Ramblin' On My Mind - Boyd Gilmore

Boyd Gilmore b. 12 June 1910, Belzoni, Mississippi, USA, d. 23 December 1976, Fresno, California, USA. A guitarist, although seemingly not recorded as such, and an exuberant singer, Gilmore recorded for Modern in 1952 with Ike Turner on piano and James Scott Jnr. on guitar; Scott was an early victim of recording technology when an introduction and guitar break by Elmore James were spliced into ‘Rambling On My Mind’. The following year, Gilmore recorded for Sun Records, backed by Earl Hooker’s band, but the results were not issued until later. Gilmore performed in delta juke joints for a while, also playing in St. Louis and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, before settling in California for the remainder of his life.
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Discography

I Feel Good Again - Junior Kimbrough and Charlie Feathers

Charles Arthur "Charlie" Feathers (June 12, 1932 – August 29, 1998) was an influential American rockabilly and country music performer.
Feathers was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and recorded a string of popular singles like "Peepin' Eyes," "Defrost Your Heart," "Tongue-Tied Jill," and "Bottle to the Baby" on Sun Records, Meteor and King Records in the 1950s.

Feathers was known for being a master of shifting emotional and sonic dynamics in his songs. His theatrical, hiccup-styled, energetic, rockabilly vocal style inspired a later generation of rock vocalists, including Lux Interior of The Cramps.

He studied and recorded several songs with Junior Kimbrough, whom he called "the beginning and end of all music". His childhood influences were reflected in his later music of the 1970s and 1980s, which had an easy-paced, sometimes sinister, country-blues tempo, as opposed to the frenetic fast-paced style favored by some of his rockabilly colleagues of the 1950s.

He started out as a session musician at Sun Studios, playing any side instrument he could in the hopes of someday making his own music there. He eventually played on a small label started by Sam Phillips called Flip records which got him enough attention to record a couple singles for Sun Records and Holiday Inn Records. By all accounts the singer was not held in much regard by Phillips, but Feathers often made the audacious claim that he had arranged "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky" for Elvis Presley and recorded "Good Rockin' Tonight" months before Presley. He also claimed that his "We're Getting Closer (To Being Apart)" had been intended to be Elvis' sixth single for Sun. He did, however, get his name on one of Elvis' Sun records, "I Forgot To Remember To Forget" when the writer Stan Kesler asked him to record a demo of the song.

He then moved on to Meteor Records and then King Records where he recorded his best-known work. When his King contract ran out he still continued to perform, although Feathers—perhaps typically—thought there was a conspiracy to keep his music from gaining the popularity it deserved.

In the mid-1980s, he performed at times at new music nightclubs like the Antenna Club in Memphis, Tennessee, sharing the bill with rock-and-roll bands like Tav Falco's Panther Burns, who, as devoted fans of Feathers, had introduced him to their label's president. During this time, rockabilly icon Colonel Robert Morris played drums for Charlie. Charlie said "Robert tore up a brand new set of drums, but the crowd was dancing on the tables".

He released his New Jungle Fever album in 1987 and Honkey Tonk Man in 1988, featuring the lead guitar work of his son, Bubba Feathers. These later albums of original songs penned by Feathers were released on the French label New Rose Records, whose other 1980s releases included albums by cult music heroes like Johnny Thunders, Alex Chilton, Roky Erickson, The Cramps, The Gun Club, and others.

Feathers' song, "That Certain Female" was featured on the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino's 2003 film, Kill Bill Vol. 1. His "Can't Hardly Stand It" was featured on the follow-up Kill Bill Vol. 2 soundtrack.

He died on August 29, 1998 of complications from a stroke-induced coma.

Charlie Feathers' pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Bob Dylan has featured Charlie Feathers on the second season of his XM satellite radio show Theme Time Radio Hour, playing Feathers' records "One Hand Loose" (on the "Countdown" show, Dec. 12, 2007) and "Defrost Your Heart" (on the "Cold" show, April 2, 2008).
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The Cash Box Kings on The Bluesmobile this weekend

THE CASH BOX KINGS FEATURED ON "THE BLUESMOBILE" THIS WEEKEND The Cash Box Kings will be featured on the nationally broadcast radio program "The Bluesmobile" (formerly the House of Blues Radio Hour) this coming weekend, June 16th and 17th. Host Elwood Blues (aka Dan Aykroyd) said, "This band has taken old school Chicago blues and brought it jumping and hollering into the 21st century." The Bluesmobile is carried on nearly 200 radio stations throughout the country. For a complete list of stations and broadcast times, please click HERE. The Cash Box Kings have created a stir in the blues world with the release of their debut album, Holler and Stomp. Shortly after release, it jumped to #1 on the Living Blues and Roots Music Report radio charts. Chicago Blues Guide called it "easily one of the best sounding recordings in ages...effortlessly captures the sound of bygone days without getting stuck in a retro straitjacket." The Philadelphia Inquirer added, "The Chicago blues of the 1940s and '50s merge with vintage rockabilly and country blues flavors in highly entertaining, vital and well honed fashion." And no less a blues authority than Charlie Musselwhite said, "The Cash Box Kings play with taste and feel and it was faith restoring to know there are guys out there that still know and appreciate real blues."

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Blues Jam with Kid Ramos - Hook Herrera & the Derailers

Born and raised in east San Jose. Influenced by the great concerts in the Bay Area and all the music within my own family. The a.m. radio at the time brought us Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, BB King and Donny Hathaway in the same half hour. My family brought me homegrown pure folklorico music from Mexico. Dancing and playing and singing. Mix it all together and you get bands like War, Santana and Tower of Power – which are all heavy influences into how I think of rhythms and music.

