BIMONTHLY NEWS OF THE COLORADO BLUES SCENE • VOL. 23, NO. 6 • DEC. 2017 - JAN. 2018 • [email protected] 2013 KBA WINNER BLUES SOCIETY OF THE YEAR JONTAVIOUS WILLIS YOUNG BLUESMAN IN THE TRADITION by JACK HADLEY
It seems that when- ever the topic of “the future of the blues” or “keep- ing the blues alive” comes up you can predict what that future looks like. And that picture usu- ally doesn’t include someone who looks and sounds like Jon- tavious Willis. Just twenty-one years old, Jontavious is a college student from Greenville, Georgia, who has captured the attention of bluesmen like Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, among others.
IN THIS ISSUE Continued on page 8 1 JONTAVIOUS WILLIS 10 CBS ELECTION 21 MOJO & BUSINESS 2 shoutin’ the blues 15 WHERE TO HEAR THE BLUES 22 BLUES ACTS 4 ZIGGIE’S 16 -19 REVIEWS 23 BLUES RADIO 6 ORGANIZATION 20 MISSION STATEMENT 24 MEMBERSHIP 9, 11, 12 blues quotes SHOUTIN’ THE BLUES BY TARRY UNDERWOOD
The Denver Blues scene just lost a piece of iconic history with the closing of Ziggie’s. The blues bar will never be the same. My The Colorado Blues Society heart breaks for Carla, JC and all the staff that put all their heart and soul into this great was formed to create a greater awareness and wider appreciation neighborhood bar. In just the last three years, three of my favorite music venues have of the American indigenous art form, the BLUES. closed now that Ziggie’s has joined the Boulder Outlook and the D Note. This is just a P.O. Box 386, Windsor, CO 80550 reminder that it is up to us blues fans to go to at least one event a week to support the blues scene and keep in alive. Come support your favorite local artists at the Member’s Choice Awards on De- cember 3rd at Dazzle. Mojomama and Jack Hadley will perform followed by Southern Affiliated with The Blues Foundation www.blues.org Avenue. The show starts at 6:00 pm. OFFICERS The Colorado Blues Society is still looking for some important volunteers. We Tarry Underwood - President Chick Cavallero - Vice-President, need someone to manage the merchandise for our events. This person is responsible Weekly Update Editor for overseeing the merchandise booth at events and ensuring an adequate stock of in- Scott Fitzke - Vice-President Kyle Deibler - Treasurer ventory is available. We also need someone to coordinate volunteers-This person re- Joe Menke - Secretary cruits and schedules volunteers as needed for various events. You do not have to commit DIRECTORS Patti Cavallero, Wolf, Sandee Nye, to serving on the board to help with these positions. If interested, email me at Peggy Jamison, Fordham Murdy, Kerry Morrison (Education Chair) [email protected] Daryl Reicheneder
WEB MASTER David Brandt
HOLLER Published for Feb-March, April-May, June-July, Aug-Sept, Oct-Nov, and Dec-Jan
EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Hadley
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Jack Hadley, Tarry Underwood, Jim Primock, Dan Willging, Kit Hedman
ADVERTISING Ad placement, Rates & Specs: Jack Hadley Design [email protected]
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 2 INTERNATIONAL Blues Competition Jan. 16 - 20, 2018 Memphis, Tennessee
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 7 ZIGGIE’S Jc Cummings and Carla jordan. Photo © kit hedman
Club owners are like musi- If you needed a place to Ziggie’s closed a few cians. They do what they do have a fundraiser for some- months ago. The city of for the love: of music, peo- one in distress Ziggie’s was Denver lost an iconic ven- ple and causes they believe always there. No hesita- ue that hosted local, na- in. Carla Jordan and Jc tion, at the drop of a hat. tional and international Cummings were like that. I would sometimes hear blues acts. Chicago blues Ziggie’s was more than a musicians complain that singer Delores Scott loved “blues” club. It was a hab- they never made a lot of performing at Ziggie’s and it. It was a place to catch money playing at the club. many others did, too. Carla up with old friends, dance, Really? Try running a night- and Julie: thank you for ev- jam on some tunes and, club 24/7 and you’ll see erything. We love you! yes, have a few drinks, too. how tough it really is. JACK HADLEY
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DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 5 DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 6 BLUES CALENDAR AVAILABLE for all Blues Musicians and Venues Did you know you can have your gigs posted on the Colorado Blues Society Calendar? Posting your gigs alerts blues lovers to your shows.
