Main Blues

I don't usually publish older videos on the bog, but this deserves its own post. It is a wonder our digital imformation age we live in today to be able watch blues history on-demand. Growing up, I never had access to footage like this. So, I say... may today's new generations be inspired and influenced by their easy access to the rich history of the blues available to them! And Lightning is on of my all time favorites. Who is yours?

The great Texas bluesman Lightnin' Hopkins, under the watchful eye of a very young Joan Baez, performs "Let's Pull a Party." From the DVD "Texas Blues Guitar."

Something special happened several nights ago in Tacoma. Not that every week night on the local music scene isn’t special in some way, but that night was different. Monday nights’ at the Swiss Tavern have always been pretty much dedicated to local blues bands. And they generate a tidy little appreciative audience. This night brought out a larger than usual crowd for Rod Cook & Toast with special guest Sue Orfield. Sue was in town for, among other things, the 15th anniversary of Junkyard Jane.

I always try to catch Rod Cook & Toast (Chris Leighton on drums – Jon Bayless on bass and vocals) whenever I can. It certainly is not totally blues, but always top-notch music. Toast is one of the finest trios in the Pacific Northwest. Throw in Sue Orfield, and, well I had to be there.

Immediately that “special vibe” surfaced when the first five audience members I ran into were other local musicians – Les Merrihew (visiting from his “retirement” to Arizona), Doug Skoog, Dean Reichert, Leanne Trevalyan and Billy Stoops. When other musicians come out to listen to their peers you just know it’s going to be good. Joining the audience shortly thereafter were super fans Reverend Dave Brown and his lovely better half and the late arriving Mark Riley. Add another forty locals or so and there was a nice little “house” to play to.

Then special guest number two walked in with his gear. Jay Mabin. Now almost everyone knows that I pick on harmonica players, so listen up! Jay Mabin is a monster on the chromatic. Incredible tone. Wonderfully melodic. There, I did it. I gave props to a harmonica player. That actually felt pretty good!

The anticipation was palpable. But, when the music finally started (there was a “lateness issue” involving Jon Bayless, but that is another story) it did not disappoint. The opening set was awesome. It was five excellent musicians with their “ears on” coming together and filling the room with some fantastic music. As an avid fan it doesn’t get much better than that. Jay had to leave for an early wake up on Tuesday, so Mark Riley was invited up.

It was a late drive home for sure, but I’d make that drive anytime to hear music like that! Cream of the crop players playing “together”. That is SPECIAL.

By Deb Rhymer, President Victoria Blues Society 
Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is just a short ferry ride away from western Washington in Canada. Our American friends talk about its quaint charm and welcoming people. We like to think of our home as a blues lover’s paradise!

The city has a number of live music venues that feature blues bands much of the time. Swans Brewpub, Bartholomews Bar and Grille, Hermann’s Jazz Cub, and The Upper Deck have recently featured James Cotton, Monkeyjunk, Honeyboy Edwards, Coco Montoya, Harmonica Hinds, etc. The Victoria Blues Society, a 375-member association which produces shows four or five times a year, keeps a calendar of blues events.Check it out at: www.victoriabluessociety.ca.

In February, the Victoria Blues Society sent our own Bill Johnson Blues Band to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. While the band didn’t win the blues challenge, their recently released album, Bill Johnson - Still Blue recently won the coveted “Blewzzy Award” for best CD. It was the first time in the history of Mary4Music.com, the internet’s most comprehensive Blues and Indie music network, that the same artist
won in both categories of best album and best song for the song “Half the Man”. You can learn more about Bill at http://www.myspace.com/billjohnsonbluesband.

On Labour Day weekend each year, The Victoria Jazz Society hosts the Vancouver Island Blues Bash. This will be the seventeenth year of one of Victoria’s best-attended and most-loved annual events. Over three days, September 2-5, 2011, the festival will feature all styles of blues and R & B at scenic Ship Point in Victoria’s inner harbour. Daytime performances are by donation and there are ticketed shows on Saturday and Sunday night. The whole weekend feels like the best outdoor party you ever attended - musicians mingle with their fans at the beer tent and the dance area by the stage is packed during every show. This year’s
line-up will be posted soon at www.jazzvictoria.ca.

Every Sunday afternoon from 2-6 pm the Sunday Blues Jam is Hosted by the Deb Rhymer Band at the Strathcona Hotel. This very popular free event showcases some of Victoria’s best musical talent. If you want to join in, bring along your instrument.

The Garden City of Victoria is one of the world’s favorite year-round destinations, and we love visitors. Consider leaving the car and the stress behind by using the Victoria Clipper direct from your harbor to our harbor. They have weekend packages to Victoria that offer two nights at a good hotel for such a great rate, it’s almost like getting the Clipper trip for free.

Come up for the Blues, the fresh air and our lovely cityscape. Your Canadian friends would love to show you a great time!

By Blues Boss 

It has certainly been a rough, rough winter for the Pacific Northwest blues community. We have lost some of the true stalwarts of the local blues scene. Sir Charles White. Michael Kahler. Kirk “KT” Tuttle. L.J. Porter. Sad times for sure. A simple “Rest in Peace” doesn’t seem quite enough for all the musical joy they brought us.

