Sept-Oct Newsletter now online!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
Bluesletter of the Natchel’ Blues Network • www.natchelblues.org • Vol. 32 No. 5 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Bluesletter of Natchel’ Blues Network • www.NatchelBlues.org • Vol. 30 No. 4 July/August 2014
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Catch 2016 Blues Music Award
Nominee Slam Allen, Forrest
McDonald, and many 757
artists at The Big Bluesy on
Sept. 17 & 18!
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Natchel’ Blues Network
P.O. Box 1773
Norfolk, VA 23501-1773
BLUES NEWS
Published bi-monthly by the NBN, Inc. ©2016
All Rights Reserved.
BLUES NEWS
The official publication of the Natchel’ Blues
Network, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization, run by volunteers dedicated to
promoting the blues as America’s
one true musical art form.
EDITOR
Beth Jarock
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Cathy Dixson
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Anne Bousquet
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHER
Cathy Dixson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beth Jarock, JD Silvia,
Dr. Joe Smith, Willie Stephens,
Bobby BlackHat Walterss
2016 NBN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Kidder, Dr. Joseph G. Smith,
Nick Vandergrift, Steve White
2016 OFFICERS
President - Steve White
Vice President - Nick Vandergrift
Treasurer - Fran Kidder
Secretary - Open
The views & opinions expressed in this publication
by individual writers are not necessarily the opinions
of NBN or Blues News. The staff cannot guarantee the return of submitted material. Dates, times and
venues are subject to change without notice.
www.NatchelBlues.org
[email protected]:
NBN Leadership
NBN Board, Officers and Committee Chairs:
Steve White - President
Nick Vandergrift - Vice President
Fran Kidder – Treasurer (non-Board member)
Open - Secretary
The current Board members also include Jim Kidder and Dr. Joe Smith
(NBN Facebook Page). From the Bylaws, the chairs and descriptions of
the standing committees:
• Legal/Bylaws Chair (Open)
Its purpose shall be to review the Bylaws annually, receive and record
proposed regard to legal commitments entered into by the Corporation
(the NBN).
• Finance/Fundraising Chair (Open)
Members include Treasurer and grants writer. Its purpose shall be to
oversee the financial affairs of the corporation, including the raising,
receipt and allocation of funds (including merchandise.)
• Publicity Chair (Open)
Its purpose shall be to promote the Corporation and distribute information about the Corporation’s activities, i.e., press releases, bulletins,
posters flyers, newsletters (Blues News), etc. The Publicity Committee
also manages the NBN’s digital media.
• Future/Special Events Chair (Deb Malenda)
Its purpose shall be to make recommendations to and receive
recommendations from the membership regarding special events and
be responsible for planning and implementing activities for the
Corporation. Works closely with grant writer.
• Membership Chair (LeeAnn Brooks)
Its purpose shall be solicitation of new members and efforts toward
retention of present members. Works closely with the Publicity
Committee.
Contents
NBN’ International Blues
Challenge.............................4
Concert Reviews.......................5
Letter to the Editor ..................6
Blues Bits, Blues Radio shows,
Blues Birthdays ....................7
CD Reviews .......................... 8-9
Blues Vinyl Flashback............ 10
Blues Heaven ....................... 11
NBN Membership Form .........13
Company Members .............. 14
Recipient of the
Keeping The
Blues Alive
Award for Blues
Organization
of the Year
1998
Please consider joining (or leading) one of these committees. We
all need to work together — while having fun — so the NBN may
continue to flourish! Don’t forget that all NBN members are warmly
welcomed to attend the board meetings! They’re held the first Thursday of every month, 7PM, at the Pretlow Library in Ocean View.
It’s where Granby dead-ends into OV. If heading up Granby, veer
to the left at that intersection, then immediately swing to the right
into the parking lot. To find the meeting room, turn left at the desk
and go straight back.
At the August meeting, it was fantastic to see such a great turnout
of long-time members — past officers, board members and musicians!
Everyone provided excellent, thoughtful advice and feedback. That’s
just what the NBN needs: conversation, participation, and ideas for
new events. Hope to see YOU there next month — let’s all keep
moving upward and onward, “Keepin’ the Blues Alive!”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
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NBN’s International Blues Challenge
On July 24th, the NBN held
its International Blues Challenge
competition at Papa Ciccio’s
Italian Restaurant in Hampton.
2016 International Blues Challenge Finalist, Bobby BlackHat
Walters, served as the event coordinator and emcee. Entries in
the solo/duo category included
Dara Jones & Jon Spear, Ruth
Wyand, and the Campbell Stevens Project. The band entries
were Jonny Waters & Company,
Bluzhammer, and the Billy Joe
Trio. The Campbell Stevens
Project and Billy Joe Trio took
top honors in front of an enthusiastic crowd and will represent
the NBN at the International
Blues Challenge in Memphis,
TN, January 31-February 4,
2017.
