as well as two new songs, “I’m What You Want This Christmas” and “Cause it’s Christmas.” Backed by a national DR television advertising campaign, the album will be featured on cable and networks nationwide including BET and TVOne as well as major markets such as New York City, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, DC. A comprehensive radio advertising and promotion program will run concurrently.

"This CD was created with the best intentions and in good spirit,” says Walter Williams, Sr of The O’Jays. “Every now and then an opportunity like this comes along. We, The O'Jays, Bruce Walker & Jacques Richmond were able to capture the holiday love and spirit in these performances for our fans’ enjoyment.” “This was one of the fastest records I ever recorded,” adds Eddie Levert, Sr. “It is a great product that I am proud to have been a part of. It was a real treat working with Bruce Walker and Saguaro Road Records. It was a great experience going into the studio to create what I am sure will be a long lasting holiday treat.”

Two-fer Tuesday: Country Tokers

2010-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

A friend and I were having a discussion about how every kind of music (except, perhaps, opera and classical -- though I could be wrong) somehow find a way to reference alcohol and drugs. She said country music doesn't talk about people getting stoned. I had to shake my head. Ahh, youth. And thus it came to be that I had to prove her wrong.

Now, I don't have to go back all that far for my first reference. We'll start with an old favorite, Charlie Daniels. (I could have gone Willie Nelson, but where's the challenge in that?)

So I got the nod on that. "But where's a current song?" she asked. I had to think for a moment, and then it came to me. Eric Church.

Eric Church More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Obviously not an exhaustive amount of research was put into this. I just figured two good tunes deserved a run through the ol' Two-fer blender.

Human Nature at Imperial Palace

2010-11-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

Photos from the October 10, 2010 Human Nature Motown show here in Las Vegas.

All images taken by Joan Hunt

Two-Fer Tuesday: Human Nature Celebrate Motown

2010-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

I refuse to go cold turkey (despite it being Thanksgiving week and all) for an entire month when it comes to Human Nature. I've seen their show eight times thus far and, honestly? It's damn good stuff. I was hoping to get in a couple more shows before the group heads off on their Australian tour, but that didn't happen. So, for now, I'll have to make due with their YouTube videos.

Hey, I hear you mumbling over there. Don't question why I'd need to see the show so many times! I said it was good and I meant it. Let me put it this way: when everything else in this crazy town of Las Vegas relies on huge spectacular acrobatics and contortions and makeup and illusion and sex and explosions, it's really refreshing to be able to go see a show where music matters to the extent that it does with Human Nature. This isn't just some tribute show. It's a celebration of all the great Motown hits. Four guys singing their hearts out, dancing up a storm, and enticing you to remember a time when music was king and we were all prom queens. You walk out of the show feeling young and alive and energized! You've spent 90 minutes singing and dancing along with those sweet harmonies and you don't care who saw. How many times has that happened to you? That's what I thought. So don't question me on my tiny addiction. It's the disease AND the cure.

Music? You wanted music? Okay, here we go!

And lest you think that's all there is, let's have a couple bonus songs, shall we?

There. That'll get me through a couple hours. Only 670 hours or so to go until I get another live fix.

Two-fer Tuesday: David Bowie

2010-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Don't ask why, but this first David Bowie video delights me in the most bizarre way.

Back in the late 80s I had the opportunity to see Bowie in concert during his Glass Spider tour. Okay, it was August of '87 to be exact. Peter Frampton was touring with the band and that was quite the bonus for this fan girl. The concert was a spectacle on many levels. Opening for Bowie was Siouxsie and the Banshees. I want to say there was another band but the details elude me. I remember I went with Roland Jones, though. And I also remember the song that stood out for me during the show was "Heroes". It gave me chills. Still does.

With the range of David Bowie's music, there's so much to explore. It would be easy to shout out "Space Oddity" as a favorite (and it is), but I encourage you to dig deeper to find the overlooked gems, like "Time" and "Letter to Hermione" and at least a hundred other tunes I can't think of at the moment.

Two-fer Tuesday: Musical TV Moments

2010-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Since I love TV and I love music, it stands to reason that the two together would make me happy. This is, indeed, true.

Comedies often provide(d) the best opportunities for musical interludes and the majority of my memories are centered are around sitcoms.

Classic TV shows are a veritable font of musical interludes. Ricky and Lucy, Fred and Ethel had endless numbers...Mary on The Donna Reed Show...Ricky on The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet...the list goes on.

The Dick Van Dyke Show had some of the best numbers, though. Rob and Laura singing and dancing, Rob's brother Stacey, Buddy and Sally, and even Mel got into the act. My favorite performance was that of "I Am A Fine Musician", which was used twice during the series run.

This version is fine, but the better of the two is from the episode from Season 2, Ep 24 "The Sam Pomerantz Scandals". I've not found a clip from that episode, though.

Jumping ahead a few decades, there's no shortage of TV-based singing and dancing. Scrubs had more than a few episodes with music montages (anyone remember "Talk Dirty To Me" as sung by Carla and Ted?) Roseanne, for ill or for good, featured its fair share of songs (let's forget Roseanne's trial and focus on Dan singing "Jailhouse Rock" with the great John Juke Logan playing harmonica in the background...which reminds me that he also appeared on Home Improvement doing the same thing).

Then we have Harry's dream from the season two 3rd Rock From The Sun episode, "Nightmare on Dick Street, Part 2". Great Randy Newman tune that also includes an appearance by Newman at the 2:21 mark in this clip. Rubber-faced, spaghetti-limbed French Stewart did a bang up job with "Life Has Been Good To Me". Then again, I'd watch the show even if they'd never gone done this particular musical path. But they did, and it was perfection.

Bonus clip: From Mad About You and special guest star Mel Brooks. Forward to 6:21 and dance and sing along to the "Turkey Trot".

The Power of Music

2010-11-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Alice Dancing Under the Gallows examines the power of music and art and how they contribute to the triumph of the human spirit.

The movie will be released sometime in 2011. I've already put in my request for a copy.

For more info, check out the movie's Facebook page.

Two-fer Tuesday: She's 18 Today and the Songs Remain the Same

2010-11-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, how the mother's heart must stretch and flex in order not to break. My daughter is 18 today. It's not fair. It's not right. It's not really happening. Wasn't she just learning to walk? Wasn't she just uttering words like "babingsuit" and "booprise"?

Time waits for no man, or woman as the case may be. Despite my every effort to hinder growth, my lovely little girl is now old enough to vote and is considered a legal adult. I've fought it, but there it is: nature won.

When Mojo was about 2, she fell in love with John Denver. Our bedtime routine included a couple different Denver songs, along with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Marine Corps Hymn. Hey, it got her to sleep and it was our special time together. (Did the same thing with my son and I have to say, singing our "goodnights" was pretty effective.)

So, without further ado, happy birthday, Mojo!

For a while, this was called "Mountain Mama" and also "Mama Take Me Home". She was two. It was adorable.

Our version of this song was very similar, but we had to sing every verse. Twice.

Then she grew up and began paying attention to more Top 40 music (in addition to all my favorites, like Etta and Bonnie and Billie). I lamented the lack of artists that were brash, lovely, sometimes delicate, sometimes strong like those I grew up with -- Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Joan Jett... After listening to Jewel and Britney once too often, I really thought my daughter deserved a contemporary female artist with a stronger voice and attitude. Thus we turned to P!nk. At the time, she really was the only one who could speak right to the heart of a young girl without sounding like a wannabe star or doormat.

Those were the days. Now my baby is all grown up and the world is going to expect more from her, people will expect more, life will become more complicated. While I'll miss the little girl I once held in my arms as she cried and fussed and smiled and cooed and caused me to look at the world around me with new eyes, I will cheer her on as she makes her way into the great big world.

Now for Mommy's tunes...

Happy birthday, my sweet daughter! I don't care how old you are, you'll always be my baby girl.

The Insomniacs at the Sand Dollar, Las Vegas TONIGHT!

2010-10-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm stoked that the Insomniacs will be performing at the Sand Dollar tonight at 11pm. Yep, late start, but it's Las Vegas!

Blues Blast Awards Winners Announced

2010-10-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Back in June, I got notice of the Blues Blast Awards nominees and quickly went to work casting my votes. I was disappointed to see a few names missing from the ballot but pleased at some of the names that were there.

The 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards were announced Thursday night, October 29, at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago.

Best Contemporary Blues Recording - Nick Moss - Privileged

Best Traditional Blues Recording - Mississippi Heat - Let's Live It Up

Best Blues Song - The Kilborn Alley Blues Band - "Better Off Now"

Best Blues Band - Tommy Castro Band

Best Male Blues Artist - Magic Slim

Best Female Blues Artist - Shemekia Copeland

Best New Artist Debut Recording - Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers - How Much Woman Can You Stand?

Sean Costello Rising Star Award - The Cash Box Kings

2010 Lifetime Achievement Award - Otis Rush

Of all the winners, I think I'm most excited to see the Cash Box Kings on there. I've been a fan for six or so years. Once upon a time, back when I was a nurse, I was working with a gentleman who shared my passion for the blues. I gave him a few bands to check out, he gave me a few. One of those bands: Cash Box Kings. I got home, went online to check them out, fell in love with their sound, and promptly bought the two CDs they had out at the time. I've been a fan ever since.

While I know they've been around for a while, their star is rising on the national scene and I'm glad to see them getting the attention they deserve. Good job, guys!

And congratulations to all the winners!

Two-fer Tuesday: Stoney Curtis Band and the Michael Schenker Group ft. Chris Logan

2010-10-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a project for the past week involving the Stoney Curtis Band, so it's fitting that I've been listening to him a lot music as I work.

My favorite SCB tune: "Last Train to Chicago".

As much as I love SCB's previous work, can I mention how excited I am about the upcoming release, Cosmic Connection? Once there are videos or even audio clips available, I will be posting away. I expect the new album to be nothing short of brilliant.

I haven't been listening to Stoney Curtis exclusively, though. In fact, I've been listening to a friend of his, Chris Logan, providing lead vocals for the Michael Schenker Group. I consider myself a lucky girl in that I occasionally get to see both Curtis and Chris share the stage. It's like musical magic. Anyhow, from MSG and Chris, "On & On".

I gotta get back to the salt mines, so enjoy the music and have a great day.

Okay, I'm sneaking one more in. My favorite song with Logan on vocals. From Jake E. Lee's Retraced, "I'll Be Creepin'".

And from Curtis again..."Bullets". Heavy, but fabulous.

Toots for a Saturday morning

2010-10-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Born in Brussels in 1922, Toots Thielemans is a working musician today.

- Born : Brussels, Belgium 1922
Immigrated : USA 1952
- Played accordion at age 3
- Started playing harmonica as a hobby
- First guitar won on a bet
- "Hooked" on Jazz during German occupation
- First idol : Django Reinhardt
- Early influence : Charlie Parker
- Nicknamed "Toots" after musicians Toots Mondello
and Toots Camarata
- First international break through : Joining Benny Goodman
on European concert tour in 1950
- Early US jobs : member of Charlie Parker's All Stars in Philadelphia;
George Shearing Quintet; ...
- Composed "Bluesette", 1962
- Originated new sound : Whistling and guitar in unison
- Whistler for commercials : Best known "Old Spice"
- Harmonica soloist for film scores: Midnight Cowboy, The Getaway,
Sugarland Express, Cinderella Liberty, Turks Fruit,
Jean de Florette , ...
- Concerts and recordings with names like George Shearing,
Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Jaco Pastorius,
Natalie Cole, Pat Metheny, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, ...
- Harmonica Soloist - TV : Sesame Street
- Perennial winner of Down Beat readers and critics poll
"miscellaneous instruments"
- Favorite compliment (from the late Clifford Brown) :
"Toots, the way you play the harmonica they should not call it a
miscellaneous instrument"

Happy Birthday Steve Cropper

2010-10-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Lead guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, Steve was born today in 1941. Who can forget Green Onions?

