Blues Blog

Bear Family to release updated, definitive Sun Records blues box set!

Detlev Hoegen — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:25:14 +0000

Courtesy of Bob Corritore’s blues newsletter, Wednesday, February 27, 2013

published by permission – please, subscribe: bobcorritore@yahoo.com

Sam Phillips‘ Sun Records from Memphis, Tennessee was certainly one of America’s most defining record labels. Though best known for artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, Sun had it’s start with the blues. Being at the center of the South, producer Sam Phillips launched and furthered the career of many blues artists: Howlin’ Wolf, Little Milton, Big Walter Horton, Ike Turner, Rosco Gordon, Rufus Thomas, Earl Hooker, and Pinetop Perkins to name a few. On March 15th Bear Family will release The Sun Records Blues Box, a 10 CD set complete with a booklet containing photos and discography. This is in conjunction with Sun’s sixtieth anniversary, and Bear Family is also releasing two other definitive box sets showcasing the labels vast contributions to county music and to a rock ‘n’ roll. The Sun Records Blues Box has been released in two forms already on England’s Charly Records. But this appears to be the most inclusive set possible to date, including items not available at the time of the past releases. Here is what the info sheet says: “Finally, the last word on the SUN, and pre-SUN blues recordings! Nearly 30 years after the original Sun Blues Box was released on LP, it’s back on CD with so much more than was on the original set. Recently discovered music from well-known artists … and incredible artifacts like Sam Phillips narrating a radio commercial for a West African herbalist who would soon be jailed for selling bogus patent medicine. Recordings produced by Phillips but issued on Chess, RPM, TRUMPET and other labels were unavailable in 1983, but are now included. Researcher Steve LaVere finally allowed the world to hear the Sun audio and see the Sun -related photos he collected back in the late 1960s. In fact, the entire blues research community came together to make this a once-in-a-lifetime blues experience!” Thank you Bear Family.

Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore are off to the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival in Panama! The city of Boquete, Panama will become a music hub for Central America on February 28th – March 3. Those are the dates for the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival which features music, parades, parties, art shows, concerts and jam sessions. This year the music lineup will include Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore, B3, Andy Egert, Randy Oxford Band, Carlos Ubarte Latin Jazz Quintet, Ron Hacker & The Hacksaws, Spicy Latin Jazz Band, Rigobertto Coba Big Band, Maria Rivas & Her Libertango Band, Sounds like a party to us! For more information on this event please click here.
RIP Cleotha Staples April 11, 1934-February 21, 2013. Cleotha died on Thursday, after years of battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was 78 years old. Cleotha “Cleedi” Staples gave the world years of joy as the high voice in the unworldly great harmonies of the Staples Singers. Though Cleotha was the oldest of Pops Staples children, it was her sister Mavis that received the most attention as the most frequent lead vocalist of this cherished family band. But Cleotha’s contributions were essential to the Staple Singers sound. “A lot of singers would try to sing like her,” Mavis Staples said “Her voice would just ring in your ear. It wasn’t harsh or hitting you hard, it was soothing.” To find out more about her distinguished music career, click here.
John Primer & Bob Corritore CD Album Art! The forthcoming album John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues will be released Aril 16th on the Delta Groove label. This album features a fantastically traditional sound with John amd Bob in top form surrounded by the all-star cast of Barrelhouse Chuck, Chris James and Patrick Rynn, Billy Flynn, Bob Stroger, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and Brian Fahey. The beautiful album design featuring a cover photo by Dave Blake, inside photos by Daniel Swadener, and graphic design by Josh Temkin is now complete and can be seen by clicking here.
Blues Music Awards voting closes at 7:59 AM on March 1. Voting for the 2013 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) is in progress and Blues Foundation members can make their choices now until 7:59am on March 1. To see the list of this year’s nominations click here. Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the “Harmonica” category. Also two releases that Bob is associated with are up for a couple awards each; Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son, and The Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite. The award winners will be anounced at the formal ceremony which takes place on Thursday, May 9th at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. For more on the awards and the Blues Foundation go to http://www.blues.org/.
Phoenix’s Blues Blast Festival March 9th with The 44s. Pre-party March 8th with Mud Morganfield! The Phoenix Blues Society presents the Blues Blast 2013 festival on Saturday, March 9th, at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix, located at 200 East Moreland Street. Appearing at Blues Blast 2013 will be The 44s, Shawn Pittman, Big Nick & The Gila Monsters, The Sugar Thieves, and the Bad News Blues Band. The show will start at 12:00NOON gates will open at 10:00 AM. More information at http://www.bluesblast.info/. Also note that the pre-party will be Friday March 8th, at the Rhythm Room with Severn recording artist Mud Morganfield with the Rhythm Room All-Stars Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. Also, the after party will happen immediately after the fest at the Rhythm Room with a showcase / celebrity jam. Festival ticket stub holders can attend the after-party free of charge!
Magic Slim Funeral Services. This comes to us from Magic Slim‘s Manager Marty Salzman. The funeral service for Magic Slim will be at Horizons Community Church , 3200 Grainger Parkway , Lincoln Nebraska on Saturday, March 2, at 10AM. A musical memorial tribute is currently being planned in Chicago IL. The Zoo Bar in Lincoln is also planning a musical tribute. Both tributes will be announced when details are finalized. These memorial tributes will be benefits with all proceeds going to Ann Holt and her family.
T-Bone 1966 performance on YouTube! Please enjoy this 1966 clip of T-Bone Walker leading an all-star band at a Jazz At The Philharmonic concert in London. The band includes Dizzy Gillespie, Teddy Wilson, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Moody, Benny Carter and Bob Cranshaw. T-Bone performs a medley that includes “Going To Chicago”, click here to see, and to see Norman Granz’s introduction, and T-Bone singing “Woman, You Must Be Crazy”, click here.

