Delmark still has the blues -- 55 years later

We've talked a bunch here in recent weeks about different kinds of blues, and what they might or might not mean. But I got a couple of CDs recently that reminded me of some of the blues that I lke the best -- the great blues that have flowed through and out of Chicago for over half a century.

Both of the CDs are from Chicago's historic Delmark label, but one of them is a release designed to honor the label and its founder Bob Koester, and their deep blues roots. The CD -- "It Ain't Over!" -- and a companion DVD record a 55th birthday party that Delmark threw for itself earlier this year at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, not too far from Delmark's home base, the Jazz Record Mart, a slightly misleading name.

Yes, Delmark was a jazz label as well as a mainstream music label before it added tbe blues, but once it did, it quickly became known for Koester's taste and diligence in seeking out blues artiists to record. One of his early big blues breaks came in 1965, after recording a number of traditional artists, beginning with Big Joe Williams, when Koester released what would become Junior Wells' breakout album, the classic "Hoodoo Man Blues."

Chicago blues lived in his back yard, and Koester made the most of it. He still does. Much of the great blues that we all love has been recorded by Bob Koester, and we're all the richer for it, thanks to the efforts of this man, who collected blues recordings, and eventually produced his own.

 So for this 55th birthday bash, Delmark collected some of its best for a big blues party, and you get to hear the results. There are songs by blues belter Zora Young, great guitarist Jimmy Johnson, sparkling pianoman Aaron Moore, blues shouter Little Arthur Duncan, bluesy saxman Eddie Shaw, young guitar zinger Lurrie Bell, fine singer Shirley Johnson, and Chicago's one and only Taildragger. It all makes for some fine and dandy Chicago blues.

Most of the players sing some of their own music, and others reach back into the Chicago vaults. Duncan sings one of my favorites, "Pretty Girls Everywhere," Shaw puts a bluesy sax to Jimmy Reed's "Sun is Shining" and Bell digs deep for an old Tampa Red tune, "Don't You Lie To Me."

It's a great party. These are the blues, served straight up, in the best BlueNotes tradition. Knock 'em back, then set 'em up again.

Here's a sampler from the DVD version  of the concert:

A first for Mahajibee Blues

Here's how the Pickerington people put it:

For the first time in its 11-year history, an Ohio rib festival will bring in musicians from outside Ohio. The lineup of festivities for the 2009 Pickerington Jazz & Blues Ribfest, to take place Aug. 1 on Columbus Street in Olde Pickerington Village, will include a performance by Mahajibee Blues from Pittsburgh. 

Bring the Bugh blues home to Ohio, guys. They need it, too.

A question for old blues fans

Here's a question for local blues fans, especially those who might be just a little bit older. It comes from Karl Brandt, who is half of J 'n' K, for John Elmer of Harrisville, and Karl Brandt of Mercer, who write, sing and play acoustic blues.

I wrote about their new CD here, after their appearanceat the local IBC competition earlier this year

Here's Karl's question:

Here's a challenge question for you.  I've exhausted record store folks, former WZUM jocks et al and cannot find the answer.

My JnK Blues Buddy John Elmer and I attended the T-Bone Walker concert at the Stanley way back when (74-5??) shortly before he passed away.  There was an opening girl group act a la Supremes, local I'm sure, that did a wonderful song call "Shoot the Man Down" or so it seems that was the title.

We've been searching high and low for someone who could direct us to the song/group.  We tried re-writing it ourselves, but it's just not the same.

BlueNotes has been no help, but maybe one of you can post the answer, if you remember the group or song.

Burgh blues filmmaker Rodney Underwood dies

I don't know if you regular readers remember, but a couple of years ago I wrote about a retired New York and Pittsburgh advertising executive named Rodney Underwood, who had retired in the Burgh in 2003.

I knew him because I'd heard he was was working on a documentary about the Pittsburgh blues scene. He was a musician himself, with a guitar collection, and and had worked in a few local clubs. In 2007, I interviewed him for a blog item and a newspaper story at his South Side home about the work, and saw a 10-minute preview of the documentary, which features local blues bands. It looked good. His love for the music and musicians was reflected nicely in what I saw. Underwood had received a $10,000 grant from the Heinz Foundation Small Arts Initiative to make the film,

Sadly, I learned over the weekend that Underwood died unexpectedly last month. I had e-mailed him just a few months ago to check on the project, and he told me it was just about ready. I learned about his death from one one of the officers of the Blues Society of Western Pa., who said Underwood's obituary had suggested memorial donations to the blues society, and he was trying to find out who to contact. The society received about $350 in contributions.

