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R emembering: Kathi MacDonald SSBA News: Op ening Do ors in Memphis for the Next G ener ation Whats on your pl ate: Music Matters!

On the C over : Kathi MacDonald by Blues B oss

In This Issue...

Celebrating 23 Years of Blues

December 2012 Bluesletter
Vol. XXIV, Number XII
Publisher Editor & Art Director Secretary Calendar Advertising Printer Washington Blues Society Jesse Phillips (jesse@jessephillipsdesigns.com) Rocky Nelson Maridel Fliss (mflissm@aol.com) Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org) Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

1989 - 2012

Letter from the President Big Blues for Little Bill October Blues Bash Little Walter Tribute Which Way to the Rec Room Update on Spokane

7 7 9 10 11 11

16th Annual Maple Blues Awards Remembering Kathi MacDonald Dry Side Blues Blues CD Reviews Behind the Scenes Calendar

12 13 14 16 18 20

Blues on the Radio Dial Jam Guide Venue Guide Talent Guide Blues Blast South Sound Blues Assoc. News

21 22 22 23 25 26

Dudley Did Right Planning Ahead Music Matters City of Music Mobile Keeping the Blues Alive Coffee and Music

27 28 29 30 30 31

Contributing Writers: Robert Horn, Eric Steiner, Malcolm Kennedy, Jerry Peterson,
Rick Bowen, Jane Henderson, Sharon Welter, Tony Frederickson, By Son Jack, Jr., Chris Klimecky, Joris van Wigngaarden

Contributing Photographers: Cover Photo:

Blues Boss, Jerry Peterson and Anita Royce

On the

Kathi MacDonald by Blues Boss

Cover:

Kathi MacDonald by Blues Boss The Blues Boss, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Washington Blues Society, is one of the Washington Blues Societys long-time ambassadors. When not taking pictures of blues performers at festivals, clubs, and our monthly Blues Bashes, Dennis Dudley covers the states blues scene from his native Tacoma to Mount Baker. Hes a local moderator for the Blindmans Blues Forum online blues resource launched by the late Billy Allardyce in Scotland, and his blues travels have taken the Blues Boss to Memphis, Scotland, Portland, and London, England. The Blues Boss considers himself a true blues junkie, but one of the New Years resolutions on the President of the Washington Blues Society for 2013 is getting the Boss Man out to a harp showcase in 2013.

Letter from the Editor

Did anyone else just have the holidays sneak up on them? Well, I certainly did - my internal clock is still set for June and I cant figure out why its dark outside at 3:30pm. And now were down to counting days till Christmas instead of months. I find myself hunting online during any spare break to find the perfect gift for family and friends. So, here are a few of my recommendations, on that note: First of all, just breathe. The holidays are always more about being with the people you love (or the people you can barely tolerate but are

stuck with nonetheless.) than about the prettiest wrapping paper or the nicest gift. Secondly, think local this season my personal goal is to purchase only local, handmade items this year and to support my local community as much as possible. Thirdly - cmon, you know this one - you can always give the gift of the blues this year. From local artists like Son Jack, Jr. (who has a new album out this year), the WIRED! Band and so many others, to tickets to local bands and events and even the gift of the Bluesletter. Buy a one year subscription to the Bluesletter and well send you a handsome

certificate that you can print off and give to your lover of Blues. Its a great way to get them more involved in the community. And lastly, make sure you take time for yourself this season. Im making a list for me, and checkin it twice to make sure that I actually experience the holidays this year instead of being so crazy-busy that I miss it. Theres nothing worse than cleaning up wrapping paper and realizing that you worked through the entire season. Until next time, we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays. Jesse Phillips, Editor Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 5th of each month in the following formats: plain text or Microsoft Word. Graphics must be in high-res 300 dpi .pdf, jpg, or .tiff formats. We encourage submissions. If a submitter intends to retain the rights to material (e.g., photos, videos, lyrics, textual matter) submitted for publication in the Bluesletter, or the WaBlues.org website, he or she must so state at the time of submission; otherwise, submitters rights to the material will be transferred to WBS, upon publication. We reserve the right to edit all content. The Bluesletter is the official monthly publication of the Washington Blues Society. The WBS is not responsible for the views and opinions expressed in The Bluesletter by any individual. WBS 2012 The Washington Blues Society is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for individuals, $35 for couples, and $40 for overseas memberships. The Washington Blues Society is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. The Washington Blues Society is affiliated with The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mission Statement

Washington Blues Society P.O. Box 70604 - Seattle, WA 98127 www.wablues.org

3

December 2012 DEADLINES:

Advertising Space Reservations: December 5th malcarken@comcast.net Calendar: December 10th calendar@wablues.org Editorial Submissions: December 5th - editor@wablues.org Camera Ready Ad Art Due: December 12th - editor@wablues.org Camera ready art should be in CMYK format at 300 dpi or higher.

Washington Blues Society

Proud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation President Vice President Secretary Treasurer (Acting) Editor 2012 Officers Eric Steiner Tony Frederickson Rocky Nelson Chad Creamer Jesse Phillips president@wablues.org vicepres@wablues.org secretary@wablues.org treasurer@wablues.org editor@wablues.org

Big Blues for Little Bill

By Jane Henderson

Hi Bluesletter Readers! As I drove home from the November 2012 Blues Invasion at Stewarts in historic downtown Snohomish last month, I reflected on not only the Washington Blues Societys work to send the Sammy Eubanks Band and the Norris and Nicely duo to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge next month, but also on the generosity of a Stewarts regular that night. The Bluesletter deadline dash precluded me from staying until the end of the evening, but I was glad to reconnect with many Washington Blues Society members and blues fans. A young man wearing a Seattle Supersonics sweatshirt asked if he could check out the scene when I asked him to pay the $10 cover charge at the door. I explained that Stewarts supports live blues and while the venue does not charge a cover charge routinely, that the Blues Invasion was an important fundraiser. He walked by, smiled, and said thanks, but I think Ill check it out, first. He went to the kitchen area in the back and talked with some friends. They watched Blues Playground, and from the smiles on their faces, I could tell they were enjoying the music.

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2012 Directors Music Co-Directors Cherie Robbins & Janice Cleven Gage Membership Michelle Burge Education Roy Brown Volunteers Rhea Rolfe Merchandise Tony Frederickson Advertising Malcolm Kennedy Downtown Seattle West Seattle Eastside Northern WA Penninsula South Sound Central WA Eastern WA Ballard Lopez Island Middle East Webmaster Web Hosting WBS Logo

music@wablues.org membership@wablues.org education@wablues.org volunteers@wablues.org merchandise@wablues.org advertising@wablues.org

Della Records and the South Sound Blues Association are proud to announce that another $4, 000+ has been donated to the Dystonia Foundation in honor of Little Bill Engelhart. The contribution is the result of continued sales of the CD, Big Blues for Little Bill, which was released in 2009 and won Best Recording honors from the Washington Blues Society that year. The CD project was funded by a variety of blues fans, musicians, and organizations and features 15 original songs written by Bill, performed by top-notch musicians from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including: Polly OKeary & the Rhythm Method, Bump Kitchen, Patti Allen w/the Randy Oxford Band, Mark Whitman w/ Billy Stapleton, Duffy Bishop and Chris Carlson, Billy Roy Danger & the Rectifiers, Leanne Trevalyan w/ Mark Riley and Paul Green, Rod Cook & Toast, Dick Powell, Merrilee Rush w/Billy Mac and Rusty Williams, Henry Cooper, Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, Jr. Cadillac, Buck England, Eric Madis & Blue Madness, and Heather Rayburn with Little Bill himself on bass. In all, more than 60 musicians gave of their talents to bring this CD to life. The project was intended to honor Little Bill on the occasion of his 70th birthday, as well as to generate funds for the Dystonia Foundation, a cause that Bill and his wife Jan have long supported. Their son Tony was stricken with the disorder in his teens and bravely continues to fight its effects. You can learn more about dystonia at dystonia-foundation.org. This latest contribution brings the total sent to the Dystonia Foundation to almost $9,000. Randy Oxford and I initiated the project, and we hope that continued CD sales will help reach their initial goal of $10,000. The CDs value stands on its own, as a oneof-a-kind- representation of the vast blues talent our area enjoys, as well as the generosity of our blues community. It also includes a 12-page booklet, with photos and information about the project and is enhanced with a video interview of Bill and clips from the recording sessions. Big Blues for Little Bill: A Tribute to the Music of Little Bill Engelhart is av a i l a b l e f rom the Washington Blues Society merchandise booth, on iTunes, at CD Baby, and at the website listed below.

Weve Got Discounts! 20% off- 12 month pre-payment 15% off- 6 month pre-payment 10% off- 3 month pre-payment Contact: advertising@wablues.org We value your business. Please send all advertising inquriries and ad copy to advertising@wablues.org with a copy to Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy at malcarken@comcast.net

2012 Street Team Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.net Rev. Deb Engelhardt deb@revdeb.com Vacant Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.com Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.net Smoke smkdrms@aol.com Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.com Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.com Marcia Jackson Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.com Rock Khan rocknafghanistan@gmail.com Special Thanks The Sheriff webmaster@wablues.org Adhost www.adhost.com Phil Chesnut philustr8r@aol.com

During a set break, Merchandise Director Tony Frederickson and Music CoDirector Janice Gage gave away autographed posters, blues CDs, and Seattle Mariners memorabilia, and Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely began to set up. I turned to stalwart volunteer Big Al and he said that the attendance, given the Biblical rain showers outside, was pretty impressive. We counted about 75 paying customers half-way through the fundraiser, and that number did not include those performers who were on the guest list. I was also heartened that many performers paid their own way at the door: and, to a player, they said: were here to support our International Blues Challenge acts. It was also heartening for me to see so many familiar Washington Blues Society members and blues fans at Stewarts. I recognized many in the audience from our monthly Blues Bashes on the second Tuesday of every month at Shorelines Red Crane Restaurant and from many stops on our 2011 and 2012 International Blues Challenge local competitions. I noticed that blues fans came from as far away as Spanaway, Spokane, and White Rock, British Columbia to support Norris and Nicely duo and the Sammy Eubanks Band as the Washington Blues Societys competitors in the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. I also thought it was fun that the 2012 winner of the International Blues Challenge, The WIRED! Band, was on the bill, and that their CD, Washington Blues, will represent the blues society in the 2013 Best Self-Produced CD Competition. I returned to the door to welcome fans and work alongside Big Al. The young man in the Sonics sweatshirt from earlier in the evening did, too. He smiled, and handed me a $20 bill and I offered him a wristband. No, thanks, he said. I believe in what you are doing and I just wanted to help out before I left. Wow. Before I could get him a Bluesletter, he split. As I pulled into my driveway in Edmonds, I thought that we are very lucky to attract such generous blues fans at events like the Snohomish Blues Invasion. Until next month, please go see live blues music. Thank you, Eric Steiner, President Washington Blues Society Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

THANK YOU FOR READING THE BLUESLETTER AND SUPPORTING LIVE BLUES IN THE EVERGREEN STATE!
ATTENTION BLUES MUSICIANS: WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LATEST CD REVIEWED IN THE BLUESLETTER? GOT A BLUES CD FOR US?
Need help in getting the word about your music? Wed like to help. While we cannot predict when or if a review will land in the pages of the Bluesletter, wed like to encourage musicians to consider the Washington Blues Society a resource. If you would like your CD reviewed by one of our reviewers, please send two copies (one for the reviewer and one for our monthly CD giveaways at the Blues Bash) to the following address: Washington Blues Society ATTN: CD Reviews PO Box 70604 Seattle, WA 98027

OxfordEntertainment.com

President

Letter from the

Continues to Give!

