In the Pocket with Mr. Solid

By John Lee

“Honeydripper” – a film by John Sayles

I recently had the pleasure of viewing John Sayles’ latest work, a blues fable titled “Honeydripper,” starring Danny Glover, Charles Dutton, and Lisa Gay Hamilton. Mister Sayles wrote, directed, and even has a small role in this very heartfelt film. “Honeydripper” ran for only one week at Seattle’s Uptown Theater.

John Sayles and his partner, Maggie Renzi, who is listed as producer, financed and did the distribution of the film themselves. If someone of John Sayles talent has trouble getting financing, you know the film industry is in trouble!

Tyrone “Pinetop” Purvis (Danny Glover) is a piano player and proprietor of The Honeydripper, a 1950 juke joint located in Harmony, Alabama. Tyrone has financial troubles and has decided to let go the classic blues singer, Bertha Mae (Mable John) who has been playing the Honeydripper for awhile. The landlord sends a pair of hard-asses to put pressure on Tyrone to pay back rent payments or vacate the premises. Tyrone makes arrangements to book the blues star “Guitar Sam” on an up and coming Saturday night to help him pay his bills and save the Honeydripper.

A drifter with a homemade electric guitar (played by Austin, Texas guitar player Gary Clark Jr.) shows up and asks Tyrone for a gig at the Honeydripper. Tyrone turns him down and the young man goes away and is soon arrested by the bigoted, redneck local sheriff played by Stacy Keech for “…gawkery with the intent to mope.” Tyrone goes to the train station to pick-up Guitar Sam for the big Saturday night and finds the blues star is in the hospital. Out of options, Tyrone is forced to make a deal with the sheriff and bail out the guitar playing drifter. This is a contentious situation, not knowing the young guitar players ability and also because the sheriff has a thing for Tyrone’s wife and her fried chicken sandwiches!

The musicians used in the film are tremendous. Sax player Eddie Shaw, leader for many years of Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, named from his many years with the legendary Howlin’ Wolf, is superb in the big show back-up group. Mr. Shaw also has played with the likes of Muddy Waters and Freddie King in the real blues world. Arthur Lee Williams is a harp player from Tunica, Mississippi, and, besides leading his own group based out of St. Louis , Missouri, Mr. Williams has also played with the legendary Delta players Frank Frost and Sam Carr. His superb blues harp playing lends an authentic deep-south feel to the production.

Mabel John is excellent as the Ida Cox/Bessie Smith styled singer, Bertha Mae. Mabel John has had a incredible career as a recording artist for both the Motown and Stax labels. She was a Raelette back-up singer for Ray Charles twice. Mabel John at this time is a minister and gospel record producer in Los Angeles, California . She is the sister of the late, great Little Willie John. The part of Bertha Mae was to be played by the late, great Ruth Brown. Mabel John really does the part justice, and her old friend Ruth Brown would be proud! Keb Mo’ has a very cool part as a street musician who is blind, but sees the events taking place around him very clearly. The soundtrack is cool too.

“Honeydripper” won this year’s NAACP Image Award for best independent film, which it richly deserves. It will come to DVD June 24th 2008. Do yourself a favor and check out this soulful and heartfelt film. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! For a more in depth look at John Sayles latest film go to: http://honeydripper-movie.com/

“The Chess Rhythm & Roll” 4 CD Boxed Set
I recently picked up a CD boxed set that I thought was out of print. “The Chess Rhythm & Roll” boxed set concentrates on the R&B and Rock and Roll from the great record label, Chess Records’ prime years of 1947 to 1967. Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Etta James are some of the well known artists on this excellent 99 song set! Many of the classic tunes are here, like Jackie Brenston’s “Rocket 88,” Dale Hawkin’s “Suzie Q,” “Ain’t Got No Home” by Clarence “Frogman” Henry, “See You Later Alligator” by Bobby Charles, and “High Heel Sneakers” by Tommy Tucker. Little Milton is here (he also recorded at Sun, Stax and Malaco. What output!), as well as Earl Hooker, Rosco Gordon, Jimmy Nelson, Jody Williams, T.V. Slim, Willie Mabon, Eddie Bo, and Clifton Chenier. The Four Tops are included, recording with Chess before super stardom on Motown Records. I found this boxed set at my favorite online record store, Blue Beat Music http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/ out of Santa Cruz California. “The Chess Rhythm & Roll” CD Boxed Set would be a great addition to anyone’s music collection. I know you’ll dig it.

Joe Turner 1944- 2008

Bassist Joe Turner passed away January 31st, 2008. A large man, who was known as Big Joe Turner, was a consummate bass man who played with some of the greats: B.B. King for five years, Albert King for seven years and Little Milton for four years. Mr. Turner also played with Gatemouth Brown, Issac Hayes, and Al Green. For many years Big Joe Turner led his own group, The Memphis Blues Caravan, touring Europe extensively. The big man always seemed to play the right parts for ever tune. He will be missed. “One of the greatest bass players I have had the pleasure to work with” said B.B. King. R.I.P., Joe Turner.