I started out on the accordion. A great big one. Bigger than me. I had to pull it around in my red wagon and have someone put it on me once I sat down. That’s how big. Soon my brother Dennis was turning my head with the guitar and blues a la Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones. I graduated to rhythm guitar so my brother could practice his leads. Jimmy Reed all day for me. Then I saw an old cat play harmonica in the greyhound bus stations. Went out and mowed lawns all day one Saturday till I had $2.75 to get a marine band ‘c’ harmonica from Langone’s music store on Alum Rock Ave. next to Chuck’s Hobby Shop and across the street from Peter’s Bakery. I played it to everything. Everything on the radio. Everything I heard. I played along. In key or not. I played. I got a rack and played guitar and harp and was the neighborhood jukebox getting called onto friends porches and lawns to play a song.

We worked. I worked all the time. We played on my street. In garages. At jams at the bodega in Campbell, San Jose. At parties. All over… Playing blues was without question already my direction. I loved rock and still do and more where it came from. I studied records and liner notes and went to meet and hang out.

I carried guitars and shined shoes and snuck wine in to hang out. I just wanted to hang. And I did. Like so many of my friends and cats before me did. We just loved the old dudes and the blues dudes and women and had as much fun as we could.

In San Diego during my stint in the navy I met William Clarke and Smokey Wilson. The Paladins had a rehearsal built in my garage. We all ran together and i saw some great shows and played some. OK a lot. I had met Charlie Musselwhite when I was a kid hanging out at the bodega. He was with John Lee Hooker. I only wanted to play what they were playing. Lowdown. Smokey was unreal. And he and Bill Clarke were tight as family and thru them I met everyone down there and we played in Watts. Ricky and Laura’s. Pure pleasure lounge. Smokey’s Pioneer 88 on Vermont and 88th. JD Nicholsons’ after hours on Avalon. Harmonica Fat’s upstairs on 88 and Broadway. The Safari Room with Cardell. It was lowdown. William Clarke was family and will always be and a giant influence on everything to me. Hollywood Fats was a friend and just so much fun to watch play. The great James Harmon ruled the California coast and is as big an influence as anyone. Larry Taylor along with Junior Watson and Harmon and Bill and Fats were so great to have around and watch and play with. I learned so much from all of em.

After the navy and Southern Cal I went to Texas. Started in dallas and met a ton of great musicians out there and played with Freddie Pharoah, Hash Brown, Felix Reyes and Dallas cats. Met Sam Myers and Anson Funderburgh and would live with Sam Later and play once in a while with Anson. And me and Sam would do gigs. Sam on drums. Unreal.

From there Kim Wilson and Clifford Antone brought me down to Austin to play at Antones. I met every blues cat I ever wanted to there. They all played there and hung out there. During anniversary week just one year for example, I played with Buddy, Luther Tucker, Jimmy Rogers, Bob Strogher, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Pinetop, Bonnie Rait, Denny Freeman, George Rains, Mel Brown, Hubert Sumlin, Mike Buck, Rodney Craig… See what I mean? It was blues heaven and I was rolling in it. Drunk. It was the most musical unreal time.

Me and Alex Napier (Texas legend) leave for our first tour and we still didn’t have a van. We borrowed from the Continental and a tire shop and three friends with jobs and bought a dodge ramvan for 800 bucks on Lamar. Built a loft for a bed on top in the back and gear underneath. Welded some of the holes shut in the floor. Although the exhaust leak in the back would knock you out without fail. We didnt even have a whole tour booked but would show up places and play for food and gas. And we did. Sometimes we had actual shows. We opened up for all our friends. Roomful of blues and Albert Collins and all kinds. And the blues is a small world. One week on the road could bring jams with Uncle John Turner and Ronnie Earl and Denny Freeman.

I played in Texas till I got sober, with the help of some great friends. Some who are gone now. I went back out to California and got signed to Warner Chappell and William Morris then ICM. I played with the Greg Allman Band and met Warren Haynes and Woody Allen playing in that group when we toured. I love Warren and we all loved Woody. I met Matt Abts later and watched Gov’t Mule go thru all the stages from birth of that great band. Over the years I have done various appearances with Gov’t Mule and will do so till the end I imagine. At the end of the Allman tour I played with the Allman Brothers Band off and on for a few years and I would do shows here and there. I met Richie Sambora in the early 90s and i played harp for him for many years on his solo projects. A more generous helpful giant hearted rock star would be hard to find. A regular Jersey cat who loves blues. I am thankful for all the help he laid on me and exposure.

After it ALL blew up at the same time, I left. Went to Spain for two weeks and stayed. Began touring Europe and playing with a whole new set of cats. The most rewarding part of my Spanish trip, with the “spanishes” (as Smokey Wilson says) was and will alway be the flamenco. I met and was brought into the Amador family. The Fernandez family. Heavy weight flamenco blood line. Cathy Claret belongs to that family and I have recorded and played with Cathy and have played concerts with Raimundo Amador. I wrote a song in tribute to that first meeting.

Flamenco Soul is on my new record and I have moved back to the states. Billy Gibbons, Matt Abts and Jorgen Carlsson are the rhythm section for that song. After touring with the Alvin Younblood
Hart Muscle Theory playing bass for Alvin, I went back to Spain and closed up shop. I recorded this latest record No Matter What I Do on Blue NDN Records. A label I started with Shannon Green of California. We hope to develop a few friends and artists if we can get this record moving. The direction of it all is blues power and help for blues artist. We hope.

