Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

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BLUES SOCIETY
P. O. BOX 97978
PITTSBURGH, PA 15227

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On the weekend of July 25th to the 27th, Hartwood Acres will host this year’s edition of the Pittsburgh Blues Fest. The headliners this year feature the Blue’s Foundation’s “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” award winners for the last two years. Tab Benoit, the 2007 winner, headlines “Mardi Gras” night. That should be fun for everyone. Sunday’s headliner is this year’s B.B. King award winner, Tommy Castro who will put on a great, upbeat show. You can read the interviews with Tommy Castro and Tab Benoit in this issue. Saturday night’s headliner is a blues legend, Taj Mahal. Taj has been singing the blues for forty years and still draws the crowds. He is an accomplished pianist and also plays several other instruments.

For those who attended the IBCs the last two years, you will see some favorites: last year’s runner-up, “Blue Lunch” and this year’s winner, “Nothin’ But Trouble.” Also, many other bands like “Southern Culture on the Skids” and Ian Nevilles’ “Dumpstaphunk” will be playing. The one band that I personally want to see for the first time is “The Joanna Connor Band.” Some other acts are soon to be announced. Hope to see you all there! Make sure you stop and see us at the Blue Society of Western PA booth.

With a nod of the head, a blink of the eye, and having clicked my satin high-heeled shoes together, I found myself landing at the 2008 Blues Awards in Tunica, Mississippi. When the smoke from our landing cleared, we found ourselves dressed to kill in our evening finery. (Frankly, we frightened each other-we did not even recognize ourselves!) I felt like a Bond girl, dressed in a satin, sapphire dress and armed with my trusty tools of the trade: pen, notebook, camera and lipstick. My trusted leader, Jim, helped me to plow through the crowd that had swelled to massive proportions. This would be the first time in their twenty-nine year history that the Blues Foundation would present the Blues Music Awards in the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the Blues. The masses were filing in from all parts of the country and from overseas. The air was filled with excitement. We managed to make our way to the cocktail area that was on the runway to the Grand Casino. Trampled Under Feet, the winners of the 2008 Blues Challenge, were playing. The cocktails were flowing and the horderves were being passed Butler style. Val Scott, the lovely photographer from Pittsburgh, was looking for those “specials” shots and was working the room with her usual finesse. We mingled with E.G. Kight, KoKo Taylor, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and again, Hubert Sumlin. On a humorous note, an older gentleman asked Kenny Wayne if he was John Wayne. He quietly replied, “No, I am that other Wayne.” Where else could a person approach a performer and actually talk with them other than a blues event.

When the doors to the massive hall finally opened, everyone scurried in to their assigned tables. We were positioned center stage and close enough to see everything. Large screens were positioned on each side of the stage for easier viewing for the encamped masses. A performer was already on stage playing as the blues fans readied themselves for the very long night ahead. The following are only some of the highlights of a spectacular evening:

Bobby Rush, winner of the Acoustic Blues Artist of the Year, took to the stage clad in overalls. He started the festive night with selections from his acoustic CD, “Raw.” Duke Robillard followed and was a crowd favorite. An acoustic blues/gospel set was offered by Ruthie Foster and was very well received. There was resounding applause when she said, ‘that she walked the middle ground between a blues-singing father and a gospel-singing mother…and ‘had not been struck by lightening…yet.’ At one point Ruthie put down her guitar and sang without accompaniment, “...don’t mind people grinning in your face.” The performers, fans and waiters stopped and clapped with her. The crowd gave a standing ovation for Foster’s soulful and moving rendition. The “great” Dorothy Moore joined the evening. Ms. Moore unveiled a Mississippi marker depicting a point on the newly designated Mississippi Blues Trail. (I was on a local tour with Ms. Moore and she was truly an inspirational and exuberant person).

