Norman Sylvester Band headlines Boise Eliot Family Night Showcase - Feb 18, 2010
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 03 February 2010 17:26
In celebration of Black History Month, Boise Eliot School will host a very special Family Night,
Feb. 18, 2010 6:00pm-7:30pm
The Norman Sylvester Band, with local favorite's Janice Scroggins, Carlton Jackson & Rob Shoemaker will entertain guests with a show of their standard repertoire of Blues, Soul & R&B, but will also feature "original songs" written by our middle school students. These original songs are the result of a residency with Norman "the Boogie Cat" Sylvester and band members in our School. Students in 5th-8th Grades get the Presentation of African American Music History and lyric writing. The residency and showcase concert are sponsored by a generous grant from Musicians Local 99 and their Music Education Assistance Project.
A gallery of photos and writings from Boise Eliot's Community project "Family Write Nights" will be on display also. Family and friends of the Boise nieghborhood are invited to attend.
Boise Eliot School
620 N. Fremont St.
Portland, Or. 97227
(503)916-6171
www.normansylvester.com
Janiva Magness to perform in Hood River - Feb 19, 2010
Written by Administrator Saturday, 30 January 2010 15:36
“A superb, powerhouse R&B singer who delivers blues and soul with show-stopping authority.”
–Los Angeles Daily News
Award-winning blues and soul vocalist Janiva Magness, touring in support of her Alligator debut CD, WHAT LOVE WILL DO, will perform in Hood River on February 19, 2010. In May 2009, Magness won the Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year (she is only the second woman to ever win this award, the other being Koko Taylor), and for the third time in four years, she received the Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year award. Magness is an incredibly gifted performer with a rich, soulful voice and has absolute command over her material. She leads her audience through a range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to overwhelming joy. In 2008, she traveled to Iraq and Kuwait co-headlining Bluzapalooza, the first-ever blues concert tour to perform for American troops. Look for Janiva’s second Alligator release in April. Concert information is as follows:
Friday, February 19th
The Pines Tasting Room
202 State St.
Hood River, OR
541.993.8301
www.thepinesvineyard.com
8:00 p.m.
$15
Also find Janiva Magness at Jimmy Mak's on the 18th of February.
A survivor of an impossibly rough childhood, Magness’ life experience informs her music in a way that is brutally honest, emotionally moving and, above all, spiritually healing. Part of her healing includes helping others in need. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Magness, a foster care alumni, is also a National Spokesperson for Casey Family Programs, promoting National Foster Care Month.
Read more: Janiva Magness to perform in Hood River - Feb 19, 2010
Karen Lovely Band takes 2nd, 2010 IBC
Written by Administrator Sunday, 24 January 2010 09:35
Bands
Winner - Grady Champion, Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola
Second Place - Karen Lovely Band, Cascade Blues Association
Third Place - Cheryl Renee and Them Bones, Cincy Blues Society
Solo Duet
Winner - Matt Anderson, Harvest Jazz & Blues
Best Self Produced CD Competition (tie)
The Informants, "Crime Scene Queen", Colorado Blues Society and
Laurie Morvan Band, "Fire It Up!", Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society
Blues for Haiti - Jan 31, 2010
Written by Administrator Monday, 18 January 2010 22:24
Friends are a good thing, and I'm lucky to have a few, who, on EXTREMELY short notice, are able and willing to give their time and talent to draw as big and GENEROUS a crowd of music lovers as is possible given such short notice...I am talking about Haiti, and trying to do something, as quickly as feasible, to help in anyway we can.
On SUNDAY, JANUARY 31st, at THE REFECTORY (122nd and Halsey), my friend Kevin Selfe has kindly agreed to hand over his weekly jam, and help us put together a show all for the benefit of Haiti, and give ALL proceeds to Mercy Corps...Every dime and penny you, dear Music Lover, can spare will go to helping the victims of this horrific, tragic event.
