BLUESunday OCT. 2 - charlottebluessociety.org

OCTOBER 2011
Vol. 19.10
OCTOBER 2011
$1.00
1
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC28232-2752
BLUESunday
OCT. 2
‘Mookie’ Brill
&
Ben Hernandez
Tom ―Mookie‖ Brill listened to Pop and R&B of the ‗60s &
‗70s. On day his father came home with an FM radio –
the new high tech radio of the day! This opened up new
sounds for Brill like blues, country, and bluegrass. But
the sound that struck the biggest chord was Lightnin‘
Hopkins.
―I went out and bought The Blues Giant
Lightnin’ Hopkins on the Everest label for $1.99. (I still
have it!)‖ Brill started buying a lot of Blues records and
studying them, especially records from the Chess label
— and at 13 got his first bass guitar. A few years later,
he started teaching himself harp and guitar … and in his
later teens had moved to the South where he found a
new vibrant scene of soul, blues, country, southern
rock, and bluegrass. He spent time sitting in with as
many artists as possible, from Virginia to Georgia.
From 1989 to ‘93, Brill worked with Bob Margolin
backing a lot of well-known blues artists on stage and in
the studio. Through the remainder of the ‗90s, he
worked with Carey Bell and Louisiana Red, fronted his
own band, and joined the Belmont Playboys touring in
the U.S. and U.K. For the last 10 years, he continues to
gig with Margolin and plays rockabilly with The Parodi
Kings.
He also toured with Nappy Brown, Pinetop
Perkins, Willie ―Big Eyes‖ Smith, and others.
Mookie Brill is a multi-talented musician – he‘s a strong
vocalist and an accomplish player on harp, guitar, and
bass – a three-time nominee for Best Bassist and BMA
winner in 2006 and 2007.
The Double
Doors open at 7:00
Music starts 8:00
In 1994, having just turned 18, Ben traveled to
Memphis for a convention. While there, he bought
his first Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee record in a
shop on Beale St. ―When I finally got it home and
heard Sonny Terry doing ‗Sonny‘s Squall‘, things
changed. I hadn‘t heard anyone play the harmonica
like that before.‖ Ben began playing in bands near
his home, then traveled to Los Angeles to pursue
better music opportunities.
He met former James Harman guitarist, Nathan
James, and was invited to sit in playing ―country
blues‖ harmonica – not a common style. Soon, the
two began playing small venues as a duo. As their
momentum began to increase, the two have played
many top music festivals, released three albums
(their latest, ―Hollerin‘!‖ just received a San Diego
Music Award), won the International Blues
Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and have taken
their music to Canada, Europe and Asia.
Hernandez, who has recently relocated to
Charlotte, North Carolina will no doubt ease
comfortably into the rich mosaic of southeastern
music and history. With his versatility and passion
for American roots music, Ben is sure to make the
same waves on the east coast as he has on the
west.
Door Inn
1218 Charlottetown Ave.
704-376-1446
CBS Members – FREE
Non-members - $5:00
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Bluesletter
The weather‘s a changin‘ but the Blues just keep gettin‘
better and better. Fall is here, folks, which means it‘s talent
contest time — Sunday, October 9th! The competition
starts at 2:00 (door open at 1:00). Check our web site for
more details each day! www.charlottebluessociety.org — or
sign up as a FaceBook ―friend‖ to receive updates
automatically.
As a reminder … Bands will compete, then Finalists are chosen based on the same scoring method
used at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis. Those finalists will compete and the
winner announced early enough for you to still get a good night‘s sleep before work the next morning!
So come on out and support our local musicians! Remember — the winner will represent the
Charlotte Blues Society at the 2012 IBC in Memphis
But first we have a treat for you …
BLUESunday, Oct . 2nd,will feature our own ―Mookie‖ Brill with special guest Ben Hernandez who
has relocated to the Queen City. Ben is a talented harmonica player, dynamic vocalist and multiinstrumentalist rooted firmly in the early American musical traditions of gospel, country blues, ragtime
and jug band music. Ben was one half of the solo/duo winners at the IBC in Memphis in 2007 with
Nathan James. This should be a fun night for all, so come out and give him a warm QC welcome!
