INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Performance schedules and lots of Blues News

The BluesAudience
April/May 2015 #211
New England’s only independent Blues newsletter mailing the schedules of our outstanding, hard working
Blues Bands and Blues Clubs to dedicated Blues Fans since 1991. © ATB/TBA 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Performance schedules
and lots of Blues News
for our local New England
Blues Bands and Blues Clubs
• Interview:
Roomful of Blues’ versatile
guitarist talks about
his career
by Art Simas
• The Ex-President’s File local Boston area and beyond Blues news
by “Sistah K” Karen Nugent
• Another great New England guitarist, Ricky “King” Russell talks to Sistah K about his life in Blues.
above:
Chris Vachon, lead guitarist and bandleader of Roomful of Blues
talks about the road, recording and being a cornerstone
of Roomful of Blues for the past 25 years, pictured here
on stage at Tupelo Music Hall.
- photo by J. LoFaro
to right:
Rick Russell “go to” guitar player performs with The Love Dogs
at Strange Brew, Manchester, NH
- photo by DIana Shonk
$5.00 US
Notes from the Publisher
do it all with the steady backing of Chris’ very
capable guitar playing.
I am looking forward to seeing Sugar Ray (l) and Neil
Gouvin (r) in Memphis in May.- photo by Nick Tsui
HELLO FELLOW BLUES LOVERS
Welcome to SPRING!!! As I write this the
wind is blowing hard and it is still very cold
outside. But the sun is out and warming my
house and office. I know that this winter will
end even though it is hard to believe. There are
plenty of HOT gigs for you to go to in this issue so I want you to shake off that winter dust
and get out there and boogie!
I am going to Memphis, with Nancy Weston,
(it’s on her bucket list) on May 6th and we will
represent our cool New England Blues scene
at the Awards and it will be my pleasure to see
Sugar Ray & The Bluetones perform on the
7th. The brand new Blues Museum will have its
grand opening that weekend and it should be
a fun celebration! I contributed to the building
of the museum and will have a plaque on a wall
somewhere, I want to see that! You can contribute to the bluesfoundation.org if you want
to, as well. We will go to Graceland, the Civil
Rights Museum, Stax Records and maybe even
a trip to Clarkesdale (I might have relatives
there, my middle name is Clarke, my mother’s
maiden name...I kid). I can’t wait, Memphis is
fun, the clubs are open to the street and BB
King’s club is downtown, Rum Boogie has a
guitar signed by Ronnie Earl and there will be
bands playing everywhere including on the
street. I will tell you this, there is NO vegetable
matter in Memphis, they think cheese is a vegetable. It is all points BBQ this and BBQ that.
I remember the last time I went to the Blues
Awards I came home with such a hangover
and so much meat in my stomach I gave up
eating meat for 3 years and have never quite
gotten back on the bandwagon or should that
be chuck wagon. I will be taking pictures and
video I will put a bunch of them on the new
web site. I look forward to seeing Sugar Ray &
The Bluetones win a bunch of awards. I am also
hoping David Maxwell wins the Pinetop Perkins
Award for piano, that will be bittersweet.
RICKY “KING” RUSSELL Karen Nugent
interviewed Rick Russell, who I think is one of
our more outstanding guitar players here in
New England. We have been spotlighting these
guys because I don’t see enough press about
them and I think it is important to realize how
lucky we are to have such outstanding talent
right here in New England where we can catch
them on a regular basis. His band, The Cadillac
Horns, was the back up band for the OPEN
MIC AT THE KNICK which is one of my top
ten favorite recordings of 2014, if you haven’t
heard it, you should, many guest singers including Sugar Ray Willie J. Laws, Curtis Salgado
and Brian Templeton, introducing me to John
Sheerar and Malford Mulligan. (WHERE have
I been?) With the Cadillac Horns behind them
this is a strong Blues CD worthy of note. It is
a seriously swinging CD, and with Rick at the
helm you know it is great. He reminds me so
much of Wynonnie Harris’ style, I just love it!
MICHELLE WILLSON You may have seen the
video of her singing with Dr. John on FB. We
are so proud of our Evil Gal, she is a star! She
seemed so comfortable and at ease on stage
with him. I asked her about the gig: “I sang several tunes, mostly from his newest release SkeDat-De-Dat: The Spirit Of Satch: “I’ve
Got The World On A String,” “When The Saints Go
Marching In,” “Lay My Burden Down,” “Nobody
Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen,” “Sweet Hunk O’
Trash,” Pretty exalted company for this lil’ ol’
Evil Gal, huh?” I should say so, but we expect
nothing less from Michelle.!! Dr. John’s music
director (and badass trombone player) Sarah
Morrow led the whole show and she is just
amazing! Dan Moretti ( great sax man from
RI ) got Michelle that gig. She is doing a show
It is our pleasure to bring you another article
by Art Simas featuring Chris Vachon the guitarist and band leader of Roomful of Blues. He is
so talented and versed in many styles of music
which gives the band the ability to perform
all the songs they feel will entertain the audiences. Jazz, Blues, New Orleans beats, they can
2
Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE!
with him at Chan’s in Woonsocket, RI April 18.
It’s officially being billed as “Dan Moretti and
the Hammond Boys featuring Michelle “Evil
Gal” Willson.” See Chan’s schedule on page 8.
Michelle also has a radio show on WICN In
Worcester, MA 6-9am on Monday-Wednesday,
It is very interesting and informative AND
swinging.
WILLIE J. LAWS BAND is nominated for Best
Blues Act 2015 in the New England Music
Awards! He will be playing at the Showcase
Live! in Foxborough, MA the night of the award
show. See his schedule on page 6.
SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES are nominated for seven Blues Foundation, Blues Music
Awards and I am going down to Memphis to
the Awards and I sure hope he wins all of them.
BARNFUL OF BLUES We were lucky enough
to secure Sugar Ray & The Bluetones as our
headliner for The Granite State Blues Society’s
Barnful of Blues Festival on August 1st in New
Boston, NH. We are so excited to have this
top flight Blues band, no foolin’.You can get
your $20 tickets now by going to the web site:
www.granitestateblues.org. The rest of our
outstanding line-up is as follows: Arthur James,
Delanie Pickering acoustic acts respectively, between sets, acoustic, openers the Tokyo Tramps,
Mike Crandall Band (winners of GSBS Blues
Challenge from CT), and Michelle Willson!! We
are looking forward to a great day of plenty of
Blues, food, vendors, raffles, and fun in the sun.
CONGRATULATIONS TO The Love Dogs
celebrating their 21st birthday in March, “so I
guess we can drink now!” joked Ed. Well it’s
about time! Eddie’s Tuesday All Stars series is
thriving in our their home, The Corrib, and
they hope to be doing some Friday shows
Michelle Willson pictured with Mac Rebenac (Dr. John) at The Wilbur
Theater in Boston, MA on February 25, 2015. You can see video on Youtube.
