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June 3, 2010 

Hey Blues Fans,

There is an interesting new Blues theatrical production called Low Down Dirty Blues put on by the Northlight Theatre in Skokie, IL that features a great cast and some cool Blues music. (Check out their ad in this issue. SCROLL DOWN!)

Low Down Dirty Blues is situated in a South Side Chicago Blues bar where musician gather and the songs are inspired by Muddy Waters, Ma Rainey, Sophie Tucker and Howlin' Wolf. The cast includes Mississippi Charles Bevel, Felicia P. Fields, Gregory Porter and Sandra Reaves-Phillips. Shows run several times weekly through July 3rd.

If you are going to the Chicago Blues Fest next weekend check it out for an interesting side trip while you are in town.

James Walker will have a review of the production for you in next weeks issue. For tickets and more information visit their website at www.northlight.org. 

Blues Wanderings

Blues Blast Magazine made it out to Watseka, IL for the 3rd annual Watseka Blues, BBQ & Arts Fest! Below are some shots of Herman Hines, Mondo Cortez and  Brad Ber of Chicago Blues Angels, Doug McDonald from Blue Mirror Band and Rusty Wright of Rusty Wright Band.

The fest featured exciting Blues performances ruling the day as each and every band played and performed music which was as good as that found anywhere. (Photos by Susan Walker)

In This Issue

Marilyn Stringer send us a review of the Santa Cruz Blues Festival. We have six CD reviews this week! James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews a new CD by John Németh.  John Mitchell reviews a new CD by Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames. Greg 'Bluesdog' Szalony reviews a new CD from Dan Treanor, Creighton Holley and Kyle Roberts.  Sheralyn Graise reviews a new CD by Raoul and The Big Time. George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish reviews a new CD by Cyril Neville. Mark Thompson reviews a new CD by Benton Flippen & The Smokey Valley Boys .  All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!

 18th Annual Santa Cruz Blues Festival  - Memorial Day Blues at Home

Photos & Commentary by Marilyn Stringer

After months of unseasonable rain and cold, the sun popped out for the two day blues festival in Aptos, CA. And it was extra special for this blues lover - I was back at my "hometown" festival for the first time in five years. The festival grounds are set in a natural amphitheatre park and the organizer, Bill Welch, knows how to put together an event and line-up that is stellar. (photo: Eric Burdon & The Animals)

The morning started out with a bang - Eric Lindell and his infectious Bayeau Blues - including guitars (Eric & Thomas Johnson), Creole horn, drums, and a big dose of blue eyes and laughter. He definitely got the crowd going (even after he was the very late pre-festival performer the night before at Moe's Alley, our long-time local blues venue). Very fun band, always!

Keeping the phunk in the house, next up was Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, led by Ivan (son of Aaron Neville) on keyboards, adding two basses - Nick Daniels and Tom Hall- and a sound like nothing you have heard. I am not sure who was having more fun...the band or the crowd. They are a band who wanted to play nasty and dirty phunky, so they named it after a dumpster, 'cause there is nothing phunkier than that, or them!

On a different level, more surrealistic and using a looping station was singer/songwriter James Arthur, who sang his soulful blues and did a finale that included spray painting while he sang. His sound is "experimental, innovative" and "part of a new generation of soulful singers".

Aahhh! back to the roots, long-time standards, acoustic & banjo bluesy, international beats, and always a crowd favorite-the Taj Mahal Trio brought the crowd to their feet to dance....and laugh at his antics and stories.....singing along to the well-worn (like a favorite pair of slippers) songs...because Taj, Kester Smith (drums), and Bill Rich (bass) just have it down and natural after 30 years. And we like it! Gonna' paint my mailbox BLUE!

Ben Harper and the Relentless 7, in a rare northern California appearance, closed Saturday's lineup, mesmerizing everyone with his original blues, drawing from folk, gospel, reggae, rock, bending the genre's together in his unique way - indescribable actually . He had at least 5 lap slide guitars and 10 other guitars that were changed out for almost every song. If you are ever in the vicinity of Ben Harper, and want to see someone "channel" music, go see him.

