BIMONTHLY NEWS OF THE COLORADO SCENE • VOL. 22, NO. 3 • AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 • [email protected] 2013 KBA WINNER BLUES SOCIETY OF THE YEAR ELECTION BLUES THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE by JACK HADLEY

It’s been a long, hot summer. While poli- ticians continue their endless campaigns we can choose to tune in or tune out. I’m doing both. The truth is I’d rather soothe my soul with great music ev- ery chance I get. Doug MacLeod bringing his acoustic blues to Thornton in August, BLIND BLAKE the revived Trinidad- dio Blues Festival coming in hard and fast with Sh- emekia Copeland, Janiva Magness and Chubby Car- rier. And don’t forget to support your local venues who feature local and national blues acts on a regu- THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND, 1966 lar basis: Ziggie’s, the Oriental Theater, The Zephyr Lounge, Jezebel’s, El Chapultepec and Jazz@Jack’s in Denver; Oskar Blues, Chillers and the Pourhouse north of the metro area. And it does matter. The Colorado Blues Society has set the bar very high. Yes, we argue and fight but guess what: people come to us for advice on how to make their blues scene better. Vote your conscience. Vote blues.

IN THIS ISSUE 1 ELECTION BLUES 16 HERMONIUS REVIEW 23 BLUES ACTS 3 shoutin’ the blues 17 GRAMMYS 24 BLUES RADIO 6 GREELEY BLUES JAM REVIEW 18-20 CD REVIEWS 26 MEMBERSHIP 8 COLO. BLUES COMMUNITY HANGS TIGHT 21 TOO SLIM INTERVIEW 12 - 15 GREELEY BLUES JAM PICS 22 MOJO & BUSINESS left to right - SHEMEKIA COPELAND and JANIVA MAGNESS highlight the 2016 trinidaddio blues festival.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 2 SHOUTIN’ THE BLUES BY TARRY UNDERWOOD

Festival season started earlier for us this year at the Beaver Creek

Blues & BBQ. Lots of great BBQ and I enjoyed seeing and The Colorado Blues Society was formed to create a greater talking to two of my favorite California blues people: Gary Allegretto and Shari Puorto. awareness and wider appreciation of the American indigenous Closing out that night was eighty-two year old John Mayall, the legend himself! Then art form, the BLUES. it was on to the Greely Blues Jam and Blues From the Top. Both exceeded our expecta- P.O. Box 386, Windsor, CO 80550 tions with too many highlights for me to mention without forgetting somebody. We also went to our first Frisco BBQ festival. With over 100 competitors, it is one of the biggest

BBQ events in the country! Friday had Ronnie Baker Brooks and Mike Zito lighting Affiliated with The Blues Foundation up downtown Frisco. Keep an eye out for next year’s event. You won’t be disappointed. www.blues.org OFFICERS Our summer continues with the inaugural Five Points Brew & BBQ on August 6th. Tarry Underwood, President Chick Cavallero, Vice-President Several bands are playing with Austin Young Band headlining. It would be great to see Mike Golden, Vice-President Jennifer Underwood, Secretary our members supporting this new event. The following night we’ll be at Fiddler’s Green Kyle Deibler, Treasurer for and . There are several events happening on August 14th — DIRECTORS Scott Fitzke, Patti Cavallero, Habitat for Humanity Blues & BBQ festival at its new Edgewater location and Blues and Joanne Cole, Joe Menke, Kerry Morrison, Daryl Reichenender, Brews on South Pearl Street in Denver. At the end of the month we have the return of Fordham Murdy, Peggy Jamison, Judy Talaba, Sandee Lewin Nye the Trinidaddio Festival! It will be great to see some of the blues buddies that I only see WEB MASTER in Trinidad. Be sure to check the website and weekly update for more information about David Brandt these events and all of the other great shows happening up and down the front range. If HOLLER Published for Feb-March, April-May, you are not getting the Weekly Update, go to the website to sign up. It is full of timely June-July, Aug-Sept, Oct-Nov, and Dec-Jan information. EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Hadley In closing, while we have had a lot of tragedy in our blues community, it is nice to CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE see such strong support from our friends and blues family. I am proud to be a part of it. Jack Hadley, Tarry Underwood, Chick Cavallero, Dan Willging, Miss Ella - Sister To The Blues, Jim Primock, Kyle Deibler, Max Schutte