-photo by Johnboy Franklin
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•
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
Notes from the Publisher
there, starting this spring! Schedule on page 6.
HOUSE ROCKIN’ PRODUCTIONS is continuing their shows at Pitman’s Freight Room in
Laconia, NH. Here is a little info on upcoming
performers for your information. JP Soars is
not a typical Blues guitarist. He has a diverse
musical background that encompasses a multitude of influences.“I love T-bone Walker, Jesse
May Hemphill, Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt, Muddy Waters, Johnny Guitar Watson,
Guitar Slim and Louis Jordan. But I also love
Tito Puente, Miles Davis, Hank Williams, Black
Sabbath and Slayer.” Soars admits. Soars toured
the globe and recorded several records with
some of the most extreme metal bands in the
world before finding his home in the Blues. It
is these attributes that are giving Soars an instantaneously recognizable style.“When I first
heard JP Soars, I knew right away that he was
separate from the rest of the pack” to quote
guitarist Jimmy Thackery.
Chris Beard learned one essential detail about
the music he plays: play it live. Since he first
stepped on stage, Chris creates musical art,
unique to that moment in time. True to all artistic creations, Beard’s art is powerful enough
to share his intense emotion release with audiences who take the time to hear what Chris
plays. This is the core of pure Blues.
Brandon Santini-There are many different
opinions as to what the future of the Blues
harmonica will be. Memphis vocalist and harmonica player Brandon Santini is undeniably
a worthy player to keep an eye on as the latest surge of young Blues artists leave their
footprint in Blues history. His name is worthy
of conversations that include Jason Ricci, Billy
Gibson, Dennis Gruenling, Rick Estrin and
other frontline harmonica players by combining
his love and respect for traditional Blues with
a present, colorful style of playing that is often
compared to James Cotton or Paul Butterfield.
TRIPLE THREAT BLUES CRUSADE is putting
on a special show at Chan’s. I thought you
should have some background info on them
so here it is. They are a four piece band from
South East New England (guitar, bass, sax, and
drums) playing throughout New England for
many years. Winners of the 2013 Massachusetts Blues Challenge, they are releasing the
album SHE’S ONE OF A KIND the first Blues
Rock Opera, in Spring 2015. They believe that
the Blues is storytelling music, so to follow that
tradition, this new album of songs are links in a
chain, telling a story from the start to the finish
of the album. See their current schedule on
page 6 and a plug for the CD and the CHan’s
gig on page 11.
PAULIE’S N.O. FEST is June 26, 27 and 28th.
Johnny Sansone among other swinging N.O.
type performers will be there at that new location in Worcester. I went last year and it was
very comfortable, nice, big fairground and I can
remember that warmth!
CHAN’S- WOONSOCKET, RI
is having a Birthday Celebration with Jimmy ‘2
suits’ Capone & The All-Star Chan Clan Band!
There isn’t just one star to this show
they are all-stars! This show quickly became a
Chan’s crowd favorite as they enjoy this “off
the cuff” round robin style show when each
member shows off their individual talents. No
set list, members of the band do not know
when they will be called on to do a number,
songs are not discussed, and then the audience
members get to request who they want to
hear a tune from. It is raucous fun! Featuring
Jimmy “2 suits” Capone, Eddie Scheer director/
vocals (from the Love Dogs) Big Jack Ward,
guitar (from Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson & The
Magic Rockers) Johnny Juxo on keys (from
Racky Thomas Band) Randy Bramwell on bass
(from the Commander Cody Band) Mario Perrett on sax (from Peter Wolf band, Mighty Sam
McClain band & many others) Bobby Holfelder
on trombone (from The Knickerbocker Allstars, Bellevue Cadillac Band) If “2 Suits” other
Blues Bash Shows and annual Holiday shows
are any indication, this show will sell out.
CHAN’S AWARD
Monday June 15th Chan’s is honored to receive
the Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts
“Chan’s nationally recognized Jazz and Blues
club has made a great contribution to the
artistic vitality of Rhode Island and provided its
citizens with the only continuous venue for this
type of music in this state.”
- Trinity Repertory Company
“It’s an honor to share this prestigious award
with all the talented musicians that have graced
Chan’s stages in the past 38 years and with our
wonderful fans for their loyal support.”
Thank You – John Chan
We are so lucky to have such great bands
and clubs here in New England. Now that the
weather has changed things will pick up and we
can all get together and have some fun! I hope
to see you out there somewhere (that sounds
like some good song lyrics)
Keep Swinging with the BLUES!- Diana Shonk
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The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
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• Contributing writers: Karen Nugent, Art Simas
and Diana Shonk
• Contributing photographers: Diana Shonk
and Karen Nugent, J. LoFaro, Johnboy Franklin
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Profile:
Multi-talented Chris
Vachon at the helm
after 25 years.
Guitarist, songwriter and
producer of Roomful of Blues
G
By Art Simas
rowing up in Peacedale, RI, Chris Vachon said
his first interest in music started with his sister’s” Meet
the Beatles” album in the early ‘60s. He said he listened
to early rock ‘n’ roll, but there was something about the
Beatles that made him gravitate to the guitar. “Plus, I
really played that record so much I wore it out.”
His first band in high school was called the Falcons.
“We had two acoustic guitars, a snare drum and an
accordion, and we were trying to play like the Monkees.
Thank God he eventually discarded those bubble-gum
rhapsodies and kept learning his craft, working his way to
play in Misquamicut clubs along the shore. “When I was
around 17 I got into a band that played a lot of originals
and we ended up playing a lot. Then I moved to Florida
… then New York for a while … then came back here
when I was 20 and I joined a country-rock band. We
actually played a lot and did pretty good, considering the
money we made back then.”
After learning to play bass,Vachon joined a classical
rock band based out of Rhode Island. But he said he had
lost the feeling for that type of music. Four years earlier
he discovered the “BB King: Live at the Regal” album.
“That’s when I really started to catch on to blues.” But
by the time he was ready to take a shot at playing bluesbased music,Vachon said there weren’t many blues bands
in the area. “As time went on, I eventually went back to
guitar and started playing blues as the bass player in The
Groovemasters Thom Enright, another Rhode Island
native, was the leader and guitar player.
Fast-forwarding through the ‘80s,Vachon joined
Duke Robillard and The Pleasure Kings for about a year;
formed his own band for a while; joined D. Willie Smith
who had a popular band based in Connecticut; then 8
to the Bar, another Connecticut-based band; then it was
finally on to Roomful in 1990.
