Wednesday, October 21, 2009
THE NEW BSWPA
It was two years ago that the BSWPA went through an overhaul. They were in trouble, $1400 in debt and the only assets were a banner and a handful of T-shirts. It was then that I first became an officer. Our current President, Jonnye Weber, joined at the same time. We have had a few changes since then but the main core: Jonnye Weber, Jim Hamel, Jim 'Cisco" Franciscus, Maria Kovacs and myself are still here. Our late President, Jim Weber, led us to where we are today. He lent the Blues society $1500 until we got on our feet. Joining us over the next year were Barb Gangone, Dave Hasch, Sheila Vecchio, Diane and Dave Devine, Robb Patterson, John Erskine, Tuck Majeran, and most recently Joyce Clark, Toni Martelli and Joe Kosmal. We have more funds than ever, and do more with it to help musicians, veterans, breast cancer research, the food bank and kids (blues in the school) than we ever did before. We have been able to have picnics for the members with local blues bands. We have been able to provide national acts for Christmas and New Year’s parties. I have to say that I am proud of what we haveaccomplished and what we do. We do have our detractors, but as long as there are more people getting benefits from us than thumbing their noses at us, than I am happy. I am old enough (shut up) to know you cannot please everyone. I've had several people ask me and the others what makes us do what we do for no pay. I can only answer for myself. Since I became an officer in the BSWPA, I have met some great friends, seen some great music, was introduced to music and artists that I had never heard and given a hand to people who needed it. An example of this was when we helped with the Christmas performance at the VA hospital. I felt pretty much useless there at first. We just sat in the back while performers played for the patients. I had bought a large string of candy canes to give out. I figured that it would at least give me something to do between sets and hoped that someone would enjoy them. They were small and I roamed the tables handing out about 5 to each patient. Some said 'thanks' and others just took them without a word, some did not want any. I was halfway thought the crowd when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and a man who had been sitting five tables away had come over to me aided by his cane. He held his hand out and with a feeling I cannot describe said, "thank you. " The look on his face and the tone in his voice showed his appreciation. Five candy canes? I said, “You are very welcome. I wish I could do more.” He just kept shaking my hand. I slipped him a few more. On the way home that night, all that I could think about was that man and the way he hobbled across the room to thank me for 5 little candy canes.
~Don Vecchio
FESTIVALS
The Blues Society was busy this summer and I know many of you joined us. We gathered at Hartwood Acres for the Pittsburgh Blues Festival on July 24th. We were given a nasty weather forecast for the weekend, calling for rain all three days with several thunderstorms scattered throughout. Ron Esser, (Moondog), welcomed the crowd .He then talked about Jim Weber, our departed president and good friend. He said "Jim is smiling down on us and is going to make sure the weather is clear for the weekend." We got through Friday dry and enjoyed the bands and the crowd. On Saturday, things looked a bit worse. Clouds! The weather called for scattered thunderstorms. We got twenty minutes of rain with no thunderstorms. Sunday was clear and sunny. Looks like Jim was smiling on us. We had a record weekend and met some great people as we always do. There were several renewals and new members. We had visits from some of the artists, including Shannon Curfman, who was a treat to talk to. (I like that young lady! hell of a guitarist too.)
She threw it on stage and it landed on the headstock of his Gibson. He didn't miss a beat and played the next three songs with the bra swinging in the breeze, til he finally removed it saying, "these are better when they're off". Saturday had a couple favorites of mine- Ronnie Baker Brooks and Walter Trout. We got Walter to visit our booth and he fit right in. He wore our Blues Society shirt while he signed his new CD after the show. One of the best things about the festival is the after jam. It’s at the hotel that we stay at and is run by our friend and Blues society member, Billy the Kid. This years visitors to the jam included Sean Carney and Little Joe Mcclaren (both IBC winners), Delta Highway, Mikey, Jr., and David Jacobs Strain- an amazing guitarist who was new to me. Sunday’s highlights were Sonny Landreth, Magic Slim and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. We had another good weekend despite having two other Blues Societies there (West Virginia and Columbus.). So, I want to thank Ron Esser and Bruce Wheeler for putting on two great festivals! We all enjoyed the music, the people, the food and drink! For me, the highlight of my year is the Blues festivals. I feel so lucky to be such a small part of such great events.
Los Lobos, some of the most talented musicians of any genre, played Saturday night. They played such a variety of music, it was incredible. They had us dancing one song and hypnotized the next. Another thing Jim Weber may have helped with is keeping the wackos away. I swear the number of loonies dropped dramatically this year. I don't know why, maybe he steered them to Joyce's Fudge or the Moondog booth. The weekend wouldn't be complete without some strange humans though, and I had a blast talking to some real characters. The selection of local bands was very good this year. It included our IBC winner, Felix and the Hurricanes, and runners-up, Jill West and Blues Attack and Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle. Also included were Glen Pavone and the Cyclones, Jimmy Adler band and Eugene Morgan. Also, a first this year was a concept from June Esser and Jonnye Weber- a blues tent for children. Some great local artists helped out- led by Jimmy Adler. I saw a few minutes with Bubs McKeg leading a few kids in song. The kids had a blast and sounded good.We closed up early Sunday, so that we could all watch Robert Cray, who was an absolute joy to watch. Wow! It was the first time most of us saw him and his band and I hope to see him again. It is amazing that he got his start as bass player for Otis Day and the Knights in "Animal House”. Two weeks later, we gathered in Wheeling, WV for Heritage Blues Fest. It was another great line-up. My favorite was Elvin Bishop, whom we met. He wailed on his guitar playing some great old and new tunes. One lady liked him enough to donate her bra.