The International Blues
Challenge represents an international search by The Blues
Foundation and its Affiliated
Organizations (mostly blues
societies) for the Blues Band and
Solo/Duo Blues Act ready to
perform on a national stage, but
just need that extra break. Each
Affiliate of The Blues Foundation has the right to send a band
and solo/duo act to represent
the organization at the IBC on
Beale Street in Memphis, TN.
Bobby BlackHat Walters
Please see additional photos
on the inside back cover.
The judges:
Mike Holtzclaw,
Daily Press;
Larry Burwell;
and Bill “Big
Dog” Van
Elburg
Shayna Walters,
Time Keeper
Cole
Stevens,
Campbell
Stevens
Project
Ruth Wyand
Albert Wood, drummer, Jonny
Waters & Co
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Jonny Waters,
Jonny Waters
& Co.
Jon Spear
of Dara
Jones &
Jon Spear
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
PHOTOS
©2016
CATHY
DIXSON
Concert Reviews
H.M. Johnson Band
YNot Wednesdays - Town Center, Virginia Beach 7/20/16 7pm
Man, this place was loaded
with people…several hundred…
on a hot summer hump-day night.
I ventured out across the street to
hear some good local music and
these guys did not disappoint.
Sponsored by award-winning
YNot, known for their great food
and stunning selection of local microbrews, this party in the plaza is
fun for everyone. The festival area
is located in the grassy knoll on
Commerce Street, flanked on one
side by McCormick & Schmick’s
(plush West Coast Steak and
Seafood restaurant with indoor
and outdoor seating and ½ dozen
different type of oysters). On the
other side we have the trendy
Twist martini bar, which offers a
variety of old-school elixirs and
outdoor seating to boot. Both of
these places would be great to pregame or actually watch the show
from an outdoor table or booth.
But if you really want to get up on
in it, you need to get up closer to
the stage, which is quite easy in
this open venue. Stand, sit, dance,
or bring a chair…have it your way
here! Or be Mack Daddy and get
a VIP table. We were able to get
front, side, and back views of the
band from high-five distance. The
Sandler Center doubles as a restroom for these events and you can
watch the band from the rear, on
the inside, in the a/c, if you hear
me. I’m wiping my head just thinking of it because it was hot this
night.
So as I got up close I noticed
that the bass player was rocking
the 6-string bass. That made the
whole thing even better. And he
was thumpin’ it away. As HMJB
rolled through some sets of The
Blues, I was grooving as I watched
loads of people dancing, head bobbing, toe tapping, singing-along,
and having a great time. But this is
no one trick pony. HMJB then went
on to do covers of Bob Marley,
‘60s-‘70s R&B, and even doing a
little Montell Jordan cover (who?).
A whole lot of crowd pleasers with
these guys and they did not fail to
disappoint from start to finish, as
they had the whole crowd bumpin’
and jumpin’. Keep an eye on YNot
Wednesdays and HM Johnson
Band. They will always be the right
choice!
Dr. Joe
Tedeschi/Trucks, Los Lobos, Mississippi All-Stars
Bethel Woods – Bethel, NY 7/20/16
Let me just say I was real
happy walking out of there. These
guys played for 2 hours straight
with no talking or stories. Let me
just say that Susan Tedeschi has a
voice that is out of this world and
can play a guitar quite well, also.
I have been listening to Susan for
20 years but I had no idea that
she was THAT good! The concert
ended with 2 drummers playing a
cover of Santana’s “Soul Sacrifice”
that went a full 10-minutes long.
Then they came back and did an
encore of Joe Cocker’s version of
“Get By With a Little Help From
My Friends,” and all I could say
was “holy sh@t!” Now, Derek
Trucks -- he’s a picker, and can
play the hell out of a guitar, which
isn’t surprising considering his
dad Butch played with the Allman Brothers back in the day as a
drummer. This band of 13 members was keeping it hot, which was
good since the temps were in the
50’s and many people were wearing winter coats. But this place was
PACKED. The horn section was
unbelievable -- outrageous sax, and
they even played the flute…, which
was insane because I haven’t heard
anyone in the blues use a flute in
years. I just gotta keep saying this
concert was REALLY good. I am
glad I decided to go…so much so
that I went home and listened to
my old Tedeschi/Trucks CDs and
gained a whole new appreciation
for them. It was also cool that I ran
into a few old friends from Brian’s
Biker Blues Bar and was able to
use my flip- flop beer can opener,
which is a must-have accessory for
any true blues aficionado.
