AND MORE! bookmark us: http://www.americanbluesblog.com/ and videos, videos, videos!
contests & prizes and (American Blues Idol) ! And CANADIAN bands, too.
...
contests & prizes and (American Blues Idol) ! And CANADIAN bands, too.
...
KEITH RICHARDS GUITAR - -FOR SALE - ROLLING STONES!
Yes, we have an actual guitar owned by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones - for sale!
For 30 days only - then it goes to Christie's Auction house in London. Here is your chance, investors...owned and played by Richard's..photos, provenance, references available.
This guitar was made especially for Keith by the noted and eccentric luthier George Rizsanyi,
who also made guitars for Sting, James Taylor and others.
who also made guitars for Sting, James Taylor and others.
(The photos are actual at Keith's home in Connecticut playing the guitar taken by Rizsanyi.)
The guitar was damaged at a party a couple of years later and was returned to be repaired.
Instead, Rizsanyi - a huge fan of Richard's made him another. Thus the guitar came back
into Rizsanyi's hands - and now we offer it here - for 31 days in March only.
This is a stellar investment - a guitar owned and played by the greatest guitar player
in the greatest band the world has ever known. It was specially made for Kieth on
order - and contains wood incorporated into the guitar from a camp that held German
P.O.W.s
It is absolutely untouched. Still has the beer stains and cigarette burns and has never even been
tuned...untouched. Original condition with the damaged back from the party.
It would make the greatest trophy for a blues club or museum or tourist attraction -
and should be on display. (perhaps could even be written off as a tax deduction..)
And what a birthday present - without equal to that certain someone.
Serious inquiries only - price, provenance, detailed photos and references will only be released to capable parties only and/or the media. Contact us for confidential phone and fax number.
We also have a signed photograph of Richards and a signed Heineken beer bottle
signed by Keith - that goes along with the guitar. A stellar little collection.
$25,000
And a recorded interview with the luthier.
Inquire in confidence:
We also have a signed photograph of Richards and a signed Heineken beer bottle
signed by Keith - that goes along with the guitar. A stellar little collection.
$25,000
And a recorded interview with the luthier.
Inquire in confidence:
N.B. We are always interested in buying rare vintage guitars and unique musicology.
MISSISSIPPI BO SET TO PERFORM ON LA JUKE JOINT BLUES FESTIVAL
MISSISSIPPI BO SET TO PERFORM ON LA JUKE JOINT BLUES FESTIVALIf you're not familiar with the great Mississippi Bo (seen above), we guarantee you will love him as much as we do. Bo is the stuff that blues legends are made of. He actually grew up with Jimmy Reed and Guitar Slim's family in Greenwood, Mississippi way back in 1942. Born merely four years after Robert Johnson died, Bo passed the legend's grave many times as a boy, as Johnson is actually buried in his home town. Did Robert Johnson's soul pass into Bo? Quite possibly! You gotta hear how lowdown and rural Bo's blues is. This is the real deal amplified country blues at its grittiest! Outside this show it is impossible to find such downhome blues in Los Angeles. :)
If you haven't got tickets yet, this is your chance. Please check out the (previously sent) info below for full info.
THE L.A. JUKE JOINT BLUES FESTIVAL 2010 & BBQ - NOW ONLY 7 DAYS AWAY! - SAT. MARCH 6, 2010
If you haven't already got your tickets...
You are still cordially invited to witness 10 of the greatest, living, deep-blues singers in Southern California, all on one-stage for a glorious performance never to be topped again! Many tickets have been sold but there are still quite a few available now for this 4th installment of the Annual L.A. Juke Joint Blues Fest! Beat the rush and get 'em before they are gone.
For tickets visit www.socalblues.org or call 714-209-7347
As always, The Cellar in Long Beach will also be serving up some tasty southern food, including red beans and rice, bbq ribs, greens and much much more. This event is like a non-stop tour through the back woods of New Orleans, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas!
