Rory Gallagher Live In Cork
Written by Greg Johnson Thursday, 20 August 2009 20:55
Rory Gallagher
Eagle Vision DVD
In 1987, guitarist Rory Gallagher returned to his hometown of Cork in Ireland for his first concert there in several years. Irish television chose to broadcast this event, which is saying quite a bit about how they felt about the musician and the impact he had on the local music scene. The concert was later released on VHS titled Messin’ With The Kid – Live At The Cork Opera House. Unfortunately, the program has long been neglected for release on DVD, until recently, newly titled simply as Rory Gallagher Live In Cork. And was it ever worth the wait. Sound quality for this concert has improved immensely in this format, making it indispensable if you are a fan of Rory Gallagher.
The Cork Opera House stage was left bare-boned for Gallagher’s performance. It did not need any special settings or props. Gallagher’s wizardry on his weathered ’61 Stratocaster is all that was necessary to carry over to the audience. Hailed as highly in Europe as Stevie Ray Vaughan is in America, Gallagher was a tremendous talent that he proves while running through many of his best-known numbers,
Blind For Love
Written by Greg Johnson Sunday, 16 August 2009 18:15
Ana Popovich
Eclectro GrooveBy Greg Johnson
When it comes to Ana Popovich I have heard several comments that just make no sense to me at all. First, it has been said over and over that she does not play guitar as well as the male players do. This has been said about numerous female artists, let alone Ana. Come on, I will challenge anybody to show me that women like Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharp, Fiona Boyes, Sue Foley, Debbie Davies, Deborah Coleman, Ana or a number of others were or are not every bit as competent behind a fretboard as any male player. Besides, who said it was a contest. Isn’t playing music supposed to be a reflection of your own personality? The other comment often heard about Ana is that she attained her level of success because of her looks. Are you kidding me?! As attractive as Ana is, she got to her position in the music world because she is talented. Bottom line. You do not reach this point and hold on to it if you’re not talented.Ana continues to progress in her development as an artist. Each of her recordings shows that growth and just how diverse she can be when delivering her own message. It may not all be blues selections to many, but she definitely got her start with a blues base and each song in their own way still shows a little piece of it there. Besides, this is an Eclecto Groove recording and that label is designed for artists who can cover a wide-spread outlook and new direction to blues music, as shown by their other roster artists like Jason Ricci, Mike Zito and The Soul Of John Black.
Escape From The Chicken Coop
Written by Greg Johnson Thursday, 20 August 2009 21:05
Watermelon Slim
NorthernBlues
By Greg Johnson
Watermelon Slim’s latest CD Escape From The Chicken Coop may be considered a country album, but make no mistake, this is classic Slim through and through. Nobody has those vocals, so unmistakenable and filled with the weariness of the road he traveled so often, first as a truck driver and more recently as a successful musician. It may be called country, but it bleeds every bit as blues as any of his prior releases.
It’s all here. That raspy, unique voice alongside his burning slide guitar playing. Those songs of hauling freight and the friends he has made. It’s not hard to imagine a good many of these same selections as possibly being on any of his previous recordings. The only difference here, The Workers, his regular band, have been replaced with some of the finest musicians Nashville has to offer. Produced by Miles Wilkinson, who has worked with artists like Willie Nelson and Marcia Ball, Slim also wrote a handful of songs with Gary Nicholson who often teams up with Delbert McClinton.
Piano Man David Vest Visits - Aug 28, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 15 July 2009 17:19
Duff’s Garage on Friday, August 28th
Former Portlander and piano wizard David Vest returns to town for another of his much too rare visits on Friday, August 28th at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th). A master of numerous keyboard methods that include a blend of blues, jazz, gospel, country and some down-right tasty boogie woogie, Vest is assured to be preaching from the temple of the divine 88s as only somebody whose fingers must’ve been blessed by his maker can accomplish.
Moreland & Arbuckle: Encore Performance - Aug 27, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 21:18
Duff’s Garage on Thursday, August 27th
Portland blues fans’ favorites Moreland & Arbuckle are making an encore appearance at Duff’s Garage in August after a highly entertaining date this past May. Here is what we said about them then and it still holds true today. Definitely an act to mark on calendars now!
If you’ve never experienced and had questions on what a modern day juke joint band sounds like, look no further than Moreland & Arbuckle. This is as low-down in the groove as you’re likely to find in any juke, be it Mississippi, Arkansas or in their case Kansas. Authentic, rhythmic and electrifying blues supplied by guitar ace Aaron Moreland, who is just at home working a homemade cigar-box as he is with a slide or fretting away on his six-string electric, and churning in the pocket harp and vocals from Dustin Arbuckle. These guys cook. In fact they light a fire every night under the seat of spectators that cause them to get up onto the dance floor shaking their behinds. Being finalists in the International Blues Challenge back in 2005 gave the world notice about this group; their latest CD 1861 (NorthernBlues) sealed their place amongst the best in the blues business.
