Inside This Issue
April/May 2015 #211 $5.00 US
New England’s only independent Blues newsletter mailing the schedules of our outstanding, hard working TheBlues Bands and BluesBlues Clubs to dedicated Blues Fans Audiencesince 1991. © ATB/TBA 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Performance schedules and lots of Blues News for our local New England Blues Bands and Blues Clubs • Interview: Roomful of Blues’ versatile guitarist talks about his career by Art Simas • The Ex-President’s File- local Boston area and beyond Blues news by “Sistah K” Karen Nugent
• Another great New England guitarist, Ricky “King” Russell talks to Sistah K about his life in Blues.
above: Chris Vachon, lead guitarist and bandleader of Roomful of Blues talks about the road, recording and being a cornerstone of Roomful of Blues for the past 25 years, pictured here on stage at Tupelo Music Hall. - photo by J. LoFaro
to right: Rick Russell “go to” guitar player performs with The Love Dogs at Strange Brew, Manchester, NH - photo by DIana Shonk Notes from the Publisher
do it all with the steady backing of Chris’ very with him at Chan’s in Woonsocket, RI April 18. capable guitar playing. It’s officially being billed as “Dan Moretti and the Hammond Boys featuring Michelle “Evil RICKY “KING” RUSSELL Karen Nugent Gal” Willson.” See Chan’s schedule on page 8. interviewed Rick Russell, who I think is one of Michelle also has a radio show on WICN In our more outstanding guitar players here in Worcester, MA 6-9am on Monday-Wednesday, New England. We have been spotlighting these It is very interesting and informative AND guys because I don’t see enough press about swinging. them and I think it is important to realize how lucky we are to have such outstanding talent WILLIE J. LAWS BAND is nominated for Best right here in New England where we can catch Blues Act 2015 in the New England Music them on a regular basis. His band, The Cadillac Awards! He will be playing at the Showcase I am looking forward to seeing Sugar Ray (l) and Neil Horns, was the back up band for the OPEN Live! in Foxborough, MA the night of the award Gouvin (r) in Memphis in May.- photo by Nick Tsui MIC AT THE KNICK which is one of my top show. See his schedule on page 6. HELLO FELLOW BLUES LOVERS ten favorite recordings of 2014, if you haven’t Welcome to SPRING!!! As I write this the heard it, you should, many guest singers includ- SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES are nomi- wind is blowing hard and it is still very cold ing Sugar Ray Willie J. Laws, Curtis Salgado nated for seven Blues Foundation, Blues Music outside. But the sun is out and warming my and Brian Templeton, introducing me to John Awards and I am going down to Memphis to house and office. I know that this winter will Sheerar and Malford Mulligan. (WHERE have the Awards and I sure hope he wins all of them. end even though it is hard to believe. There are I been?) With the Cadillac Horns behind them plenty of HOT gigs for you to go to in this is- this is a strong Blues CD worthy of note. It is BARNFUL OF BLUES We were lucky enough sue so I want you to shake off that winter dust a seriously swinging CD, and with Rick at the to secure Sugar Ray & The Bluetones as our and get out there and boogie! helm you know it is great. He reminds me so headliner for The Granite State Blues Society’s I am going to Memphis, with Nancy Weston, much of Wynonnie Harris’ style, I just love it! Barnful of Blues Festival on August 1st in New (it’s on her bucket list) on May 6th and we will Boston, NH. We are so excited to have this represent our cool New England Blues scene MICHELLE WILLSON You may have seen the top flight Blues band, no foolin’. You can get at the Awards and it will be my pleasure to see video of her singing with Dr. John on FB. We your $20 tickets now by going to the web site: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones perform on the are so proud of our Evil Gal, she is a star! She www.granitestateblues.org. The rest of our 7th. The brand new Blues Museum will have its seemed so comfortable and at ease on stage outstanding line-up is as follows: Arthur James, grand opening that weekend and it should be with him. I asked her about the gig: “I sang sev- Delanie Pickering acoustic acts respectively, be- a fun celebration! I contributed to the building eral tunes, mostly from his newest release Ske- tween sets, acoustic, openers the Tokyo Tramps, of the museum and will have a plaque on a wall Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit Of Satch: “I’ve Mike Crandall Band (winners of GSBS Blues somewhere, I want to see that! You can con- Got The World On A String,” “When The Saints Go Challenge from CT), and Michelle Willson!! We tribute to the bluesfoundation.org if you want Marching In,” “Lay My Burden Down,” “Nobody are looking forward to a great day of plenty of to, as well. We will go to Graceland, the Civil Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen,” “Sweet Hunk O’ Blues, food, vendors, raffles, and fun in the sun. Rights Museum, Stax Records and maybe even Trash,” Pretty exalted company for this lil’ ol’ a trip to Clarkesdale (I might have relatives Evil Gal, huh?” I should say so, but we expect CONGRATULATIONS TO The Love Dogs there, my middle name is Clarke, my mother’s nothing less from Michelle.!! Dr. John’s music celebrating their 21st birthday in March, “so I maiden name...I kid). I can’t wait, Memphis is director (and badass trombone player) Sarah guess we can drink now!” joked Ed. Well it’s fun, the clubs are open to the street and BB Morrow led the whole show and she is just about time! Eddie’s Tuesday All Stars series is King’s club is downtown, Rum Boogie has a amazing! Dan Moretti ( great sax man from thriving in our their home, The Corrib, and guitar signed by Ronnie Earl and there will be RI ) got Michelle that gig. She is doing a show they hope to be doing some Friday shows bands playing everywhere including on the street. I will tell you this, there is NO vegetable matter in Memphis, they think cheese is a veg- etable. It is all points BBQ this and BBQ that. I remember the last time I went to the Blues Awards I came home with such a hangover and so much meat in my stomach I gave up eating meat for 3 years and have never quite gotten back on the bandwagon or should that be chuck wagon. I will be taking pictures and video I will put a bunch of them on the new web site. I look forward to seeing Sugar Ray & The Bluetones win a bunch of awards. I am also hoping David Maxwell wins the Pinetop Perkins Award for piano, that will be bittersweet.
