Blessings & Blues - Nov 1, 2009
Written by Administrator Thursday, 15 October 2009 19:23
Ragtime - Oct 2009
Written by Administrator Saturday, 03 October 2009 09:46
Sept. 22 - November 1, 2009Portland Center Stage
Gerding Theater at the Armory
128 NW 11th Ave., Portland
E.L. Doctorow's sweeping novel comes vividly to life in this Tony Award-winning musical, set against the backdrop of the ragtime craze in New York City. In it, three disparate families intertwine: a wealthy white couple; a Jewish immigrant father and his motherless daughter; and an African American ragtime musician who teaches them all about the surprising interconnections of the human heart, the limitations of justice and the unsettling consequences of dreams permanently deferred. Historical figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan and Emma Goldman also inhabit this stirring epic, but it is American popular music that carries the story, including marches, cakewalks and - of course - ragtime.
During the month of October, there will be happy hour events occurring every Saturday prior to the play in the lobby from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. These happy hour happenings are free, open to the public and will feature live blues and ragtime performances by:
Oct. 3: Mary Flower & Janice Scroggins
Oct. 10: Mary Flower & Janice Scroggins
Oct. 17: Janice Scroggins
Oct. 24: Mary Flower & Spud Seigel
Oct. 31: Mary Flower & Alan Hager
James Harman Appearing At Duff’s Garage - Oct 26, 09
Written by Administrator Saturday, 19 September 2009 13:03
James Harman may live in California, but he’ll be the first to tell you he is not a West Coast blues artist. Rather he was raised in Alabama and he found his love for the genre while still a young man living there. But regardless of his thoughts of being a West Coast bluesman, he certainly is one of the absolutely best at his craft not only in the region, but throughout the country. A superb songwriter, harmonica player and a master at stage presence. The man captures you from the get-go on stage, with his clever word associations, lyrics, harp work and all around good time.
Read more: James Harman Appearing At Duff’s Garage - Oct 26, 09
Essential Montreux
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 16 September 2009 20:20
Gary Moore
Eagle Records
Okay all of you blues-rock guitar fanatics. This may be a boxed collection you are going to want to pick up and enjoy right away. When it comes to the European masters of this genre, perhaps many will agree that Gary Moore is amongst the absolute best. Having proven himself as a jazz-fusion artist with Colosseum II and then a spell turning heads with his rockin’ prowess with Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore found his calling toward the blues as the 1990s approached. And it was in ’90 that he made his first of several appearances at the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.This boxed set collects all five of Moore’s sets at Montreux, beginning in 1990 and running through the years until 2001. It also is a fine display of his growth in the sound and presentation of his blues.
The first set in 1990 found Moore running through a number of blues standards and offerings from his outstanding Still Got The Blues album. But it’s perhaps the appearance of guest Albert Collins that really makes this first show indispensable, as the pair trade licks with the latter providing vocals on “Cold, Cold Feeling.” The second show took place in 1995, which saw samplings from one of Moore’s premier releases, his tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, Blues For Greeny. Of these, the highlights are definitely his takes on “Long Grey Mare” and “The Stumble.” His set in 1997 was more a rock-based performance, but still offered nice takes on numbers such as Jimmy Rogers’ “Walking By Myself” and his own classic guitar workout “Parisienne Walkways.”
To my ears, the peak performance of this collection comes with disc number four. It is a barn-burning set of blues from the get go. It includes all of the blues pieces he is best known for and they are right on target in this live setting. Covers of Elmore James, Willie Cobbs, Freddie King and Jimi Hendrix sound right at home alongside his own originals. This disc is worth the purchase price alone. The final disc is from 2001, opening with BB King’s “You Upset Me” and running through songs from his then current Back To The Blues CD. Gary Moore often strays between his love for the blues and straight-ahead rock, but his guitar playing is always phenomenal and if that is something you crave, you cannot go wrong with picking up this amazing live collection.
5 discs ~ 60 tracks
Muddy Awards Final Ballot 2009
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 19:59
If you’re a Cascade Blues Association member, watch your mail for the final Muddy Awards ballot which will be mailed in late September. The final ballot is based on the first round, completed September 15th. The final ballots will be due by October 15th. Remember, take the time to select who you feel are the most deserving artists, venues, events and recordings that you’ve witnessed during the time period September 1st, 2008 to August 31st, 2009.
