February 2012 - Charlotte Blues Society

FEBRUARY 2012
Vol. 20.2
FEBRUARY 2012
$1.00 1
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC28232-2752
www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org
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BLUESunday ~ Feb. 12, 2012
PRE-VALENTINE SPECIAL
featuring D O N N A D U N C A N
If you have been in Charlotte for any length of time soaking in
the live music, it’s only natural that you'd be familiar with
Donna Duncan who has been a mainstay in the Charlotte
music scene for many years. She has always been one of
those performers who stays with your soul after you leave the
performance — every time. The most frequent comment
heard in passing is, “How does that big sound come out of
such a petite girl like you?” The answer is that her music is
not so much physical as it is her inner desire, dedication, and
life experiences she brings to the stage — along with the
added garish of solid talent.
Some of us know her from Scatfish, Donna Duncan &
The Manic Mood Swings, and A Dollar Short. Others
recognize her from the past 12+ years performing at Tosco
Music Parties. Then others may remember her voice and
charisma that “amped-up” the show when she sat in with
many of this city's other fine players. Over the years, she and her bands have opened for such well-known
performers as John Lee Hooker, The Neville Brothers, James Brown, Delbert McClinton, and Paul
Thorn. One special highlight, though, was sharing the stage on numerous occasions with Hubert Sumlin.
So musically – what is Donna all about? Well, she's all about throwing out Blues-based original material
and covers from old and current songs that she can relate to, choosing a repertoire from the greats that
fits her energy-based groove. Her choices, some of which can be found on her CD, is material from Etta
James, KoKo Taylor, and Bonnie Raitt (who she is often compared to), to Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Percy
Mayfield and simply anything from rock to country that she
connects with.
And if, by chance, you’ve never heard Donna perform, now’s
the time to see for yourself the personal magnetism and
natural talent she brings to the stage. Donna is looking
forward to giving you a show to remember!
BLUESunday, February 12th, will be a performance that
will be talked about and reflected upon long afterwards.
Donna will be backed by Sonny Skyyz & The Rainmakers
The Double
Doors open at 7:00
Music starts 8:00
— Michael Simonetti
Door Inn
1218 Charlottetown Ave.
704-376-1446
CBS Members – FREE
Non-members - $5:00
(2)
Bluesletter
NEW CBS TEES
Long- & Short-sleeve
White w/ Blue Logo
Blue w/ White Logo
Well Folks — it’s Memphis time! By the time you get this, we should
know how our entrants, The Bill Miller Band fared in the
International Blues Challenge.
It's also February so that means Valentine's Day and plenty of
chocolates ... and Donna Duncan and the Sonny Skyyz Band for
your V-Day Blues on February 12th.
Also at the Double Door this month is Nick Moss on the 9th, Eric
Lindell on the 17th, and Slowhand- A tribute to Eric Clapton on
Feb. 25th. (Be sure to wear your new CBS tee shirt when you attend
any of these shows!)
And some sad news... The FOX is no longer carrying the Smokin' Bluz Show after 15 years
running. Rick Ballew says he's not going away anytime soon, though. He's going to revamp and work
on a new plan to get the show back up somewhere for our enjoyment. Thanks, Rick, for all that you
do and good luck to you.
You should have received an email if you are a current member to vote on the ballot for a new
Board. The Slate is:
Jeri Thompson- President
Larry Pace- At Large
Betsy Norton Stowe- Vice President
Dick Gilland- At Large
Open Seat/ Write In -Secretary
Nick Polyzos- At Large
Open Seat/ Write In -Treasurer
Jill Dineen- At Large
Michael Simonetti- At Large
Phil Beam- At Large
See Ya Sunday .........
Diva
Thanks to
The Bill Miller Band
for the great show at the
Memphis Send-off Party
last month.
Keeping our
fngers crossed for ya!
FEBRUARY 2012
3
Smokin’ Bluz & FANZ presents...
 Elliott & the Untouchables ~ Friday, Feb. 10
 King Bees ~ Friday, Feb. 24
(
Band starts at 9:00
Come early for some great food!
Cover—only $5
Free with CBS Membership Card
FANZ Sports Grill is located
just off WT Harris Blvd.,
midway between I-77 and I-85
at 3425 David Cox Road (704) 597-7413
YES – YOU CAN VOTE !!
Members of The Blues Foundation can vote for their favorite nominees of the
33rd Blues Music Awards.
If you are not a member of The Blues Foundation, you still have time
to get your membership! Voting ends March 1, 2012, at 7:59 CST.
A complete nominee list is on page 10
Awards will be presented in Memphis on May 10.
Membership, voting, ticket and host hotel information can be found at
The Blues Foundation’s website—www.blues.org.
The annual Blues Music Awards ceremony is the premier event for Blues professionals, musicians, and fans from
all over the world. The focus of this celebration is to recognize superior achievements in Blues performance,
songwriting, and recording while honoring a rich cultural tradition.
Help support CBS by checking out our affiliates on the website (CharlotteBluesSociety.org)
and on your BluesBlast for some really cool stuff.
One is with Live Nation, the other from R. Crumb T-Shirts “Heroes of the Blues”.
CBS receives a residual of what you purchase.
(4)
Bluesletter
Etta James
Jan. 25, 1938 – Jan. 20, 2012
Etta James, whose powerful, versatile and emotionally direct voice could enliven
the raunchiest blues as well as the subtlest love songs, died January 20 in
Riverside, Calif. In mid-December, 73-year-old blues singer Etta James returned
to hospital care due to her battle with various illnesses, but most recently terminal
leukemia and kidney problems.
Etta James was not easy to pigeonhole.
