File - Reno Blues Society

1993 - 2012
Reno B.L.U.E.S. Society
Our mission is to increase
the awareness of the culture,
history and diversity of blues
music through education
and participation in the
community events.
The Reno Blues Society is
an all volunteer non-profit
501(c)3 organization.
IN THIS ISSUE
Tribute to Michael Burks
Press from the Prez
Blues Klues
From the Retail Booth
Local Band Profile
Mash Bash Photos
Calendar
Take a look at our new
updated website @
renoblues.org
Monthly Board meetings
are held on the 1st
Tuesday of every month.
RBS members are
welcome and encouraged
to attend.
Contact any board
member for time and
location
Volume 18, Issue 12 | Dec. 2012
Tribute to Miehael Burks
Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Michael “Iron Man” Burks
stands tall as a major contemporary blues figure. With
a nickname earned by his hours-long, intensely physical performances, fearsome guitar attack, tough, smoky
vocals and the thousands of miles logged behind the
wheel of his touring van, Burks is a modern blues hero.
Nobody in today’s blues world successfully bridges
searing electric guitar blues with unbridled rock and roll
energy like Burks. The Chicago Sun-Times recently said
Burks is “poised on the brink of major stardom.”
Boasting remarkable natural talent and a blue-collar
work ethic, Michael Burks is a musician with deep roots
in the blues tradition. He performs every song he plays
with intensity, conviction and soul. Even though he has
been playing music since he was a child, it was the
release of Make It Rain, his Alligator Records debut in
2001, that brought Burks well-deserved national recognition and made him one of
the blues world’s fastest-rising stars. His 2003 follow-up, I Smell Smoke, continued his
upward trajectory, as his fan base increased as quickly as his bookings. With inspiration from Albert King, Freddie King and Albert Collins, Burks’ sound and style are all
his own.
Blues Revue says, “Burks delivers blazing, explosive solos and outrageous tone…part
rock, part soul and filled with plenty of blues sensibility.” According to GuitarOne,
“Burks is a legend in waiting.” The waiting is now over. With the release of his new
CD, Iron Man, Burks is set to take his place beside the biggest names in the blues.
Produced by Burks and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer and fueled by Burks’ harddriving road band, Iron Man (featuring seven of twelve songs written or co-written by
Burks) is an electrifying slice of emotional, rocked-out blues. His fiery fretwork, gruff,
fervent vocals and overwhelming intensity are captured here live in the studio. The
album features some of the hottest guitar playing and most soulful singing Burks has
ever recorded.
Born in Milwaukee in 1957, Michael quite literally entered the world with blues in
his blood. Joe Burks, Michael’s grandfather, played acoustic Delta blues guitar in his
hometown of Camden, Arkansas. A multi-talented man, Joe was a barber, carpenter
and aviation mechanic in addition to playing in area juke joints. Michael’s father,
Frederick, was a bass player. For years, Frederick Burks worked in Milwaukee steel
mills and refineries during the day and spent his evenings performing in the city’s
smoky, dimly-lit blues clubs, often backing harmonica legend Sonny Boy Williamson
II, as well as other touring blues stars and local front men.
Michael first held a guitar when he was two years old, and Frederick immediately began teaching his son how to play. Equipped with a fully functional, child-size guitar,
Continued on page 3
Press from the Prez
Hello RBS Members and All
Blues Fans, yes I know it’s hard
to believe but we’re back in
the groove of publishing our
quarterly newsletter. We’ve
jumped into the digital age and
the transition took a little longer
than planned but we’re here.
