Main Blues

The Mannish Boys new Delta Groove release Double Dynamite is so named because it is a double helping of tough blues and impassioned R&B served up on two platters (2 CD set) filled with generous portions pf 13 selections each. The players, Finis, Randy, Kirk, Frank, Willie and Jimi (most of whom have their own bands and projects) plus the addition of new Mannish Boy vocalist Sugaray Rayford on nine cuts. With 26 selections the menu includes numerous sides like harp players James Harmon, Rod Piazza, Jason Ricci and Bob Corritore; guest vocalists Jackie Payne, Mud Morganfield and Cynthia Manley, guitarists a-plenty with Elvin, Junior, Nathan and the Kid not to mention piano, bass, horn players and various other supporting artists.

Now I have been shouting out for years about this All-Star band bringing their old school meets new school to the cover songs, frequently of under appreciated artists, digging deep into the blues and R&B songbooks for lesser known gems and shedding light on these artists in the process. They are blues miners and here they used Double Dynamite to bring you Atomic Blues and Rhythm & Blues Explosion. As with any Delta Groove release the production, packaging and musicianship are impeccable. Now you know I would just love to tell you something about all 26 cuts on this all you can listen to smorgasbord; but I wouldn’t want you to get stuffed. You might look at the track menu and think, “Mannish Boy,” how can they possibly pull off that signature Muddy Waters song? Well with Mud Morganfield on vocals of course.

Disc 1, Atomic Blues, opens with Son House’s “Death Letter” featuring Frank Goldwasser on bristling slide guitar and Rayford on ardent vocals backed by thundering rhythm breathing new life into this Delta blues crown jewel. The loping shuffle of Little Walter’s “Mean Old World” showcases Piazza’s skill and tone on blues harp with Finis Tasby on vocals, Kirk Fletcher and Frank on rhythm and Elvin Bishop on slide cutting a tasty solo. James Harmon brings the goods to his own “Bad Detective” with Kirk on slinky lead guitar and Rich Wenzel on the ivories flushing out the sound. The Mitch Kashmar/Randy Chortkoff penned “You Dogged Me” from Mitch’s Wake Up & Worry, sounds like a long lost Jimmy Reed tune and features Randy on high end 1st position harp and vocals, Kirk on lead, Frank on rhythm and 2nd position harp. Other selections include song by Robert Nighthawk, Muddy, Frank Frost, Sonny Boy Williamson, Randy, Willie Dixon and Otis Spann.

The Washington Blues Society (WBS) has announced it is currently accepting submittals from blues artists in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta for the society's Best Self Produced CD Award. The winner will represent the Washington Blues Society at the 2013 International Blues Challenge Best Self Produced CD competition. To be eligible, the submitted CD must have a release date between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012. Details are below.

Since 2005, The Blues Foundation has celebrated up and coming artists by bestowing an award for the "Best Self-Produced CD" of the year. It will do so again in 2013. Where the IBC, through its panel of distinguished judges, has been the measure of excellence for a band's live performance, the Best Self-Produced CD award honors artists that have achieved excellence in the studio. Acts can be bands, solo acts, duo acts, trios, full choirs or any other combination. The purpose of this award is to assist Blues musicians in the pursuit of their professional goals.

This award complements the International Blues Challenge-the live music component of IBC Weekend. The Foundation believes this award further emphasizes the critical role of affiliated societies in the Blues world and provides another featured award for IBC weekend.

CD Submissions are due by Tuesday, October 9, 2012. 

The following rules govern the national competition and are from www.wablues.org (adapted from the Blues Foundation Best Self-Produced CD Official Rules:

• Entries for the Best Self-Produced CD are permitted by affiliated blues societies only.
• Each affiliate is permitted one entry only. 
• The CD entered does not have to be performed by the band entered in the 2013 International Blues Challenge. 
• The CD must have been released during the November 1, 2011 - October 31, 2012 time frame. 
• Interested bands from the states and provinces listed above must submit 7 (seven) copies of their CD to the Washington Blues Society P.O. Box (below). A committee of three will review each CD submitted. Four copies of the winner’s CD will be submitted to the Blues Foundation as the Washington Blues Society’s official entry. The remaining CDs will be distributed by the Washington Blues Society at Blues Bashes, free raffles, or festivals that promote live blues music. 