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Though there was plenty of Freddi Gowdy of Freddi-Hen- GREELEY contemporary modern blues, chi fame, burned and sizzled BLUES JAM a root of it was honored with through a fiery horn-powered Saturday, June 11 2016 driving Chicago blues per- set; Rex Peoples showcased Island Grove Arena formed by 71-year-old John his warm, friendly vocals and Greeley, CO Primer, accompanied by turned James Brown’s “Cold by DAN WILLGING Denver’s Delta Sonics and Sweat” into a bluesy, groove guest Ken Saydak on keys. As shuffle. Celebrating its 12th edition, expected, there were a pleth- Surprisingly, the Lionel the Greeley Blues Jam (GBJ) ora of staples Young Band caught me by continues to amaze while sprinkled throughout the surprise, even though Young never succumbing to being set but it wasn’t from some is hardly an unknown quantity the tired old festival recycling Johnny-come-lately who along the Front Range. May- the same perennial favorites. learned solely from records. be it was the leadoff song, a Six national and five local Instead, it was from one jammy version of the South acts alternated between the with history. Primer moved Louisiana hit “Last Night I Got East and West Stages, en- to Chicago in ’63 and joined Loaded,’ or maybe it was the suring just minutes of down- ’s The Chicago fact that occasionally Young time before the next act was All-Stars in ‘79. A few years could emulate the pitch of a launched. Underneath the later, Primer found himself harmonica by plucking the north stands was the Blues in Waters’ band until the el- fiddle strings. Then there 101 Stage where there were der statesman died in 1983. was the combination of bow- more musical performanc- Not only did he play with Wa- ing and plucking the fiddle to es and harmonica lessons ters but often opened shows sound like an African kora, taught by Dan Treanor. for him. His 2015 disc Muddy especially when bending the GBJ promoter Al Bricker Waters 100, a loving tribute strings. When he switched to pulled out yet another sur- to the Hoochie Coochie Man, electric guitar, he also made prise for the opening set notched a 2016 Grammy nom- it sound African, hence a brief – remember 2015’s high- ination. Perhaps blues pundit reminder of blues’ deepest octane Boogie Boys from Dan King said it best when he root. Poland – with 17-year old remarked that ‘[GBJ] should Jaden Carlson from Lafay- always book one Chicago guy “...driving Chicago ette, CO. Though not neces- and back him with the Delta sarily blues, Carlson led her Sonics.’ blues performed capable quartet through a The GBJ is also a great way delightful, jazzy funky groove to catch up with your favor- by 71-year-old with some vocals but mostly ite local artists that you’ve atmospheric instrumentals. been missing for one reason John Primer...” On a black-bodied, green- or another. Chris Daniels and stringed guitar, she played the Kings featuring vocalist melodic passages suitable for a Buddhist’s meditation. - Continued on page 7

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 6 Guitar gunslinger Davy ery was the perfect backdrop GREELEY Knowles, formerly of Back for “Ride” and its guitar- BLUES JAM Door Slam, held his atten- quaking tremolo. The idea of Saturday, June 11 2016 tive audience spellbound, “Common Ground,” mankind Island Grove Arena often inching up on the neck standing together as one, Greeley, CO to transcend sonic boundary resonated deeply with me . by DAN WILLGING after boundary. His band had It seems like The North to be in a zone as Knowles Mississippi Allstars are ev- - Continued from page 6 appeared buried in his music erywhere these days. Now and occasionally flashed an down to a potent duo from There’s nothing like having infectious pearly white smile a power trio, Luther played a zydeco band in the line-up when another barrier was ferociously fast slide guitar to spark things up, especially crossed. while brother Cody matched after five blues bands,” re- Blues legend Musselwhite his intensity on a beaty set marked KGNU’s Blues Lega- also appeared to be enjoying of traps. Luther graciously cy host Greg Schultz regard- himself as he and his quartet shared the stage for a spell ing the sonic onslaught of rolled through a set of Mem- with Fort Collins‘ rising blues Chubby Carrier and the Bay- phis-style blues. “He hadn’t phenom, 13-year-old Grace ou Swamp Band. Spark in- sounded this good in years,” Kuch, who fit in flawlessly deed. Carrier cooked a better Colorado Blues Society’s and took searing solos of gumbo than the one he sang Jim Primock said about the her own. about, even if some thief stole 72-year-old wunderkind’s In case you hadn’t realized his hot sauce (“Who Stole the performance. Though he’s it by now, GBJ is an incredible Hot Sauce”), with which the an undisputed master of the value for its ticket price, even crowd gleefully sang along. harmonica, he wasn’t afraid with the modest increase The set list included a rollick- to allow ace guitarist Mat- that was its first ever. When ing version of Fats Domino’s thew Stubbs plenty of space it comes to the second week- “Hello Josephine” and a few to display his tremendous end in June, there’s no better Rockin’ Sidney songs like “Ja- chops. place to be than the GBJ in lapeña Lena,” another food When Castro last appeared the city named after Horace reference of sorts. Sum it all in Greeley, he was equipped what’s his name. up, Carrier simply blew the with a big band replete with doors off, begging the ques- piano and horns. Since then, tion why isn’t there a zydeco Castro has slimmed his ag- band at GBJ every year? gregation to a quartet, the It was only mid-afternoon aptly named Painkillers. Cas- when Carrier finished sign- tro offered insight into his ing a plethora of autographs earlier career in San Fran- for ravenous fans and still to cisco by reminiscing about come was Davey Knowles, how they would drive the Tommy Castro, Charlie Mus- night away after a gig. By now selwhite and headliner The darkness had fallen and the North Mississippi All Stars. song’s vivid nocturnal imag-

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 7 Colorado Blues Community HANGS TIGHT BY CHICK CAVALLERO

Colorado has an amazing Blues Community com- Sadly, Leo never came out of the coma and we lost prised of musicians, fans, venues and 4 Blues Societ- him on May 27. We were devastated, and still cannot ies. This community pulls together constantly through believe this happened. What did help us was the over- good times, hardships, and heartaches. At the IBC in whelming show of love and support from our blues Memphis each year, Colorado fans make up one of friends. Many blues musicians from Denver, Pam and the largest groups in attendance. The close-knit blues Al Bricker of the GBJ, Kai Turner (Strictly Blues) and community is evident during the darkest times too. his wife Natasha, plus so many blues friends showed Last year we pulled together through illnesses for up for Leo’s service in Loveland. I know the little guy two beloved longtime blues musicians, Jimmy Ayres somehow felt all of the love, and I know our family did and JD Kelly, though sadly we lost JD. It seems like as as well. much as we love the blues, we are living them more and more. This year we have already lost Ward Har- ston and young Alex Marquess and the community responded to honor them. Then my good friend John Catt was diagnosed with multiple health issues and the Blues community responded with an outpouring of love thru a benefit at Ziggie’s as well as generous donations through GoFundMe. It is great to see him still driving Blues Star Connection and a spectacular Blues From The Top # 14. My family experienced our own unique connection with the Colorado Blues community in May and June this year. On May 19, two days before my daughter was to be married, our amazing 19-month-old grandson, Leo, went into a seizure-induced coma. With hopes of recovery, we cancelled the wedding and sent out word it would instead become a fundraiser for Leo and his parents. The support we have received from our blues friends was heartfelt and the turnout to hear the Aus- tin Young Band at Avogadro’s in Fort Collins was in- credible. Avo’s was fantastic, donating the venue and beer sales to help Leo.

