DCBlues Society presents The Melanie Mason Band Greenbelt American Legion Fundraising Dance also cel- ebrates Society’s 15th Birthday Our spring fundraising dance will be on May 10 at the Greenbelt American Legion, Post 136, 9 pm – 1 am. Admission is $10 for DC Society members and $12 for non-members. There will be a cash bar, May 2002 and the Legion’s restaurant ©2002 D.C. Blues Society will be open for dinner orders. The Legion is Upcoming Blues Society Jams located at 6900 Greenbelt May 5- Jam at Taliano’s Road, close to DC and a May 19- Acoustic Jam at Taliano’s short drive from the Beltway hotline (202) 828-3028 and BW Parkway. homepage- http://www.dcblues.org Dancers will be enter- tained by The Melanie Blues Society Jam News Mason Band. Melanie is a Wammie award winning Performers at the April 7 jam in- singer and guitarist, and her cluded: David Jackson, Steve Levine, debut , Bending The Blues, in- Dr. Feelgood, David Galloway, Blues cludes nine originals and three covers. Museum, Resa Gibbs, Paul She is backed up by Mickey Meiklejohn Mastradone, Henry Chung, David Har- (), Sam Goodall (bass/vocals) ris, Jon Cole, Vic Tynes, Wally Adams, and Pete Driscoll (drums). You may re- Randy Reed, Lou Richardson, Miles member seeing Melanie performing Spicer, Rich Sampson, Matt Kelly, acoustically at the vocal workshop at last James DeSanto, Chuck Dolan, John year’s DC Blues Festival. Now you will Mangano, Patty Reese, Walter get a chance to enjoy her whole band! Robinson, Lisa O’Brien, Steve O’Brien, Come out for a fun night of blues, and Sam Goodall, Phil Dirt, Dave Atherton, a chance to support your blues s ociety! Akbar Shariff, Rob Deigh, Heather Also insofar as the Society was founded Bossert, Blue Lou, Brian Tanner, Norm in May 1987, this show let us celebrate Tatlow, Sherwood, and Chip Clemmer. 15 years of the DC Blues Society.!!! Directions to Greenbelt American The next jam will be at Taliano’s on Legion Post 136: May 5, 4-8 PM. From 495: (Washington Beltway) take Exit 22 - A (Baltimore - Washing- ton Parkway - north) to the first exit, Route 193 (Greenbelt Road), bear right (west on 193). At the top of the bridge you will see a traffic light. Take the second right after the traffic light (Lakecrest Drive). Then, take and immediate left (Legion Drive). The Ban- quet Hall entrance and the parking lot are at the rear of the building. The address is 6900 Greenbelt Road., Greenbelt, MD 20770. Telephone: (301) 345-0136. From downtown DC: Take 295 north and follow directions above. Steve Levine Melanie Mason picture at top courtesy Melanie Mason. Center picture of Heather Bossert and lower left picture of Henry Chung from April Jam © Ron Weinstock THE DC BLUES SOCIETY Blues Notes P.O. BOX 77315 WASHINGTON DC 20013-7315 Blues Society at Georgetown Hotline (202) 828-3028 Harbour Saturday June 15 http://www.dcblues.org The society will, again, be doing the blues at Georgetown President: M. LaVert Harbour, for the second time. last summer’s event there was Secretary: Nick Dale Treasurer: Wally Adams Directors: Courtney Brooks, Dennis Devore, Chris Kirsch, Steve a complete success. The date is June 15th. It will start at Levine, Muriel NolenSami Nuriddin, Denise Pusan, Tony Pusan,Joe 3:p.m. and conclude at six. Everyone is invited—especially Shamwell, Ingrid Strawser, Dave Westcott, singers, and musicians, who will have a nice opportunity to Counsel- Tom Gorman perform before a great crowd. More on this next month. Honorary Directors: John Cephas, Barry Lee Pearson, Joseph Wilson. Melvin LaVert Webmaster: Joseph Delaney Projects Committee Chair: Chet Hines Editors - Music: Ron Weinstock Events: Steve Levine Contributors: Chris Kirsch, M. LaVert, Theresa Hemp The D.C. Blues Society is a non-profit section 501(c)3 organization. Annual membership: Individual $15, Family $25, Canada $25 (US), other countries $40 (US). Members receive the D.C. Blues Calendar, discounts at Society events and some clubs, and other benefits. Contri- butions (not dues) to the D.C. Blues Society are tax-deductible. To join, send a check & address to the P.O. box above. The DC Blues Calendar is published monthly and includes informa- tion on Society events, blues listings and other items of blues interest. Listings should be sent to Steve Levine, 5022 Quebec St., College Park, MD 20740 ([email protected]). Ad rates: Business card $20; 1/8 page $25; 1/6 page $30; 1/4 page $40; 1/3 page $55; 1/2 page $70; 2/3 page $100; full page $125. Dis- count for consecutive placement of ads. Column width is 3.65 inches for a 2-column page, or 2.4 inches for a 3-column page. Height for 1/2 page is 4.85 inches. To place ad, contact Ron Weinstock, 2862 Dover Lane, #202, Falls Church, VA 22042 or [email protected]. For next issue: Must have copy, listings & ads by May 17 . NJ Warren at April Acoustic Jam Photo © Chris Kirsch