Send submissions to:

      Washington Blues Society 
       Best-Self Produced CD 
       P.O. Box 70604 Seattle, WA 98127 

Note: Submissions MUST be in the WBS P.O. Box by Tuesday, October 9, 2012 (or delivered to our monthly Blues Bash at the Red Crane on that date). No submissions after this date will be accepted or reviewed. 

The CD Committee will review each CD for the following:

1. Blues Content 
2. Musical Performance 
3. Audio Quality of the Presentation 
4. Cover Art and Design 
5. Credits and Liner Information.

A performer who has previously been nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition. A CD issued in the name of an otherwise eligible performer which also includes the contributions of a Blues Music Award nominee may be ineligible, depending on the extent of the contribution. A CD on a record label that has been previously nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition.

Compilations are not eligible. 

A singer, band, society or local producer may produce the actual CD as long as the performer is a singer, band or other individual entity.

Recordings with established or "known" producers within the industry are eligible as long as the recording is on the artist's independent label and not on an established national blues label.

If a recording was produced independently but an established blues label has purchased the master for distribution, the recording is still eligible until such time as the established blues label releases the recording.

The affiliates are responsible for ensuring that their submission complies with these rules. If you have any doubts or questions, contact the Washington Blues Society.

The CDs honored to date by the Washington Blues Society are:

• 2005-Crazy, Cryin' Blues by Robin Rogers and Silver Bird by Collard Greens & Gravy (tie)
• 2006-Back in Bluesville by Roxy Perry 2007-We are Mighty Lester by Mighty Lester Band
• 2008-Sophisticated Ladies by Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra
• 2009-Hollerin' by Nathan James & Ben Hernandez 
• 2010-Crime Scene Queen by The Informants and Fire it Up! by Laurie Morvan Band 
• 2011-Get Inside This House by Joe McMurrian - Cascade Blues Associatio
• 2012-Where I'm Comming From... by Dave Keller - Rhode Island Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society

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.

Picture yourself on the edge of the ocean listening to the surf break against the shore under blue skies. Eagles and pelicans fly above you, and sweet breezes of the fresh ocean air fill your lungs. All of this while listening to top Northwest and national Blues acts in a magical 3 day festival.

Westport, Washington is the home port of the Dock of the Bay Blues Festival. Westport is a wonderful, picturesque fishing village with many nautical treasures to enjoy. The Dock of the Bay Blues Festival opens at the beautiful Westport Inn in the heart of the marina. It is a weekend of great music and memories with the beautiful Pacific Ocean, friendly restaurants, bustling working docks, and quaint shops only a short walk away. It all makes for an exciting weekend of live blues music.

Festival hosts Mark and Desiree Dodson wanted to share their passion for blues music and their love of the quaint coastal community, so they started the Westport Blues Nonprofit which supports the event. Each year the festival has grown, and this year it is expected to be the best celebration of the blues ever.

The festival is held in a huge tent to temper the rays of the sun, or keep you dry, so no matter what the weather you will be comfortable while getting your groove on. Vendors bring unique items to shop for, as well as food and espresso. The Blues Beer Garden will have micro brews to choose from and locally produced wines.

Blues Attitude

The festival brings a wide range of the Blues to Westport. Festivities kick off on Friday night, September 7th with the popular band Blues Attitude known for their jamming blues. The Tim Hall Band takes you into the rest of the evening playing blues that will get your out of our seat and dancing.

Mia Vermillion

Saturday, September 8th brings the Pleasure Hounds to get the party started. Then Mia Vermillion, who has opened for blues legend John Hammond and rocked the main stage at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, will bring her fresh unique sound to the stage. Mia is “…One of the best vocalists I’ve heard in a while..." according to Graham Clarke with Blues Bytes Magazine. Following Mia, the Billy Shew Band keeps the afternoon rocking with their sound solidly rooted in modern indie groove and spiced with various influences.

Kim Archer

Next, the Kim Archer Band takes the stage to get you up dancing. Kim brings a raw power-house performance with her guitar in hand. She brings her original songs rooted in old school soul, funk, classic rock, sultry blues and ballads along with her interpretation of many classics.