Sunday morning the Detroit party band, Was (Not Was), brought more blues, jazz, soul, funk, and fun to a large crowd who made sure they got to the party on time. Band leader and bassist, Don Was, and "spiritual leader" of the group, also is a producer for Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones. The band includes the Boneshakers guitar player, Randy Jacobs, and singer, "Sweet Pea" Atkinson; soul singer ( "I love to dance! Any kind of Dance! I love to dance wid'da wimmen!!" he told me) Sir Harry Bowens, David MacMurrey (sax) and Jamie Moholbrac (keyboards).

Returning to the Santa Cruz Blues Festival, after many year's absence was Coco Montoya, bringing his own style of blues - soulful and rockin' all at once. At one point he invited Randy Jacobs (Was-Not Was) up to jam with him. Coco was feelin' it!!

In great anticipation, curiosity, and general longing for a trip back to our youth, we all waited for Eric Burdon and the Animals to take the stage. And the trip was oooh so sweet. He sang the magical songs we grew up with, he made them new and exciting without losing their core, and he brought waves of deep nostalgia to everyone, including me. And when they started singing The House of the Rising Sun, (the first song many of us learned to play guitar to), the emotions were high. And the song was not like you have ever heard it, with Red Young dropping it down on the organ, and Terry Wilson on guitar - the long, drawn-out, styled-up and blues'ed-down, version that you hoped would never end. I could become a groupie again! The blues, so deeply rooted in the rock music of decades ago, became apparent with everything they brought back to us.

Well after that, I glad there was time to take a deep breath and prepare for the next act - Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, and a band, full of brothers and family members. (I don't have the names of everyone). And, as to be expected, Derek was in the zone on guitar and Susan played and sang the blues, with the deep rich sounds only she can produce. And together, they are twice as great!

Topping the two days of perfection and the icing on a very rich cake was Buddy Guy. (Truth: other than a few songs at the BMA's in May, I have to admit to being a Buddy virgin). Well, if you have seen Buddy, then you know he is not only the best of the best bluesman, he is pretty funny too! And his guitar player, Ric Hall, was pretty amazing also - especially when he twirled his guitar around on his chest - whoa! So, it was a perfect ending to a perfect festival in Santa Cruz and a memorable Memorial Day weekend!

Special thanks to Bill Welch, and the hard working staff at the Santa Cruz Blues Festival and volunteers, for producing an impeccable event! I know all of my friends and everyone in the bus line loved it too! (www.santacruzbluesfestival.com)

An eventual full set of photos can be found at MJStringerPhoto.com  See you in Chicago where I will really be going home! 

John Németh - Name The Day

Blind Pig Records

www.johnnemethblues.com

www.myspace.com/johnnemeth

11 songs; 41:46 minutes; Library Quality

Styles: Retro-Modern Blues, Soul, Soul-Blues, R & B

“John Németh (pronounced like the Jets quarterback, Joe Namath) is a rising blues star; an incredible singer steeped in tradition and with dynamic range. A harmonica player of riveting intensity and virtuosity, he also puts on a stage show with antics like kicking his foot as high as his head.” Skyy Dobro April 29, 2007

“There is no sense denying it; one might as well say it out loud: when it comes to the best young, white, contemporary blues singers, John Németh and Andrew Duncanson of The Kilborn Alley Blues Band are in the top five with Németh holding my personal list’s number one spot.” Skyy Dobro Sept. 23, 2008

“2009’s “Love Me Tonight” confirms that the Blues Blast Music Award John Németh received last November (2008), The Sean Costello Rising Star Award, was rightly awarded!” Skyy Dobro February 2, 2009

As the reader can see, keeping up with the dynamic John Németh has become an annual event since 2007. “Magic Touch,” released January 30, 2007, was an album which broke John Németh to a world wide audience and Big-Industry-Buzz status. “Magic Touch,” is regarded as an essential piece to appreciating music of the 2001 – 2010 decade. It received my highest (and very rare) rating of “Reference Quality.”