More recently I played with Warren Haynes as a duo for his set at Levon Helm’s Ramble. Since then I have been back and will continue to do so. The environment and vibe that Levon has created with his enormous soul and incredible music has been an honor for me to partake in.

For the future I hope to finalize a project with my cousin Russell Rodriguez, nephew Lico Zuniga and Taj Mahal. That is my dream project and goal for now. Taj Mahal has been a great help to me and more than an influence. I have shared the stage with Taj and it’s incredible. To say the least.

The second project I have on my list is Corey Harris, Pura Fe and Alvin Youngblood Hart, my cousins and me. These are goals I am working towards and hope to see all of you on the journey.
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Help Me - Andy Egert

Andreas "Andy" Egert (born 24 July 1961) is a Swiss blues guitarist, harmonica player and singer.

Andy, who started his career around 30 years ago as a street musician, is mainly a live performing artist making around 100 live performances a year.

He has also made exhibitions in Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Austria, Lithuania, United States and Poland, as well as collaborations with blues singers like Bob Stroger, Robert Lucas and Dallas Hodge.

Andy Egert was rewarded in 2010 with the Swiss Blues Award.
Andy Egert was born in Mels, Switzerland as the fifth of eight brothers and sisters. He started to play guitar at the age of 19. In his first group however, Andy played the bass (a local band known as "The Cool“, from 1980). At that time his music was mainly oriented towards rock groups (Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Cream). His interest to blues came only a bit later, almost by accident, through a Swiss Radio music program called "Just the blues“.

In 1982, Andy challenged himself and tried his own way to a professional music career. He left the band to start a tour as a street musician, only equipped with an acoustic guitar. Despite difficulties and bad experiences, such as being robbed of everything except the guitar, he carries on. He finally travels two years long through the streets of Europe.

Back in town, he plays again as a bass player and bandleader of a Blues-Rock band ("Express“, 1984–1987). In 1985, he definitively switched back to guitar. In these years he performed intensively, mainly touring through Switzerland and Italy. In 1988, with the band "No Comment“ he made his first studio recording. In 1989, he created the “Andy Egert Blues Band”, his final band. One year later he recorded his first LP (1990, “Andy Egert Blues Band”).

In the following years he has toured again, this time mainly in Netherlands and Germany. In 1994, he counted more than 70 exhibitions in a year. During the 1990s, Andy has more frequent solo appearances, besides the band. In addition, he started a purely acoustic bass-guitar duet project, from which he recorded the album Blues with a Feeling in 1998. His fourth album (Live, Brambus Records, 1999) is an internationally published CD.

In the following years Andy became a known artist: he appeared at several famous music festivals in Italy (“Mantova Jazz Festival“), Poland (“Suwalki Blues Festival”) and Switzerland (Blue Balls Festival Lucerne, “Piazza Blues Festival”, Bellinzona).

In 2000, Andy performed with Bob Stroger, a legendary bass player from Chicago (Otis Rush, Jimmy Rogers) his first “Chicago Blues Tour”. Many other Chicago Blues Tours will follow, mainly through Switzerland. In addition, he started a second collaboration with Robert Lucas, the slide guitarist and singer from Canned Heat: tours and performances in the years 2000, 2007 and 2008. Unfortunately Robert died in November 2008, unexpectedly.

In 2010, Andy played the first time with Dallas Hodge (a second band member of Canned Heat).

In March 2010, Andy got invited to the Basel Blues Festival where he was awarded with the Swiss Blues Award
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The Mike Farris newsletter

SHOUT! The Mike Farris newsletter Kickstarter Edition Hola, and welcome to summer everybody (it's just around the corner, ya know). We are all excited to announce the beginning of our much anitcipated Kickstarter Phase II campaign. This can only mean new music, and, just like summer, it's just around the corner! In order to make this a successful campaign we are going to need each and everyone's help. Because of dedicated and devoted friends and family like you, we were able to raise $14,000 on the initial campaign last year which. This time around we need to shatter that number in order to give this music the absolute best opportunity to be heard by as many people around the world as possible. With every dollar, we can send this music to one more set of ears, the band can travel one more mile. Let The Music Begin- As you know, we began this journey a year ago with the first fundraiser, but I needed to step away, being the over analyzer that I am, and work on some more material. NOW, I know I have the right songs to make an album we can all be proud of, so as soon as the campaign is complete we will begin to finish the record! What to do once the record is completed? Even though the music is the most important part, money wise, recording the record is actually a realllly small part of the equation. Here's a quick look at what all needs to be done once the record is recorded in order to get the music to the world: Mix the record Overdubs (which we do few of these, cuz I know some great musicians ;) Mastering of the record Artwork and album design layout Manufacturing Marketing/Radio/Video promo Publicity (gotta let the world know we have something they all need, right?) Merchandising- new T-shirts, hats, baby bibs, dog collars to coincide with new record. Touring- Flights, ground transportation, etc...Booking a band this large is a feat in and of itself...but it's worth it! So, you can do the math and realize it takes a lot of money, time and effort to bring music to the masses. In our case, I feel like it is a worthy cause- a mission, if you will. We have the opportunity to bring a special kind of music to people who would perhaps never get to hear it. So many times I have stood on stage and thought, “Geesh, if only these people could see what I see and feel what I feel right now.” My wish for you is that through this process of making this record together, you can realize the joy that comes from a single person in the crowd saying “When I hear this music, something is awakened inside!” In the end, no amount of money can buy that. We get to be the bearers of sheer love and joy. That's our reward. Here's how you can help- http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/601965304/mike-farris-to-complete-and-release-new-album In Spirit- Mike

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Texas Flood / Rafael's Boogie - Rafael Espinoza