If you look closely, you‘ll see a picture behind me on the wall. It‘s the newest edition to the artwork
hanging at the Comet Grill paying homage to great local artists. Can you guess who… it‘s none other
than Donna Duncan! Who also let it rip in the finale of the Holy Angels benefit last month along with
the Federal Brothers, Part-Time Blues Band, Nita B, and many others.
The Carolina Record & CD Collectors show is returning to the area, this time in Charlotte on Oct 16 th.
Look inside for more details.
Guess what, ―House‖ fans… Hugh Laurie has released a Blues Album entitled ―Let
Them Talk.‖ Heard a little bit on CBS Sunday morning the other day minus the
British accent. If you want to check it out for yourself…
www.hughlaurieblues.com/home.htm
See ya twice in October!
Remember… "
―It's kind of hard to keep going sometimes but
you just have to believe in what you are and what you
can do and that's the way to success."
― — Buddy Guy.
Diva
A big thanks to DBA for hosting last month’s jam!
We continue to be amazed at the many new faces who join us each month!
OCTOBER 2011
3
Charlotte Blues Society’s
18th annual
BLUES TALENT COMPETITION
Sunday, Oct. 9 ~ 2:00pm
at The Double Door Inn
(Doors open at 1:00)
Details at www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org
MUSICIANS:
Slots are open for last-minute entries.
See Contest Entry Form and instructions on our web site.
Or call 704-488-9608
Don‘t forget to check out
our affiliates on the website
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‖.
The Charlotte Blues Society receives a
residual of what you purchase.
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Bluesletter
B.B. King
Celebrated his
86th Birthday
on Sept. 16
For more than half a century, Riley B. King - better
known as B.B. King - has defined the blues
for a worldwide audience. Since he started recording
in the 1940s, he has released over fifty albums,
many of them classics.
He was born September 16, 1925, on a plantation in
Mississippi, near Indianola. In his youth, he played on
street corners for dimes, and would sometimes play in
as many as four towns a night. In 1947, he hitchhiked
to Memphis, TN, to pursue his music career.
Memphis was where every important musician of the
South gravitated, and which supported a large
musical community where every style of
African American music could be found.
B.B. stayed with his cousin Bukka White,
one of the most celebrated blues
performers of his time, who schooled B.B.
further in the art of the blues.
(complete bio at www.bbking.com)
Coming to North Carolina Oct. 16 –
War Memorial Auditorium, Greensboro, NC
TRUTH IS IN THE PUDDING …
Discovered on FaceBook
(from Liz Melendez, Blues Woman):
To those who complain about the cost of
professional level music and art: "If you
think it's expensive to hire a professional
to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
-- Red Adair
Friend Danny replied with: Nobody complains
about paying $500 for a DJ to play CDs. Get
6 band members with a bunch of equipment,
and $500 is too much.
OCTOBER 2011
5
BLUES BLAST MUSIC AWARDS – Editor Bob Kieser reported more than 6,500 votes were cast by the Aug. 31 deadline–
nearly twice the number who voted last year. The winners will be announced at the 2011 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies
on Oct. 27, at Buddy Guy‘s Legends in Chicago. More info and ticket information (only $30) at www.thebluesblast.com
GIBSON GUITAR RAIDED – Factories and offices of longtime manufacturer of prized guitars were raided in late August.
Congress, U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials have agreed to brief lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the
coming weeks on the issue. The agency oversaw the Gibson raids, with agents confiscating computer hard drives, and pallets of
wood and guitars suspected of being imported illegally in violation of the Lacey Act, which bans the importing of
environmentally threatened plants and animals.
Meanwhile, the raid has created uncertainty in the music, furniture and timber industries, which routinely import exotic
hardwoods. In the case of musicians, some say they fear the U.S. government may decide to confiscate instruments made long
ago from woods now considered endangered when musicians travel or their gear is shipped abroad.
Rep. Cooper of Nashville said he plans to introduce legislation to amend the Lacey Act that would grandfather in musical
instruments made before 2008 to address musicians' concerns about travel. He also said the law should be revised to make it
less onerous for businesses to understand and follow. "No one wants endangered species harmed anywhere on the planet, but
we have to have a better way of dealing with this issue so innocent Americans aren't hurt in the process," Cooper said.