Thanks for your patience.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Bill Nagel
775-750-6115
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Vacant
TREASURER
Pam Farmer
775-674-0425
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Linda Newberg
[email protected]
DIRECTORS
Roger Slugg
775-846-5629
[email protected]
Kevin O’Reilly
775-750-7564
[email protected]
Bruce Seidel
775-720-1343
Bernard Vienneau
775-247-3011
[email protected]
COMMITTEES
RETAIL
Pam Farmer
775-674-0425
[email protected]
BAND DIRECTORY
Sherrie Clay
775-530-9566
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP
Bernard Vienneau
775-247-3011
[email protected]
BLUES LETTER EDITOR
& AD PLACEMENT
Pam Farmer & Bill Nagel
[email protected]
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Donna Kuckhoff
[email protected]
MARKETING COMMITTEE
CHAIR
Bruce Seidel
775-720-1343
MEDIA LIASION
Vacant
We have lots of new things to
talk about; first off I want to
thank Bernard Vienneau for
doing a stellar job as the RBS
President for the past couple of years. He has stepped
down as Pres but is still on the board so we can tap his
RBS knowledge in the future. Thank You Bernard! In the
meantime I’ve assumed the role of President until we
have elections next March.
I’m also proud to announce that we have a new board
member – Bruce Seidel! Bruce will Chair the Marketing
Committee when he’s not busy drumming for the Rick
Hammond Blues Band. Please welcome Bruce on board
the board!
I also want to congratulate the Schall Adams Band
because they’re Going To Memphis to represent the RBS
at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN next
Jan. Congrats Schall and everyone in the band!! They’re
going to do Reno proud!
Please enjoy the newsletter! We’re always looking for
new content and advertisers so please feel free to email
me ([email protected]) with any contributions or
leads.
Thanks for helping us keep the blues alive!
Bill Nagel
LIFETIME TRUSTEES
Michele Lundeen
Patrick McCabe
Bill Burbach
LeRoy Palinsky
Sammi Barber
Susan Terry
Linda & Steve Newberg
Richie Barron
David A. Kahan
Roger Slugg
Fred & Terri Mills
Dana Meister
Gene Poplin
Lauren Gifford
Melissa & John Cowan
Merrilyn Marsh
David Kerfeld & Dorothy Tate
Bob McNamara & Tracy Candela
Michael A. Potter
Kari & Rick Passman
Jon Anderson
Sharon & Jerry McCain
Dave Wheaton
Michael Braun
Wayne Evans
Don & Kathy Levin
Linda Daniel
John Demetriou
Chuck & Deb Grooms
C.L. Dickinson
Charles Foltz
Stuart D’Alessandro
Kathryn Anderson‐Palinsky
Marietta Marquis & Kevin O’Reilly
Mike Komadina
Brad & Cathy Mills
Richard Birch
Dale Kindall
Roy Rogers
Taylor Schollmaier
Bernard Vienneau
Alan & Diane Davis
Elizabeth Mink
Richard B. Fenton
Wilson Fisher
Bill Nagel
Ernie Mayhorn
Paula M Twichell
Denise Sheehan
RBS President
Tribute to Michael Burks (continued)
the young Burks began emulating the bass runs of his father. Soon he was learning scales and songs. By the age of five,
he was diligently studying his father’s 45s, aided by an effective lesson plan. “I’ll give you a dollar if you learn this song
by the time I’m home from work,” Frederick would tell his young prodigy. Sure enough, Michael would learn that tune
inside out and sideways by the time his father walked through the front door. Michael had begun to collect a tall stack
of dollar bills when the elder Burks realized his teaching tactics were burning an unwanted hole in his wallet. Finally,
Frederick told his son, “Here’s another 45. You learn this one, and you’re gonna get a lickin’.” But Michael kept practicing, and by the time he was six, he played his first gig during a trip to his family’s hometown in Arkansas. The fledgling
guitarist took the stage with his cousin’s band and thrilled an unsuspecting audience.