The crowd was very attentive. They were all together for one purpose…The Blues. Looking great in a suit and tie, Dusty Scott the male photographer from Pittsburgh, scurried around the room with the other photographers to capture all the artists. At times I thought that he was a contortionist in search of that “money” shot. Having been awarded the “Soul Album Award,” The Holmes Brothers soon followed with a rolling blues beat that got the crowd moving into a groove. Stroger was named “Bass Guitarist of the Year.” KoKo Taylor’s album, “Old School,” won “Album of the Year.” Her song, “Gotta Buy Me a Mule,” was then chosen Song of the Year. Koko responded when called back a second time, “I’m not tired of saying thank you. I am gonna go on writin’.” “New Artist of the Year” went to Texan, Diunna Greenleaf and the Blue Mercy. The robust, female artist burst onto the scene with a big rocking voice and sounded like a young KoKo Taylor. She sang “Little Red Rooster” and frenzied the crowd. The crowd was howling, barking, and singing with her rendition of “Rooster on the Prowl.” Bob Stroger and Willie Big Eyed Smith accompanied. She then thanked God and her fans for the award.

Tommy Castro and Deanna Bogart took center stage and livened up the “party.” Theresa James joined the Castro-Bogart team. (She sounded like Annie Sutton and was good but she did not have the extra punch that Annie packs.) James took the keyboards and Deanna fell in with the guys in the horn section. They definitely rocked the house. The energy and the showmanship were unbeatable. Whew! It reminded me of that sizzling Castro show that stormed Pittsburgh last January. Tommy was named the “B. B. King Entertainer of the Year” and also took home the coveted, “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year” for Painkiller. Castro stated “he just played a part in it (the band and the album) and that it has always been group effort.” This was exciting stuff! I have to add that the BSWPA’s 2008 Blues Challenge was a close second for excitement and good music. Wow! …And more music was to come.

Hubert Sumlin, “Traditional Male Blues Artist of the Year,” soon took the stage. When asked about his award, his reply was, “Good things come to those who wait.” Film clips of “10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads” were then shown. Kenny Wayne Sheppard was awarded the “Blues DVD of the Year” for his efforts as a producer. His acceptance included stories about the making of that riveting, authentic representation of the blues. Shepherd humbly and quietly thanked God for the ‘privilege to be a part of it.’ Tab Benoit was then given the “Contemporary Male Blues Artist of the Year Award.” His comments were about his efforts for the Katrina revitalization in New Orleans. Benoit stated that the award was hard to accept when his goals back in Louisiana have yet to be realized. Concerning the victims of Katrina, Benoit added, “It is up to us for change and to dump our image, not our goals.” Before leaving the stage, he added that he is politically committed to…“Speak up and do what we need to do before spreading it (the help and assistance) around the world.” Bob Margolin was very touching when accepting his award, “Guitarist of the Year.” He immediately “awarded” it to his wife. He said that she had always believed in him even when he doubted himself. He also claimed that he has learned patience from her. “Breakin’ It UP. Breakin’ it DOWN,” featuring Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter and James Cotton won “Historical Album of the Year.” Fruitland Jackson gave a stellar performance and then heartily proclaimed, “Thank God I’ve got the Blues!”

While roaming between acts, I spoke with Omar of Omar and the Howlers and told him that I was anxious to hear him. We spotted Barbara Blue. She said that she was hiding out in the back of the room and just enjoying the show. Rich DelGrosso, the mandolin playing Texan, was one of players waiting in the wings for a chance to go stage.
The “hands down, over the top” show for the night was…Nappy Brown. What a performance! He lay down on his back, kicked his long skinny legs into the air with the long, dark silk socks and patent shoes showing while he sang and sang. The photographers were fighting each other to get in to get a close up of the rambunctious Nappy Brown. He then went down into audience and managed to serenade and serenade and serenade the same song. It was certainly a scene-stealer. He managed to stretch one song into over thirty minutes. Laurie Bell and Sugar Blue then took to the stage and were joined by Nick Moss and the Flip Tops. The energy was a shot in the arm and everyone was grooving again.

