What’s on Tap for March 2012’s General Membership Meeting
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, March 7th, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Mark Dove
Second Electric Set – Jerry Zybach & The Stagehogs
Well we’re back. We should have the majority of our board on hand for the March meeting after all the running around a good number of us were doing in February. A huge thanks goes out to Mary Maxson for taking charge of the meeting last month and also to Art Bullis, Fred Morgan and Bob Neuner for stepping in to assist. Not to forget Terry Currier who is always on the spot to help out when needed.
For March, we’re going to continue bringing top notch blues acts as we do all year long. To open the night, we will be presenting Mark Dove, who will be bringing offerings on resonator guitar, harmonica and keyboards. Mark toured with country-western acts in his twenties and since then has been exploring the sounds of country, blues and rock as a solo artist. He plans on opening his set with some classic Delta/country blues from the catalogues of the like of Robert Johnson and such, then moving toward a more electric sound. All blues tonight, as that is the music he is enjoying as of late. This will be his first time performing for the CBA, so give him your attention and welcome him to our group.
The electric portion of the meeting may look a little familiar. That is because band leader Jerry Zybach just performed in February backing Barbara Healy. This month, he brings his band The Stagehogs, who gave a dynamic performance last August at the CBA summer picnic. One of the finest musicians from the Eugene area, Jerry has performed with the I-5 Nine, Barbara Blue, Hawkeye Herman, Mark Hummel, Johnny Dyer among many others and has also toured as a sideman with Honeyboy Edwards. Expect him to play both fingerpicking and slide guitar and even a bit of cigar-box.
Remember to pick up your free ticket at the door for our giveaway drawings between sets and perhaps purchase a ticket or more for our winner take all multi-CD package which will be drawn in the second set. Come on out and see some wonderful blues and visit with good friends at the meeting. Hope to see you there.
Bookmark with:
The Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival
March 16 - 17, 2012
Walla Walla is known for it’s sweet onions, beautiful & historic downtown, and its award winning wines. Over the last few years it has become a premium tourist destination, attracting people who seek a picturesque downtown, great food & wines, and a relaxed atmosphereЕ all in all a great place to unwind.
All that is about to change
Presenting the Coyote Kings Invitational WALLA WALLA GUITAR FESTIVAL! On March 16th* & 17th, 2012 there’s going to be a ruckus in downtown Walla Walla, when it becomes host to twelve of the Northwest’s premier Blues & Roots bands.
For 13½ hrs on Saturday, Mar 17th, eleven bands will play in five venues, all within easy walking distance, in downtown Walla Walla. The venues are Walla Faces, hosting the Acoustic Showcase, The LARGE Show at the Walla Walla Elks Lodge, and the multi-venue Guitar Crawl at Sapolil Cellars, CrossRoads Steakhouse, & Charles Smith Winery.
The artist line-up reads like a who’s who of Northwest talent
Bookmark with:
Read more: The Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival
Blues for MS II Benefit Concert March 4, 2012, at the Roseland
Come join us on Sunday March 4th at the Roseland Theater for MSSP’s second annual Blues for MS concert. Cascade Blues Association is co-sponsoring the event and CBA’s President Greg Johnson has put together a spectacular line up.
This year, two great guitars are up for raffle: First, we thank Pioneer Music and Martin Guitars for a wonderful American made Martin 000-15M all solid mahogany acoustic Bluesman’s (or Blues-person’s, if you like) Special. The 000-15M is a re-issue of the smaller body acoustic favored by the traveling Delta Bluesmen of days gone by.
Second, we thank Fender Music for providing a Buddy Guy Signature Stratocaster in Buddy’s trademark Black with white polka dot finish. Here is one better: Buddy personally signed this guitar for the Blues for MS raffle. What a class guy (and Guy)!
Raffle ticket price for each guitar will be $5 per ticket, 6 for $25 and 15 for $50. The winning tickets will be selected following Randy Oxford’s set and the lucky ticket holders need not be present to win. Go to www.blues4ms.org to purchase raffle tickets.
The fun starts at 3pm and will conclude around 9pm.