Etta James has been among the most celebrated American blues singers for
decades. She is most often referred to as a rhythm and blues singer, and that is
how she made her name in the 1950s with records like “Good Rockin’ Daddy.” She is in both the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.
She was also comfortable, and convincing, singing pop standards, as she did in 1961 with “At Last,” which was written
in 1941 and originally recorded by Glenn Miller’s orchestra. And among her five Grammy Awards (including a lifetime
-achievement honor in 2003) was one for best jazz vocal performance, which she won in 1995 for the album “Mystery
Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday.”
Regardless of how she was categorized, she was admired. Expressing a common sentiment, Jon Pareles of The New
York Times wrote in 1990 that she had “one of the great voices in American popular music, with a huge range, a
multiplicity of tones and vast reserves of volume.”
Etta James was a pioneer.
Through a career that spanned more than six decades, James' raw, unharnessed voice crossed genres, with ‘50s hits
such as "The Wallflower" and "Good Rockin' Daddy" cementing her role in the genesis of rock and roll alongside Chuck
Berry, Ray Charles and Little Richard, and her soulful pop and blues explorations of the ‘60s ranking with the works of
Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday.
Although brought up in the church singing in the gospel choir, she was drawn to rhythm and blues and rock & roll, and
by her mid-teens had formed a vocal trio named the Creolettes that worked up an answer song to Hank Ballard’s “Work
With Me Annie” entitled “Roll With Me Henry.” The trio caught the attention of bandleader Johnny Otis, who arranged
for the group to record “Roll With Me Henry” (retitled as “The Wallflower”) for Modern Records. Released with the group
renamed the Peaches, "The Wallflower" topped the R&B chart for four weeks in 1955. James toured the R&B circuit
with Otis and other artists and recorded for Modern Records until 1958.
James' solo career really started to take shape in 1960, when she was signed by Chess
Records, the Chicago label that was home to Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and other
leading lights of black music. She quickly had a string of hits, establishing her as
Chess’s first major female star. She remained with Chess well into the ‘70s, at which
time she crtossed over to the pop market with soulful, jazz-tinged ballads which she
sang without sacrificing her bluesy and churchy vocal mannerisms. In the latter half of
the decade, James adopted a grittier, Southern-soul edge that resulted in "Tell Mama"
and "I'd Rather Go Blind," both tracks that remain among the most incendiary vocal
performances of the era. All told, James launched 30 singles onto the R&B singles chart
and placed a respectable nine of them in the pop Top 40 as well. [In 1978] she opened
a number of concerts for longtime fans the Rolling Stones, and recorded Deep in the
Night with producer Jerry Wexler, who called James “the greatest of all modern blues
singers... the undisputed Earth Mother.”
Through the late ‘80s and ‘90s she remained active on the touring and
recording fronts, cutting Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning
albums. She continued to make her mark through 2011, with a string of
award-winning, critically acclaimed releases that showcased her unique
style. In November 2011 she released an album announced as her final
effort before retirement, called The Dreamer. (Verve label)
Sources: NY Times,
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
(1960, Phil Chess & Etta James)
“A lot of people think the blues is
depressing,” she told The Los Angeles
Times in 1992, “but that’s not the blues
I’m singing. When I’m singing blues,
I’m singing life. People that can’t stand
to listen to the blues, they’ve got to be
phonies.”
FEBRUARY 2012
5
ETTA JAMES influenced our friends ...
Jill Dineen
In many ways, Etta James was a bridge.
She helped usher blues from the days of Bessie Smith and Billie
Holiday into a full-tilt, revolutionary era that culturally defined
and infused blues and R&B into the mainstream. She sang
everything first. She covered everything first. Much like Otis
Redding, her irreplaceable style is respected by singers and
musicians in every genre, and will continue to move and shake
blues, R&B, pop and rock for decades to come. Her voice was
dangerously, painfully, and sweetly authentic-leaving raw
emotion in her every wake. We’ll all miss her, of course, but we
will never be far from her. Her influence has been infused
across generations and can be felt in the tone and reach of
Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, and Christina Aguilera—
and even in me.
Shelia Carlisle
Etta James’ soulful voice and influence
spanned generations and genres. Her deeply emotional way of
delivering a song told her story with no filter. She certainly
could channel depression, anger, and sorrow in song. Her voice
was defined by its fiery passion – and her singing ignited
passion in others. Far from beaten down, James embodied the
fight of a woman who managed to claw her way back from the
brink, again and again. A Survivor – strong and confident,
candid and unguarded. I loved her gutsiness and her courage.
She was a free spirit.
Joy Almond
What I learned from Etta James: making every
moment count. What attracted me to Etta's sound was the raw
earthiness and passion she exuded; the way she clung to each
song, each note, as though it would be her last. She used her
music as a vehicle to exercise all of the pain, rage, and trials
and tribulations of her life; it seemed to keep her going when
nothing and no one else did. God gave that woman a marvelous
gift, and I for one am grateful that she shared it with us.
Nita Belk
Etta taught me that blues and jazz embrace each
other, and there's no reason why they shouldn't share a stage.
The richness of her vocals accompanied by the emotion she
expressed greatly influenced me. She lit a fire within my soul.
Donna Duncan
I was working in a local restaurant years ago
when I heard this incredible groove that made me stop in my
tracks. I literally stopped walking. I had to find out who it
was. It was Etta James. From that moment on I was hooked.
The emotion and pain that I knew she felt became a huge
influence on everything I listened to and performed from then
on. There is and never will be anyone that can deliver that
feeling. In my opinion she is the greatest blues singer and I
hope to continue her legacy in my own singing. She will be
missed.