CONTEST FOR A DELTA GETAWAY – Win big in a Tunica casino. Play a free round of golf on DeSoto County's magnificent
Cherokee Valley course. Stay in a luxurious bed and breakfast for the weekend and immerse yourself in the soul-stirring music
of Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues. Add it all up and you have the Win, Play and Stay Delta Getaway vacation
sweepstakes where you could win a trip to the Mississippi Delta. The winner and a guest will get to check out all the coolest
spots in three towns along the backroads of the Delta over six days and enjoy plenty of extras in one of Mississippi‘s best travel
contests ever! http://visitthedelta.com/sweepstakes
JUNIOR’S JUKE JOINT – In 1895 W.C Handy overheard an unknown musician playing at the Tuttweiler train station in
Mooreshead, Miss. and the blues was born. For a trip down Hwy 61 and to see where the Southern crosses the Dawg, go to
www.deltablues.net and let Junior take you on a tour of the old Jukes and towns where it all began!!! (Features photos and
maps)
PLAYING THE BLUES – Looking for a place that is all about learning how to play the Blues? A place to ask questions, share
your knowledge, share your ideas, link with fellow blues players, etc. It doesn‘t matter what instrument you play, this is a
common ground to better the blues! www.facebook.com/playin.the.blues (from James Faulkner)
BLUES ON THE RADIO – Smokin' Bluz is the sponsor of the Smokin' Bluz Youth Showcase each year at the International Blues
Challenge. Check out Rick Ballew's Smokin' Bluz 24/7 at Smokinbluz.com. Broadcast "live" Sunday nights at 8:00 pm on
99.7FM WRFX in Charlotte NC and on WRFX.com
A very helpful website for finding Blues radio programs is Mary4Music. When you go to the Blewzzman's site, you might
just find something more of bluesy interest to you.
Then there is B.B. King's Bluesville on Sirius XM Satellite Radio with hosts Bill Wax and Tony Colter.
MILL BLOCK BLUES CD CONTRIBUTES TO HART FUND – Through the efforts of James Goode and his compadres on the Mill
Block Blues CD, The Blues Foundation‘s HART Fund has been enriched by more than $7000 since April. There are 300 CDs left
which when sold would generate another $3000 for the HART Fund. The CD was produced by Anson Funderburgh and the Ruff
Kutt Blues Band is comprised of local Dallas musicians and one musician from Austin – ―some of the best musicians in Texas.‖
You can purchase the CD at www.ruffkuttblues.com.
The HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) is for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of
health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical/dental care as well as funeral and burial
expenses.
BLUES MUSIC HALL OF FAME – After several years of planning, the Board of Directors of The Blues Foundation approved
plans to create a dynamic visitor‘s center and hall of fame in the building the organization purchased late last year to house its
offices. The new Blues Music Hall of Fame will be located at 421 S. Main Street in the Historic South Main Arts District. This
emerging cultural, retail and entertainment district in downtown Memphis is just a short walk from world-famous Beale Street,
acknowledged as the epicenter of blues music. (More info at www.blues.org)
NEW MONUMENT FOR LES PAUL – Music legend Les Paul is getting a new 500 square foot granite
memorial to mark his gravesite in southeast Wisconsin at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha.
The site will include granite slabs containing Paul's biography. Paul died in 2009 at age 94.
Nicknamed the "Wizard of Waukesha," Paul created the first solid-body electric guitar and
developed technology and recording techniques that set the standard in the industry like tape echo,
multi-track
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Bluesletter
David "Honeyboy" Edwards
June 28, 1915 to August 29, 2011
Grammy-winning Blues musician David "Honey Boy" Edwards, believed to be
the oldest surviving Delta bluesman and whose roots stretched back to
blues legend Robert Johnson, died in his sleep of congestive heart failure in his
Chicago apartment. He was 96 years old.
Mr. Edwards was in the house when the iconic Robert Johnson took his last
drink of poisoned whiskey. He witnessed the Mississippi River flood of 1927. In
1953, he moved to Chicago after recording ―Drop Down Mama‖ for Chess
Records. He won awards and appeared in documentaries and movies. In
January 2009 he performed on the eve of President Obama‘s inauguration at
the Black Cat nightclub in D.C.