RIP – Morris “Magic Slim” Holt – August 7, 1937 to February 21, 2013.

Detlev Hoegen — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:09:49 +0000

Courtesy of Bob Corritore’s blues newsletter, Friday, February 22, 2013

published by permission – please, subscribe: bobcorritore@yahoo.com

RIP Morris “Magic Slim” Holt – August 7, 1937 to February 21, 2013. With the passing of Magic Slim we say farewell to one of the greatest traditional Chicago blues artists of our time. Magic Slim died of complications from a breathing disorder after weeks of hospitalization. He was 75.

Though a great singer, guitarist and band leader, it was Magic Slim‘s undeniable personality that set him apart. He could play heartfelt, rough and tumble Chicago blues with a zest that was unmatched. Every part of Magic Slim‘s being was the blues – his geographical path, his hard partying, fun loving personality, and his far traveling, dedicated lifestyle.

Magic Slim‘s patented two guitar driven Chicago blues sound was both a concert hall pleaser and a dance floor filler. He had, perhaps the largest repertoire in the blues, knowing thousands of songs that he could call upon at any time. Living Blues Magazine put it this way; “Magic Slim consistently offers no-frills houserockin’ blues. He and his band are a national treasure.”

Born in rural Mississippi to a farming life, Slim lost his little finger in a cotton gin accident at a young age, but that did not seem to hinder his guitar playing. He arrived on the Chicago blues scene in the mid 1960s initially to a luke-warm response, but after recruiting his brother Nick to play bass, Magic Slim & the Teardrops were formed, and in 1966 their first single “Scuffin” was released. Some years later, Slim’s 1975 single “I Wonder Why” produced by Steve Cushing (then a drummer in Slim’s band) won high praise for it’s raw, gutsy sound. Throughout the mid 1970s Slim and his tough band worked the south and north side clubs every night of the week, gaining a huge following and getting the attention of promoters and record labels.

Europe embraced Slim with numerous tours and record releases on labels such as MCM, Black & Blue, Isabel and later Wolf Records for whom Slim would record many albums. Magic Slim was also part of the highly celebrated 1978 Alligator Records compilation series Living Chicago Blues earning much US airplay among blues DJs. Slim’s band became noted for the second guitarist who would play an essential role in the Slim’s sound and who would open the sets before Slim took over the microphone. This guitar role was defined early on by the great work of Junior Pettis AKA “Daddy Rabbit. After Pettis left the band a long legacy of artists served as the Teardrops’ second guitarist including Pete Allen, James Wheeler, Jake Dawson, Jon McDonald, and of course John Primer who’s 13 year tenure with this band starting in 1983 is highly celebrated, and served as a launching pad for John’s own powerful career.

In 1994 Slim moved from Chicago to Lincoln, Nebraska where he had played for years prior as a popular attraction at the Zoo Bar. In 2009 Slim’s beloved brother and longtime musical partner, Nick Holt passed away. Slim’s son, Shawn “Lil’ Slim” Holt has emerged as a great young talent and has been a feature of some of Slim’s more recent shows. Slim’s last release, Bad Boy on the Blind Pig label was released in mid 2012. A movie called “We Be Kings” was in the works that would have featured Magic Slim as it’s lead character in a fictional story of a rediscovered blues man. We can look back at Magic Slim‘s long and fruitful career and see a man who has lived his dreams. After humble beginnings, working hard to garner his respect, Slim’s persistent and consistent work earned him a rightful place as one of the greatest blues artists of his time.

Slim’s recordings will live as a permanent testament to his greatness with over 30 albums released on labels such as Alligator, Wolf, MCM, Black & Blue, Candy Apple, Rooster Blues, Red Lightnin’, Delmark, Evidence, Isabel, Storyville, Tone Zone, and most recently, Blind Pig Records who have annually released top quality albums by this great artist. He received numerous awards and nominations for his recordings. his band and for his role as a uncompromising traditional blues artist.

Thanks to Slim’s manager Marty Salzman and road manager Michael Blakemore for their amazing behind the scenes support work. Also thanks to the booking work of Max Cooperstein, Concerted Efforts, Adrian Flores, and Jillina Arrigo for their contributions over the years. Slim always lived his life on his terms and he met and exceeded his dreams. We can look back and think of all the times that he brought a smile to our face. He was the consummate bluesman and we will always love him for that. May he now rest in peace after his tireless work here on earth. We thank God for blessing us with the blues of Magic Slim.