Yes, folks, this is the real deal, gutbucket, downhome, rotgut blues in the flesh. A show custom designed for hardcore deep-blues fans like you!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Your Friends,
The Southern California Blues Society
www.socalblues.org
714-209-7347
THE LA JUKE JOINT BLUES FEST. HAS A GREAT NEW SPONSOR - MAXIMA TRAVEL IS OFFERING A WONDERFUL GUIDED BLUES VOYAGE THROUGH THE DEEP SOUTH. FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CHECK THEM OUT:
SOUL OF THE SOUTH TOUR
April 15th - 21st 2010
A Musical, Historical & Culinary Bus Tour
from Memphis to Mississippi
discovering the Roots of the Blues, along The Delta Highway.
For more info visit: http://content.onlineagency.com/c/17/17654/8567988_17654.htm
Maxima Travel will also have a booth at the Cellar on Saturday March 6, at the LA Juke Joint Blues Fest, so please stop by and see them there!
We welcome new guest writers -
CONTACT US - AND GET YOUR OWN WEEKLY BLOG SPOT.
info@AmericanBluesBlog.com
or apply direct to the Executive Editor
Mr. Rene Mente.
info@AmericanBluesBlog.com
"Keep on bloggin' me, baby!"
Pete Anderson Releases Blues CD - "Even Things Up".
Little Dog Records has just released a new Pete Anderson Blues CD - "Even Things Up"...
Please check out Pete's brand of blues on the following sites:
http://www.myspace.com/PeteAndersonMusic
http://www.Facebook.com/PeteAndersonMusic
and don't forget to bookmark us:
http://www.AmericanBluesBlog.com
Interview: Jayen Varma – -The Fastest Bassist
Interview: Jayen Varma – The Fastest Bassist
Jayen Varma is the fastest bass guitarist. Declared in 2008 by the Registry of Official World Records USA & UK, Varma plays at an incredible speed of 36 notes per second. This was viable due to a very unique slap style developed by him, widely known as “Indian slap bass” where Bass is played like Indian percussion instrument Tabla. He is a freelance Bass Player and is into RagaZZ music.
IML: When did you first pick up the bass and why?
Jayen Varma: I was a drummer in a band since 1981 and I used to play six string guitar also. The lead guitarist Vichoo and Drummer Sriram of the band Firefly asked me to play bass in their band and I took bass in 1986 and started playing heavy metal songs...
IML: When did you realize the unique style of playing bass?
JV: I never had a bass instructor, so I had to play bass according to my convenience. Since I had some knowledge of the Indian classical percussion instrument mridangam and ragas, I was applying Indian classical raga scales with mridangam/tabla style percussive playing on the Bass Guitar. I had a feeling that it can become a new genre of unconventional funk bass someday. It is slapping the strings without using the thumb, but hitting with 1st then 2nd and 3rd fingers held together.
IML: Tell us the detailed story behind the record of being fastest bassist.
JV: I was doing a job other than music till 2008, playing bass guitar part time in bands since 1986 and learning the bass lines of hundreds of cover songs by different bands. Every day I had to sit three hours in a train since my work was in a very distant place, so during the ride I practiced and did finger exercises. I used to practice around seven hours a day. Some of my friends and bass legends in USA and Europe asked to go for a world record speed. With the help of few musicians and sound engineering friends, I verified my playing speed using computers in studios. I had read that Adrian Davison of USA used to play piano style bass at 31 notes per second. I decided to make my playing a record and completed all the official formalities with The Registry of Official World Records USA and UK. After verification they confirmed in 2008 that my playing was 36 percussive notes per second.
IML: Which artists inspired you the most—what are the specific influences in your playing style?
JV: Many musicians, I cannot name just a few. But I got the inspiration to play fast from the life story of Shadkala Govinda Marar of India who lived in 1700-1800 AD. He was considered the fastest singer who ever lived in India. He used to sing at demi semi quaver speed (32nd notes). Playing fast may not always be music, but many musicians have experimented with it, even centuries back.
