Charlotte Blues Society

February 2009
Vol. 17.02
$1.00
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC 28232-2752
ÔÔÔ
~ See you at BLUESunday ~
th
FEBRUARY 8
ÐÐÐ
ÓÓÓ
DDI will be CLOSED
for the Super Bowl
on Sun., Feb. 1
Matt Walsh Shows Off His
Old School Nasty Blues
Matt Walsh is a 31-year-old Blues vocalist / guitarist / songwriter from
North Carolina. His primary sound is rooted in the old school south-side
Chicago Blues style of the 1950's with musical detours that venture into
Rockabilly, Jump Blues, and 50's Rock.
Influenced by Bluesmen like Robert Nighthawk, Howlin' Wolf, T-Bone
Walker, Willie Johnson, Muddy Waters, Robert Lockwood Jr., Eddie
Taylor, Elmore James, and Johnny Guitar Watson, Matt has dedicated
himself to playing the blues. His wailing, singing, raw distorted guitar
tone, coupled with his soulful vocals have stunned music critics and
fans everywhere, who all agree that his stripped down Blues approach
is authentic and real.
Matt started gaining national attention in 2006 when he was
interviewed by Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin in Blues Revue magazine.
The interview provided readers with an insightful article that introduced
many unaware Blues fans to Matt and his talent.
In 2003, he released Hard Luck featuring 12 original songs, with a
second release in 2007, Goin’ Back South, which was produced by and
features Bob Margolin.
With a career that is still young, Matt Walsh has so far shared the stage and/or opened up for national blues acts
and legends like Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, and former Muddy Waters’ band mates, Bob Margolin, Willie “Big
Eyes” Smith, Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, Pinetop Perkins.
When he’s not on the road in Florida, Tennessee, or Arkansas, Matt stays busy by playing solo, duo, or band gigs
all around NC & SC. – Asheville, Hickory, Blowing Rock, Boone … to Fort Mill, Concord, Charlotte, Davidson, … to
Statesville, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Manteo, and Charleston.
We’re excited to experience this force of nature that’s been putting a tailspin on the Blues right in our back yard!
See you on February 8 at The Double Door Inn. Read more about Matt Walsh at www.mattwalsh.com
Feb. 12
Eric Lindell
Feb. 13
Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm
Feb. 20
Chris Duarte
Details on
Page 2
(2)
Bluesletter
February Highlights at The Double Door Inn
EVERY MONDAY IS S.I.N. (Service Industry Night)
featuring THE MONDAY NITE ALL-STARS
Show @ 10PM ~ $5 Cover
Feb. 12 – ERIC LINDELL
When singer/songwriter/vocalist Eric Lindell first hit the national music scene with his 2006 Alligator
Records debut Change In The Weather, critics and fans alike celebrated the arrival of a roots rocker
with dozens of unforgettable original songs. His combination of sweet, blue-eyed soul with footstomping R&B, swamp pop, funk, and blues have won him critical and popular acclaim across the
country. As he toured the U.S., his fan base grew with happy, dancing people singing the words to
every song.
Lindell’s live shows draw as much attention as his material. His unstoppable grooves, rocking,
deeply rooted, original songs and excellent musicianship never fail to fill the dance floor. With this
latest release of Low On Cash, Rich In Love, Lindell and his band continue to tour heavily, giving the rest of the country
the chance to discover for themselves what a growing number of people already know: Eric Lindell is a musician bursting
at the seams with talent, with the uncanny natural ability to come up with one instantly classic song after another, and
the desire to take his music to every corner of the music-loving universe. (www.bluemountainartists.com)
Feb. 13 – CEDRIC BURNSIDE & LIGHTNIN’ MALCOLM
presented by AMPS 11
"Once in a while you witness a birth in this business. A kind of unawareness to the fact that there are other sounds to be
heard that you haven't yet discovered, or dialects and music that is still being invented. That is precisely the sound you
hear from this Mississippi duo. You give these two guys 1 instrument each and they can make it
sound like a Quartet. Bent deep in the Mississippi hill country, RL Burnside's grandson, Cedric,
has teamed up with the monster guitar talents of Lightnin' Malcolm, giving a mixed dose of
traditional to modern hill country blues with a new twist all the way from rock to psychedelic."