It is our pleasure to bring you another article by Art Simas featuring Chris Vachon the guitar- ist and band leader of Roomful of Blues. He is so talented and versed in many styles of music which gives the band the ability to perform Michelle Willson pictured with Mac Rebenac (Dr. John) at The Wilbur all the songs they feel will entertain the audi- Theater in Boston, MA on February 25, 2015. You can see video on Youtube. ences. Jazz, Blues, New Orleans beats, they can -photo by Johnboy Franklin
2 Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! thebluesaudience.com • The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 Notes from the Publisher there, starting this spring! Schedule on page 6. his love and respect for traditional Blues with hear a tune from. It is raucous fun! Featuring a present, colorful style of playing that is often Jimmy “2 suits” Capone, Eddie Scheer director/ HOUSE ROCKIN’ PRODUCTIONS is con- compared to James Cotton or Paul Butterfield. vocals (from the Love Dogs) Big Jack Ward, tinuing their shows at Pitman’s Freight Room in guitar (from Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson & The Laconia, NH. Here is a little info on upcoming TRIPLE THREAT BLUES CRUSADE is putting Magic Rockers) Johnny Juxo on keys (from performers for your information. JP Soars is on a special show at Chan’s. I thought you Racky Thomas Band) Randy Bramwell on bass not a typical Blues guitarist. He has a diverse should have some background info on them (from the Commander Cody Band) Mario Per- musical background that encompasses a multi- so here it is. They are a four piece band from rett on sax (from Peter Wolf band, Mighty Sam tude of influences.“I love T-bone Walker, Jesse South East New England (guitar, bass, sax, and McClain band & many others) Bobby Holfelder May Hemphill, Wes Montgomery, Django Re- drums) playing throughout New England for on trombone (from The Knickerbocker All- inhardt, Muddy Waters, Johnny Guitar Watson, many years. Winners of the 2013 Massachu- stars, Bellevue Cadillac Band) If “2 Suits” other Guitar Slim and Louis Jordan. But I also love setts Blues Challenge, they are releasing the Blues Bash Shows and annual Holiday shows Tito Puente, Miles Davis, Hank Williams, Black album SHE’S ONE OF A KIND the first Blues are any indication, this show will sell out. Sabbath and Slayer.” Soars admits. Soars toured Rock Opera, in Spring 2015. They believe that the globe and recorded several records with the Blues is storytelling music, so to follow that CHAN’S AWARD some of the most extreme metal bands in the tradition, this new album of songs are links in a Monday June 15th Chan’s is honored to receive world before finding his home in the Blues. It chain, telling a story from the start to the finish the Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts is these attributes that are giving Soars an in- of the album. See their current schedule on “Chan’s nationally recognized Jazz and Blues stantaneously recognizable style.“When I first page 6 and a plug for the CD and the CHan’s club has made a great contribution to the heard JP Soars, I knew right away that he was gig on page 11. artistic vitality of Rhode Island and provided its separate from the rest of the pack” to quote citizens with the only continuous venue for this guitarist Jimmy Thackery. PAULIE’S N.O. FEST is June 26, 27 and 28th. type of music in this state.” Chris Beard learned one essential detail about Johnny Sansone among other swinging N.O. - Trinity Repertory Company the music he plays: play it live. Since he first type performers will be there at that new loca- “It’s an honor to share this prestigious award stepped on stage, Chris creates musical art, tion in Worcester. I went last year and it was with all the talented musicians that have graced unique to that moment in time. True to all ar- very comfortable, nice, big fairground and I can Chan’s stages in the past 38 years and with our tistic creations, Beard’s art is powerful enough remember that warmth! wonderful fans for their loyal support.” to share his intense emotion release with audi- Thank You – John Chan ences who take the time to hear what Chris CHAN’S- WOONSOCKET, RI plays. This is the core of pure Blues. is having a Birthday Celebration with Jimmy ‘2 We are so lucky to have such great bands Brandon Santini-There are many different suits’ Capone & The All-Star Chan Clan Band! and clubs here in New England. Now that the opinions as to what the future of the Blues There isn’t just one star to this show weather has changed things will pick up and we harmonica will be. Memphis vocalist and har- they are all-stars! This show quickly became a can all get together and have some fun! I hope monica player Brandon Santini is undeniably Chan’s crowd favorite as they enjoy this “off to see you out there somewhere (that sounds a worthy player to keep an eye on as the lat- the cuff” round robin style show when each like some good song lyrics) est surge of young Blues artists leave their member shows off their individual talents. No footprint in Blues history. His name is worthy set list, members of the band do not know Keep Swinging with the BLUES!- Diana Shonk of conversations that include Jason Ricci, Billy when they will be called on to do a number, Gibson, Dennis Gruenling, Rick Estrin and songs are not discussed, and then the audience other frontline harmonica players by combining members get to request who they want to
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The Blues Audience newsletter’s (T.B.A.) Mission dedicated to promoting live Blues music in New • Contributing writers: Karen Nugent, Art Simas Statement: T.B.A.’s mission is to promote and England and beyond. It is a marketing service for and Diana Shonk encourage local New England Blues artists and to Blues musicians, and a convenient guide to live • Contributing photographers: Diana Shonk contribute to their continued success. Our objective Blues for the Blues fan. and Karen Nugent, J. LoFaro, Johnboy Franklin is to keep live Blues fans informed of live perfor- The contents of this publication may not be repro- The Blues Audience newlsetter, 62 Cricket Hill mances, provide them with artist and club profiles duced for profit without written permission of the Harrisville, NH 03450 • 603-827-3952 so they can make informed choices in their live publisher and are protected by copyright by Across • web site: bluesaudience.com show selections. We hope to contribute to the The Board Graphic Design © 2015. Members of the Blues Foundation, Music Makers growth, health and perpetuation of live Blues music The Publisher reserves the right not to publish any Foundation, Granite State Blues Society. through our efforts to publish and distribute this ad or article deemed inappropriate, and will not be • JOIN The Blues Audience Face Book Fan page. information to the people who appreciate it. Blues held liable for typographical errors. facebook.com/bluesaudiencenewsletter is truly an American invention and has given birth Use your Subscriber Credit Card for discounts at: to many genres, Gospel, Jazz, Rock ’n’ Roll, Coun- try and even Hip Hop. It is a style of music that Blue Chicago- Chicago, IL 312-642-6261 includes all economic levels because it speaks to the Buddy Guy’s Legends- Chicago, IL 312-427-1190 very core of the human experience. Johnny D’s- Somerville, MA 617-776-2004 Gardner Ale House, Gardner, MA $2 off dinner bill! 978-669-0122 PUBLISHING INFORMATION. The Blues White Mt. Boogie & Blues Festival ($ discount, ask when you call for tix) 603-726-3867 Audience newsletter is a bi-monthly publication House Rockin’ Productions- adv. ticket price at the door ($5 off) 603-934-5976