I love all the bassists. I have been learning bass by watching videos and listening to bass lines by different electric bassists like Jaco Pastorius, Bootsy Collins, Jeff Berlin, Stuart Hamm, Adrian Davison, Billy Sheehan, Billy Cox, John EntWistle, Abraham Laboriel Sr, Larry Graham, Victor Wooten and many others. Every Bassist inspires me. And I love to see anyone holding a bass guitar.
IML: Please tell us about Ragazz and how you started playing with the band.
JV: Ragazz is not raga music, nor is it jazz. Kalyan Pathak has very clearly defined it: It’s about developing musical conversations using the languages of raga and jazz. Much respect for him. When I apply it in on stage it sounds similar to mixing raga (both Hindustani and carnatic), jazz and funk. Currently I am doing concerts with renowned Indian Hindustani vocalist Aparna Panshikar of Pune.
IML: Tell us something about the scales that you use, songs where particular scales are used. How do you really approach creating a melody?
JV: I do not have a particular scale or raga. Generally it’s the minor scale that is used and ragas differ from place to place and person to person. It can be in major scale Hindustani Yaman (Kalyani) or Minor scale Thodi.
IML: What’s your solo repertoire?
JV: I used to do a lot of solos to do demonstrations. It can be played as a demo, but if a solo exceeds 20 minutes it will be boring for the audience. So I now do solos only with bands.
IML: What’s the best feedback that you’ve gotten till date?
JV: I get good and bad feed backs. The best feedback I got and I value a lot are from the greatest bassists of all time. Jeff Berlin, Bootsy Collins, James LoMenzo, Marcus Miller, Michael Henderson, David Pastorius, Stuart Hamm, Phil Powell, Mike jones and a hundreds of bassists to name. Thanks to all of them.
IML: What are the gears that you use?
JV: Now I play an Indian handmade 5 string bass guitar named Stelsie. Cost of my guitar is below 300 USD. There are many great luthiers in India and in India we get good wood to build the body. So I think Guitars made in India are awesome.
IML: What’s next for you?
JV: I hope to popularize Tabla style Indian Slap Bass across the World and also wish to make sure that this kind of slap bass can be used in Indian classical music as well as blues and jazz. And I believe that few of the next generation bassists play this Indian Slap Bass better than me. I am also waiting to release an album.
Photo Credit:
Courtesy of Jayen Varma
Jayen Varma is the fastest bass guitarist. Declared in 2008 by the Registry of Official World Records USA & UK, Varma plays at an incredible speed of 36 notes per second. This was viable due to a very unique slap style developed by him, widely known as “Indian slap bass” where Bass is played like Indian percussion instrument Tabla. He is a freelance Bass Player and is into RagaZZ music.
IML: When did you first pick up the bass and why?
Jayen Varma: I was a drummer in a band since 1981 and I used to play six string guitar also. The lead guitarist Vichoo and Drummer Sriram of the band Firefly asked me to play bass in their band and I took bass in 1986 and started playing heavy metal songs...
IML: When did you realize the unique style of playing bass?
JV: I never had a bass instructor, so I had to play bass according to my convenience. Since I had some knowledge of the Indian classical percussion instrument mridangam and ragas, I was applying Indian classical raga scales with mridangam/tabla style percussive playing on the Bass Guitar. I had a feeling that it can become a new genre of unconventional funk bass someday. It is slapping the strings without using the thumb, but hitting with 1st then 2nd and 3rd fingers held together.
IML: Tell us the detailed story behind the record of being fastest bassist.
JV: I was doing a job other than music till 2008, playing bass guitar part time in bands since 1986 and learning the bass lines of hundreds of cover songs by different bands. Every day I had to sit three hours in a train since my work was in a very distant place, so during the ride I practiced and did finger exercises. I used to practice around seven hours a day. Some of my friends and bass legends in USA and Europe asked to go for a world record speed. With the help of few musicians and sound engineering friends, I verified my playing speed using computers in studios. I had read that Adrian Davison of USA used to play piano style bass at 31 notes per second. I decided to make my playing a record and completed all the official formalities with The Registry of Official World Records USA and UK. After verification they confirmed in 2008 that my playing was 36 percussive notes per second.