She threw it on stage and it landed on the headstock of his Gibson. He didn't miss a beat and played the next three songs with the bra swinging in the breeze, til he finally removed it saying, "these are better when they're off". Saturday had a couple favorites of mine- Ronnie Baker Brooks and Walter Trout. We got Walter to visit our booth and he fit right in. He wore our Blues Society shirt while he signed his new CD after the show. One of the best things about the festival is the after jam. It’s at the hotel that we stay at and is run by our friend and Blues society member, Billy the Kid. This years visitors to the jam included Sean Carney and Little Joe Mcclaren (both IBC winners), Delta Highway, Mikey, Jr., and David Jacobs Strain- an amazing guitarist who was new to me. Sunday’s highlights were Sonny Landreth, Magic Slim and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. We had another good weekend despite having two other Blues Societies there (West Virginia and Columbus.). So, I want to thank Ron Esser and Bruce Wheeler for putting on two great festivals! We all enjoyed the music, the people, the food and drink! For me, the highlight of my year is the Blues festivals. I feel so lucky to be such a small part of such great events. ~Don Vecchio
“Music had a baby and they called it the blues”…One for the kids
Another first happened in Pittsburgh! A new dimension was added to the Pittsburgh Blues Festival in July. Fidelity Investments made the dream of providing a children’s music tent a reality. The big red and white tent was located directly behind the Kids’ Zone tent. The musical happenings under that “big top” created many memories for youngsters and their families. Local blues musicians, Eugene Morgan, Bubs McKeg, Bill Weiner, Larry Nath, and Bob and Andy Gabig of the Blues Orphans provided musical presentations under the guidance of Jimmy Adler of the Jimmy Adler Band. Pamela Bick joined the children and assisted on vocals and percussion. June Esser coordinated all of the children’s activities in both tents for the weekend. The musical/educational presentations encouraged young and old alike to participate.
A “whole lot of shakin’ was going on” with the tambourines that were supplied by the Sweaty Betty Blues Band. The Food bank added shakers, triangles and drums to the mix under the big top. Many of the children took to the stage. Some were shy, some were very eager. They enthusiastically worked together to count out the beats of the songs. One young harp player, Henry Coyle, readily shared his musical talent with the audience. Some sang into the microphone. Some would not leave the stage. Their exuberance was overwhelming. It was a great weekend of blues for those that attended the festival. However, it was a great weekend for the children and their parents who visited the kids’ music tent. Way to go!
~ Jonnye Weber
The Way I Saw It…
It’s past Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, and for the Pittsburgh region, pretty much the end of the major blues festival season. That’s a shame, since there were lots of blues goodies to be had on festival stages in the past few months.
There’s the Pittsburgh Blues Festival, of course, and then the Wheeling Heritage Music Fest, which seems to get better all the time. And for the past few years, I’ve tried to get to the Western Maryland Blues Festival in Hagerstown, Md. It’s not real close, but it’s an easy drive. And it’s a good festival.
I though it might be fun to look back at those fests for some of the highlights and surprises I found. Festivals are always a good way to take a look at new artists, or somebody you’ve never seen before.
The first of the summer for me was the Hagerstown event. It’s a nicely run festival, with two large stages set up at opposite ends of the site, so the music is almost continuous. This was my first chance to see the relatively new Janiva Magness, a real dynamo of a blues and soul singer. She was terrific, strutting and singing and telling stories, and she was a high point of the day for me. It’s always good to find someone “new,” and have them turn out to be so enjoyable. It was also great to see Willie “Big Eyes” Smith working out on harp and fronting his own band. The former Muddy Waters drummer is one of those “real deal” bluesmen who it’s always special to see, especially since they’re getting so scarce.
Next up was the Pittsburgh Blues Festival, and I found another performer that I’d never seen – Curtis Salgado – who just blew me away with his over-the-top harp wizardry and soulful singing. He’s been around for years, mainly in the Pacific Northwest, and was a sort of newcomer to the Burgh area. I also thought Philly’s Deb Callahan, another new performer, put on a really strong show of soulful blues and R&B. And I also got to see Burgh blues guitarist Eugene Morgan for the first, another musical treat. I really enjoyed his strong, down-home blues work.
And finally, the excellent Wheeling blues festival offered even more highlights, with great music that never seemed to stop coming. On opening night, Eden Brent was a vocal and piano powerhouse and John Nemeth played harp and sang with soul and passion. Both of these artists are young and fine, and throwbacks to the way music should be sung and played – with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. A couple of other favorites were the legendary Magic Slim and his still-sharp Chicago blues axe, and Ruthie Foster, the Texas gospel-blues singer with the kind of big beautiful, soul-stirring voice that can make grownups weep.
Those were the high points for me. I didn’t get to see every band at every festival, so I’ve probably left out somebody who really deserved to be mentioned. But I got to see some great performers who helped make my summer a musical success – some news I hope I get to see again, and some old ones that I hope I can get another chance to see as well.
By the way, some of you may know me better as BlueNotes, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the BlueNotes blues blog. If not, please check me out at http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/blluenotes. Thanks.
There’s the Pittsburgh Blues Festival, of course, and then the Wheeling Heritage Music Fest, which seems to get better all the time. And for the past few years, I’ve tried to get to the Western Maryland Blues Festival in Hagerstown, Md. It’s not real close, but it’s an easy drive. And it’s a good festival.
The first of the summer for me was the Hagerstown event. It’s a nicely run festival, with two large stages set up at opposite ends of the site, so the music is almost continuous. This was my first chance to see the relatively new Janiva Magness, a real dynamo of a blues and soul singer. She was terrific, strutting and singing and telling stories, and she was a high point of the day for me. It’s always good to find someone “new,” and have them turn out to be so enjoyable. It was also great to see Willie “Big Eyes” Smith working out on harp and fronting his own band. The former Muddy Waters drummer is one of those “real deal” bluesmen who it’s always special to see, especially since they’re getting so scarce.
Next up was the Pittsburgh Blues Festival, and I found another performer that I’d never seen – Curtis Salgado – who just blew me away with his over-the-top harp wizardry and soulful singing. He’s been around for years, mainly in the Pacific Northwest, and was a sort of newcomer to the Burgh area. I also thought Philly’s Deb Callahan, another new performer, put on a really strong show of soulful blues and R&B. And I also got to see Burgh blues guitarist Eugene Morgan for the first, another musical treat. I really enjoyed his strong, down-home blues work.