Bob Corritore’s Blues Newsletter, February 15, 2013

Detlev Hoegen — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:24:42 +0000

Friday, February 15, 2013 – published by permission – please, subscribe: bobcorritore@yahoo.com

Magic Slim health update. Magic Slim has been hospitalized for a few weeks now, and this is the information that his manager, Marty Salzman has released; “Magic Slim remains hospitalized in Pennsylvania under treatment for bleeding ulcers complicated by pre-existing issues with his kidneys, his lungs, his weight and his heart. Although seriously ill, he has been stable for the past three days, his kidneys have improved, the bleeding has stopped and his heart rate has improved. He still has a long road ahead of him but things are moving in the right direction. We thank everybody for their kind words and prayers and ask that you keep Magic Slim in your prayers”.
Blues In The Schools Benefit Saturday at the Rhythm Room! This Saturday, February !6 from 3pm to 6pm, Reverend Charlie F. Edwards “The Preaching Bluesman” will present a Blues In The Schools Benefit at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. This show is all ages. Reverend Charlie will present a seminar / workshop on the birth of the blues to be followed by performances that will include Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Paris James and Revernd Charlie. To see the event flyer click here.
Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore to appear at Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival in Panama! The city of Boquete, Panama will become a music hub for Central America on February 28th – March 3. Those are the dates for the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival which features music, parades, parties, art shows, concerts and jam sessions. This year the music lineup will include Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore, B3, Andy Egert, Randy Oxford Band, Carlos Ubarte Latin Jazz Quintet, Ron Hacker & The Hacksaws, Spicy Latin Jazz Band, Rigobertto Coba Big Band, Maria Rivas & Her Libertango Band, Sounds like a party to us! For more information on this event please click here
Petition to reactivate two Grammy blues categories! In April of 2011 NARAS (The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) announced their unfortunate decision to eliminate numerous award categories. The most shameful of these eliminations was reducing the blues from 2 categories: “Traditional Blues” and “Contemporary Blues,” into just one general blues category. What that did was effectively wipe out the chance that the less commercial traditional blues performed by some of the musics pioneers would have any representation at all. Earlier that year, before this elimination, the Traditional Blues Category was won by Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith for their Tel-Arc CD Joined At The Hip. If there would have just been one general blues category as exists right now, then Pinetop and Willie, both elder statesmen of the blues who died later that year, would have likely never even made it into the nominees category from being swept away by more comercial contemporary blues artists who have more crossover appeal to the mainstream. This move by NARAS is nothing short of an atrocity as it dismisses the value of the tradition of the blues. If we sound angry well, you guessed it, we are! A petition movement has been activated by Micheal Freeman and Patricia Morgan (Micheal produced Joined At The Hip, and Patricia manager Pinetop and Willie). For more information on this movement with an explanation of its reasoning and importance, click here. You can help this cause by printing out the petition form and actively seeking signatures in your community. Michael Freeman will need all petitions back on or before February 28 for his meeting with NARAS officials on March 1st. Please help this cause. You can access the petition form by clicking here. Thank you!
2013 Hall of Fame Inductees Annouced! The Blues Foundation has announced the class of 2013 Blues Hall Of Fame inductees. The induction dinner will be Wednesday May 8 at the Downtown Memphis Marriott. Congrats to all:

Performer

Otis Clay

Earl Hooker

Little Brother Montgomery

Jimmie Rodgers (Note that Jimmy Rogers was inductued in 1995)

Individuals

Classic of Blues Recording – Single or Album Track

“How Many More Years” – Howlin’ Wolf (Chess, 1951)

“Canned Heat Blues” – Tommy Johnson (Victor, 1928)

“Let the Good Times Roll” – Louis Jordan (Decca, 1946)

“Mystery Train” - Little Junior [Parker]‘s Blue Flames (Sun, 1953)

“Me and My Chauffeur Blues” – Memphis Minnie (OKeh, 1941)

Classic of Blues Recording – Album

Complete Recorded Works (Herwin, 1975)/Texas Worried Blues – Henry “Ragtime Texas” Thomas- (Yazoo, 1989))

More Real Folk Blues – Howlin’ Wolf- (Chess, 1967)

Louis Jordan’s Greatest Hits – Louis Jordan- (Decca, 1969)

Classic of Blues Literature

Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records – Rob Bowman

For more information on the Blues Hall of Fame, and for bios and information on the recipients, click here.