Born in 1915 in Shaw, Miss., Edwards learned the guitar growing up and
started playing professionally at age 17 in Memphis. He came to Chicago in
the 1940s and played on Maxwell Street, small clubs and street corners. By the
1950s Edwards had played with almost every bluesman of note - including
Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. Among Edwards'
hit songs were "Long Tall Woman Blues," "Gamblin Man" and "Just Like Jesse
James."
―Blues musicians from his generation were in one sense revolutionaries,‖ said
his longtime manager, Michael Frank of Earwig Music Company Frank.
―Honeyboy was very much under-recognized as a guitar player. He was
deliberate in some performance techniques and tricks because he knew they
engaged the audience.
To have watched Mr. Edwards play was to have participated in history.
"He had his own unique style," Frank said. "But it was a 75-year-old style and
it was a synthesis of the people before him and in his time."
Buddy Guy’s most repeated quote is that
there are only a handful of originators
left, and with Honeyboy’s passing so
close to Pinetop Perkins, one has to
wonder if that handful is down to one
hand clapping, and at that we may have
to redefine the definition of ―originators.‖
(Below) David "Honeyboy" Edwards and
Pinetop Perkins at the Master Musicians
Festival in Somerset, Ky., July 19, 2008
(Photo by Chad Laytham)
Edwards was known for being an oral historian of the music genre and would
tell biographical stories between songs at his shows, Frank said. He was
recorded for the Library of Congress in Clarksdale, Miss., in 1942. "He had
photographic memory of every fine detail of his entire life," Frank said. "All the
way up until he died. He had so much history that so many other musicians
didn't have and he was able to tell it."
Mr. Edwards achieved new popularity during the blues revival of the 1960s.
Near the end of the decade he appeared with Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy on
sessions that produced both volumes of the album ―Blues Jam in Chicago‖ by
the British rock band Fleetwood Mac.
Mr. Edwards was elected to the Blues Hall of Fame in 1996. In 1997 he penned his autobiography, The World
Don‘t Owe Me Nothing: The Life and Times of Delta Bluesman Honeyboy Edwards (Chicago Review Press). In
2002 he was named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, and he was subject of
the Scott Taradash documentary ―Honeyboy.‖ Mr. Edwards also was featured in Martin Scorsese‘s PBS series
―The Blues.‖ In 2007 he appeared as himself in the movie ―Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.‖ He won a 2008
Grammy for best traditional blues album for Last of the Great Mississippi Bluesmen: Live in Dallas and in 2010
was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Edwards was known for his far-ranging travels and played internationally. In his 90s,
he was still playing over 70 shows a year. On the day of his death, Mr. Edwards was
slated to perform at the noontime concert series at Millennium Park. He last performed
April 17 at the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Miss.
His death represents the loss of the last direct link to the first generation of Mississippi
blues musicians.
Sources: Chicago Sun Times, NY Times, Associated Press
David "Honeyboy" Edwards poses with his award for best traditional blues album backstage at the
50th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
OCTOBER 2011
7
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
January 19, 1936 - September 16, 2011
Grammy-winning blues musician Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, who was a longtime sideman for
Muddy Waters, died of a stroke in Chicago at age 75. Smith's death comes less than six
months after the passing of 97-year-old blues master Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, with
whom Smith shared a Grammy win this year in the best traditional blues album category
for their 2010 release "Joined at the Hip."
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith was born in Helena, AR in 1936. At the age of 17 he ventured to
Chicago where he heard Muddy Waters for the first time. Willie was hooked on the blues
and the attraction to the music persuaded him to stay in Chicago.
In 1954 Willie, playing harmonica, formed a trio with drummer Clifton James and gigged
around Chicago for a few years. During this same time, Willie played harp with several
other artists including Bo Diddley, Arthur "Big Boy" Spires and Johnny Shines. In 1957
Willie joined Little Hudson's Red Devil Trio and switched to playing drums. After gigs or
between sets, Willie started sitting in on drums with Muddy Waters' band. Muddy liked
what he heard, and invited Willie to play drums on a 1959 recording session. Willie began to fill in for Muddy's
drummer Francis Clay, and continued to play recording sessions with Muddy. In 1961, Willie replaced Clay in
Muddy's band and played with Muddy till mid-1964. During this period, as he solidified his Chicago sound, Willie
recorded with James Cotton, Jo Jo Williams, and Muddy Waters on a tribute to blues vocalist Big Bill Broonzy.
