Performance schedules and Blues news from the most talented local

Transcription

The BluesAudience
December/January 2016 #216
$5.00 US
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 2016
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Performance schedules
and Blues news from the most
talented local
New England Blues Bands
and swinging Blues Clubs!
• Michelle Willson talks with Art
Simas about her music career,
changes and new directions.
Michelle Willson photos by Tim Carter
• Ex President’s File: A tribute
to “Boutch,” Jeff Pitchell with
special guests, and Bob Margolin
channeling Muddy at Johnny D’s
by “Sistah” Karen Nugent
Bob Margolin Jeff Pitchell &
Texas Flood with special guests
Shelia Raye Charles and Charles
Neville and Claudette King
photos by Karen Nugent
Michelle
Willson
Michelle Willson Charts A New Course
with Determination and Success
photo by Tim Carter
By Art Simas
If you look up Michelle Willson’s biography in
AllMusic.com, it is consists of a total of 89 words.
Obviously, no one ever spoke to Michelle because
she has a lot to say about being in the music
business, life in the 21st century and survival.
A
fter a 10-year break from the grind of being a topline vocalist with her Evil Gal Festival Orchestra, Michelle
Willson is back – minus the orchestra, the headaches of
being the bandleader, main negotiator, and the worries
that come with a job that has little or no emotional
or social security, not to mention the disproportionate
equation of hours worked vs. actual cash placed in one’s
bank account. “I’m in my 50s now and as an adult, I’ve
earned enough money to support myself approximately
three years out of my life,” she said. “The rest of my adult
life I’ve been living through the kindness of others.”
Today, Willson is finally doing what she was has
always wanted to do – having fun with a career based on
music and that includes singing and collaborating with
others such as her own trio of Mike Mele, Sven Larson
and Zac Casher; guest appearances with Dr. John, the
Ken Clark Organ Trio, Toni Lynn Washington, Darrell
Nulisch, Anthony Geraci, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones
and many others.
She also has her own radio show called “The
Blend” on Worcester’s WICN 90.5FM, now on Monday
through Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. The promo for the show
2
Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE!
reads: “It’s the ‘Evil Gal’ herself, Michelle Willson,
kicking the day off with a musicalicious medley of
mouthwatering melodies and refreshing rhythms to
start your day off… right! Unlocking the vaults of
precious musical treasures you’ll hear the earliest
creators of Jazz, soulful Rhythm and Blues alongside
a wide variety of today’s Jazz and Blues artists.”
A few years ago she hosted two weekly programs,
“Voices of Jazz” and “Jazz n’ Blue” at the station. But
when she heard WICN was looking for DJs last
October and, although she was living in Merrimack,
NH, she was determined to get the gig. “I had a 150mile commute to work on three days. Then a few months
ago, they decided to make it Monday through Friday. So
I decided to move closer and live in Massachusetts.”
ARTS MANAGEMENT AT U MASS
More recently in September, Willson decided to
go back to school at the University of Massachusetts’
University Without Walls online campus to get her
bachelor’s degree in Arts Management. She wants to be
able to keep working and find funding to bring art (in all
forms) into the forefront in people’s lives, and help those
who are already working to achieve that goal.
Regarding music, Willson said, “People need to be
aware of the value of what it is they are listening to in
order to be encouraged to pay for it.”
When she did tours of Europe in the 1990s,
Willson said culture and art was a big part of their daily
lives. “People will gather at the local performance space
and everyone buys a subscription to the Saturday night
series. One week it might be Russian skating bears and
the next week it was American Blues musicians. It didn’t
matter. I think they have a much greater appreciation.
“Here in America we’re slowly starting to
accommodate the arts into our communities – what
was once a vacant fire station may be converted into a
thebluesaudience.com
continued on page 4
•
The Blues Audience newsletter 2016
Notes from the Publisher- Winter Blues
Well it was
bound to happen, here we
are swinging
into the Holiday
season and then
electric sliding
right into a new
year! The Blues
scene is losing
more clubs and
the struggle to
fill up venues
continues.
If there is anything I can leave you with
this year is that live Blues has a lot to offer
the soul and if you share your enthusiasm
with your friends maybe we can get some
more people out into the clubs. I know you
are going out. As a faithful subscriber of
TBA, you have shown up for so many gigs, I
know because I have seen you there. I have
seen slow times before, in 25 years of publishing this newsletter, but I have to admit it
is pretty slim out there. Club owners can’t
have music without the audience.You know
that. I just hope that things will not slow
down to a grinding halt. I seriously doubt
that but never take anything for granted. I
really don’t remember things having been this
slow ever before. Remember the 1990s?
Now that was a swinging time! I remember
bar hopping in teeney weeney Keene, NH
never mind in the Boston area. Those were
the days. But it can’t stop there. It is my job as
a Blues cheerleader to continue to encourage
you to GO OUT!!! Take a bunch of rowdy
people with you wherever you go and have
a good time. Happy everything, whatever
you celebrate in this time of Sagittarius!!!
IN THIS ISSUE
Art Simas spent time talking to Michelle
Willson, one of the first ladies of the Blues in
New England. She has a new focus, presenting Blues on the radio with her wealth of
information about the artists and great music
she presents. She is now the New Music
Coordinator at 90.5 WICN, Worcester, MA
Her live shows have taken on a renewed
strength and vitality. I saw her at the Bull
Run with the Anthony Geraci’s 57 SHADES
OF BLUE CD release party and she was just
having too much fun with Sugar Ray and the
Bluetones (Anthony’s band). What a great
night that was!