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 • thebluesaudience.com Subscribe on line with Paypal 3 Profile:Profile: Multi-talentedMulti-talented ChrisChris VachonVachon atat thethe helmhelm afterafter 2525 years.years. Guitarist,Guitarist, songwritersongwriter andand producerproducer ofof RoomfulRoomful ofof BluesBlues By Art Simas Growing up in Peacedale, RI, Chris Vachon said his first interest in music started with his sister’s” Meet the Beatles” album in the early ‘60s. He said he listened to early rock ‘n’ roll, but there was something about the Beatles that made him gravitate to the guitar. “Plus, I really played that record so much I wore it out.” His first band in high school was called the Falcons. then Ronnie decided to stay on, and he played another “We had two acoustic guitars, a snare drum and an four or five years before he rejuvenated his former band, accordion, and we were trying to play like the Monkees. Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. “After Ronnie left, Thank God he eventually discarded those bubble-gum Roomful hired guitarist Tommy K. But then he broke rhapsodies and kept learning his craft, working his way to his arm, and they called me,” Vachon recalled. “And I play in Misquamicut clubs along the shore. “When I was went on tour with the band out to California and back. around 17 I got into a band that played a lot of originals I guess they liked me because when Tommy left, they and we ended up playing a lot. Then I moved to Florida hired me right away. This would have been Oct. 4, 1990. … then New York for a while … then came back here And I’ve been with Roomful for 25 years.” when I was 20 and I joined a country-rock band. We At the time I joined, Greg Piccolo was the leader actually played a lot and did pretty good, considering the and we didn’t record for quite a while until “Dance All money we made back then.” Night,” which came out in 1994 on Bullseye Blues, an After learning to play bass, Vachon joined a classical imprint of Cambridge, Mass., Rounder Records. When rock band based out of Rhode Island. But he said he had Piccolo left to go in another direction with Heavy lost the feeling for that type of music. Four years earlier Juice in April 1994, Carl Querfurth became the leader,” he discovered the “BB King: Live at the Regal” album. Vachon said. “We did three more albums, Turn it on, “That’s when I really started to catch on to blues.” But Turn it up (1995) Under One Roof, (1997) by the time he was ready to take a shot at playing blues- and a Christmas album Roomful of Christmas based music, Vachon said there weren’t many blues bands (1997), also on Bullseye. After those records came out, in the area. “As time went on, I eventually went back to Querfurth (trombone), Ray Norcia (vocals, harp), Kenny guitar and started playing blues as the bass player in The “Doc” Grace (bass) Matt McCabe (keyboards) and Doug Groovemasters Thom Enright, another Rhode Island James (baritone sax) all left at once in January 1998. native, was the leader and guitar player. “I had all the material to do another record, but Fast-forwarding through the ‘80s, Vachon joined when those guys left and I had to scramble to find guys Duke Robillard and The Pleasure Kings for about a year; to fill in, such as Marty Ballou on bass. That’s when we formed his own band for a while; joined D. Willie Smith did There Goes the Neighborhood, which who had a popular band based in Connecticut; then 8 came out later in 1998. After the shakeup, Vachon said, to the Bar, another Connecticut-based band; then it was “Nobody else really wanted to take control or knew finally on to Roomful in 1990. what to do, so I just said, “We’ll do this or that.” But he In the mid-80s, Vachon heard that then-Roomful’s admitted it took a lot of work to keep the band going. great guitarist, Ronnie Earl was getting ready to leave Vachon said he remembers doing the Neighbor- Roomful. Hearing that Roomful was going to have hood record with all the uncertainty swirling around tryouts for that coveted spot at the original Lupo’s at 377 Roomful. “When we finished the first session, I went Westminster St., in Providence, Vachon signed up for the upstairs where I was staying and my head just exploded. tryout with 20 other people for a chance to replace Earl. I must have had a panic attack and I thought I was going After the competition, Vachon thought he secured the to throw up. I mean it was freaking horrible. But I got job because they seemed to like him and his style. But over it and everything was good from there on in.”
4 Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! thebluesaudience.com • The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 He added, after that project, people would come anymore because we can’t go out as far as we used to,” and go, but nothing like the five who all left at once. he said. “But I’d have to say that was probably the hardest time “I’ve been to a lot of interesting places and feel for Roomful.” lucky to have been to about 25 different countries Today, Vachon continues to produce that signature (Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, Poland, to name a few), and we Roomful sound along with song writing and being played every state in the United States, except for Hawaii, the front man for business transactions. “I don’t actually and it’s been a lot of fun,” he added. “I really don’t have a book the band, we do have an agent, but I’ll call our preference where we are. And I think that’s true for most agent when things are seeming to get a little slow. I’ve of the guys in the band. Most of the work is doing the been a producer of the band for quite a long time, so travelling… getting up early, and going and going and I’m responsible for that and dealing with the record going. Once you’re on stage and playing, that’s the easy company (Alligator), and making sure everyone knows part.” what they’re supposed As far as travelling to be doing and to far-away festivals, showing up ready to Vachon said it’s kind of go. “I don’t rule as a scary from a business band leader, I guess I point of view. “If we do hold the gavel if want to play a festival things aren’t going so in Europe, we have great. I’m more of the to balance what we’ll person who sorts it out be getting to play vs. and gets everyone to how much it will cost refocus,” Vachon said. to fly, plus any other “But we all get together ground travel plans. and talk about ideas So if something goes that we have for songs, wrong, we’re basically and when we make a screwed. It hasn’t record, it’s definitely a happened yet … but if group effort.” you miss a flight or a flight is delayed, they (promoters) could turn around and say, ‘Well, Roomful on stage at Tupelo Music Hall. l-r Rich Lataille, Chris Rivelli, John Turner, you were supposed to Tales from the Road Phil Pemberton and Chris Vachon. - photo by J. LoFaro After the mass exodus in 1998, Vachon said be here, and you’re under contract. Roomful – the business – had to refinance its tour bus Sometimes we’ll be able to fly, if there is enough money and take care of other potential financial problems. involved to do that, but everything’s gone up, from plane “When I joined Roomful in 1990, we had what tickets to fuel. We have to pay for that out of the business. looked like an airplane parking lot shuttle bus with an And most of the time, a promoter will put us up in a extended back for our gear. That’s what they used for hotel room for a night, but never for three nights. most of our trips. And it was in pretty bad shape back “Nobody buys [airline] tickets for performers then. There were wires hanging out from underneath anymore, not even in Europe. Back then, if they wanted here and there. And it had been patched up I don’t know you, they would buy the tickets and make all the how many times and it was always leaking oil.” arrangements. And on top of that, a lot of the festivals “On a cross-country trip to a gig in California, we have lost sponsorship, and that’s another big problem,” were in Yuma, Arizona, on what had to be the hottest Vachon said. “There used to be many more businesses day on the planet, and then all of a sudden the bus just that would finance a festival. It’s not that way now.” seized up and died.” Luckily, they got a ride and made it When he is not involved with Roomful, Vachon to the gig that night with their equipment. dabbles in his own recording studio in Wakefield, RI, Those type of multi-week trips are a thing of the helping others achieve their dream of putting out a past. Most music venues are not open during weekdays record and realizing a lifelong dream. “I produced a lot any more. “So obviously, we can’t do a weekend, then sit of the Roomful records, and even recorded a few of in a hotel for three nights. It’s too expensive for us and them,” Vachon said. “And I do like working with other most bands these days. Plus, we have twice the size of people, too. There are many people out there who have other bands (eight players). something to offer. Who knows where it’s going to go “We used to crisscross the country at least twice for them because this is a tough business. But I like doing a year. But it’s disappointing because we had a big fan this, too. It’s been my hobby since I was in high school. base across the country and a lot of people can’t see us But it’s also a business for me now.”