Shout out to the late, great Dizzy Gillespie, who would have been 93 today.

Two-fer Tuesday: Pablo Cruise

2010-10-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

My first concert was Pablo Cruise. Del Mar Fair. With my big sister. I remember thinking she was the best big sister ever! She told our parents she'd keep an eye on me. She didn't have to do that, but she did and we got to go hang out together. It was one of those great sisterly moments that come around once in a blue moon. I'll remember it forever.

These days you pretty much have to go stand in line at the bank to hear Pablo Cruise again. No more! I'm here to save the day.

Do you even want to know who the second concert was? (Bonus points for anyone who knows the answer)

Two-fer Tuesday: Andre Villoch

2010-10-12T04:00:00.001-07:00

The name is familiar, but I don't know why. I've done researched my ass off and still I can't think how I know the name or why some of the music seems familiar. Oh well, we'll chalk this up to my exceedingly deep and eclectic music ramblings and assume I was ahead of my time when I first discovered this millions of years ago (and subsequently forgot).

And now, without further ado, here is Andre Villoch (minus the accent aigu on his e -- I'm a lazy girl today).

Two bonus vids:

Help Choose a Cover for the New Roomful of Blues CD

2010-10-07T02:03:00.000-07:00

Seems the band, Roomful of Blues (love them!), has a new album coming out called Hook, Line & Sinker. Alligator Records wants your help on choosing the cover art.

What do you need to do?

Very simply, click on this link and go vote for one of these covers.

Roomful of Blues' new album needs a cover. Which one do you like?

You may even win a copy of the CD in the process. How cool is that?

Last time I checked, the lineup for the band looked a little something like this:

Chris Vachon, guitar

Phil Pemberton, vocals

Bryan "Frankie" Rizzuto, Upright bass and Bass guitar
Ephraim Lowell, Drums
Travis Colby, Piano and B3 Organ
Rich Lataille, Tenor and Alto saxophone
Doug Wolverton, Trumpet
Mark Earley, Baritone saxophone and Tenor saxophone

Don't know if we'll get the usual suspects on this new disc, but let's face it, any new music from Roomful is bound to be tasty!

Two-fer Tuesday: The Boobiethon Edition Part I

2010-10-05T02:34:00.000-07:00

Y'all are still checking out Boobie-Thon, right? Donating? Participating? Supporting the fight against breast cancer!

Tell you what, grab hold your pair, be they big or small, male or female, and do your self-exam while you listen to these songs. And when you're done, head on down to Part II of this week's edition of Two-fer Tuesday.

After listening to some great music, you get to play advocate and go out to educate your friends, family, strangers, whoever, and do whatever it takes. Hold bakes sales. Get your book club together to talk about what you can do to help raise awareness. Perhaps your local blues or jazz or folk society would put together a fundraising night! C'mon, we all have breast tissue, so this means the battle is on for us all!

Before you start the second part, go call friends and encourage them to start their self-breast exams while they, too, listen along. And take this day to talk to those around you about early detection and early treatment being the key to fighting this disease.

* Every 13 minutes, someone dies of breast cancer.

* Early detection of breast cancer, through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly mammography after age 40, offers the best chance for survival.

* Ninety-six percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years.

* You are never too young to develop breast cancer! Breast Self-Exam should begin by the age of twenty.

Educate and communicate. Two of the most important components of providing help in this fight against cancer.

Two-fer Tuesday: The Boobiethon Edition Part II

2010-10-05T02:33:00.000-07:00

Y'all are still checking out Boobie-Thon, right? Donating? Participating? Supporting the fight against breast cancer? Do what you have to do. Women of all ages have breast tissue. Men do, too. It can get any one of us.

Tell you what, grab hold your pair, be they big or small, male or female, and do your self-exam while you listen to these songs.

After listening to some great music, you get to play advocate and go out to educate your friends, family, strangers, whoever, and do whatever it takes. Hold bakes sales. Get your book club together to talk about what you can do to help raise awareness. Perhaps your local blues or jazz or folk society would put together a fundraising night! C'mon, we all have breast tissue, so this means the battle is on for us all!

Now it's time for you to act! Go forth and share the news.

From the Susan G. Komen website:

Anyone can get breast cancer. For example, did you know…

* the older a woman, the more likely she is to get breast cancer?

* young women can and do get breast cancer, even in their 20s?

* white women are more likely to get breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group?

* African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women?

* men can get breast cancer? Out of every one hundred cases of breast cancer, one will occur in a man.

Educate and communicate. Two of the most important components of providing help in this fight against cancer.

Two-fer Tuesday: Heart

2010-09-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

How about something from Heart since Nancy is divorcing Cameron Crowe. Don't even start me on the report I heard on the radio last night annoucing this. "When her and he announced..." okay, so I started. Seriously, this is what "journalism" has come to in this country?

Never. NEVER!

Growing up, there were all sorts of women's voices coming out of the radio, but none were as strong as those of Ann and Nancy Wilson. Sure there were "Dreamboat Annie" and "Dog and Butterfly", but there were also kick ass songs like "Barracuda", "Kick It Out", "Magic Man", "Crazy On You", "Heartless", and "Straight On". Those were songs you weren't hearing from anyone else. The Wilson sisters stoked the flames of indepence in a young girl's heart, even while allowing her to dream of the sweeter, more romantic side of life.

Thank God these ladies are still rockin' it out. Where would we be without them?

Don't know what went wrong between the Wilson/Crowes, but somehow or other, they're gonna have to split everything up...they're gonna have to even it out in divorce court.

Hey you! Yes, you, Nancy! Shine on.

We need one more, don't we? Yeah. Can't leave things so mellow. I mean, WTF is up with that?

Two-fer Tuesday: Jimmy Thackery

2010-09-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

I've seen Jimmy Thackery in concert several times now and I'm always amazed at the depth and breadth of his catalogue. He can be so very subtle and then he can slash and burn the land for miles around with just a few notes. He's been doing this for how many years? I dunno. What I do know, though, is I hope he doesn't think of retiring any time soon.

This first tune is dedicated to my friend, Curtis of the Stoney Curtis band, who also does a bang up version during his show.

And this tune? It's beautifully heavy.

Two-fer Tuesday: Kool & the Gang

2010-09-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

How can anyone possibly listen to this first tune and not want to get up and dance? There's something inherently enticing about that groove and those horns that reaches into one's soul and prompts the movement of feet and arms and hips.

I wish I could remember where I was the first time I heard "Hollywood Swingin'", but I don't. I was seven years old, just moving to California, and it was likely played on KCBQ at some point, wherein I started doing my little white girl dance alone in my bedroom. Guess that's not a bad memory to have. At least I had good taste in music!

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't include "Celebration" in this little party. Another danceable tune if there ever was one. In fact, it's such a fun, catchy song that the San Diego Zoo uses it in their sea lion show. So, yeah...I often envision a sea lion dancing along. (Shake it off, girl, and just dance!)

In Remembrance of September 11, 2001

2010-09-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

Music has always been my healer; so it was when I was a child, so it was in the days after 9/11, and so it is still.

I've long pondered the prescience of John Denver's lyrics and came to the conclusion that some events seem to repeat themselves, or at least the magnitude of the events and the similarities...for ill or for good. Anyhow, all I know is that "Rhymes & Reasons" is THE tune I return to time and time again when it comes to remembering the events of and the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

So you speak to me of sadness
And the coming of the winter
Fear that is within you now
It seems to never end
And the dreams that have escaped you
And the hope that you’ve forgotten
You tell me that you need me now
You want to be my friend

And you wonder where we’re going
Where’s the rhyme and where’s the reason
And it’s you cannot accept
It is here we must begin
To seek the wisdom of the children
And the graceful way of flowers in the wind

For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day

Like the music of the mountains
And the colours of the rainbow
They’re a promise of the future
And a blessing for today
Though the cities start to crumble
And the towers fall around us
The sun is slowly fading
And it’s colder than the sea

It is written from the desert
To the mountains they shall lead us
By the hand and by the heart
They will comfort you and me
In their innocence and trusting
They will teach us to be free

For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day

And the song that I am singing
Is a prayer to non-believers
Come and stand beside us
We can find a better way

The other song that resonates deeply for me touches upon the void left within our lives.

And finally, one of my new favorite songs, which was written specifically in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, is from Tony "The Fretless Monster" Franklin. The song is "Never Be The Same". The story behind "Never Be The Same" is also available on Tony's Myspace blog.

Peace to all.

Two-fer Tuesday: The Monkees

2010-09-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I was a huge fan of the Monkees. Didn't matter that they were big around the time I was in diapers, I knew what I liked. I still know what I like and, dammit, I like the Monkees.

They were the pre-Fab Four to some. A major joke to others. But to millions of fans, they were every bit as deserving of accolades as any other band. I've seen them in concert. Twice.

Their first single, "Last Train To Clarksville", was released August 1966, just months after I was born. You know what? It's a good song! It was good then and it's good now.

Witness:

I can't quite seem to locate a video for "Peter Percival Patterson's Pet Pig Porky" that's anything other than static images, so let's go with another forgotten gem.

Tell me that's not genius!

Super extra bonus video time!

And I fully admit to copping Davy's dance moves from this particular video. Yes, that's right. C'mon down and catch me just about any Thursday night at the local blues joint and you'll see me throw this out for at least a couple songs. For real.

I would have loved to included "(Not Your) Steppin' Stone", but there's a dearth of quality clips available for that one. Same with "Auntie Grizelda" and "Shades of Gray" and a million others.

Once upon a time I owned the entire Monkess collection. On vinyl. Uh huh. I know. Hardcore Monkees fan here.

There are only two rules when you belong to this club:

1) You never utter the other foursome's name in the same sentence as the Monkees.

and

2) Don't ask, "so who's your favorite?"
_____

Written by Mickey Dolenz, "Randy Scouse Git" is another sneaky favorite.

Two-fer Tuesday: Andy Timmons

2010-08-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

Someone obviously broke into my brain and accessed the file marked "Beautiful Guitar". I know who that person is and thank him for directing to Andy Timmons. Part of me says I've heard of him and part of me says I haven't. I stopped caring about 3 seconds into "Electric Gypsy". Music, as always, wins every argument I ever have with myself.

As much as I'd prefer this first tune to be Andy playing live, I opted for the clearest, prettiest recording available instead. Once you hear it, I think you'll agree this was a good choice.

(Bwhaaa - Andy Timmons, "Electric Gypsy")

(spritzer - Andy Timmons, "Cry For You")

Prevailing wisdom says I should write up something about Timmons, but I honestly don't feel cobbling together a bunch of facts from a few websites will enhance the music any. So, just have a listen and Google him if you're interested. That's what I do.

CD Review: Kettleblack - Kettleblack Live

2010-08-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

If you're gonna be a rock band or a blues rock band, you pretty much have only a few seconds to establish yourself as such from the moment the listener pops a CD into the stereo. Kettleblack answers any questions one might have about their intent very quickly. They tell you within a few notes that they're here to rock you and they do.

