All news BLUES in the US!

Your Blues Internet Magazine

from IllinoisBlues.com

December 19, 2007           

© 2007 IllinoisBlues.com

News, reviews, live Blues show links AND MUCH MORE at Bottom! - Scroll Down!


Happy Holidays Blues fans!

All of us Blues lovers want to help keep the Blues alive and it is a great time of year to do just that. How you ask? You can give the gift of Blues this season!

Looking for that last minute holiday gift for that Blues lover on your list? Want to give yourself a gift and expand you music collection a bit? We have reviewed more than 50 Blues CD's, DVD's and books in the Blues Blast over the last 9 months. To see all the reviews on our website CLICK HERE.

Sometimes finding a large selection of Blues music can be tough but you can click on one of these reviews and usually find a link to the artist's site or record label to find the CD. Or you can check other sources like amazon.com or your local music store.

YOU can support Blues best by buying Blues CD's and books!

Another great Blues gift to consider would be would be a Blues getaway to the Windy City to see a living Blues Legend! See details about a great Blues package which includes reservations to see Buddy Guy himself at Chicago's Legends in the Featured Advertiser section below.


New to the Blues Blast & IllinoisBlues.com CLICK HERE to go directly to the IllinoisBlues.com list of Live Blues Music. Click a link for more Blues content.   Reviews  Links  Audio Interviews  Photos Videos  Blues Radio   To advertise your blues shows or event for FREE Click HERE!   To see The Blues Blast Archives Click HERE

 


 Blues Link of the Week

 

http://www.blues-clubs-worldwide.com/

The creator of the website Jazz Clubs Worldwide , Peter Maguire, decided in 2002 to create this website to host a worldwide directory of Blues Clubs. So if you are in London, Paris or Rome, there is probably a Blues club close by.

It has grown quite a bit since then and now includes Blues videos, festival links, societies, musicians, record labels and more.
 

For more Blues links  CLICK HERE to visit the IllinoisBlues.com Links Page

If you know of a COOL Blues link, please send it to


 Streaming Blues Link of the Week

 

      

http://www.archive.org

The Internet Archive is a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, it provides free access to the general public. (Including Blues fans!). This library includes moving images, live music, audio and text based content.

So why should Blues folk care? Answer: The Live Music Archive! Many bands allow fans to openly record their shows. Some bands, like the Grateful Dead, are legendary for allowing this.  Nearly 3000 of those recording by fans are here. There is also some great Blues here.

Delta Moon, winners of the 2003 International Blues Challenge, have some of their live shows here as well as other Blues performers such as The Derek Trucks Band. In some cases you have the option of either downloading these recordings to your computer or MP3 player or and on some you can just listen to them live via streaming.  You can either listen to/download entire live performances or individual tracks (songs) from the performance. There are even several media format types to choose from.

The easiest thing to try is go to an individual recording and click on one of the named tracks in the embedded media player on the right hand side of the page.  Here are a couple samples. Click the artist name to go directly to one of their recordings. Delta Moon   The Derek Trucks Band    Grateful Dead

To go to a complete artist list CLICK HERE  (All music styles, with more than 45,000 live concert recordings available.)

Check out other great Blues Music Streams Click HERE

 Other IMPORTANT News   Help Save the music! CLICK HERE to Keep Blues Radio Alive!


 Featured Blues Reviews 

James “Skyy Dobro” Walker , noted Blues writer and Blues Blast contributor reviews a "new" CD by Luther Allison - Underground

Luther Allison - Underground

Ruf Records GmbH.
www.rufrecords.de

By James “Skyy Dobro” Walker
8 songs; 25:37 minutes; Recommended

Here is a September released CD that gives you double the fun: great music from the late legend and controversy about historical accuracy. Almost immediately blues scholars disputed the “1958” recording date and a CD sticker claiming “never previously issued.”

The original liner notes begin, “The discovery and release of Luther Allison's 1958 debut recording represents an [exciting] blues find.... After sitting for 50 years in the home of Luther's wife, Fannie Allison, Luther's son Bernard unearthed these monumental recordings...,” Art Tipaldi, author.

The 1958 date evidently came from the memory of 74 year old Bobby Rush, who produced the album. But, as we all know, memory can be a tricky thing. Bobby Rush likely remembered the date wrong, and Ruf took his word.