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 • thebluesaudience.com Subscribe on line with Paypal 5 don’t wait another minute, make a plan for a NIght out get together with your friends at your local venue, or maybe one in another city, in another state of Blues!
Sugar RAy & The Love Dogs PROFESSOR HARP CHRIS FITZ BAND ROOMFUL OF BLUES The Bluetones Su-April 5 (3-7) Harp solo with the Rick F-April 3 The Strange Brew– Manchester, NH Every Sunday Chris Fitz & Steve Peobody host May 2 (8) Towne Crier Café- Beacon, NY July 18 (7) New Mexico Jazz Festival- S-April 4 (8) The Knickerbocker Café- S-April 4 The C-Note – Hull, MA Harrington Band at Cady’s- Chepachet, RI Sunday Funday with a who’s who of great New May 22 (8) Katharine Hepburn Cultural Albuquerque , NM Westerly, RI Th-April 9 Eddie hosts Toni Lynn Washington Th-April 9 Harp with Dave Sag and Mike England guests, Brodie’s Seaport, Salem, MA Arts Center- Old Saybrook, CT August 7(8) The River Club Music Hall- Sat. April 18 (7:30) Johnny D’s- Somerville, MA at The Venus II - Marshfield, MA DiBari at The Rhumb Line- Gloucester, MA 4:30-8:00 JUNE Scituate, MA Th-April 23 Iridium- NYC - Sugar Ray Norcia S-April 11 (7) Johnny D’s – Somerville, MA Su-April 12 (1-4) The Narragansett Café- *EVERY THURSDAY Chris Fitz & Steve Dineen June 20 (5:30) Billtown Blues Festival- special guest with The Nick Moss Band S-April 25 Parish Center For The Arts- Jamestown RI host “Fitzy’s Acoustic Hoedown @ Jasper Hill Hughesville, PA F-April 24 Johnny D’s- Somerville, MA Westford, MA MAY Café & Bistro” - Holliston, MA. 8-11pm Sugar Ray Norcia special guest Th-April 30 Chan’s- Woonsocket, RI S-May 2 The Wonder Bowl- with The Nick Moss Band MAY New Bedford, MA S-April 4 Red Nun Restaurant- To book the band call Blue Mountain Artists, Phone: 704.525.1559 S-April 25 Tupelo Music Hall- Londonderry, NH Su-May 3 Dance 2 Swing at S-May 16 Nelson’s Candy Shop- Wilton NH Chatham, MA visiti our web site at Sugar Ray Norcia special guest The Elks- Leominster, MA S-May 30 The Stomping Ground, Putnam, CT F-April 10 Sibling Connection Fundraiser www.roomful.com with The Nick Moss Band Th-May 14 Eddie hosts Lydia Warren at S-April 11 Barrelman’s Pu - Marblehead, MA Su-April 26 World Café- Live at the Queen The Venus II - Marshfield, MA CD THEY CALL ME THE PROFESSOR W-April 15 (8:30) Chris Fitz hosts Blues Jam Wilmington, DE Sugar Ray Norcia F-May 15 The Next Page - Weymouth, MA available on our web site w/ Double D’s- Tavern on the Square - special guest with The Nick Moss Band The Doghouse Blues Allstars www.professorharp.com for more info Plainville, MA MAY featuring Eddie, Randy, Ricky [email protected] S-April 18 Monadnock Country Club - Th-May 7 Memphis Cook Convention Russell & Mario Perrett For booking call Harp- 508-583-2582 Chris’ Concert- Peterborough, NH evil Gal Michelle Willson TEN FOOT POLECATS Center- Memphis, TN Blues Music Awards S-May 16 Green Space Blues Concert- S-April 25 Jasper Hill Cafe & Bistro- Su-May 17 (4) The Villa- West Warwick, RI Waltham, MA Holliston, MA Th-April 9 Birch St. Café Roslindale, MA Taking some needed time off, Sugar Ray Norcia special guest Th-May 21 (2:30) Brookline Library Concert MAY S-April 18 (8) Chan’s Woonsocket, RI we will be back at it in June! See you then. with The Vintage Rhythm and Blues Ensemble Series- Brookline, MA F-May 1 Forty’s Pub - Leominster, MA with Dan Moretti and the Hammond Boys For booking please contact: Su-May 24 (noon) Paradise City Arts Festival- willie J. Laws, Jr. S-May 2 Winthrop Elks Club - Winthrop, MA S-April 25 Strange Brew- Manchester, NH [email protected] Northampton, MA EDDIE SCHEER’S TUESDAY NIGHT ALL STARS S-May 16 (2-4) Brattleboro Brewfest - MAY Come check us out at S-May 30 The Regent Theater- Featuring the BEST Blues and R&B musicians Willie J Laws band hosts “Therapy Thursday Brattleboro, VT Su-May 10 (6-9) Glenn’s- Newburypory, MA Blues Jam”-The Next Page- Weymouth MA www.tenfootpolecats.com Arlington, MA Mai Cramer Blues from all over New England, the U.S. and the W-May 20 (8:30) Chris Fitz hosts Blues Jam F-May 22 Back Page Lowell, MA Also join aboard our ship at Facebook, After Hours Fundraiser World! Every Tue 8-11:30 @ THE Corrib- Brigh- Th-Apr 2 (8) Next Page Café- Weymouth, w/ Double D’s- Tavern on the Square - S-May 30 Mai Cramer Blues After Hours MA with Bruce Mattson on keys Twitter, Reverbnation, SoundCloud, Itunes, Su-May 