In the mid-80s,Vachon heard that then-Roomful’s
great guitarist, Ronnie Earl was getting ready to leave
Roomful. Hearing that Roomful was going to have
tryouts for that coveted spot at the original Lupo’s at 377
Westminster St., in Providence,Vachon signed up for the
tryout with 20 other people for a chance to replace Earl.
After the competition,Vachon thought he secured the
job because they seemed to like him and his style. But
4
Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE!
then Ronnie decided to stay on, and he played another
four or five years before he rejuvenated his former band,
Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. “After Ronnie left,
Roomful hired guitarist Tommy K. But then he broke
his arm, and they called me,”Vachon recalled. “And I
went on tour with the band out to California and back.
I guess they liked me because when Tommy left, they
hired me right away. This would have been Oct. 4, 1990.
And I’ve been with Roomful for 25 years.”
At the time I joined, Greg Piccolo was the leader
and we didn’t record for quite a while until “Dance All
Night,” which came out in 1994 on Bullseye Blues, an
imprint of Cambridge, Mass., Rounder Records. When
Piccolo left to go in another direction with Heavy
Juice in April 1994, Carl Querfurth became the leader,”
Vachon said. “We did three more albums, Turn it on,
Turn it up (1995) Under One Roof, (1997)
and a Christmas album Roomful of Christmas
(1997), also on Bullseye. After those records came out,
Querfurth (trombone), Ray Norcia (vocals, harp), Kenny
“Doc” Grace (bass) Matt McCabe (keyboards) and Doug
James (baritone sax) all left at once in January 1998.
“I had all the material to do another record, but
when those guys left and I had to scramble to find guys
to fill in, such as Marty Ballou on bass. That’s when we
did There Goes the Neighborhood, which
came out later in 1998. After the shakeup,Vachon said,
“Nobody else really wanted to take control or knew
what to do, so I just said, “We’ll do this or that.” But he
admitted it took a lot of work to keep the band going.
Vachon said he remembers doing the Neighborhood record with all the uncertainty swirling around
Roomful. “When we finished the first session, I went
upstairs where I was staying and my head just exploded.
I must have had a panic attack and I thought I was going
to throw up. I mean it was freaking horrible. But I got
over it and everything was good from there on in.”
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The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
He added, after that project, people would come
and go, but nothing like the five who all left at once.
“But I’d have to say that was probably the hardest time
for Roomful.”
Today,Vachon continues to produce that signature
Roomful sound along with song writing and being
the front man for business transactions. “I don’t actually
book the band, we do have an agent, but I’ll call our
agent when things are seeming to get a little slow. I’ve
been a producer of the band for quite a long time, so
I’m responsible for that and dealing with the record
company (Alligator), and making sure everyone knows
what they’re supposed
to be doing and
showing up ready to
go. “I don’t rule as a
band leader, I guess I
do hold the gavel if
things aren’t going so
great. I’m more of the
person who sorts it out
and gets everyone to
refocus,”Vachon said.
“But we all get together
and talk about ideas
that we have for songs,
and when we make a
record, it’s definitely a
group effort.”
anymore because we can’t go out as far as we used to,”
he said.
“I’ve been to a lot of interesting places and feel
lucky to have been to about 25 different countries
(Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, Poland, to name a few), and we
played every state in the United States, except for Hawaii,
and it’s been a lot of fun,” he added. “I really don’t have a
preference where we are. And I think that’s true for most
of the guys in the band. Most of the work is doing the
travelling… getting up early, and going and going and
going. Once you’re on stage and playing, that’s the easy
part.”
As far as travelling
to far-away festivals,
Vachon said it’s kind of
scary from a business
point of view. “If we
want to play a festival
in Europe, we have
to balance what we’ll
be getting to play vs.
how much it will cost
to fly, plus any other
ground travel plans.
So if something goes
wrong, we’re basically
screwed. It hasn’t
happened yet … but if
you miss a flight or a
flight is delayed, they
(promoters) could turn
around and say, ‘Well,
Roomful on stage at Tupelo Music Hall. l-r Rich Lataille, Chris Rivelli, John Turner, you were supposed to
Phil Pemberton and Chris Vachon. - photo by J. LoFaro
Tales from the Road
After the mass exodus in 1998,Vachon said
be here, and you’re under contract.
Roomful – the business – had to refinance its tour bus
Sometimes we’ll be able to fly, if there is enough money
and take care of other potential financial problems.
involved to do that, but everything’s gone up, from plane
“When I joined Roomful in 1990, we had what
tickets to fuel. We have to pay for that out of the business.
looked like an airplane parking lot shuttle bus with an
And most of the time, a promoter will put us up in a
extended back for our gear. That’s what they used for
hotel room for a night, but never for three nights.
most of our trips. And it was in pretty bad shape back
“Nobody buys [airline] tickets for performers
then. There were wires hanging out from underneath
anymore, not even in Europe. Back then, if they wanted
here and there. And it had been patched up I don’t know you, they would buy the tickets and make all the
how many times and it was always leaking oil.”
arrangements. And on top of that, a lot of the festivals
“On a cross-country trip to a gig in California, we
have lost sponsorship, and that’s another big problem,”
were in Yuma, Arizona, on what had to be the hottest
Vachon said. “There used to be many more businesses
day on the planet, and then all of a sudden the bus just
that would finance a festival. It’s not that way now.”
seized up and died.” Luckily, they got a ride and made it When he is not involved with Roomful,Vachon
to the gig that night with their equipment.
dabbles in his own recording studio in Wakefield, RI,
Those type of multi-week trips are a thing of the
helping others achieve their dream of putting out a
past. Most music venues are not open during weekdays
record and realizing a lifelong dream. “I produced a lot
any more. “So obviously, we can’t do a weekend, then sit of the Roomful records, and even recorded a few of
in a hotel for three nights. It’s too expensive for us and
them,”Vachon said. “And I do like working with other
most bands these days. Plus, we have twice the size of
people, too. There are many people out there who have
other bands (eight players).
something to offer. Who knows where it’s going to go
“We used to crisscross the country at least twice
for them because this is a tough business. But I like doing
a year. But it’s disappointing because we had a big fan
this, too. It’s been my hobby since I was in high school.
base across the country and a lot of people can’t see us
But it’s also a business for me now.”
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
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don’t wait another minute, make a plan for a NIght out get together with your friends at your local venue, or maybe one in another city, in another state of Blues!