Los Lobos also put on a heck of
a show, combining the Blues with
a Spanish influence, giving it that
East LA groove. They also showcased some very fine guitar work. I
would really like to see these guys
by themselves or as a headliner.
They ended their set as Tedeschi/
Trucks came out and helped with
a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s
“What’s Going On” with Susan on
the mic, and it was fabulous. The
Mississippi All-Stars left me unimpressed, actually made me want to
go to sleep. They did have a tuba,
organs and bass to round out the
group. They just didn’t fit in with
the other two groups. All I can say
is don’t be tired if you are going to
see them play.
Upstate Will i.e.
(William Stevens)
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
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Letter to the Editor
I have played the blues professionally in Hampton
Roads for over 20 years in various venues, opening for
regional and national acts and as part of several festivals.
On August 4th, 2016, I attended an NBN board meeting
to discuss the future of the organization, the resignation of the existing president, and a new local festival
that was spearheaded by Bobby Walters. On several
occasions during the meeting it became apparent that
local musicians were looked down upon by some of the
board members. I hope that everyone realizes that at
one time artists such as B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, Magic
Sam, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa were all
local artists. Please understand, too, that musicians are
not all flakes, drug users, alcoholics, bums or the dregs
of society--most of us have day gigs, mortgages, families
and the same fiscal responsibilities as non-musicians.
Creative people often appear different because we’re creative--not everyone can do what we do. We aren’t looking for handouts but we expect a basic level of respect
as artists expressing an art form that appeals to a very
narrow demographic. The NBN’s mission statement is to
promote and preserve the blues--this starts with supporting your local blues artists, the clubs they play in and
the radio programs they are played on, all of which are
part of the local blues scene. No one in Hampton Roads
is getting rich playing blues music--we do it because we
love the genre and are passionate in sharing it with those
who take the time to come see us. The blues doesn’t start
with the latest Buddy Guy album--it starts with the cats
in your own backyard that play blues and blues-based
rock to an ever-shrinking audience. You claim to be blues
fans? Get off the couch and support local grown music
and let the band know that you appreciate what they
do. In turn, I’m sure that the bands would be more open
to urge people to look into joining the NBN. Just my
thoughts...as a local musician, former blues radio personality, and two-time NBN board member.
Respectfully,
J.D. Silvia
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
Blues Bits
n CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAMPBELL STEVENS PROJECT
AND BILLY JOE TRIO! They were the winners of the NBN Blues
Challenge and will represent the Natchel’ Blues Network at The Blues
Foundation’s IBC this winter!
n SHEMEKIA COPELAND was named Blues Artist Of The Year
(Female) in both the Living Blues magazine Readers’ and Critics’ Polls.
Her 2015 CD, Outskirts of Love, won the Critics’ Poll for Album Of
The Year. Copeland has received seven previous Living Blues Awards.
Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon, along with Alligator Records
president Bruce Iglauer, won the prestigious Critics’ Poll for Producer
of the Year--New Recording for Cannon’s label debut, The Chicago
Way.
Blues Radio Shows
TIDE RADIO
92.3 FM (Peninsula)
102.1 FM (Southside)
House of Blues Radio Hour
hosted by Dan Akroyd as
Elwood Blues
Sunday 8-9 p.m.
Blues Before Sunrise with
Steve Cushing
Sunday: 1-6 a.m.
WFOS FM 88.7
Blues Traffic Jam
Mon.-Fri.: 3-7 p.m.
WHRV 89.5 FM
WRVS FM 89.9
Out of the Box with Paul Shugrue Elizabeth City, NC
Monday-Thursday 7-9 p.m.
www.cooolcat.com.
Saturday: 1-5 p.m.
TheBluesAlley.com
Blues Stage with Melvin
24/7 online blues music
Van Peebles
http://thebluesalley.com
Thursday: 12:00 a.m.
A Shot of the Blues with
Paul Shugrue
Friday: 8-10 p.m.