Here are the great folks who will be sharing their talents, in order of appearance:
Bookmark with:
Read more: Blues for MS II Benefit Concert March 4, 2012, at the Roseland
A Tribute To Etta James Aids Candye Kane’s Cancer Battle, April 1, 2012
This past month we saw the loss of one of the blues world’s most prestigious performers with the death of Etta James. Etta’s influence made a significant impact on so many female artists’ approach to singing the blues. With songs like "Tell Mama," "At Last," "I’d Rather Go Blind" and "Dance With Me Henry" among so many others, she established herself at the top of her genre and garnered listing on Rolling Stone’s all-time greatest singers. Seventeen Blues Music Awards and six Grammys, plus induction into the Rock & Roll, Blues and Grammy Hall of Fames certainly seal her place in music history. It is only fitting that a tribute is conducted to celebrate her career. And that is just what a group of local musicians have in mind.
On Sunday, April 1st, a Tribute to Etta James will be held at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta, in Portland. An all-star line-up that will include Bobby Torres and many of the area’s finest female vocalists: Duffy Bishop, Karen Lovely, Lisa Mann, Marilyn Keller, LaRhonda Steele and Margo Tufo are all on board and more may be added.
To make this event even more meaningful, proceeds will be targeted to assist Candye Kane in her on-going fight against pancreatic cancer. Recently the cancer has resurfaced and although Candye may be the "toughest girl alive" and a "Уsuper hero," she could use our help as she faces this condition once again.
Showtime is 6:00 pm. Tickets prices are yet to be announced, but this event is a CBA co-sponsored show and members will receive a discount off on admission. Check with the Alberta Rose Theatre’s website for further information, www.albertarosetheatre.com.
Bookmark with:
Carolina Chocolate Drops At The Crystal Ballroom, Mar 30, 2012
Popular roots band The Carolina Chocolate Drops will be heading back to Portland for a performance at The Crystal Ballroom on Friday, March 30th. These past Grammy Award winners recently released their third full length CD titled Leaving Eden, filled with the old-timey songs that brought them attention. Band members include Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins, each multi-instrumentalists and vocalists who switch instruments throughout the show between each other. Also joining the band for their tour will be cellist Leyla McCalla. The Dallas Morning News reported: “Everything old is new again for the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the dazzlingly eclectic roots-music outfit…You just don’t see a lot of old-time string bands mix in hip-hop with the bones, jugs, fiddles, kazoos and banjos.”
The Crystal Ballroom is located at 1332 W Burnside, Portland. Showtime is 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.cascadetickets.com and are $20. This is an all ages show.
Bookmark with:
Kelly Joe Phelps Returns Home For Show At Alberta Rose, Mar 29, 2012
It’s always good to see our hometown musicians make it good. And Kelly Joe Phelps has been one of the most successful for our area. He will be making a stop back in Portland on Thursday, March 29th for a show at the Alberta Rose Theatre with his partner Cahalen Morrison, a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, banjo and mandolin. Kelly Joe Phelps is recognized for his own unique approach to blues playing both fingerstyle and lap slide guitar. Described by Steve Earle: "Kelly Joe Phelps plays, sings, and writes the blues. HOLD UP before you lock that in - forget about songs in a twelve bar three chord progression with a two line repeat and answer rhyme structure - though he can certainly do that when he wants to. I'm talking about a feeling, a smoky, lonesome, painful - yet somehow comforting groove that lets you know that you are not alone - even when you're blue. Play on brother." If you’ve never witnessed a Kelly Joe Phelps’ performance, do yourself a favor and check him out.
Showtime for Kelly Joe Phelps and Cahalen Morrison is 8:00 pm. This event is open to minors when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are available at www.albertarosetheatre.com are $15 advance / $17 day of show.
Bookmark with:
Blues Sensation John Nemeth Returns To Duff’s Garage, Mar 22, 2012
Over the past few years we have witnessed the rise of John Nemeth to the elite status in the blues world. From his early days in Boise, he has regularly performed in the Portland area amongst the delight of his many fans in the city. After high recognition that has included Blues Music Award nominations, his shows are much in demand everywhere he travels and every time he comes to town you know that the venue is going to be full. One of the most pure voices in the blues and a harmonica player amongst the very best, his shows are filled with classic blues and R&B sounds. His most recent recording, Name The Day (Blind Pig) continues to gain repeated airplay around the world bringing in new fans wherever he is heard.