Before I get into the meat of the Kettleblack Live CD -- their original songs -- I'm going to address the cover tunes they've included because covers can be rather tricky.

"Hard to Handle" is a bit hard to handle when the most popular version has embedded itself in our collective psyche. That said, Kettleblack does a passable job with the tune, but they're not the Black Crowes (who basically OWN the song at this point), nor are they originator Otis Redding, Tom Jones (who does a surprisingly good job with this tune), or even Mae West (1970, Myra Breckinridge, anyone?). It's not bad. It's just a tough tune to make one's own when you're up against a force such as the Crowes. It was a bold choice for their debut album and I think it may play better in person than it does on CD.

"Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" fares a bit better, with a muscular presentation, but nothing that deviates too far from the established path. However, the inevitable comparison to every other version will leave one wondering if it's at all necessary to include this song on CD as opposed to just letting the momentum and power take it where needs to go when performed before an audience, which is where "Voodoo Chile" tends to be best received.

The best cover choice of all is Randy Newman's "Leave Your Hat On". This is a gutsy take on the tune and once you get past the initial shock at the faster tempo, it takes hold of you and rocks like you wouldn't expect such a staple to rock. This song is proof that covers can have a life of their own and don't have to remain 100% faithful to the original to be powerful and enjoyable.

As for the originals on Kettleblack Live, I have to say the opener really sets the tone for the entire CD experience. It's a rocker, for sure, and it doesn't disappoint. However, one of my favorites is "Bad Bad Bad", a fuzz-laden rocker that is thoroughly enjoyable. It soars and whispers in all the right places. "Dogshit and Puppy Love" is deeper and darker than you'd expect, but hey, sometimes titles just happen. The best of the bunch, though, is "Woodshed". Ready for play on rockin' blues radio, it digs deep and grinds and growls and takes you somewhere else entirely.

This Orange County, California band is ready to set off earthquake detection systems everywhere and they have everything necessary to make it happen. Lyrically, the songs are intriguing. Musically, there's no question that this is what these guys were meant to do. Lead singer and guitarist Sam Sasso has come a long way since I first heard him six or seven years ago. His vocals are fuller and steadier than they were, and his guitar skills are just as bad ass as they've ever been. Jon Siembieda on rhythm guitar is right there, never pushing or pulling the music where it shouldn't go. Tom the Bomb, drummer, has his groove and locks in perfectly with bassist Matt Menaged, who brings a distinct style all his own to the group.

Kettleblack has all the key pieces in play. Live is more than a decent debut CD. There's plenty to like and really nothing you'd skip over. Some songs are simply stronger than others and strikingly so. Already I'm looking forward to what the band has to offer up next.

Kettleblack can be found on Myspace and Facebook.

CD Review: Chris James & Patrick Rynn - Gonna Boogie Anyway

2010-08-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Chris James & Patrick Rynn‘s second CD, Gonna Boogie Anyway, is here and it has swept me off my feet. It’s solid, bold, and sexy. Its swagger is confident, not cocky, and that self-assuredness is what clinches the deal. The sexiness is surprising, too, because you don’t necessarily expect their steady and solid approach to carry that much sex appeal. Yet it does. James and Rynn? They’re powerful and mesmerizing.

“Money Don’t Like Me” starts the party and it’s a strong, yet playful tune. James’ assertive vocals and clever lyrics tell a story to which we can all relate — as hard as we work for it, money just ain’t stickin’ around. Times are tight and so is this arrangement. They follow the opening track with a bouncy and shakin’ “Dearest Darling” that’s sure to get you dancing. Bo Diddley would be proud. Both songs cement the band’s swinging and rhythmic presence that serves as the continuance of their first CD’s vibe, but it’s on the third track, “Can’t Trust Nobody”, that the pair shake things up. Even without the full band, Rynn and James bring it with an undeniable authority. The cutting lyrics are more powerful because of the spare presentation. With a few well-chosen words and a look, you know you’re in trouble. One listen and you know you don’t want to be the one to anger these two. The tune carries the same confident strut as other songs on the album, but it’s delivered more as a subtle warning than an overt threat.

And that’s the thing about this entire CD: nowhere are you knocked upside the head with “aren’t we great?” aggression. Instead, you’re lured in with solid songwriting and musical prowess that makes you a believer in James and Rynn’s ability to deliver the goods. It’s what makes the album sexy. It’s why you end up grinning from ear to ear as you head out the door satisfied; there’s no shame, no guilt here. You love the music and you’re happy to let everyone know it. It’s less Christopher Walken as The Continental and more Cary Grant as, well, just about any one of his romantic comedy characters. A shy, elegant confidence permeates every note played and sung.

Included amongst their originals, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Bo Diddley, and Jimmy Reed tunes find their place and are given their proper due. While not exact copies, “Black Spider Blues”, “Dearest Darling”, “Little Girl”, and “Can’t Stand To See You Go” represent some of the duo’s favorite influences and continue a story of joy, heartbreak, and determination evident in their originals. It’s evident that each song was chosen to cast a certain mood, to draw the listener into the overall experience. It’s a seamless transition between original material and that from other artists, though if you weren’t in the know about which is which, you’d have a difficult time trying to pick them out. That’s how authentic these blues are. The greatest tunes, however, are those written by James, Rynn, and writing/performing partner Rob Stone (appearing on harmonica on tracks 2, 7, and 9). Most powerful are “Money Don’t Like Me”, “You Can’t Trust Nobody”, “Headed Out West” (the structure of which is very literary), and the title track “Gonna Boogie Anyway”. “Gonna Boogie” should be everyone’s theme song. No matter what happens in life, no matter the obstacles or pressures, you gotta pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and boogie like there’s no tomorrow! At the very least, you have a little fun before you stumble again; and who amongst us couldn’t stand more happiness in life?

Life isn’t fair, but with a CD like this in your collection, you almost don’t care. Chris and Patrick give voice to all the moments in our lives — the good and bad — and suddenly you’re not alone any longer. You have two great dance partners willing to whirl you across the floor, away from your troubles for a while.

Where Stop And Think About It left off, Gonna Boogie Anyway picks up and romances you all over again. The difference, of course, is the inclusion of tunes that don’t feature a backing band. Chris and Patrick are just as comfortable and accomplished with country/Delta blues as they are with the fuller Chicago sound. Forget gimmicky outfits and banter, the duo imbue their music with a classic sense of storytelling and musicianship. They’ve learned from the masters and they put those lessons to work. They’re smooth, effortless, and genuine. And in the end, isn’t that what you expect from the blues?

Two-fer Tuesday: Zac Harmon

2010-08-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

I have many favorite performers these days. While they span the full spectrum of music, blues often gets top billing. This is for good reason: blues draws on the human experience in a way that reaches deep within you and can’t help but elicit a response.

This week’s Two-fer features Zac Harmon (auto start music warning), winner of the 2004 International Blues Challenge with his band the Mid South Blues Revue. Since then, he’s been touring the world, impressing audiences with his tough, but sensitve, approach to the blues. Harmon’s sets can include everything from deep blues to gospel to solid R&B. There’s a little something for everyone. I saw Harmon here in Vegas recently and his show was nothing short of astounding. I would have gladly stood in front of the stage the entire time, but the man made me want to move my feet!

(StJohnBluesFestival – Zac Harmon, “Rock Me Baby”)

(jeffstoneblues – Zac Harmon, “Comfort of a Man”)

Gibson’s Free Downloads

2010-08-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Gibson (yes, the guitar people) has a website with, amongst other content of interest, free downloads! They have everything from alt. rock to jazz available.

Not only can you get a good listen, you can download whatever strikes the right chord with you.

There’s something for everyone on the site: J.W. Warren (blues), Five Star Iris (alternative), Danko Jones (metal), Blackalicious (hip hop), Tommy Guerrero (latin), Sia (jazz), and so much more.

It’s a great rainy day (or perhaps a “too hot day”) project on which to embark. Try ‘em all on for size. The songs are free and it would be difficult to walk away not finding at least one tune you like.

Two-fer Tuesday: B.B. King

2010-08-17T02:00:00.000-07:00

What could one possibly say about B.B. King that hasn’t already been said before?

I have always loved him and, yet, I’ve never seen him live. I had the chance a couple times, but something always happened to prevent me from actually getting to the show. Well, not last night.

Yes, after years and years and years of waiting, I finally saw B.B. King live and in person. Not only that, but I got to meet him. I’ve been home for a few hours and I’m still trying to come down from the high of that experience. While B.B. doesn’t play guitar nearly as much as he used to, he still sings beautifully and his stories…those have to be heard to understand just how special they are. When he did play, it was as if the years fell away and he was a young man again. A young man with a passion for the blues.

I was quite surprised after the show that he invited people up to “come say hello”. Everyone was patient as they waited to have their chance to shake his hand, thank him, and/or have him sign something. Sadly, my B.B. King Treasures book is sitting in storage in San Diego or I’d have had that autographed. (Yep, I’m a fan girl through and through!) However, I did manage to get him to sign my ticket voucher. It was either that or offer up a body part and that hardly seemed appropriate for the King of the Blues.

One of the most magical moments of the entire night, though, came when Stoney Curtis (Stoney Curtis Band) told B.B. that seeing him perform at the Chicago Blues Festival back in 1980 or 81 changed his life and his musical aspirations. Right before my eyes, I saw them go from fan and idol to kindred spirits having this amazing moment together. Sadly, the one photo I got of that moment didn’t turn out so well, but the experience of watching it happen will stick with me forever.

I will not soon forget last night.

What time is it? Time for “3 O’Clock Blues”.

(jemf999 – B.B. King, “3 O’Clock Blues”)

(jemf999 – B.B. King, “Key to the Highway”)

I joke with my son that this next tune is his. My own little Blues Boy knows the blues and he likes this one.

(MuddyBoy61 – B.B. King, “Nobody Loves Me But My Mother”)

And here is a video I’ve loved for years. “Thrill is Gone” was my daughter’s favorite song for several years when she was a little girl. I called her last night as I was on my way to the concert and we talked about the tune. It brought back many memories of a time that seems all too far away these days.

(BBKingVevo – B.B. King ft. Tracy Chapman, “Thrill is Gone”)

The few photos we took after the show are posted on Flickr.

Two-fer Tuesday: Suzi Quatro

2010-08-10T01:59:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I had something else in mind when I started planning this week’s Two-fer Tuesday. However, XM Radio messed me up with a string of 70s awesomeness, which included Suzi Quatro. Who didn’t love Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days? C’mon, she was the coolest character next to Fonzie. Hell, she outcooled the cool-meister!

There are a couple generations who only know of Leather via reruns and they have no clue that Suzi Quatro had been singing her heart out for several years before she ever set foot on the set of a TV sitcom in the late 70s. She was cast without an audition as Leather Tuscadero after Happy Days producer Garry Marshall saw her poster on his daughter’s bedroom wall.

Quatro’s “Devil Gate Drive” was used on Happy Days, as incongruous as it was, during the episode when Joanie thinks she’s ready to leave home and hit the road as one of Leather’s backup singers. (I know, it’s wrong that I know all this. I have a head for mindless trivia, I tell ya.)

(The1970sChannel – Suzi Quatro, “Devil Gate Drive”)

Suzi’s biggest hit, however, was a duo with Chris Norman called “Stumblin’ In”, a song that, to this day, I can’t help but sing along with.

(luvslugg – Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In”)

Super extra bonus vids this week: bad choreography and costumes, and something rockin’.

