november 2015 - Blues Society of the Ozarks

November 2015
Vol. 24 Issue 10 & 11
International
Blues
Challenge
W.C. Handy Biography
Artist in the Spotlight
Jingle the Blues Away
Photo by MARTY JONES, MUSIC MAN PHOTOGRAPHY
NOVEMBER 2015
Blues Society of the Ozarks
The Bluesletter is published monthly by the Blues Society of
the Ozarks for the sole purpose of promoting and preserving the Blues in the Ozarks, “Keeping the Blues Alive.”
BSO BOARD OFFICERS
President ............................................................Brenda Seely, 818-1864
Vice President.........................................................................Bob Bledsoe
Sergeant at Arms...................................................Richard Pendergrass
Secretary...........................................................Marti Mowery, 616-4064
Treasurer ................................................................................................ open
President’s Letter
by Brenda Seely
Hello everyone, it is that time of year to set back our clocks,
settle into the weather with hot chocolate, fire in the fireplace, and making many memories with our family and
friends! The month of October went by super fast! Bob and I
finally made it to The Biscuit in Helena Arkansas, we camped
in Tent City with friends everywhere from everywhere! My
favorite was the youth jam they held early in the day on the
main stage, many of the young people whom I meant at “The
Pinetop Perkins Workshop” in June were there and it was super to see how much they have grown in their music in just a
short time. We hope to have a program starting this Fall and
Spring where we can sponsor a young musician to Hopson’s
in June 2016 on a scholarship, it is truly an experience they
will never forget and the friends they make there will last
them the rest of their lives.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
George Hunt
Richard Pendergrass
Brent Easley
Don Atwood
Mary Certain
BLUESLETTER & WEBSITE
Editor & Website.........................................................Carolyn Brockman
Calendar........................................................................... PattyHutchinson
Our last Blues Potluck and Picnic was lots of fun, Kaps and
Stems hosted as Nathan Bryce was in St. Louis becoming an Uncle!! Congrats Nathan!!
COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS
Our times for our picnic’s are going to change, we will be checking into spreading the Blues
around this next year and cutting back on them so as to not be so frazzled by having one every
month. Look for the first one in April, next June, (Father’s Day is always a great one) then August
and our last one will be in October!
Picnic...................................................................................... Marti Mowery
Public Relations ........................................................... Patty Hutchinson
GOBF......................................................................................... TBA for 2016
Membership.......................................................Robert Seely, 818-8682
Archives............................................................... Jim Coombs, 831-4781
BITS............................................................................................Mary Certain
BITS............................................................................................Brenda Seely
BITS............................................................................................George Hunt
Jingle the Blues Away...................................Brenda Seely, 818-1864
Jingle the Blues Away......................................................Marti Mowery
Rumble the Blues Away............................. Brenda and Robert Seely
Memphis Bound ..................................................................Don Atwood
Calendar..................................................... Patty Hutchinson, 848-3922
Merchandise .....................................................................Miles Tompkins
Photography........................ Marty Jones, Music Man Photography
SUBMITTING INFORMATION TO THE BSO
Bluesletter:.......................................................... bsoeditor@yahoo.com
Deadline............................................................... 15th of each month
Calendar:........................... calendar@bluessocietyoftheozarks.com
Deadline............................................................... 20th of each month
Website:.................................................. bluessocietyoftheozarks.com
Submissions.................................................. bsoeditor@yahoo.com
Deadline...................................................................................... anytime
or mail to
BSO Bluesletter
PO Box 8133
Springfield, MO
MISSION STATEMENT
Since 1991 our goals have been to encourage appreciation of the Blues, an original American music; to provide
a forum in the Ozarks for performance of the Blues at
live events and on radio and television; to educate and
entertain the people of the Ozarks; to prove an organization through which people can share their common love
of the Blues; and to join with similar organizations to
accomplish the forgoing goals.
2 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
As our Blues Society has changed and there are many who have families and other things they
do we feel this is the right way to go. Also we have always asked for Bands to donate their time,
we are looking into a sponsor who may be willing to help with at least some gas money for them
and also to changing the time of the picnic to later in the afternoon, like 3 until 7, if you have
any ideas please email me and come to our meetings so we can talk, this organization is a civic
organization, we want to support the venues who bring in the Blues, our local musicians who
play the music and to help the community become educated about our programs for Blues in The
Schools, yes there are many things going to change this next year so keep up with our website
and we will be updating the Facebook page also!
If you have not heard already we are sending Tripwire Blues Ban to Memphis this year as our band
entry and Bobby G & Cory Swift as our solo/duo. It was a great night of music with many local and
a few not so local, there was a great crowd, I want to Thank Marti Mowery, Don Atwood, Patty
Hutchinson and our judges, Wanda Plumb, Brent Easley, Misty Faulkner and Jody Guy Cottengim
for giving of their time to help make this event possible.
We are saddened by Kirk Easley’s accident and we send our prayers out to him and his awesome
family! We will be having an event for him soon so keep checking our Facebook Page and website
for details! This month starts the “Charitable R & B Music Series” at Nathan P. Murphy’s. Josh Hoyer is the first
band, the show starts at 7 and the Blues Society will be selling food to help with our Blues in the
Schools events coming up!
Our JINGLE THE BLUES AWAY will be December 12th at The American Legion Post 639! Our host
band will be “Blue Plate Special”, the BSO will be providing some meat and sides so bring a favorite dish and also donations, (socks, anklets preferred, toiletries, diapers, onesies, pretty much anything a baby or children up to age 18 would need, we do take toys but they get those items from
other organizations) for The Boys and Girls Town here in Springfield and also non perishable food
items to donate to a local food bank as this is the holiday season when those items are needed.
I want to thank Richard Pendergrass for being an amazing person and doing BSO merchandise
for over ten years!! He will be sorely missed but he will still be out to shows so when you see him
thank him for all he has done! Miles Tompkins will be doing merchandise, Thank You!
I hope the Holidays do not sneak up on you as they have me!! Thank you to all who support live
music and The Blues Society of the Ozarks!
With Love and Respect,
Brenda Seely, Very Proud to be
President, The Blues Society of the Ozarks Bluesletter Editor Signing in...
by Carolyn Brockman
to help the organization grow more each day.
I am humbly honored to receive the Bluesletter reins
from our former editor, Monica Whitworth. She is
definitely a tough act to follow with her twelve years
of experience in collecting and compiling all kinds
of Blues material to pass on to you, the reader. You’ll
notice that this Bluesletter is numbered Volume 24,
issue 10 & 11. That is because of our transition. I am
thankful to Jim Coombs for archiving our Bluesletters and offering advice! Thank you for being patient
with us!
On more of a personal note, I am an instructor at
OTC. I teach and tutor math and technology. I hold a
Doctorate degree in Instructional Technology & Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University
in Florida and a Masters degree in the same topic
from Drury University in Springfield. I taught middle
school science and math in the public school system for seven years before coming to OTC.
Five years ago last
month, Mitch asked
me to marry him on
the dance floor of
BB King’s on Beale
Street! I have one
son and two stepsons. I enjoy church,
reading,
tatting,
museums, traveling, fishing, camping,… and of course,
the Blues. We’re excited to going to the IBC. If you’re
going, better get your rooms reserved now!
I met Brenda
Seely, the BSO
president, at the
Ozarks Technical Community
College (OTC) in
Springfield. We
quickly
make
friends and if
anyone knows
Brenda, she is
going to invite
you to see the bands…. and give you a hug. Needless to say, I fell in love with the music. We are very My parents are Kevin and Marcy Powell who have
fortunate to have such talent here in our own area! recently joined the BSO and have fell in love with the
music they have heard. They have a company called
I’ve become familiar with several of the area bands
Missouri Safe Carry and teach concealed carry coursand the goings-on with the BSO because of my work
es to the general public.
on the Website. I was very grateful, by the way, for
the help that Ric Lund from Treva and the Trouble- BU1(SCW) Retha Dawes, my identical twin sister,
makers gave me when we were getting the Website completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy
switched over. I am in awe of the BSO members who Seabee. I’m very proud of her and every Veteran I
dedicate so much of their personal time and talents meet. Brenda and Bob Seely were there with us to
What is the Blues Society of the Ozarks?
