What’s on Tap for May’s General Membership Meeting . . .
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, May 2nd, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Ben Rice
Second Electric Set – The Walter Guy Band
May is looking like another exciting month for blues in our area, not to mention a handful of our local artists heading to Memphis as nominees for the 2012 Blues Music Awards. Check the BluesNotes calendar and the co-sponsored events pages for the amazing number of happenings going on. But do not forget, the best way to always start out every month of the year is by attending the monthly general membership meeting of the Cascade Blues Association on the first Wednesday, where we will always treat you to two fantastic sets of music.
To prove that fact, you know you’ll never go wrong with the first performer we have for this month’s meeting, Ben Rice. We have watched Ben from a young age develop into one of the area’s finest blues performers, whether it is with a band or in a solo setting as we will see him at the meeting. Multiple Muddy Awards nominations, an International Blues Challenge representative for the CBA, college graduate and a road dog who has made several tours with Bay Area harper Phil Berkowitz and with his own band, Ben Rice is proving his status amongst the area’s best. If you have not seen Ben in a while, make it a special point to see him here. His guitar work and vocals are sensational!
For the second set we will be inviting back a long-time friend we have not had play at a CBA meeting or event for some time, The Walter Guy Band. They have been quietly working on returning to the stage after taking time off recuperating from a back injury suffered by Walter in 2008. The Walter Guy Band enjoyed some success a few years back performing at the time at blues venues in the metro area such as Trails End, Beale Street NW, and The C & I Club. They also performed at NW festivals such as the Waterfront Blues Festival (with Kenny ‘Blue’ Ray), The Katrina Blues Event, The Kalama Blues Festival and Stevenson’s Red Wine and Blues Fest and other local events. The newest incarnation of the Walter Guy Band includes band mates Terry Allen on bass guitar, Frank Weintraub on guitar and original drummer Danny Primmer. Lately, the band has been performing regularly in Vancouver at clubs such as Fat Tuesdays, The Top Shelf and Pig Heaven. They have plans to record a CD soon and hope to return to Portland area blues club stages soon. Keep an eye out for the Walter Guy Band at your favorite Blues venues. We’re glad to have them back!
Do not forget to pick up your free drawing ticket as you enter the venue. You could be a lucky winner of a new CD, a ticket to an upcoming event or other fun prizes we might have on hand. If you’re feeling really lucky, jump into the $1 ticket drawing for your chance to win a multi-CD package put together just for this month’s meeting. But then again, you’re already lucky because you live in one of the best blues cities anywhere and we’re lucky because you’re CBA members. See everybody at the meeting!!
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Two-Time IBC Champ Lionel Young Comes To Portland
In the 28-year history of the International Blues Challenge, Colorado’s Lionel Young is so far the only performer to win in both the solo/duo and the band categories. And if you’ve ever seen him perform, there can surely be no question as to why. If you haven’t see Lionel Young before, well here’s your chance as he and the band will be coming to Portland for the first time ever for a show at Duff’s Garage on Monday, May 14th. Lionel is not your everyday bluesman either, as his main instrument is the violin, for which he has been nominated in the instrumental-other category in the 2012 Blues Music Awards. He’s also a terrific singer, with a razor-sharp band and knows how to incite a crowd to excitement. Definitely a showman not to miss.
Lionel Young is a CBA co-sponsored event, with members receiving a $1 discount at the door when showing their current membership card. Duff’s Garage is located at 1635 SE 7th in Portland, showtime is 9:00 pm.
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Kirsten Thien Makes Portland Debut
New York City may not be the hotbed for finding numerous blues performers, but when somebody does make a mark from that metropolis, it is usually somebody you’d better be paying attention to. That certainly is the case with Kirsten Thien, who will be making her Portland debut on Thursday, May 17th at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th) for a 9:00 pm show. A triple threat package, as not only does Thien play guitar and have a voice that is unbelievably angelic, she also writes some of the most amazing lyrics in music today, as seen with her third release under her name Delicious. And Delicious is a truly apt name for the disc that rings to perfection from start to finish and features guest appearances from Memphis harp-man Billy Gibson and the late Hubert Sumlin.