- Dirk Wissbaum Bluessource.com
In November 2008 at the Double Door Inn, we witnessed double-time beats on the drums …
clean & lightnin’ fast guitar licks … and some of the best matched vocals you’ll ever hear. Their
current tour runs from Chicago, Michigan, Virginia, through the Carolinas, then down to
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida. If you missed them in November, here’s your chance
to catch up on this unique duo.
Feb. 20 – CHRIS DUARTE GROUP
(Advance Ticket Discount available now)
His first paying gig was at age 17. Now, 25+ years later, Chris Duarte continues to pick up steam
with every tour. His extensive roadhouse and sideman experience, a rarity for young musicians
today, have given him a deep foundation of styles and musical knowledge. This, combined with his
passion, intuition and heart, has given the Chris Duarte Group's music a fire and purity rarely seen
in music today. The music is best experienced "live" - in your face! Chris Duarte Group shows are
unique each night, never the same show twice. (www.intrepidartists.com)
Chris is currently touring in Japan to promote a new album, 396,
released in late January. This is the long-awaited collaboration between
Chris Duarte and Bluestone, the kick-ass band from Japan! They recorded
the album together at California’s Prairie Sun Studios in September. "What's with the album
title?" you might ask. The album is named after the bad boy shown on the front cover, a turquoise
Camaro SS 396. Chris bought this beautiful vintage muscle car at an auction in Wyoming this
past summer.
FEBRUARY 2009
From
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FEBRUARY 15
Robin Rogers
I have some amazing news to share with you
as 2009 comes to life. I've been nominated for
"Best Contemporary Female Artist of 2009" by the Blues
Music Awards (BMA) sponsored by The Blues Foundation in
Memphis. The BMA used to be called the "Handy Awards"
named after W.C. Handy, but they changed that a few years
back.
I'm totally honored and blessed to be
in this category with other wonderful
female entertainers such as Janiva
Magness, Betty LaVette, Marcia
Ball, and Gaye Adegbalola. What a
dream!!! I get to perform at the Blues
Music Awards which will be held in
Memphis on Thursday, May 7. It will
feature an incredible line-up of
performers, and is quite a gala affair.
Kenny Wayne Shepard took the stage
last year along with many other great
talents. It's been called the Blues
Grammies, and for good reason.
If you'd like to cast your ballot and help me win this title,
please visit www.blues.org. You must be a member of The
Blues Foundation to vote – it’s a non-profit organization and
your membership is a tax deduction. You can join for as little
as $25.00 and you’ll be able to vote for everyone on the
entire ballot in ALL categories!
@ The Double Door Inn
SUPPORT THE HOME TEAM!
An early evening event
to help gain
voting members for
The Blues Foundation.
You’ll receive BBQ Dinner, Tote Bag,
and a Chance to Win Space on the
Rhythm & Blues Cruise – all for the price of
a Blues Foundation Membership - $25.
You’ll also hear some tunes from our
“home town” gal, Robin Rogers.
Once you’re signed up, you can vote for all the
nominees in all the categories of the
Blues Music Awards …
including Robin Rogers as
Best Contemporary Female Artist”!
If you're interested in voting, please check out the site to join
online and vote immediately. I need a campaign manager to
make this happen!!!!
Check for updates at www.robinrogers.com
or www.doubledoorinn.com
Read all about The Blues Foundation at www.blues.org
If you’re a Blues Fan, you should join the Blues Foundation, the umbrella
organization for a network of 165 affiliated Blues societies and has individual
memberships around the globe. The Blues Foundation produces
the Blues Music Awards, the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards,
the Blues Hall of Fame Induction, and the International Blues Challenge.
Accent
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[email protected]
Ph: 704-347-1110
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Free Estimates! Insurance Claims Welcome! Quality Work at the Guaranteed Best Price!
Michael Kahn, Owner/Operator
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Bluesletter
Delaney Bramlett
1939-2008
On December 27th,
Blues, Gospel, R&B, and
Rock
&
Roll
singer
Delaney Bramlett passed
away, at the age of 69,
due to complications from
gall
bladder
surgery.