The Blues Society of the Ozarks (BSO), founded in 1991, is based in Springfield, Missouri
and principally serves the Southwest Missouri region. We are not-for-profit– tax-exempt
organization, affiliated with the Blues Foundation.
have made significant contributions to the
Blues world. KBA Chairman Art Tipaldi noted, “The KBA is awarded for the recipients
lifetime body of work; we don’t view the recipient as the winner of a ‘best of the year’
category”. Consistent with this philosophy,
the committee generally refrains from awardWhile our members mostly live in Missouri, ing the KBA to an individual or organization
our group also extends into Arkansas, Kansas, more than once.
and Oklahoma.
Our yearly membership levels begin at $15
for students, seniors and Veterans; $25 for inThe BSO’s mission is to:
dividual; and $35 for family and Band mem(1) Provide an organization in the Ozarks area bership. This membership will give you much
where people of all ages can share their com- in return, including meeting new friends
mon appreciation and love of the blues, (2) while you are enjoying and learning about
Encourage more people to experience the the best Blues artists in and around our area.
Blues, a unique Made-In-America form of
music, (3) Educate people in the appreciation
of Blues music, (4) Provide opportunities for
the younger generations to get involved with
the blues to ensure the preservation of music, and (5) Support and encourage performance of the Blues at clubs, at festivals, and
on the radio.
Awards
In 2007, we were proud to be the recipient
of the “Keeping the Blues Alive” (KBA) award.
Each year, the Blues Foundation presents this
award to individuals and organizations that
By being a member of the Blues Society
of the Ozarks , you are helping to support
the community and the arts in addition to
helping preserve America’s original art form
known as the Blues.
greet her home off the plane from her last tour.
My goals as your BSO editor are to bring current
Blues information from our wonderful bands here
and around the Ozarks and to remind the Bluesletter
readers of the extensive history of the BSO. I hope
that members and associated Blues societies send
information to me to add to newsletters on a regular
basis. Not only will it keep the readers updated on
current news and events… it will help me immensely in making sure I capture the true picture of what is
going on with the Blues in the Ozarks.
To share stories, articles, pictures, and any other
items of interest pertaining to The Blues Society of
the Ozarks, please email me at:
bsoeditor@yahoo.com
Your Membership Has Benefits!
»» Monthly Newsletter delivered to your email.
»» Ability to attend monthly meetings and vote on upcoming organizational issues and elections.
»» Opportunities to win tickets to events and to volunteer at BSO fundraisers & events.
»» Discounts at many area stores and restaurants with
membership card, list is in the Bluesletter and on
bluessocietyoftheozarks.com
»» Social networking by meeting other people who
also love the blues.
Corporate Sponsors
Springfield Music
Billy Jacoby, Murney Realtors
Steve F Groce, Atty
Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers
Sunbelt Environmental
Service Inc.
Margaret Phillips, Dogwood
Tavern
Tom Wittrock, Third Eye
Music
Selby Minner, Friends of the
Rentiesville
Wilson Chuckwagon
Misty’s Place
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 3
Representing
the Ozarks at
the IBC
ARKANSAS RIVER BLUES SOCIETY
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Band: John Calvin Brewer Band
Solo/Duo: Trey Johnson & Jason Wilman
BLUES SOCIETY OF THE OZARKS
SPRINGFIELD, MO
Band: Tripwire
Solo/Duo: Bobby G & Cory Swift
BUFFALO RIVER BLUES SOCIETY, NORTH CENTRAL
ARKANSAS, DENNARD, AR
Band: Brenda Meyer Band
Solo/Duo: Ben “Swamp Donkey” Brenner
LAKE OF THE OZARK BLUES SOCIETY, CAMDENTON, MO
Band: The Norman Jackson Band
OZARK BLUES SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST
ARKANSAS, FAYETTEVILLE, AR
Band: Divas on Fire
Solo/Duo: Jimmy Wayne Garrett
SPA CITY BLUES SOCIETY, HOT SPRINGS, AR
Band: n/a
Solo/Duo: Stuart Baer and Lance Womack
Noted Guitarist “Smokin” Joe Kubek Passes at age 58
-From Blind Pig Records
Acclaimed guitarist Smokin’ Joe Kubek passed away October 11 while on tour
in South Carolina. He was 58. There’s no question why he was given the nickname “Smokin’.” He was one of the hottest electric guitar players on the blues
scene, with the technique and the chops to burn up any stage.
Kubek was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania in 1956 but grew up in Irving, Texas. He was leading his own bands and gigging in clubs all around Dallas when
he was a teenager. By the time he was 19, he was backing many famous blues
players in the area, including playing rhythm guitar behind legend Freddie
King for a while, until King’s death in December 1976.
Kubek next worked with R&B singer Al “TNT” Braggs and made a host of new
friends, including Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan (with whom Kubek became
close), B.B. King and many other blues icons.
Label co-founder Jerry Del Giudice added, “He was one of the
best guitarists I ever worked
with. His playing was flawless and
soulful. I not only considered him
an excellent guitarist, but also a
friend. He will be sorely missed.”
Blind Pig publicist Debra Regur,
who’s worked with Kubek since
2003, said, “It is with such great
sorrow that I write these words
for my dear friend. Joe was an
amazing guitar player, producer,
and more importantly - a great
friend. Joe was an inspiration to
all that met him. He always had
a positive outlook on life. He
played every note with passion
- there will never be another like
Joe.”
Kubek didn’t hit his stride, however, until he teamed up with jazz guitarist
and singer Bnois King (no relation to Freddie) of Monroe, Louisiana, in 1989.
They developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, one of the most talented
guitar tandems in any genre, who thrilled music fans all around the world with
their red-hot Texas rockin’ blues for twenty-six years. Beginning in 1991 they
released a number of highly-acclaimed recordings, their most recent being Fat
To watch Debra’s iPhone video of Joe playing guitar at Biscuits and Blues in San
Man’s Shine Parlor, released earlier this year on Blind Pig Records.
Francisco several months ago, go to:
Label President Edward Chmelewski said, “Joe was truly one of the good guys, a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcymjoIDe10
humble, kind person and an immensely gifted musician. It’s a great loss for all of
For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.
us. We feel privileged to have known him and documented his music.”
4 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
Artist Spotlight
Meet Ozarks Musician Stoney Cottengim
by Carolyn Brockman
Musician Stoney Cottengim is an accomplished
lead and bass guitar player who, is a member of
both Papa Green Shoes and Tripwire , known for
performing Blues, rock, soul, and his self-proclaimed “feel good” music throughout the Ozarks.
In addition to being a talented singer, he transitions
between the guitar, bass, drums and harmonica instruments. Stoney says the best part of playing music is being able to entertain and take the audience
away from the grind of their daily lives. He likes to
learn from masters in his field, study many different
styles of music, and continually grow as a musician.
Music in his family started with his dad and aunt
singing and playing the piano. His dad’s parents
liked to get together and have jams at home which
his dad and aunt were a part of. Many musicians
can probably relate to this type of playing as some of
the best years of their life. “Back then,” Stoney says,
“there wasn’t much to do but to play music.”
As a natural musician, Stoney began performing
with his dad and brother early on, gaining experience in songwriting and a variety of musical instruments including piano, saxophone, and standup bass among those already mentioned. Stoney
received his first bass guitar on his 12th birthday.
Before playing with Papa Green Shoes and Tripwire, Stoney played with such bands and artists as
the Cottengim Band, Vic Vaughn, C-Club, Mudhounds, and Lori Locke. He has also studied Music
Theory at MSU where he learned how to read and
write music, although he already had the “ear training” throughout his youth.