The Blues Calendar is sent out weekly via an email blast to over 1200 blues lovers around the state as well as CBS members. AND it is announced weekly on the Blues Legacy show on KGNU Community Radio (www.kgnu.org)
All YOU need to do is email your gigs to [email protected] Your shows will be promoted for FREE!!
For more information please contact Jennifer at [email protected] or visit www.coblues.org
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 7 JONTAVIOUS WILLIS YOUNG BLUESMAN IN THE TRADITION by JACK HADLEY
Continued from pg. 1
I met Quon on Facebook and started following his incredible rise on the national stage. Here is my interview with Jontavious Willis:
JH: First of all, when did you switch to “Quon”? Jontavious is real cool, by the way. JW: My nickname is Quon. My real name is Jontavious. I go by Jon- tavious professionally. I only put that name on social media to decipher my Personal page from my fan page. JH: I wonder if you consider JH: At what age did you pick JH: Do you come from a musical yourself a blues crusader, so to speak? up the guitar? Did you ever check family? Tell me about your roots. A lot of the music that is being pre- out different styles of blues, or JW: Not so much musical but sented to blues festival audiences was it acoustic blues from the begin- I come from a family that is full these days is more rock than blues. ning? Did you go through an electric of singers. I grew up in the Baptist How are real blues fans responding to phase? church singing at the age of 3. You your music? JW: I was 14 when I started. My learn how to sing in church. The JW: They respond well, I think. first guitar was an electric Fender. My most important thing in blues is the I try to make what I do fun. I don’t second was a old kraftsman acous- voice. Not opinion, straight facts. I want them to feel bad once I’m done tic by Kay. Once I played it I loved learn how to use my voice and later playing. I put my all into it. I think the acoustic sound. I still play elec- saw the parallel with field hollers and we miss a lot of originality and per- tric every now and then. I always was spiritual songs. Our church is 115 sonality in today’s blues. I don’t con- interested in other styles. I listen to years old and we sing some of the sider myself a crusader. I’m just doing Piedmont style, Delta, Texas, Mem- same songs from long ago. It all plays my job. phis etc. I never wanted to be locked into my musical development. in one space.
JH: You play guitar, harmonica Continued on page 13 and, of course, you’re a singer. Are you completely self-taught? JW: Well, I picked up a few things “That’s my Wonderboy, the Wunderkind... here and there from folks but 97% He’s a great new voice of the twenty-first century of what I know is what I’ve taught myself. in the acoustic blues. I just love the way he plays...” - Taj Mahal
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 8 Blues Quotes
“The blues is losing someone you love and not having enough money to immerse yourself in drink.” - HENRY ROLLINS
“The musicians that didn’t know music could play the best blues. I know that I “Blues for me is having things not go don’t want no musicians who know all your way - life, love, job, money...it is not about music playin’ for me.” about the oppresion of my ancestors, who - ALBERTA HUNTER were trying to get back at the overseers. Blues is different for my generation.” - ROBERT CRAY
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 9 CBS NEEDS YOU! The Colorado Blues Society is looking for Blues fans interested in serving on our Board of Directors. ALL OFFICER POSITIONS: President, 2 vice presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary are up for election as well as several Directors at Large. We meet once a month (2nd Tuesday each month) at 7PM at KGNU in Boulder. We also communicate via email to discuss issues as they come up. We need folks that have some time to give to the Board. We have a number of committees that members serve and lead: Membership, Public Relations, Education, IBC, Media, Volunteer coordinator, and Merchandise...with an immediate need for help in the Merchandise area, although we are always open to new ideas and areas we can expand to. The most important quality is a willingness to participate and help in most any area. The Colorado Blues Society was the Blues Foundation’s Blues Organization of the Year in 2013.
Interested? Email Wolf at [email protected] or [email protected] and tell us about yourself.
CBS is a 501c3 non-profit that supports the Colorado Blues community.