From mid-'64 to 1968 Smith packed up his drum kit and found himself doing odd jobs. One night in 1968 Willie
decided to go out and listen to Muddy. Rediscovering his desire to play, he asked to sit in with the band. The next
day Muddy asked Willie to rejoin his band. Willie played in Muddy's band till 1980 and appears on all of Muddy's
Grammy-winning albums.
After performing with Muddy Waters, Smith established his own niche within the tradition of the Delta Blues
Sound by co-founding the Legendary Blues Band with Pinetop Perkins, Louis Myers, Calvin Jones, and Jerry
Portnoy. The group was nominated for several Grammy Awards, recorded four critically acclaimed albums on the
Ichiban label, backed up Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, and Junior Wells, toured with Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones
and Eric Clapton. They played behind Muddy for the soundtrack of the movie The Last Waltz and appeared in the
movie The Blues Brothers where they played street musicians backing John Lee Hooker.
Through the years, Smith recorded with a literal "who's who" of blues greats, from Waters and James Cotton to
Big Walter Horton, Carey Bell, Homesick James, and Johnny Winter, among many others. Smith also pursued a
moderately successful solo career, beginning with his 1995 Blind Pig Records debut, Bag Full of Blues. He revived
his first instrument and in 1996 released Way Back, which debuted his new direction, and showed him to be a
solid harmonicist. He won an impressive twelve W.C Handy/Blues Music Awards (in 15 years). In 2010, Smith
collaborated with his long-time friend Pinetop Perkins to record Joined At The Hip, the critically-acclaimed album
winning both a Grammy™ for "Best Traditional Blues Album" and a Blues Music Award for "Traditional Blues
Album of the Year."
This award-winning blues drummer was also an accomplished harmonica master and dynamic vocalist, but it is
his traditional shuffle style that has been regarded as the heart and soul of the Chicago blues sound, with Willie
laying the beat behind many of the blues classics.
(Sources: Reuters, Blues Blast Magazine, About.com, BluesBrothersCentral.com)
At Mac Arnold’s Cornbread & Collard Greens Festival, April 2010
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Bluesletter
AT T E N T I O N : R E C O R D C O L L E C T O R S !
CAROLINA RECORD AND CD COLLECTORS SHOW
S U N D AY, O C T O B E R 1 6
Marriott Spring Hill Suites
12325 Johnston Rd., Charlotte, NC
704-817-1500
Admission: $2.00
Show time: 10am-4pm
Space is available for Vendors …
Over fifty tables available
Limit two tables per vendor
Cost $50 per table
One large room 2400+ sq ft
Load-in 7:30 am
Discounted room rates available for out-of-town dealers.
OCTOBER 2011
JAMMERS JAMMIN’! SINGERS SANGIN’! AT LAST MONTH’S BLUESunday!
9
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Bluesletter
Thinking back ….
David ―Honeyboy‖ Edwards
(1915-2011)
For some strange reason it seems that musicians die in groups of
three. So with the recent deaths of Amy Winehouse and songwriters
Jerry Lieber and Motown legend Nick Ashford, I thought that we
had hit the quota for the year. God, I hate being wrong at times like
this.
In the early hours of this morning (August 29th) Blues legend David
―Honeyboy‖ Edwards died of congestive heart failure in Chicago. He
was 96 years old. Born in 1915, Honeyboy Edwards spent his early
youth traveling with North Hill Mississippi great Big Joe Williams. Edwards has stated
that he learned a great deal from Williams and about the vagaries of the road.
However, one of Edwards greatest claims to fame was his relationship with the legendary
Robert Johnson.