Stoney gives most all credit to his dad for encouraging his love of entertainment. He recognizes his dad
as being the best one-man-band ever. They traveled
together through his pre-teen and teenage years. He
fondly remembers playing Vegas with his dad when
he was about 17 years old. Now Stoney plays the
Springfield club scene like Lindberg’s and Cartoons,
among others.
When asked about his mom he said that she was the
most wonderful and supportive mother a person
could have. She was an entertainment photographer in Stoney’s earlier years, then a wedding photographer later. Although she does not play music,
she is the “best mother ever… the most supportive
mother.”
Influential mentors for Stoney include his dad,
Jim Cottengim (aka Jimmy Guy), brother Jody
Guy Cottengim; and step-dad, Lou Whitney. He is
particularly grateful to his dad who got him into a
country music show as a solo clog dancer when he
was ten. Although he had been interested in music
much earlier, this show is what Stoney credits as the
first taste of his love of entertaining. As a prolific
songwriter, his dad instilled in Stoney the importance of good songwriting. Although he realizes
Photo by JEN COTTENGIM
there is more money in songwriting, he laughs
and states he prefers to be a performer. He considers both dads as legends in the area and is “trying
to create his own coming from those two”. Stoney
is his own worst critic.
Stoney is more of a ZZ Top than a Rolling Stones
fan. He grew up around influences of JJ Cale, Ry
Cooder, Tony Joe White, Freddy King, Albert
King and BB King. He says the list goes on. Stoney
jokes that the Kings, although not related to each
other, all wanted to be the “king”. He considers
these exceptionally talented artists to be some of
the original blues men. For the first 20+ years of
Stoney’s 30 year music career, he primarily played
bass, the instrument in which he considers himself
most fluent. He says he was influenced by bass players Larry Graham, Donald Duck Dunn, and Les
Claypool.
Stoney has had the privilege to perform with some
of the biggest names in the business as either an
opening act or in festival appearances. He says that
his bands are very active in donating time to help
with fundraisers for charitable organizations such
as Toys for Tots, Bikers for Babies, Sertoma events,
Hogs for Dogs, etc. In addition to four finished professional records, Stoney and his bandmates have
done television and radio work over the years, including appearances on Ozarks Live and the Mystery Hour. They also did a live performance for
King Biscuit Flower Hour in Memphis where they
met Sonny Payne.
Stoney lives in Springfield with his wife, Jen, and
three kids. He has two grandsons. In his free time
he especially likes spending time with his family.
His children have become a product of their musical environment. His son has recently taken up the
guitar. Stoney shared that his daughter is a prolific
songwriter and “just has it”. She understands good
composition, plays the guitar and ukulele, and
sings. This last summer, he admits, he got a little
carried away with water sports. The family spent
a lot of time camping, water skiing, wave runners,
knee boarding, tubing, and boating.
When he is not playing music, Stoney is a mechanic with his own mobile service, Stoney’s Garage. His passion and talent for cars was cultivated
with comprehensive reading, extensive experience,
and learning from other skilled mechanics. Even
though music and cars have been such a large part
of his life, Stoney wants to be remembered primarily as a good father, husband, and caretaker.
Stoney is also a fan of boxing and enjoys watching
humorous movies. He said “laughter is the key.” He
enjoys movies such as Office Space, Big Lebowski,
Tombstone, and The Breakup. However his all-time
favorite movies are related to music. He is particularly impressed with the Blues Brothers, Ray with
Jamie Fox, and Walk the Line with Joaquin Phoe-
nix. He respects all genres of music but admits
sometimes he can only handle about 30 minutes of
some of them.
Even though music was such a huge part of Stoney’s
life growing up, for him it wasn’t popular to be in
the high school band. He said music was, “not cool
until out of school”.
I just had to ask Stoney what were some fads he engaged in as a teenager… I knew the readers would
want to know. He said, as a child of the late 80s and
early 90’s, he wore Z Cavaricci ripped jeans, half
boots zipped up, and a long earring in his left ear.
He liked fast cars. He was a “North Side Bruiser, Kearney Street Cruiser.”
When asked what changes he has seen since he
was a kid, Stoney responded, “the technology, the
ability for the kids to learn, the instant communication, always being connected. If we wanted to learn
something [as a kid] we had to struggle. Technology
wasn’t always at our fingertips like it is for kids today.” Also, he mentioned a bit about how different
kids are raised now than they used to be.
This coming January, Stoney will perform with
Tripwire for the fifth time in the International
Blues Challenge held in Memphis, Tennessee. Even
though they spend more time entertaining than
performing in the studio, the band has released four
albums, Live at the Players Club (2001), Fayetteville
Recordings (2003), Get it On (2005) and Tryin’ to
Get Home (2010). Tripwire is currently in the middle of recording their fifth album.
Tripwire will be performing at the much anticipated
2015 Imagine Concert at the Gillioz December 5th.
Papa Green Shoes and Tripwire can both be found
on Facebook. You can also visit Tripwire’s website at
www.tripwireband.com
The Blues musician in the Artist Spotlight has been
chosen randomly from a database of members by
instrument/talent and by bands. For instance, the
musician chosen for this month is the lead guitarist
from Papa Green Shoes. Each month the Bluesletter
will randomly spotlight area artists. To be sure that
your band and instruments are included in the database, please email bsoeditor@yahoo.com
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 5
Visit
bluessocietyoftheozarks.com
to see more awesome pictures of
the 2015 GOBF
King Clarentz
Sean
BandClavin
Name&
the Dirty Truth
Bluesberries
Divas on Fire
Steampunk
Band
Name
Revolution
Blue Plate Special
Papa Green Shoes
Nathan
Bryce &
Band Name
Loaded Dice
6 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
Conita
& the
Band Name
Jukedawgs
Earl & Them
Photos by MARTY JONES, MUSIC MAN PHOTOGRAPHY
The Greater Ozarks Blues Festival 2015
By Brenda Seely
This year we had a wonderful time at the Greater
Ozarks Blues Festival, we had many great sponsors, food trucks, silent auctions, bonfires and
many new friends!
On Friday we started out setting the scene with
our great Stage Manager George Hunt and his
assistant Roger Keith, along with the incredible
Burl Williams as our sound engineer the party
was off to a great start! Our Green Room was set
up by Renee Hunt and Mary Certain and they
went beyond the call of duty as they treated each
one of the bands just like the stars they are!!
We are very Thankful to all the local bands who
came to the stage! There is an amazing amount
of talent in our town and we hit on just a few of
the best!!
Friday we had Conita Silva start us out with The
Juke Dogs. People loved this mix and Conita
charmed many who had not heard her before!!
She is an inspiration to all who met and hear her!!
Sean Clavin & The Dirty Truth was up next and
they really rocked the crowd, many other musicians there stopped and listened to this group,
very cool when you see the respect and support
they give to each other!
As these groups were giving you their all I, was
running around like I had no head... getting the
groups together for the ceremony for 9/11. The
Springfield Police Department did an awesome
flag tribute, then Seth Dylan Hunt and his Aunt,
Connie Henson sang the National Anthem, it
was beautiful and moving, the whole ceremony was awesome, I just want to thank the Navy,
the Marines, the Police Department and Nolan
Moody for helping us with it!!
After the tribute Blue Plate Special took over and
cheered everyone up with the awesome set they
worked up just for our event, Thank You guys!!!
We are grateful to them also for agreeing to do
our Jingle the Blues Away on December 12th, so
mark that on your calendar!!
Our Headliner for Friday is an all time Springfield favorite, The Bluesberries. Tom Wittrock
leads this awesome band with friends that have
been members for many years!! Dave Painter, Bill
Jones, Rick Salvatore and of course BJ Rossi !!!
The place was jumping, we just love this band,
they know what we like to hear and dance to!
There was a short break but the momentum
stayed going with our own Brenda Meyer Band
when they got up on stage to host the after party
jam! Can hardly sit still, have got to get up and
move when they play!