Dirty Rice Band

Mary McPage

to address her as Queenie McPage. She didnt say that anyone else has to address her as Queenie, so perhaps all who are reading this dont have to be that formal. I try to get proper titles right in what gets printed so I told her I would mention the By Robert Horn, Photos by Blues Boss title of Queenie. There was good music Tuesday, November 13th was an evening and a few chuckles and smiles given by her with slower than average traffic even for royal highness act. Queenie McPage. Seattle. There was a cure for the Seattle traffic blues, though. It was administered After the trio finished performing, there were at the Red Crane Restaurant upstairs from announcements of upcoming blues events Club Hollywood on Aurora Avenue and for November that will have happened by 167th in Shoreline. the time you read this (see, thats another reason you have to be at the Washington I read ahead of time that the opening act Blues Society blues bashes each month.). would be the Mary McPage Trio. I am very There was a bag of CDs given to the crowd familiar with the Mary McPages band, but I in the free raffle, and the wait staff even had not seen her perform with a trio before. got a couple of them. Later that night, the Mar y McPage does many things a little 2013 members of the new Board of Directors differently, and has the only trio that I know were announced. There were a few writeof with four members. Yes, thats right, her ins but Nate Silver, John McLaughlin, and trio has four band members. She had Jevon Chuck Todd were all correct in predicting Powell on guitar, and Patrick McDanel (yes the winners and the percentages they got. there is no iel as in Daniel, it is McDanel) Those that got nominated won, yes all 100% on bass. On harmonica and sometimes vocals of them did. Eric Steiner, Tony Frederickson, was Bill Davis. Mary McPage is known for Mary Queenie McPage, Jesse Phillips, and moving around the audience in her bare Chad Creamer were all elected. The votes feet, but this time she was sitting in a chair were not counted by machine or in the states during her performace. She sang Walkin of Ohio or Florida so there didnt seem to the Dog, Give Me Back My Wig, Got My be much controversy. Mojo Workin and other songs. Bill Davis did a great job singing as well as playing The Mary McPage Trio (all four of them) har p on Wa l k in Blues and t he vo c a l were good, but wait, there was more: The greatness of the band was very noticeable Dirty Rice Band was next. This band was on the classic Angel from Montgomery. good in the past, but its even better now. After Marys trio performed she came over The first artillery volleys from the guitar to talk a little. She informed me that I am of Eric Rice got an unconditional surrender

The November 2012

at the Red Crane

Blues Bash

from the whole audience. The guitar playing was awesome. We didnt yet know what this band had for us in terms of vocals, but it was beyond good. In addition to E r i c on g u it ar and l e a d vo c a l s , S c ott y Harris was on bass (many know he is also an award winning s ax player), and t he drummer was Keylin Mayfield. The great performance of Ocean of Tears on guitar and vocals was followed by songs like Just My Imagination and Rock-A-Bye. Eric Rice sings You Really Got a Hold On Me better than anyone since Smokey Robinson in my opinion, and it is always a hauntingly powerful one when he does it. They later did Seventh Shot of Whiskey (the song, not the whiskey, I think.) The band was told the event was over but they were not done. The next thing that happened is one more reason to go catch this band. When you catch them be prepared for what their drummer, Keylin Mayfield, does when he steps out from behind the drums to stand center stage in front of the microphone. No, I am not warning you of the full Monty. This drummer is also a world class vocalist. His performance of Unchained Melody was righteous, brother. Some remember the Righteous Brothers with Bobby Hatfield making this song one of the all-time great tunes. At the November Blues Bash, we heard their successor, and he plays drums for the Dirty Rice Band when he is not bringing crowds to a standing ovation with tears in their eyes a few minutes after he opens his mouth. He rivaled the best tenors I have ever heard with this performance.

Worth the Trip:

Blind Pig Records has announced a live recording date for a special tribute to Little Walter Jacobs featuring some of the finest harmonica players on the current blues scene - Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Mark Hummel, James Harman, and Sugar Ray Norcia. The show will take place on Thursday, December 6th at Anthology in San Diego, California.

Little W alter Tribute Show

Charlie Musselwhite is one of the most recognized names in blues harmonica. Born in 1944, Musselwhite has traveled the long road from backwoods Mississippi to a teenaged upbringing in Memphis, where he first heard and learned the blues from its originators. On the South Side of Chicago, Charlie served his apprenticeship with Robert Nighthawk, JB Hutto, Johnny Young and Big Walter Horton and developed close friendships with blues icons Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams, Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf. In the late 60s and mid 70s he and Paul Butterfield were very influential in introducing traditional blues to white audiences and the burgeoning scene of young rock and rollers. Renowned for his mastery of the traditional blues idiom, in recent years hes introduced elements

Which

included John Mayall, Huey Lewis, Snooky Pryor, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, Carey Bell, Lazy Lester plus almost every other player of note on the blues harp. Mark has been nominated four times for the best harmonica player Blues Music Award. Hummels eighteenth and most recent CD is entitled Retroactive.

? REC RooM
WAY to the
By Eric Steiner

rocked the mainstage at this years Taste of Music in Snohomish, and I expect that theyll warm up the REC Room with their holiday show. I hope that they include their new Rat City Roller Girls theme song into their set: wouldnt it be cool to see if some of the Girls show up, if theyre not bruising and skating, that night, too? When Tony told me that the December 17th Jingle Jam will feature a Mighty Mouth Blues Radio Experience that included not only a live, intimate show but also world-class BBQ from The BBQ Schacht, I was intrigued. I first experienced the BBQ Schacht at this years La Conner Music Festival hosted by Nick Vigarino, and I enjoyed the sumptuous portions and extra side dishes. The BBQ chicken reminded me of the best BBQ platters Ive had in Tennessee and Mississippi they are that good! The BBQ Schachts provided world-class BBQ at events like the Pork in the Pines BBQ and Music Festival in Cle Elem this past July as well as the Sun Country Golf Tournament, and Flute Quest at Des Moines Saltwater State Park. In addition to catering special events, the BBQ Schachts open for business on Des Moines Memorial Drive in Seatac from 11 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. Their complete menu in Seatac includes Pork Shoulder, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Turkey, St. Louis Style Spare Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Cole Slaw, Beans, Cornbread, and Tater Salad. I am a sucker for good blues and good BBQ, and the REC Room will deliver on the former and BBQ Schacht will deliver on the latter on December 17th at the Jingle Jam. I know that they cant bring everything on the road from their newest retail location, but I hope that theyll have brisket, chicken or ribs (any kind, please) at the REC Room. The Jingle Jam line-up is a whos who of Washington Blues Society players that have either received, been nominated for Best of the Blues Awards during our annual BB Awards process, or have played some of our states finest blues venues and blues festivals. The RoadDogz will be fresh from the Blues Invasion at Stewarts and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Jingle Jam guests will include horn players Ron Hendee and Randy Oxford (both Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise veterans themselves) as well as guitarists Mark Riley, Billy F. Stoops, Greg Timmons, James Howard, Tim Lerch, and Eric Rice. Where is Tony going to put drummers Tommy Cook, Rick Jacobsen, Richard Sabol or Jeff Drummerboy Hayes? Tommy Wall will sing and play bass, and Bill Mattocks will join him on vocals, too. I hope that Chip and his REC Room crew are successful, because this innovative way to present a live music show in an ultra lounge concept broadcast live on Mighty Mouth Blues Radio, is a new way for blues fans to experience live music in a recording studio. I also hope that Chip can duplicate the success that Robert Lang Studios has achieved, and provide another studio resource for musicians and live performance space for fans in the Pacific Northwest.

An Update from

Little Walter is without doubt one of the most James Harman was born and raised in Anniston, influential blues harmonica players of all time. The Alabama, where he quickly picked up on the black idea for the Little Walter tribute recording grew out blues and soul music being played on juke boxes and of a number of highly successful West Coast concerts the radio in the Deep South. In his teens, he started in early 2012 that were part of an ongoing series of playing juke joints and dance clubs throughout Blues Harmonica Blowout concerts organized by the South and recorded a number of 45s. In 1968 Hummel, who will serve as producer of the recording Harman moved to Southern California, where he project, to be entitled Remembering Little Walter. became friends with Canned Heat, The Blasters, and Said Hummel, Walter changed all the Blind Pig Records has announced a live recording date for a led bands with top-notch talent such rules and raised the bar so high that as Hollywood Fats and Kid Ramos. nobody has yet surpassed him either special tribute to Little Walter Jacobs featuring some of the Hes released numerous albums over in innovation or technical prowess. the years, picking up 10 W.C.Handy/ finest harmonica players on the current blues scene... Walters original sides have become the BMA nominations along the way. holy grail all other harpers are still trying to aspire to. of jazz, gospel, Tex-Mex, Cuban and other world He has been inducted into the Alabama Music music into his recordings. In 2010 he was inducted Hall of Fame and is the harmonica player of choice Those sentiments were echoed by Charlie Musselwhite into the Blues Foundation s Blues Hall Of Fame. In on recordings and live performances by ZZ Top, and Billy Boy Arnold, who both knew and were friends addition, Charlie, who is one of the most beloved appearing with them on both David Letterman and with Little Walter. In fact, both used Walters backing blues musicians in the world, has been nominated Jools Hollands TV shows. musicians (Louis and Dave Myers, Fred Below, and for six Grammy Awards and has won 24 Blues Luther Tucker) in their own bands in the 60s and Music Awards. Sugar Ray Norcia started the popular East Coast early 70s. Musselwhite said, If you listen to Walters blues band The Bluetones 30 years ago with guitarist earliest recordings you can see that he came from a Billy Boy Arnold, a contemporary of James Cotton Ronnie Earl. They backed Big Walter Horton, Big down-home country style much like John Lee Sonny and Junior Wells, started with Ellis McDaniels Joe Turner, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush, JB Hutto Boy Williamson. And then, probably with the urban (later to be known as Bo Diddley) in Chicago in and countless others in the early 80s all over the influence of Chicago horn players, started phrasing 1955, where they created the Bo Diddley sound Northeast. In 1991 Norcia hooked up with the like a saxophone. This phrasing combined with his at Chess Records. Billy Boy learned harp at the feet legendary Roomful of Blues band and toured the creativity and amplification really took harmonica of the legendary John Lee Sonny Boy Williamson world with the 11 piece band, appearing on their playing to a whole new level that hadnt been heard when Billy was just 12 years old. Billy went on to Grammy-nominated release Turn It On, Turn It before. For me personally, besides Walters being record singles for VeeJay like Wish You Would, Up. Norcia also recorded the Grammy nominated an influence, he was even more of an inspiration; Aint Got You and You Got Me Wrong. In the release Superharps during his Roomful tenure with an inspiration and invitation to experiment, take mid-60s young British groups The Yardbirds and harmonica heavyweights Charlie Musselwhite, James chances, see where itll take you and to always follow The Animals discovered Billy Boys 45s and had hits Cotton and Billy Branch. In 2001, he reunited the your heart. He went on to recall, Walter was always with their own cover versions. In the early 90s Arnold Bluetones with guitarist Kid Bangham and later real nice to me. Hed give me a ride home after the firmly reestablished himself as one of the foremost Monster Mike Welsh. The latest Sugar Ray and gig or sometimes hed walk with me to the bus stop practitioners of classic Chicago blues with a pair of the Bluetones album, Evening, received four BMA and wait until the bus came. He was always acting critically acclaimed releases on Alligator. His most nominations in 2012 including Album of the Year like he was looking out for me; like he was going to recent CD, Billy Boy Arnold Sings Bill Broonzy, has and Traditional Blues Album of the year. be there if somebody started some nonsense with been receiving extensive airplay. me. Billy Boy Arnold added, When I heard Little Following Little Walters approach of having the Walters harmonica playing on the recordings with Mark Hummel has been touring nationally since very best musicians in his bands, Hummel has Muddy Waters and others, I knew that Little Walter 1984 and has most recently written a memoir, Big handpicked a sterling lineup of musicians for the was the new Harmonica King. I bought every record Road Blues: 12 Bars on I-80, put out by Mountain show and recording in San Diego - Little Charlie that Muddy Waters made with Little Walters harp Top Publishing. Mark started his band The Blues Baty, the world renowned guitar slinger and former playing on it. He was miles ahead of all the other Survivors in 1977 with Mississippi Johnny Waters bandleader of Little Charlie and the Nightcats; harp players on the scene. No one could touch him. and has since toured/recorded with Lowell Fulson, second guitar will be Harman bandmate, Nathan He was creative, innovative, and spontaneous. Little Eddie Taylor, Charles Brown, Brownie McGhee, James; June Core (Musselwhite, Little Charlie and Walter is still the top and most influential harp player Jimmy Rogers and many other blues legends. In 1991 Nightcats, Robert Jr. Lockwood and Hummel) will that ever played. Mark started the Blues Harmonica Blowouts which be on drums and RW Grigsby (Mike Morgan, Gary have grown to be a much heralded blues event on Primich and Hummel) will play upright bass. the national scene. These multi harp packages have