In the early 1970s, after a machine accident left his hand injured and his musical career severely hampered, Frederick
Burks moved his family back to their southern home. There, Michael and his siblings helped their father build the Bradley
Ferry Country Club – a 300-seat juke joint. By this time Michael was fronting his own band as well as backing several
of the blues and R&B greats that passed through town. Johnnie Taylor and O.V. Wright were just two of the luminaries
to call on Michael’s services. Business at the Bradley Ferry thrived for years, with Michael Burks leading the house band
every Thursday through Saturday. Tables near the stage had to be reserved two weeks in advance. When the Bradley
Ferry finally closed in the mid-1980s, Michael needed to find a day job. For over a decade he worked as a mechanical technician for Lockheed-Martin at one point during his stint with the advanced technology corporation he even built
missile components. But Michael’s desire to perform remained strong, and in 1994 he formed a new band and began
playing clubs and regional festivals. Despite his not having a record, the diesel-powered energy of Michael’s performances began to earn him festival offers from Florida to California. Fortunately, Michael’s boss was a blues lover. He
recognized Michael’s ability and encouraged it, giving Burks the flexibility of long weekends in order to tour. On more
than a few occasions, Lockheed even entertained its clients by flying them to Michael’s festival appearances.
Michael released his self-produced debut CD, From The Inside Out, in 1997. The album confidently announced Michael’s intention to take the blues world by storm. His impassioned, string-bending solos, combined with his fiery tone
and smoldering vocals, left no doubt that Michael Burks was an emotionally-charged blues powerhouse. Critics and fans
loved what they heard. Blues Access proclaimed From The Inside Out to be “the most impressive indie in recent memory,” and Living Blues rated it as one of “the best debut discs of the year.” In 2000, Burks received a Blues Music Award
nomination for Best New Artist, even though he was already a hard-working professional. It had become clear that
Burks had to pursue his musical career full-time once again. Fueled by a tank full of positive reviews, Michael began to
play more festivals than ever before, appearing at the Chicago Blues Festival, Telluride Blues Festival, Mississippi Valley
Blues Fest and Kalamazoo Blues Fest, and making headlining appearances at the Mississippi Muddy Waters Blues Fest,
Arkansas River Blues Fest and the Blind Willie Blues Fest, among others.
Burks joined the Alligator family in 2001 and released the critically acclaimed Make It Rain. The Chicago Sun-Times
called the album “chilling and heartfelt.” Billboard agreed, declaring, “Burks is a powerhouse blues guitar slinger…he
blasts through licks like Clapton used to play–think lightning–just because he can. He is a great guitarist.” Vintage Guitar
said, “Gospel-ringed, sweet and nasty. Burks will warm your heart at the same time he puts a chill down your back.”
He immediately hit the road in support of the CD, bringing his blistering blues to fans across the country and throughout
Europe and Australia as well, with gigs at clubs, concert halls and major festivals everywhere.
His next album, I Smell Smoke, featured songs fueled by Burks’ feral guitar playing and tough, soulful vocals. As raw
and passionate as ever, Burks played with the precision and dedication of the seasoned veteran that he is. Living Blues
said, “Burks’ fretwork is skin-tight yet emotionally expressive. His voice is dusky and sensual yet shot through with virility.
Burks burns his signature onto almost everything he touches with aching passion and the probing intensity of his guitar.
He has the ability and the imagination to fuse the best of the old and the new.” Burks received three Blues Music Award
nominations for his work on the CD, including Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year and Blues Song Of The Year for
the title track.
The unstoppable, heartfelt intensity that Michael brings to the stage lies at the very core of his appeal. Dedicated fans
around the country and in Europe, Australia and South America already know and appreciate the sweat, passion and
intensity he pours out each night. A constant string of performances at premier festivals and clubs continues to add even
more word-of-mouth fuel to the fire. Burks’ deep, soul-infused music and undeniable charisma make him an overwhelming force in the blues. The music on the new CD – forged by his unquestionable talent and fueled by the experience of
years on the road – proves that electric guitar blues is alive and well in the skillful hands of the Iron Man, Michael Burks.