IML: Which artists inspired you the most—what are the specific influences in your playing style?
JV: Many musicians, I cannot name just a few. But I got the inspiration to play fast from the life story of Shadkala Govinda Marar of India who lived in 1700-1800 AD. He was considered the fastest singer who ever lived in India. He used to sing at demi semi quaver speed (32nd notes). Playing fast may not always be music, but many musicians have experimented with it, even centuries back.
I love all the bassists. I have been learning bass by watching videos and listening to bass lines by different electric bassists like Jaco Pastorius, Bootsy Collins, Jeff Berlin, Stuart Hamm, Adrian Davison, Billy Sheehan, Billy Cox, John EntWistle, Abraham Laboriel Sr, Larry Graham, Victor Wooten and many others. Every Bassist inspires me. And I love to see anyone holding a bass guitar.
IML: Please tell us about Ragazz and how you started playing with the band.
JV: Ragazz is not raga music, nor is it jazz. Kalyan Pathak has very clearly defined it: It’s about developing musical conversations using the languages of raga and jazz. Much respect for him. When I apply it in on stage it sounds similar to mixing raga (both Hindustani and carnatic), jazz and funk. Currently I am doing concerts with renowned Indian Hindustani vocalist Aparna Panshikar of Pune.
IML: Tell us something about the scales that you use, songs where particular scales are used. How do you really approach creating a melody?
JV: I do not have a particular scale or raga. Generally it’s the minor scale that is used and ragas differ from place to place and person to person. It can be in major scale Hindustani Yaman (Kalyani) or Minor scale Thodi.
IML: What’s your solo repertoire?
JV: I used to do a lot of solos to do demonstrations. It can be played as a demo, but if a solo exceeds 20 minutes it will be boring for the audience. So I now do solos only with bands.
IML: What’s the best feedback that you’ve gotten till date?
JV: I get good and bad feed backs. The best feedback I got and I value a lot are from the greatest bassists of all time. Jeff Berlin, Bootsy Collins, James LoMenzo, Marcus Miller, Michael Henderson, David Pastorius, Stuart Hamm, Phil Powell, Mike jones and a hundreds of bassists to name. Thanks to all of them.
IML: What are the gears that you use?
JV: Now I play an Indian handmade 5 string bass guitar named Stelsie. Cost of my guitar is below 300 USD. There are many great luthiers in India and in India we get good wood to build the body. So I think Guitars made in India are awesome.
IML: What’s next for you?
JV: I hope to popularize Tabla style Indian Slap Bass across the World and also wish to make sure that this kind of slap bass can be used in Indian classical music as well as blues and jazz. And I believe that few of the next generation bassists play this Indian Slap Bass better than me. I am also waiting to release an album.
Photo Credit:
Courtesy of Jayen Varma
LEGENDARY CURTIS JACK GRIFFIN ! SINGING ON THE JUKE JOINT BLUES FEST - ONLY 16 DAYS AWAY!
LEGENDARY CURTIS JACK GRIFFIN SINGING ON THE JUKE JOINT BLUES FEST - ONLY 16 DAYS AWAY!
We'd like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on one of our phenomenal local blues singers, Mr. Curtis Jack Griffin. We're proud to announce that the 80 year-old bluesman is scheduled to perform on the LA Juke Joint Blues Fest on Sat. March 6. Having opened many shows for Bobby Bland and Albert King in the 70s and 80s, Griffin's searing vocals will bring joy to your heart and a tear to your eye. We've witnessed it many times!
A few days ago we received a phone call from Curtis saying that he wasn't feeling well and was on his way to the hospital. He turned out to be okay afterall, thank God. But folks, it is The Southern California Blues Society's mission to present to you such authentic blues artists as Curtis while they are still in their prime. Almost every performer on this show is in their late 60's to 80's and they are incredible!