- Continued on page 9

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 8 Colorado Blues Community HANGS TIGHT BY CHICK CAVALLERO - Continued from page 8

At the Greeley Blues Jam, Al Bricker announced Earlier in the morning super-fan and dancer, Mi- this year’s Festival was dedicated to the youngest chelle Maxwell, had lent her hairdressing services to blues fan we had just lost. Young Grace Kuch had cre- the bride. It was a beautiful event, blue skies and glori- ated a beautiful decoup- age ukulele of Leo that she presented to the kids dur- ing her set on the GBJ 101 stage. That day, Leo’s par- ents decided to get married at Blues From The Top. In 2014, my then future son- in-law, David Bibler, pro- posed to my daughter at the Future of the Blues Stage at BFTT, so it was only fit- ting we come full circle. We worked with Cheryl Key (Festival Queen) as well as John Catt and Art Ferrari and the rest of the Grand County Blues Society to make this happen. My wife, Patti, had asked Tempa & and her husband Noar if ous mountains, taking place just before the Gospel set they would perform “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on Sunday. It has meant a lot to have all of our friends on a ukulele. This was a song we used in Leo’s ser- gather around us, far too many friends and musicians vice, and later discovered was to be part of the origi- to list without inadvertently leaving someone out. nal wedding. Noar agreed to do the song and Tempa We want to thank everyone in our blues community added an original and appropriate song called “Kiss who have helped us through our personal tragedy, Me”. Our good friend Dave Kropuenske (Krodog, the as well as sharing in our more recent joy. Our family cigar box guitar man) served as the minister. has felt all of your love, as we grasp the loss of our little guy Leo.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 9 Tune into KGNU Community Radio at

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Sept. 6 (3:30–7:30), Buffalo Rose Patio, Golden (Band) u l d

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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 10 WHAT IS BLUE STAR CONNECTION? The Blue Star Connection (BSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing music into the lives of children and young adults who are fighting cancer and other life-challenging situations. We also work with musical therapists in various hospitals and clinics. We also host fundraisers and benefit concerts in many cities around the world.

THE BLUE STAR CONNECTION MISSION The Blue Star Connection mission is to provide access and ownership of musical instruments for children and young adults with cancer and other serious life challenges. To date we have reached hundreds of kids and have donated musical gear to over 25 Children’s Hospital Music Therapy programs, as well as several other community programs. Please help us continue this mission. bluestarconnection.org The Colorado Blues Society is a proud supporter of Blue Star Connection. Donate to Blue Star today!

CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OAKLAND

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 11 2016 GREELEY BLUES JAM

clockwise from top left: JOHN PRIMER & DELTA SONICS, GRACE KUCH & LUTHER DICKENSON, DAVY KNOWLES, LIONEL YOUNG - 2016 greeley blues jam

PhotoS © tarry underwood

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 12 2016 GREELEY BLUES JAM

clockwise from top left: chubby carrier, hazel miller, a.j. fullerton and austin young - 2016 greeley blues jam

PhotoS © tarry underwood

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 13 2016 GREELEY BLUES JAM

clockwise from top left: CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE, REX PEOPLES, TOMMY CASTRO& THE PAINKILLERS - 2016 greeley blues jam

PhotoS © tarry underwood

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 14 2016 GREELEY BLUES JAM

TOP: JOHN LISI & JASON RICCI BOTTOM: CHRIS DANIELS & THE KINGS WITH FRED GOWDY - 2016 greeley blues jam

PhotoS © tarry underwood

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 15 HERmonious Rocking the Rails in Niwot

My first experience with the force of Nature evening) while Cass Clayton took her turn as now known as HERmonious, occurred at the lead vocalist as well. Boulder Outlook, when the ladies appeared The band per se, Jody Woodward on under the project name, Women Rock the bass, Eef on guitar, Nancy MacLean on piano Night. This all-female group, conceived and and Shannon Spencer on drums were joined executed under the vision of Jody Woodward, for the evening by saxophonist Alayna Sim- manages to get the gang together about once mons from the Sammy Mayfield Band and a quarter to collectively let their hair down were rock solid in their supporting efforts of and their voices heard! all the vocalists of HERmonious. Even with Their most recent outing was at the their limited rehearsal time and hugely con- Rocking the Rails in Niwot and on this par- flicting time schedules, the show still came ticular Thursday together perfectly night, the ladies and the dance of HERmonious floor in front of executed their the Gazebo was collective right to filled all night hold off the rain long! and share their Kudos to the amazing instru- women of HER- mental and vo- monious for their cal talents with a dedication to their capacity crowd. craft and their Led by vocalists ability to blend Jill Watkins Michko and Jessica Rogalski, their amazing talents to produce an outstand- the group sang their way through two amaz- ing show for the patrons of Niwot. Their next ing sets of songs ranging from Midnight Train show is scheduled for August 4th at Oskar to (with Stacey Turpenoff on the lead Blues Homemade Liquids & Solids in Long- vocal) to Miss You (giving Eef a turn at the mont. It’s a show you definitely don’t want to vocals to go with her stellar fretwork for the miss! - KYLE DEIBLER

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 16 NOW THERE ARE TWO BLUES CATEGORIES IN THE GRAMMYS: IT’S TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC

The Committee I Chair for The Recording Academy - The Blues Task Force - submitted a proposal for two Blues categories to their Awards and Nominations department earlier this year that passed their scrutiny and was ratified by the Board of Trustees in May.