On Saturday we started out early with Nathan
Bryce & Loaded Dice, our2015 Memphis Bound
Winner! This young man has grown in his music,
he is such a great guitar player, song writer and
singer!! Thank you Nathan, Eric Quinn and Kevin Lyons for your music!! One of the newest local bands, Steampunk Revolution came up on stage next to keep us rocking,
this band is a high energy rockin blues band and
we loved every minute they played!
Just as the stillness started to set in Papa Green
Shoes stepped up on stage, there was a moment
when it seemed like you could hear the ducks at
Nathanial Green Park and then the stage started
grooving with the Blues of this awesome band!
Their sound grew up in Springfield and many
there crowded the stage to show their love and
respect for them!!
To say I am drawn to Earl & Them would be a
true statement. This band is so incredible at what
they do, they can read a room and play to it, flowing from one song to the next, we are always happy to see our good friends Earl Cate, Jason Davis
and Terry Cagle and John Davies! Our headliner this year is one of the most sought
after new groups around, just a little over a year
old they have Bennett setting stages on fire everywhere they go! Divas on Fire had everyone
clapping and dancing, the energy they gave the
crowd was amazing, we Thank them from the
bottom of our hearts! Everyone had a great time, the food was great
from London Calling, The Paddy Wagon, Tennessee T”s BBQ and the chili being served by The
Ladies Auxiliary! The American Legion Post 639
really stepped up and helped us this year! Also
all our amazing and tireless volunteers were the
best ever! There is no way we could have done
our festival without them!!
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 7
es. Handy later studied at the Teachers Agricultural and Mechanical College
in Huntsville, Alabama, receiving his degree in 1892. He then found work as
a schoolteacher, but in his time off he continued to pursue his music career.
Hardships and First Blues Song
Handy’s contributions in shaping what would be called the blues were influenced by the African-American musical folk traditions that he experienced
during his travels and performances. In 1892 he formed a band called Lauzette Quartet, with the intention of performing at the Chicago World’s Fair
later that year, but when the fair was postponed until 1893, the band was
forced to split. Handy ended up in St. Louis, where he experienced difficult
days of poverty, hunger and homelessness.
Yet Handy held fast, continued to play the cornet at shows and eventually
made his way to Kentucky, where he was hired as a musician in the well-todo in the city of Henderson. At one performance there in 1898, Handy met
Elizabeth Virginia Price, whom he married in July of that year. They would
have two children together and remain married until her death in 1937.
But Handy’s first big musical break came in 1896, when he was asked to join
W. A. Mahara’s Minstrels as its bandleader. He stayed with the group for several years, traveling the country and as far away as Cuba to perform. Weary
of life on the road, in 1900, Handy and Elizabeth settled down in Huntsville,
Alabama, where Handy worked as a music teacher, but in 1902 he hit the
road again.
Memphis Blues
W.C. Handy
Songwriter (1873-1958)
By Editors at Biography.com
W.C. Handy was an African-American composer and a leader in popularizing
blues music in the early 20th century, with hits like “Memphis Blues” and “St.
Louis Blues.”
Synopsis
W.C. Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. He
played with several bands and traveled throughout the Midwest and the
South, learning about the African-American folk music that would become
known as the blues. Handy later composed his own songs—including “St.
Louis Blues,” “Memphis Blues” and “Aunt Hagar’s Blues”—which would help
popularize the form and come to be major commercial hits. He died in New
York City in 1958.
Early Life
Composer, musician and music publisher William Christopher Handy was
born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama, to Elizabeth Brewer and
Charles Barnard Handy. The son and grandson of Methodist ministers, the
young Handy showed his love of music at an early age, and was supported in his pursuits by his maternal grandmother. His father had other ideas,
however, and was staunchly opposed to secular musicianship for his son,
only agreeing to pay for organ lessons. Nonetheless, Handy held fast to his
love and took up the cornet, also enjoying a cappella vocal lessons at school.
Some reports say that Handy joined a minstrel show—a theatrical production of the time that featured African-American music, generally in caricatured form—at the age of 15. The troupe disbanded after several appearanc-
8 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
After a sojourn in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where Handy headed up the band
the Black Knights of Pyhtias and immersed himself in the local variation of the
blues, by the end of the first decade of the 20th century, Handy had settled
in Memphis, Tennessee, where he performed frequently at the Beale Street
clubs. In 1909 Handy wrote what was to become a campaign song called
“Mr. Crump,” named after Memphis mayoral candidate Edward H. “Boss”
Crump. (Crump won the election, although the lyrics of the song weren’t the
most flattering). The song was later reworked and became “Memphis Blues.”
Handy made a deal to get the song published in 1912, and henceforth became a trailblazer in bringing the form’s song structures to large audiences.
Often considered the first blues song every published, “Memphis Blues” was
a commercial hit. Handy, however, never got to reap the financial rewards
of its success, having sold the rights
to the song and fallen prey to exploitative business practices. Having
learned his lesson the hard way, he
decided to set up a structure to retain
ownership of his songs and created
his own publishing venture with a
songwriter named Harry Pace. Handy released his next hit, “St. Louis Blues”—outlining the hardships
he’d experienced years before in the
titular city—in 1914, under the Pace
& Handy Music Company, (which
later became known as the Handy
Brothers Music Company, after Pace
left the venture). “St. Louis Blues” became a massive success and would
be recorded many times over the
next several years. Other Handy hits
include “Yellow Dog Blues” (1914) and “Beale Street Blues” (1916). He would
eventually be credited with composing dozens of songs.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1918, Handy moved his business to New York to escape Southern racial
hostilities, and later scored success with the composition “Aunt Hagar’s Blues.”
He continued to promote blues to large audiences during the 1920s, editing
the book Blues: An Anthology (1926)—which contained blues arrangements
for vocals and piano—and organizing the first blues performance in New
continued on page 19
My #1 Reason for Being a BSO Member:
Meeting all the amazing musicians, young and
old, hanging out with them, watching them up
close as they play their music and volunteering
to help keep the music alive?? That’s my passion
and I am very Thankful to all whom I have met
whose passion it is also!! Thank you—Brenda
Blues
On the Radio
SATURDAY
KRWP FM 107.7 The Saturday Night Blues Party 9 p.m. with
Brian Sullivan
KSMU-FM 91.1. Beale Street Caravan Show. 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
KSMU 91.1 FM, 90.5 FM Branson, 88.1 FM Mountain Grove, 90.9
FM West Plains, 98.9 FM Joplin
103.7 FM Neosho Route 66 Blues Express 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. with
John Darkhorse
SUNDAY
BLUES SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Second Monday of the Month Please see Calendar for Location
ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS
Business Card ($10)............................... members ...............................2.5” x 3”
Business Card ($15)............................... non-members.......................................
Quarter Page ($30)............................................................................ 3.90” x 4.75”
Half Page Horizontal ($50)......................................................................7.5” x 5”
Half Page Vertical ($50) .................................................................... 3.625” x 10”
Full Page ($100)........................................................................................ 7.5” x 10”
BSO MEMBERSHIP
To join or renew membership in the Blues Society of the Ozarks, fill
out the form located on the back page of this Bluesletter and send it
with the applicable fees to the BSO address or use the link under the
“About the BSO” tab in the bluessocietyoftheozarks.com website. For
those of you who are already members, please check the expiration
date on your Bluesletter label so you can renew in time to keep your
membership active.
KSPQ 94 FM Blues 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with Robert Lynn Sunday,
KSPQ 94 FM, House of Blues Hour 11 a.m. to noon, with Dan
Ackroyd
US 97, Dr. Bob 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, The Cave 104.7FM –
House of Blues Radio Hour w/Dan Ackroyd @ 9am and repeating @ 9pm.
Big Dog 97.9 FM (Joplin) - House of Blues Radio Hour with Dan
Ackroyd @ 6pm
MONDAY
KCONLINERADIO.com- With Kool Breeze All Day Lunch Hour
(Live) @ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THURSDAY
KCONLINERADIO.com- KC Bikes and Breeze (Live) @ 8 p.m. to
11 p.m.