Sugar RAy &
The Bluetones
S-April 4 (8) The Knickerbocker Café
Westerly, RI
Sat. April 18 (7:30) Johnny D’s- Somerville, MA
Th-April 23 Iridium- NYC - Sugar Ray Norcia special guest with The Nick Moss Band
F-April 24
Johnny D’s- Somerville, MA
Sugar Ray Norcia special guest with The Nick Moss Band
S-April 25 Tupelo Music Hall- Londonderry, NH
Sugar Ray Norcia special guest with The Nick Moss Band
Su-April 26 World Café- Live at the Queen
Wilmington, DE Sugar Ray Norcia special guest with The Nick Moss Band
MAY
Th-May 7
Memphis Cook Convention
Center- Memphis, TN Blues Music Awards
Su-May 17 (4) The Villa- West Warwick, RI
Sugar Ray Norcia special guest
with The Vintage Rhythm and Blues Ensemble
Su-May 24 (noon) Paradise City Arts Festival- Northampton, MA
S-May 30
The Regent Theater
Arlington, MA Mai Cramer Blues
After Hours Fundraiser
Su-May 31 (4) The Naragansett Café
Jamestown, RI
www.sugarrayandthebluetones.com
For bookings call Ray at 401-284-6404
TOKYO TRAMPS
tba Tavern at the End of the World- Charlestown, MA
Th-April 9
Stonehedge Inn & Spa
Tyngsboro, MA
S-April 11
Arlington Center for the Arts
Arlington, MA Bluesapalooza
F-April 17
Fody’s Tavern- Nashua, NH
S-April 18
Chilihead BBQ
West Bridgewater, MA
F-April 24
Granite Rail Tavern- Quincy, MA
Geezers Garage Night
MAY
tba Tavern at the End of the World- Charlestown, MA
S-May 16
Chilihead BBQ
West Bridgewater, MA
S-May 30
Granite Rail Tavern, Quincy, MA
Geezers Garage Night
The Love Dogs
PROFESSOR HARP
F-April 3
The Strange Brew– Manchester, NH
S-April 4 The C-Note – Hull, MA
Th-April 9 Eddie hosts Toni Lynn Washington at The Venus II - Marshfield, MA
S-April 11 (7) Johnny D’s – Somerville, MA
S-April 25 Parish Center For The Arts
Westford, MA
Th-April 30 Chan’s- Woonsocket, RI
MAY
Su-May 3 Dance 2 Swing at
The Elks- Leominster, MA
Th-May 14 Eddie hosts Lydia Warren at
The Venus II - Marshfield, MA
F-May 15 The Next Page - Weymouth, MA The Doghouse Blues Allstars
featuring Eddie, Randy, Ricky Russell & Mario Perrett
S-May 16 Green Space Blues Concert- Waltham, MA
Th-May 21 (2:30) Brookline Library Concert Series- Brookline, MA
Su-April 5 (3-7)Harp solo with the Rick
Harrington Band at Cady’s- Chepachet, RI
Th-April 9
Harp with Dave Sag and Mike
DiBari at The Rhumb Line- Gloucester, MA
Su-April 12 (1-4) The Narragansett Café
Jamestown RI
MAY
S-May 2
The Wonder Bowl
New Bedford, MA
S-May 16
Nelson’s Candy Shop- Wilton NH
S-May 30 The Stomping Ground, Putnam, CT
EDDIE SCHEER’S TUESDAY NIGHT ALL STARS
Featuring the BEST Blues and R&B musicians
from all over New England, the U.S. and the
World! Every Tue 8-11:30 @ THE Corrib- Brighton Center, MA Great food, no cover, and you
never know WHO might show up! Upcoming guests: 4/7 Fred Griffeths, Gail Nickse and
The Natural Wonders 4/14 Brian Templeton &
Billy Loosigian 4/21 Lisa Marie, Johnny Juxo
& Silvertone Steve 4/28 Racky Thomas & Pete
Henderson 5/5 International Guitar Summit w/
Roberto Morbioli & Ricky King Russell 5/12
Dennis Brennan, Matt Stubbs & Bruce Bears 5/19
Lydia Warren 5/26 Chris Fitz & Ken Clark
eddie@thelovedogs.com
For bookings call Eddie at 617-735-0604
triple threat blues CRUSADE
F-April 3
The Atlantic Sports Bar
Tiverton RI
Th-April 9
Parlor Bar and Kitchen
Newport RI
MAY
F-May 1
Newport Grand- Newport RI
S-May 16
The Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub- Putnam CT
F-May 22 (7) Chan’s- Woonsocket RI
We have more shows coming up!
Please visit our websites to see our updated
schedule!!
The latest album “Rollin’ Rockland Blues Hour”
is on Sale!!!!
www.tokyotramps.com
For bookings email:
Steven Russo ruali@msn.com
www.facebook.com/tokyotramps
www.reverbnation.com/tokyotramps
www.sonicbids.com/tokyotramps
For booking : email us at
tokyotramps@hotmail.com
Or call us at 617-775-0750
6
Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE!
thebluesaudience.com
•
CD THEY CALL ME THE PROFESSOR
available on our web site
www.professorharp.com for more info
harpdevilzmusic@aol.com
For booking call Harp- 508-583-2582
willie J. Laws, Jr.