We now have (1) Best Traditional Blues album and (2) Best Contemporary Blues album within the American Roots category effective immediately.

The first round of submissions opened July 1st and closes July 20th for recordings that were released between October 1st, 2015 and July 31st, 2016.

The final round of submissions opens August 10th and closes August 24th for recordings released in August and September of 2016.

We need to make the Blues Community aware of this exciting n ews and encourage all artists and labels to submit their work.

Active Members of The Recording Academy are invited to submit their recordings for GRAMMY consideration by signing in to GRAMMYPro.com during the dates listed. Click on the OEP (Online Entry Process) link and locate the RESOURCE button for the Eligibility Guidelines (Upper left).

If you are not a member and have questions about how to submit your recording, please contact Michael Freeman [email protected]

Michael Freeman, President Blue Point Records P.O.Box 1308 Barrington, IL 60011-1308

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 17 REVIEWS

Low Down DELTA MOON Jumping Jack Records

Atlanta-based Delta Moon’s seventh release features 9 original songs along with fine covers of , , and Skip James. The band won the 2003 IBC and is jus- tifiably known for the interplay of 2 slide guitars plus vocal harmonies. Lead guitarist Tom Gray (who also plays lap steel, keyboards, and har- monica) does most of the songwrit- ing, with occasional contributions from guitar partner Mark Johnson and bassist Franher Joseph; drum- mer Vic Stafford rounds out the combo. This is a tight band and they vary themes and tempos, which I like on a CD. My favorite among the originals is the truthfully named “Nothing You BLUES CALENDAR AVAILABLE Can Tell a Fool” (who could possi- for all Blues Musicians bly disagree with that?). The bass/ percussion intro to “Open All Night” and Venues really grabbed my attention and the rest of the song lived up to the in- Did you know you can have your gigs posted on the tro—it’s a mid-tempo rocker. While I Colorado Blues Society Calendar? like the covers of Tom Waits’s “Low- Posting your gigs alerts blues lovers to your shows. down” and Bob Dylan’s “Down in the Flood,” I found the version of Skip The Blues Calendar is sent out weekly via an email blast to over James’s “Hard Time Killing Floor 1200 blues lovers around the state as well as CBS members. Blues” simply haunting and listened AND it is announced weekly on the Blues Legacy show on several times before moving to the KGNU Community Radio (www.kgnu.org) next track. The set closes with “Jacky Ray,” a somewhat unusual love song All YOU need to do is email your gigs to [email protected]. with a nice groove and thoughtful re- Your shows will be promoted for FREE!! frains. For more information please contact Delta Moon has two Colorado Jennifer at [email protected] or visit www.coblues.org shows in August: the 12th at the Buf- The Colorado Blues Society (CBS) is dedicated to increasing awareness of falo Rose in Golden and the 13th at and appreciation for the Blues as an indigenous American Art form the KDNK Blues & BBQ event in Car- (and the wellspring from which all contemporary popular American music originated). bondale. Go to one if you can, pick up a copy of LOW DOWN, and get The Colorado Blues Society is a 501(c) (3) organization. it autographed.

- JIM PRIMOCK www.coblues.org

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 18 Fulson’s “Reconsider Baby,” which But it’s also quite novel, which REVIEWS honors Fulson’s version without copy- seems to be Papa Juke’s game plan. ing it (Mr. Steady Rollin’ provides the “Born Under a Bad Sign” offers anoth- tasty lead guitar part); the Jimmy er twist. Instead of following the heavy Benny Turner Rogers classic “That’s Alright—I’ll blues guitar shadow of Albert King, WHEN SHE’S GONE Get Over You”; and the closing track, the arrangement features Christine Webb’s slow, emotive vocals wrapped NOLA Blue Charles Brown’s “Black Night,” with around a loose, slinky arrangement that Mr. Brown on piano in allows Mad Dog Friedman to howl perhaps his last record- on harmonica. ing session. The surprises don’t stop there. The The only problem with omnipresent “St. James Infirmary” is this CD is that we had enjoyable with Hackler’s dazzling qua- to wait so long to hear si-classical intro. “Dime Store” is the it. That said, I hope Mr. best jam cut with guitarist Dr. Jim Seely, Turner is touring and gets Mad Dog and Hacker all swapping some Colorado dates. I blistering solos and call-and-response give this a very strong passages. recommendation. The tune that’s the most fun is the rollicking, boogie-bombing “Fat Boys Blues” where Hackler and Mad Dog - JIM PRIMOCK joke back and forth about their battles of the bulge. Unfortunately, live albums can be for all the marbles and when glitches happen, oops. At times, the vocal mics are uneven (“One Bad Stud,” “Giant-

