Volume 31; Issue 5 October-November 2010

SBS Announces 2010 Hall of Fame Honorees Award ceremony at the December Member Party—Jan Kelley and Sally Katen

CHARLIE BATY was born in practicing his harp. His first professional job was Birmingham, Alabama in 1953 opening, as sort of a white novelty act in a black and started playing harmonica band, at a Hunter’s Point bar. Soon he met during his high school days in bluesman Rodger Collins, who influenced him to Millbrae, California. While develop an energetic stage routine. attending UC Berkeley in the early 1970’s, he picked up In 1976, he moved to Sacramento and hooked up some harp pointers from Rick with Charlie Baty and his band, “Little Charlie & the Estrin, who was already a Nightcats.” For a decade they gigged all over the veteran on the Bay Area Blues Sacramento and Bay Area, playing clubs like scene. After graduation, Melarkey’s, Tootsie’s, Vangari’s and the Charlie moved to Sacramento Sacramento Blues Festival. In 1986, the band sent to land a job in state government. On the side, he a tape to Alligator Records which immediately formed Little Charlie and the Nightcats in 1975, launched them into a non-stop touring routine that named in deference to Little Walter’s first band. was to last 30 years. They released nine CDs and Charlie held down the harp position and began to became Sacramento’s best-known contribution to explore the guitar. the blues world, headlining festivals all over the world. Rick’s witty original tune, “My Next Ex-Wife” In May 1976, Rick asked Charlie for work and won the 1993 Blues Music Award for Song of the moved to Sacramento. For about two years, their Year. After Charlie’s retirement, Rick formed Rick double harp attack was prominent but Charlie Estrin and the Nightcats, which continues to tour continued to woodshed, studying Christian regularly, issue exciting music and represent recordings and honing his skills. He quickly became Sacramento. a guitar wizard and left the harp licks to Rick. In the blues world, Rick is famous for his sharp- Charlie is known for his acrobatic finger picking dressed man look, his wry and thoughtful original prowess and mastery of many musical styles, songwriting, his unique harp tone reminiscent of the including jump, swing, surf, rockabilly, jazz and slow, masters, and his soulful vocals. gutbucket blues. He is considered among the very few best blues guitarists in the modern era and has PHIL GIVANT was one of the been the namesake of the band that made seminal figures in Sacramento famous in the Sacramento blues history blues world. and over a lifetime earned a national reputation as a blues RICK ESTRIN grew up in expert. He was a San Francisco and started mathematics professor at playing harmonica in 1965 American River College for at age 16. After dropping 41 years and a “blues out of high school, he professor” for nearly that roamed the streets near long, teaching countless clubs in black numbers of blues fans neighborhoods soaking up through his radio shows and the sounds inside and festival productions from the Continued on page 4 1 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 2 Willie’s Wise Words Greetings Sacramento Blues Society (SBS) of send-offs and fundraisers scheduled members and blues enthusiasts, prior to February, so please come out and support the musicians. Autumn has arrived, the festival season is winding down, Halloween & Thanksgiving Also on October 24th, the SBS is teaming will be here soon and the Sacramento Blues up with the Jeff Watson Band to present Society keeps bluesin'’ along! an afternoon of blues at the Capitol City Hotel with the proceeds supporting our We certainly had a great 2010 Northern BITS program. Thanks to Jeff Watson, California Blues Festival in Auburn on Randy Meusling’s RKM Productions August 7th with great entertainment from Elvin and the Capitol City Hotel crew! Bishop, Zac Harmon, Chris Cain, Dennis Jones, Kaye Bohler, Volker Stifler & the Sacramento The SBS is also working on the upcoming elections Blues Revue. A BIG ‘thank you’ to Jason Haxton for Board of Director positions with the election for allowing the SBS to be a part of this festival! Also culminating on December 5th at our 31st annual thanks to those of you that purchased this year’s “Membership Show and Hall of Fame Induction”. As festival t-shirts, the proceeds went directly to our you may know, this show is free for all of our SBS BITS program. members! This year’s headliner is the talented Kenny Neal! You can read more about this event on Your blues society is now gearing up for our October other pages within this issue. 10th annual IBC competition to see who will be representing our area in Memphis at the Blues Thanks for your continued support of the Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. This Sacramento Blues Society, the Blues in the Schools competition brings top-notch talent from all over the Program, the benefits, the local clubs, the festivals world and fills the clubs on Beale Street over a five and the wonderful blues musicians in our area. day period. The 27th IBC will be held during February 1 – 5, 2011 and I highly recommend Enjoy the “Autumn of 2010” by catching some blues attending this great gathering. There is absolutely near you! nothing like this anywhere else on our planet! Good luck to our entry (at the time of this note, we don’t As always, “Save me a seat”, know who our winner will be). There will be a couple MARGARITA What Do You Know About the PARTY! Blues? Colorful nicknames have always had an important place Sunday, Oct 24th in the blues. Match each artist with his assumed moniker: Capital City Hotel 3 p.m. 7 p.m. a. McKinley Morganfield 1. The Iceman b. Albert Collins 2. The Black Ace $10/SBS $7 c. Iverson Minter 3. Muddy Waters d. B.K. Turner 4. Louisiana Red Jeff Watson Band, Matty T. and special Answers found within this newsletter guests Mick Martin & Kyle Rowland.