KCONLINERADIO.com- Kool Breeze and Sizzlin’ Blues @ 7 p.m.
to 11 p.m.
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 9
10 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
Open Jam hosted by
Levee Town
Knuckleheads (KC)
Open Jam hosted by
Levee Town
Knuckleheads (KC)
Open Jam hosted by
Lloyd Hicks, Chris Albert, & Don Randolf
Misty’s Place
Mason Dixon Band
7 C’s Winery
Benefit for Sondra
Burns “Fight Against
Alzheimer’s”
Dirty Saints
Tripwire
Sister Lucille
Steve Moeller Band
Treva & the Troublemakers
Damnit Ashley
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
Sunday
8
1
BSO Meeting
Library Center 7:00
Monday
9
2
3
10
Sparky & the Tuesdays
Misty’s Place
Tuesday
4
No Stringz Attached
Cody’s South
11
No Stringz Attached
Cody’s South
Wednesday
5
12
Sister Lucille
Classic Rock Coffee
Katy & the Girls
Misty’s Place
Art Bentley
Cody’s South
Nathan Bryce & Loaded
Dice
Classic Rock Coffee
Charitable Music Series
Josh Hoyer and Soul
Colossal
Nathan P. Murphy’s
Thursday
November 2015
Blues Socieety of the Ozarks
6
Brenda Meyer Band
Bel Airs (early show)
Luna Jamboree (late
show)
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
13
Mason Dixon Band
Wacky Jacks (Highlandville)
Damnit Ashley
Misty’s Place
Back Road Story (early
show)
Amanda Fish Band &
Delta Sol Revival (late
show)
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
Friday
7
Loon Rangers (early
show)
Makenna & Brock w/
special guests Leather
& Lace (late show)
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
14
Jazz (5-7) and
Blues (8-10)
Vandivort Center
Theatre
KCBS 35th Anniversary
Show
2015 IBC Solo/Duo
winner Kara Petere &
Jim Herbrt
2015 IBC Band winner
Jason Vivone & the Billy
Bats
Katy Guillen & the Girls
Anthony Gomes
Knuckleheads (KC)
Riff Raff
Cheeky Monkey (Branson)
Wingapalooza After
Party
Mix Tapes
Fun House
Hey Jealousy
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
Mason Dixon Band
Cody’s South
Sister Lucille
Outback Pub (Branson)
Titanium Blues Band
Misty’s Place
Saturday
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 11
Open Jam hosted by
Levee Town
Knuckleheads (KC)
G-14 (early show)
Fun House (late show)
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
29
Open Jam hosted by
Levee Town
Knuckleheads (KC)
22
Open Jam hosted by
Levee Town
Knuckleheads (KC)
Open Jam hosted by
Lloyd Hicks, Chris Albert, & Don Randolf
Misty’s Place
15
30
Tommy Castro & the
Painkillers w/ Danielle
Nicole Band
Knuckleheads (KC)
23
16
18
No Stringz Attached
Cody’s South
25
Bonnie Garapic Benefit
(Surprise, so don’t tell
her!)
No Stringz Attached
Cody’s South
December 17
Cate Brothers
Misty’s Place
December 12
BSO Jingle the Blues Away hosted by Blue Plate
Special
Benefits the Boys and Girls Town of Springfield
American Legion Post
Upcoming events
24
17
19
Fishing for Saturday
(early show)
Verbing Nouns (late
show)
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
Art Bentley
Cody’s South
27
Howie & the Hillcats
Misty’s Place
26
20
Melodie Rooker & the
Mississippi Swamp
Boys (early show)
Shot Gun Billys (late
show)
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
Tripleshot
Misty’s Place
Misty’s Place
No Stringz Attached
Jalen’s Lounge
Art Bentley
Cody’s South
Nathan Bryce and Loaded Dice
Classic Rock Coffee
Art Bentley
Cody’s South
No Stringz Attached
Jalen’s Lounge
The Bel Airs w/ The
Nace Brothers
Knuckleheads (KC)
Treva & the Troublemakers
Just One More
Riff Raff featuring Conita’s birthday
Misty’s Place
28
Springfield Rockfest
T.R.O.Y
Paralandra
Crowning Alice
Cartoon’s Oyster Bar
Steve Smith & the
Sneakers
Misty’s Place
Tripwire Memphis
Bound fundraiser and
auction
Classic Rock Coffee
21
Mason Dixon Band
No Name Saloon (Willard)
Dart Frog
Misty’s Place
12 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
by Carolyn Brockman
2016 marks the 32nd year of the International Blues Challenge in the historic Beale Street district of downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Last year, as
the Blues Foundation’s signature event, the International Blues Challenge
(IBC) hosted 257 acts filling up the clubs up and down Beale Street. The
previous year, 2014, saw 125 bands and 80 solo/duo acts.
The IBC is an international search by the Blues Foundation and its affiliated
organizations for Blues bands and Solo/Duo acts. Although it is the world’s
largest gathering of Blues artists, contestants must be sponsored by their
local affiliate of the Blues Foundation. According to Simpson (2013) the
event “strives to advance the careers of up and coming blues artists by
showcasing their talents and bestowing upon them awards that are recognized industry-wide”.
Following former competition formats the International Blues Challenge
(IBC) will occur Wednesday through Saturday, January 26-30th. Quarter-finals will be held on the first two days, the Semi-finals on Friday, and then
the Finals will be at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday.
The Blues Foundation’s website reported:
The week of events will once again kick off Tuesday night with a Meet &
Greet hosted by the Beale Street Merchants Association at the New Daisy
Theater, followed by the International Showcase. In addition to the evening Blues competition, the days are filled with seminars and workshops
and topped off in a moving Friday afternoon in which the Blues community will honor its own with the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA)
awards that honor the men and women, who have made significant contributions to the Blues music world, in 20 categories such as journalism,
literature and photography and to the best clubs and festivals, as well as
managers, promoters and producers (2015).
The list of current blues artists that have competed in the IBC over the years
is impressive indeed: Barbara Blue, Fiona Boyes, Eden Brent, the late Michael Burks, Sean Carney, Albert Castiglia, Tommy Castro, Grady Champion,
the late Sean Costello, Albert Cummings, Delta Moon, Larry Garner, Joey
Gilmore, Diunna Greenleaf, Zac Harmon, Homemade Jamz Blues Band,
Richard Johnston, Robin Rogers, Matthew Skoller, JP Soars, Super Chikan,
Susan Tedeschi, Teeny Tucker, Trampled Under Foot and Watermelon Slim.
Simpson (2013) added Michelle Wilson to the impressive list.
Prizes for the Bands and Solo/Duo competitions include an International
Blues Challenge plaque, cash, a Blues festival guide, and great gigs in num-
Tripwire
ber according to placement.
In addition to the exciting prizes, special awards will be given to the Best
Guitarist in Band finals, Best Guitarist in Solo/Duo finals, Best Harmonica
Player, and Best Self-produced CD.
For more information about the IBC visit the website:
http://www.blues.org/international-blues-challenge/
See Page 4 to see who else will represent the Ozarks at the IBC in January.
Bobby G and Cory Swift
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 13
featuring
Blue Plate Special
To Benefit the
Boys and Girls
Town of Missouri
December 12,
2015
Potluck Dinner 6:00 p.m.
Music 7:00 p.m.
Meat supplied by BSO
Sponsored by:
Springfield Music
American Legion Post 639
Al’s Happy Hens
Please bring items
for all age groups. i.e.
socks, t0shirts, diapers,
toiletries, blankets,
onesies, etc.
American Legion Post 639 • 2660 South Scenic • Springfield, MO
14 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
derstanding of this truly original American music
form allows students to appreciate this and other
contributions of African-Americans to the world.
The study of the blues is the study of the culture
that produced this music. This cultural study is an
investment in the human spirit
Studying the blues can give students deeper understanding of the rural and urban African-American culture.
With the exception of Native American music
forms, the blues is the first pure American music
form to have originated in this country. Coming
from the oral traditions of folk music, the blues is
the foundation for all other popular music forms
students listen to today.