Joy Perrin
Etta James was a volcano of a singer. She sang
from that ‘down deep’ place in her gut, where she fought the
heartache, and fought the desire to escape from it…any way
she could. Chuggin’ and heavin’ like a coal-burnin’ train, she
GREATLY inspired my own singing, not only with her incredible
vocabulary of tone and phrasing, but with her bravado, her
sassy, libidinous, visceral, steaming honesty. Thank you, Etta,
for teaching me a little bit about ‘holding the space’ for creative
self-esteem. About valuing myself even when I felt like “sugar
on the floor”. And for all those musical moments that take our
breath away. Adios, brave girl
She is a Gold Standard, like Patsy Cline, against which
singers who seriously aspire to GREATNESS, will have to
measure themselves, for as far into the future as Etta James’
digitized musical legacy will reach.
Gaye Adegbalola (from Saffire)
Etta is Etta. Etta taught
me that Gaye is Gaye. She taught me to bring whatever I
uniquely have to every song, to tell a story with my own
voice, my own understanding, my own passion. She was
never an imitation. She was purely Etta — every nuance,
every roar, every whisper, every song choice. I never
know why reviewers will say that "so and so sounds like
Etta James." No one sounds like Etta. And, yes, I am still
pissed at our President that he didn't give Etta the honor
of singing her song at his inauguration. Friday, with tears
running down my face, I danced to "At Last" with my new
love. Etta gifted me once again. She gave me her mojo!
May she rest in peace.
Penny Zamagni (King Bees)
I am a bit shy of speaking
about musical influences, as the slippery line between
respecting an artist and trying to imitate that artist can be
a thin and dangerous one. But I must count myself
among the legions who would love to be able to convey
the essence of a song like the luminous Etta James! Am I
held under the sway of Ms. James' magnificently warm,
supple and expressive voice? Yes, and have been since as
a youngster I first heard this jewel of American music.
Who can resist this breathtaking vocalist, especially during
her classic years? Young as she was, she nevertheless set
the standard. There is so much to try to learn from
Ms. James.
No matter what genre this astoundingly versatile singer
embraced, roots rock, blues, R&B, gospel or lush ballads,
Etta James could put a song over in a way that held the
listener spellbound. Wrapping herself around each phrase,
she would suffuse it with conviction, pungency and
passion. In Etta's masterful hands, every song took on a
life in which the mood was transcendent and the story
seamlessly revealed. Creating exquisite tension, Etta, in
her world-wise fashion brought us intimately into the heart
of the lyric. The song and it's special story never took a
back seat to flaunted technique, over-the-top drama or
vocal grandstanding. Ms. James' remarkable performances
could charm, alarm, seduce or soothe.. Those of us who
perform can only dream of capturing such a magical gift of
musical communication!
Most importantly Etta James' taught us the lesson of
marrying honesty with individuality. Her voice was purely
her own; this to me is the mark of a true artist. Mimicry is
not artistry. Etta James' character, temperament and spirit
were alive in every note. You would never confuse Etta
James with anyone else. Etta James: not an imitator but a
true blues original.
Beth Pollhammer
Writing just a few lines to describe
my love affair with Etta James. That's like asking me to
name my 5 favorite Etta tunes — can't be done. When I
listen to Etta, it's like she's singing just for me, and about
me. When I feel really bad, and she, sings "Sugar On The
Floor", I say, "see Etta understands." And when I'm feeling
sassy and brassy, listening to her sing "Come to Mama",
Lordy, that fires me up!!
I must admit, I am a zealot of a fan. I
have almost everything she has ever
recorded. I love it all. She is empowering
and inspiring. I can't believe her
magnificent voice has gone silent.
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Bluesletter
Etta James
and the Soundtrack of Existence
A Remembrance by Michael Wolf Ingmire
The great Blues guitarist, Michael Bloomfield once said, in
essence, that the music you first made love to, got high to, or
went through any pertinent point of your life to becomes
important. It becomes the “soundtrack of your existence.”
In particular, that was very true for me in regards to the music
of Etta James.
I first heard Etta James when I was about 13. It was on a
$1.99 album that I got at a local dime store that was a broad
selection of studio and live cuts from Modern Records. The
song by Etta on this album was called “The Wallflower (Roll
with me Henry).” I was hip enough to realize that Etta was
not singing about dancing and wondered why I could not, at
my ripe old age, could not find a girl as hip as Etta James. I
realize now that there were no girls in Norfolk, VA as cool as
Etta James. Etta was so hip that as a young girl it is rumored
that B.B. King wrote his classic tune, “Sweet Sixteen,”
about her. By the time Etta was 14 years old, she had already
started recording due to the sharp ear of R&B Bandleader,
Johnny Otis.
But I don’t want to write a historical obituary for Etta James
who died January 20, five days before her 74th birthday. I
remember many midnight runs hitting the streets, chasing bad
behavior, with a tape of Etta James singing “All the Way
Down,” and relating the seediness of my life to the characters
described by that edgy, desperate voice of Etta. I remember
being in love in Atlanta with an impossible woman and having
Etta James’ voice sing Delbert McClinton’s “Damn your
eyes” and relating it to the situation I was in. I remember
Etta’s voice most fondly when I danced a dance of love with
my wife Sharon over 10 years ago and having “At Last”
played as our wedding song.
As a musician, I have felt comfortable covering songs
associated with Etta such as “I’d Rather Go Blind” and
“Blues is my Business.” I feel comfortable with the
vulnerability, rage, grittiness, passion, and edge of Etta’s
voice. I never felt self conscious covering material identified
with Etta and will continue to do so as long as my voice
continues. The great music writer, David Ritz , wrote one of
his great books with Etta, about her life, and it is called “Rage
to Survive.” It is at times a harrowing, no-holds-barred book
about Etta’s troubled childhood, the possibility that her father
was the great pool player, Rudolph “Minnesota Fats”
Wanderone, her battles with drugs and abusive relationships,
her recovery from drugs and the many friendships that she
had with musicians such as Johnny “Guitar” Watson and
Keith Richards. In fact, in his autobiography “Life” Keith
Richards states that he and Etta had a backstage Rock and Roll
wedding and that Etta is actually Etta Richards. They
exchanged rings, but did not go through an actual ceremony.