In return, you will be treated to the some of the grooviest sounds and ear candy around the Northwest:
Jim Wallace and the Housecats, Dover Weinberg, Lisa Mann, Suburban Slim, Stu Kinzel, A.C. Porter & Big Noise, and Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes, have ALL agreed to appear, and I KNOW more great musicians are going to INSIST on helping us out, as soon as the word-of-mouth gets out. These are my friends, and as I said, I am lucky to have them. This town is lucky to have them!
Again, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31st @ THE REFECTORY, from about 6pm to 11pm, admission is FREE, but that ain't what this about...
It's about giving what you can to help others in serious dire straits. We wanna get a whole MESS o' MONEY for Mercy Corps, and the people of Haiti. So bring your accountant, your heart, and your humanity!
BIG Thanks in advance to all the musicians, The CBA, the Blues Radio DJ's, the Refectory, and all of YOU who say 'Yes, I'll be there'...
Hopefully, there will be a "Vol. 2", and we'll have a bit more time to do even more, but let's do something RIGHT NOW!
AC Porter
Ramblings On My Mind - Feb 2010
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:35
Greg Johnson / CBA President
This month’s president’s message is taking a slight turn for a change. Because it’s time for a reality check, people. As you are more than aware, a major earthquake struck Haiti this past month in perhaps the worst possible conditions imaginable. A highly populated area made up of mostly poor people living in not the best of conditions to begin with. A former co-worker of mine has been working with Doctors Without Borders for the past couple years now. He was assigned to Dafur where he saw extreme conditions brought about by man against itself. But the organization was forced to leave that country. Over the past couple months he has been reassigned to Haiti, working for the group’s security force at a hospital in Port-Au-Prince. Then Mother Nature brought about a greater calamity in just a matter of minutes than mankind could ever dream of doing to itself and that hospital is now a pile of rubble. In an e-mail he sent from the nightmare, his words were frightening: “Many are dead. Total devastation everywhere.”
Just because this event took place several thousand miles away, do not for a moment believe it cannot happen to us at any given time. The Pacific Northwest lies on one of the deadliest faultlines on earth, the Cascadia Subduction Zone that stretches from Canada to Northern California just off the Pacific Coast shoreline . There are also three large faults running through Portland, one on each side of the West Hills and another along the east bluff of the Willamette River. In other words, pretty much the core of downtown Portland. Though the Cascadia has been silent for the past couple hundred years, scientific evidence and stories from Native Americans tell a terrifying story. The earthquake in Haiti was a 7.0 with many large aftershocks ranging in the mid-to-upper 4 levels. History shows the Cascadia usually brings about quakes in the range of 9.0, occurring usually about every 300 years or so. The last one in the early 1700s. All of these quakes have been followed by tremendous tsunamis that have spanned across the Pacific Ocean.Emergency Planning is practiced routinely by the City, State, Region and emergency services such as hospitals, police, fire and ambulances. But can you really be prepared? Is there really any way to prevent Mother Nature from delivering such grief upon the earth?
David Samuel and his funky/alternative/blues/rock sound
Written by Laurie Morrisey Wednesday, 20 January 2010 19:27
If you missed the January General Membership Meeting, you missed a great artist. David Samuel was incredible. Upon entering the room, it sounded like a full band on stage—not a guy on a guitar and a guy on drums. Actually, they had recorded tracks and were playing them back while they performed. The end product sounded amazing. I had to know more about David and listen to more of his music.
David grew up in a house of music. “My great grandpa led a band in the twenties and roaring thirties. My grandma ended up being in that band at the age of 12 and she toured the world. She performed with Sammy Davis Jr. in the sixties and did a house concert for Michael Landon while he was working on Bonanza in Medford, Oregon,” David said. “My mother followed in her footsteps and worked with gospel legend Andraé Crouch while he was working on the soundtrack for ‘The Color Purple’.” They are still friends and keep in contact.
All that being said, he didn’t even want to be a musician. “I was an athlete and thought I was going to be a pro athlete one day. Even though music runs deep in my family, I didn’t find it until later in my life. I really didn’t pursue it until my 20s.”