Delaney
had
been
struggling from a postoperative infection in the
past few months and could
struggle no more.
After a stint in the military, Mississippi born Delaney
Bramlett moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1950’s to further
his career in music. He first came to the public’s attention as
a member of The Shingdogs, which was the house band for
the television show “Shingdig.” (Check out Delaney’s great
version of the Chuck Berry tune “You Never Can Tell” from
the “Shingdig” show on YouTube!) In addition to recording
with The Shingdogs, Delaney also worked with Leon Russell
and J.J. Cale and released several unsuccessful singles
before meeting his future wife Bonnie Lynn Farrell in 1967.
Bonnie had arrived in Los Angeles from the St. Louis
area. She sang with St Louis figures such as Albert King and
worked a short stint the only white Ikette in Ike and Tina
Turner’s band. She was an opening act for The Shingdogs at
a Los Angeles nightspot. Delaney and Bonnie were married
within a week of their first meeting.
They released their first album called “Home” on the
Stax label in 1969. It was not a very popular album.
Musically, it is an album worth seeking out. Also in 1969,
Leon Russell and Donald Duck Dunn produced the album,
on Electra records, called “Accept No Substitute.” While
this was not an exceptionally popular album (but also worth
seeking out) it bought the band, now called Delaney and
Bonnie and Friends, to the attention of Eric Clapton.
Clapton hired Delaney and Bonnie to be his opening act
on the US tour for his band Blind Faith. Clapton found that
Delaney and he shared a lot of the same influences such as
Robert Johnson. At this time Clapton was, at best, a very
tentative singer. Delaney encouraged and influenced Clapton
to sing with more confidence and, after Clapton’s band Blind
Faith broke up, produced Eric’s first, self titled, solo album.
The backing band for the album “Eric Clapton” was Delaney
and Bonnie’s friends, which included future Clapton band
member’s drummer
Jim Gordon, bassist Carl Radle, and keyboardist/singer
Bobby Whitlock. On Eric’s solo album, Delaney and Eric
collaborated on such classics as the song “Let it Rain.”
Clapton has since stated, about starting to sing, "I think it
was probably my relationship with Delaney because he
inspired me such a great deal, and he gave me the
confidence that I needed.”
Clapton was so enamored of Delaney and Bonnie that,
before his solo album was released, joined their band and
toured Europe to mixed acclaim as the audience expected
Clapton to do more than play back-up guitar and sing a few
songs. However, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends impressed
the musical community so much, on both sides of the
Atlantic, that luminaries such as Beatle George Harrison and
Traffic band member Dave Mason also joined the ranks of
the Friends touring Europe.
Besides being a great singer Delaney was a fine guitar
player with an incredible aptitude for slide guitar. It was the
Legendary, Delaney Bramlett sings "A NEW KIND OF BLUES"
(released 2008). Famous for influencing or working with many
of the worlds most famous musicians, such as Eric Clapton, Jimi
Hendrix, Duane Allman, Albert King, George Harrison
inspiration of Delaney’s playing, and his tutelage, that lead to
George Harrison’s being inspired to pick up the slide. Delaney
and Bonnie also participated in John Lennon’s extended
Plastic Ono Band for a London concert for UNICEF.
Delaney and Bonnie and Friends music encompassed the
best elements of Blues, gospel, R&B, and Rock and Roll.
Delaney
Bramlett
wrote
such
classic
songs
as
“Superstar,”co-writen with Leon Russell, and “Never
Ending Song of Love,” which was recorded by more than
100 artists including Ray Charles, George Jones, Tammy
Wynette, Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakam, Usher,
Luther Vandross, Bette Midler, The Carpenters and most
recently, Sonic Youth, in a version featured on the Grammynominated soundtrack of the movie "Juno." Delaney and
Bonnie were signed to Atlantic records in 1970 and their first
release was “Delaney and Bonnie & Friends, featuring
Eric Clapton” which was received to great acclaim.
The rest of their Atlantic albums were released on
Atlantic’s subsidiary label Atco, such as “To Bonnie from
Delaney” and “Motel Shot.” These albums also featured the
classic guitar work of Duane Allman, who along with R&B
saxophone player King Curtis, also became a free wheeling
member of the Delaney and Bonnie’s band whenever possible.