The stage’s final evening performance on Saturday is the great blues man Mr. Spider Murphy. Spider hails from Colorado and is recognized as the best tenor guitar player in the world. You will be captivated by his down, dirty and gritty blues. Opening for Randy Travis and touring throughout the states, Spider is a well known legend in the music world. Spider Murphy is stopping in to the Dock of the Bay Blues Festival during his West Coast tour.
When the stage closes Saturday night, the Blues Jam and Dance starts at the Coho Hall at the Westport Inn. It will be a night of musicians jamming and the party will go until you can’t dance anymore.

Catch of the Day & Andy Koch

Sunday, September 9th, after you have rested up, the festival starts again. The stage brings Andy “Badd Dog” Koch & Catch of the Day. Andy Koch is the founder and leader of the Badd Dogg Blues Society and will get you rocking with his true blue blues and intense harp playing. Joining Andy, Westport’s own Catch of the Day adds their unique harmonic vocal stylings and will show you how the blues are alive and well in Westport!

Little Bill

The festival is honored to have Little Bill and the Blue Notes back again this year. The history of this band mirrors the history of American rock & roll and you’re assured to get shivers down your back. The festival wraps up Sunday afternoon with the Randy Oxford Band burning up the stage. Sexy, funky, cool blues… Randy plays the trombone as a lead instrument, inventing a path through the chord progressions sometimes mimicking the guitars around him taking them with him on one of his wild rides.

Billy Shew Band

A portion of the festival proceeds go to the Westport Blues Nonprofit to support music and arts in Westport, the south beach and Grays Harbor.

The three day festival for all performances and events, including the Blues Jam and Dance, is only $35. One day festival tickets are $18. For ticket and lodging information go to WestportBlues.com or call the Westport Inn at 360-268-0111. A complete schedule can be found HERE

The Washington Blues Society will hold its last semi-final statewide blues competition in Anacortes on Sunday, June 24th at H20. The Anacortes competition adds to the blues society’s statewide contests in Spokane, Snohomish, and Kennewick. The top-scoring acts from each semi-final round will advance to the Washington Blues Society International Blues Challenge finals at the Taste of Music in Snohomish on Sunday, August 19th.

This year, the blues society’s WIRED! Band from Snohomish County won first place International Blues Challenge honors as they returned to Memphis to compete for the most prestigious award for unsigned blues talent. The Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely duo, also hailing from Snohomish County, made it to the semi-finals on their Beale Street debut.

Each competition is judged and conducted according to the rules of the Blue Foundation, and the Washington Blues Society received the coveted Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation in 2009 in the blues society category.

H20 is Anacortes’ newest restaurant and club downtown on the waterfront. H2O is a strong supporter of local blues, and the Washington Blues Society considers H2O a strong and valued partner in promotion of live blues music in Skagit County and the Evergreen State.

Introduction and Welcome	2:00-2:05 PM
Hambone Wilson	2:05-2:30 PM
Wide Willie Washburn	2:45-3:10 PM
Palmer Junction	3:25-3:50 PM
Stevens Miller Project	4:05-4:30 PM
Mercury Radio	4:45-5:10 PM
Blues Playground	5:25-5:50 PM
Rafael Tranquilino Band	6:05-6:30 PM
Mary McPage & The Assassins	6:45-7:10 PM
Junction 61-49	7:25-7:50 PM
James & The Bad Intentions	8:05-8:30 PM
Announce Top Scorers	8:30-8:50 PM

Hey Washington Blues Fans... More IBC action coming in Washington State.

This coming weekend out in Snohomish, Washington at the Oxford Saloon on Sunday, June 10th is the third of the Washington blues Society statewide International Blues Challenge semi-finals. Starting at 2 PM and running to 9 PM, local musicians will wow you with a full day of the fast paced blues, entertaining International Blues Challenge format live blues music. CLICK HERE for more details. Don't miss this wonderful event. Brought to you by the Washington Blues Society, whose mission is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form.

A full schedule of the semi-finalists and show details are below:

By Rick J Bowen
You know what they say about old dogs and news tricks, well journey men players Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely are out to break that rule on their debut self title 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 Willie’s 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 Dylan’s “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 they’ve got plenty of gas left in the tank.

To purchase the CD catch Norris and Nicely at one of their shows, or visit them on the Internet:

• Norris and Nicely's Web site 
• Facebook Page