From the Knowledge Card® deck, What Do You Know End of summer party with margarita About the Blues? By Cary Wolfson. Reprinted with the and food specials. permission of the publisher, Pomegranate Communications, Inc., Pomegranate.com, Percentage of door benefits (800) 2271428. Blues in the Schools.

2 Volume 31; Issue 5 October-November 2010 What’s Happening – by Lizzie Walker Remember when you were a kid and stage we had Cynthia Jaynes, Daryl Singh, Kimi school let out for summer? Those long Carey, Cindy Juarez and Sharon Earl. Tammy lazy days just stretched out in front of Madill and Doug Thomson along with SBS Board you endlessly. I’m not exactly sure what Members Kim DuVall and Cathy Dubets represented happened but it’s over! Just like that in the vendor area. The Sacramento Blues Society summer has been here and gone. Man, very much appreciates all your help! I was busy and I hope ya’ll had some big time fun in the sun, too. Next up is our Local International Blues Challenge competition. Ten local blues acts will go head-to- August got started with the Northern California head for a chance to go to Memphis in February and Blues Festival. The regional park in Auburn was a represent Sacramento. Sunday, Oct. 10th at the new venue and it turned out to be easy to get to and Capital City Hotel is where you want to be for an af- was large enough to accommodate a crowd with a ternoon of killer blues. Come support your favorite perfect bowl arrangement. Everybody could see and and be sure to watch for follow up fundraisers for the hear and the musical performances were all top qual- winning act. ity. Of course, my man Zac Harmon blew everyone th away. There were some serious heaving bosoms in If that’s not enough for you, on Oct. 24 the Jeff Wat- front of that stage! All the bands brought their A son Band will be hosting a Margarita Party at the game to make for a really exciting day. The Sacra- Capitol City Hotel. This end of summer blast is going mento Blues Society was proud to be a sponsor and to blow your socks off. Part of the proceeds from this is looking forward to next year! fun party will benefit our Blues in the Schools pro- gram. Keep on the lookout for more info, more Big thanks to Brenda Taylor and her crew at bands, and more fun! PoBoy’z. They did a fabulous job readying the patio for our Diva Show in August. It looked wonderful, Last but certainly not least, I’m very excited to an- the weather was perfect, the food excellent, desserts nounce that THE KENNY NEAL BAND will be per- forming at our Annual Membership Party Decem- even better (did you have one of those filled cup- th cakes from the dessert lady? they were fantastic) ber 5 . This is YOUR party. Be there. Bring a friend (or two.) It’s going to be magical. and the Divas were hot, hot, hot! Tess and Hip Trash got it going, then along came our luscious As always, these things don’t happen by themselves. Lena Mosley singing in her bluesy way, followed by It takes a lot of work from a handful of people to bring Lady Bianca laying down some powerful piano and you such great parties. If you’re interested in being vocals. There was dancing and bogeying goin on! part of the events committee or just helping out with On September 4th SBS collaborated with the NAACP one project, you’d be most welcome. Committee on their first R&B Festival at Cal Expo. The talent meetings are the first Thursday of the month, 7:00 coming off that stage all day long from the commu- p.m. Call Liz for location/details, 916-712-7277. nity set and gospel choirs to the blues and Home- Ciao! grown Soul was incredible! The Zapp Band took the stage as headliners and PUT ON A SHOW! Though What’s Happening the attendance at the event was lower than ex- Keep these events in mind when planning your calendar. pected, this was a great party and we hope to partici- th pate again next year. I’d like to thank the following Oct. 10 – IBC competition volunteers for their help and enthusiasm: Dave Al- @ Capital City Hotel, 2 p.m. rd cock - coordinating stage hands: Jason Steenburgh, Oct. 23 – IBC fundraiser Laura Lund, Stephanie Moellman (she deserves a @ Torch Club, 2 p.m. medal-over 17 hours), Steve Benedetti, Randy Oct. 24th Carey, L.J., Michael Harris, and Larry Moore. Back- – Margarita Party @ Capital City Hotel, 3:00pm Nov. 20th WANTED TO BORROW: White lights and pre-lit (tentative) IBC fundraiser @ PoBoy’Z, 2 p.m. trees for decorating the hall for the membership party th Dec. 5th. If you have either of the above that we can Dec 5 – Membership Party use for the day/evening please give me a call. @ VFW Post 67, 7 p.m. Thank you. Liz 916-712-7277.