Left to right: Hi Tide Harris, BB King, Albert King, and Joe Turner. Kyoto (Japan) Blues Festival -1978.

Quote of the Month

” I never wanted to be famous, I just wanted to be great”- Ray Charles

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.

This and that...

I noticed the other day that the ye olde digital camera was filling up with photos, so it's time to publish a few, I reckon. Check these out:

Andrew Lynch and Ron Ussery. My son Andrew was having problems playing this one certain note on his alto sax a while back, and it was really freaking him out. So, I called Ron Ussery up and he was kind enough to have us come over to see if there was something wrong with Andew's axe. After evaluating the horn and Andrew's technique, Ron suggested switching to a lighter reed, and waddya know, that fixed the problem - thanks Ron!

Kurt Crandall & True Story at the Blarney Stone Pub in downtown Seattle. Left to right: Kurt Crandall, Patty Mey, and Tim Sherman. That's David Hudson back there on the drums.

Kurt Crandall and fans

Bubba McCoy at the Salmon Bay Eagles, filling in for me for a few songs. I was very sick that night and probably shouldn't have even showed up for this gig. You The Man, Bubba!

Brian Butler and Chris Leighton at the Salmon Bay Eagles.

Left to right: Jimie Jean, Eddie, and singer Blackie Jo James at Brian Butler's gig at the Salmon Bay Eagles. Blackie Jo promised to sit in at my next gig -you better be there girl!

These photos were created at the legendary DJ Early Byrd's birthday party hosted by the John Stephan Band at the Salmon Bay Eagles Club in April. Early Byrd split split shortly after the first set, so I didn't get a photo of him. Lots of great musicians jammed during this show.

Left to right: Brother Maynard, Trev Cutler, and Tom Roesch

Roger Lindgren and guitarist Bill Lovey.

Rhea, bassist Charlene Grant, Penny, and Jill

The Blues Boss, guitarist Mike Edwards, and singer Dana Lupinacci.

Left to right: Unknown, guitarists Jack Cook and Daddy Treetops, and bassist John Lee.

Eric "Two Scoops" Moore

Marcia the Kitchen Wench

Left to right: Daddy Treetops, Jeff Herzog, John Stephan, Trev Cutler, and Tom Roesch

Speaking of the Salmon Bay Eagles, here's another video created by John Gulla at the club during their 18th anniversary party on 1/17/08. That's Brian Lee on slide guitar and vocals, Kirk Tuttle on drums, Mark Dalton on bass, and Brian Butler on guitar.

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.

In the Pocket with Mr. Solid

By John Lee

"Doctors, Professors, Kings & Queens, The Big Ol’ Box of New Orleans" – 4 CD Boxed Set

It seems that every Christmas, I receive a number of cool music related gifts. Christmas 2007 was no exception. First off, I picked up a boxed set by way of a gift certificate - “Doctors, Professors, Kings, & Queens , The Big Ol’ Box Of New Orleans” is a very good overview of the many genres that make up the sounds of the Big Easy.

Many of the legends are represented like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Doctor John, The Neville Brothers, The Meters, and Irma Thomas. The brass bands, like The Dirty Dozen Brass Band are here, plus Cajun, Zydeco, Dixieland, Mardi Gras Indians and a good amount of classic New Orleans R&B, including Earl King, Aaron Neville, Ernie K. Doe, Huey “Piano” Smith, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, and Johnny Adams. Songs like “Sea Cruise” and “Tell It Like It Is” are included in this fine set. Allen Toussaint, probably New Orleans’ greatest songwriter of R&B, does his classic, “Southern Nights.” The newer generation is also represented, like Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Jon Cleary and his Absolute Monster Gentleman, Galactic, and The Radiators. This is a great introduction to the soulful gumbo of sounds that make up the influential music of New Orleans. There are 85 songs in all. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Almost as cool as the music included in “The Big Ol’ Box of New Orleans” is the 88 page booklet that comes with it. Great photos of musicians, the French Quarter, Café Du Monde, and sections of The Big Easy, before the devastating affects of Hurricane Katrina are also included. Each of the eighty-five songs on this great set is given complete credits and a list of players and what recording it is taken from.

Things are improving in New Orleans , and this year’s Jazz and Heritage Festival is, from what I understand, up to eleven music stages for 2008. That is the number of stages before the devastating storm of August 2005. My great hope is The Big Easy will mostly recover and continue to give America and the world that great music, tasty food and incredible architecture that make it one of the most culturally important and soulful places anywhere on our planet. “Laissez les bon temp roulez” - Let the good times roll!!!!