According to the obit, the documentary is ready to be shopped around in the next few months. Underwood had told me he hoped that it might make it into the film festival circuit. It was a great idea, and it's a shame he didn't see the results of his work.

First, my belated condolences to Rodney's family and friends. He really impressed me with his enthusiasm for the music, and for his film about Pittsburgh blues musicians. I wish I'd known him better. Second, if any of you know how to contact his family, let me know, and I'll pass it along to the blues society. They would like to express their appreciation for the contributions.

And we'll try to keep you up to date here on the documentary itself.

More on the Pittsburgh Blues Festival

I want to take another look back at the weekend at Hartwood --the 15th Burgh blues fest.

For one thing, in my post on Monday, I failed to mention Shannon Curfman (photo at left), a young and very talented singer-songwriter from Saturday's schedule whose electric guitar playing is electric. I didn't intend to leave her out,

She was a fine addition to the festival of a young (24) and upcoming blues singer. Combine that youth with her passion and feeling for the music, and you get great results and great expectations.

I've already mentioned that some of my favorite performances from the weekend were from artists that were new and surprising.

I was most impressed by veteran soulman Curtis Salgado, and by relative newcomer JJ Grey. Grey's musical passion and lyrical intensity made Robert Cray, who followed him Sunday, look understated by comparison, even though Cray is a blues stalwart.  Grey was exciting and Salgado was simply sublime.

I was impressed that Grey's musical arrangements left plenty plenty of room for his vocals to be heard, chewed over and digested. Too many fine writers and singers let their words get lost behind walls of sound.

My own tastes come into play here, and as impressed as a I was with the machine-gun guitar work of Shawn Kellerman, I was sort of exhausted after a couple of songs. The blues of BlueNotes is the blues where blue notes are scarce, and speak volumes by what goes unsaid. But Kellerman took guitar work to heights that I had not seen, and his scat singing and body language bent the music to his obvious feeling for what he was doing.

I may not have spent enough words on some of the local bands I saw. Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle were impressive, and I loved the fact that he led off with some organ-based blues. Jill West is always tough and expressive. Felix and the Hurricanes, winners of the IBC competition locally, played like tough and grizzled bluesmen, kicked along by their guest, Barbara Blue.

But I think I was most impressed by Eugene Morgan and his Nightcrawlers (love that name - BlueNotes used to be one himself), whose fine Chicago blues feeling had the air of the real deal.

I'm always impressed by the way the festival is run. The Food Bank folks do a great job (I hope they made lots of money), and it's a pleasure to wander around and look at the vendors. BeerNotes is never really overwhelmed by the beer selection at such events (plastic beer cups really turn him off) even though new sponsor Coors brought along its Blue Moon this year (you didn't really think that was a craft beer, did you?) And even though I didn't indulge, it was nice to see a cigar concession. Now if there could only be a bourbon tent.

The band lineup is largely the doing of Ron "Moondog" Esser (that's him at right, backstage with Deb Callahan, apparently looking for BlueNotes), and he always seems to come through with a quality festival. Take a bow, Ron.

His Moondog's club in Blawnox also hosts a post-festival party on Friday and Saturday nights (which I did not make), and they always seem to manage to bring in some of the performers. Deb Callahan mentioned that she had sat in with Norm Nardini on Saturday night, and sounded like she had lots of fun.

Not incidentally, Callahan's set on Sunday was another highlight. I hadn't seen her before, but she was fresh and exciting, as well as tough and bluesy. I hope she comes this way from Philly again soon.

I'm pretty sure at one point Sunday evening, there was a whiff of Pittsburgh pot in the air. BlueNotes doesn't inhale these days, but it was a cool flashback to his days covering the likes of Jefferson Airplane and listening to Tom Rush.