3 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 4

2010 Hall of Fame Awards—Continued from page 1 mid-1970’s until his passing in 2002. MICK MARTIN has played blues harmonica professionally since Phil was a co-founder of the Sacramento Blues 1968 and, since 1983, Society in 1979. It is said the first meeting was in led "Mick Martin and the living room of his Carmichael home. Phil co- the Blues Rockers." founded the Sacramento Blues Festival in 1976, Mick was an original one of the few major blues festivals in the nation at co-founder of the that time. He produced the annual festivals from Sacramento Blues 1976 to 1993. Society, but had to rescind his presence JOHNNY “GUITAR” due to conflicts of KNOX Born in Oakland, interest. He performed California in 1950, Johnny at Carnegie Hall for the was the oldest child in a nationally-broadcast family led by Jack Knox, a "Blues in Jazz" concert local guitarist and former with mentor Jimmy radio personality who had Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, Grover Washington Jr., broadcast from his home Carrie Smith and Mark Whitfield in 1994. as a teenager in the 1940’s. His dad Mick shared the “Best West Coast Blues Harmonica encouraged him to learn Player” nod with Mark Hummel in 2001. Mick Martin music and he got his first and the Blues Rockers have won the Sacramento guitar at the age of 14. Area Music Award (a.k.a. the SAMMIES) for “Best Johnny moved to Sacramento to play the blues and Blues Band” three times, thus entitling them to a while watching and playing with Little Charlie Baty place in the SAMMIES Hall of Fame. and Rick Estrin, he started honing his skills in harmonica accompaniment. This prompted them to Mick has been producing and hosting the Blues for head down to Moon Studio to record their new 45’s. over 20 years, beginning with "The KZAP Blues With Little Charlie and the Nightcats backing him in Show" in August of 1989. He joined the staff of KXJZ the studio, Johnny recorded the Muddy Waters in July 1991 to create "Mick Martin's Blues Party," classic “Honey Bee”, as well as Freddie King’s “Tore currently heard on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. Mick Down”, which Johnny re-released as a CD in 2010. also serves as clinician for SBS Blues in the Schools Like many of his peers from that era, Johnny was no program. stranger to substance abuse issues, and went through a long spell where he would hit the streets daily with his guitar for his daily hustle. Through local musician Ray “Catfish” Copeland, Johnny met What do you know…? Mike Balma, local blues promoter/producer, at the Chicago Blues Fest ‘91, who soon booked studio a-3 Young McKinley Morganfield was dubbed “Muddy” by his time for a record. With a mix of solo tracks as well maternal grandmother, Della Grant, because he was always playing in the waters of marshy Issaquena County, Mississippi. as additional tracks with backing by upright bassist Greg Roberts, Rick Estrin on harmonica, and Copeland on guitar, the record was released as “Johnny Guitar Knox, Hoboin’,” and won an award in Denmark!