Etta James embraced, at one time or the other, the best and
worst aspects of life. But all our dreams, joys, hopes, and fears
can find support and solace in the songs of Etta James. I am
so glad that until almost the end, Etta continued to record
quality albums and brought happiness to millions of folks
worldwide with her performances. It does sadden me that she
never was as successful as she should have been. But she was
truly successful as an artist who found a voice that was
entirely her own and whose songs found their way into the
soundtracks of many grateful lives.
Johnny Otis
Dec. 28, 1921-Jan. 17, 2012
By Michael Wolf Ingmire
The passing of R&B musician,
composer, talent scout, disc jockey,
impresario, pastor Johnny Otis on
Jan. 17, followed by the passing of
one his discoveries Etta James, on
Jan. 20, closes one of the chapters
of the great Blues explosion that
occurred in Los Angeles from the
late 1940’s through the 1950’s.
Johnny was best known as as the
composer of such classics as “Willie and the Hand Jive,”
but his abilities as a bandleader and discoverer of talent such
as Etta James and Esther Phillips were vitally important in
the development of West Coast R&B and Blues. His son,
Shuggie Otis, is possibly one of the greatest Blues guitar
players in America.
He was born Ioannis Aleandres Veliotes, the son of Greek
immigrants. By the time he was in his teens he had decided
to live his life as a member of the African-American
community. Johnny Otis wrote, “As a kid I decided that if our
society dictated that one had to be black or white, I would be
black.” During the 1940’s he played drums with a variety of
swing orchestras. In 1945, he founded his own band and
enjoyed one of the big hits of the big band era, “Harlem
Nocturne.” In 1947, he opened the Barrelhouse Club in
the Watts section of Los Angeles. He reduced the size of his
band and hired singers such as Mel Walker and Little
Esther Phillips. He then hit the mighty, dusty road touring
as the “California Rhythm and Blues Caravan.” He
enjoyed a long string of hits through 1950.
In the late 1940’s he furthered an innate talent for
discovering supreme R&B and Blues talent and discovered
and worked with the great R&B artist, Big Jay McNeely,
who performed on Johnny’s “Barrelhouse Stomp” for the
Savoy label. In 1951, he moved to Mercury label, but his
chart success started to diminish. He furthered his abilities as
a talent scout and discovered a 14-year-old Etta James and
produced her first hit, “ The Wallflower (Roll with me
Henry)” He also produced the original recording of the
Leiber and Stoller song “Hound Dog, for Big Mama
Thornton.”
As a songwriter he wrote the 1952 classic, “Every Beat of
My Heart,” which was recorded by The Royals. Years later,
in 1961, Gladys Knight and the Pips had a hit with this
song. He became an Artist and Repertory man for King
Records and discovered such seminal artists as Little Willie
John, Jackie Wilson, and Hank Ballard.
In 1955, he founded his own label, Dig, and continued to
perform and appeared on many TV shows in the Los Angeles
area. He was then signed to Capitol Records where he found
his greatest success in 1958 with the song “Willie and the
Hand Jive,” which was later covered by Eric Clapton in
1974. He continued to record and perform through the
1990s, and then became a minister of his own church where
he had an incredible Gospel group that included among its
members his son, Shuggie. He continued to preach, perform,
and DJ his own Rhythm and Blues show almost until his
death. A truly amazing life! I can imagine him putting
together an old school R&B band behind Etta. Rest in peace.
FEBRUARY 2012
Great time
at the Memphis
Send-off Party
and Blues Jam!
7
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Bluesletter
Sadly, it often takes a musician’s death to learn more about Blues music and its history.
Here’s another one from late last year.
Howard Tate
“Howard Tate was the
missing link between
Jackie Wilson
and Al Green.”
-- Elvis Costello
(August 13, 1939 – December 2, 2011)
Howard Tate, a soul/blues singer who got a second chance at a career three decades after
being derailed by disputes with industry executives, personal tragedy and drug addiction, died
at his apartment in Burlington, NJ, due to complications from multiple myeloma and leukemia.
He was 72.
Tate was a highly touted young singer in the ‘60s and early ‘70s, when he recorded for Verve,
Atlantic and other labels. A favorite of the producer Jerry Ragovoy, Tate had six Top 40 R&B
hits. Sick and disgusted with being burned on royalties, being passed over again and again
for decent management and touring dates, and the rampant corruption of the music business,
Tate walked away from it all, mainly because, according to him: “Back in the day, we just
didn’t get paid — at least black artists didn’t get paid,” he said. “We had no protection, and
who knows what happened to the money along the way?”
He took a job as an insurance salesman, and in the 1980s he was hit with a series of the worst
personal tragedies. Tate began to self-medicate, and in the late 1980s his drug dependency
landed him on the streets homeless and living in shelters. Then, in 1994, he turned it all
around – he checked into rehab, became a born-again Christian and a minister. In 2001 Tate
was located by a Jersey City disc jockey, and that same year he played his first show in
decades in New Orleans. In 2003, he returned to the recording studio — Ragovoy's Atlanta studio — to make Rediscovered.
At the time, Ragovoy was amazed that his protege's voice sounded the same as it had 30 years earlier — maybe better.
