Showing posts with label Ohio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ohio. Show all posts
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Jon Mosey with Berryman & Bullet
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tell Mama - Sonny Moorman
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Blue Monday - Mark May
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Harlem Blues - Mamie Smith
Mamie Smith (née Robinson) (May 26, 1883 – September 16, 1946) was an American vaudeville singer, dancer, pianist and actress, who appeared in several films late in her career. As a vaudeville singer she performed a number of styles including jazz and blues. She entered blues history by being the first African American artist to make vocal blues recordings in 1920. Willie "The Lion" Smith (not her husband) explained the background to that recording in his (ghosted) autobiography, Music on My Mind.
Mamie Robinson was born probably in Cincinnati, Ohio, although no records of her birth exist. When she was ten years old, she found work touring with a white act called the Four Dancing Mitchells. As a teenager, she danced in Salem Tutt Whitney's Smart Set. In 1913, she left the Tutt Brothers to sing in clubs in Harlem and married a waiter named William "Smitty" Smith
On August 10, 1920, in New York City, Smith recorded a set of songs all written by the African American songwriter, Perry Bradford, including "Crazy Blues" and "It's Right Here For You (If You Don't Get It, 'Tain't No Fault of Mine)", on Okeh Records. It was the first recording of vocal blues by an African American artist, and the record became a best seller, selling a million copies in less than a year. To the surprise of record companies, large numbers of the record were purchased by African Americans, and there was a sharp increase in the popularity of race records. Because of the historical significance of "Crazy Blues", it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994, and, in 2005, was selected for permanent preservation in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Although other African Americans had been recorded earlier, such as George W. Johnson in the 1890s, they were African American artists performing music which had a substantial following with European-American audiences. The success of Smith's record prompted record companies to seek to record other female blues singers and started the era of what is now known as classic female blues. It also opened up the music industry to recordings by, and for, African Americans in other genres.
Smith continued to make a series of popular recordings for Okeh throughout the 1920s. In 1924 she made three releases for Ajax Records which, while heavily promoted, did not sell well. She also made some records for Victor. She toured the United States and Europe with her band "Mamie Smith & Her Jazz Hounds" as part of "Mamie Smith's Struttin' Along Review". She was billed as "The Queen of the Blues". This billing of Mamie Smith was soon one-upped by Bessie Smith, who called herself "The Empress of the Blues."
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Freddie - James Pigmeat Jarrett
James Pigmeat Jarrett, a blues piano player, born in Cordell, Georgia on December 8, 1899. Pigmeat was active at Cincinnati Blues scene from 1920s, died in Cincinnati, OH on September 5, 1995 at the age of 95.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sweet Thang Blues - THE JIMMY DROZ PROJECT
JIMMY DROZ - Songwriter, Arrangements, All Guitars, Vocals, Drum Machine, Recording and Production
JULIE JUSTUS -Lyricist, Muse and Artist Development
TOLIA DAVIDSON - Drums
BRIAN LUBELL - Bass
Thanks for listening!
Jimmy Droz
P.s. ALL SONGS POSTED HERE and at REVERB NATION are the product of a continual writing project by JIMMY DROZ !!!
On October 15, 2011, JIMMY DROZ
broke into the TOP 10 for COLUMBUS, OHIO,
on the ROCK CHART here at REVERB NATION! .....
CURRENT PROJECTS :
THE JIMMY DROZ PROJECT - LABYRINTH A.D. - SLOPPY JO GROOVE .....
PAST PROJECTS :
LABYRINTH A.D. - SLOPPY JO GROOVE - DIRTY SIDE DOWN - ROK HOLLYWOOD -
DR.OZ. - PNEUMATICS - NEW FOUND SANE - PETTY THEFT - PEGGY SUICIDE -
SEVENTH SON - LABYRINTH - ROLLER - LONDON - BACKSTAGE PASS - RAZOR SKIRT - RED ALERT - EUPHORIA .....
SOUND GIGS :
PRIME TIME RECORDING - DSD - SJG - SEVENTH SON - JONAS PRODUCTIONS - SCHOOLBOY CRUSH - FUNHOUSE - PETTY THEFT - SKEET'S MUSIC COMPANY
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Fur Peace Announces 2013 Workshop Schedule!