Gaye Adegbalola, a long-time member of the group, Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women, proved to be a very dramatic and stylish blues diva. She had waited many hours to present “The Album of the Year Award.” (We had the privilege of her sitting behind us that evening and of course, I did eaves drop…I could not help myself.) Watermelon Slim, who took out time in the afternoon to hit the greens, was the undisputed winner of the coveted, “Album of the Year Award.” His words included, “By golly” and “I love you all. Blues is a culture without borders.” He added that he was sending out a big thank you to the transportation drivers and that that was “a big 42!” The crowd roared its approval as he accepted his award. He later was setting up for his performance when it was announced that he had won “Blues Band of the Year.” It was amusing because he was so intent on getting set up that he did not hear his name called. He just kept on “doing his thing,” working quickly to get tuned and ready. He finally “broke out of the zone” and went over to collect his award. He sheepishly stated, “This is something else! I won’t say anything else. I will just play and let you know how I feel.” Wow! …and did he play! The crowd was up on their feet and moving with the music.

It was now going on 1:45 in the morning. We were starved, tired, and those darn spandex undergarments were killing me…but thankfully the shoes felt fine. We headed off. I understand that the show went on until almost 3:15 a.m. Whew, what a long night! I am sorry to say that Omar waited until after I left to play his set with Jimmy Vaughn. Sorry, Omar, I waited all night.

Folks, that is the way it was at the 2008 Blues Awards. Much more went on but I only presented a few of the highlights. Try and make the next one. It really is a good time.

-Jonnye Weber

I interviewed Tab Benoit and it took a totally different direction than any other that I had done. I am not saying that that is a bad thing, but his tale of the people and the land of Louisiana captivated me. He came on strong and I admire his conviction. I phoned Tab and the conversation went like this:

Tab Benoit: Hello?
Don Vecchio: Hi, Tab. This is Don from the Blues Society of Western PA located in Pittsburgh and I wanted to talk for a few minutes if I may.

TB: Sure, how are you, Don?
DV: Fine, thanks. I want first to congratulate you on winning the Blues Foundation award for “Contemporary Male Art of the Year” for the second year in a row! That’s incredible!

TB: Well, thanks. It was a great honor.

DV: Tab, you have a different style to your music, blues with a Cajun influence. Is there any one person who influenced you most?
TB: Well, (pauses), not really. It was just so many different people in so many ways. As far as my career, it was people like Raful Neal and Tabby Thomas who told me, “Do what’s in my heart.” …when I was playing Baton Rouge at a young age. “Don’t try to be something you’re not.” I listened and hoped it would work for me. After that, it’s just.. “jump off the cliff and hope the parachute opens.” (Laughs)
DV: (Laughing) I like that.
TB: Well, it was scary at first wondering if it would work.

DV: Tab, I know that you are deeply involved with trying to stop the erosion of the Louisiana coast as President of VOW, (Voice of the Wetlands). I think that I read where an area the size of a football field gets swallowed into the
ocean every hour.
TB: That’s every half hour.
DV: Wow, that is awful. What is the reason and can anything be done to reverse it?
TB: It is a man-made problem. The levees set up by the Army Corps of Engineers is stopping the natural flow of the Mississippi River. The river’s natural flow helps build land. With the levees in place, the Mississippi can no longer hold back the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf continues to eat up land at a staggering rate. The sad part is that they knew it was a bad idea years ago…back in the late 30’s. They continued building the levees anyway, finishing in the 60’s. Not far away is an example of how it should be. The Atchafalaya River has lush land that is formed by by its natural path. This is how it should be.
DV: Why did they continue?
TB: Who knows. From what I have seen, it is just the way the Corps goes. They work on a project ‘til it is done then Moves on to a new job and they don’t look back. No follow up.