Read more: Moreland & Arbuckle: Encore Performance - Aug 27, 09
Best Self Produced CD Competition
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 14 July 2009 21:24
Since 2005, The Blues Foundation has celebrated up and coming artists by bestowing an award for the "Best Self-Produced CD" of the year. It will do so again in 2010. The Best Self Produced CD award honors artists that have achieved excellence in the studio. The Cascade Blues Association has participated in this competition since its inception and we are once again looking for another entry this year.
If you have a self-produced CD that you would like to have considered, please send a copy to the CBA in an envelope labeled:
Self-Produced CD
Cascade Blues Association
PO Box 14493
Portland, OR 97293
All entries must be received no later than September 21st. Any act or member of an act who has been nominated for a Blues Music Award or whose release is on a label that has been nominated are not eligible to submit their entries into this competition. Entries must be recordings released no earlier than November 1st, 2008. Compilations are not eligible. If your CD is selected as our representative, we will contact you for extra copies of the CD, as The Blues Foundation requires four copies for their judges.
CDs will be evaluated on four categories: Musical Performance, Audio Quality of the Presentation, Cover Art & Design, and Credits & Liner Information.
Blues Cures Studio Jam
Written by Greg Johnson Monday, 13 July 2009 06:40
Sean Carney, Henry Gray, Jonn Richardson, Trampled Under Foot & more
Everybody at one time or another during their lives will be affected by cancer. It will either strike themselves or somebody that they’re extremely close to. But very few people have the opportunity or the drive to try to do anything to help find a cure for the devastating disease that claims so many victims. Guitarist Sean Carney is one of those rare individuals. Having witnessed so many dear friends lost to cancer or afflicted by it, including his mother, Sean felt he needed to help as best he could. And being a musician, that meant bringing his peers together to help raise money to offer in its research.Blues CuresSean created the Blues For A Cure concert series in 2007. Held in his hometown Columbus, Ohio, he has brought in many top-name blues musicians to help in his cause. People like Hubert Sumlin, Henry Gray, Alberta Adams, Dave Specter and many others. Two CDs compiling recordings donated by participating artists were released prior to the second year of the event, including one special Christmas collection. But this past December, following the two-night extravaganza, Sean took friends Jon Richardson (from Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy), Trampled Under Foot and Henry Gray into the studio to make a new CD of fresh material of jams amongst themselves.
Guitar Raffle Winner
Written by Administrator Sunday, 09 August 2009 18:19
Once again we had our guitar raffle at the CBA Membership Picnic on Sunday August 2, 2009. This years guitar featured signatures from many great blues artist including: Debbie Davies, Seth Walker, Aaron Moreland, Kid Anderson, Jim Suhler, Fiona Boyes, Terry Robb, Mary Flower, Dave Gross, and Sonny Landreth. The lucky winner was Chet Bliven who won the signed guitar, supplied by Portland Music. Terry Currier of Music Millennium donated our second prize, a 5-CD box set from Vee Jay Records. The CD box set went to CBA member Michael Lester. Congratulations to both our winners, and thank you to our donating sponsors and signing artists who made the raffle possible.
Bon Temps Rouge
Written by Greg Johnson Monday, 13 July 2009 06:44
The New Iberians
PsycheDelta Records
There are so many different styles of music that are hard for me to take in great quantities, which is why I love the blues so much. There are so many factions within the genre that I can travel world-wide with its variety of flavors and always find something appealing. Zydeco is just another idiom of the family of the blues. To me it brings thoughts of Louisiana like the JazzFest, Spanish moss, magnolia trees, the smell of chicory coffee or a table piled with fresh boiled crawfish.Bon Temps Rouge
White Sugar
Written by Greg Johnson Monday, 13 July 2009 06:45
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Ruf Records
I have heard it said before that Europeans can’t really play blues music. Nor can female guitarists. And don’t even start up about young players, who haven’t yet experienced their share of troubles to be singing about the blues. Regarding all of that, I respond, “Pshaw!” Any doubts, pick up a copy of the debut recording of Joanne Shaw Taylor, the 23-year-old phenom from England who knows more than her way around a guitar.Taylor first started picking the strings at the tender age of eight, studying classical guitar. But when she received an electric guitar for a gift, she soon discovered artists like Albert Collins, Freddy King and Stevie Ray Vaughan and was hooked permanently upon the blues. As she states, “It was never a hobby. I was always serious and dedicated to it.” Many her age would’ve strayed into popular music, but the blues is a passion within Taylor and she has been igniting stages since the age of 14, receiving high praise from the likes of Dave Stewart and B.B. King who casually refer to her as “The Real Deal.”