(carpalton – Suzy Quatro, “Johnny B. Goode”)

(fuckinchikenshit – Suzy Quatro, “Rock Hard”)

Suzi Quatro, who just celebrated her 60th birthday (the woman does NOT look 60), has been living in the UK for decades and can still be found performing throughout Europe. Now that, my friends, is how you rock!

Also recommended listening for today: The BS Blog’s Turn It Up Tuesday selections.

Elvis 75th Birthday CD Collection Due Out October 19

2010-08-04T01:56:00.000-07:00

RCA Records is celebrating Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday with a comprehensive collection of music and much more. Over 800 tracks, of which 103 are rare recordings. More than 35 hours of music on 30 CDs. A 240-page hardcover book. 1,000 first run limited editions. It’s the King and it comes with a royal price of $750, plus tax and shipping.

Also included are essays from Peter Guralnick, author of Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley and Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, as well as two of my favorites: Feel Like Going Home: Portraits in Blues, Country, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke.

Pre-order now at http://www.completeelvis.com/. Order us a copy, too, while you’re at it.

Two-fer Tuesday: Jay Ferguson (Man of Satin)

2010-08-03T01:54:00.000-07:00

Had to dig deep in the ol’ databank for these. If anyone else remembers them, I’ll be very surprised. We won’t even discuss the miles of satin on the man. Okay, maybe just a little. That’s a lot of satin! (I’m done now.)

Personally, I really enjoy revisiting music from “way back when”, music I listened to while growing up. I have fond memories of lying in bed with the radio next to my ear. Listening to a scratchy AM station, falling asleep to the music. Summers were spent walking down to the 7-Eleven to buy the little book of lyrics to all the 70s pop songs and a few 45s. Seriously, all my chore money went toward music even when I was a kid. Guess some things never change.

Anyway, here’s a look into the past.

The 70s were rather interesting, no?

Two-fer Tuesday (the don’t hate me edition): Shania Twain

2010-07-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

Now, listen carefully: I don’t like Shania Twain. Or rather, I hated what she became. That super polished and fashion-y poser. The songs below? A look at how good she once was. The second video is one of my early favorites from CMT.

I understand the desire to capitalize on whatever gifts one has been given, but to bank so heavily on looks rather than substance, well, it rubs me the wrong way. Especially because Shania possesses a great deal of talent. Yes, she reached a whole new level of fame and was able to make great money, however there were many people who turned away because they couldn’t just enjoy the music without having all that Twain-ness constantly rubbed in their faces. I was one of those people. Sure, there were a couple songs here and there that I could listen to and separate from her, mostly after I stopped watching any sort of music TV or country awards shows, but the damage was done.

Instead of dwelling on the negative, I’ve decided to embrace what I liked most about Shania Twain in the first place.

Two-fer Tuesday – Rod Stewart and Faces

2010-07-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I hated Rod Stewart. I was five years old and my older sister told me I looked like him (I had a shag haircut and, granted, it was awful). I wept. I tried to break her album. I tried to kick her. But nothing worked. It took me years to grow into loving Rod, but it did happen and I was glad that the name my sister had uttered stuck in my mind.

I’ve seen Rod the Mod in concert a number of times, each show better than the last. Bagpipes, a soccer ball, running and jumping about, and the ability to deliver a damn good time has always been part of what makes Stewart special to me. Throw in a former boyfriend who usually accompanied me and some songs that make my heart beat erratically and it’s a recipe for awesome. Yes, I said a recipe for awesome.

While there is at least one generation who hear the name Rod Stewart and think he only does the old standards, let us please disavow this notion with a look back at the man in earlier times.

(rockinjac – Rod Stewart & the Faces, “Stay With Me”)

(dawgmusic – Rod Stewart and the Faces, “I’d Rather Go Blind”)

For those of you who hold fond memories of Rod going solo in the 70s, here’s a bonus video, albeit one from later in his career but he’s still rockin’ the tune! Every Picture Tells A Story is very likely my favorite Stewart album of all times although Gasoline Alley is a close second.

(rockinjac – Rod Stewart, “Every Picture Tells A Story”)

Benjy Davis Project Offers Free Digital Sampler Album

2010-07-14T01:46:00.000-07:00

I love discovering new music, new artists, new…well, everything. I was intrigued by the news of a free digital album and being the curious sort I am, I had to go check it out.

Benjy Davis Project is smooth and gentle on the soul and manages to avoid the soupy slop that most indie/rock/soft country (what on earth are we calling these artists anymore?) singer/songwriters find themselves in. A free sampler is the perfect route to go when you have a lot of material to cover and just a few minutes to land new fans.

“Check Your Pocket” has a nice bounce to it, “Sweet Southern Moon” is a perfect summer crush tune, “Mississippi” is my favorite of the bunch and almost demands repeated listens as do “Green And Blue” and “She Ain’t Got Love.” “The Day That I Die” could be easily forgotten, but it’s not. “No More Pills”…there’s just something about this song that makes you take a second listen. I hear a lot of different things in “214″ that strike a chord and they all call to me. The opening lyrics of “Same Damn Book” hooked me immediately, while the sparseness of the guitar on “Raining In Me” wrapped around my head and wouldn’t let go.

Curious about the rest of the BDP catalogue, I decided to head over to the BDP website and had myself a listen to every song available and ended up walking away with a copy of Dust for $4.99 (it says $2.99 on the site, but hell, even if you had to pay $10.99, it’d be worth it). Guess I have something new and different for my summer playlist!

Sadly, I won’t have the opportunity to see the band as they tour the country. However, you may have that chance and I’d take it if I were you.

7/13/2010 Evanston, IL SPACE (w/Matt Hires)

7/14/2010 Columbus, OH Rumba Café (w/Kate Tucker & Matt Hires)

7/15/2010 Cleveland, OH Cambridge Room @ HOB (w/Sister Hazel)

7/17/2010 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café (w/Matt Hires)

7/18/2010 Lancaster, PA Long’s Park Amphitheatre

8/4/2010 Seaside, FL Seaside Concert Series

8/13/2010 Destin, FL The Shed

8/14/2010 Ocean Springs, MS The Shed

8/17/2010 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits

8/19/2010 Orlando, FL The Plaza Theatre (w/Jacob Jeffries)

8/27, 28, 29 Isle of Palms, SC The Windjammer

9/2/2010 Baton Rouge, LA The Varsity Theatre (w/Ingram Hill)

9/3/2010 Hattiesburg, MS Mugshots

9/4/2010 Nashville, TN Exit/In w/Ingram Hill

9/5/2010 Eclectic, AL Lake Martin Amphitheater (w/Shooter Jennings & Corey Smith)

9/9/2010 West Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern (w/Ingram Hill)

9/30/2010 Birmingham, AL Zydeco (w/Ingram Hill)

10/2/2010 Auburn, AL Bourbon Street (w/Ingram Hill)

10/15/2010 Pensacola Beach, FL De Luna Festival

10/28/2010 Tuscaloosa, AL Jupiter Bar & Grill (w/Ingram Hill)

Two-fer Tuesday – Unexpected Duets

2010-07-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

One of the things we love about music is that it has the power to join people together in many ways. Music truly is a universal language. A simple melody, words you can learn phonetically (think “Frère Jacques”), and the spirit of the tune are all enough to break down barriers, to end shyness, to cause you to reach out a hand to a stranger. It opens doors, heals the soul, and gives voice to those who might otherwise be too afraid to speak.

Take, for instance, Sarah McLachlan and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. From the looks of things, you wouldn’t imagine there’d be any common ground. However, in the depths of a major depression, McDaniels heard McLachlan’s song “Angel” and he found the necessary wherewithal to reassess his life and career. While writing his autobiography, McDaniels discovered he’d been adopted as an infant. This led to a VH-1 special, the Felix Organization, and the song “Just Like Me.” While recording with his musical angel McLachlan, she revealed that she, too, was adopted. Once again, music opened a door to bring people together and gave voice to a group of people who weren’t necessarily represented in song before. I might have never known about this story if not for meeting McDaniels at a Harley event in 2008. If witnessing a rapper confessing his depression, adoption story, and his obsession with Sarah McLachlan before a throng of bikers isn’t a little surprising, I don’t know what is. What I do know is that I was deeply moved by his story and his involvement with foster care and adoption organizations. Gotta love a man who stands up, speaks his mind, and does something to improve the lives of others.

(sarahmclachlanfan – DMC ft. Sarah McLachlan, “Just Like Me”)

While I’m on this particular train of thought, why not include the duet that put RunDMC on the map? That would be “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith. Being of the generation that witnessed this pairing and who can visual Steven Tyler with lips that were still half the size of Texas at the time, I vividly recall thinking, “this is damn cool!” and rocked along with both bands.

(bustedkeys – Run-DMC ft. Aerosmith, “Walk This Way”)

Nothing groundbreaking these days, but once upon a time, this was a big deal. Aerosmith and Run-DMC both found new audiences and more than a little money was made along the way.

Two-fer Tuesday – Willie Nelson

2010-07-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

Pull yer red hair back into a couple long braids, grab a bandanna, a guitar, and tear up your tax forms! It’s Willie Nelson Day!

Yes, I know the redheaded stranger recently cropped his locks, but in our hearts his head will always sport those braids.

I can’t leave you on a quiet, mellow note, can I? No! Let’s get our toes tappin’ and have a great day! Believe it or not, this was often the last song I heard in the morning as I headed out the door for school. (My parents had music going all the time.)

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival – Day Four

2010-07-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

Quick and dirty today, kids. Girlfriend is off and running to catch the last day of fantastic music and generous people who are making it possible for the Oregon Food Bank to deliver over 66.2 million pounds of food each year.

Highlights from yesterday: Karen Lovely, Janiva Magness, Curtis Salgado, the Old Time Gospel Hour, and Mingo Fishtrap. Photos and stories to come. I gotta go get my blues on.

Time Stage Performance

12:00PM – 12:45PM CU Gary Burford Band

12:00PM – 12:45PM OS Steve Cheseborough

12:45PM – 01:30PM MS Dani Paige Band

12:45PM – 01:30PM WS Blues from Down Under:: Kara Grainger

01:00PM – 01:45PM OS John-Alex Mason

01:30PM – 02:15PM CU Kolvane

02:00PM – 03:00PM OS North Mississippi by Northwest: McMurrian, Lemhouse, Shoemaker & Bott

02:15PM – 03:00PM MS Robbie Laws Bigger Blues Band, featuring Mz. Dee

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Sail on Sister! Cruise: Baskery

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Sail on Sister! Cruise: Kara Grainger

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Sail on Sister! Cruise: Divas of Soul (Linda Hornbuckle, LaRhonda Steele, Juliane Johnson, Janice Scroggins)

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Sail on Sister! Cruise: Ellen Whyte Quartet

03:00PM – 04:00PM CU Chris Thomas King

03:15PM – 04:15PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: Devin Phillips Black & Blue

04:00PM – 05:15PM WS From Burnside to Bourbon Street: Mac Potts & Lloyd Jones

04:00PM – 05:15PM MS JJ GREY and MOFRO , presented by Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival.

04:30PM – 05:30PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: Kevin Selfe & the Tornadoes w/ Jim Wallace

05:15PM – 06:00PM CU Baskery

05:45PM – 06:45PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: Robbie Laws Bigger Blues Band, featuring Mz. Dee

06:00PM – 07:15PM WS North Mississippi by Northwest: McMurrian, Lemhouse, Shoemaker & Bott

06:00PM – 07:15PM MS LITTLE FEAT , presented by IQ Credit Union.