In fact, Edwards was with Robert the night that he was fatally
poisoned. With the deaths in almost 10 years of Robert Johnson prodigies such as
Johnny Shines, Robert Lockwood, and Henry Townsend, Honeyboy Edwards was the
last living link to Robert Johnson. Honeyboy played with a relaxed vocal and guitar style
and made many recordings. He also played with a variety of musicians ranging from such
luminaries as harmonica genius Walter Horton, Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac,
Hubert Sumlin, Koko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins and many others. He won a Grammy Award
for Best Traditional album in 2008. His 1997 autobiography ―The World Don’t Owe Me
Nothing‖ is one of the greatest books about a Blues musician ever printed.
I met David in 1990 at the Elizabeth River Blues Festival in Norfolk Va. He was a delightfully
kind man. We compared slides (as Honeyboy was a great slide player) and he loved the fact that
I played with a heavy piece of titanium which was created from scrap metal that a friend of mine
had left over from a safe that he made. It was a brutally hot day and I asked Honeyboy if he
wanted to have a beer and when he said yes, I was glad to go and get it for him. Perhaps
because of the heat or fatigue Honeyboy was not having a good day when he played his set. Some of the local,
plastic, never been anywhere or done anything, SRV clones, young and stupid guitar players were making fun of
Honeyboy. I angrily went over to them and told them to shut their pie holes. I then asked them if they thought
they would be playing with any facility at the age of 75 and to respect this man‘s history and humanity. David
―Honeyboy‖ Edwards was a true gem of a musician and human being and I already miss him.
—Michael Wolf Ingmire
JAMS
7th Annual
BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL
Sept. 29 — Oct. 1
Events in the historic downtowns
of York & Rock Hill, SC!
www.yorkcountyarts.org
803-328-2787
BELMONT JAM
Every Tuesday at 7:30 pm
Belmont Food & Beverage
CONCORD BLUES
PRESEERVATION CLUB
1st Tuesday at 9:00
Speakeasy Ale House
SMOKY JOE’S CAFÉ
Every Tuesday night
WET WILLIE’S
Every Thursday, 8:00 pm
OCTOBER 2011
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Bluesletter
The Possible Death of Bourbon Street, New Orleans
(Save the Music)
Bourbon Street, in New Orleans has admittedly a colorful history. It was established in 1718 when the
French Quarter was the hub of New Orleans. Beginning at Canal Street, Bourbon Street is the best known
New Orleans Street. It is the home of music, strip clubs, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. Many world
renowned musicians, such as The Neville Brothers and Dr. John got their start playing on Bourbon Street
and there is pride on Bourbon Street.
I have some great memories of many friendly bands letting me sit in over the years for a song between drinks.
Got even a few sort of Midnight musical job offers out of Bourbon Street. Not what I wanted to do, but I always
appreciate the kindness of strangers. In fact, I recently met Tab Benoit, when he played at TheVisulitefor the
Six Strings Christmas with Anders Osborne and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. Tab said that he had seen me
jamming at one of those clubs and he exclaimed, ―Man you can play.‖ That interchange, among many in my
life, would not have happened without a casual walk down Bourbon Street.
As I have gotten older, other experiences in New Orleans have made me branch out a bit. But the first Mardi
Gras I had in the Quarter I am not ashamed to admit I was a wild comanche. (Ah teenagers!) But Bourbon
Street is definitely a rite of passage for anyone going to New Orleans for the first time. New Orleans is the only
place in my life where I have never, ever, without a skeleton doubt, been bored and without a doubt Bourbon
Street plays it‘s part in the history of my interaction with the City of New Orleans.
Knowing my love for the city that care forgot, you can imagine my dismay over the noise ordinance being
proposed for the Bourbon Street area. The idea for this potentially job killing measure comes primarily from two
sources New Orleans Attorney Stuart H. Smith and City Council Woman, Kristin Gisleson Palmer, of
District C for the City of New Orleans.