If you are unfamiliar with Kirsten Thien’s work, then you’re highly recommended to see this performance. She has often been compared with Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, but she is far beyond comparison. Engaging, delightful and delicious, Kirsten Thien is well worth catching on stage. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show you membership card at the door for a $1 discount on admission.
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Blues In The Schools; Are You A Blues Educator?
The Blues In The Schools program brings blues musicians into the classroom to teach musical appreciation and historical relevancy with entertaining live presentations. We offer our program to local public and private school systems, community centers and institutions free of charge. For two years now I have had the privilege to represent the CBA as the BITS director, and have sang blues music with full assemblies of kids, and over 25 classrooms. Kids love to sing and clap along, and are the next generation of musicians and blues fans!
As we all know, music education in school has been in long decline due to budget restraints. There is a large and growing call from the education community for assistance from programs like BITS that can provide not only music education, but also positive cultural and community outreach.
We believe it is now time to expand the BITS program, and build a larger team of blues educators that can better serve the needs of our schools. If you are interested in, or have experience in blues education, and would like to help build a bigger BITS program, contact Jason Thomas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
JT
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Old Weird Americana: A 60th Anniversary Tribute To Harry Smith’s Anthology Of American Folk Music
Back in 1952 there just were not many recordings being released on full-scale albums with multiple tracks, let alone a multi-disc set of the likes that ethnomusicologist Harry Smith compiled when he released The Anthology Of American Folk Music. This seminal compilation put together of 78 rpm discs Smith had collected still stands amongst the best ever to document that sounds of American music. And it also exposed many listeners for the first time to artists they may have never imagined before, including genres such as Cajun, Sacred Harp and Americana featuring musicians the likes of Dock Boggs, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Willie Johnson and Charlie Poole. It was these same recordings that influenced generations of players for many years to come, among them The Carter Family, Joan Baez, Dave Von Ronk and Bob Dylan.
Harry Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, so it is only fitting that a tribute to his contribution to modern music be acknowledged with an all-star line-up in the city for its 60th anniversary of its release. The event will be held at the Alberta Rose Theatre (3000 NE Alberta) on Sunday, May 20th, starting at 7:00 pm. The cast is extensive with many of the most popular artists in blues, country, folk and other genres taking part. Put together by guitarist Joe McMurrian, the line-up will include notable Northwest players such as Lauren Sheehan, Steve Kerin, Baby Gramps, Mark Lemhouse, Lewi Longmeier, James Low, Bob Shoemaker and many others who found inspiration from the Anthology.
Tickets for the event are available through www.TicketBiscuit.com. General Admission is $15.00 advance or $18.00 at the door. Minors are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. This show is a CBA co-sponsored event and you will receive a $2.00 discount when buying tickets on-line by using the codeword CBA or showing your current membership card at the door. It is also a partial benefit for the Caldera Arts Youth Program, the musicians and the people involved with the program.
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2012 Journey To Memphis Is Set
The line-up for the 2012 Cascade Blues Association Journey To Memphis competition has been set to determine our next representatives at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in February. Eleven acts have submitted applications this year and each will play 30 minute sets before three judges over two nights, Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd at The Trail’s End Saloon in Oregon City. The top two scoring acts from each night will move on to compete in the finals on July 4th at the Waterfront Blues Festival. Admission is $10 each night.
Times were drawn at random for each act and are as follows (subject to change):
Friday, June 1st:
9:00 – Rae Gordon Band
9:40 – Jason Thomas
10:20 – Tommy Hogan Band
11:00 – Ben Rice
11:40 – Franco & The Stingers
Saturday, June 2nd:
8:30 – Chad Rupp & The Ruppshakers
9:10 – Patio Pete
9:50 – Mac Potts Band
10:30 – Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band
11:10 – The Muddy Sons
11:50 – The Vicki Stevens Band
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Acclaimed SoCal Blues Dynamos, The 44’s To Hit Duff’s Garage
One of the hottest up-and-coming blues acts in America today, the Los Angeles-based The 44’s will be coming to Portland to tear up the stage at Duff’s Garage on Thursday, May 10th. Hard hitting and raw, this is some of the most authentic sounding blues you’re likely to hear anywhere today, staying true to the traditional flavors while presenting fiery performances.
