Sean’s Blues
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 19:31
Sean Costello
Landslide Records
Without doubt, I would have to say one of the hardest hits to modern blues in the past couple of years had to be the premature death of Sean Costello. A young man starting to break out on to a larger scale of recognition for his incredible talents, yet haunted by his own personal demons brought on by his bi-polar condition, something that only a handful of people were knowledgable of (rightfully so as a private issue) until his passing.
Sean Costello had broken into awareness for many when he won the Beale Street Blues Society’s blues talent contest in 1994, which allowed him to compete in the International Blues Challenge at the age of 15. He turned a lot of heads, including another competitor by the name of Susan Tedeschi who later hired Sean and his band to back her. That partnership found Sean playing lead guitar on the mega-hit album Just Won’t Burn by Tedeschi in 1997. Before that epic album, Sean recorded his first solo project for the Landslide label when he was 16. His debut was titled Call The Cops, with exceptional guitar work and songwriting by the young prodigy.
Costello went on to release a trio of albums for Landslide (the other two being Cuttin’ In and Moanin’ For Molasses), that featured his core band of drummer Terrence Prather, Melvin Zachary on bass and harp player Paul Linden. This new release from Landslide, Sean’s Blues, offers tracks from all three and is not only a testament to Sean’s skills, but offer nice recognition to the band as well, especially Linden’s harmonica playing.
Not simply just a greatest hits package, Sean’s Blues also collects twelve tracks previously unreleased. These are incredible numbers, including a trio of live pieces from a couple shows in Chicago and Marquette, Michigan, highlighted by a burning take of Otis Rush’s “All Your Love (I Miss Loving).” Other outstanding selections heard here for the first time include Robert Johnson’s “Walking Blues” with vocals from Susan Tedeschi, which along with her playing rhythm guitar on Bob Wills’ “Big Beaver” is a fine sampling of how well they worked together. Two more CDs followed, picked up by larger labels, the self-titled Sean Costello on Tone Cool and his final release We Can Get Together from Delta Groove. This disc closes with two numbers that were later re-recorded for those labels, heard here in their original form, “Feel Like I Ain’t Got A Home” and “She Changed My Mind,” a harbinger for the highly polished soulful vocals he became known for alongside his guitar playing.
Ramblings On My Mind - Nov 09
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 19:18
Greg Johnson / CBA President
I know I have mentioned this before, but looking at the events coming up in our area during the month of November, I find it amazing at how giving our blues community truly is. Three events noted here in the BluesNotes are all focused with offering assistance to worthy causes.
Starting the month off on the 1st as Fiona Boyes headlines a concert at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church called Blessings & Blues, raising funds for charities including musician relief for times of need. Francine and Art West have pieced together another outstanding ABATE/Shiners Musicians Toy Run show at the Trails End, and the whole city seems to be coming together to help KBOO DJ Tom Wendt is in time of aid to help cover medical expenses. It certainly warms the heart to see so much giving from our musicians, venues, retailers and fans alike.
Also in November, is the annual Muddy Awards celebration. This year’s ballot is full of first time nominees showing that the music here in our region is definitely still putting forth outstanding artists, while our veteran performers still craftily hold on to their niche at the same time. It proves that we can remain loyal to our all-time favorites and still have room for new ones, too!
Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes Named Best Self-Produced CD Entry
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 19:10
There were six entries submitted to the Cascade Blues Association this year to be considered for our organization’s representative in The Blues Foundation’s Best Self- Produced CD competition. Held annually in Memphis during the International Blues Challenge, the CBA has previously entered four discs in the contest’s four year history, including Joe McMurrian’s “Rain Of Days” which landed in the five finalists in 2007
The six submissions to the CBA this year were: Boogie Bone “Bone-a-fied!,” David Brothers “Corn Flakes & Gin,” Steve Cheseborough “Fetch It!,” Eddie Courduroy “My Riverside,” Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes “Playing The Game,” and the Rick Welter Band “I’m All Yours.”
A panel of four Board Members met on a Sunday morning to listen closely to the six offerings. A scoring system based closely on the International Blues Challenge Judges score sheets were used, with weighted scores based on a 1 – 10 scale with 10 being the best. The five categories weighed were Blues Content (X4), Originality (X4), Sound (X3), Talent (X3) and Artwork (X2).
The scores for all the discs were close, but in the end the judges’ scores revealed the CD that will be entered to The Blues Foundation will be Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes’ “Playing The Game.” From here, there are two rounds that’ll drop the number of discs submitted by associated Blues societies from around the world to five finalists. Then during the IBC, a panel of top record label people will gather to listen to the final five and select this year’s winning CD.