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Saturday, August 18, 2012
I love You Too Much - The Kelly Richey Band
Based in Cincinnati, Kelly Richey is one of the hardest working independent musicians out there, to date logging an extraordinary 800,000 miles touring, and at one point in her 25 year professional career, gigging a grueling 275 days out of the year. Richey started playing guitar at the age of 15. Today, at age 48 and a staggering 3,500 gigs later, she more than earns the title of Master guitarist. She has been described as “Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman’s body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out”. She has been listed as among the top 100 gifted guitarists by the Truefire Commuity (2011), and draws comparisons to blues icons Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Richey has shared the stage with such legends as Lonnie Mack and Albert King, and has opened for Joe Cocker, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Walter Trout, Little Feat, Foghat, REO Speedwagon, George Thorogood, Average White Band, Warren Zevon, and James Brown.
Richey is a serious, no-holds-barred axe grinder. Setting up her band as a power trio -- (drums, bass, and guitar), showcases her solid, searing leads and masterful guitar chops. Playing live is where Richey shines, literally bringing down the house at every show she plays. Cognizant of the emotionality of the music in her live shows, Richey steamrolls; she hits the audience hard and fast, grabs on and doesn't let go. Hard rocking, blues-based and guitar driven, she blasts her audiences with jaw-dropping, lightening fast riffs and a muscularity of playing that even many of the best male guitarists don't possess. Her soulful voice -- a big, powerful alto, provides the arc that completes the circle for a total sonic experience that is not to be forgotten. Although starting out on electric guitar, Richey also mastered the acoustic guitar, and for many years played in folk/rock duos, co-writing and singing with other musicians. She is a brilliant songsmith as well, weaving together blues, rock and roots-based music that is filled with personal introspection and cutting emotion; the beautiful song crafting very evident, in particular, on Richey’s last two studio releases which contained all original material. Richey and her band were named Best Rock Band (1999 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards), Best Blues/R&B Band (2002 CAMMY Awards), City Beat’s (Best of Cincinnati) Best Local musician in 2000, and she was honored to be the winner of the Arts Award for the 2011 Hot Mommas Project.
Born in 1962, Richey was adopted as an infant, and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. A rebellious, troubled teenager who suffered greatly in school because of undiagnosed severe dyslexia and ADHD, she began playing guitar (after growing up playing piano and then learning to play the drums) to release frustration, acquire an identity for herself, and gain social acceptance. She instantly took to the instrument, and practiced non-stop, bringing it with her wherever she went. She became proficient very quickly-- Richey auditioned for her first band after 4 months, and formed her first band after 18 months and began touring right out of high school. Shortly after joining Stealin' Horses in 1886, the band was signed to Arista records. She toured on and off with Stealin' Horses between 1986 and 1990, but came to realize that it wasn't her destiny to be a sideman. In 1994, feeling that it was time to branch out on her own, she took a cue from independent artists such as Ani De Franco, and founded her own independent record label, Sweet Lucy Records. She ultimately released a total of 11 CD's and 1 DVD over the next fourteen years, and gained national distribution with her third CD, Live At Tommy’s On Main.
Inspired by the Black gospel music she heard in church as a youth, and later on by artists like Roy Buchanan, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, Richey found her roots in blues-based rock music. Blues had the raw soul that she deeply connected with and that gave her a musical platform for her intensity to let loose, unfettered. Asked what she feels when she plays, Richey responds with a broad smile, “When everything is working, I get to go away, like floating in a cloud”, and indeed it shows; watching her play is a joy in itself. Of her playing style, Richey says, “I'm aggressive, percussive, and emotive -- lots of passion.” The phrase, “You play like a guy” has been heard often throughout her career. When asked if this bothers her, she says, “Not all all...it's a compliment. I never wanted to play like a ‘girl’. I wanted to be good as a guitar player, not just good for a girl”. Emphasizing the physical strength that it takes to play “like a guy”, she stays strong by lifting weights and utilizing hand and arm strengthening exercises in her daily workouts. Certainly, her stage presence is powerful...the first few notes from her guitar and you know you are in very competent hands; in particular, her effect on the audience is not to be missed--- those who have never seen her play are stopped in their tracks, stunned and speechless... as no one expects a woman to play like that!