Papa Juke Six of these 10 tracks (Turner’s origi- SERIOUSLY FUN nals) were recorded in the 1990s PAPA JUKE LIVE but never released nationally until this year. The good news is, they’ve Papa Juke’s third album was been released now, and are well recorded live. Ironically, so worth a listen (and include guest was its debut disc, which prob- performances by Marva Wright, Dr. ably means live shows are John, Bob Margolin, and Charles a strong suit. Recorded at Brown). Benny Turner had an iconic Nissi’s in Lafayette, CO, the older brother—the great Freddie group was actually a quin- King, and music is clearly in Benny’s tet at the time of this 2015 recording with pianist Scott genes. His vocals drip with emotion, Hackler being the fifth Juke. the lyrics tell good stories, and the As evidenced by Professor musicianship and arrangements are Longhair’s “Tipitina,” he strong throughout. certainly has the chops to “I Can’t Leave” (one of the origi- roll the ivories. But as much nals) kicks things off with a sweet, as it’s Hackler’s chance to bouncy R&B feel and sets the perfect shine, the track really showcases drum- Step”) but Mad Dog did a masterful tone for the soulful blues that follows. mer Dan Crecco’s impeccable second- job salvaging this live document in the Additional highlights are Lowell line parade beats, which are quite post-production engineering phase. prominent. If you can get past an occasional im- perfection, Seriously Fun lives up to its name.

- DAN WILLGING

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 19 The lyrics and music on four of When I listened to Is It Better? I REVIEWS the five tracks were written by Tom. was taken to a slow mood of hip and The exception is Tricky Business writ- belly rubbing style of Blues. The lyr- ten by Tom, Michael, and Rich. This ics are so true. Tom Euler particular track is an instrumental Rock n’ Roll These Days is a FOOL ME ONCE featuring all of their wonderful talent. musical journey of his experiences The CD is self-produced during the 2015 International Blues by Tom, with Johnny Ter- Challenge. It is a high paced song rell’s genius in mixing and and I could almost see him doing mastering – check out the Chuck Berry’s duck walk down Beale back cover. Street. As each track plays I Tom Euler is a music artist who hear the influences of B.B. is not to be ignored. I believe in King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Fool Me Once strongly enough I am and Joe Bonamassa. sending this EP to Blues radio sta- When I interviewed Tom tions across the country. You can go he sighted all of these art- to www.tomeuler.com to see pictures ists and added Luther Al- and videos to find out I am not the lison. It doesn’t get better only person who thinks highly of this than that my Blues friends. young artist. It is time to book him This is a “kicked up” EP and whoever he is playing with for but true to the Blues. Tom, parties, festivals, and events in 2017. Michael, and Rich are just I have booked the Bobby “Blackhat” the ticket to keep or bring Walters band and with that I also get the younger generation Tom. All Aboard! home to the Blues. When I say younger generation, I need to - MISS ELLA, SISTER TO THE BLUES This EP was brought to me by my tell you Tom is only twenty-one years good friend Bobby “Blackhat” Wal- old. For this “puppy” young artist to ters. He asked if I would give it a lis- have so much talent speaks for his ten. Tom Euler was part of Bobby’s love of music. band at the 2016 International Blues Tom received his first guitar at Challenge when they made it to the age thirteen from his parents Craig finals. and Jennifer. I thank both of them! “... I hear the When they appeared on stage, I His Mother coached him on his vo- liked the way Tom moved and I could cals but the talent on the guitar is tell he was all about the music, just all his. Tom took a few beginner les- influences of insuring he was tight with the band sons, and then set out on his own in and doing what he loves to do – play learning how to play. He watched B.B. King, the Blues. videos and played along with songs I put Fool Me Once in my CD he liked, practicing up to six hours a player and gave it a listen (actual- day. His collection of twelve guitars, Stevie Ray Vaughn, ly, again and again). What I heard ranging from bass to classical, dis- compelled me to write this review, I plays his passion about his music. could not help myself. The lyrics for each song are a and This 2015 released CD features, surprise. Now come on, who could of course, Tom Euler on lead guitar take an age old saying “Fool me and vocals with Michael Behlmar once, shame on you, fool me twice, Joe Bonamassa...” on drums – Michael can kick some shame on me” and put it to music. I sticks! Add Rich Ridolfino playing thought it was great! an imaginative bass and you have a solid deal of great music.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 20 drums, TOO SLIM Robert Ke- INTERVIEW arns, who’s TIM LANGFORD TALKS played bass ABOUT HIS BLUES WITH with Sher- TOO SLIM & THE yl Crow TAILDRAGGERS and Sky- by MAX SCHUTTE nyrd, a real top notch MS: Where did the inspi- national ration for your new album, guy. Jeff Blood Moon, come from? grew up in TL: Well, I went through a and cancer battle in 2014, where used to play I had to take some downtime in Robert and wrote the songs while I Bradley’s front Blues Festival in Port- was recovering from that. The Blackwater Surprise, Kid land, then the Red, White and concept for the record was Rock, Uncle Kracker. Blues Festival in Corvallis actually to make a 70s Robin before three Colorado dates, Trower kind of album, Clap- MS: How has the move from then through Montana, na- ton, Hendrix, really back to Spokane to Nashville influ- tionwide. roots type of music. There’s a enced your music? lot of personal songs in there. TL: Well, I’ve been in Seat- Our website has all of the tle after that for the last ten dates, TooSlim.org MS: What was your favorite years; we love it here though. album so far? It’s a great town with great MS: Where can we listen to TL: This new one has proba- musicians and players, and it these albums? bly been my favorite to make; always helps you to keep your TL: Off of our website and it was so much fun to record music progressing. You don’t at our shows of course, but and we knocked it out pretty wanna suck in Nashville. we’re also available on all of much entirely live. We went the streaming platforms. for a really live sound and MS: I can imagine, you’ve had with just a trio, we didn’t go quite the run with all three of MS: What’s the hardest part for a bunch of studio stuff, your newest albums peaking about staying fresh? going with a straight in your on the Billboard Top Blues Al- TL: You gotta have passion for face trio. bums, how is this tour shap- the music. It’s always been ing up for you? there, but channeling the en- MS: Is that your favorite way TL: The Blood Moon tour, the ergy is the hardest part, try- to record? album has been doing re- ing to break new ground, new TL: I gotta say it’s probably ally well. It started out at 12 directions, writing songs, I the funnest way to make a re- and has been hanging on in just really enjoy it, as long as cord. We knocked it out quick the top 20 since it came out. that’s there it’ll always come too, with Jeff Folkes on the We’re starting at the Water out in the music. - Continued on page 26