This past year saw much acclaim for the band, as American Blues Network named them the best blues band of 2011 and Blues Underground Network selected their initial recording Boogie Disease the best debut of the years. They now have a follow-up recording, titled Americana on the Rip Cat label, which saw assistance from renowned bluesmen and studio masters as Kid Ramos and David Z. “They play like their lives depended on it,” states Kid Ramos.
Come out to Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th) on Thursday, May 10th for a special CD release party with The 44’s for a 9:00 pm show. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so make sure you show your membership card at the door for a $1 discount and see why American Blues Network calls them, "One of the Hardest working, hardest playing blues outfits anywhere."
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James Harman’s Bamboo Porch Revue With Friends Nathan James & Kevin Selfe At Alberta Rose Theatre
Make note of this date, Friday, May 18th, in order to plan on attending one of the coolest blues events of the spring as a huge triple-header show headlined by the legendary James Harman will take place at the Alberta Rose Theatre. Not only will James be on hand, but you’ll also see exciting sets from both Nathan James & The Rhythm Scratchers and Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes.
James Harman has been delivering his outstanding harmonica playing and superb songwriting skills for nearly forty years, earning him high accolades including Blues Music Awards nominations. Originally from Alabama, Harman has earned himself respect as one of the premier West Coast bluesmen and always brings good times whenever he takes the stage, as he recently proved at last summer’s Waterfront Blues Festival. Many of the most renowned players in today’s blues have spent time in Harman’s bands, including the likes of Hollywood Fats, Gene Taylor and Kid Ramos and his Bamboo Porch Revue shows continue in that fine tradition with guitarist Nathan James, percussionist James Michael Tempo and bassist Troy Sandow making for a lively party on stage with more than 30 recordings to his credit to select songs from. A showman first, he never disappoints an audience.
Besides being a member of James Harman’s Bamboo Porch shows, Nathan James will also be bringing his popular band The Rhythm Scratchers to play a set in this outstanding blues showcase. With drummer Marty Dodson and bassist Troy Sandow, they explore unique rhythm styles of acoustic and electric blues, with Nathan working a variety of homemade instruments such as his “washtar” that combines a washboard into a unique new version of a cigar-box styled guitar. Nathan James has been making quite a name himself the past few years after taking the solo/duo title at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis with his former partner Ben Hernandez.
Portland of course needs no introduction to Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes who will be opening the night. One of the Northwest’s most popular bands, Kevin leads with his searing guitar playing and vocals, while Allen Markel holds down bass duties and multi-nominated for the Blues Music Awards drummer Jimi Bott lays down the beat. The band has won several Muddy Awards over the years and always hands out extraordinary shows.
James Harman’s Bamboo Porch Revue and friends is a CBA co-sponsored event, with tickets available through the Alberta Rose Theatre’s website. $18 advance, $20 day of the show. Use the codeword CBA for a $3.00 discount when ordering on-line. Showtime is 7:00 pm. 21 and over only.
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Joanne Mead rocks the blues at the young age of 72
By Laurie Morrisey
Music has been a part of Joanne Mead’s life since she was a small child. She was born and raised in Abington, Massachusetts. “Family, music, and sports were always in my heart. I would sit on the tippy edge of a piano stool and pump the pedals of an old player piano humming to the tunes of ‘Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me,’ ‘Five Foot Two,’ and ‘Who Threw The Overalls in Ms. Murphy’s Chowder?’“ She said since she was about four years old she’d get a workout trying to pump the pedals on the player piano. “Sometimes it would take quite awhile to get through a song but I didn’t care and spent hours doing it.
.For Christmas, when she was five, she received a Ukulele. “I would play it for hours, trying to play the songs I pedaled to on the player piano. I’d also watch TV and strum along with Gene Autry and The Sons Of The Pioneers. I loved it all.” Several years later, she left her uke in an armchair and her dad accidentally sat on it and broke it. “I was so upset. But I soon had a bigger surprise. My family recognized my love of music and bought me my first guitar. I was so excited.”