Now that it is that time of year, I would like
to add that one of my all time FAVORITE
Christmas song is Michelle’s song on Bullseye Blues Christmas called “Five Pound Box
of Money.” So much so that I asked my sister
in law for one, one Christmas, (as a joke) and
she and my brother put together one!! I have
also taken to asking the teller at the bank
for a 5 pound box of money, when they ask
if there is anything else they can do for me.
Most have a witty comeback.
Karen “Sistah K” Nugent has written a big
last issue of the year column!
A REALLY BIG SHEW
There is a lot of buzz around Jeff Pitchell
these days. Jeff Pitchell, singer/songwriter and
guitar player extraordinaire, was invited last
year to perform with the Allman Brothers in
NYC to a sold-out Beacon Theater. Blending
Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King and Jimi Hendrix
with his own soulful chops, Jeff has won many
National & International awards. His own
song “Eye for an Eye” won an International
Songwriting Contest and was recently recorded by the legendary John Mayall. He has
shared stages & licks with BB King, Ted Nugent, Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, J Geils
and many others.
BULL RUN
On my birthday December 11th they are
presenting the Allman, Pitchell, King, Charles
Band. I thought it would be good to explain.
Michael Allman, son of Gregg Allman, not
only looks like his father, he sounds like him
as well. Michael is an original songwriter and
performs many of the Allman Brothers greatest hits! Jeff Pitchell fronts this great band
that is appearing at a number of venues with
two startling women as well:
Claudette King youngest daughter of iconic
Blues master B. B. King, also Sheila Raye
Charles (daughter of Ray Charles). Shelia is a
singer/songwriter, jazz, gospel and soul artist.
She creates her own distinct sound and delivers “spine-tingling” renditions of her father’s
best known songs from “Georgia” to “Hit The
Road Jack.”
Claudette is quick to cite her father as her
main inspiration. Trained in the gospel of the
Baptist church from age 13, King was mencontinued on page 5
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The Blues Audience newsletter’s (T.B.A.) Mission
Statement: T.B.A.’s mission is to promote and
encourage local New England Blues artists and to
contribute to their continued success. Our objective
is to keep live Blues fans informed of live performances, provide them with artist and club profiles
so they can make informed choices in their live
show selections. We hope to contribute to the
growth, health and perpetuation of live Blues music
through our efforts to publish and distribute this
information to the people who appreciate it. Blues
is truly an American invention and has given birth
to many genres, Gospel, Jazz, Rock ’n’ Roll, Country and even Hip Hop. It is a style of music that
includes all economic levels because it speaks to the
very core of the human experience.
PUBLISHING INFORMATION. The Blues
Audience newsletter is a bi-monthly publication
dedicated to promoting live Blues music in New
England and beyond. It is a marketing service for
Blues musicians, and a convenient guide to live
Blues for the Blues fan.
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• Contributing writers: Karen Nugent, Art Simas,
Diana Shonk and TJ Wheeler
• Contributing photographers: Diana Shonk
and Karen Nugent, Tim Carter
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Michelle Willson ...
performance space,” she added. The
non-profit Narrows Center for the
Arts in Fall River is an example
of that metamorphosis. Through
the efforts of local visionaries and
benefactors, an old factory mill was
renovated to hold visual, creative
and musical arts of every genre on
the third floor of the building.
Other examples of a rising
arts appreciation is the resurgence
of arts in the communities is
the reclamation of a Norwood,
Mass. theater, the renovation and
full plate of performances at the
Stadium Theater in Woonsocket,
RI, and the construction of
the Hanover Theatre for the
Performing Arts in downtown
Worcester.
“I’m taking three courses
this semester and I’ll probably get
some credits for life experiences
within the field, such as booking
experience and doing business in
17 different countries, as well as
the performance aspects such as
bandleading and songwriting. That
will all shake out after this semester
and I’ll have a better idea of how
many credits I’ll need to graduate.”
Usually one needs 120 credits to
graduate with a Bachelor of Arts.
In 1978, she dropped out
of the main campus at UMassAmherst to start her first band. But
she did accrue some credits as an
undergrad at that time. “I’ve been
thinking about doing this since
2000. I received some financial aid
and additional aid in a loan to help
pay for rent. My plan is to stay in
school until I graduate because if
you stay in school, you don’t have
to start paying back the loans. So I
want to keep going until I’m done,”
she said. “It’s certainly a good
investment but it’s the most money
I’ve ever invested in anything.
“I’ve taken over Joe Turner’s
title of being the ‘World’s Oldest
Teenager.’ I’m doing pretty well
but it is a lot of work but I’m just
loving it. And I’m learning a lot
continued from page 1
about computers and technology.”
Can’t Top This Performance
When she burst on to the
Boston Blues scene in the early
1990s, Willson assembled a
group of talented musicians and
shocked the city by winning the
annual Blues talent competition
at Harpers Ferry … and then
winning the national title in
Memphis. That led to a record
contract with Rounder Records
of Cambridge and co-founder
Marian Leighton Levy, who became
a mentor for her. She cranked out a
record every other year beginning in
1994 – 1998.