Blues Society Fundraising Committee The society is forming a new committee under the direction of board-member Muriel Nolen. Among the functions of this committee will be fundraising—an effort long overdue for undertaking. We are seeking committee members from the DCBS family. The number of committee-members will be the judgment Muriel Nolen. Any- one who could be of assistance to some degree wishing to serve on this committee, please contact our hot-line with your information. This committee will be permanant and will be of particular significance to the society as we broaden our ability to pre- serve and perpetuate the blues in all its forms. We are greatful to Muriel Nolen for the work she and her committee will be doing, and for her willingness to act as chair-person. Melvin LaVert Blues Works New Disc Congratulations to the popular local acoustic group BluesWorks. Judy Luis-Watson of the group advises that they have a brand-new compact disc, One Step - Live at IMT!, that they will have for sale at upcoming shows in the area and which we hope to be able to review next month. B.B. King Headlines Benefit May 3 B.B. King headlines Jazzmatazz, a benefit for the Children’s National Medical Center at the Ronald Reagan Building at Federal Triangle Metro.Others performing include Gerald Al- bright and Jonathan Butler. Check out www.dcchildrens.com or call TicketMaster for tickets. May Blues Listings 31 Western Maryland Blues Festival 1 Wayne Dean Band @ Cat’s Eye The Heaters @ Bayou Blues Blues Museum @ Buffalo Billiards The Upsetters @ Bayou Blues 2 2 Peter Green @ State Theatre Johnny & the Headhunters @ Cat’s Eye Clarence Carter @ Zanzibar Weekly Events Leon Redbone @ The Birchmere Sun Jim Bennett & Lady Mary w. Unique Tone Popes @ Ben’s Whole Hog BBQ Creation Band @ Lamont’s Sam “Muleman” Miller @ Bayou Blues Detroit Slim @ Full Moon 3 Jody West Band @ Bayou Blues Tom Principato & Rusty Bogart swing Sam “Muleman” Miller @ Bayou Blues 2 session @ Bangkok Blues Robert Lighthouse @ Bangkok Blues Steve Kraemer@ Cat’s Eye 4 Nick Z & The Nightcrawlers @ Kenny Haddaway (open mic) @ Whitlow’s Bayou Blues Eddie Daye @ Chuck & Billie’s Nightstreet @ Cat’s Eye Acoustic Jam @ King of France Tavern Melanie Mason Band @ Braddock Inn Danny Morris Band @ Sunset Grille Mark Furman Band @ Bayou Blues 2 Automatic Slim Jam @ Wahoo’s Blue Book Value @ Summit Station Pro Blues Jam @ Sully’s Jackson Street Band @ Bangkok Blues Mon Blues Jam @ Taliano’s Solomon’s Island MD Blues Festival w Tue Jam @ Full Moon The Moonlighters and others Ben Andrews @Madam’s Organ 5 DCBS Jam @ Taliano’s The Resonators @ Grog & Tankard Columbia Pike Blues Festival @ Wed Blues jam @ Coconuts Open mike @ Bangkok Blues Walter Reed Drive at Columbia Pike Corey Harris, seen at DC Blues Todd Butler Group @ Bayou Blues Big Dog Band @ Cat’s Eye Festival a few years back, opens Takoma Crossing @ Montpelier Spring Persuaders @ Main Street Blues the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival Steve Smith Band @ Round Table Festival Various @ Full Moon 7 Chris Polk @ Bangkok Blues on Saturday, May 18. Photo © Ron Weinstock Thu Jam w/ Flatfoot Sam @ Zoo Bar 8 BluesWorks @ Salisbury (MD) Univ. Blues Jam @ Bayou Blues 2 Dan Stevens @ Leadbetter’s Blues Jam @ Backstreets Cafe David Bromberg, Guy Davis @ Birchmere @ Sandy Point State Park Heart Of Blue @ Braddock Inn Jackie Lee @ Wild Azalea 9 Stan Whitaker @ Bayou Blues Everything Bagel @ Cafe Tattoo Blues Works @ No VA Fine Arts Fest, Muleman @ Cat’s Eye Various Jam @ Full Moon Dan Stevens @ Afterwords Reston VA Blues jam @ Surfside 7 Jesse Yawn @ Silver Shadow 10 DCBS Spring Fundraising Fri Hardway Connection @ Tradewinds Gypsy Joe @ Bayou Blues 2 Eddie Daye @ Chuck & Billie’s Dance, featuring The Melanie Mason Muleman @ Cat’s Eye Band @ Greenbelt American Legion The Blue Flames @ Bertha’s, Fridays Dr. Harmonica @ Bayou Blues Jackie Lee @ George Stark’s Head Hog Sam Cockerell @ Bayou Blues Danny Morris Band @ Bangkok Blues Tom Larsen @ Bayou Blues 2 Sat Various @ Full Moon 19 DCBS Acoustic Jam @ Taliano’s Lost Highway Band @ Bangkok Blues Eddie Daye @ Chuck & Billie’s Rick Serfas & the Soul Providers @ Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival @ Next issue is June 2002. The Cat’s Eye Sandy Point State Park Jesse Yawn @ Baltimore Zoo fundraiser deadline for the June 2002 11 Baltimore Blues Festival @ 21 Highway 49 @ Cat’s Eye issue is May 17. Patterson Park Curtis Blues @ Bangkok Blues Listings should be sent to Steve Sam Cockerell @ Bayou Blues Levine, 5022 Quebec St., College BluesWorks @ National Colonial Park 22 Ben Andrews @ Bangkok Blues 24 Heart Of Blue @ Taliano’s Park, MD 20740. E-mail to: Sam Taylor Band @ Madam’s Organ [email protected] The Satyr Hill Band @ Bayou Blues 2 Tone Popes @ Cowboy Cafe South Melanie Mason @ Outta the Way Cafe The Upsetters @ Bayou Blues D.C. BLUES SOCIETY Cathy Ponton King @ Bangkok Blues Blues Therapy @ Bayou Blues 2 MEMBER DISCOUNTS Blue Book Value @ Cowboy Cafe South Melanie Mason @ Bangkok Blues The Music Loft offers a 10% discount on Blues Museum @ Mr. Smith’s Crawdaddies @ Cat’s Eye repairs, lessons, rentals and sales. 