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 10 Blues Quotes “I just like the blues better than rock n’ roll.” - JOHNNY WINTER
“Blues is a natural fact, is something that a fellow lives. If you don’t live it you “I’m not a blues singer. I’m a diva.” don’t have it. Young people - NINA SIMONE have forgotten to cry the blues. Now they talk and get lawyers and things.” - BIG BILL BROONZY
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 11 Blues Quotes
“There are only two kinds of music: blues and zippety-doo-dah.” - TOWNES VAN ZANDT
“Audiences like their blues singers to be miserable.” -JANIS JOPLIN
“When the slaves left Africa, they left us this music. They left us blues.” -YOUSSOU N’DOUR
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 12 JH: Are you doing more national understand it. They know the music JONTAVIOUS and international tours these days? aspect but don’t think about culture. WILLIS We would love to have you come out Growing up hearing different sounds YOUNG BLUESMAN IN west to Colorado. and experiencing different things. JW: Oh yes, a lot. Once I get The blues was born out of religion THE TRADITION done with college next year I’ll be and systematic racism. These two by JACK HADLEY traveling like I want to. forces are in full swing. That’s the reason the blues will never die. Continued from pg. 1 JH: As a performer, do you prefer smaller, intimate venues over the big JH: Are you working on new ma- JH: Who are your musical influ- stage? terial at the moment? I know you’re ences? JW: Both have their perks. A a college student as well so you must JW: My Grandad is my biggest. smaller space you can see everyone have a tight schedule. He influenced my singing and Mud- and it’s very relaxed. Some bigger JW: I sure am. I plan on recording dy Waters would be the next. Muddy stages you’re high off the ground and my next album next year. More info was my introduction to the blues. it can be some disconnect there. But I about that in the coming months. From there I went down many main really think it depends on the crowd. Yes, this year has been the worse as roads and side roads. So I picked up far as being so busy. I took 6 classes countless influences. JH: What have you learned online this semester and did touring. about Black history on your blues But I got to get it done. JH: Tell me about your guitar journey? It seems like the majority style(s). Is is a particular style or a of the current blues audience is made JH: Any closing thoughts for combination of styles? Are you play- up of White people. What are your your fans? ing in open tunings as well or stan- thoughts on that situation? Is it even JW: Please feel free to check out dard? What kinds of guitars are you an issue for you? Do you feel a need my website jontaviouswillis.com playing these days? to educate people about the blues? and like me at Jontavious Willis JW: I play multiple styles and JW: I’ve learned so much about on Facebook. tun ings as well. I actually was playing Black history in blues. Blues is and 5 years in a alternate tuning I made has been black culture for centuries. up. I didn’t learn standard tuning un- It’s way beyond music and the guys til October of 2015. My main guitar who recorded it. Yes, the audience “Only a few like him now is a Gibson L-00. now is made up of more white folks than black. Of course, there’s a rea- emerge every decade or JH: You have a number of videos son behind it all. We have to be the so, when even the most of live performances on YouTube. ones to reinvent the blues which is Your work is spectacular! How did happening as we speak. A resurgence hard core blues fans you come to the attention of Taj Ma- of black blues players, young black hal? And congratulations on your blues players. Who I have no doubt realize immediately opening show on the TajMo Tour will bring the black folks back in the this year! crowds. Blues will be played on ma- that this is the JW: Thank you. Well, Taj seen jor airways and will be in the light real deal.” the video I did on YouTube called again. It won’t be long. And yes, I Lucy Mae. He said he noticed the feel I have to educate people about - Frank Matheis, way I was playing was in another blues because many really don’t tuning and one thing lead to another Living Blues and in 2015 he let me on stage with him. The rest is history. Magazine
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 13 Blues Quotes “The blues to me is like being very sad, very sick, going to church, being very happy...it’s sort of a mixed up thing. You just have to feel it.” - BILLIE HOLIDAY
“I’ve always felt that blues, rock ‘n roll and country are “When all the original blues guys are gone, just about a beat apart.” you start to realize that someone has to tend - WAYLON JENNINGS to the tradition. I recognize that I have some responsibility to keep the music alive, and it’s a pretty honorable position to be in.” - ERIC CLAPTON