The last Delaney and Bonnie album, ironically called
“Together,” was recorded for Columbia records in 1972 and
their marriage dissolved soon afterwards.
Bonnie has
continued to record and their daughter Bekka is an excellent
singer. However, Delaney continued to record on his own and
has released many fine albums on various labels. In 2008 he
released an incredible album called “A New Kind of Blues”
on the Magnolia Gold label. His albums are treasures. Many
of his songs are classics and there are many more that
deserve to be. Check out his song “Pontotoc” on “A New
Kind of Blues.”
It represents all the best aspects of
Delaney’s Mississippi roots. On that same album he also
shows that he can place his own stamp on a classic song with
his interpretation of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna
Come.” Many of Delaney’s solo albums are available on CD
Baby and Amazon. Delaney was his own man and not a
back-up musician for any other singer, except when they
needed it.
Delaney Bramlett was incredibly important to me when I
was starting to sing as a teenager. His voice was a training
ground for me and was one of my first important vocal
influences. He was also an incredible songwriter. When my
band, Michael Wolf and the Voodoo Brothers, created a
MySpace site he graciously accepted our friend request and
personally placed a wonderful compliment on our main page.
Considering the history of his influence on me, that meant so
much. I was lucky enough to have received a good deal of email correspondence from Delaney and his lovely wife Susan.
I strongly urge anyone interested in one of the greatest
voices that have ever been heard in American music to check
out any album featuring Delaney Bramlett. There is also an
amazing amount of footage of Delaney and Bonnie and
Friends (some featuring Eric Clapton) and great examples of
Delaney’s solo work on YouTube. I will truly miss hearing
his voice. At this moment, despite a lot of tears, I count
myself lucky for the experience of listening to him in my
lifetime. His life would be a great book and maybe I will get a
chance to write it.
-- Michael Wolf Ingmire
FEBRUARY 2009
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Welcome,
Michael Wolf Ingmire
and Tim Poole to the
Charlotte Blues Society
Board of Directors!
On January 4, Charlotte Blues Society Board Members for the new year were approved by CBS Members in
Attendance at BLUESunday – (L to R) Michael Swisher, Nick Polyzos, Mark Olson (Treasurer), Betsy
Norton-Stowe (Vice President), Michael Wolf Ingmire, Jeri Thompson (Secretary), Dick Gilland, Tim Poole
(Not pictured: Mike Rogers, Bill Toomey)
SEATS ARE STILL VACANT!
JOIN THE CHARLOTTE BLUES SOCIETY BOARD!
Help guide CBS to bigger and better things!
If interested, let one of the current Board members know.
(Yes, some “commitment” and “work” is involved – but it’s a labor of love … and FUN too!)
Members who serve two terms (4 years) are awarded a life-time CBS Membership.
As current Board members have stepped down, new members are needed to fill their seats –
President / Bluesletter Editor / Directors-at-Large
A partial list of responsibilities are listed below.
Board of Directors –
•
•
•
Attend meetings and retreats; participate in discussion, and vote on issues that affect overall operations.
Define the goals for the upcoming year, approve the budget, vote on expenditures for upcoming shows, and
define the character of upcoming shows.
May be in charge of a specified committee/project (such as merchandise, volunteers, specific event, etc.).
President –
•
•
•
•
Serves as the official business manager and official spokesperson for the society.
Presides at Board meetings, presents the agenda, appoints and advises managers/teams
Relays information for Bluesletters, Blues Flash, web site, publicity announcements.
Serves as primary liaison with local clubs or businesses to arrange co-sponsored events,
membership discounts, and other “perks” for members.
Bluesletter Editor –
•
•
•
•
Creates monthly newsletter and ensures issues are completed & distributed for timely delivery.
Develops methods to obtain blues-related items from contributing writers & photographers, e-zines & e-letters,
PSAs, as well as research on upcoming events.
Relays events information to Web Master and other media for posting.
Works closely with persons in charge of printing, mailing, and the membership database.
Membership Database Manager is also needed
to maintain membership records and generate mailing info for Bluesletters.