John Nemeth will be returning to Portland for a show at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th) at 9:00 pm on Thursday, March 22nd. Tickets are $10. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so make a point to show your membership card at the door to receive a $1 discount. And plan on arriving early, as John Nemeth is guaranteed to bring in a full house.
Bookmark with:
Anne Weiss Celebrates New CD, March 10, 2012
Portland guitarist Anne Weiss will be celebrating the release of her sixth recording, a double CD set titled Where Folk Gets The Blues, at a show at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Saturday, March 10th. One CD is all acoustic folk music with many of the songs recorded live and solo, with one instrumental and Anne's signature songwriting featured on all the songs. The second CD of the set is an all-blues compilation of new and best of/ best loved Anne Weiss blues tunes along with several covers. Recorded solo and/or with up to a 10 piece band, the CD features David Jacobs-Strain, Billy Oskay, and members of the NW Community Gospel Chorus.
Anne's music, like her life, is impossible to pigeonhole. Originally from New York City, she studied classical piano, joined a street gang, became a mountaineer, developed a guitar obsession, became a published poet, worked as a political organizer, learned to salsa dance, and became addicted to delta blues; and yes, you will hear it all in her music. Combining contemporary folk, blues, acoustic funk, gospel music, and smatterings of classical phrasing and Latin rhythms, Anne is known for her enormous bluesy voice, great guitar chops, and striking stage presence.
Tickets for Anne Weiss’ CD release show are available at www.albertarosetheatre.com and are $12 general admission in advance / $15 day of show. Or you may purchase a ticket/new CD combination package at $28 advance / $32 day of show. This event is open to minors when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Showtime is 8:00 pm.
Bookmark with:
Winter Blues Festival, Feb 18 & 19, 2012
The "Winter Blues" Festival is a 2-day indoor music event with 13 bands, food and drinks, and a meet the musicians table. Musicians include: Lisa Mann and Her Really Good Band, Return Flight, Knuckleheads, Rae Gordon, Tongue and Groove, plus others.
Saturday and Sunday February 18th & 19th 2012 1 pm-9 pm
Location: The New Copper Penny, 5932 Southeast 92nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97266
Tix are $15 (1 day) or $25 (2-day pass) if ordered by February 10 or $20/day or $30/2-day pass at the door.
Proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Band and the Children’s Healing Art Project.
21+ event
Tix and info available at www.WinterBluesFest.net
Bookmark with:
Steamin' Stan will blow you away with his harmonica sound
By Laurie Morrisey
Being relatively new to the Portland Blues scene, you may not have heard of Steamin’ Stan Ruffo and his harmonica skills, but you will. Stan is a native Californian, but he left that land in search of a more healthy lifestyle in 2009. “I wanted cleaner air, less crime, more music, and to be a little closer to nature. So far, so good!” Stan says. Their loss is our gain.
But growing up in Southern California is where he was when he became interested in singing and playing music. He says he was about ten when he started taking sax lessons. Shortly thereafter he was playing clarinet in the school orchestra. “Though I didn't expect I would play professionally, I always wanted to play music.”
“I got involved in music in school, and I got in a couple of garage bands during that time. My first paying gig, (I consider getting paid as putting one in the window of professionalism), was a girl's 16th birthday party in 1986. My little blues band played for a couple of hours, (and we had the time of our life). Then the Dad came over and gave me a wad of money...My very first thought was YES...I need to do this again, and again, and again...Well, here it is 2012, and I'm still blessed with the opportunity to play music,” Stan said.
Since that time he has spent most of his life working in the music industry. “I’ve shared ticket billing with B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Eddie Money, and done pre-concert parties for Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I've played in just about every kind of setting imaginable—from Popsicle stands and department stores, to festivals and concert stages.”