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 21 MOJO & VENUES OTHER BUSINESS MEMBERS THE RUSTY BUCKET AJAX BLUES BAND 3355 S Wadsworth Blvd. BARE NAKED BLUES DUO BUSINESS Lakewood, CO 80227 303.980.6200 Bluegill Productions MEMBERS www.the-rusty-bucket.com cherry blossom florist CLARK CHANSLOR SWALLOW HILL MUSIC ASSN. CODA, inc. VENUES 71 E.Yale Avenue The Dickens Opera House Denver, CO 80210 COLORADO LIFESTYLES PROPERTIES, LLC 302 Main Street 303.777.1003 CLEAR CHANNEL MEDIA AND Longmont, CO 80501-5527 www.swallowhillmusic.org 303.651.7773 COMMUNICATIONS Clear Gravy Productions BROADWAY MUSIC SCHOOL Oskar Blues SCOTT B. DAVES 1940 S. Broadway 303 Main Street Denver, CO 80210 CROSSER DAVIS Lyons, CO 303.777.0833 DAVE Goodrich 303.823.6685 www.broadwaymusicschool.com DAVID Gregory ROCK & BLUES LLC, J-Entertainment Pearl St. Blues THE ORIENTAL THEATER Old South Pearl Street Association 4335 W.44th Avenue Jill Rose QUINN P.O. Box 9008 Denver, CO 80212 RICHARD LINER Denver, CO 80209-9008 720.420.0030 Road Dawg Touring Co. 303.881.5634 THE DRUMSHOP THE BOOT GRILL Tom SUND Stargazers Theatre & Event Center 130 W.Laurel, Unit B 10 South Parkside Drive Ft. Collins, CO 80524 Technical & Management Systems Colorado Springs, CO 80910 970.682.2652 AND ServICE [email protected] 719.476.2200 Woodward Production THE TOAD TAVERN GRAND COUNTY BLUES SOCIETY stargazerstheatre.com 5302 S. Federal Cir. Littleton, CO 80123 the art services company BUFFALO ROSE 303. 795.6877 KOCHEVAR MEDICAL MASSAGE CTR. 119 Washington Avenue www.toadtavern.com rolling thunder productions Golden, CO 80401-1142 DAN TREANOR & THE AFROSIPPI BLUES BAND 303.278.6800 ziggie’s a music company, inc. www.buffalorose.net 4923 W. 38th Avenue Denver, CO 80212 new mexico blues society HERMAN’S HIDEAWAY 303.455.9930 Stacy Lees 1578 S Broadway www.ziggieslivemusic.com [email protected] Denver, CO 80210 CLASSIC JUKEBOX AND GAME CO. LLC 303.777.5840 www.classicjukeboxandgameco.com www.hermanshideaway.com OTHER MOJO MEMBERS GERI OLIVEIRA, CRS, CLHMS, GRI Wright Kingdom Real Estate THE TELLURIDE BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL Wayne B. Ashmore www.gerioliveira.com 500 E.Colorado Avenue AUSTIN AYERS GET CONNECTED EVENTS Telluride, CO 81435 Munsey Ayers [email protected] 970.728.8037 Steve Coleman MICHAEL RAY HEART OF BRIGHTON Lynn Conner BOOZE BROTHERS LIQUOR www.heartofbrighton.org Michael Duncan YAWNIN’ BEAR HOME DAN HAYNES Luann & Lance Gale THE NORMOBBI AGENCY lannie’s clocktower cabaret Jane Hascall 1601 Arapahoe St. Denver, CO 80202 Merlen & Maryon Hatter 303.293.0075 CAROLINE & BOB KAUFFMAN www.lannies.com Patrick Kennedy Mama Raven Band DAZZLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Mike Landess 930 Lincoln St. Denver, CO 80203 Wayne & Fran Phipps 303.839.5100 Neil Sexton www.dazzlejazz.com Bill & Pam Spry GENE VIGIL Moxi theatre 802 9th Street Gene & Kay Walker Greeley, CO 80631 Leonard & Linda Walmsley 970.584.3054 JULIE & JIM GARDNER www.moxitheater.com TODD REILLY leonard frieling www.lfrieling.com MURAT AND OYA IYIGUN CHIA MANDRY JOHN H. HAMRICK DAVID SIDWELL BRIAN L. SHUNAMON