Local guitarist Kenny Marchese sums it up nicely when he says “Johnny gave his help and support to the Sacramento blues scene by teaching and encouraging the younger players, and Sacramento has returned the favor by helping Johnny recover what he had tossed.“

4 Volume 31; Issue Page 5

—By Cynthia Janes

The 2010/2011 school year is on! works including the development of a new logo and In October, Blues In The Schools branding campaign. We’re also working on core cur- will be returning to Rosemont High riculum which will ensure consistent and accurate School and a whole new crop of information on the history and structure of the Blues young, unsuspecting musicians is delivered appropriately to all grade levels. who are about to have their musical minds opened up! Rosemont has BITS is happy to announce there will be a Blues been a part of BITS since 2004, and is one of our presentation for the Grand Re-Opening of the after school guitar lesson sites. It’s been a few Crocker Art Museum on October 9, 2010. The audi- years since we presented the BITS assembly pro- ence will be invited guests only - subscribing mem- gram to all students and we’re excited to return. bers of the Crocker, and local public dignitaries. Thank you to Steve Boettner, music teacher and Paris Clayton and Gary Mendoza will present a short supporter of BITS, for arranging for this event. program, similar to what is delivered to the Court and Community School students. We are pleased The BITS Committee has several activities in the and honored to be included in this celebration.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS!!

The Sacramento Blues Society is accepting nominations for the 2011 Board of Directors. Meeting in December, 2010.

Here’s an excellent opportunity for dedicated To nominate an SBS member, please contact members to contribute to the growth and success of Cynthia Jaynes, at 916.202.5075 or the Sacramento Blues Society. Aside from our on- [email protected]. going programs, we’re actively involved in the flourishing Arts scene in Sacramento, bringing many opportunities for expanding the Blues in the region. If you know someone who advocates for the Blues and would like to become more actively involved, please nominate them for a position on the 2011 SBS Board of Directors.

We will have 6 vacancies to fill in the upcoming election, and are specifically looking for professional individuals who think creatively, have management skills and experience, and bring energy and new ideas to the Board.

The strength of the Blues Society lies with leadership of the Board of Directors and support of its members. We need Board members ready to bring it!!

Nominations are open to any Blues Society member, and yes, you can nominate yourself!

Board of Directors meeting are held the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 pm in the SMUD Building. Length of term is 2 years; Board of Directors can serve 2 consecutive terms and then must step down. We will be electing 6 Board of Directors members at the Annual Membership

5 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 6

By Deborah Gregory

On thew first Tuesday night of the month, from (they still have it!) 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar (Bar Basic) in Old Roseville sponsors an all-ages Through the Sacramento Sacramento Blues Society blues jam. The first time Blues Society website in I saw Connor James play was there, with some 2009, Connor found the very seasoned local studio musicians. Tues night jam at Bar Basic was a really good fit. Locals He was born in 1996, moved to Roseville from Johnny O, Steve Boutte, Sonoma when he was 7 and learned to play guitar Skip Murphy, Ron Hull, when he was 10 from his Dad, Chet. Connor Andy Keane, Rick Taylor, actually taught himself most of what he knows by Brian Sweet and Twanna Turner have been incredibly tabs and ear. Some of his teachers include John welcoming and supportive of Connor. Marquez, Nick Swimmley and Matt Pinder at the Twanna generously asked Connor to play a couple of Roseville Guitar Works. Invited by John Harmon, songs with her band at a gig at The Station last year, who runs Woodcreek High School’s Advanced and he was featured on the Fox 40 Morning Show Guitar program, Connor has played with them since playing solo. 6th grade. Their concerts (Wolfstock and Southern Fried Rock) were Connor's first experiences playing His current favorites include Joe Bonamassa, Kenny with a band. Wayne Shepard, Walter Trout, and the Grateful Dead. Connor’s dream is to go to the Berkeley School of Stevie Ray Vaughn has always been his favorite as Music in Massachusetts. well as Jimi Hendrix, who inspired him to play the Star Spangled Banner at his 5th grade talent show. Come out to Bar Basic on the first Tuesday of the His uncle Den gave him his Schecter Guitar to use month and listen to this very gifted young man.