Bookmark with:
Read more: Steamin' Stan will blow you away with his harmonica sound
Ramblings On My Mind - February 2012
Greg Johnson / CBA President
Look at the upcoming shows happening in Portland this month. If you cannot find something that is going to excite you with everything happening, then as Albert King once said, “If you can’t dig this blues, you got a hole in your soul.” You’d think it was the middle of the summer was so many different artists coming through and the special events going on. There are Mardi Gras parties, an IBC winner, Blues Music Award nominees, the CBA Sweetheart Dance, a Mississippi guitarist, a tribute to British blues, acoustic, electric, harmonica, a brand new festival and even more. How much more can you ask for? Portland has the blues goin’ on without doubt!
I am personally standing on pins and needles as I head to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge. I have strong belief in both of our representatives this year, Madman Sam and the Robbie Laws Band. It’ll be another fine showing of our local artists as we continue to convince people from elsewhere that the Pacific Northwest has a wealth of talent that runs very deep. Good luck to both our acts and all those from our sister societies throughout the region.
At this time our Board of Directors, though we have exceptional members, is really lacking in numbers. I have received interest from a few people who are considering joining up, but we definitely need more people on board to help us with all the happenings and programs we want to succeed. Please let any of our current Board members know if you may have a desire to help out or attend one of our monthly meetings to see how things are run. Please let us know if you want to attend a meeting so we can let you know where it will be held as we often bounce between our location in Tigard and downtown in The Pearl. If you do not have the time to be on the board, volunteers for our efforts are always welcome, too.
Hopefully, if you signed up to be a member in the past couple months, you have already received your membership card. We are trying to catch up, but we ran into a little glitch with the change in the newly elected officers and the computers used. The format changed in the database programming and we had to upgrade to make everything work. But now that it has been resolved we should be back on track. If we missed you, my apologies, but let us know and we’ll get it straightened out for you.
We hope that you come out to the Sweetheart Dance on the 11th. This event continues to become one of our premier happenings each year. It’ll give you a chance to visit a newer venue for us, Vie de Boheme. It is always a good idea to support any new venue that offers live music, blues or any other style you may enjoy. Without your support they will not last. Another recent addition the past couple months has been The Grapevine in Beaverton, with a Thursday night jam and a variety of bands on the weekend nights. Also there is a new piano bar downtown called Ivories that often has blues-related entertainment. Let us know if you hear of any new locations so we can all check them out. And tell them advertising in the BluesNotes gives them a direct link to the people who want to hear the blues most. Also tell them listing their shows in our monthly calendar is free. If they do not tell us, we can’t tell you. And nobody wins when that happens. Support our local venues and the musicians as much as you can. Keep our local music scene strong and continuing!
Bookmark with:
What’s on Tap for February 2012’s General Membership Meeting
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, February 1st, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Barbara Healy
Second Electric Set – Bottleneck Blues Band
February is looking to be quite the busy blues month in the City of Portland and there is no better way to jump start it all off than with our monthly membership meeting of the Cascade Blues Association. Always guaranteed to bring you a terrific night of fun and blues, we’ve put together a very cool evening for you this month.
Opening the night will be one of Eugene’s finest vocalists, Barbara Healy. We last saw Barbara play a CBA meeting not too long ago as part of the Oregon super blues group I-5 Nine. This time she will be coming back to delivery her own music with guitarist Jerry Zybach accompanying her. Heavily influenced by “all” the soul singers, with special notation toward Otis Redding, she learned to play guitar from Los Angeles blues great Bernie Pearl and has been thrilling Oregon audiences for a number of years leading her own bands and sitting in with notable Northwest players like Paul deLay, Bill Rhoades, Robert Cray, Lloyd Jones and Curtis Salgado, as well as touring artists like James Cotton, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Neville Brothers. She has also performed at the biggest musical festivals in the state inciting crowds with her fusion of R&B, funk, soul and blues and her infectious stage presence. So come out and see why the late Gavin Fox said, “Simply stated, Barbara Healy is loaded with soul!”