Those were the high points for me. I didn’t get to see every band at every festival, so I’ve probably left out somebody who really deserved to be mentioned. But I got to see some great performers who helped make my summer a musical success – some news I hope I get to see again, and some old ones that I hope I can get another chance to see as well.
By the way, some of you may know me better as BlueNotes, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the BlueNotes blues blog. If not, please check me out at http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/blluenotes. Thanks.
~Jim White
NEW YEAR'S EVE BLUES BASH - Thursday, December 31
- Doors open at 7:00 pm
- Jimmy Adler Band 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Kilborn Alley Band 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Dinner is served from 8:00 pm –9:15 pm
- Price includes two bands, dinner and all drinks- $60
- RESERVATIONS taken by Rhythm House:
- Phone orders: Becca 412-221-5010
- Internet orders: beccawoodworth@hotmail.com
- LODGING:
- Knights Inn (one mile away) 412-221-8110. Ask for Blues Society Rate of $59 (offer ends November 30)
- Holiday Inn Express (beside Rhythm House) 1-412-914-2000. Ask for Blues Society rate of $169 (offer ends on November 30). Second night is being offered at $99.
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Annual membership is $20, and includes a year’s subscription to the BSWPA Newsletter,
discount on merchandise and events. Visit us on the web at: www.bswpa.org
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Veterans’ Stand Down 2009
Thanks to all that participated!
AD - MOONDOGS
OCT 9 - Tinsley Ellis
OCT 17 - Guitar Zack
OCT 24 - Billy Price
OCT 29 - Blues Society Jam
OCT 31 Bill Tom's Halloween Bash
Moondog’s…Celebrating 20 years as a Blues Club!!!
What amazed me was the intensity and sense of purpose that this man has for the blues, the people and the musicians. He is as genuine as it gets…he is very involved. He has been in the music business for thirty years and has many stories to tell.
Jonnye: What is your favorite band or the one that performed the best at the club?
Ron: Oh, wow. (Laughing) When I was just starting out in music, Styx was my favorite. (I thought that he was kidding). (Sheepishly, he continued) That was during my formative years and a time in my life when I was just starting to explore music. I thought that the band was cool. I thought the music was cool. (He spoke in a nostalgic tone). However, (enthusiastically) the BEST band that played at the club was, hands down, Luther Allison. He played 3 ½ hours with no breaks, (10:20 pm to 1:40 am). Wow! What a show! (He added that Zack Weisinger broke that record in recent years).
J: What are some of your favorite memories?
R: (Warmly responding…) The jams after the Pittsburgh Blues Festival. It is always a treat for those that support and work the Foodbank event to get a chance to come out and enjoy the music in the club. It is also great when the high paid performers stop in and just play like they are one of the regular players. They have fun and the blues fans have fun. It is very cool.
J: What is your worst memory?
R: (Without hesitating) Jimmy Vaughn’s road manager. He tortured me for hours when Jimmy Vaughn was to play one night. It was “musically” the worst night of my life. He kept the crowd standing outside waiting. He had us stapling sleeping bags to the ceiling to make the room quiet. I thank Pianos and Stuff for opening that night and responding to all of his demands. I still have the picture that was taken at the end of the show where I was smiling. When I have a bad day, I think back to that night. It is a reminder on a rough day…that if things go that badly and you can still smile at the end, then I can get through anything.
J: What do you feel has been your best achievement?
R: (Quickly and with resolve he answered) The Blues Festival. I am very proud that an all volunteer staff has raised over $1.2 million for the Foodbank.
R: Well, both. I am crazy and I love the music. I have the opportunity to see music in the other things that I do and at the club. There are bad people in the business but there are a lot of good people out there. The good ones make it worthwhile. I actually still get excited about music. I enjoy the music and quite honestly sometimes I do ask myself why I do this.
J: How do you keep the momentum going - working the blues festival, do music events in Erie, operating Moondog’s and the Starlight and being a family man?
R: When I was young, my father instilled in me the fact that I should be a hard worker and that I should be the best at what I do. I look back and know that I have worked hard as promoter, restaurant and bar owner and mostly as a father and husband.
J: So, you have rearranged your priorities as you have gotten older?
R: Yeah, I had to. It is hard on my family at times.
J: If I was your fairy godmother and I granted you three wishes what would they be? Personal, musical, professional?
R: (Answering quickly and with a calm seriousness) 1. Peace in the world. 2. I wish that the poor would get what they need to be comfortable….the basic comforts of food, water and shelter. 3. I would like to see all of my old friends and family who have passed away just one more time. (I was staggered by his heartfelt responses)
J: What is your vision of what you would like to see in the future?
R: (With choked up hesitation in his voice) I will be remodeling. (I was originally going to ask who his interior decorator has been over the years.) I have been torn by what a blues club should be…dingy and weathered. I feel bad to change things. There are so many memories here…People like Johnny Copeland, Junior Wells, Susan Tedeschi. There have been so many memories and so many great performers. I do not know if the change will erase those memories. There are two schools of thought on the idea of change. There is a quaintness of the old roadhouse and the feeling that it gives you. Then there is the thought that a new era should make way for new ideas. Change (His voice drifted off). Wow. The support for music these days is not the greatest. I still get excited when Tinsley Ellis and Jimmy Thackery come to the club along with all of the others. It is great to meet as friends and talk about family and friends. We meet and spend time at the club. …and then they go on. We part ways until the next year. They are cool and they say I am cool and at the end of the day…we are friends. Well, my vision…I have more memories than what will be in the future. I am not saying that the best years are not ahead…I am just saying that from what I have learned. I have seen more performers in the past then I will see in the future.
J: I heard you sing after the blues festival. Why don’t you sing more?
R: You have to be in the mood to do your best. I wear many hats and am always on the run with all of the stuff that I do. (Laughing) I am afraid that some would say that I am a “show off” if I start singing at the club. Then again, performers are showoffs or they would not be on the stage. (Laughing) When no one is around, I lock the doors at the club and get up on stage. I play and sing for hours. It is very therapeutic.