“The Encyclopedia Of JAZZ & BLUES- Celebrating the lives of the greatest artists in jazz and blues history” - by Keith Shadwick

The other nice music related gift I received this holiday season was The “Encyclopedia of JAZZ & BLUES” by Keith Shadwick. The first section is Jazz and the second section is the blues. The giants of each style like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King and a host of others are given a two page spread with a picture, bio, and comments about styles and contributions, major records and vital info like what instrument and birth date, and, if it applies, date of death. All the other jazz and blues artists are given a half of a page with the same information but slightly more condensed. All bios include a portrait of each artist.

I disagree with some of Mister Shadwick’s categories. For instance, John Hammond, the contemporary country blues musician, is listed as a blues composer. Mr. Hammond is a great interrupter of Delta style blues, but I’m sure he’s written very few songs. Modern harmonica man James Harmon is listed, but The Fabulous Thunderbird’s Kim Wilson is not. Maybe the T-Birds’ flirtations with the pop charts leaves Mr. Wilson off the list? There might a few more glitches, but this is still a very cool and informative book. It’s very enjoyable to just reacquaint yourself with many of the great musicians you’ve been aware of for so many years. I would like to thank my extended family, Rolin and Norma Rapp in Aurora, Illinois for the encyclopedia, my best to both of them and their tribe.

There are hundreds of Jazz and Blues legends in this 448 page coffee table paperback (an Oceana book by Quantum Publishing Ltd. London, England Copyright 2001, revised & updated edition printed 2007). Check it out!

Francis Clay is dead.

The blues world lost a truly fine drummer recently who might have been over looked by the causal observer.

Francis Clay passed away January 23, 2008. Mister Clay was a consummate blues drummer who played with dozens of legendary musicians including George “Harmonica” Smith, organist “Brother” Jack McDuff, Sunnyland Slim, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Jimmy Reed to name a few.

That’s Francis Clay on the highly acclaimed Muddy Waters’ album “Live at Newport.” When I saw Mr. Clay with the James Cotton Band (James Cotton-vocals and harp, Luther Tucker-guitar, Alberto Giaquinto-piano, Bobby Anderson-bass, and Francis Clay-drums) in 1967, it was the finest blues band I had ever seen at the time, and it still ranks right at the top of my list. Francis Clay was the main reason why that band cooked so hard. He was one hell of a drummer and the blues world has lost one of its great sidemen. Rest in Peace Francis Clay.

Francis Clay - 1923 to 2008. R.I.P

Quote of the Month

The legendary jazz orchestra leader, Count Basie said, “Of course there are a lot of ways you can treat the blues, but it will still be the blues.”

Check ya on the rebound!

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.

Weird Gigs No. 5,6, & 7

When I heard recently that some musician friends were stiffed out of part of their pay by a Seattle club, it got me to thinking about similar (though not always money-related) situations that I have experienced. The very stuff that Weird Gigs are made of!

Read ‘em and weep…

Weird Gig No. 5 – Welcome back, boys!

The Cozy Corner was a tavern located in Clinton, Washington at the south end of Whidbey Island. I had booked back-to-back weekends there for my band Nitelife. After the first Saturday we left a good portion of our equipment at the club, include the PA system, drums, and a Hammond organ, so that we wouldn’t have to load the stuff in the following weekend.

I recall that it was pouring rain when the band boarded the Mukelteo ferry the next week for the brief trip to Whidbey Island. When we pulled into the empty Cozy Corner parking lot, we looked at a totally dark club – it didn’t look like anyone was expecting us. Sure enough, there was a large padlock chained to the front doors, and there wasn’t a soul in sight. We drove up to the next bar and made several calls to the owner (now that I think of it, that number was probably ringing inside the empty Cozy Corner), but couldn’t reach him. So, we headed back to the mainland with no gig and hoping that our equipment was still in the club.

I don’t recall exactly what the problem was, but I think that the owner either hadn’t been paying his taxes or rent. Maybe both. Anyway, he finally called me and we had to make one other final trip to the forlorn Cozy Corner the next week to retrieve our equipment. Actually, I guess this story has sort of a happy ending – at least our equipment was still there!

Weird Gig No. 6 – No, you do the math…

Nitelife and another Seattle band were hired to play for five nights at the Hibble & Hyde’s nightclub club in Pioneer Square sometime in the mid ‘80s. Located just down the sidewalk from Doc Maynard’s, Hibble & Hyde’s was unique because the bands played until 4:00 AM there. This particular gig was "special" because it was a lead up to a new Blue Monday jam that was supposed to begin the following Monday night. The two bands alternated sets during the week, and we were supposed to split the cover charge receipts. If I recall correctly, the cover charge was around $5.00 a person that week.

The gig was a raucous success, with full houses several nights. We knew something was up when the manager couldn’t be found on Saturday night and we were told that he would pay us before the gig on Monday. Both bands showed up on Monday and waited for the manager to make his appearance. Nitelife was scheduled to host the Blue Monday that night, but we left our equipment in the cars just in case we decided to make an early departure. This turned out to be an excellent idea, because the ten musicians that had played five nights from 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM finally received…drum roll, please…$75 each! Say, that’s what, $150 a night! Needless to say, Nitelife did not play the Blue Monday gig, nor did we ever play Hibble & Hyde’s again. The manager went on to have quite a long and checkered career running clubs in Pioneer Square and Ballard. Go figure.