If you're not a Cascade Blues Association member and want to vote for the Muddy Awards, join the CBA and you can vote next year. This is a great way to support your favorite blues artists, and the annual awards show is a fantastic event, too. Check out 2007 and 2008 videos to find out for yourself.
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue - Oct 7 & 9, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:53
Featuring The Tommy Castro Band, John Nemeth, Janiva Magness, Kenny Neal
The Aladdin Theater
Wednesday Oct 7, 2009
Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM
Visit the Aladdin Theater website for more details
The Venetian Theater
Friday Oct 9, 2009
Visit the Venetian Theater website for more details
The Sultans of Slide Guitar: Two Shows, One Night! - Oct 9, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:39
Internationally acclaimed blues guitarist Franck “Paris Slim” Goldwasser, has rounded up five prominent Pacific Northwest blues and rock guitarists for a string summit called “The Sultans of Slide Guitar.” Taking place at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th, Portland) on Friday, Oct. 9th, there will be two shows, one at 8:30 pm and the second beginning at 11 pm.Joining Franck Goldwasser will be Cascade Blues Association Muddy Hall of Fame member Jim Mesi, Texas-styled power guitarist Big Monti Amundson, dobro master Bob Shoemaker and lap-slide guitarist Ben Bonham. Popular Portland bluesman Bill Rhoades will serve as the emcee for this incredible evening.
Read more: The Sultans of Slide Guitar: Two Shows, One Night! - Oct 9, 09
Special Concert for Sparkle Foster Fund - Oct 11, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:37
Mark on your calendars for a special concert to help support a very worthy cause. On Sunday, October 11th, from 6 – 9 pm, Henry Cooper, Dave Kahl, Dover Weinberg and Leonard Maxon will be performing at Kell’s (112 SW 2nd) to raise money to help benefit the Sparkle Foster Fund.The Sparkle Fund Inc. was created to provide for additional needs of children in the DHS Foster Care system, by filling the cracks and providing opportunities, not otherwise funded by the State. Having children in the foster care system has become a generational pattern. Many former foster children now have their own children experiencing the same type of care.
Read more: Special Concert for Sparkle Foster Fund - Oct 11, 09
Son Jack Jr. & Michael Wilde IBC Fundraiser - Oct 11, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:36
If you’re out on the road and looking at events to attend, look closely to see if perhaps one of our CBA representatives for the upcoming International Blues Challenge might be performing where your at. Every show they do between now and January when they head off to Memphis should be considered a fundraiser. So watch for both Karen Lovely and for Son Jack Jr. & Michael Wilde.One such exciting event really is a fundraiser for Son & Michael. It will be happeining on Sunday, October 11th in Snohomish, Washington at The Oxford Saloon. An all star gathering to help the duo put a little cash in their pockets to help in travel expenses to Tennessee. Here is who you will see if decide to head up to attend.
Read more: Son Jack Jr. & Michael Wilde IBC Fundraiser - Oct 11, 09
Show Your Love For The CBA ~ 2 - Oct 18, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:32
An All Star Extravaganza To Help Your CBA
Sunday, October 18th ~ The Refectory ~ 4:00 – 10:00 pm
Last January, the Cascade Blues Association found itself in dire straits as did many small businesses nationwide. A special show held the previous October was aimed at raising money for our Blues Education/Blues In The Schools program with money outgoing that we expected to see covered by an anticipated audience. Little did we know beforehand that the stock market would decide to take a dive that same week, lunging many people into loss of their life savings and retirement. People were scared and rightfully so. Nobody was spending money frivolously, especially on entertainment as many music venues sat nearly empty for weeks afterward. The event brought in enough to pay our artists, but what hurt was the cost of the room rental and sound. All this right before our most expensive event of the year, the Muddy Awards, followed quickly by the Holiday Party, which also coincided with the first day of heavy winter snow forcing most to stay away.
Our bank accounts dwindled, so we held a special benefit show to raise funds quickly for the Cascade Blues Association, the so-called 1st “Show Your Love For The CBA.” It all fell together in less than a week, with so many big-named local musicians wanting to help out. The show was a huge success and righted the CBA’s ship for the immediate time to come.