2010 finds Németh, assistant producer Kid Andersen, and guitarist and pianist extraordinaire Bobby Welsh creating popular music that will be as popular across ages when retrieved from one’s library of recorded music. “Name the Day” again draws on America’s classic Blues, Soul, and R&B influences, especially those of Memphis and Muscle Shoals. Németh’s song writing is his best ever, and all are original songs save Otis Blackwell’s “Home in Your Heart” recorded by Solomon Burke.

Németh’s top ranked, funky and soulful vocals are strong, tough, and tender as ever, and they are on full display. Personally, I did not find the addition of even more horns beneficial or pleasing, and there is, sadly, less of John’s virtuosic harmonica playing. The fantastic Bobby Welsh is solid as always, but I would have been enjoyed even more of his solos and standout moments.

The track that killed me on first listen is “I Said Too Much.” With its Gospel influence, the lyrics are more soul baring than a confessional. It is a moving and emotional tear-jerker of a song with a Welsh guitar solo perfectly fitting the mood. The chorus is ear-worm catchy especially with Steve Willis and Ed Earley providing nicely arranged background vocals.

“Heartbreak with a Hammer” has some fine harmonica work. Bobby takes one of his better guitar breaks while either Austin deLeone and Jake Smolove add organ.

The funniest song based on every road warrior’s nightmare is “Do You Really Want That Woman.” Convinced he can resist anything except temptation, the narrator “damn straight” does want a try out with the sweet young thing who has just paid him an “ounce of attention.” By the end of the song, he does resist as he has a “good girl at home.” The background vocalists conscientiously and heroically sing the chorus, “Don't you know you got a good girl at home.”

John Németh is so widely recognized for his vocal gift that basically any Németh CD is cause for celebration. His five CDs show the development of a career, and there’s no reason to not add this album for both fun and posterity.

Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames - Burnin’ Love

Delmark Records

www.daveweld.com

13 tracks; 65.34 minutes

Dave Weld has been away from recording for many years, caring for his mother during a difficult period. The sleeve notes of the CD explain how Dave coped with the situation and is a moving read. This CD is clearly a real attempt to regain the territory Dave occupied in the 90s when his CD with Lil’ Ed Williams on Earwig turned some heads.

Dave’s links to Lil’ Ed go a long way back. JB Hutto (Ed’s uncle) taught Dave slide and Dave was part of the original Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials before starting his own band, The Imperial Flames. Lil’ Ed appears on this CD also, playing rhythm on most tracks and taking a couple of solos. However, where this CD differs from the slide-fest that is always the hallmark of a Lil’ Ed album is the featured tenor sax player, Abb Locke, whose warm tones are a strong element in this record.

Dave’s works fine on this Chicago style material. Opener “Sweet Shiny Brown Eyes” is a good start before we hit “Ramblin’” (the longest track at 6.34) which is based around the Robert Johnson tune but with additional and personal lyrics about Dave’s efforts to establish himself in the Chicago scene; really nice sax solo here. Track 3 is a fast paced shuffle entitled “Burnin’ love”, again featuring a strong sax solo and a real fret burning solo from Dave, before we hear the first of two tunes penned by drummer Jeff Taylor, “I got mad”. Jeff takes lead on the vocals on both his compositions and does a good job. “I got mad” lopes along with the story of a difficult relationship while later track “All of these things” tells us about a new love, with solos by Lil’ Ed and Dave.

Two tracks feature Monica Myhre on lead vocals, both her own compositions – “Talk Dirty” and “Listen to Mama”. The first sets off at a fast pace and does what it says in the title! Again, the sax fits superbly into the tune, followed by a nice guitar solo from Dave. “Listen to Mama” starts as more of a slow paced boogie, before building into a more upbeat tune. The variety of vocalists is a strong plus for the CD, in my view.

There are two songs from outside the band; a cover of mentor JB Hutto’s “Things are so slow”, a classic blues which offers Dave a chance to demonstrate his slide chops, alongside some ‘dirty’ sax from Abb Locke. Lil’ Ed penned “Ed’s boogie” which is just what you’d expect from the title, a fast paced boogie, with Ed on lead vocals and slide.