As usual, festival crowds were relaxed and fun-loving -- some gathering in front of the stage to soak up as much music as possible, and some setting up camp up on the hill with coolers and kids and Frisbees. Lots of dogs were also in evidence, from little guys to large ones.

As a dog-lover and owner himself, BlueNotes appreciates that people like to have their pets around, but wonders how much our canine pals appreciate the very loud musical noise and crowds.  This little guy (at right) did seem quite relaxed, however.

 All in all, it was a very good year. Lots of good music, good times and good blues people. What more can you ask?

Izzy & Chris revisited

I got an e-mail today from someone who wanted to comment on a recent post about country blues duo Izzy and Chris, out of West Virginia. The writer points out that Wild Bill Dailey, whose CD I also wrote about, has had a hand in the career of Izzy and Chris. Here's what I got:

Sorry,  I tried to blog, but I guess I'm too old, I couldn't figure it out.  This is regarding your article on Izzy and Chris.  Thought you might be interested in the fact that Izzy was mentored, so to speak, by Wild Bill Dailey who you wrote an article about not too long ago.  Both Bill and Izzy and Chris recently played @ a little blues festival in West Liberty WV and Izzy and Chris both play @ a weekly jam session @ Big Al's in Weirton on Wednesday evenings.  I first heard Izzy by himself when he was a mere pup @ Mustang Sally's in Weirton and was amazed when I heard the voice and turned around and saw the person.  Chris' harmonica playing is haunting.  I think they will go a long way and thank you for writing about them.

Thanks for the comments.. And nobody should feel too old to blog. BlueNotes offers his own self up as Exhibit A.

Still some rooms at the inn for Wheeling blues lovers

I got a note yesterday from Bruce Wheeler, who runs the upcoming Heritage Blues FestFest in Wheeling about hotel space that's still available for the festival.

If you're looking for a room the weekend of 8/7-9, here's his information:

Hotels with availability are scarce for the weekend of the BluesFest. I have double checked my Mclure reservations list and found 4 double VIP Package Rooms (2VIP Passes and non-smoking double room per package) We will make these available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like a room at the McLure ticket Package email me @ heritagemusic@comcast.net

Due to renovation completing prior to schedule the Hampton Inn has 15 rooms available. They are holding these rooms for BluesFest patrons.If you want a room at the Hampton Inn, call, and mention the Heritage Music BluesFest. (Hampton Inn, 795 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, (304) 233-0440)

Here's the schedule. It's a good one.

FRIDAY - 8/07/09
5:00 pm ............................................... Eden Brent
6:30 pm ............................................ John Nemeth
8:00 pm .............................. The Soul Of John Black
9:30 pm .............................................. Elvin Bishop

SATURDAY - 8/08/09
Noon ................................. IBC Solo / Duo Winner
1:00 pm .................................................. Mikey Jr.
2:30 pm ................................. David Jacobs Strain
4:00 pm ......................................... Delta Highway
5:30 pm .............. Saffire the Uppity Blues Women
7:00 pm ................................. Ronnie Baker Brooks
8:30 pm .............................................. Walter Trout
10::00 pm ............................................ Bobby Rush

SUNDAY - 8/09/09
1:00 pm ........................................ IBC Band Winner
2:30 pm ................................... Moreland & Arbuckle
4:00 pm ............................................... Ruthie Foster
5:30 pm ......................... Magic Slim & the Teardrops
7:00 pm ........................................... Sonny Landreth
8:30 pm .......................... The Fabulous Thunderbirds
 

The Pittsburgh Blues Festival in review

Curtis Salgado caught in the late afternoon shadows during a soaring vocal moment on Saturday.

The 15th annual Pittsburgh Blues Festival had a pretty good weekend. Despite a lot of threatening skies on Saturday, there were only brief showers, and Sunday was a brilliant blues day. Here's my take on what I saw.

I was ready to be impressed by a few well-known performers, but I was most impressed by the acts that surprised me with over-the-top performances when I didn't really expect it. That's the great thing about festivals -- the surprise of great music.

So I want to look back at the weekend with that in mind -- starting out with the shows that stand out in my mind, and not just listing acts in order of appearance. One caveat: I didn't make it to the Friday night shows, but heard good things about Eric Lindell and Cyril Neville. 