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 14 A PARTIAL LIST OF COLORADO VENUES & CLUBS WHERE FANS CAN STILL HEAR THE BLUES EL CHAPULTEPEC OSKAR BLUES HMLS DAZZLE 1962 Market St. 1555 Hover St. 1512 Curtis Street Denver, CO 80202 Longmont, CO 80501 Denver, CO 80202 thepeclodo.com oskarblues.com dazzledenver.com (Oskar Blues features blues LIVE@JACK’S music at all metro area RAYBACK COLLECTIVE 500 16th St #320 locations and 2775 Valmont Rd. Denver, CO 80202 satellite venues) Boulder, CO 80304 liveatjacks.com therayback.com GUNBARREL BREWING CO. BARFLY DENVER 7088 Winchester Cir. LITTLE BEAR SALOON 4255 W Colfax Ave. Boulder, CO 80301 28075 CO-74 Ste. A gunbarrelbrewing.com Evergreen, CO 80439 Denver, CO 80204 littlebearsaloon.com barflydenver.com GEORGIA BOYS BBQ 141 Fifth St. DECLARATION BREWING BONACQUISTI WINE Frederick, CO 80530 2030 S Cherokee St. 4640 N Pecos St. georgiaboys.com Denver, CO 80223 Denver, CO 80211 declarationbrewing.com bonacquistiwine.com THE BOOT GRILL 130 W Laurel St. JAKE’S OTHER HALF APERITIVO - GUNBARREL Fort Collins, CO 80524 2530 W Main St. 5530 Spine Rd thebootgrill.com/fort-collins Littleton, CO 80120 Boulder, CO 80301 jakesbrewbar.com aperitivoboulder.com CHILLERS 128 E 4th St. DICKENS OPERA HOUSE DANNIK’S GUNBARREL Loveland, CO 80537 300 Main St CORNER BAR chillersbarandgrillloveland.com Longmont, CO 80501 6525 Gunpark Dr. dickensoperahouse.com Suite 380 MERCURY CAFE Boulder, CO 80301 2199 California St. NISSI’S Denver, CO 80205 2675 Northpark Dr. THE BERKELEY INN mercurycafe.com Lafayette, CO 80026 3834 Tennyson St. nissis.com Denver, CO 80212 THE BLUEGRASS theberkeleyinn.com 7415 Grandview Ave. Arvada, CO 80002 POURHOUSE thebluegrasslounge.com 124 E 4th St. Loveland, CO 80537 pourhousecolorado.com
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 15 in blues songs). Things slow down again Jackson’s gritty vocals and crisp REVIEWS with the first half of “All Alone,” a haunt- guitar riffs deliver the goods throughout. ing instrumental featuring Rick Shortt’s The rhythm section includes Ron Brown sax and a very subtle guitar intro from on drums, Danny Williams on bass, The Norman Jackson Band Norman — the tempo picks up a bit for and Marcus Chatman on organ. Jack- IT’S THE DRUMMER’S FAULT the second half of the tune but doesn’t get son shares front-man duties with Shortt, too fast. “Grandmama Says” opens with who soars with his performance on sax, Danny Williams’s catchy, in more ways than one — he’s the only funky bass shuffle intro be- person I’ve ever seen play a horn while fore the other instruments in mid-air, which he did quite a bit dur- join in, leading to Jackson’s ing the 2016 IBC finals — his playing vocal homage to a lady who is excellent whether or not he’s on solid helped shape him into the ground, and he also provides backing man he would become. vocals. Jackson and Shortt are the only Next up is “Water Fau- soloists on the disc. cet” (can’t turn me off and The cover art begs the question of on). This one tells its story what Ron did to land Rick behind bars with some irony and humor but I fear we’ll never know. What we do but Jackson’s message is know is that the truth of the blues is told clear enough: he wants his in these eleven songs. You can find more woman to treat him right, information about the band at www.the- with the implication that he normanjacksonband.com, including a will reciprocate. “When You link to purchase the CD. Came into My Life” is a love- ly ballad, in which Jackson’s - JIM PRIMOCK soul-infused vocals tell how he was blessed by finding his love — the arrangement on this one is Based in Springfield, MO, the Norman special. The up-tempo “Old Time Way” Jackson Band finished third overall at conveys a sense of nostalgia about the the 2016 International Blues Challenge. way the past is remembered, accurately The band’s motto is “Get Your Happy or not, and it’s a good dancing tune. In On!” and their music will indeed make “Greene County Blues,” Jackson tells “...a platter of bluesy you smile and move. They serve up a young listeners to be careful lest they platter of bluesy funk, soul, and R&B end up “on vacation in Greene County with a big side of showmanship. The probation” — I don’t know whether the funk, soul, and R&B disc opens with “Norman’s Blues,” the lyrics come from personal experience story of Jackson’s musical journey from but they ring true. Of course, older folks Detroit and Chicago across the country, have always cautioned younger folks with a big side of paying tribute to many influences and on such matters, with varying degrees styles — the lyrics could be an anthem of success — one hopes the song’s ad- for blues artists. vice is taken to heart. Closing out the set, showmanship...” “Givin’ Up” expresses the pain “Snake in My House” is a slow-blues of a failing relationship, probably the take on the Back Door Man: “There’s a most classic of all blues themes, and two-legged snake in my house; he only Jackson’s voice gives the song an au- slithers out when I’m not at home” — re- thenticity a less-seasoned performer telling another classic blues story with probably couldn’t. The lyrics to “Man of both sung and spoken lyrics. My House” give a very positive gender- equality message over a mid-tempo blues/funk rhythm. “Healthy Woman” kicks up the pace with its message of a happy relationship (yes, they do happen