By November 2, a blogger wrote: “A sticker on the CD ...states that these are 1958 recordings and never previously issued. This is not true. ...I know because I bought a vinyl LP from Luther in 1971 called Underground with the eight tracks that have been reissued. It was sold by Luther as if it was a bootleg (I suspect he was still under contract to Delmark). The simple album label stated it was produced by Bobby Rush. .... I suggest this was recorded between 1968 and 1970, after Luther's Delmark [debut] album was issued. It might have been intended primarily as a demo to be shopped to a bigger label, which Luther also sold at gigs.” Ron Weinstock at http://inabluemood.blogspot.com/2007/11/rufs-incredible-promotion-of-luther.html

By now, Ruf Records themselves have placed an update on their website conceding the more likely date: “...the session organised by bandleader/bassplayer Bobby Rush must have taken place before the company [Wonderful Studio] folded in 1968.”

What we know for sure is that these are early recordings of a multiple award winning blues guitar player whose four hour, non-stop shows were legendary and who died at the peak of his career in 1997 of lung cancer. An accomplished guitarist, Allison had learned the blues long before he got to Chicago. He took Chicago Blues and added touches of rock, soul, reggae, funk, and jazz.

The eight songs are all covers. In the liner notes, Bobby Rush explains, “It wasn't any particular songs. We're just going in there to do what we would do on the bandstand at night. Cutting the kinds of things that we were playing for audiences every night.... We cut the thing in one take because we didn't have the money to do things better. Some of it was unfinished; some of it was OK and some wasn't.”

Elvin Bishop once claimed that any 1960s band worth their salt had to play “Hide Away,” and Luther kicks off the set with a hot version of this instrumental classic.

If you are new to Luther Allison, what better place to start? Long time fans clearly need this CD in their Luther library.

CLICK HERE for more information or to purchase.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


 Chicago Blues Update

Live Blues reviews by Chicago Blues editor Lordy

Blues Beat: Chicago (Photos by August Lord)

The Marty Sammon Band at the Harlem Avenue Lounge

Damn, a heavy snow advisory…Chicago style! On the slow crawl through the snow to Harlem Avenue Lounge in Berwyn, I thought, just for a nanosecond, that the band might not show up. I should know better. The blues bands always show up. Marty Sammon is usually on the road as Buddy Guy’s keyboard player, so if you don’t catch him with Buddy Guy, you’re going to have to catch him between the holidays. More recently, you can see him do a solo on the newest Crossroads Guitar Festival CD as part of Buddy Guy’s band.

As usual, The Marty Sammon Band on this night was a “Who’s Who” of blues greats. Besides friends and other Buddy Guy alumni, Marty brought the great Doug McDonald for guitar and vocals. Doug is a musician's musician. He has played for over 30 years in Chicago and around the world with such greats as Junior Wells, Jimmy Reed, Buddy Guy, Phil Guy, Albert King, James Cotton, and also played on Marty’s first CD.

I can’t count the times I have written that “you had to be there”. You have a pass because this night was so miserable outside, but just know, that with the snow flying outside, Jay Moynahan’s wailing sax was all the heat I needed.

Mike Sterling (Otis Rush and many more) on bass and Rick King on drums started deep in the pocket from the first note of Sissy Strut, and didn’t let go until the end of the third set.

If it wasn’t for some intentional facial hair, Marty would be sent home as underage. Even at that the guy is only about thirty. How his ten fingers could have such complete mastery over eighty-eight keys at any age is a serious accomplishment. Even though he is from the same Southwest Chicago area as I am, he shows a strong New Orleans influence. There are so many great Crescent City piano players and Marty has them covered.

He did a great cover of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time”, on the black keys, with Jay switching to alto from tenor. They did a two beat Dixieland thing for variety. Marty worked in one of his new songs; “Got A Smile on My Face, But My Mind’s Messed Up”.

When the third set came to a close, I looked around and the same few faces that braved the weather to be there, were still there. You see, that band played their asses off from the first song until the last. Sammon doesn’t even come up for air before calling out the next song, and it was high energy stuff at that. As usual, I am going to suggest that you should have been there. Sure it took me a while to get home, but I smiled all the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 CLICK HERE to visit Lordy's website at ChicagoBluesBeat.com

To see a Chicago Area list of upcoming events CLICK HERE

If you know of a Chicago Blues event or news, please send it to


 Featured Advertisers

Bluesadventures.com presents....

