BlueNotes - All Comments

BlueNotes - All Commentshttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/default.aspxGetting the blues so you don't have to, by Jim White.enCommunityServer 2008 (Build: 30414.1743)re: Blues legends spread some harmonica jamhttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/04/blues-legends-in-a-harmonica-jam.aspx#240114Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:50:15 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:240114Jim White<p>I do have a complaint. I wish they had played on into the night. I really love Paul & Annie's guitar and harp work together.</p> <p>And the T-Bird wasn't dark, just its usual dim self if you have a camera. I think John Pergal does a great job with that place (excellent beer selection), but sometimes I'd like a little more light on the front of the stage. Or maybe I just need a faster lens for my beer goggles!</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=240114" width="1" height="1">re: Blues legends spread some harmonica jamhttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/04/blues-legends-in-a-harmonica-jam.aspx#240063Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:49:00 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:240063BLUZER<p>And am I to believe that you had no complaints about the Rishell/Raines show? That doesn't sound like Bluenotes to me. It looked like the duo were playing in the dark based on video evidence from RD350c.</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=240063" width="1" height="1">re: Zac Harmon ~ "From the Root" explores all shades of the blueshttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/06/zac-harmon-quot-from-the-root-quot-explores-all-shades-of-the-blues.aspx#240059Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:43:56 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:240059BLUZER<p>I'll leave any comments concerning the Palisades Ballroom to Tim (AKA RD350c). As indicated by his previous comments, he LOVES the place and will keep us informed with regards to the quality of shows that Bonedog produces at that venue.</p> <p>As far as Zac Harmon, here are a couple more 'tastes' of the man's talents. First up, a clip from his appearance at the Paramount Blues Fest in Grafton, Wisconsin.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_g66d0siSA">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>Some of you may know that Grafton was the home of the Wisconsin Chair Co. up until about the 1950's where, in the late 1920's-early 1930's Paramount records were recorded and pressed. Paramount records, if you didn't know, was the premier 'Race' record label that preserved the music of many early Blues pioneers (Ma Rainey, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake, Son House, Skip James, etc.). I had planned a trip to visit Grafton last summer but those plans fell through....next summer I'll visit the town for sure. The people there have made a large effort to preserve and promote the town's place in Blues history.</p> <p>Anyway, here are a couple of clips of Zac Harmon on the Legendary Blues Cruise:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_zu_31gpzY">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpEMNELoM1Q">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>And lastly, Zac in a club in Florida doing at least a 7 minute 'rap' about his efforts to seduce a woman. Unfortunately, the clip is incomplete so we'll never know if he gets the girl or not.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Xp9ZqxGXE">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>Taken together, I'm left with the impression that Zac Harmon, though talented, is not what I would call SPECTACULAR. If I had to describe his work to someone I would say he's basically a Black Blues-Rocker with soul leanings. Not that there is anything wrong or unfavorable about what he does....just that he's not much different from the many other Blues-Rockers that seem to be ever-present. To paraphrase an old Bluegrass saying (Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die)...these days it seems 'Everybody wants to play the Blues but nobody wants to cry'!! I wish Zac lots of luck and I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up in Pittsburgh at a festival or something.</p> <p>And now for something completely different. </p> <p>As you might guess I spend a fair amount of time looking at videos on You-tube. It all started when Bluenotes asked for Blues videos awhile back and it's because of him that I've managed to find and post some rare footage. Before his prodding I basically could have cared less about You-tube...just as I have no use for Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. Well, Once again I've struck gold! Or maybe Platinum. Whatever rare and valuable mineral you choose to call it,  I've come across a band that I believe to be the best ROOTS band ON THE PLANET. I emphasize the word ROOTS because this band (hereafter referred to as the UNSUB like on 'Criminal Minds') doesn't just play Blues but combines influences from many different yet related genres and absolutely 'Blew me away' when I first saw and heard them. This band is completely amazing as you will eventually see and hear.</p> <p>In an effort to create a little mystery, I'm going to withhold the identification of the UNSUB until Sunday November 22, 2009...which is my 52nd Birthday. I invite any and all Bluenotes readers to venture a guess (and post links) as to the identity of the UNSUB but when the time comes to reveal the facts I'm almost positive that everyone will agree that BLUZER has indeed found THE BEST ROOTS BAND ON THE PLANET.</p> <p>Have a nice week-end!!</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=240059" width="1" height="1">re: Blues legends spread some harmonica jamhttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/04/blues-legends-in-a-harmonica-jam.aspx#240002Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:23:21 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:240002BLUZER<p>Even if I'm the only one reading this blog....aren't I enough? </p> <p>The best time I ever had in my life their was only TWO of us there!!</p> <p>Besides, between your reporting skills and my candor and lack of diplomacy,  I think we've got the Blues covered!!</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=240002" width="1" height="1">re: Blues legends spread some harmonica jamhttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/04/blues-legends-in-a-harmonica-jam.aspx#239728Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:04:09 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:239728Jim White<p>A belated thanks to Bluzer on the bad link. Interesting that only he complained..  how many readers are actually out there???</p> <p>Oh well... I continue, nonplussed, unfazed, and possibly  'buked and scorned.</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=239728" width="1" height="1">re: Blues legends spread some harmonica jamhttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/04/blues-legends-in-a-harmonica-jam.aspx#238760Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:36:04 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:238760BLUZER<p>Here's the link to the NPR story that Bluenotes neglected to include. No need to thank me...the Blues goes on!!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114319924">www.npr.org/.../story.php</a></p> <p>Next, let's here it for the German Blues fans whose far-sightedness allows us to enjoy the performances of the AFBF. Happily, they didn't see 'color' ...they only heard the music and they loved it!!