As the years went along, she started singing and strumming country tunes. In high school her boyfriend also played and sang. After they started dating they started playing for school, church, and town events. “What fun we had. And it was great to find someone who shared my love for music. I was always a very shy person growing up and music was a way for me to connect with others. I came a long way from hiding behind my mother’s skirts and being frightened to talk in school. I have music to thank for that.”
Then life happened. Joanne went to Bridgewater State Teacher’s College in Massachusetts, graduated, receiving a major in Physical Education with a minor in Science. While in college she sang and played a variety of music for several events.
She taught one year in elementary school, then got married in 1962 and moved to the great Northwest. She taught at Portland’s Franklin and Washington High School for many years.
She raised a family of five kids. She lost two children, which was a very difficult time in her life. “During those times of sadness, I remember playing the piano and bass guitar for hours and hours which I truly believe helped me heal. Music seems to have a healing power.”
When her children were young, they were all involved in music. “At four years of age and up, we were a small scale family band, performing at school and church functions. I fondly remember those days,” Joanne said
Currently, her oldest son, Steve, shares her love of music and is playing in a band in Washington, D.C. “We share stories on the phone about our weekly musical highlights. He sings and plays the keyboard and guitar—I guess all his years of piano lessons was a really good thing,” she said.
Since raising her family took a lot of her energy, there was a long period of time where there wasn’t a lot of time for music. Then seven years ago, at the age of 65, she felt it was time to continue her love of music. “With the encouragement and some pushing from a friend, I purchased a keyboard. It wasn’t long before I was singing and playing for seniors at assisted living facilities and other similar places. It’s great to see what music can communicate to others. There have been times when the people couldn’t even talk, but were smiling, swaying to the music, and playing air piano or air violin.”
Joanne says she was shy growing up, but always had the desire and dream to be in a band—not a front person, but in the background. She checked out the newspaper ads to see what musicians wanted. It seemed like everyone wanted drummers or bass players. “I’ve always heard chords and harmonies in my mind. I decided the bass was it, plus I would sort of be in the background if I was a bass player,” Joanne said.
She shyly walked into Music Man Studio in Wilsonville to check out bass teachers. Greg Stipkala was it and he gave her a wonderful start. Her brother bought her a bass. She practiced for hours and hours, still wondering if she could fulfill her lifelong dream of playing in a band and bringing inspiration to others.
After a year Greg said she was ready to move to another teacher. Joanne decided she also needed to take piano lessons to learn to read music better. Bonnie Lee Bluestone gave her a wonderful base in that area and helped her bass playing.
“After hearing Bonnie Lee at the Trails End Saloon, I ran into both the talented Leah Hinchcliff and Lisa Mann. It was quite a wonderful musical out of body experience to hear all these terrific musicians. I had lived a very sheltered life growing up and the big door at Trails End was the first time I had ever been in a bar restaurant musical venue. I took a huge breath just before opening the door. People always laugh when I tell them that.”
Shortly after that, Joanne started lessons with Leah. “She is a great teacher plus a terrifically talented musician. For five fun years she worked with me and was so encouraging.” And Leah has great things to say about Joanne, too. “I’ve been impressed, inspired and uplifted by Joanne’s zest for life, her hunger for musical knowledge and her seemingly tireless ability to practice. She has had a positive impact on me personally and the music community. I love telling people about my ‘student’, the ‘Rock and Roll Grandma’ aka ‘Grandma Funk’. She is truly a treasure,” Leah said.
Additionally, Joanne took two years of vocal lessons from vocalist/musician Ellen Whyte. Joanne says that Ellen has been a great supportive friend and a huge encouragement in her life. Ellen has equally kind words about Joanne: “Joanne is a force on the local music scene. She's inspiring, genuine and adorable! She's known as ‘Grandma Funk,’ and when audiences half her age come see her perform, they're astounded at the unstoppable energy she brings to the music.”
Others who helped Joanne along the way with her training include Jonathan Chase, Sean Knowland, Sandin Wilson, and Ken Brewer.
“I owe a big thanks to all the excellent teachers and friends who taught and supported me toward fulfilling my life long dream. Of course along with the excellent instruction it takes a lot of really hard work and organization of one’s life and jobs. I know that when you’re my age and starting something new which involves the brain and fingers it’s really hard. Also, I didn’t realize basses are as heavy as they are until I picked one up,” Joanne said.