07:00PM – 08:00PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: The Twisters

07:15PM – 08:00PM CU Reggie Houston’s Crescent City Connection

08:00PM – 08:05PM MS Oregon Food Bank Presentation

08:00PM – 09:15PM MS GALACTIC with Cyril Neville and Corey Henry (from Rebirth) , presented by ecoShuttle.

08:00PM – 09:15PM WS Alan Hager &: Mary Flower

08:15PM – 09:30PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: Duffy Bishop

09:00PM – 12:00PM H50 Bott ‘n Gold

09:00PM – 01:00AM MH After-hours Blues Jam:

STAGE KEY

H50 = H50 Bistro at Hotel 50

RE = Rafati’s Encore 310, University Place Hotel

TMWP = Tom McCall Waterfront Park

OS = Oregonian Stage

MS = Miller Stage

MH = Marriott Hotel

TBA = Stage To Be Announced

CU = Credit Union Blues Stage

BC = DME Portland Spirit Blues Cruise

WS = FedEx Workshop Stage

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival – Day 3, the Fourth of July Edition

2010-07-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

It’s officially Independence Day and I’m very excited about today’s lineup for the blues festival. The entertainment has been top notch thus far, but today we get to add Janiva Magness and Curtis Salgado into the mix. As well, I have to go see Karen Lovely perform, although I’ll only see half her set so I can go see Chris Thomas King. Can’t wait!

Yesterday was a special kind of awesome around here. Terry Robb and his band were fantastic. The NW Women in Blues were amazing. Loved Ty Curtis. And when I didn’t think it couldn’t get better than Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm (who played a lot of new music from a soon-to-be-released CD), along comes Bobby Rush! I had him standing over me at one point, thrusting his pelvis my way. Yes, I have photographic evidence. Can today really be better than that? I’m sure they’ll find a way.

Time Stage Performance

12:00PM – 03:00PM OS Cascade Blues Association: International Blues Challenge Winners/Finalists

12:00PM – 12:45PM CU Billy D and the Hoodoos

12:10PM – 12:40PM OS Journey to Memphis Finals: The Catillacs , presented by Cascade Blues Association.

12:45PM – 01:30PM MS Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers

12:45PM – 01:30PM WS Dale LeRoy Perry

12:50PM – 01:20PM OS Journey to Memphis Finals: David Brothers Band

01:30PM – 02:00PM OS Journey to Memphis Finals: Vicki Stevens Band

01:30PM – 02:15PM CU Gretchen Mitchell Band

02:10PM – 02:40PM OS Journey to Memphis Finals: Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band

02:15PM – 03:00PM MS Sultans of Slide: Amundson, Cooper & Goldwasser

02:15PM – 03:00PM WS Blues history/photo presentation: Dick Waterman

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Driftin’ Blues Cruise: Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Driftin’ Blues Cruise: Commander Cody & the Lost Planet Airmen

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Driftin’ Blues Cruise: Norton Buffalo’s Knockouts

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Driftin’ Blues Cruise: Janiva Magness

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Driftin’ Blues Cruise: : Dale LeRoy Perry

03:15PM – 04:15PM CU Linda Hornbuckle & Janice Scroggins Old Time Gospel Hour, w/ special guest Lucky Peterson

03:15PM – 04:00PM OS Journey to Memphis 2009 Winner, solo-duo: Son Jack Jr. & Michael Wilde

04:00PM – 04:45PM WS Slide guitar workshop: Sultans of Slide: Amundson, Cooper & Goldwasser

04:00PM – 04:45PM MS Mingo Fishtrap

04:15PM – 05:15PM OS Jim Mesi Band

04:45PM – 05:30PM CU The Twisters

05:30PM – 06:30PM MS Commander Cody & the Lost Planet Airmen , presented by First Tech Credit Union.

05:30PM – 06:30PM OS Journey to Memphis 2009 Winner, Band: Karen Lovely

05:40PM – 06:30PM WS 21st Century Blues: Chris Thomas King

06:30PM – 07:15PM CU Norton Buffalo’s Knockouts

06:45PM – 07:00PM OS Franco Paletta: : Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-off

07:10PM – 07:30PM OS Harmonica Blow-off: Stan Street

07:15PM – 08:15PM WS Music of Louisiana’s Bayous: Atomic Gumbo: Steve Kerin & Friends

07:15PM – 08:15PM MS Janiva Magness

07:35PM – 07:55PM OS Franck “Paris Slim” Goldwasser: Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-off

08:00PM – 08:20PM OS Bill Rhoades: Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-off

08:15PM – 09:00PM CU Kara Grainger

08:25PM – 08:45PM OS Kim Field: Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-off

08:50PM – 09:10PM OS Dave Hoerl: : Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-off

09:00PM – 01:00AM H50 Bob Shoemaker & Heidi Shu /: Kara Grainger

09:00PM – 10:00PM MS Curtis Salgado , presented by Good Neighbor Pharmacy.

09:00PM – 10:00PM WS Outside the Box: Miriam’s Well

09:30PM – 10:00PM OS Blowhards’ Jam: Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-off

10:00PM – 10:30PM TMWP FIREWORKS!

10:00PM – 10:00PM MS National Anthem: Alonzo Chadwick

10:30PM – 11:45PM MH After-hours Blues Jam: Mingo Fishtrap

11:55PM – 01:15AM MH After-hours Blues Jam: JJ GREY and MOFRO
STAGE KEY

H50 = H50 Bistro at Hotel 50

RE = Rafati’s Encore 310, University Place Hotel

TMWP = Tom McCall Waterfront Park

OS = Oregonian Stage

MS = Miller Stage

MH = Marriott Hotel

TBA = Stage To Be Announced

CU = Credit Union Blues Stage

BC = DME Portland Spirit Blues Cruise

WS = FedEx Workshop Stage

Live from Portland: Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival Day 2

2010-07-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

It rained off and on yesterday, but that did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the performers or the crowd. I’ve never seen a crowd like that. Huge! When the papers report crowds upwards of 100,000, they aren’t joking. I don’t know that this is how many were in attendance yesterday, but there were a lot of people. And it was all fantastic. The music was incredible, the people were having fun, and the weather kept things interesting.

The cruise afterward was amazing. Super Chikan, Michael Burks and Lucky Peterson, Moreland & Arbuckle, and Colin Lake all performed on board and kept the crowd going. The jam at the Marriott, well, I’d missed all that while on the boat. I hear, however, that Walter Trout, John Mayall, and Trombone Shorty had the place rockin’.

As for the performers during the day yesterday, I loved them all. Trombone Shorty, Lisa Mann, Moreland & Arbuckle, and Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm were amongst my favorites. Better still, meeting some of the vendors brought a smile to this gal’s face. Of special note: United by Music‘s booth. I’ll be writing more about them in the future. For now, though, just know that music touches many lives and gives special needs people a vital outlet to express themselves. One of the young men impacted by United by Music touched my life yesterday and there will be more information about this to follow.

Since activity kicks off a bit earlier today, it’s a rush out the door and off to see what magic the day holds.

Update: Currently listening to Ty Curtis, who’s rockin’ up right. Lovin’ his sound and his presence.

Here’s today’s lineup:

Time Stage Performance

12:00PM – 11:00PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp , presented by Cascade Zydeco Association.

12:00PM – 12:45PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: dance demonstration/class: Roland & Janine Jemerson

12:00PM – 12:45PM WS Eric Tweed

12:00PM – 12:45PM MS Dudley Taft

12:45PM – 01:30PM CU The I-5 Nine: Healy, Miller, Bott, Pain…et al

12:45PM – 01:45PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Corey Ledet & his Zydeco Band

01:30PM – 02:15PM WS Blues Guitar 101: Walter Trout

01:30PM – 02:15PM MS Ty Curtis Band

02:00PM – 03:00PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Capt. Leroy & The Zydeco Locals

02:15PM – 03:00PM CU Terry Robb Band

02:25PM – 04:30PM BC DME Blue Bayou Cruise: Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Blue Bayou Cruise: Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Blue Bayou Cruise: Donna Angelle & Zydeco Posse

02:30PM – 04:30PM BC DME Blue Bayou Cruise: David Vest

03:00PM – 04:00PM WS Cigarbox guitars: Jerry Zybach

03:00PM – 04:00PM MS Northwest Women in Blues, w/ special guests Tahoe Jackson and Nicole Fournier

03:15PM – 04:15PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic

04:00PM – 05:00PM CU Lucky Peterson with: Michael Burks , presented by the Boeing Company.

04:30PM – 05:30PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp : Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble

05:15PM – 06:15PM WS Boogie Woogie piano:: David Vest

05:15PM – 06:15PM MS Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks

05:45PM – 06:45PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Capt. Leroy & The Zydeco Locals

06:15PM – 07:15PM CU Juke Joint Duo: Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm

07:00PM – 08:00PM MS BOOKER T. , presented by FedEx.

07:00PM – 08:00PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Donna Angelle & Zydeco Posse

07:15PM – 08:15PM WS Super Chikan’s Chiktars and Diddly Bows: Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks

08:15PM – 09:15PM CU Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound

08:15PM – 09:15PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Corey Ledet & his Zydeco Band

09:00PM – 10:15PM WS Electric Blues Guitar 102 and 103: Michael Burks with: Lucky Peterson

09:00PM – 12:00PM H50 Atomic Gumbo: Steve Kerin & Friends

09:15PM – 10:15PM MS Bobby Rush , presented by Karolyn H. March, attorney.

09:30PM – 11:00PM OS Zydeco Swamp Romp: Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble , presented by Cascade Zydeco Association.

10:15PM – 01:15AM BC DME “Rock the Boat” dance cruise: Bridgetown Sextet, with special guest Marilyn Keller

10:15PM – 01:15AM BC DME “Rock the Boat” dance cruise: Alan Hager & Albert Reda

10:30PM – 01:15AM BC DME “Rock the Boat” dance cruise: PorterDavis

10:30PM – 11:45PM MH After-hours Blues Jam: BOOKER T.

11:55PM – 01:15AM MH After-hours Blues Jam: Bobby Rush

STAGE KEY

H50 = H50 Bistro at Hotel 50

RE = Rafati’s Encore 310, University Place Hotel

TMWP = Tom McCall Waterfront Park

OS = Oregonian Stage

MS = Miller Stage

MH = Marriott Hotel

TBA = Stage To Be Announced

CU = Credit Union Blues Stage

BC = DME Portland Spirit Blues Cruise

WS = FedEx Workshop Stage

Live from Portland: Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival

2010-07-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

It’s currently raining here in Portland, Oregon. Alternately drizzling and full on rain. No matter, the show goes on and we’ll be having fun.

Most of the acts are spread out far enough that I should be able to maneuver between stages easily. However, I do have a bit of a conflict with Trombone Shorty and Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm playing at the same time on different stages. I’ve wanted to see Trombone Shorty’s show for years. I’ve seen Cedric & Malcolm twice and am mesmerized. So the question becomes: what to do? I have a feeling I’ll be splitting my time.

As hard as I’ve been trying to sleep my morning away, I’m far too excited about today’s lineup!