Additionally, assisted by a landmark interview on N.P.R’s “Fresh Air,” Tate began to play festivals, his performances leaving
audiences speechless and the reviewers searching for superlatives; after forty years, Howard Tate began to reclaim his rightful
place among the legends of American music.
Rediscovered was nominated in 2004 for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Record. Over the next five years Tate
toured and released four more CDs. Tate continued to perform and record on and off until his death.
Sources: Assoc. Press, Rolling Stone (James Sullivan), BluesWax (Rev. Billy C. Wirtz)
Get It While You Can: A Farewell To Howard Tate
When word went out of the passing of the great Howard Tate, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz called on
BluesWax and submitted his salute to the great soul/blues singer and one of the great albums ever
recorded. The article begins with:
“ … were sitting with a couple of friends, poolside at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale in Oct. 2006,
following the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. As usual, our conversation drifted to forgotten
singers, great deejays, and radio stations like WLAC. We were talking about great records and I
mentioned an album that spawned not one but three multi-platinum hits for other artists, and had
been criminally overlooked by all but the most devout music lovers. The Album? Get It While You
Can by Howard Tate, produced by Jerry Ragovoy, both of whom passed in the last couple of weeks.”
Many songs on the album have had far-reaching effects on more modern music – “Get it While You Can” (Janis Joplin), “Ain’t
Nobody Home” (Bonnie Raitt), “Stop” (James Gang, Jimi Hendrix), “Part-Time Love” (Little Johnny Taylor), “How Blue
Can You Get” (Louis Jordan, B.B. King) are just a few.
Read the entire article at: Blues Bytes – Rev. Billy C. Wirtz’ Tribute to Howard Tate 12.16.11
FEBRUARY 2012
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Bluesletter
54th Grammy Nominations for the Blues Category
Low Country Blues — Gregg Allman [Rounder]
Roadside Attractions — Marcia Ball [Alligator]
Man In Motion — Warren Haynes [Stax Records]
Revelator — Tedeschi Trucks Band [Masterworks]
The Reflection — Keb Mo [Yolabelle International/Ryko Records]
____________________________________________________________
(Feb. 12 on CBS)
The Blues Foundation presents the 33rd Blues Music Awards on May 10, 2012
Performers, industry representatives and fans from around the globe gathered to celebrate the best in Blues recording
and performance from 2011. The Blues Music Awards are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues
artists. Below is only a portion of the nominees.
Visit www.blues.org to review the entire list.
**Become a Blues Foundation member so you can vote!!
Acoustic Album
Brand New Eyes Doug MacLeod
Conversations in Blue David Maxwell & Otis Spann
Misery Loves Company Mary Flower
Shake 'Em on Down Rory Block
Troubadour Live Eric Bibb
Acoustic Artist
David Maxwell
Doug MacLeod
Eric Bibb
Guy Davis
Mary Flower
Rory Block
Album of the Year
Chicago Blues A Living History the (R)evolution Continues
Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, Carlos Johnson
Evening Sugar Ray & the Bluetones
Medicine Tab Benoit
Revelator Tedeschi Trucks Band
Rock and a Hard Place Eugene Hideaway Bridges
The Lord is Waiting and the Devil is Too Johnny Sansone
B.B. King Entertainer
Candye Kane
Lil' Ed
Ruthie Foster
Tab Benoit
Tommy Castro
Band
Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials
Sugar Ray & the Bluetones
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The Bo-Keys
Tommy Castro Band
Trampled Under Foot
Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female)
Diunna Greenleaf
Maria Muldaur
Nora Jean
Ruthie Foster
Tracy Nelson
Traditional Blues Male Artist
Charlie Musselwhite
John Primer
Lazy Lester
Mac Arnold
Magic Slim
Contemporary Blues Female Artist
Ana Popovic
Bettye LaVette
Candye Kane
Janiva Magness
Susan Tedeschi
Contemporary Blues Male Artist
Joe Louis Walker
Johnny Sansone
JP Soars
Tab Benoit
Tommy Castro
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
David Maxwell
Eden Brent
Jon Cleary
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Marcia Ball
Victor Wainwright
Rock Blues Album
2120 South Michigan Ave. George Thorogood & the Destroyers
Dust Bowl Joe Bonamassa
Greyhound Mike Zito
Man In Motion Warren Haynes
Shiver Too Slim and the Taildraggers
FEBRUARY 2012
2012 International Blues Challenge
by the Numbers!
BLUESunday ~ Feb. 12
Pre-Valentine’s Day Show
featuring Donna Duncan!
IBC will be held January 31- February 4 in
20 venues in the Beale Street Historic District.
That is 5 days consisting of over
575 performances by 226 acts.
This year’s challenge brings 748 musicians
from 40 states and a record 16 countries to
downtown Memphis for the largest gathering of
Blues artists … in the history of the World!
To produce an event of this size it takes over
200 volunteers and 108 judges to pick the
top acts from this colossal gathering.
BILL MILLER BAND
Jan 31 - Feb 4 IBC – Memphis, TN
Fri, 2/17
Stadium Sports Tavern – Charlotte, NC
Fri, 2/24
Fast Lane – Rock Hill, SC
GENE GENE
Thu, 2/2
Sat, 2/4
Fri, 2/10
Sat, 2/11
Sat, 2/18
Fri, 2/24
& THE BLUES MACHINE
Wet Willie’s (Music Factory) – Charlotte, NC
Sharkey’s – Mint Hill, NC
15 North Roadside Kitchen – Charlotte, NC
John’s Place – Fort Mill, SC
Iron Thunder Saloon – Concord, NC
15 North Roadside Kitchen – Charlotte, NC
No pressure, huh?
The acts participating in the IBC are not paid for
their performances or their travel expenses
to and from Memphis.