Just as important as understanding the evolution
of the musical structure of the blues is understanding the ways blues music expressed individual emotions.
The most effective BITS programs utilize a classroom curriculum that affects many students and
disciplines. A comprehensive curriculum of one
week to a month in length can address the main
educational issues of the next century, inter discipline and diversity.
Subjects like Music, Art, English, and Social Studies are natural fits, while creative teachers can
individually figure ways to tie Math, Science and
Tech Ed to a BITS unit.
Just a simple activity like designing a CD package
enlists Art, English, and Music disciplines. When
students plan out the touring itinerary for a band,
they will utilize Math, Geography, and Language
Arts skills in their planning of a month on the
road.
At the high school level, the in-depth study of
the sharecropping system in the Mississippi Delta combines English, Social Studies, and Music to
deliver a very crucial understanding of the relationship between these social and cultural factors
in the birth of the blues.
In the early 20th Century, W.E.B. Dubois wrote,
“The problem of the 20th Century is the problem
of the color line.” Through the study of blues traditions in any curriculum, educators can address
educational issues like the color line, diversity,
multi-culturalism, and interdisciplinary studies in
a way that engages all aged students.
At a time when Dubois’ words still echo, an un-
Students can be shown the essential part these
rural lyrics played in the African-American oral
traditions. Lacking an educational system, these
early country blues men and women created
beautiful poetry that responded to the conditions
of their world. Sometimes the lyrics expressed the
anger they could not speak. Other times, they
painted a vivid picture of African-American life in
those fields.
At the same time, the music incorporated danceable rhythms and so called “blue notes” that could
assuage the day’s Jim Crow encounters.
Music reflects the feelings of the times. Through
the blues, student listeners can feel what happened in those times and know to apply it to today.
From www.science.blog
“We have bands that
are ready... just need
a school/schools to
host” - Mary Certain
vertible evidence from a study conducted out of
the University of Toronto.
The study, led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, examined the effect of extra-curricular activities on
the intellectual and social development of sixyear-old children. A group of 144 children were
recruited through an ad in a local newspaper and
assigned randomly to one of four activities: keyboard lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons, or no
lessons. Two types of music lessons were offered
in order to be able to generalize the results, while
the groups receiving drama lessons or no lessons
were considered control groups in order to test
the effect of music lessons over other art lessons
requiring similar skill sets and nothing at all. The
activities were provided for one year.
The participating children were given IQ tests before and after the lessons. The results of this study
revealed that increases in IQ from pre- to post-test
were larger in the music groups than in the two
others. Generally these increases occurred across
IQ subtests, index scores, and academic achievement. Children in the drama group also exhibited
improvements pre- to post-test, but in the area
of adaptive social behavior, an area that did not
change among children who received music lessons.
This study is published in the August issue of Psychological Science, a journal of the American Psychological Society.
E. Glenn Schellenberg is currently with the Department of Psychology at the University of
Toronto at Mississauga. He can be reached via
e-mail at g.schellenberg@utoronto.ca.
Psychological Science is ranked among the top
10 general psychology journals for impact by the
Institute for Scientific Information. The American
Psychological Society represents psychologists
advocating science-based research in the public’s
interest.
Mary Certain, along with Brenda Seely and
George Hunt are the members of the BSOs Blues
in the School Committee.
Mary wrote, “We have bands that are ready, we
now just need a school/schools to host.”
New Research Provides the First Solid Evidence
that the Study of Music Promotes Intellectual Development
Please talk to your area schools and
teachers to get our bands in to help
our kids! See Mary’s ad on page 7
for her contact information
The idea that studying music improves the intellect is not a new one, but at last there is incontro-
Most of this article was taken from http://www.
blues.org/blues-in-the-schools/
From American Psychological Society :
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 15
“Her voice had a thin
thread of sadness running through it that made
the song important, that
made it tell a story that
wasn’t in the words – a
story of despair, of loneliness, of frustration. It was
a story that all of them
knew by heart and had
always known because
they had learned it soon
after they were born and
would go on adding to it
until the day they died.”
― Ann Petry, The Street
May 1941. “In the convict camp at Greene County,
Georgia.” The guitarist is bluesman Buddy Moss.
http://www.junipergallery.com/node/5083
Performers in Blues Hall of Fame
Luther Allison
Billy Boy Arnold
Dave Bartholomew
Chuck Berry
Blind Blake
Bobby “Blue” Bland
Mike Bloomfield
Lonnie Brooks
Big Bill Broonzy
Charles Brown
Clarence Gatemouth Brown
Roy Brown
Ruth Brown
Tommy Brown
R.L. Burnside
Paul Butterfield
Leroy Carr
Ray Charles
Clifton Chenier
Eric Clapton
Otis Clay
Albert Collins
James Cotton
Robert Cray
Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup
Reverend Gary Davis
Walter Davis
Bo Diddley
Willie Dixon
Fats Domino
Champion Jack Dupree
David “Honeyboy” Edwards
Sleepy John Estes
Blind Boy Fuller
Lowell Fulson
Buddy Guy
John Hammond
W. C. Handy
Slim Harpo
Wynonie Harris
Billie Holiday
Earl Hooker
John Lee Hooker
Lightnin’ Hopkins
Big Walter Horton
Son House
Alberta Hunter
Mississippi John Hurt
J.B. Hutto
Elmore James
Skip James
Etta James
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Buddy & Ella Johnson
Lonnie Johnson
Robert Johnson
Tommy Johnson
Louis Jordan
B.B. King
Freddie King
Albert King
Denise LaSalle
Lead Belly
J.B. Lenoir
Lazy Lester
Furry Lewis
Little Milton
Little Richard
16 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
Robert Jr. Lockwood
Professor Longhair
Big Maceo
Taj Mahal
Big Maybelle
Percy Mayfield
Jimmy McCracklin
Mississippi Fred McDowell
Brownie McGhee
Big Jay McNeely
Jay McShann
Blind Willie McTell
Amos Milburn
Roy Milton
Memphis Minnie
Mississippi Sheiks
Little Brother Montgomery
Matt “Guitar” Murphy
Charlie Musselwhite
Robert Nighthawk
Johnny Otis
Little Junior Parker
Charley Patton
Pinetop Perkins
Ma Rainey
Bonnie Raitt
Dr. John
Tampa Red
Jimmy Reed
Jimmie Rodgers
Jimmy Rogers
Otis Rush
Bobby Rush
Magic Sam
Son Seals
Eddie Shaw
Johnny Shines
Memphis Slim
Sunnyland Slim
Guitar Slim
Bessie Smith
Otis Spann
Frank Stokes
Hubert Sumlin
Roosevelt Sykes
Hound Dog Taylor
Eddie Taylor
Koko Taylor
Sonny Terry
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Rufus Thomas
Irma Thomas
Big Mama Thornton
Allen Toussaint
Big Joe Turner
Ike Turner
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Eddie Cleanhead Vinson
Joe Louis Walker
T-Bone Walker
Sippie Wallace
Little Walter
Dinah Washington
Muddy Waters
Johnny “Guitar” Watson
Junior Wells
Peetie Wheatstraw
Bukka White
Big Joe Williams
Jody Williams
Robert Pete Williams
Sonny Boy Williamson #1
Sonny Boy Williamson #2
Johnny Winter
Jimmy Witherspoon
Howlin’ Wolf
Taken from: http://www.blues.org/
hall-of-fame/performers-in-the-blueshall-of-fame/#sthash.URtzLKMW.dpuf
background vocals; and The Jackson Horns who
consist of Kimble Funchess on trumpet, Jessie
Primer III on tenor sax and Mike Weidick on trombone. Being one heck of a soulful singer and a serious
blues guitarist as well, “One At A Time” features a
good mix of soul and enough straight up traditional blues to keep even the staunchest purists
happy. Those of you who know me already know
which one’s I’ll talk about most. Eddie Cotton
“One At A Time”
DeChamp Records
By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
© September 2015
“One At A Time” is Eddie Cotton’s second release
on DeChamp Records. His first - “Here I Come” garnered a nomination for Best Soul Blues Album
at the 2014 Blues Blast Awards and the very next
year Eddie and his band won the 2015 International Blues Challenge. Based on what I’m hearing, I think he may continue to keep that roll he’s
on going right into 2016. If you happen to see
Eddie’s name pop up in a category or three on
the BMA nominations remember who told you to
look for it. On “One At A Time”, In addition to his guitar, vocal
and background vocal work, Eddie Cotton also
wrote all fourteen of the album’s tracks. Musically
he’s joined by: Myron Bennett on bass and background vocals; Samuel Scott Jr. on drums; Grady
Champion and Carlos Russell (also on BG vocals)
on harmonica; James “Hotdog” Lewis on organ
and keyboards; J J Thames and John Genous on
No matter what the situation is, when it comes
to pretty much anything, everyone likes getting
a “Better Deal”. But where your wife is concerned,
it’s not a good thing when it’s the back door man
who’s getting that better deal. That’s troublesome
indeed. This is good old slow blues as good as it
gets. Soft and steady rhythm led by the solemn
sounds of the organ; scorching, pain describing
guitar licks; and heartfelt, melancholy vocals that
tell of a blues inducing situation. Good track. Well, Eddie seems to have gotten over the above
situation quite well because he’s now singing
about his next catch. He’s got no problem saying
it may not be the “Catch I Wanted” but he also
goes on to say “but I will not throw it back”. This
one’s a funky, up tempo track that features Myron,
Samuel and “Hot Dog” smoking up the rhythm on
the bass, drums and organ while getting lots of
help from The Jackson Horns. Maybe I couldn’t name the song in two notes but
that’s all it took for me to know I’d be loving this
one. “Fair Weather Lover” opens up with a fifty
second guitar solo - that’s second to none I’ve
heard - with several more similar leads throughout the track. With excellent supporting rhythm
behind him, Eddie shines on this one. Easily the
disc’s best guitar work can be heard right here. Another hot number is a tribute to the birthplace
of the Blues and Eddie’s home state - “Mississippi”.