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN—by Jan Kelley; Photos by Bob Cosman 15th Annual Sonora Blues Festival August 14, 2010

There was no letup of great blues in this all-star own band or as part of others. Alastair’s song The lineup! Long Way Home appeared in a 2007 episode of the TNT hit TV series “Saving Grace.” The band was ALASTAIR GREENE BAND later joined onstage by violinist Carlos Reyes, who This blues-rock guitarist, singer, added a special sound we all enjoyed. and songwriter got the crowd off to a good start on a beautiful LAURIE day. Alastair Greene has been MORVAN BAND a mainstay of the Southern This is a red hot California music scene for over blues band 2 decades. Best known for his fronted by a red blues-based, soulful, and hot blues lady melodic guitar playing, as well who also as slide guitar, Alastair can be Alastair Greene happens to heard on many CDs with his teach Calculus Laurie Morvan in the crowd at Berkeley as What do you know…? her day job! Laurie was the winner of the 2010 Blues Foundation b-1 Albert Collins’ first single, in 1958, was titled “The Freeze.” The concept quickly caught on, and he went on to record award for Best Self-Produced CD at the International instrumentals called “Sno-Cone” and “Icy Blue” before coming Blues Challenge, whose unique, fiery guitar style has up with the million-selling single “Frosty” in 1962. Most of his been featured in many prominent blues/guitar album titles played on the theme as well: Ice Pickin’, Frostbite, Frozen Alive! etc. Continued page 7

6 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 7 FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN—Continued from Page 6 magazines. Not just a wailin’ guitar slinger, Laurie is and Bob Carter, drums and vocals: together creating a compelling lead vocalist and songwriter who writes some of the best in blues/rock. Hailing from from personal stories filled with pain, triumph, hope, Chicago, Moss and his band have been playing for and her characteristic humor. The Laurie Morvan some 20+ years, putting out many widely acclaimed Band features the beautiful harmonies of Laurie and CDs and touring all over the world. backup singer Lisa Grubbs, as well as phenomenal soloing between Laurie, bassist Pat Morvan and This was a day of keyboardist Tommy Salyers. Driving this powerful fantastic guitarists! Next train is drummer Donte James, who lays down an up.. intense blues rock foundation. MICHAEL BURKS Guitarist/vocalist/ RICK ESTRIN AND THE NIGHTCATS For more songwriter Michael “Iron than 30 years and nine albums, Rick fronted the Man” Burks stands tall jumping, swinging Little Charlie & the Nightcats, as a major featuring guitarist Little Charlie Baty. With Baty’s contemporary blues recent figure. With a nickname retirement earned by his hours- from touring, long, intensely physical Estrin – performances, fearsome along with guitar attack, tough, the Nightcats Michael Burks smoky vocals and the longtime thousands of miles rhythm logged behind the wheel of his touring van, Burks is section of J. a modern blues hero. Nobody in today’s blues world Kid Andersen Hansen, successfully bridges searing electric guitar blues with drums, unbridled rock and roll energy like Burks. The Lorenzo Farrell, bass and the newest member Kid Chicago Sun-Times recently said Burks is “poised on Andersen on guitar – takes the lead on his own. the brink of major stardom.” Rick is an entertainer extraordinaire – singer, songwriter, showman, Boasting remarkable natural talent and a blue-collar fashion plate, and superb work ethic, Michael Burks is a musician with deep harmonica player. His roots in the blues tradition. He performs every song wealth of experience is he plays with intensity, conviction and soul. Strolling always evident in his into the crowd while playing, he captured the interest performances, providing his of photographer Mary Franklin, nearly running her fans a full-blown concert. over by playing directly to her. Sweet!