We all have great memories of each of these talented individuals. For me, well… I used to be a “drinkin’ buddy” of Michael Kahler’s, back in the day. Michael introduced me to Sir Charles White at the long since defunct Larry’s Greenfront. I attended many a Wednesday Night Jam with that bunch. Michael is as much responsible as anybody for me being involved in the local blues music scene. He’s even responsible for the nickname “Blues Boss.”

As for “KT,” I met Kirk through his lovely wife Jimie Jean at the long running Thursday blues night at the Salmon Bay Eagles in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Often it seemed like “KT” was the house drummer there, and that’s a good thing. Spiderman! In the last few years I’d see KT driving around Ballard in that big ol’ car of his. I’m sure Jimie Jean and “KT” are now running that big jam upstairs – it would only be fitting.

Finally, L.J. Porter! I didn’t know L.J. that well, but that didn’t stop the two of us from having a night or two of spirited discussion about the general state of the blues in Seattle in general, and the Washington Blues Society in particular. My fondest memory of L.J. is her on stage at a benefit for Ricki Hudson – singing – directing the band (one of her trademarks, for sure) and just generally enthralling everyone with her spectacular voice.

Yes, these are sad times for the Pacific Northwest blues community for sure. R.I.P, Sir Charles, Michael, KT, and LJ. Thank you for some unforgettable blues music.

Okay. This is your annual [last minute] reminder to NOMINATE your favorite local musicians, graphic artists, writers, festivals, et.al for the 2011 "Best of the Blues" Awards. You have until Februarv 14, 2011 to get your nomination ballot mailed into the Washington Blues Society (WBS). Or, you can give your ballot to any member of the Board of Directors.

Nomination ballot you say?! Well, go find your January issue of the Bluesletter (first place I'd look is next to the toilet in the bathroom - that's where mine is). Tear the back page off (it's both your ballot and proof that you are a valid, voting member in good standing - the "mailing sticker" on the reverse side is your proof of current membership in the WBS).

Now, fill it out. You do not have to fill out the entire ballot - most ballots are not completely filled out. Remember, past winners of Lifetime Achievement, Hall of Fame and Keepin' the Blues Alive should not be nominated again - go to www.wablues.org to see who's won these awards in the past.

Then go find an envelope, address it to the WBS, P.O. Box 70604, Seattle, WA 98127-0604, and put a stamp on it. Mail it in! Have a say in who winds up on the ballot for the 2011 "BB's. Besides, if you vote you then have the wonderful right to bitch and complain about who makes the final ballot... and, who doesn't! It's your right as a card carrying Washington Blues Society Member - exercise it!

While your ballot is making it to our post office box in Ballard, go out and listen to some great LIVE blues music!

The venues will appreciate it. .. and, so will our talented Pacific Northwest Musicians.

Again, if you don't have a ballot, see a Board Member. We'll be happy to verify that you are a member with
Membership Director Michelle Burge, or you can download one by clicking HERE!

By the Blues Boss

By Blues Boss 

Well, we wrapped up another busy blues year, and looking forward to an exciting 2011. Economic times are still tough, but that is a big part of what the blues are all about – handling the hard times with a song, a blues song of course. Hopefully the holiday season brought all you blues fans joy and happiness. And, Santa brought you all that great blues music you were looking for – if not, get out there and buy some music from our excellent local musicians.

December sure brought us plenty of great blues shows, as your Washington Blues Society (WBS) put on a couple of excellent fundraisers to help support Back Porch Stomp and the Wired! Band at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in February, 2011. I’m sure both acts will represent us well. And, it sounds like there will be plenty of WBS members on hand to cheer on our representatives.

The 2010 WBS Holiday Party in December, as I was sure would be the case, was a huge success – how can it fail with entertainment like SNAKE OIL, SAMMY EUBANKS BAND, and the CHARLES WHITE REVUE?? And, of course Santa was on hand to make sure every lady got the opportunity to “put in her order” for Christmas! (Santa’s like that!).

So, let’s hope 2011 brings all of us excellent blues music, health and prosperity. And, as always, get out there and support our wonderful musicians and steadfast venues who bring us the music we love.

See you out there “blues trippin’…”

By Blues Boss 
This month is going to be some ranting and raving…

Let’s start with a rant - blues fans still staying away from Pioneer Square. I’m telling you, it’s like a sleepy little fishing village down there now. You want unruly crowds go to Belltown (or Ballard on a weekend)…you want blues music, well one of the many places you can go is back to the “Square.”

A rave – Christmas! Pretty much lost interest in it as a holiday (because of the rampant commercialism) until I got grandkids….now, it is fun again.

Another rant – although it’s not about music, it’s about age! The “senior citizen” designation will no longer apply. From now on 55-75 will be called “Classic citizens” (like classic cars – we don’t call automobiles from the 50’s & 60’s “senior cars”).


Have a great holiday season – stay safe, and keep Blues Trippin…. See you at the WBS Holiday Party!

Usually I make a nostalgia recommendation, but this month I am making a strong recommendation to do your Christmas shopping with your favorite local blues musicians – buy “local” CDs, they make wonderful Christmas presents…