In 2009, his senior year in high school, Rafael won the All-State Jazz Guitar Title in the state of Texas. He was also selected as The Four States Jazz Guitarist in The Four States Jazz Band, which was comprised of students from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. At this event, he performed with Grammy Award Winner/Rock and Hall of Famer, Tom “Bones” Malone of Blues Brothers Fame and who now plays in the CBS Orchestra on The Late Show With David Letterman. After graduating high school in 2009, Rafael attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, where he studied Classical Guitar with Franklin Kimlicko who is from the classical guitar lineage of Francisco Tarrega, Daniel Fortea, Celedonio Romero and Pepe Romero. While at TJC, Rafael played guitar in the Top Jazz Ensemble, The Classical Guitar Ensemble, and played guitar in the front ensemble of The TJC Apache Marching Band. Rafael graduated Tyler Junior College in May of 2011 after receiving his Associates Degree in Music Performance.
Rafael is now a scholarship student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Rafael began attending Berklee in the Fall of 2011 and spent the summer prior to his big move to Boston, MA playing several venues with his band and had the opportunity to perform with Grammy Award Winner/Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jim Fielder. Rafael also performed at another venue with The Famous Boogie Woogie Pianist Omar Shariff in Marshall, TX, The Birthplace of The Boogie Woogie.
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Music Maker artist: Robert Lee Coleman - One More Mile - New Release Review

I just received the new recording One More Mile, by Robert Lee Coleman. The recording opens with Somebody Loves Me, a light shuffle. Coleman doesn't waste any time before demonstrating his tasteful guitar trade. Shoe Is On The Other Foot is asmooth slow blues track with a nice long instrumental segment. Coleman spits out a flurry of hot guitar riffs and there are also some really tasty keys playing by Danny Wilder. Right back into the shuffle groove he goes with My Life Story, a hot instrumental track. Definitely one not to miss. Four Wimmens In My Life retains the hot shuffle tempo and the band continues to demonstrate solid clean playing. Mama Told Me Don't PlayThem Blues No More is a country style blues track providing a contrasting break in tempo and showing Coleman's roots and versatility. Raisin' Cain is a funky rock style track that is likely to get you up and shakin. Coleman of course slaps out some cool riffs and the drummer, Billy Teichmiller gets to show a little spiff. Country Woman finds Coleman back in shuffle groove again. Both he and Wilder take some extended solos and the groove is solid. The recording concludes Cookie Jar, with a little acoustic number with Lance Almon Smith on guitar accompanying Coleman. Overall a very solid cd and one that I believe most blues fans will enjoy!
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BLOODSHOT RECORDS SIGNS MURDER BY DEATH; NEW ALBUM DETAILS + SUMMER TOUR DATES

We are extremely pleased to announce that Murder By Death has signed with Bloodshot Records. The Bloomington, IN quintet has been on our radar for some time with their unique brand of brooding, anthem-riding balladry and orchestral roots-inflicted indie rock, as found on defining albums such as In Bocca al Lupo (2006) and Good Morning, Magpie (2010). And really, with their sing-along/powder-keg performances; fan-first mentality; and consistently exceptional music, Murder By Death has built a decade-plus career embodying all the essential elements that Bloodshot could possibly ask for in band. Plus, Murder By Death + Bloodshot… the combo just has a nice, gruesome ring to it...

The band will release their Bloodshot debut and sixth full-length album this fall. Additional details to come soon.

In the meantime, they are heading out on the road this summer to support their upcoming release, performing with the support of new label mates Ha Ha Tonka, as well as Cory Chisel and other special guests. Full tour dates are below, along with some candid shots from the official contract signing.

Jul 12 Mr. Smalls Theatre Pittsburgh, PA Tickets *
Jul 13 Black Cat Washington, DC Tickets *
Jul 14 Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA Tickets *
Jul 15 Heirloom Arts Theatre Danbury, CT Tickets *
Jul 17 Webster Hall New York, NY Tickets *
Jul 18 Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA Tickets *
Jul 20 The Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, Canada Tickets #
Jul 21 Grog Shop Cleveland, OH Tickets *
Jul 22 Cosmic Charlie's Lexington, KY Tickets *
Jul 24 Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN Tickets *
Jul 25 Newby's Memphis, TN Tickets #
Jul 26 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, LA Tickets #
Jul 27 Fitzgerald's Houston, TX Tickets #
Jul 28 Mohawk Austin, TX Tickets #
Jul 31 Sol Santa Fe Santa Fe, NM Tickets *
Aug 01 The Crescent Ballroom Phoenix, AZ Tickets *
Aug 02 The Casbah San Diego, CA Tickets *
Aug 03 El Rey Theatre Los Angeles, CA Tickets *
Aug 04 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA Tickets %
Aug 05 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA Tickets *
Aug 09 The Media Club Vancouver, Canada Tickets %
Aug 10 Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA Tickets %
Aug 11 Dante's Portland, OR Tickets %
Aug 14 Neurolux Boise, ID Tickets %
Aug 15 Bar Deluxe Salt Lake City, UT Tickets %
Aug 16 Bluebird Theater Denver, CO Tickets %

Aug 17 Bluebird Theater Denver, CO Tickets %
Aug 18 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE Tickets %
Aug 20 Plush St Louis, MO Tickets %
Aug 22 Gabe's Oasis Iowa City, IA Tickets %
Aug 23 Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN Tickets %
Aug 24 Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee, WI Tickets %

Aug 25 Metro Chicago, IL Tickets *

*w/ Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons + Ha Ha Tonka

# w/ Cory Chisel

% w/ Ha Ha Tonka

Wilko Johnson announces Autumn 2012 UK Tour

Following the release of Wilko Johnson’s autobiography, Looking Back At Me, the legendary former guitarist of Dr Feelgood, who’s influenced everyone from Joe Strummer and Mick Jones to Steve Albini, is pleased to announce an Autumn 2012 UK Tour with special guest Virgil and the Accelerators.