NICK MOSS AND THE ROY ROGERS AND THE FLIP TOPS Nick’s DELTA RHYTHM KINGS versatility on the guitar and w/SPECIAL GUEST vocals couldn’t get much CARLOS REYES Roy better! His band consists of Rogers is one of the Nik Silink, bass; Willie premier slide guitarist Oshawny, keyboard and performers as well as an vocals; Travis Reed, organ; Nick Moss internationally acclaimed producer, having received What do you know…? Grammy nominations and 2 Grammy awards. He c-4 Although Iverson Minter was born in the South, Louisiana Red was orphaned at an early age and grew up with his began playing rock ‘n’ roll grandmother in Pittsburgh. Just as he experimented with various at age 13 and in 1991, blues styles, Red also tried out a variety of stage names before formed a union with the settling on this one, allegedly because of his love of Louisiana late hot sauce. Roy Rogers Continued page 8

7 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 8

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN—Continued from Page 7 Norton Buffalo, Castro, outstanding Contemporary Blues harmonica player Album of the Year – and friend. This Hard Believer, and dynamic duo and Band of the Year, the interplay Tommy Castro between them Band. With all these earned him an awards this year outstanding alone, they reputation as a exemplify the great slide popularity of the guitarist. Roy’s blues genre. They playing is an played into the dark amazing sight, as of the night, capping he slides his off a fantastic day! hands around the Roy Rogers, Carlos Reyes and Billy Lee Lewis guitar fret and Throughout the twists and turns. Carlos Reyes added a new day, on the Sierra Stage in a nice, air-conditioned dimension to the songs with his intricate fiddle building, more blues acts were happenin’! Notably, playing. LOOSE CHANGE, MICK MARTIN AND THE TOMMY CASTRO BAND BLUES ROCKERS w/TIM w/DEANNA BOGART BARNES, BIG MO AND No matter how many times THE FULL MOON BAND I’ve seen the Tommy w/CARLOS REYES AND Castro Band, they never VOLKER STRIFLER, fail to entertain. This band MIKE HAMMAR AND has won many blues THE NAILS, and awards, most recently the ALASTAIR GREENE, 2010 Living Blues Awards performing an Eric Best New Release Blues Clapton Tribute Tommy Castro Album of 2009 Hard Various workshops were Believer from Alligator also ongoing in the Records. Additionally…Blues Blast Magazine has Manzanita Music Hall. Tommy and the TCB nominated in 3 categories, Best They included: Valerie Contemporary Blues Recording: Hard Believer; Best Johnson, Al B Blue; Roy Jamal Walker of Loose Change Blues Band and Best Male Artist. The winners will Rogers, Carlos Reyes, be announced in Chicago on October 28th. In May, Volker Strifler; Blues Guitar Jam #1 w/Nick Moss, they won four Blues Music Awards in Memphis: BB Michael Burks, Tim Barnes, Alastair Greene, Mike King Entertainer of the Year – Tommy Castro, Hammar; Harmonica Workshop w/Rick Estrin, Mick Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year – Tommy Martin, Jim Pedersen; Blues Guitar Jam #2 w/ Tommy Castro, Big Mo, Kid Andersen; Women In Blues w/Valerie Johnson, Deanna Bogart, Laurie What do you know…? Morvan. There was also a Blues for Kids between d-2 Babe Turner was a Texas acoustic guitarist who had a radio 1:00 and 4:00. show in Fort Worth in the late 1930s and who recorded an album for Arhoolie in 1960. His nom de blues came from his 1936 Rich and Corinne continue to bring out the best in single “Black Ace.” blues as well as the best blues fans! From the Knowledge Card® deck, What Do You Know About the Blues? By Cary Wolfson. Reprinted with the permission of the publisher, Pomegranate Communications, Inc., megranate.com, (800) 227-1428.

8 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 9

Do You Know Paris Clayton? – by Deborah Gregory I had the pleasure of able to write songs. To these kids lyrics were a meeting Paris Clayton at moving experience. Reading the pieces that they the Blue Lamp in wrote was like reading their diaries and the depth of Downtown Sacramento these young peoples’ lyrics touched me deeply. My after a Sacramento Blues favorite is the song "Life" written by myself and a Society jam. He got my young man named Jason Lynch who approached attention at the time as me at a prison gig and expressed how much he he was playing guitar and loved music and wanted to be a professional singing original tunes musician. When we picked his lyrics for the winning with a jam band! Not only that, but he was VERY song I didn't know they were his. I thought it was good at singing and playing, controlling the audience cool that this young man in the early part of his life with his stage presence. Here is a little history on and myself in the later part of mine could write a how Paris Clayton ended up blessing Sacramento song together, and the lyrics apply to all ages. with his God-given talent. The other neat part of this song was that it was Paris grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where his family responsible for Tess and I starting a band. Tess lives today. He grew up in a mid-western world and I had crossed paths before but hadn't really during the 50’s and 60’s where he took a liking to worked together until we did some BITS gigs. guitar. Paris liked it so much that by 1962 he was When she came to my studio to record the vocals playing professionally. He moved to Los Angeles for "Life" we realized we had a lot in common (LA) in the mid 70's where he worked in the music musically. I had a backlog of original songs I had business for over 30 years with his own group, been putting together with drummer Pat Balcom, so touring with other artists and doing studio work. He Tess and I started recording them. This went so grew tired of the rat race pace there and moved to well it led to our new group Tess and Hip Trash, Sacramento in 2000. with Pat Balcom and bassist Allie Marcel.