Socially and politically aware, Richey is perceptive and very bright. Her hard traveling years on the road have honed a street smart sense of the world, evidenced by one of her favorite sayings, “I've seen everything – twice”. Intelligent, self-confident and articulate, she exudes an easy southern charm that belies her past struggles with drugs and drinking and the subsequent depression that living an unhealthy life can bring. Today, Richey's hard drinking days are long over and she is committed to personal growth on all levels, complete sobriety, and total health in mind, body, and spirit. After all the years of struggle and pain, she is stepping into her own and finding happiness and peace within herself. The road has been long and hard, but she is grateful for the wonderful teachers she's had along the way. In her quest to understand and make sense of the world, Richey says that she will never stop endeavoring to learn all that she can. In January 2010, Richey took a year long hiatus from touring to regroup, take a breath, and broaden her path becoming a life coach (Certified Dream coach and Purpose Coach). Richey is back now, stronger than ever, and once again excited to be immersing herself in new material and exploring where her music will take her next. “As an artist my goal is to allow myself to be vulnerable....that's a challenge”, she says introspectively. “I want to tell my story. I want the audience to feel it. I want the audience to go there with me”.
A self-described gearhead and “techie”, Richey takes great pride in her guitar rig and her sound. She owns several vintage amps, including two black-face Fender super reverbs, and a 1965 Princeton reverb. She tours with a Fender Deluxe Re-Issue amplifier, bringing in a Mesa Boogie closed-backed single 12 cabinet when she needs to. To get her huge tone, Richey uses two tube screamers, turned on at the same time-- sets her bass level at 10, treble at 5, and volume at 3 with a touch of reverb at 2 ¼. Also in the arsenal are delay, vibe and wah pedals. She uses Seymour Duncan Classic Stack Humbucker pickups because, as she explains, “They sound as close to the original pickups as I can remember... beefy, yet Strat-y sounding” -- which brings us to Richey's exquisite vintage 1965 sunburst Fender Stratocaster (with) a 63’ body, and a 65’ neck). Acquired when she was only 18 years old, it has been her main guitar for over 30 years. The guitar was owned by only one person before Richey, who apparently never played it as he was a Gibson man. The guitar came to her without a scratch on it…all the battle scars are hers and hers alone. Forget the new (made to look old) “Fender Relic” Strats ---- this guitar is the real deal. After 25 years of hard touring and relentless playing, the rosewood neck is seriously worn down and has been refretted more times than Richey can remember. Aged, battered and heavily road worn from years of use, the guitar's wear is a genuine testament to her extreme dedication, hard work, and passion for playing. The guitar has become part of Richey's soul and has been her one loyal and constant companion over the years-- it has seen her through all the hardships and struggle, it has been her life, her relationship, her means of an income, her identity and her best friend. Still playable, but semi-retired due to the extreme amount of wear, it is, (as it has always been), lovingly taken care of. In 2006, Richey had RS Guitars make an exact duplicate of the neck and had them mount it to a 62’ sunburst fender Strat Re-issue. Per Richey’s request, The guitar was painted black, and sported a pearl pick guard along with the same electronics as the 65’. Although she loves the new black Strat, the vintage sunburst 65’ will always remain her favorite guitar; Richey says that “they” are so bonded and in tune with each other after all the blood, sweat and tears of the last 30 years, that the guitar “practically plays itself.”
Richey’s involvement with music goes beyond recording and performing. She has been a longtime private guitar instructor, and in 2003 she developed a Guitar Workshop and a Blues History program to take into school classrooms. In 2004, she became an “Artist on Tour” with the Cincinnati Arts Association, and in 2005, was added to the Kentucky Center’s artist roster. Also, that same year, Richey began delivering an adult education program that included a six-week Guitar Instruction class at Butler Technology and Career Development Schools. In 2006, Richey created Music for Change, a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to bringing music education into public schools; a variety of programs offering live performances, lectures, and interactive participation serve to facilitate learning opportunities for students while keeping the history of American music alive and prospering. Through standards-based instruction and academic enrichment, Music for Change programs support and strengthen existing school curricula. Recognizing that music is a universal language and the gift of music can be used to build learning skills and to strengthen each student’s imagination, Richey is dedicated to enhancing the musical experiences of students and audiences alike.
One thing is certain: with a musical sensibility that comes from the combined experiences of making eleven albums and touring relentlessly for over three decades, Kelly Richey has proven herself a phenomenal guitarist, singer and songwriter who has carved out a unique niche for herself. With an all-acoustic album titled, “Finding My Way Back Home” newly released, Richey couldn’t be more excited. Fully stepping into her own power now, she is stronger than ever, with a vision that is crystal clear and a powerful presence that is not to be missed.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Friday, August 17, 2012
Somewhere Down The Line - Albert Washington
Singer and songwriter Albert Washington spent most of his career singing in the blues clubs around Cincinnati, Ohio and his home in Long Island, N.Y. Washington, who is blind, released two recordings for Iris Records in the 1990s, Step It Up and Go in 1993 and A Brighter Day in 1994.