2507 Takoma Crossing @ Summit Station 25 Jaded Angels @ Bayou Blues N. Franklin Road, Arlington VA (703) 522- 12 Baltimore Blues Festival @ Roomful Of Blues @ State Theatre 5500, Wed-Sat 12 to 6 PM. They also The Shakers @ Bayou Blues 2 Patterson Park have selected recordings by local acts Rusty Bogart and Big Boy Little @ Steve Kraemer, Chester Stacey @ Cat’s such as Franklin & Harpe & The Top Dogs Eye Bangkok Blues Bluesworks @ Potomac Overlook Park Industrial Sound Studios is offering a Blues Museum @ Surfside Seven 15% discount to DC Blues Society 14 Ann Rabson @ Ram’s Head Tavern 26 Steve Kraemer, Andre Thierry @ Cat’s Eye members. You must have a card to get Rude Dog @ Cat’s Eye this great deal. If you call soon and set Bobby Thompson Band @ Bayou Blues Roomful Of Blues @ Ram’s Head Open Blues Jam @ Bayou Blues up time to record, your first set of ADAT 16 Jim Coan Sam @ Bayou Blues tapes is free. For more information, Ann Rabson @ Jammin’ Java 28 Automatic Slim @ Cat’s Eye 30 RC Yetter & Riviera Paradise @ contact Industrial Sound Studios, P.O. 17 Tom Larsen @ Bayou Blues Box 1162, Riverdale, MD 20738. Christopher James @ Bayou Blues 2 Bayou Blues Christopher James Band @ Cat’s Eye Phone: 301-209-0565.E-mail: Kenny Haddaway @ Bangkok Blues [email protected]. 18 Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival DC Blues Calendar Web Edition May 2002 p. 3 Places to Hear Blues Madam’s Organ, 2461 18th St NW, DC (202) 667-5370 Bookings get cancelled so check with the venue as the show Napoleon’s, Warrenton, VA (540) 347-4300 gets closer. National Colonial Park, Indian Head, MD Afterwords Cafe, 1517 Connecticut Av NW, DC (202) 387-1462 Neptune’s, 23900 N Patuxent Beach Rd. , Md 301-833-0073 Bangkok Blues, 926 W. Broad St. Falls Church VA (703) 534-0095 Oasis, 8241 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD (301) 608-3360 Backstreet Cafe, 12353 Wilkens Av Rockville MD 301-984-0394 Okra’s 9110 Center St, Manassas VA (703) 330-2729 Barefoot Pelican, 2156-E Enterprise St., Sterling, VA (703) 444- Potomac Overlook Park, Arlingto VA 2208 Ram’s Head, 33 West St., Annapolis, MD (410) 268-5111 Bay Cafe,2809 St, Baltimore, Recher Theatre, 512 York Rd., MD (410) 522-337 Towson, MD, (410) 337-7210 Bayou Blues, 8133A Honeygo Blvd, Rosedale American Legion, 1311 White Marsh MD (410) 931-BLUE Seling Ave., Rosedale, MD Bayou Blues - Fells Point,1636 Round Table, 4859 Wisconsin Ave Thames St. Balt. MD 410-342-3220 NW, DC (202) 362-1250 Big Joe’s Place, 8120 Crain Hwy Scottish Rite Temple, 3800 N Charles (N.3d), La Plata MD (301) 392- St, Baltimore (410) 583-7337 6060 2nd St Cafe, Warrenton VA Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Silver Shadow Columbia MD Alexandria, VA (703) 549-7500 Sonoma’s, Columbia MD Bistro Bistro, Reston Town Center, Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo, MD Reston, VA (703) 834-6300 Spanky’s Shenanigans, Leesburg, Blues Alley, 1041 Wisconsive Ave VA (703) 777-2454 (Rear), DC (202) 337-4141 Sully’s, 14513 Lee Jackson Bop’N’Bowl, Falls Church (VA) Duck Pin Hwy.,Chantilly, VA (703) 818-9292 Lanes, 4000 S Maple St. (703)-847- Nap Turner and Mary Jefferson (seen at Bluebird Spotlight, Woodbridge, VA 703-494- 5984 Blues Festival) duet on Nap’s new live cd 9349 Brickseller, Washington DC (202) reviewed elsewhere. Photo © Ron Weinstock State Theatre, 220 N. Washington 293-1885 St, Falls Church,VA (703) 237-0300 Buckeye Steakhouse, Manassas, VA (703) 392-1252 Stone Cellar, Ellicott City MD (410) 461-4990 Bushwaller’s, Frederick MD (301) 695-6988 Summitt Station, Summitt at Diamond Aves., Gaithersburg, MD Buomi Temple, 5050 King St. White Marsh MD (410)-583-7337. Spotlight, Woodbridge VA 703-494-9349 Cafe Vez 1438 U ST, NW. Washington, DC 202-667-0785 Sunset Grille, 7250 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA (703) 658-0982 Cat’s Eye Pub, 1720 Thames St, Fells Point, Baltimore MD (410) Sweet Caroline’s, Winchester VA 276-9085 Taliano’s, 7001 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD (301) 270-5515 Chick Hall’s Surf Club, 4711 Kenilworth Ave., Hyattsville, MD Ribs, Waldorf, MD (301) 927-6310 333 Coffeehouse, 333 Dubois Rd, Annapolis, MD (410) 647-4275 Chuck & Billy’s Lounge, 2718 Georgia Av NW, DC (202) 232-0924 Timber Creek Tavern, 