Blues Birthdays
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Katie Webster
Edith Wilson
Memphis Slim
Freddie King
Meade Lux Lewis
John Cephas
Sunnyland Slim
Jimmy Reed
Fred Below
Little Milton Campbell
Jimmie Rodgers
Roy Brown
Barbecue Bob
Maria Muldaur
Charles Brown
Joanna Connor
Darrell Nulisch
Snooky Pryor
B.B. King
Billy Boy Arnold
Lovie Austin
Henry Butler
Big Twist
Bobby Radcliff
Mighty Joe Young
Ray Charles
Fenton Robinson
Chick Willis
Koko Taylor
C.J. Chenier
Z.Z. Hill
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
Wild Child Butler
Coco Montoya
Albert Collins
Keb’ Mo’
Billy Branch
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Deborah Coleman
Roy Book Binder
Rick Estrin
Lonnie Pitchford
Ivory Joe Hunter
Nappy Brown
Dorothy Moore
Kenny Neal
Victoria Spivey
Big Joe Williams
Bernie Pearl
Chuck Berry
Jessie Mae Hemphill
Dr. Isaiah Ross
Elvin Bishop
Speckled Red
Boozoo Chavis
Sonny Terry
Willie Mabon
Jimmy Dawkins
Clarence Holliman
Sam Taylor
Henry Townsend
Sherman Robertson
Hadda Brooks
Dave Myers
Ethel Waters
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CD Reviews
by Dr. Joe
RIFF RIDERS
Hit The Road
Self Produced
www.Theriffriders.com
The Riff Riders start this CD
off with the sultry vocals of Shally
Shallenberger belting it out on
“Hit The Road,” and you instantly
have a vision of a fine looking
woman beckoning you leave it all
behind and hit the road with her.
Some good guitars and excellent
harp work make this a great CD
for your collection. I was also very
impressed that they give you, on
the inside cover, a very detailed
description of the instruments and
electronics that they are using.
For instance, guitars: 1960 Gretsch
6120, 1965 Fender Stratocaster,
Daddy Mojo 4-string cigar box,
1969 Gibson ES-335…just reading
this I can see JD Silvia’s hands getting sweaty and his mouth drooling. Otis James really does it well
on the harmonica on this CD. Sean
Seth on guitar does one heck of a
job keeping up with Shally’s sultry
vocals as she sings of men coming
and going, among other topics.
Hailing from the Erie region, this
group fits in well with the area’s
rich history of talented Blues art-
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ists. Other favorites on this CD include “Bounce Back,” “Back Door
Kenny,” and “My 65.” A force to
be reckoned with, The Riff Riders
have a complex style that allows
each member to shine in their own
right without hogging the show.
So if the Riff Riders come to your
town, be sure to go see them. And
tell Shally that Backdoor Fursey
is a whole lot more reliable than
Backdoor Kenny. And more affordable.
CHRIS O’LEARY
Gonna Die Tryin’
American Showplace Music
ASM5227
www.thechrisolearyband.net
Upstate Will i.e. dropped this
beauty on me along with another
dozen of his weekly CD purchase. I
think this guy spends his whole SSI
on Blues CDs. Out of the dozen,
Chris O’Leary really jumped out
to me, with his no-holds-barred
take-no-prisoners approach to politics and the world situation. The
eerie “19 Cents a Day” pleads the
plight of the modern day veteran,
all the while throwing the dis to
those who wrap themselves up in
the flag…”that flag was made in
China.” Hard stuff. Great funky
guitar and harp to match, this guy
will have you “Hook, Line, and
Sinker” in no time. Singing about
the U.S. job situation, the Veteran
Affair’s Hospital, Unions, WalMart, and many other topics most
Blues artists don’t speak of, Chris
won my vote of approval after the
second song. Chris has spent time
previously playing harmonica for
Levon Helm’s Barnburners, and
his veteran prowess on the mic
shows, as well as his scorching harmonica skills. There are some very
impressive guitars on this record
as well as great percussion. This is
a great CD that should be savored
like a fine wine. Played over and
over, it gets better every time. As
a Veteran myself, I really appreciate the prior-service mentality this
guy put into his lyrics. This is one
CD I would like the members of
Congress and the House of Reps
to listen to, so they could get a feel
of what it really is like being in the
military, especially when you get
that “Letter From Home.” Put this
gritty CD on and rock the Blues
loud and proud. This CD has been
called one of the best Blues albums
of 2015, so go get it now.
that will keep you from getting the
blues when Big Kev over at Grape
and Gourmet is closed on Sundays.
Funny songs about all things Tidewater, these guys will have you
cracking up from the beginning
with “Light Rail, Short Track,” a
funny little ditty about our local
train to nowhere. “I’d Like A Beer
Right Now” is a song after my own
heart, as my penchant for a 100 ibu
DIPA starts in the morning and
lasts until bedtime. Hilarious lyrics
on this one. “Obamacare website,
made my head spin, had time to
read a book and still couldn’t log
in.” Local musicians Chris Jones,
Jennings Lyon, Frank Tiffany, Ron
Charlton, and Peter Zinc throw it
down hard, as well as the special
guest Ramblers who accompany
them. Sort of on the folk side of
town, this is a good, FUN CD to
have in your collection. Great to
play at a party, no doubt. Other
funny songs include “Santa Claus
Is Comin’ (And He’s Bringing Us
Some Beer),” “Norfolk Bicycling
Blues,” and one for my nursing
home peeps, “Fill My Feeding
Tube With Beer.” There is no way
you will ever have the Blues listening to this CD. In fact, just listening to it makes me wanna have a
beer right now. Firestone Walker
Double Jack, please!