DV: That is a shame. I had no idea.
TB: They do not want you to. You know I love my country, but sometimes we need to look out for ourselves first. The Tax money would be better served here where our people need it than overseas.
DV: You mean like rebuilding New Orleans and helping families who lost their homes.
TB: Oh! You know that three years after Katrina and there are 35,000 families, FAMILIES, not people, still in FEMA trailers. These trailers were made to house people for no more than sixty days. I did a concert in Elkhart, Indiana, where the trailers were made and the people were horrified that people were still living in them. They were treated with formaldehyde so that they would hold up for a few months and then be destroyed. People are breathing in those fumes now. Houston took in 400,000 people alone! 400,000! Many stayed but if you go by their homes it looks like Katrina just went through…and it is three years after the storm. Red tape and lack of money keep anyone from doing anything. If you want to rebuild, you go on a list of a million and wait for an Ok. It is not just the poor who suffered here either. After Hurricane Andrew went through, insurance companies dropped flood insurance for the area. FEMA took over the insurance, which was good at the time. Because of all the claims, they, they were giving a max of $200,000 a home. Not only that, but the way they do it is, “you pay for it and we’ll reimburse you.” People with $500,000 homes had to still pay on a home that they couldn’t live in but would only get $200,000 to rebuild. Rebuilding a $500,000 home may cost them a million today. So, they would have to make payments and pay to rebuild at the same time-hoping to get only some money back later.

DV: That is awful. I suppose most of them moved to wherever they could.
TB: Oh, yes, they rebuilt the tourist area and that is good for the economy here. However, only a few blocks away it is still unlivable.
DV: You seem to be very involved.
TB: I never got into politics ‘til after Katrina. There are things that can help. There was a river management bill that Bush vetoed. Congress then overturned it! That was a victory for us. I think I have at least a few allies. This woman used to come to the concerts and was on the dance floor. A few years ago, she came up to me and said, “I elected governor of Kansas.” She is Kathleen Sebelius. She is also on the short list of VP candidates for Obama.

DV: Do you have any message for Pittsburgh blues fans?
TB: When you vacation, go to New Orleans! Its tourist district is as good as ever. Take some time to drive a few blocks away though and see what people are going through. When you get back, write to your congressman and ask for help for the area. If you want a democracy, you have to get involved.

DV: Thank you.

–Don Vecchio

The Divas of Pittsburgh will return on October 12
to Cefalo’s in Carnegie for an outstanding, power
packed evening of blues! The Blues Society is
proud to announce that we are combining efforts
with The Susan Koman Foundation For Breast
Cancer Research. Our combined efforts
will benefit their very worthy cause during
Breast Cancer Awareness month (October).
More information will soon follow! Save that date!!!

Tab’s new live CD, “Night Train to Nashville” starts out with the tune, “Night Train,” which is myfavorite tune on the CD. It has a hard-driving beat and kicks off the best CD that I have heard from Tab. This CD is more bluesy than most of his, which is a mix of Cajun music and blues. Some call his music “swamp blues.” The next tune is “Solid Simple Things.” It is a bit slower but a good tune and good lyrics for a bluesy love song. A few other songs are favorites of mine from Tab: “Fever for the Bayou” and maybe my co-favorite, “Muddy Bottom Blues.” Then there is a song that I remember from back in the 70’s, (yes, I can remember that far back), “New Orleans Ladies.” A band called, “Louisiana’s LeRoux”, originally recorded the song. So why is this track on here? Tab’s backup band is “Louisiana’s LeRoux” and they sound good together. Together, they bring New Orleans style, culture music and a message, “Don’t forget New Orleans.” Grab this CD. This is one CD that I cannot skip a song on. One thing I always look for in a CD is versatility. Who wants to hear ten tunes that all sound about the same. Tab covers all the bases…Slow, bluesy tunes, love tunes, old pop redone, and (my favorite) hard-driving blues songs.

As I rode the shuttle from the hotel to the Grand Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, I was ninety percent sure that the elderly gentleman sitting across from me was Hubert Sumlin. I was sitting there trying to figure out how to confirm his identity without embarrassing myself. When our eyes finally met, I said, “Excuse me, but you look just like the guy whose picture is on the wall at Moondog’s.” He smiled broadly and said, “Moondog’s, I love that place!” This was his big night and he was on an emotional high. He was to be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame that evening and that was definitely what he wanted to talk about. As we parted ways, he said, “I’ll see you tonight.” I apologized and replied that we did not have tickets. He then asked for something with my name on it so that he could arrange for tickets. (I gave him my membership card. I was traveling with the membership secretary, Jonnye, and was pretty sure that I could replace it.)