Dave wrote seven of the tracks here, two with Monica Myhre. “She’s mine” is a nice tune, good vocals and another excellent sax solo. “Donnie Lee” is a slow blues, with harmony vocals from Monica which add to the song. “Peace of Mind” is classic Chicago blues and closing track “She’s Lyin’” is an upbeat shuffle with strong sax and guitar features to round off an excellent comeback album for Dave. I enjoyed the CD and am glad that Dave has returned to the scene.

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Columbia College - Chicago, IL

The Friends Of The Blues - Watseka, IL

2010 Friends of the Blues shows - June 15 - Albert Castiglia 7 pm , River Bend Bar & Grill, June 22 - Al Stone, 7 pm , River Bend Bar & Grill and August 10 - Sean Chambers, 7 pm , River Bend Bar & Grill For more info see: http://www.wazfest.com/JW.html 

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $3 cover. June 7 - The Avey Brothers, June 14 - Jim Suhler & Monkey, June 21 - The Texas Groove Blues Band, June 28 - Bryan Lee, July 5 - Little Joe McLerran, July 12 - Michael Charles Band, July 19 - Laurie Morvan, July 26 - Bill Evans Birthday Bash

5th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest
June 18-19, 2010
Music City Texas Theatre  - Linden, Texas

Johnny Winter

Zac Harmon

Malford Milligan

Robin & the Bluebirds

Dorothy “Miss Blues” Ellis

Buddy Flett

Emily Elbert

Guitar Shorty

Honeyboy Edwards

Henry Gray & the Cats

19th Street Red

Sumter Bruton

Diddley Squat

Kayla Reeves

Pleasant Hill Quilting Group

Guitar Hero Competition – Friday & Saturday

Call (903) 756-7774 for more information or visit

www.tbonewalkerbluesfestival.com

Reviewer Greg 'Bluesdog' Szalony is from the New Jersey Delta. He is the proprietor of Bluesdog's Doghouse at http://bluesdog61.multiply.com.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.

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Raoul and The Big Time - You My People

www.raoulandthebigtime.com

13 tracks

I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect from a CD titled You My People by a Canadian actor born in England named Raoul Bhaneja. I kept an open mind. I’m glad that I did. The title track, “You My People,” is an upbeat paean to those who like “live music played in a down home way.” So, as it turns out, I am his people!

Raoul and The Big Time is a four piece combo led my actor/harmonica player Raoul Bhaneja. The other members are Darren Gallen on guitar, Tom Bona on drums, and Terry Wilkins on upright bass. All are veterans of the Canadian blues scene. Bona is a Maple Blues Award winner. Terry Wilkins has played for a number of bands, including Levon Helm’s. The band has opened for Buddy Guy, Bobby Bland, and the Downchild Blues Band. This CD has a number of guest appearances such as Junior Watson and Mark Hummel.

I like the track, “You My People.” It’s catchy and infectious. “One Card Trump” has a big band feel to it with two sax players and a trumpeter with Bhaneja soloing on the Mississippi saxophone. His vocals are a bit rough though. “Live Without Me” is about a man who realizes he does not have the upper hand in his relationship. I like the down and dirty beat to the song. The rough vocals give it a pained, plaintive quality. “Where the Wind Blows On Shore” continues the theme in a slower tempo. “Movin’ Out” sounds downright old. “All to Myself” is a Ray Charles ballad. “Born to Love” is an up-tempo Chess Records, “I’m a Man” machismo type song. It is immediately followed by a cover of Muddy Waters’ “Gypsy Woman.” “Breathin’ In” is an instrumental with dueling harp by Mark Hummel. It is the most contemporary sounding track on the CD. The remaining songs are of a social commentary character from war to the economy, tongue and cheek anti smoking, and a “We Can Change” romp reminiscent of a political campaign to the south, i.e., south of Canada.

The band is good. I particularly like the upright bass and the piano by guest artist Tyler Yarema. Yarema’s playing is similar to Otis Spann. However, there seems to be a glut of fedora, vest and tie wearing retro bands hitting the market now days. Many of them are good. Overall, You My People, is another retro style blues and big band CD albeit one of the better ones.

Reviewer Sheralyn Graise graduated from the University of Akron a while back. A former Social Services professional, she is now pursuing other interests such as music history, writing, and photography. She has been a member of the Blues Foundation since 2001.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.

Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.

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