Big Walter Horton remembered and a glimpse at Chicago Blues in 1970! Thanks to Clas “Volvo Slim” Ahlstrand from Sweden, who has shared his story of travellng to Chicago with Lasse Lindedal in January of 1970. Volvo Slim posted this two part story a few years back in Blindman’s Blues Forum and recently wrote us with these links. His story includes some wonderful descriptions, photos, and recordings made during this trip. Harmonica master Big Walter Horton is the primary subject, but many other Chicago artists of that time period are also discussed. These links are:Part one, click herePart two, click here
Big Walter with Johnny Young sound recordings:

Song one, click here

Song two; click here

Thanks Volvo Slim for this trip back in time, and for documenting the experience so that we can all enjoy it some 43 years later!
Time Brings About A Change; A Floyd Dixon Celebration DVD to be released March 6!. Movie premire announced! The long awaited documentary DVD companion to the 2006 CD Time Brings About A Change; A Floyd Dixon Celebration will be released on March 6 on Bob Auerbach‘s High John Records. This DVD includes interviews and concert footage of Floyd Dixon, Pinetop Perkins, and Henry Gray who were all part of a two day live recording and filming that took place in June of 2006 at the Rhythm Room. Floyd had been diagnossed with a terminal illness and Bob Auerbach immediately initiated this project. Kid Ramos was the musical director of the event and special guests include Johnny Tucker, Joe Banks, Kim Wilson, Fred Kaplan, and Lynwood Slim with a great rhythm section that includes Larry Taylor and Richard Innes and a fine horn section. The project’s credits include director Phillip Cruess, producers Kid Ramos, Lisette Cruess, Bob Corritore and Clarke Rigsby, and executive producer Bob Auerbach. This film will premire at the Cinema City Theatre, 5635 E. La Palma Ave, Annaheim, California 92807 with a 6:30 to 7:30 meet & greet and a 7:45 movie presentation. You will be able to pick up this DVD at the premire, or at finer music stores and at http://www.highjohnrecords.com/. This film represents the last stand of an influencial West Coast blues pioneer and the meeting of three legendary piano masters. It also provides a great look at Kid Ramos‘ amazing guitar playing and bandleading. This show will be right before Kid’s cancer surgery and Kid plans to attend!. To see the DVD cover click here and to read about the CD and DVD on the High John Records website, click here.
RIP Roscoe Chenier – November 6, 1941 to February 7, 2013. Louisiana blues singer / guitarist Roscoe Chenier was the cousin of Clifton Chenier but a fine blues artist in his own right. He lived his whole life in the Opelousas, Louisiana area and though he had solid reputation in Europe, he was little known in the USA outside of his hometown. Processing a rich full voice and downhome blues guitar style, he was able to make numerous albums and European tours playing Holland’s Blues Estafette Festival in 1992, 1993, 1996, 1998 and 2001, and performed at the very prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague. His first recording, a 1961 single “Born For Bad Luck” on the Reynaud label led to numerous albums on labels such as Vidrine, Maison de Sol, Black and Tan, APO, Rhino, and Avenue Records. In recent years his diabetes would limit his travel and performance and eventually take his life. Here are some examples of his powerful music (click here and here).

Sin City Soul & Blues Revival announces a spectacular three day lineup! Las Vegas, Nevada will be the home of a 3 day blues event called the Sin City Soul & Blues Revival. The event happens on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Septempber 15, 16, and 17. Acts include Royal Southern Brotherhood, Tad Robinson, John Cleary, John Nemeth, Trampled Under Foot, Henry Gray & Bob Corritore, Tab Benoit, Sister Sparrow, Kris Lager Band, Orgone, Brad Cordle, Mike Zito, Karen Lovely, Curtis Salgado’s Big Band, Austin All-Stars featuring Malford Milligan and W.C. Clark, Monophonics, Tommy Castro, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Selwyn Birchwood, Hadden Sayers Band, Contino, Ruthie Foster, Los Lonely Boys, Deanna Bogart, The Iguanas, Scottie Miller Band, Carolyn Wonderland, Josh Hoyer, James Harman Band,.and more! Mark your calendars for this huge blues event. To find out more about this festival and to order tickets go to their website at http://www.sincitysoulandbluesrevival.com/.
Memphis Slim and Matt Murphy on YouTube! Please enjoy these fantastic 1963 recordings by blues piano champion Memphis Slim and Matt “Guitar” Murphy from a Belgian documentary of the 1963 American Folk Blues Festival tour. Note that the drummer is the great Billy Stepney!

“I’m Lost Without You” click here.

“Wish Me Well” click here.

“Matt’s Guitar Boogie” click here.

“My Gal keeps Me Crying” click here.

A multi-song clip with a few different songs, click here.

Eddie C. Campbell Benefit for bringing him home.

Detlev Hoegen — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:46:27 +0000

The final line up for the Eddie C. Campbell Benefit has been confirmed by Barbara Mayson Campbell and is now ready for release, so please share this poster widely. Eddie has suffered a serious stroke while on tour in Germany, last month.

Eddie is making some progress and plans are under way to organize his return home for rehabilitation and further medical care. Getting Eddie home and getting him the care he will need will be a very costly enterprise. Eddie has many friends who want to perform in support…but the United Center was not available!

If you are not listed in the lineup, it is still possible to support Eddie by spreading the word, buying tickets and coming to the show. The venue will not be able to accommodate comped guests.