Time Stage Performance

03:00PM – 03:45PM OS Kicking it off:: Lloyd Allen

03:00PM – 03:45PM CU Kicking It Off: Gunnar Roads Band

03:45PM – 04:30PM MS Boogie Bone

03:45PM – 04:30PM WS Bridgetown Underground

04:00PM – 04:45PM OS Bob Shoemaker Band

04:30PM – 05:15PM CU Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band

05:00PM – 06:00PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: King Louie & Baby James

05:15PM – 06:00PM MS Moreland and Arbuckle

05:15PM – 06:00PM WS Solo Lap-Slide Guitar: Colin Lake & Chance Hayden

06:00PM – 07:00PM CU Walter Trout

06:15PM – 07:15PM OS Swingin’ to the Blues: PorterDavis

07:00PM – 08:00PM MS Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

07:00PM – 08:00PM WS Blues of the Delta Jukes:: Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm

07:30PM – 08:30PM OS Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic

08:00PM – 09:00PM CU JOHN MAYALL , presented by Schwindt & Co..

08:45PM – 09:45PM OS Too Loose Cajun Band, with Reggie Houston, Steve Kerin & Portland All Stars

09:00PM – 10:15PM MS TAJ MAHAL , presented by Safeway.

09:00PM – 10:15PM WS Texas dust, Mississippi mud: PorterDavis

09:00PM – 12:00PM H50 Bott ‘n Gold

10:00PM – 11:00PM OS Donna Angelle & Zydeco Posse

10:15PM – 01:15AM BC DME Hoodoo Moon Cruise: Moreland and Arbuckle

10:15PM – 01:15AM BC DME Hoodoo Moon Cruise: Lucky Peterson with: Michael Burks

10:15PM – 01:15AM BC DME Hoodoo Moon Cruise: Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks

10:15PM – 01:15AM BC DME Hoodoo Moon Cruise: Colin Lake & Chance Hayden

10:30PM – 11:45PM MH After-hours Blues Jam: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

11:55PM – 01:15AM MH After-hours Blues Jam: Walter Trout with: JOHN MAYALL

The Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival Adventure Begins

2010-07-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Just arrived in Portland and already the music is filling the air. The airport here is kind enough to provide entertainment throughout the facility beginning early in the morning and running all day long. What a fantastic way to ease the stress travel can cause.

I will be blogging throughout my visit here, hopefully providing you with all the incentive you could ever need to make this a destination for next year’s festival.

School of Rock All Stars Recreate Live Aid

2010-06-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

The 25th anniversary of Live Aid is celebrated by the School of Rock All Stars as they tour the country, recreating the multi-city, multi-venue event of July 13, 1985. The All Star band is comprised of “the best students enrolled in the 58 School of Rock locations across the US. Ranging in age and background, these amazing all-stars play over 60 dates a year at theaters, festivals and the nation’s top music venues.” Not a bad gig if you can get it!

Stops on the Live Aid Remade tour:

7/9 – Cascade Locks, OR – Cascade Locks Park

7/10 – Seattle, WA – Sea Center Skate Park

7/11 – Seattle, WA – West Seattle Summer Fest

7/13 – TBA

7/14 – Boise, ID

7/15 – Houston, TX

7/15 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue

7/16 – Oklahoma City, OK – 66 Bowl

7/16 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater

7/17 – Memphis, TN – Hi-tone

7/17 – Boulder, CO

7/18 – Cincinnati, OH

7/19 – Cleveland, OH

7/20 – Detroit, MI – Smalls

7/21 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall

7/21 – Las Vegas, NV – Area 702 Skate Park

7/22 – St. Paul, MN

7/22 – Bakersfield, CA

7/23 – Kansas City, MO – Unwind

7/23 – San Francisco, CA

7/24 – Frisco, TX – School of Rock

7/24 – Reno, NV

7/25 – Austin, TX

7/25 – San Jose, CA

7/26 – TBA

7/27 – Los Angeles, CA – Whiskey A Go Go

7/28 – Phoenix, AZ

7/29 – Vista, CA

7/30 – TBD

7/30 – Miami, FL

7/31 – Corona, CA – Fender Museum

7/31 – Orlando, FL

8/1 – San Diego, CA – Queen Bee’s

8/1 – Atlanta, GA

8/3 – Raleigh, NC

8/4 – Baltimore, MD – Bourbon Street

8/5 – Westchester, NY / Fairfield, CT

8/5 – Ft. Lauderdale, F:

8/6 – Boston, MA – The Arlington Center for the Arts

8/6 – Coral Springs/N. Palm, FL

8/7 – Long Island, NY

8/7 – Tampa, FL

8/8 – Charlotte, NC

8/10 – Norfolk / VA Beach, VA

8/11 – Richmond, VA

8/12 – Washington, DC – Jaxx Nightclub (Springfield, VA)

8/14 – Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory

8/19 – New York, NY – Blender Theater

Contact venues for times and ticket prices.

About School of Rock: School of Rock is the national leader in music education for kids. Our mission is to inspire kidsto rock on stage and in life. Our proprietary performance-based curriculum teaches kids to playrock music in a unique and interactive way, which is changing the way kids learn to play musicacross America. Professional musicians teach students of all levels, developing both their musicskills and confidence. School of Rock operates 58 schools in 23 states and has developedan aggressive growth strategy seeking franchise partners throughout the United States. For more information about School of Rock, please visit www.SchoolofRock.com.

Two-fer Tuesday – Honeyboy Edwards

2010-06-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday was Honeyboy’s 95th birthday, I figured it was appropriate to post a couple of his videos for this week’s Two-fer.

(grooveEday – Honeyboy Edwards, “Mother-in-Law”)

(antennerotterdam – Honeyboy Edwards, “Catfish Blues”)

David “Honeyboy” Edwards – A Legend Turns 95

2010-06-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

Not many people in existence today can say they were friends with blues legend Robert Johnson. Guitarist David “Honeyboy” Edwards is one of them (pianist Pinetop Perkins is the other). Also notable is that Edwards, along with Perkins, is one of the last remaining Delta blues pioneers still touring.

More than a friendship with Johnson accounts for Honeyboy’s rightful place in blues, and rock ‘n’ roll history, though.

Born June 28, 1915, in Shaw, Mississippi, Honeyboy learned to play guitar from his father and later refined his technique by watching other musicians, amongst them Peetie Wheatstraw, Charley Patton, and Robert Johnson.

And while Johnson is often credited with writing “Sweet Home Chicago”, Edwards has laid claim to the iconic song as well. As is often the case with early blues music, ownership can be a muddy area. Honeyboy recorded with Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress in 1942. It would be almost a decade before he recorded again, during which time many songs had made their way through the music community and whoever got their name on a record with that song claimed authorship.

During the pre-war period, Edwards was a travelin’ man (which accounts for the gap in recording history), spending time riding the rails, walking dusty roads, and occasionally benefitting from car ownership. His autobiography, The World Don’t Owe Me Nothing, recounts his adventures, along with many misadventures. One fateful tale included is the night Robert Johnson was poisoned. Edwards’ recollection of the care available to ailing blacks at the time leads directly into the horror of the slow, agonizing death of his friend. Things weren’t much better for those who were young, healthy, and black — if the law didn’t like the looks of you, they could detain you without reason, which led to Honeyboy spending some time on “the farm” (prison farm). When you take into consideration all that Honeyboy Edwards has seen in his lifetime: racism, the civil rights movement, air travel, television, and computers to name a few, it becomes apparent that he’s more than just a 95-year-old musician — he’s the best link to our history as a nation we have!

It’s taken far too long for Edwards to receive recognition for his contribution to the American songbook, but on January 31, 2010, he received his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Just two years prior, he’d also received a Grammy for Last Of The Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live In Dallas album he’d recorded with Henry Townsend, Robert Lockwood Jr., and Pinetop Perkins. He’s performed several times at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame as others have been inducted but still has not been inducted himself. He was, however, inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1996.

You can learn more about this legendary performer by visiting his website. And if you’re curious, you can check out his performance in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. As well, he has his very own movie, entitled Honeyboy. Even better, if you have the opportunity to see Honeyboy perform, I highly recommend it! I’ve been to several concerts and am never disappointed. There are ten scheduled tour dates listed on his website at the moment, not including this weekend’s performance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival.

Happy birthday, Honeyboy!

(deltamediaproject – Honeyboy Edwards, performance)

My son, Spenser Hunt, then just 11-years-old, interviewed Honeyboy Edwards in 2008. A few questions cut to the heart of an amazing man:

The world has changed a lot since you were born. What are some of the most significant changes that you have seen?
Some of the stuff you don’t want to know about. There were plantations and Jim Crow laws, you know. There were people leaving the Delta; but now some of them are going back. Now there are casinos in the Delta and many other things have changed as well.
What is your favorite song that you wrote?
“Drop Down Mama” because it was my first hit and “Take Me Home” because that was a hit, too.
Does it get harder to play a show as you get older?
A little bit. I have a little bit swelling in my joints, but I am still as fast as I was when I was twenty.
What group of people do you like to play for, and why? (Like an older group vs. kids, or at a night club.)
It makes no difference as long as people like it.
Do you still play the Blues harp?
Yes, sometimes, but not usually in concert.

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival

2010-06-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

World-class festival fights hunger – join blues fans from around the world at the 23rd Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, July 2-5, 2010

Taj Mahal * Little Feat * John Mayall * Booker T. * Bobby Rush * Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen * Curtis Salgado * Galactic with Cyril Neville * JJ Grey & Mofro * Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue * Walter Trout * Baskery * Michael Burks Band with Lucky Peterson * Chris Thomas King * Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm * Moreland & Arbuckle * Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks * Mingo Fishtrap * porterdavis * Norton Buffalo’s Knockouts * Janiva Magness * Paul Cebar * Kara Grainger * Sultans of Slide * NW Women in Rhythm & Blues * Zydeco Swamp Romp with Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble * Donna Angelle & Zydeco Posse * Corey Ledet & his Zydeco Band * Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic… and that’s just to name a few!

PORTLAND, Ore., – Imagine grooving to the best blues in the world while relaxing on the grassy banks of the beautiful Willamette River, viewing the glacial peaks of Mt. Hood to the east and the stunning Portland skyline to the west – all the while smiling at the thought that you are helping to fight hunger.

No wonder more than 100,000 blues fans from throughout the world will head for the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, presented by First Tech Credit Union, July 2 to 5, 2010, in Portland, Ore.

Now in its 23rd year, the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi and the second-largest blues festival in the nation.

Blues fans will enjoy more than 120 stellar performances on five stages, plus artist interviews and workshops, five Delta Music Experience Blues Cruises on the Willamette River, activities for kids, dances, after-hour events, fireworks and more.

Touted as one of the best-run festivals anywhere, the Waterfront Blues Festival remains a grassroots festival, produced and operated by Oregon Food Bank, a nonprofit, charitable organization, with the help of a thousand volunteers. The festival raises food and funds to help people who are hungry throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.

“The need for emergency food remains at alarmingly high levels. The magic of this festival is that it brings people together from throughout the world and from all walks of life to not only enjoy great music but also to create hope for people in need,” says OFB CEO Rachel Bristol.

Daily entry is a suggested donation of only $10 plus two cans of food per person, making this festival one of the great entertainment bargains of the summer.

Tickets and more information are available at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival website.

Two-fer Tuesday – Doug & the Slugs

2010-06-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

Back in 1980 or 81, my boyfriend and I were cruising Sears (or KMart), making our favorite stop at the bargain tape bin (tapes were what we crazy kids listened to back then when we weren’t hauling out the vinyl). Our prize discovery of the day was Cognac & Bologna by Doug & the Slugs. I fell in love with the band instantly.

A little quirky, but a whole lotta great hook-laden music poured forth from the speakers for the next year or two, which was quite a feat back then because most tapes had a shelf-life of six months or so. Anyhow, I’ve never forgotten the band.