That evening as we stepped onto the shuttle that would take us to the Tunica Queen, I was asked for the tickets for the event. After presenting our tickets and being asked how we had gotten them, the man in the first seat of the bus said in awe, “Wow, you are friends with Hubert Sumlin!” -Jim Weber

That began an evening of awe for us. We stepped on board of the Tunica Queen as guests of Hubert Sumlin. We had just arrived at the cocktail party. This was to precede the main event of the evening, The 2008 Blues Hall of Fame Awards. We were first impressed with the majestic beauty and magnitude of the Mississippi River. Its power and mystery was the subject of so many songs that have been written…and for good reason. We then turned our attention to the matter at hand. We were both impressed and overwhelmed at sharing cocktails, sampling horderves, and mingling with what was deemed as the upper echelon of the Blues world. Some of the blues greats that we spotted and rubbed elbows with were: Fionna Boyes, the Flip Tops, Janiva Magness, Lou Ann Barton, Peetie Wheatstraw, Nappy Brown and Norma Jean Brusso. Bruce Iglar from Alligator Records appeared. Bill Wax from FM Satellite Radio was also spotted. We observed and we listened. We traded stories about Guitar Shorty with Shorty’s former drummer and his lovely, blues promoter wife. Willie from the Flip Tops was very gracious as we traded stories about festivals and events. It was amazing to see and hear how much these people contributed to the blues scene. We talked with one, very down to earth Atlanta executive and his wife who chose to travel exclusively in a large camper to various blues events. The long drive helped him to unwind from the perils of the business world. It was exciting. The boat finally steamed into the dock. Everyone strolled into the Meeting Center at the Tunica River Park complex. We followed the crowd into the elegantly set room for dinner. We then decided that we were intruding on this glamorous grouping of people. Before leaving, I chose to tour the museum that was attached to the meeting center. As I was browsing the displays, I found myself shoulder to shoulder with Kenny Wayne Sheppard. We talked about his various times in Pittsburgh. We also talked about my favorite, budding musician, Paul Markgraf, a.k.a. Johnny Five. Mr. Sheppard proved to be a very attentive and soft-spoken young man. Jim and I quietly slipped out into the evening air and let the “heavy hitters” of the blues world get on with what seemed to be a very private and special event. We said our goodbyes to Hubert Sumlin and thanked him for his invitation. We knew that he would receive his well –deserved and hard-earned award with or without us. Exit stage right.

- Jonnye Weber

This compilation features selections from many of our outstanding blues artists in the Western Pennsylvania area. Each featured band has generously donated a song to the lineup.

Talking with Jim Weber - President

Kelly: How did you get interested in the Blues?
Jim: I may have liked the Blues but did not know that I was listening to Blues. I started listening to the British Blues in the 60’s. I heard all of those people talk about whom they emulate. They got me interested into looking into their heroes: Muddy Waters, Albert King, and Robert Johnson.

Kelly: What type of blues are you interested in?
Jim: I am an enormous fan of blues guitar. I think that some of the best guitarists in the world are the blues players. I still like Classic Rock players that are influenced by the blues, especially Roy Buchanan.

Kelly: There are efforts to keep the blues alive. Why do you think that it needs help?
Jim: Music is so diverse. Young people do not like to check out other styles than what they are used to….and it is hurting the blues.

Kelly: How can the blues scene improve?
Jim: The Blues need someone to become popular and to draw people in ..like a megastar. Since I have been following The Blues there have been at least a half a dozen claims for Blues revivals. None took and were short lived.

Kelly: Why does Europe accept the blues?
Jim: As Studebaker John said, the Europeans do not like country and that is an entire segment that is open to the blues they are able to tolerate a new music form and able to appreciate the blues. This country has many country fans who are diehard country fans who will not readily accept other forms of music. It is just the way it is.