One of four children of Jerry and Helen Washington, Albert's love of blues and gospel made itself known at a very early age. Washington remembers wanting to play his uncle's guitar at age five. At seven, he made his own guitar out of a gasoline can using rubber bands as strings. After losing his father at age nine, Washington got a job washing dishes after school to help his mother with the bills. After moving to Newport, Kentucky with his family while in his teens, Washington was encouraged by his mother to continue his gospel singing, but not his blues singing. At 16, he joined the Gospelaires, then recording for Don Robey's Duke and Peacock labels out of Houston. A few years later, he formed his own gospel group, the Washington Singers. In his late teens, Washington would sneak into blues clubs in nearby Cincinnati every chance he had, and there he was first exposed to the music of artists like Sam Cooke, Big Maybelle, Charles Brown, and Amos Milburn.
Washington cited B.B. King as most influential on his style of singing and guitar playing, which was heavily sprinkled with his gospel singing roots. Shortly after his mother died, he began singing blues as often as he could at the Vet's Inn in Cincinnati, where he worked with a house band for 16 years. In 1962, he recorded his first single for the Finch label in Cincinnati, and it was later released on the Bluestown label. His 1964 singles for the VLM label, including a song he wrote called "Haven't Got a Friend,'' got him noticed in England, and this in turn led to a deal with Fraternity Records in 1966. Lonnie Mack joined Washington on several singles for Fraternity recorded in 1969. In 1970, he recorded two singles for the Jewel label before finally recording his first LP for the Detroit-based Eastbound Records in 1972.
Because of complications from diabetes, Washington lost his sight, and his career fell into a trough from the mid-'70s to the early '90s.
But despite the crippling effects of diabetes and the tragedies that befell him over the course of his life, Washington remained an upbeat, positive figure.
A Brighter Day
In January, 1993, Long Island-based Iris Records released his first recording in two decades, Step It Up and Go. He began touring regionally again, and frequented clubs in Long Island. His 1994 follow-up album, A Brighter Day, was named one of the top three blues recordings of 1994 by France's Academie Du Jazz. Washington continued to perform in blues clubs around Long Island prior to dying of complications from diabetes on October 23, 1998.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Inventive & Timeless Jorma Kaukonen Goes Out on Fall Tour
Inventive and Timeless Jorma Kaukonen Goes Out on Fall Tour Jorma Kaukonen has been and continues to be an inventive player from his timeless music as member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, Jefferson Airplane days, through out Hot Tuna, and his own dynamic solo career. He will be performing intimate solo concerts: Sept. 01 Dark Star Jubilee, Legend Valley, Thornville, OH Sept. 12 Bearsville Theater, Woodstock, NY Sept. 13 Stage One, Fairfield, CT Sept. 14 The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA w/Loudon Wainwright III Sept. 15 The Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY Oct. 04 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA Oct. 05 Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD w/Peter Mulvey Oct. 06 Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke, VA Oct. 07 Natasha's Bistro & Bar, Lexington, KY Oct. 11 Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT Oct. 12 Earlville Opera House, Earlville, NY Oct. 13 Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA Oct. 14 YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, Bay Shore, NY Oct. 18 Brewery Arts Center, Carson City, NV Oct. 19 Napa Valley Opera House, Napa, CA Oct. 20 Swedish American Hall at Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco, CA Oct. 21 The Big Room at The Sierra Nevada, Chico, CA Nov. 01 Dakota Jazz Club Restaurant, Minneapolis, MN Nov. 02 The Redstone Room, Davenport, IA Nov. 03 Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton, WI Nov. 04 Old Rock House, St. Louis, MO Nov. 15 Bell's Eccentric Cafe Back Room, Kalamazoo, MI w/Steve Kimock Nov. 16 City Winery, Chicago, IL w/Steve Kimock Nov. 17 City Winery, Chicago, IL w/Steve Kimock Nov. 18 20th Century Theatre, Cincinnati, OH w/Steve Kimock All shows include Barry Mitterhoff on a variety of instruments. Barry Mitterhoff is a mandolinist who cannot be pigeonholed. He performs a dazzling array of styles that include bluegrass, classical, swing and jazz, and a variety of ethnic styles such as Brazilian, Neapolitan songs, Klezmer and more. Perfect for accompanying whatever songs Jorma pulls out of his hat. “Kaukonen's highly inventive guitar work rocks tough and articulate, clean as a cat's whiskers. He still sings with that slightly strange, quintessentially laid-back voice,…waxing wry with an existential bent. His melodies, even mean as a snake, have warmed over the years with a bluegrass influence.” – Twin Cities Daily Planet “Within the music world, there are rare beings that seem to be able to lay hold of sounds and concepts that are seemingly ignorant of time and space. Jorma Kaukonen is one of those.” – Honest Tune Magazine | |