 Chicago Winter Blues Tour
January 18-21, 2008

Say goodbye to the winter blues & hello to your weekend adventure in the Blues Capital of the world!

What's Included:

  • Saturday Night - on your own to shop the Magnificent Mile (just steps from your hotel) or get recommendations for dinner & blues music that night from your Tour Director 

  • Monday Morning - Farewell breakfast - say goodbye and exchange contact info with your new friends!  

Cost:  Only $475.00 per person!

This is going to be a fantastic trip at a great price!  Singles welcome!  Couples welcome!  It's a great Christmas present to yourself or someone else.  We'll do our best to find you a room share if you need one. Space is limited so check out the details and get signed up for a fabulous weekend of blues & fun, Chicago style! 

Chi-Town is one of the most architecturally interesting cities you have ever seen.  The people are friendly and it's very easy to get around.  Take the "L" from either Midway or O'Hare to your hotel, it's quick and easy!  We provide all the details and the fun.  Ya'll come and enjoy!  For more information, visit our website at: www.bluesadventures.com

Sign up today!   Call Leslie at 512-627-4790 or email info@bluesadventures.com


MALKUM GIBSON and THE MIGHTY JUKE

"REAL BLUES.......REAL HOT"
Our CD's - "HooDoo Blues" & "Its Gonna Be Alright

Top 100 CD's list for the last 9 months in Real Blues Magazine

Mr. B.B. King said of Malkum "This guy is marvelous. He has a rare talent".

“solid blues.. good shuffles.. good harp tone.. vocals have a lot of personality…the whole band plays with a lot of verve and good energy..” Bruce Iglauer Alligator Records and Artist Management

“Malkum’s harp sounds unique…across between Jr. Wells, James Cotton and Snooky Pryer…with Sonny Terry melodic passages. Malkum blows his face off.”  Andy Grigg Editor, Real Blues Magazine

Coast to Coast  Booking  by - Handlebar Productions handlebarprod@dragonbbs.com
Oh Whata' Records
www.handlebarproductions.com

www.myspace.com/malkumgibsonandthemightyjuke


Willie King DVD

 NEWS! 12/12/07 - Willie King DVD nominated for a 2007 Blues Award by the Blues Foundation!

Dutch film-makers Saskia Rietmeijer and Bart Drolenga of Visible World Films came to America with the intention of producing a documentary about African American arts and culture in the deep South. When they met Willie King, they decided instead to devote their efforts to creating a DVD about Willie's life and times.

Over a period of several months, the couple recorded Willie King as he worked with his community in Pickens County and performed at festivals, juke joints and parties.

The DVD is a fascinating collage of Willie King's life and many activites, illuminated by searing live performances and interviews with his family and friends. It enables the viewer to experience what it is like to be a modern bluesman living in the Alabama Black Belt, "down in the woods."

To Purchase this DVD Now CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Featured Events



 Quad-Cities "only Blues" venue!

3303 Brady St. Davenport, Iowa  * MAP *  (563) 324-4619

No Cover Charge!

Friday, December 21- Jack Wessels Band 5:00 p.m.
Creekside Allstars - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 23 - Steady Rolling Blues Band 8:00 p.m.

Monday, December 24 - Holiday Concert 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 25 - Holiday Concert 7:00 p.m.


3207 N University Peoria IL 61604
Located in the Community Bingo Building
309-681-1241

Upcoming Blues Bands

Thursday December 20th - The Brown Sugar Band   Friday December 21st - Doran & the Soul Mystics  Saturday December 22nd -  Ivas John Blues Band Thursday December 27th  Brainchild

 


 Blues Society News

The Blues Foundation - Blues Award Nominations

The Blues Foundation has released the nominees for the 2008 Blues Awards (formerly known as the W. C. Handy awards.
To see the complete list of nominees, CLICK HERE

2008 International Blues Challenge competition will be held January 31 to February 2, 2007 in Memphis, TN
It will feature 100 bands and 60 solo/duet acts. To see a complete list of the competitors, CLICK HERE

Illinois Central Blues Club Springfield, IL -  Blue Mondays

Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover

Dec 24 & Dec 31 - no Blue Mondays (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve)
Jan 7 - Blues Deacons     Jan 14 - Delta Highway from Memphis     
Jan 21 - Bill Lupkin & the Chicago Blues Coalition w/ Barrel House Chuck
Jan 28 - Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat from Texas      February 4 - Deak Harp Blues Band

