This just in...

Another Seattle jam session bites the dust. This just in from guitarist John Stephan:

"The John Stephan Band will no longer host the Monday jam at The Mainstage. Many thanks to all the fine musicians and audience who've attended this event since June 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.

There's a new Blue Monday jam in town.

Seattle guitarist John Stephan (left) and his band will be hosting a new Blue Monday jam session at the recently remodeled Mainstage Comedy and Music Club across the street from the Key Arena on lower Queen Anne hill. The Mainstage address is 315 First Avenue North, located between Thomas and Harrison streets. There is a full bar and menu, and showtime will be 7:30 PM.

Veteran Seattle blues fans will remember when this club was called Chicago's, and featured local and regional blues acts on the weekends. I won't be able to attend this show for the next couple of weeks, but, when I do, I will post a review here.

For more information, contact the club at 206-217-3700, or John Stephan at jvstephan@msn.com.

Blog this!

This just in from David Brewer (below), just back from Atlanta and San Diego, and soon to leave for Europe again.

Hey Kids,

Well I'm back off the road for a minute, just long enough to wash clothes, do a Friday night show at the Eagles, then gone again.

My little solo shows went better than expected and I had a good time although I'm tired. Only one thing put the kibosh on my trip - the price of gas !!! Holy shit, I spent up all of what I'd planned to profit, but after all, it is the Blues !!!!

Just a couple of things I wanted to say: First off, I'd like to thank everyone who voted me in to the (WBS) Hall of Fame - I appreciate it. Also, I've heard a lot about the passing of Paul deLay, all much deserved, I must say. He'll be missed for sure.

I'd just like to give a tip of the hat to the late, great Cary Bell. I was sad to hear that he was gone. He was a blues giant, one of the Mississippi Godfathers. As some of you might know, he chose to cover one of my tunes ("Bad Habits") on his CD "Good Luck Man," and I was very proud that he would do it. There's another big hole in the blues because he is gone. Thanks for putting my song in the history books, Carey. Sail on, man, sail on....

And oblige, Brewer...

Adam Gussow will be visiting the Jet City.

Adam Gussow (left), the well-known harp player with Satan and Adam, will be visiting Seattle this month (4/19-21) to deliver a paper at this years EMP Pop Conference. Adam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Program in Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi.

Adam has a lot of blues-related stuff going on, including a series of excellent free harp lessons that can be seen on YouTube, as well as some never before seen videos of Satan and Adam performing. You can check these videos out at Adam's YouTube "channel" here:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=KudzuRunner

AND, Adam has a new book coming out in June, entitled "Journeyman's Road: Modern Blues Lives From Faulkner's Mississippi to Post-9/11 New York."

I am hoping to hook up with Adam when he hits town, so keep an eye out for us in the nightclubs that weekend. I understand that he is scheduled to do a taping for Marlee Walker's Blues-To-Do TV show while in town, so keep an eye out for that show in the near future also.

"Sunshine" Sonny Payne

This just in from the Fatcat (who is now living in Greenville, SC, in case you were wondering). Seems like a no-brainer to me!

"There is a movement afoot to get "Sunshine" Sonny Payne (left) inducted into the Blues Foundation's Blues Music Hall of Fame. He has hosted the "King Biscuit Time" radio show out of Helena, Arkansas since 1951. He's 81.

Here's a website and a petition to sign on his behalf. Would you mind spreading the word?"

http://www.sunshinesonnypayne.com/

Consider the word spread, Bruh!

"Remember me..."

A memorial concert celebrating the life, music and spirit of Paul deLay
Sunday, April 1, 2007, 7 pm - midnight
Kridel Grand Ballroom at the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park)

Featuring Duffy Bishop, Linda Hornbuckle, Lloyd Jones, Terry Robb and other special guests to be announced, hosted by former members of the Paul deLay Band in its various incarnations over the years (DK Stewart, David Vest, and Louis Pain on keyboards; Jim Mesi, Peter Dammann on guitar; Dave Kahl, John Mazzocco, Don Campbell on bass; Mike Klobas, Jeff Minnick, and Kelly Dunn on drums).

Tickets are $20, and are available in advance through the Portland Art Museum, 503-226-0973, or online at www.communityboxoffice.net. All funds raised will be used to defer the immediate family's medical and related expenses.

Open to All ages. Food and refreshments available at the venue.