Willie J Laws band hosts “Therapy Thursday
Blues Jam”-The Next Page- Weymouth MA
Th-Apr 2 (8) Next Page Café- Weymouth, MA with Bruce Mattson on keys
S-Apr 4 (8) Pitman’s Freight Room Laconia NH
Su-Apr 5 (1-4) Narragansett Café - Jamestown RI
M-Apr 6 (1) Framingham State University
Th-Apr 9 (8) Next Page- Weymouth, MA
Cheryl Aruda on vocals
F-Apr 11Willie J Laws- Elks Lodge
Las Vegas NV
W-Apr 15 (8) Willie J Laws guest artist Wacky Wednesday Night Jam at Greendale’s - Worcester MA
Th-Apr 16 (8) Next Page Café - Weymouth,
MA Cheryl Arena on harp/vocals
S-Apr 18 (7) New England Music Awards
(nominee for Best Blues Act 2015)
Showcase Live!- Foxborough MA
Th-Apr 23 (8) Next Page Cafe Weymouth, MA with Shikiboo on vocals
F-Apr 24 (8) The Stomping Ground, Putnam CT
Th-Apr 30 (8) Next Page Cafe - Weymouth, MA with Sax Gordan on sax
MAY
S-May 2 (9) - Ron Levy’s Organic Blues
All-Stars featuring Willie J Laws, American
Legion Hall #101, Woburn MA
Th-May 7 (8) Next Page Café- Weymouth,
MA with Toni Lynn Washington
Th-May 14 (8) Next Page- Weymouth, MA
with Roberto Morbioli on vocal/guitar
Su-May 17 (6) Glenn’s Restaurant & Cool Bar - Newburyport, MA
Th-May 21 (8) Next Page Cafe - Weymouth,
MA with Anthony Geraci on keys
Th-May 28 (8) Next Page Cafe - Weymouth, MA with Steve Todesco on guitar
www.williejlawsband.com
For bookings call (603) 986-9161
willielaws@gmail.com
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
CHRIS FITZ BAND
Every Sunday Chris Fitz & Steve Peobody host
Sunday Funday with a who’s who of great New
England guests, Brodie’s Seaport, Salem, MA
4:30-8:00
*EVERY THURSDAY Chris Fitz & Steve Dineen
host “Fitzy’s Acoustic Hoedown @ Jasper Hill
Café & Bistro” - Holliston, MA. 8-11pm
S-April 4
Red Nun Restaurant
Chatham, MA
F-April 10 Sibling Connection Fundraiser
S-April 11 Barrelman’s Pu - Marblehead, MA
W-April 15 (8:30) Chris Fitz hosts Blues Jam
w/ Double D’s- Tavern on the Square - Plainville, MA
S-April 18 Monadnock Country Club Chris’ Concert- Peterborough, NH
S-April 25 Jasper Hill Cafe & Bistro
Holliston, MA
MAY
F-May 1 Forty’s Pub - Leominster, MA
S-May 2 Winthrop Elks Club - Winthrop, MA
S-May 16 (2-4) Brattleboro Brewfest Brattleboro, VT
W-May 20 (8:30) Chris Fitz hosts Blues Jam
w/ Double D’s- Tavern on the Square - Plainville, MA
S-May 23 Red Nun Restaurant
Dennisport, MA
Tu-May 26 Corrib Pub w/ Eddie’s All Stars - Brighton, MA
S-May 30 Barrelman’s Pub - Marblehead, MA
ROOMFUL OF BLUES
Towne Crier Café- Beacon,
NY
July 18 (7)
May 2 (8)
May 22 (8) Katharine Hepburn Cultural
Arts Center- Old Saybrook, CT
JUNE
June 20 (5:30) Billtown Blues Festival
Hughesville, PA
To book the band call Blue Mountain Artists, Phone: 704.525.1559
visiti our web site at
www.roomful.com
evil Gal Michelle Willson
TEN FOOT POLECATS
Th-April 9 Birch St. Café Roslindale, MA
S-April 18 (8) Chan’s Woonsocket, RI
with Dan Moretti and the Hammond Boys
S-April 25
Strange Brew- Manchester, NH
MAY
Su-May 10 (6-9) Glenn’s- Newburypory, MA
F-May 22 Back Page Lowell, MA
S-May 30 Mai Cramer Blues After Hours Tribute Regent Theatre Arlington, MA
Taking some needed time off,
we will be back at it in June! See you then.
For booking please contact:
tenfootpolecats@gmail.com
Come check us out at
www.tenfootpolecats.com
Also join aboard our ship at Facebook,
Twitter, Reverbnation, SoundCloud, Itunes,
Bandcamp, Amazon, Rhapsody, You Tube and
other social media dungeons.
Start your day in a jazzy way w/Michelle on
90.5 WICN - Worcester, MA
Morning Jazz - M-W 6-9AM
streaming live at www.wicn.org
Get our new album
FORTUNE COOKIE
at gigs or visit www.evilgal.com
For Bookings michelle@evilgal.com
Check out our web site www.chrisfitzband.com
for “tbas” and updates on gigs.
Info@chrisfitz.com
617-416-9048
Typical showtime is 9pm unless otherwise noted.
If it is an 8pm showtime it will be noted as (8).
New Mexico Jazz Festival
Albuquerque , NM
August 7(8) The River Club Music Hall
Scituate, MA
Peter “hi-fi” ward
S-May 2
with Babe Pino Blues Band, Rivalry’s- Worcester, MA
S-May 16
with Babe Pino Blues Band
fundraiser for WCUW 91.3 Main St., Worcester, MA
F-May 22
with Babe Pino Blues Band,
Padavano’s Place-Worcester, MA
S-May 30
BLUES AFTER HOURS tribute to Mai Cramer and fundraiser, Regent Theatre in Arlington.
(Also, Luther “Gtr Jr.” Johnson, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, Michelle Willson)
For booking and info contact Peter Ward
<petermward@gmail.com>
arthur james & band
S-April 4 (4) Salt Hill Pub Shanty- Sunapee, NH
S-April 11 (4) The Rusty Moose- Alton, NH
T-April 23 (6) The Lyme Inn- Lyme NH
Su-April 26 (5) The Common Man
Claremont, NH
MAY
F-May 1 (8) Mama Mcdonough’s- Hillsborough, NH
S-May 2 (8) Lil Red Baron- Newport, NH
F-May 8 (6) Big Fattys BBQ- White River
Junction, VT
F-May 15 (7) Mcnally’s Pub & Grille- Westminster. MA
S-May 23 (7) Betsy’s Backyard Productions- House Party Northfield. NJ
Bookings & Info:
http://arthurjames.org/
e-mail arthurjames@tds.net
cell 603-801-8169
New Solo CD - Me, Myself & I
can now be ordered
thru the website or bought at the gigs.
BLUES CLUB SCHEDULES
ON FOLLOWING PAGE>>
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
•
thebluesaudience.com
Subscribe on line with Paypal 7
never underestimate the healing power of blues, take a friend with you.
CHAN’S
Main St., Woonsocket, RI
Great food and music, directions and tix and
more info at www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com
Shows start at 8pm unless otherwise noted
W-April 1
Ronnie Baker Brooks
F-April 3
Rebecca Parris (Jazz)
S-April 4
Johnny A
F-April 10
Through The Doors
This Tribute to Jim Morrison & The Doors
S-April 11
Luther ‘Guitar Jr.’ Johnson
& The Magic Rockers celebrating Luther’s 76th Birthday party. A true
legendary bluesman!
F-April 17
Neal Vitullo & The Vipers
S-April 18
Dan Moretti & The Hammond Boys Saxophonist, Recording Dan Moretti
with special guest Michelle Willson
F/S-April 24+25 Anthony Gomes
Join this #1 Billboard Blues Artist and
amazing guitarist and vocalist as he
makes a 2 night stop here at Chan’s
during his cross country tour!
MAY
F-May 1 Debra Mann tribute to Joni Mitchell
S-May 2
The Fat City Band
F/S-May 8+9 Poppa Chubby- two shows
Double the fun with 2 hot nights of high energy blues with the incredible
master of the rocking Blues guitar.