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Bluesletter
BLUESunday on January 4 was a
special Send-Off Party to the
players going to Memphis for the
International Blues Challenge.
Kicking off the evening was
Jake Haldenwang’s
Blues Brew –
they’ll be going to Memphis
to show their stuff at the
Youth Showcase.
Blazin’ Blues Bob, winner of the Solo/Duo Competition, has
a repertoire of roots blues that even some purists haven’t
heard before. He doesn’t just bring all those guitars on
stage for looks – he actually has them to best recreate the
original sound of the tunes he performs.
Local favorites, Contagious Blues Band,
will be checking out old haunts on Beale Street
while they are there competing in the Band Challenge.
(Should they flaunt their Beale Street Blues Kings
jackets from last year? Yeah, Baby!)
Good Luck
in Memphis!
Feb. 4-7, 2009 ~ 25th International Blues Challenge
FEBRUARY 2009
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Bliind Pig recording artist Robin Rogers helped sign people up so they could vote for performers
nominated for the Blues Music Awards. That’s all nominees for all categories!
And don’t forget …
Robin is up against some stiff competition for
“Best Contemporary Female Artist of 2009” –
Gaye Adegbalola, Marcia Ball, Betty LaVette,
and Janiva Magness.
(Everyone of them have performed at
The Double Door Inn over the past few years!)
(More details on page 3)
Tim Poole won a set of tickets for the
Clarence Carter Concert on Jan. 24.
Mac Arnold and Plate Full o’ Blues
will also perform.
Rick Ballew from Smokin’ Bluz shows off the autographed
guitar that will be given away on Jan. 31 at the Double
Door Inn. It’s part of the fund-raising that Contagious is
doing for their trip to Memphis!
Autographs include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Noah Hunt,
Hubert Sumlin, Bryan Lee, Chris Layton (Double Trouble
Drummer), Buddy Flett, and Sam Bass.
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Bluesletter
DrumsForCures presents a
‘NotŠSoŠSilent’ AUCTION
Friday, Feb. 6 ~ 6:00 pm
Spirit Square’s McGlohon Theater
130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
•
•
•
•
Musical guests: Brubeck Brothers Quartet,
Jim Donovan, Jim Brock, Jim Roberts, & others.
Over 50 exciting silent auction items
Fabulous hors d’oeuvres and open bar
Benefiting the Levine Children’s Hospital cancer
research and clinical trials programs.
DrumsForCures continues striving to BEAT cancer through efforts to educate, support survivorship and fund
important cancer initiatives. Here is an amazingly fun way to take affirmative action. (This ain’t your sweet
Granny’s silent auction!)
Cancer will soon be the leading cause of death on the planet -- one in two men and one in three women will face
cancer challenges in their lifetime. Help put the odds of survivorship in our favor. Please make cancer health your
priority. The power is in your hands!
Details at http://drumstrong.org/event.htm
STONY PLAIN ARTIST JEFF HEALEY
REMEMBERED BY CANADIAN MUSIC COMMUNITY AT MAPLE BLUES AWARDS
The much beloved musician Jeff Healey, who died last March, was remembered by
the blues community with no less than seven awards at the Maple Blues Awards,
held in Toronto January 19. Healey won awards for Entertainer of the Year,
Electric Artist of the Year, and Guitarist of the Year.
His final blues recording, Mess of Blues was voted Recording of the Year. The
record was released by Edmonton-based roots music label Stony Plain Records in
Canada, — to whom Healey was exclusively signed. Mess of Blues was released by
the German company, Ruf Records, in Europe, the United States and other foreign
territories.
His awards were accepted by his wife. Cristie, and his father, Bud Healey, who
thanked the blues community — in Canada and around the world — for their
support, and cited the guitarist’s passion for all kinds of music.
Three of the trusted sidemen with whom Healey toured until his death, Alec Fraser,
Al Webster and Dave Murphy, won awards, respectively, as Bassist, Drummer, and
Keyboard Player of the Year.
™ Jeff Healey was also named the Winner in the Blues - Album category for the release "Mess Of Blues"
in the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards! The artist's work was selected from the largest
number of entries the Independent Music Awards has received to date. So this was no small feat, to
say the least.