David first picked up a guitar when his brother got one for his birthday. It was the summer before his senior year in high school and his girlfriend had just broke up with him. “I plucked on the six strings and it somehow began to heal my broken heart. I was amazed at how I could express my feelings on the guitar in a way that words couldn’t,” he said.
But it was a few years after that before he picked a guitar back up. “I had this crazy dream that I would one day play my guitar in front of thousands of people and it was going to mend the souls of those who hurt. At the time I was doing a little acting with Fox on ‘Nowhere Man’ and some local modeling in Portland. I was working on a demo I was gonna pitch to a connection I had with Warner Bros. and the modeling agency liked it. They asked if I would write a song that they could use in a promo video they we resending out nationally. I guess I have been working professionally ever since—nearly 15 years.”
Read more: David Samuel and his funky/alternative/blues/rock sound
CBA Board seeks new Blues in the Schools Director
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 20 January 2010 20:05
We are currently seeking a positive, enthusiastic, and motivated individual to make a commitment to running the program. This is a volunteer position, as are all of our association’s board member positions. Our board members are committed to providing support and assistance to the program director and events as needed. As a BITS director, you will need to have a strong knowledge and interest in blues music and blues history as well as the ability to creatively educate and entertain your audience, whether it is through your own performance or your skills in finding others who can handle the requirements needed for scheduled performances. You must have strong communication skills, work well with both adults and children, have no criminal background, and have the ability to be self-directed and well organized. If this is you and you are finding yourself interested and enthused about taking on this rewarding position, please contact Jerri Shelton via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (attn: Jerri). Please provide a resume with your qualifications, background information, and why you feel you would be the right candidate for this position. All new board member positions are reviewed and approved by the current Board of Directors. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
February’s General Membership Meeting, 2010
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:31
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., PortlandWednesday, February 3rd, 7:00 pm
Members always Free; Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set: The David Brothers Trio
Second Electric Set: Kode Bluuz
Last month we began the new year with a big bang with two outstanding acts performing at our monthly membership meeting. Both David Samuel Project and The Gusto Brothers brought their top game to the Melody and won over numerous new fans. We expect the same reaction this month with two more awesome groups just itching to get in front of our members.15th Annual Blues Harmonica Summit is set for Saturday March 6th
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 20 January 2010 20:06
WOW! I’ve sure had a lot of folks asking me “When is the Harmonica Summit”? That’s a good sign and here’s the lowdown. On Saturday March 6th at the Melody Ballroom, we will be holding the 15th Annual Blues Harmonica Summit.
The featured Harp players will be:
- Johnny Ward—Hands down the man who has been playing the Harp longer than anyone here in the Northwest! A veteran of many groups including the Jokers, and numerous jug bands, Johnny brings one of the most original styles out there today.
- Mike Moothart—Another Northwest vet, who has served time in the Switchmasters and the Jim Mesi Band. A hard blowing, no nonsense player, who specializes in Chicago and Southern style harp.
- Little Ronnie Sirota—Originally from the big city (NYC), Ronnie will be playing the Summit for the first time. Whether playing solo or with a group, Ronnie displays an excellent sense for playing the Real Blues.
- Tim O’Hare—Another first time addition to the Summit will be another of our great local Northwest harp blowers. Tim has listened and learned all these years and now we all get to hear the fine result.
- Bill Rhoades—Your host and MC of the show will be another Northwest harpman. Bill has won the “Muddy” six times for “Best Harmonica Player” and recently contributed a solo harp part to the movie “Our City Dreams”.
Join us Saturday March 6th at the Melody Ballroom (downstairs) 615 SE Alder, Portland, OR. The show starts at 8 pm and should run until about midnight (Sorry—21 & over). Admission $10 at the door. CBA, Washington Blues Society, and Rainy Day Blues Society members will receive $1 off with membership card.
For more info call 503-253-1265 or 503-232-2759. Hope to see you there!