Paul deLay wrote the haunting lament "Remember Me," after his mother, and the mothers of three band members, passed away during a two-year-period in the late 1990s. It was released on the Paul deLay Band's Heavy Rotation CD (Evidence Music) in 2001.

Paul deLay passed away on March 7 from complications due to late stage leukemia, diagnosed only days earlier. For more see John Foyston's piece in the Portland Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1173327939191310.xml&coll=7

Curtis Salgado Update

From the Curtis Salgado web page.

CURTIS SALGADO MAKING GREAT STRIDES FOLLOWING LIVER TRANSPLANT

The road to recovery will soon lead to home for musician Curtis Salgado. He should return to Portland before the end of the year.

Salgado, who'd been diagnosed with liver cancer in March of 2006, has spent the past two months at The Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha where he received a life-saving liver transplant on September 30th.

Overall, his recovery has gone well. He did undergo a second surgery three weeks after his transplant due to abdominal bleeding. He was also hospitalized for a suspected rejection episode, but both issues have been resolved.

Salgado's transplant team says his liver function is completely normal. They expect him to make a full recovery. Right now, specialists are closely monitoring his medications and overall condition, as is standard practice.

Once released, Salgado will continue his follow-up care in Oregon. He may return to Nebraska for annual check-ups.

Fundraising continues to be a primary concern. Two substantial loans were secured at the eleventh hour allowing for the transplant. In addition to the upcoming loan payments, future expenses include medications, anti-rejection drugs, follow up medical care, travel and living expenses. All merchandise available at www.curtissalgado.com will benefit the Curtis Salgado Fund. Donations to the "Curtis Salgado Fund" continue to be accepted and can be made at any US Bank or can be mailed to US Bankcorp, 2550 NW 188 Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124

The return of Lonesome Jerome.

I was at the Highway 99 Blues Club last Friday checking out the West Coast R & B Summit show when I ran into Mark "Lonesome Jerome" Dufresne (left). He confirmed that he's no longer working as the lead vocalist for Roomful Of Blues, and is now living back in the Jet City with his wife Laura.

Welcome back Mark! Come on down to the Blue Monday jam one of these days - we'd love to see and hear you singing and blowing harp on the scene again.

Note: Mark's photo was created by Henry Benson. From the Alligator Records webpage.

Curtis Salgado Update

Here is the latest on Curtis Salgado's struggle with liver cancer. This press release is from his web site.

CURTIS SALGADO UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL LIVER TRANSPLANT SURGERY

Curtis Salgado underwent a successful liver transplant surgery on Saturday September 30, 2006 at The Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska according to his manager Shane Tappendorf.

The surgery which took approximately 6 hours was performed without complications and Curtis has now been moved out of the intensive care unit and a full recovery is expected. The singer, songwriter and harmonica idol was diagnosed with liver cancer March 23, 2006. Salgado's treatment included shrinking the tumor in June in Portland, OR and multiple evaluations at transplant centers around the country.

"I am fortunate to be under the care of an incredible team of doctors and nurses This transplant is truly a miracle - I have an enormous sense of gratitude to the donor's family and sincere sympathy for their loss," the 52-year-old performer said from his hospital bed this week. I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support by everyone at The Nebraska Medical Center, from my family, friends and fans and and from the citizens of Omaha. I thank them for their love and hospitality." Salgado's transplant was part of a record breaking 37 procedures in September, 17 of which were liver transplants.

The singer-songwriter and harmonica idol was raised in Eugene, OR where he is best known as the inspiration for John Belushi's character of Joliet Jake in the Blues Brothers as well as his six year involvement with the Robert Cray Band. Salgado went on to become a member of the Grammy Award winning band Roomful of Blues and enjoyed a short stint as vocalist for Santana. The former Handy Award nominee has currently been working in Nashville, TN on new material for his next album as a follow-up to his last three critically acclaimed CDs for Shanachie Entertainment.

In the Pacific Northwest, Salgado is also highly respected for his 17 year commitment to sobriety and for his continued dedication and countless speaking engagements in educating young people on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

In addition to the money raised from donations and benefits, Salgado was able to secure a substantial loan allowing for the transplant. A special account has been created for donations to help Salgado with medical costs, post surgery recovery, medications and repayment of the loans. Donations can be made for the "Curtis Salgado Fund" at any US Bank or can be mailed to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124. For additional information, please visit www.curtissalgado.com.

And now, a word from Mr. Brewer.