10092 Belair Rd, Kingsville, MD (410) 529-7999 Clyde’s, Chevy Chase, MD (301) 951-9600 Tradewinds, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD (301) 449-1234 Coconut’s,1629 Crofton Center, Crodt MD (301) 261-3366 TT Reynolds, Fairfax VA (703) 591-9292 Cowboy Cafe South, 2421 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA (703) Twins, 1344 U St NW, Dc (202) 234-0072 486-3467 Whitey’s, 2761 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA (703) 525-9825 Crossroads Tavern, Richie Highway and Georgia Avenue, Glen Whitlows, 2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA (703) 276-9693 Burnie, MD (410) 761-6199 Wild Azalea, 1648 Crystal Sq. Arcade, Arlington, VA, (703) 413-2250 EastPort Clipper, Annapolis MD (410) 487-7648 Wolf Trap, Vienna VA (703) 255-1900 Ebb Tide, 985 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis, MD (410) 269-1500 Wyvill’s Tavern, 5753 Southwest Crain Highway, Upper Fantastico, 380 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, VA (540) 349-2575 Marlboro, MD (301) 952-1222 Fat Tuesday’s, 10673 Braddock Rd, Fairfax (703) 385-5717 Zanzibar, 700 Water St SE (202) 554-9100 Flannagan’s, Manassas, VA (703) 551-2059 Zig’s, 4531 Duke St., Alexandria VA (703) 823-2777 Fred & Harry’s, Colesville Rd. & University Blvd. Four Corners, Zoo Bar, 3000 Connecticut Ave., NW, DC (202) 232-4225 MD, 301-593-7177 Full Moon Saloon, 1710 Aliceanna St, Baltimore MD(410) 558-2873 D.C. BLUES CALENDAR AD RATES: George Mason (University) Ctr for the Arts, Fairfax VA Business card $20; 1/8 page $25; 1/6 page $30; Golden Sports Bar, Ellicott City, MD (410) 480-2994 Half Moon BBQ, 8235 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring MD (301) 585-1290 1/4 page $40; 1/3 page $55; 1/2 page $70; Harmony Hall, Fort Washington MD 2/3 page $100; full page $125. Harper's Choice Village Center, Columbia, MD Discount for consecutive placement of ads. Column width is H.R. 57. 1610 14th Street, NW, DC, 202-667-3700 3.65 inches for a 2-column page, or 2.4 inches for a 3- Hull Street Blues, 1222 Hull Street, Baltimore, MD (410) 727-7476 column page. Height for 1/2 page is 4.85 inches. To place Ice House Cafe, Herndon, VA (703) 471-4256 ad, contact: Ron Weinstock, 2862 Dover Lane, #202, Falls Jammin’ Java, 231 Maple Ave, Vienna VA (703) 255-1566 Church, VA 22042. e-mail - [email protected] Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA (703) 569-5940 King of France Tavern, State Circle, Annapolis MD (410) 216-6340 Deadline for June 2002 issue is May 17. Lamont’s, Livingston Rd, Pomonkey MD (301) 283-0225 IMPORTANT SEND AD PAYMENTS, MEMBERSHIP Lasick’s, 9128 Baltimore Blvd, College Park, MD (301) 441-2040 RENEWALS TO D.C. BLUES SOCIETY MAILBOX. Leadbetter’s, Baltimore MD Lexington Market, Baltimore, MD ONLY NEWSLETTER & AD COPY GOES DIRECTLY TO Luna Park, 5866 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA (703) 237-5862 RON WEINSTOCK Maggiano’s, Washington DC Michael’s Pub, King’s Contrivance Ctr, Columbia. (410) 290-7878

DC Blues Calendar Web Edition May 2002 p. 4

Nap Turner NOTES HOT & BLUE makes of Peppermint Harris’ I Got Loaded, ’s These Arms of Mine, the late Boozoo DC area music lovers should be grateful for by Ron Weinstock Chavis’ Dog Hill and Professor Longhair’s Her Wayne Kahn’s enterprise in going out and mak- Mind is Gone. There is some nice down home ing location recordings of local blues, , and harp on Benoit’s Stackolina with a washboard roots performers for his Right on Rhythm label sounding rhythm. What’s distinctive about and other labels (The new Nighthawk album on Benoit’s playing is that he doesn’t simply play a Ruf is taken from Wayne’s recordings of the flurry of notes but also has a solid rhythmic touch, group). The latest Right on Rhythm release is mixing chords with single note runs which helps the second by Nap “Don’t Forget the Blues” Turn- with the groove. Muddy Bottom Blues with its in- er, Live at Cafe Vez. Backed by Gary Jenkins fectious hook contrasts with the back porch fla- Quartet which features the saxophone of Arnold vor of When a Cajun Man Gets the Blues, but Sterling, this disc captures Nap doing a trio of Benoit delivers the vocals on both in an equally Percy Mayfield numbers, some blues standards heartfelt and convincing manner. Benoit is listed and ballads, two recitations from Langston Hugh- on the website for the Chesapeake Bay Blues es’ Best of Simple and a closing blues medley Festival as performing with Double Trouble along with DC’s blues diva Mary Jefferson. This duet is with Jimmy Thackery. If this is the case, it cer- also the first issued recording by her. It certainly tainly will be a reason to catch their set for those is a nice showcase for Nap who puts his heart who are not SRV