JILL DINEEN BAND
Every Thurs McHale’s – Fort Mill, SC
Fri, 2/10
Smokey Joe’s Café – Charlotte, NC
Fri, 2/17
Puckett’s – (Derita) Charlotte, NC
Sat, 2/25
Poor Richard’s Books – Gastonia, NC
The Sparkle City Blues Jams
are Back!
Every other Wednesday at The Cellar Club
1071 Fernwood Glendale Road
Spartanburg, SC
Naked Arts Series
Feb 15th ... Big Trouble hosting
(Sydney McMath, Sean Cronin,
Johnny V, Jody Scott).
LENNY FEDERAL BAND
Every Fri
The Comet Grill – Charlotte, NC
MATTER OF FACT
Sat, 2/4
The Money – Rock Hill, SC
Sat, 2/11
The Emerald Lounge – Asheville, NC
Feb 29th ... SCB Leap Year Jam
featuring the 84-year-old Blues Legend
Pop Ferguson with his band as the host!
NITA B & THE SWINGIN’ SOIREE
Sat, 2/4
15 North Roadside Kitchen – Charlotte, NC
Sat, 2/11
D’Vine Wine – Charlotte, NC
Tue, 2/14
Café Monté French Bistro – Charlotte, NC
Fri, 2/17
Summit Coffee House – Davidson, NC
Sat, 2/18
Common Market – Plaza Midwood – Charlotte, NC
Fri, 2/24
Café Monté French Bistro – Charlotte, NC
Sat, 2/25
D’Vine Wine – Charlotte, NC
Full backline is provided....just bring your
guitar (and a SMALL amp if you prefer your
own), bass, harp and drumsticks.
PART-TIME BLUES BAND
Any questions contact us at 864 400-8382!
[email protected]
The musician signup for each jam starts at
6:30PM-9PM – music is 7:30-11:00.
You play in the order you signed up, so
the earlier you sign in the earlier you play.
* Rusty & Mike - Acoustic
Every Tues
Every Wed
Sports Page Deli – Mooresville, NC
Sports Page Deli – Denver, NC
* GRUBWORx
Sat, 2/11
Sat, 2//25
River City Bar & Grill – Mooresville, NC
Fancy’s Bar & Grill – Statesville, NC
* The Young Ages w/ members from PTBB
Sat, 2/18
Easy Eddie’s – Huntersville, NC
2012 Charlotte Music Awards is now taking applications
for anyone interested in competing in the
* SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE
scheduled for February 25 at The Saloon (NC Music Factory)
To apply, go to www.charlottemusicawards.org.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email
Julia Dixon at [email protected]
PAMELA TAYLOR BAND
Fri, 2/3
Famdamily's Restaurant and Tavern
Great Falls Hwy, Lancaster, SC
Sat, 2/18
Good Time Charlie's
W Meeting St, Lancaster, SC
SONNY SKYYZ & THE RAINMAKERS
Fri, 2/10
Big Al’s Pub – Mooresville, NC
Sun, 2/12 The Double Door Inn – Charlotte, NC
w/ Donna Duncan @ BLUESunday
Sat, 2/18
AFRC – Greensboro, NC
Sat, 2/25
Big Al’s Pub – Mooresville, NC
(12)
Bluesletter
CLUBS THAT HAVE THE BLUES!
Bringing the Best
in Live Music to the
Charlotte Area!
Forty Rod Roadhouse
704-573-1773
9229-15 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC
McHale’s Irish Pub 803-548-2151
1820 Goldhill Rd, Fort Mill, SC
Miciah’s Speakeasy
704-799-0095
229 Medical Park Rd, Mooresville, NC
For upcoming events,
log on to www.maxxmusic.com
Skinnyz Bar & Grill 704-893-2157
15060 Idlewild Rd, Charlotte, NC
Smoky Joe’s Café
704-338-9380
510 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC
>> Open Jam Every Tues. Night <<
Speakeasy Alehouse 704-784-0107
9 Union St. N, Concord, NC
>> Open Jam 1st Tuesdays <<
Thirsty Beaver Saloon 704-332-3612
1225 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC
Tropical Escape Café 803-366-38888
564 N. Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC
The Comet Grill 704-371-4300
2224 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC
Wet Willie’s 704-716-5650
900 Seaboard St, Charlotte, NC
>> Blues Every Monday <<
Western North Carolina Bluesman
Pop Ferguson
hosts the Sparkle City Blues Jam
Feb. 29—Spartanburg, SC
84-year-old Clyde “Pop” Ferguson
is one of the last practitioners of
traditional blues in the
North Carolina foothills.
"Pop" was recently honored by the Smithsonian Institution
in Washington, D.C. Recordings of his musical
performances, along with many of his stories,
were selected for inclusion in the National Museum
of African-American History and Culture.
Sparkle City Blues “Leap Year Jam” ~ Feb. 29
@ The Cellar Club, 1071 Fernwood Glendale Rd.,
Spartanburg, SC
~~~~
We think there are more …
Let us know !!
Thurs., February 9
Starts at 9:00
Adv Tix $10 / DOS $12
www.doubledoorinn.com
Nick Moss & The Flip Tops give audiences a spontaneous performance. Each member
is a multi-instrumentalist and has no problem switching it up during the show! The stage
is set to capture what this uncommonly hard-hitting, endlessly versatile crew does best:
live and lively Chicago blues, deeply rooted in postwar tradition with a heady infusion of
contemporary energy.