During the last 10 years he traveled and moved to Q: What about the future? Las Vegas twice. It has only been in the last few A: My/our new CD "There's a Party Goin On", will be years that he actually settled here. Lucky for us! out in August . We're really excited about this new Paris met up with the SBS when he moved here in venture and are putting all our efforts into promoting 2000 because he had been involved in the BITS the CD and setting up gigs and a tour. Thanks to program in LA with Willie Dixon and the LA Blues Liz Walker for helping to get me in the BITS Society. The first gig he got was in the house band program and putting Tess and I together on the at the old Torch Club on “jam nite”, and that was song writing project. So that's where I'm at now. when he volunteered his services to the SBS. I’m glad, after 50 plus years of making music, to still

be chasing that carrot and I look forward to the next Paris started doing the BITS programs 3 years ago gig as much now as I did 50 years ago. and has enjoyed it very much. “It's a great experience to inspire a young person to explore Q: Any last comments you would like to share with music and see them experience live music for the us? first time. Most of our gigs were in the correctional facilities, which are way different than the regular A: I've been fortunate in my life to have been able to schools , and it was harder to reach these students make a living playing music for most of those years. than others, but even more rewarding when you did”, I was also lucky to have played with a lot he states with conviction. The following are his of legendary musicians and groups over that time , responses to a few of my questions: but I'm not into name dropping. Playing with famous people just means you were qualified and in the Q: What have you accomplished personally through right place at the right time, and I learned a lot from the BITS program? them. What’s important to me is what I'm doing in the present, and what the future holds. Like I said, A: I'd have to say the most rewarding was the keep chasing that carrot! songwriting project. For me songwriting has always been the most satisfying aspect of music, and being

9 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 10

Hire an SBS member band New Bands receive a Free Business card size ad in the first Blue Notes Following your member- ship date and follow-up listings for as long as you remain a Band Member. you will also receive a link from our website to yours and the announcements and offers to Musicians received on our website.

Bad Catz Derek Abel Band Johnny O & the Blue FO’s Spotted Dog Rockin’ Blues Zane Toberer 707-580-7052 916-390-7402 Revue www.badcatz.com [email protected] Blue FO’s [email protected] Greg Gartrell—916-332-5417 530-391-8089 [email protected] Diamond Bob & the Alley Lowdown Dirty Dogs Blues Farm Band Sneakers www.lowdowndirtydogs.com Steve Foster Band