Thanks to all the entries this year and good luck to Kevin and the guys in Memphis.
[Check out our CD Reviews, including Boogie Bone “Bone-a-fied!, Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes “Playing The Game,” and the Rick Welter Band “I’m All Yours.” --Chris, Webmaster]
Playing The Game
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 18:56
Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes
Self Produced
When Kevin Selfe moved to Portland from Virginia back in January 2007, he quickly went about finding the right individuals to form a West Coast version of the band he had left behind, The Tornadoes. And those parts he filled to perfection with longtime Portland drummer Don Shultz and New York transplant Allen Markel on bass. This is not your typical run-of-the-mill bar band; they’re actually quite the ensemble. And by ensemble I mean that with the highest respect, because only those bands who know how to completely mesh and compliment one another while on stage deserve to be called such. Muddy Waters’ various bands are the ideal example of an ensemble. Each individual piece plays a major factor and perhaps the sound would just not come across quite right if somebody else were to be thrown into the mix. That is the kind of sense of feeling that I note when watching Kevin, Don and Allen play together. It almost seems like its second nature to them. Like those long-time couples who’ve been around one another so long that one can finish a statement started by the other without missing a beat. Even more important with The Tornadoes, they’re obviously having a good time.Now they have finally come out with a recording of this band, which is way overdue and has been highly anticipated by their faithful followers who seem to grow constantly. Playing The Game packs thirteen original numbers that we have come to love from their live shows and a couple surprises here and there. But throughout it is quite apparent just how well these guys work together, whether they’re offering a jumping dance tune or a slow burning down in the gutter style blues. Kevin Selfe has a natural feel for songwriting catchy and well thought out tunes.
A Happy Message From Cee Cee James
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 21 October 2009 18:41
Mark Groshong at the Klamath Blues Society just announced, "After judging many local and regional acts, at various venues and at our recent Klamath Blues Festival in August, the Klamath Blues Society is proud to announce that we have nominated Cee Cee James to represent the Klamath Blues Society in Memphis in January 2010."
Cee Cee responded, "I'm blown away.... so much to do now to raise money. Jeeez!"
Congratulations Cee Cee. We’ll be seeing you on Beale Street in Memphis in January. Good luck to you!!
CBA Officer Elections - December 09 Membership Meeting
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 18:30
Have you ever thought of holding an officer position with the Cascade Blues Association’s Board of Directors? To be able to make decisions on how the organization will oversee their role in the Blues community and helping to promote, support and preserve our local music? Well here’s your chance. Every December, the five officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary) are open for any member who wishes to bid to fill these roles. Voting is open to all members at the December General Membership meeting, to be held at The Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder St) on Wednesday, December 2nd.
Here’s what you need to do if interested. If you would like to place a short bio about yourself in the BluesNotes, including your reasons why you feel you would make the ideal officer, please submit these in writing no later than November 15th. If you are unable to submit a message for the BluesNotes, you can still run for office. Just make sure that you submit your written intent to run no later than November 30th to be placed on the ballot. Either way, you may send these by snail mail to Cascade Blues Association, PO Box 14493, Portland, OR 97293, by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or hand a copy over to any CBA Board member
If you’re not interested in holding down one of the elected positions, but would still like to be on the Board of Directors, you can request to be considered for an At-Large Member position at any time by submitting a written request and attending the open Board Meeting of any particular month. At-Large positions run until July every year. We are also interested in hearing from anybody who may be willing to volunteer for numerous events throughout the year. Grant writers and people capable of raising funds for our organization are always a plus. We can always use the extra hands.
Right Here Right Now
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 18:21
Big James and the Chicago Playboys
Blind Pig
Ask yourself a few questions. Do you like blues fueled by high energy horns? Do you like soulful vocals with a tinge of funk and a whole lot of groove? Do you like songs that make you want to move? If you answered yes to all of these, then I suggest you run on out and pick up a copy of Big James and the Chicago Playboys latest release Right Here Right Now. This without doubt is one of the finest examples of pure soul blues of recent years and has intensity and drive that cannot be ignored.
Big James Montgomery is no newcomer to the blues scene. He has worked in bands behind masters like Little Milton, Buddy Guy and Albert King, always adding a distinct touch of class and taste to the music of anyone he has accompanied. Now leading the Chicago Playboys, the trombonist and vocalist has people getting out of their seats and taking notice. He’s no longer in the background, but front and center where somebody of his talent deserves to be. A superb songwriter, he wrote all but four of the eleven tracks on the CD, with covers of artists like Bobby Bland, Tyrone Davis and The O’Jays completing the disc.