Ramblings On My Mind - Oct 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:30
Greg Johnson / CBA PresidentWhat an incredibly beautiful summer this has been in Portland. Reaching record-breaking dates with temperatures over 90 degrees. Friends from different parts of the country remark how poor their weather has been and looking at ours state how we somehow flipped weather patterns with them. To which I always remark, “Have you ever actually been to Portland during the summer? It’s usually nice, sunny and warm every year from July through September. It’s those other nine months that it’s gray and rainy.”
Of course with exceptional summer weather there is always fantastic outdoor concerts going on. And I don’t mean just the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. Seems like a lot of people tend to think the blues in Portland begin and end there annually. Not so! Just this past month and a half (writing this in mid-September of course to meet the paper’s deadline) I have bore witness to many superb outdoor performances. From our annual membership picnic, to National Neighborhood Night Out with Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes, to Shute Park in Hillsboro for Ellen Whyte & her full band, to a mini brews festival at Blitz Ladd with the Ty Curtis Band and Woodbrain (unfortunately I missed staying around for The Insomniacs). And then just this past weekend, with the opening of the new line in the City’s light rail system, I got to see the Terry Robb Band with Linda Hornbuckle and the Lily Wilde Orchestra. Outdoor events are happening everywhere during the summer. Seems like if there is a special occasion, it always calls for a blues band to be included.
October General Membership Meeting - Oct 7, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:28
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, October 7th, 7:00 pm
FREE ~ ALL AGES WELCOME
Opening Acoustic Set ~ Eric Tweed
Second Electric Set ~ Larry Dupio
It’s October and winter may be approaching, but there is plenty of blues in Portland to keep things heated for a long time to come. We’re going to do our best each and every month at our regular membership meetings always on the first Wednesday.
For October, we have a sensational young man opening the night with some very extraordinary fingerpicking and slide acoustic guitar. Eric Tweed’s website describes his music as “gorgeous songcraft with a swagger in its step.” A highly adept musician and songwriter, Eric Tweed captures his listeners with his imaginative stories while interacting with the audience. This is participation blues, so be prepared to become a part of the show yourself for a fun and lively set. Eric will be performing songs from his most recent release, “Not Again . . . You Fool,” all featuring instruments that he designed and built himself. If you haven’t caught Eric Tweed before, you’re going to be in for a truly nice, entertaining surprise.
Big Blues For Little Bill: A Tribute To The Music Of Little Bill Engelhart
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:26
Various Artists
Delta Records
If you were to sit back and think about just which blues musicians of the Pacific Northwest that may be considered icons, one name should always come up: Little Bill Engelhart. A mainstay of the Puget Sound blues scene and one of the region’s most beloved artists for more than 50 years. He recorded a version of Richard Berry’s “Louie Louie” before either The Kingsmen or Paul Revere & The Raiders and struck a hit single with his song “I Love An Angel”. Though he never reached that same plateau again nationally, he has produced outstanding music time and again ever since.A former member of Little Bill & The Blue Notes, Randy Oxford came up with the idea to piece together a tribute CD to the music of Little Bill. Working with the South Sound Blues Association, he gathered many of the best performers of the Northwest to each sing a song of their choosing of Bill’s. Proceeds from the sales of this CD will benefit the Dystonia Foundation, a disease close to Bill as his own son suffers from it.
The tracks on this disc are outstanding, as one could only imagine when dealing with superb musicians and music. There are other so-called icons of Northwest music included, such as Alice Stuart and Merilee Rush, both whose careers have lasted almost as long as Bill’s own. Other artists include amazing female vocalists like Patti Allen, Polly O’Keary, Leanne Trevalyn and Duffy Bishop. Guitar masters like Henry Cooper, Mark Riley and Rod Cook. And just downright fun acts like Jr. Cadillac, Billy Roy Danger & The Rectifiers and Bump Kitchen. More than 60 musicians altogether! Songs expound on Little Bill’s entire career and show just how diverse in his songwriting the man can be.