Washington Blues Society Vice President Tony Frederickson is always after me to stay out late (read: after 9:00 PM), see local shows (like in Everett, Snohomish or Seattle), and to support local music. Over the past year, Ive tried to get out more than in the past, and this month, I hope to get to two shows at Everetts REC Room. Ive traveled a lot for my day job, and its limited the time that I have to see local music. It also doesnt help that Im a homebody by nature, and that its always advisable for me to stay at home if Ive enjoyed my adult beverage of choice. When Tony described the new live blues innovation called the REC Room, I thought he was talking about his family room downstairs at Casa Tony (complete with his adorable cat named Pumpkin). Pumpkins stark black and white color scheme reminds me of Holstein cattle, but Tony charitably felt that the name Pumpkin was more appropriate than Holstein for a lovable cat. Go figure. As Tony described Everetts newest private live music venue, I knew I was wrong. The REC Room is a private ultra lounge inside Chip Butters Butter Sound Studios at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes in downtown Everett. Chip built this studio after working at the fabled Robert Lang Studios (home to hundreds of well-regarded artists like Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Duff McKagan, David Brewer, the Supersuckers, and my sons former band, How and Lightning). Chips team took three years to design and build an old-school, state of the art recording facility in Everett, and all REC Room events are exclusive and limited to 50 guests serviced through Brown Paper Tickets. Last month featured the 2013 Washington Blues Society International Blues Society competitor Sammy Eubanks and his band, and next month, Russias Blues Cousins and Portland, Oregons International Blues Challenge competitor Lisa Mann will hold court in the studio. Her CD Satisfied is in the 2013 Best Self-Produced CD Competition representing the Cascade Blues Association. This month, the Juliettes will transform into the Ho Ho Hos on the 15th, and this crowd-pleasing lineup will host a Rock-tacular for the first 50 ticket holders. The Ho Ho Hos are Julie Mains on vocals, Liz Aday on vocals and kazoo, and they are backed by a world class engine room featuring multiple BB Award recipient Lissa Ramaglia on bass and Eva Dizon on drums. The $12 ticket includes the Its the Ho Ho Hos Christmas CD with songs like Good King Wenceslas, Deck the Halls, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Dirty Christmas Blues. The Juliettes absolutely

Indoor Acoustic Blues Festival Review

By Sharon Welter

Spokane:

The Indoor Acoustic Blues Fest held o October 27th at the Valley Eagles in Spokane was an awesome musical treat. When Ted Todd thinks enough about an artist to want to showcase blues talent in Spokane, I pay attention. How else might I have ever heard the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Wendy Dewitt and her talented drummer Kirk Harwood from San Francisco? She was one of the most joyful artists Ive ever seen, grinning from ear to ear, while covering the length of the keyboard in seemingly effortless moves and singing her Industrial Strength Blues (the title of one of their CDs). Kirk was very versatile on the drums. I loved Wendys red pants and high stiletto heels! Teds brother-in-law Mick Kollassa did a great job singing the blues with Wendy and Kirk. Mick is also one of the newest members of the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation, too! Despite his youthful appearance, Memphis Brandon Santini was a very soulful vocalist/ harp player with Jeff Jensen playing the guitar masterfully, making for a very bluesy set from the two young artists. The night started out with Spokanes own Jeff Aker, who set the stage for a perfectly wonderful night with his excellent mastery of down-home blues. He truly is an outstanding solo blues artist. And, although they hail from just the other side of the mountains, I had never heard Norris and Nicely, and now I understand why they were the Washington Blues Societys pick to send to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in 2012 and 2013. I cant say enough about how much music these bluesmen make together and how incredibly bluesy and talented they are. I picked up their CD at he Indoor Acoustic Blues Festival, too! Unfortunately the festival wasnt very well attended, competing as it did with Halloween, but what a great party it was. Its also heartening to note that any profits from this show will go towards the Blues Foundations Raise the Roof campaign, and I understand Ted and Mick are already planning next years event. My knowledge of blues artists isnt as extensive as Ted Todds pinkie nail, so whenever I get a chance to hear blues artists that he recommends, I will and know it will be well worth it!

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Blues Artists from Coast-to-Coast Featured At 16th Annual Maple Blues Awards
Performers include Matt Minglewood, Nanette Workman, Carlos del Junco, Suzie Vinnick, Steve Strongman, and The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer A cast of some of the best Canadian blues musicians will be performing at the 16th annual Maple Blues Awards gala on January 21 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The Maple Blues Awards is Canadas national blues celebration, recognizing outstanding musical achievement and gathering blues musicians and music fans from across the country each year. Canadian blues luminaries and emerging new talent join forces at the gala concert and create this must attend night of Canadian blues. This year the performers include Nova Scotias road warrior legend Matt Minglewood, Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee Nanette Workman from Montreal, international award winning harmonica virtuoso Carlos del Junco, Saskatchewan native songbird sensation Suzie Vinnick, Hamilton string-bending songwriter Steve Strongman and new kids on the blues block The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer out of Vancouver, owning the most controversial name in blues today. This illustrious revue are all backed by the hand-picked Maple Blues Band featuring players from Downchild, Fathead who are all current or past Maple Blues Award winners including Gary Kendall (music director), Michael Fonfara (keyboard), Teddy Leonard (guitar), Al Lerman (sax / harmonica), Tom Bona (drums), Chris Whiteley (trumpet / guitar), Pat Carey (saxophone) and Chris Murphy (saxophone). The January 21st gala event will be hosted by popular actor and blues artist Raoul Bhaneja and is considered to be the premier blues event of the year. Tickets for the not-to-be-missed Maple Blues Awards are on sale now starting at only $28.00 and can be purchased at the Weston Family Box Office, located in The Royal Conservatorys TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, by calling 416.408.0208 or online at www.performance.rcmusic.ca. Following the awards and concert will be the popular after-party, featuring live music and performances from some of the evenings winners. The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Royal Conservatorys magnificent Koerner Hall is designed in the tradition of the classic shoebox venues of Europe. Recognized as being among the worlds greatest concert halls, the Toronto Star has called it the best concert venue in Toronto.

16th Annual Maple Blues Awards

I was able to go to the recent Kathi McDonald memorial at the Highway 99 Blues Club and then shortly thereafter I had the opportunity to see a very talented singer and songwriter on the 2012 October Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise named Bekka Bramlett who performed with the Shane Dwight Band. I have gotten the opportunity to know Shane over the last few years by helping him sell his merchandise at many Pacific Northwest Festivals and I got curious as to what he was up to with this new line up because I have only seen him perform as a trio. When I looked up Bekka Bramlett to learn more about her, I could not help but draw some parallels between her and Kathi McDonald. So I did some research online and thought I would like to share some of the things that I found out about Kathi McDonald online and at the memorial. Born in 1948 in Anacortes, Washington, Kathi began singing at an early age. She would often talk about her parents waking her and singing with her. By the age of two she knew all five verses of Goodnight Irene and she often attributed these experiences for her late night work habits. By the age of twelve she was performing professionally in Seattle and at nineteen she moved to San Francisco and began what turned out to be a more than four decade long career in music. The story goes that she was in the front row as a member of the audience at

an Ike & Tina Turner show and joined in singing along with the band. Her powerful voice caught the ear of Ike Turner and she became a member of the Ikettes, the first of her many prime time gigs. She sings on Ike & Tina Turners 1969 album Come Together, the first of many albums she appears on. These early years she worked with Joe Cocker on his album Mad Dogs And Englishmen (Bekka Bramlett performed on Joe Cockers album Have A Little Faith), Big Brother & The Holding Company albums Be A Brother and How Hard It Is, Leon Russells Leon Russell And The Shelter People, Rita Coolidges debut album Rita Coolidge (Bekka worked on Rita Coolidges album Thinkin About You), Delaney & Bonnies To Bonnie From Delaney (Bekka Bramletts parents are Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett). These are only a few of the 160 albums on which Kathi performed, of which over 70 of these albums were certified Gold. One of my favorite stories from the memorial involved Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. During those early years of Kathis career she caught the attention of Mick as he and the rest of the Stones were getting ready to record the album Exile On Main Street. He wanted to have her sing on a few of the tracks and got her phone number and called her. She didnt believe it was him and hung up on him. Luckily for Kathi, Mick did not give up easily and contacted her manager who assured Kathi that it was indeed Mick Jagger that had called and they eventually connected. Kathi sings on four of the album songs, including the hit single Tumbling Dice. Many people consider this album the best of all the Rolling Stones recordings. In 1974 Capitol Records released the first of Kathis personal records. The album entitled Insane Asylum featured an incredible line up of musicians that included Ronnie Montrose, Nils Lofgren, John Cipollina, Papa John Creach, and Pete Sears to name just a few. Kathi and Pete Sears wrote a few of the songs together on this recording. Unfortunately, the sales were

Remembering Kathi McDonald

A Blues and Rock Icon
By Tony Frederickson

not great, but that didnt slow Kathi down. She just continued to sing and appeared on albums throughout the seventies, eighties and into the nineties. It was during this time period that she met Long John Baldry and started a twenty year association with him. It was with Long John that she reached some of her highest critical acclaim. The duet recording of their version of Youve Lost That Lovin Feeling which was released in Canada, made the charts in the United States and reached number two in Australia. The 1994 release Save Your Breath was Kathis second solo album effort. Which was followed by her 1999 release Above & Beyond (Which featured appearances by Lee Oskar and Brian Auger), the 2003 self titled release Kathi McDonald (This record featured the song writing of Nick Gravenities and performances by Rich Kirch, Vernon Black, Greg Gonaway to name a few), and the 2010 Kathi McDonald and Friends release On With The Show. She also reunited with Big Brother and The Holding Company for the 1997 release of Cant Go Home Again, performed with Nick Vigarino on Victims Of Cool and Ghost Of Time and contributed to the Seattle Women In Rhythm And Blues projects. One thing that came out at the memorial

was Kathis straight forward approach to life and how she dealt with others. Norah Michaels, Patti Allen, and a few of the other women who appeared with the Seattle Women in Rhythm And Blues, and performed at the memorial, repeatedly talked about Kathis professionalism. No matter how she was feeling, she always gave everything she had for every performance. Many of the stories told at memorial celebrated Kathis frank and sometimes brisk advice for her friends. Nick Vigarino told us how Kathi was not one to brag about her accomplishments, but rather how she always looked forward to the next project. He said he had tried many times to get her to talk about all of the recordings she had been part of

down the names of all who came down and celebrated Kathis life. It was an incredible line up of performers that the evenings host, Nick Vigarino, put together. Definitely one of those you should have been there moments! Some of my personal experiences with Kathi include the joy she showed at Deb Rocks Blues For Food Festival. She was so happy that people still wanted her CDs and was delighted that all she had brought were sold. At the rehearsals for the Hall Of Fame Showcase that we had last year in preparing for the Something New, Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something Definitely The Blues Festival out in Monroe. Kathy was very much involved in the setting and helping coordinate dates and times, and a wealth of suggestions and ideas. She was proud to be a member of the Washington Blues Societys Hall Of Fame. She really had no ego and was grateful to be a part of the Showcase. I will never forget watching Kathi, Patti Allen and Alice Stuart after the Showcase and the glow that surrounded them as they chatted after the showcase. We truly lost an icon in Kathi McDonald.