When she’s not playing music, Joanne operates a pet boarding and training facility called Whiskey Hill Arabians and Kennel. They board dogs, cats, and horses, with birds, turtles, snakes, ferrets occasionally coming in. Two of her children work with her in this family business.
When asked about musical influences, Joanne said watching the old country singers on TV started her off. Patsy Cline was a big influence, along with big band music and the jazz of George Shearing. She also admired many of the blues artists and singers she loved to listen to, such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Eva Cassidy, and lots of those wonderful Motown groups and vocalists.
Joanne tends to keep busy with her musical exploits. She plays with four bands so that means practices on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Then gigs on Fridays and Saturdays. When most people her age are retiring, this lady is going stronger than ever.
As you can tell, Joanne loves many styles of music. She said her father was an inspiration when she was growing up. He sang all the time and chorded on an old Thomas organ (which she hauled here all the way from Massachusetts). He had an untrained opera voice. She says her brother, a wonderful pianist, also inspired and encouraged her to pursue her dreams in the later years.
Describing her musical styles she says when she’s in senior entertaining mode, she sings and plays country with her keyboard and even does some yodeling.
When playing with the Drop Dead Red Band, she plays a large variety of music including blues. “I love the blues as it tells many life stories in songs. There are so many wonderful talented blues musicians in this Portland area. I love to hear them when I am not gigging,” Joanne said.
When playing with Lace And Whiskey, she plays mostly country music with a little blues mixed in. They do a lot of originals, from writers Joe and Deidra.
She also plays in a trio called The Hot Flash Express. This band plays a variety of styles of music from down and gritty blues to pop, rock, soul, and even country. River Wylde, drummer and lead vocalist, brings years of national touring experience to the trio along with Kelly Duncan, keyboardist, guitarist, flautist, and vocalist from Australia.
River Wylde has great things to say about Joanne. “I have worked with many musicians and have rarely found someone with the enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to music that Joanne exhibits. She proves, day in and day out, that if you love something, it is never too late and you should follow your dreams.”
Her fourth band, The Time Drifters, plays a variety of music from blues, rock, and country. Many of the tunes they play are ones from her high school days.
Before playing with the current bands she said she played with many good bands down in Florida. She was asked to tour with a band down there and the leader had played with The Allman Brothers Band. Unfortunately she came down with cancer and was unable to do this.
Joanne received instruction from many of the well known national bass players such as Chuck Rainey (the bass godfather), Anthony Wellington (bass player with Victor Wooten Band), Mel Brown (leader of Tonight Show band), Bobby Vega ( fill-in for Roc For Tower of Power).
She also played with the Undercover Band and was co-leaders with Dan Hess. Joanne said this was “a fun-filled four years of musical gigs. Dan was not only a good musician but really great at getting the gigs and fill-in players when needed. I appreciate all that musical experience during that time.”
Joanne has played with Sonny Hess, Ellen Whyte, Nayibe Rojas, Rae Gordon, Kelly Halter, Kimberly Hall, and many others who have really inspired her along the way—a group of truly talented vocalists and musicians. “I thank them all.”
“Music is a lot like life. There are so many parts of it along with its up and downs. Music speaks to us in many different languages. We can pick and choose what we want to listen to, dance to, play to. Each style brings something new to you. It has a sort of magical power and can bring joy, hope, and healing to those who listen or play. I have first hand experience from losing two of my children and having had cancer,” Joanne said.
Joanne’s motto is: “It’s never too late to try something new!” At age 72, she continues to play on—she has music in her heart and wants to share it.
“I want to thank all my band mates in all the bands I am in. I enjoy each and every one of them. I am fortunate to play with all of these wonderful, talented musicians. They are helping me fulfill my dream and perhaps it will have spillover effect when others see us perform. I also want to thank my family who has been so supportive along the way,” she said.
In closing, Joanne has words of wisdom to impart: “Live life to the fullest—work hard, play hard, be kind, caring and honest. I have a passion for music that has lived inside of me for years. It lights up my life and I hope others can see this spark when I perform and in some small way it can help them.”
