Musings from Mr. Solid

By John Lee

I had planned on talking about a number of music DVD’s in this space. That will be one of the things, along with books and recordings, that I will save for the fall and winter Musings.

Recently, I’ve been putting together what I think is a top-notch show that has had my full attention for the last two months. Below is the press release. It appears on the KPLU and the Highway 99 Blues Club web sites. Everyone involved is hoping you can join us for what I think will be one hell of a party!

The West Coast Rhythm & Blues Summit


For two nights, October 27th and 28th, 2006, The Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle will become the scene of what amounts to a classic Rhythm & Blues revue. It’s a triple bill, starring Johnny Nocturne (John Firmin), who the San Francisco Jazz Festival called “The Big Daddy of retro jump-blues tenor saxophone”. The show also stars Miss Dee, long time vocalist with the legendary Johnny Otis Show. Miss Dee is the vocalist on the Johnny Nocturne Band CD “Blues Volume”. This portion of the show will also highlight Nocturne keyboard man, Henry Salvia.

The R&B Summit also includes The Crossroads Band, the Washington Blues Society’s “Best Band” of 2005. Crossroads is a five piece group of seasoned veterans. The Tacoma Weekly said about the band’s new CD “In case you have never seen them play yet, this record makes you want to change this fact as fast as you can.”

Special guests are The Three J’s Alaska reunion band, consisting of John Firmin (aka Johnny Nocturne), John Stephan (John Stephan Band), and John Lee (The Crossroads Band). Describing the Three J’s self-titled CD, Misty Blue, a Canadian radio show host, said “ Alaska sure can rock the blues!” Henry Salvia who plays on the 3J’s CD, will join the band.

Master of Ceremonies for the show will be Rock and Roll Hall of Fame disc jockey, Jimmy “Early” Byrd. “Early” Byrd is the first African-American disc jockey elected to the Hall. The other DJ’s in the Hall of Fame are Alan Freed, Wolfman Jack, and Dick Clark.

Where: The Highway 99 Blues Club-1414 Alaskan Way , Seattle , WA (206-382-2171)
When: Friday October 27th and Saturday October 28th 2006. Showtime is 8:45 PM.
Cover: $15.00

Links:
http://www.johnnynocturne.com/
http://www.crossroadsblues.net/
http://cdbaby.com/cd/3js
http://www.johnstephanband.com/
http://www.earlybyrd.com/
http://www.highwayninetynine.com/

For additional information call Mr. Solid Productions at 206-517-7864.

When you see a musician on stage having fun, remember all the hours and hard work it took to get to that place. Also take into account the true nature of the beast. I think the late, great Hunter S. Thompson summed it up best: “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” Amen, Brother Thompson!

Last time in this space I made a serious omission: Ray Charles’ birthday. “Brother” Ray was born September 23, 1930. Ray passed away June 10, 2004.

Peace! Check you on the rebound.

October Blues Birthdays

Keb Mo - October 3, 1951
Albert Collins - October 1, 1932 (died 1993)
Stevie Ray Vaughn - October 3, 1954 (died 1990)
Lonnie Pitchford - October 8, 1955 (died 1998)
“Ivory” Joe Hunter - October 10, 1914 (died 1974)
“Jelly Roll “Morton - October 20, 1890 (died 1941)
Sonny Terry - October 24, 1911 (died 1986)

Electric bassist John "Mr. Solid" Lee was born in Alaska and has been active in the Seattle blues scene for about 30 years. He currently plays with the Crossroads Band. Photo by Mike Coyote.

Note: The poster that appears in this article was created by Phil Chesnut.