J: If you were not at Moondog’s, where would you be or what would you be?
R: (Seriously) In the Coastguard! As a kid, I watched Sea Hunt with Lloyd Bridges. All of my transgressions of the past made it impossible for me to outgrow my poor judgment until my later years. (Laughing!!!)
R: Well, (sighing) people think that I am too busy and not paying attention and that my mind wanders. I have a lot on my mind. A psychiatrist friend of mine says that I am the poster boy for adult ADHD. I am always on the run with lots of things going on. I want people to know that I appreciate what the people have done over the years for the club, the bands and the customers. If someone has money in their pocket and can go anywhere, I appreciate when people choose to come to Moondog’s. I am here to make money, sure, that is true. However, without them (the customers and the bands) there is no music. My dream has been to bring the music to the people. During the concerts, I see people laughing and enjoying themselves. I personally enjoy seeing them forget how cruel and brittle life is for awhile. If I were a millionaire, I would just put on concerts. That is the “gift” that I was given…to make people happy through music. I am really looking for young bands and young people to keep the music alive. I know that they are out there and I am not going to give up looking for them.
J: Is there one thought that comes to mind when you think of twenty years in the business?
R: (Emotionally and quietly) I may not show it but I do appreciate all of the people that have come to Moondog’s over the past twenty years. I have actually sat at the sound board in the back of the room during a concert and have had tears in my eyes. I have been so blessed in life with all that has come my way. I think of people like Ron Yarosz, Zack Weisinger, Norm Nardini, Glen Pavone, and so many others here in Pittsburgh. They are the best. They are intense in what they do. I am proud to be affiliated with all of them. I also want to say that we are winding up the year with a lot of intrigue…good performers (Tinsley Ellis, Ana Popovich, Tommy Castro) and a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone.
“The Big Dog hunt” had concluded. I suddenly had a strong urge to “howl at the moon” in honor of all those blues musicians that had shared so much of their music and their lives with the blues fans in Western Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Ron Esser and his club, Moondog’s, for twenty years of blues. Keep the music coming. And…thank you, Ron, for all of the great memories. See you at Moondog’s…378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, PA 412-828-2040
~ Jonnye Weber
BLUES GO PINK
~ Don Vecchio
REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
It pays to be a Blues Society Member...
Your membership allows you a $2 discount at all blues shows at Moondog's and at the Thunderbird. Besides your newsletter, you will still receive your discount at all Blues Society sponsored shows and on merchandise.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE ‘BURGH?
BSWPA is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us to get tweets about what we are up to:
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/BSWPA
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsburgh-PA/Blues-Society-of-Western-Pennsylvania/156577773693
GUITAR RAFFLE
The artists that have signed are:
Anna Popovich Tommy Castro
Tinsley Ellis Studebaker John
Walter Trout Coco Montoya
Robert Cray Shannon Curfman
Jimmy Thackery Elvin Bishop
Kenny Wayne Shephard
Doing what he loves…Talking with Bill Wax, host of BB King’s Bluesville
The woman of the memorabilia museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi had just been sharing the hows and whys of her relocating to America with a load of music memories. In filed the Blues Foundation dignitaries, Jay and Joe, and several of their colleagues. Each introduced themselves to this very engaging woman. Last in line, “Hello, I am Bill Wax.” I stood there, feeling totally run over from their interrupting my interview. Quietly and pointedly, I quipped, “I am Jonnye and I am just a blues fan.” At that moment, Bill Wax spun around, gave me a very warm smile, grabbed my hand and shook it energetically. His rich, warm voice matched his generous smile. Immediately he said,” The fans are why we all are here. That is what it is all about. The fans and the music. We are all fans!” He then walked with me into the museum area. We shared a few moments sharing comments about the memorabilia, the music, the Blues Awards, Clarksdale, and Ground Zero. He may not have known it at the time, but I had just become a fan of Bill Wax. His warmth, his hospitality and the time that he took to talk with me…made a big difference. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Bill Wax is the host of BB King’s Bluesville radio. When I first heard about XM radio from the very knowledgeable blues fan, Evelyn, I was curious to listen and hear. I spend at least an hour on the road each way to each blues event. I soon found that Bill Wax and BB King’s Bluesville would be me my constant companions to and from events on the long, lonely highway.
Jonnye: Bill, I understand that you loved the blues from an early age while growing up in the Washington, D.C area. You listened on a transistor radio?
Bill: (Laughing) I put myself to sleep with a transistor radio hidden under my pillow. In the D.C. area, I was fortunate to listen to many great black musicians at the Howard Theater. I got the radio bug early. I started broadcasting in the 1970’s in Columbia, Missouri. I bounced around and did some R&B shows before doing all blues. (Emphatically) I am a fan foremost. I have been sharing my love for the blues on the radio waves ever since.
J: Did you ever think that you would be working with BB King, hosting his XM Bluesville?
B: Wow, (enthusiastically), I never dreamed that this is where I would be. It has been a tremendous opportunity to work with BB King. Everything else is gravy. (Laughing energetically) I get to do what I love most, working with the music and sharing the music.
J: Is there a performer or a show that stands out? Is there an interview that you have had on your show that you would like to share?
B: (Quietly and thoughtfully) I am glad to have the access to the performers. I have been lucky to talk with so many wonderful players and bands that I have to say they are all enjoyable.
J: How does the show, “You and Me with BB King” develop…interviews, the quips, and the stories?
B: I fly to Las Vegas each month. We work 5-6 hours a day over a two-day period.
J: Is there a particular interview or experience about the BB King and his show that you would like to share?
B: The single most recent event was when BB King and Buddy Guy sat down for two hours. They swapped stories. It was momentous.
J: Bill, I have to tell you that I love listening to Bluesville. It has been a learning experience. The diversity that you play allows me to hear some of the musicians who have influenced the musicians that I listen to. (Bluesville offers: “Rack of Blues” that features newest fifteen with no interruptions; “Today’s musicians and their inspirations;” “Juke Joint” where the motto is ‘you say it and we play it;’ “Front Porch” that features acoustic blues; and “Stone Blues” that is loud, rocking and in your face blues…not for the “faint hearted.”)