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A Tribute To Muddy Waters
"Mannish Boy", "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Natural Born Lover", "Crawlin' Kingsnake". These were all titles of songs by the great Muddy Waters. Many of his songs dealt with his manliness and sexual prowess. Check out "My John The Conquerer Root', "You Need Love", "Lover Man", and of course his show stopper "Got My Mojo Working". Back in the fifties when Muddy was at the top of his game, you had to move the ladies and prove that you were the MAN! Especially in Chicago, when you were going up against the talents of Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Sonny Boy Williamson and Little Walter!
Muddy for years maintained what was thought of as THE Chicago Blues Band. He always had the very best harmonica players, with Little Walter, Big Walter, Junior Wells, James Cotton and George "Harmonica" Smith. He also had some of the greatest piano players with
Otis Spann, Little Johnny Jones and Pinetop Perkins. And his choice of guitar players was also outstanding with Jimmy Rogers, Earl Hooker, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Luther Tucker, Pat Hare and Buddy Guy. Many, many other great Bluesmen cut their teeth performing with the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band. The icing on the cake was that Voice! There was no other like it. It was said that when Muddy walked into a room, you felt as though you were in the presence of a King or a very dignified person. That's how he carried himself. And don't forget his guitar work. It never really changed much from Mississippi to Chicago, except from acoustic to electric, but how he could strum those strings. Muddy Waters - the King of the Chicago Blues!
On Friday, May 4th, some of Northwest's most devoted Muddy Waters fans will get together for a Tribute To Muddy - at Duff's Garage - located at 1635 SE 7th St, in Portland, OR. Performing all Muddy Waters tunes that evening will be Harmonica players and vocalists,
Jim Wallace, Bill Rhoades, and Mitch Kashmar. Also on the bill will be stellar guitarist Alan Hager, bass master Albert Reda and the fabulous Jeff Minnick on drums. All of these artists wore out Muddy's records growing up and each will present their own take of Muddy's fantastic
song catalog. There will also be some special guests that evening who will remain a surprise until show time. Don't miss this show. The last few years have been sold out. "A Tribute to the King of the Chicago Blues" --- MUDDY WATERS.
This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so make sure you bring your membership card to receive a $1 discount on admission. Showtime is 9:00 pm.
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Acclaimed Vocalist Bettye LaVette Returns To Portland
Bettye LaVette has been singing blues, soul and R&B for the past fifty years, beginning with a charting single in 1962 titled “My Man – He’s A Loving Man,” that found her as part of a touring package alongside the likes of Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King and Otis Redding. It was the beginning of a very successful career that has seen many awards, accolades and singing at the Presidential Inauguration in 2009. USA Today describes her shows as. ". . . chill-inducing . . . without question one of the finest you’ll hear all year." Arguably, there may not be a better vocalist singing the blues today and she will be making a return engagement to Portland on Thursday, April 26th for a show at The Aladdin Theater. Tickets are $30 advance and at the door, and are available through www.TicketMaster.com. Minors are welcome when accompanied by a parent. The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland. Showtime is 8:00 pm.
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Washington Blues Society Contestant Application
WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY
2013 International Blues Competition (IBC) Contest
Two Categories: Bands (Three Piece and Larger) and Solo/Duo Acts
CONTESTANT APPLICATION
Please complete this application if you want to compete in the Washington Blues Society contest to send a band or a solo/duo act to the 2013 IBC in Memphis in February of 2013. We are working with the Walla Walla Blues Society and the Inland Empire Blues Society to hold semi-finals across the state to make it easier for blues acts to participate. We will hold semi-final competitions on May 11th in Kennewick, May 27th in Spokane, June 10th in Snohomish, June 17th in Vancouver, and June 24th in Anacortes. The finalists will compete on Sunday, August 19th at the Taste Of Music Festival in historic downtown Snohomish. This form is an initial statement of interest, and is not binding. Judges will
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BEN RICE BLUES BAND~GUT BUCKET BLUES FROM THE BANDSTAND
Written by: Kathy Rankin
If you don’t know already, Ben Rice is a guitar player, a singer, and a songwriter. Currently, Ben is a full time musician. He says the feeling he gets from playing is pure joy. He tells people that he feels “Like a dog in a leash-less dog park!“
Ben likes to surround himself with people that can expand his musical horizons while expanding his creative thinking. If you attend any of the many blues jam in our community, you know there is genuine support for talented artists. Ben’s take on jams is he love mistakes, or what musicians call “train wrecks.” He says, “because it’s part of the experience, as a performer and an audience member; that performing music is a living breath thing,” (citing jams) and although not everyone appreciates “train wrecks,” per se, he says that he'd much rather make a mistake and get into some uncharted territory while feeling all the uncertainty, than sweat it out about playing something absolutely perfect.