ESOTERIC RAMBLERS
Beer and Now
Self Produced
www.esotericramblers.com
Outgoing president Cathy
Dixson asked me to review this
local CD that isn’t what you would
call typical Blues per se, but is
chock full of good drinking songs
Allen
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
A great CD I would highly recommend by an artist I would highly
recommend. Go grab anything JP
Soars you can find and pump it
up, because this cat rocks it. If you
don’t, like his rocking song says,
“Somethin’ Ain’t Right.”
JP SOARS
Full Moon Night in Memphis
Soars High Productions SHP004
www.jpsoars.com
I first heard JP Soars on the
Music Choice channel on the
television playing the interesting
“Sweet Blood Call.” When I went
to see the Birdman, even he hadn’t
heard of him. That was a couple of
years ago, and I have a few coveted
JP Soars CDs now that I won’t part
with. JP has a voice kind of like
Wolfman Jack, but with a great
Blues band backing him. From the
opening title track to the last song,
this CD is a barnburner. JP sings
about women, fishin’, gumbo--all
the things we hold dear. Who is
JP Soars you might be asking?
An IBC winner, that’s who! And
whether playing the Cigar Box
or the “Gypsy Jazz Guitar,” this
cool cat will have you movin’ and
grooving to the beat in no time.
These smoky, back room ballads
seem to grow on you each time
you play the CD. His modern take
on Cab Calloway’s “Reefer Man”
is a funny tune that will make you
laugh. JP also plays the Dobro on
“Thorn In My Side,” further accentuating his musical diversity. I love
his references to Lake Okeechobee
and his 10-pound bass; I mean his
14-pound bass he catches all day
long. JP sings about bad women,
good women, and everything else.
ERIC BIBB & NORTH
COUNTY FAR WITH
DANNY THOMPSON
The Happiest Man In The World
Stony Plain Records SPCD1390
www.ericbibb.com
Now we go to the other side
of the spectrum as guitar virtuoso
Eric Bibb leads us on an acoustic journey as he sings and plays
acoustic guitar, banjo, and guitalele. All types of instruments are
on this CD, including upright bass
(take that Ahmasi), dobro, pedal
steel, Hawaiian guitars, mandolin, mandola, fiddle, Irish whistle,
slide, 12 string guitars, harmonica…you get the feeling. All kinds
of stuff! Recorded in Norfolk, we
should all be proud. Oh wait, it’s
Norfolk, England. Anyway, this is
a nice mellow CD with great picking and strumming as Bibb shows
us why he is the “Happiest Man In
The World,” having a good time
with his buddies making some fine
Blues music to add to his already
stacked resume. A Kinks cover
ends the CD as “You Really Got
Me” gets a whole new treatment.
Originally performed in a more
blues-oriented style, this song was
said to be inspired by artists such
as Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy.
In “I’ll Farm For You,” Bibb explains to his woman that he would
do anything for her, but in farming
terms. All the while, these slow, almost country-esque riffs and picks
keep twanging in the background.
Not your typical Blues CD, this is a
good mellow cruise down a country road with a little dust in the air
on your way to the watermelon
patch. Plenty of interesting songs
on this one. If you are a fan of
acoustic country-style Blues, go out
and grab this one before the corn
gets ripe. Then you can sit back
and get the sweet rewards.
than the original. Benny is already
an accomplished bass player
who toured with his brother for a
decade and served as bandleader
for Marva “Blues Queen of New
Orleans” Wright for more than
two decades. So this is no Johnnycome-lately. He was able to record
“Pity on This Lovesick Fool” with
her before her passing. We even
get a surprise appearance from Dr.
John on this CD. The final track,
“Black Knight,” was believed to
have been lost in Hurricane Katrina. Interesting to note is that 6
out of the 10 songs on the CD were
written and recorded for his 1997
debut CD Blue and Not So Blue.
This is a great CD and another fine
effort by Benny Turner who I am
sure will shine for many years to
come. Just don’t make the mistake
Benny did when he put his money
in his woman’s hand, “and you
give every dime to your backdoor
man.” Sounds like Benny needs
to go visit Bob’s Gun and Tackle
shop. Just to have a look around
of course. So don’t let no backdoor
man spoil your happy home, go
get this CD and hug your woman
real tight.