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 22 The Jack Hadley Band Union Driftwood ACTS www.jackhadleymusic.net www.reverb www.reverbnation.com/jackhadley Lige Williamson ALAN KNIGHT AND COMPANY Hogback Blues Band [email protected] www.reverbnation.com/alanknightandcompany www.hogbackbluesband.com 303.499.1665 Allen-Lamun Band Willie Houston THE LIONEL YOUNG BAND allenlamunband.com www.bluesmanwilliehouston.com YELLOW DOG BLUES BAND Austin Young BAND JOHNNY JOHNSTON MOJOMAMA www.austinyoungband.com www.JohnnyJohnston.com www.mojomama.net Bad Brad & The Fat Cats 970.988.9912 WEST OF THE BLUES www.fatcatsentertainment.com Michaela Rae Knox www.westoftheblues.com Bare Naked Blues Duo michaelaraeguitar.com www.facebook.com/Denver.Blues.Bands www.facebook.com/BareNekkidBlues Kristin Kay Band 303.761.8641 Big Jim Adam & John Stilwagen www.kristinkay.net [email protected] www.jimadamblues.com GEORGE LAWHORN REX PEOPLES & XFACTR Blind Child Rockin’ Blues Band My Blue Sky www.facebook.com/RexPeoplesBand2013 www.blindchildblues.com www.mybluesky.co PROFESSOR FOX BAND Bluez House Out of the Blue Band www.professorfoxband.com www.reverbnation.com/bluezhouse www.OOTBDenver.com www.myspace.com/bluezhouse Papa Juke 303.449.2616 www.papajuke.com Cary Morin 303.926.9626 www.carymorin.com Platte Valley Quartet Cedar Avenue Blues Band www.pvqblue.com cedaravenuebluesband.com Profit Brothers Jenn Cleary Robert Wilson Blues Band P.O. Box 4655 www.robertwilsonblues.com Boulder CO 80306 970.215.9193 720.938.1294 Felonius Smith www.JennCleary.com www.feloniussmith.com Dale Cisek Band 303.499.1665 www.reverbnation.com/DaleCisekBand The Buzz Brothers Band 970.669.3670 www.facebook.com/buzzbrothersband Dan Treanor and the Afrosippi Blues Band 970.356.2093 www.dantreanorband.com [email protected] Davey and the Blu Dog The Clay Kirkland Band www.daveyandthebludog.com www.reverbnation.com/claykirklandband Crosser Davis The Dr. Izzy Band [email protected] drizzyband.com 719.382.3903 The JOBE BLUES Band Al Chesis www.reverbnation.com/dianejobe www.deltasonics.net KATE LEROUX Doc Brown’s Blues Band PROFIT BROTHERS www.docbrownsbluesband.com THE RHYTHM ALLSTARS 303.921.6256 https://myspace.com/therhythmallstars Randall Dubis Band The Roustabouts www.randalldubis.com www.roustaboutblues.com 303.475.5579 The Symbols Eef “Miss 333” www.thesymbols.net www.eefguitar.com The undertone blues Band 303.941.1559 www.undertoneband.com Front Street Blues Band The Vindicators Band www.frontstreetblues.com www.thevindicatorsband.com 303.725.1007 ThreeShots G’Jai’s Jook Joint Blues Band www.bandmix.com/threeshots www.gjai-blues.com Tommy Ray & The Sunrays Jack Gaffney THE JOHN WEEKS BAND jackgaffney.com www.johnweeksband.com Dave Greenwald harley lemons

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 23 FRIDAY BLUES www.ckua.com 9pm -midnight Friday BROADCASTS Night Blues Party, www.wfit.org, 8-10 pm Rev. Billy’s SUNDAY Rhythm Revival KSTR 96.1 FM Grand Junction, SATURDAY 9-10 am & 8-9 pm Blues Deluxe KAFM 88.1 FM Grand KVNF 90.9 FM Paonia & 89.1 FM Junction, 9am-6pm Jazz, Montrose, 4-5 pm, Beale Street Caravan, Blues, Folk & Rock www.kvnf.org KHEN 106.9 FM Salida, KOTO 91.7FM, 89.3FM, 105.5FM Telluride, noon-4 pm Sonic Gumbo with Doc 4-6 pm Blues Hang Over (every other www.kgoat.org, Sunday) www.koto.org, Island Radio, noon-1pm 5-7 pm (rebroadcast Thursday, 5-7 pm) Jazz & Blues Crusade True Blues with Brian Elliott with Count Rabula www.island92.com KDUR 91.9 FM & KRFX 103.5 FM Denver, 7-10 pm 93.9 FM Durango, Strictly Blues with Kai Turner 2 Sides of the Blues, KBCO 97.3 FM Boulder, 9-10 pm 6-8pm Blues from the Red Rooster Lounge KUVO 89.3 FM Denver, KPLU Seattle, 7 pm-1 am www.kuvo.org 5-7pm http://www.kplu.org Blues Highway MONDAY with Sam Mayfield or KSBV 93.7 FM Salida, 9-10 am Blues Deluxe guest host KAFM 88.1 FM Grand Junction, 9 am-noon KUVO 89.3 FM Denver, Jimmy’s Blues Kitchen (alternate weeks) www.kuvo.org 7-8pm KAJX & KCJX 88.9, 89.7, 90.1, 90.9, 91.1, R&B Jukebox 91.5 FM Aspen, Carbondale, Rifle and with Rolando, Pete, other towns,11-midnight Blue Horizon Easy Bill or Carlos with Blue Bird KVNF 90.9 FM Paonia & TUESDAY 89.1 FM Montrose, KVNF 90.9 FM Paonia & 89.1 FM Montrose, 7-9:30pm, Turn It Up noon-3 pm, Blues & Other Colors www.kvnf.org www.kvnf.org KRCC 91.5 FM Colorado KAFM 88.1 FM Grand Junction, 1-4 pm, Springs, Noon-1pm Bluesday Laboratory The Blue Plate Special KLZR 91.7FM Westcliffe. Vintage Voltage Style 2-4pm blues with Sally Barnes KUNC 91.5 FM Greeley, WEDNESDAY 8-9pm Beale Street Caravan KCRT 92.5 FM Trinidad, 7-8 pm KUNC 91.5 FM Greeley, 9-10pm Trinidaddio Blues Hour with 9 O’Clock Blues with Marc Ken Saydak and Darnell Miller KAFM 88.1 FM Grand Junction, KHEN 106.9 FM Salida, 1-4 pm 9pm-midnight Rockin’ Blues Jazz & Blues with Bill KAJX & KCJX 88.9, 89.7, 90.1, 90.9, KVNF 0.9 FM Paonia & 89.1 FM 91.1, 91.5 FM Aspen, Carbondale, Rifle Montrose, 9:30 pm-midnight Crossties, and other towns, www.kvnf.org Midnight - 4am KRFC 88.9 FM Fort Collins, 8-10 pm Blues Before Sunrise house Rent Party with Jeff KPLU Seattle, 7pm-1am THURSDAY www.kplu.org KAFM 88.1 FM Grand Junction, 9 am-noon www.ckua.com Blues Injection with Mickey the K 3-5pm Natch’l Blues KVLE 93.5 FM Crested Butte/Monarch, MONDAY – FRIDAY 102.3 FM Gunnison, 2-3 pm Blues Deluxe KRCC 91.5 FM Colo. www.blueswithrussell.com, 8-10 pm Spgs, Noon-1pm Blues with Russell The Blue Plate Special KAJX & KCJX 88.9, 89.7, 90.1, 90.9, 91.1, FRIDAY – SUNDAY 91.5 FM Aspen, Carbondale, Rifle KVCU 1190 AM and other towns, 11-midnight, Boulder - Beale Street Caravan www.radio1190.org KLZR 91.7FM Westcliffe. 1-7am Blues Til Dawn 2-4pm blues with AJ Biggerstaff CABLE & SATELLITE, HD FRIDAY RADIO 24-7 KVNF 90.9 FM Paonia & 89.1 FM Montrose, BLUES CHANNELS 1-4 pm, Friday Afternoon Club Adelphia Cable Channel 430 www.kvnf.org Comcast Digital Cable Channel 930 KGNU 88.5 FM Boulder, 1390 AM Denver, Direct TV Channel 841 93.7 FM Ward/Nederland 6-9 pm Dish Network Channel 978 Blues Legacy KOSI HD 101.1-2 Sirius Blues Channel 74 XM Satellite Radio Channel 74