31 (4) The Naragansett Café- ton Center, MA Great food, no cover, and you Plainville, MA Tribute Regent Theatre Arlington, MA S-Apr 4 (8) Pitman’s Freight Room - Bandcamp, Amazon, Rhapsody, You Tube and Jamestown, RI never know WHO might show up! Upcom- S-May 23 Red Nun Restaurant- other social media dungeons. www.sugarrayandthebluetones.com ing guests: 4/7 Fred Griffeths, Gail Nickse and Laconia NH Dennisport, MA Start your day in a jazzy way w/Michelle on For bookings call Ray at 401-284-6404 The Natural Wonders 4/14 Brian Templeton & Su-Apr 5 (1-4) Narragansett Café - Tu-May 26 Corrib Pub w/ Eddie’s All Stars - 90.5 WICN - Worcester, MA Billy Loosigian 4/21 Lisa Marie, Johnny Juxo Jamestown RI Brighton, MA Morning Jazz - M-W 6-9AM & Silvertone Steve 4/28 Racky Thomas & Pete M-Apr 6 (1) Framingham State University S-May 30 Barrelman’s Pub - Marblehead, MA streaming live at www.wicn.org Henderson 5/5 International Guitar Summit w/ Th-Apr 9 (8) Next Page- Weymouth, MA Get our new album Roberto Morbioli & Ricky King Russell 5/12 Cheryl Aruda on vocals Check out our web site www.chrisfitzband.com FORTUNE COOKIE arthur james & band Dennis Brennan, Matt Stubbs & Bruce Bears 5/19 F-Apr 11 Willie J Laws- Elks Lodge- for “tbas” and updates on gigs. at gigs or visit www.evilgal.com TOKYO TRAMPS Lydia Warren 5/26 Chris Fitz & Ken Clark Las Vegas NV [email protected] For Bookings [email protected] S-April 4 (4) Salt Hill Pub Shanty- Sunapee, NH tba Tavern at the End of the World- W-Apr 15 (8) Willie J Laws guest artist 617-416-9048 S-April 11 (4) The Rusty Moose- Alton, NH Charlestown, MA [email protected] Wacky Wednesday Night Jam T-April 23 (6) The Lyme Inn- Lyme NH Th-April 9 Stonehedge Inn & Spa- For bookings call Eddie at 617-735-0604 at Greendale’s - Worcester MA Su-April 26 (5) The Common Man- Tyngsboro, MA Th-Apr 16 (8) Next Page Café - Weymouth, Claremont, NH MA Cheryl Arena on harp/vocals MAY S-April 11 Arlington Center for the Arts- Peter “hi-fi” ward Arlington, MA Bluesapalooza S-Apr 18 (7) New England Music Awards F-May 1 (8) Mama Mcdonough’s- (nominee for Best Blues Act 2015) Typical showtime is 9pm unless otherwise noted. S-May 2 with Babe Pino Blues Band, Hillsborough, NH F-April 17 Fody’s Tavern- Nashua, NH triple threat blues CRUSADE If it is an 8pm showtime it will be noted as (8). S-April 18 Chilihead BBQ- Showcase Live!- Foxborough MA Rivalry’s- Worcester, MA S-May 2 (8) Lil Red Baron- Newport, NH Th-Apr 23 (8) Next Page Cafe - S-May 16 with Babe Pino Blues Band F-May 8 (6) Big Fattys BBQ- White River West Bridgewater, MA F-April 3 The Atlantic Sports Bar- Weymouth, MA with Shikiboo on vocals fundraiser for WCUW 91.3 Main St., Junction, VT F-April 24 Granite Rail Tavern- Quincy, MA Tiverton RI F-Apr 24 (8) The Stomping Ground, Worcester, MA F-May 15 (7) Mcnally’s Pub & Grille- Geezers Garage Night Th-April 9 Parlor Bar and Kitchen- Putnam CT F-May 22 with Babe Pino Blues Band, Westminster. MA MAY Newport RI Th-Apr 30 (8) Next Page Cafe - Weymouth, Padavano’s Place-Worcester, MA S-May 23 (7) Betsy’s Backyard Productions- tba Tavern at the End of the World- MAY MA with Sax Gordan on sax S-May 30 BLUES AFTER HOURS tribute to House Party Northfield. NJ Charlestown, MA F-May 1 Newport Grand- Newport RI MAY Mai Cramer and fundraiser, Regent Bookings & Info: S-May 16 Chilihead BBQ- S-May 16 The Crossings Restaurant and S-May 2 (9) - Ron Levy’s Organic Blues Theatre in Arlington. http://arthurjames.org/ West Bridgewater, MA Brew Pub- Putnam CT All-Stars featuring Willie J Laws, American (Also, Luther “Gtr Jr.” Johnson, Sugar Ray e-mail [email protected] S-May 30 Granite Rail Tavern, Quincy, MA F-May 22 (7) Chan’s- Woonsocket RI Geezers Garage Night Legion Hall #101, Woburn MA & the Bluetones, Michelle Willson) cell 603-801-8169 Th-May 7 (8) Next Page Café- Weymouth, New Solo CD - Me, Myself & I For bookings email: MA with Toni Lynn Washington For booking and info contact Peter Ward can now be ordered We have more shows coming up! Steven Russo [email protected] Please visit our websites to see our updated Th-May 14 (8) Next Page- Weymouth, MA
6 Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! thebluesaudience.com • The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 • thebluesaudience.com Subscribe on line with Paypal 7 never underestimate the healing power of blues, take a friend with you.