 


 Blues Want Ads

Artist/Graphic Design Help Wanted

Long Hours - LOW Pay for "Keepin' The Blues Alive"!  Print advertising experience helpful.  Please send résumé and contact info to:

 

Touring Artist Seeks Booking Agent

International blues artist is interviewing agents/agencies for representation in the United States and Canada. For more information visit the artist website at: http://myspace.com/billyjonesbluez 
Send résumé and contact info to billyjonesbluez@aol.com 

Music Lessons

Blues Guitar & Harmonica Lessons in Los Angeles CA. Affordable rates: $25/hour from my home or $35/hour from yours. 15 years of professional playing/performing experience, 10 years of professional teaching experience. Patient instructor, all levels taught (beginner to advanced). Strong communicator, well-organized step-by-step approach.  Passion/enthusiasm for music, good listener
Teach a wide variety of styles, including: Chicago/Texas/West Coast Blues, classic/contemporary rock, funk, R & B, Latin, jazz, soul, swing, rockabilly, alt. country, etc.

Utilize various teaching methods, including tablature, chord charts, taping lessons, ear training, fingerpicking, playing with soul, vibrato, bending, songwriting, and “comping” techniques on acoustic or electric guitar and mandolin. Contact Vince at blues9981@aol.com

I'm looking to get a good schedule of students, young and old... Give me a call! 920-562-0018  Thanks! Dale Anderson www.myspace.com/thedeltajets

For Sale

MUST SELL   For sale, please help a guy out!   I bought my telecaster no money down and now I have to pay for it.  American Telecaster Deluxe, Aged Cherry with pearl pick guard, Blonde neck. Humbucker switch for pickups w/Hard shell case. It is the most beautiful guitar I shouldn't have bought, Paid $1300.00 List at $1785.oo (ok right) make me an offer  Like Village Indiana Address, Just south of Chicago 1 hr 219-992-9455 Craig

Gigs Wanted

Blues guy 54 yrs old, can play some, can sing some, Need to be in a band. I have a strat and deluxe reverb. I am south of Chicago 1 hour but will travel. I have about 12-15 songs I can play and sing right now but tired of playing alone. Just moved here. I would like to find a blues group that needs a helping hand. If I am not there PLEASE leave a message.  Craig  219-992-9455

 

Organist looking to pick up work in the Peoria, IL  or quad city area (Moline, IL Davenport, IA) ( I’ve got good gear & dependable transportation)….Contact via email  tyedyeguru@yahoo.com 

 Place Your Blues Want Ad for Free

Place your WANT AD here for FREE. Buy or sell, musicians wanted, gigs wanted etc. Limit 500 words. All ads submitted will be used if space allows. If space is limited, a selection of ads submitted will be randomly selected to appear in the Blues Blast.

 Send your ad submission to


Live Blues Calendar

 Performance dates were submitted by Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Blues festivals.

IllinoisBlues.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.

CLICK HERE - for the Latest Complete Blues Calendar on our website at: IllinoisBlues.com.

or click a state to see Blues shows by State

Alabama  Alaska  Arizona  Arkansas  California  Colorado  Connecticut  Delaware  D.C.  Florida  Georgia 
Hawaii  Idaho  Illinois  Indiana  Iowa  Kansas  Kentucky  Louisiana  Maine  Maryland  Massachusetts  Michigan  Minnesota  Mississippi  Missouri  Montana  Nebraska  Nevada  New Hampshire  New Jersey
New Mexico  New York  North Carolina  North Dakota  Ohio  Oklahoma  Oregon  Pennsylvania  Rhode Island  South Carolina  South Dakota   Tennessee  Texas  Utah  Vermont  Virginia  Washington  West Virginia  Wisconsin  Wyoming   Other

 Submit your blues performances for FREE at: http://www.illinoisblues.com/submitnews.htm
 


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IllinoisBlues.com also offers paid/sponsored advertising for Festivals and Club Owners, Recording Companies and Performers selling their own music or performances. We can put your Blues advertisement on our homepage at: http://www.illinoisblues.com  either as a sponsored event or as a featured event, product, recording or merchandise .

We have a very large and growing email list of Blues Fans, Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Festival Promoters all over the Central US. We send out weekly Blues Blasts of Blues events and news. With paid advertising we can feature your event or product in these emails. We are getting an enormous amount of visitors and hits. Our rates are very reasonable.

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