ISSUE 143 The Publication of The Linn County Blues Society MAY 2006 BLUESMORE 2006 is coming August 5th with headliners Roomful of Blues & Nora Jean Bruso performing on the lawn of Brucemore Annually they are nominated for, and collect, multiple Gram- my and W.C. Handy Blues Awards with their horn-driven blend of swing, jump, Blues and soul. In the next several issues of The BLUESPAPER, we’ll preview the current band members who have followed founding mem- Above, Nora Jean Bruso; above ber Duke Robillard, and Ronnie Plans are full left, the current Roomful of Blues Earl and Lou Ann Barton who speed ahead for outstanding musicians. came along later. the annual BLUES- MORE festival to • Nora Jean Bruso, (above) born in the Mississippi Delta be held Saturday, area, the land that produced Son House, Willie Brown, August 5th, on the Robert Johnson to name a few, grew up in a family that lawns of the beau- embraced church music but at the same time ran a juke tiful Brucemore joint where legends like her hero Howlin’ Wolf appeared. mansion, which is Nora Jean has been named one of the ten great preserved today women in Chicago Blues by Chicago’s Museum of Science by the National and Industry. It has been said that she is ready and poised Trust for Historic Above, Brucemore as it appears from First Avenue. to take the world by storm, and has what it takes to be Preservation. This Blues festival is sponsored jointly by the the next “Queen of the Blues.” Linn County Blues Society and Brucemore, Inc., • Roomful of Blues, the horn-fueled, jumping, swinging, • The Ellis Kell Band is set to open BLUESMORE 2006. award-winning band, have just released their latest Alliga- Originally formed in 1990, The EKB has performed in the tor Records recording, “Standing Room Only,” to outstanding midwest at many clubs, concert venues and festivals. The reviews. The great Count Basie called them “the hottest band plays approximately 50% original maerial and 50% Blues band I’ve ever heard.” Downbeat has said the band cover tunes of Blues and Rock selections. is “in a class by itself.” Without a doubt, following 35 years The band’s first CD was released in 1993 with “Down on of performing, Roomful of Blues, is all this and more. the Levee,” (Continued on page 7) ©2006—Linn County Blues Society The BLUESPAPER/May 2006/1 Int’l Blues Challenge winner Joey Gilmore at Mahoney’s The Linn County Blues Society is a non-profit several of the songs on Gilmore’s latest organization dedicated to the preservation, recording “The Ghosts of Mississippi.” promotion and perpetuation of Blues music in Cuban percussionist R.D. Hernandez Eastern Iowa, as well as to provide charitable contributions to other community organizations. completes the Gilmore band rhythm LCBS is an Affiliated Organization in The Blues section from behind the drum kit. Make Foundation’s international network. The no mistake about it, these guys are the BLUESPAPER is a monthly publication of LCBS. Blues real deal! Website: www.lcbs.org International Blues Challenge entrants Bluesline: 319/399-5105. are judged on Blues content, talent, The Leaders—Officers: originality, and stage presence through- President.........................................Dave Points out the week of competition. Most of the Vice President.................................. Secretary....................................Michelle Points performing acts are already regional or Treasurer........................................Susan Dergo state award winners, or have received By Ric Holmquest, LCBS Staff Writer sponsorship from their local Blues Societ- Directors at Large: ies or clubs. Bob DeForest, Bill Meeks, Bob Dorr 2006 International Blues Challenge The Linn County Blues Society, Missis- winner Joey Gilmore will perform at Chairs: sippi Valley Blues Society, and the Education.............................................Vacant Mahoney’s Irish Pub, 1602 E Avenue Central Iowa Blues Society have all Entertainment...............................Gary Gibson NE, on Sunday, May 14, from 6-10 Membership..............................Kevin Cutsforth hosted regional competitions in coordi- PM. Hot on the heels of his impressive Merchandise..................................Andy Dergo nation with the Blues Foundation’s IBC, Parliamentarian.................................Bill Meeks Memphis-based Blues Foundation IBC and sponsored Blues music performing Program......................................Bob DeForest win, Gilmore brings his signaure style artists to memphis for the annual event. Public Relations................................Interested? of Blues and R&B to Mahoney’s in the Webmaster.....................................Evan Vulich Be sure to take advantage of this heart of Cedar Rapids’ Irish District. opportunity to see one of the best Blues The BLUESPAPER folks: Joey Gilmore’s win this past January bands in the world when Joey Gilmore Editor....................................Chris Weinbrenner in Memphis is noteworthy, having now Photographers.................See