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArBR0arHipE">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjsZjTe0Ams">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>And for the big finish, here's BLUZER's video pick of the day. The last live performance of Big Mama Thornton.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSAOHwQhPcQ">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=238760" width="1" height="1">re: Some blues notes: Blues Blast winners, Bye Week Blues, harpist Norton Buffalo dieshttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/03/harpist-norton-buffalo-dies-other-blues-items.aspx#237974Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:24:35 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:237974rd350c<p>I first heard of Norton when he joined  the Lost Planet Airmen in it's final incarnation, just  before they broke up. I saw them at the Tomorrow Club in Youngstown (with NRPS!), and still consider that band to be one of the best modern (if 1976 can be considered modern) Texas Swing/Rockabilly/BoogieWoogie bands ever.  (yes, that combination IS blues).  </p> <p>This was before his first solo album, and altough they featured his song "18 Wheels" and his harp playing was evident on almost every song (no mean feat in a nine-piece all-star band), there's almost no mention on his website, and only a passing mention in the S.F. Chronicle obit.  It's a shame that schlok like miller's "fly like an eagle" and doobie's "minute by minute" get all the attention. R.I.P.</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=237974" width="1" height="1">re: Some blues notes: Blues Blast winners, Bye Week Blues, harpist Norton Buffalo dieshttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/03/harpist-norton-buffalo-dies-other-blues-items.aspx#237869Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:10:18 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:237869BLUZER<p>Happy Election Day.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cTJ0Hs4tRw&feature=fvw">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=237869" width="1" height="1">re: Some blues notes: Blues Blast winners, Bye Week Blues, harpist Norton Buffalo dieshttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/11/03/harpist-norton-buffalo-dies-other-blues-items.aspx#237859Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:50:32 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:237859BLUZER<p>Here's two vids for the late Norton Buffalo....a Blues Renaissance man.</p> <p>The first is low-down....</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rZVz3O47yo">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>and the other is for the walk back from the graveyard.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uCJXJyNmIE">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>Norton wasn't what I would call a 'real deal'  Bluesman but he was part of the era when the hippies in California were using the older Blues and taking them in a new, more modern direction. Not that there's anything wrong with that.</p> <p>Rest In Peace.</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=237859" width="1" height="1">re: Just a few blues and other noteshttp://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bluenotes/archive/2009/10/30/just-a-few-blues-and-other-notes.aspx#236282Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:13:56 GMTdb5ed866-44d6-4195-a917-1a4c5f235eb9:236282BLUZER<p>(DO NOT CLICK ON THIS LINK IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED BY GRAPHIC IMAGES)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s65nqtHEOtg">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>R. Crumb has more of the spirit and the soul of an old, Black Bluesman than D. Mcclinton ever will. (Although maybe not as much as Keb Mo. Candye Kane is a whole different story). Crumb is the undisputed KING of the Blues and Jazz record collectors. (Rent the movie 'Crumb' or 'Ghost World' if you doubt me). That's probably why he moved to France!! My apologies to all you fans of Blues-Rock but here's proof...</p> <p>'CRUMB' trailer</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAZCLjqOw1I">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>'GHOST WORLD' trailer</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq6AOc0ATnU">www.youtube.com/watch</a> </p> <p>EAST RIVER STRING BAND (W/ R. CRUMB)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOOfCVZ9Ae0">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX0Y9vgxMKU">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MHcjIjys5I">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YamMu5F1YPg">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKkJrr_U4as">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hTZk1vEuBE">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>CHEAP SUIT SERENADERS</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDIN_DicDfY">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSUu62QNPwg">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOKbXYukHxs">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p> LIVE</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAdb8pCfk7s">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>R. CRUMB AND HIS KOT ORCH.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndpEu6qFwFs">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>R. CRUMB RECORDS</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zRKSev1kZQ">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>R CRUMB INTERVIEW</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlT4QZchxQw">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p> IT HURTS ME TOO</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfMYQ32i8gY">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>And for all you kids looking for treats on All Hallow's Eve....Here's a bunch of tasty little morsels!!  </p> <p>"Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!!"</p> <p>Oh, to be a kid again.....</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKEFbKYWTM">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOD4uJgpY-w">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYd3fwaZHXo">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>I Pot A Spell On You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orNpH6iyokI">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>I Am The Devil- Mississippi Sheiks</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN5m_s4NhnQ">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>Me And The Devil - Robert Johnson</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SliFoT3Qre0">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>The Evil Devil Blues - Johnny Temple</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_rVb6chK8o">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>Devil Got My Woman - Skip James</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB2POWSnStU">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>Monster Blues (Part one and two) - I don't know what to say about this...Very strange!!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9MrPigdTR8">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JWY_oemff0">www.youtube.com/watch</a></p> <p>HALLOWEEN IS REALLY OUR HOLIDAY, RIGHT?...AFTER ALL, THIS IS THE DEVIL'S MUSIC!! </p> <p>HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE WEEK-END!!</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://community.post-gazette.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=236282" width="1" height="1">