House of Blues Radio Hour can be hear in the Carolinas
More on our radio and video streams can be found: http://www.thebluesmobile.com
WROQ-FM
101.1
Sun 9-10am
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC / Anderson, SC / Ashville, NC
WMXT-FM
102.1
Sun 10-11am
Myrtle Beach-Florence, SC
WQNS-FM
104.9
Sun 6-7pm
Ashville, NC / Greenville-Spartanburg, SC / Anderson, SC
WOBR-FM
95.3
Sun 8-9p
Outer Banks, NC / Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, VA
FEBRUARY 2012
The Double Door Inn
Check out The Double Door’s Website for updates and future bookings, show times, admission, nightly drink specials, & more!
Sign up for weekly updates. Purchase Advance
Tickets for selected shows.
www.doubledoorinn.com
1218 Charlottetown Ave. 704-376-1446
Join the DDI Fan club at www.facebook.com
Early shows 9:00 most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Check website for mid-week discounts!
EVERY MONDAY
MONDAY NITE ALL STARS
EVERY TUESDAY
JAZZ JAM NIGHT
The awesome Monday Nite All-Stars
will be playing some of your favorite
Soul / Funk ... easy to listen to and
great to dance to!!
Bill Hanna's Jazz Quartet has been hosting this jam session at the club for
years. Whether you are an up-and-coming jazz musician, or someone
shaking the dust off the old instrument, either way this is the place
where you can come out and jam with one of the best.
GOT SOME BLUES IN FEBRUARY!!
Adv. Tix purchased at www.doubledoorinn.com
Feb 1 (9:00)
I-Vibes and Burning Bright
REGGAE / ROCK
Adv. Tix
Feb 2 (9:00)
Scott Biram w/ Lydia Loveless
ACOUSTIC BLUES / COUNTRY PUNK
Adv. Tix
Feb 3 (10:00)
Matt Perrone CD Release Party
& Matt Kiefer Music
ROCK / ALT / FOLK / EXPERIMENTAL
Adv. Tix
A Jam: An Eric Mullis Production
FUSION / AMBIENT / JAM
Feb 4 (9:00)
Feb 5 (Closed - Super Bowl Sunday)
Feb 8 (TBA)
Feb 9 (9:00)
Nick Moss & The Flip Tops
BLUES
Adv. Tix
Feb 10 (10:00)
Sol Driven Train w/ Dangermuffin
SOUL / JAM / FOLK / ROCK
Adv. Tix
Feb 11 (10:00)
Steepwater
AMERICANA / ROCK / BLUES
Adv. Tix
Feb 12 (8:00)
BLUESunday with Donna Duncan
BLUES & MORE BLUES!
Feb 15 (9:00)
The Congress
ROCK / AMERICANA / EXPERIMENTAL
Feb 16 (9:00)
Erick Baker w/ Callaghan
FOLK / AMERICANA / POP / ROCK
Feb 17 (10:00)
Eric Lindell
SOUL / ROOTS / BLUES
Adv. Tix
Feb 18 (10:00)
The Shack Band
ROOTS / ROCK / PROG / FUNK / BLUES
Adv. Tix
Feb 22 (9:00)
Jimkata
ELECTRO ROCK
Adv. Tix
Feb 24 (10:00)
Ryan Montbleu Band
NEO-FOLK / CLASSIC SOUL / AMERICANA Adv. Tix
Feb 25 (10:00)
Slowhand - Tribute to Eric Clapton
BLUES / ROCK
Adv. Tix
Feb 29 (9:00)
Black Gypsies
ROOTS / BLUES / ROCK / AMERICANA
Adv. Tix
Feb 23 (TBA)
COMING IN MARCH: Albert Castiglia ~ Lefty Williams ~ Coco Montoya
Be sure to check out all the great Double Door bands - For detailed information about
cover charges and drink specials, visit the Double Door websites
www.facebook.com
www.doubledoorinn.com
(14)
Bluesletter
The Bluesletter is published monthly by the
www.charlottebluessociety.org
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC28232-2752
The Charlotte Blues Society (CBS) is dedicated to the promotion
and preservation of the American Blues tradition through the presentation
of concerts, forums, workshops, and educational programs in Charlotte and
surrounding areas. Founded in the Spring of 1993, CBS has steadily
grown in membership and popularity in support of this musical art form.
CBS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of
Directors and is an affiliated member of The Blues Foundation the
umbrella organization for a worldwide network of 165 affiliated Blues
societies and has individual memberships around the globe. The Blues
Foundation produces the Blues Music Awards, Keeping the Blues Alive
Awards, Blues Hall of Fame Induction, and the International Blues
Challenge.
CBS members gather on “BLUESunday,” the 1st Sunday of each
month, 8:00 PM, at The Double Door Inn.
Meetings include
announcements and updates, special guests, and an Open Mic Blues Jam.
BLUESunday is free to CBS members and only $5.00 for non-members.
The Board of Directors also meets every 1st Sunday. Meetings are open to
the membership.
Members receive a monthly newsletter and free admission to monthly
meeting entertainment (unless otherwise posted). In addition, members
receive discounts and co-sponsored or CBS-advertised events. Annual
dues (12-month period) are $20~ Individual, $35 ~ Family, and
$75 ~ Sponsor Membership. Corporate sponsorships and individual
contributions are welcome and are tax deductible (excluding dues).
The CBS Bluesletter is published monthly and distributed to
approximately 600 readers. It includes information on Society activities, a
local blues calendar, and a variety of blues-related items of interest.
CBS is proud to call The Double Door Inn home. The Double Door
Inn, winner of the 1994 Keeping the Blues Alive award from The Blues
Foundation, is located at 1218 Charlottetowne Ave., Charlotte, NC (704376-1446) Over the past 35 years, the DDI’s stage lights have shined on
Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Marcia Ball,
Saffire ~ The Uppity Blues Women, Lonnie Brooks, Eddy “the Chief”
Clearwater, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Luther Allison, just to name a few.