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 16 The title track, a hellacious scream- neatly dovetailed verses are in a differ- REVIEWS ing stomper, sets up the whole paradigm ent key than the chorus. The anthemic of rocking out while maintaining a sense “We Need a Blessing” was inspired by of humor. He’s not afraid to have the election night. Taking a stance positions Bobby Messano joke pointed at him, as evidenced by the Messano as a serious artist more so than BAD MOVIE “Bad Movie” video where he’s knocked just cranking out party music. Keep on The Prince Frog Record Company out by a lady boxer, drives off a cliff, an eye on him. shot up by a banjo-playing cowboy and blown up in an explosion, among - DAN WILLGING other things. “If the Phone Ain’t Ringin, It’s Not Me Not Cal- lin’” is another great one. Built on a foundation of a fuzzed-out Bo Diddly Beat, Messano delivers such lines as ‘I don’t need to hear “...achieves the rare all your dramas / or who’s coming to the party in your pajamas.’ balance of knowing Though there are a few power ballads, Messano ex- cels at up-tempo numbers. when to apply heat He’s different than today’s crop of blues rockers. His approach is still guitar and make it groove dominated but not wanky, self-indulgent histrionics. He achieves the rare balance of while varying his knowing when to apply heat and make Perhaps I was eavesdropping when I it groove while varying his tones and overheard this long-haired hippie type textures to keep it interesting for non- tell musician Clay Kirkland about his lat- tones and textures to guitar freaks. est goings-on at an International Blues But a couple of things makes Bad Competition recently held in Littleton. Movie avoid the one trick pony trap. His banter quickly became intriguing. keep it interesting First, there are the stylistically diverse His latest record was garnering acclaim songs such as the reggae-tinged “You from blues pundits around the galaxy Left Me No Choice,” the George Ben- and how he split time between Nashville for non-guitar son-esque “The Girl That Got Away” and Florida. I quickly surmised that this and the funky “Too Good to be True.” enthusiastic, zealous individual wasn’t Second, a handful of songs are po- any local cat but perhaps an industry vet freaks....” litically charged where Messano goes with plenty of road-weary miles under beyond the typical blues rhetoric to ex- his belt. This gentleman turned out to be press deeper thoughts. He addresses blues rocker Bobby Messano, who was ruling class oppression on the throbbing in town visiting, gigging and filling in as jazzy shuffle “I Thought We Had This,” a judge for that afternoon’s competition. a brilliantly composed tune where the Interestingly, Messano’s got serious cred: 26 Grammy nominations, several blues hall of fame inductions and a whole oth- er life in rock-n-roll where, in one 80s video, he looked like a Richard Simmons health nut shredding guitar strings.
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 17 Chris and co-frontman Freddi Gowdy “Rain Check,” another Daniels orig- REVIEWS share the lead vocals, retaining the spirit inal, closes out the set. It’s a nostalgic, of the original without trying to dupli- old-timey story song about life lessons cate it. Clay Kirkland’s harp adds a nice from Chris’s mother. It features some Chris Daniels & The Kings counterpoint to the horns on this one. lovely piano work from Doug Krause and with Freddi Gowdy Freddi co-wrote “Get Up Off the another shot of harp from Clay Kirkland BLUES WITH HORNS VOL. 1 Funk” with Larry Wilkins ¬— I don’t but the rest of the band sat out, which I know when they wrote it but it sounds think was the right choice. The artwork Moon Voyage Records 2017 like something Freddi would have per- deserves special mention because I’ve formed with Henchi and the never seen another CD package in the Soul Setters a few decades form of a three-dimensional, hollow, ac- ago. Its party-time rhythm cordion fold. It may not add to the sound will inspire a lot of move- but it sure did grab my attention and it ment. Sam Cooke’s “Soothe could win a design award. Blues with Me Baby” captures the lyri- Horns, Vol 1 offers something else I es- cal feel of the original ver- pecially like: a lot of vocal harmony by sion while bringing the in- Chris, Freddi, and special guests Hazel struments forward in the mix Miller and Coco Brown. The CD will be (remember, folks, this is a available at all of the band’s shows. party band). Bobby Bland’s - JIM PRIMOCK “Wouldn’t Treat a Dog (the Way You Treated Me)” is straight-up soul blues the way it’s meant to be per- formed — passionate vocals fronting tight instrumenta- tion, telling the story of a frustrated, broken heart. Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “Baby’s This release by one of Colorado’s best- in Love with the Radio” features an known bands has garnered a lot of excellent sax solo by Jim Waddell. It’s national attention since its debut dur- another very good dance number and ing the summer. In his liner notes, Chris reminds me of summer evenings cruis- writes about meeting a young blues fan ing around Denver in the mid-60s. Elvin who thought blues consisted entirely of Bishop’s “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right” the 12-bar structure with guitar, bass, returns the focus to ironic humor. It’s a drums, and possibly a harp or key- fun song highlighted by a clever trumpet board — but no horns. I know plenty of solo from Darryl Abrahamson and low- blues fans closer to my age who think end vibrato from Daren Krammer’s trom- the same thing. These 10 songs are sol- bone. Part way through another Johnny idly based in the blues but, like offerings Watson cover, the humorous “You Can from many other acts, they cross bound- Stay but That Noise Must Go,” Freddi aries of genre (perhaps subgenre is the throws in a comment about putting on better term) into funk, soul, and beyond. an old Freddi/Henchi CD to impress The result is an eclectic, enjoyable set of some ladies. I had to laugh, having fol- familiar and new music. lowed that band long ago. The Buddy The Daniels original “Sweet Mem- Miles classic “Them Changes” gets the phis” kicks things off with a rocking entire band rocking, with an intense homage to Blues City — and having bass line from Kevin Lege and some killer been there, the song reminds me of guitar work. Beale during the IBC. Next is a cover of “Fried Food/Hard Liquor,” written (and first recorded) by Rex Peoples in 2015.
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 18 clever battle-of-the-sexes irony along The set closes with the (too) short REVIEWS with its swinging rhythm. Next up is Big instrumental “Little Ditty,” co-written by George’s “Trampin’” — George, Jay, George and Mo — it only runs 1:13 and Mo show off their chops on this slow but it makes its statement. I would have Big George & The Blue Tones blues instrumental. Next, Little Walter’s preferred at least another minute for this THIRD TIME IS A HABIT classic “Tell Me Mama” is powered by one but I’m glad it was included. Chris’s vocals and Johnny’s quick-shuffle All in all, THIRD TIME IS A HABIT snare work. Jay’s title track is a very enjoyable listen, thanks to an slows things down again old pal and four of his very talented with its phone-based story friends. I would also recommend looking of a troubled relationship. for them if you happen to be in the Los Smith’s “She Won’t Be Angeles area. As of this writing, there Back” is next, a medium- was no band website but their Facebook slow blues with Big George’s page should include information about sweet harp work behind the how to purchase the CD: www.face- sad irony of the lyrics. Jay’s book.com/Big-George-and-The-Blue- “Lucky Man” brings his gui- Tones-1801460870123356/ tar more prominently into the mix than on the earlier - JIM PRIMOCK tracks — in fact, all the in- struments have a slightly stronger presence on this rhumba (which includes a shuffle guitar solo — that seems a bit odd but it works). This one is followed by an- other of Jay’s songs, “Sweet Little Woman,” a mid-tempo Longtime CBS members will be delighted shuffle with some very upbeat lyrics (re- to hear the ultra-tasty guitar licks and member, not all blues songs are sad). The vocals of former Boulderite Jay Summers soloists really shine on this one and do on this very enjoyable set. Jay was one an excellent job of playing off one an- of the first performers I met when I got other. It’s easy to tell how carefully they involved in CBS in the late 1990s, so it listen, which I believe is the foundation was a real treat for me to get this CD of a good band. George’s “Slammin’” from Jay’s former bandmate, Joe Day. is another instrumental track, a medium In addition to Mr. Summers, the 10 shuffle with each musician getting plenty tracks on this CD are performed by Big of time to strut his stuff. The arrangement George Preto on harmonica, Mo Fer- on this one is pretty special. nandez on piano, Chris Smith on bass “House of Blue Lights” (first recorded and vocals, and Johnny Minguez on in 1946 and covered many times since) drums. The band members also wrote is next — this song’s traditional boogie or co-wrote eight of the songs. Although woogie background mixes through- they don’t take many solos, Chris and out with a rollicking, up-tempo shuffle. Johnny do an excellent job of providing Jay sings lead with backing vocals the rhythms that drive this CD. from Chris. People unfamiliar with the blues tend to assume that all blues songs are sad and serious — but real blues fans know better. Humor has long been an important component of blues lyrics and the opening track (and Summers original), “Caught Lookin’,” offers some
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 19 Colorado Blues Society Mission Statement
The Colorado Blues Society is dedicated to increasing awareness of and appreciation for the Blues as an indigenous
American Art form (and the wellspring from which all
contemporary popular American music originated).