Kelly: What is your favorite album?
Jim: Cherry Red Wine- live version by Luther Allison

Kelly: What is your favorite color?
Jim: Crayola Blue

Kelly: What can you do to improve the blues scene?
Jim: Personally, try to get fans into venues to listen to live music. We are losing clubs in the Pittsburgh area. Something needs to be done to get people to listen to live blues. It has been my intention to have a live Juke

There was much planning and effort put out by the board of the BSWPA in the months leading up to the International Blues Challenge at Cefalo’s. We wanted something special. It was less than six months since our last IBC’s and while it was fun and we had some great bands, we did not have much time to plan and ended up busting our butts for no financial gain to the Blues Society that we were trying to revitalize. All of the board members contributed-distributing flyers, putting up posters, looking for acts to join so that we would have a full day of music for the fans. When it became apparent that we would not have enough acts, Jim Weber made calls to bands that he knew in other states. We were hoping not to do that, but after months of pushing local acts to join-we had to do something. We knew that it was controversial, but I agreed, as did most of the others that it was something that had to be done.

April 26th finally arrived and we started to set up. We all wondered: “Did we do the right thing,” “Would we get a good crowd? Would people not show because of the out of state acts? Was Cefalo’s the right venue? Would all the acts show up? Were eighteen acts too many? A few hours later, we had our answer. As Mike Lange would say, “IF YOU MISSED THIS ONE-SHAME ON YOUR FOR SIX WEEKS.”

Some of the comments that I heard from the crowd were (many had been do several IBC’s in different locations): “I’ve never seen so many great acts,” “…all five solo acts were great, I’ve never been so entertained by solos,” “I didn’t see a bad act all day,” “I have to come back next year,” and “This place (Cefalo’s) is the best place that I’ve ever been for any blues show-great sound, great seats.” Hearing those things made it all worth while-the work, the planning and the lost sleep. We saw bands that we had never seen before and some from our own backyards: the Ian Arthur Band and Step Off George. Both impressed the fans. We saw Willie Phoenix (Columbus) perform strange gymnastic feats with his guitar. We saw the colorful Gil Snyder (Mystic Knights) energize the crowd with the accordion. The overall band winner was, “Nothin’ But Trouble” from Delaware. About twenty seconds into their first song, we all knew that they had something extra. I did not think anyone would get close after their performance. People were gasping! Both the Pat McLaughlin Band and the Jimmy Adler band got first place votes and made it interesting. When all was counted, Nothin’ But Trouble had the best scores and accolades from the judges like: “They just blew me away,” “well established band with talent and professionalism on stage,” and simply, “WOW, AWESOME!” To me, they were the definition of what a band should be. Here is why-their set consisted of five tunes.
1. “Ain’t got a Clue” –written by guitarist, Chris Mcafee
2. “Oh You” –written by guitarist, Joey Fulkerson
3. “The Turnaround” –written by drummer, Billy Meyers
4. “$3.49 a Gallon –written by bassist, Greg Haughey
5. “John, the Revelator” –(a cappella by all four members)

Versatility! Each member wrote and led their own tune and then they harmonized beautifully. We found out Greg Haughey is a McKeesport High School grad and played in bands like “Tempo Tantrum” and “Raoul & the Passions.” He also played at Moondog’s, Luna Lounge, Penn Café and the Decade. I congratulated Greg on his band’s win and he said, “We had a great time and are proud to represent such a great group of people. We want to play in Pittsburgh very much.”