FEBRUARY 2009
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DUANE ALLMAN: A SLIDE GUITAR INNOVATOR
--by Michael Wolf
Part Four:
The Allman Brothers
and Layla
Their first self titled album
“The Allman Brothers Band,”
came out in November 1969.
In
December,
the
band
played their first gig at The
Fillmore east as a support act
for the quasi-Jazz/Pop band
Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
After seeing them play,
Fillmore
promoter
Bill
Graham realized that he had known Duane and Gregg from
their Hourglass days. He realized that the audience that came
to see Blood, Sweat, and Tears was not the best audience for
The Allman Brothers. (I guess that is what happens when you
mix Ripple wine and Perrier!) He asked The Allman’s who
they would like to open for. They mentioned that they would
like to be an opening act for BB. King, The Grateful Dead, and
Jazz innovator, Roland Kirk and Bill immediately booked them
as an opening act for BB. King and Buddy Guy for a four-night
stand at The Fillmore West in January 1970. In February, he
then booked the band for three nights at The Fillmore East
opening for The Grateful Dead. Bill Graham had a tendency
to book Rock acts with Blues and Jazz acts to provide an
exceptional musical menu for the listeners at his halls.
Between show dates, the Allman’s would spend time in Macon
writing new material and then immediately go out on the road
to work it out. Because of the Jazz influence of drummer
Jaimoe, the band started to extend four-minute songs such as
“Whipping Post” into 20-minute improvisational extravaganzas.
The band started to work on their next album, “Idlewild
South,” in February 1970 with the assistance of legendary
Atlantic records producer, Tom Dowd, who was assisted by
Jazz producer Joel Dorn. Their first album would have been
produced by Dowd, but he had been called away at the last
moment and his protégé Adrian Barber handled the
production chores. Not to take away from Baber’s expertise,
but Tom Dowd was the perfect producer for The Allman
Brothers. Dowd was a wizard behind the board and was an
exceptional musician who created a comfortable working
space for all of the artists that he ever worked with.
In between road trips, from February to July 1970 the
Allman’s worked on “Idlewild South.” The recording sessions
were conducted in Macon and Miami. During one of the
sessions at Criteria Studios in Miami, Tom Dowd received a
phone call from Eric Clapton’s manager Robert Stigwood. who
told Dowd that Clapton and his new band, Derek and the
Dominos, would be coming to Miami at the end of August and
he would like Dowd to handle the production chores. Tom had
worked before with Clapton on Cream’s album “Disraeli
Gears.”
Tom Dowd apologized to The Allman’s for the interruption and
told them who he was talking to. By all accounts, Duane’s
eyes did a second line, loop-de-loop. He said to Dowd “You
mean the guy from Cream? If we are in town can I come by?
I want to see him” He them started playing Clapton licks for
Dowd. Dowd said to Duane, “Of course. He (Eric) seems like
a nice guy and the two of you would get along fine.” This
simple exchange leads to one of the greatest albums ever,
“Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.”
In late part of August, Derek and the Dominos came to Miami
to work on what would become the “Layla” album. They had
been there only a few days when Dowd’s phone rang again,
this time it was Duane on the other end of the phone line.
Duane said that The Allman Brothers were playing that night
in Miami and asked if he could come by after the concert.
Dowd thought that it would not be a problem.
However, Tom Dowd thought that he should pump up Clapton
for the meeting. Dowd said to Clapton, “Hey Eric, there’s a
guitar player chap from a band called the Allman Brothers
that I record for Atlantic, and they were here a couple of
weeks ago and heard that you were coming, and that was
Duane on the phone.” Eric said, “You mean the guy that
plays on the back of “Hey Jude?” Clapton started to play
some Duane licks on his guitar. Dowd said “Yeah! They’re
doing a concert and he would like to come by after the
concert and see you play.” Eric then looked at Tom Dowd and
said” I want to see him play! When are they playing?” Tom
said, “In about an hour.” Eric merely replied, “Let’s go.”
Tom Dowd, Eric Clapton, and the Dominos (bassist, Carl
Radle, keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Bobby Whitlock, and
drummer Jim Gordon) all went down to see the Allman
Brothers play.