By David Brewer (below, somewhere in Finland)

Hey Kids,

I just got back from my gig in Finland, and now it's on to Paris for 15 days then Norway, Sweden, Amsterdam, and Berlin. I'll be back in Seattle in October to do Tim Sherman's "Northwest Guitar Monsters" show at the Highway 99 Blues club.

I hope everybody's OK with me representing Seattle blues, me not being a WBS Hall of Famer and all, but deal with it, cause this will be my fouth time in Europe as Seattle's Blues Ambassador. They like the big Indian from the USA - whiskey by the pint, Albert Collins loud, irreverent attitude and all. I'll try and do a travelogue when I return if anyone want's to read it. I'm always on the lookout for Rick Steves when I'm over there 'cause I hear he's always got some good bud, but as of yet I haven't been able to find him.

I did run into John Lee yesterday in the same place I always run into him - on the mean streets of Greenwood, my home town. We had a nice grumble session on the side of the road as we watched several local business owners washing and painting this week's mass of graffiti off their establishments. He said come on down to the Highway 99 and eat some of his pub grub...or else!!

More later - remember it's "better to be hated for who you are, than to be loved for who you're not..."

And oblige, Brewer.

Note: Rumor has it that David is working on a deal to release some live recordings of his band playing at the Owl Cafe in the '80s, including some other live stuff with the late great Albert Collins.

Curtis Salgado is seriously ill.

Curtis Salgado, the fine Northwest harp player and vocalist, has been diagnosed with liver cancer. The following is a press release from his web site (http://www.curtissalgado.com/) regarding his illness:

April 17, 2006

CURTIS SALGADO TO UNDERGO TREATMENT FOR LIVER CANCER - PORTLAND, OR.

Singer Curtis Salgado has been diagnosed with liver cancer and has begun preparations for treatment according to his longtime friend and manager Shane Tappendorf.

Salgado who is battling a chronic liver condition will receive treatments next month with the hope of a liver transplant surgery in the future.

"I am fortunate to be under the care of an incredible team of doctors and nurses and am inspired by the courageous people that have faced this fight before me," the 52-year-old performer said from his home this week. "I am also extremely grateful for the overwhelming support from my family and friends."

A concert performance in Spokane, WA has been rescheduled for June 3rd and doctors are confident that Curtis and his band will be able to continue to perform this year.

The singer-songwriter and harmonica idol was raised in Eugene, OR where he is best known as the inspiration for John Belushi's character of Joliet Jake in the Blues Brothers as well as his six year involvement with the Robert Cray Band. Salgado went on to become a member of the Grammy Award winning band Roomful of Blues and enjoyed a short stint as vocalist for Santana. The former Handy Award nominee has currently been working in Nashville, TN on new material for his next album as a follow-up to his last three critically acclaimed CDs for Shanachie Entertainment.

In the Pacific Northwest, Salgado is also highly respected for his 17 year commitment to sobriety and for his continued dedication and countless speaking engagements in educating young people on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

A special account has been created for donations to help Salgado with medical costs and an all-star benefit concert is also being planned.

Donations can be made for the "Curtis Salgado Fund" at any US Bank or can be mailed to: US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

I remember the first time I saw Curtis. I saw him with the Robert Cray Band at the old Hibble & Hyde's nightclub in Seattle's Pioneer Square in the early '80s. This was a friggin' great band, which also include Dave Stewart on vocals and piano, and Richard Cousins on bass. These guys could do it all, from gritty blues, to Southern soul, to Charlie Rich's "Mohair Sam."

Curtis Salgado and Lloyd Jones at the Waterfront Blues Festival - Portland, OR 1988

The Curtis Salgado Band at the Owl cafe - Seattle, WA 1989

Later on I saw Curtis perform many times at the Jolly Roger Roadhouse in Lake City with In Yo' Face (which included guitarists Lloyd Jones and Joel Foy), and also at the Owl Cafe in Ballard with his own band. Sometimes members of In Yo' Face would flop at my house during the Jolly Roger gigs, and I received a couple of impromptu harp lessons from Curtis during that time.

Keep a good thought for Curtis' recovery, and keep an eye out for the all-star benefits that are sure to occur in the Portland, OR area in the near future.

Breaking News!!

The South Sound Blues Association has chosen The Randy Oxford Band to compete in Memphis in the International Blues Challenge. Question: Where in the heck did the South Sound Blues Association come from? Never heard of 'em!