Ms. Palmer‘s proposal is to limit the volume of the clubs carrying music on Bourbon Street to 85 decibels. That‘s
OK for a wine bar or small cafe. But the lively and bustling clubs on Bourbon Street will more than likely feel the
sting of this ill proposed idea. 85 decibels is your average stereo output. Considering how hard New Orleans is
working to come back, and succeeding well in a lot of areas, it is ridiculous to propose an ordinance that will
force clubs out of business and musicians out of jobs. This same sort of proposal was recently tried, and
defeated, in the City of Charlotte. The potential conflict of interest is that Attorney Stuart H. Smith has
donated substantially to Council Woman Palmer‘s political career
I am usually allowed one insult per article, so here goes. I wonder if Ms. Palmer is perhaps rhythmically
challenged and resents the dancers and musicians on Bourbon Street? OK, enough with that. There is a
petition protesting this measure that is on line. Feel free to sign at the following address:
bourbonstreetmusic.vacau.com
New Orleans lost many musicians to Katrina when housing became unaffordable in its aftermath. Ms. Palmer
seems to not fully understand the history of New Orleans music and its attraction to the rest of the world.
Shame on her.
-- Michael Wolf Ingmire
JIMI HENDRIX – died in September 1970. In only 27 years of life, Hendrix was…







named the top guitar player in Rolling Stones Magazine's The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
honored with five Grammy Awards
inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
inducted into the U.K Music Hall of Fame
received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
was the first person inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame
inducted into the United States National Recording Registry, andthe list goes on and on!
Hendrix was influenced by Blues artists such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin‘ Wolf, Albert King, and Elmore
James. Hendrix (who was then known as 'Maurice James') began dressing and wearing a moustache like Little
Richard when he performed and recorded in his band from March 1, 1964 through to the spring of 1965. In
1966, Hendrix stated, "I want to do with my guitar what Little Richard does with his voice."
See him perform "Red House" in Stockholm, Sweden in 1969.
www.classicbluesvideos.com
OCTOBER 2011
13
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
S.I.N.
EVERY TUESDAY
JAZZ JAM NIGHT
EVERY THURSDAY
LADIES NIGHT
Service Industry Night
featuring the awesome
Monday Nite All-Stars
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.
Ladies get in FREE!
Guys, your cover is only$5
LOTS OF BLUES IN OCTOBER!!
Each month offers a
new Residence Band
Adv. Tix purchased at www.doubledoorinn.com
Oct 1 (10:00)
Enter the Haggis
Folk / Celtic / Rock
Oct 6 (9:00)
Ladies Night featuring Big Something
Funk / Jam Band / Rock
Oct 7 (10:00)
The Big Idea
Rock / Blues / Soul
Oct 8 (10:00)
From a Seed
Blues / Soul / Rock
Oct 13 (9:00)
Ladies Night featuring Big Something
Funk / Jam Band / Rock
Oct 14 (10:00)
Shane Pruitt Band
Blues / Funk / Soul
Oct 15 (10:00)
Jackass Flats
Americana / Bluegrass
Oct 19 (10:00)
Truth & Salvage Co.
Americana / Rock / Roots
adv. tix
Oct 20 (9:00)
Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
Blues / Rock / Roots
adv. tix
Oct 21 (9:00)
Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
Blues / Rock / Roots
adv. tix
Oct 22 (10:00)
Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights
Rock / Roots / Soul
adv. tix
Oct 23 (6:00)
Music 4 More Benefit Concert
Rock / Pop / Roots
Oct 26 (9:00)
Old Man Markley
Bluegrass / Folk / Punk
Oct 27 (9:00)
Ladies Night featuring Big Something
Funk / Jam Band / Rock
Oct 28 (10:00)
Big Daddy Love
Americana / Bluegrass / Folk Rock
Oct 28 (10:00)
Gigi Dover & The Big Love Costume Party
Rock / Soul / Americana
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
adv. tix
(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 Wolf,
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.
OCTOBER 2011
15
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!
Sundays, 8:00-12:00 PM ................... WRFX 99.7 FM
―Smokin‘ Bluz‖
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—Oct. 2
Charlotte Blues Society’s
‘Mookie’ Brill & Ben Hernandez
BLUES TALENT
18th annual
COMPETITION
Sunday, Oct. 9 ~ 2:00pm
An evening of
great Blues &
Roots Music
with nationally
acclaimed
BMA and IBC
winners!
at The Double Door Inn
(Doors open at 1:00)
Details at
CharlotteBluesSociety.org
***
Musicians: Slots still open for
last-minute entries.
Entry form and instructions
on our web site.
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