addicts. Wetlands is a strong into his vocals as the Jenkins band swings be- album that is full of honest, strongly engaging hind him. There are a couple places where he performances. has intonation problems, but overall he sings strongly and persuasively in the uptown blues Sam Taylor vein. Kudos to organist Joe Kaplowitz (superb Based in the New York area, Sam Taylor’s whether comping behind Nap’s vocals and the career stems several decades as he worked in other soloists, or soloing himself) and guitarist many capacities with R&B legends and funk acts Rick Hanna in addition to saxophonist Sterling like Otis Redding, the Isley Brothers, and BT (who particularly outstanding on an uptempo ad- Express and the pop circuit (he was a member aptation of T-Bone Walker’s Stormy Monday). of Joe Dee & the Starlighters of Peppermint Twist Leader Jenkins drumming keeps the swinging fame). Son of tenor sax legend, Sam “The Man” groove. In addition to the bawdy duet with Mary Taylor, Sam Jr. has had his songs have been re- Jefferson on If You See Kay/Meet Me With Your Black Drawers corded by numerous artists. In more recent years he has focused On, highpoints include Curtis Lewis’ Deadly Nightshade (The Great on the blues. He spent a number of years based in Tuscon, Arizo- City) and a lesser known Percy Mayfield tune, Country (nice Rick na before he returned to the New York area where he hosts a Hanna guitar solo here). The Simple recitations might not be for blues radio program, and writes for several blues society journals. everyone’s tastes, but anyone familiar to Nap know how central it His Bluzman release, Keep the Blues Alive, is at least his sec- is to his performances, whether live or on the radio. Kudos to Right ond blues album and besides his own strong soul-infused vocals on Rhythm for another wonderful disc documenting a true trea- and slashing guitar features the dazzling playing of Heather ‘Lil sure of the DC music scene. Mama’ Hardy on violin. She brings an attack reminiscent of Don ‘Sugarcane’ Harris in her accompaniments and solos. There are & the Crawl several originals like the opening Keep the Blues Alive with Taylor Veteran Texas bluesman Mike Morgan has a new Severn al- telling us what is strives to do and the funky Do You Like It, one of bum, Texas Man, that brings together Gulf Coast gumbo and gui- several tracks where Ms. Hardy soars with her solo. Several cov- tar shuffles with a healthy dose of Hound Dog Taylor inspired Chi- ers include Ivory Joe Hunter’s blues ballad Since I Met You Baby; cago slide boogies. Originally issued in Holland, Texas Man opens a classic associated with , Members Only (again with with the title track, a shuffle that celebrates Morgan’s Texas ori- a fine solo from Ms. Hardy); Smiley Lewis’ I Hear You Knocking, gins and . Renditions of Guitar Gable’s swamp blues reworked with a funk groove; and the closing rendition of Mem- instrumental Guitar Rhumbo and Morgan’s original Whoa My Dar- phis Slim’s Mother Earth. His band does a stalwart job in provid- lin’, show how comfortable he is working within the Louisiana ing support and adding there own embellishments. Having seen Swamp Blues vein. The latter number almost sounds like a new Taylor tear up clubs and festivals, the album stands on its very Lazy Lester number while Wild About You Baby, Gimme Back My enjoyable merits. Sam Taylor and band will be at Madam’s Organ, Wig, Taylor’s Rock and See Me in the Evening, are Hound Dog Saturday May 11 which this reviewer recommends. Chet “Dr. S.O. Taylor-styled slide guitar romps. Five Thousand Miles From Home Feelgood” Hines is helping put on this show. is a terrific slow blues with Riley Orborne’s organ contributing nice atmosphere. Among the others who can be heard backing Mor- Texas Johnny Brown gan’s earnest and strong fretwork are guitarist Jon Moeller Texas Johnny Brown’s first album, Nothin’ But the Truth was and , and harmonica player . Per- nominated as comeback album of the year in the Living Blues poll haps nothing musically original here, but everything is done so a couple years ago. It showed that the veteran‘s music aged like a well and with enthusiasm and spirit. One will have a hard time not fine wine. The blues veteran cut choice singles for Atlantic, backed tapping one’s foot listening to this. for Atlantic and was a member of ’s Al- addin Chickenshackers. Later he wrote the standard Two Steps Tab Benoit From the Blues, for Bobby Bland, and in the sixties was in the Baton Rouge native Tab Benoit is among of several Louisi- touring bands of Bland and . His latest album on ana based performers (including Anders Osborne and John Moon- Choctaw Creek Records is Blues Defender. It is a spirited collec- ey) that have brought together a mix of second line