The disc opens with a burning version of Polly O’Keary taking on “Step Right Up,” followed by selections like “Another Rainy Day” featuring Randy Oxford with Patti Allen. The Immanuel Presbyterian Blues Vespers All Stars deliver a rousing “Thangs Gone By” and Dick Powell with Billy Stapelton present a fine take of “Wine & Whiskey.” Little Bill’s music is commanding and well-displayed throughout this outstanding collection. But of course, nobody could finish the recording better than Little Bill himself, along with The Blue Notes and vocalist Heather Mueller offering a new take of his classic, “I Love An Angel.”
If you place this CD into your computer, there is also a short video of an interview with Little Bill Engelhart. It is a nice showing of just how humble a person he actually is and how honored he was that somebody felt compelled enough to do a tribute to him in the first place. Thank you Randy Oxford for pushing this project through. To all the wonderful musicians who took part. And mostly to Little Bill, for his creativity that brought this all about to begin with. A true Northwest blues treasure!
Total Time: 63:16
Step Right Up / When I First Get Up / Another Rainy Day / What I’m Doin’ Wrong / Texas / Thangs Gone By / Cute / Wine & Whiskey / Better Things To Do / Comin’ Home Again / What It Shall Be / Sweet Cucumber / Simply Over / Never Been To Mississippi / I Love An Angel
Jimmy Thackery Coming To The Pines - Oct 31, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:24
Since his early days with The Nighthawks, guitarist Jimmy Thackery has been amazing blues audiences with his incendiary six string prowess that places him amongst the all-time blues guitar greats such as Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Jimi Hendrix. Always a popular performer anytime he comes through the Pacific Northwest, Thackery will be making a long over-due return on Halloween night, October 31st, at The Pines (2nd & State Street) in Hood River. Touring in support of his most recent release, “Inside Tracks,” and ready to convince any non-believers why he has been such a dynamic force for the nearly forty years, Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers are known for lengthy performances. Expect this show to sell out!!
To make this appearance even more exciting, there will be $500 in prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are $25 in advance at The Pines or order by credit card at 541-993-8301. 21 & older only. This is a CBA co-sponsored event. Show your membership card at the door for a $1 discount.
Soul Tub!
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:05
The California Honeydrops
TubTone Records
If you’re going to make a splash as a street performer, you have to have at least one of two things going for you: 1 – you have a gimmick to draw people’s attention, or 2 – you’re really good at what you do. In the case of The California Honeydrops, they’re pulling your attention with both angles.
Working in the subway stations of Oakland, California, The Honeydrops first draw you in with the homemade bass made with a broom handle and a 5-gallon plastic bucket. “That ain’t no bucket!,” declares Nansamba Ssensalo on the CD. “It’s a tub. A soul tub!” Whatever she wants to call it, she knows how to handle the simple instrument, drawing more sound from it than you would ever expect. Plus she also handles duties on both the washboard and jug, too.
Ssensalo met band leader Lech Wierzynski while both attended classes at Oberlin College in Ohio. There the two formed a jug band, while neither actually played the right instruments at the time. Ssensalo was actually a concert violist while Wierzinski was a trumpeter. He began taking up the guitar, while she learned both the fiddle and jug and together they started performing older musical styles while blending in forms of New Orleans jazz and work songs.
Bone-A-Fied
Written by Greg Johnson Thursday, 01 October 2009 00:00
Boogie Bone
Self-Produced
It has been said, “The blues had a baby and they named it rock & roll.” But sometimes, that child does not stray too far from its mother’s bosom. That is where Boogie Bone is quite at home. Blues with an edge. Riding on the brink of rock & roll. With guitar riffs that burn. A solid rhythm section that drives directly from the pocket and keeps everything directly focused and on pace. Vocals that tear at one’s soul and can soar in a manner that cannot be ignored. Then there’s this other guy, who fills all the extra necessary needs that without the band just wouldn’t be the same. It’s that extra piece that brings everything home, blending with a power surge that makes the band unique.For their sophomore effort, Boogie Bone took their time, making certain that everything was just right. That lengthy wait between their debut and this second disc, “Bone-A-Fied,” was more than well worth it. As fantastic as that first record was, this one takes it to another level. Kind of like Spinal Tap’s “eleven” volume amps, you just know it’s one better. Songwriting, performance and group comradery; it’s the full package!
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