Tickets are on sale from the 24 hour box office: 0844 478 0898 and www.eventim.co.uk. The tour gets underway at the Bath Komedia on October 11th.

Described by Wilko as a “fractured autobiography,” Looking Back At Me, co-written with Zoe Howe, is published this month by Cadiz Music. Click HERE for more info about the book.

After pioneering the Feelgood’s distinctive mid 70s, pre-punk British R&B sound (which had a significant impact on the British punk rock music), Wilko went on to play guitar for Ian Dury and the Blockheads. His current touring band features current Blockhead members Norman Watt-Roy (bass guitar), and Dylan Howe (drums). Click HERE for further info about the upcoming UK tour.

Wilko Johnson Autumn UK Tour

Bath Komedia (Oct 11) Holmfirth Picturedrome (Oct 27)
Exeter Phoenix (Oct 12) Scunthorpe Plowright Theatre (Oct 28)
Gloucester Guildhall (Oct 13) Bedford Corn Exchange (Nov 1)
Brighton Komedia (Oct 14) St Helen’s Citadel (Nov 2)
Stratford Cox’s Yard (Oct 17) Glasgow O2 ABC (Nov 3)
York Fibbers (Oct 18) Stamford Corn Exchange (Nov 4)
Gateshead Sage (Oct 19) Bury The Met (Nov 22)
Poole Mr Kyps (Oct 24) Morecambe Platform (Nov 23)
London Islington O2 Academy (Oct 25) Carlisle The Brickyard (Nov 24)
Hertford Corn Exchange (Oct 26) Bilston Robin (Nov 25)

Goin' Back To Wichita - Isaac Scott Band

Born June 11, 1945, in Vancouver, Wash., Mr. Scott was raised in Portland. He taught himself piano and guitar, first playing with gospel groups. He once did a West Coast tour with the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.

In 1974, he turned his attention to the blues, igniting the Seattle scene along First Avenue.

"I was managing (Seattle blues man) Tom McFarland at the time," Hamilton recalls. "Tom was playing the Boulder Cafe, and (harmonica player) Don McNeff brought him through the door. When he got up behind Tom and the Korean go-go girls and started chopping these psychedelic guitar licks, it was like putting 100-watt bulbs in all the sockets."

Like Albert Collins, an early influence, Mr. Scott plucked his electric guitar with his thumb instead of a pick, which, along with his love of Jimi Hendrix, gave him a distinctive sound. Mr. Scott also was known for his stamina, often playing sets that went on for two or three hours.

In 1987, Mr. Scott was diagnosed with diabetes, which led to the amputation of his foot and leg. He continued to perform in a wheelchair.
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He's Coming Home Tonight - Bonnie Lee

Bonnie Lee (June 11, 1931 – September 7, 2006) was an American Chicago blues singer. Known as 'Sweetheart of the Blues', she is best remembered for her lengthy working relationships with Sunnyland Slim and Willie Kent. David Whiteis, who interviewed Lee in researching his book, Chicago Blues: Portraits and Stories stated, "she was one of the last of her genre, the big-voiced woman blues singer fronting a Chicago band."
She was born Jessie Lee Frealls in Bunkie, Louisiana, United States, and raised in Beaumont, Texas.

After learning to play the piano as a child, her mother refused to let her join gospel singer Lillian Glinn on tour. Instead she did later tour with the Famous Georgia Minstrels, meeting both Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Big Mama Thornton.

In 1958 she moved to Chicago, and chose the stage name of Bonnie Lee, working as both a dancer and singer. Two years later she signed a recording contract with J. Mayo Williams' Ebony Records label. The downside was Williams' insistence on her being billed as Bonnie "Bombshell" Lane on her first single, "Sad and Evil Woman." It was a name she disliked but, after the single failed to sell, she returned to the Chicago jazz and blues nightclubs. She was later billed as Bonnie Lee Murray, using her then husband's surname.

In 1967 Lee first appeared on the bill with the pianist Sunnyland Slim, and their working arrangement included residencies at a number of Chicago clubs. This led her, at the end of the 1970s, to release further singles via the Slim owned record label, Airway Records. After suffering health problems at the end of that decade, Lee then enjoyed a long professional partnership with Willie Kent. For many years the combination of Lee backed by Willie Kent and the Gents, became a regular feature in B.L.U.E.S., a noted Chicago club. There she sang her most famous numbers; "I’m Good" and "Need Your Love So Bad."

In 1982, and partnered with Zora Young and Big Time Sarah as 'Blues with the Girls', Lee toured Europe and cut a joint album in Paris, France. In 1992 Lee guested on Magic Slim's album, 44 Blues, with John Primer. Finally in her own name, in 1995 Delmark Records released, Sweetheart of the Blues, and three years later another collection, I'm Good, was issued.

In September 2006, after years of poor health, Lee died at the age of 75
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La Grange - ZZ Top

ZZ Top is an American rock band from Houston, Texas. Formed in 1969, the group consists of Billy Gibbons (guitar and vocals), Dusty Hill (bass and vocals), and Frank Beard (percussion). ZZ Top's early sound was rooted in blues but eventually grew to exhibit contemporary influences. Throughout their career they have maintained a sound based on Hill's and Beard's rhythm section support, accentuated by Gibbons' guitar and vocal style. Their lyrics often gave evidence of band's humor and thematically focus on personal experiences and sexual innuendos.