ALL proceeds from this benefit will go to the Eddie C. Campbell Assistance Fund. Rosa’s Lounge has generously donated the venue, the organizers have volunteered their help, and the incredible musicians and the house band have all donated their time; indeed,most of them are even purchasing tickets at the door to their own gig!

On behalf of Eddie C. Campbell’s family, thank you for the outpouring of love and support.
— with Eddie Shaw, Robert Stroger, Tom Marker, Rico Mcfarland, Sharon Lewis, Zora Young, Matthew Skoller, Deitra Farr, Scott Dirks and Sugar Blue at Rosa’s Lounge.

Bob Corritore’s Blues Newsletter, February 7, 2013

Detlev Hoegen — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:45:43 +0000

Thursday, February 7, 2013 – published by permission – please, subscribe: bobcorritore@yahoo.com

IBC’s in Memphis recap! Each year in early February, the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Competition (IBCs) in Memphis unites the blues world. It is a gargantuan contest in which each blues society in each community sends the winner of their local competition as their representative. Beale Street (the venue filled strip where the IBCs take place) is bursting with all the ambitious energy of these bands and the people who came to cheer them on. Is there any other genre of music that has such a well-organized network come together with this force? The Blues Foundation must be commended for creating this forum and for handling the huge organizational responsibility that goes along with it. There are also jams, and showcases that take place before, and after these events, and of course the Keeping The Blues Alive (KBA) Brunch is a great way to honor the lifetime work of many hardworking blues devotees. I fully enjoyed the IBCs and I performed 5 times during the week, making music with such great artists asJonn Del Toro Richardson, Rich DelGrosso, Cassie Taylor, The Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band (with Anson Funderburgh and Markey Jeanette), The Nick Moss Band (with stunning vocalist Mike Ledbetter), Phil Pimberton & Doug Woolverton (from Roomful Of Blues) Big Bill Morganfield, Clay Swafford, Tony Braunegal, Marie Woodford, Micah Ian Kesserling, and others. There was also some fun off-stage playing with harmonica players Dennis Gruenling, Andrew Ali, and Big John! Great to see so many friends and to play for some many blues lovers. Congratulations to IBC winner Selwyn Birchwood from Florida who you will hearing a lot from in the years to come. Here is a nice photo page from the IBCs from Blues Festival Guide Magazine (click here). Thank you to the Blues Foundation for creating this forum for all of us to gather to celebrate the music, and to legitimately raise up-and-comers into the international spotlight.
- Bob Corritore
Living Blues lists Top 50 Blues Albums Of 2012! Bob Corritore appears on 4 of them! The current issue of Living Blues Magazine compiles of list of the “Top 50 Blues Albums For 2012.” Congratulations to all the great releases that appear on this list. Bob Corritore plays harmonica on 4 of these 50 Cds; Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son (which came in #3), The Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite ( #5), Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore / Longtime Friends In The Blues (#13) and Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’Nois King / Close To The Bone (# 22)! You can find out more about Living Blues Magazine at www.livingblues.com and to see the complete listing of their “Top 50 Blues Albums of 2012,” click here.
Bob Corritore’s blues radio show celebrates it’s 29 year anniversary this Sunday! In February of 1984 Bob Corritore began broadcasting his very traditionally oriented blues show on KJZZ (then called KMCR). This Sunday, 29 years later Bob is still hosting his 5 hour weekly program and enjoying every minute of it. In 2007 this radio show was honored by the Blues Foundation with a Keeping The Blues Alive Award! You can tune in this and each Sunday online at http://www.kjzz.org/ or if in Phoenix at 91.5 FM from 6pm to 11pm Arizona time. Thanks to KJZZ for providing a safe and consistant place for blues to be broadcast!
Eddie C. Campbell Health Update. This information cones via The Chicago Blues Guide about Chicago blues guitar great Eddie C. Campbell who recently suffered a heart attack and a stroke while on tour in Germany. The CBG quotes Eddie’s longtime partner Barbara Mayson Campbell as saying “Eddie is out of intensive care and stablized. However, he is at present paralyzed on his right side. Time is of the essence, Eddie’s prognosis for a full recovery is dependent upon him receiving the appropriate medical attention including neuro/physical therapy. Eddie has no medical coverage in Germany and, due to his condition, he may only be able to fly comercially with a medical escort, or in an air ambulance. The costs will be staggering in the coming weeks and months. Donations are being accepted through the Eddie C. Campbell Assistance Fund PayPal account at the following link (click here)” Note that a benefit for Eddie C. Campbell is being planned for Sunday February 17 at Rosa’s in Chicago.
Jimmy Vaughan doing well after last week’s heart attack. This from Jimmy Vaughan‘s press people: “Jimmie Vaughan was admitted to Pomona Hospital Medical Center on January 23rd, 2013 with an acute Myocardial Infraction. He had a Coronary Angioplasty and Stent placement. He is progressing well after this routine procedure and was discharged from the hospital on January 25th. Jimmie feels fine but was advised by his cardiologist to rest at home for a month. He regretfully had to cancel a scheduled trip to The Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, India as a result. Mr. Vaughan said, ‘I feel really good and I can’t wait to get back to work with my band.’”
Blues Music Awards voting going on right now! Voting for the 2013 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) is in progress and Blues Foundation members can make their choices now until 7:59am on March 1. To see the list of this year’s nominations click here. Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the “Harmonica” catagory. Also 2 releases that Bob is associated with are up for a couple awards each; Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son, and The Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite. The award winners will be anounced at the formal ceremony which takes place on Thursday, May 9th at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. For more on the awards and the Blues Foundation go to http://www.blues.org/.
Junior Watson / Fred Kaplan Band to appear Friday at the Rhythm Room! West Coast heaveyweights Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Richard Innes and Kedar Roy will appear this Friday, February 8 at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix with a guest appearance by Bob Corritore. The show is appropriately titled “West Coast Blues Masters” and you can expect the highest quality of musicianship from these great players. Go to http://www.rhythmroom.com/ for more information. To see the beautiful poster for this event designed by Amy Brat click here.
Muddy Waters home will not be torn down! After a number of newspapers reported the possible demolition of Muddy Waters historic Southside residence, we are relieved to have a recent report that this landmark is to remain. Thanks to Tom Marker of WXRT’s Blues Breakers program for posting this news, which you can read by clicking here.
Eddie Taylor Photo Page started! Guitarist Eddie Taylor was among the greatest blues guitarists, and his work defined the instrument’s role in Chicago Blues. Last week in our newsletter we requested photo contributions for a tribute photo page and we were very pleased by offerings from Scott Dirks, Hasse Andreasson, Barrelhouse Bonni McKeown, Tom Buckley, Justin O’Brien, and Bert Lek. Due to time constraints we have not added all these submissions yet but they are coming! Here is the start of our Eddie Taylor photo page with more images to be added very soon! Click here to see.
RIP Precious Bryant – January 4, 1942 – January 12, 2013. Georgia blueswoman Precious Bryant was a spectacular down- home singer and guitarist who combined her love for Memphis Minnie, Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters with the spirituals and rags that characterize her region. She passed away on Jan 12, 2013 at age 71. Her petite stature was no indication of her powerful full-bodied vocals, accomplished finger picking guitar, and rabble-rousing personality. Precious Bryant was born in Talbout County, Georgia and raised on her family’s farm. Discovered and recorded first in 1969 by folklorist George Mitchell, Precious would go on to make 4 records; My Name Is Precious on the Music Maker Foundation Label, and Fool Me Good and The Truth on Terminus Records, and a shared album with Algia Mae Hinton called Gran’mas I Have Never Had on Moi J’Connais Records. She was featured on a number of songs on the National Downhome Blues Festival album on Southland Records, and her song “Morning Train” appears in the soundtrack of the motion picture Black Snake Moan. Though a rich talent, she lived lived a humble life, residing in a trailer home in the woods near Waverly Hall, Georgia. To read a beautiful article about Precious Bryant from Access Atlanta, click here.
Precious Bryant on YouTube! The zesty music of the recently deceased blues gem Precious Bryant is captured on these great clips:
Performing the Memphis Minnie song “Me & My Chauffeur.” Click here to see.
Performing “I’m Broke And Ain’t Got A Dime.” Click here.
Performing “Buck Dance.” Click here.
Performing “Black Rat Swing.” Click here.