Jorma’s 70th Birthday Celebration DVD Jorma Kaukonen’s 70th Birthday Bash at the Beacon Theater in NYC on December 3 & 4, 2010 was a very special night, if not a historic one. There was electricity in the air and cause for celebration as Hot Tuna and special guests (We are talking about guitarists galore!) tore up the Beacon Theatre. Electric Hot Tuna and Friends lit up both nights with straight on rock and roll. It was a celebration of Jorma’s birthday for sure, and a celebration of a lifetime of friendships and musical camaraderie. To get your copy please go to the Fur Peace Ranch Store...it's not so "fur" away at furpeaceranch.com/store. | |
Steady As She Goes is one of Red House Records best sellers. It is available as a Deluxe Two-LP Set and CD. To purchase please go to furpeaceranch.com. “This is rock & roll with heart and an unwavering no nonsense spirit. … Essential listening!” – Eric A. Harabadian, Music Connection To follow Jorma's escapades please join: |
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Bugle Call Blues - Stuff Smith
Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith (August 14, 1909 – September 25, 1967), better known as Stuff Smith, was a jazz violinist. He is known well for the song "If You're a Viper".
Smith was, along with Stéphane Grappelli and Joe Venuti, one of jazz music's preeminent violinists of the swing era. He was born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1909 and studied violin with his father. Smith cited Louis Armstrong as his primary influence and inspiration to play jazz, and like Armstrong, was a vocalist as well as instrumentalist. In the 1920s, he played in Texas as a member of Alphonse Trent's band. After moving to New York he had a regular gig with his sextet at the Onyx Club starting in 1935 and also performed with Coleman Hawkins as well as with younger musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and later, Sun Ra.
After being signed to Vocalion in 1936, he had a big hit with "I'se A Muggin'" and was billed as Stuff Smith and his Onyx Club Boys. He recorded for Vocalion in 1936, Decca in 1937 and Varsity in 1939-1940.
He is featured in several numbers on the Nat King Cole Trio album, "After Midnight".
Part of Smith's performance at what is considered the first outdoor jazz festival, the 1938 Carnival of Swing on Randall's Island, turned up unexpectedly on audio engineer William Savory’s discs, which were self-recorded off the radio at the time, then long-sequestered. Some newsreel footage had survived, but no audio of the festival had been believed to have, until the discs were acquired and studied by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, in the person of its executive director Loren Schoenberg, in 2010. (Access to this reference requires a subscription.)
Smith was critical of the bebop movement, although his own style represented a transition between swing and bebop. He is credited as being the first violinist to use electric amplification techniques on a violin. He contributed to the song "It's Wonderful" (1938) often performed by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald throughout their careers. Smith moved to Copenhagen in 1965, performed actively in Europe, and died in Munich in 1967. He is buried at Klakring Cemetery in Jutland, Denmark.
Stuff Smith is one of the 57 jazz musicians photographed in the 1958 portrait A Great Day in Harlem.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Love of Mine - Luther Trammell
Whether rockin out with the band or as a solo act, Luther Trammell brings the blues home. Luther has played with The Blues Imperials, Shirley King (Daughter of BB King). Luther and his band performed as House Band for the House of Blues in 2007. Placed third in the 2007 River City Blues Challenge and as a solo act, Luther commands a sound from his acoustic guitar like none other. Luther's strong voice gives his songs a depth of feeling and experience. Luther’s CD L.T. and the Blues Express is available now and his new CD “Luther Trammell Acoustic Blues Solo” will be out at the end of January 2012.
Cd Baby for Luther
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Hot Tuna comes to Phoenix!
Well, Mesa to be exact. Last night Jorma, Jack and Barry weathered the heat and performed for an intimate crowd of in tune followers at the Mesa Arts Center. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Mesa Arts Center it is certainly one of the finest facilities of it's type anywhere. I have seen many shows here including Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck as well as Hot Tuna on numerous occasions. The interior aesthetic of the Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater is matched only by it's incredible acoustic quality which brings us to the show.