B: We play good blues, all types and styles. I liken it to taking an Arts History Course 101. We try to cover everything but cannot focus on any one thing. We have a wealth of music from the founders to contemporary. It is not just a history lesson but it is an introduction to the music.
J: Bill, is there something that you would like to tell our blues fans?
B: (Quite earnestly) Go out and see live music! Live music is the lifeblood of the blues. If Blues is going to survive, you have got to go out and see local and national acts in the clubs. I want to thank everyone for their support of blues music in any way that you can. I want to thank you, the blues societies and their members. It takes a lot of work. You, the fans, are the lifeblood of the music!
What is XM radio?
It is satellite driven radio that offers approximately 100 channels that have superior digital sound from coast to coast. Their offerings include entertainment airings for music, sports, talk shows, comedy, etc. Bluesville can be heard on channel 74 on XM Radio.
~ Jonnye Weber
CD REVIEW - Austin “Walkin Cane…Charanghat
It's always a pleasure listening to a new CD from an artist you know and like, but it's a real blast to come across something from someone whom you are not familiar, that simply blows you away. Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat blew me away! This CD oughta come with mason jar fulla corn liquor and a map of Mississippi. With Austin's booming voice, tough as nails lyrics, and the classic tone of his National Reso-phonic guitar, you feel like you're in a rocking chair on the back porch of some Mississippi shotgun shack, watching the sunset over the bayou, and swattin' at mosquitoes.
"High Rent Lemon Girl, Aren't Ya?" starts it off with what is the theme of much of the CD...death and the willingness to accept it. "If I die tomorrow, don't put me in no box in no ground / High rent lemon girl, give my ashes to her / She'll know what to do with them...spread 'em around the world, yessir..."
The title cut, "Murder of a Blues Singer", continues the theme with a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Walkin' Cane's extraordinary slide work on his National guitar, and talks of a jealous man poisoning Austin's glass of whiskey. I do not know if this song is based in fact or not...or if it is somehow a reference to Robert Johnson's demise...or if it is foretelling Austin's own fate...but the lyrics are astounding. "Didn't sell my soul at the crossroads, or pray on tombstones at midnight / I fell for a gin-soaked girl, with the moonlight in her eyes..."
"The Devil's Backbone" is a more upbeat tune, but again, the lyrics are stunning. "The Naches train.....the Devil's Backbone.....Hey now baby, it ain't paved with gold, it's stained with blood.....the Devil's Backbone"
Another rolling, upbeat tune is "Step It Up, and Go", which is one of the few songs on the CD that don't mention dying...but the lyrics make damn sure you know this cat's got the blues..."Rollin' like a freight train seven days a week, tired of tryin' to make ends meet / What I haven't got is already spent...my love is sinkin' like a shipwreck..."
In what is billed as a tribute to Robert Lockwood Jr., Austin does a great version of Robert Johnson's "Ramblin' on My Mind". One of only two songs on the CD that he did not write or co-write, Walkin' Cane does a great job of putting his own signature on this well-worn classic. "Georgia Moon" is another upbeat tune, and again showcases Austin' writing ability..."Well, I comb my head with a catfish back...yeah, I made my bones in a dynamite shack..." and this beauty: "I got a barrel fulla monkeys underneath my hood / squeeze me out a living outta wire and wood...” Nice little metaphor of guitar playing.
Getting back to the overriding theme of the CD, "Graveyard Town," gets knee-deep in the dark side with it's opening line: "Dust on the floor, and blood flowin' down the drain...” but does it in a fairly matter-of-fact way...like it is the only life that he has ever known. "Graveyard town knows nothin' but poison rain...” Very powerful lyrics. "Hold on the Night" swings a bit, like the boxcar Walkin' Cane is traveling in to get back to his woman. It talks about how he's beaten down at every turn, but "hold on baby, I'm comin' home tonight..."
What I think is the most powerful tune on the album is "Late Great Singer". Aside from using the term "Late" in reference to his death, yet again, I am just amazed at how this man strings words together to tell such an exquisite story. "Never gonna be, never gonna be, a late great singer / Never gonna fill, never gonna fill, Carnegie Hall / Never gonna be, never gonna be, the star that you picture...lightenin' up your bedroom wall." This is a powerful, powerful song. And in closing out the CD with the established theme, "See That My Grave is Kept Clean" leaves little doubt about the depth of the blues Austin is chronicling.
The lyrics on this CD are simply breathtaking...some of the best that I have ever heard. And the overall feel of the record is as genuine as it gets. In the liner notes, Austin tells of how the band got the songs a week before recording, rehearsed once, recorded live in the studio, and mixed in 3 days...in the old "Chess Records" tradition. It worked...this thing is a gem!
~ Jim Bartilson
CD REVIEW - TOMMY CASTRO - HARD BELIEVER
I was given (ok, maybe I grabbed it) the new Tommy Castro CD, Hard Believer
, to review. I love Tommy's music and have not found a CD of his that I do not like. This one seemed a bit different, but still very entertaining. It opens with "Definition of Insanity." This song is about something that most of us can relate to… Those relationships that we have that we should know will not work. You know there is no way that you should be together, but you just stay. The lyrics of the second song, " It Is What It Is," are just hilarious and features some fine guitar work by Tommy. Some of the lyrics include: 'I've been unconscious, I've been obnoxious, and I’ve been all kinds of things that are hard to spell. I've been a monster, without a sponsor.’ ??? Well, I like it! Tommy’s friend, Stephen Bruton, to whom this CD is dedicated, wrote the song. "Trimmin Fat" is a tune about the tough times most of us face, but Tommy puts some humor into it… 'They do your job in China for 10 bucks a day, you better come in and get your last week’s pay. I didn't lose my job, I know where it's at-everybody's trimmin 'fat.' "Hard Believer,” the title track, is a great tune that brings out the soul in Tommy. In fact, this CD features quite a bit of soul. Tommy does a cover of Wilson Pickett's '99 1/2" and does a great job on it. He also adds some nice rock like “Make it Back to Memphis."I'm not crazy about a couple covers on this CD but the originals are all very good.So, once again Tommy Castro has a CD that you must go buy. So go!