In 1998 in New Orleans after
making the third record, Trying
to Make a Little Love,
Willson said, “I remember thinking,
just casually, that I might be in
trouble somehow because I felt that
I should be enjoying myself more
than what I was experiencing, and
that something must be wrong.
Then I just forgot about it.”
The pressure of doing
everything for the band was
becoming too stressful. But she
had to keep going. “I had no idea
what was happening or going
on. I didn’t know how to handle
it. I had no help and I was just
seriously floundering. “I didn’t
have any practical experience. I was
right at the tail end of the record
companies’ practices of doing
everything for you (as a band) and
they sort of took care of things.
“I was simply following in
a long time-honored tradition of
talent wherein management puts
you on the stage; they prop you up
and then they go home. The talent
never did any of the behind-thescenes work that needs to be done
today on your own.”
After 2001 and 9/11, the
bottom just fell out of everything,
Willson said. “The corporate
support was gone and everything
was just completely different. It
was too much for me and I didn’t
realize
I was in serious
trouble. And I basically crashed
and burned for a few years.” In
2005, she said she started to poke
her head out of the hole she was in.
“I started to feel good and wanted
to start gigging again. But I was so
far behind.
“I took a couple of years to
figure it out. Around 2010, I
started to put together a Dinah
Washington tribute show- that was
what I knew best– and thought
it might be cool to do just Dinah
Washington. So I did it a few times
but again, I didn’t know how to
produce it properly.
A NEW RECORD
“Then I decided that I had to make
a new record 10 years after my last
one. But the record companies
weren’t there. “I was floundering
around and asking people for
help. But I was determined to
keep going until it worked out.
The next thing I knew, I was
booked at Scullers and arranged
the show, and raised the money
to produce a live CD, and put out
FORTUNE COOKIE.” Since
it was live, Willson thought it
would cut down on production
costs. But she quickly learned that
potential producers tend not to
like live recordings because, as a
general rule, the artist is recording
stuff that has already performed
or recorded. “So that’s what they
thought they were going to get. It
didn’t matter that the material was
continued on page 11
4
•
Notes from the Publisher continued from page 2
tored by two legendary singers: Aretha Franklin & Etta James.
Blues, Jazz, R&B and Soul are truly in her blood. They are also at
Chan’s on Dec 4th, check the schedule on page 10. Karen Nugent saw them in concert, read her account on pages 6-7.
DIANE BLUE
Diane Blue is singing with Ronald Earl Horvath. She told the
Blues Audience “Working with Ronnie Earl is wonderful! Ronnie is so emotionally connected to the music that he plays. It’s
truly a spiritual experience, EVERY time, on stage with him. The
band is top-notch, and the energy on stage is exhilarating.”
How did it happen? “I think it was in 2009 when I met Ronnie,
doing a duo gig at Right Turn in Arlington, MA. He came to the
gig (with his guitar), sat in while I sang. Afterwards, he asked me
for my card and called me to “sit in” on a few gigs. Ronnie is all
about “spreading the love”. He is extremely kind and generous.
On his 2013 CD, Just for Today, he included a live version of
“I’d Rather Go Blind.” Then, on his 2014 CD, Good News, he
asked me to go into the studio and sing four songs, and I cowrote one of these with him and Debbie “Six String Blessing”.
I was the only vocalist on that CD In 2015, on the Father’s
Day CD, I sang on several tunes, doing a couple of duets with
Michael Ledbetter of the Nick Moss band. About a month after
Ronnie’s recording session, he came to record with me on my
recently released album, Blues in My Soul. Ronnie played guitar on 5 tracks, a couple of which are my original songs. Shortly
after we both released our CDs in 2015, Ronnie asked me to
join the band!
Yes Yes YES!
TJ WHEELER Congratulations are in order for TJ Wheeler and
his 25th Anniversary of his “Hope Heroes and The Blues” Blues
in The Schools program. He will be back next issue for the final
of his “Back to the Future of The Blues” article. He is a shining
star in the world of the future of the Blues himself!
HOUSE ROCKIN’ PRODUCTIONS is slowing down their
schedule and we will have to wait to find out what is happening
in the spring.
Nelson’s Candies’ LOCALS CAFE will start up after January
with garage bands and in the spring he will bringing back Luther
“Gtr. Jr.” Johnson & The Magic Rockers, Bobbie Radcliff, Willie
J Laws and Chris Fitz see you then! And if you are in the area
southern NH looking for tax free deals around Christmas time,
go get one of his BIG handmade candy canes, they are so much
better than those skinny little ones.
PETER WARD is playing a few gigs with Justin Quinn. Quinn
sings and plays harmonica. He is very understated and talented.
Good at both Sonny Boys. He has played with many Blues
bands over the years.
It is always great to see you out in a club. I hope you get out this
season of lights and enjoy all the talent we have right here in New
England! Happy Holidays and I will see you next year!- Diana
•
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Photos from the top
down:
Dan Boutchie and his
baby, Riley,
to right Jeff Pitchell and
Shelia Raye Charles.
Charles Neville.
Below Claudette King,
next page top: Bob
Margolin and below,
Charles Neville.
-all photos by Sistah “K.”
It’s unfortunate to start a Holiday issue
column on such a sad note, but it’s going to be a bittersweet season for anyone
who knew Dan Boutchie, AKA Georgetown Fats, the former managing editor
for the Boston Blues Society, a drummer,
aspiring guitarist with his own band - but
most of all, a father and husband to his
cherished family.