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DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 20 MOJO & MOJO MEMBERS BUSINESS MEMBERS Wayne B. Ashmore RICHARD LINER BUSINESS Munsey & rebecca Ayers Road Dawg Touring Co. Steve Coleman THE DRUMSHOP MEMBERS Lynn Conner Tom SUND Michael Duncan Technical & Management Systems VENUES Luann & Lance Gale AND ServICE Oskar Blues Merlen & Maryon Hatter Woodward Production 303 Main Street CAROLINE & BOB KAUFFMAN GRAND COUNTY BLUES SOCIETY Lyons, CO 303.823.6685 Patrick Kennedy the art services company Mama Raven Band KOCHEVAR MEDICAL MASSAGE CTR. BUFFALO ROSE Mike Landess rolling thunder productions 119 Washington Avenue Wayne & Fran Phipps DAN TREANOR & THE AFROSIPPI BLUES BAND Golden, CO 80401-1142 Neil Sexton a music company, inc. 303.278.6800 www.buffalorose.net Bill & Pam Spry new mexico blues society GENE VIGIL CLASSIC JUKEBOX AND GAME CO. LLC THE TELLURIDE BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL Gene & Kay Walker www.classicjukeboxandgameco.com 500 E.Colorado Avenue Leonard & Linda Walmsley GERI OLIVEIRA, CRS, CLHMS, GRI Telluride, CO 81435 JULIE & JIM GARDNER Wright Kingdom Real Estate 970.728.8037 TODD REILLY www.gerioliveira.com HEART OF BRIGHTON leonard frieling MICHAEL RAY www.heartofbrighton.org www.lfrieling.com BOOZE BROTHERS LIQUOR MURAT AND OYA IYIGUN YAWNIN’ BEAR HOME BAUR’S LISTENING LOUNGE CHIA MANDRY DAN HAYNES 1512 Curtis St. Denver, CO 80202 JOHN H. HAMRICK THE NORMOBBI AGENCY 303.615.4000 DAVID SIDWELL A-B&C ENTERPRISES, INC. BRIAN L. SHUNAMON CHEROKEE RANCH & CASTLE FOUNDATION THE BERTHOUD BREWING COMPANY DAVID JOHNSON CONTEMPORARY COOK CATERING 450 8th Street, Suite B Berthoud, CO 80513 [email protected] DENVER MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION JAN MARIE BELLE GO SOBER THE RUSTY BUCKET BOOZE BROTHERS LIQUOR WESTMINSTER BREWING CO. 3355 S Wadsworth Blvd. JOANNE COLE BONEY’S BBQ Lakewood, CO 80227 303.980.6200 RANDY FLIPSE Q’S TAVERN www.the-rusty-bucket.com ANDREA & PHILLIP GORDON GRAND COUNTY BLUES SOCIETY SWALLOW HILL MUSIC ASSN. DAVE, KAMAS AND JILL KENNEDY 71 E.Yale Avenue KERRY PASTINE & THE CRIME SCENE Denver, CO 80210 303.777.1003 PRISCILLA KROPUENSKE www.swallowhillmusic.org CARL H. SEYFER JEAN STARLING BROADWAY MUSIC SCHOOL 1940 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80210 303.777.0833 BUSINESS MEMBERS www.broadwaymusicschool.com AJAX BLUES BAND THE ORIENTAL THEATER BARE NAKED BLUES DUO 4335 W.44th Avenue Bluegill Productions Denver, CO 80212 cherry blossom florist 720.420.0030 CLARK CHANSLOR THE TOAD TAVERN CODA, inc. 5302 S. Federal Cir. COLORADO LIFESTYLES PROPERTIES, LLC Littleton, CO 80123 CLEAR CHANNEL MEDIA AND 303. 795.6877 COMMUNICATIONS www.toadtavern.com Clear Gravy Productions ziggie’s SCOTT B. DAVES 4923 W. 38th Avenue CROSSER DAVIS Denver, CO 80212 DAVE Goodrich 303.455.9930 DAVID Gregory www.ziggieslivemusic.com ROCK & BLUES LLC, J-Entertainment Jill Rose QUINN