This was not the only hot act that day. Many others were being talked about: Willie Phoenix contorting like a man half his age, Tas Cru playing great tunes wonderfully despite getting “parkway delayed,” Memphis Cradle being a great band with great people, and Pat McLaughlin’s band had an amazing beat for just three guys. Other positive comments were made about the solo artists that included: Brennan John, Gary Prisby and Jill Simmons (whose voice always captivates me), the colorful Gary Applegate and the solo winner- our own Bubs McKeg! Bub’s inspiration for entering the competition was a lady who was in the hospital at the same time as him. She had lost her house in a fire. He also did a great modern blues song whose lyrics hit home, “Drive into Town.”
We also heard some of the groups that we love and flock to every week here in “the burgh”: the Mystic Knights, the Jimmy Adler Band, Blu Razor, Ms. Freddie an Blue Faze, Step Off George, the Ian Arthur Band, Shot O’ Soul and last but not least, Angel Blue and the Prophets.
I personally want to thank all of the bands and all of the fans for making this an unforgettable day for each other and for all of us involved.

–Don Vecchio

Independent Release

This is Blu Razor’s second CD. It is a five-song set of originals. Scott Griedel on drums and Barry Rowe on bass form a powerful rhythm section keeping this train on track through out. They deserve a lot of credit for the final feel of this disk. The band leans heavily toward electric blues and southern rock. As with most bands that lean that way, they are without question a guitar band. Zach Tyler and Emil Herby both play lead. They may reefer to it as friendly competition but in truth I think it’s what takes both up a notch. Every song has searing guitar breaks.

The band was formed in 1997 with Emil joining in “98”. They won the Marietta IBC’s in 2000 and represented them in Memphis the next year. Zach handles the vocals and the writing, which is first class. 4 of the songs are personal and Zach writes about his own experiences. In “Outside Looking In” he sings “How many people do I have to please, before I put a smile on me”. His roots show on “Steel City Blues” penning “My blues are Black and Gold.”

I cannot do a CD review of Blu Razor without encouraging all who read to see these guys live. They put on a great show every time.

-- Jim Weber

Delmark Records

Dave is a Chicago native and doesn’t wander far for this DVD. The first 8 songs are recorded at Buddy Guy’s Legends. The last 5 are recorded at Rosa’s Blues Lounge in Chicago.
For 20 years Dave has toured with Son Seals, Hubert Sumlin and many others. He has recorded with Buddy Guy and Jimmy Rogers. This is his 7th recording. Dave does not sing and enlists Tad Robinson, who also plays harp, Jimmy Johnson and Sharon Lewis to do the vocals. Dave’s Guitar work fits well with the vocals. He never tries to be too aggressive preferring to mesh with the others, and it works great. Dave’s guitar along with Jimmy’s guitar make for some memorable recordings. I loved the 2 lead guitar concept when these 2 played together. Along with the blues Dave and the others throw in some soul—“How I got to Memphis”. With Sharon it leans to the jazzy and R&B side. My personal favorite was the last song “Angel” with both Sharon and Dave at their best.
The camera work was excellent. Not only of the performance but the crowd shots were great. It was a very enthusiastic audience, the kind that makes you feel like you missed something by not being there.

-- Jim Weber

Yellow Dog Records

Rarely does a first listen cause the reaction I got from listening to Eden Brent’s debut on Yellow Dog. She grabbed me by the throat on the first cut, “Mississippi Flatland Blues,” and did not let go till the last song, “Until I Die,” was over. Fifteen cuts is a long time to hold your breath! When she finally let go of my neck, I just started the CD over.

Eden grew up in the delta, living in Greenville, Mississippi. She was right there on Route 1 that was a two-lane blacktop that snakes through one stop sign towns until it runs into Highway 49. Mile for mile there is as much or more blues history there than anywhere. She was a student of Boogaloo Ames for sixteen years. That partnership was captured in a 1999 PBS documentary, “Boogaloo and Eden: Sustaining the Sound.”

There are six originals plus three by mom, Carole Brent. Their songwriting is some of the best around: heartfelt, humorous and hard luck blues at its finest. The songs are split between blues and jazz, but it is the blues scorchers that grab you. I have not even got to the good part. Eden’s vocals are amazing, both powerful and clear. She reminds me of two of my favorites: Lou Ann Barton and Rita Chiarelli. Her ability on the keyboards is…well move over Marcia; there is room on that piano bench for two ladies. In conclusion, I think some can sing, some can write and some can play. Once in a while one comes along who has it all. Allow me to introduce you to Eden Brent.