I did get a good start on Saturday, though, hearing Eugene Morgan and the Nightcrawlers, a local band that tends to stay up around the Butler area, thus depriving us Burghers of the high quailty of the Georgia-born Morgan's deep blues.

Morgan ran through a set of blues standards -- "Big Boss Man," "Dust My Broom," "Got My Mojo Working" -- and managed to make them sound like his own. He has a sharp, bluesy little band, and even gave 14-year-old Henry Coyle, son of his harpman Tom Coyle, a chance to sit in on harp. Very cool.

But I was most impressed on Saturday with a guy whose work I had heard a little, but never seen -- Portland, Ore., based Curtis Salgado, a fine blues harp player and a supremely soulful singer. He came out wailing solid blues and soul, and just kept getting better. At 55, Salgado has worked with just about every contemporary blues name you can think of, and has really earned all the praise he gets.

He worked nice and hard Saturday afternoon -- his harp playing soars -- but I was most impressed by his vocals. He can rock hard, but what he does best is soaring blue-eyed blues and soul. That's him up at the top of the page, soaking up the soul. I really enjoyed him a lot.

But Sunday surprised me even more, with the unexpected blues voice of Deb Callahan and the live-wire intensity of JJ Grey.

Callahan is a Philadelphia blues singer with a lusty voice and a blues attitude, and a bunch of original songs created in the same spirit as the Ray Charles and Albert Collins numbers that she opened with.

She was tough and funny and had her way with a lyric no matter what the subject. She took a slyly salacious turn with bass player Garry Lee on "If Your Man Messes Up (Can I Give You My Resume?)" that was a lot of fun. But she's one of those singers who could probably sing the Yellow Pages, and with her voice and style, no one would notice.

Then late Sunday afternoon, there was JJ Grey, a swampy, soulful, bluesy Florida singer with an intensely personal view of the world expressed in intelligent, thoughtful lyrics. He plays wicked guitar, swampy harp, and his vocals are a lot more passionate and powerful than is obvious from his CDs (even though they are very good).

He's based a lot of his musical observation on growing up in a steamy, backwoods Florida, and you can also se them while he sings. He had this to say about that in a recent interview, and I thought it was an interesting sentiment for such a relatively young guy.

 "Soon even remote places in Florida will be gone forever, replaced by golf courses and country clubs. Music takes me back to those places. It takes me back to the past where I can live, breathe and remain sane. That's probably my biggest influence. Either that or we just make up stuff that we think sounds cool."

I really enjoyed Grey's heartfelt music, and its emotional intensity, pushed along by his own passion. Whether he was playing guitar, wailing on a mournful harp, or just plain singing, he was well worth the price of Sunday's show. And you could tell he connected with the crowd. His band, with a trumpet and clarinet, is very finely tuned, and a joy to hear. They really punch his music along.

Of course, Robert Cray, the Sunday headliner, didn't disappoint, either. He can still create slow-burning blues to lift you up, and then ease you down slow with soulful, heartfelt singing. His guitar notes are big and fat, and there are not too many and not too few. He makes them all count. Which is just the way the blues was meant to be played.

But he followed Grey, and Grey's passionate working of his music and crowd, his intimate, folksy show, coming down to the edge of the stage to connect, made Cray, whose band set up at the very back of the deep stage, look almost cool by comparison. Cray worked on his biggest hits, and some new songs, and brought to all of them the craftsmanship that's taken him to the top of the blues world these days. 

I especially enjoyed it Cray's guitar turned bluer, and fired out great, steamy blues. His band sizzles, and his workouts with his keyboard player were high points.

The Saturday night headliner didn't disappoint anyone either, as Los Lobos filled the night with the great music they've been playing for 35 years. Even though they were running late, they still had time to dedicate a song to the Polish Falcons. Nice touch. They create great interplay in the band, and whether it's Latin or bluesy, get their point across with great musicianship.

Very noteworthy on Saturday afternoon was Canadian blues-rocker Shawn Kellerman. I don't think his fingers ever stopped moving after he hit the stage with a non-stop barrage of guitar notes, bending wire where no man may have bent before. He used his body to mimic the blues action, and did a kind of blues scat singing that he matched with guitar notes. 

It was an amazing, high-intensity performance that grabbed and didn't let go until the final note bounced off the Hartwood hillside.