bylines each issue performs at Mahoney’s! There is never a been recognized as the best unsigned Staff Writers.....................See bylines each issue cover charge at Mahoney’s Irish Pub. Printing..................:.....................Superior Press band on the planet! Distribution..................Andy Dergo & Bill Meeks The 22nd Annual International Blues P P P P Membership: Challenge features Blues music per- To learn more about The Linn County Blues Soci- formers from around the world, ety or to join, see the membership form printed on page 7. Your membership includes: performing and competing in venues • Discount admissions to many local Blues up and down famed Beale Street. The Cedar Rapids activities The IBC is the largest gathering of Blues Scene Says... • Monthly LCBS BLUESPAPER Blues music performers in the world, • Voting rights in the LCBS with over 130 competitors this year. Contact Information: When the dust had settled, Joe Gil- Deadline for news, band or club live entertainment more and his talented rhythm section listing, or advertising: 2nd Monday of month. Send to Chris Weinbrenner, PO Box 407, Williamsburg IA emerged as champions! 52361, phone/fax: 319/668-8113; The Joey Gilmore band is a power [email protected] or web: www.lcbs.org trio. Florida Blues legend Joey Gilmore has played his guitar for over forty Moving? Send new address to LCBS, PO Box 2672, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2672 so you won’t miss a years, performing throughout the single issue of your BLUESPAPER. United States and Europe. George Caldwell is large and in charge of the bass, and co-wrote 2/The BLUESPAPER/May 2006 For her SIRIUS show, Copeland will share stories of her life in the Blues and play Blues songs both familiar and obscure. “I warned them,” said Copeland. “I’m taking over the airwaves. It’s gonna be great.” • Sopranos stars pay a visit to Guitar Shorty While performing in Chicago at Buddy Guy’s Legends night- club on March 17, Alligator recording star Guitar Shorty re- ceived a visit from cast members of the acclaimed HBO • Soul and Blues singer Shemekia Copeland to show The Sopranos. Steven Van Zandt, James Gandolfini, host weekly Blues show on Sirius Satellite Radio Michael Imperioli, Steve Schirripa stayed the entire last set. “Little Steven” (Van Zandt), as he is known when playing Grammy Award-nominated soul and blues singer, Shemekia Copeland, will host her own weekly Blues radio guitar with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, could not resist show exclusively on SIRIUS satellite radio beginning April the temp-tation, and he joined Shorty on stage for an 22. Shemekia Copeland’s Blues Show will air on Saturdays extended, impromptu Jam session. from 1-7 PM ET on SIRIUS Blues channel 74. Copeland couldn’t be more excited, saying, “What kind of crazy • Eric Lindell to play Main Stage at New Orleans people are working at SIRIUS to let me loose with a Jazz & Heritage Festival microphone every Saturday afternoon?” Newly signed Alligator artist Eric Lindell, whose debut Copeland, the daughter of the late Blues master Johnny release Change in the Weather hit the streets on April 4, will Clyde Copeland, burst on the scene in 1997 with her perform on the Main Stage at the New Orleans Jazz & debut CD, “Turn The Heat Up” when she was just 19, and heritage Festival May 5. Early press and radio response to his most recently, “The Soul Truth” in 2005. CD is simply astonishing. ‘Da Blues on KCCK: Friday: • 6-10 PM: da Friday Blues with John Heim • 10-11 PM: Backstage Blues • 11 PM to Midnight: Beale Street Caravan • Midnight Blues CD Saturday: • 6-10 PM: da Blues with Bobby D • 10-11 PM: The Crawfish Circuit • 11 PM-Midnight: The Melting Pot • Midnight Blues CD www.kcck.org The BLUESPAPER/May 2006/3 New Releases from Blind Pig Records As reviewed by Jamie Jorecki Lonnie incisive Blues and roots-rock is still here, LCBS Staff Writer Brooks, only slightly diverse with some slide John and acoustic guitar, sitar, mandolin Blind Pig Records is proud to present Mooney, and of course, a healthy dose of their first releases of 2006: a live CD and hard-rockin’ lead guitar. “Young from the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz and a Reba Guns” and “The Devil’s Guitar” are a collection of gems from the repertoire Russell. couple of my personal favorites. of one of the finest guitarists of his After Mark your calendar to see Popa generation, Jimmy Thackery. depart- Chubby live at this year’s Mississippi ing the Valley Blues Festival. • Rev. Billy Wash- Recorded live December 31, C. Wirtz is a ington D.C. area Blues band, The comic gen- 2005, at an authentic Texas road- Night Hawks, Thackery reemerged as house, J & J Blues Bar, My Heart’s in ius and a power trio. Jimmy Thackery & The gifted pia- Texas captures Smokin’ Joe Kubeck Drivers gained the spotlight as an & Bnois King’s special stage magic nist with an aggressive Blues-Rock guitar slinging eclectic, and clearly demonstrates what band.