Sunday, September 23, 2007

The Seattle Rhythm & Blues Festival

By John Lee

On October 5th and 6th 2007, the Mainstage Comedy and Music Club (formerly Chicago’s), located in the heart of Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, brings together a showcase of Seattle talent rarely seen in this day and age. Phyllis Talley, Josephine Howell, Paul Richardson, The Red Hotz (aka The Red Hot Blues Sisters), The John Stephan Band, and The Crossroads Band, adds up to soulful and funky good time with something for everyone.

Friday October 5th features Josephine Howell, Paul Richardson, and vocalist Phyllis Talley. Josephine Howell is a renowned actress who was recently featured in Intiman Theater’s productions of “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and “Black Nativity.” She is also a singer of the highest caliber. Josephine is unrivaled in the gospel and jazz styles. This lady can really chirp. Paul Richardson has been a mainstay in Seattle soul music for many years. Mr. Richardson is one of the finest keyboard players anywhere, and always astounds with his consummate musicianship.

Saturday October 6th features The Red Hotz, 2006 nominee of the Washington Blues Society for Best Band. Fronted by the powerful and soulful vocals of Suze Sims and the razor sharp guitar of Teri Ann Wilson, the Red Hotz are always a crowd pleaser and keep the audience rockin’ at every stop along the way. They are a groove, no doubt. John Stephan is an excellent guitar player and a great songwriter, who spent many years with the legendary Issac Scott’s band. John and his group of journeyman pros give it their all at every performance.

The Red Hotz

John Stephan Band

The Crossroads Band

Closing out The Seattle Rhythm and Blues Festival will be The Crossroads Band, winners of the BB Award for Best Band from The Washington Blues Society in 2005. Nationally renowned artist, photographer, and writer Phil Chesnut sums up Crossroads up very well, “The members of this veteran five piece band all carry long pedigrees from other top Seattle bands of the past, finally culminating into this superb blues ensemble.”

A portion of the proceeds will go to Tipitina’s Foundation to assist New Orleans musicians cope with life after Hurricane Katrina. The proceeds will be given to Tipitina’s Music Office Co-op to help create business development and job skills training.

Come on down to the Mainstage October 5th and 6th for some great music, tasty food, top-notch libations, and to benefit a worthy cause. It will be a funky good time for sure!

When: Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th 8:30pm
Where: The Mainstage Comedy and Music Club
315 1st Ave North
Seattle , Wa . 98109
Phone: 206-217-3700
Cover: $12.00 each night or $20.00 both nights

Monday, September 17, 2007

KT's Tube Amp Repair

Got an old tube guitar amp in the closet (garage/attic/basement) that quit working a few years ago? How about that favorite amp that is sounding kind of lifeless these days?

Well friends, our old friend (and great blues drummer) Kirk "KT" Tutttle can help! KT started his amp repair business about a year ago, and has brought many tube amps back to life since then. Some of the amps I've seen in his shop included a vintage Ampeg B-12, a tweed Fender Tremolux (sweet!), a brown Fender Concert (double sweet!!), and my old '62 Fender Princeton.

If you've got an amp that needs some work, contact KT at 206-478-0983, or via e-mail at ktskicks@yahoo.com. His shop is located in Seattle's north end just off of Aurora. Tell 'em the Playboy sent ya!

The Mad Scientist at his secret laboratory somewhere in north Seattle.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

The Titans of Tone begin work on a new live recording.

Kim Field & the mighty Titans of Tone began work on a live CD project at the Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle on August 30th. The club's dressing room was crammed with recording equipment for the event, and there was a good turnout of fans that made a lot of noise in support of the band between songs.

Recording equipment in the dressing room.

Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone. Left to right: Steve Yonck, Billy Spaulding, Kim Field, Brady Millard-Kish, and Eric Daw. Photo by Phil Chesnut.

Billy Spaulding and Les "Wild Child" White. Les is the bassist for Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies!

Kevin Walsh, Steve Yonck, and Dana Pellegrini

Rumor has it that the band will record again at the Highway 99 on Thursday, September 27th. Mosey on down to the nightclub that night and add your voice to the CD, and I'll see you there!