Ben plays music of all styles, such as Delta, Country, Chicago, Texas, West Coast, Hill Country, and lots of improvisations. His current band mates have creative input which adds to the style because they come from various musical backgrounds.
Tommy, his brother, writes great melodic bass lines, which serve as a counter point or counter melody to what Ben does on guitar. Although Tommy’s background is punk rock, he also grew up listening to some of the same music Ben did, so they actually are on the same page. “The great thing about Tommy,” says Ben, is “he uses his ear to pick his bass lines, which adds to the sound of the group.”
Ryan Rustrum has played drums off and on with Ben since high school. He listens to a wide array of music, anything from pop and dance music, to metal and pretty much all the cores. Ryan is truly a great drummer to play with because he’s always willing to try new things; and that brings a lot of hip-ness to the group, Ben said.
These guys are people that Ben holds in high regard. He has a strong respect and a connection with them. “They
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Read more: BEN RICE BLUES BAND~GUT BUCKET BLUES FROM THE BANDSTAND
Curtis Salgado Celebrates New CD Over Two Nights At Jimmy Mak’s
April 13th and 14th
Alligator Records has set an April 10 street date for Soul Shot, the blistering new album (and label debut) from award-winning vocalist/songwriter/harmonica icon Curtis Salgado. Winner of the 2010 Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Artist Of The Year, Salgado effortlessly mixes R&B, funk and blues, with a delivery that is raw and heartfelt. He moves with ease from the tenderest ballads to the most full-throated stompers. Each track - the slow-burning ballads and the driving rockers - is delivered with the vocal power and passion of a musical master. "Soul Shot was the most challenging recording of my career," he says, "and it's the solid best thing I've ever done. That's a fact."
In celebration of the release of Soul Shot, Curtis Salgado will hold CD release parties over two nights at Jimmy Mak’s (221 NW 10th, Portland), on Friday and Saturday, April 13th and 14th. Showtime each night is 8:00 pm, minors welcome until 9:30. Advanced tickets are available at www.ticketsoregon.com, $25 reserved seating/$20 general admission.
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Duff’s Garage Celebrates 10 Years of Suburban Slim’s Blues Jam
This April 4th will mark the tenth anniversary of the Wednesday night Suburban Slim Blues Jam at Duff’s Garage. That's about 50 per year or approximately 500 jams over the decade. Duff’s Garage will be celebrating this milestone by inviting special guests and former hosts
to the jam on the 4th. When the blues jam first started all those years ago, the original host was Josh Fulero, who led the jam for about 6 months at which point Suburban Slim took over and is still in charge today. Also, from time to time when Phil couldn't make it Kevin Selfe has hosted the jam. Both Josh and Kevin have agreed to participate in the Anniversary celebration. Expect guests like A.C. Porter, Jim Wallace and others to also take part honoring the occasion. There will be a champagne toast and raffle prices given away. Come on out, celebrate and say thanks to Slim and Duff’s for providing a regular spot to hear world class blues every week for so long and to wish continual success of one of the best blues jams anywhere.
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Dante’s Welcomes New Orleans Piano Man Jon Cleary & The Philthy Phew
In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans ‘piano professors,’ Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Jon Cleary is a triple threat, combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances a career performing on solo piano, playing with noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen and his new power trio The Philthy Phew, with a career as a notorious hired gun for artists such as Bonnie Raitt and John Scofield. Bonnie Raitt states, "Jon Cleary is the ninth wonder in the world."
Jon Cleary & The Philthy Phew will be playing in Portland on Tuesday, April 17th, for a 9:00 pm show at Dante’s. Tickets are available through www.TicketsWest.com and are $15 in advance.
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Aria B.G. Music