, to review. I love Tommy's music and have not found a CD of his that I do not like. This one seemed a bit different, but still very entertaining. It opens with "Definition of Insanity." This song is about something that most of us can relate to… Those relationships that we have that we should know will not work. You know there is no way that you should be together, but you just stay. The lyrics of the second song, " It Is What It Is," are just hilarious and features some fine guitar work by Tommy. Some of the lyrics include: 'I've been unconscious, I've been obnoxious, and I’ve been all kinds of things that are hard to spell. I've been a monster, without a sponsor.’ ??? Well, I like it! Tommy’s friend, Stephen Bruton, to whom this CD is dedicated, wrote the song. "Trimmin Fat" is a tune about the tough times most of us face, but Tommy puts some humor into it… 'They do your job in China for 10 bucks a day, you better come in and get your last week’s pay. I didn't lose my job, I know where it's at-everybody's trimmin 'fat.' "Hard Believer,” the title track, is a great tune that brings out the soul in Tommy. In fact, this CD features quite a bit of soul. Tommy does a cover of Wilson Pickett's '99 1/2" and does a great job on it. He also adds some nice rock like “Make it Back to Memphis."I'm not crazy about a couple covers on this CD but the originals are all very good.So, once again Tommy Castro has a CD that you must go buy. So go! ~Don Vecchio
DANTE'S RESTAURANT and LOUNGE
4131 Brownsville Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15227
412-884-4001
9:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Oct. 24 - Jimmy Adler "Blues Night Out"
Oct. 31 - AC & the Resistors
Nov. 7 - Three Hour Tour
Dec. 5 - Jimmy Adler
Dec. 12 - Angel Blues & the Prophets Band
THOUGHT TO PONDER
“Music …it is a common thread that people understand. Music is our salvation worldwide.”
~ Dale McMillen, a new member from Texas
Chicago Receives Historic Blues Music Marker
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EVERY FRIDAY - The West End Project
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EVERY SUNDAY—Dying Breed with Warren King
CD REVIEW - Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials - Full Tilt
ain't exactly the most polished musician out there.....his vocals are gruff and at times strained, his recordings sometimes sound like they've never heard of a second take, and, off the top of my head, I could probably come up with a half dozen other slide guitarists that are technically superior. But this cat oozes blues.....he bleeds blues.....he breathes blues. He's a blues master, a giant in a diminutive frame.....and a house party waiting to happen, complete with fez hat and red Converse high tops. Goofy as hell, but the quintessential Chicago blues man..... "Full Tilt"
delivers as advertised.....all stops are pulled, and you better buckle up or find a dance floor. Fittingly, Lil' Ed records with Alligator Records.....arguably the finest record label on the planet.The CD starts out rockin' with "Hold That Train", a fast paced tune where the rhythm section (James "Pookie" Young/bass...Kelly Littleton/drums) produces a swaying beat that makes you feel like you're on a party train flyin' down some forgotten back country track that's just barely keeping the train on the rails. Like most Lil' Ed tunes, it puts a smile on your face. You can find out for yourself on his MySpace page:http://www.myspace.com/liledblues"Housekeeping Job" and "Don't Call Me" are the next two tunes, and you start to detect a pattern.....even though he's singing about stone cold blues, he's havin' one hell of a time doin' it. "Check My Baby's Oil" is a classic example of not-so-subtle double entendre that's a staple in so many great blues tunes.....'nuff said.....ahem. Great tune..... Next up is a perfect cover of "First I Look at the Purse". Think J. Geils Band with a slide guitar..... Mike Garrett, backing guitar in the band, does a fine solo on "Love Don't Live Here Anymore", as well as great support on the rest of the CD. Things finally slow down on "Life Got in the Way", a very poignant, introspective look at why a relationship fell apart. I gotta say this is my favorite on the CD. The man's dyin' inside, and yet has the character to see things for what they are. "Yeah, life got in the way, boy...it was her life, or my life...who can say". "Candy Girl" gets back into Lil' Ed's comfort zone.....house party mode, then "Woman Take a Bow" slides into a fine R&B groove. "My Baby Moves Me" again features Mike Garrett, and showcases the stellar rhythm section.....the backbone of any great band. "Dyin' to Live" is a sweet side track from the mostly rowdy tone of "Full Tilt". Something most of us can relate to....."I had to start dyin' before I learnt how to live".....Things get back to a finger poppin' level with "Open Invitation", then gear back down to a great bluesy slow shuffle called "Every Man Needs a Good Woman" (ain't that the truth...) written by the bass player, "Pookie" Young. I liked this a lot..... The CD closes out with "Take 5", the old Hound Dog Taylor number, to which Lil' Ed added a few of his own lyrics. Perfect closing song to this CD, or to any Lil' Ed live show, for that matter. This tune don't pull no punches.....Speaking of lyrics, aside from 3 songs out of 14, Lil' Ed wrote original lyrics, either alone, or with his wife Pam. And did a damn fine job.I was lucky enough to see Lil' Ed last year at the Heritage Blues Fest in Wheeling, and I can say from personal experience that he and his band are the real deal. And it wasn't only on the festival stage. He showed up at the after-fest gig at the McClure hotel, and tore the joint up. Like I said, he's a house party waiting to happen. "Full Tilt" is a perfect name for this CD.....and a great way to describe Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials..... ~ James Bartilson
4th ANNUAL BYE WEEK BLUES (no game!)