Many of us are still reeling over his sudden and unexpected death in October,
at age 41. “Boutch” as many knew him,
had some health problems, but nobody
imagined they would kill him in the prime
of his life.
I first encountered this sweet, hilarious
and fun-loving bear of a guy at the BBS,
when I was the president and editor and
he was a writer. He promptly dubbed
himself my “liquored up goon” - LUG for
short – a title meant to keep the crazies at
bay at BBS events. We soon became fast
friends, sharing so many laughs, as it became obvious we had similar (sick) senses
of humor. There are lots of late night
drunk and/or stoned Facebook ramblings
that I really, really hope he deleted.
I still chuckle remembering the time I
sat down to edit one of Boutch’s CD reviews that I had put off for a few weeks
because I didn’t think the record was going measure up to his standards, and I
wondered just how much editing would
be needed. Well, I opened the file to find
just two words on the page: “Shit Sandwich.” I don’t remember who the band
was, but good luck to them.
Then there was the time Boutch (and
me, through association) got into some
hot water with the Blues Foundation
in Memphis. Boutch, never one to hold
back, boldly made his feelings known via
social media about some less-than-stellar
performances by B.B. King toward the
end of his life. He had the cajones to criticize B.B.’s management for allowing him
to continue touring, not having proper
medical personnel around (Boutch was an
EMT) and letting fans interrupt the show
by coming up on the stage.
6
The Ex-President’s file...
by Karen “Sistah K” Nugent
By the way, Boutch loved B.B. so much
he named his only child, daughter Riley,
(four years old), after the man!
Well, somebody alerted the Blues Foundation that “people” were saying bad things
about B.B., and we got in a bit of trouble.
(After Boutch let loose, I decided to add
my two cents along the same lines after
seeing a King concert that left me disappointed.)
We stood by our opinions, though,
and had a good laugh about the cowards
who ratted us out.
Another, hilarious, social media gaff occurred, when Boutch created my male alter-ego, who we named “Kurt.” This came
about during some chat on Facebook
about my 2010 mastectomy. (Boutch sent
me a set of pink-tasseled pasties for the
new girls.)
Somehow, people got the impression
from all that breast reduction and tummytuck surgery talk that I was having a sex
change. We decided to go with it, and
hence, “Kurt” was born. Boutch liked to
refer to Kurt’s “kickstand” when I pointed
out hot musicians.
But there was another, incredibly caring side to Boutch. More than once,
without letting on, he paid for tickets to
shows for folks who thought he got them
for free. And while taking care of Riley by
himself while his wife, Jenn, worked, he
often got into ‘girl child’ situations requiring help from female friends, like the time
he had to find an obscure part of a ballet costume for her dance rehearsal. He
asked, somebody figured it out, and he
found the thing. How many fathers would
•
go to that extent?
So he’s gone. And I still keep thinking
I have to ask Boutch what he thought of
Keith Richards’s stupid remarks about what
a great harp player Jagger is, or yes, OMG
that band did play “Mustang Sally;” and
please don’t make me wear that Bruins
shirt because of that bet I lost with you regarding the Habs winning the cup.
We always disagreed on whether or
not a popular but aging New England
bandleader, who shall remain nameless,
wears makeup. Boutch was emphatic that
he does. Kurt is unsure. I hope Boutch
found the answer to that, and many other
mysteries wherever he is.
Until we meet in the next life, my
friend-Cheers! I will never forget you.
Onto happier subjects.
Claudette King
I got to see three really great Blues
shows this fall, two starring Claudette
King, the daughter of B.B. King, and the
youngest of his fifteen children. She’s a
fantastic singer, dancer, performer, and allround party girl.
The first time I saw her was at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, a “tony” venue
in Rockport, where she guest starred with
the James Montgomery Band. That venue is so high falutin, they didn’t allow Ms.
King to go out and party in the audience,
much to her dismay. (Not to worry, she
did PLENTY of partying the next time
I saw her.)
In Rockport, Claudette did a tremendous version of her dad’s “The Thrill is
Gone” in his memory, and cried at the
end. “The thrill” gave me a chill it was
so well done, especially with guitarist
George McCann sounding a lot like B.B.
She did two Aretha Franklin songs, with
lively call-and-response parts for the audience, and a great rendition of a Ruth
Brown song. (Sorry Boutch, but she also
did “Mustang Sally” at both shows)
Another high point of this show was
Montgomery’s rap song. Well done and a
nice change!
About a month later, Ms. King was part
of a fantastic lineup featuring Sheila Raye
Charles, the daughter of Ray Charles;
and Charles Neville, of the famous Neville
Brothers, all backed by Jeff Pitchell and
Texas Flood. This was held at the Cyprian
Keyes Golf Club in Boylston, Mass., and
organized by Simply Fargone Productions,
a terrific new group that is bringing great
music back to Central Mass, at various
venues!
This time, Claudette was allowed to
roam free and she really amped it up! She
was waaay out in the audience, grabbing
people to get up and dance with her,
forming a conga line, bringing people up
on stage to sing (sorry, Boutch) “Mustang
Sally.”