Born in 1948 in Anacortes, Washington, Kathi began singing at an early age. She would often talk about her parents waking her and singing with her.
and the musicians she had worked with, but she really wanted to focus on the future. Alice Stuart shared a song with us that she rewrote the lyrics for to celebrate Kathis life. For me this was one of the highlights of many that night. Patti Allen lead a group of the Seattle Women in song that showed the joy and warmth that all of them felt for Kathi. I wish I had taken notes and written

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Dry Side Blues

By Jerry Peterson, Vice President

Novemb er broug ht one of the ver y b est events of t he ye ar, t he In land E mpi re Blu e s S o c i e t y s annual Empire Awards, which were developed to show dedicated bands and individuals how much we value their contributions to the Dry Side blues scene. We started out with Junkbelly, a quartet from Wenatchee who played some great original b lu e s s ong s , i n c lu d i ng Treats Me like a Real Man. Immediately following the Awards, Jimmy Lloyd Rea an d t h e Sw itc h m a ste rs rocked the Membership with some excellent blues covers, including Shake Your Money Maker and Like a Rolling Stone. A big thank-you to both bands for their support of the Inland Empire Blues Society. The awards ceremony began with the Best Writer for Ins i d e Blu e s c ate gor y, which was presented to Craig Heimbigner, who also accepted the award for Best Blues Event for the 2012 Wallace, Idaho Blues Festival. Best Blues Radio Show was once again

accepted by Ted Todd for Blowtorch Blues. Best Blues Drummer was presented to Zach Cooper, and Best Blues Guitarist and Best Male Performer were accepted by Bobby Patterson, both of the Fat Tones. Best Blues Bassist went to Mark Cornett of the Kenny James Miller Band. Best Instrumentalist went to Charles Swanson (sax), Best Blues Keyboard to Steve Carver and Best Female Vocalist to Jennifer Kemple, all of the Big Mumbo Blues Band. The Best Blues Harmonica award went to Charlie Butts, whose band, the Filter Tips, was named Best Blues Band. Best Slide Guitar and Best Acoustic Act went to Ray Roberson, Best Male Vocalist to Sammy Eubanks, Best Female Performer to Sara Brown, and the award for Best New Blues Act was presented to the members of Bakin Phat. The award for Best New Blues Album went to Shiver by Too Slim and the Taildraggers, and the award for Best Blues Venue was presented to Dave Daley of Daleys Cheap Shots. Dave immediately handed the plaque to Gary Yeoman, and acknowledged Garys influence on the success of his establishment by bringing blues music including the extremely cool Sunday night blues jam to his club. The Musicians Choice Award went to Forest Govedare of Anita Royce and the High Rollers, who was still a couple of years shy of being allowed into the venue. The Keeping the Blues Alive award was presented to yours truly, but I emphasized the need to recognize the man who wrote the ballots and counted the votes, booked the venue and the bands, ordered the certificates and plaques, and generally put the whole show together Ted Todd. The Membership agreed, and I think

Ted may have blushed. Mission accomplished. In May of 2012, the Washington Blues Society held a Dry Side round of the International Blues Challenge at Daleys Cheap Shots, and Sammy Eubanks, Dale Lewis and Michael Hays won the band portion of the competition. They went on to the semi-finals in Snohomish in August, and won again, securing a spot in the finals in Memphis in January. Now it is time for all of Sammys friends to come out to support his efforts to be judged one of the best blues bands in the WORLD. We will be holding an all-ages benefit show and a silent auction to raise money to cover Sammy, Dale and Michaels expenses for the trip on Sunday, January 6th at the Knitting Factory. Music is scheduled to start at 5 pm, and as Sammy says, well keep playing till the cops show up. We currently have 7 bands scheduled to perform at this event, including The Skivees, the Vaughn Jensen Band, Anita Royce and the High Rollers with Forest Govedare, Bakin Phat, the Kenny James Miller Band, and the fabulous Fat Tones. Kevin Sutton, 2012 Washington Blues Society Performer and Songwriter of the Year of last years IBC winning band WIRED! will be there, and will probably end up on stage with Sammy. Admission will be $10 at the door no tickets will be printed so be aware that the doors will open at the Knitting Factory at 4pm on January 6th. You can make a secure donation via PayPal by going to sammyeubankslive.com and clicking on the ChipIn link. Thank-you for your support, and I will definitely see you there.

Inland Empire Blues Society

Sammy Eubanks Jeff Frantz and Wayne Evans of Junkbelly Sammy Eubanks

Sarah Brown Best Female Performer

The Yardbirds Best Writer Jerry Peterson by Anita Royce

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Blues Reviews
Taj Mahal Hidden Treasures of Taj Mahal 1969-1973 Columbia Legacy In celebration of his 70th birthday and nearly 50 years of performing and recording, Henry St. Claire Fredericks (AKA Taj Mahal) has released the first album from a major catalog reissue project titled The Hidden Treasures of Taj Mahal 1967-1973. The remastered two-disc sonic portrait chronicles the early stirrings of Taj Mahals solo career and features two CDs comprised entirely of unreleased finished material. The first disc debuts studio recordings from 1967-1973, while the second disc premieres a full-length live concert, recorded April 18, 1970 at the Royal Albert Hall in London (on a bill that included Santana). This collection will be a must have treat for the legion of fans Taj has earned in his years of traveling the world playing his unique brand of soul blues and world roots music. Ringing in at twelve tracks the first disc is a remarkable set of unreleased studio tracks several of which have impromptu vocal intros of Taj Mahal coaching the band on the vibe and groove, and each is full of extended solo sections. The longest track,You Aint No Street Walker Mama, weighs in at just over sixteen minutes and runs like and unstoppable steam train featuring a full horn section and wild harmonica from Taj. Why these songs have been held back all these years is a mystery. Disc Two is a remixed concert recording that starts humbly with Taj singing an a capella Runnin by The Riverside, then inviting his audience to join in with the music, sharing their feelings, clapping and singing and to leave the troubles of the day behind, a sentiment that continues to be his mantra to this day. Taj then brings out his four piece backing band and commences to tear through a seven song set of super charged soul blues, including classics Sweet Mama Janice, Checking Up On My Baby, and Tomorrow May Not Be Your Day. The performance must have been in front of one the largest crowds Taj has seen to that date as he remarks again and again at how humbled he was to be in the Royal Albert Hall with its layers and layers of people, but the genuine mastery that is Taj Mahal shines through as he turns this massive space into a back porch party. If this offering is any indication of the gems that lie in the Taj Mahal archives, music fans are in for a real treasure trove for many years to come. Rick J. Bowen Make sure you check them out at wablues.org for all the Blues you can use. Lil Ronnie & the Grand Dukes Gotta Strange Feeling Eller Soul Records

New Blues that you can Use

The long awaited follow up to Lil Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, Anson Funderburgh produced, do what cha do is finally here and it does not disappoint. Following up that absolute monster of an album was no simple task; but Gotta Strange Feeling, Lil Ronnie& the Grand Dukes Eller Soul Records debut is up to the task. Although I found Gotta Strange Feeling solid from start to finish from the first playing it took several listenings before the tracks started to stand out for me. The 1950s rock ballad feel of Love Never Dies simply reeks of bobby sox and saddle shoes, add Ronnie Owens harp and you have a classic. The jumping Sweet Sue is a dancers tune for certain and the Dukes get low down for the acoustic Screaming & Crying showing great depth and versatility; in particular Ronnies skillful harmonica playing. For Shes Bad, Bad News they take things over to Chicago with a shuffle, rolling piano and high register harp. Guitarist Ivan Applerouth gives Louis Jordans Buzz Me the fat T-Bone tone it deserves and Ronnies vocals are superb as well. The instrumental Fat City is a pure blues harmonica romp with a great beat laid down by special guest drummer Stu Grimes. The title track Gotta Strange Feeling has a classic swinging blues feel and the blues lyric I gotta strange feeling she got herself another man. The T-Bone style guitar I love so much is back on Bring Your Love Home which also features the tinkling piano of John Fralin and Ronnies top notch harp and vocals. Gotta Strange Feeling is sure to find a place on my top ten list for 2012 and I highly recommend it. Malcolm Kennedy

Paul Mark & the Van Dorens Smartest Man In The Room Radiation Records

Paul Mark & the Van Dorens latest and ninth release on his own Radiation Records Smartest Man In The Room is described on the one-sheet as A swirling hunk of steaming industrial blues rock and I think that adequately describes it. There are a few different line-ups of personnel utilized on the 12 cuts, all but one of which are originals, the cover being Bob Dylans Dont Ya Tell Henry. Pauls guitar style and tone leans toward Stevie Ray Vaughan; but hes no wanna be. From the Texas strut and gruff vocals on songs like One More Coat of Paint and Time Will Tell to the slow brooding When God Finds The Time with the lyric The devils waiting rooms no different/hes just got better magazines, there are many sides to Paul Mark. My favorite track is Barrio Stroll, with his masterful tone and a touch of surf this mellow Stevie Ray meets Ronnie Earl instrumental deserves repeated spins. Other tracks I liked were the mid paced shuffle U Must Come 2 with its piercing solo and the swinging instrumental Wrist Rocket which is propelled by an infectious beat. Paul plays both guitar and the honky tonk piano on Cant Remember Nothing which could easily be out of either Tom Waits or Dr. Johns song books and Choke Hold reminds me a bit of some of Stevie Rays finest instrumentals while being completely original. I also applaud the pull out information booklet with lyrics and credits. I would definitely say check out The Smartest Man In The Room. Malcolm Kennedy

Johnny Rawls Soul Survivor Cat Food Records

Soul Survivor is the follow up to Johnny Rawls critically acclaimed 2011 Cat Food Records release Memphis Still Got Soul which received three 2012 BMA nominations including the title track for Song of the Year which was hot on the heels of Ace of Spades the 2010 BMA recipient for Soul Blues Album of the Year (Johnny was also nominated for Soul Blues Male Artist both years.) Needless to say this aptly titled album shows Johnny has soul to spare. Rawls is a survivor who stuck it out doing soul the old school way, with a real band not studio fakery and drum machines. The songs are up tempo, featuring a three piece horn section and back-up singers with musical interludes giving the songs space and depth. Rawls is a contemporary of O.V. Wright and Little Johnny Taylor and shared stages with them as indicated by the gig poster on the cover from the Hi-Hat Club in Hattiesburg, MS from Friday May 25th, 1978 and yes he is well in the class of those soul legends. Along with the title track songs like the lone cover song Eight Men, Four Women, on which the lush co-lead vocals of the Ivey sisters Jessica and Jillian particularly shine. Bad Little Girl with its regal horn and keyboard treatment and the funky soul of the instrumental J.R.s Groove, with its sax, guitar and keyboard solos are all standout tracks. Things get a little bluesier on the final cut Yes with Michael Kakuk on Dobro and blues harmonica, John Moore and our own Doug Skoog on keyboards and Johnny on bass and lead guitar. I suspect that Soul Survivor might just be around come award time too. Malcolm Kennedy

Liz Mandeville Clarksdale Blue Kitty Music

Liz Mandeville has started her own label after a suggestion and encouragement from her good friend, the late Willie Big Eyes Smith, who also contributed to five tracks on Clarksdale Mandevilles debut on Blue Kitty Music. Willie played drums on the five tracks and blues harp on two. There were plans for more; but Willie had a few other pans on the burner and passed away in Sept 2011 before they could get back together. These turned out to be Willies last recordings and what recordings they are. Liz was with Ear Wig Records for 15 years and I discovered her on the 2008 release Red Top, her fourth with them, and was very impressed by both her vocals and guitar playing. In 2009 Liz dropped off the map due to some health issues; but during this time she made a journey back to her roots, including an inspiring trip down to the Delta region and Clarksdale is the fruit of that journey. There is a mix of acoustic and electric blues with an a capella song tossed in for good measure. There are several medium paced shuffles, with the blues harp by Willie and Donna Herula, her duo partner, featured on slide guitar on three cuts. Liz and Donna competed at the 2012 IBC making it into the semi-finals in the solo/duo category representing the Windy City Blues Society of Chicago. Clarksdale opens with Roadside Produce Stand a short double entendre laden diddy featuring Willie on both drums and harp. On Walking & Talking With You Willies blues harp, including a solo, makes things happen and Liz guitar solo is just right. The song lopes along similar to a Jimmy Reed number and is quite catchy. A Soldiers Wife is ripped direct from the headlines and brings to light the unspoken service of the family of our soldiers and features Donna on some haunting resonator guitar with Liz on acoustic. The piano of Leonardo Lopez Varady gives Clarksdale/Riverside Hotel Blues buoyancy as Liz references her sojourn in the Delta. The acoustic Bye Bye Blues is one of the albums standout tracks bringing back the interplay

between Liz and Donnas skillful touch on the resonator. The pace picks up on Sweet Potato Pie with the punchy sax of the esteemed blues veteran Eddie Shaw and more double entendre. From current events like the war on drugs, the war in the middle east or the recent flooding of the Mississippi to less serious fare. The 11 short songs (only two reach four minutes and four dont even hit the three minute mark) on Clarksdale cover a lot of territory and Liz own label debut is sure to become a classic. Recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