C HAN’ S The BULL RUN concert series HOUSE ROCKIN’ Main St., Woonsocket, RI off Rte 2 at 215 Great Rd, Shirley, MA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS Great food and music, directions and tix and (978) 425-4311 Toll-free 877-536-7190 World Class musicians at The Elks Lodge more info at www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com 192 Central St., Franklin, NH and Pitman’s Shows start at 8pm unless otherwise noted F-April 3 Dueling Pianos Freight Room, Laconia, NH W-April 1 Ronnie Baker Brooks S-April 4 Danny Klein’s Full House S-April 25 J P Soars and The Red Hots F-April 3 Rebecca Parris (Jazz) F-April 10 The Darren Bessette Band MAY S-April 4 Johnny A S-April 11 Pure Prairie League S-May 23 Chris Beard F-April 10 Through The Doors- Th-April 16 Bob Marley Comedy S-May 30 Brandon Santini This Tribute to Jim Morrison & The Doors F-April 17 Albert Cummings (Sawtelle) S-April 11 Luther ‘Guitar Jr.’ Johnson F-April 17 Town Meeting Band (Ballroom) All shows $20 adv. & 25 at the door. & The Magic Rockers celebrating S-April 18 Allman, Neville, Pitchell Band Blues Audience Subscribers with their cards Luther’s 76th Birthday party. A true Su-April 19 Joan Osborne get the advance price at door $5 off. legendary bluesman! F-April 24 The James Hunter Six F-April 17 Neal Vitullo & The Vipers S-April 25 The Mark Marquis Group Doors open at 7:30pm showtime 8pm S-April 18 Dan Moretti & The Hammond Su-April 26 The Smithereens Boys Saxophonist, Recording Dan Moretti W-April 29 Charlie Musselwhite with special guest Michelle Willson MAY F/S-April 24+25 Anthony Gomes F-May 1 The Grand Slambovians Join this #1 Billboard Blues Artist and S-May 2 Jenny Tolman amazing guitarist and vocalist as he Th-May 7 Ari Hest makes a 2 night stop here at Chan’s F-May 8 John Sebastian during his cross country tour! S-May 9 Peter Mulvey (Ballroom) Gard ner Ale House MAY S-May 9 Triplets of Bluesville (Tap Room) 74 Parker St., Gardner, MA 978-669-0122 F-May 1 Debra Mann tribute to Joni Mitchell Th-May 14 Tinsley Ellis gardnerale.com S-May 2 The Fat City Band F-May 15 Jorma Kaukonen Have dinner and a home brew at F/S-May 8+9 Poppa Chubby- two shows S-May 16 Roberto Morbioli “Blue Monday” at the Ale House Double the fun with 2 hot nights of high F-May 22 VanRet 7-10 no cover energy blues with the incredible S-May 23 Jazz on the Patio Live Jazz & Sunday Downtown Brunch 10am master of the rocking Blues guitar. Th-May 28 The Outlaws With Chet Williamson & Jimmy Morrell! F-May 15 Danny Klein’s Full House F-May 29 Deadbeat S-May 16 Duke Robillard-two shows M-April 6 The Rusty Mikes M-April 13 Matt McManamon & F-May 22 Triple Threat- CD release party www.bullrunrestaurant.com Doug Banks She’s One of a Kind Special Guest http://tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com Blues Legend James Montgomery M-April 20 Juke S-May 23 Greg Abate Quartet M-April 27 L & M Rhythm Kings Su-May 24 Steve Smith Vital Information May NYC Edition- two shows M-May 4 Barrett Anderson W-May 27 (7) Open Mic Night- no cover M-May 11 Lights Out Blues Band Th/F-May 28+29 Samantha Fish- M-May 18 Big John Short two nights shows M-May 25 Melanie & the Blue Shots S-May 30 Chan’s Big Blues Bash “Birthday Celebration Edition” Local’s Cafe AT Blues Audience Subscribers with their cards Jimmy ‘2 suits’ Capone Nelson’s Candies get the $2 off dinner. & The All-Star Chan Clan Band! 65 Main Street Wilton, NH Look for updates on our web site Let Chan’s new CEO CATERING 603-654-5030 www.gardnerale.com AND EVENT PLANNING SERVICE Show starts at 7 House band opens cater your next gala. Our attention to BYOB! details and creativities fit for S-April 25 Mr. Nick & The Dirty Tricks executives, perhaps kings and queens! MAY Leave all the planning to us S-May 16 Undaunted: Professor Harp Tickets and pricing on The Tap web site chanseggrollsandjazz.com. (Shhhh upcoming special gig 100 Washington St., Haverhill, MA Limited seating advanced tickets suggested call with Bobby Radcliff July 3rd!) 401-765-1900. Please check our web site major Credit Cards accepted Tickets available at Nelson’s Candies for events and the schedule. To Reserve by Charge Card More info at: www.tapbrewpub.com Or for more information call Info and more 978-374-1117 603-654-5030 ($2 processing fee) https://www.facebook.com/
8 Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! thebluesaudience.com • The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 Profile: From a Kid to a King of the local New England Blues Scene, Rick Russell Brings Classic Blues to the Contemporary Stage. By Karen Nugent
Ricky “King” Russell is one of those guys you can naturally chat up. He’s not pretentious, he doesn’t try to promote himself, and he doesn’t Rick enjoys playing on the porch at a back yard party in come off as a “guitar god” poser on stage. (That Rockport, MA last year. - Photo by Karen Nugent “King” moniker was bestowed on him by a reporter – more on that later.) boost from the Fab Four. Yes, it was the Beatles, Russell simply consistently plays great Blues. who Russell heard prior to their legendary Often, it’s with his band, the Cadillac Horns, appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. and just as often he’s with musicians he met There is a codicil to this: “Truth be known, 30 minutes before the show. Sometimes, he has when I first heard the Beatles, I really didn’t like performed against all odds, having faced some them that much. I thought they were kind of thin serious health problems throughout the years. sounding compared to what I was listening to,” he A co-founder of the Boston Blues Society said. Fair enough if your prior music was Hooker in 1988, Russell, 62, was born in Newton, and Reed – even the Beatles (big Elvis fans) would Massachusetts, but he chalks up his easygoing likely agree. nature to his father’s job which kept the family Rick, who also went on to teach guitar, got moving around. The elder Mr. Russell was an his first gigs at high school dances in Somerville, electrical engineer for Westinghouse (he helped Mass, with a band he dubbed The Days and design the lighting at Fenway Park) and also did Nights. They played “Gloria,” “Satisfaction” and lighting for those old Jenny gas stations, and all the great hits of the time. Later, after moving similar projects. “I guess moving to Chelsea, there were more around a lot made me adaptable, opportunities, including a regular and I easily made new friends,” “The Blues moved me gig in a church basement called Rick said. In addition, Rick was when I was little, “The 18 Step Down Coffeehouse,” the doted-on youngest child - and it still with a band made up of Rick’s and a boy chile at that - with moves me now.” neighborhood friends. The band two older sisters. Sadly, an older got more shows by talking and brother passed away before Rick bothering everybody they could, knew him. until they could get a chance to play. These days, “My first musical experiences were in my Russell usually has several gigs a week, in clubs living room. It was when 50s