Sheila Raye Charles
The show got another burst of energy
from Sheila Raye Charles. I haven’t heard a
voice like that in years. Maybe never. Powerful. Such a range! She also worked the
crowd, pointing, testifying, dancing it was fierce! She did “Hit the Road, Jack”
(everyone joined in), “I Got a Woman” and
a few other Ray Charles’ hits, along with
some deep Blues and Gospel. She thanked
Jesus at the end, and if you Google her
pretty awful earlier life, you will find out
why she got religion.
Charles Neville was a big star as well,
playing outstanding sax the entire show,
especially back-and-forth with Pitchell on
•
guitar. Charles did a fun version of the
classic New Orleans Mardi Gras “Iko-Iko”
song, and surprised me with the bluesy
and fun, “Meet Me with Your Black Drawers On,” a favorite of our own Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson.
I had never seen Pitchell’s band, but
heard a lot of good things about them,
and they did not disappoint – good
straight Blues! The entire evening was a
trip, and I hope there are more shows like
that.
Bob Margolin
It’s hard to top all that, but it happened.
I finally got to see my all time fave, Steady
Rollin’ Bob Margolin at Johnny D’s (before
it closes next year, which is a shame) with
the Nighthawks for a Muddy Waters 100th
anniversary tribute show.
The show could not have been more to
my liking: ALL Chicago Blues and nearly
all Muddy. Bob himself seemed to channel
Muddy – prowling around the dance floor
doing his best shouts, howls and growls
during “Mannish Boy.” I have never seen
him do this sort of thing and it was quite
magical. After planting a kiss on his vintage Telecaster at the outset of the show,
Bob and the band (the only remaining
original Nighthawk is harpist-singer Mark
Wenner and he was very good) roared
through “Tiger in Your Tank” “Hoochie
Coochie Man” “Rollin’ and Tumblin” among
other classics, and a super acoustic version of “Catfish Blues” with just Bob and
Wenner. I love how Bob always mentions
former Muddy guitarist Jimmy Rogers, and
plays some of his tunes, as Rogers is often
overlooked in the Blues world.
I was a little hoarse myself by the end of
the night, and my dancin’ feet (and knees)
were aching, but it was so worth it!
I hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling, too I think I would rather hear a nice slow Blues with a christmas theme, how about you?
Sugar RAy &
The Bluetones
S-Dec 20 (4-7) The Narragansett Cafe
Jamestown, RI
JANUARY 2016
Jan 21—24 European tour....
Germany, France, Belgium
and Holland.....
details to be announced
Get our new CD LIVING TEAR TO TEAR at gigs
www.sugarrayandthebluetones.com
For bookings call Ray at 401-284-6404
2015 TBA Award winners for Outstanding Band
and Outstanding Singer!
TOKYO TRAMPS
F-Dec 11
Backpage, Lowell, MA
Sa – Dec 19 Chili Head BBQ
West Bridgewater, MA
We are currently working on our 2016 schedule More shows TBA!!!!!!!!
Please visit our websites to see our updated
schedule!!
The latest album “Rollin’ Rockland Blues Hour”
is on Sale!!!!
www.tokyotramps.com
www.facebook.com/tokyotramps
www.reverbnation.com/tokyotramps
www.sonicbids.com/tokyotramps
Booking : email us at tokyotramps@hotmail.com
Or call us at 617-775-0750
The Love Dogs
PROFESSOR HARP
S-Dec 5
Theodore’s- Springfield, MA
Th-Dec 31 New Year’s Needham
Countdown Party - Needham, MA
S-Jan 9
S-Jan 16
F-Feb 5
JANUARY 2016
Parish Arts Ctr. - Westford, MA
Johnny D’s w/The Band That
Time Forgot- Somerville, MA
Hartford Swing - W. Hartford, CT
more info- thelovedogs.com
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: Wed 12/2 Big Jack Ward’s
Birthday Bash w/Danielle Miraglia
12/8 TVS - The Vocal Section 12/15 Country
Night w/Chuck McDermott, Glenn Shambroom,
Sandy Martin & Kathy Burkly 12/22 Ricky Russell, Mario Perrett & Johnny Bluehorn 12/29
Scotty & Melissa Shetler 1/5 Beatles Tribute w/
BobVabulas & Friends 1/12 Willie J. Laws &
Sax Gordon 1/19 Chris Stovall Brown, Parker
Wheeler & Amadee Castenell
1/26 The Doghouse Blues Allstars 2/2 Diane
Blue, Johnny Juxo & Bobby Gus
and 2/9 Fat Tuesday Party W/ Joe Bargar, Scotty
Shetler & Dan Fox
www.facebook.com/tuesdayallstarseddie@
thelovedogs.com
For bookings call Eddie at 617-735-0604
luther “gtr. Jr.” johnson
& The Magic ROckers
S-Jan 9
Johnny D’s- Somerville, MA
F-Jan 15
Narrows Center for the Arts- Fall River, MA
S-Jan 16
The Towne Crier- Pawling, NY
For Booking call 603-588-2360
S-Dec 12
The 5th Element- Newport, RI
Su-Dec 13 Harp with Paul Speidel at
The Fairmount Grille
Hyde Park, MA
F-Dec 18
Chilihead BBQ
S-Dec 19
The Stomping Ground
Putnam CT
F-Dec 26
The Wonder Bowl
New Bedford, MA
JANUARY 2016
F-Jan 15
Theodore’s- Springfield, MA
S- Jan 16 Duo w/Tom Williams at
Chilihead BBQ
S-Jan 30
The 5th Element- Newport, RI
FEBRUARY 2016
S-Feb 2
The Fairmount Grille
Hyde Park, MA
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.
