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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!
Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The Wolf Pack - Kid Thomas
Kid Thomas wasn't just a Little Richard-clone, though his wild singing style and specially his incredible hairdo made him look like one. Actually he was a real blues man, a harmonica player, who named Little Walter (Jacobs) for his biggest influence and a teacher. Think 'bout that, unbelievers!
.. Kid Thomas was born Louis Thomas Watts on June 20, 1934, in Sturgis, Mississippi (I guess it may be necessary to mention, that this Kid Thomas is NOT the same person as Kid Thomas Valentine, famous jazz musician from New Orleans). Louis, alongside his parents V.T. and Virgie moved to Chicago in 1941. There he learnt to play the harmonica from a guy called Little Walter Smith, while he - in exchange - teached him to play the drums (Thomas' original instrument)! At that time he also got his nickname ('cause of his young age and tendency to a vicious lifestyle...).
..At some point Kid founded an own group and they managed to get a recording session for King-Federal (which actually was just a demo session). In Cincinnati, April 18, 1957 they recorded eight tracks, and two of them ended up to be Kid Thomas' first single release: "Wolf Pack" (a.k.a. "Wolf Call") and its flip-side, Screamin' Jay Hawkins-soundalike "The Spell". Those two and the six unreleased songs ("Jivin' Mess", "Come Here Woman", "She's Fine", "Here's My Story", "Ride On, Ride On" and "Beulah Come Back" a.k.a. "Beulah Lee") were so tough harmonica rhythm'n'blues, that Kid made his way straight to the heavyweight. And even harder stuff was to come later!
..In 1957 Kid Thomas heard 'bout Little Richard and changed his performance and outlook more into rock'n'roll. These two wild rockin' screwballs even met each other in 1957, and - the story tells that they really got along...
..One day, two hitch-hikers from Kansas came to Chicago and saw Kid and the group doin' a rehearsal at the Cadillac Baby's, which was their regular stage club. A little bit later Kid received a letter from these same guys and they wanted to book him to play in Wichita, Kansas! So - Kid and his boys stole (!) a car and drove there, playin' couple of months regularly at the Sportsman's Lounge (working also with Hound Dog Taylor, whom he had previously known in Chicago) - until the band (and the car) broke up and Kid had to return to windy city (Kid had some shorter club-vacancys in Wichita also after that).
..The future didn't look very rosy for Kid and he spent several years doin' minor part-time jobs and some occasional club gigs. At that time he worked for instance with Magic Sam and Otis Rush. Thomas got back to Wichita in 1958 and then to Denver, Colorado. Not until he settled in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1958 or early 1959, he could finally continue his musical bizness seriously. That moment really came true in 1960, when music-backgrounder and the Modern Records' A&R man George Mottola produced his single on Brad Atwood's TRC-Transcontinental label (Mottola made a hit "Goodnight My Love" for Jesse Belvin in 1956 and co-wrote the Eddie Cochran/Jimmy Madden-song "Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie" with Rickie Page. He also worked with Lee Hazelwood makin' "Lou Be Doo" for Sanford Clark). "Rockin' This Joint Tonite" backed with "You Are An Angel" was an A-class rock'n'roll-single, real wild and furious stuff. Kid plays his harmonica like a saxophone and howls like a madman! The record itself was even a tiny success in Chicago, although the TRC Records folded right after its release. Anway, it gave Kid enough courage to set up a new gig group. The Rhythm Rockers toured around all through the first part of 1960's, doin' club gigs, playin' mostly twist and other hip-music.
..In the mid 60's Thomas contracted with L.A.-based Muriel Records, that waxed two his singles under pseudonym Tommy Louis (and the Rhythm Rockers). The first release included "The Hurt Is On" and "I Love You So", which were basic blues ballads with funky incluences and sharp Buddy Guy/B.B. King-styled guitar solos (by Kid's regular guitarist Marshall Hooks). On the contrary, the second Muriel-release was like a flashback from Kid's rock'n'roll past: a truly blast-off full of speed, anger and lunacy! To make a long story short, "Wail Baby Wail" backed with "Lookie There" were simply the best kind of rockin' r'n'b that anyone made anywhere in 1965!
..Sadly none of Muriel singles succeeded and the next years Thomas had to make his living by singin' in private parties and lousy beer joints, like Cozy Lounge in South East Los Angeles. In the late 60's he made a single for Cenco-label. In this last studio session Kid recorded instrumental songs called "Cozy Lounge Blues" and "Willow-brook", and a new version of "You Are An Angel" (the last two were the single-songs). Still in the same year a blues researcher Daryl Stolper made him an interview, that was originally published on Blues Unlimited no. 72 in May of 1970 - just a month later Thomas' tragic death.