Chris Cain At The Cascade Bar & Grill - Aug 15, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 21:27
In a world filled with extraordinary guitar heroes, the Blues has its lion’s share of outstanding masters. Perhaps one of the best without question has to be Chris Cain. Longtime a legend along the West Coast, he may be one of the most imaginative players to be found anywhere. You can attend a Chris Cain performance and he’s guaranteed to wow you with his exceptional soloing. But just when you figured that you’ve seen everything that this artist can bring to the table, the next time you see him live he’ll take you on a journey that is completely fresh. But the amazing thing about it is when you stop to think about it, he’s playing the same songs. Only they’re completely overhauled night after night, with different solos and they’re all going one step beyond where he was the night before. That is a rare ability and the main reason why you should never pass up an opportunity to see Chris Cain live whenever the chance occurs.Well the chance is here again. Chris Cain will be playing at the Cascade Bar & Grill (15000 SE Mill Plain, Vancouver, WA) for a CBA co-sponsored night on Saturday, August 15th. Members will receive a $1 discount at the door when showing their current CBA card. Chris Cain’s performances always bring out a crowd of fans, both those who enjoy hearing good Blues and those guitar players trying to gather some sweet licks they may be able to use themselves. Expect to be wowed yourself! Chris Cain is simply one of the most entertaining Blues guitarists you’re ever going to witness. Don’t pass up the chance!
And for those of you who just can’t wait, Chris Cain will be appearing at the Willamette Valley Events Center in Mt. Angel on Thursday, August 13th for a free performance. Showtime is at 7:00 pm, gates open at 5:00.
New CBA Website
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 21 July 2009 21:41
As you have noticed (in addition to my spelling and grammar errors), the Cascade Blues Association has redesigned their website. This is a significant change, providing a richer experience for you, the visitors, while simplifying the maintenance for us, the CBA. As with any change, some of you will think this is great and immediately adopt it; others will accept it and make do; and of course there will be a group that think it was a mistake (for various reasons). No matter where you fit, this is our new platform. Here are some of the things that have changed and some of the things that are new.
Rick Welter Band CD Release Party - Aug 15, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 15 July 2009 17:10
Duff’s Garage on Saturday, August 15th
It’s been a long time coming. For as long as Rick Welter has been in Portland he has mentioned he wanted to have a new CD recorded. Well, it has finally happened and it is an outstanding piece of work well worth celebrating; so that is exactly what they’re planning on doing.
August 2009 General Membership Meeting
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 20:51
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, August 5th, 7:00 pm
Free ~ All Ages Welcome
Opening Acoustic Set ~ Lee Blake
Second Electric Set ~ Marquee
Opening the meeting in August will be long-time friend of the Cascade Blues Association, Lee Blake. Lee is an exceptional musician, possessing an expressive growling vocal quality perfect for singing the blues. An adept guitarist on both fingerpicking and slide styles with an expansive repertoire that covers both blues and classic rock selections. It is not unusual for him to play a Jimmy Reed number one moment, followed by a Van Morrison piece the next, to one of his own originals. And they’re all done as only Lee can offer, perfectly. He has been biting at the bit to play before our members again since the last time he was with us in 2007 and when he called last February asking for a return date he caught me hosting the International Showcase on Beale Street as part of the International Blues Challenge. Knowing full well that we needed to have another Lee Blake showing at the meetings, I quickly agreed to save a date for him. It’s always a pleasure to have Lee Blake return because with more than three decades worth of performances on the Portland music scene as well as up and down the West Coast, he has withstood the test of time and is living proof that your skills just get better with age.
Journey To Memphis Finals Recap
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 21:36
If there is any one word I can use to describe this year’s Journey To Memphis finals at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, it has to be WOW!! This had to be one of the absolute best yet!
We started out with 16 acts back the first weekend of June, pared down to the final four who each took center-stage on July 4th before three new judges. Every one of the four came armed for bear and delivered fantastic sets that all received high scores from the judges. I have said it time and again, the judges have the toughest job of anybody for these competitions, because theirs is the decision who decides the act that’ll be going to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge representing the Cascade Blues Association.
Son Jack Jr. IBC Fundraiser - Aug 15, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 15 July 2009 20:25
The Refectory on Saturday, August 15th in an early show from 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Son Jack, Jr. is just starting to get his feet wet in the Portland area. In fact, so far he has performed here only three times: at the CBA meeting last March and his two sets during the Journey To Memphis competition. As the winners of the solo/duo category for the CBA, Son Jack, Jr. & Michael Wilde will probably be seen a lot more around these parts in the next few months before the International Blues Challenge so we can help him raise some money for traveling expenses.
More Articles...
Page 5 of 7