The Next Page Café- Weymouth MA Every Thursday 8pm to midnight,
“Therapy Thursday” jam with the Willie J
Laws Band and great guest artists sitting in!
williejlawsband.com
W-Dec 2 (8:30) - Revolution Bistro- Cranston RI
M-Dec 7 (1:30 - 2:30) - Framingham State
University - Dwight Hall, Framingham MA
F-Dec 11 (7) - Larcom Theater - Beverly MA - Rockin’ Blues Bash includes
Danielle Miraglia and Delta Generators
Su-Dec 13 (4-8)
Players Sports Bar
Rockland MA (jam)
W-Dec 16 (7:30 - 10:30) Stadium Pub
Cranston RI (jam)
Su-Dec 20 (6 - 8) - Glenn’s Restaurant &
Cool Bar- Newburyport MA
W-Dec 30 (8:30) - Revolution Bistro
Cranston RI
Th-Dec 31 (8:30 to 12:30) - New Year’s Eve
with Amvets Post 51- Randolph MA (open to the public)
JANUARY 2016
Tu-Jan 12 (8) Ed Scheer’s Tuesday Night
All-Stars at The Corrib- Brighton, MA
S-Jan 16 (8) Willie J Laws Band with
special guest CHARLES NEVILLE on sax at the Bull Run, Restaurant, Shirley MA
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
Check out our web site www.chrisfitzband.com
for “tbas” and updates on gigs.
Info@chrisfitz.com
617-416-9048
Peter “hi-fi” ward
Su-Dec 13 Peter HiFi Ward & Justin Quinn at Glenn’s Restaurant
& Cool Bar- Newburyport, RI
Th-Dec 31 Peter HiFi Ward & Justin Quinn Rockport New Year’s Eve Celebration, Rockport United Methodist Church
36 Broadway, Rockport, MA
For booking and info contact Peter Ward
petermward@gmail.com
TJ Wheeler
Jazz & Roots related Education for student
from kindergarden thru to University.
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of his
KBA award winning program Hope, Heroes &
the Blues, My goal is to reach 100,000 new
students before the end of 2016.
ROOMFUL OF BLUES
Dec 31 (9:30) Bull Run Restaurant-
Feb 12 (8)
Windham High SchoolShirley, MA
Windham, NH
JANUARY 2016
January 8 (7:30)
MARCH
Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining
March 12 (8) Sellersville Theater 1894
267 Main St., Woonsocket, RI
Sellersville, PA
FEBRUARY 2016
February 6 Community Concert Series @ St. Michael’s Church- Bristol, RI
To book the band call Blue Mountain Artists, Phone: 704.525.1559
visit our web site for more detailed info at www.roomful.com
evil Gal Michelle Willson
TEN FOOT POLECATS
Su-Dec 27 (6-9)
“The Last Waltz” at
Glenn Resturant & Cool Bar
Newburyport, MA
Glenn’s is moving, so this is the very last gig at the current location.
W-Dec 30 (7-10)
Michelle with Tom Petteruti band- Stadium Pub- Cranston, RI
Booking: tenfootpolecats@gmail.com
www.tenfootpolecats.comCome 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.
JANUARY 2016
F-Jan 15 (8) Michelle’s “Better late than Never” Birthday Bash!
Chan’s- Woonsocket, RI
Su-Jan 17 (4-7) Michelle with Tom Petteruti band- Villa Restaurant- West Warwick, RI
F-Jan 22 (9-1) Strange Brew Tavern
downtown Manch-Vegas, NH
Start your day in a musicalicious way with
Michelle on 90.5FM WICN - Worcester, MA
The Blend M-F • 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
For program info
tjwheeler.com or call 978- 973-1709.
Presenting assorted Blues in the School
programs including special needs population,
alternative schools, libraries.
Booking now for the 2015 -2016 school year.
TJ Wheeler - Jazz, Blues and roots-related
musician and educator.
978-973-1709
email-tjwheeler7@yahoo.com
Typical showtime is 9pm
unless otherwise noted. For example
if it is an 8pm showtime it will be noted as (8).
arthur james & band
F-Dec 4 (8) Appleseed Restaurant- Bradford, NH
S-Dec. 5
Salt Hill Pub- Lebanon, NH
F-Dec 11 (7) Public House- Quechee, VT
Th-Dec 19 (8) Bentley’s Restaurant
Woodstock, VT
F-Dec 18 Salt Hill Pub- Hanover, NH
M-Dec 21(8) Arthur Featured Paulys Hotel Jam- Albany NY
S-Dec 26
Salt Hill Pub- Newport, NH
Su-Dec 27 (6:30) Arthur featured
Greendales Jam- Worcester, MA
Th-Dec 31 (9) Public House- Quechee, VT
Su-Jan 3 (4) Apres Ski-Salt Hill Pub Sunapee NH
JANUARY 2016
F-Jan 8
Theodore-s Springfield, MA
S-Jan 9
Salt Hill Pub- Lebanon, NH
F-Jan 15
Salt Hill Pub- Hanover, NH
S-Jan 16
Salt Hill Pub- Newport, NH
S-Jan 30 (7) Arthur playing w/Stella Vees
Pig (club)- Memphis, TN
New Solo CD - Me, Myself & I can now be
ordered thru the website or bought at the gigs.