Weird Gig No. 7 – No barbeque for you!

In the late ‘80s, my band, the Bluestars, was hired to play this barbeque joint in Spokane, Washington just before Christmas. This was quite the road trip for us, so we rented a trailer and roared over to Eastern Washington in the guitar player’s Buick Skylark.

By the time we reached Spokane a snowstorm had started and continued through the weekend. This had the usual effect on attendance at the club that weekend, but I wasn’t worried, we were getting a guarantee – no more door gigs for me. After the gig on Saturday night, we loaded up our stuff in about 18 inches of snow, and I went back to the club to get our money. But guess what? No one could find the manager, of course. So I had it out with the bartender, and he reluctantly gave me enough money to pay three of the four band members in full. Fortunately, we had a room for the night, and we sulked back to Seattle the next day.

Two weeks later the club owner called me and said that he felt bad about the gig, freakin’ snowstorm, crappy attendance, blah blah blah, and that he wanted to make it up to me. Not by sending me money, of course, but by booking us another gig at his club! Oh, what an excellent idea. We then booked a date that I didn’t bother to put on my calendar. On the day of that new gig, the nitwit called me at home at 9:00 PM, wondering where the hell the band was. “Honestly,” I told him, I guess it just slipped my mind.”

The 2008 Jet City Blues Outstanding Artists Awards

I was leaning, styling, relaxing, and reading good books at the tastefully appointed World Headquarters of the Jet City Blues Blog the other day when it dawned on me - 'tis is the season for awards to be dispensed by blues societies nationwide (just in time for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, of course), so why not bestow our own awards on some of the local talent?

Well why not, indeed?! I figure we can get it just as right (or wrong) as the Washington Blues Society (WBS) does. Plus, we don't have to poll anyone to determine who the most popular musicians (or bands) are, so we can celebrate some of the excellent players that haven't appeared on the radar screen of the WBS voting membership over the years. It's all good!

All of the Outstanding Artists will receive a really cool looking certificate (suitable for framing!) from Jet City Blues thanking them for their contributions to the local music scene.

The envelopes, please!!

Outstanding Vocalist - Ron "Sweet Talkin' Jones" Ussery

I have had the pleasure of playing with Ron Ussery several times over the past couple of years with the KT's Kicks Band. Of course, he also fronted the Sweet Talkin' Jones Band during the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Ron is double trouble - a terrific tenor sax player, and a friggin' great singer! He's a real blue-eyed soul singer, which is sort of a rarity her in the Jet City. Ron currently appears accasionally with the KT's Kicks Band and with Sweet Talkin' Jones & the Muscletones. (Photo by Dennis Dudley)

Outstanding Electric Guitarist - Chris Stevens

Chris Stevens is a very classy guitarist, who gets a beautiful sound out of his signature Gibson ES-175 guitar. How to describe his sound? Try this: Kenny Burrell + Freddy King + T-Bone Walker = Chris Stevens. Chris started playing on the Seattle blues scene around 1985, and over the years has worked with Steve Bailey's Blue Flames, the Screamin' Bluejays (with vocalist Mark Dufresne), and fronted his own bands, including the King-A-Lings, the Chris Stevens Band, and his current project, The Surf Monkeys. Believe it or not, Chris has never even been nominated for a WBS electric blues guitar award. (Photo by Ronda Lee)




Outstanding Electric Slide Guitarist - John Stephan

A native of Palmer, Alaska, John Stephan has been active on the Seattle blues scene since 1974. He played in my band Nitelife back in the day and worked for many years in the Isaac Scott Band. He also worked in the popular Afro-pop band Jeka Jo and in the Matinee Idols. He has been fronting the John Stephan Band for many years now, and plays wicked slide on his $40 Japanese electric guitar.



Outstanding Bass Guitarist - John "Mr. Solid" Lee

John Lee Began his music career as a rhythm guitarist in Alaska in 1965. He soon switched to the electric bass and was performing on tours with John Lee Hooker and Charlie Musslewhite by 1973. He started working on the Seattle blues scene in 1976, and since then has worked with Nitelife, Isaac Scott, the Slamhound Hunters, Stevie & the Blue Flames, his own bands King Strut, The Jive Bombers, and Smokestack Lightnin', and is currently holding down the bass and vocals duties in the smokin' Crossroads Band. John was nominated by the WBS for a best bass award during the organization's first year, but Kathy Hart's band mysteriously won almost all of the awards that year. (Photo by Zab)



Outstanding Drummer - David Hudson

David Hudson is Seattle's version of Fred Below. He swings like a sumbitch and it's always a pleasure to play with him. David was the engine that propelled the late, great Hudson Blues Band for years and is now playing with the Crossroads Band.