In It For The Long Haul
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:42
Pat PepinSelf-Produced
You’ve heard the expression, “Live the life you love and love the life you live”? Well, if there is anybody who leads their life by those words any truer than Pat Pepin, I’ve certainly not come across them as of yet. I have known Pat for about eight years and in that time I have come to know her as not only as a talented musician and somebody that is extremely fun to hang around with, but also as somebody who just cannot get enough of performing, constantly looking for the next jam or gig as soon as one ends. If possible, I believe the girl would go 24-hours-a-day, non-stop giving you everything that she’s got.
I’ve been told before that you should never do reviews of your friend’s releases, because you just cannot be objective. I disagree. What’s more, if I didn’t do reviews of my friends, how else can I spread the word of their outstanding product. And with Pat Pepin, her latest CD, In It For The Long Haul, is more than deserving to be heard. As I write this, it has been selected as one of the four finalist in The Blues Foundation’s 2010 Best Self-Produced CD competition and a new video for her song “Living At Wal-Mart” that is storming through YouTube.com with plays and downloads. That song is a really fun and perhaps dead-on description of Pat’s life on the road, as she is constantly on the move in her “Lil RV” from gig to gig, and probably making good use of Wal-Mart’s open free overnight camping policy. It’s also an extra bonus track on the CD.
That song, besides being humorous, is also a good example of how crafty Pat is as a songwriter. She has a way with a pen that can be both good-natured and heart-wrenching. Most of the tracks on In It For The Long Haul are her own, including the opening number “Can’t Be Satisfied” which was co-written by the wonderful E.G. Kight. The song’s guitar lines blend beautifully with her voice and are only accentuated more when Pat brings her saxophone into the mix. Tunes jump from deep blues to New Orleans flavored second line material like “Can’t Take It With You,” perhaps a little hidden innuendo on “Long Haul Trucker,” the perk and bouncy “Sneaky Suspicion,” and funky-riffed “Left Me Lonely.” Even the three cover tracks Pat brings across with nice renditions, the fun-paced “This Dress” and the extraordinary take on the classic “Sunday Kind of Love” that’s just oozing with sex appeal. All in all, Pat Pepin has a sensational CD here that is fun and well crafted. Go out and pick it up and enjoy it over and over. Just don’t be surprised when you start singing along with “Living At Wal-Mart.”
Total Time: 42:55
Tracks:
Can’t Be Satisfied / Don’t Call Me Baby (Baby) / Can’t Take It With You / Long Haul Trailer / ‘Till Death Do Us Part / This Dress / Why Me / Sneaking Suspicion / Sunday Kind Of Love / Left Me Lonely / Ain’t What You Got / Living At Wal-Mart
Holdin’ Court
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:41
Debbie DaviesVizztone
I have heard it said before that the blues cannot be properly stated without vocals. It is the human voice that is the main instrument behind the music and without them it just simply cannot relate the desired feelings intended. What? Have these people never listened to guitarists like Lonnie Johnson, Ronnie Earl, Freddie King or Albert Collins when they’re laying down some serious instrumental guitar tracks. How can miss the bluesy statements that they’re making?
Debbie Davies is a pretty serious guitarist in her own right as well. After all, she has worked with Albert Collins and played onstage with the likes of John Mayall, Coco Montoya, Tab Benoit to name just a handful. And though she has primarily released recordings featuring her excellent vocals alongside her fretwork, many people have asked for her to put out an all instrumental recording of her own. So she’s done just that. And it sounds outrageous!! Such tone. Such clarity and precision. And deep down there is no mistaking it here, it’s all blues.
Holdin’ Court is a tribute to the musicians who inspired her. People like Collins and King, as well as Otis Rush, Freddie Burrell and Gatemouth Brown. Most of the tracks are her own compositions, but of the covers she handles them with grace and ease. You know that their creators would approve. Duke Robillard’s “Fishnet” opens the disc and sets the tone the listener can look forward to. It never lets down it’s cruisin’ pace or it’s exceptional bouncing fun. So many highlights, heck they all are highlights. Of particular note is her reworking of Gatemouth’s signature piece “Okie Dokie Stomp,” a song in its own right that clearly proves that no vocals are necessary. That track is followed by another sensational piece, “Percolatin’,” which in itself is perhaps the right way to describe the music on this wonder CD! Pick this one up and see if it doesn’t percolate you up quickly, too!!