BENNY TURNER
When She’s Gone
Nola Blue Records NB002
www.bennyturner.com
Benny Turner, brother of
Freddie King, is a great musician
and vocalist. That is for sure. Add
to the mix special guests Marva
Wright, Bob Margolin, and Charles
Brown, and you have the ingredients for one fine Blues CD. This is
the 4th CD from this Texas-born
bluesman and with each song it
gets better and better. He does an
incredible cover of Bill Withers’
“Ain’t No Sunshine” that includes
a tight setup that might be better
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
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Blues Vinyl Flashback
by Dr. Joe
BLOOMFIELD KOOPER
STILLS
Super Session
Columbia Records CS9701 (1968)
On a recent trip to Skinny’s out
Norfolk way, we stumbled across
this gem for a mere pittance. Seems
Upstate Will i.e. had bought this
jewel at Hickam AFB during ‘Nam,
but had lost it along the road of
life somehow. He was so ecstatic
to see this on the shelf he wanted
to kiss old Skinny himself. Just
kidding, but you know the feeling
when you find a long lost treasure.
This is an album conceived by Al
Kooper and featuring the work
of guitarists Mike Bloomfield and
Stephen Stills. Bloomfield and Stills
do not play together on the album,
with tracks including Bloomfield
on side one, and those including
Stills on side two. Kooper and
Bloomfield had previously worked
together with Bob Dylan. Kooper
had recently left Blood, Sweat &
Tears and Bloomfield was about to
leave Electric Flag.
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On the first day, they recorded a group of mostly
blues-based instrumental
tracks. On the second
day, with the tapes ready
to roll, Bloomfield did
not show up. So Kooper
called upon Stephen Stills,
who was in the process
of leaving Buffalo Springfield. They recorded “It
Takes a Lot to Laugh,
It Takes a Train to Cry”
and a spooky version of
“Season of the Witch” by
Donovan. This record, as
it says on the back, can be played
on today’s mono record players
with excellent results. But it will
reveal its full stereo sound when
played on stereo record players.
My how far we have come!
This is a great record with
excellent guitar, vocals, organs,
percussion, etc. from start to finish.
Relatively obscure and/or unheard
of in most circles, this LP is a great
one to sit back and play over and
over. At least that’s what Upstate
Will i.e. and I did over a few growlers of Rushing Duck Cat Toupee
American Strong Ale. And before
long, I was wanting some patchouli and a flower necklace. The success of this record opened the door
for the supergroup concept of the
late 1960s and 1970s — Blind Faith,
CSN, etc. So, if by chance you see
this baby on the shelves, grab it
and run, shave your head, and yell
“Free Charlie!” as loud as you can.
Your neighbors will go away and
you can have a hippie jam in your
yard all night long!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
Blues Heaven
Mack Rice (November 10,
1933 – June 27, 2016), the soul
legend who was best known for
his 1965 hit “Mustang Sally,”
has died. He was 82. The musician passed away at his Detroit,
Michigan, home from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bonny “Mack” Rice, who was
also known as Sir Mack, was
born in Clarksdale, Mississippi,
and broke onto the R&B music
scene during the 1950s, performing with the Five Scalders
and the Falcons, a group whose
members included Eddie Floyd,
Wilson Pickett and Joe Stubbs.
Although Rice lived in De-
troit for over 60 years, he made
his creative home in Memphis,
Tennessee, where he wrote hits
for Stax artists including Rufus
Thomas (“The Funky Penguin,
Pt. 1”), Albert King (“Cadillac
Assembly Line”), Johnny Taylor
(“Cheaper to Keep Her”), and
the Staple Singers (“Respect
Yourself”).
In the early ’90s, Rice resumed recording, putting out
a series of solo albums, his last
coming in 2006. He continued to
perform — playing at the Stax
Museum and Ponderosa Stomp
in New Orleans — until his illness forced him to retire.
Scotty Moore (December 27,
1931 – June 28, 2016), the pioneering guitarist who helped
Elvis Presley shape his revolutionary sound and inspired
a generation of musicians that
included Keith Richards, Jimmy
Page and Bruce Springsteen,
died on June 28th at his home in
Nashville. He was 84.
Rock critic Dave Marsh credits Moore with the invention of
power chording, on the 1957
Presley song “Jailhouse Rock.”