Hot Tuna played a 26 (to my count) songset which was broken by one short intermission. HT (Jorma Kaukonen on his signature Martin tobacco burst acoustic and vocals; Barry Mitterhoff on mandolin, ukelele, tenor guitar and octave mandolin; and Jack Casady on his signature Epiphone hollow body electric bass put together a very cohesive and interesting show. The concert began with True Religion which set the pace for what was to come all night... Hot Tuna, Rev. Gary Davis, rag style blues (with a touch of bluegrass and jazz). Early in the concert they played Hesitation Blues, one of my personal favorites in very traditional regalia but with a sweet "Hillbilly Jazz" (bluegrass and jazz mixed) break in the middle. Mitterhoff played a particularly cool solo on this track. On another RG Davis track, Let's Get Together, Jack took the first of many bass solos of the evening. Come Back Baby and Let's Talk It Over were both particularly strong. Jorma's guitar work was clean and expressive and he played a particularly nice solo on this track. How Long blues was another really strong performance followed by Let Me Lay It On You and a bluegrass jam to finish the first set. During the break I was checking out the bands gear and ended up in a discussion with the couple sitting just in front of me. I have been recently suffering dry eyes, a pretty common malady of living in the desert, using the computer too much and so on. The lady in front of me offered a vial of a solution that she has been prescribed and wow did it help. I also ran into a good friend Gene and his wife Cindi, fellow Hot Tuna fans. Second set included the Vicksburg Stomp (and they were literally dancing in the aisles), 99 Year Blues, Bar B Que King (featuring a great blues solo by Jorma)and the Doctor Gonna Fix It. This was a particularly great set sans the one overly exuberant fan sitting in the front row (with the close cut hair, wire rimmed glasses and Tommy Bahama shirt...yeah you know who you are) who was clapping along just ahead of the band to the point of total disruption. I mean it's hard enough for a totally acoustic band to run through all of these great tunes and stay tight but to have some egghead with no rhythm clapping louder than the band! I know...at least he enjoyed himself. HT wrapped the set with Good Shepherd, Parchment Farm, Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning (one of my favorites from the early days of Tuna) and encoring with the Water Song. Nobody left the house without their fill of great traditional blues and Hot Tuna mix. Barry, Jack and Jorma played their asses off and Jorma's voice sounds as solid as it did when he first formed Hot Tuna. I don't know if it was the theatre acoustics or Jorma's guitar but it really sounded particularly crisp. The interactions of the band members were priceless and Jack became quite animated during a number of tracks which is always a treat. These guys were having fun and so was the audience. If you haven't seen these guys in a few years, this is a great. Catch it while you can. Great show guys!!
I apologize for the lack of photos and original video but I'm having el;ectronic malfunction today. I'll replace the video and supplimental photos as I can.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Monday, July 23, 2012
Up to My Neck In the Blues - The Sonny Moorman Group
"I came to play" says Sonny Moorman. "I was raised in the bars my folks owned in and around Hamilton, OH and got to hear world class artists Lonnie Mack, Cal Collins, Dumpy Rice, Troy Seals, Wayne Perry, and a score of others up close and personal and learned one thing – all the hype in the world doesn't mean a thing unless you can back it up!" Those are words Sonny has lived by through the decades of roadhouses, bars, and juke joints from coast to coast. He backed it up gig after gig, night after night, and year after year until his own "hype" got too big to go unnoticed any longer. After a decade of playing rock bars in Michigan with a variety of bands and a five year "visit" to LA during which he graduated from Musician's Institute and played with "Z Deluxe" (Warren Zevon's former tour band), Moorman returned to Ohio – and to the Blues.
When Cincinnati Blues icon Big Ed Thompson suffered his debilitating stroke, Sonny was brought in to handle the guitar and vocal chores in Big Ed's band – the Cincinnati Blues All-Stars. The CBA's ETH Records release – Live at Burbank's chronicled the band during this period, and Living Blues Magazine was effusive in it's praise for Moorman's playing and singing. Not satisfied with the stylistic limitations of the All-Stars, Sonny moved on – to the Blues/Rock power trio format that is his vehicle to date.