>> More Info
~ Featuring some of Western Pennsylvania’s Best Blues Bands ~
12:00pm – Billy the Kid and the Regulators
1:00pm – Mahajibee Blues
2:20pm – Felix and the Hurricanes (from Altoona) IBC Winners
4:00pm – Sweaty Betty Blues Band
5:15pm – Bubs McKeg and Doc Blue IBC Winners
6:30pm – The Eldorado Kings featuring Johnny Rooster
Proceeds Benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
Doors open at 12:00 noon - Come on out to d’vine wine bar and enjoy an afternoon of great live music
Door Prizes, 50/50 drawings, Chinese auction
Moondog's (attention location changed from D'Vine to Moondog's)
378 Freeport Rd
Blawnox, PA 15238-3440
(412) 828-2040
$10 donation and please donate non-perishable food items
http://www.sweatybettybluesband.com/
http://www.dvinewinepa.com/
http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/
>> DOWNLOAD FLYER <<
CD REVIEW - Kenny Tsak - “Like I Do”
Joe Beard Productions
” is a classic showcase of classic blues guitar riffs and themes perfect for a night out with the gang or relaxing at home. Kenny Tsakanikis, actually his real name, has a classic blues voice that brings to mind visions of a smoky roadside blues bar. His style is easy to swallow and simple and he does not deviate from the standard guitar riffs. His use of Vintage Fender Stratocasters, Vintage Gibson Firebirds, Vintage Fender Bassman and Vintage Analog effects makes the music perfect for live performances.Highlights of the album include “Like I Do”, the album title track and “Stoop Down Baby”, a duet with Joey Gilmore. In fact, Kenny considers Joey a major influence on his music and is very close to him. In a MySpace interview, Kenny states:“…last year 56 Deluxe Productions produced and recorded Joey Gilmore's Bluesman CD at JBP studios in Wilton Manors we both used the same engineer "Joe Beard Jr.".....its one of those all in the family things.....Joey and I are managed by the same company …we do many shows together..... he plays on one track with me on the "Like I Do" CD track #6 ..a Chick Willis tune... I call Joey My Blues Father....we are close friends...”
My personal favorite…”12 Step Boogie” is a humorous track about Alcoholics Anonymous through the eyes of a frustrated drunk as he states: “Now that we got sober…All the fun is over!” This is the debut release from Kenny Tsak and 56 Deluxe and was listed as number 39 in the top new releases from “Real Blues” Magazine. It is sure a rocker and a must for any blues lover’s record collection!
~Joanne Mule
CD REVIEW - Charlie Musselwhite Band - ROUGH DRIED (LIVE at the triple door)
“For me, it’s about the feeling, and connecting with people. Me and my band play real blues, loaded with feeling. And it ain’t about technique either, it’s about truth, connecting to the truth and communicating with people. I call this ‘music from the heart’.” ~ Charlie Veteran performer, Charlie Musselwhite, was last at the Rex Theater in the early spring of 2009. His crisp shirt, combed back hair and lean stature belied the friendliness that this man oozes. His smile mesmerizes and his low profile demeanor welcomes you to a performance that is easy and natural but packed solid with great harp playing. The combination of his smooth, resounding music and his smooth, bluesy voice definitely leaves an impact. Just when one would expect that the “smoothness” would soon become boring or tiresome, Charlie revs up the crowd for a grooving good time. After each show, Charlie welcomes everyone over to say hello. …Even if you did not buy a CD or shirt, he takes the time to speak with each and every one of the fans in line. You walked away knowing that you had just spoken with a man that truly loved the music and loved sharing it. After seeing the live, stage performance, Charlie’s live album does not disappoint. You feel like you are right back there in the audience…listening to his quips and hearing why he wrote some of the songs.
Right out of the starting gate on the first cut of “Rough Dried,” it is a smooth, rocking harp song that draws the listener in and makes you want more. Charlie does not throw tunes at you but shares them with power, pleasure and a comfortable zing. “River Hip Mama” shows his driven harp interludes. “Long, Lean, Lanky Mama” was a fun, upbeat satire on life. “Wild Woman” was a slow, smoking “blues burner.” Movin’ and Groovin,’ a swing song, highlighted his ability to produce “trumpet like sounds” on his harp. He sang about long, tall, lean, spirited women. His title cut, “Rough Dried Woman” talked about a woman who left everything half done. There was definitely a lot of livin’ behind those songs.
My favorite selection on the CD was an upbeat, bluesy Latin song, “Feel It In Your Heart.” This selection was based on a type of North Brazilian music known as Farhall. Charlie explained that it was a fun type of music that the Brazilians sing in the streets, on the corners, and at flea markets. The younger Brazilian Blues men have started to “mix” Farhall up with blues. With a chuckle, Charlie lamented that when the Portuguese translated their “mix” of music that it simply meant, “My baby left me.” He then added, “No, ...Blues is world wide.” (I replayed that song several times. I moved the furniture, started to salsa and wore myself out. Actually, I thought of booking a flight to Brazil.) Some of the words of Charlie’s Farhall song were: ‘Feel it in your heart’… ‘They can jump to it in the streets and rock the dance halls’… ‘Music is meant for all, music can bring you together’… ‘Farhall is played from the heart and is to put a smile on your face.’ This was certainly unexpected listening treat.
(An after thought-Charlie, you are too focused on all of those long, lean, lanky and ‘leavin’ ya’ women. No wonder you sing the blues. There are a lot of short legged, stubby women out there that can be just as cantankerous and challenging.) Seriously, it is a fun CD and very enjoyable from the beginning until the end.
~Jonnye Weber
CD REVIEW - Joe Price - Rain or Shine
,” is a delightful little journey back to blues that you do not hear much anymore. Featured prominently - in six out of the ten cuts- is his National ResoRocket guitar. For the most part, it is just Joe and his guitar. He grabbed me right out of the starting gate with “Hornet’s Nest”. I thought I was listening to somebody from the 1964 Newport Folk Festival. It is then on to some serious slide on “Joe’s Guitar Stomp.” Hounddog Taylor would be proud. Joe sings on five of the songs. Although he does not have a great voice, he sings with such passion and conviction that it serves this music very well. His wife, Vicki, sings on one cut and backs him on three with her own Nationals. Other standouts for me were: “Nellie Bell,” the name he gave his guitar, “Blues on 12,” played on a ‘58 Stella 12 string, “Beer Tent Boogie Woogie,” and “Rock Slide,” where he is backed with trumpet and drums.For me this was some real deal blues. It is a style of blues that seems to be a dying art. Mississippi Fred McDowell would feel right at home listening to this. So would Hounddog Taylor. Slide aficionados will find lots to like here. ~Tuck Majeron
BLUES NIGHT OUT with JIMMY ADLER BAND
Dante's
4131 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
412-884-3306
Meeting at 8:00pm
Blues Night out at 9:00 with Jimmy Adler 9:30pm
Admission includes one drink ticket. Members who show their membership card will receive an extra drink ticket.