Bookings & Info:http://arthurjames.org/
e-mail arthurjames@tds.net
cell 603-801-8169
For bookings call (603) 986-9161
willielaws@gmail.com
BLUES CLUB SCHEDULES ON FOLLOWING PAGE>>
8
•
•
go out, wear those warm clothes, and let the music do the rest!!!
CHAN’S
Main St., Woonsocket, RI
Great food and music, directions and tix and
more info at www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com
Shows start at unless otherwise noted
F-Dec 4
Jeff Pitchell with special guest
Sheila Raye Charles, daughter of Ray Charles
S-Dec 5 Albert Cummings (two shows)
F-Dec 11
Peacheaters
S-Dec 12
Cory Pesaturo & Friends
F-Dec 18
Commander Cody
S-Dec 19 Jimmy ‘2 Suits’ Capone Christmas Extravaganza $20 w/Dian Blue, Toni Lynn Washington, Ed Sheer, Jack Ward...
S-Dec 26
Through the Doors
Su-Dec 27 The James Montgomery band
Th-Dec 31 Danny Klein Full House - 9pm$65
Includes show, dinner buffet tax & tips (on buffet only). Come ring in the New Year and party
to the great music of the J Geils Band lead by
the Ace of Bass Danny Klein original member
of the J Geils Band and dance the night away.
JANUARY 2016
F-Jan 1 Bucky Lewis
S-Jan 2 Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
S-Jan 9 Debra Mann
F-Jan 15 Evil Gal Michelle Willson Birthday Bash
F-Jan 18 Roomful of Blues
S-Jan 23 Greg Abate Sextet
S-Jan 30 Rose Weaver - Jazz songbird
The BULL RUN concert series
Tickets and pricing on
web site chanseggrollsandjazz.com.
Limited seating advanced tickets
suggested call 401-765-1900.
major Credit Cards accepted
The Tap
100 Washington St., Haverhill, MA
Please check our web site
for events and the schedule.
More info at: www.tapbrewpub.com
Info and more 978-374-1117
10
World Class musicians at
Pitman’s Freight Room, Laconia, NH
and the Elk’s Lodge- Franklin, NH
See you in the spring!
Th-Dec 3
Bob Marley (Comedy)
F-Dec 4
Wanda Jackson
S-Dec 5
Bill Kirchen & Commander Cody
Su-Dec 6
Five O’Clock Shadow
Th-Dec 10 Blue Oyster Cult
F-Dec 11
Allman, Pitchell, King,
Charles Band
S-Dec 12
Tom Rush
F-Dec 18
North Shore A Cappella
S-Dec 19
Savoy Brown w/ Kim Simmonds
Su-Dec 20 John Pizzarelli
S-Dec 26
The Installers
Th-Dec 31 Roomful of Blues New Year’s Eve
JANUARY 2016
S-Jan 2
Way Up South & Grin Whistle
F-Jan 8
Marshall Crenshaw
S-Jan 9
Deadbeat
F-Jan 15
Albert Lee & Peter Asher
S-Jan 16
Willie J. Laws Band
Su-Jan 17
Davey Knowles
S-Jan 23
AfterFab: Music of the
Solo Beatles
F-Jan 29
The Delta Generators &
Barrence Whitfield
S-Jan 30
Jazz Depot & Friends Showcase
www.bullrunrestaurant.com
http://tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com
February 2016
S-Feb 6 Neal Vitullo and the Vipers
Th-Feb 25 Kim Wilson
F-Feb 26 Johnny Winter Legacy Band
Featuring Paul Nelson on guitar and James
Montgomery on harmonica & vocals
HOUSE ROCKIN’
PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
off Rte 2 at 215 Great Rd, Shirley, MA
(978) 425-4311 Toll-free 877-536-7190
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!
See you in the spring with artists like Bobby
Radcliff, Luther “Gtr. Jr.” Johnson,
Willie J. Laws, Chris Fitz and more.
Blues Audience Subscribers with their cards
get the advance price at door $5 off.
Doors open at 7:30pm showtime 8pm
Information Call (603) 934-5976
www.houserockinproductions.com
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-Dec 7 M-Dec 14 M-Dec 21
M-Dec 28
Bee’s Deluxe
L&M Rhythm Kings
The Double D’s
Juke
M-Jan 4 M-Jan 11 M-Jan 18 M-Jan 25 JANUARY 2016
Lights Out
Side St. Band
Barrett Anderson
Joe Moss
Blues Audience Subscribers with their cards
get the $2 off dinner.
Tickets available at Nelson’s Candies
To Reserve by Charge Card
Or for more information call
603-654-5030 ($2 processing fee)
www.nelsonscandieswilton.com
click on Locals Café for dates
•
Michelle Willson...
continued from page 4
Photo by Tim Carter
totally new for me. They didn’t care
and didn’t want any part of it,” she
said. “Bruce Iglauer of Alligator
told me, ‘It wasn’t exciting and it
wasn’t evil.’ “
“In retrospect,” Willson said,
“because everything was on me,
I realized I was a little bit too
cautious in the performance and
didn’t lead out with the best song.