Norris and Nicely Plum Tree Studios (Self-Released)

You know what they say about old dogs and news tricks, journeymen players Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely are out to break that rule on their debut self-titled album. The pair teamed up in 2011 as a side project from their main gigs and decided to compete in the international Blues Challenge Solo /Duo category and won a chance to represent the Washington Blues Society in Memphis, making it to the semi final round. Recorded by Richard Williams at Plum Tree studios, the strong ten song set captures the clean fresh sound of Norris on authentic acoustic guitar and Nicely on expressive harmonica in an intimate setting. Opening track Bottle Up The Groove, is funky finger picking foot stomper that lets you know the party has started. Norris then proceeds to get down to it sounding every bit the like Robert Johnson on Wet Willies haunting Jailhouse Moan, then switching back to a more contemporary Keb Mo like sound on Chain Reaction, with nicely weaving his harp in to the guitar lines with ease. Norris pushes his voice to the brink on the classic Son House lament Death Letter. The duo take Dylans Down In The Flood, and turn it into a Piedmont style jump that bounces along like a jalopy on a country road. Norris fires up his electric guitar so he and Nicely can dish out the business on Crossroads blues, closing the album with gusto, leaving no doubt theyve got plenty of gas left in the tank. Rick J Bowen

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Brad Hatfield Uphill From Anywhere (Self-Released) The first thing I noticed about Cincinnatis Brad Hatfield when listening to his new self produced release Uphill From Anywhere was his sturdy vocals which have a slightly rough edge to them and his workman like harp playing. His backing band keeps the groove tight and the beat steady. My favorite track is One More Night which features Dave Gross on rhythm guitar; but it is the work of Jon Justice on lead guitar and Bernie Hatfield on keyboards that make this song shine. Gross also plays acoustic guitar on Fit To Be The Fool and is the engineer on the project. Brad lets his harp drive the Texas shuffle Somebodys Got To Lose and Bernies keys guide the rhythm. Justice lays down the goods playing some slithery slide guitar on the slow paced Livin Out The Lie and as usual Bernie has his back. Son Houses Death Letter: is pure gut bucket and Blind Willie Johnsons John The Revelator is rendered with both reverence and passion. Another standout track is Headstrong Baby with Brad singing through his harp mic giving his vocals a slight distortion. Harp guru Dennis Gruenling ads some low down and dirty blues harp to Too Good To Give Away. Although new to me, Brad Hatfield is considered one of Cincinnatis elite blues men and with Uphill From Anywhere Brad has my full attention. Highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

Lloyd Jones Doin What It Takes Fresh! from Reference Recordings

With Lloyd Jones Underworld Records release Highway Bound he proved beyond any doubt that he has some serious front porch blues inside of him. With his new Fresh! from Reference Recordings release Doin What It Takes the Northwests king of funk and R&B shows he has some serious soul too. Lloyds horn section is immaculate adding fine accents and punch when needed. The funky opening track Bend In The River sets the standard, and it is a high one, the songs that follow all measure up. The Leiber & Stroller number Ill Be Right On Down pops, jumps and bumps; I mean, if you can sit still during this one see your physician soon. Lloyd sings put on your red pajamas/put some beer on ice/lock your doors and windows now Im going to ring your doorbell twice/Ill be right on down, Ill be right on down, Ill be right on down knocking at your door over the percolating rhythm and horns. The title track is sure to please and Lloyd reminds you he has some fret board chops to go along with his vocals and song writing talents. The organ of Glenn Holstrom and the horn section guide Never Again: and Lloyds biting guitar solo gives it some added zing. Give A Little co-written by Lloyd and Holstrom could be a cover of prime time Tower of Power. Lloyd reprises the solo acoustic front porch blues for a sensational reading of Maceo Merriweathers Worried Life Blues that knocks me out. The Lloyd Jones Struggle wraps things up with the brisk horn and piano laden shuffle Ruby Do which is just classic Lloyd Have Mercy Jones. Things wouldnt be complete without credit to the horn section on this release with Dave Mills on trumpet, Warren Rand on alto sax, Rudy Draco on Tenor & baritone sax, Renato Caranto-tenor solo on Ill Be Right On Down and horn arrangements and music direction by Glenn Holstrom. Buy this album, listen to it often and see the Lloyd Jones Struggle perform live every chance you get. Very Highly Recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

This year, the Washington Blues Society continued its tradition of having a judged listening session for artists interested in competing in the 2013 Washington Blues Society Best Self-Produced CD Competition to represent the society at the International Blues Challenge CD competition in Memphis. This year, the Board voted to expand our reach to solicit CDs from Oregon, Washington Montana, Idaho, Alberta, and British Columbia. While I was impressed with the diversity of music that artists submitted, I wish that more acts would have submitted CDs for review from each of these states and provinces. We have an exceptionally talented regional blues community, and Im always pleased to discover new blues talent (at least new to me, anyway) and encourage their art north and south of the border. Our panel of three judges considered The WIRED Bands Washington Blues CD as tops in a very crowded and talented field of ten competing CDs. I am particularly disappointed that some CDs didnt make our published deadline; I hope that each act read not only the Blues Foundations guidelines and our deadline to adhere to the all-important Memphis deadline. Please stay tuned to the Bluesletter next Fall: I hope we can remind artists throughout the year for this important regional competition. As one way to thank each of our contributors this year, Id like to thank them with the following brief mentions, and updates, that coincidentally may inform your holiday purchases for 2012. I would recommend each CD for any regional blues radio playlist, and while each CD like any other self-produced CD - has its high points and low points, I am pleased that we received a total of 10 CDs for our competition prior to our deadline. So, in no particular order, Id like to briefly introduce each of the CDs submitted for consideration in the 2013 Best Self-Produced CD competition of the Washington Blues Society. The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer: Checkered Past Checkered Past is the third release from Shawn Hall and Matthew Rogers, and the Vancouver duos name is rooted in Me and Bobby McGee when Kris Kristofferson wrote about unveiling this harpoon from his red bandana. The tale is updated with Shawns harp and Matthews axe, and this this inspired harmonica and guitar pairing has been recognized by Dick Dale, MonkeyJunk and Jim Byrnes.

Behind the Scenes:

The 2013 Washington Blues Society Best-Self Produced CD Competition

James Buddy Rogers: My Guitars My Only Friend Vancouver-based James Buddy Rogers musical apprenticeship is an impressive one. Since his 19th birthday in 1995, hes shared the stage with Canned Heat, Sam Taylor, the Holmes Brothers, and Elvin Bishop. On this CD, James worked with Tom Lavin of Canadas groundbreaking Powder Blues Band. My Guitars My Only Friend will represent the White Rock Blues Society at the IBC in 2013. Blues County Sheriff: New Sheriff in Town Frequent Bluesletter contributor Bob Horn reviewed the Sheriff s newest CD in the September issue. Bob particularly liked this CD, especially the the vocals on I Should Have Known, Start It Up, and My Baby. Joining the Sheriff on this CD is a great line-up of experienced musicians: Billy the Pocket Barner on drums, Joe Hendershot on bass, Brian Lee on guitar, and Doug Skoog on piano. The Muddy Sons: Pushed on Down the Road. Jeff Drummerboy Hayes and Madman Sam have joined forces, and this two-man wrecking crew reminds me of the trails blazed by Lightnin Malcolm and Cedric Burnside. The Muddy Sons will represent Portlands Cascade Blues Association in the solo/duo category, and each of the Muddy Sons have competed, and I am pleased that the duo will represent Cascade Blues Association on CD in 2013. The WIRED! Band: Washington Blues The WIRED! Band returned to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2012 after their Beale Street debut one year earlier. This time, this Snohomish County-based trio won first place in the band category, and most of their live set is presented on Washington Blues in the studio. The 2013 blues societys judges consensus: Washington Blues will represent the Washington Blues Society in the Best Self-Produced CD Competition. While Ive not kept track of all of the releases from artists in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta, or Montana during the Best Self-Produced CD competition eligibility period, Portlands DK Stewart is arguably the most prolific bluesman to contribute CDs to the blues societys 2013 competition. The following is a summary of Stewarts three contributions to the competition. DK Stewart Sextet: The Tell Mama Etta James Tribute This live recording captured blueswomen Lisa Mann, Amy Keyes, Rae Gordon, Duffy Bishop, and LaRhonda Steele honoring the legacy of Etta James. Funds from this show recorded at Portlands Alberta Rose Theatre were sent to Candye Kane to help with medical bills, and I particularly enjoyed how DK Stewarts sextet updated Damn Your Eyes and Roll With Me Henry.

By Eric Steiner

DK Stewart: Live in Olympia Ive seen DK Stewart at the Waterfront Marriotts after hours piano jams, and this CD is more than a documentary recording of one special night of music at Olympias State Theatre. Joining Stewart on a diverse set of 11 songs are Peter Dammann on vocals and guitar, Joe McCarthy on vocals and trumpet, Joseph Conrad on background vocals, Chris Mercer on sax and Ed Pierce on drums. DK Stewart Sextet: Live for the Troops This CD was recorded live during a benefit at Joint Vancouvers Pearson Museum and it raised funds for wounded warriors through the Madigan Foundation, the USO, and servicemembers and their families serving at Joint Base Lewis McChord.. Stewart himself is a Vietnam-era combat veteran, and a member of the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame and multiple Muddy Award winner. While I was not on the judging panel, I thought it captured live piano blues quite nicely. The KingmiXers: Riding With Mr. Blues This Victoria-based outfit includes three long-time blues performers that have played all over North America. Gary Preston, Anita Bonkowski and David Schade serve up Chicago blues and swamp boogie on their debut release. Gary and Anita have worked across a number of musical styles with James Cotton, Colin James, The Moody Blues, Josh Groban, Davids recently returned to Western Canada after working on the Hubble Space Telescope.

Tim Maher: Better Late Than Never Tim Mahers CD is a three decade retrospective that ranges from recordings made on reel-to-reel tape to songs captured in the digital age. He adds traditional Indian spices to the blues with a sitar, and I particularly liked his unique interpretations of Born Under a Bad Sign and Sunshine of Your Love. The production is a little rough at times, but Id be remiss if I didnt recommend this independent spirit whose work predates world blues idioms of Ry Cooder and Harry Manx. Next year, I hope that more artists will consider the 2014 Washington Blues Society Best SelfProduced CD Competition for one simple reason: the upper left hand corner of the USA, Western Canada, and the Lower Mainland of our northern neighbor has its own vibrant blues community that could compete in Vancouver, Alberta, Kalispel, Spokane, Seattle, Portland, or Boise, and I think its time that the world knows what our blues artists have to offer. Most importantly, I am confident that blues artists from our region can compete credibly in Memphis.

WIRED!

Congratulations

to The

Band!

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Blues Reviews

Make sure you check them out at wablues.org for all the Blues you can use.