As they sing about it, Eddie and the backup singers harmonically use that method in which we all
learned how to properly spell the word back in
grade school..... repeatedly saying M - I - S - S - I
- S - S - I - P - P - I. Damn, if my teachers played a
ripping tune like this when I was learning to spell,
I’d had been a spelling bee champ. Although Eddie’s doing his usual outstanding
vocal and guitar work, it’s the band behind him
highlighting “My Money”. Myron’s leading the
profound rhythm with some of his best bass
work, James is living up to his “Hotdog” nickname
tickling the hell out of the ivories and Grady
Champion is doing what he always does - blowin’
heat into the harp. “Ego At Your Door” is R&B at it’s best. This one’s
got it all going on: Eddie sounding like the master
soul singer he is; the backup singers are sounding
masterful on the harmony; the rhythm - with the
organ and horns on fire - is rockin’; and it makes
you feel like there’s a partying going on. I challenge you to try and sit still through this one. The disc closes with another one of Eddie’s signature style of songs that blend slow, traditional blues loaded with scorching guitar leads and
soulful, heartfelt vocals. It’s called “War Is Over”
and it’s basically Eddie’s way of getting him some
make up sex. As the line goes, “Let’s make love,
the war is over” - with the war he’s referring to
being the fighting him and his lady have been
through. Yes, it’s time to “let the healing begin”. Other tracks on “One At A Time” include: “One At
A Time”, “Be Careful”, “Dead End Street”, “Filling
Me With Pleasure”, “Hard Race To Win”, “Je Ne Sais
Quoi”, and “Race To The Dollar”. For more on Eddie Cotton, and to get your hands
on a copy of the disc, just go to www.eddiecottonjr.com. And you know the drill, please tell him
the Blewzzman sent you.
BSO Picnics in the
Park
Special Thanks to all the musicians, bands, BSO members, and guests who attended the Blues Potluck Picnic and Jams in Tom Watkin’s park with excellent music, food, and friends… and don’t forget
how much fun the Easter egg hunt was! Check out the bluessocietyoftheozarks.com website to see
pics and band information. Our last Blues Potluck and Picnic was lots of fun, Kaps and Stems hosted
as Nathan Bryce was in St. Louis becoming an Uncle!! Congrats Nathan!!
The picnics are now done for the season. There will be a few changes, Look for the first 2016 picnic
in April, then June, (Father’s Day is always a great one), then August, and finally our last one will be
in October! (see President’s letter on page 2) Contact Brenda Seely if your band is interested for the
2016 lineup.
2015 Bands that Played the Picnics
April 19 No Stringz Attached
May 17 Wide Track Ride
June 21 Norman Jackson
Corban Sikes
playing the
harmonica at a
2015 BSO Picnic
Photo of Corban by MARTY JONES, MUSIC MAN PHOTOGRAPHY
July 19 Tripwire
August 16 Enigma Triad
September 20 Papa Green Shoes
October 18 Kaps & Stems
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 17
Supporters giving discounts to cardholding members of the Blues Society of the
Ozarks:
CROSSTOWN BARBECUE
1331 E. Division
(417) 862-4636
GEORGE HUNT
Harmonica & Guitar Instructor & Performer
harpgeorge69@hotmail.com
Facebook: George Hunt
(417) 353-9180
HOT STUFF
a pepper blend
Mary Certain
(316) 210-7720
stmypepr@sbcglobal.net
JOE’S DINER
201 E. Chestnut St.
Strafford, MO EXIT 88
(417) 736-2922
MISSOURI SAFE CARRY
10% discount off any class for any BSO members
missourisafecarry.com
Facebook: Missouri Safe Carry
Kevin & Marcy Powell
417-840-5426
SCRAMBLERS
1131 E. Republic Rd.
Springfield, MO
(417) 886-4224 SPRINGFIELD VAPORS
829 W. Kearney Street and 1803 Grand Street
(417) 862-1075
Musicians
Stella Blue Barr - guitar/vocals .................................................................stellablue1111@yahoo.com 417-224-9531
Ray Bridges - Bass..............................................................................................ray.bridges@hotmail.com 417-844-5432
Steve Maddog Call - Guitar .............................................................................otisclapton@yahoo.com 417-616-1487
Jim Coombs - drums /vocals ............................................................ jimcoombs@missouristate.edu 417-831-4781
James Randy Flood - Guitar ..................................................................................... rfloodzone@att.net 417-864-8334
Jacque Garoutte ........................................................................................................................mudville music media/bmi
Jacob Hiser - Keyboards/violin ............................................................................. jhiser90@gmail.com 417-207-2319
Jimmie Meade .............................................................................................................................. jimmie meade music/bmi
Harry Nino - Guitar ...............................................................................www.reverbnation.com/harryo 702-235-9574
Mark Pearl - Drums .......................................................................... drumanddrummers@yahoo.com 417-881-4034
Gary “Alaska” Sloan - Harp/Vocal/Guitar/Keyboards ..........................................................alaska@diamondcity.net
Steve Smith - Keyboards / Vocals ............................stevesmithandthesneakers@facebook.com 417-350-0222
John Sullivan - Guitar/Vocals ...............................................................................sullivan.john@att.net 660-723-5651
Lain Wendler - Guitar/Harp/Vocals l..............................................................ainwendler@yahoo.com 417-263-1564
Venues
American Legion Post 639 ..............................................................................2660 S. Scenic Ave, Spfd. 417-882-8639
Archie’s Lounge ...............................................................................................................1817 E. Grand St. Spfd. 864-4109
Cartoons Oyster Bar and Grille ..................................................................... 1614 S. Glenstone Ave., Spfd. 889-6500
Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey ............................................................ 120 Montgomery St., Branson, 417-335-2620
Challengers .....................................................................................................5739 S Campbell Ave, Spfd., 417-889-6060
Cruise Inn-Throttle Down .................................................9787 State Highway 13, Kimberling City, 417-779-4158
Dennis’ Place ..............................................................................................................921 W. Sunshine St., Spfd. 865-8373
Dogwood MDV Club 336 ..................................................................................442 Midwest Lane, Strafford 736-3114
Drunken Monkey ..............................................................................................1816 W. Division St., Spfd, 417-862-0809
The Flea ....................................................................................................... 637 S. Kimbrough Ave. Spfd. (417) 862-0220
Harbor at Pomme De Terre ................................................................. Rt 2, Box 2178, Hermitage, MO 417-745-6868
Just One More ..............................................................................................7530 W. Sunshine St , Spfd. , 417-882-2294
Knuckleheads ................................................................................ 2719 Rochester St, Kansas City, MO 816-483-1456
Lindberg’s ............................................................................ corner of Campbell and Commercial St., Spfd. 868-8900
Miranda’s .................................................................................................................... 1440 E. Republic Rd. Spfd. 883-0253
Misty’s ................................................................................................................... 1109 E Commercial, Spfd.417-868-8808
Nathan P. Murphy’s ...............................................................................................218 S. Campbell Ave., Spfd. 863-1909
Outback Pub, Branson ....................................................................................1922 W High 76, Branson, 417-334-7003
Patton Alley Pub ..........................................................................................................313 S. Patton Ave., Spfd. 865-1188
Rowdy Beaver .............................................................................. 45 Spring Street, Eureka Springs, AR, 479-363-3444
Springfield Brewing Co. ............................................................................................. 301 S Market Ave., Spfd. 832-8277
Waxy O’Shea’s ........................................................................................ 235 Branson Landing, Branson, 417-348-1759
WF Cody’s South ..........................................................................................1440 E. Republic Road, Spfd., 417-8830253
Whacky Jack’s Grill and Saloon ...............................................................3632 Hwy, EE Highlandville,, 417-443-0223
WILSON’S CHUCK WAGON
1820 W Kearney
(417) 862-1101
Please let these businesses know you are
thankful to them for this opportunity!!