At the concert, they had to climb around a four-foot high
barricade of sand bags and railings for the photographers to
see the Allman Brothers play. Duane was in the middle of a
solo as Dowd and the Dominos made themselves comfortable
leaning against the sand bags. Duane looked down and saw
Eric Clapton look back up at him. Immediately, by all
accounts, Duane simply stopped playing and became bug
eyed. Brother guitarist Dickey Betts, thinking Duane had
broken a string, picked up the solo and then he spotted
Clapton. Dickey then turned his back to the audience for fear
that he would have the same reaction as Duane!
After the concert, introductions were made between the two
bands. The Domino’s Bobby Whitlock already knew Duane
from the days when Whitlock had been playing with Delaney
and Bonnie Bramlett. They all went down to Criteria studios
to play. The majority of the Allman Brothers/ Derek and the
Dominos are available on the “Layla and Other Assorted Love
Songs” boxed set. Duane and Eric found time to go off by
themselves with their guitars. Apparently, it became a fourway conversation with two heads and two guitars talking and
sparking.
Tom Dowd played Eric some of the Allman’s tracks from
“Idlewild South.” When Eric heard the Allman’s track “Don’t
Keep Me Wondering,” he knew that he found the element
missing from the Domino’s work so far. The Allman Brothers
had three gigs coming up in the Pensacola area. So after a
night of jamming and partying, Eric made Duane promise to
come back and play on the album. While the Allmans were
playing their Pensacola gigs Derek and the Dominos recorded
three tracks, “I Looked Away,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” and
“Keep on Growing.”
When Duane came back, Derek and the Dominos got down to
serious work. Duane played on the rest of the album. His
guitar worked inspired Clapton to some of the best playing of
his life. They were truly twin brothers by different parents.
Clapton has said that playing with Duane Allman was one of
the closest musical relationships that he has had in his life.
(Next page)
(10)
Bluesletter
For the initiated, the guitars
sound like they are playing
through huge amps. Not so.
Eric and Duane played
through
small
Fender
Champ amps that were
placed on top of a piano
and mic’d up. Great things
can
come
in
small
packages. The sound of
Duane and Eric’s guitars
was passionate and full of
great tones. Eric Clapton
played
a
‘50s
Fender
Stratocaster
and
Duane
played a ‘50s Les Paul.
The opening lick of the title track, “Layla,” came from Duane
speeding up the opening vocal phrase of an Albert King tune
“As the Years go Passing By.” Before that point, Eric’s version
of “Layla” was similar to the one that became famous at
Clapton’s “Unplugged” concert many years later.
The “Layla” album is, for me, a guitar player’s bible when I
was learning guitar, and it cannot be underestimated in its
value as a musical work. Tom Dowd felt that it was the best
album he had done since “The Genius of Ray Charles.”
Unfortunately, for almost a year after its November 1970
release date; the album sold poorly.
Some of this may be the lack of
understanding of who Derek and the
Dominos were. (There was a painting on
the cover and no mention of the players
involved) I personally think that it was
poor promotion and a weird industry
indemnity against Eric Clapton and what
people felt was an overblown, “guitar
god” reputation. As far as I am
concerned, time has proven them wrong.
Eric and the rest of the Dominos asked Duane to join their
band. However, Duane was not willing to let go of what he
had achieved with the Allman Brothers. It was all for the
best. In April 1971, Derek and the Dominos ended up
exploding in the studio due to overwork and overplay. A lot
has been made of the alcohol and drug use that occurred
during the “Layla” sessions and the continued abuse that
followed all involved, with the exception of Tom Dowd, in
their careers. No lectures here. Great music is created in
spite of drug use, not because of it.
The Allman Brothers continued to play non-stop. Even though
they liked their first two studio albums, the Allmans felt that
their best work occurred live. In January 1971, the Allman
Brothers played a series of concerts at New York’s Fillmore
East.
These concerts were recorded and led to the
outstanding album “The Allman Brothers-Live at the Fillmore
East.” This is considered a seminal album in recordings of live
Rock/Blues concerts and holds a cherished place in the heart
of any Allman Brothers fan. This album showcases the fully
realized improvisational powers of The Allman Brothers.