CrossCut Mailorder – Blues Bestseller 2012

Detlev Hoegen — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:42:13 +0000

Liebe Bluesfreunde, in dieser Liste finden Sie die 30 bestverkauften Bluesveröffentlichungen des Jahres in alphabetischer Reihenfolge, ermittelt anhand der Verkaufszahlen des CrossCut Mailorder bei Bear Family. Wir wünschen Ihnen ein entspanntes, harmonisches Weihnachtsfest und alles Gute für das kommende Jahr, herzlichst, Ihr Bear Family Team.

Dear Blueslovers, below, we have listed the top 30 best selling blues releases of 2012. In alphabetical order, according to the annual CrossCut Mailorder, a division of Bear Family Records sales statistics. We are wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Yours truly, the Bear Family team.

AWEK – Rich & Famous (self production) CD AWEK 3

B.B. & THE BLUES SHACKS – Come Along (CrossCut) CD CCD 11106

COLIN LINDEN- Still Live (CrossCut) CD CCD 12012

DAVE GOODMAN & STEVE BAKER – Wine Dark Sea (Acoustic Music) CD AMC 1478

FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS – Live From London 1985 (Umbrella) DVD DAVID 0373

FILLMORE SLIM – The Blues Playa’s Ball (2-CD) (Mountain Top) CD MTP 70655

HOWLIN’ WOLF – Live & Cookin’ At Alice’s Revisited (Chess/Universal) CD 34229

JOHN NEMETH – Blues Live (self production) CD NM 05652

JOHN PRIMER – Blues On Solid Ground (Continental Blue Heaven) CD CBH 2021

JOSH SMITH – Don’t Give Up On Me (CrossCut) CD CCD 11105

LAZY LESTER – One More Once (Cambaya) CD CK 6102

LIL’ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS – Jump Start (Alligator) CD AL 4949