In 1994, Moorman and his band played the Memphis Cross-Cultural Music Exposition and got a recording deal with Sun Studio's 706 Records imprint. "Gary Hardy (then Sun Studio manager) came up to me before I walked off of the stage at Blues City and offered us a deal", says Sonny. Two 706 Records releases followed – L*I*V*E and Telegraph Road. At that point Moorman started what became a four-year tour with Easyriders Magazine playing their events and became a client of manager William Perkins (Allman Bros., SRV, Tinsley Ellis). Sonny recorded his next releases on Perkins' Atlas Records label, including the 2009 Just Plain Folks, Best Blues Album / Best Blues Song nominee – Crossroads Motel, Live as Hell, and and Sonny's current release, More Live as Hell – Up to My Neck in the Blues.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Too Late - Barrelhouse Chuck
Barrelhouse Chuck is the only Chicago blues pianist to have studied under Sunnyland Slim, Pinetop Perkins, Blind John Davis, Detroit Junior and Little Brother Montgomery. Barrelhouse Chuck draws on this distinguished lineage to create a blues, boogie-woogie and barrelhouse piano style that places him at the forefront of this celebrated tradition.
Born in Ohio (Columbus, OH - July 10, 1958) where he first learned to play the drums at the age of 6, Barrelhouse Chuck, whose real name is Charles Goering, later switched to the piano and was living Gainesville Fla when he heard his first Muddy Waters record with Otis Spann on piano. This was a major turning point in Chuck's life.
After that Chuck started buying the records of every blues artist he could find. A quick study on the keyboards, it wasn't long before Chuck had formed his own band and began opening for Willie Dixon, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters and Chuck was playing with the great Bo Diddley. It was also during this time (the middle 70's) that Chuck and some of his friends began following Muddy Waters around to get some first hand exposure to both Muddy and his then current piano player, Pinetop Perkins.
'We used to follow Muddy all around down South. We would wait in parking lots for the Van with Illinois plates to roll up. Pinetop Perkins & Willie Smith would recognize me and get me into their concerts. Then invited me to be back stage with Muddy and the band. Afterward, I'd go out to breakfast with them. I was just in awe.'
Then realizing he needed to immerse himself in blues piano he deciding to go directly to the source. In 1979 he drove 24 hours straight from Florida with Right-hand Frank to Chicago and went directly to B.L.U.E.S on Halsted specifically to see Sunnyland Slim. 'I took a gamble and came to Chicago, and the first thing I did when I arrived was to go to B.L.U.E.S on Halsted. I walked in the door and there was Sunnyland Slim. I went right up to him and said, 'I've just driven 24 hours straight to see you.''
Chuck spent the next 16 years studying with the living legend, who Chuck called 'the great-granddaddy of all the blues piano players.' Through Sunnyland he met all the great blues musicians in Chicago, and often ended up playing with and hanging out with them. Piano greats Blind John Davis, Big Moose Walker, Detroit Junior and Erwin Helfer were also playing blues piano in Chicago. Chuck spent years listening, learning and became friends.
People like S.P. Leary, Smokey Smothers, Erwin Helfer and Little Brother Montgomery took Chuck under their wings, invited him into their homes and made him feel a part of their families.
Chuck formed a special bond with piano legend Little Brother Montgomery with whom he honed his piano stylings during a long internship. Chuck often lived with Little Brother spending many hours with him and Sunnyland Slim playing piano and hanging out. Other great piano players like Tollie & Joe Montgomery, Jay McShann and Lafayette Leake would come by to visit L.B. and play piano. Chuck was instrumental in arranging honorariums, driving him to jobs (and to the hospital when his health began failing) and helping him out in every way he could. Little Brother returned this favor by taking Chuck under his wing and giving him a musical education no other man has ever received. When Brother passed away Chuck lost a mentor and a true friend, but Chuck keeps his music alive when ever he plays. "Little Brother was like a grandfather to me".
The last 30 years Chuck developed his immense mastery of blues piano and went on to perform or record with most of the notable Chicago blues musicians-people like Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Kim Wilson, Hubert Sumlin, Otis Rush, Louis Myers, Buddy Guy, Big Smokey Smothers among many others. His recording credits reads like a 'who's who' of modern day Chicago blues. [CLICK HERE for Chuck's recording session & record label credits. CLICK HERE for a list of musicians Barrelhouse Chuck has played with!]
Barrelhouse Chuck is a recording artist for The Sirens Records. He participates on the classic recording '8 Hands on 88 Keys - Chicago Blues Piano Masters Detroit Jr., Pinetop Perkins, and Erwin Helfer. He has also recorded a solo disc entitled 'Prescription for the Blues' and a highly acclaimed band disc 'Got My Eyes On You' with Kim Wilson, Calvin 'Fuzz' Jones, Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith, Eddie Taylor Jr. Joel Foy.