It didn’t have that exuberant ‘thing’
that people want on a live recording
to grab them.”
Over the last few years,
Willson realized that it was the
pressure of being the bandleader
and being under the gun and
scrutinized on every decision that
was the eating away at her. “The
more I figured it out, the more I
came to realize that I really didn’t
want to be doing that anymore
because being the leader took all of
the joy out of making music and
removed every speck of fun.
“I had been to that place
before when it was too much. Back
then I’d throw up my hands and
declare ‘That’s it. I’m done.’ But
this time around was different
(2014). “At the same time, I had
some very serious health challenges,
which I never had before. It was a
real eye-opener to be staring at your
own mortality, and then things start
to make a lot of sense. I realized I
didn’t have any more time to waste
and I couldn’t afford to spend time
any more time being miserable.
That’s when I truly realized that
the whole bandleader thing was not
for me as a daily way of life.”
Willson added that she was
glad she endured the pressure of
the business end. “I proved to
myself that I could do it, but I also
know that life is too short to be
in that mood all the time. So you
have to be a person who is not as
deeply affected as I am. And that’s
changed my perspective a great deal.
I would very much like to find a
collaborative situation now where I
can do what I’m good at, and help
other people. “I know if you do
hang in there and strip things down
to the bare essence, you’ll think
about how great it is to be alive.
Start there and work your way up.
That’s what happened for me.”
Recent collaborations
Accompanying Dr. John at the Wilbur Theatre
in Boston in February; contributing to Anthony
Geraci’s Fifty Shades of Blue CD with
Toni Lynn Washington, Darrel Nulisch, and
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, and playing a gig
at Chan’s with this group in mid-November; and
the Ken Clark Organ Trio at Mechanics Hall in
downtown Worcester, which was also in November.
Discography
Evil Gal Blues (Rounder/Bullseye), 1994
So Emotional (Rounder/Bullseye), 1996
Trying to Make a Little Love
(Bullseye Blues and Jazz), 1998
Wake Up Call (Bullseye Blues and Jazz), 2001
Fortune Cookie
(Live at Sculllers Jazz Club in Boston), 2013
•
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
Yessiree!
B l u e s
1 Lou Rawls 1935
20
2 J Place 1961
3 Ben Watson 1961
5 Sonny Boy Williamson II Big Jack Ward 1956
23 Wayne Bradley 1951
Dave Haley 1957
24
6 Toni Lynn Washington
25
7
Irene
Scruggins
1901
❑ and send me a Subscriber
27
Chris Rivelli 1976
Credit Card all for $32
9 Polka Dot Slim 1919
28
Junior Wells 1934
Name
30
10 Guitar Slim 1926
Eddie Jones 1926
Address
11 Big Mama Thornton 1926 31
Diana Shonk
City
Robert Martino 1958
1
Melanie Larsen 1985
State Zip
2
12 Joe Williams 1918
Lonesome Sundown 1928 5
my email address:
Brianna Harris 1993
6
13 Lurrie Bell 1958
7
15 Big Voice Odom 1936
Please enclose a check or M.O. for $32 to
17 James Booker 1939
The Blues Audience newsletter
8
Paul Butterfield 1942
62 Cricket Hill Rd., Harrisville, NH 03450
18 Cleanhead Vinson 1917 or subscribe on line at thebluesaudience.com
9
Lonnie Brooks 1933
• email
dshonk@bluesaudience.com
t h e b l u e s a u d19
i e nProfessor
c e . c o Longhair
m • 1918 T 10
he
12 603-827-3952
Keeping the Blues
coming
to you, LIVE!
I want the
only guide to
Blues music in
New England!
B i r t h d a y s
11 Slim Harpo 1924
12 Dave Howard 1956
Fred McDowell 1904
15 Chuck Berry 1960
Earl Hooker 1930
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Paul Rishell 1949
17Alan Muir 1951
19 Janis Joplin 1943
20 Leadbelly 1889
Alizon Lissance 1956
21 Peter M. Shonk III 1990
22 Sam Cooke 1931
25 Sleepy John Estes 1899
Whispering Smith 1932
Etta James 1938
26 Buddy Moss 1906
January
Estelle “Mama” Yancy 27 Smokey Hogg 1914
Elmore James 1918
Little Smokie Smothers Bobby Blue Bland 1930
Johnny Adams 1932 29 Eddie Taylor 1923
Michelle Willson
Joe Hajjar 1950
Howard Randall 1956 30 Ruth Brown 1928
Blind Joe Hill 1932
31 Roosevelt Sykes
Kim Wilson 1951
Charlie Musselwhite
Tampa Red 1904
Tiny B. Michal
Elvis Presley 1935
Kenny Larsen 1951
Katie Webster 1939
Eddy
B
l u eClearwater
s A u d i1935
ence newsletter 2016
Matt Woodburn 1964
Cousin Joe Pleasant
Peetie Wheatstraw
Mr. Jelly Belly 1922
Harmonica Slim 1934
Esther Phillips 1925
Phillip Guy 1940
Kenny Harris 1948
Little Richard 1925
Bobby Soiot 1952
Matt “Guitar” Murphy
Johnny Otis 1921
Bo Diddley 1928
Tom Wright 1942
Odetta 1930

Performance schedules and Blues news from the most talented local

Transcription

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