Rock ‘n Roll was from Rhode Island to New Hampshire. prevalent, and my oldest sister’s boyfriend was Earlier on, Ricky King Russell and the into it.” Due to an atmospheric phenomenon, he Cadillac Horns was the core band at the said, the gang was able to get Blues broadcasts Knickerbocker, a well-known Rhode Island club. from a radio station in Nashville, allowing him In 2013 they recorded a CD at Lakewest Studios to hear Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, and Ray in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, which is Charles, along with Rock ‘n Roll bands such as owned by Jack Gauthier, who is Duke Robillard’s Johnny and the Hurricanes and Elvis. Rick was manager. John Sheerar- Producer of the resulting only 5 or 6 at the time. “Everybody was dancing CD OPEN MIC AT THE KNICK- The Knickerbocker and having a good time and I wanted to be part of All Stars, told The Blues Audience. “Rick played that, even then.” lead and rhythm guitar on all the tracks. I had to With that background firmly cemented, Rick plead with Rick to go back into the recording room began playing guitar at the age of 10, taking to let loose on ‘Going Down,’ a great Freddie King lessons at the Dorchester YMCA. His next tune.” When he finished his guitar slinging solo, teacher was a “little old Italian guy from the he came out of the room and said: ‘let’s see if some neighborhood.” Around that time, in the early young stud can top that,’” Rick’s guitar playing on 1960s, his interest in playing guitar got a huge the CD has been praised by many Blues writers continued on page 11
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 • thebluesaudience.com Subscribe on line with Paypal 9 as close personal friends but loved to cajole, The Ex-President’s file. tease, insult and challenge each other for by Karen “Sistah K” Nugent almost 50 years. I will sorely miss him, hope he didn’t suffer too much and is now enjoy- I heard the annual Winterfest at the Blue ing hanging out and jamming with our many Ocean in Salisbury, hosted by Mr. Nick and the mutual heroes and friends someplace cool or Dirty Tricks, was a near sellout and fun as al- really, really hot like we wished each other so ways. But of course it was snowing that night. many times.” - Ron Levy On a sad note, Blues World lost a great talent By the way, Ron’s record and instrument much too soon. memorabilia show will be rescheduled again Keyboardist Dave Maxwell, 71, passed in Feb- from May to sometime this fall. (The original ruary, losing a battle with prostate cancer that venue was another casualty of the winter – I know it’s a cliché to complain about the crap- he valiantly kept secret for several years. Ev- part of its roof collapsed.) py weather this past winter, but damn! I count eryone was shocked to wake up to that awful The blues memorabilia thing brings me to an- at least 10 shows that I missed either because news one Saturday morning. I’d seen Dave at other interesting topic. they were cancelled or I was too chicken to shows since the 1970s, with too many bands I belong to a Facebook group called “The drive in a snow storm. to name. He reminded me of Otis Spann and Real Blues Forum” which always has thought So it was with great joy toward the end of Feb- I reviewed his 2012 CD Conversations in provoking conversations and posts. ruary when bright sunshine and (sorta) warm Blue which incorporated old Spann record- A few months ago, there was an informative temperatures brought me and Mr. Nugent – ings. It’s a great disc and it won a Blues Music chat going on about old 78 rpm records Ap- along with a whole lotta other blues fans – to a Award for Acoustic Album of the Year. Dave parently, stashes of them used to be found Sunday afternoon jam at Hot Shotz in Leomin- is nominated this year for the Pinetop Perkins occasionally at yard sales and consignment ster, Mass. Piano Player of the Year Award, and he and Pi- shops, especially in the South. Often they Hosted by the always fabulous A Ton of Blues, netop are probably jamming away in that great were left stored in the bottom of old phono- locals from North Central Massachusetts, the blues club in the sky. graph cabinets. I guess the value of blues, scheduled guest that day was guitarist Gil Cor- I didn’t know Dave personally, so I am going to jazz and hillbilly recordings have increased reia, who drove all the way from the Cape. Not include a tribute written by fellow keyboardist substantially, even if scratches and damage only that, a surprise was soon forthcoming, as Ron Levy. But, I have to say that from a report- makes the music barely listenable, while Big Ronnie Earl was also in the house. er’s standpoint, Maxwell was one of the best re- Band and later popular recordings aren’t Gil did some Jimmy Rogers songs – (“Who’s spondents to requests for photos and answers worth much. What’s even more fascinating is Loving You Tonight” OK, I am not sure Rogers to dumb questions I have ever encountered. some folks have found a few extremely rare, wrote that, but he performed it.) Rogers is truly He responded immediately to information I very old blues recordings – some never even missed these days, and his style is not some- requested about what was to be one of his last heard in modern times! Spring is the begin- thing one hears every night. gigs, in September at Slater’s in Bolton, Mass. ning of yard sale season, so get out there. Ronnie Earl took the stage to a huge round of (Yes, the one I missed because we had moved Summer follows spring and that means bar- applause and shouts, but it was amusing - and to Salem.) becue time, so it behooves me to mention kind of annoying - that some dude was yelling Here’s what Ron said about Dave: that wild guy, Dr. Gonzo, from Worcester, “Ronnie, play some Santana!” (Yeah, OK, have “Nobody played more Blues piano than Max. Mass. The Doc and I (his real name is J. Stuart another drink.) It’s not that Sistah doesn’t love He always sounded like he had three giant Esty) were fellow judges at a blues challenge Carlos, but it was a blues jam! hands ripping and running up and down all in Worcester a few years ago, and he is one Ronnie, who looked snazzy in a long camel- the keys on every song in every key. Max was funny bloke. Anyway, Gonzo has revived a hair coat, played wonderfully as usual, with lots one of the true pioneers of the Boston Blues Kickstarter campaign for his line of natural of deep, cool sound nuances and variations scene. I first heard him play in 1967 and was condiments, including the best garlic mash – from loud to barely audible. I liked his “Too astounded. We both went on to play with ever. He also has jalapeno mash, and some- Many Drivers.” Blues royalty in the 1970s, he with Freddie thing called “Wazoo Juice.” Check it out on And to be perfectly honest, that’s about the King and me with Albert and B.B. As rivals and Kickstarter under “Gimme My Gonzo’s Take 2.” only show I can recall since my last column. competitors, we never really liked each other Otherwise, see you on the dance floor!