Moore was ranked 29th in Roll-
ing Stone magazine’s list of 100
Greatest Guitarists of All Time
in 2011. He was inducted into
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
in 2000 and the Memphis Music
Hall of Fame in 2015. The Rolling Stones’ lead guitarist Keith
Richards has said of Moore,
“When I heard ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ I knew what I wanted to do
in life. It was as plain as day. All
I wanted to do in the world was
to be able to play and sound like
that. Everyone else wanted to be
Elvis, I wanted to be Scotty.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
11
Natchel’ Blues Network
Mission Statement
Promote, perpetuate, and preserve blues music as a true American
art form.
Develop and provide an educational resource for the community
(i.e. schools, churches, civic organizations, etc.) as to the history and
evolution of the blues.
Blues News Bluesletter
Beth Jarock, Editor: [email protected]
Advertisement Reservation Deadline: 6 weeks prior to publication.
Advertisement Copy Deadline: 5th of month prior to publication
Blues News is published bi-monthly by the Natchel’ Blues Network Inc.
(NBN), Hampton Roads’ Blues Society. Blues News is a source of information
concerning blues music with articles on national and local artists, show reviews,
local spotlights, CD & DVD reviews, and items of interest to blues lovers. It
contains the only complete listing of blues events in the Hampton Roads area.
Size of the newsletter is 11 3/4” x 11 1/8” newsprint.
Circulation and distribution:
Disseminate information to and act as a network for blues musicians
and others interested in the blues,both locally and nationally.
Printing and distribution consists of approx. 2,500 copies each publication. These
are available to NBN members, blues societies, national recording companies,
and blues professionals. Additional copies are distributed locally to record
stores, music stores, restaurants, nightclubs, NBN events and other locations.
Advocate and work toward an increase in contributed
Natchel’ Blues Network, Inc.
support for the blues in the Greater Hampton Roads area.
NBN is a non-profit 501c3 corporation formed in 1984 in Norfolk, Virginia.
NBN has been dedicated to promoting the Blues as a true American art form.
All advertisements are accepted by publisher upon representation that the
advertiser will hold the publisher unaccountable from claims or suits based
on contents or subject matter of such advertisements. Rates effective 1/1/10,
subject to change. Ads are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication.
Print Ads are to be submitted as JPGs, PDFs, or EPSs. Ads must be created to
correct size without bleeds. Ads that are not at the correct size will be resized
to fit the ad space.
NBN Membership Discounts
Present your NBN Membership Card prior to ordering & verify
discount amounts prior to purchase. Vendors may change
amounts without notice.
Birdland Music
Providence Square
Virginia Beach, VA
10% Off Records, Tapes, &
Compact Discs
Dirt Cheap Blues Dance Club
www.DirtCheapBlues.com
757-567-4036
2-for-1 Dance Lessons
Mojo Bones
9659 First View St.,
Norfolk, VA
15% Off Food only
Tidewater Friends of
Acoustic Music
405 Butternut Ct.
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-539-1959
tidewaterfriends@gmail.
com
www.tidewateracoustic.org
$5 off tickets to NBN members
on any concert if they show
their card
Ad sizes
Premium color ads
Back page
10.125”x 10.25”
Full page
10.125”x 9.75” Inside front, inside
back
10.125”x 9.75”
Horizontal
10.125”x 4.75”
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Vertical
5”x 9.75”
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Half page
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10.125”x 2.25”
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12
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Advertising opportunities: www.natchelblues.org/BluesNews
Scan this
code and
become our
Facebook fan!
4
Black & white ads
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
Bands That Play Blues in Hampton Roads
Amy Ferebee ..................................... 757-434-5385
Anthony Rosano &
the Conqueroos..............................757-285-5061
Bartones ...............................................757-622-7235
Black White Blues ............................. 757-947-4669
Blues Empacts ................................... 757-880-5451
Blues On Fire ............................................ 872-8580
Bobby “BlackHat” Walters .............. 757-871-5485
Clarence Turner Band ...................... 240-988-9375
Corporate Woods Drive .................. 757-748-6775
Cosmo Kings ..................................... 757-255-0648
Darryl Ellyson ................................... 804-617-8820
dc3........................................................ 757-463-2384
Elifino...................................................757- 615-3788
Grant Austin Taylor Band ............... 757-439-2064
Groove Cats ........................................757-289-7324
HammerHead Blues ........................ 757-483-1350
Herbie D & the DangerMen ........... 757-679-9671
H.M. Johnson Band .......................... 757-547-4506
In Layman Terms .............................. 813-778-2054
Incognito Brothers .............................757-651-0073
Jackie Scott & the
Housewreckers ............................ 757-777-7127
John Baldwin Group ........................ 757-735-4409
Julius Pittman & the Revival .......... 757-634-1816
Lisa Lim Band ................................... 540-379-6589.