Outstanding Horn Player - Dennis Ellis

Dennis Ellis started playing blues with the Chris Cain Band in the '70s, then moved to Seattle where he played Pat "Guitar Slim" Chase's band for years. After Pat left town for El paso, Texas, his band recreated itself as the Crossroads Band, and Dennis has continued to perform with the various versions of the group over the years. He's a fine tenor sax and flute player, and can lay down some mighty convincing Kansas City-style vocals too! Dennis has also never been nominated for any WBS awards - and you know that ain't right. (Photo by Zab)


Outstanding Harmonica Player - Kurt Crandall

I have tried to get you people to go see Kurt Crandall, but you wouldn't listen. You could hear the frickin' crickets chirping between songs at their Tuesday night gigs at the Highway 99 Blues Club last year, for cryin' out loud! No matter - Kurt is a very good harp player (and singer) that recently moved to Seattle from Chicago, and he can play both the diatonic and the more difficult chromatic harps with equal facility and great tone. He has a new CD coming out shortly. Go see him play, I'm beggin' ya!! (Photo by Dennis Dudley)



Outstanding Keyboardist - Steve Flynn

Steve Flynn has been the go-to keyboardist guy around Seattle for as long as I can remember. A long-time member of Seattle's Jr. Cadillac, he has also done memorable work in the past with Nitelife, and the Brian Butler Band. He currently works and records with Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, and is also doing sideman work with the John Stephan Band and Jeff & the Jet City Fliers.



Outstanding Acoustic Guitarist - Mick Knight

Singer/guitarist Mick Knight is a native of the UK, and moved to Seattle in 2000, after a detour of a few years in New Zealand. He's an excellent country blues picker, knowledgable in many different styles, including bottleneck guitar.

Outstanding Blues Band - Chris Stevens' Surf Monkeys

Chris Stevens' Surf Monkeys play it all - surf, swinging T-Bone Walker tunes, Freddie King instrumentals, James Bond movie themes, and Chris' own originals. Depending on the venue, the band may appear as a duo up to a five-piece group, including two tenor saxes. These guys have got it goin' on! (Photo by Ronda Lee)

Outstanding New Blues Band - Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone

So what's not to like? Long time Seattle harp blower/singer Kim field has put together a heavy hitting group with three lead singers, harmony backup vocals, and a rehearsed show that is pretty impressive. The Titans just released a new CD recorded live at the Highway 99 Blues Club. Check 'em out!

Outstanding Songwriter - Charlene Grant

OK, one last Alaska native! Bassist/singer/songwriter Charlene Grant has been playing in Seattle since 1993. She has worked with many Seattle blues bands since then, including a four year gig with the late, great Isaac Scott. We think that she should have won a WBS songwriter award for her all original CD titled "That Would Be Me" that was released in 2004. Charlene has been playing with the Brian Butler Band lately and with The Robbie Laws Bigger Blues Band. (Photo by Tom Hunnewell)

Outstanding Nightclub - Grinders Hot Sands

Located in Shoreline, Grinders Hot Sands is a NY style hot sandwich (or grinder) joint that features live music, including blues, on the weekends. There's no dance floor, and the place is usually jammed with music fans that have come to listen to the music. What a concept! Bands love playing at this place.

Outstanding Music Writer - Mark Dalton

Mark has been playing bass with everybody who's anybody in Seattle since the early '70s. He has been a keen observer of the local blues scene, and has written several articles for the WBS newsletter and for Jet City Blues. Mark currently plays with Chris Stevens' Surf Monkeys. Thanks, Mark! (Photo by Phil Chesnut)

That's all for this year, folks! Outstanding Artists, we salute you!!

Oh, what a night!

By John Stephan

This just in:

Mike, I wish I'd sent this to you sooner, as tomorrow, March 10th is Washington State Ventures' Day. However, the story is as much about Don Wilson's 75th Birthday celebration. Here it is:

I received an invitation to the Venture's Don Wilson's 75th birthday party and a celebration of The Ventures' induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Sunday, February 10th, at the Liberty Theatre in Puyallup. The musical line up was a who's-who of first generation NW rock and pop groups, including The Fabulous Wailers, featuring original members Buck Ormsby and Kent Morel. They've still got the sound which defined them nearly 50 years ago. Next up were The Fleetwoods, another group which has retained their original sound. Don Wilson spoke to the audience, told a few Sven and Ollie jokes, honored his mother, who recently passed away, and credited her for much of the group's success. Don is a friendly guy, and spent much of the evening talking to fans and friends.

The Washington Lt. Governor spoke about how he lobbied for a few years to persuade the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to induct the group, and to establish March 10th as Washington State Ventures Day. Randy Hansen performed next, playing the Hendrix material he's known for, some "Bolero", and a cool vocal version of "Walk, Don't Run", the Venture's first hit from 1961. This recording was a great influence for me, as to much of my generation of young guitar players.