LURRIE BELL – The Devil Ain’t Got No Music (Aria B.G.) CD ABG 2

MAGIC SAM – Raw Blues! (Rockbeat) CD RB 3110

MAGIC SLIM – Bad Boy (Blind Pig) CD BP 5147

MANNISH BOYS – Double Dynamite (2-CD) (Delta Groove) CD DGP 153

MICHAEL BURKS – Show Of Strength (Alligator) CD AL 4951

MICHAEL VAN MERWYK – New Road (Groove Stew) CD GSR 1201

MISSISSIPPI HEAT - Delta Bound (Delmark) CD DE 823

NICK MOSS – Here I Am (Blue Bella) CD BLUE 1017

OTIS SPANN & FLEETWOOD MAC – The Biggest Thing Since Colossus (Blue Horizon/Sony) CD 475 972 2

R.L. BURNSIDE – Mississippi Hill Country Blues (Fat Possum) CD 80341 2

RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS – One Wrong Turn (Alligator) CD AL 4950

RJ MISCHO – Make It Good (Delta Groove) CD DGP 152

RON HACKER – Live In San Francisco (self production) CD RH 449

SMOKIN’ JOE KUBEK – Close To The Bone – Unplugged (Delta Groove) CD DGP 155

THE 44′S – Americana (Rip Cat) CD RC 1106

VARIOUS ARTISTS – The Fame Studios Story (3-CD) (Kent UK) CD KENTBOX 12

WESTSIDE BLUES – Westside Blues (Stumble) CD BS 1419

WILLIAM CLARKE & JUNIOR WATSON – Double Dealin’ (Watch Dog) CD WD 1013

‘Plu It In! Turn In Up!’ – Electric Blues CD-Serie für die ‘Blues Music Awards’ nominiert!

Detlev Hoegen — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:16:21 +0000

‘Plug It In! Turn It Up!’, Bear Familys international für Aufsehen sorgende CD-Dokumentation zur Geschichte des elektrischen Blues in den U.S.A und Europa, wurde für die ‘Blues Music Awards’ der Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, als eine von vier aktuellen Veröffentlichungen in der Kategorie ‘Historische Veröffentlichung’ für einen Preis nominiert. Die endgültige Entscheidung fällt im März in Memphis. Die ‘Blues Music Awards’ gelten als die weltweit größte Auszeichnung für Blues-Veröffentlichungen.

‘Plug It In! Turn It Up! – Bear Family’s internationally distributed history of electric Blues on 12 CDs has been nominated for the ‘Blues Music Awards’ of the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee in the ‘Historical Recordings’ category. The Blues Foundation will present at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, TN, on May 9, 2013. The Blues Music Awards are universally recognized as the most prestigious awards in Blues music.

www.blues.org

KID RAMOS Benefit CD: now available! – jetzt lieferbar!

Detlev Hoegen — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:05:58 +0000

The KID RAMOS & BOB CORRITORE Phoenix Blues Sessions on the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation label is now available and all proceeds, almost $ 15 from CD sales go to Kid Ramos who is struggling with cancer. Kid Ramos and Bob Corritore collaborated on 4 powerful studio recording sessions in Phoenix from the late 1990′s to early 2000′s.

Die KID RAMOS & BOB CORRITORE Phoenix Blues Sessions CD auf dem Southwest Musical Arts Foundation-Label ist nun ab Lager lieferbar! Alle Erlöse, umgerechnet etwa $ 15, gehen an Kid Ramos, der schwer an Krebs erkrankt ist. Das Album enthält vier kraftvolle Studio-Sessions, die in den späten 1990er und frühen 2000er Jahren in Phoenix, Arizona, stattfanden.

These sessions were built around some great vocalists: Henry Gray, Nappy Brown, Big Pete Pearson, and Chief Schabuttie Gilliame. The Kid / Corritore combination would seamlessly interweave their characteristic musical backing around each singer’s style and each song’s assignment. Compiled for the first time as a focused reflection, the CD presents 10 examples of some very heartfelt blues played with a masterful touch. On each of these sessions, legendary blues drummer Chico Chism laid down his classic Chicago beat and Johnny Rapp provided some amazing support guitar work. This CD is now available from CrossCut Mailorder.

Die Sessions fanden mit mehreren großartigen Sängern statt: Henry Gray, Nappy Brown, Big Pete Pearson und Chief Schabuttie Gilliame. Die Zusammenarbeit von The Kid und Harmonicaspieler Bob Corritore passt sich nahtlos dem jeweiligen musikalischen Background der einzelnen Protagonisten und dem Song an. Erstmals in dieser Form zusammengestellt liefrt die CD zehn Beispiele für meisterlich gespielten Blues mit Tiefgang. Bei allen Aufnahmen wirkt der legendäre Blues-Schlagzeuger Chico Chism mit und legt mit sinem ‘klassischen’ Chicago Beat das Fundament. Gitarrist Johnny Rapp liefert ebenfalls ausgezeichnete Arbeit. Die CD ist nun beim CrossCut Mailorder lieferbar!