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 24 on cassette. It wasn’t until 90 TOO SLIM and our second album that “...of course BB and INTERVIEW CDs came out, and with digi- TIM LANGFORD TALKS tal it seems to be completely ABOUT HIS BLUES WITH turned around, more com- Freddy King, Stevie TOO SLIM & THE petitive. But we try to always TAILDRAGGERS put out a good product, good and the by MAX SCHUTTE music. Just trying to keep up with the changes is a chal- Band. He used to play - Continued from page 21 lenge in itself. There’s a con- tinuous update technologi- MS: How often have you Spokane all the time cally but there’s no substitute played Colorado, and what is for good music. your favorite part? so i got to see him a TL: We usually try to make it through at least once a MS: Who would you say your fair amount...” year, we’ll be doing 4 Colo- biggest influences are? rado dates this summer, of TL: Early ZZ top, Allman course Ricky B’s in Windsor Brothers, Hendrix, Robin with you guys, Hahn’s Peak Trower, Neil Young, jazz, Roadhouse in Clark. We’re country, of course BB and playing the Frisco Historic Freddy King, Stevie and the District-Concert Series-Ga- Robert Cray Band. He used to “....just keep zebo Stage for the city, be- play Spokane all the time so i fore Denver and the Oriental got to see him a fair amount. doing what you love Theatre in August. Colorado He would swing through once always brings the great blues every 6 weeks until he hit the fans and people, fun crowds. and keep your heart big time. MS: How have you noticed and soul in it.. the blues and music industry MS: Any advice to up-and- changing since you started coming musicians? I’d say keep Too Slim and the Taildrag- TL: Don’t give up, just keep gers in 86? doing what you love and keep looking forward TL: Since I started this band, your heart and soul in it. Any it was in the middle of a young musician out there I’d blues resurgence, StevieRay and never say keep looking forward and Vaughan, Robert Cray, the never look back. Fabulous Thunderbirds, so look back...” it was a completely different game back then with all the hard copy media. I believe the first record was even put out

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 25 CBS MEMBER DISCOUNTS - JUST SHOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD ALBUMS ON THE HILL 10% off non-sale items • ANGELOS CD’s & MORE (Littleton, Aurora, Thornton) • CHASE HOME FINANCE (Boulder, Barbara Goldman) $200 off closing costs) • CHERRY BLOSSOM FLO- RISTS (Westminster) 15% off cash & carry items • CLEAR GRAVY PRODUCTIONS (Frederick) 15% off studio fees • DELTA BLUES MUSEUM (Clarksdale, MS) 50% off admission • FOLKLORE CENTER (Denver) 10% off non-sale items • HANGAR BAR (Denver) 2nd drink free • THE HATTERS (Trinidad) 10% off non -sale items • MARIPOSA PLANTS & FLOWERS (Greeley) 10% off non-sale items • OSKAR BLUES (Lyons) 10% off ev- erything • PARKER REAL ESTATE BROKERS (Parker) 10% off fees • SWALLOW HILL MUSIC ASSOCIATION (Denver) 10% off non-sale items • TWIST & SHOUT CD’s & TAPES (Denver) 10% off non-sale items • WAX TRAX CD’s & TAPES (Denver & Boulder) 10% off non-sale items • ROCKEY RIVER RESORT (Gunnison) 10% off non-sale items

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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 HOLLER 26 2013 KBA WINNER BLUES SOCIETY OF THE YEAR www.coblues.org