Total Time: 43:09
Tracks:
Fishnet / Down At The Honky Shack / Tryin’ To Keep It Real / Okie Dokie Stomp / Percolatin’ / So What / Atras De Tus Ojos / Holdin’ Court / I Wonder Why / If You Love Me Like You Say / Zoom-in’
Sultans of Slide Guitar…the Return Saturday, February 6th Cascade Bar & Grill
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 20 January 2010 20:03
You may have heard about the packed house that turned out for the Sultans of Slide Guitar show at Duff’s Garage last October. In case you missed it, this month offers another opportunity. Brainchild of internationally acclaimed blues guitarist Franck “Paris Slim” Goldwasser, the show will once again feature Franck, along with National guitar style wizard Bob Shoemaker. Joining them onstage at the Cascade Bar & Grill will be NW blues scene veteran Alan Hager and Chris Miller, after his stint in Austin and working with the likes of Dave Alvin and Marcia Ball. Rhythm will be provided by bass man Jim Miller, with Ed Pierce on drums.
There are a number of talented slide guitarists in the Portland area, and these Sultans shows will present a sampling of those individuals. The evening will provide a sizzling taste of this somewhat mysterious form of guitar playing. “The style creates a bone-chilling sound of a metal or glass slide as it’s being run over the strings of the guitar,” describes Paris Slim. “It has evolved from Hawaiian music and the blues of America’s South into an instantly recognizable, endearing and nearly indispensable ingredient of popular and rock music the world over.”
The show format will include two full performances, starting at both 8:30 and 11:00 p.m. So, regardless of your arrival time, you’re guaranteed to witness the slide guitar prowess of each. So come on out Friday the 6th to witness this unique show and receive $1 off with your CBA membership.
CBA’s 6th Annual Sweetheart’s Dance - Trail’s End - Feb 13, 2010
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:29
The CBA’s 6th Annual Sweetheart’s Dance
The Cascade Blues Association’s Sweetheart’s Dance has become a St. Valentine’s Day tradition, and this year’s event will happen on Saturday, February 13th, once again to be held at the Trail’s End Saloon for the third straight year. Always featuring a sensational line-up of talent, this year is definitely no exception with three of the area’s best blues acts: Mary Flower, Boogie Bone and Woodbrain.
Without question, Mary Flower is one of the world’s most accomplished acoustic guitarist, whether fingerpicking or playing lap-slide. Touring nationally, she has performed at many of the most respected venues and festivals in the country, as well as receiving nominations for the CBA’s Muddy Awards and The Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards. Celebrating her most recent release, the Portland-themed CD Bridges on Yellow Dog, Mary is always a treat to behold with her captivating performances.
This past year saw Boogie Bone release their second CD, Bone-a-Fied! And it received tremendous acclaim. Multiple Muddy Award nominations were no surprise. Jake Johnson, Steven Dee Williams, Steve Snyder, Henry Gavaldon and Todd Stevens are party waiting to happen. There is no escaping the want to get up and shake your butt on the dance floor as these guys play, because you can tell their having fun and it is quite infectious. Don’t hold back, let those inner instincts take hold of you!
And when it comes to hard-hittin’ sounds that take traditional blues in ever unforeseen directions, there may be no band stretching those limits more than Woodbrain. Joe McMurrian’s extraordinary songwriting and visions become a collective soul-searching adventure when blended with bandmates David Lipkind, Jason Honl and Jimi Bott, often worked into fierce jam-length presentations based originally in the Delta but reaching directions as far as their minds can take them. And it makes for a hypnotic, highly danceable music. Make sure to pick up a copy of their latest Yellow Dog recording, Swimming In Turpentine.
So bring your sweetheart to the Trail’s End Saloon (1320 Main Street, Oregon City) on February 13th. Admission is $10 or $15 for couples.