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Calendar
December 1 - Saturday Anchor Pub, Everett: Nick Vigarino Daves of Milton: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys Destination Harley, Fife: Mark Whitman band, 12noon Engels Pub: CD Woodbury Band Highway 99: Michael Shrieve;s Spellbinder H2O: Randy Oxford band New Orleans: Jeff & the Jet City Fliers NW Dance Network, Sonny Newmans: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives & Brian Kent, 8:30pm Pony Keg: Lil Bill Rockfish: Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone Scotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 7pm Snoqualmie Brewery: Brian Butler & Paul Green, 8pm Tug Tavern, Seattle: Tim Turner Band, 8:30pm December 2 - Sunday Highway 99: Nearly Dan Swiss Pub, Tacoma: Gin Creek, 5:30pm December 3 - Monday 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues To Do TV: Son Jack Jr. New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet December 4 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm Triple Door: Sweet Honey in the Rock December 5 - Wednesday Highway 99: Drummerboy w/Billy Stoops New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm Pike Pl. Bar & Grill: John Stephan Band, 6pm Royal Lounge, Olympia: Fishtrap, 7:30pm Triple Door: Sweet Honey in the Rock December 6 - Thursday Highway 99: Timmons Wall band Jazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory New Orleans: Selbred/Jackson Salmon Bay Eagles: Chris Stevens & the Surf Monkeys Smokin Petes BBQ, Ballard, Gin Creek: 7:30pm December 7 - Friday Cee Cees Lounge, Burien: Tim Turner Band Cyndys Broiler, Stanwood: RJ Knapp & Honey Robin CD party Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, 7pm December 7 - Friday (continued) Highway 99: Nikki Hill & the Western Bluebirds Jazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Pony Keg: Tommy Cook Trio Rockfish Grill: Gin Creek 13 Coins Downtown: Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys December 8 - Saturday Barrel Tavern: Mark Whitman band Highway 99: Lisa Mann & her really good band Jazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory Madison Pub, Everett: Randy Oxford Mels Old Village Pub, Lynnwood: Stacy Jones Band - A Jones family Christmas / Toy For Tots drive Pony Keg: Snake Oil Rockfish Grill: Cheryl Jewell & the Saltwater Quartet Xmas Xtravaganza Scotch & Vine, Des Moines: Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys, 7pm Sons of Norway Hall, Bothell: Brian Lee & the Orbiters - Left Foot Boogie Dance, 7:30pm December 9 - Sunday Central, Kirkland: Fat Tones Highway 99: Washington Blues Societys Annual Holiday Blues Bash w/Randy Oxford, T-Town Aces, Stacy Jones, Sweet Danny ray & Rafael Tranquilino Jazz Alley: Lee Ritenour w/ Special Guest: Mike Stern, featuring Melvin Davis & Sonny Emory New Orleans: Gin Creek December 10 - Monday 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues To Do TV: the Aristocats New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet December 11 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm December 12 - Wednesday Highway 99: Louisianna Houseparty w/ Troupeau Arcadien New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm Rockfish Grill: Stilly River band Royal Lounge, Olympia: John Scooch Cugno & the 88s, 7:30pm December 13 - Thursday Highway 99: James King & the Southsiders Jazz Alley: the Family Stone New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: B-3 combo December 14 - Friday Highway 99: Candye Kane Jazz Alley: the Family Stone Pony Keg: Stacy Jones band Repp: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys December 15 - Saturday Highway 99: Guitar Shorty Jazz Alley: the Family Stone New Orleans Caf: Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys Pony Keg: the Rectifiers Rockfish Grill: Fabulous Roofshakers Rockin M BBQ, Everett: Randy Oxford December 16 - Sunday Central, Kirkland: Mark Whitman band Highway 99: Kalimba Jazz Alley: the Family Stone December 17 - Monday 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues To Do TV: BTDs 21st Birthday party w/the John Stephan band New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet Mr. Villa, Lake City: Annie Eastwood, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm December 18 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm December 19 - Wednesday Central Club, Kirkland: Jam Dawgs w/ Brian Lee, 8:30pm Highway 99: John Scooch Cugno & the 88s New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm Pike Place Bar & Grill: Tim Turner Band, 6pm Royal Lounge, Olympia: Blues County Sheriff, 7:30pm December 20 - Thursday Highway 99: Hot Rod Holman Blues Band Jazz Alley: Aint Misbehavin - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning Musical New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet

Blues

December 20 - Thursday (continued) Salmon Bay Eagles: All Star & No Stripes Two Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/guitarist Bill Chism, 8pm December 21 - Friday Alki Tavern Christmas Party: Tim Turner Band, 8pm Highway 99: Doctorfunk Jazz Alley: Aint Misbehavin - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning Musical Little Roadside Tavern, Demming: Nick Vigarino Pony Keg: Roaddogz December 22 - Saturday Ballard Elks: Christmas in the Bayou Zydeco Dance w/Bayou Blast band Brick Saloon. Roslyn: Stacy Jones Band Crossroads, Bellevue (food court): Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 7pm Destination Harley Fife: Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys, noon Highway 99: Randy Oxford band Jazz Alley: Aint Misbehavin - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning Musical Pony Keg: Brian Lee & the Orbiters Rockfish Grill, Anacortes: Blues Playground December 23 - Sunday Central, Kirkland: Nick Vigarino, 8:30pm Eastlake Zoo: Outlaws Christmas w/Norm Bellas Jazz Alley: Aint Misbehavin - The Music of Fats Waller and Harlem in its Heyday! A Dazzling Production with a Five-Member Cast of the Tony Award Winning Musical New Orleans: Gin Creek December 24 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

December 25 - Tuesday MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!! New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm December 26 - Wednesday Jazzbones: Randy Oxford, Nolan Garret Trio New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm Pike Place Bar & Grill at the Market: Stickshift Annie w/Fugitives Kimball, Larry, John, 6pm Royal Lounge, Olympia: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 7pm December 27 - Thursday Highway 99: Monster Road New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Boneyard Preachers December 28 - Friday Balefire, Everett: Stickshift Annie, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio Highway 99: Lee Oskar & Friends Jazzbones: Fat Tones Laurelthirst, Portland: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 6pm December 29 - Saturday Highway 99: Lloyd Jones & the Struggle Pony Keg: Crazy Texas Gypsies Rockfish Grill: the Fonkeys Triple Door: LeRoy Bell & his only Friends December 30 - Sunday New Orleans: Gin Creek Triple Door: LeRoy Bell & his only Friends December 31 Monday Greenlake Bar & Grill: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, New Years Eve Highway 99: Bob Corritore, the Blue Velvet Rhythm & Blues Dance Revue w/ Karen Lovely feat. The Shanghai Pearl & Inga Ingenue, + Nick Vigarino & Mark Pickerel

December 31 Monday (continued) Pony Keg: New Years Eve w/Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys Rockfish Grill: New Years Eve with Gertrudes Hearse Scotch and Vine, Des Moines: Brian Lee & the Orbiters New Years Eve Party! 8:30pm White Center Eagles, White Center: Tim Turner Band, 8pm

JAn
January 1 - Tuesday HAPPY NEW YEAR, WOO-HOO! New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet January 2 - Wednesday Jazz Alley: Pearl Django w/ SpecialGuest Vocalist Connie Evingson New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm January 3 - Thursday Jazz Alley: Pearl Django w/ SpecialGuest Vocalist Connie Evingson New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm January 4 - Friday Jazz Alley: Pearl Django w/ SpecialGuest Vocalist Connie Evingson Highway 99: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8pm New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Sonny Newmans Dance Hall, Greenwood: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives & Brian Kent, 8:30pm

attention all music people:

If you would like to add your music schedule to our calendar please send it to: wbscalendar@yahoo.com It is greatly preferred to be sent in this format: (Arial, 8pt). date - venue, city(if other than Seattle): band name, time(if other than 9pm) please no bold or Caps. thank you, your calendar girl, Maridel

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Blues on the Radio Dial

PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG

Venue Guide
KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues For Breakfast 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Jerry Drummond KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 7:00PM - 9:00 PM www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Blues Kitchen 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Tina Bjorklund KZPH 106.7FM Wenatachee: The Blues 11:00PM - 12:00AM www.therock1067.com - DJ, Dave Keefe KSER 90.7FM Everett: Blues Odessey 9:00PM - 11:00pM www.kser.org - DJ, Leslie Fleury KEXP 90.3 Seattle Preaching the Blues with Johny Horn Sunday Mornings 9am to Noon KYRS 92.3 FM, KYRS.org Blues Now and Then 6-8 PM. DJ, Patrick Henry and Jumpin Jerry. KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler KWCW 90.5FM Walla Walla: Blues Therapy 7:00PM - 9:00PM www.kwcw.net - DJ, Biggdaddy Ray Hansen and Armand The Doctor Parada KKZX 98.9FM Spokane: Blowtorch Blues 7:00PM - 10:00PM www.kkzx.com - DJ, Ted Todd Brion Foster. KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Juke Joint 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Jon Noe

Washington Blues Society

Monday

KUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kugs.org - DJ, Chalkie McStevenson KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues On Rye 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Val Vaughn Mighty Mouth Blues on NWCZ Radio - www.nwczradio.com Monday 8:00-11:00PM Pacific Northwest Convergence Zone Online Radio: NWCZradio.com: Dave Samsons BluesShow 7:00pm - 10:00PM

Saturday

Tuesday

KBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Eh Toi! 11:00PM - 1:00AM www.kbcs.fm - DJ, DJ Marte

Wednesday

KEXP 90.3FM Seattle: The Roadhouse 6:00PM to 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Greg Vandy KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: The Blue Boulevard 8:00PM - 10:00PM www.mail@ksvr.org - DJ, Jackson Stewart KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: The Blues Note with Janice 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.janice@ksvr.org - DJ, Janice Gage

Sunday

Thursday

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Clancys Bar and Grill 8:30PM - 10:30PM www.kser.org - DJ, Clancy Dunigan

Friday

KEXP 90.3FM Seattle: Shack The Shack 6:00PM - 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Leon Berman

Washington Blues Society

Sundays

Blarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439 China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688 Dimitrious Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210 EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777 EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777 Fiddlers Inn (206) 525-0752 Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etc Grinders (206) 542-0627 China Beach Langley (360) 530-8888 Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233 Just Moes Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997 Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171 LaConner Tavern LaConner (360) 466-9932 J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666 Little Roadside Tavern Everson (360) 592-5107 Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023 Old Edison Inn Edison (360) 766-6266 Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449 Rockfish Grill Anacortes (360) 588-1720 Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660 Stump Bar & Grill Arlington (360) 653-6774 New Orleans (206) 622-2563 Watertown Pub Anacortes (360) 293-3587 Paragon (206) 283-4548 Wild Buffalo Bellingham (360) 312-3684 Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365 Viking Bar and Grill Stanwood (360) 629-9285 The Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979 Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791 St. Clouds (206) 726-1522 Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333 Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714 Bellevue, Kirkland, etc. Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599 Central Club Kirkland (425) 827-8808 Triple Door (206) 838-4333 Crossroads Shopping Center Bellevue (425) 644-1111 Damans Pub Redmond Forecasters Woodinville (425) 483-3212 Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Raging River Caf & Club Fall City (425) 222-6669 Time Out Sports Bar Kirkland (425) 822-8511 BBQ & Blues Clarkston (509) 758-1227 Vino Bella Issaquah (425) 391-1424 Breadline Caf Omak (509) 826-5836 Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334 Club Crow Cashmere (509) 782-3001 Wilde Rover Kirkland (425) 822-8940 CrossRoads Steakhouse Walla Walla (509) 522-1200 Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336 Lakeys Grill Pullman (509) 332-6622 Main Street Tavern Omak (509) 826-2247 Peters Inn Packwood (360) 494-4000 Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434 Rams Ripple Moses Lake (509) 765-3942 Rattlesnake Brewery Richland (509) 783-5747

Seattle

Clearwater Casino Suquamish (360) 598-6889 Destiny Seafood & Grill Port Angeles (360) 452-4665 Halftime Saloon Gig Harbor (253) 853-1456 Junction Tavern Port Angeles (360) 452-9880 Little Creek Casino Shelton (360) 427-7711 Seven Cedars Casino Sequim (360) 683-7777 Sirens Port Townsend (360) 379-1100 Upstage Port Townsend (360) 385-2216

Peninsula

Al Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-8636 2 Wheel Blues Club Tacoma Barnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000 The Barrel Burien (206) 244-7390

Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etc

South Sound

CCs Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977

North Sound

Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society (360) 754-3635 Cascade Tavern Vancouver (360) 254-0749 Charlies Olympia (360) 786-8181 Cliff House Restaurant Tacoma (253) 927-0400 Destination Harley Davidson Fife (253) 922-3700 Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371 Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169 (The) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586 Lighthouse Des Moines (206) 824-4863 Maggie OTooles Lakewood (253) 584-3278 Magnolia Caf Poulsbo (360) 697-1447 Mint Alehouse Enumclaw (360) 825-8361 Pats Bar & Grill Kent (253) 852-7287 Pick & Shovel Wilkeson (360) 829-6574 The Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022 Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369 Silver Dollar Pub Spanaway (253) 531-4469 The Spar Tacoma (253) 627-8215 The Swiss Tacoma (253) 572-2821 Tugboat Annies Olympia (360) 943-1850 Uncle Sams Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808 Wurlitzer Manor Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749

Eastside

Central & Eastern

Blues Jams

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)