The Ventures found a formula in adapting instrumental versions of popular tunes. "Walk, Don't Run " was written by jazz great, Johnny Smith. They tapped into, and then partially defined the Surf sound, with their great musicianship, and up-beat attitude. In the late '60s, their instrumental sound, without a language barrier, hit it big in Japan. Fast forward to the "Pulp Fiction"soundtrack of a few years ago, and you're pretty much up to date with a group which has managed to stay around in the big time for 50 years.

How did I fit into this gala evening? I got up there with Randy and played and sang "Happy Birthday" to Don with my $40 slide guitar, Elmore-rhumba style, accompanied by an Elvis guy, and Shelly's vocal group. Don and the rest of the crowd loved it!

Thanks to David Harris for providing great sound, as usual. I recommend the Liberty Theatre for any music function- nice acoustics and ambiance. Oh, What a night!

"Wipeout" by the Ventures - dig the matching blonde Fender amps!

Fifth Annual Seattle Superharp Showcase

New Orleans Creole Restaurant - October 6, 2007

Here are some photos from the fifth annual Seattle Superharp Showcase, which occured at the New Orleans Creole Restaurant in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood last October. The show was hosted by Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone, and a great time was had by all, as usual.

Our thanks to gaye Anderson and the staff of the New Orleans for doing their usual great job of taking care of business during the show. And a special thanks to harp maestro Ray Beltran for travelling all the way from Salem, OR to perform - you The Man, Ray!

Mike Lynch and Eric Daw

Ray Beltran, Billy Spaulding, Brady Millard-Kish, and Eric Daw

Steve Yonck, Mark Dufresne, Billy Spaulding, Brady Millard-Kish, and Eric Daw

Kim Field and Eric Daw

Blues fans John Deeley, Candice, and Sheryl Deely. John plays harp and sings in the Seattle band The Rent Collectors.

Blues fans Nick and Marysue Carnavalli, and Ray Beltran

New Orleans owner Gaye Anderson and Mark Dufresne

Mike Lynch, Kim Field, Ray Beltran, and Mark Dufresne

In the Pocket with Mr. Solid

By John Lee

"The B.B. King Treasures - Photos, Mementos & Music from B.B. King’s Collection" by B.B. King with Dick Waterman

To celebrate his 80th birthday, B.B. King recruited the famed blues photographer and former manager, Dick Waterman, to help him put together a book that spans the complete life and career of the man most people know as “King of the Blues." Dick Waterman managed the likes of Muddy Waters, Son House, Paul Butterfield, and Bonnie Raitt. This truly unique and delightful book is a great work that gives the blues fan a great understanding of Riley B. King’s long and soulful rise to the top of the blues world.

"Treasures" has an introduction and a epilogue, but the bulk of the book is four parts: Part One - "Indianola Mississippi Seeds," Part Two - "Beale Street Blues Boy," Part Three - "Paying the Cost To Be the Boss," and Part Four - "Blues Is King." The story of B.B.’s life and career takes him from the cotton fields of Mississippi , to his education on Memphis’ Beale Street, his arrival at America ’s mainstream, and then blues ambassador to the world.

This outstanding book also includes 12 removable artifacts and a 60 minute CD. The artifacts are recreations of posters, backstage passes, and tickets, etc. from different times in B.B.’s life and musical career. The CD is comprised of some unreleased musical selections and audio interviews spanning the years. One of the interviews is conducted by Seattle ’s own world class blues photographer, Jef Jaisun, in January of 1970 when Jef worked for the “underground” newspaper The Berkeley Barb. Good stuff!

I highly recommend "B.B King- Treasures" and, along with “Blues All Around Me,” the autobiography of B.B. King, co-written with David Ritz, you will be in the know about all things B.B. I’m sure you’ll dig it!

More Record Labels of Blues, R&B, and Soul

As I thought more about the history of recorded music in America and the important record labels of blues, R&B, and Soul, I figured a list of the top ten wasn’t enough. Here are a few more I think need to be mentioned, starting with the two record labels I had mentioned at the end of the last “In the Pocket” piece, Mercury and Okeh.

Here goes:

11. Mercury Records in Chicago Illinois . This label began as a pop recording company featuring the likes of Frankie Laine, Vic Damone, and Patti Page. This fine label had a large catalogue of superb jazz sides, and some top flight blues and R&B also! Two of their top artists on the R&B and blues side of things were Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Dinah Washington. They also recorded excellent sides for Johnny Otis and his Orchestra, Big Bill Broonzy, “St. Louis” Jimmy Oden, “ Memphis” Slim, and Sunnyland Slim to name a few. Seattle ’s own Ernestine Anderson also made some fine tunes for Mercury. For a good overview check out the 8 CD boxed set “The Mercury Blues and Rhythm Story." This stuff swings with the best!