In closing, Duane Allman stands tall among the many great
guitar players that have come from the American South. He
elevated every session that he played on and formed a band
that continues to inspire, in its various incarnations,
musicians in all styles of music. Duane was wise enough to
know that the total structure of the Allman Brothers was
greater than any of its individual parts. I truly believe that, if
he had lived, Duane Allman would have been playing music
that is similar to what slide guitarist Derek Trucks is doing
today. Derek is the nephew of the original and current
Allman Brothers drummer, Butch Trucks. There are many
guitarists that were inspired to pick up a slide and touch it to
the strings after hearing the midnight howl that Duane
articulated with his slide. I am definitely one of them. To
paraphrase Jerry Wexler, Duane Allman was a great all
around guitarist; but on slide “he had the touch.”
(Duane Allman, Tom Dowd, and Eric Clapton quotes are from “Skydog: The Duane Allman Story” by Randy Poe, 2006 Backbeat Press.)
GATOR BYTES
Alligator Records has just released the new (and final) release from the critically acclaimed
acoustic blues trio, Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women. Havin’ The Last Word will be their
final declaration together as Saffire–The Uppity Blues Women; the group has decided it’s time
to move on so they can pursue their own individual interests. They will embark on their
farewell tour starting in February to say goodbye to their long-time fans.
During the course of their 25-year career, words like 'fearless,' 'inspiring,' 'witty,' 'joyful' and
'powerful' have been used to describe Saffire's smart, sassy, and deeply emotional blues. Over
the course of six critically acclaimed studio albums, one live album and thousands of shows, the
band has gone from virtual obscurity to become one of the most successful acoustic blues
groups today. In conjunction with the final album and tour, a new documentary film on Saffire’s
incredible story, Hot Flash, will be available on iTunes beginning in early 2009.
Alligator Records has announced the signing of Blues/Rock guitarist and vocalist Tommy Castro.
Recognized as one of the best players, singers, and live performers around, Castro is known not
only for his scorching musicianship, but also for his gritty vocals and soul-drenched songwriting.
He will record his Alligator debut this month.
Another addition to Alligator’s roster is musical legend Buckwheat Zydeco. The Louisiana
accordion master and vocalist began recording his debut release in January. The multi-Grammy nominee will celebrate
his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with the new CD and a lengthy tour.
NOVEMBER 2008
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The Bluesletter is published monthly by the
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC 28232-2752
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, the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards, the 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 ~ “Blue Star”
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 (704-3761446) 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!
www.charlottebluessociety.org
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(Vacant) .............................................................................................................
Betsy Norton-Stowe, VP [email protected] or 704-351-3848
Jeri Thompson, Secretary........................................................... 704-488-9608
Mark Olson, Treasurer................................................................ 704-756-2859
Dick Gilland, Michael Wolf Ingmire, Nick Polyzos, Tim Poole,
Mike Rogers, Michael Swisher
Advisors: Beth Pollhammer, Bill Buck, Rita Miller, Michael Simonetti
BLUESLETTER STAFF
(Vacant) – Editor
Advertising .............................................................llipscomb@carolina.rr.com
Membership Records............................................................fulobluz@aol.com
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Photographer .....................................................................................Rita Miller
Contributing Writers ................................................... Michael Wolf, Rita Miller
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Tell us what you know about the Blues!!
We Welcome Blues Articles, CD Reviews, Concert Reviews, Interviews, etc.
Articles,
Advertising,
News Releases,
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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;
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Bluesletter
MAIL APPLICATION TO: P.O. BOX 32752, CHARLOTTE, NC 28232-2752
Turn Your Radio On!
Sundays, 7:00-10:00 PM ............... WRFX 99.7 FM ....................... “Fox Smokin’ Blues”
Mondays, 6:30-10:00 PM ............... WSGE 91.7 FM
........................... “Hwy 321 Blues”
Mondays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ......... WGWG 88.3 FM ............................ “Blues & Roots”
Tuesdays, 6:30-10:00 PM .............. WSGE 91.7 FM ............................ “Hwy 321 Blues”
Wednesdays, 8:00-10:00 PM .......... WSGE 91.7 FM ............................ “Hwy 321 Blues”
Thursdays, 8:00-10:00 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 send radio updates to [email protected]