Blues Klues
I was born August 31, 1921 in Arkansas. I was a major figure in California R&B & blues in the post-World War II era. I
have, over the years, recorded for quite a few different labels which has helped define West Coast R&B with my smooth,
fluid key boards and vocals. I recorded everything from traditional blues to thickly layered, big band R&B. One of the
reasons I enjoyed such a long career as a recording artist is because of my ability to move from one style to the next
with convincingly results.
Even though I was born in Arkansas I was raised in St. Louis. I lived there till I went in the Navy during WWII. I settled in
Los Angeles after the war and worked as a professional boxer. I won two dozen light-heavyweight bouts before I retired
from the ring.
I also began playing the piano during this period and started a second career in R&B. I recorded with J.D. Nicholson
for GLOBE Records in 1945 then moved to Excelsior. I also met Oakland record producer Bob Geddins in 1945 that I
recorded with off and on in to the early ‘60’s. In 1947 I recorded for Geddin’s Cavatone label. Wanting to try different
labels I also cut sides with RPM/Modern, Trilon, Duke-Peacock and Geddin’s Down Town & Swingtime labels in the late
‘40’s and ‘50’s.
My biggest hit “The Walk” was released in 1958 on the Checker (Chess) label. The record crossed over onto the pop
charts peaking at #7 which got me a stint on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand tv show. In the early to mid ‘60’s I made
it on to the pop charts a few more times. I continued to perform and recorde into the ‘80’s but by the end of the decade
my output dramatically decreased. I still remain one of the most prolific West Coast R&B artists.
Who am I ??? answer on page 5
Essential Listening: Rockin’ Man, I’m Gonna Have My Fun, You Deceived Me, Same Lovin’
Please Support our Sponsors
Nagel Video Services
VIDEO PRODUCTION –
CAMERA OP – WEB VIDEOS
Bill Nagel - 775-750-6115
[email protected] •
nagelvideoservices.com
Affordable Printing and
Graphics Services
775/322-8787
www.registeredink.com
Blues Klues answer: Jimmy McCracklin
From the Retail Booth
We have plenty of tee shirts and tank tops in both men’s
and women’s for that special blues lover in your life.
Whether they like hand made tie-dye or solid colors, we
have them all.
For more info please contact Pam at [email protected].
Local Band Profile-The Schall Adams Band
The RBS is proud to profile our winner of this year’s Get’Em to Memphis competition – The Schall Adams Band. They’ll be representing Reno at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN this Jan 2013.
“Reno is turning into the Biggest Little BLUES city in the west! This is of course do to the partnerships of the RBS and the many great
bands we have locally. Being the band to represent Reno this year is an honor and a big payoff for all the hard work the band has
done to get here!” -Schall
If you haven’t seen the Schall Adams Band playing locally then you’re missing a chance to see one of the hottest blues bands in
town. Sit down and sip it or jump up and shake it… that’s The Schall Adams Band!
Headlining this band is the powerful vocals and stage presence of Schall Adams. She fronts a band featuring a consummate blues
guitarist, a jumping keyboardist, and a grooving rhythm section full of energy and pizazz! Schall comments on the band that “we
have all listened to a lot of different types of music over the years. What I have discovered is that we are all drawn to the blues”
Talking about the makeup of her new band Schall says…“We have a blues guitarist steeped in tradition who’s developed a dynamic
slide style, and a contemporary blues keyboardist with song writing credentials, a jumpin’ sax player with a big personality and
a creative rhythm section. This has created a unique sound which stays true to the foundation of blues while offering up something
fresh!”
Schall began performing in public at the age of 17 and has performed across a wide variety of genres. When she discovered a
passion for the Blues she realized her voice, heart and soul are perfect for this music form. Her vocal style immediately has the audience requesting Janis Joplin tunes and her raw
powered vocals can easily oblige! She can turn it up or bring it down as demonstrated in her passionate delivery of Etta James’s
song “I would rather go blind”. Schall loves performing and it shows in every note.