Va – When Girls Do It

Michael 'Ohlly' Ohlhoff — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:06:28 +0000

CD STERN 1
13.75
(1950s/1960s)
(77:03/28)
BOBBY “ GUITAR” BENNETT : When Girls Do It JUNIOR WELLS : Things I Do For You LITTLE OSCAR STRICKLIN : Suicide Blues HARMONICA FATS: How Low Is Low MAGIC SLIM: Love Me Baby IKE TURNER : Down And Out SAM BAKER : Sweet Little Angel DRIFTING CHARLES: Evil Hearted Woman – Drifting Cloud MEMPHIS SLIM: Blue And Lonesome DONNIE JACOBS : Street Walkin’ Woman TV SLIM: My Heart’s Full Of Pain – Don’t Knock The Blues BUDDY GUY : Hard But It’s fair MAGIC SAM: My Love Is Your Love DANNY BOY: Wild Woman – Kokomo Me Baby JIMMY McCRACKLIN : Fare Well – Take A Chance MR. BO: I Ain’t Gonna Suffer – If Trouble Was Money JUNIOR WELLS : I’m A Stranger CLEAR WATERS : HillBilly Blues – Boogie Woogie Baby TENDER SLIM: Don’t Cut Out On Me – I’m Checkin’ Up SUGAR BOY WILLIAMS : Little Girl – Five Long Years
Als diese Zusammenstellung 1971 erstmals als Doppel-LP erschien, waren nur die wenigsten Aufnahmen einer kleinen Zahl von Bluessammlern bekannt. Selbst heute, 30 Jahre später, sind einige dieser Nummern nach wie vor nicht auf CD zu bekommen. Von Singles überspielt genügt diese Edition nicht heutigen Qualitätsansprüchen; musikalisch jedoch gibt es nach wie vor viel zu entdecken. Und dann allein die Grafik der 70er Jahre! / Originally released on a 2-LP in 1971. Still some of that stuff remains pretty obscure. Dubbed from 45s, not reaching today’s standards of professional re-issues. Look at the art work!

Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Complete Vol. 4 (2-CD)

Michael 'Ohlly' Ohlhoff — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:04:35 +0000

CD FA 1304
25.00
(1951-53)
(112:44/36)
ROSETTE GOSPEL SINGERS: Let The Lower Lights Be Burning – There’s A Fountain Filled With Blood – What A Friend We Have In Jesus – Amazing Grace MARIE KNIGHT : I Want Jesus To Walk Around My Bedside – Royal Telephone – Milky White Way KNIGHT MARIE: His Eye Is On The Sparrow VIVIAN COOPER : Announcements / Because BISHOP WELLS & REV. KELSEY: Marriage Prologue & Benediction / Prayer REV. KELSEY: Wedding Ceremony Pt.1&2 SUNSET HARMONIZERS: Gospel Train RED FOLEY : Thank You Jesus SISTER ROSETTA THARPE : God Don’t Like It – So High RED FOLEY : Come Unto Me RED FOLEY & JAMES ROOTS TRIO: Have A Little Talk With Jesus – Tell Him You Saw Me – When I First Sought The Lord Changes ANITA KERR SINGERS : Last Mile Of The Way – There’ll Be Peace In The Valley For Me – Near The Cross – In The Garden JAMES ROOTS TRIO : Let’s Talk About Jesus MARIE KNIGHT : Old Landmark – Pressing On – Never Let Go His Land JAMES ROOTS QUINTET : All Alone With The Christ MARIE KNIGHT : Let’s Go On JAMES ROOTS QUINTET : I’ll Met You Over Yonder MARIE KNIGHT : How Well Do I Remember – I Just Couldn’t Be Contented KELLY OWENS QUARTET : Crying In The Chapel – There’s Peace In Korea – Feed Me Jesus – Smile It Through RED FOLEY & JAMES ROOTS TRIO: Come Unto Me – Have A Little Talk With Jesus – Tell Him You Saw Me – When I First Sought The Lord Changes ANITA KERR SINGERS : Last Mile Of The Way – There’ll Be Peace In The Valley For Me – Near The Cross – In The Garden JAMES ROOTS TRIO : Let’s Talk About Jesus MARIE KNIGHT : Old Landmark – Pressing On – Never Let Go His Hand JAMES ROOTS QUINTET : All Alone With Christ The Lord MARIE KNIGHT : Let’s Go On JAMES ROOTS QUINTET : I’ll Meet You Over Yonder MARIE KNIGHT : How Well Do I Remember – I Just Couldn’t Be Contented KELLY OWENS QUARTET : Crying In The Chapel – There’s Peace In Korea – Feed Me Jesus – Smile It Through
Die Hochzeitsfeier von Sister Rostetta Tharpe fand vor mehr als 20.000 Menschen statt und zählt zu den herausragenden Tondokumenten in der Geschichte der Gospel Music. / The wedding of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, recorded live in front of more than 20,000 people, is one the most extraordinary sound documents in Gospel history.

D.Hoegen