-- Jim Weber

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Alligator Records

Whenever I am feeling blue, I jump in the car and toss in a Marcia Ball CD. That is the best prescription I have to assure an instant “mood” improvement. I can be guaranteed that I will be tapping my toes and just loving life. Having been assigned the task of reviewing Marcia Ball’s most recent release, I approached carefully. I am a true fan and wanted to give you an honest opinion of what I heard. I then listened to the CD many times over. Her first selection, Party Town, was a true Marcia Ball introduction. The Cajun influences that include Marcia tearing up the keys, Terrance Simien on the accordion and the strong horn section made me feel like I was back in New Orleans. The title song, Peace, Love, & BBQ was a pure example of her ability to tell real life stories that have a flavor of optimism and reality woven into them. Marcia then brought down the tempo with a slower song, “Miracle in Knoxville.” It started with a very subtle jazz-fusion and then flat out wrenched the listener with its heartfelt soulfulness. “Watermelon Time” was a playful, upbeat song that everyone can relate to and enjoy its simplicity. The CD rolls on in Marcia Ball fashion. There are tunes that are heavy on horns. Some showcase the accordion, the mandolin, and the lap steel. In all, each song has an unusual mix to draw the listener in. Marcia Ball is an extremely talented musician who combines her Louisiana Rhythm and Blues with good old-fashioned stomp and swamp. Her story telling is an art in itself. She has the ability to tell you about sad things but leaves you on a positive note for hope: “Where Do You Go” and “Ride It Out.” Marcia pokes fun at real life situations and has the theory, ‘it is what it is’ attitude. “Right Back into It,” tells of people who mean to follow the straight and narrow but for whatever reason cannot. When the song finishes it’s rocking and rolling, you know right from wrong and the consequences of your actions. You still have to smile! You know that you or someone you know will be “right back there” in the same “mess” again. “Falling Back in Love with You” has a familiar ring about man does woman wrong, woman does man wrong, and somehow life goes on. Marcia’s lyrics on that song include, “…sitting ‘round, making rhymes… thinking ‘bout the good old times… guess I’m due for something new…I think I’ll fall back in love with you.” Life’s habits are really hard to break. This CD is a good listen. The melancholy will make you think about things in your life. Before you can get really sad and feel down and out, you will soon be on to a toe tapper that will make you want to jump up and dance. Take a listen and get a good dose of “feeling” good music and a new perspective on life.
(After note: While in the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, I happened to talk with Marcia Ball’s producer, Stephen Bruton. We exchanged impressions of the CD. I also talked with him about Marcia’s Katrina efforts and her trip to Cleveland, Ohio and the subsequent interview that evolved. It was fun trading insights and stories.)
-- Jonnye Weber

Alligator Records

This CD is a celebration of a team that has been together since 1989, that’s longer than most marriages last.
And what a team they are! This is their first recording for the Alligator label.

Smokin’ Joe was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in Texas. He was already a slinger at fourteen, playing the Texas circuit in the seventies. He has played with Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Kings, B.B. and Albert. He then landed as rhythm guitar behind Freddie King until Freddie died in 1976.

Bnois King is more jazzy than Joe on guitar. The combination of Smokin’ Joe’s blues/rock blazing guitar and Bnois’ softer, jazz riffs produce a sound rarely achieved. Bnois handles the vocals in a seemingly effortless manor. His vocals are so strongly individual that it is easy to distinguish from all others.

There are fourteen songs with thirteen originals. As I gave this CD a first listen, I read the liner notes. Seeing song titles like “Flame Thrower” and “Freezer Burn,” I expected Joe to show why he got the nickname, “Smokin.” He did not disappoint. However, it was the slower eight-minute, “Stop Drinking,” that impressed me the most. The vocals are top notch and Joe just tears it up. At times, it made me wonder, ‘How did he do that?’ The CD is well put together mixing slower and smooth with all out blistering. I have never heard a bad CD from them and this one did not disappoint.

- Jim Weber