(And that doesn’t even include the countless local and regional performers
who otherwise would not have had a stage to stand on.) Thank you,
Double Door, for all your support for live blues, zydeco, reggae, Americana,
and most of all, your support of the Charlotte Blues Society!
SMF PBN: 1938390
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeri Thompson, President
Betsy Norton-Stowe, Vice-President
(vacant), Secretary
Jeff Thompson, Treasurer
Phil Beam
Jill Dineen
Dick Gilland
Nick Polyzos
704-488-9608
704-351-3848
704-829-5336
Michael Swisher
(Vacant Seats Available)
Advisors: Beth Pollhammer, Bill Buck,
Rita Miller, Michael Simonetti
BLUESLETTER STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
Bluesletter Staff— Jill Dineen, Rita Miller
Contributing Articles/Photos– Jeri Thompson, Michael Simonetti,
Michael Ingmire, Rita Miller,
Artists, Media, & Websites
Memberships / Address Changes - www.charlottebluessociety.org
Printing Services - International Minute Press, South Blvd, Charlotte
Submissions Welcome!
Blues Articles, CD Reviews, Concert Reviews, Interviews,
Calendar Events, Advertising, News Releases


Items due no later than the 15th of the month for the following
month’s issue.
Items received beyond deadline will be used the following month,
if still timely.

Scanned or digital photos should be e-mailed to the editor; other
photos are also accepted and will be returned.
(Note: Photos with matte finish or screen print may not reproduce
as sharp as glossy prints.)

Articles may be edited for brevity or clarity, unless otherwise
requested by the writer. (Please do not exceed 500 words for
articles or 300 words for reviews.)
Views expressed by the writers do not necessarily reflect
those of CBS or its members
You can help increase revenue by selling (or buying) advertising in the
Bluesletter.
Our rates are very inexpensive compared to other local
newsletters … and now that previous issues are posted on our website,
your ad can be viewed by more readers for a longer period of time.
Ads are due by the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue.
Ads must be pre-paid unless billing arrangements have been aproved.
(Federal Tax ID available upon request)
Contacts for questions are:
- Betsy at [email protected] (704-351-3848)
- Rita at [email protected] (980-226-0917)
(Print this page as a handout for your ad sales!)
MONTHLY RATES
$ 15 .............. Business Card
$ 40 .............. Quarter Page
$ 75 .............. Half Page
$125 ............. Full Page
Package Rates Available
10% discount to CBS members
(excluding business card)
Due to e-mail distribution, we can
now accept ads related to finance,
insurance, or credit cards.
FEBRUARY 2012
The Bluesletter is published monthly by the
www.charlottebluessociety.org
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC28232-2752
Something New for 2011!
You can now renew your membership online at
www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org.
We have a new email-able form and PayPal Button.
Just go to the Membership page and click!
Membership Application
PLEASE PRINT
Name:
Address:
_________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Phone (Day):__________________
(Night): __________________
E-mail: _________________________________________________
(Not shared – Used only for Blues updates and late-breaking news!)
Please list members’ names for Membership Cards:
________________________
_________________________
________________________
_________________________
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CBS?
[
[
[
[
] Web Search
[ ] The Double Door Inn
[ ] News Media
] Concert / Festival
________________________________
] Other __________________________________________
] Referred by: _____________________________________
SMF PBN: 1938390
Today’s Date: _________________
[ ] New Member
[ ] Renewal
MEMBER CATEGORY:
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
e-mail / postal
Individual ........... $20 / $25
Family (2-4) ....... $35 / $40
Sponsor ............. $75 / $80
(includes Qtr page ad
or T-shirt) Size: __________
VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED:
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
Merchandise Sales
Membership Development
Fundraising / Sponsorships
Educational Programs
Promotion / Publicity
Festivals / Event Booths
Bluesletter / Writing / Photos
ARE YOU A MUSICIAN?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] vocalist
[ ] Instrument(s)
____________________________
If you are a CBS member who still gets your Bluesletter by “Snail Mail,”please send us your e-mail address
for faster delivery … and it’s in COLOR!
(On-line delivery saves postage and helps the environment.)
Turn Your Radio On!
Mondays, 6:00-8:00 PM .................... WSGE 91.7 FM
“Hwy 321 Blues”
Mondays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ............ WGWG 88.3 FM
“Blues & Roots”
Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 PM ................... WSGE 91.7 FM
“Hwy 321 Blues”
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 PM ............... WSGE 91.7 FM
“Hwy 321 Blues”
Fridays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ............... WGWG 88.3 FM
“Blues & Roots”
Saturdays, 7:00-11:00 PM ................. WNCW 88.7 FM
“Saturday Night House Party”
Saturdays, 9:00-12:00 PM ................. WFAE 90.7 FM
“Blues Central”
Please help us stay current – send radio updates to [email protected]
(16)
Charlotte Blues Society
Bluesletter
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC28232 -2752
www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org
The Charlotte Blues Society is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization
governed by a Board of Directors,
and is an affiliated member of
The Blues Foundation
BLUESunday * FEB. 12, 2012 *
Bring your Valentine to this Pre-Valentine’s Day Event
featuring
Donna Duncan
“How does that big sound come out of
such a petite girl like you?”
Donna Duncan is all about throwing out Blues-based
original material and covers from old and current songs
that she can relate to, choosing a repertoire from
the greats that fits her energy-based groove.
(Open Mic Blues Jam follows featured performance)
The Double
Doors open at 7:00
Music starts 8:00
Door Inn
1218 Charlottetown Ave.
704-376-1446
CBS Members – FREE
Non-members - $5:00