Come out support live music and hear what the Blues Society has in the works.
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VILLAGE TAVERN
1620 Pennsylvania Avenue
West Mifflin, PA 15122
412-466-1331
BLUES NIGHT OUT - BLUES THURSDAYS JAM
Thursday October 29
BLUES NIGHT OUT
THURSDAY JAM @ with JIMMY ADLER
Moondog’s
378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, PA
This monthly venture will be hosted by Jim Hamel, the BSWPA and Moondog. Jimmy Adler will be our guest performer in October. Come out and join the jam. Come out and join the fun.
Need more information: 724-378-8926
TRIVIA
TRIVIA #1
Did you know…
When first starting out in music, Lester William Polfuss billed himself as Red Hot Red or Rhubarb Red. While searching for a particular sound, he created the first solid-body electric guitar in an era when hollow-body guitars were the norm. His invention paved the way for modern rock ‘n roll and became the standard instrument for legends like Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend. What was the name that we knew him by?
TRIVIA #2
Muddy waters lifted on of his most famous songs from the repertoire of soul singer Ann Cole, who recorded it in early 1957 on the tiny Baton label in New York. Name that tune.
a. "Got My Mojo Working"
b. "Hoochie Coochie Man"
c. "I Just Want to Make Love to You"
d. "Rolling Stone"
e. "I Can't Be Satisfied
FIND THE ANSWERS HERE
Did you know…
When first starting out in music, Lester William Polfuss billed himself as Red Hot Red or Rhubarb Red. While searching for a particular sound, he created the first solid-body electric guitar in an era when hollow-body guitars were the norm. His invention paved the way for modern rock ‘n roll and became the standard instrument for legends like Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend. What was the name that we knew him by?
TRIVIA #2
Muddy waters lifted on of his most famous songs from the repertoire of soul singer Ann Cole, who recorded it in early 1957 on the tiny Baton label in New York. Name that tune.
a. "Got My Mojo Working"
b. "Hoochie Coochie Man"
c. "I Just Want to Make Love to You"
d. "Rolling Stone"
e. "I Can't Be Satisfied
FIND THE ANSWERS HERE
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Maria Kovacs
729 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15229
412-367-5830
Portfolio: www.webpooldesigns.com
Webmaster and graphic designer Blues Society of Western PA
REMINDER
REMINDER
MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND BLUES NIGHT OUT
Saturday, October 24 8:00 pm
DANTE’S
4131 Brownsville Road - Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3307
412-884-3306
Membership Meeting at 8:00pm
Blues Night out at 9:00 with Jimmy Adler 9:30pm
Admission includes two drink tickets.
Members who show their membership card will receive an extra drink ticket
MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND BLUES NIGHT OUT
Saturday, October 24 8:00 pm
DANTE’S
4131 Brownsville Road - Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3307
412-884-3306
Membership Meeting at 8:00pm
Blues Night out at 9:00 with Jimmy Adler 9:30pm
Admission includes two drink tickets.
Members who show their membership card will receive an extra drink ticket
TRIVIA ANSWERS
Answer to Trivia #1
Correct Answer: Les Paul…Recently deceased, his name was iconic and is known by aspiring guitar players worldwide. The Les Paul guitar has been the cornerstone of a lot of great music that has been made in the last fifty years. Les Paul experimented with guitar amplification for years before designing “The Log” in 1941. This creation was a 4-by-4 piece of wood strung with steel strings. Electric guitars became popular in the 1940’s. Paul later added wings to his guitar to give it the traditional guitar shape. Leo Fender’s Broadcaster was the first mass-produced solid body electric guitar on the market in the 1940’s. Gibson solicited Paul to create a prototype for a guitar. Production of the Les Paul guitar began in 1952. The Les Paul series became one of the most widely used guitars in the music industry. In 2005, Christie’s auction house sold a 1955 Gibson Les Paul for $45,000.
Les Paul also developed technology that would become the hallmark of rock and pop recordings, from multitrack recordings that allowed for layers and layers of “overdubs” to guitar reverb and various other sound effects. The Gibson Guitar Company mass-produced Paul’s original invention. Gibson ‘s CEO, Henry Juskiewiez stated, “He was truly the cornerstone of popular music. He was a futurist, and unlike some futurists who write about it and predict things, he was the guy who actually did things.”
Les Paul also developed technology that would become the hallmark of rock and pop recordings, from multitrack recordings that allowed for layers and layers of “overdubs” to guitar reverb and various other sound effects. The Gibson Guitar Company mass-produced Paul’s original invention. Gibson ‘s CEO, Henry Juskiewiez stated, “He was truly the cornerstone of popular music. He was a futurist, and unlike some futurists who write about it and predict things, he was the guy who actually did things.”
~excerpts from an article by Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP Music Writer
Answer to Trivia #2
Correct answer: a.) In the late 1956 Muddy'y band backed singer Ann Cole, who was part of the bill on a tour of the South. He was especially taken with one song she did (properly credited to Preston Foster) called "Go My Mojo Working (But It Just Won't Work on You)" and rushed to record it upon his return to Chicago. Cole, backed by the Suburbans, also cut a version that came out just ahead of the Waters hit. Obviously it was Muddy's take that would win out in the musical marketplace; "Mojo" went on to become his signature tune. At the time Cole was considered an up-and-coming R&B vocalist: she went on to make numerous recordings. Her only number to dent the pop charts came with "Don't Stop the Wedding," a 1962 answer song to Etta James' "Stop the Wedding."
`Cary Wofson
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