Gusto Brothers May 2012

Hi blues fans. Hope the spring (yay! it’s finally here) is treating you all well. Excited to hear all the good news on the scene and all the great blues the new season is bringing. Want to thank Duff's Garage for having us out last month. What a great venue, and we had a blast. We're looking forward to this months visit to north Portland's blues hangout, Mock Crest Tavern on May 25th. What a good way to start off the Memorial Day weekend, with a dose of Gusto.

Meanwhile...back at the Gusto Lair, we've had a small snafu with our forthcoming debut studio album, and must go back to the studio to re-track some parts. We're looking forward to getting it finished and out on the street, so we'll keep you posted. In more Gusto news, since the last time you may have seen us, the band has adopted a new brother into the drum seat. Sky Wescott has swooped in to keep the Gusto beat with exceptional skill, as well as belt out back up harmonies and occasional lead vocals with real soul. Even though he's been with us for over a year, the band proudly welcomes him.

Lastly, we'd like to direct you to our new website where you can get news and info on what's happening, as well as see videos of our newest visit to CCTV studios. They went over the top this time. Go to www.gustobrothers.com

Hope you enjoy, and that we get to see you at Mock Crest.

Gustos

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Bolt Upright May 2012

Hello. I want to thank Dave Johnson, Joan Semprebon, Jane Manning and Bob Ancheta for playing Bolt Upright's new all original EP, only lookin’ on local radio. Our official EP release date is Sat. May 12^th at Montavilla Station, 417 SE 80th Ave. from 9pm till 1am. Thanks to Jeff Knudson for his efforts in capturing and producing our recording.

Our Sunday Jams at Montavilla Station continue to delight with between 15-30 Jammers sharing their talent weekly. We're very grateful to everyone who keeps showing up and throwing down some great blues and rock and roll. We also want to note that we've turned our monthly dates at Dilly’s, 2002 SE Division, into a jam from 8:30pm to 12:30am for those friends that have a hard time making it out on Sundays. Please see the BluesNotes Calendar and/or www.boltupright.net for info. Thanks-Ashbolt Stewart

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Drop Dead Red May 2012

Spring is here! Beautiful flowers are popping out and the cute little birds are so happy winter is over! I’m sure we have all enjoyed the few nice days we have had and hope there will be many more soon!

We must sadly bid a “so long” to our wonderful singer, Trisha, as she needs to take a break from the band schedule. She will be very busy planning her wedding in the near future, an exciting time for sure. We all want to thank you, Trisha, for all your hard work and dedication to our band. We , the band members and the audiences, have so much enjoyed you and your wonderful voice. It has been a wonderful experience backing you up. We congratulate you on your engagement and wish you the best for the future. Please come and sit in with us at any time as everyone would love it. We will miss you.

On a new note, last month we welcomed Bob Anderson, a terrific sax player, into our group and now we welcome our new lead vocalist, Donna Beaudin. She has been singing for many years and really brings new and exciting vocals to the group. She is very versatile and goes smoothly into each style of music that we play. You all will really enjoy her! We are all excited to have her aboard!

Please come to Coyotes May 18th and 19th and join in the celebration of our New Drop Dead Red Band, as we formally welcome our two new outstanding musicians into the band.

Hope to see you and thank you for the past and present support.

Drop Dead Red Band

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Stan Ruffo April 2012

Hello Blues Friends, Fans and Family,

It was sad news, indeed, to hear of Rick Welter’s passing.  What a nice and kind gentleman, and an understated guitarist…The world was a better place with him in it…Rest In Peace Rick!

Well, spring is here and we’re ready for it, right?  I am!  I have been busy trying to launch the the Stan Ruffo Band, which really doesn’t exist…But that’s okay…cause check it out…April 6th Stan Ruffo and Friends performs for the first time at Knuckleheads in Portland. Now, I have only been here for less than three years, but I have made a few friends along the way.  Among them is Robbie Laws.  You all know Robbie, named the best electric guitarist by the Cascade Blues Association, the 21 time Muddy Award winner, the Blues In The Schools advocate.  As it turns out Robbie is a friend of mine, and has agreed to join me for a night of blues at Knuckleheads.  It’s interesting that when I first met and sat in with Robbie’s band, he said, “you know, I love that harmonica stuff you do, and I know how to play that style, so if you ever need a guitar player, let me know”…Well here we go…This will be something to behold…No rehearsal, no preparation…Just live, raw blues! It just might work…If is does and you’re there, you can say, I saw the first show they ever did…If it doesn’t work out, you can say, I saw the only show they ever did!  Either way you’re gonna get a one of a kind show at a one-of-a-kind place! Mark your calendars now…and be there!

Before I sign off let me remind you, I offer one of the best deals in mastering services…The Elgins in Los Angeles are reaping major accolades for their recording, Back To Chicago, which I am proud to say was mastered by Stan Ruffo Mastering…Please see my ad on the back page of your Blues Notes and permit me to help you realize your mastering goals!

Thanks for allowing me to share my love of the blues with you!

Your friend,

Stan Ruffo

http://ruffo.com

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Drop Dead Red April 2012

Hi All! We want to thank everyone for their continued support at our gigs. Musicians work very hard to present an evening of music that will please their audience and really appreciate everyone that come to their gigs.

We had another fun weekend of music at Coyotes last month and welcomed a new addition to our band . Yes, we finally made it official and now Bob Anderson is a member of Drop Dead Red! He plays an excellent sax and we are all very excited that he has jumped aboard as he adds a big sparkle to our group with his many years of experience. The people love it as he wails away out on the dance floor. Speaking of aboard, he lead us in a fun version of All Aboard the Night Train, the last stop being in Hillsboro!