While there are still a few remaining old-school greats left, this art form has taken some major hits in recent years. We have lost too many irreplaceable local blues musicians since 2003: including favorites JJ Bad Boy Jones, Larry "Sugar Fingers" Johnson, Louisiana Guitar Red and even Smokey Wilson (who still suffers from a stroke he had 9 years ago). This seasoned older generation will obviously not be around forever but they are still around now and will totally blow you away.
If you haven't already, please reserve your tickets today to see these 10 one-of-a-kind artists all on one show: Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Cellar in Long Beach! Its gonna be an absolute smokin' blues blast that you can tell your grand kids about. :)
The Cellar only holds a few hundred people and if its anything like our last 8 shows, this one will sell out in advance, (we've already sold a lot of tickets) and we don't want a real blues fan like you to miss it!
For tickets: www.socalblues.org
See you at there!
..................................
Vintage: 1952 Martin D-28 for sale - serious inquries only
The sweetest sound this side of Nashville. Need we say more..
detailed photos, provenance, references, price - available to
serious inquiries. $7500.
Rare items bought and sold.
Rare items bought and sold.
Reply in confidence...
STAX NUMBER ONES COMPILATION COLLECTS CHART-TOPPING SONGS FROM THE FIRST NAME IN AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC
STAX NUMBER ONES COMPILATION
COLLECTS CHART-TOPPING SONGS
FROM THE FIRST NAME
IN AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC
Included are #1 hits by Booker T. & the MGs, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, The Dramatics and more.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Stax Records is where Southern soul became a global force in music. The label, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, gave rise to a number of stars – many hailing from its Southeast Memphis neighborhood. During the ’60s and into the ’70s, Stax studio was a wellspring of hit records that topped both the R&B and pop charts. On March 30, 2010, Stax Records – now operating within Concord Music Group – will release Stax Number Ones, a compilation of 15 chart-topping hits by Stax’ best-known artists.
Included in Stax Number Ones are Booker T. & the MGs’ “Green Onions,” Sam & Dave’s “Hold On! I’m Comin’” and “Soul Man,” Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Johnnie Taylor’s “Who’s Making Love,” “I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)” and “Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone,” Rufus Thomas’ “(Do The) Push & Pull [Part 1],” Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff,” Isaac Hayes’ “Theme from Shaft,” The Dramatics’ “In the Rain,” The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” and “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” and Shirley Brown’s “Woman to Woman.”
Stax Records has placed more than 175 hit songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 pop charts as well as a staggering 250 hits on the R&B charts. Stax Number Ones represents all 15 songs that hit #1 on either chart from the label’s golden era. It is a perfect sampling of classic Stax.
Included are #1 hits by Booker T. & the MGs, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, The Dramatics and more.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Stax Records is where Southern soul became a global force in music. The label, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, gave rise to a number of stars – many hailing from its Southeast Memphis neighborhood. During the ’60s and into the ’70s, Stax studio was a wellspring of hit records that topped both the R&B and pop charts. On March 30, 2010, Stax Records – now operating within Concord Music Group – will release Stax Number Ones, a compilation of 15 chart-topping hits by Stax’ best-known artists.
Included in Stax Number Ones are Booker T. & the MGs’ “Green Onions,” Sam & Dave’s “Hold On! I’m Comin’” and “Soul Man,” Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Johnnie Taylor’s “Who’s Making Love,” “I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)” and “Jody’s Got Your Girl and Gone,” Rufus Thomas’ “(Do The) Push & Pull [Part 1],” Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff,” Isaac Hayes’ “Theme from Shaft,” The Dramatics’ “In the Rain,” The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” and “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” and Shirley Brown’s “Woman to Woman.”
Stax Records has placed more than 175 hit songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 pop charts as well as a staggering 250 hits on the R&B charts. Stax Number Ones represents all 15 songs that hit #1 on either chart from the label’s golden era. It is a perfect sampling of classic Stax.