She’s backed up by guitarist extraordinaire - Tony Ghiglieri. He began playing guitar at 8 years old. By the time he was 10 he was
performing in live shows and has been performing professionally since then. He can play a variety of blues styles and slide with the
best of them. Plus he’s got a great voice that complements Schall perfectly.
Another key component to the band is keyboardist Franklin Spicer. As a songwriter he has written blues songs, music for film and TV,
and is one of the winners of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. He is well known in the LA area as the founder of The Los Angeles
Songwriters Co-op, founded in 2002 which continues to this day. He has lots of fun onstage as you can see from his great smile.
Brad Robson and Chris Houghton are the bands tight rhythm section. Brad started playing bass years ago with his Dad’s Country
Western band at local watering holes. Since then he has performed in venues around the world as part of the Air Force Tops in Blue,
a traveling USO road show. Chris began playing drums at the age of 10 and made the All State Orchestra by the time he was in
high school. He also performed with Harrah’s 18 piece house band while still in high school and was offered a scholarship to U.C.
Berkeley.
“We have a pretty creative group” Schall states, “and I like the part where we all come together to work on the magic.”
They head to Memphis in Jan to compete with hundreds of other blues bands and Schall hopes to get “Exposure to a wider audience and connections to help us move the band to the next level. And to do well for Reno and be part of making Reno a great music
mecca”
Thank you Schall Adams Band for helping keep the blues alive!
Bookings/Contact info:
Schall Adams
775-412-1891
[email protected]
http://www.bigrockinblues.com/
18th Annual Mash Bash 2012
We had lots of fun and raised over $1400.00 for the VA Volunteer Services.
Thanks to all the bands and everyone who attended!
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 780
RENO, NV
1993 - 2012
Reno B.L.U.E.S. Society
P.O. BOX 10742
RENO, NV 89510-0742
Keeping the blues alive for 19 years . . . and counting!
w w w . r e n o b l u e s . o r g
Da Blues Calendar
DATE
TIME
BAND
VENUE
Dec 5th
7pm
Blues Jam Wed (EVERY WED!)
Commrow
Dec 6th
9:30pm
3rd St Blues Jam w Blue Haven (EVERY THURS!)
3rd St Bar
Dec 7th
8pm
The Whiskey Haulers
The Vassar Lounge
Dec 12th
7pm
Blues Jam Wed (EVERY WED!)
Commrow
Dec 13th
9:30pm
3rd St Blues Jam w Blue Haven (EVERY THURS!)
3rd St Bar
Dec 14th
8pm
Blue Haven
The Vassar Lounge
Dec 14th
7:30pm
The Rick Hammond Blues Band
Swill Coffee & Wine
Dec 15th
8:30pm
The Rick Hammond Blues Band
Paddy & Irene’s
Dec 15th
9:30pm
Jason King Band
3rd St Bar
Dec 19th
7pm
Blues Jam Wed (EVERY WED!)
Commrow
Dec 20th
9:30pm
3rd St Blues Jam w Blue Haven (EVERY THURS!)
3rd St Bar
Dec 21st
8pm
The Rick Hammond Blues Band
The Vassar Lounge
Dec 26th
7pm
Blues Jam Wed (EVERY WED!)
Commrow
Dec 27th
9:30pm
3rd St Blues Jam w Blue Haven (EVERY THURS!)
3rd St Bar
Dec 31st
9:30pm
Blues Haven
3rd St Bar
Dec 31st
9pm
The Rick Hammond Blues Band
The Vassar Lounge
Jan 2nd
7pm
Blues Jam Wed (EVERY WED!)
Commrow
Jan 3rd
9:30pm
3rd St Blues Jam w Blue Haven (EVERY THURS!)
3rd St Bar
Jan 30th
7pm
BJW One Year Anniversary
Commrow
Feb 9th
7pm
RBS Mardi Gras Dance Party
Reno Ramada
***** SEE THE NEW RBS CALENDAR LIVE ONLINE AT WWW.RENOBLUES.ORG FOR MORE UPDATES *****