F-May 15
Danny Klein’s Full House
S-May 16
Duke Robillard-two shows
F-May 22
Triple Threat- CD release party
She’s One of a Kind Special Guest Blues Legend James Montgomery
S-May 23
Greg Abate Quartet
Su-May 24 Steve Smith Vital Information NYC Edition- two shows
W-May 27 (7) Open Mic Night- no cover
Th/F-May 28+29 Samantha Fish
two nights shows
S-May 30
Chan’s Big Blues Bash
“Birthday Celebration Edition”
Jimmy ‘2 suits’ Capone
& The All-Star Chan Clan Band!
Let Chan’s new CEO CATERING
AND EVENT PLANNING SERVICE
cater your next gala. Our attention to
details and creativities fit for
executives, perhaps kings and queens!
Leave all the planning to us
Tickets and pricing on
web site chanseggrollsandjazz.com.
Limited seating advanced tickets suggested call
401-765-1900.
major Credit Cards accepted
8
HOUSE ROCKIN’
PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
The BULL RUN concert series
off Rte 2 at 215 Great Rd, Shirley, MA
(978) 425-4311 Toll-free 877-536-7190
F-April 3
S-April 4
F-April 10
S-April 11
Th-April 16
F-April 17
F-April 17
S-April 18
Su-April 19
F-April 24
S-April 25
Su-April 26
W-April 29
F-May 1
S-May 2
Th-May 7
F-May 8
S-May 9
S-May 9
Th-May 14
F-May 15
S-May 16
F-May 22
S-May 23
Th-May 28
F-May 29
Dueling Pianos
Danny Klein’s Full House
The Darren Bessette Band
Pure Prairie League
Bob Marley Comedy
Albert Cummings (Sawtelle)
Town Meeting Band (Ballroom)
Allman, Neville, Pitchell Band
Joan Osborne
The James Hunter Six
The Mark Marquis Group
The Smithereens
Charlie Musselwhite
MAY
The Grand Slambovians
Jenny Tolman
Ari Hest
John Sebastian
Peter Mulvey (Ballroom)
Triplets of Bluesville (Tap Room)
Tinsley Ellis
Jorma Kaukonen
Roberto Morbioli
VanRet
Jazz on the Patio
The Outlaws
Deadbeat
www.bullrunrestaurant.com
http://tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com
Local’s Cafe AT
Nelson’s Candies
65 Main Street Wilton, NH
603-654-5030
Show starts at 7 House band opens
BYOB!
S-April 25
Mr. Nick & The Dirty Tricks
MAY
S-May 16 Undaunted: Professor Harp
Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE!
S-April 25
S-May 23
S-May 30
J P Soars and The Red Hots
MAY
Chris Beard
Brandon Santini
All shows $20 adv. & 25 at the door.
Blues Audience Subscribers with their cards
get the advance price at door $5 off.
Doors open at 7:30pm showtime 8pm
Gardner
Ale House
74 Parker St., Gardner, MA 978-669-0122
gardnerale.com
Have dinner and a home brew at
“Blue Monday” at the Ale House
7-10 no cover
Live Jazz & Sunday Downtown Brunch 10am
With Chet Williamson & Jimmy Morrell!
M-April 6 The Rusty Mikes
M-April 13 Matt McManamon &
Doug Banks
M-April 20 Juke
M-April 27 L & M Rhythm Kings
May
M-May 4 Barrett Anderson
M-May 11 Lights Out Blues Band
M-May 18 Big John Short
M-May 25 Melanie & the Blue Shots
Blues Audience Subscribers with their cards
get the $2 off dinner.
Look for updates on our web site
www.gardnerale.com
The Tap
100 Washington St., Haverhill, MA
(Shhhh upcoming special gig
with Bobby Radcliff July 3rd!)
Please check our web site
for events and the schedule.
More info at: www.tapbrewpub.com
Info and more 978-374-1117
Tickets available at Nelson’s Candies
To Reserve by Charge Card
Or for more information call
603-654-5030 ($2 processing fee)
https://www.facebook.com/
thebluesaudience.com
World Class musicians at The Elks Lodge
192 Central St., Franklin, NH and Pitman’s
Freight Room, Laconia, NH
•
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
Profile:
From a Kid to a King of
the local New England
Blues Scene, Rick Russell
Brings Classic Blues to the
Contemporary Stage.
By Karen Nugent
Ricky “King” Russell is one of those guys
you can naturally chat up. He’s not pretentious,
he doesn’t try to promote himself, and he doesn’t
Rick enjoys playing on the porch at a back yard party in
come off as a “guitar god” poser on stage. (That
Rockport, MA last year.
- Photo by Karen Nugent
“King” moniker was bestowed on him by a reporter
– more on that later.)
boost from the Fab Four. Yes, it was the Beatles,
Russell simply consistently plays great Blues.
who Russell heard prior to their legendary
Often, it’s with his band, the Cadillac Horns,
appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
and just as often he’s with musicians he met
There is a codicil to this: “Truth be known,
30 minutes before the show. Sometimes, he has
when I first heard the Beatles, I really didn’t like
performed against all odds, having faced some
them that much. I thought they were kind of thin
serious health problems throughout the years.
sounding compared to what I was listening to,” he
A co-founder of the Boston Blues Society
said. Fair enough if your prior music was Hooker
in 1988, Russell, 62, was born in Newton,
and Reed – even the Beatles (big Elvis fans) would
Massachusetts, but he chalks up his easygoing
likely agree.
nature to his father’s job which kept the family
Rick, who also went on to teach guitar, got
moving around. The elder Mr. Russell was an
his first gigs at high school dances in Somerville,
electrical engineer for Westinghouse (he helped
Mass, with a band he dubbed The Days and
design the lighting at Fenway Park) and also did
Nights. They played “Gloria,” “Satisfaction” and
lighting for those old Jenny gas stations, and
all the great hits of the time. Later, after moving
similar projects. “I guess moving
to Chelsea, there were more
around a lot made me adaptable,
opportunities, including a regular
“The Blues moved me
and I easily made new friends,”
gig in a church basement called
when I was little,
Rick said. In addition, Rick was
“The 18 Step Down Coffeehouse,”
the doted-on youngest child with a band made up of Rick’s
and it still
and a boy chile at that - with
neighborhood friends. The band
moves me now.”
two older sisters. Sadly, an older
got more shows by talking and
brother passed away before Rick
bothering everybody they could,
knew him.
until they could get a chance to play. These days,
“My first musical experiences were in my
Russell usually has several gigs a week, in clubs
living room. It was when 50s Rock ‘n Roll was
from Rhode Island to New Hampshire.
prevalent, and my oldest sister’s boyfriend was
Earlier on, Ricky King Russell and the
into it.” Due to an atmospheric phenomenon, he
Cadillac Horns was the core band at the
said, the gang was able to get Blues broadcasts
Knickerbocker, a well-known Rhode Island club.