Legendary Musician John Jorgenson Releases Two New Albums Today – "One Stolen Night" and "Istiqbal Gathering"
Legendary Musician John Jorgenson Releases Two New Albums Today – One Stolen Night and Istiqbal Gathering
Celebrates Centennial of Gypsy Guitarist Django Reinhardt
Nashville, Tenn.— As one of the pioneers of American gypsy jazz music, Jorgenson is celebrating the father of gypsy jazz, Django Reinhardt, whose 100th birthday would have been this year, with two album releases and a touring schedule that takes him across the country and across the pond with the John Jorgenson Quintet. Widely known as the "U.S. Ambassador of Gypsy Jazz," Jorgenson has earned a reputation as a world-class musician and guitarist and has collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Luciana Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan. Both new releases see this legendary musician exploring new elements of world music, bluegrass, rock and classical as Jorgenson expands the range of gypsy jazz, captivating and enlightening fellow musicians and listeners along the way.
One Stolen Night, Jorgenson’s first 2010 release, is the second album credited to the John Jorgenson Quintet, following up on the Billboard Jazz chart success of Ultraspontane. This collection contains a mix of standards and new compositions, with plenty of clarinet and swing, plus a vocal and the addition of the Greek bouzouki into the Quintet's instrumentation. The Quintet recorded all of the tracks in two days using minimal production, resulting in a "live in the studio" sound that is warm, rich and so crisp that it transports the listeners to an intimate private concert.
The album features a driving rhythm section throughout as Jorgenson creates a classic gypsy jazz feel while pushing the boundaries with his arrangements and melodic content. "Red on Red" opens the album with fanfare and Django-inspired minor key swing, while "Mediterranean Blues" highlights a fiery jam session between violin and guitar. The title track, “One Stolen Night,” presents a captivating melody and showcases the enchanting sound of the bouzouki. Throughout the album the John Jorgenson Quintet creates a unique musical experience that equally enthralls the most discerning and the casual music fan with a sound that is all at once dynamic, romantic, driving, melodic and accessible.
Jorgenson’s second album release in 2010, Istiqbal Gathering, is the culmination of a long relationship between Jorgenson and Paul Gambill, conductor of Orchestra Nashville, and was recorded live at Ocean Way Nashville and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Jorgenson and Gambill combined with a world-class team of musicians and collaborators to create the first collection of music specifically composed and recorded for gypsy jazz guitar and orchestra.
Jorgenson's brilliant guitar work leads the way, supported by the progressive and dynamic Orchestra Nashville. "Concerto Glasso" and "Istiqbal Gathering" feature a full orchestra, the latter showcasing the breathtaking talents of Alexander Fedoriuk on cimbalom and David Davidson on violin. "Dieter's Lounge" and "Groove in the Louvre" feature the unexpected blend of string orchestra along with the GRAMMY award-winning Turtle Island Quartet. The combination is a groundbreaking album full of soaring melodies and driving rhythms, and it is utterly one of a kind.
The John Jorgenson Quintet is the only American act to ever headline the prestigious Django Reinhardt Memorial Festival in France, and has been featured at other "Djangofests" in the U.S., UK, Germany and Canada. For the films Gattica and Head in the Clouds Jorgenson was tapped to recreate Django's music, and in the latter he even appeared onscreen as Django with stars Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz.
Despite the levels of success Jorgenson has already attained, the acclaimed musician has no intention of taking it easy any time soon. Building on the legacy of Reinhardt, Jorgenson continues to expand the popularity of his beloved gypsy jazz by offering listeners an exotic yet familiar sound to which they can relate. If 2010 is any indication, we can expect Jorgenson to take gypsy jazz to new heights for many years to come.
The Charlie Blue Band.
Last Saturday my wife surprised me with an early birthday dinner. She made 6pm reservations for a surprise restaurant.