Keep checking with us, as there are more
businesses getting ready to get on board.
Must show your membership card to get
discount.
313 Lawrence Ave., Kansas City, MO
(816) 753-7979
bluescruise.com Bluesin@BluesCruise.com
18 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks
I’ve said that
playing the
blues is like
having to be
black twice.
Stevie Ray
Vaughan
missed on both
counts, but I
never noticed.
-B.B. King
Bands
2nd Time Around .......................................................... Ernie Bedell Sr. 417-837-9642 Richard Allen 417-496-7057
ABS Band ........................................................................................ queencitycatsernieb@waymark.net 417-837-9642
Anthony Gomes ..........................................................................................................http://www.anthonygomes.com/#!
Art Bentley .................................................................................................................................http://www.artbentley.com/
Blue Plate Special .................................................................................................... lbarbour@mchsi.com 417-861-8198
Bluesberries, Tom Wittrock ..................................................................... sunburst2@mindspring.com 417-862-5823
The Brenda Meyer Band ............................................................. brendameyerband@rocketmail.com 417-209-090
The Bridge Bands Brew ...................................................................................................................................................................
Divas on Fire ........................................................................................................................................ http://divasonfire.com/
Earl and Them ................................................................................................................................. http://earlandthem.com/
JD & The Mudhounds ..................................................................................faragherdavid@yahoo.com 417-335-9940
Juke Joint Allstars ................................................................................................................................jmarks34@yahoo.com
Kaps and Stems, George Hunt ............................................................. harpgeorge69@hotmail.com 417-887-9050
Lain’z Hot Rod Gang ........................................................................................ lainwendler@yahoo.com 417-263-1564
Last True Heathens ............................................................................... https://www.facebook.com/lasttrueheathens
Leon Russell ............................................................................................................... http://www.leonrussellrecords.com/
Levee Town ................................................................................................................... brandon Hudspeth: hudtunes/bmi
Mark Revel Band .......................................................................................................sullivan.john@att.net 660-723-5651
Mason Dixon ........................................................................................................http://www.themasondixonband.com/
Mesa Mitchell Band .............................................................................mesamitchellband@gmail.com 417-559-4879
N2Deep ................................................................................................................................................................................................
The Nace Brothers ..................................................................................................................... http://www.nacebros.com/
Nathan Bryce & Loaded Dice ...........................................................................................................................417-839-1419
No Stringz Attached Conita Silva ................................................................silvaconita@hotmail.com 417-894-6349
Norman Jackson Band ...........................................................................................http://thenormanjacksonband.com/
Outlaw Country .................................................................................................................................................................................
Papa Green Shoes ................................................................................. https://www.facebook.com/PapaGreenShoes
Queen City Cats Rockabilly Band, Mike MacPherson .................Macpherson91@hotmail.com 417-838-0219
Riff Raff ...................................................................................................................Brentriffraff@yahoo.com 417-655-0911
The Ringers, Bud Johnson ................................................................................. theringers@mshsi.com 417-886-1740
Sean Clavin & the Dirty Truth: ................................................................................................................gitardog@aol.com
Sister Lucille ......................................................................................................417-732-9634-home 417-869-5118 work
Steampunk Revolution ...................................................................................................................................................................
Steve Moeller Band ............................................................................................ http://www.thestevemoellerband.com
Steve Smith and the Sneakers .................................stevesmithandthesneakers@facebook.com 417-350-0222
Treva and the Trouble Makers ..................................contactus@trevaandthetroublemakers.com 417-840-6700
Tripwire ....................................................................................... https://www.facebook.com/tripwire.blues?ref=br_rs
Vic Vaughn and Souled Out .............................................................................................................www.vicvaughan.com
continued from page 8
York City’s Carnegie Hall in 1928.
Handy continued working steadily throughout the
1930s, publishing Negro Authors and Composers
of the United States in 1935 and W.C. Handy’s Collection of Negro Spirituals in 1938. A few years later,
in 1941, he published an autobiography, Father of
the Blues. Having experienced problems with his
eyesight for years, Handy was blind by the mid1940s due to a skull fracture—the result of a fall
from a train platform.
Handy married his longtime assistant, Irma Louise
Logan, in 1954, and lived to experience his works
performed by popular jazz greats. The blues composer died of pneumonia in New York City on
March 28, 1958, at the age of 84. More than 20,000
people attended his funeral at a church in Harlem,
and thousands more lined the streets to pay their
respects. Only months after his death, his life story
played on the silver screen in theaters across the
country in the film St. Louis Blues, which starred
singer Nat King Cole as the legendary composer.
Handy’s legacy continues to shine in the annals of
music, with his songs continually reinterpreted in
idioms of blues, jazz, pop and classical music. Often referred to as the “Father of the Blues,” Handy’s
pioneering vision also lives on through Alabama’s
annual W.C. Handy Music Festival.
This article was taken in its entirety from: W.C.
Handy Biography. Ed. Biography.com Editors.
n.d. A&E Television Networks. Web. 19 October
2015.
<http://www.biography.com/people/wchandy-39700>.
If you want to be listed in the musician, band, or venue directory, please contact Jim Coombs on Facebook or send an email to jimcombs@missouristate.edu
If you see a mistake in this Bluesletter or bluesocietyoftheozarks.com, please contact Carolyn Brockman on Facebook or send and email to bsoeditor@yahoo.com
Trivia
What two record
albums was Mick
Jagger holding
when het met Keith
Richards for the
first time?
Answer: Check
in next month’s
Bluesletter
Blues Society of the Ozarks November 2015 • 19
Blues Society Inc.
Blues Society of the Ozarks
P.O. Box 8133
Springfield, MO 65801-8133
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 30
Springfield, Missouri
65801
Return Service Requested
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JOIN UP TODAY!
Complete and mail this form to: Blues Society of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 8133, Springfield, MO 65801
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(Two adults at same address, please list both names)
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20 • November 2015 Blues Society of the Ozarks