..Thomas, who lived then in Beverly Hills, worked as a lawn mowin' man. He owned a pick-up, that he used in his work. On September 3, 1969, a 10-year old boy was ridin' his bicycle, when he was struck by a van driven by Thomas, and died. Thomas got arrested and charged of manslaughter and drivin' with a revoked license. Finally the homicide case was dismissed because of insufficient evidence, but he was due back in court on the latter charge. Outside the courthouse waited the dead boy's father, who pulled out a gun and shot him down. Kid Thomas, 36, died almost immediately at 9:20 a:m at UCLA Medical Center, Beverly Hills on April 5, 1970.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Bobby Rush 4-CD box set 'Chicken Heads' collects 50 years and 20+ labels
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Monday, January 21, 2013
Fever - Zora Young
Friday, August 10, 2012
Get out of My Life, Woman - Kevin Scott's 5 Spot Jam
Kevin Scott - Bass
Derek Trucks - Slide guitar
Duane Trucks - Drums
Jacob Deaton - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Eric Fontaine - Saxophone
Spencer Pope - Keyboard
Gregory "Wolf" Hodges - Guitar, Lead Vocals
Ben Williams - Drums
Born in St. Petersburg, FL, on Christmas Day, 1984 bassist Kevin Scott hails from Dothan, AL, the peanut capital of the world. Kevin was born into a very musical family that has supported and nurtured his talent from the beginning. Kevin was attached to his bass all through high school and was active in the Alabama music scene. In 2001, Kevin was awarded a scholarship to the International Association of Jazz Educators summer program in New Orleans. Here, Kevin studied under and played with the great New Orleans drummer, Johnny Vidachovich and New Orleans bassist Jesse Boyd. In search of broader musical pastures, Kevin settled in Atlanta, GA, at the age of 19. He soon was caught up in the music scene in the city and became a bass player of great demand. Kevin tours and records with the group Highly Kind, who was recently recorded by producer Johnny Sandlin. Kevin also hosts the open jam at the 5 Spot on Tuesday nights. Some of the groups/players that have sought him out include: Oteil Burbridge, Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Jeff Sipe, Ike Stubblefield, Grant Green Jr, Bryan Lopes, Yonrico Scott, The Sixes, the Sid Wolf Band, The David Springer Quartet, Kenny Heard, Jacob Deaton and the Collective, The Apositles, Adian Ash Group, the Anton Harris Quartet, Big Shanty, The Big Tasties..etc etc
The Five Spot has become a staple of music and arts in the heart of Little Five Points in Atlanta, Ga. From an intercontinental selection of more than 100 beers to their art-laden walls, there is something at the Five Spot for everyone. The kitchen features a gourmet style deli menu including sandwiches, salads, quesadillas and nachos with many vegetarian and vegan options.
Five Spot is known nationally and internationaly as a multi genre music venue, as well as showcasing the local talents in any given style. From our free Tuesday Musician's Jam, our monthly Monday residencies, and various community events and live shows throughout the week, Five Spot Atlanta has a sound for every listener. Keep track of our calendar and we will be seeing you soon!
Hours:
MONDAY: 6:00pm- 1:30am
TUESDAY: 6:00pm- 1:30am
WEDNESDAY: 6:00pm - 2:00am
THURSDAY: 6:00pm - 3:00am
FRIDAY: 6:00pm - 3:00am
SATURDAY: Noon - 3:00am
SUNDAY: Noon - Midnight
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, November 3, 2011
You Know I Love You - James Peterson
Born in Russell County, Ala., Peterson heard the blues early on while working at his father's juke joint, according to a biography posted on Answers.com.
Peterson took up the guitar after leaving home, and became a club owner himself in 1965, opening the Governor's Inn House of Blues in Buffalo, N.Y. Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Junior Wells, Koko Taylor, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy were among the blues greats to play the club.
Peterson relocated to Florida in 1980 but had all but ceased performing by the mid-'80s.
His son, Judge Kenneth "Lucky" Peterson, though, a gifted guitarist, organist and singer, was active in the Tampa area, playing with Gene "Sarasota Slim" Hardage. The elder Peterson joined his son and Hardage onstage in 1987 or 1988, Hardage remembers.
"He had such a good time he came back the next week," Hardage says. "That was the beginning of James' involvement in Tampa's blues scene."
From then until he moved back to Alabama about five years ago, Peterson was a consistent presence on Tampa area stages, known for raunchy blues and energetic showmanship that found him walking through the crowd playing his cordless electric guitar, joking with audience members.
He also was beloved by area musicians who played in his band, sat in with him or were encouraged by him.
"He was he was always a great teacher," says George Harris, who runs Panda Studios in Clearwater. "Knowingly or not, MANY great artists owe him a debt we can only repay by passing it on."
Scott Peterson, no relation, of local blues act The Quivering Rhythm Hounds, played with James Peterson for the better part of a year.
"He kind of took me under his wing and allowed me to be his drummer when the Hounds weren't playing," Scott Peterson says. "I learned more about the blues in that year or so then any other time in my career. And I grew up on the south side of Chicago!"
Peterson's son, who grew up hearing his father and the blues greats who played at his nightclub, is a world-renowned player. A child prodigy who learned under the tutelage of blues giant Willie Dixon and jazz organist Jimmy Smith as well as his father, Peterson led bands for Little Milton and Bobby "Blue" Bland, before establishing his own solo career.
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Music Maker Relief Foundation - Bid on a Fender Strat signed by Bonnie Raitt!
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