We jumped in the car, she punched an address in the GPS and we headed for Downtown San Diego. As we circled for parking, my mind went wandering and I could not for the life of me figure out why she would bring me to this area, I didn't see any beer bars or restaurants that screamed my name. Finally we get to a restaurant called La Gran Tapa and she says, this is it. It was raining out, and from the outside I could see an empty bar area. We walk in and the staff was super friendly, and every table in the restaurant was full except our two-top reservation. As we walk to our table I see a guy setting up his guitar. My wife is like "this is your surprise, they have live Blues here!"
The Charlie Blue Band was playing this night, as they do every Saturday night at La Gran Tapa. We ordered a drink and the lead singer/guitar player started to play. I wish I caught his name, he was so smooth on the guitar and his voice was so different. He told great stories and it was obvious that he truly loves playing the blues. After about 30 minutes another member of the band showed up with the saxaphone. Between the rain, the crowded restaurant full of blues lovers, and The Charlie Blue Band, I felt as if I was in a small club in Manhattan. On the way out, I even purchased a CD for $10. What a great night! La Gran Tapa has a sister restaurant called The Turquoise in Pacific Beach that also has live Blues music, we plan on checking that place out soon.
I found this video of The Charlie Blue Band on youTube. It's quite funny and they are definetly having fun doing what they do. I did not see the sax player in this video but I do look forward to seeing the full band next time we see them.
Here is that video:
The Charlie Blue Band
Bobby Rodgers
San Diego, CA
We jumped in the car, she punched an address in the GPS and we headed for Downtown San Diego. As we circled for parking, my mind went wandering and I could not for the life of me figure out why she would bring me to this area, I didn't see any beer bars or restaurants that screamed my name. Finally we get to a restaurant called La Gran Tapa and she says, this is it. It was raining out, and from the outside I could see an empty bar area. We walk in and the staff was super friendly, and every table in the restaurant was full except our two-top reservation. As we walk to our table I see a guy setting up his guitar. My wife is like "this is your surprise, they have live Blues here!"
The Charlie Blue Band was playing this night, as they do every Saturday night at La Gran Tapa. We ordered a drink and the lead singer/guitar player started to play. I wish I caught his name, he was so smooth on the guitar and his voice was so different. He told great stories and it was obvious that he truly loves playing the blues. After about 30 minutes another member of the band showed up with the saxaphone. Between the rain, the crowded restaurant full of blues lovers, and The Charlie Blue Band, I felt as if I was in a small club in Manhattan. On the way out, I even purchased a CD for $10. What a great night! La Gran Tapa has a sister restaurant called The Turquoise in Pacific Beach that also has live Blues music, we plan on checking that place out soon.
I found this video of The Charlie Blue Band on youTube. It's quite funny and they are definetly having fun doing what they do. I did not see the sax player in this video but I do look forward to seeing the full band next time we see them.
Here is that video:
The Charlie Blue Band
Bobby Rodgers
San Diego, CA
New CD from The Mike Reilly Band
Hey now . . .
Just want you all to know that The Mike Reilly Band released their fifth CD just last week called "Reilly's Road". This is yet another outstanding release by MRB, and they celebrated the release of their latest CD in style at the Dana Point Renaissance last Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010.
The event was MC'ed by none other than long time friend, Geno Michellini (from the now defunct L.A. rock radio station KMET). MRB played two excellent sets that rocked the joint. Some old stuff, some new stuff, and some cover tunes that Mikey and the boys have played/recorded with other bands, such as the closing number "One Way Out" that segued right into "Hotlanta".
Check out the performance of "Nothing But The Blues" from the first set down below.
The house was packed, the spirits were flowing, and everyone seemed to have a genuinely good time (as they should when they go to MRB shows).
Mike Reilly showed his usual guitar mastery, and was joined by special guests "Big Daddy" Les Taylor and Billy Watson in the second set doing some of their standard blues harmonica tunes. And of course, Mikey was accompanied by long-time friend and guitarist Danny Ott, Chris Squires on the keys, kung-fu bass master Calvin Hardy, and that always-groovin' George Manoukian on the drums.