rhythms and tion of modern urban blues that continues in the vein of his prede- various blues influences. Benoit, who was influenced by the likes cessor. Brown’s jazzy playing and mellow blues is in the vein of of Tabby Thomas, Raful Neal and Henry Gray has a new album, Junior Parker and Fenton Robinson. His fine backing group, The Wetlands, on Telarc. Bassist Carl Dufrene and drummer Darryl Quality Blues Band, provides solid support and the judicious em- White do a fine job of supporting Benoit’s appealing slightly grav- ployment of horns adds punch and musical variety. Having a good elly and soulful vocals while also adding a propulsive groove on a way with words, Brown tells how he is a Handy Man, the opening number of tracks that include some memorable originals and re- Continued on page 12 DC Blues Calendar May 2002 p. 6

Selected Upcoming Festivals ganfield, John Mooney (with Bluesiana and Joe Beard), Carey Columbia Pike Blues Festival, May 5, 2002. Performers Bell, Danny Reed with special guest Ricky Allen, John Brim, Muddy include , Janine Wilson and Waters Alumni Association (Pinetop Perkins,Carey Bell, Luther Dr. S.O. Felgood. See there ad in this issue Johnson, John Primer, Willie Smith, Calvin or call 703-8922776 for information. Stop "Fuzzy" Jones, and special guest James by the DC Blues Society’s table. Free! Cotton); , Cedell Davis, Paul Baltimore Blues Festival, May 11-12, 2002. Oscher, W.C. Clark, Lousiiana red, Ceph- Patterson Park, Baltimore with two stages. as and Wiggins, Shemekia Copeland and Perfromers includeBig Joe & the Dynaflows, more. One stage is devoted to discussions Darrell Nulisch, Steve Guyger, , including one on the soon-to-be published Catfish Hodge, Nick Moss & the Flip Tops, Little Walter biography that area harp player Big Jesse Yawn, Janine Wilson, Ward Gaines co-authored with tony Glov- Blues Angels Automatic Slim, Reggie er and Scott Dirks. For info call 312-744- Wayne Morris and others. Call 410-494- 3370. or the city of chicago website 9558 or email www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents/. [email protected]. Stop by 13th Annual Billtown Blues Festival, the DC Blues Society’s table. Free! Sunday, June 9, 2002, noon to 10:00 p.m. Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, May 18- Gates open at 11:00 a.m. Lycoming County 19, 2002. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis Fairgrounds, East Lycoming Street, Maryland. Perhaps the best Mid-Atlantic Hughesville, PA. Perfromers include: Geno festival with Jerry Lee Lewis, The Fabulous Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie; Ernie Thunderbirds, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Hawkins; Levon Helm & the Barnburners; Shemekia Copeland, Magic Slim, Hubert Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women; Chicago Slim, Carey Bell, Bob Margolin, Maria Rhythm & Blues Kings. For more Muldaur, Corey Harris, Double Trouble and information contact: Billtown Blues others. A tent stage has some local and Association, PO Box 2, Hughesville, PA acoustic acts. This festival raises money for 17737. The phone number is 570-584-4480, local charities that mostly beenfit children. website: www.billtownblues.org. Stage for local acts. See the ad on page 5 National Capital Barbecue Battle, June with full list of main stage acts and contact 22-23, 2002. Pennsylvania Avenue between information. Website at www.bayblues.org 9th and 14th Streets NW, downtown DC. has more info. Stop by the Society’s table. Barbecue cooking competition with plenty Carolina “Lite” Blues Festival, May 18, 2002, of live music and plenty of wonderful food. Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC. Blues acts booked for the Red Hot & Blue Gatemouth Brown, Walter Trout, Rory Block, Stage include on Saturday Robert Byrd Chubby Carrier, long John Hunter. For info, Blues Band, Don McMinn and Night Rain, visit www.piedmontblues.org, or send an e- Big Gilson with Bruce Ewan & the Solid mail to [email protected]. Senders, Kelly Bell, and Bobby Parker with Handy Awards Festival, May 22-25, Chuck Brown closing the music on that Memphis Tennessee. Handy Awards are stage. Blues on Sunday includes Anson Thursday, May 23. Other events through the Funderburgh and the Rockets with Sam weekend including Handy Awards Myers, Alvin Youngblood Festival on Friday the 24th on Hart, and The Nighthawks. Beale Street, Friday HART benefit Tickets are only $7.00 and concert to benefit Music Makers proceeds benefit he Heritage Foundation. Contact the Metropolitan Police Boys and Blues Foundation at Girls Clubs, and DC www.blues.org. DoubleDutch. The Blues Western Maryland Blues Society will have at table near Festival, May 31- June 2, 2002 the Red Hot & BlueStage. in Hagerstown, Maryland. Lineup