Lead singer Doug Bennett died in 2004, leaving Canada and the rest of the world a little poorer without him. Just listen to his opening comments on the following tune. And seriously? Who else could get away with a song called “Chinatown Calculation”? Who wouldn’t love a guy like that?

(furrydrummer – Doug & the Slugs, “Chinatown Calculation”)

You may recognize the song in this last video as the theme song from the Norm Show.

(thecatkeaton – Doug & the Slugs, “Too Bad”)

Blues Blast Music Awards Nominees Announced

2010-06-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Blues Blast Magazine has announced the names of artists nominated in the following eight categories:

Best Contemporary Blues CD

• Joe Louis Walker – Between A Rock And the Blues

• Mike Zito – Pearl River

• Nick Moss – Privileged

• Sean Costello – Sean’s Blues

• The Holmes Brothers – Feed My Soul

• Tommy Castro – Hard Believer

Best Traditional Blues CD

• Dave Riley & Bob Corritore – Lucky To Be Living

• David Maxwell & Louisiana Red – You Got To Move

• Eddie C. Campbell – Tear This World Up

• Fiona Boyes – Blues Woman

• The Kilborn Alley Blues Band – Better Off Now

• Mississippi Heat – Let’s Live It Up

Best Blues Song

• Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers – How Much Woman Can You Stand?

• Joe Louis Walker – I’m Tide

• Mike Zito & Cyril Neville – Pearl River

• Pete Anderson – Still In Love

• Quintus McCormick – Hey Jodie

• The Kilborn Alley Blues Band – Better Off Now

Best New Artist Debut Release

• Alabama Mike – Day To Day

• Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers – How Much Woman Can You Stand?

• Marquise Knox – Man Child

• Quintus McCormick – Hey Jodie

• Shaun Murphy – Livin The Blues

Best Male Blues Artist

• Bobby Rush

• Joe Bonamassa

• John Németh

• Magic Slim

• Nick Moss

• Tommy Castro

Best Female Blues Artist

• Candye Kane

• Fiona Boyes

• Janiva Magness

• Ruthie Foster

• Shemekia Copeland

• Zora Young

Best Blues Band

• Magic Slim & The Teardrops

• Nick Moss & The Flip Tops

• Rick Estrin & The Night Cats

• The Holmes Brothers

• The Mannish Boys

• Tommy Castro Band

Sean Costello Rising Star Award

• Cash Box Kings

• Damon Fowler

• The Insomniacs

• Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers

• Joanne Shaw Taylor

• Marquise Knox

In early May, a group of Blues music industry professionals including music writers, managers, musicians, Blues Blast Magazine staff and other industry professionals nominated the best of 2010 Blues music in eight categories. Complete list of nominees is below.

Voting to determine the winners begins July 8th, 2010 and continues until August 31st, 2010 on our website at http://www.thebluesblast.com/. Voting is open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazine subscriber. Subscriptions are FREE and you can sign up as part of the voting process on our website.

The 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will be held at Buddy Guys’ Legends in Chicago, Illinois on October 28th, 2010. The awards ceremony will feature music by some of the artists nominated. Tickets for the event will go on sale in mid August at Blues Blast Magazine.

The 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine. Blues Blast Magazine is the fastest growing FREE weekly internet Blues publication with over 15,000 Blues fan subscribers located in all 50 states and in more than 70 countries.

Our partner public radio station WGLT has set up a web page where you can play music samples of the 2010 Blues Blast Music Award nominees. To hear these great Blues artists on GLT’s 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards Artist Listening site visit http://www.wglt.org/programs/blues/blues_blast/blues_blast.phtml

Happy Father’s Day!

2010-06-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone got Dad some music (much better than a tie, don’t you think?) for Father’s Day.

(8ballmusic – Alain Clark, Father & Friend)

Blues, Brews & BBQ at The Cannery, Las Vegas

2010-06-16T00:25:00.000-07:00

The Cannery has planned a night of blues entertainment like you wouldn’t believe for Saturday, June 19, 2010. Featuring Janiva Magness, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Curtis Salgado, and Ironing Board Sam, the event begins at 5pm and tickets are $5. Yes, just five bucks for an evening of incredible entertainment.

The Cannery is located at 2121 East Craig Road, North Las Vegas, (702) 507-5700, (866) 999-4899. All ages are welcome.

Be sure to check the Cannery’s website for information on other upcoming shows.

California Tradition - Julian Blues Bash, June 19

2010-06-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

Nestled in the mountains east of San Diego, the beautiful town of Julian is about to be rockin’ again when the 12th Annual Blues Bash kicks into gear on Saturday, June 19.

The Blues Bash takes place out at Menghini Winery. Headlining the event this year is Rick Estrin & the Nightcats. Other great entertainment include Ruby & the Red Hots, Bill Magee Blues Band, Road Dogs featuring Josh Gooch (who played Las Vegas recently), Robb Bower & Co., and Bubba & the Big Bad Blues. Other guests will perform on the Backporch Stage between main stage acts.

Tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the show and run $25 for adults, ages 13-17 $5.00, ages 12 and under are FREE. Parking is free. Gates open at 10:00AM and the festival runs from 11:00AM to 7:00PM.

The gorgeous setting, fantastic entertainment, and the promise of Julian apple pie are all the enticement anyone should need to prompt them to buy a ticket.

Cheap Trick Resumes Performances of Sgt Pepper Live

2010-06-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap trick runs through Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Paris Theatre in Las Vegas.

Tickets are priced at $75-250 plus applicable tax and fees and may be purchased at the Paris Las Vegas box office or online at www.parislasvegas.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1.888.727.4758.

Touted thusly:

A celebration of The Beatles’ influential album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the show is an energetic performance that features an orchestra and a captivating experience of light and sound as Cheap Trick perform the entire album live as well as select Cheap Trick songs that lend themselves to orchestral arrangements. At the helm of the production is Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of the classic 1967 album. Never performed in its entirety by The Beatles due to the complex studio technology of the day that was employed in the making of the album, “Sgt. Pepper Live” allows Cheap Trick to incorporate their brand of power pop into the classic songs while paying tribute to music legends in an unforgettable musical experience.

Love the Beatles, love Cheap Trick. This show is on my list of must-see entertainment. With any luck, it’ll be a refreshing break from the overblown spectacle of the Cirque shows that populate the Strip.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Mojo is On Shelves Today

2010-06-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

Tom Petty’s latest album, Mojo, is 15 tracks of awesome. Seriously. Today’s the official release date and, hell, it’s the middle of June. What better way to celebrate?

Check out some of the videos available on YouTube and whet your appetite. Then go order your copy of the CD. It’s listed on Amazon for $9.99 (don’t even bother with CD Universe, where it’s listed for $15.99).

I’ll be running this one through the stereo a few hundred times before I give it a review, but I can tell you now…it’s worth your money to get it.

Two-fer Tuesdays: The Skooners

2010-06-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

As I am wont to do, I’ve changed things up a bit for Two-fer Tuesdays. I’ll get back to movies with great music next week. This week needed something more awesome. And awesome it shall be.

I caught this great indie band, the Skooners, during First Friday about ten days ago and I’ve not been able to shake the feeling that these guys are on the brink of something very big. They’re part The Cure and part The 88; a mix of the old, the new, the known, and the unknown. They’re melodic and energetic and their music is infectious.

My first encounter with the band was when I complimented bassist Max Supera on his dynamite feather boa (the band, dressed in vintage clothes from the Gypsy Den, were appearing as the Ladyboys, if that makes any sense). Then Adam Yarbro (keyboard) came by with his very sparkly Dynasty dress and knit hat. I was enjoying this. Maybe a little too much. Drummer Jake Farmer had been wandering around in what looked like an old striped two piece mens swimsuit. While cooling off in the gallery behind the stage, my friend and I talked with lead singer Blair Dewane. I mentioned his super short shorts were reminiscent of northern East Coast 70s/80s cutoffs and suggested he tuck the boxer briefs up so as to give the fans a cheap thrill at the possibility of catching a glimpse of the boys. I laughed as he did just that, remembering all too well this fashion disaster and how many times I saw things I’d rather not have seen. Later, I spoke briefly with Ian Dewane (guitarist) and gave him pointers on how to crouch down in his lovely green frock in a more ladylike manner. Hey, I’m not an expert on etiquette or anything, but I at least know that much! I’m happy to annouce that Ian was very proper while the band finished setting up.

Watching the Blair spin and dance as he sang up a storm, I realized I was experiencing something special. In my first seven months here in Las Vegas, I’ve mostly seen blues, rock, country, acoustic folk, and acts performing standards. Never did I imagine that I’d find myself standing in front of a stage on a very warm night (still over half a million degrees at 8pm), dancing along with an alt indie pop band, feeling 15 years old again. I was having more fun than I’d had in a very long time. If I’d known the Skooners had a CD release party later at the Bunkhouse later that evening, I’d have insisted we go. I wouldn’t have cared if I was amongst the oldest people in the crowd either. The band is fun! And they know quite well what they’re doing as songwriters and performers. Their act is as tight as Blair’s shorts and they bring unbridled energy to the stage.

After listening to anything and everything I could find online, I’m declaring my undying love for “Ha Ha Ya Lie” and “All I Want”. I’ve ordered my copy of their CD Grow a Mustache, Change Your Name and you can bet your ass I’m going to keep an eye on their schedule so I can catch them again. I haven’t yet decided if I’ll take them the friendship bracelets I’ve been making for them over the last ten days, into each I’ve woven “BFF!” Maybe. Not so much.

(Jazoof – The Skooners, “Just Right”)

(Mojorepublik – The Skooners, “Sweet Marie”)

Check ‘em out on their website and Myspace.

Photos of the Ladyboys, aka the Skooners, from First Friday:

Bascom Hill’s “My World (Sucks to be You)” Video Debuts on YouTube

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bascom Hill’s new video debuted Wednesday, June 9, on YouTube. The hook-y, party vibe tune features Lou Ferrigno as a fairy godfather of sorts. Fun, inoffensive, and all of 3:45 long, it’s worth a look. Watch for this song to top the charts this summer as it’s the perfect feel-good tune for warm days around the pool, at the beach, or even if you’re stuck working at Hot Dog on a Stick at the mall.

Bascom Hill is Charlie Victor, Lead Vocals; Tom Reschke, Drums; Quin Stickler, Bass; Jason Sheridan, Acoustic Guitar.

[Bascom Hill - "My World (Sucks to be You)"]

Chicago Blues Festival

2010-06-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

From June 11 through June 13, some of the biggest names in blues will gather at the Chicago Blues Festival, easily one of the best events of its kind. This festival has long been on my dream list. You better believe I won’t miss this next year.

Even though the festival planners have scaled back the number of stages and artists appearing over the past couple years, there’s still plenty of blues to go around.

A schedule of performers and stages can be found on the Chicago Festivals website. Missing, however, is the Windy City Blues stage. Be sure to check out the Windy City Blues Society website for their schedule. Take special note of any performance featuring Chris James and Patrick Rynn who’ll soon be featured here on SoundLust.

W.C. Handy Blues Festival

2010-06-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

If I had a car capable of such a journey, you’d find me on the road this week heading east to Henderson, KY, for the W.C. Handy Blues Festival.