Blues Phenom Joe Bonamassa - Aladdin Theater - Mar 4, 2010
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:26
Joe Bonamassa is hot property. A blues phenom whose reputation continues to grow. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger, he may just be the new generation’s cross-over artist that will carry the blues into a larger market. Who knows? But for now we certainly can see that he is bringing in nice-sized crowds of fans of all ages with his sizzling guitar work and powerful stage presence. I spoke with one his promotional agents recently regarding the upcoming March 4th show at The Aladdin Theater. I was told that this was one of their hottest selling shows on the tour so far and that it was nearly already sold-out more than a month in advance. A blues show! And it’s not BB King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray or Bonnie Raitt, but a young 32-year-old guitar slinger, who is already being hailed as one of the greatest guitar players working today.
Bonamassa is currently on tour to showcase his upcoming new CD, Black Rock, his tenth release of his young career. Following on the footsteps of his previous disc, The Ballad of John Henry, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts, it has some serious credits to live up to. But as Nicky Horne from the UK’s Planet Rock Radio said about the John Henry album, “a quantum leap from his previous albums, and they were damn good ~ if he keeps this up, he is destined to walk alongside the truly greats.”
Tickets for the Aladdin Theater show are $55.00 and $39.00 reserved seating. The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie. Showtime is 8:00 pm. Pick up your tickets right away before this one sells out!!
Karen Lovely Band - Duff's Garage - Feb 20, 2010
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:22
Encore Show at Duff’s Garage
Well since the BluesNotes deadline falls on the 15th, this is being written a week before the Karen Lovely Band will be participating in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. But regardless of the results this is always an exciting and fun show to attend. The band does not get up to this part of the State too often, so jump at the chance to catch up with Karen and the band as they return to Duff’s Garage.
The Ashland-based band has definitely experienced a whirl-wind year before the IBC. Releasing their first CD, Lucky Girl, that saw extensive airplay on radio stations everywhere, including reaching the #1 spot for “Picks to Click” on Sirius XM’s BB King’s Bluesville, charting in Living Blues Magazine, winning the CBA’s Journey to Memphis and taking home two Muddy Awards, best new act and performance of the year for their set at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. Just imagine what 2010 will have in store for them. Well, they do have a new CD coming out soon . . .
Catch the Karen Lovely Band at Duff’s Garage, 1635 SE 7th, on Saturday, February 20th, 9:00 pm. This is a CBA co-sponsored show, so remember to show your current membership card at the door to receive a $1 discount on admission.
Janiva Magness - Jimmy Mak’s - Feb 18, 2010
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:17
Double Tee Concerts Presents
Janiva Magness
BMA Entertainer of the Year at Jimmy Mak’s
Now here’s a truly special event. Mark your calendars and plan to head over to Jimmy Mak’s on Thursday, February 18th, as this world-class jazz venue becomes a down-and-dirty blues juke joint for the night as they present the incomparable Janiva Magness. One of the most powerful vocalists on the face of the earth today, Janiva can scorch your senses with burning, sassy, in-your-face jumpin’ blues or set your heart aflutter with sultry, seductive ballads. She is the full package, exuding a sexy presence as she glides across the stage holding you forever in her spell with a voice that holds no limits. There is no doubt as to why she is a multiple Blues Music Award winner, entertainer of the year in 2009 and three times as contemporary female artist of the year, for which she is once again nominated this year. She is in command, make no mistake, and when the night is over you know you’ve received more than your money’s worth for a night of superb entertainment and you’ll be anticipating her next visit to town.
Jimmy Mak’s is located at 221 NW 10th. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Advanced ticket purchases are General Admission, seating is not guaranteed. A limited number of reserved seats are available with Dinner Reservations. Dinner reservations can be made by calling Jimmy Mak's at 503-295-6542, after you've made your advance ticket purchase. You will be charged a $15 food minimum, if you choose not to order dinner with your reservation. Customers without dinner reservations will be assigned seating as available, on a first-come-first-served basis.
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