ZZ Top formed its initial lineup in 1969, consisting of Anthony Barajas (bass and keyboards) and Peter Perez (drums and percussion). After several incarnations, Hill and Beard joined within the following year. Molded into a professional act by manager Bill Ham, they were subsequently signed to London Records and released their debut album. They were successful as live performers, becoming known to fans as "that little ol' band from Texas", and their 1973 album Tres Hombres, according to Allmusic, propelled the band to national attention and "made them stars". In 1979, after returning from a one-and-a-half year break of touring, the group reinvented themselves with their hit album Deguello and the accompanying tour. ZZ Top incorporated New Wave and punk influences into their sound and performances, and embraced a more iconic image, with Gibbons and Hill sporting chest-length beards and sunglasses. Similar experimentation continued for the remainder of the 1980s and 1990s with varying levels of success. On ZZ Top's 2003 album Mescalero, they adopted a more contemporary sound while maintaining their influences from their earlier musical pursuits.

Maintaining the same members for over forty years, ZZ Top has released 14 studio albums and are among the most popular rock groups, having sold more than 25 million albums in the United States. They have won three VMAs, and in 2004, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. VH1 ranked ZZ Top at number 44 in its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock". They have performed at many charity events and raised $1 million for the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
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Drunken Hearted Man - RAMBLIN' MATT

Ramblin' Matt is Mateo Garcia-Martin, originally from Spain now living in London.

Since I can remember I have been fascinated by the blues in all its forms but to me there is nothing like the raw sound of the Country Blues from the pre-war years. In between the decade of 1920 and the beginning of the Second World War and thanks to the field recordings of Alan Lomax and others we have a legacy of many of the artists of the Mississippi Delta region. Names like Robert Johnson, Son House, Johnny Shines, the early Muddy Waters, Charly Patton and many others were the pioneers who helped to establish the roots of the blues and by extension rockan and roll and soul. After the first wave of recordings of the 1920's and 30's some of the artists dies, others gave up music to earn a life as waiters, truck drivers and builders until the publication of a single album helped to expose the genre to a legion of US and British musicians such as Mike Bloomfield, Alexis Korner, John Mayall and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. The album was "King of the Delta Blues Singers" by Robert Johnson and it litted the spark for many performers to come back to teh stages after more than 20 or 30 years away. Peter Guralnick with his books on Robert Johnson and Country Blues and Dick Waterman who passed to manage re-discovered names like Son House, Robert Pete Williams, Bukka White, Sleepy John Estes, Skip James and Mississippi John Hurt among others deserve a mention for the effort made to introduce the genre to a broader, mainly white audience thanks to new recordings and performances in festivals like Newport Folk. I was born in Spain and started playing guitar when I was 9 years and first listened to the blues via a John Lee Hooker album, "Boogie Chillun" and ever since I have been obsessed with this music. In 6 years that I resided in the US, mainly in Chicago I was exposed to the electric blues of the Windy City and also took some trips with a guitar and a backpack to the region of the Mississippi Delta where I had the opportunity to learn th eplaying rudiments of this music and, more important the meaning of the blues as a way of life and as a mean to express and communicate your feelings to others. With this collection of recordings I want to pay tribute to all those who love, live and feel the blues as I do.
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The Blues Will Always Be A Part Of Me - The Gents

Willie Davis (vocal & guitar), James Wheeler (guitar), Bob Stroger (bass), Kenny Baker (piano) and James Carter (drums)
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Johnny "Yard Dog" Jones

Johnny "Yard Dog" Jones (John Junior Jones) was born 21 June 1941 on a cotton plantation near Crawfordsville, Arkansas, which is just a few miles from Memphis. His family moved to East St. Louis, Illinois in 1945. There he heard Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, and Sonny Boy Williamson on recordings, while also imbibing the great gospel music of O.V. Wright, Johnnie Taylor, and The Spirit of Memphis. When he was seven years old he began to sing in a family gospel group with several of his sisters. By the age of thirteen Jones was hanging around the blues clubs of East St. Louis, making friends with Albert King, who dated one of his aunts, and Little Walter Jacobs. After hearing him play harmonca and guitar and sing, Little Walter gave him the gift of a Hohner Marine Band harp. Jones moved to Chicago at the age of eighteen. He worked for years as a welder, but never stopped pursuing the music. At first he played in gospel groups, later transitioning to the blues. When his life was in a personal crisis in 1971, he went to Detroit, and really started to define himself as a blues musician. In those early years he often played with Bobo Jenkins, and over time was considered a Detroit blues stalwart, often joining with Baby Boy Warren, Eddie Burns, Little Sonny, Willie D. Warren, and Uncle Jesse White. In 1996 Earwig Music recorded the album AIN'T GONNA WORRY. AIN'T GONNA WORRY was a great success, winning LIVING BLUES magazine's Best Blues Album of the Year (Contemporary), and landing Jones the W.C. Handy Award for Best New Artist. National and international touring followed, with Jones winning endorsement deals with Hohner and Miller Brewing. Blues critics have praised the Yard Dog lavishly for his taut and good humored song writing and for his innovative arrangements within a traditional Chicago blues band musical structure. Michael Frank, the head of Earwig Music, has observed that Jones has a singular guitar style derived from an all but forgotten era of gospel music; many listeners have been awed by Jones' haunting harp play.
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Why Do We Have To Say Goodbye - Mighty Sam McClain

Sam McClain was born on the northern edge of the Bible Belt in Monroe, Louisiana in 1943. As a five year old, he began singing in his mother’s Gospel Church. It was then that he realized singing was his mission.