Anchor Pub Everett (425) 252-2288 Balefire Everett (425) 374-7248 Bubbas Roadhouse Sultan, (360) 793-3950 Canoes Cabaret Tulalip (888) 272-1111 The Conway Muse in Conway (360) 445-3000 Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds (425) 744-9999 Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse Mukilteo (425) 355-4488 Engels Pub Edmonds (425) 778-2900 Historic Spar Tree Granite Falls (360) 691-6888 Madison Pub - Everett (425) 348-7402 Mardinis Snohomish (360) 568-8080 Mirkwood & Shire Caf Arlington (360) 403-9020 North Sound:Star Bar, Anacortes (360) 299-2120 ( The) Oxford Saloon Snohomish (360) 568-3845 Prohibition Grille, Everett (425) 258-6100 Stanwood Hotel & Saloon Stanwood (360) 629-2888 Stewarts Snohomish (360) 568-4684 Timberline Caf Granite Falls (360) 691-7011 Traceys Place Everett (425) 259-0811 Wicked Rack BBQ Everett (425) 334-3800

(Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):

North End

Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge Leavenworth (509) 548-4232

Mondays

Alki Tavern: Jam hosted b y Manuel Morais Dawsons, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pm Castles, Sedro Wolley: Gary Bs Church of the Blues, 6-10pm Eastlake Zoo Tavern: Eastlake Zoo Social Club & Jam featuring the Seattle Houserockers, 7pm Northpoint Tacoma: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 7pm Pony Keg, Kent: Rafael Tranquilino Jam Raging River: Tommy Wall Silver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Two Twelve, Kirkland: hosted by HeatherBBlues, 7pm

Caffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Mon. of the month) 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Star Drums & Lady Keys host Blue Monday Jam, 8pm JRs Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pm Opal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pm Oxford Saloon: All ages open jam, 7 - 11pm Ten Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the month, Wenatchee

Wednesdays

Tuesdays

22

Dawsons, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pm Elmer, Burien: hosted by Billy Shew Jan. 1 - Brian Lee J & M Cafe Jam: Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pm Snohomish Spirits & Sports: Sean Denton & friends Summit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pm Wild Buffalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm

Charlies Olympia: Blues Attitude Damans Pub, 8 PM Dogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pm Eddies Trackside Bar & Grill, Monroe: every 1st & 3rd Wed., 8pm Half Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy Barner Locker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pm Madison Pub, Everett: hosted by Unbound w/special guests 7:30pm December 5 -C D Woodbury December 12 - Fat James December 19 - Annette Taborn December 26 - Kevin Sutton Salmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pm Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

Thursdays

Bad Alberts : Invitational w/Annieville Blues Club Flight Nightclub: w/Cory Wilde, 9pm Conway Pub Dawsons, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pm Eddies Trackside, Monroe: Tommy Cook, Patrick McDanel & Teri Anne Wilson, 8:30pm OCallahans: Tim Hall, 7pm Olive-You, Kirkland: hosted by Chester Dennis, 8pm Dec. 13th - Mark Whitman Oxford Saloon: Invitational Jam w/Steve Ater, 8pm Ruston Inn: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 8pm

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A.H.L. (206) 935-4592 AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172 Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413 Author Unknown (206) 355-5952 Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835 BackGround Noise (425) 931-8084 Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468 Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464 Bare Roots (206) 818-8141 Billy Barner (253) 884-6308 Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975 Norm Bellas & the Funkstars (206) 722-6551 Black River Blues (206) 396-1563 Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018 Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490 Blue 55 (206) 216-0554 Blue Healers (206) 440-7867 Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662 Blues Playground (425) 359-3755 Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.com (The) Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666 Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441 Boneyard Preachers (206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772 Bill Brown & the Kingbees 206-276-6600 Bump Kitchen (253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545 Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625 Charlie Butts & the Filtertips (509) 325-3016 Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188 Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749 Colonel (360) 293-7931 Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096 Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294 Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910 James Curley Cooke (253)945-7441 Cooke & Green (253) 945-7441 Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535 John Scooch Cugnos Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735 Crossroads Band (206) 935-8985 Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769 Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620 Double Cookin (253) 945-7441 Double Scotts on the Rocks (206) 418-1180 Julie Duke Band 206-459-0860 Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330 Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340 Richard Evans (206) 799-4856 Fat Cat (425) 487-6139 Fat Tones (509) 869-0350 Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone (206) 295-8306 Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169 Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561 Fil Gumbo (425) 788-2776 Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe (253) 576-7600 Jimmy Frees Friends (206) 546-3733 Gin Creek (206) 588-1924 Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074 Paul Green (206)795-3694 Dennis Juxtamuse Hacker (425) 512-8111 Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band (425)576-5673 Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652 Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134) Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230 Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax (206) 418-1180 Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755 Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994 JD Hobson (206) 235-3234 Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934 Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644 James Howard band (206) 250-7494 David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276 Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752 Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435 Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653 K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175 Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363 Vaughn Jensen Band (509) 554-6914 Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285 Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937

Talent Guide

Washington Blues Society

Harry The Man Joynes (360) 871-4438 Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908 James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511 Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130 Mick Knight (206) 373-1681 Bruce Koenigsberg / the Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253 Kolvane (503) 804-7966 Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100 Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.com Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408 Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002 Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503 Loose Gravel & the Quarry (253) 927-1212 Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961 Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331 Bill Mattocks Band (206) 601-2615 Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254 Brian Jelly Belly McGhee (253) 777-5972 Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655 Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849 Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016 Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577 Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538 Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820 Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081 Jim Nardos Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300 Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206 Randy Norris & The Full Degree (425) 239-3876 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755 Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024 Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350 Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108 Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210 Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589 Mark Riley (206) 313-7849 Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210 Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659 Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427 Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071 Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105 Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068 Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772 Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637 Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506 Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737 Smokin Jays (425)746-8186 Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034 The Sonja Lee Band (360) 319-3843 Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145 Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779 John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498 Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys (206) 236-0412 Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935 Alice Stuart & the Formerlys (360) 753-8949 Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212 Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113 Dudley Taft (206)795-6509 Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559 Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101 Tone Kings (425) 698-5841 Too Slim & the Taildraggers (425) 891-4487 Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908 Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384 T-Town Aces (206)935-8985 Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566 Unbound (425)212-7608 Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420 Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues (360) 387-0374 Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413 Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks (360) 652-0699 / (425) 327-0944 Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018 Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739 Michael Wilde (425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363 Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877 Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740 C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917 Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186, (206) 604-2829

Blues Blast Awards:

By Eric Steiner

Class of 2012
Male Blues Artist Of the Year Lurrie Bell *Tab Benoit Bob Corritore John Primer Bobby Rush Johnny Sansone Joe Louis Walker Blues Band Of The Year The Cash Box Kings Big James & The Chicago Playboys Kilborn Alley Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials Sugar Ray & The Bluetones *Trampled Under Foot Best New Artists Debut Ivan Appelrouth - Blue & Instrumental Matthew Curry & The Fury - If I Dont Got You Mary Bridget Davies - Wanna Feel Somethin *Sena Ehrhardt Band - Leave The Light On Big Pete - Choice Cuts Andy Poxon Band - Red Roots Sean Costello Rising Star Award Toronzo Cannon Matthew Curry & The Fury Mary Bridget Davies Sena Ehrhardt *Mud Morganfield Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots

The fifth annual Blues Blast Awards were announced this past fall, courtesy of the online Blues Blast.com weekly blues magazine. This year, Alligator recording artist Janiva Magness received three awards: Contemporary Blues Recording (for Stronger For It), Song of the Year (for I Wont Cry), and Female Blues Artist of the Year. Mud Morganfield received the Traditional Blues Recording for his Severn Records CD, Son of the Seventh Son, and the Sean Costello Rising Star Award. The awards are driven by more than 5,000 blues fans who subscribe to the weekly Blues Blast magazine, and its an exciting way to learn about blues music in your email in-box every week. Here are all the nominees of the 2012 Blues Blast Music Awards (* indicates the winner). The Washington Blues Society congratulates each nominee and recipient, and looks forward to next Thursdays edition of The Blues Blast online. Contemporary Blues CD Eugene Hideway Bridges - Rock And A Hard Place Toronzo Cannon - Leaving Mood *Janiva Magness - Stronger For It Billy Thompson - A Better Man Johnny Sansone - Lord Is Waiting The Devil Is Too Joe Louis Walker - Hellfire Traditional Blues CD Mac Arnold & Plate Full Of Blues - Blues Revival The Cash Box Kings- Holler And Stomp Chicago Blues A Living History (Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell with Ronnie

Traditional Blues CD (continued) Baker Brooks, Magic Slim, James Cotton, Buddy Guy)The (R)evolution Continues Big James & The Chicago Playboys The Big Payback *Mud Morganfield - Son Of The Seventh Son Bernie Pearl - Right Side Of The Blues Sugar Ray And The Bluetones - Evening Song Of The Year Holler And Stomp - Joe Noseck (Holler & Stomp -The Cash Box Kings) Thank You for Giving Me the Blues - Grady Champion, Zac Harmon & Chris Troy (Dreamin - Grady Champion) Blinded By The Darkness - Matthew Curry (If I Dont Got You Matthew Curry & The Fury) Thats How A Woman Loves - EG Kight (Lip Service - EG Kight) *I Wont Cry - Janiva Magness & Dave Darling (Stronger For It - Janiva Magness) Back to the Blues - Hadden Sayers (Hard Dollar - Hadden Sayers) Female Blues Artist Of The Year Shemekia Copeland Ruthie Foster Diunna Greenleaf EG Kight *Janiva Magness Ana Popovic

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Dudley Did Right

By Robert Horn

Nolan Garrett

Nolan Garrett Son Jack Jr Michael Wilde by Blues Boss

Dudley Taft is one of those guys who is talked about when people discuss the borderline between Blues and Rock. Just look at him and his beard and one may think of ZZ Top. His style over the years has had some rock in its blues and some blues in the rock. In addition to his own songs, hell do something by Stevie Ray Vaughn and Freddie King at many of his gigs. Dudley was born in Washington, D.C., and then grew up in the Midwest. He went to the Berklee College of Music back east and later moved to Seattle in the 1990s when Seattle was the Capital of Grunge. He was in a band called Sweetwater and they toured the United States with Alice in Chains and Candlebox. The guitar wizard matured, and blues overtook him. In talking to him, Dudley told me about how he worked with his band as a rocker and how that changed when he played blues: he said that with his blues band the guitar player and singer works in a more interactive way with the rhythm section. You learn from each other, he said. The music, as well as the band, grows better because of it. At the same time, Dudley said that a great rhythm section knows its supportive roll while also contributing to the creation of the music. Dudley Taft has played around the Pacific Northwest in the blues scene for some time. Many Washington Blues Society members are familiar with him as hes played at the Highway 99 Blues Club many times. I was there many months ago at his farewell performance; a send-off to give him to the world. Dudleys promotional material now says he lives in North Carolina. On Friday, November 9th Dudley returned to the Highway 99 Blues Club back in Seattle. Behind him was the 14-time Best of the Blues Award drummer Chris Leighton, and next to him was bass player John Kessler. 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient Kessler hosts one of the best blues radio shows in the country, and while introducing many well-known songs by blues legends, he sometimes casually and modestly mentions that oh, yeah, and I play bass on this one. There was one additional band member on stage familiar to many Pacific Northwest blues fans, keyboard player Eric Robert of the Vicci Martinez Band. Robert puts on a very, very high energy shows and visually awesome performances.

The first song of the night was from Dudleys new CD, God Forbid. The song was The Waiting and the first words were Ive been waiting, for you (I tried reading profound meaning into it as something he was saying to the audience.) Later that night he did the title track and evidently nobody forbid the crowd from standing in line to buy it because they sure did buy a lot of them. There is a lot of great stuff on the new CD: Meet Me, The Waiting, and Bandit Queen are among my favorites. Dudley performed a number of songs from his previous CDs and some old blues favorites, too. He played Left for Dead among the many originals. He also played Let the Goodtimes Roll and Backdoor Man. The crowd was big and happy to be there and the filled dancefloor was packed much of the time: thats as it should be as the Highway 99 Blues Club has nicer smoother dance floors in the region. Dudleys singing is as good as it ever was, and blues guitar players seem to be like a good Chianti or Cabernet: they get better with age. It also helps to have a great rhythm section, and with Chris Leighton and John Kessler, Dudley brought his A-team. Each band member did a solo that brought down the house. The A-Team is also on his new CD, with Kessler producing the CD as well as playing bass. In addition to original material from Dudley, God Forbid also has songs Scott Vogel, Jason Patterson, and Ashley Chrisiansen. It was great to talk with Dudley about song writing, too. He loves the feeling of writing a song and feeling pretty good about it, and then taking it to the live audience and seeing them love it. Thats the best feeling in the world, he said. For the audience, hearing such music can be one of the best feelings in the world too. This music goes down, down, down (to quote a lyric I heard during Dudleys set) somewhere deep inside to massage something that makes you feel good. Dudley Taft is in his mid-forties, and I think he has many more decades of song writing in front of him. I would not be surprised if hes got some more masterpieces featuring his excellent songwriting and guitar playing.