Making their first appearance for the CBA will be Bottleneck Blues Band in our second set of the evening. This Portland-based band brings a fresh, red-hot, funky perspective to the blues that will get you moving, grooving and shouting out for more. The members hail from all parts of the United States covering the classics and showcasing their own original numbers. The group is made up of Noah Bell on guitar & vocals, Devon Shazier on drums, Seth Zowader on organ and Dave Cushman on bass. Bottleneck Blues states that the blues is music of life, love, happiness and sorrow and everything that happens in between. Imagine Albert Collins meets Jimi Hendrix jamming with The Allman Brothers Band. Bottleneck Blues will pull you in and make you feel alive.
We will also have our free ticket drawing between sets, our $1 per ticket multi-CD package and announcements letting you know about the great happenings in the area for February, so do not miss out.
Please bear with us at this meeting, though, as we will be short-handed with Board Members running the show. Both myself and Jody Gunn will be in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge and Wendy Schumer will be on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. But Deborah DeSarah, Mary Maxson and Art Bullis will be on hand to help you out with anything you may need. Enjoy the night and the music, and I’ll see you next month at the March membership meeting.
Good blues to you all,
Greg
Bookmark with:
Northwest Favorites Too Slim & The Taildraggers At Alberta Rose, Feb 17, 2012
One of the Northwest's favorite bands, Too Slim & The Taildraggers, return to Portland for a fun-filled night at the Alberta Rose Theatre (3000 NE Alberta). Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards Hall of Fame recipients as Best Regional Act, the band is led by the amazing guitar slinger Tim "Too Slim" Langford, supported by the dynamic rhythm section of Polly O'Keary on bass and Tommy Cook on drums. 2012 looks to be an exciting year for the band, having recently received a Blues Music Awards nomination for their latest album, Shiver. There is no pigeon-holing this band in any specific style, as they can deliver equally as well playing gritty Delta style, rockin' the house, swampy or rootsy Americana. They have constantly been touring the country to thrilled audiences everywhere and whenever the return to town bring out their loyal and excited fans in masses.To make the show even more spectacular, they will be joined by Hammond player Joe Doria and Portland guitarist Peter Dammann.
Opening the show will be local hero Lloyd Jones for a solo acoustic performance, making this a winning double header without doubt not to be missed.
Too Slim & The Taildraggers will play at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Friday, February 17th at 8:00 pm. 21 & over only. Tickets are $15 advance and $18 day of show, available through www.albertarose.com. This is a CBA co-sponsored show and you can receive a $2 discount by using the code "CBA" on the website. High energy shows like this don't come much better. Sure to pack the room, make a point to be there!
Bookmark with:
Duff’s Garage Mardi Gras Party, Feb 17, 2012
There is certainly no shortage of Mardi Gras parties taking place in Portland every year, so if you’re looking for a really cool event to catch during the season you just might want to make your way over to Duff’s Garage. There you can catch a super double-header show with two of Portland’s premier Louisiana-themed bands, The Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band and Atomic Gumbo.
The Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band is made up of some of the finest musicians in the city. Their website lists the current roster as multiple instrumentalist Robert Lee, accordionist Rick Obbink, madolinist/fiddler Lefty Head, bassist Tim Shaughnessy, guitarist Peter Dammann and keyboard master Steve Kerin. These guys know how to throw a party and you’ll be dancing in no time.
Steve Kerin returns leading the second band Atomic Gumbo, throwing down his Louisiana-based piano work and authentic gritty vocals. With a rotating cast of players, the groove is always jumping and Atomic Gumbo can make any room or night into a Mardi Gras event.
This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show your membership card at the door on Feb 17th for a $1 discount and be prepared for a little Fais Do-Do!
Bookmark with:
Roots Music Performance By The Wood Brothers, Feb 3, 2012
Colorado-based brothers Oliver and Chris Wood will bring their roots-based music to The Aladdin Theater on Friday, February 3rd for what is sure to be an entertaining night of acoustic sounds and harmonies. Deeply influenced by folk, blues, country and bluegrass that they heard while growing up, they have developed a pleasing combination that reflects their own personal tastes, be inspiration from blues artists like Jimmy Reed, Lightnin' Hopkins and B.B. King or R&B and soul. Touring in support of their latest album, Smoke Ring Halo, come out and see why reviewer Ted Drozdowski states, "Modern folk and blues rarely sounds as inventive and colorful, in absolute synch creatively."
