The 2008 Washington Blues Society BB Awards

I checked out the Washington Blues Society (WBS) BB Awards last Sunday at the Triple Door in downtown Seattle. I've got to hand it to the WBS - they put on a good, fast paced awards show at what is probably the nicest venue in town (but, what do I know - I'm usually hanging out in the juke joints).

There weren't really any surprises, with the usual suspects winning most of the awards. I was happy to see Kim Field and the Mighty Titans of Tone win the Best New Band award, however. This was a well earned salute to a fine bunch of musicians.

I was most interested in seeing who would win the Best Band award. I am familiar with the nominees The Blues Orbiters, Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies, and the Mary McPage Band,but had never seen the Red Hot Blues Sisters (aka: the Red Hotz) until Sunday night. Each band played a four song set during the evening, and the Red Hot Blues Sisters eventually won the award. I think that the Red Hotz were playing the best set until they started losing me with an over the top vocal on Marvin Gaye's "One More Heartache," followed up with and unfocued jam tune that featured guest singer (and Best Vocalist award winner) Polly O'Keary. I was especially impressed with the band's guitarist, Teri Anne Wilson, who played some great solos without descending into Fuzzy Blues/Rock Guitar Clicheland.

Let the benefits for sending the Red Hotz to Memphis begin!

Speaking of Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin' Daddies, here's a video (created by John Gulla) of the band performing at the awards show. Enjoy!

Here's another video created at the WBS show by John Gulla of the Blues Orbiters:

Jon Gindick's Blues Harmonica Jam Camp - May 21-24

This just in from our friend and fellow blues harp blower Ray Beltran:

What: Jon Gindick's Blues Harmonica Jam Camp
When: May 21-24, 2008, Wednesday through Saturday
Where: Gig Harbor, Washington
Instructors: Harp giants Kim Field, Ray Beltran, Grant Dermody, Jimi Lee, Cheryl Arena, and Jon Gindick.
Phone: 800-646-9245

We will be joined in this Northwestern paradise by the Malcolm Clark Band. This camp is filling up. Join us at the luxurious and reasonable Inn at Gig Harbor.

General Jam Camp Curriculum (depending on your level)

Lip-blocking and tongue-blocking single notes, chording, octaves, slaps, bending, articulation, rhythm, riffs, phrasing, songs, positions, amplification, horn lines, I-IV-V, scale degrees, harp country style, theory, overblowing, 3rd position, harp gapping, singing, the arts of improvisation, and adding feeling.

You'll have one -on-ones, small groups based on level, daily jamming with the band, and direct feedback. All ages welcome. All levels welcome!

Jam Camp is a powerful musical experience for the rawest beginner to the most jaded veteran. Enrollment is limited to about 35, with up to six teachers, and many separate meeting rooms. Separate spaces, different approaches, lots of jamming time.

Strong beginners program!
Incremental anti-stage fright program!
Learn by jamming!

Seven Ways We Focus on Your Harp Playing Development

- Pre-seminar feedback, phone lesson with Jon for feedback and suggestions.
- Follow up face to face lesson, one on one lesson with a coach at Jam Camp.
- Small jamming classes and practice groups especially for your level.
- General meetings exposing us to “The Big Picture” from great players.
- Confidence building atmosphere for new players and stage scared jammers.
- Learn by doing. jam with others of your own level. Get feedback.
- Practice CD’s, notes to take home.

$649.00 for 4-Days of Harpin’ Glory

Enrollment is limited but there is still room.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP, http://www.harmonicajamcamp.com/
Or call 800-646-9245 or 310-457-8278

Why four days? So we can relax, and let the work settle in. So we all get away from the normal BS a little longer. But what if I work a day job and can only come on the weekend? E-mail me at jon@gindick.com for solutions.