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 21 WEST OF THE BLUES THE SYMBOLS ACTS [email protected] WILD CARD 303.761.8641 REVEREND FREAKCHILD ALAN KNIGHT AND COMPANY [email protected] reverbnation.com/alanknightandcompany REX PEOPLES & XFACTR Big Jim Adam facebook.com/RexPeoplesBand2013 jimadamblues.com PROFESSOR FOX BAND Bluez House professorfoxband.com reverbnation.com/bluezhouse 50 SHADES OF BLUE myspace.com/bluezhouse reverbnation.com/50shadesofblue7 303.449.2616 A.J. FULLERTON Cary Morin ajfullerton.com carymorin.com ANOTHER PERFECT CIRCUS Jenn Cleary reverbnation.com/anotherperfectcircus P.O. Box 4655 BARREL OF BLUES Boulder CO 80306 barrelofblues.com 720.938.1294 CHRIS CHESLIN JennCleary.com facebook.com/chris.cheslin.50 Dan Treanor BAND THE CUSTOM SHOP BAND dantreanorband.com thecustomshopband.com Crosser Davis DAN HAYNES [email protected] jango.com/music/Danny+Haynes+Solo 719.382.3903 DEEP POCKET THIEVES Doc Brown’s Blues Band deeppocketthieves.com docbrownsbluesband.com DREA VAN ALLEN 303.921.6256 facebook.com/dreavanallenmusic Randall Dubis Band KERRY PASTINE AND THE CRIME SCENE randalldubis.com crimesceneband.com 303.475.5579 MOUNTAIN MOJO BAND Eef “Miss 333” bandmix.com/mtmojo eefguitar.com MUSIC APPRECIATION SOCIETY 303.941.1559 baursmagic.com/mas G’Jai’s Jook Joint Blues Band MICHAEL HOSSLER gjai-blues.com facebook.com/michael.hossler Jack Gaffney PEACHES AND RHYTHM TRAIN jackgaffney.com RACHEL AND THE RUCKUS The Jack Hadley Band rachelandtheruckus.com jackhadleymusic.net SCOTT “SHACK” hackler reverbnation.com/jackhadley scotthacklermusic.com Hogback Blues Band teledonna hogbackbluesband.com bandsintown.com/Teledonna Willie Houston the new frenetix bluesmanwilliehouston.com the kay coats band JOHNNY JOHNSTON thekaycoatsband.com JohnnyJohnston.com tracy quinn band 970.988.9912 facebook.com/TracyQuinnBand My Blue Sky MAXWELL MUD mybluesky.com 513.477.6379 Papa Juke [email protected] papajuke.com DAVID MORGENSTERN 303.926.9626 303.396.2386 Robert Wilson Blues Band [email protected] robertwilsonblues.com THE OUTLIERS 970.215.9193 www.outliersband.com The Dr. Izzy Band Mac 303.596.4539 drizzyband.com [email protected] The Vindicators Band AUSTIN YOUNG BAND thevindicatorsband.com BLUE LIGHTNING ThreeShots JOE CANDELARI bandmix.com/threeshots DEBORAH STAFFORD & THE STATE OF AFFAIRS THE JOHN WEEKS BAND HOUSE MONEY johnweeksband.com QUEEN BEE & THE STINGERS THE LIONEL YOUNG BAND THE BARRELORS MOJOMAMA THE BLUE GATORS BAND mojomama.net THE MOVERS & SHAKERS
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 22 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
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 23 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
YES, I WANT TO HELP SUPPORT THE COLORADO BLUES SOCIETY Send completed form & check to: Benefits include: Colorado Blues Society - Subscription to the Colorado Blues Society HOLLER P.O. Box 386 - Discounts on CBS events & merchandise Windsor, CO 80550-5328 - Privileged rates at participating businesses ___ YES, I would like to volunteer Name ______
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Work Phone ______Home Phone ______
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Hobby/Interest ______Name of referring member______
May we share your contact information with other organizations/companies for blues-related purposes? YES______NO ______$30 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP ___ $20 STUDENT OR SENIOR (60 yrs or older) ___ $40 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP ___ $60 BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP ___ $100 MOJO MEMBERSHIP ___ $35 INTERNATIONAL (NON-U.S. ADDRESS) ___ Check or money order enclosed (payable to Colorado Blues Society) ___ VISA ___ MASTERCARD
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DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 HOLLER 24 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