SouthDoors in MemphisAssociation News: Sound Blues for the Next Generation Opening

Were incredibly grateful to the South Sound Blues Association for all of its amazing support over the years, and especially for the honor of representing you at the 2009 International Blues Challenge. If you were at the International Blues Challenge 2013 fundraiser on November 4th then youll know that Michael Wilde and I are delighted to pass our International Blues Challenge s ol o / du o sp ot to Nol an Garrett. This was an easy decision as Nolan was a very close 2nd in the scoring in the qualifying competition and is working his tail off. We both think he is thoroughly deserving and hope you will join us in wishing him the very best in Memphis next year! In many ways, this brings me personally full circle on a journey that started seven years ago. By way of background, I started out on the blues trail around 2005, and back then I ran a series of seminars on the History of American music at the Kirkland Teen Union Center. During the events I would play videos and recordings from the turn of the 20th Century all the way up

to current times (basically going from field hollers to Public Enemy) to young people aged 13-18. It was because of these events, that I got connected with Washington Blues Society Education Director Roy Brown and the late Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools, and both of these guys were the driving force behind me picking up a guitar after a 20+ year lay-off. In his unique and direct way, during a break in one of the

and music had on those young people. My contribution was frankly, negligible, as Curley and his pro crew did the real work but it was awe inspiring to be a part of it. I know the South Sound Blues Association is no stranger to keeping the blues alive, with Jumpin Josh and Felicia representing the society last year. I also remember a very late night/early morning with John and Josh in the Memphis Dennys in 2009 but we wont go into that here. Without wanting to preach to the converted, the call to arms here is a request for us all to redouble efforts to keep the blues alive with our younger blues brothers and sister. Just about every young person on the planet is exposed to music in some form, and here in the USA were lucky to have unparalleled access to resources, so lets use them wisely. Ill bet that if you spent just 15 minutes thinking about how you could bring the blues to life for your kids or even just kids that you know, youd come up with ten great ideas. My hope is that the IBC will, over time, become the premier showcase for brand new young blues talent. Ill close with a James Weldon Johnson quote that I started my 2005 lectures with It is from the blues that all that may be called American music derives its most distinctive characteristics.

It is from the blues that all that may be called American music derives its most distinctive characteristics.
sessions, Curley looked at me and said why the **** dont you just play these on a guitar instead of running videos and CDs??? Well, back then I didnt play blues and so there started my long (and ongoing) learning process. Both Michael Wilde and I were lucky to work with Curley on various PNBIS programs, my last being at the Echo Glen juvenile correctional facility in 2007, and I will never forget the impact that lyric writing

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By Son Jack, Jr., Photos by Blues Boss

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Planning Ahead: The 2013 Northwest Music Experience

By Chris Klimecky

Whats on Your License Plate?

Songwriters in Seattle was started in late 2007 by a few musicians with a need to connect with like-

Music Matters!

By Malcolm Kennedy

The Northwest Music Experience (NWME) is an annual conference & showcase in Seattle connecting musicians, fans and industry professionals. Over a three day weekend in August of 2013 at Benaroya Hall in the heart of Seattle, NWME will provide an environment of collaboration and inspiration between musicians, music industry, and music fans. Musicians of every age, experience and skill level will find the tools they need to enhance their

around the Pacific NW region. Workshops, seminars, showcases, networking and business learning, collaboration, critiques, and informal jam sessions are all a part of the groups dynamic calendar. Under the Songwriters in Seattle umbrella, NWME will be our flagship event bringing the amazing NW music community together to learn, grow and celebrate the talent of the region. Working together both creatively and in the

up and the public will respond in kind. Our own Northwest Music Experience convention and expo will be the ultimate expression and celebration of this public support for a solidly connected creative community and help build a lasting legacy in the region of quality original music.

The Northwest Music Experience (NWME) is an annual conference & showcase in Seattle connecting musicians, fans and industry professionals.
creativity, boost their productivity, hone their delivery, and find support in community. With keynotes, panels and breakout sessions as well as an industry packed expo floor during the day and performance showcases at local venues in the evening, NWME packs a lot into just a few days. Participants come to network, perform, learn, do business and enjoy the community of other artists and their fans. The goal is for this event to become an annual showcase of regional talent with a sprinkling of the best from the national and international music community, drawing speakers and attendees not only from the western region of the United States, but from around the world. We are currently in need of seed funding and are running a fundraising campaign at http://www. indiegogo.com/nwme Songwriters in Seattle is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with over 800 members that runs roughly 10 events for musicians every month music business, SiS strives to grow the musical opportunities and public support structure for the creative community. If you are a musician, we offer growth for all levels and goals whether you are looking for help with songwriting, need to expand your contacts, seeking technical expertise, or wanting more exposure for your music. For the public that seeks new music from local artists, we offer a broad range of live events, recordings, and podcasts that showcase the amazing talent of our region, some of which may have otherwise gone unnoticed or unheard. The goal of Songwriters in Seattle is to build a creative community in Seattle that rivals nationally renowned music cities such as Nashville and Austin. We wish to create an environment that supports and nurtures talent, both in showcasing the best of our members as well as developing those who desire to improve. Through the volunteer efforts of our members to help each other, everyone is lifted minded independent songwriters and learn from each others experiences. As it grew, we began to meet at the Alibi Room in Seattle for a monthly get together over beer, pizza, and guitars, playing our songs for each other and networking with other songwriters. Soon we were showcasing our music at various venues and running monthly workshops. Collaboration, song placement on TV, and growth in a variety of ways has been the result for many members of our group. We have been photographing, videotaping, and live streaming performances of our showcases and have a host of other materials to help our members efforts in the music business. In 2011, the leaders of SiS took the bold organizational step of incorporating as a 501(c)(3) charity in order to reach larger goals and have an even greater impact. The group and its regional influence is growing by leaps and bounds. Success within Songwriters in Seattle depends only on your level of participation. You can join us for our monthly meetings and other

You may have noticed over the last several years some new and brightly-colored special Washington State motor vehicle license plates. They are available to colleges, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and some other qualifying organizations. Seven major colleges and universities across the state, the six branches of the armed services, the Law Enforcement Memorial, International Association of Fire Fighters, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and several organizations like the Bicycle Association, have license plates promoting their organization or cause. Ive even seen plates with square dancers and skiers on them! I wondered: can the Washington Blues Society have its very own Washington State license plate? What would it look like? Would it honor the legacies of Issac Scott, Charles White, L.J. Porter or Kathi McDonald? Could we send a free blues CD from a Washington artist along with the license plate? Washington Blues Society President Eric Steiner and I met and discussed the possibilities of our own blues society license plate. As we looked into the requirements, we started to sing the license plate blues. We

found that the initial $35,000 start-up costs, plus the filing fees associated with the application, and the blues societys requirement to sell 3,500 plates in a set time period was well beyond the resources of the current Washington Blues Society Board as well as the local blues community. Undaunted, I continued to think about how we could use license plates to support music. While dreams of a blue collage of Issac, Sir Charles, L.J. or Kathi gracing a license plate in the Evergreen State started to fade, my interest didnt. This is the heart of this article: I thought that there had to be a way to use something that many of us have to do anyway (like have license plates) and have it benefit musicians. When I was driving around the other day, I had an epiphany of the license plate variety. I noticed a bright yellow plate that said Music Matters across the bottom with music notes dancing merrily across the plate and a musical staff scrolling along behind the license plate numbers. This was an A-HA moment for me, so I began to do a little background research. I found that Music Aid Northwest (http:// musicaidnorthwest.org) spent several years putting things together, got some major local music talent to help with fundraisers, got a few state legislators who introduced House Bill 1329 in the State Legislature that was signed by Governor Gregoire on May 3rd of last year. This bill, Music Matters License Plate Bill, was instrumental in moving Music Aid Northwest forward. The final plate design was approved by the Washington State Department. of Licensing from designs submitted by seven artists and the license plate premiered in January 2012.

Music Matters is a perpetual funding source for school music programs in Washington State, and the special plate application form is at www.dol.wa.gov/ vehicalregistration/spmusic. The plates cost $40 for the first year and $30 thereafter. The funds are divided among dedicated music programs, Music Aid Northwest, the Washington Music Educators Association, the Young Musicians Excelling statewide fund for needy students, a fund for schools with extreme difficulties supporting music programs, and administrative costs. Music programs apply for funds from this initiative through www.wmea.org, and license holders can designate their school(s) of choice once they receive their Music Matters license plate. To see a sample of the plates go to http:// musicplates.org. Talk about paying it forward! How many Bluesletter readers were in band, choir or marching band during your school years? I took clarinet lessons from third to fifth grade, and was also in choir back then. One of my biggest regrets looking back was not continuing my music education through high school. There are many, many studies that have shown that students involved in music do better academically in school. Many drummers and bass players, and almost all horn players, got their start in school music programs. As a supporter of blues music, an original American art form, we all know that music matters. Id like to thank Music Aid Northwest and the Washington Music Educators Association for their work in promoting music. One license plate at a time.

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The City of Music mobile app, available throught Google Play and the App Store, keeps you connected to local music through a number of innovative features, including: Listen To Music: Various Seattle area channels from radio stations, record labels, artists/bands and music venues, Music Calendars: A curated list of live music calendars from venues and businesses throughout the Seattle area, Videos: Discover cultural documentaries highlighting our eclectic local music scene throughout the Seattle area. The City of Music App is designed to elevate local music, musicians and music businesses by showcasing a collection of music discovery resources that will be invaluable to local music consumers and visitors to the area. The first feature product of the new Seattle Metro Chambers City of Music Partnership is the newly redesigned City of Music app. Produced by local app developer and Chamber member, FrontRunner, this new app expands on a music discovery tool launched last January as part of Sea-Tac Airports Experience the City of Music initiative. With the new app, local listeners and visitors will have a single source for listening to local music playlists, finding upcoming live shows, and viewing documentary videos about the Northwest music scene.

Introducing: The City of Music Mobile App

Content will be provided by a dozen local outlets, including KEXP, PlayNetwork, SeaTac Airport, Jet City Stream, SSG Music, Rainy Dawg Radio, Seattle Weekly, Seattle Times, 107.7 The END, Sound on the Sound, the Stranger and Sportn Life Records. We look forward to growing this list of content partners, so please email rachel.sawyer@seattle.gov if you are interested in learning more about how to get plugged in. The App serves three primary functions, with content partners providing local Seattle area content, and a fourth function specifically connected to the Sea-Tac Airports Experience The City Of Music initiative.

Coffee and Music

at Starbucks Amsterdam
By Joris van Wigngaarden

Imagine a world in which no prejudice exists based upon race, creed, color or intellectual capacity. That is the world that we at United by Music North America, and our growing support base, envision. In our case, we have turned to the power of music to bring people together. United by Music North America is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission: To further the scope of United by Music in Europe by providing programs of study and performance in blues, swing and jazz music for musically talented people with intellectual disabilities in North America. We aim to improve the quality of life for members of our company and challenge public attitudes about people with an intellectual disability showing that we are more alike than we are different and profiling the exceptional talents of our company members. United by Music North America is a direct offshoot of The Netherlands-based United by Music, founded in 2006 by Joris van Wijngaarden, a Netherlands health care industry executive. Entertainer Candye Kane worked with van Wigngaarden to hone the concept, and services as music director for this worldwide organization that promotes live music. This past October, Starbucks Concept Store at the Rembrandtplein, in the centre of Amsterdam, had a live band for the first time and featured the band of United by Music. At Concept Stores, Starbucks tests out innovations, and this performance was a great success and United by Music feels that could definitely do this in Starbucks stores not only in the Netherlands and North America, but all over the world. Check out the North American website www.ubma.org to learn more about this exciting and innovative way to help all people experience the thrill of live music.

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Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid Seattle, WA Permit No. 5617

P.O. Box 70604 Seattle, W 98127 A Change Service Requested

The WBS is a proud recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive A ward