The Wood Brothers show is open to minors when accompanied by parents. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com, $16 advance and $18 day of show at the venue. Canadian duo Sarah & Christian Dugas opens the show. The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Show time is 8:00 pm.
Bookmark with:
8th Annual Sweetheart Dance, Feb 11, 2012
The Cascade Blues Association’s Sweethearts Dance has become a Valentine’s weekend tradition since its inception eight years back. In that time we have presented some of the finest musicians the Northwest has to offer, such as Duffy Bishop, Mary Flower, Boogie Bone, Robbie Laws, Atomic Gumbo and Bill Rhoades among others. Heck, we even had Blues Music Award multi-winner Watermelon Slim take part that first year. And we feel we’ve put together another winning line-up for the event this year. So mark your calendars for Saturday, February 11th for this special night at Vie de Boheme (1530 SE 7th).
We have tried to open every year with an acoustic performance and this year we are thrilled to bring in Thad Beckman. One of Portland’s finest guitarists, it is long overdue for us to have Thad play for us. A world class musician, we’ll be catching Thad as he returns from a three-week tour of the United Kingdom. He has been performing for more than 30 years and was described by Jim Beal of the San Antonio Express-News as: “an engaging blend of folk, singer-songwriter and blues music. Not everyone can pull off such a combination, but Beckman has chops, writing talent, a big personality and a bag full of true stories which all dovetail for a cool show.” With credentials like that, you know this is going to be the right start for a fantastic night.
For the second set, get your dance shoes ready to groove with the classic soul sounds of Hip Deep Soul Revue. This band has been lighting up stages since 2010 playing the music of everybody from Sam and Dave, The Temptations, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and many more. The band delivers a big sound every time out and will feature a line-up of Danny O'Brien – bass/vocals, Ken Brewer – guitar/piano/organ/vocals, Dave Melyan – drums, Michael G. Kelly - tenor saxophone, Allan Kalik – trumpet and Melissa Buchanan – vocals. An impressive grouping for certain!
Closing the night out, making their second appearance at a Sweetheart Dance, will be one of the Cascade Blues Association’s favorite acts, The Strange Tones. Muddy Award Hall of Fame members for contemporary blues act, they deliver highly energetic performances and good times every time they hit the stage. All are top-notch performers, with Guitar Julie and Suburban Slim on guitars, Andy Strange on bass and Andy Gauthier on the drums. Strong original songs with clever lyrics and exceptional instrumentation and their ever-presence smiles make them the feel good band of the city. Recently nominated for best live performance by the Portland Music Awards, they will be coming to you straight from their secret Crime-a-Billy hide-out located under a volcano somewhere within the city.
Vie de Boheme is an urban winery with great food and plenty of room for dancing. Admission to the Sweetheart Dance is $10 per person or $15 for couples. Everything will start at 8:00 pm, so grab your sweetheart and come celebrate Valentine’s Day with us a little early this year. Always one of the most fun nights on the CBA calendar every year. Hope to see you there.
Bookmark with:
More Articles...
- Soul Salvation Featuring Ruthie Foster & Paul Thorn, Feb 2, 2012
- Randy Hansen Brings His Hendrix Tribute Show Back To The Trail’s End, Feb 11, 2012
- Kenny Brown To Hold Week-Long Residency At Al’s Den, Feb 5-11, 2012
- Jackie Greene At The Aladdin Theate, Feb 10, 2012
- Master Story-Teller and Bluesman Guy Davis To Play Duff’s Garage, Feb 2, 2012
Page 1 of 42
Pianist Georg Schroeter and harmonica player Marc Breitfelder made history this past February, as they became the first Europeans to win the International Blues Challenge. Representing the Baltic Blues Society in Northern Germany, they took the title competing against approximately 100 solo/duo acts from around the world. Their most recent release, Live At BluesBaltica . . . On The Way To Memphis, captures their live performance to perfection. Though this recording is not only the pair, as it also includes David Herzel playing behind them on drums, they are at their peak here.