Check the website, http:// includes Walter Trout, Blind Boys www.bbq-usa.com for more of Alabama, Jorma Kaukauken & information. Jack Cassidy, Ann Rabson, Lloyd Blues House 2000, June Jones, Hubert Sumlin w. Bob 22, 2002, Winchester VA Margolin, Carey Bell, Eddie Shaw with Michael Burks, Eddie and others. See ad on page 8 for Shaw, The Nighthawks, main acts and more information or Mary Ann Redmond, Kinsey Report and More. Contact check www.blues-fest.org. Darrell Nulisch at top will be Columbia Pike and 19th Annual Festi- [email protected] or call val honors Muddy Waters, May 30- Baltimore Blues Festivals while Jesse yawn will be at 540-667-3577. June 2 at Grant Park in Chicago. the baltimore Blues Festival and the Baltimore Zoo’s Wolf Trap “Jazz & Blues Performers include: Roy Hytower, fundraiser this month. Bob Margolin and Hubert Festival”, June 21-23 Billy Branch, and the Sons of Blues, Sumlin are at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival and Common Ground on the Hill, Jerry Ricks, Tyree Neal, Dave Weld the Western Maryland Blues Festival June 30-July 14, Western Mary- & the Imperial Flames, Lee Shot land College in Westminster , Williams,John Weston, Big Bill Mor- Continued on page 10 DC Blues Calendar May 2002 p. 9 Continued from page 9 bell Brothers, Howard Tate (the legendary soul singer who is MD. 2 weeks of classes and workshops in various musical and making a heralded comeback), Gatemouth Brown and more. art traditions including blues jazz gosepel, old-time music, world Buddy Fox who ran the legendary NYC blues club Manny’s Car music. 8th Annual American Music & Arts Festival, July 13- Wash notes that what makes this festival special it that it always 14 at the Carroll County Farm Museum with Odetta, Tom Chap- has a number of significant performers who rarely play this part in, Etta Baker, Guy Davis, Scott Ainslie Lea Gilmore, Eric Byrd of the US. For more info contact the Big Two Resorts. Festival and others. Common Ground on the Hill c/o Western Maryland website is www.big2resorts.com/blues.shtml. I already have my College, Westminster MD, 21157. hotel reservation. Phone: 410-857-2771 or: Heritage Music Blues Fest 2002 www.commongroundonthehill.com. Aug 16, 2002 - Aug 18, 2002 2002 Valley Blues Fes- Wheeling, WV - Heritage Port, tival July 4, 5 & 6 in LeClaire Park, Wheeling, WV Perfromers Davenport, Iowa. Performers in- include Robert Lockwood Jr. Rory clude Cora Mae Bryant, Lady Bian- Block Michael Hill's Blues Mob ca; George Higgs, Long John Alvin Youngblood Hart, Levon Hunter,Alvin ""Youngblood"" Hart, Helm, Maria Muldaur Rod Piazza Lonnie Brooks, Terrance Simien, & The Mighty Flyers, Jimmy D.C. Bellamy, Mighty Sam McClain, Thackery. For info: Heritage Little Milton, Tab Benoit, James Arm- Music Inc. 34 Poplar Avenue, strong, Paul Oscher and Steve Wheeling, WV 26003 USA Guyger, George ""Wild Child"" But- Phone: 304-232-8705 ler, Magic Slim and the Teardrops. D.C. Blues Festival, August 31, For info: Mississippi Valley Blues 2002. Carter Barron Society, 102 South Harrison Street, Amphitheatre. Acts to be Suite 300, Davenport, Iowa 52801- announced but the festival will 1807. Phone (563)*322-5837. be dedicated to John Jackson. Email:[email protected] & web Bluebird Blues Festival, address:www.mvbs.org September 2002. Not sure whjat Ottawa Blues Festival July 5 -12, day it is scheduled but usually a 2002 Ottawa Ontario. Major multi- weekend or two after our stage festival in capital city of Can- festival. ada with numerous acts from US and can- Little Ed with Billy Branch at last year’s We will of course have information on a number of other festivals in da. Includes Gospel and a Louisiana Mu- Pocono Blues Festival. The Edheads will sic stage. upcoming months. Check the be out for Little Ed & the Blues Imperials at Blues Week, July 7 - 12, 2002, 20th Society’s website for a fuller listing Anniversary at the Augusta Heritage the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival this of festivals as we are limited in the Center, Davis & Elkins College, Elkins WV. month. Billy Branch is among the perform- space we can provide and cannot Instructors for the 20th Anniversary Blues ers at this year’s Chicago Blues Festival. mention every single one. Also the Week (dedicated to John Jackson’s Photo © Theresa Hemp latest issue of Living Blues lists memory) include guitarists Sparky about 200 Blues Festivals. Rucker, Corey Harris, Del Rey, Joan Fenton, John Cephas, and David Jacobs-Strain, harp masters Phil Wiggins & Gary Primich. For more information visit their website at www.augustaheritage.com/blues.html. The DC Blues Society is now a James River Blues Society Blues Fest 2002, July 13, The Sedalia Center, Big Island (Bedford County) VA member of