If you missed this show, then check out The Mike Reilly Band website for future engagements. This is one band you don't wanna miss.
See you at the next MRB show. Until then, keep the juke joint rockin' and have a bluesy kind of day.
-René Mente
Greetings to Mr. Rene Mente the new Executive Director of The American Blues Blog -
contact him to submit articles and blogs - in our sunshine state - CALIFORNIA!
(contact him direct at: info@AmericanBluesBlog.com
(contact him direct at: info@AmericanBluesBlog.com
or: AmericanBluesBlog@gmail.com our work horse email.
New writers/bloggers invited - major expansion now underway!
Laurie Morvan - SRV in High Heels
I've recently started listening to some performances by a female guitarist named Laurie Morvan. She is a remarkably talented blues guitarist that reminds me of Stevie Ray Vaughn (R.I.P.) in high heels.
If you've never heard (or seen) her perform, then please check out this YouTube video.
I hope you dig her stuff as much as I do.
OK, now for the good stuff; here are some tour dates for The Laurie Morvan band:
February 13, 2010 (Saturday) - Patrick's - San Diego, CA. Show Time: 09:00 PM
February 27, 2010 (Saturday) - Cafe Boogaloo - Hermosa Beach, CA. Show Time: 08:30 PM
March 27, 2010 (Saturday) - San Diego Indie Fest VI - San Diego, CA. Show Time: 03:45 PM
April 03, 2010 (Saturday) - Patrick's II, 428 F Street, San Diego, CA. 92101. Show Time: 09:00 PM
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If you have other favorite blues artists that you would like to see reviewed, please let me know.
Thanks - and have a great "bluesy" day!
-René Mente
The Mike Reilly Band - Live at The Renaissance Hotel in Dana Point 2/11/2010
Greetings again Blues fans!
If you are located in the Southern California area, and would like to see a rockin' blues band perform - FREE! of charge - then come on down to the Renaissance Hotel in Dana Point (24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629 - near Pacific Coast Hwy and Golden Lantern) and help The Mike Reilly Band celebrate their new CD release. Showtime starts at 8:00 PM (PST).
We will be there to video tape the event and post it to YouTube, etc. Mike Reilly is an excellent guitarist that has performed/recorded with Greg Allman, Taj Mahal, and Elvin Bishop (just to name a few). Mike has a good feel for the blues, and adds his own rockin' guitar style to several blues and R&B standards, as well as his own original music.
If you can't make it, then be sure to read the reviews of the show the next day - right here on the AmericanBluesBlog.com website. We hope to see you there!
Hello from René Mente ("The New Guy")
Greetings Blues fans! I just want to say a quick "hello" from me, René Mente, aka The New Guy on The American Blues Blog website team.
I will be updating this website periodically, including reviews of recent shows, announcements of upcoming shows and special events, and just about anything else related to The Blues.
I am personally located in the Southern California area, so naturally, I can post blog articles about events in my local area such as The Long Beach Blues Festival, The Doheny Blues Festival, etc.
In addition to being a fan of The Blues, I also play The Blues (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, etc.) and occasionally sit in with some very talented players and various blues bands. I will post video links to YouTube.com of some of these performances, as well as other noteworthy performances.
I will also be posting information about how to submit blues-related articles from other parts of the world; so I encourage you to submit your posts and articles from Paris to Sydney, Nova Scotia to Auckland, and Tokyo to Buenos Aires.
As you know, The Blues evolved out of American jazz traditions, primarily from "The South" (slaves, ex-slaves, creoles, cajuns, gospel singers, preachers, etc.), but is enjoyed all around the world.
So stay tuned for some exciting updates to the website dedicated to discussing and promoting The Blues, as well as Blues artists.
This is my very first post, and I am still "learning the ropes"; please bare with me as I get up to speed and give this website some momentum.
Thanks everybody. I'm looking forward to meeting each one of you on the killing floor - at least virtually.
Sincerely,
René Mente
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