David Maxwell’s Maxium Blues
There are all types of personalities brought Blues and Blues musicians to in Blues. David Maxwell was a geuine the air every Saturday night for so many gentleman and extraordinarily talented years. piano player. His great deep voice David brought Blues to people in brought his songs to the Blues commu- many languages and his boogie woogie nity with creativity and humor. Peter piano transcended all levels of apprecia- Ward puts on a show at the Regent tion to bring the people to their feet. Theater in Somerville, MA in memory His illustrious past included many of the late, great, Queen of the Bos- years with Freddie King, worked with ton Blues scene, Mai Cramer. Boston’s Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee WGBH radio’s long time host of “Blues Hooker, James Cotton, and Louisiana After Hours” with Mai Cramer.” David Red to name a few. His recording with played “Blues After Hours,” the theme Louisiana Red, a couple of years ago David hosted my most successful Blues Audience song for Mai’s show. It was very solemn now, was so tastefully done; his accom- Party at Mal’s back in 2009 he was gracious to do and spiritual. He raised the memory of paniment gave Red a foundation to shine so. You can see video on our web site. Pinetop Perkins in his performance and like the star he was, and David helped - photo by DIana Shonk the bittersweet memory of Mai, who him put together one of Red’s most soul-
10 Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! thebluesaudience.com • The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 Ricky “King” Russell continued from page 9 including Living Blues and Big City Blues magazines. A couple of years back, Rick took a bad fall down a flight of stairs while hauling equipment into a club. He suffered a traumatic brain injury that resulted in months of treatments. Among other issues, there was occasional memory loss and lots of visits to doctors and neurologists. Yet he persevered, kept a positive attitude and eventually got back on stage, to the delight of his many fans. “My illnesses have affected me in the sense that I value any and every opportunity to ply my trade, and to try to make people happy, as music has made me,” he said. When asked about set lists, Rick responded that he generally only prepares in advance for special gigs. “Other times, I just sort of play what is in my head. I have had my band a long time and they know where I’m going.” He doesn’t find song writing easy, and considers himself more of a “finisher.” “I really shine at taking other people’s ideas and visions, and helping them to complete them.” Rick noted. “I am happy and proud to be associated with the Blues, a music that I love, and that I have devoted most of my life to. It has its ups and downs, but I really wouldn’t have it any other way.” In the 1970s, Rick lived in a commune. (Is he an original hippie or what?) During that time, he met his lovely wife, Yvonne, at a huge Halloween party the house mates threw at a big rental house in Hyannis. “There she was – and the rest, as they say – is history.” Rick said along with spending time with Yvonne and their two cats, he enjoys reading, cooking and listening to baseball on a warm summer Saturday afternoon. So what about that “King” in between his first and last names? In an article, Steve Morse (of the Boston Globe) called Russell the “Kingpin of local Blues.” ”It was a short step from Kingpin to King,” Russell said. “We had a Duke, (Robillard) we had an (Ronnie) Earl. Why not a King? Besides, I love Freddy, B.B., Albert, and Saunders… it seemed like the right place to go. Besides, Ricky “T-bone” Russell doesn’t have the same ring!” ful and beautiful records. I remember one night, (I hate to say I can’t remember the club) but David came and got me, to take me to meet guitar player, Hubert Sumlin! “Would you like to meet Hubert? Yes, I had always admired his guitar playing with Howlin’ Wolf. David knew I would love to meet him. He lead me downstairs to where Hubert was relaxing and we all had a nice chit chat and a smoke and I don’t think I had ever felt more comfortable with two more self effacing, down to earth, outstanding, famous musicians! David was kind and intuitive, to think to do that for me, and I have that memory for all time. David will be fondly remembered by everyone at the Mai Cramer benefit, this year, on May 30th. So who will play that sad refrain? (See the ad to the right for more info.>) -Diana Shonk
The Blues Audience newsletter 2015 • thebluesaudience.com Subscribe on line with Paypal 11
The Blues Audience newsletter 62 Cricket Hill Road Harrisville, NH 03450
Your continued support helps keep the New England Blues scene strong. Thank you.
B l u e s B i r t h d a y s 1 Charlie Patton 1891 20 Gary Primich 1958 Kansas City Red 1926 Yessiree! Alberta Hunter 1895 21 Paul Geremia 1944 8 Robert Johnson 1911 I want the 4 Muddy Waters 1915 24 Miss Honey 1951 Willie J. Laws 5 Doug Fulton 1928 25 Albert King 1923 9 A.C. Reed 1920 only guide to Paul Benjamin 1953 26 Ma Rainey 1886 Bob Margolin 1949 6 Big Walter Horton 1917 J.B. Hutto 1929 Jon Ross 1955 Blues music in 7 Billie Holiday 1915 Johnny Shines 1915 10 Maurice John Vaughn New England! 8 Lil’ Ed Williams 1955 Maggie McLellan 1986 Greg Piccolo 1951 10 John Brim 1922 27 Hop Wilson 11 Mudcat Ward 1954 ❑ and send me a Subscriber Tom Sanders 1953 28 Buddy Guy 1941 12 Donald Kinsey 1953 Credit Card all for $32 Bitty McLellan 1980 Boston Billy Letters James Montgomery 11 Luther “Gtr. Jr.” Johnson 29 Lefty Diz 1937 13 Magic Dick 1945 Name 12 Hound Dog Taylor Otis Rush 1934 14 Grady Gaines 1934 Markita Johnson 1986 Scotty Monette 17 Taj Mahal 1940 Address Max Rosenblatt 1988 Bronson Shonk 1990 16 Cleveland Chenier 1921 15 Bessie Smith 1894 30 Rev Gary Davis 1896 Johnny Nicholas 1948 City Mighty Sam McClain 1943 Homesick James 1910 Doug Woolverton 1981 Skip Philbrick 1953 Lonnie Shields 1956 18 Big Joe Turner 1911 State Zip Frank Frost 1936 MAY B. A. Hedin 1948 16 Johnny Littlejohn 1931 1 Ada Brown 1890 19 Jimmy Thachery 1953 my email address: Memphis Piano Red 1905 Big Maybell 1924 21 John Allgood 1955 TJ Wheeler 1952 Little Walter Jacobs Phil Monica 1947 Steve Jacobs 1954 2 Doug Aborn 1956 25 Rusty Corson 1972 Please enclose a check or M.O. for $32 to 17 Shemekia Copeland 1979 4 Eddie Campbell 1939 28 T-Bone Walker 1910 The Blues Audience newsletter 18 Clarence Gatemouth 5 Blind Willie McTell 1901 Papa John Creach 1917 Brown 1924 Sonny Parker 1925 Peter M. Shonk, Jr. 62 Cricket Hill Rd., Harrisville, NH 03450 Poor Howard Stith Diane Blue 29 Ron Levy 1951 or subscribe on line at thebluesaudience.com Robert Otis Doncaster 6 Homer Harris 1916 603-827-3952 • email [email protected] Steve Ramsay 1954 7 Bumble Bee Slim 1905 12 Keeping the Blues coming to you, LIVE! thebluesaudience.com • The Blues Audience newsletter 2015