He left home when he was thirteen to escape an abusive stepfather and followed local R&B guitarist, "Little Melvin" Underwood through the Chitlin Circuit, first as his valet and then as lead vocalist himself at 15.

While singing at the 506 Club in Pensacola, Florida he was introduced to Producer/ DJ, "Papa Don" Schroeder and in 1966, Sam recorded Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" - his first real success. Several recording sessions at Muscle Shoals produced singles, "Fannie-May" and "In the Same Old Way". For
fifteen years, first in Nashville, then in New Orleans Sam worked menial jobs and was forced to sell his plasma while he was homeless. From cotton fields to the Apollo Theater to the park bench, all while living the songs that would jump-start his career in the mid-1980. New Orleans own, Neville Brothers extended themselves at this lowest of times. Sam was offered a chance to tour and record in Japan in 1989. "Live in Japan", featuring legendary Wayne Bennett is a fine recording, much sought after by fans worldwide.

By the early 1990's Sam networked his way to New England through his participation in the "Hubert Sumlin Blues Party" project (produced by Hammond Scott on Black Top), which involved many Boston based musicians. These friends provided encouragement and collaborations, which led to Joe Harley and AudioQuest Music. The results were the successful releases, "Give It Up To Love" and "Keep On Movin". After his move to New Hampshire the momentum continued to build with "Sledgehammer Soul and Down Home Blues". In 1998 Sam had two releases, "Journey" (AQM) and "Joy and Pain -Live in Europe" on the CrossCut label. "Soul Survivor -The Best of MSM" was his farewell to AudioQuest in 1999. ("Journey" and "Soul Survivor" both include "New Man in Town", featured on David E. Kelley's Ally McBeal on FOX-TV). Sam signed on with the Telarc Blues label in 1999, taking his longtime producer Joe Harley with him and recorded W.C. Handy nominated "Blues for the Soul in 2000 and "Sweet Dreams" in 2001 (also Handy nominated)
Sam started to take back his career in 1996 and turned to managing himself. His publishing company, Emily's Son Publishing, has been licensed since 1993 when his original work appeared on "Give "It Up To Love". McClain formed McClain Productions after successfully co-producing his CD's with Joe Harley. And now, the last step of his independence has been realized through the creation of his own label, Mighty Music which release his CD "One More Bridge To Cross" in February 2003. His newest project, "Betcha Didn't Know" which reveals yet another side of MSM was released in July 2009 on Mighty Music with City Hall Records as the distributor. Sam greatly appreciated the nomination of this CD by The Blues Association as "Soul/Blues Album 2010". You can find it in a store near you or order it directly from our web store - stop by and listen!

2008 brought Sam into the "Give US Your Poor" project, benefiting the homeless. He co-wrote (with saxophonist Scott Shetler) "Show Me the Way", which was included in the compilation where he and Jon Bob Jovi sung this stirring anthem as a duet. He continues to work with this project, performing at both The Lincoln Center, New Your City and at The Kennedy Center in Washington and other venues, sharing the stage with Natalie Merchant, and the smashing Greek tenor, Mario Frangoulis as well as the others mentioned on the CD. In early 2009, MSM was asked to record a CD of duets with Iranian folk vocalist Mahsa Vadhat. The resulting CD, "Scent of Reunion-Love Duets Across Civilizations" (www.kkv.no) reached #6 in the European World Music Charts and this is a Mighty Sam McClain that has never been heard before! Mahsa and Sam have had concerts in Norway to celebrate this music. Sam and the guitarist for this project, Knut Reisersrud, are collaborating on a CD that will be recorded in Norway in January 2011. Also, Sam has sung the theme song for Ernest Thompson, (the Oscar winner for "On Golden Pond") for his new film, "Time and Change$. "Find the Sun" is a song written by Thompson and Joe Deleault (keyboards in MSM's band) but is recognizable a song that Sam has made his own. Furthermore, he will have a cameo in the film, singing it! To top it of, Sam has recorded another CD-ready to go, called "Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey)" and the next music in the works. Pat Herlehy (Sam's guitarist) and MSM have a deep connection that is producing some great music.
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Harlem Nocturne - HeXx Henderson

HeXx Henderson’s musical influences include rock guitar heros like Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Roy Buchanan, Jeff Beck, The Ventures, and Lonny Mack. Great Lap Steel Guitar players like Leon McAuliffe, Santo and Johnny, Buddy Emmons, Alvino Rey, and Little Roy Wiggins, pioneering lap steel Blues players Hop Wilson and Freddy Roulette, and jazz organ great Jimmy Smith also had a big impact on HeXx.

Through his study of Rock, Blues, and Country's greatest masters, and by playing with diverse musicians of the highest caliber, HeXx doggedly earned the profound knowledge of music which enables him to weave many influences and styles together to form a very distinctive new sound. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, and Hawaiian music, with threads of Gospel, Pop, Surf, Heavy Metal, and Funk, all color the final, masterful design.

HeXx Henderson got his musical start playing the snare drum, then the trombone. At the age of thirteen, HeXx received his first lap steel guitar as a Christmas present from his parents. His intense love of music also motivated him to learn electric bass, stand up bass, and pedal steel guitar.

Avid in school music classes, bands, and competitions, music was HeXx’s true focus from a very young age. One music teacher, Mr. Humphries, steered HeXx towards his future career by promising to teach HeXx how to play the bass guitar if he could get one. HeXx begged his parents for a new bass, which they bought. The thing is, Mr. Humphries did not actually even know how to play the bass. He just had a spot in the band that he was determined to fill. Once Mr. Humphries admitted the deception to his student, HeXx was afraid to tell his dad that his favorite shiny new red P bass had been a wasteful expense. So, HeXx just buckled down and learned to play bass on his own, never letting on to his father.