These are songs that are memorable. There are cuts that are kicking and there are others that can make you fall in love. Topical issues and good times are covered. Big James Montgomery is the full package when it comes to entertainment; something that if you’re fortunate to see the band in a live setting comes across just as strong on stage as on disc. Check these guys out. Right Here Right Now should be heard right here, right now!!
Total Time: 47:10
Right Here Right Now / A Mama Like Mine / Love To See You Smile / On The Grind / Expect The Best / I Love ‘Em / A Little Attention / The Goose / Help (Somebody Please) / Without You In My Life / Worry
Thank you everybody!
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 21 October 2009 09:35
Thanks to everybody who came out to the Cascade Blues Association's Show Your Love for the CBA event. It was quite a successful night, with terrific performances from ever set.Really great to see Jimmy Lloyd Rea & The Switchmasters back in Portland and a sensational debut set in town from John-Alex Mason. Kevin, Robbie, Myrtle, Rick and all else thank you thank you thank you for a wonderful night of music.
Also, Jan Bisconer and Ed & Jason at The Refectory, you all were the tops. Rich your sound work was outstanding.
Board members and volunteers who helped out, you are the absolute best!!
Let's do it all again for the Muddy Awards on November 5th at The Melody Ballroom!!
See ya there,
Greg
Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers - Oct 31, 09
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 20 October 2009 17:57
Don't miss out on Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River coming Saturday October 31, 2009, 8:00 - 11:00 pm.
It was Thackery's time on stage with Muddy Waters that is branded deep within his musical soul. "Muddy was one of those guys who was constantly encouraging. He never told you what to do, but he always told you what you were doing wrong. He never minced words about that. "The first time on stage with Muddy, I was in such awe of him that I just kept my eyes and ears open and just picked up on everything he did. It was the dynamics they had that became so ingrained in us. We heard it on the records and then stood on stage and saw how it worked."
The Pines Tasting Room: 202 State St., Hood River, OR
Myrtle Brown's Destiny Debut Party - Nov 14, 09
Written by Administrator Sunday, 18 October 2009 12:33
Myrtle Brown, one of the Northwest’s premier vocalists, will be holding a special celebration noting the debut of her latest project, Myrtle Brown’s Destiny, to be held at The Refectory, 1618 NE 122nd, Portland, on Saturday, November 14th at 8:00 pm. This is a big band with a big bluesy, soulful sound just ripe to satisfy your ears and have your feet gliding across the dance floor. A full eleven-piece band, featuring besides Myrtle’s fantastic vocals, musicians like guitarist Saverio, Phillip Tucker, Jr. on drums, Chris Alexander on Hammond B3, bass player Keith “Silky” Collins and saxophonists Michael Kelley and Stan Ruffo. There will also be a trumpet player, back-up vocalists, plus special surprise guests!
Myrtle Brown has performed with the likes of Gladys Knight, Lou Rawls, BB King, Buddy Guy and Etta James in the past and has wowed audiences from the West Coast to Las Vegas and all the way to Spain. She’ll definitely wow you as well!
On a side note, this will be a double celebration as we will also recognize one of Portland’s best blues volunteers and all around good guy, Fredrick von Hagen on his 50th birthday. The birthday celebration will begin at 7:00, music at 8:00. Freddy has been fighting cancer for the past 15 months and would be extremely grateful to have you join him for his very special day! No gifts please, your attendance is all that’s necessary to make him happy!
Admission to the show is $10. Tickets are available at Music Millennium and www.ticketsoregon.com.
Love in Music, Ms. M.
Boogie Master David Vest Back At Duff’s - Nov 6, 09
Written by Administrator Sunday, 18 October 2009 12:29
He is probably best-known to Northwest blues audiences for his four years fronting the Paul deLay Band. But David Vest has been at it for half a century, bringing audiences to their feet with a unique blend of blues, boogie, gospel, jazz and old-time country. The real stuff. His music, like his life, defies labels.Besides working with Paul deLay, Vest has shared stages and been a member of bands featuring Jimmy “T-99” Nelson, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Dorsey, Big Bill Black’s Combo, Lavelle White, Floyd Dixon and The Cannonballs. He is a proficient songwriter and an amazing wizard behind the keyboard. Recently he toured festivals in the Pacific Northwest and Canada as a part of Northwest Pianorama. Though he has moved to British Columbia, he remains a true Portlander in all of our hearts and it’s always wonderful to have him head back down to our city to perform.