12. Okeh Records founded in 1916 by a German named Otto Heinemann, recorded what many say is the first recorded blues tune, “Crazy Blues” by Mamie Smith in 1920. Okeh pressed early sides in the 40’s with the likes of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Duke Ellington to name a few. For many years the label recorded numerous sides featuring America's multiple nationalities like Greek, Polish, German, Italian, etc. The label began in New York City , then opened shop in Chicago also.

The label's talent scouts did a lot of traveling to record different artists in cities like Baltimore and New Orleans . From the R&B side of things, Okeh recorded some of the toughest honkin’ rhythm and blues around. Joe Williams (who later would become well known singing big band blues with Count Basie), Big Maybelle, Paul Gayten, Chuck Willis, Annie Laurie, Titus Turner, The Treniers, and “Screamin’ Jay Hawkins were some of the artists to make records for Okeh. Screamin’ Jay had the monster hit “I Put a Spell on You” for Okeh. I really dig a very obscure group that recorded for Okeh, Chris Powell and The Five Blue Flames. Check out the three disc set, "The Okeh Rhythm & Blues Story 1949-1957." This stuff is very, very cool. It’s a stone groove!

13. Cobra Records in Chicago , Illinois . Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, and Magic Sam made their first recordings for Cobra. I believe these sides helped define the modern blues guitar style. Led by the songwriting, arranging, and the playing of Willie Dixon, Cobra made some truly great recordings of blues and R&B from 1956 to 1958. Walter “Shakey” Horton, Sunnyland Slim, and Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm were some of the artists that made some very hip sides for Cobra. Check out the two CD boxed set: "The Cobra Records Story- Chicago Rock and Blues: 1956-1958." Short lived, but oh so nice!

14. Fire/Fury Records, New York City operated out of a Harlem record store by Bobby Robinson. Fire/Fury recorded some mighty fine sides with the likes Lightnin’ Hopkins, Elmore James (probably Elmore’s finest efforts), King Curtis, Bobby Marchan and Lee Dorsey from New Orleans, also Buster Brown and Titus Turner are some of the cool artists that made fine sides for this powerhouse small label. Wilbert Harrison recorded the R&B classic, “ Kansas City ” for Fire. Gladys Knight cut “Every Beat of My Heart”, written by Johnny Otis for Fire/Fury records before her super stardom with Motown Records. Check out the two CD boxed set: "The Fire/Fury Records Story." Great sounds!

15. Jewel/Paula Records grew out of Stan’s Record Shop in Shreveport , Louisiana , run by Stan Lewis and his wife Paula. Stan Lewis began recording southern artists for Chess, Imperial, and Specialty as a producer and A&R man.A very young Dale Hawkins was recorded by Mr. Lewis when he worked at Stan’s Record Shop. "Susie-Q" was a big hit on Chess in 1957.

In 1963 Stan Lewis started Jewel/Paula with such artists as the soul/blues of Ted Taylor and Little Johnny Taylor, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Toussaint McCall, and Memphis Slim recorded great sides for the label. Charles Brown, Sunnyland Slim, Lowell Fulsom, John Lee Hooker (is there any label Hooker didn’t record for?), Joe Turner, Peppermint Harris, and Roosevelt Sykes also made cool records for Stan Lewis’s dynamite southern independent! Check out the two CD boxed set: "The Jewel/Paula Records Story-The Blues, Rhythm and Blues and Soul Recordings." It’s a slice of obscure American music history.

16. Duke Records. The record label was formed in Memphis Tennessee in the year of our Lord 1952 by David J. Mathis and Bill Fitzgerald. In August 1952 nightclub owner, record store operator, talent manager, and Peacock Record label owner Don Robey bought Duke and by 1953 he moved the full operation to Houston ,Texas and the label became known as Duke/Peacock Records.

Don Robey’s Peacock label had a roster of Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Memphis Slim, Floyd Dixon and Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton (whose song on Peacock, "Hound Dog," would soon be covered by Elvis). Peacock also had a top-notch roster of gospel artists including The Dixie Hummingbirds and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Duke’s top acts at the time of the merger were Johnny Ace and Roscoe Gordon. In the 1960’s Duke made excellent recordings by Bobby “Blue” Bland and Junior Parker. May 23rd, 1973 Don Robey sold Duke/Peacock records to ABC-Dunhill. Mr. Robey stayed on as a consultant with ABC until his death June 16, 1975.

17. Excello Records in Nashville, Tennessee. Even though Excello was in country music’s capitol of Nashville , Excello was the home of the swamp blues of 1950’s and 1960’s Louisiana . Slim Harpo, Lightnin’ Slim, Lazy Lester, Lonesome Sundown, Silas Hogan, and Arthur Gunter all recorded for Excello. The Rolling Stones covered Slim Harpo’s “I’am a King Bee”. A very cool label for sure.

18. Ace Records out of Jackson , Mississippi . Run by the former Specialty Records producer, Johnny Vincent. From 1953 to 1963 Ace had a great blues and R&B roster that included Huey “Piano” Smith, Earl King, Joe Tex, Jimmy Clanton, Frankie Ford, Frankie Lee Sims and Dr. John(the stage name of Mac Rebennack). Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller) made his early sides for Ace. Elmore James also recorded for Ace. A very small label, but so much to give!