With major talent and great BBQ awaiting blues fans from all around the world, the festival promises to be a great time. Best of all, it’s free. F. R. E. E. that spells FREE. Check out the line up listed below and then go hit their website for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

All Events in Central Park

9:00 am-7:30 pm Taste of Henderson Barbecue with local barbecue cooks selling a variety of barbecue (pork, beef, mutton, chicken) for carry out or eating on-site

10:00 am William Branaman Street Strut People’s Parade

11:30 am-7:30 pm Live music, including Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society, Blues 4U, Velveeta Jones and Albert Castiglia

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

Audubon Mill Park

4:30 pm Alias Jones

6:00 pm Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm

7:30 pm Shirley Johnson

9:15 pm Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers

THURSDAY, JUNE 17

Audubon Mill Park

4:30 pm Zydeco Night, theme food sales and music by Doug MacLeod, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band

FRIDAY, JUNE 18

Audubon Mill Park *except where noted

Noon Hog Maw Blues Band

2:00 pm Bryant-Stevens Band

3:00 pm Workshop with Doug MacLeod at Riverbend Academy*

4:00 pm StellaVees

6:00 pm Albert Castiglia

8:00 pm Kenny Neal

10:00 pm Tab Benoit

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Audubon Mill Park

Noon Doug MacLeod

2:00 pm Kilborn Alley Blues Band

4:00 pm Otis Taylor Band

6:00 pm Magic Slim and the Teardrops

8:00 pm Shemekia Copeland

10:00 pm Joe Louis Walker

For festival locations, area info, maps and more, visit http://www.handyblues.org/!

Two-fer Tuesday – Musical Movies Part I

2010-06-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

Some movies are propelled by a good story. Some rely on music to set the theme. And some manage to weave the two together. Back in the 80s, two movies relied on music to tell the story, to hell with a decent plotline. Both starred Michael Paré.

First up is “On Dark Side” from Eddie & The Cruisers, with the music provided by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. Any decent cover band for the past twenty-some-odd-years had to know this song. I believe it was required by law.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I’d seen the movie enough times to know every line by heart. Almost. Hey, I worked in a video store and the music helped pass the time. Besides, my co-worker would have killed me if I’d played the Fleetwood Mac Tusk video again.

The second song is from Streets of Fire, a lamentable flick to be sure, but who could resist the beautiful Diane Lane and sexy, but oddly pornstar-moustachioed Michael Paré as former lovers in peril because nasty biker boy Raven Shaddock (played by Willem DaFoe) kidnaps the fair Ellen Aim (Lane). I don’t recall if there was ever any reason given for the kidnapping, but it’s not really important, is it? The soundtrack was what made the movie, thanks to Ry Cooder, Dan Hartman, and Jim Steinman, amongst others. If “Nowhere Fast” and “Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young” sound familiar it’s due to Steinman’s tried and true rock operatic approach that worked so well for Meatloaf.

I never claimed these were the best movies of the 80s, but damn if they didn’t have some great tunes. And damn if they don’t still make me sing along.

25th Annual Jewish Music Festival – July 11, 2010

2010-06-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

Billed as “Ancient Roots, Edgy Shoots”, the San Francisco Bay Area is about to be rockin’ from the best kind of fun around — music, comedy…basically a huge multicultural party!

Rock Paper Scissors sent out the press release and this one looks like a good time for all.

The Bay Area’s Jewish Music Festival marks its two and a half decades with a day of free outdoor festivities for all ages and background at the Yerba Buena Gardens on July 11, 2010, including instrument building workshops, instant choruses, klezmer jams, and performances running from kid-friendly to hip.

The festival runs from noon to 5pm and is free for all ages. The festival website will be posting schedules and tips for making the most of this event.

Taj Mahal Trio at Doheny Blues Festival

2010-06-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

Taj Mahal played the big stage with a full band on Saturday, but for me, I much preferred the Taj Mahal Trio on the Backporch stage on Sunday. Here’s a look at what I got to experience!

Best songs of the set were: “Fishin’ Blues”, “Corinna”, and my personal all-time favorite “Queen Bee”, which is just as sweet as honey. Each of these three songs are beautiful representations of Taj’s outstanding country blues. The notes he plays float and flutter through the air, tickling your toes and your tummy.

(Physiks111 Taj Mahal – “Queen Bee”)

Two-fer Tuesday – Cyndi Lauper

2010-06-01T04:02:00.000-07:00

As I patiently await the new Cyndi Lauper blues album (due June 22, 2010), I decided to take a listen to the 80s icon’s song library and see if I could spot anything that would hint at her ability to do the blues justice. By now, most of us have seen her performance on Celebrity Apprentice and if you’re anything like me, you’re left wondering if Memphis Blues will remain a curiosity album or if she’ll be able to dig deep and deliver anything gutsy. Again, I went looking and I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple videos that lead me to believe Memphis Blues might not entirely suck.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I came of age in the 80s and was definitely someone who embraced the crazy clothes and big hair. I had my share of “She Bop” moments, indeed. However, there was a point where I grew up and assumed Cyndi had moved on to something else, or at the very least was riding the tide of her success as fully as she could. I assumed as much for all my favorite 80s bands. So, it is with an adventurous heart that I dove in to this challenge to discover what I’d missed out on in the last 20 some odd years.

First up is “I’ll Be Your River” from her 2005 album Body Acoustic. The song and her delivery is heartfelt and earnest in the promise to be there when you “need someone to fall into”. Lauper and co-writer Tom Hammer have crafted one of the loveliest tunes I’ve heard in a long time. And yes, I realize I’m five years late in this sentiment.

(xicopires video for Cyndi Lauper’s “I’ll Be Your River”)

And while “I’ll Be Your River” isn’t really the blues, it does show a depth of vocal talent that transcends genre and hints at the potential for the June release. Even better, I found a video from 2003 with Cyndi’s take on “At Last”. She does the song proud (better than Beyonce, I might add).

(Cyndi Lauper – “At Last”)

Nowhere in either of these songs — nor in the bonus third video for “Above The Clouds” (co-authored with Jeff Beck and Jed Leiber, again from Body Acoustic) — do you find the expected exuberance or what I call the Lauper squeak. Nowhere. All you have is pure vocals that sound more mature than one has come to associate with Lauper. Not that she’s not delightful when she’s all wound up, but it’s a very pleasant surprise to discover her range once she exercises her talents.

(HarroSIN – Cyndi Lauper “Above the Clouds”)

None of this is surprising to Cyndi Lauper fans, but to those of us who mostly remember her as a girl who just wanted to have fun and who believed the Goonies were good enough, these songs are more mature, a bit deeper, and utterly beautiful in their contrast to how we’ve come to see her.

The cuts I’ve heard from Memphis Blues aren’t nearly as restrained vocally as she’s achieved in the past, but I haven’t heard the entire album yet and I’m willing to withhold judgment until I do. Even if Lauper reverts back to her trademark ebullience, I think the blues world should consider themselves lucky to have someone of her caliber coming in to shake things up a bit.

Knight of the Guitar Photos

2010-05-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

McGarvey, Gooch, Sanchez, and Whitford tore it up at the Las Vegas Hilton! They only had about an hour, hour and a half to rehearse before the show, but you’d never know by the way they locked in and played as if they’d been playing together for years.

Ranging in age from 17 to 23, the guys played with a maturity well beyond their years. Each young man wears his passion for music on his sleeve. It’s evident in every note.

Another highlight of the evening was meeting Robert Knight, whose work I’ve admired for years. You’ve seen his photos. You just have. Especially if you’ve ever visited Guitar Center and seen the RockWalk. Knight’s photography transcends the mere visual recording of musicians in and out of their element — it has heart, it has soul, and it sings, baby! I’d dare say what makes his images so good is the fact that he truly seems to enjoy his subjects as people and not just as a job. And for every photograph he’s ever created, there are probably a thousand more he didn’t take because he respected the performers so much.

One of my favorite Knight images is John Lee Hooker. I walked right up to the photograph in the gallery and it took my breath away. The set of Hooker’s mouth, the tie, the socks, the hands…all absolutely perfect. And then I read the story that accompanied the image and had to laugh when it said something to the effect of “best socks he’d ever seen”. Forgive the fuzzy memory. I’ve yet to go to sleep. Basically, each image in the gallery had a corresponding story and they were all fascinating. Equally fascinating were Maryanne Bilham‘s works.

Brilliant. That’s all I can say.

Black Crowes at Doheny Blues Festival

2010-05-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Black Crowes were the headliners for Saturday night at the Doheny Blues Festival. They brought the crowd, that’s for sure. In front of the stage there was hardly any room to move around, so the fact that I got these photos from within that crowd is damn near a miracle.

All photos are copyright 2010, Joan Hunt.

Las Vegas Knight of the Guitar

2010-05-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas gets a dose of the best medicine around — great music from some of America’s hottest young guns.

Four of the country’s hottest young guitar players will show you where the world of rock is headed in Knight of the Guitar on Friday, May 28 at 8 p.m. Josh Gooch, Ryan McGarvey, Graham Whitford and Yayo Sanchez will be accompanied by Tony “The Fretless Monster” Franklin on bass and Chris Fraiser on drums in this celebration of the grand opening of the Knight Gallery inside the Las Vegas Hilton.

The Knight Gallery offers the works of celebrated rock photographer Robert M. Knight, as well as those of his talented wife, photographer Maryanne Bilham. Knight has captured iconic images of music legends including Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Carlos Santana, Van Halen and many, many more. His images are quintessential pieces of pop-culture mythology. Knight has also been a discoverer of young talent and has been called a “Rock Prophet,” giving way to the Knight of the Guitar event, featuring these up-and-coming performers.

Date: Friday, May 28

Time: 8 PM

Price: $15 (tax and service charge included)

Location: Hilton Theater

Call the Las Vegas Hilton Box Office (24 hours a day) at 800-222-5361 for tickets or purchase online

Peter Karp and Sue Foley Tonight at Loveless Cafe – Free Streaming Audio

2010-05-26T04:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, guys and gals, it’s time to check into the Loveless Cafe and Motel for some great music. Peter Karp and Sue Foley, along with Dread Clampitt, Sam Bush, Sam Quinn, Black Lillies, and Doug & Talisha Williams will take the stage at 7pm CST.

Go to WSM online and click on “Listen Live” for the show.

Alice Cooper on American Idol Tonight

2010-05-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Straight from Cooper himself, Alice Cooper and Keri Kelli will be performing tonight.

Yes, the rumors appear to be true… your radio show host with the most will show his face on a little TV show called ‘American Idol’!! Even though either Crystal Bowersox or Lee Dewyze will win the title of ‘American Idol,’ Alice Cooper is truly America’s Idol!

Hello Cleveland!

2010-05-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe not just Cleveland. How about “Hello, World!” Yeah, that works for me.

Just returned home from the Doheny Blues Festival last night and I’ve spent the day doing a little much-needed R&R. Don’t worry, I have photos and a delicious wrap up in store for you.

I’d really like to thank the many, many people at Doheny who graciously made room for me, the backpack, and my camera and helped me get to the front of the stage for a song or two. Some of you introduced yourselves, some of you didn’t. Either way, thank you!

I also really want to thank the people behind the scenes at Doheny for putting on a great festival. From the folks who booked the acts to the folks who were cleaning port-a-potties, it took the efforts of a lot of great people to keep things running and to run them successfully.

Whilst I go about the business of creating something coherent out of the lovely jumble in my head, enjoy this wonderful clip of Jackie Greene (one of my personal favorites from the weekend) singing a song I really like. (Video from YouTube of his performance in Rothbury in 2009.)

(PJPook Jackie Greene – “I Don’t Live On The Moon”)