Michael Clark Band .......................... 757-418-1788
More Cowbell .................................... 757-624-5225
M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio ............. 757-434-0447
Next Weeks Blues ............................. 252-642-2701
Planet Full of Blues ........................... 804-815-3016
Rhythm Kings ................................... 757-460-6414
Rock and Blues Society Band ......... 757-581-3363
Ron Fetner .......................................... 757-810-0599
Rooster Foot ....................................... 903-343-7424
RYLO .................................................. 757-729-4660
Shakedown ........................................ 757-566-3770
Shelly Craig-Potter ............................757-546-1528
Stevie Hoover .................................... 570-902-9331
Straight Up Blues Band ................... 757-289-3117
The Doc Robin Band ........................ 757-593-7820
The Janitors ........................................ 757-285-8707
The J.D. Silvia Band .......................... 757-376-2468
The Mike Lucci Band ....................... 804-814-4298
The UnXpected ................................. 813-778-2054
Tim Morgan ....................................... 757-875-0447
Tom Dikon ......................................... 757-262-8525
Tom Larsen Band ............................. 410-651-9457
Tough Deal ........................................ 804-241-5503
Urban Hill ......................................... 757- 570-9138
Zack Salsberry ................................... 757-692-0122
Newsletter Deadlines
Blues News Writer
Copy deadline
Issue
July 20
Sept/Oct
Sept. 20
Nov/Dec
Nov. 20
Jan/Feb
Jan. 20
Mar/Apr
Mar. 20
May/June
May 20
July/Aug
Natchel’ Blues Network Membership Form
Annual tax-deductible
membership dues:
• Individual $25
• Family $25 for first and $20 for each
additional household member
• Company $125 up to 4 members
• Corporate Sponsor $500 up to
10 members
All dues are for the period of one
calendar year, starting with your
application date. Thank you for
supporting the blues!
Please check the activities you
would like to help us with:
n NBN Newsletter Mailings
n Festivals
n Fundraising/Sponsorship
n Membership Development
n Promotion/Policy
n Education Programs
n Monthly/Semi-Monthly Shows
Date_______________ Name ____________________________________________
Occupation __________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________
City_________________________________ State_________ Zip_______________
Telephone (Home)______________________(Work)________________________
Email Address________________________________________________________
Preferred contact mumber? ____________________________________________
Please check type of Membership:
n Individual
n Family
n Company
n Corporate
n New
n Renewal
n Band
Questions?
Email: [email protected]
Moving?
Please send your new address.
Bulk mail is not forwarded!
Please allow 2-3 weeks for
membership cards delivery.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
13

Natchel’ Blues Network, Inc.
is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation
dedicated to promoting blues as a
true American art form. Your annual
contribution puts you on our mailing
list for the newsletter and notices of
special NBN events and meetings.
If you enjoy blues music and/or
play blues music, please join the NBN!
Become an NBN Member = Receive
discounts at area businesses on food,
entertainment and musical merchandise! Discounts applicable only when
presenting valid NBN Membership
Card. Please support your local blues
organization!
Registration for the 2016 International Songwriting
Competition is now open at
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/submit
Below are the registration deadlines:
Regular Deadline ...................................................Sept 9, 2016 ($30 per entry)
Extended Deadline ................................................Nov 4, 2016 ($35 per entry)
Love Songs/Pick Your Cause
Special Promotion ............................ Nov 17 - Dec 1, 2016 ($35 per entry)
Semi-Finalists announced ..........................................................February, 2017
Finalists announced ........................................................................ March, 2017
Winners announced ...........................................................................April, 2017
NBN Company Members
We want to thank our Company Members for their continual support
of the Blues. Be sure to pay them a visit and consider them for their
goods or services.
• Mark Brownell
King Neptune’s Mini Golf
• Stuart Burnley
Hermitage Farms Nursery
• Cathy Dixson
Cathy Dixson Photography
• Dirt Cheap Blues Dance Club
• Steve Wilkins
Wilkins & Associates, Inc.
4
14
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
Bobby BlackHat Walters, IBC organizer & MC
Jack Campbell, Campbell Stevens Project
Billy Joe Daniel, Billy Joe Trio
Kevin Payne, bass, Billy Joe Trio
Chris “Big Daddy” Serrano, drummer, Billy Joe
Trio
Dara Jones of Dara Jones & Jon Spear
NBN’s
International
Blues Challenge
Kevin Harrington, bass, Jonny Waters & Co.
See related article and
additional photos on page 4.
Pay Seay, harmonica and vocals, Bluzhammer
PHOTOS ©2016 CATHY DIXSON
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • WWW.NATCHELBLUES.ORG
15