Another tremendous influence was Jim Booth, who was at one time married to HeXx’s sister. Jim was a professional musician, playing upscale gigs at swank weddings, hotels, and nightclubs, reminiscent of Murph and the Magictones in the Blues Brothers movie. HeXx dreamed of the day when he could play plush gigs dressed in a dapper powder blue tux, just like Jim. At the time, he never envisioned that he would eventually play gigantic concert venues with nationally known acts, much less front his own band.

HeXx began playing the pedal steel professionally in local night clubs when he was only fifteen years old. Within the year, he was touring with Bonnie Nelson, a Country Western star signed to United Artist Records who had impressive endorsements with International Harvester, Tony Lama Boots, and Frederick's of Hollywood. This led to being asked to join Country music icon Faron Young’s band.

Around 1980, taste in country music shifted, and pedal steel guitar fell out of favor to be replaced by keyboards. By fortunate chance, HeXx met bass recording legend Carol Kay (a key studio musician in Phil Spector's
Wall of Sound) and they became dear friends. Carol took HeXx under her wing, giving him lessons in bass and music theory.

HeXx began an extremely diverse bass career, playing with notable artists in varied Rock and Pop genres, such as The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Wayne Newton. Doug Sahm, Tommy Taylor of the Eric Johnson Band, and Uncle John Turner of the Johnny Winter Band. HeXx also forayed into many other types of music, including a stint playing Heavy Metal with Phil Lewis of LA Guns. To round out his musical pedigree, HeXx also toured with Progressive Country Music star Alvin Crowe and Country Music’s greatest rebel, David Allen Coe.

In 2006, HeXx started thinking about forming his own band. Fellow musicians who were impressed with the way HeXx played urged him to start a band featuring his mind blowing lap steel prowess. This sparked an incredible new obsession, fronting a bluesy rock and roll band where, rather than guitar, the lap steel would act as the driving force.

HeXx determined that his band must engage hard core guitar enthusiasts, but it must also have a very broad appeal. He wants to connect with fans of every genre of music. Featured predominantly in Country and Hawaiian music, the lap steel has very rarely been heard in Rock and Roll. The fact that he has been able to grab the attention of guitar fanatics as well as average music fans is a feat in itself. HeXx's music encompass the myriad of musical styles which inspire him, it reflects the virtuosity of all the great musicians who have influenced him through the years, and most definitely, HeXx rocks.


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I'm Grown - Lightnin' Slim

Lightnin' Slim (March 13, 1913 - July 27, 1974) was an African-American Louisiana blues musician, who recorded for Excello Records and played in a style similar to its other Louisiana artists.
Lightnin' Slim was born Otis V. Hicks in St. Louis, Missouri. moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of thirteen. Taught guitar by his older brother Layfield, Slim was playing in bars in Baton Rouge by the late 1940s.

He debuted on J. D. "Jay" Miller's Feature Records label in 1954 with "Bad Luck Blues" ("If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all"). Slim then recorded for Excello Records for twelve years, starting in the mid 1950s, often collaborating with his brother-in-law, Slim Harpo and with harmonica player Lazy Lester.

Slim took time off from the blues for a period of time and ended up working in a foundry in Pontiac, Michigan,[citation needed] which resulted in him suffering from constantly having his hands exposed to high temperatures. He was re-discovered by Fred Reif in 1970, in Pontiac, where he was living in a rented room at Slim Harpo's sister's house. Reif soon got him back performing again and a new recording contract with Excello, this time through Bud Howell, the present President of the company. His first gig was a reunion concert at the 1971 University of Chicago Folk Festival with Lazy Lester, whom Reif had brought from Baton Rouge in January 1971.

In the 1970s, Slim performed on tours in Europe, both in the United Kingdom and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland where he was often accompanied by Moses "Whispering" Smith on harmonica. He last toured the UK in 1973, with the American Blues Legends package.

In July 1974, Slim died of stomach cancer in Detroit, Michigan, aged 61.

Slim has been cited as a major influence by several contemporary blues artists, including Captain Beefheart, who in a 1987 radio interview with Kristine McKenna, stated that Lightnin' Slim was the only artist he could recommend somebody listening to.
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Playin With Fire - Boyd Small

Frontman Boyd Small was a local hero in the Portland area as singer/drummer of the Terraplanes for 11 years.
He drummed with Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin, Guitar Shorty and Pinetop Perkins to name a few.
After touring Europe with Monti Amundson in 1997 he moved to Amsterdam and co-founded Amsterdam based alternative roots and modern blues label "Cool Buzz". While working with Cool Buzz he co- produced several CDs for American and Dutch artists including Monti Amundson, Jim Wallace, Drippin' Honey and The Cuban Heels .
Besides doing shows with his band throughout Europe in the last few years Boyd Small has worked with Black and Tan recording artists such as Byther Smith (Chicago, Ill.), Big George Jackson (Chicago, Ill.) and Billy Jones (Arks.) doing what he does best playing drums and singing.
2005 brought on a new collaboration project entitled "Somebody's Happened To Our Love" with fellow Portland , Oregon native Monti Amundson. Produced by Boyd and Monti for Rounder Europe it features Boyd writing and singing half the songs on the cd.
He also recorded three critically acclaimed albums including two with the 9-piece Boyd Small band titled "This Time No Lies" and "So Easy". He recorded one with his 4 piece band titled "Boyd Small Four + One".
Recently he released his CD "Diamond Boy" recorded in the states, mixed in Holland. It's NOW Baby!
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