the Washington Frederick Blues Festival, July 19 and 20, Frederick MD Cultural Alliance. There are a Website still lists last year’s line-up and dates. For info number of benefits for our www.frederickbluesfestival.com. Herndon Blues Festival, July 20, 2002. All acoustic festival members from this. DCBS dedicated to John Jackson’s memory. Lineup includes Cephas member can join as an & Wiggins, Pat Donohue, Mary Flower, Jeff Scott, Scott Perry, Eric Freeman, Ray Kaminsky & Jack Fretwell. Check the associate member for a website as festival nears, www.herndonarts.org for ,more reduced rate and benefit from information on this festival. We will be previewing this festival as it approaches. group health insurance Bucks County Blues Society 20th Annual R&B Picnic/25th programs, Ticketplace etc. Anniversary Celebration, Saturday July 20th. Perfromers .Check out their website for include: Alvin Youngblood Hart, The Nighthawks, Little Buster & the Soul Brothers, Paul Riddick & the Sidemen. membership info Pocono Blues Festival, August 3 & 4, 2002, Big Boulder Moun- www.cultural-alliance.org. We tain, lake Harmony PA. Arguably the premiere blues festival in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern . Partial lineup includes will have more information Chick Willis, Roy Roberts & Priscilla Price, Shemekia Copeland, next month George ‘Wild Child’ Butler, Wallace Coleman, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Robert Cray, Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins, The Camp- DC Blues Calendar May 2002 p. 10 D.C. Blues Society Membership Application/Order Form The DC Blues Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) all volunteer organization! (0502) Members receive a copy of the newsletter; The D.C. Blues Calendar, as well as discounts on society events & merchandise, some clubs, and other benefits. The most important benefit is you help keep our ad rates up, the grant applications more appealing to the grantors and potential sponsors interest and support. Contributions (not membership dues or merchandise) to the D.C. Blues Society are tax-deductible. Please Print Clearly: Date:______If renewal, check here______Name:______Address:______City/State/Zip Code:______Telephone:______Email______Dues(US) per year: Circle appropriate one. Individual: $15.00 Family: $25.00 Corporate: $50.00 Canada-$25.00(US) Other Countries$40.00 (US) Dues:______Tax-deductible Contribution:______Total enclosed:______Mail this application with your check or money order to: D.C. Blues Society P.O. Box 77315 Washington D.C. 20013-7315 Family memberships (list member names): ______

Please allow up to six weeks for processing Questions? Check out www.dcblues.org or call the Society Hotline: (202) 828-3028 Would you be interested in volunteering?______If yes, what would you like to do (if you know)? Continued from page 6 More Notes Hot & Blue shuffle, a lively number about how he takes care of the ladies in the neighborhood when their men are gone. Johnny is as good in the kitchen as in the flower bed. On Brown asks his woman “Did You Lose Your Way? coming back to me,” a slow blues with nicely played guitar and an effectively employed repeated horn riff. Two atmospheric slow instrumentals showcase his thoughtful and taste- ful playing, Quality Blues and Rained Out, with synthesized storm effects effectively used on the latter track . As he sings on the title track with its Crescent City groove, Brown is a Blues Defender and “I tell I defend the blues, I accuse superstitious and jealously, they walking, talking acting just as a fool.” And defend the blues he does so well. In his seventies, Brown may have lost a little range in his voice, but he still sings and plays so well and displays a vigor I wish to have at his age. This may be hard to find so you may wish to try online blues cd specialists, Bluebeat Music, www.bluebeatmusic.com or Triangle Music, www.triangle- music.com, or try contacting Brown at his own website, www.texasjohnnybrown.com. James Carr One of the legendary deep soul singers, James Carr is best known for his classic The Dark End of the Street. Lovers of the classic Memphis soul sound will want to pick up the English Kent disc, The Complete Goldwax Singles of course includes his most famous track along with other southern soul classics like Pouring Water on a Drowning Man, To Love Somebody, These Ain’t Rain- drops, That’s What I Want to Know, You Don’t Want Me (a great urban blues track) and Only Fools Run Away. There is nary a dull track among the 28 songs reissued and these stand up to the best of Otis Redding. You may have to ask your local store to special order this, but the music here is simply compelling.

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