19. Malaco Records - Jackson, Mississippi . Started in the 1970’s to help promote true soul music, Malaco over the last three and half decades has had a roster of recording artists that reads like a who’s who of black American music in the last part of the twentieth century! Bobby Bland, Latimore, Z.Z. Hill, Dorothy Moore, Tyrone Davis, King Floyd, Little Milton, Denise LaSalle, Shirley Brown and the great Johnny Taylor are some of the cool artists to have come thru Malaco. This label has single handedly kept soul and soul-blues alive to this day. Hats off to southern soul! Check out the Malaco Records six disc boxed set: "The Last Soul Company-A 30 Year Retrospective." Shake it on down!

The top ten list turned into a list of nineteen! The more I thought about it and the more research I did, the list just kept growing. I think this final list is a pretty good summary. If anyone has any additions please let me know and I will give mention at a future date.

Atlas Jazz Explosion CD

For my birthday in 2007 my good friend Charlene Grant gave me a fabulous CD of honkin’ saxophone driven sides from the Atlas Record label, titled "Atlas Jazz Explosion." The liner notes begin by saying, "During the 1950’s the boundary between Jazz and Rhythm and Blues was sometimes a blurry one." A large portion of this compilation is two saxophonists, Jackie Kelso and Charlie Singleton. Jackie Kelso was a member of Roy Milton’s Solid Senders and The Johnny Otis Band does eleven tunes to start the CD. Charlie Singleton closes out the CD with nine numbers.

In between are three tunes by pianist Freddy Washington, featuring two with vocalist June Davis. Two numbers are from drummer Harold Austin and band, including "Jesse’s Idea Part 1" and "Jesse’s Idea Part 2." This is a very cool set of tunes by an obscure but a very proficient group of players. If you dig either swing jazz or honkin’ R&B, I thing you’ll dig "Atlas Jazz Explosion"!

Mavis Staples - "We’ll Never Turn Back" CD

Mavis Staples is legendary for her vocal work with her family group, The Staple Singers, crossing over from the gospel world to garner hits on the top 40 charts in the 1970’s on Stax Records. "We’ll Never Turn Back" is stone gospel music done in a roots style, very much like the recent recordings by The Blind Boys of Alabama. This very fine CD begins with bluesman J.B. Lenoir’s haunting “Down in Mississippi ." It also includes the traditional songs “We Shall Not Be Moved”, “This Little Light of Mine” and “Jesus Is on The Main Line.” There are twelve tunes in all.

Ry Cooder leads an excellent group of musicians, including the fine drumming of Jim Keltner for this soulful recording. Mr. Cooder also was the producer for this spirit-filled venture. If you dig The Staple Singers or traditional gospel music, I’am sure you’ll dig Mavis Staples latest album. I won this cool CD in a random drawing from the very hip internet radio station http://www.allmemphismusic.com/.

Ike Turner is Dead

The great Ike Turner passed away December 12, 2007. It is unfair that one of the only things that people remember is that Ike Turner had at one period in his life physically abused Tina Turner. Ike was a human, and, like us all, made mistakes.

Musically, his impact on the American sound can not be denied. He recorded what many consider the first rock and roll song, "Rocket 88" (as Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats) at the legendary Sun Studio. Around that time Ike also recorded with Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James, and B.B. King. That’s Mr. Turner on piano for B.B.’s first hit “3 O’Clock Blues.” Throughout the '50s Ike led one of the toughest R&B bands in the land, Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, mostly playing guitar. He also played piano on many of Otis Rush and Buddy Guy’s Cobra sides.

Then of course the legendary Ike and Tina Turner Revue brought world-wide super stardom for Ike and wife Tina. For many years Ike Turner used cocaine to deal with life on the road. It became a problem and he eventually was busted and he served time in the late 1980’s. After his release from prison Mr. Turner began playing and touring again. His last CD “Risen with the Blues” garnered him a Grammy in 2007 in the traditional blues category. Ike Turner was a major force in shaping R&B and soul music. He will be missed.

Ike Turner - 1931 to 2007. RIP

Quote of the Month

Scotty Moore, the great guitar player on the early Elvis Presley sides on Sun Records was being interviewed in front of a live audience in the late 90’s and was asked what it was like to play with the King. Mr. Moore said “I’ve always told people I played in a band directed by an ass.” The crowd broke out in laughter, but Scotty Moore was quick to reply, “You don’t understand. In those days we had no monitors on stage. So the only way I knew where we were in the song was to watch Elvis’ ass keepin’ time.”

I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year, and all the best in 2008. I would especially like to wish the best and my heart-felt thanks to my long time friend Mike Lynch, who is also the Editor in Chief of this great blog, Jet City Blues. Thanks for everything big guy! Check ya all on the rebound!

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.