Dave Broida [email protected] 916-276-9170 916-996-5222 408-313-7194 Melonnee Desiree Blues Stevefosterband www.diamondbobsblues.com Band @comcast.net Bluesion Band Melonnee Desiree Pagano 916-517-0837 Doni Harvey Steve Hall 916-838-2170 www.bluesionband.com 415-308-2836 or 415-285-2859 1-888-468-8663 www.melonnee.com www.doniharvey.com [email protected] BluzHoundz Mitch Kay & Groove Deluxe www.stevehallblues.com Dave Anthony Equinox Blues Review 916-217-1263 916-991-6148 Stan Alves—916-969-3995 The BluSoul Band Daniel Watts—916-899-1043 Bobby “Blues” Ray, Freewheelers O Street Jumps www.theblusoulband.com Jim Monroe & the Blue Ilene Spain—707-365-4792 Dan—916 -944-7292 Knights Freewheelersforlife @gmail.com Cari—916-725-4889 The Cold Truth 916-422-5830 Isis—408-835-4168 Gary Mendoza Band Papa’s Garage Myspace.com/coldtruthband Chicken & Dumpling 916-599-9947 Evan Goldstein www.chickenanddumpling.net www.garymendozaband.com 925-989-9365 The Used Blues Band 530-753-5265 or 530-902-7209 www.papasgarage.com Sean McGroarty Gordon Groft Band 916-204-9800 Coyote Slim 916-374-0874 Phil Berkowitz & the Dirty [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cats www.coyoteslim.com www.gordengroft.com 415-337-5448 Two Tone Steiny & the 408-838-0456 www.philberkowitz.com Cadillacs Jeff Watson Band 916-765-5564 Dave Channell’s Fire & 916-709-9696 Rube & the Rhythm Rockers [email protected] Wheels Band jeffwatsonband.com 530-518-9546 www.davechannell.com myspace.com/jeffwatsonband www.myspace.com/ Volker Strifler Band 916-705-8628 ruberhythmrockers www.volkerstrifler.com Johnny “Guitar” Knox 707-363-0080 Delta Wires Dave Croall & the Soothers Side of Blues Prime Management 916-455-6349 Tommy Ing—707-495-4779 [email protected] [email protected] www.sideofbluesband.com 510-601-9277

Please Patronize these Businesses that Support your Blues Society When you introduce your business to our members with a contribution of a $100.00 annual business membership you will receive a web-link from our site and a business card size acknowledgement in each of our bi-monthly newsletters to show your support for our Blues Music and Education programs. Chops Not Chaps Music Productions

Roy Rogers Slide Guitar & Piano

(530) 205-2023 www.roy-rogers.com

10 Volume 31; Issue 5 Page 11

RECORDS WANTED Buying 1950's & 60's Blues, Jazz, Soul, Rock & More Blues 78's & Music Memorabilia; Reel to Reel Tapes Please contact (530) 265-4545 or [email protected]

Northern California Blues Festival 313 Laurence Ave. 3941 Park Dr., Ste. 20-339 Kansas City, Mo 64111 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4549 (916) 350-4640 e-mail: [email protected] 1-888-BLUESIN’ Website: http://www.norcalbluesfest.com www.bluescruise.com

11 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID SACRAMENTO, CA PERMIT NO. 2149

P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580 Blue Notes! is

. Send information for the newsletter to [email protected] or to Editor—Blue Notes! 4116 Lotus Avenue Sacramento, CA 95822

Visit our website at www.sacblues.com Current calendar, news, past newsletters and more!

Not a member? Download a membership form

Dave Alcock Blues I n The Schools Cynthia Jaynes & Dave Alcock Willie Brown—President Blue Notes Newsletter Editor Roni Cook—Treasurer Valeriejeanne Anderson Concessions/ Merchandise The Sacramento Blues Society Kristen Dahl Cathy Dubets & Kim DuVall is one of the oldest blues societies Events Cathy Dubets– Parliamentarian in California, founded 1979. Liz Walker Kim DuVall Fundraising and Grants SBS has kept the blues tradition Sally Katen Cynthia Jaynes alive in the Sacramento area by pro- Gene Chambers Musician’s moting the local blues music scene Sally Katen—Secretary Crisis Fund Committee and bringing internationally Cathy Dubets & Kim DuVall Linda McShane Guideline Coordinator renowned artists to the region. Dennis Moffett—Vice President Cynthia Jaynes Hall of Fame Committee SBS is an affiliate member of Liz Walker Dennis Moffett & Sally Katen The Blues Foundation. I nternatn’l Blues Challenge Board of Directors Meetings Events Committee SBS provides educational Membership & Volunteers are the 2nd Tuesday of each month Linda McShane opportunities for young people with 7:00 PM at the Northern Calif. Blues Festival the Foundation’s SMUD Building, Dennis Moffett & Dave Alcock “Blues In The Schools” Program. 6301 S Street, Public Relations Sacramento, CA. Willie Brown

Webmaster SBS produces a newsletter, All SBS members in good standing are Dave Baldwin “Blue Notes” invited to attend. Bi-Monthly (six times a year) 12