from a radio station in Nashville, allowing him
In 2013 they recorded a CD at Lakewest Studios
to hear Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, and Ray
in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, which is
Charles, along with Rock ‘n Roll bands such as
owned by Jack Gauthier, who is Duke Robillard’s
Johnny and the Hurricanes and Elvis. Rick was
manager. John Sheerar- Producer of the resulting
only 5 or 6 at the time. “Everybody was dancing
CD OPEN MIC AT THE KNICK- The Knickerbocker
and having a good time and I wanted to be part of
All Stars, told The Blues Audience. “Rick played
that, even then.”
lead and rhythm guitar on all the tracks. I had to
With that background firmly cemented, Rick
plead with Rick to go back into the recording room
began playing guitar at the age of 10, taking
to let loose on ‘Going Down,’ a great Freddie King
lessons at the Dorchester YMCA. His next
tune.” When he finished his guitar slinging solo,
teacher was a “little old Italian guy from the
he came out of the room and said: ‘let’s see if some
neighborhood.” Around that time, in the early
young stud can top that,’” Rick’s guitar playing on
1960s, his interest in playing guitar got a huge
the CD has been praised by many Blues writers
continued on page 11
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
•
thebluesaudience.com
Subscribe on line with Paypal 9
The Ex-President’s
file.
by Karen “Sistah K” Nugent
I know it’s a cliché to complain about the crappy weather this past winter, but damn! I count
at least 10 shows that I missed either because
they were cancelled or I was too chicken to
drive in a snow storm.
So it was with great joy toward the end of February when bright sunshine and (sorta) warm
temperatures brought me and Mr. Nugent –
along with a whole lotta other blues fans – to a
Sunday afternoon jam at Hot Shotz in Leominster, Mass.
Hosted by the always fabulous A Ton of Blues,
locals from North Central Massachusetts, the
scheduled guest that day was guitarist Gil Correia, who drove all the way from the Cape. Not
only that, a surprise was soon forthcoming, as
Ronnie Earl was also in the house.
Gil did some Jimmy Rogers songs – (“Who’s
Loving You Tonight” OK, I am not sure Rogers
wrote that, but he performed it.) Rogers is truly
missed these days, and his style is not something one hears every night.
Ronnie Earl took the stage to a huge round of
applause and shouts, but it was amusing - and
kind of annoying - that some dude was yelling
“Ronnie, play some Santana!” (Yeah, OK, have
another drink.) It’s not that Sistah doesn’t love
Carlos, but it was a blues jam!
Ronnie, who looked snazzy in a long camelhair coat, played wonderfully as usual, with lots
of deep, cool sound nuances and variations
– from loud to barely audible. I liked his “Too
Many Drivers.”
And to be perfectly honest, that’s about the
only show I can recall since my last column.
I heard the annual Winterfest at the Blue
Ocean in Salisbury, hosted by Mr. Nick and the
Dirty Tricks, was a near sellout and fun as always. But of course it was snowing that night.
On a sad note, Blues World lost a great talent
much too soon.
Keyboardist Dave Maxwell, 71, passed in February, losing a battle with prostate cancer that
he valiantly kept secret for several years. Everyone was shocked to wake up to that awful
news one Saturday morning. I’d seen Dave at
shows since the 1970s, with too many bands
to name. He reminded me of Otis Spann and
I reviewed his 2012 CD Conversations in
Blue which incorporated old Spann recordings. It’s a great disc and it won a Blues Music
Award for Acoustic Album of the Year. Dave
is nominated this year for the Pinetop Perkins
Piano Player of the Year Award, and he and Pinetop are probably jamming away in that great
blues club in the sky.
I didn’t know Dave personally, so I am going to
include a tribute written by fellow keyboardist
Ron Levy. But, I have to say that from a reporter’s standpoint, Maxwell was one of the best respondents to requests for photos and answers
to dumb questions I have ever encountered.
He responded immediately to information I
requested about what was to be one of his last
gigs, in September at Slater’s in Bolton, Mass.
(Yes, the one I missed because we had moved
to Salem.)
Here’s what Ron said about Dave:
“Nobody played more Blues piano than Max.
He always sounded like he had three giant
hands ripping and running up and down all
the keys on every song in every key. Max was
one of the true pioneers of the Boston Blues
scene. I first heard him play in 1967 and was
astounded. We both went on to play with
Blues royalty in the 1970s, he with Freddie
King and me with Albert and B.B. As rivals and
competitors, we never really liked each other
as close personal friends but loved to cajole,
tease, insult and challenge each other for
almost 50 years. I will sorely miss him, hope
he didn’t suffer too much and is now enjoying hanging out and jamming with our many
mutual heroes and friends someplace cool or
really, really hot like we wished each other so
many times.” - Ron Levy
By the way, Ron’s record and instrument
memorabilia show will be rescheduled again
from May to sometime this fall. (The original
venue was another casualty of the winter –
part of its roof collapsed.)
The blues memorabilia thing brings me to another interesting topic.
I belong to a Facebook group called “The
Real Blues Forum” which always has thought
provoking conversations and posts.
A few months ago, there was an informative
chat going on about old 78 rpm records Apparently, stashes of them used to be found
occasionally at yard sales and consignment
shops, especially in the South. Often they
were left stored in the bottom of old phonograph cabinets. I guess the value of blues,
jazz and hillbilly recordings have increased
substantially, even if scratches and damage
makes the music barely listenable, while Big
Band and later popular recordings aren’t
worth much. What’s even more fascinating is
some folks have found a few extremely rare,
very old blues recordings – some never even
heard in modern times! Spring is the beginning of yard sale season, so get out there.
Summer follows spring and that means barbecue time, so it behooves me to mention
that wild guy, Dr. Gonzo, from Worcester,
Mass. The Doc and I (his real name is J. Stuart
Esty) were fellow judges at a blues challenge
in Worcester a few years ago, and he is one
funny bloke. Anyway, Gonzo has revived a
Kickstarter campaign for his line of natural
condiments, including the best garlic mash
ever. He also has jalapeno mash, and something called “Wazoo Juice.” Check it out on
Kickstarter under “Gimme My Gonzo’s Take 2.”
Otherwise, see you on the dance floor!
David Maxwell’s
Maxium Blues
David hosted my most successful Blues Audience
Party at Mal’s back in 2009 he was gracious to do
so. You can see video on our web site.
- photo by DIana Shonk
10
There are all types of personalities
in Blues. David Maxwell was a geuine
gentleman and extraordinarily talented
piano player. His great deep voice
brought his songs to the Blues community with creativity and humor. Peter
Ward puts on a show at the Regent
Theater in Somerville, MA in memory
of the late, great, Queen of the Boston Blues scene, Mai Cramer. Boston’s
WGBH radio’s long time host of “Blues
After Hours” with Mai Cramer.” David
played “Blues After Hours,” the theme
song for Mai’s show. It was very solemn
and spiritual. He raised the memory of
Pinetop Perkins in his performance and
the bittersweet memory of Mai, who
Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! t h e b l u e s a u d i e n c e . c o m
•
brought Blues and Blues musicians to
the air every Saturday night for so many
years.