In Feb.2008 Barrelhouse Chuck was asked by Kim Wilson, lead singer and harmonica player for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, to participate with Kim and recorded the soundtrack for Sony BMG's much anticipated new film 'Cadillac Records.' The movie tells the story of Chess Records and includes many of the gifted musicians who started there. Beyonce Knowles is executive producer. Beyonce will also portray famed blues singer Etta James. Adrian Brody plays historic Chess Records founder Leonard Chess; Jeff Wright is cast as blues great Muddy Waters; and Cedric the Entertainer plays legendary songwriter Willie Dixon. Other musicians in the session include Steve Jordan on drum, basssist Larry Taylor (Canned Heat), and guitarists Eddie Taylor, Jr., Billy Flynn and the legenday Hubert Sumlin. Previous to recording for this amazing new film, Kim Wilson and Eddie Taylor appeared on Barrelhouse Chuck's critically acclaimed recording 'Got My Eyes On You', released by The Sirens Records in 2006.
During the past Three decades Chuck has played all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and tours Europe regularly. He has also appeared more than a dozen times at the Chicago Blues Festival. There are only a few of those great piano players left notes Barrelhouse Chuck. Even though most of his teachers have passed on, Barrelhouse Chuck has become one of the bearers of the flame, and keeps both their spirit and music alive, passing it along where ever he plays.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Sunday, July 1, 2012
This Time I'm Gone For Good - Ellie Lee & Blues Fury
Played the blues all my life. My one and only love that will never break my heart.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Friday, June 29, 2012
Room To Move - JUKE HOUNDS
Formed in late 2006, The Juke Hounds ventured on a special mission to put the “Juke” spin on the standard “Blues Sound”. By adding a high energy approach, an uplifting twist to the songs, and upbeat musicianship, The Juke Hounds built a loyal following regionally. Most folks don’t realize there’s another side to the blues - an upside that keeps the listener smilin’, dancin’ and swinging . . . and that’s where The Juke Hounds set their mark.
The Juke Hounds members are Bob Gardner (lead guitar and lead vocals), Jimmy Kormanik (harmonica and vocals), Gerard Dominick (bass and backup vocals), Doug Barber (keyboards and vocals), and Mark Smallwood (drums, percussion and vocals). The band consists of seasoned performers that have played and toured worldwide.
In 2010, The Juke Hounds won the Cleveland Blues Society “Road To Memphis” competition and represented Akron, Canton, and Cleveland at the 2011 International Blues Competition in Memphis where the band showcased at the Hard Rock Café’ on Beale Street.
The Juke Hounds just finished their first full length release which is out right now. The new Juke Hounds record is titled “Low Man On The Totem Pole” contains some high energy songs that make you want to jump in your car and drive to Memphis or Chicago without a care or a plan. If you like to have fun, then this record is perfect for you.
On August 11th 2012, The Juke Hounds will be sharing the stage with the legendary blues performer Taj Mahal at Lock3! Live in Akron Ohio. The Jukes will be playing concerts and festivals regionally throughout 2012 and select club dates.
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
Monday, June 25, 2012
FPR News June 2012
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ode
behind in my car filming on my iPhone laughing...almost
crying....calling out...."Jorma, slow down!". I was a wreck! She was
undaunted by the whole experience....in fact, when they pulled back into
the driveway and I expressed my excitement....she just rolled her eyes
at me. I tend to gush...I can't help myself. I am in awe of the space
she inhabits and in awe of Jorma as she bends his will. I am not really
sure how Jorma's fans see him. I have an idea of how his music moves
them....but do they look at him and see the great Dad that he has
become? Jorma didn't spend much time with his son Zach when he was
young...just the way the universe played that hand, but they are very
close today and Jorma really shines in his presence. To Jorma's
delight....Zack loves to ride motorcycles! 
Well.....we've
talked about doing one of these for a long time now and we're finally
gonna do it. We're planning a 2013 Fur Peace Ranch Calendar and you can
be a part of it. We'll be making a very cool Fur Peace calendar for
next year and we're going to be holding a Cooperative Calendar Photo
Contest in conjunction with the making of the calendar. The Fur Peace
Ranch will be looking for photos to be a part of our 2013 calendar and
we're offering prizes to those whose photos are selected for inclusion
in the calendar. We'll be selecting 12 photos to accompany each month
of the year. The photos we will be interested in should show scenes
from the Fur Peace Ranch that convey a sense of time, place and
happiness. They could be just landscape.......or maybe a
portrait.......or a "live action" shot from one of our concerts. All
photos will be considered, so be creative. Next year will be our 16th
season and over the years we have been given many wonderful photos from
students and other visitors to the Fur Peace.
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