I've already mentioned Eugene Morgan, but all the local bands I saw put on fine shows during the weekend.

On Saturday, Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle cranked out a sturdy set on Saturday -- I enjoy his organ work; it's unusual to feature that these days.

Sunday afternoon, Jill West got the day rolling with her own tough blues, including a number of songs from her new CD, "Broadcast Blues."

Then later, Felix and the Hurricanes, IBC winners for the Blues Society of Western Pa., showed why they won with a steamy set. They were joined for a few numbers by former blues Burgher Barbara Blue, now in Memphis -- where the Hurricanes will compete in the national IBCs next February.

There was more local activity this year with the brand new Blues in the Tent workshops, featuring local musicians engaging children in the history and music of the blues. The program was put together by Jimmy Adler and June Esser, and sponsored by Fidelity Investments. A couple of the times I looked in, it looked like a lot of fun.

I'll have a few more notes and photos in the next couple of days. Meanwhile, if any of you wants to share a festival experience, this is the place.

The 15th Pittsburgh Blues Festival is history, and now you can start getting ready for the 16th. The crowds looked good over the weekend, especially Sunday, and even though I looked hard, I didn't see anyone who wasn't having a good time. I even bought a Blues Society T-shirt -- for BlueNotes to wear, if he likes it.

 And don't forget, the very fine Heritage Blues Fest in Wheeling is coming up in two weeks. They have a great lineup of blues scheduled for your viewing pleasure. More later in the week.

Blues in the Poconos, too

The Pocono Blues Festival is also this weekend, and I know some folks who like to make the trip out there.

Here's a story about the festival in the Pocono Record. When you open it, check the schedule in the box in the article. It's a very impressive lineup.

Blues festival begins tonight

I have a bunch of CDs waiting for my attention, but this is blues festival weekend, so get your blues game face on and head on out to Hartwood Acres tonight for the opening bands (see below). While you're there, be sure and stop by the tent of the Blues Society of Western Pa. -- they're keeping the region's blues alive for you.

In two weeks, the fine Wheeling blues festival open, also with lots of good acts, so save some energy for that one as well. And also, that same Friday night, the night of the Wheeling opener, the very excellent blue-eyed soul guy Tad Robinson comes back to the Thunderbird Cafe in Lawrenceville. More on all that later. Enjoy the weekend.

Pittsburgh Blues Festival band previews - Sunday

Yes, I know it's only Thursday, but I'm sure you need time to get ready. So here are the BlueNotes Barebones Blues previews for Sunday at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival. (Gates open at 1:30)

Probably one of the best blues bands of the weekend will be led by Robert Cray on Sunday night. Here's an interview with Cray by Rick Nowlin in today's PG.

This lineup may come the closest of the weekend to providing a full day of blues.

2:30 pm – (Giant Eagle Express Stage) – Jill West & Blues Attack

Jill West & Blues Attack is one of the Burgh's best blues bands, with a tough, no-nonsense approach. Jill's strong vocals are backed by a crackling band. The band has a fine new CD, "Headline Blues," which you can read about in this scintillating BlueNotes post. The band was also a finalist in this year's International Blues Challenge for the Blues Society of Western Pa.

3:30 pm – (Main Stage) – Deb Callahan

Deb Callahan is a Philadephia-based blues singer who should make it across the mountains more aften. She's got a strong, soulful, sultry  voice, writes thoughful songs, and sings them with lots of passion. What more could a blues fan ask?

5:15 pm – (Main Stage) – JJ Grey & Mofro

Grey is a talented young singer-songwriter from Florida whose rootsy music is intelligent and infectious. He can work an intimate acoustic song, or rock out with his band.

6:45 pm – (Giant Eagle Express Stage) –Felix & the Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are a tough, bluesy, hard-rocking band that holds the current title of IBC champs from the Blues Society of Western Pa. They'll be representing us in Memphis next year at the finals. Give them a listen.

8:00 pm – (Main Stage) – Robert Cray Band

Robert Cray is a soulful bluesman whose work has shifted in and out of pop, soul and blues. He does everything well, and he's still packing the power of the blues after about 30 years with his band. He should provide the perfect closer to the 15th PBF.