David Vest will return to Portland on Friday, November 6th, at Duff’s Garage, 1635 SE 7th, for a 9:30 pm show. He will be performing with The Willing Victims featuring guitarist Chris Miller. Even more special, this will be a special birthday performance for David, so come out and wish him the best while enjoying a rollicking night of piano frenzy from one of the region’s very best. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show your membership card at the door for a $1 discount. Admission is $8.
B.B. King Is Back In Town! - Nov 10, 09
Written by Administrator Sunday, 18 October 2009 12:24
Just what can be said about B.B. King that hasn’t already been told numerous times before. Perhaps the most recognized bluesman in the world today, B.B. King has been touring the country and the world since the late 1940s gaining new friends and fans wherever he goes. With a guitar style instantly identifiable and a lifetime of outstanding music in his repertoire, King’s performances are consistent and engaging. So enthralling that members of The Blues Foundation continuously selected him year after year as the winner of the Blues Music Award for entertainer of the year. And the only way that the Foundation saw that somebody else might have a chance to receive this honor decided to name the award for King making him ineligible in the category. So, needless to say, if you haven’t seen a B.B. King show, then you need to do yourself a huge favor and make sure to attend. Recently celebrating his 84th birthday, he may not be doing quite as many shows as he has done in the past, but that does not mean he’s slowed down or plans to retire anytime soon.B.B. King will be returning to Portland for an appearance at The Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th, on Tuesday, November 10th. Opening the show will be blues-rockers Lukas Nelson & The Promise Of The Real, who were one of the most talked about acts at this last summer’s Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. Definitely a show that shouldn’t be missed and will guaranteed to be a sell-out. Tickets are available through the Roseland’s website (www.doubletee.com) or at TicketsWest outlets.
8th Annual Musician’s Toy Run Benefit - Nov 7, 09
Written by Administrator Thursday, 15 October 2009 19:46
We are pleased to announce the 8th Annual Musician’s Toy Run Benefit. Last year’s event was a smashing success, raising $5000 and 6 large basg of new toys for the ABATE/Shiners’ Toy Run. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th at The Trail’s End Saloon in Oregon City, 1320 Main Street. The party will start at 3:00 pm and cook till 1:00 am.We have a non-stop schedule hosted by Portland’s own, soon-to-be-world-famous, Francine West and the High Speed Wobblers. Francine will be featuring some little known talent from Roseburg throughout the show, Bayou on harp and Lisa Long burning up her bass.
Back by popular demand are blues man Jim Mesi, boogi cat Norman Sylvester and John Wheeler. This year’s line-up will also include the stars of Women In Blues, Rae Gordon and Margo Tufo, as well as smokin’ guitarists Doug Rowell and Scotty Bouck. The Rick Welter Trio, featuring Dover Weinberg will get you dancing and Salem-based J.R. and the Fram will keep you dancing. Having recently met J.R.’s band, we are pleased to include them in this year’s schedule; be there at 7:00 pm for a real treat.
As you can see from the schedule, some of the Northwest’s finest musicians will be donating their time in support of the ABATE/Shiners’ Toy Run. There will be great door prizes including a weekend package from Chinook Winds Casino Resort, airplane thrill rides, and a dinner for two at the CI Bar and Grill to name a few!
Again, this year we’ve pursued every avenue to provide the highest quality entertainment possible. We’re requesting donations of new, unwrapped toys, or $5 at the door. Anyone wishing to offer donations, time or a little leg work, feel free to call Art or Francine West at 503-351-5054.
We look forward to your participation at this event! For a complete schedule and more info, check out the new website, www.musicianstoyrun.com. If you have never attended this gig, I guarantee you will have a great time.
Arthur West
Rising Star Samuel James Comes To Duff’s - Nov 12, 09
Written by Administrator Thursday, 15 October 2009 19:59
“Fantastic! Great voice and a great playing style! Traditional blues done with a hip twist.” These are the accolades of Johnny Winter, speaking about young bluesman Samuel James.Samuel James is a performer of singular talent. A master of fingerstyle, slide, banjo, harmonica, and piano, this phenom is not yet out of his twenties, but with musical influences ranging from Skip James and Sonny Terry to Gus Cannon and Charley Patton, such understanding of pre-war blues is rarely embodied in the music of one person.
Simply put Samuel James is the most relevant young blues artist to come our way in quite some time. He is a hardworking individual steeped in the traditions of his elders and has created his own voice that speaks with clarity and pathos to a contemporary audience.