We wish all you musicians fun and successful gigs this next month and thank you the people who support all of us.

Drop Dead Red Band

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Soul Cookin’ April 2012

It’s already started. The talk is all about the absolutely crushing music and scene on Wednesday nights at Blackwell’s, 1815 N.E. 41st Avenue, just north of Sandy Blvd. and across the street from the Hollywood Theater. Soul Cookin’, a unit comprised of veteran musicians Lloyd Jones, Carlton Jackson, Dover Weinberg, and Dave “Long Distance” Kahl, is putting everything out there like nobody’s business. Bluesy, jazzy, swampy, greasy, funky, … it’s all there and more, from 8:30 – 11:30pm, giving you plenty of time to check out what’s just down the road or across town, even after you’ve had a set or two. No cover makes this an even better deal.

The attendance pretty much says it all, holding solid and building steadily. Some wonderful guests have sat in, including Chris Carlson, Duffy Bishop, Lloyd Allen, John Morrell, and Dan Fincher. Find out what the others already know. Blackwell’s is the place to be and Soul Cookin’ will serve up a musical feast. Plenty of parking, good food, affordable prices. (503) 288-5164

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Dover Weinberg Quartet and Friends April 2012

It’s been said that Tuesday nights at Duff’s Garage, on S.E. 7th at the corner of Market Street, is a cross of church service and lodge meeting – a pretty apt description, considering this is musically serious, like communion, but with a fair amount of irreverence and joking. While this kind of behavior might get you kicked out of a Sunday service, it is more than welcome here. Dover is joined by band mates Chris Carlson on guitar, Kelly Dunn on drums, and Dave Kahl on bass, with vocal duties passed around.

There’s also a good chance that more than a few friends will show up to sit in, making this the best place to be on a Tuesday. Cover is $3.00. There’s ample dance space and plenty of friends to connect with, old and new.

While we’re at it, on a more serious note, we’d like to thank all of the friends that have come in over the years, musicians and fans. Without you, we’d have less to celebrate. Unfortunately, there is one that we will sorely miss. Rick Welter on guitar and vocals -- articulate, unique, deep and humble – was one of our go-to guys, ready to sit in or fill in, as the need arose. The last gig he played at Duff’s was with us, a Tuesday to remember. Guys like him grace us with their presence, honoring us and humbling us in deep appreciation.

Our love to you, our brother. Show the angels how to work the strings. The heavens should be filled with blue notes.

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Billy D & The Hoodoos April 2012

Happy Spring everyone - Just wanted you all to know that starting the last week in March we will begin playing with a great new drummer (new to us anyway) -.Joe Casimir & I will be joined by former Insomniacs drummer Dave Melyan for all our upcoming shows thru August at this point & we’re way excited about it! Our 1st shows with Dave will be the “in the house party” on March 30th & The Trails End on the 31st - (both of which may have already happened as your reading this)- but not to worry there’s more coming soon - we hope you’ll come out and see us - we love the way it’s sounding with Dave and are really glad he came on board! - Thanx & Keep Rockin!!!

Billy D

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Franco Paletta and The Stingers April 2012

Hey everybody,

Nice seein’ you again. Spring’s upon us, the day’s are longer, and the urge to hear The Blues is stronger than ever in P-Town! If you haven’t heard, the title cut from our new cd, “She’s My Little Girl”, will be kickin’ off the Puddletown Blues, Volume 2 CD. We’ve had great response to the song, and want to thank Greg Johnson for using it...

It’s been gettin’ some local airplay, Washington too, and folks really seem to like it. Ask your favorite Blues Jock to spin it for you....The material for the rest of the cd is finished in rough form, and we’ll be pullin’ that stuff out a little bit at a time in our upcoming gigs. My endless thanks to Timmer Blakely for all his help and support.

Now we just need to get into Dave Alvey’s more than capable hands, at Drool’n’ Dogg Productions(sorry if I misspelled it, Dave!) Dave is responsible for the great sound on our first cd, “Can’t Kick Love”. You can find Dave on Facebook. You won’t be sorry.....

Look for us in the Concerts in the Park series later this summer. Mt Tabor, Oregon City, Happy Valley, Ardenwald, in Milwaukie, are on the schedule....Come out and say hello, grab a cd, or some merchandise(we should have some T’s and hats comin’ out soon), and enjoy an evening of the Blues,...Stingers’ style!

As always, thanks for supportin’ Franco Paletta and The Stingers! Y’all have have been Great!

See youse on da block supportin’ LIVE BLUES MUSIC!!! God Bless...

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Stan Ruffo - March 2012

Hello Blues friends, fans, and family, Many thanks to the CBA, and in particular to Laurie Morrisey for the flattering feature article in the February issue of the Blues Notes! The response has been really fantastic, and I appreciate each and every one of you for the kinds words shared with me regarding the story.

While I’m thinking about it, I should mention that I have left Pulled Pork to pursue my own visions. And I look forward to hearing about all the great things Pulled Pork will be doing in the coming months. I also want to say I will be joining Bill Chapin and Catahoula Soul Stew once again for another fabulous night of soul and blues at Knuckleheads on Friday, March 2, at 8PM. There are many, many great acts to catch during the month of March...So, I’ll be out there soaking up as much as I can, and hope to see you out there too!

Thank you all for allowing me the time and space to share my love of the blues with you!

Stan Ruffo
http://ruffo.com

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