David brought Blues to people in
many languages and his boogie woogie
piano transcended all levels of appreciation to bring the people to their feet.
His illustrious past included many
years with Freddie King, worked with
Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee
Hooker, James Cotton, and Louisiana
Red to name a few. His recording with
Louisiana Red, a couple of years ago
now, was so tastefully done; his accompaniment gave Red a foundation to shine
like the star he was, and David helped
him put together one of Red’s most soul-
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
Ricky “King” Russell
continued from page 9
including Living Blues and Big City Blues magazines.
A couple of years back, Rick took a bad fall down
a flight of stairs while hauling equipment into a club.
He suffered a traumatic brain injury that resulted in
months of treatments. Among other issues, there was
occasional memory loss and lots of visits to doctors
and neurologists. Yet he persevered, kept a positive
attitude and eventually got back on stage, to the
delight of his many fans. “My illnesses have affected
me in the sense that I value any and every opportunity
to ply my trade, and to try to make people happy, as
music has made me,” he said.
When asked about set lists, Rick responded that
he generally only prepares in advance for special gigs.
“Other times, I just sort of play what is in my head. I
have had my band a long time and they know where
I’m going.”
He doesn’t find song writing easy, and considers
himself more of a “finisher.” “I really shine at taking
other people’s ideas and visions, and helping them to
complete them.” Rick noted. “I am happy and proud
to be associated with the Blues, a music that I love,
and that I have devoted most of my life to. It has its
ups and downs, but I really wouldn’t have it any other
way.”
In the 1970s, Rick lived in a commune. (Is he
an original hippie or what?) During that time, he
met his lovely wife, Yvonne, at a huge Halloween
party the house mates threw at a big rental house in
Hyannis. “There she was – and the rest, as they say
– is history.” Rick said along with spending time with
Yvonne and their two cats, he enjoys reading, cooking
and listening to baseball on a warm summer Saturday
afternoon.
So what about that “King” in between his first and
last names? In an article, Steve Morse (of the Boston
Globe) called Russell the “Kingpin of local Blues.”
”It was a short step from Kingpin to King,” Russell
said. “We had a Duke, (Robillard) we had an (Ronnie)
Earl. Why not a King? Besides, I love Freddy, B.B.,
Albert, and Saunders… it seemed like the right place
to go. Besides, Ricky “T-bone” Russell doesn’t have
the same ring!”
ful and beautiful records.
I remember one night, (I hate to say I can’t remember the
club) but David came and got me, to take me to meet guitar
player, Hubert Sumlin! “Would you like to meet Hubert? Yes, I had
always admired his guitar playing with Howlin’ Wolf. David knew I
would love to meet him. He lead me downstairs to where Hubert
was relaxing and we all had a nice chit chat and a smoke and I
don’t think I had ever felt more comfortable with two more self
effacing, down to earth, outstanding, famous musicians! David
was kind and intuitive, to think to do that for me, and I have that
memory for all time.
David will be fondly remembered by everyone at the Mai
Cramer benefit, this year, on May 30th. So who will play that sad
refrain? (See the ad to the right for more info.>)
-Diana Shonk
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
•
thebluesaudience.com
S u b s c r i b e o n l i n e w i t h P a y p a l 11
The Blues Audience newsletter
62 Cricket Hill Road
Harrisville, NH 03450
ps keep the
l
e
h
t
r
o
p
p
u
s
d
Your continue nd Blues scene strong.
New Engla ank you.
Th
Yessiree!
B l u e s
B i r t h d a y s
Kansas City Red 1926
20 Gary Primich 1958
1 Charlie Patton 1891
8 Robert Johnson 1911
21 Paul Geremia 1944
Alberta Hunter 1895
Willie J. Laws
24 Miss Honey 1951
4 Muddy Waters 1915
9 A.C. Reed 1920
25 Albert King 1923
5 Doug Fulton 1928
Bob Margolin 1949
26 Ma Rainey 1886
Paul Benjamin 1953
Jon Ross 1955
J.B. Hutto 1929
6 Big Walter Horton 1917 10 Maurice John Vaughn
Johnny Shines 1915
7 Billie Holiday 1915
Greg Piccolo 1951
Maggie McLellan 1986 8 Lil’ Ed Williams 1955
11 Mudcat Ward 1954
27 Hop Wilson
10 John Brim 1922
12 Donald Kinsey 1953
28 Buddy Guy 1941
Tom Sanders 1953
❑ and send me a Subscriber
James Montgomery
Boston
Billy
Letters
Bitty
McLellan
1980
Credit Card all for $32
13 Magic Dick 1945
11 Luther “Gtr. Jr.” Johnson 29 Lefty Diz 1937
14 Grady Gaines 1934
Otis Rush 1934
12 Hound Dog Taylor Name
17 Taj Mahal 1940
Scotty Monette
Markita Johnson 1986
16 Cleveland Chenier 1921
Bronson
Shonk
1990
Max
Rosenblatt
1988
Address
Johnny Nicholas 1948
30 Rev Gary Davis 1896 15 Bessie Smith 1894
Doug Woolverton 1981
Homesick James 1910 Mighty Sam McClain 1943 City
Lonnie Shields 1956 18 Big Joe Turner 1911
Skip Philbrick 1953
B. A. Hedin 1948
MAY
Frank Frost 1936
State Zip
19 Jimmy Thachery 1953
1 Ada Brown 1890
16 Johnny Littlejohn 1931
21 John Allgood 1955
Big Maybell 1924
Memphis Piano Red 1905 my email address:
Phil Monica 1947
Little Walter Jacobs
TJ Wheeler 1952
25 Rusty Corson 1972
2 Doug Aborn 1956
Steve Jacobs 1954
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17 Shemekia Copeland 1979 4 Eddie Campbell 1939 28 T-Bone Walker 1910
Papa John Creach 1917
5 Blind Willie McTell 1901 18 Clarence Gatemouth The Blues Audience newsletter
Peter M. Shonk, Jr.
Sonny Parker 1925
Brown 1924
62 Cricket Hill Rd., Harrisville, NH 03450
29 Ron Levy 1951
Diane Blue
Poor Howard Stith
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6 Homer Harris 1916
Robert Otis Doncaster
7 Bumble Bee Slim 1905
Steve Ramsay 1954
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The Blues Audience newsletter 2015
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