He recently released his sophomore effort for the NorthernBlues label, titled For Rosa, Maeve And Noreen, it is filled with captivating stories accompanied with astounding playing that only somebody as gifted as Samuel James is able to bring across on stage. Often compared with contemporaries such as Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Keb’ Mo’, he is in mighty find company, but just possibly may have the talent to surpass even their accomplishments.
Samuel James will be making his debut performance at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th, Portland) on Thursday, November 12th starting at 9:00 pm. Admission for this event is a sensational bargain at only $5. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so by showing your current membership card, you’ll receive another $1 off the entry price. An incredible deal for one of the most promising new blues acts in America today! Don’t pass this one up!
Blues Power ~ a Benefit for our friend Tom Wendt - Nov 15, 09
Written by Administrator Thursday, 15 October 2009 19:57
“Times are getting tougher than tough,” sings Portland bluesman Lloyd Jones. That is definitely the case in today’s economy and can certainly be related to by longtime KBOO radio blues DJ Tom Wendt who is going through some exceptionally hard times as of late. Tom has been an inspiration for many in Portland’s blues community, having been on air since the late 70s spinning blues music for everybody’s listening pleasure.“Tom was doing blues before blues was cool,” states one of the event’s producers Joey Scruggs. “Tom was an inspiration for many of us who helped create the Cascade Blues Association and the Waterfront Blues Festival, which in turn has helped the Oregon Food Bank feed thousands of people.”
An all-star event has been organized, led by Scruggs and Music Millennium’s Terry Currier, to offer some much needed relief for our friend Tom Wendt. The event, titled “Blues Power” is in reference to the Freddy King / Eric Clapton song of the same name. We feel that the song, especially the verse “Cause now I’m living on Blues Power,” captures the essence of the Portland blues community that can create a healing energy with magical properties in time of need.”
Blues Power will take place on Sunday, November 15th, at the Crystal Ballroom. And to give an example of just how much meaning that Tom has been on our local blues community, all you have to do is look at the spectacular line-up of talent gathering to raise money; all giving their time for the cause: Lloyd Jones Struggle, Curtis Salgado, D.K. Stewart Band, The Strange Tones and Norman Sylvester Band, featuring a harmonica blow-off and a guitar showdown. Plus there will be a bevy of special guests that as of press time include: Terry Robb, Bill Rhoades, Janice Scroggins, Steve Bradley, Jim Miller, Big Monti, Dave Kahl, Dover Weinberg, Corey Burden, Alan Hager, Johnny Ward, Margo Tufo, Peter Dammann, Larry Pindar, Mary Flower, The Soul Survivor Horns, Bobby Torres and Tim O’Hare, There’s sure to be many more names added before this special event takes place.
An incredible show to help out a friend in need. That is the magical power of the blues.
It all takes place on Sunday, November 15th, beginning at 4:00 pm at The Crystal Ballroom, 1332 West Burnside, Portland. Admission is a $10 donation, kids admitted for free.
Rick Estrin & the Nightcats - Nov 11, 2009
Written by Administrator Thursday, 15 October 2009 19:28
Rick Estrin & the Nightcats Celebrate Debut Release with a Performance in Portland!
-San Francisco Chronicle
Blues harmonica master /singer/songwriter Rick Estrin & The Nightcats celebrate the release of their debut CD, Twisted, with a live performance in Portland at Jimmy Mak’s (221 NW 10th Ave) on Wednesday, November 11th. For more than 30 years and nine albums, Estrin fronted the jumping, swinging Little Charlie & The Nightcats, featuring guitarist Little Charlie Baty. With Baty's recent retirement from touring, Estrin-along with the Nightcats' longtime rhythm section of J. Hansen and Lorenzo Farrell and a new member, fiery guitarist Kid Andersen-takes the lead on his own.
The band's debut album, Twisted, while still swinging the blues, is a rocking, guitar-fueled rave-up showcasing Rick's seemingly effortless command of the harmonica, his streetwise vocals and his remarkable original songs. Jimmy Mak’s is a wonderful venue for this show to take place in, with it’s elevated stage right within feet of the audiences’ tables giving a very intimate atmosphere. A room built to deliver exceptional sound, it is one of the finest music rooms on the West Coast. Be sure to arrive early as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats have long been favorites of the blues fans of Portland and this show will certainly sell-out. Showtime is 7:00 pm. Tickets available at Jimmy Mak’s, call at 503-295-6542 or through their website at www.jimmymaks.com.
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